Alex Caruso and the Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to a four-year, $81 million contract extension, securing the guard through the 2028-29 season.
The 30-year-old has been crucial to the Thunder’s defense, the best in the NBA, averaging a career-high 1.9 steals per game.
A 2020 NBA champion with the Lakers, Caruso is now a key piece for the Thunder’s future, who lead the Western Conference with a 22-5 record.
Agreement between the New York Knicks and Landry Shamet. This was revealed by the player’s agent to ESPN.
The player has recovered from his shoulder injury. In three G League games in December, he averaged 10.7 points, 3 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
The New York Knicks have agreed to a deal with guard Landry Shamet, his agent George S. Langberg of GSL Sports Group told ESPN. Shamet has fully recovered from his preseason shoulder injury and now returns to the team. pic.twitter.com/g7Y7lFjuZx
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 22, 2024
The Denver Nuggets are internally considering trading Michael Porter Jr. to strengthen their roster around Nikola Jokic.
According to The Stein Line, discussions include potential one-for-two swaps, such as De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic from the Hawks, or Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith from the Nets.
According to Bet Online, the Milwaukee Bucks could reunite the Lillard-McCollum duo.
The reigning NBA Cup champions are considered the top contenders should the New Orleans Pelicans decide to place the former Blazers star on the trade market.
The Bucks are the heavy favorite to reunite Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum in Milwaukee if CJ is traded from New Orleans 👀
(via @BetOnline_ag) pic.twitter.com/Q1qnAZ3Qbl
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 18, 2024
As mentioned, the Denver Nuggets are looking for a scorer. Not only Zach LaVine, but also Brandon Ingram.
Michael Porter Jr. would be included in the deal.
Re: The Athletic report on the Nuggets’ search for a scorer, I’ve heard Brandon Ingram is another player among the group on their radar. FWIW: the clearest pathway for Denver to make a trade for a big scorer with a significant salary would be to include Michael Porter Jr. in deal
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 18, 2024
Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox expressed his love for the city and desire to stay with the franchise but emphasized the importance of building a winning team. Speaking on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, Fox said, “I love being here and raised my family here… but at the end of the day, the organization has to give all they got.”
Fox, who has one season left on his contract, is open to signing an extension but stressed that the team’s championship trajectory will influence his decision. “It’s about competing at a high level for a long time,” Fox said.
The Denver Nuggets are exploring trade options to bolster their offense and remain competitive, with a strong focus on Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls, according to The Athletic (Tony Jones and Sam Amick).
LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is valued for his scoring ability, though his hefty contract complicates potential deals. Denver is also considering players like Jordan Clarkson and Cam Johnson, with Michael Porter Jr. potentially involved in a significant trade.
Nikola Jokić, amidst a record-breaking season, needs offensive support to better navigate the playoffs.
The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo, mvp of the last NBA Cup that closed in the night, remains with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Shams Charania has no doubts: “There will be no Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this season. Between the Cup and moving forward”.
“There will be no Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this season. Between the Cup and moving forward.”
(via @ESPNNBA, h/t @ClutchPoints) pic.twitter.com/TP4Z76MSJK
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 18, 2024
The Atlanta Hawks are waiving two-way guard Seth Lundy due to an ankle injury.
Lundy, the 46th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, will be re-evaluated in January after re-aggravating a previous injury.
Seth Lundy, who had surgery in May to remove a bone spur, re-aggravated his ankle while working out before an Atlanta Hawks preseason game. The former 46th overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft will be re-evaluated in January, league sources told @hoopshype. https://t.co/mqUkxzsWV5
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 17, 2024
Shams Charania provides the latest update on Jimmy Butler’s future to NBA Today:
«So the talks are I’m told the Heat remain open to hearing interested suitors in Jimmy Butler. There’s not an urgency that they’re operating under.
When you look at his salary, $49 million this year, he’s got a $52 million player option for next year. The market that we’re going to see come this offseason, there’s one team with significant cap space and that’s going to be The Brooklyn Nets. $60 million plus.
And as of right now in the trade market the Net believe to be a suitor and they might not make sense for him come offseason either because clearly they’re more of a rebuilding retooling situation and he’s going to be a 36 year old win now star. And that’s why I’m told the Suns and the Warriors are believed to be atop his list of preferred win now destinations if the Miami Heat were to trade him, the Rockets and Mavericks being the others. But this is a fluid situation».
The latest reporting surrounding Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat on NBA Today: pic.twitter.com/w8TpCuQ7jd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 17, 2024
The Detroit Pistons have re-signed forward/center Paul Reed after waiving him on Saturday. The move ensures Detroit meets the salary floor, with the team now $14 million below the cap.
The Chicago Bulls are expected to aggressively shop Lonzo Ball.
The Chicago Bulls are expected to aggressively shop Lonzo Ball, per @JCowleyHoops pic.twitter.com/4kLoqPzjcy
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 16, 2024
The New Orleans Pelicans, struggling with a 5-21 record to start the season, are reportedly willing to entertain trade offers for nearly every player on their roster, except for three core pieces: Herb Jones, rookie Yves Missi, and Trey Murphy III.
According to The Stein Line and Jake Fischer, the team is evaluating trade opportunities to reset its trajectory.
The New Orleans Pelicans are open to trading anyone on their roster except Herb Jones, Yves Missi, and Trey Murphy III, per @TheSteinLine & @JakeLFischer
“While naturally resistant to trade inquiries for their younger gems — Herb Jones, rookie Yves Missi and Trey Murphy III —… pic.twitter.com/8WX5cKQRjo
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 15, 2024
The Golden State Warriors have acquired Dennis Schroder from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for three second-round draft picks. Strongly endorsed by Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr, and Draymond Green, Schroder brings three-point shooting and playmaking to complement Curry in the backcourt.
However, this move doesn’t take the Warriors out of the market for a star player. Jimmy Butler remains a key target as Golden State explores opportunities for a blockbuster trade. Schroder’s contract could potentially be packaged in a larger deal before the February trade deadline, signaling that this acquisition may just be the first step in a more ambitious plan to reignite the team’s championship hopes.
Reporting for ABC NBA Countdown on Golden State making the first big acquisition of trade season – Brooklyn’s Dennis Schroder – and how the Warriors approach deadline under two months away: pic.twitter.com/JLmE0vDQbE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 15, 2024
The Golden State Warriors have reached an agreement with the Brooklyn Nets on a trade that will bring Dennis Schroder to the Bay for DeAnthony Melton and future picks.
The news was reported by Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.
Both the German point guard and Melton (season over due to injury) will become free agents next offseason.
Schroder was scoring 18.4 points (45% FG, 38% 3P, 89% FT) with 6.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game for the Nets.
UPDATE: For Shams Charania, the deal involves the transfer of 3 future second-round picks from the Warriors to the Nets, who in turn send a future second to Golden State.
The Detroit Pistons plan to release Paul Reed, according to Shams Charania.
The big man had a particular contract, with about 7.7 million not guaranteed for this season.
Detroit after this move will have 2 roster spots to fill and about 15.5 million in salary space.
The Front Office’s plans are still unclear, as they could use the flexibility gained to improve the team in the short term, or to obtain future assets.
The Miami Heat have agreed to trade center Thomas Bryant to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a future second-round pick swap, sources tell ESPN. The Pacers, dealing with injuries to big men Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, sought depth in the trade market and landed Bryant, who is averaging 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 11 minutes per game this season.
Bryant, in his eighth NBA season, signed a one-year contract with the Heat during the offseason and becomes trade-eligible on Sunday, when the deal can be finalized. The Pacers hope Bryant’s experience will stabilize their frontcourt rotation.
Nikola Vucevic is garnering interest from the Lakers, Warriors, Pelicans, and Pistons, per Brett Siegel.
The Chicago Bulls’ center could play a pivotal role for several franchises, with additional teams potentially joining the pursuit for his services.
The Lakers, Warriors, Pelicans, and Pistons are among the teams showing interest in Nikola Vucevic, per @BrettSiegelNBA
“… Vucevic, on the other hand, is drawing interest from the Warriors, Lakers, Pelicans, and Pistons, sources said. Several other teams may very well emerge as… pic.twitter.com/WaO04KAVGe
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 13, 2024
Kyle Kuzma has drawn interest from multiple NBA teams, including the Warriors, Trail Blazers, Kings, Pacers, and Pistons, per Brett Siegel.
Regarded as a strong secondary player, Kuzma has proven his ability to lead his team’s offensive attack at times, making him an appealing target on the market.
The Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and Detroit Pistons are among the teams that have shown interest in Kyle Kuzma, per @BrettSiegelNBA
“Believe it or not, Kuzma actually holds a strong market as a secondary player who has proven… pic.twitter.com/sYtOdk91U5
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 13, 2024
The Golden State Warriors are hesitant to include Andrew Wiggins in a potential trade package for Jimmy Butler, according to Brett Siegel.
Wiggins has been a vital part of the team’s core since the 2019-20 season and is having one of his best seasons since the Warriors’ 2022 championship run.
The Golden State Warriors are hesitant to include Andrew Wiggins in a trade package for Jimmy Butler, per @BrettSiegelNBA
“Right off the bat, Andrew Wiggins would need to be included in any structure of a Butler deal, which is something the Warriors are not sold on, sources… pic.twitter.com/MBsejGTyha
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 13, 2024
Dash Daniels, a top international prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft and brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, has signed with Melbourne United.
As part of the NBL Next Stars program, Daniels is seen as a future lottery pick with standout defensive potential.
Dash Daniels – one of the top international prospects in the 2026 NBA draft – has signed with Melbourne United as part of the NBL Next Stars program, he tells ESPN. He is the brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, who has emerged as one of the NBA’s premier defenders. pic.twitter.com/kbg1bIzmTc
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 13, 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers have held internal discussions about Markelle Fultz, the former first-overall NBA Draft pick.
While he hasn’t fully lived up to his draft expectations, Fultz demonstrated improvement last season with the Orlando Magic, showcasing steady performances.
The Lakers are showing interest in Markelle Fultz, per @AnthonyIrwinLA
“Per sources, the Lakers have had internal conversations about Fultz, the former first-overall pick who hasn’t lived up to his draft position but was solid last season playing for the Orlando Magic.”
(Via… pic.twitter.com/9ejGfl06Kw
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 13, 2024
Jimmy Butler responded directly to market rumors about him and his agent’s reaction to Shams Charania.
ON ORANGE HAIR COLOR
I can change my hair to whatever color I want to and there is no subliminals in my hair. I just been changing it a lot lately. Orange was the brightest color that I had, so that’s what I went with.
ON HIS AGENT’S REACTION
I F***ing love it. I love it. I am all for the back and forth. I mean, before he’s my agent, I guess we’re like brothers now. We do everything together. But I feel for him and at least somebody’s sticking up for me.
Jimmy Butler: there are no subliminals in my hair
Jimmy Butler on his agent going at Shams: I F***ing love it#HeatNation pic.twitter.com/GIFQ3nWvGk
— Brendan Tobin (@Brendan_Tobin) December 13, 2024
Some members of the Washington Wizards are interested in keeping Jonas Valančiūnas long-term due to his veteran leadership, per David Aldridge.
The organization is determined to retain most of their veterans during the rebuild, valuing Valančiūnas’ professionalism and mentorship for their young players.
Some members of the Washington Wizards are still interested in keeping Jonas Valančiūnas long-term due to his veteran leadership, per @davidaldridgedc
“The Wizards have been adamant that they also plan to hold onto most of their remaining veterans as long as possible during the… pic.twitter.com/EIxyg0G4DC
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 12, 2024
Jimmy Butler is reportedly interested in joining the Brooklyn Nets during next summer’s free agency, per NYPost.
Butler has shown interest in the Nets before, and a source confirmed that the interest remains strong. However, GM Sean Marks isn’t keen on giving up assets amid a rebuild. The scenario might shift in the offseason with Butler potentially signing as a free agent.
Jimmy Butler is reportedly interested in joining the Brooklyn Nets during free agency next summer, per @NYPost_Lewis
“Butler has shown interest in coming to the Nets in the past, and a source close to the situation told The Post that is still very much the case. But after… pic.twitter.com/UhP0DpYaXW
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 12, 2024
Marc Stein reports that the Dallas Mavericks are “in no position” to acquire Jimmy Butler, with two max players already on their roster, and “adding another playmaker” is not a priority.
He also states that the New Orleans Pelicans have “no interest” in trading Herb Jones.
Marc Stein Reports that the Mavs “are in no position” to acquire Jimmy Butler with two max players already on the roster, & “adding another playmaker” is not a priority for them.
Also reports that the Pelicans have “no interest” in trading Herb Jones. https://t.co/bQaxivDn7W pic.twitter.com/vobaPVrQoC
— Mavs Film Room 🐴🎥 (@MavsFilmRoom) December 11, 2024
The Washington Wizards are considering trading players ahead of the February 6 trade deadline.
Per Jake Fischer, Kyle Kuzma, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Malcolm Brogdon are expected to be made available, drawing interest from various teams.
The Washington Wizards are considering selling players on their roster, with names like Kyle Kuzma, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Malcolm Brogdon expected to be available, per @JakeLFischer
“The Wizards, meanwhile, are increasingly regarded as likely to seek trades for both Jonas… pic.twitter.com/tgGiWVS4Dk
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 11, 2024
The Toronto Raptors have agreed to a two-way deal with AJ Lawson.
Lawson has shined in the G League with the Long Island Nets, averaging 24 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. The Canadian native returns home to join the Raptors.
The Toronto Raptors have agreed to a two-way deal with AJ Lawson, league sources told @hoopshype. Lawson has averaged 24 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals for the Long Island Nets in the G League this season. The Canadian native returns home. pic.twitter.com/frhvpI7utK
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 11, 2024
Chris Mannix throws out a possible scenario in the Rachel Nichols comparison: LeBron James to the Golden State Warriors.
«Theoretically,I could see a Golden State situation, whether it’s this trade deadline or next summer kind of unfolding because of the step relationship, because of the Draymond relationship. They’re all kind of at that exact same point in their career where they’ve got a couple of years left, really, at most. I could see that materializing.
But other than that, it’s Lakers or it’s retirement».
Would LeBron REALLY request the Lakers revive trade talks to send him to the Warriors?? We discussed today on Sports Illustrated’s Open Floor pod with @SIChrisMannix – what do you think?? pic.twitter.com/Aep1WKC2pf
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) December 11, 2024
Former Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce has his say on the “case” of these days in the NBA, namely the future of Jimmy Butler. In his opinion, the Denver Nuggets would be the best choice:
“If I had to guess… The best fit for Jimmy Butler would probably be the Denver Nuggets… I think you’re going to be seeing him & [Nikola Jokic] raise another championship trophy, if they don’t have to play the Celtics.”
