NBA rumors

Hapoel Tel Aviv GM on Russell Westbrook: That’s 100% fake news

George Hinas, general manager of Hapoel Tel Aviv, talked about Russel Westbrook’s rumours in an interview with basketballsphere.

“That’s 100% fake news. There were numbers mentioned — $50 million per year — which is crazy. I get that Hapoel Tel Aviv draws attention because we’re spending money. I counted 37 players who were linked with us. It’s good we’ll have three rosters, because when you have 37 players, it makes things easier (laughs). To be serious — it’s not true. There was no interest, and no one approached him.”

Grizzlies Send Desmond Bane to Magic in Blockbuster Trade

The Memphis Grizzlies have traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell‑Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first‑round picks—including the No. 16 selection in the 2025 NBA Draft—and a pick‑swap, according to Shams Charania .

In addition, the Grizzlies will receive Phoenix’s 2026 first‑round pick, along with Orlando’s unprotected first‑rounders in 2028 and 2030. A pick‑swap in 2029—with protections yet to be specified in favor of the Magic—is also included.

Orlando, clearly going “All‑In,” acquires a proven sharpshooter to fill the shooting‑guard role. The team’s biggest weakness—a lack of consistent three‑point accuracy—will be addressed by Bane, one of the league’s top volume shooters. His presence should nicely complement the Banchero‑Wagner pairing.

The trade also works well for Memphis, who originally drafted Bane out of TCU with the final pick of the first round in 2020.

In the coming days—especially after the 2025 Draft—we’ll learn more about both teams’ strategies. One big question remains: does the deal still include Ja Morant?

Kevin Durant trade buzz: Timberwolves and Heat leading the chase

Kevin Durant could be on the move again, and the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat are emerging as the two most likely destinations, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

“Things are obviously fluid at this stage,” Fischer wrote, “but the two teams most frequently cited as potential landing spots for Durant entering Saturday’s business were Minnesota and Miami.”

The superstar forward remains one of the NBA’s top trade assets, and a deal could shift the balance of power in the league. SEO keyword: Kevin Durant trade

Steven Adams agrees to 3-year, $39M extension with Houston Rockets

Steven Adams has signed a three-year, $39 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN. The deal is fully guaranteed and confirms Houston’s intention to keep the veteran center at the core of their plans.

Adams, who missed the 2023-24 season due to knee surgery, played 58 games and was a major factor in the Rockets’ return to the playoffs. He anchored their zone defense and dominated the offensive glass, especially in the first-round win over Golden State.

With this move, the Rockets secure one of the most valuable big men on the market. Adams led the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage, underlining his impact.

New Orleans Pelicans contacted Spurs about moving up to No. 2

According to Sam Amico, the New Orleans Pelicans have reportedly reached out to the San Antonio Spurs to explore a potential trade for the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

A league source told Hoops Wire that Joe Dumars, the newly appointed head of basketball operations for the Pelicans, has already made inquiries about what it would take to get the deal done.

It remains unclear what assets New Orleans might offer, but the move highlights the franchise’s aggressive approach to building its roster.

Rockets, Knicks among teams reportedly interested in Kevin Durant

According to ESPN, the Phoenix Suns and Rich Kleiman — Kevin Durant’s business partner and CEO of Boardroom — have held multiple meetings over the past week to explore potential trade scenarios for the 15-time All-Star.

Both sides are said to be working together to identify landing spots that would suit everyone involved.

The teams most seriously monitoring Durant’s situation include the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks.

KD ended last season with 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, 4.2 assist e 1.2 blocks per game.

New York Knicks denied permission to speak with Udoka, Finch

The New York Knicks were blocked from interviewing Ime Udoka and Chris Finch, sources told ESPN. Both coaches are coming off strong seasons with Houston and Minnesota, respectively.

The Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau last week despite reaching the Eastern Conference finals. They’ve also been linked to Jason Kidd, but Dallas is expected to reject any formal request.

Former Villanova coach Jay Wright has also reportedly declined interest. New York’s coaching search remains wide open.

Source: ESPN

Dallas Mavericks expect Jason Kidd to stay as head coach

The Dallas Mavericks don’t anticipate parting ways with Jason Kidd, per The Athletic. While the New York Knicks are reportedly eyeing him, they’ve not requested an interview as of Tuesday.

Kidd remains engaged with team activities and Dallas just hired Jay Triano as lead assistant, indicating Kidd’s continued role. The franchise is treating the situation as business as usual.

There’s speculation Kidd may be leveraging Knicks interest for a contract extension, but Dallas doesn’t expect a repeat of 2012, when Kidd left the Mavs to join the Knicks as a player.

Source: The Athletic

Cleveland Cavaliers may re-sign Ty Jerome due to Garland injury

The Cleveland Cavaliers could feel compelled to bring back Ty Jerome after Darius Garland underwent toe surgery and is expected to miss the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

Jerome thrived as Garland’s backup and sixth man but is now an unrestricted free agent. Without him, Cleveland would enter the season without its top two point guards.

However, re-signing Jerome could push the Cavs over the second apron, with big extensions already in place for Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Cap flexibility is becoming a serious issue.

Fonte: The Athletic

Two Utah Jazz names on the market

The Utah Jazz will try hard to trade Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson this offseason, T Jones reports.

Point guard Collin Sexton has averaged 18.4 points with 2.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season.

Jordan Clarkson stopped at 16.2 with 3.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

Victor Wembanyama, Spurs and the pressure of the No. 2 pick

The 2025 NBA Draft centers on the San Antonio Spurs and how they’ll build around Victor Wembanyama. After adding Castle and Fox, they now eye Dylan Harper — another shot-creator with shooting concerns.

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor warns: stacking poor shooters may stifle Wemby’s impact. Modern basketball demands spacing, not just playmaking.

San Antonio faces key choices: keep all three guards, trade one, or move the pick for a star. But one truth remains: don’t waste the alien.

Source: Yahoo

Utah Jazz make front office moves: Newman promoted, Benzan named G League GM

The Utah Jazz are reshaping their front office, promoting Marquis Newman to Director of Pro Scouting and appointing Katie Benzan as G League GM of the Salt Lake City Stars.

Newman has been with the franchise for 11 years. Benzan, a former WNBA Mystics player, joined Utah in 2022 and becomes the second active female GM in the G League.

These changes reflect the organization’s commitment to internal growth and greater diversity in leadership roles.

Lin Wei to work out with Dallas Mavericks

Lin Wei tries the NBA card. As reported by Emiliano Carchia of Sportando, a work out with the Dallas Mavericks is ready for him.

Lin Wei, class of 2003, is a guard averaging 21.6 points this season with 34.4% from 3 in the CBA with the Nanjing MK.

Chris Paul Reflects on Future: “Family Comes First”

Chris Paul hasn’t decided where he’ll play next season, but one thing is clear: “It’s with my family more than anything,” said the 39-year-old. After six years away from his wife and children, the veteran could prioritize a return to the West Coast. “My son just turned 16, my daughter is 12… I want to be there.”

Even though he’s feeling great physically and still loves the game (“I was in the gym at 6 am”), Paul admits: “I want to be Dad.” He now trains with his daughter, even if just for 20 minutes: “It’s priceless time you don’t get back.”

Source: RealGM

Suns reportedly hiring Jordan Ott as new Head Coach

The Phoenix Suns have decided to appoint Jordan Ott as their new Head Coach.

He edged out Johnnie Bryant, who also served as an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers this past season.

Ott reportedly impressed the organization during a recent meeting with team owner Mat Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein, and new general manager Brian Gregory.

Brooklyn Nets reportedly offered Cam Johnson

The Brooklyn Nets have offered Cam Johnson and the 19th pick in hopes of acquiring another lottery pick, according to Nets Daily.

Toronto and Houston are two teams they are in contact with. In 57 games this season, the UNC product has averaged 18.8 points with 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists. The best numbers of his NBA career.

Sacramento Kings likely to consider trading at least one member of the Big 3

Sacramento Kings, according to Mike Scotto, the franchise is likely to consider trading at least one member of the Big 3.

“Looking ahead to the offseason, rival NBA executives are monitoring the trio of Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan with the belief that Sacramento will explore the possibility of trading at least one of those players either this offseason or before the trade deadline in February.”

New York Knicks coaching search begins after Thibodeau’s firing

The New York Knicks are on the hunt for a new head coach after parting ways with Tom Thibodeau.

Top candidates include Michael Malone, an NBA champion with Denver, and Jay Wright, the former Villanova coach linked to several Knicks players. Johnnie Bryant and Jeff Van Gundy are also in the mix, each with ties to the franchise.

New York’s front office is aiming for a title run — and the next coach must be ready to lead it.

Source: The Athletic

Mutual Interest Between Dante Exum and Mavs for New Deal

Despite ongoing rumors from Europe, Dante Exum appears determined to continue his career in the NBA.

The Australian guard could remain with the Dallas Mavericks, who, according to Marc Stein, are reportedly open to discussing a new deal.

Exum, who averaged 8 points and 2.8 assists over 75 games during his two seasons with the Texas team, could take advantage of Kyrie Irving’s absence to carve out a more prominent role in coach Kidd’s rotation.

Suns Coaching Search Hints at Imminent Kevin Durant Trade

There are strong signs that the Phoenix Suns are preparing to trade Kevin Durant, with the head coach hiring process reinforcing that direction, reports The Stein Line.

Coaching candidates Chris Quinn and Jordan Ott are advancing to final interviews with owner Mat Ishbia, and Devin Booker is actively involved in the process.

However, the trade might not happen until Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation is resolved, which could delay the timeline for any major move.

Source: The Stein Line

Fenerbahce in talks with Vasilije Micic and Dante Exum

According to reporter Zafer Ertas, Fenerbahçe is working hard on the market to provide head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius with a top-tier backcourt for next season.

The EuroLeague champions, who are set to part ways with Marko Guduric, have reportedly begun talks with two former NBA players: Vasilije Micic and Dante Exum.

The Serbian point guard has already turned down a lucrative offer from Hapoel Tel Aviv and has been linked to several top European clubs.

Exum, meanwhile, could return to the EuroLeague after a two-year stint with the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged 8 points and 2.8 assists across 75 total games — only 20 of which came this season due to injury issues.

Tom Thibodeau Expected to Return as Knicks Coach with Support from Rose, Brunson

Tom Thibodeau is expected to remain head coach of the New York Knicks next season, according to The Athletic. He has the support of both Leon Rose and Jalen Brunson, who reportedly wants the core roster to stay intact.

Although there were concerns about coaching changes with an early playoff exit, the organization appears to be satisfied overall.

The main friction involved Mikal Bridges, who criticized his heavy playing time during the season, but it wasn’t enough to jeopardize Thibodeau’s position.

Source: The Athletic

Johnnie Bryant joins Suns’ coaching search finalists

The Phoenix Suns’ coaching search continues to take shape, and another name has entered the mix. According to league sources, Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant is now considered a finalist for the head coaching position.

Bryant joins the previously reported candidates: Chris Quinn (Miami Heat), Sean Sweeney (Dallas Mavericks), and Jordan Ott (also from Cleveland). Known for his work in player development, Bryant is viewed as a rising coaching prospect with strong leadership traits. Phoenix is clearly focused on a new generation of head coaches to lead its star-studded roster into the future.

Boston Celtics enter pivotal summer: Tatum injured, Porzingis likely to be traded

Boston’s hopes of becoming a modern NBA dynasty took a major hit with Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles, sidelining him well into 2026. Brad Stevens now faces the challenge of keeping Boston competitive while navigating CBA restrictions.

With a projected $500M in combined salaries and taxes, the Celtics will likely make changes. Kristaps Porzingis, entering the final year of his deal, is viewed as the top trade candidate, with interest from teams like the Warriors and Lakers.

Despite the financial pressure, Boston won’t rebuild. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday are considered untouchable, while players like Pritchard and Hauser could be moved. Horford and Kornet’s futures also hang in the balance as free agents.

Source: ClutchPoints

Denver Nuggets promote David Adelman to head coach

The Denver Nuggets have reached an agreement with David Adelman to make him the team’s new head coach, sources told ESPN.

Adelman, who served as interim coach following the dismissal of Michael Malone, led the Nuggets to a 3-0 record in the regular season and guided the team through a playoff series win, falling just one game short of the Western Conference Finals.

Josh Longstaff emerging as Suns head coaching candidate

Josh Longstaff, now an assistant with the Charlotte Hornets, is among the reported candidates for the Phoenix Suns’ head coaching job.

His background includes stints under Billy Donovan, Mike Budenholzer, and with Team USA under Jeff Van Gundy.

Longstaff has also served as head coach of the Erie BayHawks, and held assistant roles with the Knicks and Thunder.

The Suns are exploring several profiles with proven NBA experience, and Longstaff could be a strong under-the-radar option.

Golden State Warriors at a crossroads: Kuminga’s uncertain future, roster needs grow

The Golden State Warriors are expected to bring back Draymond Green alongside Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, but questions loom over the rest of the roster. The biggest uncertainty surrounds Jonathan Kuminga, a restricted free agent who could either be retained or used in sign-and-trade deals to bring in new talent.

The team needs a more impactful starting center and additional shooting and scoring to create better spacing—especially for Butler, who struggled once Curry was sidelined. Internal improvement is also key from young players like Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, who were inconsistent throughout the playoffs.

This is the same challenge that’s defined the Warriors’ recent years: competing at the tail end of Curry’s prime while trying to develop the next generation. Since winning the 2022 title, they haven’t made it past the second round.

Source The Athletic

T.J. Shorts expected to join Memphis Grizzlies, skip EuroLeague offers

According to French site BasketEurope, T.J. Shorts is set to leave Paris Basketball and make the jump to the NBA. The 27-year-old point guard is expected to join the Memphis Grizzlies, skipping Summer League or training camp.

Shorts would reunite with Tuomas Iisalo, now on the Grizzlies’ coaching staff, after two successful years in Paris. Despite receiving lucrative EuroLeague offers, Shorts appears determined to fulfill his NBA dream.

He reportedly turned down contracts worth six times his current salary. For Paris, it’s the end of an era as their MVP looks to conquer the next level of basketball.

Source: BasketEurope

I Los Angeles Clippers valutano rinnovi per Harden e Leonard

James Harden ha una player option da 36.3 milioni per l’estate, ma potrebbe rifiutarla per firmare un accordo pluriennale con i Los Angeles Clippers.

La franchigia avrebbe così l’occasione di coordinare il nuovo contratto con quello già esistente di Kawhi Leonard, sotto contratto fino al 2027.

Nel 2027, l’unico contratto garantito in rosa sarebbe quello di Ivica Zubac, aprendo uno scenario con oltre 100 milioni di spazio salariale. Harden è stato All-Star nel suo primo anno pieno a LA, formando una solida coppia con Zubac nel pick-and-roll.

Fonte: The Athletic