NBA rumors

The Chicago Bulls are trading two-time All-Defensive Team guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, sources told ESPN. Caruso, 30, has been a long-time target for Thunder GM Sam Presti.

The Bulls acquire a young playmaker with All-Star potential in Giddey, who will provide the creativity and ability to pass and score that the team needed.

BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/V3t12MA3Uo

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2024

Free agent guard Malik Monk has decided to sign a four-year, $78 million deal to remain with the Sacramento Kings. Monk, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year runner-up, had a standout season averaging over 15 points and five assists.

The deal will be finalized once the league’s moratorium ends on July 6.

ESPN Sources: Free agent G Malik Monk intends to sign a four-year, $78 million deal — including a player option — to return to the Sacramento Kings. Monk had career-bests of 15 points and five assists on his way to the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year runner-up. pic.twitter.com/J8KuOwPl0H

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2024

JJ Redick will be the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The news was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski, who says there is a four-year contract between the parties.

The Lakers close their search for a new coach six days before the first major event of the Offseason, the 2024 NBA Draft.

Redick and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka have already begun work on assembling an elite coaching staff.

ESPN Sources: JJ Redick has agreed on a four-year contract to become the next coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Rob Pelinka offered job this morning and Redick’s started working on a staff to surround himself with experience. pic.twitter.com/G66eVFRALp

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2024

The Detroit Pistons have shocked the NBA world by firing coach Monty Williams, despite a six-year, $78.5 million contract signed only a year ago.

The move opened up a new position for some of the biggest names still on the market, including JJ Redick, a former NBA shooter and current ESPN analyst recently linked to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports reported that “James Borrego could be a name to keep an eye on, as could Redick, currently a leading candidate for the Lakers’ coaching job.” Additionally, Redick has a connection with the Pistons’ new president Trajan Langdon due to their connection to Duke and their partnership in New Orleans in 2019.

The Detroit Pistons have decided to fire coach Monty Williams after only one season, despite five years and $65 million remaining on his contract.

This was the decision of new president Trajan Langdon. Williams, a two-time NBA coach of the year, had signed a six-year contract in Detroit after leaving the Suns.

With a new front office, Detroit will start a new search for the next coach.

Williams — a two-time NBA coach of the year — was lured to Detroit with a massive six-year deal after leaving the Suns. He had initially planned to sit out a season while dealing with his wife’s cancer diagnosis, but took on Pistons’ rebuild under Troy Weaver. Now, a new front… https://t.co/12XIHbqoFp

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 19, 2024

All-NBA Pascal Siakam plans to sign a new four-year, $189.5 million contract to return to the Indiana Pacers.

Siakam plans to sign the deal once the free agency moratorium ends, i.e. next 6 July.

After January trade, Pacers held confidence in their relationship with agents Todd Ramasar and Jaafar Choufani of @Lifesportsagncy and trusted that Siakam had a sincere interest in staying long-term. https://t.co/XFn3EuyzxO

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 19, 2024

Jeff Van Gundy has reached an agreement to become the chief assistant on the LA Clippers coaching staff led by Ty Lue.

Van Gundy, considered one of the best minds in basketball, returns to the bench after 16 years as a television analyst for ESPN.

His relationship with Lue and the franchise’s appreciation for Van Gundy played a key role in his arrival. Van Gundy previously coached Lue during his season with the Houston Rockets in 2004.

With a 430-318 overall record as a head coach, Van Gundy brings a wealth of experience to the Clippers.

Source: ESPN

The New Orleans Pelicans are unwilling to offer a maximum contract extension to Brandon Ingram. The player, who has one year left on his five-year deal signed in 2020, has been the subject of market speculation since last season.

Without an extension, Ingram will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025.

The Pelicans do not intend to extend the veteran’s contract with a maximum four-year deal worth $208.5 million until the 2028-29 season.

The Brandon Ingram situation is a thorny problem to solve for David Griffin. The next few weeks could determine the next half-decade in New Orleans. https://t.co/e8Vws17NRF

— Christian Clark (@cclark_13) June 16, 2024

The Cleveland Cavaliers are not interested in trading Jarrett Allen for Brandon Ingram, according to a report from Sam Amico. In fact, the franchise appears to be unwilling to trade their long man unless he demands a trade. The Cavs’ plan for the future is to continue to build around Donovan Mitchell, who is expected to sign a max contract extension, Garland, Allen and Mobley, who is expected to sign a rookie max contract extension.

Sasha Vezenkov, despite frustrations over limited playing time in his first NBA season with the Sacramento Kings, has no intention of leaving the NBA. This was reported by insider Sean Cunningham.

Several sources close to the player denied reports of his desire to leave, calling them ‘misleading’. Vezenkov will abide by his contract with the Kings.

Inside sources indicate that Sacramento intends to keep Vezenkov, even though there is a market for him. Whether he will play for the Kings or for another team that will offer him a more significant role in the rotation remains to be seen.

While Sasha Vezenkov remains frustrated with the lack of playing time in his first NBA season with the Sacramento Kings, I’m told by several sources that there is no truth to the report of his desire to leave the NBA. One source close to Vezenkov called the report “off base” and…

— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) June 13, 2024

UConn released a statement from Dan Hurley last night after the resounding ‘no’ to the Los Angeles Lakers.

«I am humbled by this entire experience. At the end of the day, I am extremely proud of the championship culture we have built at Connecticut. We met as a team before today’s workout and our focus right now is getting better this summer and connecting as a team as we continue to pursue championships».

A statement from UConn Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dan Hurley: pic.twitter.com/16e77ykbVp

— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) June 10, 2024

Darvin Ham is back in Milwaukee.

Ham, who has spent the past two seasons as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, is joining the Bucks as Doc Rivers top assistant coach.

Darvin Ham is joining the Milwaukee Bucks as the top assistant coach to Doc Rivers, sources tell ESPN. Ham returns to the franchise after spending two years as the Lakers head coach. He had been highly sought-after among teams this spring. pic.twitter.com/k0yZeVKo1t

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 10, 2024

The rumors on the NBA market do not seem to stop now that the offseason is upon us: According to a report by Sam Amico, the San Antonio Spurs are very interested in acquiring Darius Garland via trade. The front office’s intention would be to pair Victor Wembanyama with a talented guard capable of setting up on his own but also playing alongside the long Frenchman.

Garland averaged 18 points and 6.5 assists per game last season and is due to make $36.7 million next year.

J.J. Redick is still a “viable candidate” to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told Jovan Buha of The Athletic. This despite news that the Lakers are “eager to close” Dan Hurley on Friday.

Redick was rumored to be the front runner for the position earlier in the week. Mike Krzyzewski has been unofficially advising the Lakers throughout the coaching search.

The Los Angeles Lakers have identified Dan Hurley as the leading candidate for the bench, and are ready to extend him a huge offer to leave Connecticut.

The news was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Lakers for now have had only preliminary contacts with Hurley, but the parties plan to intensify negotiations in the coming days.

The coach, coming off two consecutive NCAA titles at the helm of the Huskies, has reportedly made no secret of his ambition to coach in the NBA and has expressed to the Lakers his desire to explore all aspects of the project that will be proposed to him.

Hurley reportedly convinced the Lakers thanks to his outstanding tactical acumen and unquestioned skills in player development.

LeBron James is said to be impressed by the sophisticated offensive plays set up by Hurley and his staff.

Wojnarowski paints a scenario that could be ideal for The Chosen One.

Assuming James returns to L.A. in free agency, the possibility of using the 55th overall pick in this month’s NBA draft on USC freshman guard Bronny James makes Hurley an even more intriguing candidate. If that happens, James gets a chance to play with his son and the benefit of Hurley and his staff becoming responsible for Bronny’s pro development.

The Lakers also spoke with Sam Cassell -assistant coach of the Boston Celtics- and David Adelman -assistant coach of the Denver Nuggets- in the course of their search.

The NBA is nearing completion of a combined 11-year, $76 billion set of deals with Disney, NBC and Amazon. The deals average out to $6.9 billion per season for the NBA, which is more than 2.5 times higher than its existing deals. The NFL recently doubled its feeds under its last deal to around $10 billion per year.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have expressed interest in Patrick Williams, currently with the Chicago Bulls.

During contract extension negotiations last offseason, the Bulls had offered Williams a contract in excess of $16 million annually.

Sources report that the Thunder, with ample salary cap space, could sign Williams outright, but the Bulls could match the offer.

Source: The Athletic, 4 June 2024.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement with President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly to remain with the team for the upcoming season. Connelly has agreed to delay an opt-out clause in his contract until after next season, ensuring his continued presence in Minnesota.

This decision is crucial for the Timberwolves, who had one of their most successful seasons, reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 20 years. Connelly, instrumental in building the team, will continue to work with head coach Chris Finch to maintain competitiveness.

Despite uncertainties regarding team ownership, Connelly’s commitment allows the Timberwolves to focus on the draft and free agency, aiming to build on this year’s successes.

Source: Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, June 4, 2024.

The Los Angeles Lakers are focusing on JJ Redick as the leading candidate for their next head coach, according to The Athletic.

While no final decision has been made and the Lakers still have steps remaining in their head-coaching search process, indications strongly point to Redick being the preferred choice at this stage.

Over the past few weeks, the Lakers’ search has zeroed in on two main candidates: JJ Redick and Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego.

Redick had a face-to-face meeting with the Lakers three weeks ago, and Borrego recently impressed team officials during a second in-person interview last week.

The Boston Celtics are considering adding Jeff Van Gundy to Joe Mazzulla’s coaching staff as an assistant for the upcoming season, according to league sources cited by Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

Currently, Van Gundy serves as a senior consultant for the team’s basketball operations. The Celtics face the departure of their top assistant, Charles Lee, who is set to join the Hornets this offseason.

Last summer, Van Gundy declined an offer to join Jason Kidd’s coaching staff.

Source: Marc Stein/The Stein Line

The Sacramento Kings have made a three-year, $21 million contract offer to coach Mike Brown, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Thursday night. The offer includes bonuses that could push the total value of the deal to $27 million. However, Brown is seeking a contract that will pay him at least $10 million per season.

Negotiations are currently at a standstill, six days after ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported a gap in the talks. Brown, 54, has one guaranteed year remaining on his current contract and is seeking an extension that would make him among the highest-paid NBA coaches. Brown has a 94-70 record in two seasons with the Kings and broke the franchise’s 16-season playoff drought.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are beginning the selection process for a new head coach by obtaining permission to interview two top candidates: Kenny Atkinson, an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, and James Borrego, an assistant with the New Orleans Pelicans.

According to ESPN reports, the Cavaliers plan to get permission to talk to other assistants, but Atkinson and Borrego are considered among the best, due to their head coaching experience and expertise in player development.

The team is looking for a replacement for J.B. Bickerstaff, after reaching the Eastern semifinals this year.

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN

The Los Angeles Clippers and Ty Lue have agreed to a multi-year extension that will make the former point guard one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA.

The news was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski.

Lue has a record of 184 wins in 318 games in four seasons at the helm of the Clippers.

The team, set to play in the brand new Intuit Dome from next season, is determined to keep the two expiring superstars, James Harden and Paul George.

The Philadelphia 76ers aim to pursue a familiar path this offseason: adding another All-Star alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

According to league sources, the team is looking to strengthen with a high-level wing player to complement the Embiid-Maxey duo. After trading James Harden, the 76ers now have up to $60 million in cap space. Possible targets include Paul George and OG Anunoby, who could be offered max contracts.

Additionally, Klay Thompson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are options for “one-plus-one” contracts (one guaranteed year plus a second-year option). The management’s strategy is to spend and sacrifice draft capital to compete for the title next season.

Source: Yahoo