NBA rumors

12 November 2020

12/11/2020 17:37

Tampa Bay to become Raptors’ home if they can’t play in Canada?

Tampa Bay will be Toronto Raptors’ home if they can’t play in Canada due to coronavirus pandemic.

Per Sportsnet.ca, The Raptors’ preference is clear: “If we can get it done in Toronto, we’d do it tomorrow,” said one team executive.
But getting it done is outside their control, requiring sign off from three levels of government.
In the meantime, the Tampa Bay area has emerged from several potential destinations as the most likely temporary home for Canada’s only NBA team should it come to that, according to both Raptors and NBA sources.

Fonte: Sportsnet.ca.

12 November 2020

12 November 2020

12/11/2020 17:26

Hornets to be suitor for Rockets guard Russell Westbrook

The Charlotte Hornets are interested in Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook wants to leave the Houston Rockets and the Hornets are expected to be one of the suitors of the former NBA MVP.

12 November 2020

12/11/2020 08:18

Russell Westbrook wants of Houston, Harden is “locked in” for the season

Russell Westbrook wants to leave the Houston Rockets after only one season.
The former MVP doesn’t like the direction the franchise is heading and will try to leave Houston.

James Harden doesn’t have the same idea as Westbrook and, for the moment, remains committed to the Rockets and is “locked in” for the season.

11 November 2020

11 November 2020

11/11/2020 23:32

Tim Duncan will not return as Spurs assistant coach

Tim Duncan will not return as assistant coach of Gregg Popovich.
Duncan has been assistant coach of the Spurs for one season.

San Antonio’s internal belief was always a one-year stint on the bench for Duncan, who is expected to return to his previous post-retirement role in which he made frequent appearances at the team’s practice facility to provide various Spurs with player development assistance.

11 November 2020

11/11/2020 17:35

Atlanta Hawks emerging as a possible destination for Pelicans’ Jrue Holiday

The Atlanta Hawks have emerged as a potential trade destination for New Orleans Pelicans’ guard Jrue Holiday in multi-team trade scenarios that would involve Atlanta’s No. 6 pick in next week’s draft, league sources tells Marc Stein of the New York Times.

Stein also added that the Pelicans guard is widely expected to decline his $27 million option for 2021-22 and become a free agent after this season.

Fonte: Marc Stein.

11 November 2020

11/11/2020 16:18

Oklahoma City Thunder to promote assistant Mark Daigneault to head coach

The Oklahoma City Thunder are promoting assistant Mark Daigneault to become the franchise’s next head coach, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Thunder were the lone NBA team remaining without a head coach.

Daigneault comes off a season in which he served as Billy Donovan’s assistant with the Thunder. It was his first full NBA experience, after a five-year run as coach of the G-League Thunder franchise, the Oklahoma Blue, which Daigneault led to three division titles. The 35-year-old coach also worked as Billy Donovan assistant at the Florida Gators from 2010 to 2014.

Fonte: Adrian Wojnarowski.

11 November 2020

11/11/2020 16:09

Minnesota reportedly chasing a second lottery pick in the 2020 NBA Draft

The Timberwolves are attempting to acquire a second lottery pick, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer. Minnesota is already in possession of the first overall pick.

They have had talks with the Atlanta Hawks for the 6th pick, with a possible deal including guard Jarrett Culver and the 17th pick. The New Orleans Pelicans and the Boston Celtics are said to be interested as well in Atlanta’s 6th pick, O’Connor reports.

Fonte: Kevin O'Connor.

11 November 2020

11/11/2020 15:28

Rockets could be willing to trade Russell Westbrook, with Clippers and Knicks reportedly interested

According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Houston Rockets could be open to trade Russell Westbrook in the near future, with the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks being two teams potentially interested in the former MVP.

At the same time, James Harden and Russell Westbrook have expressed concerns about uncertainty of Rockets’ immediate future, sources told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Adrian Wojnarowski. Neither of the two All Stars have so far made requests for a trade, and Harden in particular remains engaged with front office in personnel discussions.

11 November 2020

11/11/2020 08:28

Suns had discussions with Thunder about acquiring Chris Paul

The Phoenix Suns have engaged trade talks with the Oklahoma City Thunder for Chris Paul.

Per ESPN, Talks have been ongoing and have continued to gather traction, but there is no deal imminent, sources said. There is currently a moratorium on trades as the NBA goes through procedures to start next season ahead of the league’s draft next week.

The Suns could have in excess of $20 million in salary-cap space going into the transaction season, leaving the possibility that they could assemble a trade and still look for other free agents.

Paul has two years and $85.5 million left on his contract, which is a motivation for the rebuilding Thunder to consider trading him.

10 November 2020

10/11/2020 19:18

Rick Higgins, Jeff Hornacek reportedly joining Rockets as assistant coach

The Houston Rockets are hiring Rick Higgins and Jeff Hornacek as an assistant coach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Mark Berman of Fox 26 first reported that Hornacek was on the verge of signing with the Rockets.

Higgins, son of ex-NBA player and GM Rod Higgins, had been working for the Orlando Magic as a player development coach. Hornacek, whose No. 14 is retired by the Utah Jazz, last coached in the NBA in 2017-18 for the Knicks.

Fonte: Adrian Wojnarowski.

10 November 2020

10/11/2020 08:33

23 early-entry candidates withdraw from 2020 NBA Draft

Twenty-one international players who had declared as early entry candidates for the NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm® have withdrawn their names from consideration. Two players from educational institutions who previously had declared as early entry candidates have also withdrawn. There are 15 international prospects and 71 players from colleges and other educational institutions that remain early entry candidates.

The NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm will be held on Wednesday, November 18 on ESPN with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

Here is the list of additional international players who have withdrawn their names from consideration for the NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm:

  • Brancou Badio                          Barcelona (Spain)
  • Darko Bajo                                Split (Croatia)
  • Marek Blazevic                         Rytas (Lithuania)
  • Henri Drell                                Pesaro (Italy)
  • Michele Ebeling                       Kleb Ferrara (Italy)
  • Osas Ehigiator                          Fuenlabrada (Spain)
  • Joel Ekamba                             Limoges (France)
  • Miguel Gonzalez                       Baskonia (Spain)
  • Sehmus Hazer                           Bandirma (Turkey)
  • Rokas Jokubaitis                       Zalgiris (Lithuania)
  • Georgios Kalaitzakis                 Nevezis (Lithuania)
  • Arturs Kurucs                            VEF Riga (Latvia)
  • Nikola Miskovic                        Mega Bemax (Serbia)
  • Aristide Mouaha                       Roseto (Italy)
  • Caio Pacheco                             Bahia Basket (Argentina)
  • Sander Raieste                          Kalev/Cramo (Estonia)
  • Nikolaos Rogkavopoulos        AEK (Greece)
  • Nejegos Sikiras                          Fuenlabrada (Spain)
  • Aboubacar Traore                     Dynasty Sports Institute (Canada)
  • Uros Trifunovic                         Partizan (Serbia)
  • Arnas Velicka                            Prienai (Lithuania)

Here are the two additional players from educational institutions who have withdrawn their names from consideration for the NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm:

  • Tony Goodwin II                      Redemption Academy (MA)
  • Filip Petrusev                            Gonzaga

Following is a list of players from colleges and other educational institutions who remain early entry candidates for the NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm:

  • Precious Achiuwa                     Memphis                         6-9                   Freshman
  • Milan Acquaah                          California Baptist          6-3                   Junior
  • Ty-Shon Alexander                   Creighton                       6-4                   Junior
  • Cole Anthony                           North Carolina                6-3                   Freshman
  • Brendan Bailey                         Marquette                       6-8                   Sophomore
  • Saddiq Bey                               Villanova                          6-8                   Sophomore
  • Tyler Bey                                  Colorado                           6-7                   Junior
  • Jermaine Bishop                     Norfolk State                   6-1                   Junior
  • Dachon Burke Jr.                      Nebraska                       6-4                   Junior
  • Vernon Carey Jr.                       Duke                               6-10                 Freshman
  • Nate Darling                             Delaware                         6-5                   Junior
  • Lamine Diane                           CSUN                               6-7                   Sophomore
  • Devon Dotson                           Kansas                             6-2                   Sophomore
  • Anthony Edwards                     Georgia                          6-5                   Freshman
  • CJ Elleby                                  Washington State           6-6                   Sophomore
  • Malik Fitts                                St. Mary’s                        6-8                   Junior
  • Malachi Flynn                           San Diego State            6-1                   Junior
  • Josh Green                                Arizona                           6-6                   Freshman
  • Ashton Hagans                          Kentucky                       6-3                   Sophomore
  • Tyrese Haliburton                     Iowa State                     6-5                   Sophomore
  • Josh Hall                                  Moravian Prep (NC)      6-8                   Post-Graduate
  • Rayshaun Hammonds              Georgia                          6-9                   Junior
  • Jalen Harris                              Nevada                             6-5                   Junior
  • Niven Hart                                Fresno State                    6-5                   Freshman
  • Nate Hinton                              Houston                           6-5                   Sophomore
  • Elijah Hughes                           Syracuse                           6-6                   Junior
  • Isaiah Joe                                  Arkansas                           6-5                   Sophomore
  • Dakari Johnson                        Cape Fear CC (NC)         6-0                   Freshman
  • C.J. Jones                                 MTSU                                  6-5                   Junior
  • Mason Jones                             Arkansas                            6-5                   Junior
  • Tre Jones                                  Duke                                     6-3                   Sophomore
  • Saben Lee                                 Vanderbilt                           6-2                   Junior
  • Micheal Lenoir            Creating Young Minds Acad. (TX)    5-9           Post-Graduate
  • Kira Lewis Jr.                           Alabama                              6-3                  Sophomore
  • Nico Mannion                           Arizona                               6-3                   Freshman
  • Naji Marshall                            Xavier                                  6-7                   Junior
  • Kenyon Martin Jr.                 IMG Academy (FL)             6-7                   Post-Graduate
  • Tyrese Maxey                           Kentucky                             6-3                   Freshman
  • Jaden McDaniels                      Washington                      6-9                   Freshman
  • Isiaha Mike                               SMU                                    6-8                   Junior
  • EJ Montgomery                       Kentucky                            6-10                 Sophomore
  • Aaron Nesmith                         Vanderbilt                          6-6                  Sophomore
  • Zeke Nnaji                                Arizona                                6-11                 Freshman
  • Jordan Nwora                          Louisville                             6-7                  Junior
  • Nikolaos Okekuoyen               Ridgeview Prep (NC)        6-11                 Post-Graduate
  • Onyeka Okongwu                     USC                                      6-9                  Freshman
  • Isaac Okoro                              Auburn                                  6-6                  Freshman
  • Daniel Oturu                           Minnesota                             6-10                 Sophomore
  • Reggie Perry                             Mississippi State                6-10                 Sophomore
  • Nate Pierre-Louis                    Temple                                 6-4                   Junior
  • Immanuel Quickley                Kentucky                              6-3                   Sophomore
  • Jahmi’us Ramsey                     Texas Tech                          6-4                   Freshman
  • Paul Reed Jr.                             DePaul                                 6-9                   Junior
  • Nick Richards                           Kentucky                             6-11                 Junior
  • Jayden Scrubb                 John A. Logan College (IL)       6-6                 Sophomore
  • Jalen Smith                             Maryland                              6-10                 Sophomore
  • Cassius Stanley                       Duke                                       6-6                  Freshman
  • Isaiah Stewart                         Washington                           6-9                  Freshman
  • Tyrell Terry                              Stanford                                6-1                   Freshman
  • Xavier Tillman Sr.                   Michigan State                    6-8                  Junior
  • Obi Toppin                               Dayton                                   6-9                  Sophomore
  • Jordan Tucker                          Butler                                   6-7                   Junior
  • Devin Vassell                           Florida State                        6-6                   Sophomore
  • Nick Weatherspoon               Mississippi State                 6-2                   Junior
  • Kaleb Wesson                          Ohio State                            6-9                   Junior
  • Kahlil Whitney                         Kentucky                              6-6                  Freshman
  • Emmitt Williams                     LSU                                        6-6                  Sophomore
  • Patrick Williams                       Florida State                       6-8                   Freshman
  • James Wiseman                        Memphis                              7-1                   Freshman
  • Robert Woodard II                   Mississippi State                6-7                   Sophomore
  • Omer Yurtseven                        Georgetown                        7-0                   Junior

Following is a list of international players who remain early entry candidates for the NBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm:

  • Deni Avdija                       Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)          6-8                 2001 DOB
  • Adrian Bogucki                  Radom (Poland)                        7-1                  1999 DOB
  • Leandro Bolmaro             Barcelona (Spain)                      6-6                  2000 DOB
  • Imru Duke                          Zentro Basket (Spain)              6-8                 1999 DOB
  • Paul Eboua                          Pesaro (Italy)                            6-8                 2000 DOB
  • Killian Hayes                    Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)   6-5                 2001 DOB
  • Vit Krejci                            Zaragoza (Spain)                       6-8                 2000 DOB
  • Yam Madar                        Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)           6-2                2000 DOB
  • Theo Maledon                    ASVEL (France)                       6-4                  2001 DOB
  • Karim Mane                      Vanier (Canada)                        6-5                   2000 DOB
  • Sergi Martinez                   Barcelona (Spain)                    6-8                  1999 DOB
  • Joel Parra                          Joventut (Spain)                        6-8                   2000 DOB
  • Aleksej Pokusevski          Olympiacos (Greece)                 7-0                   2001 DOB
  • Marko Simonovic                Mega Bemax (Serbia)            6-11                 1999 DOB
  • Mouhamed Thiam                    Nanterre (France)            6-9                   2001 DOB

Fonte: NBA.

9 November 2020

09/11/2020 19:21

Multiple Western Conference contenders reportedly interested in Spencer Dinwiddie

Spencer Dinwiddie is drawing interest from ‘multiple Western Conference contenders’, Ian Begley reports.

The Brooklyn Nets guard ended last year with career-highs in points -20.6- and assist -6.7- per game, shooting 41% from the field, 30% from beyond the arc and 78% from the foul line.

Dinwiddie is under contract with Brooklyn for over 23 million in 2 years, with a player option for the 2021/22 season.

 

 

Fonte: Ian Begley.

9 November 2020

09/11/2020 18:16

Lakers to reportedly show interest in Serge Ibaka during free agency

The Los Angeles Lakers are believed to chase the signing of Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka during the next free agency, according to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com.

Ibaka could be on the move from Toronto as the Raptors will also take into consideration the possibility to save some cap space for the 2021 offseason. The Lakers will be able to count on their MLE (worth aprox. $9.8M per season) and their bi-annual exception (aprox. $4M per season). Ibaka earned $23M in 2019-20, the last season of the 3-year deal signed in 2017.

Fonte: Sean Deveney.

9 November 2020

09/11/2020 17:45

NBA teams reportedly planning sign-and-trade proposals for Davis Bertans

Despite his re-signing being the Washington Wizards’ number 1 goal, there is a lot of interest around Latvian forward Davis Bertans, according to NBC Sports Washington: former Spurs and Baskonia could be targeted by several teams planning sign-and-trade proposals for him, because they don’t have the cap room to straight signing him.

There are three teams with cap space that reportedly plan to chase Bertans in the free agency: Atlanta, New York, Phoenix.

Fonte: NBC Sports Washington.

9 November 2020

09/11/2020 17:31

NBA and NBPA define Social Justice Coalition board members

The NBA has determined its Social Justice Coalition Board, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The NBA and NBPA agreed to create a coalition to advance equality and social justice in August following the strike in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The following are the members of the coalition, per Charania:

Governors: Micky Arison, Steve Ballmer, Clay Bennett, Marc Lasry, Vivek Ranadive

Players: Carmelo Anthony, Avery Bradley, Sterling Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns

Coaches: Lloyd Pierce, Doc Rivers

The board will also feature NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum and NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts.

Fonte: Shams Charania.

9 November 2020

09/11/2020 16:57

LaMelo Ball believed to be the “most likely” first pick overall in NBA Draft

LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman are expected to be the first three picks of the 2020 NBA draft in some order, sources tell Jonathan Givony of ESPN. Former Illawarra Hawks guard Ball is believed to be the most likely prospect to be selected first overall, according to Givony.

There are three teams that are reportedly trying to move up in the draft, scheduled for November 18th: Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Fonte: Jonathan Givony.

9 November 2020

09/11/2020 14:35

RJ Hampton working out with the Brooklyn Nets

Former New Zealand Breakers guard RJ Hampton has worked out for the Brooklyn Nets within the last two weeks, reports Marc Berman of the New York Post. Hampton has reportedly spent this last months frequently working out with Memphis University coach Penny Hardaway and former NBA Champion Mike Miller.

Brooklyn has the 19th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, scheduled for November 18th.

Fonte: Marc Berman.

9 November 2020

09/11/2020 14:27

Raptors still trying to play in Toronto next season

According to a report from Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Toronto Raptors are still trying to play in Toronto next season and avoid a temporary relocation due to logistic reasons.

NBA is currently working on guidelines with both US and Canadian governments to make it possible for teams to travel and play in Toronto. Alternatives for the Raptors are believed to be the cities of Nashville, Kansas City and Tampa Bay.

9 November 2020

9 November 2020

8 November 2020

08/11/2020 20:18

The Indiana Pacers will not buy out T.J. McConnell’s $3.5 million contract

The Indiana Pacers will not buy out T.J. McConnell’s $3.5 million contract for $1 million as reported by indystar.com.

McConnell signed to a two-year deal last summer, the Pacers put in a $1 million buyout option that they could exercise before the draft.

McConnell, however, is a lock to return given the Pacers’ affinity for his professionalism, hustle and attitude  despite his lack of 3-point shooting and having an undersized backcourt when he plays beside Aaron Holiday.

8 November 2020

8 November 2020

08/11/2020 14:04

Nikola Miskovic, Marko Simonovic, Darko Bajo withdraw from NBA Draft

ABA Liga prospects Nikola Miskovic, Marko Simonovic, and Darko Bajo have withdrawn from the 2020 NBA Draft, agent Misko Raznatovic announced. The three players, all born in 1999, will be auto-eligible in 2021.

Simonovic was ranked 70th in ESPN’s NBA Draft Top 100. He is off to a good start to the ABA Liga season, averaging 16.2 points and 10 rebounds in six games for Mega Soccerbet.

Miskovic and Bajo were not ranked in ESPN’s Top 100.

Fonte: Misko Raznatovic.

8 November 2020

08/11/2020 13:49

Filip Petrusev withdraws from 2020 NBA Draft

Serbian big man Filip Petrusev has withdrawn from the 2020 NBA Draft, his agent Misko Raznatovic announced. He will be auto-eligible in 2021 because he left Gonzaga after his sophomore year to sign a professional contract in Serbia.

Petrusev is off to a strong start to the season in the ABA Liga (Adriatic League), averaging 21.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game for Mega Soccerbet.

Petrusev was ranked 59th in ESPN’s NBA Draft Top 100.

Fonte: Misko Raznatovic.

8 November 2020

08/11/2020 08:57

Knicks reportedly interested in Kidd-Gilchrist, Anthony besides of Justin Holiday

Besides of an interest for Indiana Pacers’ Justin Holiday, the New York Knicks are looking to add to their rosters also Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Carmelo Anthony, as reported by Marc Berman of the New York Post.

The Kidd-Gilchrist name is a “new” one in Knicks strategies, as he’s seen as a solid locker room presence and a relevant defensive stopper in Tom Thibodeau plans. There is a belief, in the NBA, that Knicks’ executive Leon Rose will target players represented by his former player agency company, CAA.

Fonte: Marc Berman.

8 November 2020

08/11/2020 08:47

Nashville reportedly in consideration as Raptors’ temporary home for next season

Nashville, Tennessee, could serve as a temporary home for the Toronto Raptors next season, sources told Adam Vingan of The Athletic. The Raptors, who reportedly toured the city earlier this week, would play at Bridgestone Arena, the home to the Predators of the NHL.

Florida’s Tampa Bay and Missouri’s Kansas City are still in play as temporary homes, according to sources.

Fonte: Adam Vingan.

7 November 2020

07/11/2020 22:17

Arnas Velicka withdrawing from 2020 NBA Draft

1999-born Lithuanian guard Arnas Velicka is withdrawing his name from the 2020 NBA Draft, a source told Sportando. He will be automatically draft-eligible in 2021.

Velicka is currently playing in the French Jeep Elite, averaging 11.8 points and 5.8 assists per game for Chalons-Reims.

Velicka played for the Lithuanian national team at the U16, U17, U18, and U20 levels.

7 November 2020