NBA rumors

26 October 2020

26/10/2020 09:09

JB Bickerstaff says Cavaliers are planning for the future with Andre Drummond

The Cleveland Cavaliers are planning the future with Andre Drummond.
The big man has a $28.7 million player option for next season.

Per Cleveland.com, “I have not asked him, ‘Hey man, are you opting in or opting out?’ But the conversations we’ve had have been positive. Indirectly those conversations have been about the future, what next year is going to look like, how he wants to be part of the team and how we can use him effectively and all those things.”

Bickerstaff added that “we’ve had no conversations about him not being here and we’ve been planning for the future with him.”

Fonte: RealGM.

26 October 2020

26/10/2020 08:46

NBA Salary Cap expected to decline “anywhere between $3 million and $12 million” for next season

The NBA Salary Cap is expected to decline “anywhere between $3 million and $12 million” for next season, sources told Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Per RealGM, the league reportedly missed its revenue projections by $1.5 billion due to a combination of the shutdown, cancellation of games, and finishing the season without fans.
It was reported on Friday that the NBA could hold up to 40% of player salaries for the upcoming season in escrow to offset anticipated losses due to having a limited amount of fans or no fans altogether.

25 October 2020

25 October 2020

25/10/2020 09:10

Tyronn Lue says he’s confident Leonard and George will stay with Clippers “for a long time”

New Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue opened up the possibility of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George remaining with the Clippers for many years.

“I think Kawhi and PG are going to stay for a long time. I think in their situation and where they want to be, it’s here with the Clippers. We just gotta make it a great environment, and we have to win,” Lue said in an appearance on ESPN’s The Jump with Rachel Nichols.

Fonte: ESPN.

24 October 2020

24/10/2020 22:12

NBA reportedly considering 2-week midseason break for next season

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst, the NBA is considering a two-week break at the midway point of the 20-21 season as there almost certainly won’t be an All-Star Weekend as scheduled in Indianapolis.

The league is proposing a 72-game regular season and a play-in tournament ahead of the playoffs. This mid-season break could also serve to held a mid-season tournament, which has been a long dream of commissioner Adam Silver.

Fonte: ESPN.

24 October 2020

24/10/2020 19:58

Raptors still hopeful of hosting games in Toronto next season

Members of the Toronto Raptors organization “remain hopeful” that the team will be able to host games in Toronto next season, sources told Josh Lewenberg of TSN.

The Raptors organisations is discussing several contingency plans regarding next season, because of possible travel restrictions regarding COVID-19. Lewenberg adds that Louisville was never on the table for the organization, despite some rumors shared in the recent days.

Fonte: Josh Lewenberg.

24 October 2020

24/10/2020 19:03

NBA could include in-season tournament and playoff play-in game next season

The NBA continues to discuss the possibility of holding a tournament and a play-in game for the playoffs during the 20-21 season, as reported by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Zach Lowe.

The league has long planned to use the 75th anniversary season in 21-22 to experiment with new revenue-generating formats, but they could revisit the option for next season after using the play-in tournament during the Orlando restart.

24 October 2020

24/10/2020 18:48

NBA could withhold 40% of player salaries in escrow next season

NBA agents are bracing for the possibility that the league will withhold up to 40 percent of player salaries during the 20-21 season in escrow, as reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

This amount of money, which would roughly be on the basis of $1.6B, would offset anticipates losses incurred by the league due to a drop in revenue in having either a limited number of fans attend games in person or no fans together.

Fonte: Bobby Marks.

23 October 2020

23/10/2020 22:32

2021 NBA All Star Weekend in Indianapolis could be canceled

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the 2021 NBA All Star Game could be canceled, though no final decision as been made as of now. The event is scheduled to be held in Indianapolis, for the second time in the city history after 1985.

Wojnarowski adds that because approximately two-thirds of the league’s current jurisdictions still aren’t allowing large gatherings of people – as well as the ominous current trajectory of the virus – the NBA has become less apt to delay start of season and wait on return of fans.

Fonte: Adrian Wojnarowski.

23 October 2020

23 October 2020

23/10/2020 21:02

NBA targeting December 22 for the start of a 72-game season, with Finals over by Olympics

The NBA is targeting Tuesday, December 22nd for the start of the 20-21 season with a 72-game regular season that finishes before the 2021 Olympics begin on July 23rd, reports The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

The league has started the season on a Tuesday in recent years with a doubleheader on TNT, and beginning the 2020-21 season around Christmas Day would allow the league to return to a semi-normal schedule while potentially allowing stars to play in the Olympics.

The NBA reportedly still prefers in-market play for the 20-21 season instead of a bubble or multiple bubbles.

Fonte: Shams Charania.

23 October 2020

23 October 2020

23/10/2020 19:46

NBA Board of Governors meets to discuss quicker 2020-21 season start, with less than 82 games

The NBA’s Board of Governors are meeting on Friday and discussing starting the 20-21 season as quickly as possible, playing fewer than 82 games and not waiting for fans to be permitted to all arenas across the league, ESPN reports.

Some are reportedly pushing the league to start as soon as Christmas Day in what is typically a high ratings day for the NBA, though some believe that won’t be feasible and instead prefer beginning the season on or around Martin Luther King Day in mid-January. While the conventional wisdom around the league had been to delay the start of the season, that shifted in recent days to a quicker timeline.

Fonte: ESPN.

23 October 2020

23/10/2020 08:39

Kenny Atkinson emerged as strong candidate to join Ty Lue’s staff in Los Angeles

Kenny Atkinson emerged as a strong candidate to join Ty Lue in Los Angeles as assistant coach.
Atkinson has been head coach of the Nets before the two sides parted ways in the middle of the season.
Another name in Clippers’ radars is Dan Craig, an assistant in Miami.

22 October 2020

22 October 2020

22/10/2020 22:16

Spencer Dinwiddie leaves Roc Nation, considering representing himself

Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie has parted with Roc Nation Sports and is seriously considering representing himself, according to Shams Charania.

This is not the first time that Dinwiddie has shown his creativity when it comes to managing his business. In the past, he made headlines when he tried to turn his NBA contract into an investment vehicle, while recently he attempted to crowdfund his next one in exchange for letting fans choose his next team.

Fonte: Shams Charania.

22 October 2020

22/10/2020 19:41

Pelicans officially hire Stan Van Gundy as new head coach

The New Orleans Pelicans have officially hired Stan Van Gundy as their new head coach.

“Stan’s ability to teach while building genuine relationships was one of his many strengths that drew us to him. We feel like we are hiring one of the most accomplished leaders and authentic human beings in the NBA,” Pelicans EVP of Basketball Operations David Griffin said.

Fonte: New Orleans Pelicans.

22 October 2020

22/10/2020 19:32

76ers hire Jameer Nelson as scout, G League team’s assistant GM

The Philadelphia 76ers have hired former NBA point guard Jameer Nelson as a scout and assistant GM for the Delaware Blue Coats, the organization’s G League team, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Nelson, 38, will work for the first time as an executive after playing 14 years in the NBA. He spent 10 seasons with the Orlando Magic, reaching the NBA Finals and becoming an All-Star in 2009. He also played for the Mavericks, Celtics, Nuggets, Pelicans and Pistons.

Fonte: NBC Sports Philadelphia.

22 October 2020

22/10/2020 14:59

Celtics reportedly monitoring situation between Drummond, Cavs

The Boston Celtics are monitoring the situation between Andre Drummond and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Evan Dammarell reports.
The parties are discussing a contractual extension, but they would still be far from an agreement.

Drummond has a player option for over $ 28 million option for next season and will most likely exercise it.

Last season he played just 8 games with Cleveland before the suspension, with averages of 17.5 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.

Fonte: Forbes.

21 October 2020

21/10/2020 20:16

Stan Van Gundy reportedly joining New Orleans Pelicans on a four-year deal

Stan Van Gundy has reached an agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans to become the next coach of the franchise, Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Shams Charania added that the former coach of Miami, Orlando and Detroit agreed to a four-year deal.

Van Gundy led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in the 2008/09 season

 

21 October 2020

21/10/2020 17:19

Joe Harris will reportedly receive significant interest beyond Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets swingman Joe Harris will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason at the age of 29 after shooting better than 40 percent on three-pointers in each of the past three seasons.

“I have news for the Nets,” said ESPN’s Zach Lowe on his podcast. “They’re going to have competition for Joe Harris. These teams with cap room all view Joe as a potential very good fit on the floor and a good culture guy. I think Harris may have even more of an market because teams trust their defense more. He’s more sort of positionally fluid on defense. I think the Nets are going to have to pay like $15 million per year to keep Joe Harris”.

Fonte: Zach Lowe.

21 October 2020

21/10/2020 16:37

Lakers assistant Phil Handy confirms he will remain with team next season

Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy has confirmed, in an interview with Jason Dumas of Kron4, that he will remain with the NBA Champions next season. Handy had been linked as a possibility to join Steve Nash’s staff at the Brooklyn Nets.

“I am a Los Angeles Laker,” Handy said. “What’s next for me is to wait for Frank Vogel to pick up the phone and text me or call me and give me what my next directives are. I’m just going to sit back and try to enjoy this championship we earned and, you know, decompress a little bit. We work so hard that people think we never take time off and I, myself, have had to learn to how to decompress and step away from the game, to where I can stay mentally and physically sharp. I’m going to enjoy this time with my friends and family, and I’ll be ready for whatever directives coach Vogel has for me next as we prepare for this next upcoming season.”

Fonte: Jason Dumas.

21 October 2020

21/10/2020 14:06

Denver keep signaling Michael Porter jr unavailability in trades

After reaching the Western Conference Finals, the Denver Nuggets are seen as likely looking for a trade to upgrade their roster, but Brian Windhorst of ESPN points out that the Nuggets are heavily reluctant to include rookie Michael Porter jr in any trade discussion.

“In talking to teams around the league, the Nuggets have made it clear: Michael Porter Jr. is not available,” said Brian Windhorst. “Do not ask.” Porter averaged 9.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 16.4 minutes over 55 games as a rookie in 19-20 after sitting out the 18-19 season due to a back injury.

21 October 2020

21/10/2020 11:44

At least three teams expected to pursue Derrick Jones jr in free agency?

At least three teams are expected to show interest in Derrick Jones jr, according to the Miami Herald.

Jones will be unrestricted free agent when the NBA free agency starts.

Via RealGM, Derrick Jones Jr. is expected to draw interest from the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Chicago Bulls, sources told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
The 23-year-old Jones is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Teams will be interested in Jones due to his age, athleticism, defensive ability, and a belief that he has yet to peak as a player.
After playing in every Heat game starting from December 1st, Jones averaged just 6.5 minutes in the playoffs.
Jones averaged 8.5 points and 3.9 rebounds last season.

21 October 2020

21/10/2020 11:39

Nets-Pelicans reportedly held talks before the 2020 deadline centered on Jrue Holiday

New Orleans Pelicans and Brooklyn Nets discussed a trade centered on Jrue Holiday before last trade deadline according to Espn.

Via RealGM, Holiday is commonly viewed as a player who would fit perfectly with Kevin Durant and Jrue Holiday due to his ability to play off the ball and his ability on defense while matching Brooklyn’s timeline of contention.
“That certainly is something that’s been out there and I think it has been reported. If it hasn’t been reported, I found out somewhere, I don’t think it was from an executive, maybe it was, there was some discussions between the Nets and Pelicans in February.”
Holiday can become a free agent in 2021.

21 October 2020

21/10/2020 09:53

Pistons reportedly to have market for Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin is expected to have suitors when the NBA market will begin.
Griffin has two years remaining on his contract at $36.8MM and $38.9MM (the second one is a player option) with the Detroit Pistons that acquired him from the Clippers in January 2018.

Per RealGM, Griffin was limited to just 18 games during the 19-20 season after having two surgeries on his left knee.
“Enough people have asked me what I’ve heard about Blake Griffin and how he’s looking,” said Zach Lowe on his podcast. “What am I hearing? This and that. That I think Detroit is going to have a market for him.
“I don’t think it’s going to be, like, strong. They’re not going to have two first round picks, or even a first round pick unless they take back something onerous too. But I’ve had enough teams ask me about Blake Griffin that I think there’s still interest in what he can do to help you win.”

 

21 October 2020

21/10/2020 09:43

Knicks have Killian Hayes as team’s second point guard on the board after LaMelo Ball

The New York Knicks would love to pick LaMelo Ball or James Wiseman in the upcoming NBA draft and they are also ready to trade down their pick if the two won’t be available at no.8.

Per NY Post, It doesn’t mean the Knicks will pick him if he falls to No. 8 in the NBA Draft, but Killian Hayes currently has a narrow edge as the team’s second point guard on the board after LaMelo Ball, according to NBA sources.
Hayes has agreed to do a limited number of private, in-person workouts with one team. The Knicks probably will be granted an audience, according to a source.

21 October 2020

21/10/2020 09:16

Bucks to pursue Victor Oladipo?

The Milwaukee Bucks may pursue Victor Oladipo in the next NBA market.
The guard has a contract worth $21 million for next season and he is unlikely to remain in Indianapolis.

Per RealGm, Oladipo has one season remaining on his contract with the Pacers and has an uncertain future, while the Bucks are expected to be active in trade talks to upgrade their roster ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s supermax decision this year, or perhaps free agent decision in 2021.
“I’ll give you a team I’m keeping an eye on with Victor Oladipo,” said Zach Lowe on his podcast. “Milwaukee. Just keeping my eye on them. That’s all I’m going to say. I’m keeping my eye on them.
Oladipo was an All-Star in his first two seasons with the Pacers, but was uneven in 19-20 as he worked his way back from a ruptured quad tendon suffered in January 2019.

21 October 2020

21/10/2020 07:30

Clippers name Ty Lue head coach

The LA Clippers have named Tyronn Lue as the team’s head coach, it was announced today by Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released.

Lue will become the franchise’s 26th head coach after serving as an assistant coach for the Clippers during the 2019-20 season. Before joining LA, he was the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2016-18, amassing a 128-83 record, taking the team to three consecutive NBA Finals, and winning the franchise’s first NBA title in 2016.

“Ty has been where we want to go. He is a championship head coach with an extraordinary feel for the game and the people who play it,” Frank said. “He’s one of the great minds in our league, and he’s able to impart his vision to others, because he connects with everybody he meets. We conducted a thorough search and spoke with fantastic candidates. We found that the best choice for our team was already in our building. As head coach, Ty will put a unique imprint on the organization, and drive us to new heights.”

“The pieces we need are in place – committed ownership, smart management and elite talent, on and off the court, in the NBA’s best market,” Lue said. “My familiarity with the organization, particularly Mr. Ballmer and Lawrence, confirmed this is where I want to be. We have work to do to become champions, but we have the motivation, the tools, and the support to get there. I’m excited to get started.”

During the 2015-16 season, Lue became the fourth head coach since 1980 to win an NBA Championship during his first year, and the 14th person to have won a title as a head coach and as a player. During that same season, Lue was also selected to coach the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Over the next two seasons, he led the Cavaliers to two more Finals appearances, becoming the third head coach in NBA history to lead his team to three straight NBA Finals in his first three seasons. Lue previously worked on the Clippers staff as an assistant coach from 2013-14. He joined the team after spending two years with the Boston Celtics, as an assistant coach and the director of basketball development.

A native of Mexico, Missouri, Lue played 11 seasons in the NBA, winning two NBA championships in 2000 and 2001 with the Lakers. He appeared in 554 career games and averaged 8.5 points and 3.1 assists. Lue attended the University of Nebraska, where he was selected First-Team All-Big 12 in 1998 and had his jersey (#10) retired by the school in 2017.

Fonte: Los Angeles Clippers.

20 October 2020