NBA rumors

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

20 October 2020

20/10/2020 19:59

Pacers officially hire Nate Bjorkgren as head coach

Press release from the Indiana Pacers regarding the hiring of Nate Bjorkgren as their new head coach.

The Indiana Pacers announced Tuesday that they have hired Nate Bjorkgren as head coach. Per team policy, the terms of the contract were not released.

Bjorkgren (pronounced BEE-ork-gren) served as assistant coach of the Toronto Raptors during the past two seasons (2018-20), and helped the Raptors win their first NBA Championship during the 2018-19 season. He also served as player development coordinator and assistant coach of the Phoenix Suns for two seasons from 2015-17 before joining the Raptors as an advanced scout during the 2017-18 season.

PHOTOS: Nate Bjorkgren Career Gallery »

“We are very pleased and excited to have Nate as our new coach,” said President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard. “This was an extensive and thorough search, and when we reached the conclusion, we felt strongly Nate is the right coach for us at the right time. He comes from a winning background, has experienced championship success, is innovative and his communication skills along with his positivity are tremendous. We all look forward to a long, successful partnership in helping the Pacers move forward.”

Prior to his tenure as an NBA assistant, Bjorkgren served as a head coach in the NBA G League for four seasons and compiled a 126-74 record (.630) with the Bakersfield Jam (2014-15), Iowa Energy (2013-14), Santa Cruz Warriors (2012-13), and Dakota Wizards (2011-12). He served as an assistant coach under current Raptors head coach Nick Nurse for Iowa from 2007-11 and helped the Energy win the 2010-11 NBA G League championship.

“I am honored to take on the role as head coach of the Indiana Pacers,” said Bjorkgren. “This is something I have prepared for during my career. I want to thank Kevin, Chad (Buchanan), Kelly (Krauskopf), Larry Bird, Donnie Walsh, and Herb and Steve Simon for this opportunity. I also want to thank Nick Nurse for giving me my first professional coaching job 14 years ago.”

“I’m looking forward to working with this great team to achieve our goal as NBA Champions.”

Bjorkgren is a native of Storm Lake, Iowa. He played basketball collegiately at the University of South Dakota and Buena Vista University in Iowa.

Fonte: Indiana Pacers.

20 October 2020

20 October 2020

20/10/2020 18:45

Indiana Pacers to hire Nate Bjorkgren as head coach

The Indiana Pacers will hire Nate Bjorkgren as head coach for next season.
Bjorkgren comes from the Toronto Raptors where he was Nurse’ assistant coach.
The coach will replace Nate McMillan, fired at the end of the season.

20 October 2020

19 October 2020

19/10/2020 14:55

Raptors looking not to exceed four-year, $80 million deal for VanVleet

One of the Toronto Raptors’ main targets in the next free agency is to re-sign Fred VanVleet. But the former NBA champions will try not to exceed a four-year, $80 million deal for the player.

Per ESPN, If the Raptors sign VanVleet to a larger number due to interest from rival teams, they would presumably need to shed salary in other areas if they end up signing a max player in 2021.

The Raptors are widely expected to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes a free agent in 2021.

Fonte: ReaLGM.

19 October 2020

19/10/2020 14:39

Bucks will not look to trade Antetokounmpo if he passes on extension

The Milwaukee Bucks will not try to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo if decides to pass on the extension when free agency begins.
The two-time MVP will become unrestricted free agent in the free agency at the end of the season 2020-2021 if he doesn’t sign a new contract with Milwaukee.

Per ESPN, If Giannis Antetokounmpo passes on an extension with the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason, Tim Bontemps of ESPN reports that “multiple sources have emphatically said Milwaukee will not look to trade [him].”

The Bucks will instead try to improve their roster and bolster their case on why Antetokounmpo should sign long-term with the franchise.

The Bucks could be major players in the trade market if they are willing to increase payroll.

A few teams such as the Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat could be more aggressive in 2020 if Antetokounmpo does sign an extension now.

Fonte: ESPN.

18 October 2020

18/10/2020 20:29

Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers in talks for Derrick Rose?

Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers in talks for Derrick Rose?

Sean Deveny wrote: «Back at the NBA trading deadline, it was no secret that the Lakers had an interest in bringing in some bench help, particularly in the backcourt. While not trade came to pass, there were talks that involved Pistons guard Derrick Rose, who was briefly a teammate of LeBron James in Cleveland».

18 October 2020

18/10/2020 18:47

Stephen Silas, Jeff Van Gundy, and John Lucas are three finalists for Rockets bench

Stephen Silas, Jeff Van Gundy, and John Lucas are the three finalists to be the next head coach of the Houston Rockets as reported by Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston.

Daryl Morey reportedly took a diminished role in the current search.

18 October 2020

18 October 2020

18/10/2020 14:31

Raptors’ Fred VanVleet could reportedly get similar contract to Malcolm Brogdon

Malcolm Brogdon’s contract with the Indiana Pacers is a barometer for what Fred VanVleet could expect to earn this offseason, sources told Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. Brogdon signed a four-year, $85 million deal with the Pacers last offseason.

According to Bondy, the Raptors remain the favorites to re-sign VanVleet but they face a tough competition with Detroit, Phoenix and New York reportedly on the hunt.

Fonte: Stefan Bondy.

18 October 2020

17 October 2020

17 October 2020

16 October 2020

16/10/2020 15:46

Preferential treatment Kawhi Leonard got from Clippers “ruffled the feathers of some teammates”

The preferential treatment that Kawhi Leonard received from the Los Angeles Clippers “ruffled the feathers of some teammates,” according to The Athletic.

Per RealGM, Patrick Beverley, Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams reportedly “bristled” when Leonard was allowed to take games off. Leonard played in 57 games last season.
Leonard, who lived in San Diego last year, was also “often” late for team flights.
In addition, Leonard was allowed to control when he was pulled from games.

16 October 2020

16/10/2020 08:56

Daryl Morey on leaving Rockets: It just felt like the right time

Daryl Morey said it was the perfect timing to part ways with the Houston Rockets.

Per ESPN, Morey’s resignation will be effective on Nov. 1, the team announced Thursday, as he will continue to assist owner Tilman Fertitta and the Rockets’ front office in the franchise’s search for a new head coach.
“For me, it was just a great run,” Morey told ESPN on Thursday night in a telephone conversation that also included Fertitta. “Personally, the timing worked for me. My youngest son just graduated from high school, and it was just the right time to see what’s next with family and other potential things in the future. It just felt like the right time.”

Fonte: ESPN.

15 October 2020

15/10/2020 23:19

John Lucas gaining momentum as frontrunner for Houston Rockets

John Lucas may be frontrunner for Rockets head coach job as reported by Marc Stein.

Jeff Van Gundy remains a co-finalist in Houston and was still talking to the Rockets today after their initial interview Wednesday.

But Lucas, league sources say, has at least three key admirers in the organization: James Harden, Russell Westbrook and new Rockets GM Rafael Stone

15 October 2020

15 October 2020

15 October 2020

15 October 2020

15 October 2020

15 October 2020

15 October 2020

15 October 2020

15/10/2020 18:27

Houston Rockets to promote Rafael Stone as GM?

Houston Rockets are planning to promote Executive VP of Basketball Operations Rafael Stone to general manager to replace Daryl Morey.

Eli Witus could become Assistant GM.

15 October 2020

15/10/2020 18:14

Daryl Morey to leave Houston Rockets

Daryl Morey is stepping down Houston Rockets as reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

«In the aftermath of Houston’s elimination from the NBA’s restart in Orlando, Florida, Morey approached owner Tilman Fertitta with the idea of leaving the job and the sides quietly worked through an exit agreement to conclude his 13 seasons running the franchise’s basketball operations, sources said» Wojnarowski wrote.

Morey will remain in an advisory role for a short period to assist in the Rockets’ completion of their head-coaching search.

15 October 2020

15/10/2020 17:17

Anthony Davis plans to opt out of deal to re-sign with Lakers

Anthony Davis will opt out of the final year of his deal to become free agent.
But the power forward will re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Davis has a contract worth $28.7 million for next season.

15 October 2020

15/10/2020 12:28

Dave Joerger reportedly a candidate to join Doc Rivers’ staff in Philadelphia

Dave Joerger is a candidate to join Doc Rivers’ staff in Philadelphia.
Joerger is also a name for the Indiana Pacers head coaching job.
The coach has been at the helm of Grizzlies and Kings in the NBA.