NBA rumors

29 May 2023

29/05/2023 21:50

Warriors GM Myers could leave this week

According to Marc Stein, Golden State Warriors GM, Bob Myers, could leave his role this week anticipating the expiration of his contract set for the end of June. Myers is reportedly looking to take a break from the NBA. He’s run the Warriors front office for the last nine seasons and could be looking to step back from the NBA for a while. Should that happen, Golden State is expected to promote Mike Dunleavy Jr. to run the team’s basketball operations.

29 May 2023

29/05/2023 16:09

Ricky Rubio says he is starting to consider his return home, Spain, Barcelona

Ricky Rubio joined the Cleveland Cavaliers’ drive for the playoffs in January after being finally given the all-clear.

The seasoned point guard reconsidered his alternatives outside of the North American-based league and decided against entering his 12th season in the NBA.
He stated during an appearance on the podcast La Sotana, “I am starting to consider my return,” regarding his desire to bring his skills back to Europe. “Returning home. Spain, Barcelona. around where you are from.”

Rubio’s desire to play in Europe when his son begins school confirms the eventual goal. The NBA’s timetable, which was revealed in December, was “in two or three years.”

During his 33 games, including two starts, in the Regular Season, Rubio, 32, averaged 5.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game. In the playoff series against the New York Knicks, he only appeared in three games and 5.7 minutes of action each.

His NBA debut was postponed till the beginning of the 2011–12 season after the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him with the fifth overall choice in the 2009 draft. He joined Barca in 2010 as a winner of the EuroLeague, and he has since attended 712 NBA games.

via Eurohoops.

29 May 2023

29/05/2023 16:05

CJ McCollum to Zion Williamson: ‘You can be as good as you wanna be, and that’s not for everybody’

Recent guests on The Ryen Russillo Show included C.J. McCollum. Zion Williamson was one of the subjects McCollum and the presenter in question addressed. Williamson’s career is now in his hands, according to McCollum and other players who have told him as much.

“I’ve had serious conversations with him on multiple occasions,” McCollum said. “Not just me, Larry (Nance Jr.). I’ve told him, ‘You can be as good as you wanna be, and that’s not for everybody’. The level of the best version of him is a level that everybody can’t get to.”

Only Williamson, according to McCollum, can aspire to be the dominant force he has occasionally been throughout his career.

“Your ceiling is unlike anything the NBA has ever seen,” McCollum said he’s told Williamson. “But it’s up to you to take full advantage of whatever that is. I can’t want it for you. Mom can’t want it for you. Dad can’t want it for you. Staff can’t want it for you. So, it’s up to you to decide what that looks like. You’ve got to figure out what you want to do with this game, because this game will go where you take it.”

29 May 2023

29 May 2023

29/05/2023 11:10

Sasha Vezenkov: I’m ready for new challenges

Sasha Vezenkov, EuroLeague MVP, is in the final stages of this season with Olympiacos. In an interview with Bulgarian television, the player has deferred any decisions about his future.

“I’m only thinking about how to win the title in Greece and what will be the right decision for me at this stage of my career,” he said to BNT. “Nobody knows what will happen in a few years, so I will decide how to proceed when the time comes. We agreed that it would be best to finish the season and then talk. We’ll see if they have a specific offer and what I will decide. I’m ready for new challenges, but as I’ve said before, Athens and Olympiacos are my home and I feel great.”

The Sacramento Kings acquired Vezenkov’s rights in the 2022 NBA Draft, when they sent a draft pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers that later became Isaiah Mobley.

29 May 2023

29/05/2023 10:52

Dallas Mavericks Keen to Keep Kyrie Irving, Dismiss D’Angelo Russell Sign-and-Trade Deal

The Dallas Mavericks’ intention remains to re-sign Kyrie Irving in free agency this summer. This would close the door on the Los Angeles Lakers, who would need support from Dallas to find cap space and bring Irving back alongside LeBron James.

Los Angeles is unlikely to create the necessary cap space to sign Irving. This would mean a sign-and-trade deal would have to be in place to bring Irving to the Lakers.

Marc Stein reports that the Mavericks have no interest in acquiring D’Angelo Russell in a sign-and-trade deal.

27 May 2023

27/05/2023 20:07

Milwaukee Bucks Reportedly Choose Next Season’s Coach, Adrian Griffin

The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly chosen their coach for the next season. Mike Budenholzer’s replacement will be Adrian Griffin, an assistant from the Toronto Raptors.

27 May 2023

26 May 2023

26/05/2023 17:10

Atlanta Hawks sign Igor Kokoskov as Quin Snyder’s top assistant

Igor Kokoskov has signed a deal to become Quin Snyder’s top assistant with the Atlanta Hawks, sources tell ESPN.

Kokoskov, who spent a year as the head coach of the Suns, previously worked for Snyder on his Utah Jazz and Missouri staffs.

26 May 2023

26 May 2023

26/05/2023 16:23

D’Angelo Russell wants a four-year contract extension

Sources have informed Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports that D’Angelo Russell was said to be pursuing a four-year contract extension worth approximately $100 million while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Following his acquisition by the Lakers in February, Russell faced difficulties in the playoffs, managing only a total of 25 points throughout the Lakers’ series against the Nuggets.

Despite his struggles on the court, sources emphasized that Russell was regarded as a valuable asset within the team, contributing positively to the overall atmosphere.

26 May 2023

20 May 2023

20/05/2023 08:39

Rockets reportedly expect to bring James Harden back to Houston

According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Houston Rockets’ expectation is to bring James Harden back to Texas during the offseason.

The reporter adds that the consensus among NBA insiders is that the guard will eventually return to Houston.
Harden will not exercise his 35 million-plus player option to sign a new multi-year deal with his next team.

Houston in free agency will have around 60 million in salary cap space, so they can offer Harden a max-contract.

The 33-year old guard ended last year with 21 points and an NBA-leading 10.7 assists per game.

18 May 2023

18 May 2023

18/05/2023 08:22

Clippers’ GM Michael Winger in Talks for Wizards’ Leadership Role

Los Angeles Clippers’ General Manager, Michael Winger, interviewed for the role of Head of Basketball Operations for the Washington Wizards. He’s the second known candidate to meet with Washington, along with New Orleans’ GM, Trajan Langdon.

Before joining the Clippers as GM in 2017, Winger spent seven years in OKC’s front office. He has previously spurned overtures to stay with the Clippers, where he works with the President of Basketball Operations, Lawrence Frank.

 

18 May 2023

18 May 2023

18/05/2023 08:12

Milwaukee Bucks target Vogel, interviewed Blair and Sampson

Former Lakers coach Frank Vogel is slated to interview for the Milwaukee Bucks head coaching vacancy this week, according to league sources.

The Bucks have also interviewed Washington Wizards assistant Joseph Blair for the coaching position, ESPN reports.

Blair, who clinched a G League title in 2019 with Rio Grande Valley, has since progressed as an NBA assistant with the Wizards, Timberwolves, and 76ers.

Milwaukee Bucks also interviewed University of Houston coach Kelvin Sampson.

18 May 2023

18/05/2023 07:56

Philadelphia 76ers’ James Harden Set to Become Unrestricted Free Agent

Philadelphia 76ers star, James Harden, intends to decline his $35.6 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent in order to secure a long-term deal, reports Bleacher Report.

Harden, 33, accepted a significant pay cut last season to help the Sixers build their team. Now, the guard is seeking a four-year contract.

The Houston Rockets have long been rumored as a potential destination, but sources say Harden will only consider contenders that present a competitive roster.

16 May 2023

16/05/2023 10:43

James Harden to be choosing between 76ers and Rockets this offseason?

Intriguingly, James Harden appears to be choosing this offseason between re-signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he can continue to compete for an Eastern Conference championship, and returning to the Houston Rockets in a rebuilding situation, which may be more comfortable for him personally.

According to Zach Lowe on his show, “I don’t know what Harden is going to do.” “Only God knows. James Harden’s future plans are unknown to me.

Tim MacMahon retorted, “The Rockets think he’s coming, but go on.”

“I know the Rockets think he’s coming,” Lowe said.

Harden requested a trade from the Rockets in 2020 and was dealt to the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021 before requesting a second trade in 2022 to the Sixers.

Harden re-signed with the Sixers this past offseason on a two-year, $68.6 million deal.

16 May 2023

16/05/2023 08:03

Milwaukee Bucks Eyeing Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Young as Potential Budenholzer Replacement

The Milwaukee Bucks are on the hunt for a replacement for Mike Budenholzer, and it appears their search has led them to the Phoenix Suns franchise. According to sources close to ESPN, the Bucks have received permission to interview Kevin Young, the current associate head coach of the Suns, for the head coaching position.

However, the Bucks are not the only team showing interest in Young. The same sources confirm that the coach is also a candidate for the Toronto Raptors, and is expected to soon interview with the Suns for a new opening within their organization.

Born in 1981 in Salt Lake City, Kevin Young made his NBA debut in 2016 with the 76ers and has been with Phoenix since 2020.

10 May 2023

9 May 2023

09/05/2023 15:17

Igor Kokoskov Possibly Joining Atlanta Hawks as Assistant Coach

Following their first-round playoff exit, the Atlanta Hawks are set to make significant changes to their coaching staff under head coach Quinn Snyder. Among the potential candidates to join Snyder’s staff is former Slovenia National Team head coach, Igor Kokoskov.

The duo has previously worked together, sharing a strong relationship. If Kokoskov joins the Hawks, he will have the opportunity to work with his fellow countryman, Bogdan Bogdanovic, who recently extended his contract with the team.

Source: Zach Klein, WSB TV Atlanta

9 May 2023

09/05/2023 09:48

French prospect Alex Sarr to join Perth Wildcats

French prospect Alex Sarr will play for the Perth Wildcats next season.

Per ESPN, Sarr, who stands just under 7-foot-1 in shoes, with a 7-4½ wingspan, is projected as the No. 17 pick in ESPN’s 2024 mock draft. He spent the past two years at Overtime Elite (OTE) in Atlanta after previously playing for Real Madrid’s youth team in Spain.

“I’ve been looking for a new challenge,” Sarr said. “The OTE experience was great. I had all the resources in the world and improved a lot the past two years. I need to take the next step with my game now; the NBL is what I need.”

8 May 2023

08/05/2023 19:59

Chris Paul likely out for Game 5, could return for Game 6

The Phoenix Suns are preparing for Chris Paul to miss Game 5 at the Denver Nuggets, but he could potentially return for Game 6, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Paul suffered a groin injury in Game 2, leading him to miss Games 3 and 4, which the Suns went on to win and holding serve at home.

8 May 2023

08/05/2023 15:47

Pistons’ Head Coach Search Narrows: Ollie, Collins, and Lee Set for Meetings

Detroit Pistons’ owner Tom Gores is set to meet the finalists for the team’s head coach vacancy this week. The Pistons have narrowed down their search to three top candidates.

Gores will hold discussions with Kevin Ollie, Jarron Collins, and Charles Lee. Both Ollie and Collins have extensive NBA playing experience, while Lee has held coaching positions at the NCAA and NBA levels.

Ollie, during his 14-year NBA career, played for 11 different teams. Following his playing days, he took up coaching at the University of Connecticut before transitioning to spearhead the coaching efforts at Overtime Elite.

Collins, on the other hand, played for four teams throughout his 10-year NBA career. He has since spent nine seasons as an assistant coach, working with the Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans.

After finishing his playing career, Lee began coaching at his alma mater, Bucknell. For the past nine years, he has been an assistant coach under Mike Budenholzer, working with both the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks.

As the week progresses, the Pistons’ management will carefully evaluate each candidate’s merits before making their final decision on the team’s next head coach.

3 May 2023

03/05/2023 15:13

Memphis Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks wants $25 million/year

Ramona Shelburne recently reported that Dillon Brooks is seeking $25 million per year, prompting the Grizzlies to opt for a separation from the player.

The Memphis Grizzlies have decided not to bring back the upcoming unrestricted free agent Dillon Brooks, according to league sources cited by The Athletic.

Following a tumultuous end to the season, the Grizzlies’ decision to move forward without Brooks was communicated to the player during end-of-season meetings with team executives, the sources added. Memphis and Brooks agreed that it is in the best interest of both parties to have a fresh start.

In the 2022-23 season, Dillon Brooks averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. His previous contract was for three years with a total value of $35 million.

2 May 2023

02/05/2023 19:26

Grizzlies reportedly told Dillon Brooks that he will not be re-signed in Free Agency

The Memphis Grizzlies have informed Dillon Brooks that they are not interested under any circumstances in a new deal, according to a report by Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Canadian forward was involved in several questionable episodes during the Grizzlies’ first-round series loss to the Lakers.

The reporter reveals that the Front Office tried to extend Brooks’ contract during the season, but without finding an agreement.

The Oregon product holds career averages of 14.5 points and 2.1 assists in 6 seasons in Memphis, with a high of 18.4 points in the 2021/22 season.

29 April 2023

29/04/2023 10:02

76ers still unsure if Embiid can play in Game 1 v Boston

The Philadelphia 76ers still aren’t saying if Joel Embiid will be able to return from a sprained right knee and play next week in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The 76ers completed a sweep of the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, providing a great opportunity for Embiid to rest up. Embiid, an NBA MVP finalist, missed Game 4 with the knee injury. He has yet to practice ahead of Monday’s Game 1 against the Boston Celtics.

Fonte: AP.

27 April 2023

27/04/2023 17:11

Knicks’ Jericho Sims undergoes season ending surgery

Jericho Sims, a center for the New York Knicks, had surgery on his right shoulder, ending his promising second NBA season, sources informed ESPN.

After the treatment on Wednesday, which was deemed successful, there will be a five-month recovery and rehabilitation period. Sims, 24, is anticipated to be ready when training camp opens in September, according to sources.

The Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in their first-round series to progress to the Eastern Conference semifinals where they would face the Miami Heat. On Sunday, that series will start.

Through the midst of the Knicks’ regular season, Sims found himself playing a bigger and bigger part. Sims played more than 15 minutes in 15 of New York’s 11 victories.

26 April 2023

26/04/2023 15:52

Ty Lue hopes to coach the Clippers next season: I do

The Phoenix Suns eliminated the LA Clippers in five games on Tuesday night. After losing the 2022 Play-In Tournament, LA missed the playoffs.

Ty Lue hopes to coach the Clippers next season despite recent struggles. Lue said, “I do.”

Lue has led the Clippers to 133-103 regular-season and 11-13 playoff records in three seasons. As LA’s head coach, he’s faced with roster instability because to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s injuries.