NBA rumors

Boston’s hopes of becoming a modern NBA dynasty took a major hit with Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles, sidelining him well into 2026. Brad Stevens now faces the challenge of keeping Boston competitive while navigating CBA restrictions.

With a projected $500M in combined salaries and taxes, the Celtics will likely make changes. Kristaps Porzingis, entering the final year of his deal, is viewed as the top trade candidate, with interest from teams like the Warriors and Lakers.

Despite the financial pressure, Boston won’t rebuild. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday are considered untouchable, while players like Pritchard and Hauser could be moved. Horford and Kornet’s futures also hang in the balance as free agents.

Source: ClutchPoints

The Denver Nuggets have reached an agreement with David Adelman to make him the team’s new head coach, sources told ESPN.

Adelman, who served as interim coach following the dismissal of Michael Malone, led the Nuggets to a 3-0 record in the regular season and guided the team through a playoff series win, falling just one game short of the Western Conference Finals.

The Denver Nuggets and interim David Adelman have agreed on a deal to make Adelman the franchise’s next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Adelman went 3-0 in regular season after taking over for Michael Malone and won a playoff series, leading Denver to one win from the West finals. pic.twitter.com/22ctnfhg4J

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 22, 2025

Josh Longstaff, now an assistant with the Charlotte Hornets, is among the reported candidates for the Phoenix Suns’ head coaching job.

His background includes stints under Billy Donovan, Mike Budenholzer, and with Team USA under Jeff Van Gundy.

Longstaff has also served as head coach of the Erie BayHawks, and held assistant roles with the Knicks and Thunder.

The Suns are exploring several profiles with proven NBA experience, and Longstaff could be a strong under-the-radar option.

Sources: Hornets assistant Josh Longstaff is among the candidates for the Suns head coaching job. He was an assistant for Bulls coach Billy Donovan, former Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, Team USA for Jeff Van Gundy, Erie BayHawks head coach, a Knicks assistant, and worked for OKC.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 15, 2025

The Golden State Warriors are expected to bring back Draymond Green alongside Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, but questions loom over the rest of the roster. The biggest uncertainty surrounds Jonathan Kuminga, a restricted free agent who could either be retained or used in sign-and-trade deals to bring in new talent.

The team needs a more impactful starting center and additional shooting and scoring to create better spacing—especially for Butler, who struggled once Curry was sidelined. Internal improvement is also key from young players like Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, who were inconsistent throughout the playoffs.

This is the same challenge that’s defined the Warriors’ recent years: competing at the tail end of Curry’s prime while trying to develop the next generation. Since winning the 2022 title, they haven’t made it past the second round.

Source The Athletic

James Harden ha una player option da 36.3 milioni per l’estate, ma potrebbe rifiutarla per firmare un accordo pluriennale con i Los Angeles Clippers.

La franchigia avrebbe così l’occasione di coordinare il nuovo contratto con quello già esistente di Kawhi Leonard, sotto contratto fino al 2027.

Nel 2027, l’unico contratto garantito in rosa sarebbe quello di Ivica Zubac, aprendo uno scenario con oltre 100 milioni di spazio salariale. Harden è stato All-Star nel suo primo anno pieno a LA, formando una solida coppia con Zubac nel pick-and-roll.

Fonte: The Athletic

The Atlanta Hawks have interviewed Danny Ferry, Calvin Booth, and Monte McNair for their president of basketball operations position.

Ferry previously held the role with Atlanta (2012–2015), while Booth and McNair recently stepped down from Denver and Sacramento, respectively.

The new president will work alongside current GM Onsi Saleh. Bob Myers was also approached, though he is expected to stay in broadcasting.

Source: The Stein Line

Fred VanVleet and the Houston Rockets have moved the deadline on his $44.9M player option for 2025-26 to June 29, per ESPN. The extra time allows both sides to explore two strategic paths.

They could decline the option and re-sign at a lower salary, gaining cap flexibility but losing trade eligibility until mid-December. Or they could exercise the option, preserving trade potential at the cost of valuable cap room.

The Houston Rockets and guard Fred VanVleet are pushing back Friday’s deadline date to June 29 on his $44.9 million team option for 2025-26 season, sources tell ESPN. This gives both sides additional time to navigate exercising the option versus completing a longer term deal.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 7, 2025

Giannis Antetokounmpo shared a heartfelt Instagram post early Monday, featuring a photo of him wearing a Milwaukee Bucks training shirt with the caption “Win for Cream City”—a nod to the city’s nickname due to its iconic cream-colored buildings. The post was soundtracked by LEX’s Greek rap song “Αλήτικη Αγάπη” (Rebel Love), and Giannis added two emojis: one for gratitude and another showing a military salute.

 

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Un post condiviso da Giannis Ugo Antetokounmpo (@giannis_an34)

Speaking with ESPN, LeBron James made it clear he won’t try to influence Luka Dončić in his upcoming contract decision with the Los Angeles Lakers. “That ain’t my job,” said the 40-year-old superstar. “Luka knows how I feel about him. This trade was about the future, not about me.”

James emphasized the difference in timelines: “He’s 26, I’m 40. He can’t base his career off mine. I hope he stays — the fans love him, the city has embraced him, and we love him as a teammate and brother. But ultimately, it’s his decision.”

The Memphis Grizzlies have officially promoted Tuomas Iisalo to head coach, per Shams Charania. After taking over as interim in late March, Iisalo now enters the record books as the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history.

A former player in Finland with a 14-year professional career, Iisalo made his mark in Europe as a coach. He won the EuroCup and was named EuroCup Coach of the Year in 2024 before joining the Grizzlies staff.

This appointment underscores Memphis’ trust in Iisalo’s international experience and tactical leadership, as they aim to return to contention under his guidance.

The Memphis Grizzlies are hiring interim Tuomas Iisalo as the franchise’s next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Iisalo replaced Taylor Jenkins as interim in late March and is now the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/4xdAImXix3

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 2, 2025

The San Antonio Spurs are hiring Mitch Johnson as the team’s next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Johnson, a decade-long assistant and the interim coach since Gregg Popovich’s stroke in November, officially becomes the legendary coach’s successor.

By appointing Johnson, the Spurs preserve the identity and organizational structure established by Popovich, CEO RC Buford, and GM Brian Wright, who joined the team in the same 2016 offseason as Johnson.

Johnson’s leadership during the latter part of the 2024-25 season earned widespread praise, and now he takes the reins of a young, rebuilding team featuring rising stars like Stephon Castle. His promotion signals trust in internal development — a core Spurs value.

Breaking: The San Antonio Spurs are hiring assistant Mitch Johnson as the franchise’s next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Johnson has been an assistant in Spurs program for a decade, took over as interim coach in November – and now earns job as Gregg Popovich’s successor. pic.twitter.com/43tpK5gEA9

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 2, 2025

Davis Bertans’ future could be in the NBA again. According to Sportando, some NBA franchises are monitoring the player for this summer.

Class of 1992, the Latvian player is averaging 11.6 points in the ABA League in a Dubai Basketball jersey with 41.9% from 3 and 69% from 2.

The Houston Rockets lost Game 3 to the Golden State Warriors 104-93, missing a golden opportunity with Jimmy Butler sidelined.

Jalen Green struggled, scoring just 9 points, while Houston’s offense crumbled under defensive pressure and wasted a 13-point first-half lead.

If they fail to respond, roster changes — possibly including Green — could follow, as the franchise faces pivotal offseason decisions.

Source: The Athletic

The Sacramento Kings are finalizing a deal to hire Scott Perry as their new general manager, sources told ESPN. Perry replaces Monte McNair, who mutually parted ways with the team after Wednesday’s play-in loss.

Perry briefly worked for the Kings in 2017 and has held executive roles with the Pistons, Magic, SuperSonics, and most recently the Knicks.

Major shakeup for the Sacramento Kings: per ESPN and The Athletic, the franchise has mutually parted ways with GM Monte McNair, who won Executive of the Year in 2023.

Meanwhile, Jim Moran, assistant coach, has accepted a new role at Florida State University under head coach Luke Loucks, per SacObserver.

Source: ESPN, The Athletic, SacObserver

The Kings and GM Monte McNair have mutually agreed to part ways, league sources tell @TheAthletic

— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) April 17, 2025

The Sacramento Kings and general manager Monte McNair are mutually parting ways, sources tell ESPN. McNair spent five seasons running the Kings, winning NBA executive of the year in 2023 when Sacramento went 48-34 and snapped a record 16-year drought to make the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/off3QWsZnU

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 17, 2025

Joe Dumars is finalizing an agreement to become the New Orleans Pelicans’ new president of basketball operations, sources told ESPN.

The Hall of Fame executive, who built the 2004 NBA champion Detroit Pistons, now returns to his native Louisiana. Dumars replaces David Griffin, recently dismissed after a disappointing tenure.

Hall of Famer Joe Dumars is finalizing a deal to become the new president of basketball operations of the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN. Dumars was president of the Pistons from 2000-14, building the 2004 Detroit championship team. Now returns home to Louisiana. pic.twitter.com/SrgfHBbHTP

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 15, 2025

LaMelo Ball doesn’t let trade speculation get under his skin. When asked if rumors about his future with the Charlotte Hornets bother him, Ball gave a classic response:

“I’m bothered if I don’t eat, if I ain’t got the meal, I’ll call my people, hopefully some food will come. Bother means like stuff throughout the day.

Like the dog pisses on the floor or something like that, that bothers me. But telling you to go somewhere or do this, nah. It can’t.” Once again, Ball proves he’s as unbothered as ever.

Following a franchise-worst 21-61 season since 2005, Pelicans coach Willie Green admitted no talks have been held yet about his return next season.

“We failed. I failed,” Green said, though he hopes his full body of work will be considered. Injuries to Zion Williamson, Murray, Jones, and others marred the season. “Nobody is safe,” added Trey Murphy, summing up New Orleans’ uncertain summer.

Despite a disappointing campaign, Daryl Morey confirmed he and coach Nick Nurse will be back with the Philadelphia 76ers next season.

Injuries to Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey derailed 2024, but Morey plans to build a younger, deeper roster. With a projected top-5 pick, the Sixers will draft the best player available, regardless of position. “Every hour will go into fixing this,” Morey promised.

Chauncey Billups and the Portland Trail Blazers have reached an agreement on a multi-year extension, as reported by Shams Charania.

Billups is about to complete his 4th season on the Trail Blazers’ bench.

This year the team showed major progress especially in the second half of the regular season, launching talented players like Avdija, Camara, Sharpe and Henderson, as well as rookie Clingan.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has agreed to a multiyear contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Blazers officials negotiated a new deal with Billups’ representation, Andy Miller of Klutch Sports, as the coach finished the final guaranteed year on his contract. https://t.co/fyO36RRlvr

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 13, 2025

According to Keith Pompey , Colin Castleton will leave the Philadelphia 76ers to sign a two-year deal with the Toronto Raptors.

The big man has played 25 games this year between the Grizzlies, Raptors and 76ers, averaging 4.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in 16 minutes.

In recent days, the Canadian team waived Orlando Robinson and Cole Swider in order to convert A.J. Lawson’s two-way contract and sign Castleton.

The Phoenix Suns were looking for a massive haul for Kevin Durant at the trade deadline, but talks stalled as KD didn’t want an in-season move.

This summer, trade discussions could resume, but Durant’s age (37) and a potential $120M extension complicate matters. Most contenders are close to tax aprons, making deals difficult. The Suns may need to pivot to flexibility over assets.

Source: ESPN – Brian Windhorst

Dario Saric is leaning toward exercising his $5.4 million player option with the Denver Nuggets, per The Denver Post, but the decision isn’t final. After limited playing time in his first season with Denver — just 16 appearances and 13 minutes per game — the Croatian forward may reconsider his future this summer.

Several European clubs, including Real Madrid and Dubai Basketball, have shown interest in Saric, who admitted: “I’ll talk with my family after the season and see what’s best.”

The Nuggets face cap pressure, and Saric’s salary could become an obstacle. If he opts in, Denver would have limited roster flexibility unless they manage a buyout — an option complicated by previous salary-dump trades. A return to Europe could offer Saric more minutes and a lead role.

Source: The Denver Post

The Phoenix Suns are expected to work with Kevin Durant on a potential trade this summer, reports Shams Charania. Following two underwhelming seasons since adding Bradley Beal, the franchise may pivot and explore deals.

At the trade deadline in February, Minnesota, Miami, New York, San Antonio, and Houston reportedly showed mutual interest in acquiring Durant, and those teams could re-engage in talks this offseason. Durant will be eligible for a two-year, $120M extension, but currently has an expiring deal, giving him influence over his next destination.

Durant’s next move could dramatically shift the balance of power across the league.

Source: ESPN / Shams Charania

Cade Cunningham is widely expected to earn an All-NBA selection, which would activate the Rose Rule clause in his contract and increase its value from $224M to $269M over five years. That would raise his starting salary to 30% of the cap.

Cunningham is averaging 25.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.2 assists, leading the Detroit Pistons to one of the NBA’s biggest turnarounds after last year’s 14-68 record. He finished 7th in ESPN’s MVP straw poll, solidifying his All-NBA case.

“He just needs playoff experience now,” said a West exec. “Let’s see how he handles a series tailored against him.”

Source: RealGM

According to Logan Murdock (The Ringer), Kevin Durant is open to remaining with the Phoenix Suns beyond this season.

Durant will be eligible for a two-year, $122 million extension this summer. Devin Booker, his teammate and admirer, said he’d love to keep playing alongside his idol.

Source: The Ringer

Averaging a career low in touches this season reportedly didn’t sit well with Ja Morant, per @espn

“This season, Morant is averaging career lows in touches, average touch length and dribbles per touch this season. Morant’s 22.4 points per game is his lowest scoring average… pic.twitter.com/va8snZtl9M

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 1, 2025

According to the New York Post, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains Plan A for Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks.

If the Greek Freak isn’t available this summer, the team may tank and build through the 2026 draft, or target stars like Ja Morant, Sabonis, Trae Young, or LaMelo Ball.

The Nets must decide whether to hold assets for Giannis or pivot to a quicker rebuild.

Source: New York Post