NBA rumors

The New York Knicks could be interested in Paul George, according to a report by Marc Stein.

George, who could opt for the final year of his current $48.8 million contract, could push for a trade to another team.

In the 2023-2024 season, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

The New York Knicks are a team to watch for Paul George, per @TheSteinLine

“Another trusted source has advised me to keep the Knicks on the list as a potential trade suitor for George if the All-NBA swingman indeed opts into the final season of his current contract at $48.8… pic.twitter.com/STP4ertIzW

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 23, 2024

Boston Celtics centre Al Horford has confirmed that he will also play next season, his 18th in the NBA.

He has a $9.5 million contract for the final year of the two-year extension signed in 2022.

In the 2023-2024 season, he averaged 8.6 points and 6.4 rebounds.

Source: Jared Weiss/The Athletic.

The Dallas Mavericks have shown interest in Jerami Grant, currently with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Grant, 30, is in the second season of a five-year, $190 million contract. In the 2023-2024 season, Grant averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

The Dallas Mavericks have checked in on Jerami Grant, per @IanBegley

“Teams have tons of conversations about potential trades at this point in the league calendar. Several teams, including the Mavs, have checked in on Jerami Grant’s situation in Portland. Grant, 30, is entering… pic.twitter.com/LVzDPqJI0E

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 23, 2024

Mitchell Robinson is, along with Brook Lopez, one of the hottest names on the NBA market among the big men.

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Washington Wizards are also in the running for the 1998 class, who just finished a 37-game season averaging 5.1 points and 8.2 rebounds.

Mitchell Robinson still has two years left on his guaranteed contract with the New York Knicks at over $27 million.

REPORT: The Wizards are “among the teams” in talks with the Knicks on a potential trade surrounding Mitchell Robinson, per @IanBegley. pic.twitter.com/Nf4gLa1AOk

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 23, 2024

According to report by Dan Woike, LeBron James is not expected to exercise the $51.4 million Player Option included in his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Chosen One would then become an unrestricted Free Agent, free to sign with any team.

James has another week to make his decision official. However, his position with the Lakers would not be in doubt; in all likelihood, the NBA All-Time Leading scorer will sign a new two-year deal with No Trade Clause.

As mentioned, several insiders agree he should stay in L.A., but Warriors and other teams have been trying to get him just before the last Trade Deadline.

And in the background is always Bronny’s impending entry into the NBA….

The Milwaukee Bucks are preparing to say goodbye to shooting guard Malik Beasley, who played in 79 games last season. According to reports by Chris Haynes on Bleacher Report, the player will leave the Bucks to seek a new adventure in his career. As a result, Beasley would play his last games in a Bucks jersey in the playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.

During the last regular season, Beasley averaged 11.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

The Los Angeles Lakers may be back in pursuit of Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray this summer. This is reported by Shams Charania in the PatMcAfeeShow, who says that the Los Angeles franchise will have to be aggressive and will try to add Murray, a player who could leave Atlanta with the right offer, to its roster.

Over the course of the season, Murray averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game.

Jimmy Butler is set to leave the Miami Heat this summer, according to The Ringer. According to the popular website, executives from various NBA franchises have no doubt that the Heat superstar will be involved in a trade this offseason. In fact, Butler is approaching his 35th birthday and has one last year on his contract with the South Beach franchise, consequently Pat Riley will try to frame a trade to maximize his value without losing him as a free agent and especially without offering him the two-year, $113 million extension he wants. According to rival executives, this will be Pat Riley’s move to try to compete with the top forces in the East.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Orlando Magic’s interest in Klay Thompson was perhaps overstated.

Although there is interest, the club is considering a short-term contract, similar to the one offered to Joe Ingles last summer (two years, $22 million, with a team option for the second season), but presumably with a higher salary. Thompson, on the other hand, is seeking a long-term deal.

The Detroit Pistons have received permission to interview Dallas assistant Sean Sweeney and Minnesota assistant Micah Nori for their newly vacant coaching job.

The Pistons are also planning to interview former Cleveland coach JB Bickerstaff, who will be available to meet sooner than the rest. According to sources, the Pistons are expected to call for permission on more assistants as well.

ESPN Sources: The Detroit Pistons have permission to interview Dallas assistant Sean Sweeney and Minnesota assistant Micah Nori for newly vacant coaching job. Pistons are also planning to interview former Cleveland coach JB Bickerstaff, who’ll be available to meet sooner than the…

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2024

The Chicago Bulls are trading two-time All-Defensive Team guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, sources told ESPN. Caruso, 30, has been a long-time target for Thunder GM Sam Presti.

The Bulls acquire a young playmaker with All-Star potential in Giddey, who will provide the creativity and ability to pass and score that the team needed.

BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/V3t12MA3Uo

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2024

Free agent guard Malik Monk has decided to sign a four-year, $78 million deal to remain with the Sacramento Kings. Monk, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year runner-up, had a standout season averaging over 15 points and five assists.

The deal will be finalized once the league’s moratorium ends on July 6.

ESPN Sources: Free agent G Malik Monk intends to sign a four-year, $78 million deal — including a player option — to return to the Sacramento Kings. Monk had career-bests of 15 points and five assists on his way to the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year runner-up. pic.twitter.com/J8KuOwPl0H

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2024

JJ Redick will be the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The news was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski, who says there is a four-year contract between the parties.

The Lakers close their search for a new coach six days before the first major event of the Offseason, the 2024 NBA Draft.

Redick and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka have already begun work on assembling an elite coaching staff.

ESPN Sources: JJ Redick has agreed on a four-year contract to become the next coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Rob Pelinka offered job this morning and Redick’s started working on a staff to surround himself with experience. pic.twitter.com/G66eVFRALp

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2024

The Detroit Pistons have shocked the NBA world by firing coach Monty Williams, despite a six-year, $78.5 million contract signed only a year ago.

The move opened up a new position for some of the biggest names still on the market, including JJ Redick, a former NBA shooter and current ESPN analyst recently linked to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports reported that “James Borrego could be a name to keep an eye on, as could Redick, currently a leading candidate for the Lakers’ coaching job.” Additionally, Redick has a connection with the Pistons’ new president Trajan Langdon due to their connection to Duke and their partnership in New Orleans in 2019.

The Detroit Pistons have decided to fire coach Monty Williams after only one season, despite five years and $65 million remaining on his contract.

This was the decision of new president Trajan Langdon. Williams, a two-time NBA coach of the year, had signed a six-year contract in Detroit after leaving the Suns.

With a new front office, Detroit will start a new search for the next coach.

Williams — a two-time NBA coach of the year — was lured to Detroit with a massive six-year deal after leaving the Suns. He had initially planned to sit out a season while dealing with his wife’s cancer diagnosis, but took on Pistons’ rebuild under Troy Weaver. Now, a new front… https://t.co/12XIHbqoFp

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 19, 2024

All-NBA Pascal Siakam plans to sign a new four-year, $189.5 million contract to return to the Indiana Pacers.

Siakam plans to sign the deal once the free agency moratorium ends, i.e. next 6 July.

After January trade, Pacers held confidence in their relationship with agents Todd Ramasar and Jaafar Choufani of @Lifesportsagncy and trusted that Siakam had a sincere interest in staying long-term. https://t.co/XFn3EuyzxO

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 19, 2024

Jeff Van Gundy has reached an agreement to become the chief assistant on the LA Clippers coaching staff led by Ty Lue.

Van Gundy, considered one of the best minds in basketball, returns to the bench after 16 years as a television analyst for ESPN.

His relationship with Lue and the franchise’s appreciation for Van Gundy played a key role in his arrival. Van Gundy previously coached Lue during his season with the Houston Rockets in 2004.

With a 430-318 overall record as a head coach, Van Gundy brings a wealth of experience to the Clippers.

Source: ESPN

The New Orleans Pelicans are unwilling to offer a maximum contract extension to Brandon Ingram. The player, who has one year left on his five-year deal signed in 2020, has been the subject of market speculation since last season.

Without an extension, Ingram will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025.

The Pelicans do not intend to extend the veteran’s contract with a maximum four-year deal worth $208.5 million until the 2028-29 season.

The Brandon Ingram situation is a thorny problem to solve for David Griffin. The next few weeks could determine the next half-decade in New Orleans. https://t.co/e8Vws17NRF

— Christian Clark (@cclark_13) June 16, 2024

The Cleveland Cavaliers are not interested in trading Jarrett Allen for Brandon Ingram, according to a report from Sam Amico. In fact, the franchise appears to be unwilling to trade their long man unless he demands a trade. The Cavs’ plan for the future is to continue to build around Donovan Mitchell, who is expected to sign a max contract extension, Garland, Allen and Mobley, who is expected to sign a rookie max contract extension.

Sasha Vezenkov, despite frustrations over limited playing time in his first NBA season with the Sacramento Kings, has no intention of leaving the NBA. This was reported by insider Sean Cunningham.

Several sources close to the player denied reports of his desire to leave, calling them ‘misleading’. Vezenkov will abide by his contract with the Kings.

Inside sources indicate that Sacramento intends to keep Vezenkov, even though there is a market for him. Whether he will play for the Kings or for another team that will offer him a more significant role in the rotation remains to be seen.

While Sasha Vezenkov remains frustrated with the lack of playing time in his first NBA season with the Sacramento Kings, I’m told by several sources that there is no truth to the report of his desire to leave the NBA. One source close to Vezenkov called the report “off base” and…

— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) June 13, 2024

UConn released a statement from Dan Hurley last night after the resounding ‘no’ to the Los Angeles Lakers.

«I am humbled by this entire experience. At the end of the day, I am extremely proud of the championship culture we have built at Connecticut. We met as a team before today’s workout and our focus right now is getting better this summer and connecting as a team as we continue to pursue championships».

A statement from UConn Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dan Hurley: pic.twitter.com/16e77ykbVp

— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) June 10, 2024

Darvin Ham is back in Milwaukee.

Ham, who has spent the past two seasons as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, is joining the Bucks as Doc Rivers top assistant coach.

Darvin Ham is joining the Milwaukee Bucks as the top assistant coach to Doc Rivers, sources tell ESPN. Ham returns to the franchise after spending two years as the Lakers head coach. He had been highly sought-after among teams this spring. pic.twitter.com/k0yZeVKo1t

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 10, 2024

The rumors on the NBA market do not seem to stop now that the offseason is upon us: According to a report by Sam Amico, the San Antonio Spurs are very interested in acquiring Darius Garland via trade. The front office’s intention would be to pair Victor Wembanyama with a talented guard capable of setting up on his own but also playing alongside the long Frenchman.

Garland averaged 18 points and 6.5 assists per game last season and is due to make $36.7 million next year.

J.J. Redick is still a “viable candidate” to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told Jovan Buha of The Athletic. This despite news that the Lakers are “eager to close” Dan Hurley on Friday.

Redick was rumored to be the front runner for the position earlier in the week. Mike Krzyzewski has been unofficially advising the Lakers throughout the coaching search.

UConn coach Dan Hurley is set to meet with Los Angeles Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss on Friday, sources told ESPN. The Lakers are eager to finalize a deal with Hurley, a two-time national championship coach, and discussions on the contractual terms are already underway.

Hurley informed UConn’s administration on Wednesday and his players on Thursday about his interest in the Lakers’ coaching position. The Lakers aim to swiftly close the deal, hoping Hurley’s NCAA success can translate to the NBA. At 51, Hurley has always expressed a desire to coach in the NBA, and the opportunity to combine his tactical expertise with the storied Lakers brand is highly appealing.

The Los Angeles Lakers have identified Dan Hurley as the leading candidate for the bench, and are ready to extend him a huge offer to leave Connecticut.

The news was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Lakers for now have had only preliminary contacts with Hurley, but the parties plan to intensify negotiations in the coming days.

The coach, coming off two consecutive NCAA titles at the helm of the Huskies, has reportedly made no secret of his ambition to coach in the NBA and has expressed to the Lakers his desire to explore all aspects of the project that will be proposed to him.

Hurley reportedly convinced the Lakers thanks to his outstanding tactical acumen and unquestioned skills in player development.

LeBron James is said to be impressed by the sophisticated offensive plays set up by Hurley and his staff.

Wojnarowski paints a scenario that could be ideal for The Chosen One.

Assuming James returns to L.A. in free agency, the possibility of using the 55th overall pick in this month’s NBA draft on USC freshman guard Bronny James makes Hurley an even more intriguing candidate. If that happens, James gets a chance to play with his son and the benefit of Hurley and his staff becoming responsible for Bronny’s pro development.

The Lakers also spoke with Sam Cassell -assistant coach of the Boston Celtics- and David Adelman -assistant coach of the Denver Nuggets- in the course of their search.

The NBA is nearing completion of a combined 11-year, $76 billion set of deals with Disney, NBC and Amazon. The deals average out to $6.9 billion per season for the NBA, which is more than 2.5 times higher than its existing deals. The NFL recently doubled its feeds under its last deal to around $10 billion per year.