NBA Intel: Lakers, Warriors, Nets, Thunder, Bulls, Nuggets, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Kings, Raptors, Clippers

HoopsHype has gathered the latest intel on top trade candidates, including De’Aaron Fox, Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, Zach LaVine, Cam Johnson, and D’Angelo Russell. Plus, reporting on what’s next for the Lakers, Warriors, Nets, Thunder, Grizzlies, Pistons, Pelicans, Raptors, Clippers, and more from Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.

With New Year’s upon us, there could be leftover fireworks in January and early February heading into the 2025 NBA trade deadline.

Thus, HoopsHype has gathered the latest intel on top trade candidates, including De’Aaron Fox, Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, Zach LaVine, Cam Johnson, and D’Angelo Russell. Plus, reporting on what’s next for the Lakers, Warriors, Nets, Thunder, Grizzlies, Pistons, Pelicans, Raptors, Clippers, and more.

Dru Smith Q&A: ‘There were plenty of days of frustration’

Dru Smith, a two-way guard for the Miami Heat, is rumored to be soon converted to a standard multi-year contract after the team traded Thomas Bryant creating cap flexibility. At 6-foot-3, Smith has impacted coach Erik Spoelstra’s rotation with his …

Dru Smith, a two-way guard for the Miami Heat, is rumored to be soon converted to a standard multi-year contract after the team traded Thomas Bryant creating cap flexibility.

At 6-foot-3, Smith has impacted coach Erik Spoelstra‘s rotation with his defensive energy, a knack for hitting open looks, and ability to play on-or-off ball. After an impressive college career at Evansville and Missouri, he has spent the past four years bouncing between the NBA and the G League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (and briefly with the Long Island Nets), where he was consistently a standout performer.

In an interview with HoopsHype, Smith shared how he has been navigating his career obstacles like recovering from a torn ACL, making the most out of every chance he gets and more.

Thomas Bryant Q&A: Catching up with Heat center

The Miami Heat’s Thomas Bryant has quietly carved out a solid career as a dependable and efficient big man. Known for his ability to space the floor and provide an interior presence on defense, he is the epitome of professionalism as a role player …

The Miami Heat’s Thomas Bryant has quietly carved out a solid career as a dependable and efficient big man. Known for his ability to space the floor and provide an interior presence on defense, he is the epitome of professionalism as a role player

After a standout collegiate career at Indiana University, Bryant found his footing with the Washington Wizards, eventually earning a championship ring with the Denver Nuggets in 2023.

Now in Miami, whether as a key role player, a reliable backup, or a mentor, Bryant exemplifies the Heat’s culture of hard work and professionalism.

Bryant spoke with HoopsHype his experience adapting to new roles, playing alongside legends such as LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, and Jimmy Butler, and offering his perspective on generational talents like Victor Wembanyama.

Top NBA trade candidates for the 2024-25 season

Top NBA trade candidates for the 2024-25 season, including reporting on all 30 teams from HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.

Following the blockbuster Karl-Anthony Towns deal to the New York Knicks ahead of the season, who are the next top trade candidates around the league?

HoopsHype outlined the top players who could be on the move for all 30 NBA teams, including new reporting where applicable.

Pelle Larsson: ‘You never know if you’re gonna have a big night or not’

Miami Heat rookie Pelle Larsson is quietly establishing himself as one of the most efficient and reliable players among rookies this season. Despite inconsistent playing time and being thrust into action out of necessity due to injuries within the …

Miami Heat rookie Pelle Larsson is quietly establishing himself as one of the most efficient and reliable players among rookies this season. Despite inconsistent playing time and being thrust into action out of necessity due to injuries within the rotation, Larsson has made the most of his opportunities. The Swedish swingman, a product of the University of Arizona, is emerging as a trusted rotational piece under Erik Spoelstra’s system, positioning himself among the league’s most effective rookies.

So far this season, Larsson is averaging 15.7 minutes, 5.9 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting a blistering 58.8 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc.

His offensive efficiency is where he truly shines. With an impressive 67.7 percent effective field goal percentage, he ranks in the 95th percentile among wings, driven by his precision on non-corner three-pointers and strong finishing around the rim. His points scored per shot attempt (PSA) of 131.6 is elite for his position, which demonstrates his knack for capitalizing on scoring chances with minimal wasted possessions.

Larsson spoke this week with HoopsHype about his season with the Miami Heat.

Goran Dragic: ‘I really think that I overachieved’

When Goran Dragic came in as a second-round pick, nobody thought he would last well over a decade in the NBA. Not even himself. Now officially retired, Dragic will be on hand for the NBA’s 33rd game in Mexico since 1992, featuring his favorite …

When Goran Dragic came in as a second-round pick, nobody thought he would last well over a decade in the NBA. Not even himself. Now officially retired, Dragic will be on hand for the NBA’s 33rd game in Mexico since 1992, featuring his favorite franchise, the Miami Heat, going up against the Washington Wizards on November 2.

The former All-Star jumped at the chance to travel to Mexico City to participate in numerous NBA-hosted events, including a Jr. NBA coaches event, prior to Saturday’s matchup. Dragic spoke with HoopsHype about his 15-year career, what separates the Heat from other teams, Luka Doncic, and more.

2024-25 Miami Heat: A quick preview

The biggest question for Miami this season will be whether they have enough playmaking to navigate the regular season, with Terry Rozier as their primary ball-handling guard – despite being more of a combo guard by nature. The playmaking burden may …

The biggest question for Miami this season will be whether they have enough playmaking to navigate the regular season, with Terry Rozier as their primary ball-handling guard – despite being more of a combo guard by nature. The playmaking burden may then rest heavily on the shoulders of other players. Bam Adebayo appears ready to take on an expanded offensive role after showing more versatility, including three-point shooting, during his time with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He could very well be the team’s leading scorer, with Tyler Herro playing a crucial role. Herro, who averaged a career-high 20.8 points per game last season, has shown flashes of All-Star potential, but his inconsistency and injury struggles have held him back. Both Adebayo and Herro will need to step up, especially if Jimmy Butler paces himself for another deep playoff run.

Ultimately, the Heat’s focus is less on regular-season standings and more on being healthy and ready for the playoffs, where they have repeatedly shown they are a legitimate threat.

LeBron James NBA 2K ratings through the years

One of the most exciting parts of buying NBA 2K annually is seeing the player ratings and how they’ve changed from seasons prior, particularly for one’s favorite players.

One player who has always ranked highly in the game is, of course, LeBron James, who was rated 78 as a rookie by NBA 2K, 88 as a sophomore and then never fell back below 94.

NBA 2K25 has the GOAT candidate rated as a 95, which could prove low depending on how James performs this season.

Below, check out LeBron James’ NBA 2K ratings through the years.

Aggregate 2025 NBA Mock Draft: Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey battling for No. 1 pick?

HoopsHype’s aggregate 2025 NBA mock draft lists the top prospects, including scouting reports from NBA executives and scouts by HoopsHype’s Senior NBA Insider, Michael Scotto.

HoopsHype has updated where the top prospects stand for the 2025 NBA Draft by compiling six mock drafts from ESPN, Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, SB Nation, and USA TODAY. 

We spoke with an NBA executive and two scouts for their insights on the prospects for the first edition of the aggregate 2025 NBA mock draft.

An explanation for HoopsHype’s Draft Predictor from colleague Alberto de Roa, who contributed research to this story, can be found here.

NOTE: These rankings reflect the composite score to get a feel for the overall consensus, not our own opinion. For example, if a player was the first pick on a publication’s mock draft, he received 60 points. If a player was second, he received 59 points, and so on. We then tabulated the total number of points for each player’s consensus ranking.

NBA Rumors: Team USA, Clippers, 76ers, Suns, Grizzlies, Knicks, Nets, Magic, Pistons

Reporting on Team USA updates surrounding Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown’s snub, and why Derrick White was named as a replacement as they prepare for the Olympics. Plus, the Clippers pursuing a Tyus Jones sign-and-trade, why KJ Martin could re-sign with the 76ers and be traded later this season, why the Suns could trade Josh Okogie after re-signing him, new Knicks interest in free agents, the Grizzlies working to re-sign Luke Kennard, the Pistons trying to sign second-round pick Bobi Klintman, and coaching interviews with Nets coach Jordi Fernandez and Magic coach Jamahl Mosley from HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto

Following the conclusion of Team USA’s exhibition matchup versus Canada, the rest of the NBA world traveled to Las Vegas for the beginning of NBA Summer League.

With that in mind, HoopsHype has gathered the latest intel on Team USA updates surrounding Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and why Derrick White was named as a replacement as they prepare for the Olympics. Plus, reporting on the Clippers pursuing a Tyus Jones sign-and-trade, why KJ Martin could re-sign with the 76ers and eventually be traded, why the Suns could trade Josh Okogie after re-signing him, new Knicks interest in free agents, the Grizzlies working to re-sign Luke Kennard, the Pistons trying to sign second-round pick Bobi Klintman, and coaching interviews with Nets coach Jordi Fernandez and Magic coach Jamahl Mosley.