Category: Main Rumors

Tim Hardaway Jr undergoes surgery, no timetable for return

Marc Stein: The Mavericks say Tim Hardaway Jr. underwent surgery to address a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his left foot … with no timetable established yet for his return. Source: Twitter @TheSteinLine What’s the buzz on Twitter? Eddie Sefko …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Eddie Sefko @ESefko
From the Mavericks:
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks announced today that Tim Hardaway Jr. underwent surgery to address a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his left foot. He will begin rehabilitation immediately. There is currently no timetable for his return. – 3:52 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. underwent surgery to address a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his left foot. There is currently no timetable for his return, team says. – 3:50 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Mavericks say Tim Hardaway Jr. underwent surgery to address a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his left foot … with no timetable established yet for his return. – 3:49 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. underwent surgery to address a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his left foot. No timetable was issued for his return. – 3:49 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
With Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Sterling Brown all not with the Mavs in Orlando tonight, Jason Kidd said Dwight Powell will re-join the starting lineup. – 5:45 PM
Kevin Pelton @kpelton
Per @Stathead, Pascal Siakam’s 56:31 in tonight’s triple-OT game in Miami were the most minutes for an NBA player since Paul Millsap played 60 minutes and Tim Hardaway Jr. 58 five years ago to the day (a 4-OT win): bit.ly/3o91LNc – 11:09 PM

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Dallas Mavericks forward Tim Hardaway Jr. exited Tuesday night’s 130-92 loss to the Golden State Warriors after suffering a fracture of the fifth metatarsal on his left foot, the team said. The injury occurred with 7 minutes, 16 seconds left in the first half when Hardaway drove to the hoop for a layup. He went down awkwardly and grabbed his foot in pain, though he was able to get up and shoot his free throws. -via ESPN / January 26, 2022
Hardaway could not put any weight on his left leg and had to be carried off the court. The Mavs ruled out his return soon after. “I just want to say how sorry we are to hear that. You hate to see anybody get injured,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “I just want to send him our regards from the organization and hopefully he’s back sometime soon. I don’t know what the prognosis is. We feel terrible for him.” -via ESPN / January 26, 2022

Ben Simmons has lost over $19 million in fines this season

Simmons has lost over $19 million in fines since the season began (each missed game costs him $360,000). He hasn’t cleared a paycheck since the $8.25 million (25% of his $33 million salary) that was due to him Oct. 1. Every two weeks the team sends …

Simmons has lost over $19 million in fines since the season began (each missed game costs him $360,000). He hasn’t cleared a paycheck since the $8.25 million (25% of his $33 million salary) that was due to him Oct. 1. Every two weeks the team sends a notice with an explanation of all the fines he has accumulated for failing to render services, instead of a $1.375 million paycheck. By the end of the season, if he does not play for the Sixers or any other team, Simmons could lose another $12 million. It is a staggering amount of money. Everyone involved assumes this issue will eventually be settled in arbitration. But those close to Simmons, who has earned upward of $60 million over his career, insist his decision to demand a trade and then not to play until he is traded has never been financially motivated. He wants a fresh start, away from a franchise he doesn’t feel comfortable playing for anymore.

Source: Ramona Shelburne @ ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Sopan Deb @SopanDeb
So Ben Simmons is upset that Doc Rivers didn’t show up unannounced to a gym he worked out at after ignoring several of Doc’s entreaties?
https://t.co/HtxuDuI8We pic.twitter.com/ve0rbyckDC – 12:24 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: 76ers have fined Ben Simmons more than $19M – and counting nba.nbcsports.com/2022/02/01/rep… – 12:14 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Every time people around Ben Simmons try to tell his side of the story, they only end up showing they don’t understand the problem at hand phillyvoice.com/ben-simmons-la… – 12:08 PM
Ramona Shelburne @ramonashelburne
Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers are stuck in a moment. espn.com/nba/insider/in… – 11:51 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Ben Simmons reportedly fined $19 million since season started sportando.basketball/en/ben-simmons… – 11:45 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Correct me of I’m wrong, but didn’t Ben Simmons have the second worst +/- in the Raptors series, while Joel Embiid had by far the best?
And Ben’s stat line was nothing to gloat about. – 11:40 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Would like to thank Ben Simmons. If not for his thin skin, being incredibly selfish, the Sixers would not know what they have in Tyrese Maxey. – 10:25 AM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Would holding on to Ben Simmons actually help the Sixers land James Harden?
Some stray, rambling thoughts in this morning’s newsletter on the latest developments in this strange saga.
dailysix.com/morning-sixers… – 1:07 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Nikola Jokic now has 102 games with 10+ assists, which is most ever by a center. Wilt is No. 2; he’s at 80.
Jokic is averaging 9.9 assists over his last 14 games. List of players 6-10 and taller to ever average that many assists over that long a span: Jokic, Ben Simmons, Wilt. – 12:14 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“When it didn’t work out at the end of the summer, I think you have to move on”
@Hoophall and former #76ers Head Coach Larry Brown tells @talkhoops and @Amin Elhassan how he would have handled the Ben Simmons situation if he was the head coach pic.twitter.com/D8kAAvhdYu – 4:25 PM
Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
Tyrese Haliburton is going to be an All Star someday
The Kings are wise to keep him out of any Ben Simmons trade discussions – 9:49 PM

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According to sources close to Simmons, he’s upset that Embiid seemed to blame him for last season’s playoff loss, when Simmons did not blame Embiid for Embiid’s poor showing in the playoffs against the Toronto Raptors in 2019. He’s frustrated that Rivers didn’t come to see him while he was training in Los Angeles last summer. Simmons doesn’t dispute that he didn’t reply when Rivers texted and called him several times over the summer asking to see him. But in hindsight, Simmons feels Rivers and the Sixers could’ve done more, like show up at a well-known gym in the San Fernando Valley where he was training. -via ESPN / February 1, 2022
He’s also skeptical, sources close to him say, of Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey’s willingness to trade him because of his previous pursuit of Harden — who can become a free agent this summer. Simmons would be the best player the Sixers would send in any theoretical trade. And he’s upset that the organization is fining him so heavily after he raised mental health as an issue upon his return. Rich Paul, Simmons’ agent, had spent weeks in the fall trying to convince the three-time All-Star to fly back to Philadelphia as a show of good faith. Simmons did not want to go under any circumstances. -via ESPN / February 1, 2022
“We don’t give a f— about the money,” one source close to Simmons says. “That’s not what this is. It’s hard for people to understand. But if you believe in what you’re doing and that this is not the right situation for you, and you’re trying to get to a better place, the money doesn’t matter. Obviously it’s a financial hit. But you adjust.” Said another source close to Simmons, “It’s easy to tell when someone is hurt when they have a cast on their arm. But this is mental health. You can’t always see it. But ask yourself, how many people would lose a dollar over this? That should tell you everything.” -via ESPN / February 1, 2022

LeBron James likely to miss several more games

Shams Charania: Lakers star LeBron James is expected to miss Wednesday’s game vs. Portland, and could be out a few more games due to irritation in left knee, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Sides want to be cautious and allow James to return …

Shams Charania: Lakers star LeBron James is expected to miss Wednesday’s game vs. Portland, and could be out a few more games due to irritation in left knee, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Sides want to be cautious and allow James to return once irritation subsides.

Source: Twitter @ShamsCharania

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Lakers star LeBron James is expected to miss Wednesday’s game vs. Portland, and could be out a few more games due to irritation in left knee, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Sides want to be cautious and allow James to return once irritation subsides. – 11:42 AM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“He left twice… he’ll leave again.”
@Charles Oakley tells @Frank Isola & @Brian Scalabrine his thoughts on LeBron’s future pic.twitter.com/xsxCbUd1qX – 11:29 AM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Charles Oakley reveals origin of James Dolan beef. His story involves LeBron James, Rich Paul and Worldwide Wes nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 9:54 AM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Josh Giddey this season:
✅ 511 PTS
✅ 334 REB
✅ 268 AST
Giddey (19 years, 113 days) is the second-youngest player in NBA history to reach career totals of 500 points, 250 rebounds, and 250 assists, trailing only LeBron James (19 years, 31 days). pic.twitter.com/PAsrSkyGcW – 9:11 AM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
In new book, Charles Oakley reveals origin of James Dolan beef and its LeBron fallout nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 9:10 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Per @ESPNStatsInfo, list of NBA teens with 500 points, 200 rebounds and 200 assists in first 45 career games:
LeBron James
Luka Doncic
LaMelo Ball
Josh Giddey – 11:32 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
‘Lakers Talk’ tonight starts at 7p…
-Road trip went just like season…Up’s, Down’s & Injuries
-Concern with Lebron…Russ & AD cannot carry the load
-How much value does THT have in the Trade market?
Guest: @Mike Bresnahan from @SpectrumSN
@ESPNLosAngeles – 9:07 PM
Ben Cotton @Ben_Cotton15
The Cavs haven’t won a playoff series without LeBron James since 1993, but the franchise could be on the cusp of something special as it ushers in an exciting new era @FOXSportsAUS
foxsports.com.au/basketball/nba… – 6:15 PM
J. Kyle Mann @jkylemann
interesting that only three of the old world prep-to-pro guys are left in the NBA — lebron, dwight, and the oft forgotten one is lou williams – 2:46 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Suns’ Monty Williams to coach Team LeBron in 2022 NBA All-Star Game
sportando.basketball/en/suns-monty-… – 2:14 PM

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Ben Simmons still upset that Joel Embiid blamed him for last season’s playoff loss

According to sources close to Simmons, he’s upset that Embiid seemed to blame him for last season’s playoff loss, when Simmons did not blame Embiid for Embiid’s poor showing in the playoffs against the Toronto Raptors in 2019. He’s frustrated that …

According to sources close to Simmons, he’s upset that Embiid seemed to blame him for last season’s playoff loss, when Simmons did not blame Embiid for Embiid’s poor showing in the playoffs against the Toronto Raptors in 2019. He’s frustrated that Rivers didn’t come to see him while he was training in Los Angeles last summer. Simmons doesn’t dispute that he didn’t reply when Rivers texted and called him several times over the summer asking to see him. But in hindsight, Simmons feels Rivers and the Sixers could’ve done more, like show up at a well-known gym in the San Fernando Valley where he was training.

Source: Ramona Shelburne @ ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
For no reason at all, it’s worth noting that Joel Embiid couldn’t be taken off the floor for two minutes against the Raptors (an elite opponent) in 2019.
Embiid still figured out that his offensive game wasn’t good enough. So he worked on it and now you’re seeing the results. – 11:23 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Would like to thank Ben Simmons. If not for his thin skin, being incredibly selfish, the Sixers would not know what they have in Tyrese Maxey. – 10:25 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
It took a lot for the Sixers to get one of their most exciting wins in recent memory — a huge Maxey game, dominant Drummond on the glass, and pointed leadership from Embiid before the game —and they keep on rolling during a funky season
phillyvoice.com/how-sixers-bea… – 9:35 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
“We wanted this one,” said Tobias Harris.
#Sixers earn a thrilling 122-119 overtime victory over Ja Morant-led #Grizzlies, even without Joel Embiid inquirer.com/sixers/philade… via @phillyinquirer – 9:24 AM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
No Joel Embiid last night, so the Sixers spread the floor and attacked like crazy: 47 percent of their shots came at the rim. That’s the most for them in a game this season.
And on the game-winning bucket, the floor was spread and Tyrese Maxey attacked: https://t.co/LfXz1fsovD pic.twitter.com/uihXkGYy4f – 9:15 AM

Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies drop an OT game to the Embiid-less Sixers. Through a superstar performance, hot shooting from a top-10 shooter, and cold shooting and inconsistency…@PAKA_FLOCKA with the Report Card https://t.co/lHBKgrgrVi pic.twitter.com/s6qnDO6aVW – 8:40 AM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
“Don’t count us out…We’ve got a lot of hungry guys that worked on their games and are ready to show improvement,”Tobias Harris said.
#Sixers earn a thrilling 122-119 overtime win over Ja Morant-led Grizzlies, even w/o Joel Embiid inquirer.com/sixers/philade… via @phillyinquirer – 7:29 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA column: The #Sixers’ impressive win over the #Grizzlies without franchise cornerstone Joel Embiid is telling: https://t.co/4RcXbdH2Td #76ers pic.twitter.com/iwEJ5mAggi – 6:45 AM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers earn a thrilling 122-119 overtime victory over Ja Morant-led Grizzlies, even without Joel Embiid inquirer.com/sixers/philade… via @phillyinquirer – 12:44 AM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
With Trae Young (and Joel Embiid) sitting out tonight, Jayson Tatum regained the NBA scoring lead… pic.twitter.com/gVc43XrJYW – 11:31 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA column: Win over the #Grizzlies without star Joel Embiid says a lot about the #Sixers: https://t.co/gFNsyf4B8l #76ers pic.twitter.com/RaxQ4TZtQt – 11:16 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
With Embiid out, Maxey scores 33 to lead 76ers past Grizzlies in OT nba.nbcsports.com/2022/01/31/wit… – 10:54 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers earn a thrilling 122-119 overtime victory over Ja Morant-led #Grizzlies, even without Joel Embiid inquirer.com/sixers/philade… via @phillyinquirer – 10:24 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Tobias Harris says tonight’s win against the #Grizzlies without Joel Embiid says “Don’t count us out” #Sixers – 10:09 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers forward Tobias Harris on the OT win over #Grizzlies without Joel Embiid: pic.twitter.com/giDt20Zsu4 – 10:07 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tobias Harris confirms that Andre Drummond told him they need 30 from him with Joel Embiid out tonight. He was able to come through with 31. #Sixers – 10:06 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Andre Drummond told Tobias Harris at shootaround that he needed Harris to score 30 points tonight without Joel Embiid. He had 31. – 10:03 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Tyrese Maxey says Joel Embiid was psyched to embrace the @Philadelphia 76ers in the locker room postgame.
“Joel was excited. He’s a great teammate. I feel like this year he’s been a really, really good leader. He’s helped everybody…
He’s our MVP.” – 10:02 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Tyrese Maxey tonight:
33 PTS
8 REB
4 BLK
13-23 FG
The Sixers beat the red hot Grizzlies without Embiid. pic.twitter.com/bbTAzBRdho – 9:45 PM

Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
76ers really have something special in Tyrese Maxey. Joel Embiid has been putting up MVP numbers but they wouldn’t be winning games with an All-Star sitting at home chillin’ all season unless Maxey makes that sophomore leap. – 9:43 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Sixers just have a vibe to them this season. Embiid an MVP frontrunner. Maxey has been brilliant. Seth Curry is having a career year. It’s got to be killing Daryl Morey not to flip Simmons for whatever can push this group over. – 9:42 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
For every bad Sixers loss this year, there has been a good win. Without Joel Embiid, against that team, that was up there.
64 combined points for Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris. The Sixers are 31-19, one game behind the No. 1 seed. – 9:39 PM
Joel Embiid @JoelEmbiid
THEY HATE THE PROCESS but We will keep thriving….. Great Dub!! HELL YEAA – 9:38 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Huge win for Embiid-less Philly. How about Andre Drummond: Steps into the starting lineup and goes for 16 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, three blocks in 43 minutes. Monster game. – 9:38 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
FINAL: Sixers 122, Grizzlies 119 in OT and this crowd is AMPED. The most entertaining game of the season — and Joel Embiid did not play. Maxey with 33 points and 8 assists. Harris with 31-5-5. Drummodn with 16 points, 23 rebounds and 5 assists. – 9:37 PM
J. Kyle Mann @jkylemann
everything about this embiid sequence is hilarious pic.twitter.com/zqciAHo97h – 9:25 PM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Without Embiid, who takes the potential game-winner for Philly after this free throw? – 9:20 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Drummond has 16 points, 19 rebounds and 5 assists in place of Embiid tonight, but that fumbled pass on what would have been a wide-open finish at the rim is costly. Sixers now have 20 turnovers for 29 points and trail 109-108 with 46.2 seconds to play. – 9:12 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Man, the Sixers have just responded to every run the Grizzlies have thrown at them. Really impressive stuff by them with Embiid out – 8:53 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Every time I think to myself “Hey, Andre Drummond’s having a pretty good game filling in for Joel Embiid” he winds up getting switched on to Ja and ooh boy is that unfair. – 8:31 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Halftime: Sixers 63, Grizzlies 58. An entertaining half even without Embiid. Both teams shooting right around 50 percent from the floor, though Philly is 8-of-19 from 3 and Memphis is 2-of-10. Harris with a steady 18 points and 4 assists. Maxey with 16. Drummond with 6-12-5 (!). – 8:07 PM
Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
Jaxson Hayes and Jose Alvarado, who got into it with Joel Embiid recently, are chirping with the #Cavs bench following Hayes’ transition thunder dunk. – 7:55 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Grizzlies down 15 as the Sixers are getting whatever they want offensively. Sixers proving their hot streak is more than just Embiid going crazy – 7:45 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Filling in for Joel Embiid in the starting lineup, @Andre Drummond held it down in Q1.
6 PTS / 6 REB (2 OREB) / 4 AST / 3-4 fg
in 10 minutes. 👀 – 7:39 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
One of stronger non-Embiid quarters of the season, as Maxey (11 on 5-7), Harris (7 on 2-3), Drummond (6/6/4) and Thybulle (held Ja to 3-7 shooting) really started off strong. Sixers up 39-30 at the end of 1. – 7:38 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Andre Drummond (6 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists) with quite a first quarter. The Joel Embiid-less #Sixers lead #Grizzlies 32-23 with 1:46 left in the opening period. – 7:31 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Excellent start for Philly. Tobias Harris has 7 points stepping up without Joel Embiid to lean on for offense and Matisse Thybulle had a big block on Ja Morant while also knocking down a triple. A Tyrese Maxey layup gives the team a 16-10 lead and a Memphis timeout. #Sixers – 7:17 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Drummond, starting in place of Embiid, with a couple finishes inside early. – 7:14 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
It obviously benefits Memphis that Embiid is out, but man Embiid vs. JJJ would have made for one hell of a matchup with the way both have been playing of late – 7:08 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
With Joel Embiid sitting out tonight’s game, he ends January with the following per-48-minute rates:
✅ 50.8 PTS
✅ 16.1 REB
✅ 7.6 AST
Embiid is the first player in NBA history to average at least 50p/15r/5a per 48 minutes in a calendar month (min. 10 GP). pic.twitter.com/kViR2d4V9i – 7:01 PM

Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
The Grizzlies dominated the 76ers in their last matchup, once again with the Sixers Embiid-less, as Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks led the way with Ja out. Tyrese Maxey shined in the previous matchup (23 points, 7 assists) for the Sixers. – 6:42 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
What’s up Grizz Nation, @bcabraham checking in for tonight’s Grizzlies/76ers matchup. Tyus Jones is back, Joel Embiid is out! Grizz look to extend their win streak to 4 tonight in Philly. – 6:33 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Andre Drummond starts in place of Joel Embiid. Everybody else is the same. #Sixers – 6:33 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers on what determined that tonight’s game vs. #Memphis would be a planned rest day for Joel Embiid: “I really don’t get that much involved in it, to be honest with you. They come and present their calendar…. – 6:04 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Doc Rivers on resting Joel Embiid today:
“They thought this was the right day with the amount of rest we can get him, so that’s why they did.” – 5:20 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers: ‘(Sports science people) pointed to this game’ for Joel Embiid to rest tonight. Furkan Korkmaz is out. – 5:20 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers’ Joel Embiid named Eastern Conference player of the week inquirer.com/sixers/philade… via @phillyinquirer – 4:51 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
All quiet at the WFC three hours before the Joel Embiid-less #Sixers host the #Grizzlies pic.twitter.com/9NSuFxyNPB – 4:11 PM

John Karalis @John_Karalis
Joel Embiid is the East Player of the Week. Jayson Tatum was nominated. – 4:05 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Joel Embiid and Chris Paul are the NBA Eastern and Western Conference players of the week. pic.twitter.com/9jcvaWr2GH – 3:59 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Jimmy Butler a nominee for NBA East Player of the Week that went to Joel Embiid. – 3:42 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
NBA Players of the Week #15 | Chris Paul and Joel Embiid
sportando.basketball/en/nba-players… – 3:41 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid winning player of the week after having a down week compared to the week before is pretty funny – 3:39 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Joel Embiid is the Eastern Conference player of the week. #Sixers – 3:34 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Joel Embiid has been named Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/1hBNyjoUFJ – 3:33 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Joel Embiid has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week. – 3:32 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
NBA Players of the Week for Week 15: Suns’ Chris Paul and 76ers’ Joel Embiid. – 3:31 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul and Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid have been named Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week. – 3:31 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
Suns guard Chris Paul and Sixers center Joel Embiid have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, league says. – 3:30 PM
Cody Taylor @CodyTaylorNBA
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for Week 15 of the 2021-22 season (Jan. 24 – 30). pic.twitter.com/lcwCcZveeM – 3:30 PM

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid and Phoenix’s Chris Paul were just named East and West Player of the Week by the NBA.
More NBA from: marcstein.substack.com – 3:30 PM
Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Joel Embiid finished January with 476 points in 450 minutes, good for 1.058 points per minute.
Over the last 25 seasons, the only players with a higher points per minute in a calendar month are (min. 300 minutes):
Stephen Curry (Feb. 2016)
James Harden (Jan. & Nov. 2019) – 3:16 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Along with Charles Bassey, Philly will call up Paul Reed for tonight’s game with Joel Embiid on a planned rest day #Sixers – 2:22 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Could Joel Embiid win MVP this season but still land on 2nd team All-NBA? – 2:11 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Would holding on to Ben Simmons actually help the Sixers land James Harden?
Some stray, rambling thoughts in this morning’s newsletter on the latest developments in this strange saga.
dailysix.com/morning-sixers… – 1:07 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers MVP candidate Joel Embiid to miss much-anticipated #Grizzlies tilt for planned rest day inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 12:45 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
selfishly wish Embiid would have played tonight, but a rest night for him felt inevitable at some point soon phillyvoice.com/sixers-joel-em… – 12:24 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Nikola Jokic now has 102 games with 10+ assists, which is most ever by a center. Wilt is No. 2; he’s at 80.
Jokic is averaging 9.9 assists over his last 14 games. List of players 6-10 and taller to ever average that many assists over that long a span: Jokic, Ben Simmons, Wilt. – 12:14 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Sixers say Joel Embiid will be out tonight vs. Memphis for “planned rest.” He had played in 21 consecutive games before tonight. – 12:04 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Your quick newser on Joel Embiid being out tonight against the Grizzlies due to a planned rest day #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/31/six… via @SixersWire – 11:41 AM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Sixers say Joel Embiid will not play tonight (planned rest) against Memphis.
More NBA from me: marcstein.substack.com – 11:36 AM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Joel Embiid is out tonight for the 76ers. – 11:31 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
No Embiid (rest) tonight vs. Memphis is a real bummer. Grizzlies have been a really good and exciting team this year, would have liked to see him and Morant doing their thing, but giving the big guy a night off feels overdue – 11:30 AM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“When it didn’t work out at the end of the summer, I think you have to move on”
@Hoophall and former #76ers Head Coach Larry Brown tells @talkhoops and @Amin Elhassan how he would have handled the Ben Simmons situation if he was the head coach pic.twitter.com/D8kAAvhdYu – 4:25 PM
Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
Tyrese Haliburton is going to be an All Star someday
The Kings are wise to keep him out of any Ben Simmons trade discussions – 9:49 PM

More on this storyline

He’s also skeptical, sources close to him say, of Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey’s willingness to trade him because of his previous pursuit of Harden — who can become a free agent this summer. Simmons would be the best player the Sixers would send in any theoretical trade. And he’s upset that the organization is fining him so heavily after he raised mental health as an issue upon his return. Rich Paul, Simmons’ agent, had spent weeks in the fall trying to convince the three-time All-Star to fly back to Philadelphia as a show of good faith. Simmons did not want to go under any circumstances. -via ESPN / February 1, 2022
But according to sources with knowledge of the conversation, Paul told Simmons that while he understood Simmons wasn’t mentally ready to get on the court, because of the four years remaining on his contract, they simply had no leverage if he didn’t at least return to the team. Simmons said he understood. And when his older brother, Sean Tribe, agreed with Paul, the decision was made to fly back to Philadelphia. To Simmons, this was a grand gesture of good faith. To the Sixers, it was a surprise (no one let them know in advance Simmons was coming), and the least a player under contract could do. -via ESPN / February 1, 2022
“We don’t give a f— about the money,” one source close to Simmons says. “That’s not what this is. It’s hard for people to understand. But if you believe in what you’re doing and that this is not the right situation for you, and you’re trying to get to a better place, the money doesn’t matter. Obviously it’s a financial hit. But you adjust.” Said another source close to Simmons, “It’s easy to tell when someone is hurt when they have a cast on their arm. But this is mental health. You can’t always see it. But ask yourself, how many people would lose a dollar over this? That should tell you everything.” -via ESPN / February 1, 2022

Pelicans targeting CJ McCollum?

According to sources close to the Pelicans, the team is heading into the deadline as a buyer focusing on the 2022-23 campaign. Zion Williamson, who has yet to play this year with a foot injury, is eligible for an extension this offseason. The team …

According to sources close to the Pelicans, the team is heading into the deadline as a buyer focusing on the 2022-23 campaign. Zion Williamson, who has yet to play this year with a foot injury, is eligible for an extension this offseason. The team apparently views McCollum as the potentially ideal veteran scorer and leader to play alongside Brandon Ingram and Williamson.
Source: Eric Pincus @ Bleacher Report

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Casey Holdahl @CHold
Thunder 98, Blazers 81: FINAL. 21 points, 7 assists for @CJ McCollum. 18 points, 5 rebounds for @Norman Powell. 14 points, 9 rebounds for @Jusuf Nurkic. – 10:11 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
OKC started Lu Dort, Derrick Favors and three rookies and beat a Blazers team starting CJ McCollum, Robert Covington, Jusuf Nurkic, Anfernee Simons and Norman Powell by 17 points. pic.twitter.com/lwlgKhO6ld – 10:11 PM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Thunder 65, Blazers 61: end of third quarter. 17 points, 6 assists for @CJ McCollum. 12 points, 8 rebounds for @Jusuf Nurkic. 12 points, 5 rebounds for @Norman Powell. Portland outscored 24-14 in the third quarter. – 9:43 PM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Blazers 47, Thunder 39: halftime. 10 points, 6 rebounds for @Jusuf Nurkic. 13 points, 3 assists for @CJ McCollum. 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist/block for @Norman Powell. – 9:04 PM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Blazers 31, Thunder 19: end of first quarter. 9 points, 1 rebound/assist for @CJ McCollum. 8 points, 4 rebounds for @Jusuf Nurkic. POR shooting 59 percent, OKC 37 percent. – 8:38 PM
Scott Kushner @ScottDKushner
Playing successfully with a lineup this big only makes a C.J. McCollum addition make more sense. – 8:34 PM
Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Thunder showing respect for Anfernee Simons by putting Dort on him. Wiggins has McCollum. – 8:24 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
At what point do I post today’s podcast on CJ McCollum and his 3-point shooting again? – 7:52 PM
Jason Calmes @BourbonStShots
I don’t have any inside knowledge — but I think it’s worth saying that CJ McCollum (who is rumored to be of Pels interest) is probably near a perfect match in terms of these 3 practical questions:
1. What can Pels reasonably get?
2. What do Pels need?
3. Who is available?
-MP – 6:40 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Locked on Pelicans is live!
🏀 Pels REALLY struggle to shoot over the weekend
🏀 CJ McCollum to fix the offense?
🏀 NAW starting to play better?
🎧 https://t.co/BETlDzTh35
Watch on YouTube!
📺 https://t.co/4DBESaga40 pic.twitter.com/zJ2ave9pGm – 3:27 PM

Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2018, the @Portland Trail Blazers CJ McCollum scored a career-high 50 points in just 29 minutes played in a win over the Bulls.
He became the second player in NBA history to record a 50-point game while playing fewer than 30 minutes. It’s happened three more times since. pic.twitter.com/3uSraL6BaI – 1:01 PM

Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Locked on Pelicans is live!
🏀 Pels REALLY struggle to shoot over the weekend
🏀 CJ McCollum to fix the offense?
🏀 NAW starting to play better?
🎧 https://t.co/BETlDzBFEv
Watch on YouTube!
📺 https://t.co/4DBES9YyFq pic.twitter.com/mswGqUgGAg – 12:59 PM

Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Locked on Pelicans is live!
🏀 Pels REALLY struggle to shoot over the weekend
🏀 CJ McCollum to fix the offense?
🏀 NAW starting to play better?
🎧 https://t.co/BETlDzBFEv
Watch on YouTube!
📺 https://t.co/4DBES9YyFq pic.twitter.com/YBXHnE95pq – 11:27 AM

Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Locked on Pelicans is live!
🏀 Pels REALLY struggle to shoot over the weekend
🏀 CJ McCollum to fix the offense?
🏀 NAW starting to play better?
🎧 https://t.co/BETlDzTh35
Watch on YouTube!
📺 https://t.co/4DBESaga40 pic.twitter.com/0i2eJ2DHvl – 9:06 AM

More on this storyline

 

Several executives view McCollum as a negative asset based on his salary ($100 million through 2023-24), size (6’3″) and age (30). But that may be an opportunity for the Pelicans to add one of the league’s best professional scorers at a diminished price. If so, New Orleans would be required to send out at least $24.6 million in outgoing salary. -via Bleacher Report / February 1, 2022
Rival executives have painted all of CJ McCollum, Norman Powell, Jusuf Nurkic and Robert Covington as potential trade candidates. The destination most often linked to McCollum has been New Orleans, who could sensibly deal Jonas Valanciunas and Josh Hart. That would give the Blazers a center replacement for Nurkic, a strong veteran contributor in Hart and sneak Portland under the tax. It would seem the Pelicans would be more willing to part with Tomas Satoranksy and Jaxson Hayes over Valanciunas, however. -via Bleacher Report / January 27, 2022
The Pelicans could make a strong offer for some of the top names available in this year’s trade deadline. They hold the sixth-worst offense in the league and could use a scoring boost if they’re trying to make a push for the play-in tournament. For example, they could make an offer consisting of Josh Hart, draft picks, and salary filler for scoring guards such as CJ McCollum or Buddy Hield. An additional ball-dominant scoring threat could help them in late-game situations. -via HoopsHype / January 25, 2022

 

Teams expect Damian Lillard to extend contract with the Blazers

Most teams expect the Trail Blazers to extend Lillard for another couple of seasons at roughly $100 million, but if that goes south, the New York Knicks may be his next destination over the Sixers. Source: Eric Pincus @ Bleacher Report What’s the …

Most teams expect the Trail Blazers to extend Lillard for another couple of seasons at roughly $100 million, but if that goes south, the New York Knicks may be his next destination over the Sixers.

Source: Eric Pincus @ Bleacher Report

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

StatMuse @statmuse
Gary Trent Jr last 4 games:
31 points, 9 threes
33 points, 5 threes, 5 steals
32 points, 6 threes
32 points, 5 threes
Only Steph, Dame and Harden had longer streaks of 30+ points and 5+ threes in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/DNoAro36MK – 9:53 PM

Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
The Notre Dame Fighting Russell Westbrooks are really bringing it tonight. pic.twitter.com/nFTvAWw4LJ – 8:00 PM

Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoops
TODAY’S GAMES TO WATCH:
Duke at Notre Dame, 7 (ESPN)
Iowa at Penn State, 7 (BTN)
Colorado State at Wyoming, 8 (FS1)
West Virginia at Baylor, 9 (ESPN)
TCU at Oklahoma, 9 (ESPN2) – 7:40 AM
Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Today, on #WorldNTDDay, all around the globe we use our collective voice to speak up for 1.7 billion people who are affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Join us and tell the world that we must be #100percentCommitted to #beatNTDs. https://t.co/DU4SBK3G5L pic.twitter.com/455mlFzzFX – 11:24 PM

Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
#Bulls vs. Blazers today at 2:30 p.m. Bulls don’t have to worry about any Damian Lillard daggers this time. He’s out with a core muscle injury. Coby White’s pal Nassir Little has a left labrum tear. What did they do to these guys’ shoulders at UNC? – 2:21 PM
Jamie Hudson @JamieHudson_
Blazers Injury Report:
Covington (right knee), Powell (left knee contusion); & Smith Jr. (right ankle; right knee) are probable
Elleby (left hamstring), Little (left shoulder), Lillard (core muscle recovery), Nance Jr. (right knee) & Zeller (right knee) are out for today’s game – 11:14 AM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Robert Covington (right knee), Norman Powell (left knee contusion) and Dennis Smith Jr. (right ankle, right knee) are probable while CJ Elleby (left hamstring), Nassir Little (left shoulder), Damian Lillard, Larry Nance Jr. and Cody Zeller are out for tomorrow’s game at Chicago. – 5:17 PM
Michael Gallagher @MikeSGallagher
Best TS% on drives this season (among top 50 in drives):
Giannis- 66.4
Luka Doncic- 63.1
Jalen Brunson- 61.6
Miles Bridges- 61.5
Malcolm Brogdon- 61.4
DeMar DeRozan- 60.8
Donny Mitchell- 60.8
Zach LaVine- 60.6
Jimmy Butler- 60.3
James Harden- 60
Dame Lillard- 60
Chris Paul- 58.9 – 4:43 PM
Michael Gallagher @MikeSGallagher
Leaders in assist per potential assist (among top 50 in potential assists):
Steph Curry- .62
Kevin Durant- .58
LaMelo Ball- .58
Derrick White- .57
Domantas Sabonis- .56
Nikola Jokic- .56
James Harden- .55
Dame Lillard- .55
Kevin Porter Jr- .55
Brad Beal- .55
Dejounte Murray- .55 – 3:36 PM

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Dame is also extension eligible this offseason. So how does this injury impact his future plans here? Brian Windhorst: This is something that obviously we’re talking about $100 million decision in the offseason to add two years to his contract. That is obviously going to be something discussed very deeply in the coming weeks. However, in talking to folks around Dame, this is not something that Dame is worried about. Dame is trying to get healthy. Dan wants to remain in Portland, and the contract extension will come as a normal course of business as most players who have two years left on their contract. -via YouTube / January 14, 2022
Adrian Wojnarowski: Lillard has repeatedly expressed his commitment to want to remain in Portland on his current long-term contract, and interim GM Joe Cronin has also expressed a strong commitment to continue building the franchise around the All-NBA guard. -via Twitter @wojespn / December 10, 2021

Kings not all the way out on Ben Simmons?

While Wojnarowski’s sourcing is impeccable, and the intel likely accurate, are the Kings really out of the running for Simmons? Other executives around the league aren’t so sure. “The Kings needed to walk away because the 76ers were unreasonable in …

While Wojnarowski’s sourcing is impeccable, and the intel likely accurate, are the Kings really out of the running for Simmons? Other executives around the league aren’t so sure. “The Kings needed to walk away because the 76ers were unreasonable in their demands,” an Eastern Conference executive said. “If Philly backs off some, perhaps Sacramento could still make a run at [Simmons].”
Source: Eric Pincus @ Bleacher Report

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Would holding on to Ben Simmons actually help the Sixers land James Harden?
Some stray, rambling thoughts in this morning’s newsletter on the latest developments in this strange saga.
dailysix.com/morning-sixers… – 1:07 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Nikola Jokic now has 102 games with 10+ assists, which is most ever by a center. Wilt is No. 2; he’s at 80.
Jokic is averaging 9.9 assists over his last 14 games. List of players 6-10 and taller to ever average that many assists over that long a span: Jokic, Ben Simmons, Wilt. – 12:14 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“When it didn’t work out at the end of the summer, I think you have to move on”
@Hoophall and former #76ers Head Coach Larry Brown tells @talkhoops and @Amin Elhassan how he would have handled the Ben Simmons situation if he was the head coach pic.twitter.com/D8kAAvhdYu – 4:25 PM
Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
Tyrese Haliburton is going to be an All Star someday
The Kings are wise to keep him out of any Ben Simmons trade discussions – 9:49 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Kings gameday live: De’Aaron Fox’s status vs. 76ers; Ben Simmons trade talks break down sacbee.com/sports/nba/sac… – 9:11 AM

More on this storyline

 

Marc Stein: Sacramento was doing some due diligence on Tobias when it was out there that there could be a deal that involved both Ben and Tobias and I know not this week but earlier this month that I did hear from some teams that suggested that they saw Sacramento as the only team that could realistically get Daryl to move off of his patience stance on Ben because there were indications that the Kings would be willing to take Tobias on if it meant getting Ben now. The Kings have sent so many mixed messages lately. -via marcstein.substack.com / January 29, 2022

 

It would take a shocking offer to pry Jalen Brunson away from Dallas

Tim MacMahon: I have been assured that they will not move (Jalen) Brunson before the trade deadline unless it is, and I quote, a “What the bleep are they thinking type of offer?” Source: Spotify What’s the buzz on Twitter? Callie Caplan @ …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
After Jalen Brunson pivoted around two Magic defenders to hit a jumper, Luka stood up from the bench and shouted across the court:
“Good double team, Mose!” – 7:42 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
End of 1Q: Mavericks 34, Magic 23.
Jalen Brunson makes 3 at the buzzer to give Mavs 11-point lead.
Wendell: 7 points, 5 rebounds
Mo Bamba: 5 points, 3 rebounds
Luka: 11 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds – 7:36 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Jalen Brunson just went back to the locker room after a long chat on the bench with Dionne Calhoun.
He went down hard on his last offensive possession, but couldn’t quite tell what he was favoring or what was bothering him, though. – 7:23 PM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Rick Carlisle raved about Dorian Finney-Smith and Jalen Brunson as developmental success stories that have become outstanding players. Credited former Mavs player development director Mike Procopio. @HoopConsultants – 5:51 PM
Michael Gallagher @MikeSGallagher
Best TS% on drives this season (among top 50 in drives):
Giannis- 66.4
Luka Doncic- 63.1
Jalen Brunson- 61.6
Miles Bridges- 61.5
Malcolm Brogdon- 61.4
DeMar DeRozan- 60.8
Donny Mitchell- 60.8
Zach LaVine- 60.6
Jimmy Butler- 60.3
James Harden- 60
Dame Lillard- 60
Chris Paul- 58.9 – 4:43 PM

More on this storyline

Dallas doesn’t want to trade Brunson or Finney-Smith. Yet it’s a stance that comes with risk, since both players can become unrestricted free agents this summer. The Mavericks, to this point, have nonetheless rebuffed external trade interest in the two players rival teams by far covet most.  League sources say there are no active trade discussions between the Mavericks and the New York Knicks, for example, despite the Knicks’ well-chronicled interest in luring Brunson to Gotham. I’m told that the oft-suggested notion of trading Brunson to the Knicks to reacquire the 2023 first-round pick owed to New York to complete the Kristaps Porziņģis trade is not currently under consideration in Dallas. The Mavericks regard Brunson as too vital to this season’s aspirations to trade him and retain the belief that he wants to be a Maverick long-term. -via marcstein.substack.com / January 31, 2022
The Mavs now have to ask themselves: Is this team really good enough? Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith will be unrestricted free agents, with big raises coming. The Brunson flight risk is real, sources say. The Mavs have no cap space to replace them. -via ESPN / January 31, 2022
When asked about Jalen Brunson’s pending free agency and potential trade market, Begley stated the Knicks ‘have at least touched base’ with the Mavericks about Brunson. Begley also mentioned there’s at least one more team willing to make him an offer ‘north of $20 million’ in free agency. “Jalen Brunson, for many different reasons, has been on the Knick radar for a while now. He’s got plenty of connections to the Knicks. So I know the Knicks, at the very least, have touched based with Dallas on Brunson and I can’t tell you what it would take to pry Brunson from Dallas from a Knick perspective. I’m not sure on that. -via Sports Illustrated / January 28, 2022

CSKA Moscow very interested in seldom-used Cavs guard Kevin Pangos

Donatas Urbonas: I’ve heard that (CSKA Moscow) are actually pushing again for Kevin Pangos. I’ve heard that they also improved the offer for Kevin Pangos. Again, he’s not playing a lot recently. Source: Spotify What’s the buzz on Twitter? Donatas …

Donatas Urbonas: I’ve heard that (CSKA Moscow) are actually pushing again for Kevin Pangos. I’ve heard that they also improved the offer for Kevin Pangos. Again, he’s not playing a lot recently.

Source: Spotify

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
Hearing CSKA might be chasing Kevin Pangos again. More on the latest Urbonus podcast with @Ryxa41:
basketnews.com/news-165002-cs… – 10:34 AM

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Many European fans claim that it’s a crime for Kevin Pangos to be in the G League and on the bench of an NBA team during his prime years. What do you say to that? Kevin Pangos: I honestly don’t listen to it. But that’s their opinion. For me, playing at the highest level is something that everyone should aspire to do. And it’s no secret that the NBA has the best players in the world. Not taking anything away from European basketball, cause obviously I know how talentedpeople are there, but you don’t see guys like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and those type-level players overseas. So, for me, it’s an opportunity to challenge myself against the best players in the world. That’s what wakes me up in the morning; trying to continue to make myself the best player I can be and reach my full potential. -via HoopsHype / December 18, 2021
A few EuroLeague teams are currently searching for star point guards. Are youhearing any noise on that? Kevin Pangos: I really have no idea. I’ve been following EuroLeague, I enjoy watching the competition, I have a lot of friends over there. But I haven’theard anything about particular situations. For myself, I’m obviously here in Cleveland, so I’m not sure. -via HoopsHype / December 18, 2021
NBA season is long and unpredictable. The upcoming trade deadline might move some pieces out of Cleveland. For example, Ricky Rubio is on an expiring contract and could be a desirable trade target. But this is just speculation. What is clear is that it’s a crime to have Pangos in the G League at his peak. The main question is if he can find the situation he deserves in the NBA. If not, Pangos is still considered one of the top targets in the EuroLeague market. For instance, CSKA Moscow are still looking for a point guard. Dimitris Itoudis would be more than happy to find Pangos under the Christmas tree in Moscow. -via BasketNews / December 11, 2021

Teams not very high on Talen Horton-Tucker right now

Now that the Lakers are looking to improve their roster ahead of the trade deadline, Horton-Tucker is viewed by other teams as a marginal asset. Source: Eric Pincus @ Bleacher Report What’s the buzz on Twitter? Sam Quinn @ SamQuinnCBS The Kings told …

Now that the Lakers are looking to improve their roster ahead of the trade deadline, Horton-Tucker is viewed by other teams as a marginal asset.
Source: Eric Pincus @ Bleacher Report

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
The Kings told Buddy Hield he was too valuable to be traded for Talen Horton-Tucker and he was like “you sure?” pic.twitter.com/hEThx6MTvZ – 9:27 PM

More on this storyline

 

Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reported on his Posted Up podcast (28:40 mark): “League sources have told me the Lakers have reached out to the Kings about a Talen Horton-Tucker package for Hield. Still trying to make that happen. Obviously the Kings are like, ‘No. We feel like there’s more lucrative deals out there.’ The Kings are going to be active. They’ve got a whole bunch of people calling them.” -via Bleacher Report / January 28, 2022
Having said that, the Lakers, who are sitting at 23-24 and in eighth place in the West, need to shake up this roster. They’re calling teams offering a future first, Kendrick Nunn, and Talen Horton-Tucker, who has underwhelmed this season, and no one is biting yet. -via The Ringer / January 25, 2022