Category: Top Rumors

Clippers to make strong pitch to John Wall in free agency

League sources reiterated Monday that the Clippers would be making a strong pitch to Wall once he makes it to the open market, with their chances of signing him said to be enhanced by the presence of coach Tyronn Lue. Source: Marc Stein @ …

League sources reiterated Monday that the Clippers would be making a strong pitch to Wall once he makes it to the open market, with their chances of signing him said to be enhanced by the presence of coach Tyronn Lue.
Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal, P.J. Tucker, John Wall, Kevon Looney (and more) all feature prominently in my latest around-the-league notes column as we dribble closer to Thursday’s opening bell in free agency: marcstein.substack.com/p/my-nba-free-… – 2:18 PM
Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
Sources: A breakup between John Wall and the Rockets is gaining momentum, with both sides expected to meet this week with Wall’s hope of a resolution — a trade or more likely a buyout — by the June 30 start of free agency.
theathletic.com/3383768/2022/0… – 10:35 AM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
New @lockedonbucks 🦌
-Some context to Hugo Besson’s season with the New Zealand Breakers
-Why Dante Exum would be a savvy FA signing
-Is anybody tempted by taking a look at John Wall?!
📺 https://t.co/ouyWA5H3Z7
🎙️ https://t.co/fq5or75rZX pic.twitter.com/T4tqRgq2M9 – 8:00 AM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
John Wall buyout with Rockets reportedly increasingly likely; Clippers, Heat, Lakers interested nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/26/joh… – 7:24 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
John Wall rumors: Former All-Star may be willing to negotiate buyout with Rockets, per report
cbssports.com/nba/news/john-… – 5:28 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
If Bradley Beal re-signs with the Wizards, I think Kristaps Porzingis will be the best scorer he’s ever played with in D.C. John Wall would be the best offensive player (+passing), but Porzingis is the best combo of volume & efficiency the Wiz have had since Beal was drafted. – 1:38 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – What’s next for Rockets? John Wall, Eric Gordon on agenda after draft ift.tt/zilRsk2 – 8:18 PM

More on this storyline

 

There were some trade talks involving a few teams on draft night, but none of those deals materialized. With the draft now behind them, the Rockets plan to reassess things with Wall. Sources say a breakup between Wall and the franchise is gaining momentum, with both sides expected to meet this week with Wall’s hope of a resolution — a trade or, more likely, a buyout — by the June 30 start of free agency. -via The Athletic / June 27, 2022
Yet rumbles have finally begun to circulate about John Wall resurfacing as an active player next season. This week marked the first time in some time that I heard serious murmurs about Wall successfully negotiating a buyout with the Rockets after his season on the sidelines — provided Houston remains unable to find a trade partner on a Wall deal. -via marcstein.substack.com / June 26, 2022
It is still unclear, with Wall presumed to be essentially untradeable when he’s due $47.4 million next season, how much of that salary he would have to surrender in buyout talks to convince the Rockets to let him become a free agent. The latest Wall-related scuttle does, however, suggest that a pathway for the sides to get there is at last materializing. -via marcstein.substack.com / June 26, 2022

 

Kevon Looney re-signing with Warriors?

There is growing pessimism, league sources say, among teams interested in pursuing Kevon Looney about the ability to pry Looney away from the newly minted champions in Golden State. Looney is increasingly expected to re-sign with the Warriors on a …

There is growing pessimism, league sources say, among teams interested in pursuing Kevon Looney about the ability to pry Looney away from the newly minted champions in Golden State. Looney is increasingly expected to re-sign with the Warriors on a multiyear deal after playing a vital role in their fourth title run in a span of eight seasons.
Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Dalton Johnson @DaltonJ_Johnson
Not too long ago, it seemed like Kevon Looney’s time with the Warriors was ticking away.
Now, re-signing him has to be priority No. 1 this offseason nbcsports.com/bayarea/warrio… – 3:11 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal, P.J. Tucker, John Wall, Kevon Looney (and more) all feature prominently in my latest around-the-league notes column as we dribble closer to Thursday’s opening bell in free agency: marcstein.substack.com/p/my-nba-free-… – 2:18 PM

More on this storyline

 

Kendra Andrews: Bob Myers on Patrick Baldwin Jr.: “I guess we like Milwaukee guys.” Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney and assistant coach Chris DeMarco are all from Wisconsin. -via Twitter @kendra__andrews / June 24, 2022
If Payton II and Looney return on a $6 million per year salary and the remaining roster is filled out with their first-round pick and players signed to the veteran minimum, Golden State is projected to spend $390 million in salary and tax penalties. -via ESPN / June 18, 2022

 

Nets prepared to lose Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant

ESPN: “[The Nets] are prepared to lose both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.” @WindhorstESPN on the state of the Nets. Source: Twitter What’s the buzz on Twitter? Kristian Winfield @ Krisplashed The weather in Brooklyn is appropriate to KD-Kyrie …

ESPN: “[The Nets] are prepared to lose both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.” @WindhorstESPN on the state of the Nets.
Source: Twitter

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The weather in Brooklyn is appropriate to KD-Kyrie situation. – 3:14 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
It’s wild that we’ve come to the point where the Brooklyn Nets running it back next year with Kyrie and Durant is simultaneously the most likely and most surprising scenario. – 2:48 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
One interesting part of the Kyrie-taking-the-MLE hypothetical is his role in the NBPA. He’s part of leadership there, and pretty much any union would advise against a major player voluntarily taking 80-90% less than he could otherwise get. – 2:38 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Kyrie Irving has been a disaster without LeBron James, but they could still make magic if he gets to Lakers
cbssports.com/nba/news/kyrie… – 2:25 PM
Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
I wonder if 10 years from now, after Kyrie Irving’s career has concluded, he will regret costing himself a $250 million extension over the COVID-19 vaccine? – 2:21 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal, P.J. Tucker, John Wall, Kevon Looney (and more) all feature prominently in my latest around-the-league notes column as we dribble closer to Thursday’s opening bell in free agency: marcstein.substack.com/p/my-nba-free-… – 2:18 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Hopping on @ESPNRadio with @ColemanESPN and @BartScott57 to talk Kyrie Irving right now – 2:09 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I’ve reached the “whatever it takes” stage of the Lakers pursuit of Kyrie Irving.
I know I’ve been the sky screaming for depth and wings, but they’re just not gonna trade Russ otherwise. So picks, swaps, players (not named Bron or AD). Whatever it takes. I’m in. – 2:02 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie Irving has permission to seek sign-and-trade from #Nets nypost.com/2022/06/27/kyr… via @nypostsports – 1:57 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Idk how the Suns aren’t the leaders in the clubhouse to get KD if he wants out. Ayton S/T (base year compensation would complicate it) makes too much sense. – 1:53 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
Could Kyrie reunite with LeBron with the Lakers? Irving reportedly has ‘great interest’ in L.A. nj.com/sports/2022/06… – 1:50 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Kyrie Irving passes off question when asked if he still wants to be a Net nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/27/kyr… – 1:48 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
There is no scenario that justifies losing Kevin Durant. – 1:45 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Kyrie wants to bail on KD after 44 games played together.
Harden bailed on KD after 1 1/2 years.
Draymond slandered KD and said they didn’t need him by year 2.
Westbrook played with KD for 8 seasons and was ride or die.
But Russ was the problem teammate. – 1:43 PM
Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
The Lakers recruitment of Kyrie is fascinating
Other teams have little interest in LAL’s trade packages – involving Westbrook, THT and Nunn – but there’s a clear play here
1) the Lakers show Kyrie they’re working on trades over the next few days
2) those trades don’t end up… – 1:34 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN story on the Lakers solo pursuit of a sign-and-trade deal for Kyrie Irving — with Irving’s situation continuing to leave the Nets vulnerable for a Kevin Durant trade request: es.pn/3QVCOBU – 1:15 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
If Kyrie somehow finds his way to the Lakers with Westbrook still on the roster their games should be eligible to win a Primetime Emmy. First time ever. Outstanding Drama series or Outstanding Comedy, doesn’t matter, either will do. – 1:13 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Kyrie Irving opting out of $36M to sign for $6M is a ludicrous idea…and it’s something I absolutely think he might do.
I believe Kyrie when he says it’s not about the money for him. Or I, at least, believe him more than just about anyone else playing in the NBA. – 1:07 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
We’re getting started now… I’m sure Kyrie and the Nets will be a big discussion point as well. twitter.com/i/spaces/1lPKq… – 1:01 PM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
Sources with knowledge of the situation have increasingly believed Kyrie Irving’s willingness to opt out of Brooklyn, sign the $6M taxpayer midlevel with the Lakers, where Irving can re-sign long-term in 2023.
More on @getcallin with @BigWos at 7:30ET: callin.com/room/free-agen… – 12:58 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
New column: Celtics should pass if a Jaylen Brown trade for Kevin Durant comes around
bostonsportsjournal.com/2022/06/27/kar… – 12:50 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Kyrie: “Okay, who wants to work on a sign-and-trade!?!?!?!. Let’s get it going!!”
NBA Teams:
pic.twitter.com/QSPHDO0JI1 – 12:41 PM

Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
The Nets listening to the league office explain to them that they’re going to accept a Kyrie for Westbrook trade. pic.twitter.com/qDpi2jQA0a – 12:41 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
The Lakers: “Can we discuss a Kyrie Irving trade?”
The Nets: “Sure. Who are you willing to offer?”
The Lakers: “Russell West-
The Nets: pic.twitter.com/VGhOLV4uof – 12:38 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
What a disaster the Kyrie Irving situation turned out to be in Brooklyn. My goodness gracious. – 12:37 PM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
Knicks fans, if the options are Kyrie on a 4-year max or Brunson on a 4-year max, which do you prefer? – 12:34 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
According to Windhorst (via SC), the Nets would rather lose Kyrie than have a status quo situation. – 12:32 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Kyrie Irving to discuss sign-and-trade deals looking to leave Brooklyn #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 12:28 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
A quick re-up of my assessment of how the Lakers should look at a potential partnership with Kyrie: ocregister.com/2022/06/24/kyr… – 12:25 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
As I wrote last week *at the old job* you certainly don’t want to be the team whose best option is Kyrie Irving, but that’s where the Lakers find themselves. theathletic.com/3379101/2022/0… – 12:25 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
You never really hear much about that Kyrie Irving guy any more do you? – 12:25 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN Sources: Outside of the Lakers, there are currently no known teams planning pursuit of sign-and-trades for Nets G Kyrie Irving. No sign-and-trades can be formally discussed until after 6 PM on Thursday. Brooklyn isn’t believed to have interest in available Lakers packages. – 12:22 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Nets give Kyrie Irving permission to seek sign-and-trade deals nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/27/rep… – 12:15 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
I think about the Cavs offering Kyrie Irving for a Jamal Murray + picks package back in 2017 pretty frequently. – 12:06 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Kevin Durant playoff win% with super star teammates:
78.6 — Steph Curry
75
70
65
60
57.3 — Russell Westbrook
46.2 — Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/6uB1gWHqok – 12:03 PM

Mike Mazzeo @MazzNYC
If this is the end, I’m going to miss Joe Tsai, Sean Marks and Kevin Durant defending, supporting, and kowtowing to Kyrie Irving as he selfishly sabotaged last season. This Core Four truly deserved each other – 11:58 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
The Athletic can confirm ⁦@Kristian Winfield⁩’s report that Kyrie Irving has been granted permission to seek a sign-and-trade from the Nets. Re-upping this from a week ago on why that’s easier said than done: theathletic.com/3374378/2022/0… – 11:56 AM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
In light of what ⁦⁦@Kristian Winfield⁩ reported… “If Irving was a player to lift all tides, if he was one whose mere presence inspired teammates to play with him and for him, he wouldn’t just have the Nets as suitors, but anyone without an All-NBA PG” sports.yahoo.com/kyrie-irving-i… – 11:56 AM
Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
A few things swirling…
– Case has been filed vs #Texans, per Buzbee
– Watson/NFL/NFLPA hearing is Tuesday
– The 1st 4 games of the ALCS preview were insane!!!
– #Rockets – Wall separation soon
– Nets Irving seeking trade
I’m sure #TheATeam will be fired up. I’m on vacation!! – 11:54 AM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Monday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! The latest on the “Kyrie to the Lakers” rumors, plus listener questions about which veterans that could/should be retained. Melo? Dwight? *None* of them? #FirstListen @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the… – 11:16 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Sources: Kyrie Irving has requested and received permission from the Nets to find sign-and-trade offers from other teams. Kevin Durant still hasn’t spoken to Nets front office. Russell Westbrook to Brooklyn remains unlikely. More for @NYDNSports
nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 11:08 AM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
This week Kyrie Irving will make a decision on his $36 million player option for the 2022-23 season.
@Brian Scalabrine believes he should opt in and “prove himself”. pic.twitter.com/K4ut3jnXKb – 11:07 AM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Teamed up with @Sam Amick and @Joe Vardon to sift through the Kyrie Irving/Kevin Durant situation: theathletic.com/3384393/2022/0… – 10:04 AM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
Is Kyrie Irving trying to make his way out of Brooklyn, and is Kevin Durant next? Exploring the Nets situation that might dominate the NBA summer, at @TheAthletic, with @Alex Schiffer and @Joe Vardon
theathletic.com/3384393/2022/0… – 9:47 AM
Joe Vardon @joevardon
Is there anything Kyrie Irving could do to salvage his reputation among NBA fans? It starts with signing with the Lakers, on the cheap. ⁦@Sam Amick⁩, ⁦@Alex Schiffer⁩ and I break it down, ⁦@The Athletic⁩ theathletic.com/3384393/2022/0… – 9:08 AM
Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
Amid all of the Kyrie Irving speculation, he is 95-1 to win #NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2022-23. Bradley Beal is 110-1 and Zach LaVine is 160-1. Steph Curry is 18-1 behind seven others. Doncic, Embiid, Giannis are 1-2-3 most likely. LeBron James is 23-1. – 8:40 AM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
New BS Podcast w/ @Ryen Russillo — Washington’s Beal dilemma, KD speed round trades, can you really call it “the Brunson Sweepstakes?” and other big free agency week questions.
Listen on Spotify: https://t.co/MMI73QsDPN
Not covered: Sonny Crockett crushing in pool pic.twitter.com/gpf586sUUu – 12:11 AM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Two weeks ago I hadn’t even considered Kyrie to the Lakers as a possibility.
A week ago I was intrigued but dismissive, focused on more seemingly plausible offseason scenarios.
Now I’m really starting to believe it’s their only hope of contending next season. – 10:37 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
ICYMI: Lowe Post podcast: @Bobby Marks + @Jonathan Givony recap the draft + preview free agency: Nets, Kyrie, fake KD trades, Ayton, DET/ORL drafts, Sixers trade, deals that didn’t happen (but still might), more:
Spotify: spoti.fi/39QSdm9
Apple: apple.co/3A2Mkx4 – 9:56 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Draymond Green on possibility of Irving, LeBron on Lakers: “They won’t beat us” nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/26/dra… – 9:00 PM
Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
Under no circumstances should the Blazers consider “the future,” if Durant is on the table. Mortgage the future in a nanosecond to pair Durant with Lillard and create a legit 3-year title window. In 2025, start creating a new future.
Blazers been chasing the future since 1977. – 7:39 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
New Dunc’d On Prime: BRK; WAS; UTA; NOP; GSW: Huge Offseason Outlook Day. @Danny Leroux
and I assess the markets for Kyrie Irving and Rudy Gobert, the free agencies of Looney and GPII, and much more. Join us: duncdon.supportingcast.fm – 6:11 PM
Chris Biderman @TheWarriorsWire
Warriors Wire lists the team’s top salary for each season since 1990-91, including Chris Mullin, Baron Davis, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant. warriorswire.usatoday.com/lists/who-was-… – 6:00 PM

More on this storyline

 

The uncertainty surrounding Irving’s future with the Nets continues to leave the franchise vulnerable to a Kevin Durant trade request, but that has yet to materialize, sources said. Durant has four years left on his contract and remained an advocate for the Nets to commit to a long-term deal for Irving, sources said. Numerous teams around the league are preparing to pursue Durant, one of the elite players in the sport, if he becomes available. -via ESPN / June 27, 2022
While Nets GM Sean Marks and superstar forward Kevin Durant have yet to speak this offseason, Kyrie Irving’s camp has requested and received permission from the Nets to speak with other teams about sign-and-trade packages, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. -via New York Daily News / June 27, 2022
Joe Vardon: Durant, meanwhile, is a different situation. He has four years left on his contract, starting at $43 million this year. At that big of a number, the return on such a trade would be so lucrative for Brooklyn that it would likely be able to turn around whatever “rebuild” it was undertaking very quickly. To your point, Alex, Tsai and Marks recognize this, and it’s working into their math. All of the grumbling about Durant considering his options … well, he doesn’t really have any. I mean, like other NBA stars, Durant could force his team to trade him, but when, where and for whom is totally up to the Nets. And league rules regarding trades being what they are, they would get a huge return for one of the very best players in the sport. -via The Athletic / June 27, 2022
Kyrie Irving needs a trade partner to coordinate an agreement on a deal to get a long-term, maximum contract, but only the Lakers have interest in executing a sign-and-trade once free agency opens on Thursday night, sources said. So far, the Nets have no interest in taking back the available Lakers packages, sources said. -via ESPN / June 27, 2022

 

Nets not interested in available Lakers packages for Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving needs a trade partner to coordinate an agreement on a deal to get a long-term, maximum contract, but only the Lakers have interest in executing a sign-and-trade once free agency opens on Thursday night, sources said. So far, the Nets …

Kyrie Irving needs a trade partner to coordinate an agreement on a deal to get a long-term, maximum contract, but only the Lakers have interest in executing a sign-and-trade once free agency opens on Thursday night, sources said. So far, the Nets have no interest in taking back the available Lakers packages, sources said.
Source: Adrian Wojnarowski @ ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
The Lakers recruitment of Kyrie is fascinating
Other teams have little interest in LAL’s trade packages – involving Westbrook, THT and Nunn – but there’s a clear play here
1) the Lakers show Kyrie they’re working on trades over the next few days
2) those trades don’t end up… – 1:34 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN story on the Lakers solo pursuit of a sign-and-trade deal for Kyrie Irving — with Irving’s situation continuing to leave the Nets vulnerable for a Kevin Durant trade request: es.pn/3QVCOBU – 1:15 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
If Kyrie somehow finds his way to the Lakers with Westbrook still on the roster their games should be eligible to win a Primetime Emmy. First time ever. Outstanding Drama series or Outstanding Comedy, doesn’t matter, either will do. – 1:13 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Kyrie Irving opting out of $36M to sign for $6M is a ludicrous idea…and it’s something I absolutely think he might do.
I believe Kyrie when he says it’s not about the money for him. Or I, at least, believe him more than just about anyone else playing in the NBA. – 1:07 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
We’re getting started now… I’m sure Kyrie and the Nets will be a big discussion point as well. twitter.com/i/spaces/1lPKq… – 1:01 PM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
Sources with knowledge of the situation have increasingly believed Kyrie Irving’s willingness to opt out of Brooklyn, sign the $6M taxpayer midlevel with the Lakers, where Irving can re-sign long-term in 2023.
More on @getcallin with @BigWos at 7:30ET: callin.com/room/free-agen… – 12:58 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Kyrie: “Okay, who wants to work on a sign-and-trade!?!?!?!. Let’s get it going!!”
NBA Teams:
pic.twitter.com/QSPHDO0JI1 – 12:41 PM

Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
The Nets listening to the league office explain to them that they’re going to accept a Kyrie for Westbrook trade. pic.twitter.com/qDpi2jQA0a – 12:41 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
The Lakers: “Can we discuss a Kyrie Irving trade?”
The Nets: “Sure. Who are you willing to offer?”
The Lakers: “Russell West-
The Nets: pic.twitter.com/VGhOLV4uof – 12:38 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
What a disaster the Kyrie Irving situation turned out to be in Brooklyn. My goodness gracious. – 12:37 PM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
Knicks fans, if the options are Kyrie on a 4-year max or Brunson on a 4-year max, which do you prefer? – 12:34 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
According to Windhorst (via SC), the Nets would rather lose Kyrie than have a status quo situation. – 12:32 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Kyrie Irving to discuss sign-and-trade deals looking to leave Brooklyn #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 12:28 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
A quick re-up of my assessment of how the Lakers should look at a potential partnership with Kyrie: ocregister.com/2022/06/24/kyr… – 12:25 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
As I wrote last week *at the old job* you certainly don’t want to be the team whose best option is Kyrie Irving, but that’s where the Lakers find themselves. theathletic.com/3379101/2022/0… – 12:25 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
You never really hear much about that Kyrie Irving guy any more do you? – 12:25 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN Sources: Outside of the Lakers, there are currently no known teams planning pursuit of sign-and-trades for Nets G Kyrie Irving. No sign-and-trades can be formally discussed until after 6 PM on Thursday. Brooklyn isn’t believed to have interest in available Lakers packages. – 12:22 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Nets give Kyrie Irving permission to seek sign-and-trade deals nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/27/rep… – 12:15 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
I think about the Cavs offering Kyrie Irving for a Jamal Murray + picks package back in 2017 pretty frequently. – 12:06 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Kevin Durant playoff win% with super star teammates:
78.6 — Steph Curry
75
70
65
60
57.3 — Russell Westbrook
46.2 — Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/6uB1gWHqok – 12:03 PM

Mike Mazzeo @MazzNYC
If this is the end, I’m going to miss Joe Tsai, Sean Marks and Kevin Durant defending, supporting, and kowtowing to Kyrie Irving as he selfishly sabotaged last season. This Core Four truly deserved each other – 11:58 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
The Athletic can confirm ⁦@Kristian Winfield⁩’s report that Kyrie Irving has been granted permission to seek a sign-and-trade from the Nets. Re-upping this from a week ago on why that’s easier said than done: theathletic.com/3374378/2022/0… – 11:56 AM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
In light of what ⁦⁦@Kristian Winfield⁩ reported… “If Irving was a player to lift all tides, if he was one whose mere presence inspired teammates to play with him and for him, he wouldn’t just have the Nets as suitors, but anyone without an All-NBA PG” sports.yahoo.com/kyrie-irving-i… – 11:56 AM
Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
A few things swirling…
– Case has been filed vs #Texans, per Buzbee
– Watson/NFL/NFLPA hearing is Tuesday
– The 1st 4 games of the ALCS preview were insane!!!
– #Rockets – Wall separation soon
– Nets Irving seeking trade
I’m sure #TheATeam will be fired up. I’m on vacation!! – 11:54 AM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Monday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! The latest on the “Kyrie to the Lakers” rumors, plus listener questions about which veterans that could/should be retained. Melo? Dwight? *None* of them? #FirstListen @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the… – 11:16 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Sources: Kyrie Irving has requested and received permission from the Nets to find sign-and-trade offers from other teams. Kevin Durant still hasn’t spoken to Nets front office. Russell Westbrook to Brooklyn remains unlikely. More for @NYDNSports
nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 11:08 AM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
This week Kyrie Irving will make a decision on his $36 million player option for the 2022-23 season.
@Brian Scalabrine believes he should opt in and “prove himself”. pic.twitter.com/K4ut3jnXKb – 11:07 AM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Teamed up with @Sam Amick and @Joe Vardon to sift through the Kyrie Irving/Kevin Durant situation: theathletic.com/3384393/2022/0… – 10:04 AM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
Is Kyrie Irving trying to make his way out of Brooklyn, and is Kevin Durant next? Exploring the Nets situation that might dominate the NBA summer, at @TheAthletic, with @Alex Schiffer and @Joe Vardon
theathletic.com/3384393/2022/0… – 9:47 AM
Joe Vardon @joevardon
Is there anything Kyrie Irving could do to salvage his reputation among NBA fans? It starts with signing with the Lakers, on the cheap. ⁦@Sam Amick⁩, ⁦@Alex Schiffer⁩ and I break it down, ⁦@The Athletic⁩ theathletic.com/3384393/2022/0… – 9:08 AM
Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
Amid all of the Kyrie Irving speculation, he is 95-1 to win #NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2022-23. Bradley Beal is 110-1 and Zach LaVine is 160-1. Steph Curry is 18-1 behind seven others. Doncic, Embiid, Giannis are 1-2-3 most likely. LeBron James is 23-1. – 8:40 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Two weeks ago I hadn’t even considered Kyrie to the Lakers as a possibility.
A week ago I was intrigued but dismissive, focused on more seemingly plausible offseason scenarios.
Now I’m really starting to believe it’s their only hope of contending next season. – 10:37 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
ICYMI: Lowe Post podcast: @Bobby Marks + @Jonathan Givony recap the draft + preview free agency: Nets, Kyrie, fake KD trades, Ayton, DET/ORL drafts, Sixers trade, deals that didn’t happen (but still might), more:
Spotify: spoti.fi/39QSdm9
Apple: apple.co/3A2Mkx4 – 9:56 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Draymond Green on possibility of Irving, LeBron on Lakers: “They won’t beat us” nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/26/dra… – 9:00 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
New Dunc’d On Prime: BRK; WAS; UTA; NOP; GSW: Huge Offseason Outlook Day. @Danny Leroux
and I assess the markets for Kyrie Irving and Rudy Gobert, the free agencies of Looney and GPII, and much more. Join us: duncdon.supportingcast.fm – 6:11 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
From earlier: “Basketball is obviously the most important thing but I try not to let that get in the way of somebody else’s personal decision… whatever happens, the friendship will still be there.”
Kevin Durant on Kyrie, via The ETCs podcast. More: sny.tv/articles/nets-… – 2:47 PM

More on this storyline

 

The uncertainty surrounding Irving’s future with the Nets continues to leave the franchise vulnerable to a Kevin Durant trade request, but that has yet to materialize, sources said. Durant has four years left on his contract and remained an advocate for the Nets to commit to a long-term deal for Irving, sources said. Numerous teams around the league are preparing to pursue Durant, one of the elite players in the sport, if he becomes available. -via ESPN / June 27, 2022
Hoop Central: Kyrie. (h/t @ComplexSports) -via Twitter / June 27, 2022

 

Only Lakers to pursue sign-and-trade deal for Kyrie Irving?

Adrian Wojnarowski: ESPN Sources: Outside of the Lakers, there are currently no known teams planning pursuit of sign-and-trades for Nets G Kyrie Irving. No sign-and-trades can be formally discussed until after 6 PM on Thursday. Brooklyn isn’t …

Adrian Wojnarowski: ESPN Sources: Outside of the Lakers, there are currently no known teams planning pursuit of sign-and-trades for Nets G Kyrie Irving. No sign-and-trades can be formally discussed until after 6 PM on Thursday. Brooklyn isn’t believed to have interest in available Lakers packages.
Source: Twitter @wojespn

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Kyrie Irving to discuss sign-and-trade deals looking to leave Brooklyn #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 12:28 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
A quick re-up of my assessment of how the Lakers should look at a potential partnership with Kyrie: ocregister.com/2022/06/24/kyr… – 12:25 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
As I wrote last week *at the old job* you certainly don’t want to be the team whose best option is Kyrie Irving, but that’s where the Lakers find themselves. theathletic.com/3379101/2022/0… – 12:25 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
You never really hear much about that Kyrie Irving guy any more do you? – 12:25 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN Sources: Outside of the Lakers, there are currently no known teams planning pursuit of sign-and-trades for Nets G Kyrie Irving. No sign-and-trades can be formally discussed until after 6 PM on Thursday. Brooklyn isn’t believed to have interest in available Lakers packages. – 12:22 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Nets give Kyrie Irving permission to seek sign-and-trade deals nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/27/rep… – 12:15 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
I think about the Cavs offering Kyrie Irving for a Jamal Murray + picks package back in 2017 pretty frequently. – 12:06 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Kevin Durant playoff win% with super star teammates:
78.6 — Steph Curry
75
70
65
60
57.3 — Russell Westbrook
46.2 — Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/6uB1gWHqok – 12:03 PM

Mike Mazzeo @MazzNYC
If this is the end, I’m going to miss Joe Tsai, Sean Marks and Kevin Durant defending, supporting, and kowtowing to Kyrie Irving as he selfishly sabotaged last season. This Core Four truly deserved each other – 11:58 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
The Athletic can confirm ⁦@Kristian Winfield⁩’s report that Kyrie Irving has been granted permission to seek a sign-and-trade from the Nets. Re-upping this from a week ago on why that’s easier said than done: theathletic.com/3374378/2022/0… – 11:56 AM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
In light of what ⁦⁦@Kristian Winfield⁩ reported… “If Irving was a player to lift all tides, if he was one whose mere presence inspired teammates to play with him and for him, he wouldn’t just have the Nets as suitors, but anyone without an All-NBA PG” sports.yahoo.com/kyrie-irving-i… – 11:56 AM
Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
A few things swirling…
– Case has been filed vs #Texans, per Buzbee
– Watson/NFL/NFLPA hearing is Tuesday
– The 1st 4 games of the ALCS preview were insane!!!
– #Rockets – Wall separation soon
– Nets Irving seeking trade
I’m sure #TheATeam will be fired up. I’m on vacation!! – 11:54 AM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Monday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! The latest on the “Kyrie to the Lakers” rumors, plus listener questions about which veterans that could/should be retained. Melo? Dwight? *None* of them? #FirstListen @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the… – 11:16 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Sources: Kyrie Irving has requested and received permission from the Nets to find sign-and-trade offers from other teams. Kevin Durant still hasn’t spoken to Nets front office. Russell Westbrook to Brooklyn remains unlikely. More for @NYDNSports
nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 11:08 AM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
This week Kyrie Irving will make a decision on his $36 million player option for the 2022-23 season.
@Brian Scalabrine believes he should opt in and “prove himself”. pic.twitter.com/K4ut3jnXKb – 11:07 AM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Teamed up with @Sam Amick and @Joe Vardon to sift through the Kyrie Irving/Kevin Durant situation: theathletic.com/3384393/2022/0… – 10:04 AM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
Is Kyrie Irving trying to make his way out of Brooklyn, and is Kevin Durant next? Exploring the Nets situation that might dominate the NBA summer, at @TheAthletic, with @Alex Schiffer and @Joe Vardon
theathletic.com/3384393/2022/0… – 9:47 AM
Joe Vardon @joevardon
Is there anything Kyrie Irving could do to salvage his reputation among NBA fans? It starts with signing with the Lakers, on the cheap. ⁦@Sam Amick⁩, ⁦@Alex Schiffer⁩ and I break it down, ⁦@The Athletic⁩ theathletic.com/3384393/2022/0… – 9:08 AM
Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
Amid all of the Kyrie Irving speculation, he is 95-1 to win #NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2022-23. Bradley Beal is 110-1 and Zach LaVine is 160-1. Steph Curry is 18-1 behind seven others. Doncic, Embiid, Giannis are 1-2-3 most likely. LeBron James is 23-1. – 8:40 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Two weeks ago I hadn’t even considered Kyrie to the Lakers as a possibility.
A week ago I was intrigued but dismissive, focused on more seemingly plausible offseason scenarios.
Now I’m really starting to believe it’s their only hope of contending next season. – 10:37 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
ICYMI: Lowe Post podcast: @Bobby Marks + @Jonathan Givony recap the draft + preview free agency: Nets, Kyrie, fake KD trades, Ayton, DET/ORL drafts, Sixers trade, deals that didn’t happen (but still might), more:
Spotify: spoti.fi/39QSdm9
Apple: apple.co/3A2Mkx4 – 9:56 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Draymond Green on possibility of Irving, LeBron on Lakers: “They won’t beat us” nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/26/dra… – 9:00 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
New Dunc’d On Prime: BRK; WAS; UTA; NOP; GSW: Huge Offseason Outlook Day. @Danny Leroux
and I assess the markets for Kyrie Irving and Rudy Gobert, the free agencies of Looney and GPII, and much more. Join us: duncdon.supportingcast.fm – 6:11 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
From earlier: “Basketball is obviously the most important thing but I try not to let that get in the way of somebody else’s personal decision… whatever happens, the friendship will still be there.”
Kevin Durant on Kyrie, via The ETCs podcast. More: sny.tv/articles/nets-… – 2:47 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Durant frustrated Nets front office didn’t get to know, understand Irving nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/26/rep… – 1:01 PM

More on this storyline

 

The belief among both league and player circles is that Irving is gone and the Seven-Eleven Era is over before it ever began. Irving only appeared in 103 regular-season games in Brooklyn, a three-year run ravaged in Year 1 by a nagging shoulder injury; in Year 2 due to absences for personal reasons; and in Year 3 due to Irving’s unwillingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in a city that didn’t create a professional athlete exemption in its vaccine mandate until weeks before the NBA playoffs began. -via New York Daily News / June 27, 2022

 

Arturas Karnisovas: We hope Zach LaVine is here for a long time

KC Johnson: Artūras Karnišovas on Zach LaVine: “We’ve been very open that we hope Zach is here for a long time. Nothing has changed.” Source: Twitter @KCJHoop What’s the buzz on Twitter? Joe Cowley @ JCowleyHoops AK feels the LaVine knee is going to …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
AK feels the LaVine knee is going to be healthy … confident with free agency. – 12:20 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Arturas on the re-signing process for Zach LaVine: “We’ve been very open that we hope Zach is here for a long time. Nothing has changed.” – 12:13 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Artūras Karnišovas on Zach LaVine: “We’ve been very open that we hope Zach is here for a long time. Nothing has changed.” – 12:12 PM
Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Arturas Karnisovas on what attracted the Bulls to Dalen Terry: “High motor, energy guy. 6-7, 7-1 wingspan. Good defender. Versatile guy.” Said he was “loudest guy in the gym” during workout – 12:04 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
With free agency beginning Thursday, it’s important to remember the Bulls’ commitment to do whatever it takes to retain Zach LaVine began last offseason. They’ll just formally follow through on that commitment this week.
Column for ⁦@NBCSChicago⁩: nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/… – 10:07 AM
Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
Amid all of the Kyrie Irving speculation, he is 95-1 to win #NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2022-23. Bradley Beal is 110-1 and Zach LaVine is 160-1. Steph Curry is 18-1 behind seven others. Doncic, Embiid, Giannis are 1-2-3 most likely. LeBron James is 23-1. – 8:40 AM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2014, the NBA Draft was held in New York, N.Y. The top five picks:
1. Andrew Wiggins, CLE
2. Jabari Parker, MIL
3. Joel Embiid, PHI
4. Aaron Gordon, ORL
5. Dante Exum, UTA
Other notables:
7. Julius Randle, LAL
13. Zach LaVine, MIN
41. Nikola Jokic, DEN pic.twitter.com/SfsJNlxvJE – 4:01 PM

Josh Martin @LonzoWire
LaVine is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. lonzowire.usatoday.com/2022/06/24/bul… – 1:00 AM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
This quote from Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd stands out to why Dalen Terry is a Bull. In his optimized version, he can read game well, cut and pass. If he hits potential, seamless fit alongside premier decision-maker Lonzo Ball, placing Zach LaVine in more catch-and-shoot situations pic.twitter.com/buw1kyXPnV – 11:25 AM

Josh Martin @LonzoWire
LaVine is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. lonzowire.usatoday.com/2022/06/24/bul… – 10:00 PM
Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
With Zach Collins’ contract guaranteeing today, the Spurs’ max cap space potential is now $34.4 million.
That’s still enough to send a max offer to a free agent with 0-6 years experience (Ayton as example).
Not enough for player with 7 or more years experience (Ex: LaVine) – 5:16 PM
Josh Martin @LonzoWire
LaVine is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. lonzowire.usatoday.com/2022/06/24/bul… – 1:26 PM

More on this storyline

 

Joe Cowley: AK on sticking with the core: “Continuity? Yes, because this group has only been here since [last] October. … start of the season last year was really positive and how we want to play.” -via Twitter @JCowleyHoops / June 27, 2022

 

Breakup between John Wall, Rockets gaining momentum

There were some trade talks involving a few teams on draft night, but none of those deals materialized. With the draft now behind them, the Rockets plan to reassess things with Wall. Sources say a breakup between Wall and the franchise is gaining …

There were some trade talks involving a few teams on draft night, but none of those deals materialized. With the draft now behind them, the Rockets plan to reassess things with Wall. Sources say a breakup between Wall and the franchise is gaining momentum, with both sides expected to meet this week with Wall’s hope of a resolution — a trade or, more likely, a buyout — by the June 30 start of free agency.
Source: Kelly Iko @ The Athletic

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
Sources: A breakup between John Wall and the Rockets is gaining momentum, with both sides expected to meet this week with Wall’s hope of a resolution — a trade or more likely a buyout — by the June 30 start of free agency.
theathletic.com/3383768/2022/0… – 10:35 AM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
New @lockedonbucks 🦌
-Some context to Hugo Besson’s season with the New Zealand Breakers
-Why Dante Exum would be a savvy FA signing
-Is anybody tempted by taking a look at John Wall?!
📺 https://t.co/ouyWA5H3Z7
🎙️ https://t.co/fq5or75rZX pic.twitter.com/T4tqRgq2M9 – 8:00 AM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
John Wall buyout with Rockets reportedly increasingly likely; Clippers, Heat, Lakers interested nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/26/joh… – 7:24 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
John Wall rumors: Former All-Star may be willing to negotiate buyout with Rockets, per report
cbssports.com/nba/news/john-… – 5:28 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
If Bradley Beal re-signs with the Wizards, I think Kristaps Porzingis will be the best scorer he’s ever played with in D.C. John Wall would be the best offensive player (+passing), but Porzingis is the best combo of volume & efficiency the Wiz have had since Beal was drafted. – 1:38 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – What’s next for Rockets? John Wall, Eric Gordon on agenda after draft ift.tt/zilRsk2 – 8:18 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2010, the NBA Draft was held in New York, N.Y. The top five picks:
1. John Wall, WAS
2. Evan Turner, PHI
3. Derrick Favors, NJN
4. Wesley Johnson, MIN
5. DeMarcus Cousins, SAC
Other notables:
9. Gordon Hayward, UTA
10. Paul George, IND pic.twitter.com/LGSACxDhPF – 2:01 PM

More on this storyline

 

Yet rumbles have finally begun to circulate about John Wall resurfacing as an active player next season. This week marked the first time in some time that I heard serious murmurs about Wall successfully negotiating a buyout with the Rockets after his season on the sidelines — provided Houston remains unable to find a trade partner on a Wall deal. -via marcstein.substack.com / June 26, 2022
It is still unclear, with Wall presumed to be essentially untradeable when he’s due $47.4 million next season, how much of that salary he would have to surrender in buyout talks to convince the Rockets to let him become a free agent. The latest Wall-related scuttle does, however, suggest that a pathway for the sides to get there is at last materializing. -via marcstein.substack.com / June 26, 2022
Interest in Wall from the Clippers and Heat, if he can finally make his way onto the open market, has been mentioned for months. I’ve likewise been advised that the Lakers — resistant as they remain to trading Russell Westbrook to Houston for Wall by attaching draft capital as a sweetener for the Rockets — would consider Wall as a candidate for the roster if he is suddenly available via the buyout market. -via marcstein.substack.com / June 26, 2022

 

JaMychal Green on the move again?

Brandon Rahbar: Sam Presti says he thinks they’ll find a different team for JaMychal Green. Not because OKC doesn’t value him but because of where he is at right now. Source: Twitter @BrandonRahbar What’s the buzz on Twitter? Brandon Rahbar @ …

Brandon Rahbar: Sam Presti says he thinks they’ll find a different team for JaMychal Green. Not because OKC doesn’t value him but because of where he is at right now.
Source: Twitter @BrandonRahbar

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Sam Presti says he thinks they’ll find a different team for JaMychal Green. Not because OKC doesn’t value him but because of where he is at right now. – 5:16 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
The 2027 first-round pick going to OKC in the JaMychal Green trade is top-five protected for three years, per source. If it doesn’t convey, turns into Denver’s 2029 2nd-rounder. – 12:24 AM
Jon Hamm @JonMHamm
The OKC/DEN trade involving JaMychal Green was formally announced at the draft. It’s done. – 11:39 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
The JaMychal Green trade is now official. – 11:38 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The Nuggets traded JaMychal Green and a 2027 1st for Peyton Watson, two second rounders, and $6 million in tax relief. – 11:25 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
This is the cost of salary dumping by the way. JaMychal Green makes the same amount of money as De’Anthony Melton. – 10:25 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Reminder/something to watch tonight (and the rest of this week):
The Oklahoma City Thunder have approximately $23.4M in available cap space available in trades for the rest of the 2021-22 league year. This is after factoring in acquiring JaMychal Green.
It goes away on July 1. – 12:30 PM

More on this storyline

 

Brandon Rahbar: The protections on OKC’s 2027 Denver 1st rounder are official: top 5 protected in 2027, 2028 and 2029. Sam Presti really traded the last pick in this year’s draft for a top 5 protected pick and JaMychal Green. Big W for OKC. -via Twitter @BrandonRahbar / June 21, 2022
Adrian Wojnarowski: JaMychal Green is expected to exercise his $8.2M contract for 2022-2023. Deal gives Nuggets flexibility to use a $6.4M tax mid-level exception or an $8.2M trade exception in offseason. Nuggets expect to be a tax-paying team. Thunder have $31M in cap space to absorb Green salary. -via Twitter @wojespn / June 13, 2022

 

Blazers guarantee Josh Hart’s contract for 2022-23 season

Aaron J. Fentress: Source: Blazers fully guarantee Josh Hart’s contract that will pay him $12.9 million next season. Deadline was today. There is a mutual option for the following season. This was absolutely a no-brainer. #RipCity Source: Twitter …

Aaron J. Fentress: Source: Blazers fully guarantee Josh Hart’s contract that will pay him $12.9 million next season. Deadline was today. There is a mutual option for the following season. This was absolutely a no-brainer. #RipCity
Source: Twitter @AaronJFentress

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Josh Hart @joshhart
Some of these young dude wild 😂 – 12:09 PM
Josh Hart @joshhart
How is our country moving backwards? – 12:17 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
The Lakers have hit on several picks in the late first and early second rounds in the last several years, including:
Larry Nance Jr. (No. 27, 2015)
Ivica Zubac (No. 32, 2016)
Kyle Kuzma (No. 27, 2017)
Josh Hart (No. 30, 2017)
Thomas Bryant (No. 42, 2017)
Mo Wagner (No. 25, 2018) – 3:20 PM
Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
Would you trade OG Anunoby for Josh Hart and No. 7? – 9:16 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Damian Lillard last offseason: “Where we are isn’t good enough.”
Blazers additions since:
— Cody Zeller
— Ben McLemore
— Josh Hart
— Dennis Smith Jr
— Eric Bledsoe
— Justise Winslow
— Joe Ingles
— Jerami Grant
Somebody check on Dame. pic.twitter.com/hILTOs1Akm – 6:31 PM

Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Including the $12.9M non-guaranteed contract of Josh Hart (becomes guaranteed on 6/25), Portland has $105M in guaranteed salary.
$44M below the tax
Key free agents
Anfernee Simons (restricted)
Jusuf Nurkic – 6:21 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
If they re-sign their own FAs, Portland could roll out:
Jusuf Nurkic
Jerami Grant
Josh Hart
Anfernee Simons
Damian Lillard
Plus, whoever they add with their exceptions and at #7 or through other trades. Not a bad start to the retool for the Blazers. – 6:02 PM

More on this storyline

 

But what happens if Phoenix uses the threat of restricted free agency and a limited market of teams with available cap space as leverage? Would the Suns tell Ayton to go out and get an offer sheet from another team, with the belief it would get matched? ESPN is projecting four teams — the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs — to each have more than $30.5 million in available cap space. A fifth, the Portland Trail Blazers, would need to waive starter Josh Hart to create a max slot. Each of the four teams (and possibly Portland) can offer a four-year, $131.1 million contract. -via ESPN / May 16, 2022

 

Rockets picking up team option on Jae’Sean Tate

The Rockets will pick up their option on the third season of forward Jae’Sean Tate’s contract by Wednesday’s deadline, a person with knowledge of the decision said. Tate will earn $1.9 million in the final season of the contract he signed as an …

The Rockets will pick up their option on the third season of forward Jae’Sean Tate’s contract by Wednesday’s deadline, a person with knowledge of the decision said. Tate will earn $1.9 million in the final season of the contract he signed as an undrafted free agent.
Source: Jonathan Feigen @ Houston Chronicle

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Andrew Bogut @RogueBoguesPod
Basketball Pod Ep 70 – Jae’Sean Tate talks about his childhood and upbringing and how it has influenced him.
Listen to it here 👇
https://t.co/u0OwdyWBh0
#LetsGetRogue #RogueBogues #NBA #Basketball
@o_tate_ @andrewbogut @HoopConsultants pic.twitter.com/8q5pc5cYPv – 7:56 PM

Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Possible top 15 training camp roster
Jalen Green
Kevin Porter Jr
Jae’Sean Tate
Alperen Sengun
Jabari Smith
Josh Christopher
Usman Garuba
K.J. Martin
Tari Eason
TyTy Washington
Garrison Mathews
Daishen Nix
David Nwaba
Eric Gordon
Boban Marjanovic – 11:05 PM

More on this storyline

 

Jae’Sean Tate and Kevin Porter Jr. are eligible for contract extensions now. At the beginning of the offseason, representation for both approached management in hopes of beginning those talks, sources said. -via The Athletic / June 20, 2022
Pippen also joins current Golden State Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in giving their support for the Kings, after the pair shared their own videos earlier in the series. Again, Curry and Thompson may be diehard Kings fans, but they are also former teammates of Andrew Bogut – part of the team’s ownership group – as well as current Kings import Ian Clark, both of whom were part of the Warriors’ championship dynasty from 2015-2017. Others who have shared their support for the Kings include former Kings players who are now in the NBA – Didi Louzada and Jae’Sean Tate – as well as former Kings coach Will Weaver, former NBA lottery pick Thon Maker, Sydney Swans player Jake Lloyd, and Super Netball team the NSW Swifts. -via Sporting News / May 11, 2022