Andrew Wiggins on doubters: It’s good to just make those guys kick rocks

Andrew Wiggins: When they talk it’s all motivation. When I first got here, everyone had something to say, now everyone is quiet. That’s the best feeling, when people doubt you, and people sleep on you, and don’t think that you can do something that …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Andrew Wiggins @22wiggins
Holding a grudge and I’m taking it far 😤 pic.twitter.com/Bxi4aNot6J8:18 PM

Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Sam Presti said Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Aaron Wiggins, Josh Giddey are all business, working, and they’ve set the bar high. – 1:34 AM
Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Thunder roster:
– SGA
– Giddey
– Dort
– Bazley
– Maledon
– Favors
– Jerome
– Poku
– Wiggins
– Roby
– Mann
– Krejci
– Muscala
– JRE
– Green
– Chet
– Dieng
– J. Williams
– J. Williams
– K. Williams
– Frazier (two-way)
– Waters (two-way) – 1:12 AM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
ESPN did Wiggins dirty with that characature – 10:46 PM
Dalton Johnson @DaltonJ_Johnson
That Wiggins cartoon thing felt wrong – 10:46 PM
Zac Boyer @ZacBoyer
Kansas’ Ochai Agbaji has been chosen by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the No. 14 pick in the NBA Draft.
He’s the fourth player to be chosen by the Cavaliers out of Kansas and first since Andrew Wiggins in 2014. #kubball9:30 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Mathurin and Sharpe become the 2nd Canadian duo to ever be selected in the top-10 of the same draft, 1st since Wiggins/Stauskas in 2014. They’re the 7th and 8th Canadians to ever go in the top-10.
I wrote about their unique but very different journeys: tsn.ca/canadians-shar…8:45 PM
Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
Bob Myers on the organization’s desire to retain both Andrew Wiggins & Jordan Poole. Both will have inevitable upcoming paydays whether its from the Warriors or another team. pic.twitter.com/DNRGzTs9EY6:46 PM

Andrew Wiggins @22wiggins
No better feeling then waking up an NBA CHAMPION 🏆 pic.twitter.com/sM2tZF1PuO3:09 PM

Kylen Mills @KylenMills
GM Bob Myers says the organization would love to keep this group together – including Poole, Wiggins, GPII, OPJ, & Looney. He says free agency can be tricky and there’s not a limitless budget, but they’ll make the effort all those guys were key. @kron4news #dubnation #goldblooded2:24 PM
Kendra Andrews @kendra__andrews
Myers says it will be a priority to extend Andrew Wiggins’ and Jordan Poole’s contracts. But he understands it may not happen right away with Poole’s deadline not until October and Wiggins not having one. – 2:13 PM

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Andrew Wiggins: To be honest, since I was in Minnesota, I always felt like I was one of the best. I always felt like I could defend, I felt like I could score as well as anybody. So I just knew my time was up here [Minnesota], we have reached the end of our journey, and that was a new chapter opening up in Golden State. So now it’s a bigger stage and it’s really time to showcase what I can do. -via complex.com / June 25, 2022
Andrew Wiggins: If we get everyone back I don’t see why we can’t do this whole thing again. We have the leadership, we have the veterans, we have the young guys who are getting better everyday, every practice, every moment that are willing to learn and be coached. So why can’t we run this thing back again? -via complex.com / June 25, 2022

 

Bradley Beal undecided about his future in Washington

Quinton Mayo: Bradley Beal is truly undecided as to what is next for him. Now a lot of people would come back to that comment and say, well, he has a very large incentive to return to the team in DC. He also has made a ton of money already through …

Quinton Mayo: Bradley Beal is truly undecided as to what is next for him. Now a lot of people would come back to that comment and say, well, he has a very large incentive to return to the team in DC. He also has made a ton of money already through 10 years of NBA basketball.
Source: Blue Wire Podcasts

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
Do you have faith in the Wizards
organization to build a contending team? That’s the question Bradley Beal must answer as he approaches one of the
biggest decisions of his career. New post-draft pod out now:
https://t.co/8J44hAevb7 pic.twitter.com/B86DaEK5lV4:03 PM

Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
WASHINGTON WIZARDS PICK JOHNNY DAVIS OF WISCONSIN #10
SNAP GRADE: B
@David Thorpe: Relentless driver and scorer who defends as well. Knows how to play and should play pretty quickly. Wiz building a solid core via draft and need a star if they move Beal.
https://t.co/LIiDCynK7i pic.twitter.com/aq5w9Z7WDA9:09 PM

Gery Woelfel @GeryWoelfel
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis, as many expected, went 10th in the draft to the Wizards. He and Beal should make one dynamic backcourt. – 9:05 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
The Wizards lottery picks since 2010:
John Wall
Jan Vesely
Bradley Beal
Otto Porter Jr.
Rui Hachimura
Deni Avdija
Johnny Davis pic.twitter.com/r4Ccew29PS9:00 PM

Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
As rumors keep heating up, especially when it comes to the Lakers, the odds keep changing. This time it’s concerning Bradley Beal’s next team, via @bookies: pic.twitter.com/r7BG9pSoNP6:04 PM

Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
A bunch of prospects in this year’s NBA Draft said they look up to Bradley Beal, some even model their games after him.
That means a lot to Beal. “Maybe I’m not as bad as people may think.” nbcsports.com/washington/wiz…11:27 AM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Braylon Beal can already dribble better than me 🤣
🎥: @jomatt_m pic.twitter.com/46g44kdBQF7:35 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Bradley Beal opting out of Wizards contract nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/22/rep…5:04 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
New: Bradley Beal reportedly plans to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Wizards. What that actually means when it comes to the possibility of any Celtics pursuit of the shooting guard this offseason: masslive.com/celtics/2022/0…10:49 AM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
New BS Podcast (2 parts): a whopping 11 guests try to answer burning questions about Thursday’s NBA Draft, Orlando’s big choice, Kyrie’s future, best NBA future bets, and summer plans for Utah, GSW, Philly, Miami, Denver, Beal + the Knicks.
Here’s Part 1: open.spotify.com/episode/0VV6QR…12:04 AM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Source: Wizards star Bradley Beal will decline his $36.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season and become an unrestricted free agent this summer, @Jorge Sierra has learned. More on Beal’s future, Bobby Portis, Nicolas Batum, and others in the story. hoopshype.com/lists/nba-rumo…10:24 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Wizards president Tommy Sheppard said a lot about wanting to improve the defense: how a PG could help, how Bradley Beal is an underrated defender and how they could use more “dogs.” nbcsports.com/washington/wiz…10:08 PM

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Daryl Morey on James Harden: It’s a mutual love fest

Noah Levick: Daryl Morey on James Harden’s contract: “It’s a mutual love fest, so we feel like we’ll work it out.” Source: Twitter @NoahLevick What’s the buzz on Twitter? Derek Bodner @ DerekBodnerNBA Daryl Morey says he expects Filip Petrusev to …

Noah Levick: Daryl Morey on James Harden’s contract: “It’s a mutual love fest, so we feel like we’ll work it out.”
Source: Twitter @NoahLevick

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Daryl Morey says he expects Filip Petrusev to play on the Sixers SUMMER LEAGUE team this summer. – 1:46 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Daryl Morey on James Harden’s contract: “It’s a mutual love fest, so we feel like we’ll work it out.” – 1:31 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Daryl Morey says 2021 draft picks Jaden Springer and Filip Petrusev will be on the summer league team for Las Vegas #Sixers1:31 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Daryl Morey does offer hope that Charles Bassey can play more in his 2nd season to back up Joel Embiid #Sixers1:26 AM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Daryl Morey on the draft: “If we can get a perimeter defender, maybe for a draft pick, we’d feel really good about that.”
NOTE: Morey is not allowed to comment on the trade now, as the deal isn’t yet official, so this is an “interesting” (but not interesting) post draft presser. – 1:22 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Daryl Morey: “We feel like we got better tonight.” Morey thanked Danny Green, said he wishes he could’ve gotten Green his fourth title.
Morey’s unable to talk about the De’Anthony Melton deal (not yet official), is doing some tongue-in-cheek attempting to dance around that. – 1:20 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Daryl Morey opens his post-draft availability thanking Danny Green, saying he’s disappointed he couldn’t get him his fourth ring. Then realizes he can’t talk about anything, re: Melton, sticks to “We got better tonight” – 1:19 AM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
“We’re excited about the possibility of some trades coming. We’re thinking we might be able to pick up some rotation piece.” – Daryl Morey – 1:18 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Daryl Morey: “We think we got better tonight. I want to thank Danny Green. I really wanted to get him the 4th ring.” #Sixers1:17 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
The #Sixers’ acquisition of De’Anthony Melton is sort of reunion with Daryl Morey. As the #Rockets GM, Morey selected the guard with the 46th overall pick on the 2018 NBA draft (June 21, 2018). His Houston tenure was short lived. Morey traded him to PHX on Aug. 31, 2018. #NBA12:30 AM
Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
Daryl Morey has now been involved involved in two Melton trades
Tonight – from Memphis for Danny Green and #23
2018 – to Phoenix (with Ryan Anderson) for Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss
League sources say the Suns exec in that deal was ‘brilliant + devastatingly handsome’ pic.twitter.com/8cyAGgakAs10:39 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Sixers acquiring De’Anthony Melton in exchange for No. 23 pick (David Roddy) and Danny Green — confirming @Adrian Wojnarowski.
Daryl Morey added Green on his first draft night with the Sixers, trades him away in deal for the 24-year-old Melton two years later. – 10:23 PM
Zach Kram @zachkram
RAPM is a stat that measures a player’s overall on-court impact, adjusting for teammates and opponents.
De’Anthony Melton ranks 21st in the entire NBA over the last 3 seasons.
Of course Daryl Morey would want a player that advanced stats have always loved. – 10:21 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Rockets duos throughout the years:
Hakeem x Clyde
T-Mac x Yao
Harden x Paul
Jalen x Jabari pic.twitter.com/hizet9H5MK8:22 PM

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – NBA draft live updates: Rockets may be winning James Harden trade ift.tt/IX4T62y8:18 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
They’re playing James Harden and Kyrie Irving highlights on the jumbotron as part of a Nets top 10 plays here at the draft and come on read the room Barclays Center – 7:13 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
James Harden seeing Kevin Durant and Kyrie potentially on their way out of Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/BSDkjmqSxs4:34 PM

Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
James Harden reading today’s NBA news pic.twitter.com/5LNU8I1yu44:30 PM

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
If you like drama, conspiracy theories, occasional disappearances, but one hell of a guard, Kyrie Irving is for you. Let’s check in with Daryl Morey. – 4:22 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
The idea of Brooklyn sign-and-trading Kyrie to Philly to get Harden back after he demanded out of Brooklyn to get to Philly is so funny that I’m refusing to acknowledge how utterly insane and improbable it is. – 4:19 PM
James Harden @JHarden13
💧for the💧 Keep your hydration up w/ @DrinkBODYARMOR SportWater #NationalHydrationDay pic.twitter.com/5p7bOhDuwg3:23 PM

Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
The Rockets feared being stuck in NBA purgatory when James Harden forced a trade. GM Rafael Stone: “The NBA punishes the middle.” So they loaded up on picks, projects and patience.
ESPN story about the Rockets rebuild that’s still in the early stages: espn.com/nba/story/_/id…9:31 AM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
New @FrontOfficeShow is up! @Trevor_Lane & I talk Kyrie (Lakers???), Harden, Options (Tucker, Batum, Connaughton), Hornets and even Ja Raffe! Watch, like & subscribe below. 18K subscribers soon!
Also, join us tomorrow night for our live NBA Draft show!
youtu.be/te7GNDjC2J45:35 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
The @Oklahoma City Thunder are the only franchise in NBA history to select a future MVP in three straight drafts:
✅ Kevin Durant (2007)
✅ Russell Westbrook (2008)
✅ James Harden (2009)
In fact, no other franchise has even selected a future MVP in back-to-back drafts. pic.twitter.com/Ynq6enOxHn3:01 PM

Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
If you’re the Raptors and you HAD to (and could/they can’t) sign either Kyrie or Harden to the max who would you pick baggage and all – 2:30 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
James Harden win% with star teammates since 2012:
78.6 — CP3
69.8 — Durant
66.7 — Embiid
65.5 — Westbrook pic.twitter.com/KuGLifsnPx1:42 PM

Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
NEWS: Michael Rubin is selling his stake in Harris, Blitzer Sports & Entertainment & will no longer be a part-owner of the 76ers, he told @FOXSports in an exclusive interview. Rubin is close to James Harden and Joel Embiid.
Full story and interview here: foxsports.com/stories/nba/mi…9:59 AM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Quick photoshop of what PJ Tucker, James Harden and Eric Gordon would look like in Philly. pic.twitter.com/MlG6c0CVei5:42 PM

Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Extension-eligible players in 2022-23: LeBron James, James Harden, Damian Lillard, more.
hoopshype.com/lists/extensio…11:00 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Back in 2012 Olympics, when Anthony Skinn ended James Harden’s defensive career 😬
🎥 @nbc pic.twitter.com/XSdQSbTsR710:58 AM

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While there does appear to be legitimate smoke with Tucker, this isn’t a Tucker-or-bust situation for the Sixers. There are still several scenarios the team is exploring to improve its rotation and depth ahead of the draft and the start of free agency. And pieces like Thybulle, Green and pick 23 could still be in play. But don’t expect the team to dump any of those assets without gaining anything in return. The bottom line here is that nothing really appears to be off the table in the Sixers’ quest to improve the roster around Joel Embiid, James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, who sources have told Liberty Ballers is viewed as a franchise cornerstone and virtually untouchable. -via LibertyBallers.com / June 23, 2022

 

Lawrence Frank on Luke Kennard trade rumors: Zero truth

Ohm Youngmisuk: Lawrence Frank says there is “zero truth to” a trade rumor surrounding Luke Kennard. Source: Twitter @NotoriousOHM What’s the buzz on Twitter? Law Murray @ LawMurrayTheNU Lawrence Frank reiterates that Clippers want to retain as many …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lawrence Frank reiterates that Clippers want to retain as many of their own players as possible. – 1:36 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lawrence Frank said there was “zero truth” to the Clippers trying to trade Luke Kennard. Frank: “Luke’s been terrific.” – 1:35 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Lawrence Frank says there is “zero truth to” a trade rumor surrounding Luke Kennard. – 1:35 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lawrence Frank says that Luke Kennard “Had an unbelievable season” while adding, you know, that he doesn’t talk about rumors – 1:34 AM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Lawrence Frank on the record on that Luke Kennard trade rumor: “I don’t comment on rumors because there was zero truth to the rumor.” – 1:34 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Lawrence Frank said that he and Tyronn Lue speak almost every day and that Kawhi Leonard and Paul George like to be involved in discussing personnel decisions as the team enters free agency.
“It’s great to see how invested they are in the organization and what it means.” – 1:34 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lawrence Frank called Kawhi Leonard & Paul George “great partners” with collaborating on roster moves: “They have great insight & passionately care about the type of people that are in the locker room. They look for people that work, have great habits and are pros.” – 1:33 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lawrence Frank said that he and Tyronn Lue speak every day, sometimes twice a day. Describes him as a great partner. Mentions that Ty Lue trusts the front office when it comes to draft (“he doesn’t have time to watch 25 Michigan games”) but has a great feel for NBA players (FA). – 1:33 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lawrence Frank says that Clippers were “super-excited” to extend Robert Covington, calling it a win-win for both sides.
Adds that he is impressed with this generation of players who have been more open about their mental health challenges, in regards to Covington opening up. – 1:29 AM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Lawrence Frank: “Your people create your culture. We try to study, ‘OK, if we’re gonna bring this player in the locker room, how does it fit?'”
Involved in that convo: “TLue, our best players, Steve. Make sure everyone’s comfortable with who we’re putting in that locker room.” – 1:28 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Lawrence Frank says Clippers are fortunate that Kawhi Leonard and Paul George get along so well and set an example as the team’s best players for the rest of the locker room. – 1:27 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Asked how the Clippers factor in leadership and availability in their FA decisions, Lawrence Frank says they “look at it all.” He spoke about studying “basketball character.”
“Anytime you put a player in the locker room … it is a statement to your team what you think of them.” – 1:25 AM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
The Clippers didn’t have a draft night trade tonight for the first time in seven years. Says Lawrence Frank: “You’re happy when you don’t” trade.
He added that he’s glad to not have traded anyone, and thinks the Clippers players likely are too. – 1:24 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Lawrence Frank said the team will continue to look for upgrades on the roster as free agency approaches. They haven’t had a chance to see what their core group looks like playing together bc of injuries; he said their job is to make decisions by projecting. – 1:23 AM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Lawrence Frank jokes that it’s good the Clippers can afford the light bill, considering how much time Kawhi spends in the gym. No five on five yet, he says in this update. pic.twitter.com/cWs1lYZu2J1:22 AM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lawrence Frank on not making trades tonight: “I’ve said this before, I hate trades…” – 1:22 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lawrence Frank on Kawhi Leonard: “He continues to do great. He’s maniacal with his work ethic.” Frank joked “we’re glad we can afford the light bill” given how much Kawhi has been in the gym. Despite that progress, Frank said that Kawhi isn’t doing any 5-on-5 work – 1:21 AM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Lawrence Frank says the Clippers have been working hard together at the facility all summer — with a sense of urgency for the opportunity at hand. pic.twitter.com/J4fOxdCPI11:21 AM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lawrence Frank says that Kawhi Leonard is not doing 5-on-5 at this stage. But calls his process “maniacal” – 1:21 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Lawrence Frank on Kawhi Leonard’s progress: “He continues to do great. He is maniacal in his work ethic… he is putting in the hours. He is doing great and continues to progress.” – 1:21 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Lawrence Frank says that Kawhi Leonard is “doing great” with his recovery. Said he is on course to playing 5-on-5 but is not yet doing that quite yet. – 1:20 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lawrence Frank says that Kawhi Leonard continues to do great in his workouts. – 1:19 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Lawrence Frank mentions that most days between 9-11 Clippers players have steadily been in the gym working out together recently. – 1:18 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Clippers’ Lawrence Frank said the team worked out somewhere between 26-30 prospects – 1:14 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Lawrence Frank said the expectation is that Moussa Diabate will play in summer league. – 1:13 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Asked Lawrence Frank about drafting Diabate this year compared to drafting Daniel Oturu and Mfiondu Kabengele.
Frank discussed how Diabate’s motor was a primary factor in his selection, in addition to his athleticism and switchability.
He’s a project that LAC looks to mold. – 1:13 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Lawrence Frank sees Moussa Diabate as a 5-4 (center before forward) but says his feet and build makes him interesting as a guy who could one day guard 2s or 3s once he’s improved his lateral quickness and explosiveness. Frank has mentioned Diabate’s good balance a few times. – 1:08 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Lawrence Frank didn’t want to comment yet on whether Diabate will be on a two-way contract with the Clippers. – 1:06 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lawrence Frank says that he won’t be discussing Diabate’s next contract at this time. – 1:05 AM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Lawrence Frank on Moussa Diabate, tonight’s 43rd pick: “On your 21st workout to be able to bring the same energy and intensity in prior workouts. He’s very much a development player, and that’s how we look at it.” – 1:05 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Lawrence Frank said Moussa Diabate impressed the Clippers on his 21st workout, one that came after a cross-country flight from Miami. As expected, Frank said Diabate is a developmental player for the Clippers. – 1:05 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Moussa Diabate didn’t work out for the Clippers last week initially because of an ankle injury, and Lawrence Frank said he came back last week for a workout that was his 21st of the predraft process. They liked his energy. Frank calls him certainly a developmental player. – 1:05 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lawrence Frank praising Diabate’s motor and character. Competed in workouts with intensity.
Sounds like a Clipper in that regard. – 1:05 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Lawrence Frank says Moussa Diabate “has an unbelievable motor who has shown the ability to switch and guard multiple positions and brings athleticism.” Frank called him an undersized big but has “great motor with really good feet” and Clips hope to build his game. – 1:03 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said LAC interviewed Moussa Diabate at the combine.
“He has an unbelievable motor who’s shown an ability to switch and guard multiple positions.” Called him an undersized 4-5 with athleticism. – 1:03 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lawrence Frank is here – 1:02 AM

More on this storyline

 

Andrew Greif: The Clippers are *not* looking to trade G Luke Kennard, multiple league sources told @latimessports. There had a been a report suggesting the team is shopping last season’s most accurate 3-point shooter — but the sources were adamant that is not the case. -via Twitter @AndrewGreif / June 23, 2022
But when it comes to pure shooters on the market, the one who may be the most attractive is the guy who led the league in 3-point shooting last year, making 44.9% from the arc, Clippers guard Luke Kennard. According to sources around the league, L.A. is shopping Kennard ahead of Thursday’s NBA draft, and will look to move him next month if no deal can be reached. -via Heavy.com / June 23, 2022
The Cavaliers and Clippers had talked about a Kennard deal last winter, but the Cavs instead landed more versatile guard Caris LeVert—the Cavs are still badly in need of perimeter shooting. The Clippers traded for wing Norman Powell at the deadline instead, and Powell’s presence makes Kennard more expendable. The Bulls and Kings are also potential suitors, according to sources. Kennard (who turns 26 this week) has three years left on his contract, at $13.7 million, $14.7 million and $14.7 million, with the third year being a team option. Harris (who is 30) has two years at about $39 million, while Robinson (he’s 28) has four years and a hefty $74 million remaining. -via Heavy.com / June 23, 2022

 

Kawhi Leonard on course to playing 5-on-5

Andrew Greif: Lawrence Frank says that Kawhi Leonard is “doing great” with his recovery. Said he is on course to playing 5-on-5 but is not yet doing that quite yet. Source: Twitter @AndrewGreif What’s the buzz on Twitter? Ohm Youngmisuk @ …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Lawrence Frank says Clippers are fortunate that Kawhi Leonard and Paul George get along so well and set an example as the team’s best players for the rest of the locker room. – 1:27 AM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Lawrence Frank jokes that it’s good the Clippers can afford the light bill, considering how much time Kawhi spends in the gym. No five on five yet, he says in this update. pic.twitter.com/cWs1lYZu2J1:22 AM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lawrence Frank on Kawhi Leonard: “He continues to do great. He’s maniacal with his work ethic.” Frank joked “we’re glad we can afford the light bill” given how much Kawhi has been in the gym. Despite that progress, Frank said that Kawhi isn’t doing any 5-on-5 work – 1:21 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lawrence Frank says that Kawhi Leonard is not doing 5-on-5 at this stage. But calls his process “maniacal” – 1:21 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Lawrence Frank says that Kawhi Leonard is “doing great” with his recovery. Said he is on course to playing 5-on-5 but is not yet doing that quite yet. – 1:20 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lawrence Frank says that Kawhi Leonard continues to do great in his workouts. – 1:19 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
🆕 @TheAthletic
Emptying the notebook ahead of Clippers Draft Night, including:
– Kawhi Leonard optimism 📈
– San Diego Clippers 🏖️
– Clips could indeed add a pick ➕
– Jay Scrubb not certain to return 2⃣
– Predraft workouts are noisy 🎱
theathletic.com/3380358/2022/0…4:17 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2011, the @Cleveland Cavaliers selected Kyrie Irving with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Players in this draft have accounted for 31 All-Star nods:
7 – Irving
6 – Jimmy Butler
5 – Kawhi Leonard
5 – Klay Thompson
4 – Kemba Walker
2 – Isaiah Thomas
2 – Nikola Vucevic pic.twitter.com/vY8aFVBKXY11:01 AM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
The Raptors traded DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard. If the equivalent is on the market, great. An unproven pick and junk for Anunoby to take a step back?
As a wise man says, get that gahbage outta heah! Last I checked Bobby and Masai had not lost the capacity for rational thought – 8:48 PM

More on this storyline

 

Ohm Youngmisuk. Lawrence Frank on Kawhi Leonard’s progress: “He continues to do great. He is maniacal in his work ethic… he is putting in the hours. He is doing great and continues to progress.” -via Twitter @NotoriousOHM / June 24, 2022
Overall, though, Brown’s development has been critical for this era of Celtics basketball. Deciding not to exchange him for Butler, Paul George or Kawhi Leonard (three forwards now in their 30s who’ve all changed teams more than once since Brown entered the league) was an intentional bet on upside and maximizing the organization’s potential number of championship runs (as opposed to amplifying a shorter window). Trade speculation lingered into this season, when Brown’s seemingly incongruous fit beside Jayson Tatum was placed under a microscope. There were even whispers about shipping him to Philadelphia for Ben Simmons, which Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens immediately dismissed. -via Sports Illustrated / June 16, 2022
Dane Moore: Patrick Beverley said he is going to have Jaden McDaniels with him this summer for training. Beverley said he works out with Kawhi Leonard, and wants to show McDaniels how he and Kawhi do things. -via Twitter @DaneMooreNBA / April 30, 2022

 

Daryl Morey on Danny Green: I really wanted to get him the fourth ring

Ky Carlin: Daryl Morey: “We think we got better tonight. I want to thank Danny Green. I really wanted to get him the 4th ring.” #Sixers Source: Twitter @Ky_Carlin What’s the buzz on Twitter? Derek Bodner @ DerekBodnerNBA Daryl Morey on the draft: …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Daryl Morey on the draft: “If we can get a perimeter defender, maybe for a draft pick, we’d feel really good about that.”
NOTE: Morey is not allowed to comment on the trade now, as the deal isn’t yet official, so this is an “interesting” (but not interesting) post draft presser. – 1:22 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
76ers acquire De’Anthony Melton from Grizzlies for David Roddy and Danny Green sportando.basketball/en/76ers-acqui…1:22 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Daryl Morey: “We feel like we got better tonight.” Morey thanked Danny Green, said he wishes he could’ve gotten Green his fourth title.
Morey’s unable to talk about the De’Anthony Melton deal (not yet official), is doing some tongue-in-cheek attempting to dance around that. – 1:20 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Daryl Morey opens his post-draft availability thanking Danny Green, saying he’s disappointed he couldn’t get him his fourth ring. Then realizes he can’t talk about anything, re: Melton, sticks to “We got better tonight” – 1:19 AM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
“We’re excited about the possibility of some trades coming. We’re thinking we might be able to pick up some rotation piece.” – Daryl Morey – 1:18 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Daryl Morey: “We think we got better tonight. I want to thank Danny Green. I really wanted to get him the 4th ring.” #Sixers1:17 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#ICYMI #Sixers trade No. 23 pick and Danny Green for #Grizzlies’ De’Anthony Melton at NBA draft inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 1:16 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
The #Sixers’ acquisition of De’Anthony Melton is sort of reunion with Daryl Morey. As the #Rockets GM, Morey selected the guard with the 46th overall pick on the 2018 NBA draft (June 21, 2018). His Houston tenure was short lived. Morey traded him to PHX on Aug. 31, 2018. #NBA12:30 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Danny Green posts his goodbye #Sixers pic.twitter.com/2cy8BRRxrQ12:14 AM

Michael Wallace @MyMikeCheck
With @Memphis Grizzlies 2022 draft work on verge of being done, they’ve added 3 wings (LaRavia, Roddy, Williams) and a backup PG (Chandler). The night also included a proposed trade to send Melton to Philly for Danny Green. All in a productive night’s work for this squad. – 12:09 AM
Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
Daryl Morey has now been involved involved in two Melton trades
Tonight – from Memphis for Danny Green and #23
2018 – to Phoenix (with Ryan Anderson) for Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss
League sources say the Suns exec in that deal was ‘brilliant + devastatingly handsome’ pic.twitter.com/8cyAGgakAs10:39 PM
Mark Giannotto @mgiannotto
Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, Patrick Beverley, Kyle Korver, Andre Iguodala, maybe Danny Green … I’m sure I’m forgetting some others from Zach Kleiman’s salary dump graveyard of recognizable names acquired by the Grizzlies that never played for the Grizzlies the past few years. – 10:37 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA story: The #Sixers trade No. 23 pick and Danny Green for guard De’Anthony Melton from #Grizzlies: https://t.co/ezB06Isndk #76ers pic.twitter.com/k1f7XzV4VC10:27 PM

Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
Don’t be swayed by the Danny Green inclusion. He’s going to miss most of the season and is heavily diminished, it’s name recognition and salary filler rather than an impactful inclusion. There’s a chance of a post-35 second wind but little to suggest it’s forthcoming. – 10:26 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
The 76ers are trading Danny Green and No. 23 pick David Roddy to the Grizzlies for De’Anthony Melton, per @Shams Charania. pic.twitter.com/3gJrrKlfi510:25 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Your quick newser on Philadelphia acquiring De’Anthony Melton from the Grizzlies for Danny Green and the No. 23 pick #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/06/23/six… via @SixersWire10:25 PM
Chris Herrington @ChrisHerrington
Danny Green tore two ligaments in the playoffs. He’s in this deal for contract-matching. – 10:24 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Sixers acquiring De’Anthony Melton in exchange for No. 23 pick (David Roddy) and Danny Green — confirming @Adrian Wojnarowski.
Daryl Morey added Green on his first draft night with the Sixers, trades him away in deal for the 24-year-old Melton two years later. – 10:23 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Sixers need to send an outbound salary to Memphis, which I’m guessing would be Danny Green? Would have to guarantee it, though, unless other shenanigans are in the works. – 10:21 PM
Zach Kram @zachkram
RAPM is a stat that measures a player’s overall on-court impact, adjusting for teammates and opponents.
De’Anthony Melton ranks 21st in the entire NBA over the last 3 seasons.
Of course Daryl Morey would want a player that advanced stats have always loved. – 10:21 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers sending No. 23 pick David Roddy and Danny Green to Memphis for De’Anthony Melton, according to sources. – 10:20 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Adding in Melton’s contract ($8.25m this year, $8m next year) in place of Green’s non-gtd deal makes using the nontaxpayer MLE virtually impossible. Which is a fine tradeoff, but worth pointing out.
It also means Danny Green gets his $, which is nice to see after the injury. – 10:20 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Danny Green. – 10:19 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Sixers sending Danny Green and 23 for De’Anthony Melton, per source. – 10:19 PM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
Danny Green is headed to Memphis, per source. – 10:18 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Danny Green and 23 for Melton, source says – 10:18 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
If you like drama, conspiracy theories, occasional disappearances, but one hell of a guard, Kyrie Irving is for you. Let’s check in with Daryl Morey. – 4:22 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
I teamed up with @Yossi Gozlan to come up with 5 trades Philly can make to move Danny Green and the No. 23 pick in tonight’s draft #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/lists/5-trades… via @SixersWire1:38 PM

More on this storyline

 

Danny Green: PHILLY…THANK YOU!!! It’s been real To my brothers, we will always be family…the organization, coaching staff, medical staff, front office and owners I’ll always appreciate you and everything you’ve done for me….LOVE -via Twitter @DGreen_14 / June 24, 2022
The team’s interest in Tucker appears to be real. The financials do get a bit complicated when you consider the Sixers’ cap situation and the fact that Tucker is reportedly opting out of his $7.35 million player option with the Heat for the 2022-23 season. The notion that the Sixers could move Thybulle and/or Green just to create space to sign Tucker is not the case, per a source. The team still views Thybulle as a player with value, and, as Kyle Neubeck of The PhillyVoice has reported previously, they will not be looking to give away the two-time All-Defensive Team player. -via LibertyBallers.com / June 23, 2022

 

Wizards to meet with Bradley Beal at the beginning of free agency

Josh Robbins: Wizards president and general manager Tommy Sheppard said the team plans to meet with Bradley Beal at the beginning of free agency on June 30. Source: Twitter @JoshuaBRobbins What’s the buzz on Twitter? Josh Robbins @ JoshuaBRobbins …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
Wizards president and general manager Tommy Sheppard said the team plans to meet with Bradley Beal at the beginning of free agency on June 30. – 1:17 AM
Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
WASHINGTON WIZARDS PICK JOHNNY DAVIS OF WISCONSIN #10
SNAP GRADE: B
@David Thorpe: Relentless driver and scorer who defends as well. Knows how to play and should play pretty quickly. Wiz building a solid core via draft and need a star if they move Beal.
https://t.co/LIiDCynK7i pic.twitter.com/aq5w9Z7WDA9:09 PM

Gery Woelfel @GeryWoelfel
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis, as many expected, went 10th in the draft to the Wizards. He and Beal should make one dynamic backcourt. – 9:05 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
The Wizards lottery picks since 2010:
John Wall
Jan Vesely
Bradley Beal
Otto Porter Jr.
Rui Hachimura
Deni Avdija
Johnny Davis pic.twitter.com/r4Ccew29PS9:00 PM

Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
As rumors keep heating up, especially when it comes to the Lakers, the odds keep changing. This time it’s concerning Bradley Beal’s next team, via @bookies: pic.twitter.com/r7BG9pSoNP6:04 PM

Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
A bunch of prospects in this year’s NBA Draft said they look up to Bradley Beal, some even model their games after him.
That means a lot to Beal. “Maybe I’m not as bad as people may think.” nbcsports.com/washington/wiz…11:27 AM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Braylon Beal can already dribble better than me 🤣
🎥: @jomatt_m pic.twitter.com/46g44kdBQF7:35 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Bradley Beal opting out of Wizards contract nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/22/rep…5:04 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
New: Bradley Beal reportedly plans to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Wizards. What that actually means when it comes to the possibility of any Celtics pursuit of the shooting guard this offseason: masslive.com/celtics/2022/0…10:49 AM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
New BS Podcast (2 parts): a whopping 11 guests try to answer burning questions about Thursday’s NBA Draft, Orlando’s big choice, Kyrie’s future, best NBA future bets, and summer plans for Utah, GSW, Philly, Miami, Denver, Beal + the Knicks.
Here’s Part 1: open.spotify.com/episode/0VV6QR…12:04 AM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Source: Wizards star Bradley Beal will decline his $36.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season and become an unrestricted free agent this summer, @Jorge Sierra has learned. More on Beal’s future, Bobby Portis, Nicolas Batum, and others in the story. hoopshype.com/lists/nba-rumo…10:24 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Wizards president Tommy Sheppard said a lot about wanting to improve the defense: how a PG could help, how Bradley Beal is an underrated defender and how they could use more “dogs.” nbcsports.com/washington/wiz…10:08 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
The Hypothetical X’s and O’s Fit of Bradley Beal with the Heat
@5ReasonsSportsfivereasonssports.com/news/the-hypot…2:46 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Tommy Sheppard may have said the Wizards have no problem playing Bradley Beal at point guard, but that lacks context. It was a short part of a larger response, but the feel was in spot minutes, not full time. Washington is looking for a starting traditional defensive point guard. – 12:20 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Bradley Beal, John Collins, Jaden Ivey, Keegan Murray, Rudy Gobert, Mitchell Robinson, Kenny Atkinson and TRADES … all and more are featured in an emergency around-the-league notebook on a Tuesday: marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-draft-fo…11:30 AM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
🚨New Piece🚨
The Hypothetical X’s and O’s Fit of Bradley Beal with the Heat
A look into the film of how he would translate to an Erik Spoelstra offense
@5ReasonsSportsfivereasonssports.com/news/the-hypot…10:24 AM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
The idea of the Wizards trading up to 4 is interesting to me b/c it would cost a ton (likely 3 1sts + more) &, while I love Ivey as a prospect, he’s 20 & offers no guarantees.
Even if he’s great, it might take a few yrs & Beal’s 29. Same package might get you a proven star… – 10:12 AM

More on this storyline

 

Marc Stein: I’ve heard this from from various people around the league, including some who have actually tried to recruit him: Bradley Beal is the one who has volunteered the ‘I want to be the Dirk Nowitzki of the Wizards’ line. I mean, that comes from him. -via marcstein.substack.com / June 21, 2022
Beal, who turns 29 next week, is eligible to sign a five-year deal with Washington estimated in the $250 million range in free agency and the Wizards, based on Sheppard’s ebullience in discussing all things Beal and the chance to finally pair him with Kristaps Porziņģis in training camp, don’t seem concerned in the slightest about securing his signature. -via marcstein.substack.com / June 21, 2022

 

Rob Pelinka on Russell Westbrook: He needs to be a defense-first player

Jovan Buha: Rob Pelinka says he and Davin Ham have had multiple meetings with Russell Westbrook and have been honest about Russ’ role on the team and that he needs to be a defense-first player. He says Westbrook has yet to make a final decision on …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Asked about Russell Westbrook, Rob Pelinka said if Russ picks up his player option to return, there have been multiple convos between Pelinka/Darvin Ham and Westbrook, with the message that they want Russ to focus first on defense. – 1:10 AM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Rob Pelinka declines to say exactly what the team will do with the team options for Austin Reaves (fairly obvious opt-in), Stanley Johnson and Wenyen Gabriel, but says all three have been in the building and they’ve seen growth with all of them. – 1:09 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
When it comes to acquiring players this offseason in trades or through free agency, I asked Rob Pelinka where he ranks availability history and leadership qualities in his player evaluations. Pelinka: “Those are core characteristics we really look for.” – 1:09 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said he and coach Darvin Ham had meetings with Russell Westbrook. Pelinka: “We’ve been honest about how he fits with this team and what we expect from him next year.” Pelinka said that Russ is embracing Ham’s defensive philosophy – 1:07 AM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Rob Pelinka says Russell Westbrook has indicated to Darvin Ham that he’s ready to embrace a “defense-first” philosophy. Says Russ hasn’t told the Lakers definitively what he’s doing with his $47.1M option, but: “If he comes back, he will be embraced here with open arms.” – 1:05 AM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Rob Pelinka says he and Davin Ham have had multiple meetings with Russell Westbrook and have been honest about Russ’ role on the team and that he needs to be a defense-first player. He says Westbrook has yet to make a final decision on his player option for the 2022-23 season. – 1:05 AM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Rob Pelinka thinks once Max Christie gets with Darvin Ham, Chris Jent and the other developmental coaches on the Lakers: “I really think he’s gonna turn into a really good shooter.” Mentions his great looking touch as an indicator of confidence. – 12:58 AM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Rob Pelinka says Max Christie was a consensus pick for the Lakers’ scouts and front office. Pelinka said it’s rare that all parties are in agreement on who the pick should be. – 12:57 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Rob Pelinka on acquiring the 35th pick: “Our scouts have an incredible track record of finding guys in the second round that we can develop.”
On Max Christie: “A two-way, 3 and D type player … high character. He’ll bring the grit that kids that play (at MSU) bring.” – 12:56 AM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Rob Pelinka says the Lakers wanted to get younger and had been targeting a high second-round pick. He believes Max Christie is next in line with the Lakers’ long list of impressive draft picks over the past decade. Called him a “two-way, 3-and-D” player. – 12:56 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I think the funniest thing about Kyrie possibly taking the TPMLE to join the Lakers is that Westbrook would still be there.
Do they John Wall him at that point? Do they give up picks to move him? Just play him 15 MPG?
I still don’t think Kyrie is coming but this fascinates me. – 7:41 PM
Jon Hamm @JonMHamm
I told my son the NBA Draft was tonight. He told me he wants the Thunder to draft Russell Westbrook. Didn’t seem very interested in my “well actually” that followed. – 6:40 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Could the Thunder surprise everyone and take Jaden Ivey at #2??
Hear why @franfraschilla thinks Ivey could be OKC’s next Russell Westbrook
Hear Fran along with @termineradio and @Eddie Johnson get you ready for the Draft now on NBA Radio! https://t.co/AYipQpeyBw pic.twitter.com/OPitYoSq735:35 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Most career points at each draft pick position:
#1 — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
#2 — Kevin Durant
#3 — Michael Jordan
#4 — Russell Westbrook
#5 — Kevin Garnett
#6 — Adrian Dantley
#7 — Steph Curry
#8 — Robert Parish
#9 — Dirk Nowitzki
#10 — Paul Pierce pic.twitter.com/H9aKWPEa0Q1:05 PM

Josh Martin @LonzoWire
Westbrook could be on the move after the failed experiment in Los Angeles. lonzowire.usatoday.com/2022/06/21/rep…7:00 AM

More on this storyline

 

The Los Angeles Lakers offered Russell Westbrook, Talen Horton-Tucker and a 2026 first-round draft pick to the Indiana Pacers for Malcolm Brogdon, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported on The Lowe Post podcast (1:47:10 mark). That offer was reportedly rejected. -via Bleacher Report / June 21, 2022
Rylan Stiles: Jaden Ivey on his role models “Ja Morant and Russell Westbrook. I constantly watch film on them, how they get to their spots.” -via Twitter @Rylan_Stiles / June 20, 2022
The expectation around the NBA is the Los Angeles Lakers will exercise the $2.35 million team option on forward Stanley Johnson. New Lakers coach Darvin Ham publicly stressed the importance of role players like Johnson. Johnson shot a career-high 46.6 percent with the Lakers. -via HoopsHype / June 22, 2022
Brad Turner: Sources: Jordan Ott, an assistant coach with Nets, is a candidate to be an assistant coach for Lakers head coach Darvin Ham. The two have a history together when Ott was a video coordinator with Hawks when Ham was an assistant coach on the staff. -via Twitter @BA_Turner / June 18, 2022
Adrian Wojnarowski: The Lakers are hiring Atlanta Hawks assistant Chris Jent to become the top assistant coach, sources tell ESPN. New coach Darvin Ham recruited Jent over the past week to lead his staff. Jent has a strong history with LeBron James from early Cleveland years. -via Twitter @wojespn / June 18, 2022

 

Landry Fields on John Collins: We have under contract for a long time… We’re excited about him

Chris Kirschner: I asked Landry Fields where the organization stands with John Collins and how they view him long term. “We have him under contract for a long time. He’s been a great player for us. He’s done great things for us. We’re excited about …

Chris Kirschner: I asked Landry Fields where the organization stands with John Collins and how they view him long term. “We have him under contract for a long time. He’s been a great player for us. He’s done great things for us. We’re excited about John Collins.”
Source: Twitter @ChrisKirschner

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
I asked Landry Fields where the organization stands with John Collins and how they view him long term.
“We have him under contract for a long time. He’s been a great player for us. He’s done great things for us. We’re excited about John Collins.” – 12:44 AM
Lauren L. Williams @WilliamsLaurenL
Hawks GM Landry Fields said they’d been scouting AJ Griffin all year and they spoke with him in Chicago at the Combine. – 12:34 AM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Paolo Banchero goes No. 1 overall, 10 picks are in, NO trades yet … which means John Collins is still a Hawk (for now).
The opening third of the first round of the NBA Draft did not quite go as scripted. – 9:09 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
HOURS AWAY NOW! New Locked on #Thunder Podcast:
🏀 A monumental day for the franchise
🏀 NBA Draft Preview
🏀 Paolo odds change
🏀 Final big board (1-60)
🏀 John Collins rumors
#ThunderUp #FirstListen:
https://t.co/mMkaoW37hY pic.twitter.com/VGpctJa74U6:02 PM

Sam Amick @sam_amick
From our NBA Draft Day live blog, at @TheAthletic
My latest intel on the John Collins sweepstakes, where we separate fact from fiction regarding Sacramento, Utah and more.
theathletic.com/live-blogs/nba…1:20 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
New Locked on #Thunder Podcast:
🏀 A monumental day for the franchise
🏀 NBA Draft Preview
🏀 Paolo odds change
🏀 Final big board (1-60)
🏀 John Collins rumors
#ThunderUp #FirstListen:
https://t.co/mMkaoVLwqq pic.twitter.com/dCEX7HZVX51:12 PM

Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
New Locked on #Thunder Podcast:
🏀 A monumental day for the franchise
🏀 NBA Draft Preview
🏀 Paolo odds change
🏀 Final big board (1-60)
🏀 John Collins rumors
#ThunderUp #FirstListen:
https://t.co/mMkaoVLwqq pic.twitter.com/8cmVGgGVjS5:52 AM

Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Draft Eve Trade Rumors: Dejounte Murray, John Collins projectspurs.com/draft-eve-trad…11:53 PM
Tom Petrini @RealTomPetrini
If I was a team trying to trade John Collins, and everyone knew I was trying to trade him, I sure would want people to believe that a team was interested in trading an All Star for him. – 11:09 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Hawks beat writer @Chris Kirschner confirms the John Collins/Dejounte Murray trade talks and says they are ongoing. However, sources told him that a deal isn’t close as of now.
“It’s going to take quite a bit to land Dejounte, it’s not just John.” twitter.com/i/spaces/1RDGl…11:06 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Does John Collins get traded in the next 24 hours? What’s up with this Dejounte Murray rumor?! twitter.com/i/spaces/1RDGl…10:54 PM
Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
As @Jake Fischer reported, the Hawks have discussed a trade involving John Collins and Spurs guard Dejounte Murray but I’m told it’s not close to happening yet.
Not saying it won’t happen, just not close this second. – 10:34 PM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
Atlanta and San Antonio have discussed a deal that would swap John Collins for Dejounte Murray, sources said. Spurs have told interests teams that moving Murray would require a “Jrue Holiday-like package.” More league-wide trade notes @BR_NBA: bleacherreport.com/articles/10039…10:18 PM
Ryan McDonald @ryanwmcdonald
Does this affect John Collins’ trade market? – 6:26 PM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
I guess that leaves Sacramento for John Collins, then? – 6:09 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
John Collins in 2022:
16.2 PPG
7.8 RPG
1.8 APG
53/36/79%
The Hawks second leading scorer. pic.twitter.com/mvPuz8klqt3:17 PM

Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Woj said John Collins is likely to be moved whether it’s draft night or later.
Multiple reporters have been reporting Collins is likely to be moved this offseason from Atlanta. – 10:49 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Bradley Beal, John Collins, Jaden Ivey, Keegan Murray, Rudy Gobert, Mitchell Robinson, Kenny Atkinson and TRADES … all and more are featured in an emergency around-the-league notebook on a Tuesday: marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-draft-fo…11:30 AM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
The gaps that can be bridged between Brooklyn and Kyrie Irving, what’s next for Charlotte after Kenny Atkinson’s about-face, more notes on John Collins, Sacramento, and other draft trade chatter, all at @BR_NBA: bleacherreport.com/articles/10039…9:14 AM
Dan Favale @danfavale
unless the available-star market is starkly different from what’s been reported/being talked about pre-draft, i don’t see how the hawks trade john collins *and* get better – 1:49 AM

More on this storyline

 

Sam Amick: Congrats to @GrantLiffmann, who sources say will be joining the Atlanta Hawks as a pro personnel scout after he’s done covering these Finals for @NBCSWarriors. As ESPN reported earlier, Landry Fields will be elevated to GM under president of basketball ops Travis Schlenk. -via Twitter @sam_amick / June 13, 2022
Fields has ascended quickly in his front-office career, parlaying a five-year playing career with the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors into front-office roles with the San Antonio Spurs and Hawks. Fields joined the Hawks in 2020 as an assistant GM, and now elevates to the GM role to continue working with Schlenk. -via ESPN / June 13, 2022
Adrian Wojnarowski: The Atlanta Hawks are promoting assistant GM Landry Fields to the title of general manager, beginning on July 1, sources tell ESPN. Fields will continue to work under President of Basketball Operations Travis Schlenk in the Hawks’ front office. -via Twitter @wojespn / June 13, 2022
Yet while there seems to be some sort of unofficial consensus around the league that Sacramento is leading the way in terms of the negotiations, sources say the Kings’ offer has thus far been seen as underwhelming by the Hawks. Kings small forward Harrison Barnes would go to Atlanta in the deal, and — to be clear — the Kings’ No. 4 pick is not part of these discussions. If that were the case, it would likely be done already. -via The Athletic / June 23, 2022
As Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported on Wednesday, sources confirm that there have been significant talks with San Antonio about a deal involving Collins and Spurs guard Dejounte Murray. Yet as of late last night, the Spurs’ massive price was seen as exorbitant by the Hawks. A significant gap exists there, it seems, but it’s still very much worth watching. -via The Athletic / June 23, 2022

 

James Jones on Deandre Ayton: He remains a big part of what we do

Gerald Bourguet: James Jones said his stance on Deandre Ayton has not changed. The Suns haven’t said anything differently. “DA remains a big part of what we do and he’s a free agent, so we’ll talk about free agency when the time comes.” Source: …

Gerald Bourguet: James Jones said his stance on Deandre Ayton has not changed. The Suns haven’t said anything differently. “DA remains a big part of what we do and he’s a free agent, so we’ll talk about free agency when the time comes.”
Source: Twitter @GeraldBourguet

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“There are a number of guys that we targeted. Just the deals that we had, they didn’t come together.” #Suns GM James Jones when asked about trying to acquire a pick in #NBADraft2022 via trade. – 12:55 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
On the ESPN article that came out this week, James Jones clarified that the Suns’ board for drafts is broken down into tiers. That group of 8-10 guys are the high-level fits. From there, it’s different degrees of how a player fits. They have every player on their board. – 12:47 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
James Jones on the ESPN draft article: “We have every player that’s in the draft processed on our board.”
Said it comes down to the combination of fit, skill-set, need and it comes down to 10 or so guys on their board, with those players being grouped into tiers – 12:47 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“We lost Game 7. They beat us. Everybody’s dealing with something in the playoffs…we don’t make any excuses for what happened in the past.” – James Jones on the report the Suns were dealing with COVID in the playoffs – 12:42 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“DA is a big part of what we do.”
#Suns GM James Jones about Deandre Ayton, a restricted free agent.
“This team is a really good team and we’re going to keep it together.” – 12:41 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
James Jones said his stance on Deandre Ayton has not changed. The Suns haven’t said anything differently.
“DA remains a big part of what we do and he’s a free agent, so we’ll talk about free agency when the time comes.” – 12:41 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
James Jones said nothing has changed when it comes to his stance about Deandre Ayton since exit interviews. Huge part of their team and free agency is something they will talk about when the time comes. – 12:41 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
James Jones said there were a number of guys the Suns targeted but the deals didn’t come together. He thought there was some quality depth to this draft but the trades didn’t materialize. – 12:38 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
James Jones said there were a number of guys that the Suns targeted, but “the deals that we had didn’t come together.” – 12:37 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
I’m just picturing James Jones watching Hustle thinking “Man, this is some bullshit.”
These are the thoughts that have been marinating in my head during this draft – 12:17 AM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Radio Roulette is LIVE @UnderdogFantasy
Packed show tonight…
– Making sense of the Knicks trade
– Kyrie saga + potential fallout
– What now with Ayton?
– Pacers now 1st Team All League Pass
– Giving away $100 to 5 contestants
– Fan calls
Join us!⬇️
youtube.com/watch?v=93BURw…11:47 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
(We are set to hear from GM James Jones at the end of the draft) – 11:31 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
DET obviously could still pursue Ayton given their cap space, but I get the sense the draft went so well in their favor (they didn’t expect ivey at 5) that they could role with the youngsters and seek veteran assistance in free agency. Troy has said many times no skipping steps. – 10:39 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
I wouldn’t quite understand trading into the lottery for Duren and then paying Ayton but this is also the front office that added 4 million centers two offseason ago so idk – 9:34 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bennedict Mathurin has same representation as #Suns big Deandre Ayton.
Nima Namakian and Bill Duffy are both at the draft with Mathurin, the Pac-12 Player of the Year.
#Pacers draft Mathurin with 6th overall pick in #NBADraft2022. – 8:46 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
The Pistons have themselves a solid core right now. Cunningham, Ivey, Bey, Stewart, possibly Ayton. They’re building something over there. – 8:35 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Jalen Duren at 5 would be WILD. Please, please make it happen.
Or leverage to get the Suns to trade Ayton to them tonight? – 7:51 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
ESPN’s Jalen Rose: Deandre Ayton should want to part ways with Phoenix #Suns (w/video) https://t.co/iJJXbvEfLI via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/6KENY33iZp7:08 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Does Grant trade make it more likely Deandre Ayton becomes a Piston? nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/23/doe…6:03 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
On JaVale McGee’s softball charity game, the Suns backing “their guy” Deandre Ayton and more from last night: bit.ly/39JQ0cj3:09 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Please stop comparing Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul, I am begging you. Performance, contract value, whatever angle you attack it from, it remains weird and nonsensical to keep pitting the two against each other – 2:43 PM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
Thought experiment: Ayton for Gobert pic.twitter.com/zs8xNCY4J82:29 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
A reminder for your expectations tonight: It is called a sign-and-trade, not a trade-and-sign. Ayton can’t sign or talk to teams until free agency. The Bucks got in trouble with this for Bogdan Bogdanovic 4 days before 2020 free agency. Didn’t get him and lost a second-round pick – 11:52 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Phoenix #Suns #NBA free agency speculation, trade rumors and Deandre Ayton azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral11:08 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
JaVale McGee’s charity softball game was a fun event for a good cause, but it was also the first time hearing from Suns players since Game 7. For @PHNX_Suns, I wrote about their thoughts on Deandre Ayton, Cam Johnson’s potential extension and more: https://t.co/BgLKWp9tTB pic.twitter.com/Ykclal7AyX10:03 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“From my perspective, personally, definitely somebody I always want on my team.” Cam Johnson.
#Suns talk future of teammate Deandre Ayton, who is a restricted free agent this summer. https://t.co/g9EgcLcjGJ pic.twitter.com/YoE13MCZnW10:00 AM

James Plowright @British_Buzz
Heard an interesting suggestion by @Sam Vecenie on his podcast:
Ayton > Detroit S&T
Hayward > Suns
Trade exception > Charlotte
This kind of makes sense for all teams, it would need a pick here or there – 9:00 AM
Ben Anderson @BensHoops
The PDX-Det trade seems like it will inevitably make Phoenix worse because of the overpay him or lose him scenario with Ayton.
But, Portland is the king of trades I love on face value that never make them better.
And, Detroit got bad value in return for Grant.
Lose-Lose-Lose – 1:01 AM

More on this storyline

 

The Pistons are widely expected to make the pursuit of Phoenix Suns restricted free agent Deandre Ayton their priority after agreeing Wednesday to trade Jerami Grant to Portland. Word is Ayton, furthermore, would indeed embrace the concept of teaming with Cade Cunningham to form a new Pistons two-man core. -via marcstein.substack.com / June 23, 2022
Woj reports that the Suns are now looking to do a sign-and-trade deal for Ayton as opposed to letting him walk away as a free agent: “They’re very motivated to find a sign-and-trade, get some assets back for him,” Woj said. “They do not value Deandre Ayton at a max contract.” -via Clutch Points / June 23, 2022
But even before Grant was moved to Portland, Suns officials had started messaging to rival teams and other external league personnel that Phoenix won’t necessarily balk at matching any offer sheet for Ayton, sources told B/R. With no obvious sign-and-trade piece to send back to the Suns, it’s unclear whether Detroit will have an unencumbered pursuit of Ayton on the restricted free-agent market. -via Bleacher Report / June 23, 2022