Category: Trail Blazers

NBA trade deadline recap and buyout market preview with Michael Scotto and Yossi Gozlan

NBA trade deadline recap and a buyout market preview with HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto and Yossi Gozlan.

On the Locker Room app, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto and Yossi Gozlan recap the biggest NBA trade deadline moves including the Bulls acquiring All-Star Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and JaVale McGee heading to the Nuggets, Victor Oladipo joining the Miami Heat, Norman Powell going to the Trail Blazers, and the Celtics trading for Evan Fournier. Plus, a preview of the buyout market for Andre Drummond, LaMarcus Aldridge, and more. Click this link to download the Locker Room app for future HoopsHype conversations with fans. Listen to the podcast above or check out some snippets of the conversation in a transcribed version below. 

NBA media poll: James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo move up MVP ladder

HoopsHype polled 20 NBA media members anonymously for their MVP rankings through March.

Three months into the season, the league’s Most Valuable Player award is up for grabs as stars including Joel Embiid, LeBron James and Kevin Durant have been sidelined.

To determine the top contenders for the MVP award, HoopsHype anonymously polled 20 media members who voted on last year’s awards for their current top five MVP rankings. You’ll notice there is a new member on the MVP ladder since our February media MVP poll.

As with the official vote, the top player received 10 points, the second received seven points, the third received five points, the fourth received three points, and the fifth player received one point for each ballot.

NBA media poll: Joel Embiid is the current MVP favorite ahead of LeBron James

NBA media voters share their top five MVP rankings through the first two months of the season anonymously with HoopsHype.

Two months into the NBA season, we’ve seen a ton of parity throughout the league – not just in the standings but in the Most Valuable Player race as well.

In our January media MVP poll, Kevin Durant took the top spot. Now, he doesn’t rank in the Top 5 according to the same media members.

So who’s standing out through February? HoopsHype anonymously polled 15 media members who voted on last year’s awards to find out.

As with the official vote, the top player received 10 points, the second received seven points, the third received five points, the fourth received three points, and the fifth player received one point for each ballot.

Offseason winners and losers, James Harden and trade candidates with Bobby Marks and Michael Scotto

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto and ESPN’s Bobby Marks discuss NBA trade candidates, James Harden rumors, and predict each NBA award winner.

On the latest episode of the HoopsHype podcast, Michael Scotto welcomed ESPN NBA front office insider Bobby Marks. Scotto and Marks discuss the winners and losers from the NBA offseason, James Harden trade talks, trade candidates around the league, and predict each award winner for the upcoming season. Listen to the podcast above or check out some snippets of the conversation in a transcribed version below. 

1:25 Winners of the NBA offseason starting with the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers 

6:00 Denver Nuggets: Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. 

MORE: Is what Murray did in the playoffs sustainable? We asked NBA executives

6:40 Serge Ibaka’s impact on the Los Angeles Clippers 

7:00 Can Chris Paul lead the Phoenix Suns to the playoffs?

8:37 Why Marks thinks the Utah Jazz are a sleeper team 

11:24 Examining the Jrue Holiday trade for the New Orleans Pelicans

MORE: NBA execs on Jrue Holiday and Bogdan Bogdanovic: ‘Perfect reasoning for Giannis to want to re-sign’

13:37 Why the Atlanta Hawks are one of the offseason winners

MORE: Podcast: Danilo Gallinari, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Rajon Rondo, and futures of Lloyd Pierce and John Collins

18:00 Expectations for the Washington Wizards 

Scotto: From what I’ve heard within their organization, they think they can be a playoff team certainly with the Russell Westbrook trade and maybe even go higher than that somewhere around the sixth (seed) range in the East. 

MORE: NBA execs react to the Westbrook for John Wall trade: ‘It’s a wash’

19:22 Losers of the NBA offseason starting with the Sacramento Kings and the Bogdan Bogdanovic situation

23:05 Reviewing the offseason for the Detroit Pistons and why Derrick Rose is a prime trade candidate 

Marks: I thought three years, $25 million for Mason Plumlee was a huge reach, especially considering where centers were on the market. You’ve got Hassan Whiteside basically going for the minimum, and Aron Baynes went for two years with a non-guarantee in year two.

Scotto: I do think they’re eventually going to look to flip Derrick Rose at the trade deadline and get an asset back for him. It’s been already determined that Killian Hayes, their rookie draft pick, is going to be the point guard of the present and the future. That doesn’t mean that a guy like Rose doesn’t have value to a team that’s contending. I do look for him to be their most sought after asset as we get into the season. 

26:18 Thoughts on the Charlotte Hornets adding Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball 

28:20 James Harden trade talks 

Marks: I think with Harden, and we’ll wait and see what he has to say, but from the outside looking in, it is probably the worst case of player empowerment that I’ve ever seen in my 20 years with the Nets and five years in the media. You have a player that’s got three years left on his contract, has basically had an opinion on how that roster was put together when you look at Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, John Wall, and basically how they built that roster. It’s different than what Anthony Davis went through in New Orleans where AD was there for seven or eight years, had gotten to a Conference Semifinals one time in his career, and basically said, ‘I want out. I want to go somewhere where I can win.’ The front office hasn’t done a good enough job, but you can get something for me in value here. He was on an expiring contract. The Harden situation, he’s got three years left on his contract. Everyone says it’s two. I still say it’s three because it’s $47 million in year three. Who knows where we’re going to be in three years from now? 

The Jrue Holiday trade to Milwaukee at least sets the bar from a draft standpoint when you’re getting three ones (first-round picks), two pick swaps, Eric Bledsoe and George Hill. If you’re Houston, you’re saying I’ve got Harden under contract for three years. Holiday could be a free agent next offseason. I’m getting double that. Does Brooklyn have double of that to offer? I don’t think they do. Is it Philadelphia? Does Ben Simmons become available here? Does that appeal to the Rockets? 

Scotto: You touched on Philadelphia. I think Simmons would be possibly the best player they can get right now on the market if they were going to do a trade. We know Daryl Morey has a love for Harden like no other.

32:46 More trade candidates 

Scotto: You look at San Antonio and LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan as some guys I could see being on the trade block because, to me, San Antonio is on the cusp of a rebuild with their young team. 

Marks: You can probably put Rudy Gay in there too. They’re three really big large expiring contracts.

I think an interesting name is PJ Tucker in Houston. I think that’s going to be fascinating because Tucker is on an expiring contract who wants an extension. This guy is an ironman. He doesn’t miss games. He plays multiple positions. He is a team-first player. He’s on a really good number close to $8 million. I think he’s a name to keep an eye on. I think Spencer Dinwiddie in Brooklyn. Certainly, keep an eye on him. Can this Brooklyn team afford keeping Dinwiddie on a high number when you’ve already got Kyrie Irving making $33 or $34 million? They brought back Joe Harris. Your luxury tax bill for 2021-22 would go through the roof like it is right now. 

Certainly what happens in Indiana with Victor Oladipo if that team gets off to a slow start with him on an expiring contract.

Scotto: Myles Turner as well is another guy with Indiana whose name has been floated out there. They have a ton of big men with Domantas Sabonis and Goga Bitadze. 

I would say in Orlando, Aaron Gordon is a guy to keep an eye on. A lot of teams have checked in on him. 

MORE: The players most likely to be traded on each team

40:15 NBA awards predictions

41:15 MVP 

44:47 Defensive Player of the Year 

46:35 Rookie of the Year 

49:33 Sixth Man of the Year 

51:10 Most Improved Player 

53:22 Coach of the Year 

Sources: NBA free agency details on Serge Ibaka, Kent Bazemore, and more

Here’s a look at the latest intel HoopsHype has gathered from some recent free-agent agreements over the weekend.

The third day of NBA free agency has seen several rotation players come off the board.

Here’s a look at the latest intel HoopsHype has gathered from some recent free-agent agreements over the weekend.

Latest NBA draft and free agency intel: Kelly Oubre, Danilo Gallinari, Gordon Hayward and more

With the draft upon us and free agency at the end of the week, here’s a look at the latest intel HoopsHype has gathered. * The Oklahoma City Thunder , who just acquired Kelly Oubre Jr. , is looking to flip him for a first-round pick, league sources …

With the draft upon us and free agency at the end of the week, here’s a look at the latest intel HoopsHype has gathered. 

* The Oklahoma City Thunder, who just acquired Kelly Oubre Jr., is looking to flip him for a first-round pick, league sources told HoopsHype. He’s entering the final year of his contract this season. As noted in our HoopsHype players most likely to be traded story, following the Chris Paul and Dennis Schroeder trades, executives believe the Thunder will continue to explore the trade market on their veterans, including Steven Adams. With Al Horford reportedly on his way to the Thunder, Adams could be on the move sooner than later.

* The Los Angeles Clippers, who currently own the 57th overall pick, are looking to buy a pick and move up in the draft, league sources told HoopsHype. 

* As noted a week ago on the HoopsHype podcast, the Boston Celtics are looking to upgrade in the frontcourt and are eyeing trading up in the draft to get Onyeka Okongwu or even James Wiseman, HoopsHype has learned the Celtics called as high as the Golden State Warriors at No. 2 overall to gauge trade interest. Marcus Smart was made available, but talks didn’t escalate. 

Once the dust settles from the draft, the focus will shift to free agency right around the corner, where there are several developments. 

* Gordon Hayward is the first major domino some free agents are waiting to fall. With the Atlanta Hawks trying to acquire Hayward, as Yahoo Sports reported, it could dilute the money available on the market even more. If Hayward ends up leaving Boston, it could open up the possibility for a sign-and-trade there for a free agent.

* Atlanta also has interest in Danilo Gallinari, one of HoopsHype’s top-ranked free agents this offseason, as the team looks to make a push for the playoffs next season, league sources told HoopsHype. 

* The Miami Heat previously showed interest in the Italian forward at the trade deadline. If Giannis Antetokounmpo signs an extension with Milwaukee, some around the league expect Miami to extend Bam Adebayo, try to bring back Goran Dragic, and upgrade at forward. That could open the door for Gallinari to land with Miami as a free agent on a multi-year deal. At the trade deadline, Miami didn’t want to tie up a ton of money for the next offseason to chase Antetokounmpo. However, Milwaukee’s pending acquisitions of Jrue Holiday and Bogdan Bogdanovic has many convinced that Antetokounmpo isn’t going anywhere. If the Bogdanovic sign-and-trade falls through, as The Athletic reported could happen, it’s unclear what it’ll mean for Antetokounmpo’s future.

* Another Miami note, Heat center Kelly Olynyk is exercising his player option, as expected, a league source told HoopsHype. 

* The Dallas Mavericks also had interest at the trade deadline in Gallinari and have been shopping their 18th overall pick. With Thunder GM Sam Presti collecting as many first-round picks as he can, the Mavericks can use their pick to facilitate a sign-and-trade.

As Gallinari noted during an appearance on the HoopsHype podcast, he and New York Knicks President Leon Rose remain close. If the Knicks can land a star point guard like Russell Westbrook on the trade market, it would increase the chances of New York going after Gallinari in free agency. Another relationship that’s worth noting is Detroit Pistons Vice Chairman Arn Tellem previously represented Gallinari when he was an agent. Currently, Arn’s son, Michael Tellem of CAA Sports, represents Gallinari. However, both teams are headed for a rebuilding season, which would lessen their desire to make a run at Gallinari. 

* The Hawks also had plans to make a big run at Joe Harris in free agency, but rival executives expect him to remain with the Brooklyn Nets and land a three or four-year deal worth an average of $18 million annually. The Charlotte Hornets were another team who had Harris on their wish list, but the team is expected to pivot towards less expensive guards who can provide veteran leadership and shooting off the bench instead. 

* The Hawks have also been heavily linked to Rajon Rondo, who they view as a potential veteran mentor and backup to Trae Young. A multi-year deal could entice Rondo to join the rebuilding Hawks, HoopsHype has learned. 

* Another veteran who could be changing teams is Paul Millsap. The Ringer reported Millsap is an expected target of the Portland Trail Blazers. Some NBA talent evaluators believe Millsap could be worth Portland’s mid-level exception this offseason.  

* Finally, the Memphis Grizzlies will extend a qualifying offer to De’Anthony Melton. The 22-year-old guard becomes a restricted free agent this offseason. He’s a noteworthy player who could draw an offer sheet from another team this offseason. 

You can follow Michael Scotto on Twitter: @MikeAScotto

 

Mario Hezonja decides on player option

Portland Trail Blazers guard Mario Hezonja will exercise his $1.98 million player option for the upcoming 2020-21 season, league sources told HoopsHype . The former fifth overall pick in the 2015 draft spent three seasons with the Orlando Magic and …

Portland Trail Blazers guard Mario Hezonja will exercise his $1.98 million player option for the upcoming 2020-21 season, league sources told HoopsHype. 

The former fifth overall pick in the 2015 draft spent three seasons with the Orlando Magic and one season with the New York Knicks before joining Portland last season. 

Hezonja has career averages of 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game during his five seasons in the league. 

The Croatian guard will enter unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2021. 

You can follow Michael Scotto on Twitter: @MikeAScotto

Many people trashed Carmelo Anthony. The players were always in his corner

Many in the media and NBA fandom gave up on Carmelo Anthony after his disappointing stint with the Houston Rockets, which lasted only 10 games. Melo spent an entire year in basketball purgatory with many thinking we wouldn’t see him on an NBA court …

Many in the media and NBA fandom gave up on Carmelo Anthony after his disappointing stint with the Houston Rockets, which lasted only 10 games. Melo spent an entire year in basketball purgatory with many thinking we wouldn’t see him on an NBA court again. That was until the Blazers took a chance of him and the 10-time All-Star started to deliver.

Before that, there were slights aplenty for Anthony. But rarely coming from players, who time and time again expressed support for him.

Here are some of the things his NBA peers said about legendary forward to prop him up when he was down:

Evan Fournier, November 2018

Wilson Chandler, November 2018

More than half the people that hate Melo don’t even know why. I know why, because the media told them to.

Allen Iverson, November 2018

Tyson Chandler, November 2018

LeBron James, December 2018

I believe Melo can still play the game. I believe I can help Melo. I know Melo better than Melo knows himself at times, and vice versa. So if the opportunity presents itself I would welcome it. That’s what it all boils down to.

James Harden, January 2019

I just want to see him hoop, see him happy, and I mean, he deserves it, honestly. Like, he’s put so much time and effort into this game that he should be able to hoop and still have fun playing the game of basketball.

Dwyane Wade, January 2019

LeBron James, January 2019

Magic Johnson, July 2019

I think Melo still has a lot left. A bona fide scorer. So, I know for a fact there’s a lot of teams that he can help. I hate to see him not playing especially in the NBA at this point.

Damian Lillard, July 2019

Zach LaVine, August 2019

Isaiah Thomas, August 2019

Taurean Prince, September 2019

Dwyane Wade, September 2019

He’s a brother of mine and a great friend and I’m just very disappointed that he’s not in the NBA because he doesn’t deserve that as a person. Melo is one of the best individual people I know and a lot of people don’t know that because things that have been said about him in the past. Hopefully he gets an opportunity to be with a team this season because he has a lot to still offer the right team in the right role and the right situation.

Marcus Morris, September 2019

Walt Frazier, September 2019

I don’t like what’s happening to him. He should have a swan song. I’m confident that somebody will give him a chance.

Steve Nash, September 2019

He is one of the truly great scorers the league’s had. He’s still got something to offer.

Stephen Jackson, October 2019

They put him in a situation they know he’s not going to succeed, make it look like he can’t play no more, make it look like he’s a cancer and just push him out. And once they get you to that point where you’re a cancer or you can’t play no more, it’s a text that’s sent out to every team — it’s a mass text that sent out to every team, every team’s CC’d, ‘Don’t f— with him.

LeBron James, November 2019

Donovan Mitchell, November 2019

Trae Young, November 2019

Bismack Biyombo, November 2019

LeBron James, December 2019

Proud of him. I don’t know if he needed to hear it or not, but I’m f—— proud of him. Like, really like a blood brother.

Will Barton, December 2019

It’s crazy the disrespect a guy that good gets on social media. You look on Twitter and Instagram, they’re kind of always clowning him. But real basketball heads know how good that guy is and he’s a special talent. It’s crazy that some of the kids in this generation are going to think of him in that way because he’s really good, and he was really good in his prime.

Russell Westbrook, August 2020

Melo is a Hall of Famer, man. He’s an unbelievable teammate. It’s always good to see him do well, play well. He belongs in this league. He’s shown that time in and time out.