Tag: 2023 offseason

Jets given “B” grade for offseason by Sporting News

Another solid offseason grade for the Jets

Overall, the football world has viewed the offseason for the New York Jets as a positive. Another recent group of grades falls in line with that thinking.

Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News recently handed out his grades for each team this offseason and the Jets were given a “B” for their efforts this spring.

Key additions: QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Israel Abanikanda, WR Allen Lazard, WR Mecole Hardman, WR Randall Cobb, S Chuck Clark

The Jets had a very Rodgers-centric offseason to get quickly away from the Zach Wilson mess, bringing in two of his former Packers receivers and also adding depth in the running game. They’re banking on a lot of incumbents working around him, including the offensive line staying healthy. Defensively, the look is much the same for same for Robert Saleh with Clark shoring up one hole for a loaded group.

It should be noted that this was written before the news of Chuck Clark’s ACL injury and the signing of safety Adrian Amos. Even with that, Amos is a fine fallback option from the Clark injury, so the points still stand here from Iyer.

The Jets also ranked 14th on his list. For reference, eight teams received at least an “A-” from Iyer, so you get a sense of the grading curve here.

Still, it’s another solid grade for the Jets in what’s been a string of them lately as they push all in this season with Rodgers at quarterback.

Report: Clippers pull out of Brogdon-Porzingis deal citing injury concerns; Wiz and Celtics work toward new deal

The Clippers have reportedly pulled out of the three-team trade centered around Malcom Brogdon and Kristaps Porzingis because of injury concerns while Boston and Washington pursue other routes.

The three-team deal that would send big man Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics is reportedly on hold, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Los Angeles Clippers, the theoretical landing spot for guard Malcolm Brogdon, are no longer interested in the trade, while the Celtics and Washington Wizards are still working on completing a deal by midnight ET on Wednesday, per Woj.

Substack’s Marc Stein reported concerns about the former Virginia player’s injured arm led the Clippers to back out of the deal. Brogdon, who suffered a tendon injury in his right elbow during the postseason, recently told the Athletic he is “optimistic” he will not need offseason surgery. He would have been headed to the Clippers, while Washington would land a few expiring contracts and draft capital, sending Porzingis to Boston in the process.

The Celtics and Wizards can still come to terms on a deal. Porzingis has to decide to opt into the final year of his contract worth $36 million, thus allowing for a trade to Boston. From there, Porzingis could ink a two-year extension with the Celtics this July or a longer one in the winter. The former All-Star would become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he does not utilize his player option.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

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Bradley Beal headed to Phoenix following trade between Suns and Wiz

Any hopes or fears of a trade between the Celtics and Wizards centered around Bradley Beal can officially be put to bed.

Bradley Beal will not be joining the Boston Celtics this summer. Instead, the three-time All-Star is headed to the Phoenix Suns thanks to an early offseason transaction. According to multiple reports, the Washington Wizards are sending Beal to the Suns in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, and several second round picks. Just a few months removed from landing Kevin Durant, Phoenix continues to swing for the fences in building a contender out West.

Boston was reportedly never a major player in the Beal sweepstakes, but his St. Louis ties to Jayson Tatums kept rumors alive. (In fact, Beal used to walk Tatum to school as children.) Likewise, if you squinted, you could see a nucleus of Tatum, Beal, and Jaylen Brown making sense if you were willing to sacrifice depth and any financial flexibility. Regardless, any such hope or fear of a deal centered around Beal between the Celtics and Wizards can officially be put to bed.

That doesn’t mean Washington isn’t a team to keep an eye on. Not only is it likely the Wizards are about to embark on a full-scale tear down, but it remains to be seen what happens to veteran point guard Chris Paul. Washington will first seek to find a trade partner, but a buyout could also be in the cards if no such deal materializes. As such, the Celtics could become real suitors. Kyle Kuzma and Corey Kispert could also be names to monitor.

Report: Warriors name Mike Dunleavy Jr. as team’s next general manager

The Golden State Warriors are naming Mike Dunleavy Jr. as the team’s next general manager.

The Golden State Warriors are promoting Mike Dunleavy Jr. to serve as the team’s next general manager, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Dunleavy will replace Bob Meyers, who recently stepped down from the position after 11 seasons. This comes as the Warriors face a number of pressing questions ahead of what could be a busy offseason for the club.

Wojnarowski reported Dunleavy and Golden State finalized terms on a long-term deal this week, and a formal announcement and press conference is set for Monday. According to Wojnarowski, vice president of basketball operations Kirk Lacob will also be involved in making roster decisions alongside Dunleavy.

Dunleavy has served in several front offices roles with the Warriors after joining the club as a scout in 2018, including assistant general manager to Bob Meyers. As a 15-year NBA veteran, he offers a bevy of player experience to his new role.

Report: Warriors exploring options of acquiring a high draft pick for Jonathan Kuminga

To Beal, or not to Beal? That is the question: Does a trade for the Washington Wizards star make sense for Boston?

The potential pairing of Jayson Tatum and Bradley Beal may be enticing — but it wouldn’t be easy.

While some Boston Celtics fans may hope for significant additions to the team this offseason, a step back in overall talent is more likely.

The potential pairing of Jayson Tatum and Bradley Beal may be enticing after the news the Washington Wizards are trying to find the former Florida player a new home. But the cap complexities involved in making such a trade happen are not simple. It would require a package that might involve Jaylen Brown, and such a deal would create challenges for the team to fill out the rest of the roster.

NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg and guest Jeff Goodman got together to talk it over for a recent episode of the “Celtics Talk” podcast.

Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear what conclusions they came to about a potential Beal trade, new deals for Grant Williams and Brown — and more.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Celtics vet Danilo Gallinari exercises player option for ’23-24 season

The Italian Stallion is back with the Celtics after opting in to the final year of his contract.

Boston Celtics veteran forward Danilo Gallinari has officially opted in to the final year of his contract, a player option worth $6.8 million, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Gallinari joined the Celtics in free agency last summer before tearing his left ACL a few weeks later playing for his native Italy in a FIBA qualifying game. Gallinari did not appear in any games for Boston last year.

Prior to his injury, however, there was hopes Gallinari could provide the Celtics with some shooting and veteran leadership off the bench. Now healthy, Wojnarowski reported Gallinari is expected to have a “sizable role” with Boston next season.

During the 2021-22 campaign, the last time he was healthy, Gallinari proved an effective offensive support for the Atlanta Hawks. He shot 38.1% from 3, something that could be helpful for finding a spot in head coach Joe Mazzulla’s rotation.

Boston Celtics trade ideas: A hypothetical blockbuster with the Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors

The folks over at the CLNS Media “Garden Report” podcast have been hard at work thinking up prospective swaps,

Now that we are getting a clear idea of how the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) could affect the Boston Celtics‘ team-building efforts this offseason, we are seeing a spike in potential trade ideas for the ball club with an effort to cleaning up the books in future seasons as much as rebalancing the roster moving forward.

The folks over at the CLNS Media “Garden Report” podcast have been hard at work thinking up their own such prospective swaps, and recently put together one for the Celtics involving the Orlando Magic and the Toronto Raptors that might raise more than a few eyebrows among fans of the team.

To hear what the Garden Report crew has in mind with a three-team blockbuster trade involving a familiar name and some new ones, check out the clip embedded below.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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After losing to the Miami Heat in the East finals, what’s next for the Boston Celtics?

What happens with the future of this roster?

After clawing their way back to tie the series 3-3, the Boston Celtics fell on their face in Game 7 at TD Garden as the Miami Heat cruised to a 103-84 win, punching their ticket to the 2023 NBA Finals.

With Jayson Tatum hurt on the first play and hobbled the rest of the game, Jaylen Brown was called upon to carry some of the workload and crumpled under the pressure, losing turnover after turnover and forcing shots from deep. What can the Celtics do in the aftermath of their Game 7 loss? What happens with the future of this roster?

Join the hosts of the CLNS Media “Vitamin Cs” podcast Tim Sheils and Wayne “Breezie” Brown as they vent and break down a tough loss and the questions to answer this offseason.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Brad Stevens offers high praise for Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla: ‘He’s a terrific leader’

Brad Stevens lauded Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla Thursday afternoon, commending both his growth and accountability this season.

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens met with media Thursday to discuss the future of his club following a disappointing exit from the 2023 NBA playoffs. After winning 57 games in the regular season, Boston failed to make a return to the Finals, falling instead in seven games to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals.

There’s been lots of chatter around Boston and the league about rookie head coach Joe Mazzulla. Following the suspension of then-head coach Ime Udoka, Mazzulla, 34, was thrust into the top leadership position on Boston’s sidelines just days before the regular season opened this fall. Stevens suggested on Thursday this was valuable experience for Mazzulla, and missing a trip to the Finals by a single game is a great accomplishment for a head coach, not a demerit.

Across the board, Stevens had high praise for Mazzulla, his players, and his team. He acknowledged the club did come up short, but said these earliest days of the offseason should be about celebrating what the Celtics were able to accomplish given so much adversity to ground any future decisions. As such, Stevens issues a strong vote of confidence in Mazzulla.

Brad Stevens talks Joe Mazzulla, Jaylen Brown, and more ahead of 2023 Celtics offseason

Celtics president Brad Stevens made his thoughts on Joe Mazzulla, Jaylen Brown, and the rest of his club clear during a Thursday afternoon press conference.

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations spoke Thursday afternoon following his team’s exit from the 2023 postseason, just a few days removed from a Game 7 loss in the Eastern Conference finals on the team’s home court. Rather than fighting for a coveted eighteenth banner, the Celtics now face what could be an offseason full of change.

Stevens, for his part, was upbeat and optimistic. He lauded the effort and preparedness of rookie head coach Joe Mazzulla. He offered praise for his players and the job the did. And he made it clear that he and the front office share any blame for perceived failures or shortcomings. Stevens made it clear he is prioritizing perspective and shared accountability as the offseason begins.

That isn’t to say Stevens intends to sit on his hands all summer. He underscored he understands there are areas for improvement, but wasn’t going to simply shake things up for the sake of doing so. From the addition of new assistant coaches, to a possible Jaylen Brown contract extension and more, Stevens was measured in his assessment and commentary.

You can watch the entire Brad Stevens offseason introductory press conference here, courtesy of our friends at CLNS Media on YouTube.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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