Tag: Brian Windhorst

Jazz looking to trade Donovan Mitchell before training camp

Brian Windhorst: The Jazz are beginning their business. They made their first post-Rudy Gobert move earlier this week when they traded Patrick Beverley to the Lakers. [Tim] MacMahon, you said I believe last week that you thought that the Jazz would …

Brian Windhorst: The Jazz are beginning their business. They made their first post-Rudy Gobert move earlier this week when they traded Patrick Beverley to the Lakers. [Tim] MacMahon, you said I believe last week that you thought that the Jazz would make a Donovan Mitchell trade before the [regular season] opener. And it sounds to me in talking to people around the league that the Jazz want to try to go even sooner than that. They want to go before training camp.

Source: ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Brian Windhorst: Jazz want to trade Donovan Mitchell before training camp
sportando.basketball/en/brian-windh… – 2:19 PM
Brian Windhorst @WindhorstESPN
New podcast. Donovan Mitchell talks intensify & involve numerous teams + an actual basketball look at Nets (w/@Tim Bontemps & @Tim MacMahon) spoti.fi/3RexrNc – 1:17 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
New @LockedOnNetwork NBA show w/ @Mike Richman
– Patrick Beverley to the Lakers
– What’s next for Westbrook?
– Donovan Mitchell latest
– Chet Holmgren’s injury is a bummer
– Most clutch players in the NBA
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/loc… – 10:18 AM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
We’re back in the States, and back on @getcallin tomorrow at 4ET with New York’s own @Michael Scotto.
Breaking down Kevin Durant rescinding his trade request, the ongoing Donovan Mitchell trade sweepstakes, Lakers moves, and taking your questions: callin.com/link/LmVYUTnUXI – 4:10 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
An all-trade Knicks mailbag, touching on Donovan Mitchell stuff, if there are any other stars that could pop up, a random Josh Hart stat, Julius Randle’s prospects and more ($1/mo subscription offer inside the link): https://t.co/hg2Yr98dFg pic.twitter.com/H0ax6D3APk – 2:44 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
New @LockedOnHeat mailbag pod
– Latest on Donovan Mitchell
– Myles Turner’s potential fit
– Collin Sexton
– Montrezl Harrell
– What’s at stake for Duncan Robinson in camp?
– Best Heat players to bring on a bachelor party
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/loc… – 2:06 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
Donovan Mitchell, if traded, would prefer to be dealt to Knicks, Heat or Nets, per The Athletic’s Tony Jones. Heat doesn’t have enough assets to appeal to Utah. And if you’re Miami, would you trade a billion picks & Herro for him? Not so fast my friend: miamiherald.com/sports/spt-col… – 12:28 PM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Another lost season for SGA.
Not that Year 1 Chet was going to drastically move the needle but at some point he’s going to sour on this entire ordeal in OKC.
Any team interested in Donovan Mitchell should be making the same calls to Sam Presti. – 11:00 AM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
From earlier: NYK’s been mostly conservative in recent years, holding on to assets to be in position to trade for a top player. The opportunity is here. W/teams like CLE interested in Donovan Mitchell, there’s a potential cost to NYK for waiting too long: sny.tv/articles/knick… – 6:20 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
From earlier — ASK IRA: Does Kevin Durant door closing open one for Heat with Donovan Mitchell? sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… – 5:45 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Worth noting:
The idea that all Knicks fans will be enraged and will try to burn down MSG if New York doesn’t trade the farm for Donovan Mitchell is not accurate.
That’s a misconception I’ve seen floating around out there… – 5:05 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
ASK IRA: Does Kevin Durant door closing open one for Heat with Donovan Mitchell? sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… – 1:43 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
NYK has been mostly conservative over past 2 years, holding on to assets to be in position to trade for a top player. The opportunity is here. With teams like CLE interested in Donovan Mitchell, there is a potential cost to NYK for waiting too long. More: sny.tv/articles/knick… – 10:00 AM
Eric Walden @tribjazz
With the news that Kevin Durant will be staying with the Brooklyn Nets, the possibility exists that some of the teams which were pursuing him could now turn their attention to Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell instead. Who could make a deal work? sltrib.com/sports/jazz/20… – 9:49 AM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Does Kevin Durant door closing open one for Heat with Donovan Mitchell? Latest “Ask Ira” at sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… plus more. – 8:13 AM
Donovan Mitchell @spidadmitchell
Don’t wanna hear it from any of y’all 😂😂😂 – 10:35 PM
Donovan Mitchell @spidadmitchell
This inning is driving me crazy lol – 10:33 PM
Donovan Mitchell @spidadmitchell
Bruh what just happened 😂😂😂 – 9:02 PM
Ryan McDonald @ryanwmcdonald
Does Kevin Durant staying with the Nets change Donovan Mitchell trade talks? https://t.co/ZgBR1s2edP pic.twitter.com/nw52cyBpgx – 8:53 PM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
Rick Pitino says Donovan Mitchell has a ‘Kobe Bryant-type work ethic,’ would ‘love to be a New York Knick’ nj.com/knicks/2022/08… – 5:24 PM
Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Iona coach and basketball legend Rick Pitino says his former player Donovan Mitchell would “treasure” being a Knick. – 4:50 PM
Sam Yip @samyip__
Here is a depth chart of the New York Knicks if they don’t get Donovan Mitchell for @Jorge Sierra hoopshype.com/lists/projecte… – 3:20 PM

More on this storyline

Ian Begley: Cleveland Cavaliers have removed themselves from Donovan Mitchell trade talks, per SNY sources. Doesn’t seem like there are any suitors at moment who can approach what Knicks can offer Utah – even if you take RJ Barrett off the table. So this trade is still NYK’s to lose. -via Twitter @IanBegley / August 26, 2022
Donovan Mitchell: Damn Hov🔥🔥🔥 -via Twitter @spidadmitchell / August 26, 2022

Windhorst: Lakers will make significant trade, but not for a while

Journalist Brian Windhorst gives his opinion on how long it may take for the Lakers to pull off a big trade that will make them contenders.

Throughout this summer, it has seemed the entire fan base of the Los Angeles Lakers has waited for the team to make a major trade, such as one for Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving.

Earlier this week, that particular option was shut down by the statement issued by Nets general manager Sean Marks regarding Kevin Durant recommitting himself to the team.

Although Los Angeles has moved to acquire veteran guard Patrick Beverley, it is hardly the earth-shattering move fans were hoping for.

ESPN journalist Brian Windhorst said on a recent podcast with Lakers reporter Allen Sliwa that he believes they will make a significant trade, but it may not happen until just before the trading deadline about six months from now.

Via Sports Illustrated:

“My guess is, by February, the Lakers will have made a significant trade. I don’t know who it will be for. I just don’t know for sure. Just because the Nets may have a certain position today, doesn’t mean they’ll feel that way in six weeks. Doesn’t mean they’ll feel that way in three months.”

With Irving going into the final year of his contract and his omnipresent unpredictability, there may be a slimmer of hope that if things fall apart for the Nets, they may be open to trading him during the season.

But for now, especially given the Lakers’ limited tradable assets, the roster they have now will, more likely than not, be the one they take to training camp.

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Kevin Durant is demanding a trade out …

Kevin Durant is demanding a trade out of Brooklyn on the first day of free agency. Oh wow. The Nets All-Star has Phoenix and Miami atop his trade wish list. Uh oh. “It’s Puff’s teammates, my teammates (in the locker room at UNC). I’m like, nah man, don’t put me in this,” Johnson said. “And next thing you know, whoever it was, Windy (ESPN’s Brian Windhorst) or somebody on the TV was like naming the potential trade targets. Naming DA (Deandre Ayton), me, Mikal (Bridges). And I was like, come on man, but it’s the business.”

Brian Windhorst explains why Sixers are winners of the offseason

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst explains why the Philadelphia 76ers are one of the winners of the offseason.

The Philadelphia 76ers made their offseason moves rather quickly. They gained financial flexibility when James Harden opted out of his $47.3 million player option and went to work.

Philadelphia stole PJ Tucker from the rival Miami Heat early in free agency and brought in Danuel House Jr. on a deal after he played for the Utah Jazz. With their defensive ability and their 3-point shooting, Tucker and House Jr. are expected to play very important roles for Philadelphia.

Now that Harden has re-signed, the Sixers are considered one of the winners of the offseason. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst had this to say about Philadelphia and the moves it made:

Because of the contract that Harden signed and the maneuvers they made, they were able to add three significant pieces to their roster. PJ Tucker, De’Anthony Melton, Danuel House without subtracting any. Danny Green was traded, but he was going to be out for it the whole season or pretty close to it. So again, you look at the sort of the same thing. They have their stars back and they’re adding to it and that’s why you you feel good about them stepping forward.

Of course, the moves they made come with a risk. Tucker is 37 years old, and there is no guarantee he will be the same player he was with the Heat. However, on paper, the additions the Sixers made should make them serious contenders in the East.

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However, the Boston Celtics made the NBA Finals and they improved this offseason as well. The Milwaukee Bucks are going to be there again with Khris Middleton back healthy. The Brooklyn Nets are an obvious wild card, but they have a ton of talent. The Heat lost Tucker, but they always seem to find a way to stick their nose in the conversation as well.

Either way, the Sixers will be in the mix to reach the finals for the first time since 2001. They arguably have their best roster during the Joel Embiid era.

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Minnesota not an option for Russell Westbrook

Darren Woolfson: We begin with Brian Windhorst, who’s been on this podcast a lot. He floated on his podcast that the Wolves had been mentioned as a potential trade partner for Russell Westbrook. I do not doubt his information. What I can tell you …

Darren Woolfson: We begin with Brian Windhorst, who’s been on this podcast a lot. He floated on his podcast that the Wolves had been mentioned as a potential trade partner for Russell Westbrook. I do not doubt his information. What I can tell you is, I feel very strong in saying that the LA Lakers, Rob Pelinka, initiated that dialog. I also feel very, very, very, very, very confident in suggesting that Russell Westbrook is not coming to the Timberwolves, that is not a trade that you need to foresee thinking about actually happening. Just get it out of your realm of possibilities in your Wolf-centric brain. Russell Westbrook is not landing here.
Source: Apple Podcasts

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
For the sickos who like to watch, Monday’s @LockedOnLakers pod, YouTube version. Talks between the Lakers/Pacers for Buddy Hield/Myles Turner-Westbrook/picks have stalled. Are the Lakers screwing up the negotiations? @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
youtube.com/watch?v=wZsuaH… – 5:19 PM
Evan Sidery @esidery
There’s an opportunity on the table for the Lakers to instantly change their title hopes. However, they’re balking at a fair price.
Offloading Russell Westbrook and turning his contract into Buddy Hield + Myles Turner would be a win (via @basketbllnews): basketballnews.com/stories/lakers… – 4:42 PM
Tas Melas @TasMelas
Talking Durant, Mitchell, Westbrook rumors, and taking questions about the rookie crop and Paul Coffey (!) live now.
https://t.co/TzuzSewtBZ pic.twitter.com/D5Iz83V2qr – 11:46 AM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Screw it, here are my predictions:
Kevin Durant for Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, two unprotected picks and one swap.
Kyrie Irving and Buddy Hield to the Lakers, Russell Westbrook and the 2029 1st to Indiana, Talen Horton-Tucker, the 2027 first and two 2nds to Brooklyn. – 10:08 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
POV: Fanspo’s trade machine as I try to concoct 5-team blockbuster trades around KD, Mitchell, Kyrie and Westbrook for the 512th time
pic.twitter.com/n9hPBWkeLr – 7:41 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Regular season leaders over the last 10 seasons:
PTS — James Harden
REB — Andre Drummond
AST — Russell Westbrook
STL — Chris Paul
BLK — Anthony Davis
FG — LeBron James
3P — Steph Curry pic.twitter.com/VYP1d7uxcG – 3:38 PM

More on this storyline

 

Marc Stein: The precise draft compensation that the Lakers have pitched to this point is not yet known in full, but my best approximation is that they have made one of their two future first-round picks available in combination with multiple (likely two) second-rounders. It has been reported elsewhere that the Lakers are prepared to surrender one of their oft-discussed available firsts (in 2027 and 2029) with little-to-no-protections in such a deal, but I need to stress that I haven’t heard such specificity yet from my own sources. My sense is that the Lakers would have some level of trepidation giving up even one completely unprotected first when Turner (whom they definitely like) is on the final year of his contract and could immediately leave L.A. in free agency next summer barring an extension. -via marcstein.substack.com / July 26, 2022
Utah, New York and Indiana are among the teams who have discussed deals with the Lakers involving Russell Westbrook and draft capital, sources said. There appears no deal imminent in those conversations — as the overall trade market plays out over the next two months of the offseason. -via The Athletic / July 25, 2022
Malik Monk may no longer be a Laker, but he says his old team will be just fine with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook all returning … telling TMZ Sports he thinks the big three will work things out this season. The Lake Show made news this week after reports of a three-way phone call between the superstars … in which they allegedly expressed their commitment to figuring out how to coexist. We spoke with Monk — who recently signed a 2-year, $19-million deal with the Sacramento Kings in the offseason — out at LAX on Tuesday … and he says he’s confident his old teammates can bounce back and have a better season. -via TMZ.com / July 24, 2022

 

Minnesota not an option for Russell Westbrook

Darren Woolfson: We begin with Brian Windhorst, who’s been on this podcast a lot. He floated on his podcast that the Wolves had been mentioned as a potential trade partner for Russell Westbrook. I do not doubt his information. What I can tell you is, I feel very strong in saying that the LA Lakers, Rob Pelinka, initiated that dialog. I also feel very, very, very, very, very confident in suggesting that Russell Westbrook is not coming to the Timberwolves, that is not a trade that you need to foresee thinking about actually happening. Just get it out of your realm of possibilities in your Wolf-centric brain. Russell Westbrook is not landing here.

Windhorst: ‘Nobody can afford’ Nets’ Kevin Durant

NBA insider Brian Windhorst sounded off about the Kevin Durant trade request situation.

While Kevin Durant has kept pretty quiet over the last few weeks as he seems to patiently be waiting to be shipped to another team – and he could be waiting for quite a while.

This off-season’s fan-favorite NBA insider Brian Windhorst sounded off about the trade situation and many analysts believe that the Rudy Gobert trade inflated the market.

Windhorst said the following on ESPN earlier this week:

“The truth is we truly have a one of a kind situation on the trade market. Durant’s price is so high that nobody can afford to pay it, because if you execute a trade that makes your team weaker, then the point of you even calling to acquire Kevin Durant is failed. So here we have something that’s extremely valuable that nobody wants to buy at its price.

So when that happens two things usually happen in the market, in the supply and demand world; one is the price either gets lowered, or two it comes off the market. So right now, what we have is everybody waiting for the price to get lowered as the Nets mull taking it off the market. As of right now, as I put my ear to the ground in the NBA, I’m not hearing anything changing as far as the demand phrase of this process.”

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Windhorst: There is no bidding war to trade for Nets star Kevin Durant

ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst opened up on the Kevin Durant bidding war, or more accurately, lack thereof.

Despite Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving’s trade request from the Brooklyn Nets, sports analysts inferred that the bidding war for the two stars hasn’t really taken off yet.

When it comes to Durant, specifically, there hasn’t been a big market even though over half of the league has called the organization with interest in the sharpshooting slender forward. Teams have made their offers, but the Nets haven’t received the “bidding war” that they were hoping for.

NBA insider Brian Windhorst took to ESPN to discuss the market for Durant and its current state. Windhorst hinted that the Nets expected more than what they are receiving at the moment.

Windhorst reported the following:

You know, when, when the Nets put him on the market, I think they thought there was gonna be a tremendous bidding war. And while there’s a lot of interest, from what I can tell that bidding war isn’t really hot right now, the teams have made their offers, and they don’t really feel the need to increase them. Now maybe we’ll see a little bit of action coming out of Summer League, all of the executives are gathering in Las Vegas over the next few days and there could be a restart in action there. But there’s no there’s been a couple of things that have happened that have even made it more complicated involved The Utah Jazz. The Jazz make this crazy trade with Rudy Gobert, last week where they get an incredible haul of draft picks which the Nets responded by saying, ‘Now the price for Durant just went higher’ and the rest of the league I SKIND OF SAYING, ‘We don’t think so. We don’t want to pay that price. We didn’t like that trade.’ And then you look at Donovan Mitchell after the Gobert trade there was a belief that maybe Mitchell would be next and maybe at some point he will be, but for now the Jazz are telling people they don’t intend to trade him and on Mitchell’s side he’s going to stand pat. He’s not going to force any action right now. So without Mitchell in the market, the teams are not trying to outbid each other. It doesn’t make sense for teams to sell their house to pay for a car even if their cars a Lamborghini, like Kevin Durant.

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The 19 best Brian Windhorst ‘Now why is that?’ memes that are everywhere

The Brian Windhorst memes are EVERYWHERE and they’re hilarious.

It’s been a few days since ESPN’s Brian Windhorst delivered an unbelievably riveting two minutes on First Take, in which the reporter asked some important questions about why the Utah Jazz had made a trade involving Royce O’Neale to the Brooklyn Nets.

Windhorst’s speech alone made for an amazing set of memes. But then Rudy Gobert was traded by the Jazz later that day and suddenly, the memes took off. And they haven’t stopped.

The one I’ve seen the most is one with the caption, “Now why is that?” with everyone asking that about a variety of topics and Windhorst’s fingers up in there. And they’re the best: