Tag: Rumors

Could Chiefs be interested in trading up for Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III?

Rumors are swirling of the Chiefs’ interest in a trade up for Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III. Could they pull it off?

Many of the top players in the 2020 NFL Draft appear to be out of reach as the Kansas City Chiefs sit with the last pick in the first round at No. 32. Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons will be long gone. Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah and Florida CB C.J. Henderson will have new teams before the Chiefs are even seen on the draft ticker. What about speedy Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III, though? Will he be out of reach for Kansas City?

In what NBC Sports’ Peter King calls the craziest rumor of the first round, the Chiefs are said to have interest in a move up for Ruggs if he falls in the draft.

“Chiefs want to trade up for Henry Ruggs if he falls into the twenties,” King wrote. “Insane. Do they want every sub 4.35 guy in the National Football League?”

A trade up in the first round wouldn’t be the most uncharacteristic thing from general manager Brett Veach. He’s traded up to select a player with the Chiefs’ first pick in the draft in each of the last two years. The positional need also makes sense as Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson are both set to become free agents in 2021. Remember, Veach is building this thing to last and not just for the 2020 NFL season.

The big question is will Ruggs be available? Ruggs has many fans in the media and some even believe he should be the top receiver taken in the draft. Will NFL teams feel the same? He could slide if he’s not viewed as that top prospect and we see a run on offensive tackles, cornerbacks and some other positions early.

Ruggs holds a 17.6 yards-per-reception average during his career with the Alabama Crimson Tide. He doesn’t have the most production compared to some other receivers in this class with only 98 receptions for just over 1,700 and 24 touchdowns. His own teammate Jerry Jeudy surpasses him by over 1,000 yards with over 50 more receptions and two more touchdowns in the same amount of time. Still, Ruggs is pure speed and that’s something the Chiefs very clearly covet.

According to our trade value chart, picks in the 20s have a trade value that ranges from 850 points to 640 points. The total value of all the Chiefs’ picks in 2020 equals 1,038.4, so they’ll have to offer quite the package in order to move up. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a player or picks from next year packaged in a trade.

Then again, there’s always the chance that this is merely smoke and mirrors that don’t point us anywhere closer to the Chiefs’ intentions. Either way, it’s fun to think about Kansas City adding a player like Ruggs and having a track meet on offense every week.

4 NFL trade candidates the Saints should avoid or pursue

NFL trade talks are heating up before the 2020 draft, and the New Orleans Saints should be in on some players. But they should avoid others.

The 2020 NFL Draft is less than a week away, and trade talks are expected to heat up as the event inches closer to kickoff. While most conversations will center on swapping draft picks, veteran players on the outs with their old teams will also be on the trading block.

That presents opportunities for other teams to improve. The New Orleans Saints should obviously be involved with some of those negotiations, maybe as sellers — one outlet recently floated the idea of trading away underperforming right guard Larry Warford — but there are other situations the Saints would be wise to stay out of.

Here are four NFL trade candidates to consider:

Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars

On paper, the Saints making a trade for Fournette would do a lot to get fans excited. He’s a hometown hero born and raised in New Orleans, who starred in high school and set the college football world on fire at LSU. He’s obviously been a victim of circumstances with the Jaguars, too; Jacksonville had one of the worst run-blocking offensive lines last year per Football Outsiders. Of his 4.3 rushing yards gained per carry in 2019, a whopping 3.0 came after contact per Pro Football Reference. New Orleans boasts one of the NFL’s best run-blocking offensive lines, which would give Fournette much more to work with than he ever saw in Jacksonville.

But the cost isn’t worth it. Fournette would not start over Alvin Kamara this season, they are both free agents next year. He caught a career-high 76 passes last year, which trails the 81 passes Kamara has reeled in during each of his first three seasons. The Saints wouldn’t be buying any time or hoping to smoothly transition from Kamara to Fournette as their top running back.

As far as that goes, his efficiency as-is projects so similarly to backup Latavius Murray (who broke just six fewer tackles on 119 fewer carries) that you could make the argument Fournette might be a downgrade. Their contract situations should also discourage New Orleans from taking a swing here — Murray has three years remaining on his deal, whereas both Fournette and Kamara will be free agents in 2021.

One long-shot gamble that might make sense is swapping a late-round pick now for Fournette, then giving him ample opportunities to shine in a better situation before letting him leave in free agency. If Fournette really impresses and can command Le’Veon Bell-esque money on the open market, the Saints might be able to flip a current-year pick for a higher selection as a compensatory pick in 2022. But is that really a gamble worth making?

The verdict: Saints should stay away from Fournette

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Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast, episode 143: Special guest Jeremy Reisman

Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast, episode 143: “Special guest Jeremy Reisman”, is now available to download and listen.

This week on the Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast, co-host Joe Kania gets some well-deserved time off, Erik Schlitt welcomed in a special guest, managing editor at Pride of Detroit, Jeremy Reisman.

Schlitt and Reisman overview the entire Detroit Lions’ current roster ahead of free agency, examining where the holes are at each position and projecting how the Lions will address the weakness, via the 2020 NFL Draft or Free Agency.

Together, Schlitt and Reisman answered the following questions:

  • Is David Blough the Lions’ primary backup quarterback?
  • Will the Lions add a running back to a backfield full of returning players?
  • How many wide receivers will the Lions’ add this offseason?
  • Is Logan Thomas coming back or will they add another tight end?
  • Do the Lions not want to invest heavily at guard or is it Graham Glasgow they’re hesitant to spend money on?
  • Will they select an offensive tackle of the future in this draft class?
  • How will the Lions replace Damon Harrison?
  • Will A’Shawn Robinson or Mike Daniels return?
  • How big of a priority is adding an EDGE rusher?
  • The Lions seem content with their linebacker depth, should they be?
  • Where will the Lions add a cornerback or will there be multiple?
  • Safety is a sneaky important need, how will they address the position?
  • Will Sam Martin return or are the Lions going to add a punter in another fashion?

Be sure to follow the Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast (@LionsBreakdown) and it’s hosts Schlitt (@Erikschlitt) and Kania (@JoeKania_DLB), as well as our special guest Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) on Twitter.

The podcast is available to listen at the DetroitLionsBreakdown.com website and is also available to download and subscribe to on multiple podcast platforms, including Itunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, among others.

Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast, episode 142: 2020 Combine preview

Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast, episode 142: “2020 Combine preview”, is now available to download and listen.

This week on the Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast, the guys preview the 2020 NFL Combine, breaking down the prospects at each position and projecting which ones could be potential Lions.

The DLB podcast is a weekly conversation with Lions Wire’s own Erik Schlitt and his co-host Joe Kania.

This week, the guys discuss:

  • 10 prospects snubbed from the 2020 NFL Combine
  • Who and what to watch at the Combine: Quarterbacks
  • Who and what to watch at the Combine: Running backs
  • Who and what to watch at the Combine: Wide receivers
  • Who and what to watch at the Combine: Tight ends
  • Every day leading up to the NFL Combine, Lions Wire will continue to preview each of the remaining position groups, including the offensive line, interior defensive line, linebacker, cornerbacks, and safeties groups
  • Listeners also sent in questions about specific players, that were also profiled in this episode
  • During the taping of the episode, the Lions released Damon Harrison and the guys discuss the fallout as it was happening

Be sure to follow the Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast (@LionsBreakdown) and it’s hosts Schlitt (@Erikschlitt) and Kania (@JoeKania_DLB) on Twitter, with a Facebook page on the way.

The podcast is available to listen at the DetroitLionsBreakdown.com website and is also available to download and subscribe to on multiple podcast platforms, including Itunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, among others.

Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast, episode 141: Addressing trade rumors

Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast, episode 141: “Addressing trade rumors”, is now available to download and listen.

This week on the Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast the guys dive headfirst into all the trade rumors surrounding the team. Once they get their head above water, the guys address which ones to believe and which ones you should dismiss.

Listener’s questions tie into the trade talk but aren’t limited to just that. Other topics discussed are coaching staff openings, prospects in the upcoming draft, potential free agency moves, and potential roster construction during the offseason.

The DLB podcast is a weekly conversation with Lions Wire’s own Erik Schlitt and his co-host Joe Kania.

This week, the guys discuss:

Be sure to follow the Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast (@LionsBreakdown) and it’s hosts Schlitt (@Erikschlitt) and Kania (@JoeKania_DLB) on Twitter, with a Facebook page on the way.

The podcast is available to listen at the DetroitLionsBreakdown.com website and is also available to download and subscribe to on multiple podcast platforms, including Itunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, among others.

What the Rockets should do at the NBA trade deadline

I have no idea what the Rockets are doing.

The NBA trade deadline comes up on Thursday at 3 p.m. Eastern, so we’ve decided to throw the spotlight on some specific teams who could be active to either help bolster their playoff chances or clean house in order to rebuild for the future.

I’m here to tell you what the Rockets should do at the deadline…but I’m honestly running out of ideas because they’ve already done so much. And, if I’m being real with you folks, not much of it makes a ton of sense.

What on Earth are the Rockets thinking?

Last night the Rockets took part in one of the biggest trades in NBA history by sending away their best two big men in Clint Capela and Nene.

No, Nene isn’t good anymore. But when your options at center are Capela, Nene and Tyson Chandler, Nene becomes a pretty good alternative.

Now, obviously, they’re down to one of those guys – and it’s the worst one. They’ve also got journeyman Jordan Bell at center after last night’s trade. And the Rockets seem to be just fine with that! They’re leaning into the small ball thing all the way — PJ Tucker and Danuel House are their new starting front court.

That’s a super questionable basketball fit, at best.But it goes even beyond what’s on the court. Their last few months haven’t made any sense from a business standpoint, either. They traded assets away to dump Chris Paul and Clint Capela — both of whom are still really good players!

But, uh, at least they’re under the luxury tax now. So there’s that?

What the Rockets should do

It is absolutely imperative for the Rockets to go out and find themselves a center to replace Capela. Sure, they got a good wing back in Robert Covington. But they need size to win a title.

Going with PJ Tucker at center would’ve made perfect sense…if the Warriors were still ruling the NBA. They’re not. The league’s best teams? They all play big. The Lakers, Jazz, Clippers, Bucks, Raptors and Nuggets have big centers playing in their best lineups.

Is PJ Tucker going to guard Anthony Davis? How about Nikola Jokic? And those two are a problem before you even begin to think about playing against Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid in the Finals.

The Rockets need to get on the phone with the Kings and see what it would take to get their hands on Dewayne Dedmon. That’s not a sexy name, but they don’t need sexy. They just need a guy who can start and play 25 minutes at center competently.

Of course…they wouldn’t if they didn’t trade that away, but alas.

What the Rockets will do

They’ll probably just chill through Thursday’s deadline, honestly. They might try and swing another wing — Andre Iguodala comes to mind.

But they’re definitely not going out and trading for a big man. They’ll wait for the buyout market to develop instead. Maybe that includes Dedmon?

They have about $12 million in cap space after this deal and can still expand the trade to include a 5th team ahead of Thursday’s deadline, so there’s an opportunity to fit another player into that slot.

But if they can’t? This small ball philosophy what the Rockets will head into the postseason with. We’ll see if it works.

Contracts worth noting

  • Thabo Sefolosha — $2.5 million in 2019-20
  • Ben McLemore — $2.02 million in 2019-20, $2.3 million in 2020-21
  • Tyson Chandler — $2.5 million in 2019-20
  • Danuel House — $3.5 million in 2019-20, $3.7 million in 2020-21, $3.9 million in 2021-22

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Report: Warriors ‘moving on’ from D’Angelo Russell trade talks with Timberwolves

The Warriors and Timberwolves haven’t been able to agree on a deal that would send D’Angelo Russell to Minnesota and now Golden State is “moving on” according to reports.

As the clock ticks down to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, the rumors continue to buzz around one member of the Golden State Warriors. D’Angelo Russell has been in the middle of a lot of trade chatter since the time he landed with the Golden State Warriors.

With the trade deadline around the corner, noise linking Russell to a move has heated up. Multiple teams like the New York Knicks have been connected to Russell, but the team that’s led the way has been the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Since Russell hit free agency over the offseason, the Timberwolves have been a rumored destination. Now in Golden State, the T-Wolves have been trying to work a deal to bring Russell to Minnesota.

However, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the talks between Golden State and Minnesota regarding a Russell trade are slowing down.

There is still ample time left for Golden State and Minnesota to work out a trade at an agreed-upon price. Though, if the Warriors decide to keep Russell, it could give them a look at the future.

Russell is only 23-years-old and has yet to build chemistry with Golden State’s two-time Most Valuable Player, Stephen Curry. Curry has missed all but four games in Russell’s first season with the Warriors. The three-time NBA champion could return from his broken hand in March, giving Russell and Curry around 20 games to play as a backcourt tandem.

If Russell stays in Golden State past the trade deadline, it will give Steve Kerr and Bob Myers a better view on how the former Ohio State Buckeye would fit on a healthy Warriors squad.

Report: New York Knicks interested in trading for Warriors’ D’Angelo Russell

According to SportsNet New York, the New York Knicks have interest in trading for Warriors’ D’Angelo Russell.

As the NBA rapidly approaches the 2020 trade deadline on February 6, each day brings a new team into the D’Angelo Russell rumor mill. Since his arrival at Golden State, teams from across the league have shown interest in trying to acquire Russell’s talents from the Warriors.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked to Russell since the time he was a free agent over the offseason and have continued to pursue him throughout his time as a member of Golden State. Marc Stein of The New York Times has reported that it’s “no secret Minnesota wants D-Lo badly.”

If the Warriors decide to move Russell, Minnesota may have some competition for the 23-year-old former Brooklyn Nets’ All-Star.

SportsNet New York’s Ian Begley reported the Knicks to have “registered interest” in Russell, with forward Bobby Portis as one of the names in the deal to bring the former Ohio State Buckeye to Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks have registered interest with Golden State about trading for D’Angelo Russell, league sources confirm. It’s unclear how far along talks have gone, but Bobby Portis is one name that came up in the conversations, per SNY sources.

Begley additionally reported that 21-year-old French guard, Frank Ntilikina is another name that could be attached to a trade for Russell.

Per SNY sources, Frank Ntilikina’s name has also come up in conversations between the Knicks and Warriors around Russell.

In his first season with Golden State, Russell is averaging 23.8 points and 6.3 assists in 32 games. The looming question surrounding Russell’s future in Golden State relates to injured two-time Most Valuable Player, Stephen Curry. Curry has been injured all but four games in the 2019-20 season, limiting the opportunity to build chemistry in the same backcourt as Russell.

Bob Myers and Steve Kerr will be forced to decide between either entertaining trade offers for Russell before the deadline or keep him in Golden State to see how he plays next to Curry.

Sam Presti being mentioned as potential target for Knicks

According to Sam Bondy of the New York Daily News, Knicks owner James Owner could be interested in bringing Presti to NY’s front office.

The New York Knicks are looking to make some more personnel moves this year.

They already fired head coach Dave Fizdale on Dec. 6 after starting the season 4-18. But things haven’t gotten much better. In the nearly two months since then, the team has won only 10 games, including a 92-85 victory over the Pacers on Saturday night.

Apparently, Knicks owner James Dolan might not be satisfied with just getting rid of Fizdale. Rumor is that Dolan could be looking to clean house in the front office.

And Sam Presti is reportedly one of the potential replacements that he’s interested in.

According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, Dolan could look to bring in Presti, that is if he’s unable to get Raptors General Manager Masai Ujiri.

“Dolan would love to pry Masai Ujiri out of Toronto, but there’s skepticism it can done with the team president under contract. Such a deal would be very complicated if the Raptors play hardball. Another name being mentioned around the league is Thunder president Sam Presti.”

Presti has been on Dolan’s radar for some time now. And considering the Thunder’s success this season, it’s not really surprising.

2019-20 was supposed to be a rebuilding year in Oklahoma City after Presti traded away both Paul George and Russell Westbrook during the offseason.

In return, Presti brought in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and Chris Paul, along with a boatload of draft picks.

Those pieces have fit together better than anyone could’ve anticipated, and instead of being at the bottom of the Western Conference, the Thunder are sitting solidly in seventh place and on their way to a postseason appearance.

Presti is only 43, and under his leadership, Oklahoma City has 10 winning seasons in 12 years, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2012.

When it comes to Presti’s potential interest in New York, previous reports have indicated that Presti could be allowed to leave if an opportunity presented itself.

Rumor: Sam Presti could ‘be allowed to leave’ for Knicks

Presti’s name has been mentioned in conjunction with the New York Knicks front office. He’s has been the GM of the Thunder since 2007.

Chris Paul, Steven Adams, and Danilo Gallinari might not be the only members of the Oklahoma City Thunder organization that are rumored to be available.

Executive Vice President and General Manager, Sam Presti, could be as well.

Although clearly not a trade, Presti’s name has been mentioned previously in conjunction with the front office of the New York Knicks, and now, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, Presti’s relationship with Thunder owner Clay Bennett is such that Bennett would be “unlikely to block Presti” if he wanted to move on from Oklahoma City.

Bondy hinted at the Knicks’ interested in Presti back in November, and said that should James Dolan move to fire then head coach David Fizdale that “president Steve Mills and GM Scott Perry would then find themselves in the crosshairs”.

Fizdale was fired on December 12.

According to Sports Illustrated, both Bondy and Ian Bagley of SNY have stated that Dolan’s first choice for the front office would be Raptors General Manager, Masai Ujiri, however, if Ujiri can’t be lured away from Toronto, Presti could be their next target.

Presti has been the general manager of the Thunder since 2007.