2017 May | Hoops Rumors

Atlantic Notes: Anthony, Workouts, Thomas, Nets

May 21st, 2017 at 12:57pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Celtics‘ performance in the Eastern Conference finals may make Boston more interested in a Carmelo Anthony trade, speculates Marc Berman of The New York Post. Berman states that executives at the draft combine were predicting that Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge would base the extent of an offseason shakeup on his team’s ability to be competitive with the Cavaliers. After two straight routs on their home court, it appears Ainge will be more eager to make changes.

Boston will have up to $30MM in cap space, which Ainge would like to use on Jazz free agent Gordon Hayward. If he stays in Utah, the Celtics will have to consider other options, which could include Anthony. Berman says the Knicks would want Jae Crowder as the centerpiece of a deal, along with one of Boston’s two first-rounders in 2018. A signed-and-traded Jonas Jerebko might have to be included to make the salaries line up, but Boston has the cap space to handle most of Anthony’s $31MM price, including his trade kicker.

There’s more today out of the Atlantic Division:

Purdue’s Caleb Swanigan has a workout scheduled with the Knicks on Wednesday, Berman notes in the same story. The sophomore big man, who was named Big 10 Player of the Year, is projected as a second-round pick, and New York has the 44th and 58th selections. Iowa State point guard Monte Morris interviewed with the Knicks at the draft combine and will work out for the team June 8th.
Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas will see more specialists this week to check on his injured right hip, tweets Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe. Thomas, who has been declared out for the rest of the playoffs, may require surgery.
Markelle Fultz is just the type of player the Celtics need to someday become a legitimate threat to Cleveland, writes A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE. The Cavaliers exploited Thomas’ lack of size by throwing frequent traps at the 5’9″ guard, Blakely writes, but it would be much tougher to do that against the 6’4″ Fultz, who has outstanding court vision and can create his own shot off the dribble. Boston earned a shot at Fultz by winning the draft lottery on Tuesday.
The Nets may target Spurs forward Jonathon Simmons in free agency, according to NetsDaily. GM Sean Marks has identified small forward as the primary position of need, and Simmons has been outstanding in the playoffs. Simmons, who will be a restricted free agent, has averaged 16 points per game in the Western Conference finals and is shooting 40% from 3-point range. The website also says Brooklyn might be the team to gamble on oft-injured Harry Giles in the draft, and identifies the Sixers, Celtics and Jazz as teams that could be most willing to sell some picks.

Kawhi Leonard ‘Likely Out’ For Game 4

May 21st, 2017 at 12:18pm CST by Arthur Hill

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said today that Kawhi Leonard is “likely out” for Monday’s Game 4, relays ESPN.com.

That means San Antonio will have to ward off elimination without its star forward, who hasn’t played since aggravating a sprained left ankle after landing on Zaza Pachulia after a jump shot in Game 1.

A first-team All-NBA selection, Leonard has been an indispensable part of the Spurs this season. He averaged 25.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per night, and is considered one of the top defenders in the league. He increased those numbers to 27.7 and 7.8 in the playoffs before the injury.

Popovich added that David Lee is doubtful for Monday after being hurt early in Game 3. He was diagnosed with a torn patellar tendon in his left knee, and the Spurs are waiting for MRI results before they make a decision.

Weekly Mailbag: 5/15/17 – 5/21/17

May 21st, 2017 at 11:34am CST by Arthur Hill

We have an opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com. Here are this week’s inquiries:

With only a second round pick in this year’s draft [52nd] and Bojan Bogdanovic as a free agent, who should the Wizards target in free agency/trade to help improve their bench? — Nick Elliston

The bench was an enormous issue for Washington in the playoffs, but with little cap room and just one draft pick, it might be even worse next year. The Wizards have more than $94MM committed for next season without figuring in Bogdanovic or Otto Porter, who appears headed for an extension. They traded their first-rounder to Brooklyn for Bogdanovic, who will want a long-term deal worth significantly more than the $3.73MM he made this season. Point guards Trey Burke and Brandon Jennings are both free agents, with Burke seeming certain to leave and Jennings expected to get much better offers than the $1.2MM he took home this year. Washington will be shopping for bargains on the free agent market and hoping for luck in the draft, which is no way to rebuild a bench. They might be able change the equation by finding a taker for center Marcin Gortat, who will make $12.78MM next season is unhappy with the organization once again.

Celtics coach Brad Stevens has said the Cavaliers have the “perfect roster” around LeBron James. Do you believe that’s true? — CavsFan, via Twitter

Theoretically, the perfect roster would include 11 other guys with LeBron’s skillset, but this might be the best group of teammates he has ever had. There’s plenty of shooting to space the floor for his drives to the baskets, and everyone seems to be comfortable in a complementary role. GM David Griffin has done a remarkable job of assembling players who fit well alongside LeBron, and the Cavs would be in an even better position to defend their title if Andrew Bogut hadn’t suffered a season-ending injury in his first game after joining the team. If Griffin winds up in Orlando or Atlanta, it will be interesting to see how well he can build a team without a superstar like LeBron as the foundation.

Which of the Spurs’ veterans will be back with the team next season? — Grant Lawson

Start with Pau Gasol, who will turn 37 in July. He has a player option worth nearly $16.2MM for next season and announced back in January that he plans to opt in. Gasol has found a good situation in San Antonio and would probably be open to a new deal next summer. Tony Parker has one season left on his contract, but could miss training camp and the start of the season while recovering from a ruptured quadriceps tendon. Manu Ginobili has considered retirement over the past two offseasons. He has been effective in the playoffs, but will turn 40 this in July. It could be another late-summer decision. David Lee turned 34 in April and has a $1.6MM option for next season. Assuming he recovers from what appears to be a torn patellar tendon in his left knee, he should be back for another year. Joel Anthony will be 35 in August and is playing for the veteran’s minimum. The Spurs will look for better options at backup center.

Hawks Set Interview With Chauncey Billups

May 21st, 2017 at 10:02am CST by Arthur Hill

The Hawks will interview TV analyst Chauncey Billups next week for their vacant GM job, tweets Chris Haynes of ESPN.com.

Billups signed a new multiyear contract with ESPN last week. He has been with the network since 2014 and became part of the lead team on “NBA Countdown” this year. He is expected to play in the Big3 league of former NBA players that will tip off next month.

A five-time All-Star during his 17-year playing career, Billups has no previous front-office experience.

Billups is among several candidates who have emerged to take over for Wes Wilcox, who was moved into a new role with the organization earlier this month. Other names that have been made public include Knicks Director of Player Personnel Mark Hughes, Rockets VP of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas, current Cavaliers GM David Griffin, former Pistons executive Joe Dumars and TV analyst Brent Barry.

A request to talk with Portland GM Neil Olshey was denied by the Trail Blazers this week.

David Lee Diagnosed With Torn Patellar Tendon

May 21st, 2017 at 8:47am CST by Arthur Hill

Already depleted by injuries, the Spurs may have to finish the postseason without David Lee.

The veteran big man was diagnosed with a torn patellar tendon in his left knee after being pulled early in Saturday’s game, according to Michael C. Wright and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com. Lee will undergo an MRI today to confirm the extent of the injury.

San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich responded, “I have no idea,” when asked about Lee’s status in the post-game press conference.

The injury occurred with 2:57 left in the first quarter when Lee was fouled by Draymond Green while making a layup. He was unable to stay in the game to shoot his free throw and was taken from the court in a wheelchair.

The 33-year-old is in his 12th NBA season and his first with the Spurs. He has a $1.6MM player option for next season and can become a free agent again in July.

San Antonio, which trails Golden State 3-0 in the Western Conference finals, is already playing without Kawhi Leonard, who aggravated an ankle injury in Game 1 of the series, and Tony Parker, who ruptured a quadriceps tendon in the conference semifinals.

Mavericks Notes: Noel, Dirk, Draft

May 20th, 2017 at 10:55pm CST by ChrisCrouse

The Mavericks are eager to re-sign Nerlens Noel and owner Mark Cuban sounded optimistic about the team’s chances of doing so in a recent radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan’s Ben & Skin show (h/t The Dallas Morning News).

“I’m not allowed to talk about [negotiations] but all I can tell you is he’s one of a bunch of guys who came in, they all got together and said ‘Let’s go down to the practice facility and start working out together,'” Cuban said. “So they’re down there now and so that’s exciting to see, and he’s part of that group.”

Noel is a restricted free agent, meaning the team can match any offer sheet he receives. Here’s more on the Mavs:

Cuban added that Dirk Nowitzki is becoming more involved with the Mavericks‘ scouting department, as The Dallas Morning News relays. “To his credit, there are some Europeans we’re talking to about him now, talking to him and getting feedback from [his coach] Holger [Geschwindner] who’s maybe seen them,” Cuban said. “And having him talk to coaches, he’s a little bit more involved early in the process rather than just walking into the war room and giving feedback then.”
The Mavericks will take the best player available at No. 9, Cuban said during that same radio appearance. “We’ll probably air on the side of long term. We’re not drafting for need so we’ll probably take the best possible player,” the team’s owner added.

Celtics Were Willing To Deal Thomas For Lottery Pick In ’16 Draft

May 20th, 2017 at 9:21pm CST by ChrisCrouse

The Celtics had the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 draft and they used the selection to nab University of California’s Jaylen Brown. GM Danny Ainge wanted to acquire another lottery selection in addition to the team’s top-3 pick and he dangled everyone on the team in trade discussions, including Isaiah Thomas, ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan reports.

“Before the draft last year, Danny was trying to get two picks, not just Jaylen Brown,” MacMullan told Bob Ryan on his podcast (h/t Comcast Sportsnet). “He was on the phone with everybody from coast to coast, and he was offering everybody. That includes Marcus Smart and Isaiah Thomas, and anything else they needed to get where he wanted to go. There were no untouchables on that team last year.”

MacMullan believes the only untouchable on Boston’s roster this summer will be Al Horford. The big man signed a four-year, $113MM deal with the team last offseason.

The Celtics won the lottery earlier this week and earned the top selection in the 2017 draft. In addition to the No. 1 overall selection, the franchise owns three second round picks. Only the Sixers have more selections in the upcoming draft.

If Boston wants to acquire another lottery pick in this year’s draft, I’d speculate that trading Thomas would fetch them a top-14 selection this time around. The point guard had an excellent season, scoring 28.9 points per game, a figure which only trailed Russell Westbrook and James Harden. He has just one season at a salary of approximately $6.26MM left on his deal after this year.

Phil Jackson Recently Met With Kristaps Porzingis’ Camp

May 20th, 2017 at 8:04pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Team president Phil Jackson recently met with Kristaps Porzingis‘ brother and the two sides discussed the the power forward’s issues with the club, Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News reports. A Knicks‘ source tells Bondy that the sit down didn’t accomplish very much as Phil Jackson remained “steadfast” in his ways.

Jackson remains focused on installing and running the triangle. He’s aimed to tailor the teams’ workouts and training sessions around the offense, sources tell Bondy.

What specifics the two sides discussed is not clear, but Porzingis’ camp has previously called for New York to “create an environment where he can develop and grow as a player and win.”

Porzingis has two years remaining on his deal and in the summer of 2019, he can become a restricted free agent. At that point, the team will be able to match any offer. If Porzingis badly wants out, the quickest route to secure a place on a new franchise without a trade is playing out the final two years of his deal, then signing a qualifying offer during the 2019 offseason. That would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2020.

Porzingis has said he wants to remain in New York, but with the aforementioned conditions. The team has some time to repair the relationship and build a winning team, though as we’ve seen with the Carmelo Anthony saga, ongoing Knicks’ turmoil isn’t guaranteed to get better with time.

Jackson only has two seasons remaining on his deal. I’d speculate that he’ll make it through his current agreement, but he won’t see another deal in the 2019 offseason unless Kristaps Porzingis is happy with the state of the franchise. By that time, we’ll likely have more data on the triangle offense in our current pace-and-space culture and it should be clear whether or not the system has a place in the league.

Draft Notes: Fox, Ntilikina, Chartouny

May 20th, 2017 at 7:18pm CST by ChrisCrouse

De’Aaron Fox was eyeing Sacramento as a destination even before the Kings moved up in the lottery, Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com tweets. The Kings need a long-term option at the point guard position and Fox could be the answer when they pick at No. 5. Howard-Cooper notes that Fox is friends with center Willie Cauley-Stein.

Here’s more on the upcoming draft:

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) hears that the Knicks, Mavericks, Sixers and Kings are the franchises which spent the most time scouting Frank Ntilikina in France over the past month. Ntilikina is the 10th best prospect in the draft, according to Draft Express’ Jonathan Givony.
Joseph Chartouny will withdraw from the draft and return to Fordham next season, sources tell Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports (Twitter link). The point guard scored 11.9 points and dished out 4.6 assists during his sophomore campaign at the university.
While it appears the Ball family may get their dream outcome of Lonzo Ball playing for the Lakers, Adi Joseph of USA Today lays out four scenarios that could hurt LaVar Ball‘s master plan.

Isaiah Thomas To Miss Remainder Of Postseason

May 20th, 2017 at 5:06pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Isaiah Thomas will miss the remainder of the playoffs because of a hip injury, according to the Celtics’ website. The team called the ailment a re-aggravation of a right femoral-acetabular impingement with labral tear.

“Isaiah has worked tirelessly to manage this injury since it first occurred,” said Celtics Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian McKeon. “The swelling increased during the first two games against Cleveland, and in order to avoid more significant long-term damage to his hip, we could no longer allow him to continue.”

Thomas first injured his hip back in March and it forced him to miss two starts. He aggravated the injury in Boston’s Game 6 loss to the Wizard before re-aggravating it again during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday.

The team added that the point guard is currently evaluating treatment options. The Celtics traveled to Cleveland to play Game 3 and Game 4 of the series, but Thomas did not make the trip.

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