There probably won’t be significant activity prior to the trade deadline, according to Keith Smith of RealGM (Twitter links). The biggest trades this season may have already occurred, one source told Smith, because teams are intent on preserving salary-cap space for 2019. Still, some expiring contracts could be moved and there’s always a possibility that a team “might get desperate” and do something bold, the same source suggested.
A front-office member from another team believes many of the trades coming before the deadline could be motivated by trying to stay below the luxury-tax line, even if it results in a talent downgrade. However, that executive also believes that there should be more sellers in a month than there are now. “Some of us will get real about our chances and start moving guys,” the source said to Smith.
We have more from around the basketball world:
- Guard Archie Goodwin has returned to the United States to join the G League’s Maine Red Claws, the team announced in a press release. Goodwin most recently played in the NBA during the 2016/17 season, when he appeared in a combined 15 games with New Orleans and Brooklyn. The shooting guard played his first three seasons with Phoenix. The Red Claws acquired his returning player rights in a trade prior to the season. Goodwin lost his roster spot with China’s Zhejiang Golden Bulls to former Spurs guard Brandon Paul in late December.
- Lakers guard and former UCLA star Lonzo Ball has endorsed former Suns coach Earl Watson to be the Bruins’ next coach, Tania Ganguli and Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times report. UCLA recently fired Steve Alford and replaced him on an interim basis with assistant Murry Bartow. “I know Earl personally,” Ball said. “I think he has coaching experience in the league. Obviously, he went there, he’s alumni, so I think he’s a good fit.”
- Veteran big man Alan Williams is in advanced talks with China’s Xinjiang Flying Tigers, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando. Williams was waived by the Nets this week to allow him to pursue the overseas opportunity. He was on a two-way deal after getting released by the Suns during the offseason. Williams was playing well in the G League but did not make an appearance with Brooklyn.
- Forward Okaro White, who was waived by the Wizards last month, has signed with the G League’s Long Island Nets, according to NetsDaily.com. Long Island acquired his G League rights last year. The Nets are not using their available two-way slot on White, according to the report. White made three appearances with Washington this season.
Man I wish Goodwin would get a decent shot. He wasnt terrible with the Suns.
They could use him right now. Probably better than what they have.
He played very well a couple of years ago for the Nets in a small sample as well. At the very least, I expected him to get a spot the next year, but apparently the Nets roster was way too talented (note: sarcasm) for him to get a chance.
I think he is just a case of not getting the best system fit when he was drafted and that stink staying with him. Just another example showing that draft luck plays a big part in an athlete’s success.
It’s hysterical that Lonzo Ball is offering advice on who UCLA should hire or anything else. Work on the jump shot kid, then we’ll talk.
They should look at Kevin Willard, who is putting the beast back in the Big East. No way Seton Hall can match the package the Bruins can offer.
You’re silly. Someone asked him a question, he answered it.
I loved Archie Goodwin in Nero Wolfe TV series, I didn’t know he could play hoops too.