About an hour before word broke on Tuesday that DeMar DeRozan had agreed to join the Bulls via sign-and-trade, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported that DeRozan intended to meet with the Clippers. So did that meeting actually happen before DeRozan reached a deal with Chicago? Haynes shared some details in the latest episode of his Posted Up with Chris Haynes podcast.
“The Clippers’ brass were on their way to DeMar’s house,” Haynes said. “Things got a little bit more interesting with the Bulls, it looked like a deal was going to get done with Chicago, and DeMar DeRozan’s agent Aaron Goodwin called the Clippers out of courtesy and was like, ‘You know what, let’s not waste anybody’s time. Out of respect to you guys, let’s cancel this meeting. (DeRozan)’s going to go elsewhere.'”
Haynes added that the Clippers were going to have to do “a ton of work” on their roster to be able to make DeRozan a competitive offer, suggesting that the veteran wing – who received an $85MM commitment from Chicago – wouldn’t have been willing to settle for the taxpayer mid-level exception ($5.9MM), which was all L.A. realistically had at its disposal.
“DeMar DeRozan was not going to any team and taking the mid-level. He wasn’t,” Haynes said. “Not the full mid-level, not the taxpayer mid-level. He wasn’t having it.”
Here are a few more updates from around the Pacific:
- Speaking to Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic after news of his new $215MM extension with the Warriors broke, Stephen Curry said he loves the players Golden State drafted last Thursday and was happy to hear the team was pursuing veteran free agents this week, even if top targets like Patty Mills and Nicolas Batum are headed elsewhere. “I would be disappointed if there was ever a vibe that you’re complacent or that you’re not proactive and looking to always get better,” Curry said. “So if you’re telling me we’re trying to go after Batum, we’re trying to go after Patty, and things didn’t line up like that, then that’s just how the league works. But if there’s ever a situation where you don’t feel that commitment from upstairs, then we have issues. I haven’t felt that this summer.”
- Thompson adds in the same story that the fourth year on Curry’s extension was a “minor sticking point,” given its unprecedented cap hit, but the Warriors ultimately relented. Curry, who will turn 38 during the 2025/26 season, will earn a staggering $59.6MM that year.
- Now that the Lakers have nearly finished filling out their roster with a handful of free agent commitments, the next big question for the franchise to answer is Frank Vogel‘s status, writes Bill Oram of The Athletic. Vogel is a candidate for an extension, since he’s entering the final year of his contract as the team’s head coach.
Steph definitely earned this contract extension. Problem is, now this almost handcuffs the Warriors because they are now sort of limited in terms of spending
Easy! Take all the used to be good players that are still better than average, have them take the minimum just to play with him… like LA is doing now!!
Curry $215m
Paul $75m
Paul is underpaid
Chris Paul doesn’t have three rings and two MVPs. He is also 36.
Curry doesn’t choke in the Finals, nor Conference Finals. And doesn’t get injured that often. Has 3 rings. Simply no comparison on court, and contract numbers.
Chris Paul’s not worth a dime. He’s a loser
And just like that warriors window ended. 5 years and back to the cellars. Say what you will called it last year and will likely be a 7/8 seed if luck in on there side.
They think the return of Klay Thompson will make all the difference next season, but he’s barely 9 months removed from an injury that usually takes more than a year to come back from. It’s foolish to expect him to be able to play more than half the upcoming season after missing the last two.
Only you expect him to play. Warriors are not rushing their star player. They can wait till end of season. Go find something else to cry about.
Who is ‘they’?
The new dynasty begins. 3 top draft picks in the last 2 years for the future. You are the one that should be worried the lakers put all their eggs in the same basket just for this year. They have no future young super stars. Just the oldest team in the NBA. Last year was a complete failure. This is the last year they have a chance to make the playoffs before the retirement crew sits on the bench.
You said that about the SF Giants. Now the Dodgers are loosing ground.
As much as I like Curry (and the dish as well), no body should be getting $59.6mm to throw a ball into a basket.
Spicy hot take, Joseph
Why not?
This is economics 101. Supply and demand. It never ceases to amaze me how many people don’t understand this. If what you do commands that type of following and generates that type of capital, you deserve to be compensated for it.
For the amount of money that Curry generates for the franchise and NBA in general, I disagree.
With Kawhi out for most of if not all the season clippers top off as a second rd at best playoff team otherwise they would be right there with nets and lakers cleaning up on the semi washed semi still good old vets ring chasing for cheap ! Warriors have taken their place for this season
NBA teams use the home buyer’s rationale for overpaying. “Well 4 years from now, this house will be worth a lot more” aka the salary cap will be a lot higher. Unless the system breaks.
Would have been interesting to see DeRozan join forces with Kawhi (and PG).
But Clippers have more pressing need to resign Jackson, or how will they fill the hole if he departs? The cupboards are getting bare for stocking their roster.
Bulls could come out ahead of the Clippers. Anyway $5.9m is stretch, even with Derozan recently saying he would prioritize winning over money.
I don’t see a market for Ben Simmons. And it could get worse as the season goes on. Seems he’s not even talking to Sixers, if you read rumors. Warriors are probably only team with a real offer. Forget Wiseman Philly. Base it around Kuminga. He’s a much better fit for obvious reasons. Kuminga and Wiggins is a great start to me.
Simmons to Warriors….NFW! His agent is playing hardball…doesn’t matter. Let him sit. 6ers will be better.