2023 June | Hoops Rumors

Cronin: Blazers Remain Committed To Building Around Lillard

June 26th, 2023 at 9:01pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin expressed optimism after meeting with Damian Lillard on Monday, indicating that the front office is still “committed” to building around its franchise player, Bill Oram of The Oregonian tweets.

After meeting with Lillard and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, Cronin released a short statement that read, “We had a great dialogue. We remain committed to building a winner around Dame.”

While that alone won’t end the speculation about Lillard’s future, it does indicate that the veteran guard is willing to see what the front office will do this summer to improve the roster. That could impact what teams like Miami, regarded as the most likely landing spot for Lillard, will do with free agency approaching.

There was increasing chatter that Lillard might finally asked to be traded after the Blazers drafted another point guard, Scoot Henderson, in the lottery. Portland will now look for upgrades on the free agent market and via trades.

The Blazers have a key free agent in Jerami Grant and could look to move Jusuf Nurkic or Anfernee Simons via trade in order to upgrade the roster.

Stein’s Latest: Reid, Spurs, Pistons, Johnson, Rose, Porzingis, Jazz

June 26th, 2023 at 8:32pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Spurs were among the teams who were interested in signing Timberwolves big man Naz Reid before he agreed to a three-year, $42MM extension, Marc Stein reports in his latest Substack article.

San Antonio was seeking a veteran center to ease the burden on No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama during his rookie season. However, the Spurs may have only planned to offer Reid a one-year deal.

The Mavericks were among the teams with the full $12.4MM mid-level exception available who were known to have interest in Reid, Stein adds.

Here are some more tidbits from Stein:

The Pistons’ interest in Nets restricted free agent Cameron Johnson, which has previously been reported by Stein, is genuine, he reiterates. There’s rising belief around the league that he’s their No. 1 free agent target, even though the Nets have the right to match. Detroit is projected to have over $30MM in cap space.
The Suns, Bucks and Bulls have been mentioned as potential landing spots for Derrick Rose, according to Stein. The Knicks declined to pick up their $15.6MM option on Rose for next season. However, Rose’s time in New York isn’t necessarily over — the Knicks may re-sign him at a lower number if his other options don’t pan out, Stein says.
If Kristaps Porzingis had chosen to decline his player option, the Jazz were prepared to make offer for more money than the Celtics can give him via a two-year, $77MM extension, per Stein. They were also interested in being the third party to facilitate the trade between the Wizards and Celtics. Boston was Porzingis’ preferred destination, however.

Raptors Notes: Dick, Boucher, Rajakovic, Anunoby

June 26th, 2023 at 7:01pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Raptors first-round pick Gradey Dick has quickly become a fan favorite and he’s enjoying the vibe he’s gotten in Toronto, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star writes.

“I’ve talked about it a lot, this team stuff — and even before the draft. I wanted to be in an organization where I could find that good fit in it, but also be in a winning culture with a fan base that’s not like anybody else, and I think I hit the jackpot … coming here,” Dick said. “Walking down the street and families coming up, the first thing they say is: ‘Welcome to Toronto. We’re glad to have you.’ And I think that’s what we like to hear the most, rather than a quick: ‘Hi, bye.’”

The Kansas product, who was selected with the No. 13 overall pick, is expected to appear in some Summer League contests in Las Vegas.

We have more on the Raptors:

Dick adds an element that the team has lacked in recent seasons, according to Eric Koreen of The Athletic. They needed a natural shot-maker and Dick, who’s more versatile than a typical corner shooter, fits that bill. However, he has to prove he’s a capable defender in order to stay on the floor for long stretches.
Big man Chris Boucher believes Darko Rajakovic was a perfect choice to replace Nick Nurse, he told Smith, believing he’ll relate to the players very well. Nurse reportedly had strained relationships with some of his players. “He’s definitely a special coach. You can tell he’s probably going to change a lot of stuff, but it seems like it’s something we needed,” Boucher said. “He’s really focusing on the players and making sure that we’re good. The first thing he said — he said it every day that I saw him — (is) it’s not about (him), it’s about you guys. And I think that’s something that will really help us get better.”
Forward OG Anunoby is changing representatives, as he’s decided to leave Klutch Sports, according to Marc Stein in his latest Substack post. The Raptors continue to resist trade inquiries for Anunoby.

Grizzlies Exercise Option On Xavier Tillman’s Contract

June 26th, 2023 at 6:03pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Grizzlies have exercised their contract option on Xavier Tillman for next season, the team’s PR department tweets.

It was a mere formality for a rotation player who will make $1,930,681 in 2023/24.

Tillman averaged 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 19.3 minutes per game last season while appearing in 61 contests, including 29 starts. He had an expanded role in the playoffs, averaging 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 30.7 minutes against the Lakers in the opening round of the conference playoffs.

Tillman’s role expanded in the second half of the season when Steven Adams was sidelined by a knee injury.

The second-round pick in the 2020 draft will be an unrestricted free agent next summer unless the team reaches an extension agreement with the 6’8” big man.

Hawks Waive Donovan Williams

June 26th, 2023 at 4:33pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Hawks have waived two-way guard Donovan Williams, the team’s PR department tweets. Williams’ two-way contract had covered the 2023/24 season, but it appears he won’t return to Atlanta.

Williams played two games for the Hawks in April. He spent most of last season with their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, averaging 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 24 contests, including 21 starts.

Williams, 21, was signed to a two-way contract in January. Prior to that, the UNLV product played for Brooklyn’s G League squad.

Williams’ G League rights are currently owned by the Trail Blazers’ newly-named Rip City Remix, Caleb Johnson of 92.9 The Game notes (Twitter link). Rip City acquired his rights in an expansion draft earlier this month.

Trail Blazers Announce Name Of New G League Affiliate

June 26th, 2023 at 3:48pm CST by Rory Maher

The Trail Blazers‘ new G League affiliate will be known as Rip City Remix, Portland announced in a press release.

“This is an exciting day for Rip City and the next chapter in Trail Blazers basketball,” said president of business operations Dewayne Hankins. “We are thrilled to launch this team in the North Portland community, with a name and brand inspired by our fans, culture and region. Rip City Remix games will be fun, family friendly, and accessible, and we look forward to seeing you on the court this upcoming season.”

The G League club is an “homage to the vintage era of the Portland Trail Blazers, and emulates the colors and an identity akin to the 1970s, which is the era the Trail Blazers were born,” per the release.

Rip City Remix will be coached by Jim Moran, with Danny Connors serving as general manager and Pooh Jeter an assistant GM.

Heat Issue Qualifying Offers To Orlando Robinson, Jamal Cain

June 26th, 2023 at 3:25pm CST by Rory Maher

The Heat have issued qualifying offers to Orlando Robinson and Jamal Cain, tweets Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Robinson and Cain are on two-way contracts, so they’ll be two-way restricted free agents. However, they’ll still be eligible to sign a standard deal with a rival team (which Miami could match) or with the Heat.

Robinson went undrafted in 2022 after three seasons at Fresno State. He averaged 3.7 PPG and 4.1 RPG in 31 games (13.7 MPG) as a rookie for the Heat in 2022/23.

There was talk of converting the 7’0″ center’s two-way deal into a standard contract at one point during the season, but Miami wound up signing veterans Kevin Love and Cody Zeller to fortify its frontcourt rotation, leaving Robinson on his two-way deal.

Cain, 24, was also a rookie last year after going undrafted. He spend his first four college seasons at Marquette before finishing up at Oakland. Cain appeared in 18 games for the Heat, averaging 5.4 PPG and 2.9 RPG in 13.3 MPG.

Both Robinson and Cain will play for the Heat’s Summer League team, per Winderman.

As Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald notes (via Twitter), there’s a Thursday deadline for the Heat to extend Omer Yurtseven a qualifying offer in order to make him a restricted free agent. The young center, who was on a standard contract, appeared in just nine games last season after a major ankle injury required surgery.

Victor Oladipo also has until Thursday to pick up his $9.45MM player option, Chiang adds, though that’s almost certainly a mere formality since the veteran guard will likely miss most — if not all — of next season after suffering a torn patellar tendon in his left knee in April.

Suns To Host Free Agent Workout Wednesday

June 26th, 2023 at 1:49pm CST by Rory Maher

The Suns are hosting a free agent workout on Wednesday that will include a couple former lottery picks in Stanley Johnson and Jabari Parker, league sources tell Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report (Twitter link). Guards Chasson Randle and Quinndary Weatherspoon will also participate, Haynes adds (Twitter links).

Phoenix has 10 free agents this offseason, which is tied with the Lakers for the most in the NBA. Checking in on some unrestricted free agents whose rights aren’t held by teams is a logical step for the Suns since they have could have a lot of moving parts. Teams are officially allowed to negotiate with free agents on Friday evening.

Johnson, 27, was the eighth pick of the 2015 draft. The forward has played for the Pistons, Pelicans, Raptors, Lakers and Spurs over his eight-year career. He played 30 games (15.6 MPG) for San Antonio in 2022/23, averaging 5.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG and 2.2 APG on .533/.450/.667 shooting.

Parker, 28, is another forward who was the second pick in 2014. He spent his first four seasons with the Bucks, but has bounced around in recent years, suiting up for the Bulls, Wizards, Hawks, Kings and Celtics since 2018. Parker was out of the NBA in ’22/23, last playing for Boston in January 2022.

Randle, 30, is a veteran point guard who went undrafted in 2015 after four years at Stanford. He has played a total of 119 NBA games across parts of four seasons with the Sixers, Knicks, Wizards, Warriors and Magic. His last regular season appearance was with Orlando back in May 2021.

In addition to the Suns, Weatherspoon also has a workout scheduled with the Wizards this week, per Haynes. The 26-year-old former second-round pick played 42 games with the Spurs and Warriors from 2019-22, mostly on two-way deals. He played in China last season.

Damian Lillard To Meet With Trail Blazers Officials About His Future

June 26th, 2023 at 1:37pm CST by Arthur Hill

1:37pm: The meeting will take place on Monday, tweets Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT. Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, will also be present.

8:51am: The Trail Blazers’ lottery luck and the addition of a strong rookie class weren’t enough to change Damian Lillard‘s mind about playing with a young team, sources tell Sam Amick of The Athletic.

General manager Joe Cronin said over the weekend that he’ll talk with Lillard once the star guard returns from a vacation in France (Twitter link from Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan in Portland). That meeting is expected to take place early this week, giving Lillard and the Blazers time to map out their future before the start of free agency on Friday.

Portland landed the No. 3 pick in this year’s lottery and was able to add a potential future star in Scoot Henderson. The Blazers also picked up Kris Murray at No. 23 and Rayan Rupert at No. 43, adding three more prospects to the collection of young talent already on hand.

However, it’s not the type of team that Lillard prefers as he nears his 33rd birthday next month. Lillard declared after the regular season ended that he wants Cronin to add some veterans who will help turn the Blazers into a contender, and he has repeated that stance in subsequent interviews.

Amick hears that Lillard’s dream scenario is to re-sign Jerami Grant and add Draymond Green in free agency. The Warriors are reportedly confident about their chances to keep Green, but Amick states that the size of his contract could still become an issue.

Amick also points out that the Blazers don’t currently have enough cap room to sign Green, who’s believed to be seeking a new deal with a starting salary in the $20MM range. A sign-and-trade could be possible, although Amick believes a third team would have to be involved to make the financial aspects work.

Amick mentions Raptors forwards Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby as other possibilities, but he notes that Toronto has numerous teams that are interested in both players.

An important part of this week’s meeting will be for Lillard to gauge the front office’s commitment to upgrading the roster in time for next season, sources tell Amick. If he believes Cronin and owner Jody Allen are serious about building a contender, then he’ll hold off a decision about his future through at least the early part of free agency. If he’s not convinced, Lillard could decide to ask for a trade, possibly before free agency begins.

If that happens, Amick singles out the Heat as the main team to watch. Lillard has “serious interest” in going to Miami, sources tell Amick, and the Heat are believed to be equally interested in acquiring him.

Lillard’s desired destination will factor into any trade because of his years of service in Portland and the size of his contract, Amick adds. With four seasons left at $216MM, including a $63MM player option for 2026/27, Amick states that it’s hard to imagine any team trading for Lillard unless he wants to go there.

Celtics Notes: Brogdon, G. Williams, Gallinari, Summer League

June 26th, 2023 at 11:57am CST by Arthur Hill

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens reached out to Malcolm Brogdon after he was offered to the Clippers last week in a three-team trade for Kristaps Porzingis, writes Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston.

L.A. eventually pulled out of the deal because it didn’t have time to examine Brogdon — who suffered a right forearm strain during the playoffs — before Porzingis’ deadline to pick up his option. Stevens said he called Brogdon to let him know that he’s still a valuable part of the team, and he considers it unfortunate that word of the potential deal was leaked in the press.

“There are a lot of narratives out there because of (the failed trade) that certainly are inaccurate,” Stevens said. “The bottom line is, right now, he’s going through a period of four-to-eight weeks where he’s resting and rehabbing, as suggested by our docs, as suggested by the third-party doc that he went to see. He feels good and we expect him to be back right (at the) start of the season and have the great year that he’s had every year he’s been in the league. So we’re excited about that. But it’s hard for him. That’s the other part, being in the rumors and stuff, that stinks.”

There’s more from Boston:

The addition of Porzingis will make it much harder for the Celtics to keep Grant Williams, Forsberg adds. Even if they can work out a sign-and-trade deal involving the restricted free agent, Forsberg doesn’t expect the team to get much value in return.
Danilo Gallinari was disappointed that he never got to play for Boston because of a torn ACL, but he offered a message of thanks to the team on Twitter after being sent to Washington in the Porzingis trade, relays Souichi Terada of MassLive. “A huge thanks to the Celtics staff that helped me rehab and reach my goal,” Gallinari wrote. “It would have been even better to show it on the court.”
Mychal Mulder and Jay Scrubb are among the players with NBA experience projected to be on the Celtics’ Summer League roster, according to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe. Mulder played three seasons with the Warriors, Magic and Heat, while Scrubb spent time with the Clippers and Magic before Orlando waived him this month. A source tells Himmelsbach that Boston’s Summer League team is also expected to include 22-year-old Polish center Aleksander Balcerowski, whom Celtics officials have been monitoring for several years.

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