With just minutes before free agency begins and a flurry of contract agreements are reported, we have a few items to pass along:
- The Pacers have emerged as the leading candidate to trade for Knicks forward Obi Toppin, league sources tell Marc Stein (Twitter link). Ian Begley of SNY.tv, who confirms that the two sides have recently been in contact about a potential Toppin deal, says New York is seeking draft compensation and notes that Indiana could potentially acquire the forward and his $6.8MM expiring contract using cap room, so the Knicks wouldn’t have to take a player back.
- A scenario in which the Cavaliers sign Georges Niang and acquire Max Strus – either via sign-and-trade or by signing him outright – is being viewed as “increasingly likely,” according to Stein (Twitter link).
- The latest whispers Stein from has heard from his sources suggest Draymond Green may get a four-year, $100MM deal to re-up with the Warriors (Twitter link).
- Former No. 2 overall pick Jabari Parker is back with the team that drafted him, at least for a few games in July. The Bucks announced today that Parker is on their Las Vegas Summer League roster.
- The Timberwolves have hired former NBA forward Corliss Williamson as an assistant coach, they announced today in a press release. Williams was previously a member of coaching staffs in Sacramento, Orlando, and Phoenix.
I’m guessing Draymond will take a low money deal so GSW can fill out the bench with better players than they had last year, like JaMychal Green, Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Lamb and Ty Jerome, all of whom were very awful for GSW and a big reason why they didn’t go all the way last season when they had the firepower otherwise.
Well he didn’t do that, instead signing for the exact amount Stein reported… which is an overpay at this point in his career.
Golden State is certainly still a contender, but I wouldn’t bet on them winning another title knowing the core is getting a year older and the roster isn’t rounded out well anymore.
28 year old Parker in Summer League with a bunch of kids. Maybe he’ll finally realize he needs to play some defense to stick on a team. It would be cool to see him make a comeback.
Amen.
Difficult place for the Knicks if they are trying to move Obi for draft picks. A first rounder would be an overpay (unless it is a late first), but second rounders wouldn’t be enough for me to want to move him. I think he would be a solid piece on a team that would actually play him, but the Knicks don’t seem interested in giving him regular playing time.
Knicks originally wanted Daurte in the draft could of traded Obi for him