There has been more buzz in recent days about restricted free agents Grant Williams and Matisse Thybulle – who reportedly intends to sign an offer sheet with Dallas – than Hornets RFA P.J. Washington, Marc Stein writes in his latest Substack article. As Stein explains, there are a couple reasons for that.
For one, the Hornets are in a better position to a match a rival offer sheet than Boston or Portland. The Celtics project to be well over the luxury tax line, while the Trail Blazers still aren’t certain what their books will look like after they finalize a Damian Lillard trade.
Additionally, while the Celtics and Trail Blazers would both have to weigh whether or not to match offer sheets signed using the mid-level exception, such a deal would presumably be an automatic match for the Hornets with Washington. According to Stein, Washington is believed to be seeking a deal in the range of $18MM per year.
Here’s more from Stein:
- Following up on a report that the Magic and Mavericks discussed a trade involving Bol Bol around the time of the draft, Stein explains that Dallas pitched the idea of taking on Bol as a salary dump along with Orlando’s No. 36 overall pick. The Magic turned down that proposal and ended up moving No. 36 for a 2030 second-round pick and cash.
- Jeff Van Gundy, who was recently let go by ESPN, told the Mavericks he wasn’t interested in a job as an assistant on Jason Kidd‘s coaching staff, according to Stein, who says that it’s not yet known whether Van Gundy will attempt to return to coaching in some form or seek another broadcasting opportunity.
- While teams around the league remain interested in acquiring forward Bojan Bogdanovic, the Pistons have held firm on their stance that they plan to keep the sharpshooting veteran, says Stein. There seems to be little concern about the Achilles issue that sidelined Bogdanovic for Detroit’s final 18 games, Stein adds, noting that the general sense is that the Pistons were just being “extra cautious,” with little to play for.
Warriors need to sign Bol. They need to gamble and take him now before nobody is left.
They have to wait until he clears waivers, they have no mechanism to add his contract otherwise.
Honestly, Bol Bol, Bamba, and maybe Wood would all be awesome additions if they can convince them to come rebuild value on a vet min deal. Could be a long shot though.
Warriors will have to outbid other teams… And only have the minimum…
They have the playing time which could entice someone looking to rebuild their value and get a bigger contract elsewhere…
But with Kerr’s preference to use Looney and Draymond at the 5 playing time isn’t a given either…
Bol’s father played there and Mullins a uncle to him still works there. Warriors have the money their problem is waiting on Saric who may not play in GS.
@scarlett Wrong. Kerr doesn’t care who plays the 5. He only cares that the guy can defend, rebound, and distribute the ball. The Warriors thrive on ball movement. Last season, they were the worst at handling the ball. Kerr was forced to play Draymond with the 2nd unit because they kept giving up leads.
They would only have to outbid other teams if he clears waivers. If they have a large enough TPE, they could take him assuming they haven’t passed the second tax apron, I believe.
biyombo
Come on JVG, there’s only one place for you end up. I expect to see you grabbing onto Jimmy Butler’s leg while Jalen Brunson looks on next year. Anything less would be a disappointment!
If NBC or Amazon gets in on broadcasting NBA, as it’s rumored, Van Gundy is going to have himself a sweetheart of a deal.
Bol is a fit with the Blazers because, Portland only values centers who are often injured but have great potential. He’s a perfect fit for their always waiting for a center game. The healthy ones they waive (Watford) or let walk (Eubanks), they were both too healthy and affective for PDX to keep.
Hornets, OKC, Hawks, kings , Dallas and GS to sign Bol Bol. Best spot for him