Golden State Warriors Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Cousins Could Be Back During Conference Finals

May 11th, 2019 at 12:00pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins could return to action during the Western Conference finals, Marc Stein of The New York Times tweets.

Cousins suffered a partially torn quad muscle in the Warriors’ opening-round series against the Clippers on April 15th.

Initially, Cousins was ruled out indefinitely and many people anticipated he would have to sit out the remainder of the postseason. But he said earlier this week he’s hopeful of playing again during Golden State’s drive for a third consecutive championship.

“For me, my goal is I ain’t planning on sitting,” Cousins said. “I don’t know the reality of it. But for me, that is not what I’m planning on doing. … It’s definitely some type of bad movie. But I think it will have a very nice ending. Just wait for it.”

Cousins’ injury occurred in a non-contact situation after he made a steal. The injury did not require surgery and he’s made steady progress during his rehab. If he doesn’t have any setbacks, he could give the club a major boost inside with his scoring and rebounding. It’s still unknown how much time Kevin Durant will miss due to a calf strain suffered in Game 5 against Houston.

Cousins spent a year rehabbing from a torn left Achilles tendon he suffered while playing for the Pelicans. He made his Warriors debut on January 18th.

He could also give his free agent stock a boost if he returns and plays well. He’ll be on the open market once again this offseason.

Rockets Owner Promises To Upgrade Roster

May 11th, 2019 at 10:40am CST by Dana Gauruder

The Rockets have no plans to hit the restart button after their Game 6 flop at home against the Warriors. Owner Tilman Fertitta is intent on improving the roster to help the core group get over the hump in future playoffs, Tim MacMahon of ESPN reports.

“I’m very fortunate to have the starting five that I have, but if we can make this team better, we’re going to make this team better,” Fertitta said. “That’s just a fact. I have a great team. I love all five of my starting five, but it’s my job to make sure that we put the best team that we can put on the court next year.”

It’s one thing to say that upgrades are forthcoming. It’s another thing to pull that off when the team already has major salary cap issues. The combined salaries of James Harden, Chris Paul, Clint Capela, Eric Gordon and P.J. Tucker alone put Houston over the projected cap of $109MM for next season.

Harden isn’t going anywhere, so unless the Rockets could somehow unload Paul’s contract — he’s owed a whopping $124MM over the next three years — they’re not going to gain significant cap relief in a trade. The Rockets do have nine trade exceptions they can utilize but none are worth more than $3.62MM.

Houston’s bench is bound to look different because virtually all of its reserves become free agents or have non-guaranteed contracts for next season. The only exception is veteran big man Nene, who can exercise a $3,825,360 player option.

Both of their draft picks this June were traded away in previous deals, with the first-rounder being conveyed to the Cavaliers and the second-rounder going to the Knicks.

The only other major asset Houston will have at its disposal is the $5.7MM mid-level exception for a taxpaying team. Perhaps the Rockets can entice a quality player to sign for below-market value in order to join a contending team.

Otherwise, GM Daryl Morey will have his work cut out for him to create a deeper and more productive bench. Fertitta remains optimistic the Rockets will be champions in the near future.

“I can promise you, we’re going to win some championships with James Harden, because we are not going to sit here,” he said. “We will go to battle every year. We’re going to have a strong offseason, and we’re going to do whatever we need to do to be a better team. We are not going to sit on our hands, I can promise you that.”

Warriors Owner Vows To Re-Sign Klay Thompson

May 11th, 2019 at 9:20am CST by Dana Gauruder

Warriors owner Joe Lacob seems prepared to do whatever it takes to re-sign shooting guard and impending free agent Klay Thompson. Following the Warriors’ Game 6 victory over Houston in the Western Conference semifinals, Lacob told ESPN’s Nick Friedell he wants Thompson and point guard Stephen Curry “as part of our organization forever.”

A report surfaced this week indicating that there’s mutual interest in getting a deal done. Lacob will have to pay a giant price to retain Thompson, who has stated that he expects a max contract. He could make $189MM with Golden State over the next five years if he’s not named to an All-NBA team or sign elsewhere for four years and $140.6MM. If he does gain that honor, Thompson would be eligible for a $221MM super-max contract.

Curry’s contract is guaranteed for three more seasons and will get paid $40.2MM, $43MM and $45.8MM during that span.

Lacob would have to pay major luxury tax penalties if the Warriors re-sign both Thompson and Kevin Durant, or in the unlikely scenario that Durant opts in for $31.5MM next season.

Lacob said his desire to retain Thompson goes well beyond the court.

“I have a special bond with him. I always have,” the owner said. “He’s the first player, since I bought the team, that we drafted. The very first one. And I just have always felt an incredible attachment. People make fun of me a little bit — I always say I love Klay. … There’s something about him, I have a very special relationship with him.”

Thompson scored 27 points in the Game 6 clinching win over the Rockets.

Free Agent Stock Watch 2019: Western Conference

May 10th, 2019 at 5:42pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Every week, Hoops Rumors takes a closer look at players who will be free agents or could become free agents next offseason. We examine if their stock is rising or falling due to performance and other factors. With the playoffs in full swing, we turn our attention to the Western Conference:

Trey Lyles, Nuggets, 23, PF (Down) — Signed to a four-year, $10.4MM deal in 2015
Following an uninspiring regular season, Lyles has been a forgotten man in the postseason. He’s only made three cameos as coach Michael Malone has gone with a nine-man rotation with Mason Plumlee serving as the primary big man off the bench. Denver can make him a restricted free agent by extending a $4,485,665 qualifying offer, though his cap hold is $10.1MM. With hopes that Michael Porter Jr. can play next season, it’s no sure thing that Lyles will get that offer. Whether the team picks up Paul Millsap‘s $30MM option – or brings him back at a reduced rate – will also impact Lyles’ future in Denver.

Rodney Hood, Trail Blazers, 26, SG (Up) — Signed to a one-year, $3.47MM deal in 2018
No free agent has boosted his stock in the conference semifinals more than Hood, who is a big reason why Portland’s still alive. He poured in 25 points in Game 6 against Denver and has scored at least 14 points in five of the six games in the series. He drained crucial shots in the fourth overtime of the Blazers’ epic 140-137 victory in Game 3. This is same guy who averaged 3.2 PPG in the first-round series against Oklahoma City. Whether he receives offers as a starter or sixth man, Hood will get paid handsomely this summer.

Iman Shumpert, Rockets, 28, SG (Up) – Signed to a four-year, $40MM deal in 2015
Shumpert is making $11MM this season. No one is going to pay him that much on the open market anymore, but after battling injuries the past two seasons, he has once again become a valuable role player. While he barely got off the bench in the first-round series against Utah, he has been a factor in the last three games against Golden State. Shumpert has averaged 8.7 PPG in 18.3 MPG while going 7-for-13 beyond the arc during that span. He’s also helped to contain the Splash Brothers. Shumpert shouldn’t have too much trouble finding work as a second-unit player.

Kevon Looney, Warriors, 23, PF/C (Up) – Signed to a one-year, $1.56MM deal in 2018
With DeMarcus Cousins and Damian Jones nursing injuries, Looney has received steady minutes during the postseason. On the star-laden Warriors, Looney’s offensive contributions have been limited to putbacks and dunks. But the 2015 first-round selection has been a factor on the boards (nine rebounds in Game 5) and at the defensive end. It’s estimated that Looney will receive offers in the $3-$5MM range, which might make him affordable for the capped out Warriors, who own his Bird Rights.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Latest On Klay Thompson, Warriors

May 10th, 2019 at 8:47am CST by Luke Adams

As we detailed earlier this week, free agency rumors and speculation haven’t followed Klay Thompson around this season in the same way they’ve followed teammate Kevin Durant. That discrepancy can be attributed in large part to a widespread belief around the league that Durant will leave the Warriors, while Thompson has long been expected to re-sign.

In a story from ESPN’s Nick Friedell this week, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that there’s significant mutual interest between Thompson and the Warriors in a new deal.

“I know that everybody — coaches, management, ownership — everybody wants Klay back,” Kerr said. “I think the feeling is just: Klay wants to be here, we want Klay.”

Still, while the Warriors remain the strong frontrunners to retain the veteran sharpshooter, there’s a “very real temperature-taking process happening behind the scenes right now,” according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Thompson has long been content to play second or third fiddle behind Stephen Curry and – since 2016 – Durant, but he’ll want to be compensated for his All-Star play in the “kind of way that he believes he deserves,” writes Amick. A source with knowledge of the situation tells Amick that Klay will be seeking a five-year, maximum salary contract from the Warriors, and the team would risk having him test the free agency waters if it isn’t willing to put that offer on the table this July.

Amick makes it clear that there’s no indication the Warriors aren’t ready to make that sort of offer, or that Thompson would definitely leave if they don’t. Amick’s source also adamantly denied a report that Thompson has grown at all discontent with the franchise. In other words, a long-term union between the two sides continues to look like the most probable outcome.

Still, with several significant contract situations to address this summer – including trying to re-sign Durant and perhaps extending Draymond Green – the Warriors will want to make sure to give their negotiations with Thompson the attention they deserve.

Kevin Durant Expected To Miss Rest Of Rockets Series

May 9th, 2019 at 2:32pm CST by Luke Adams

After undergoing an MRI today on his injured right calf, Warriors forward Kevin Durant has been diagnosed with a “mild” calf strain, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via Twitter).

Based on the team’s initial fears when Durant left Wednesday’s game with a leg injury, that’s positive news. However, Wojnarowski reports that the team’s leading postseason scorer isn’t expected to be re-evaluated until next week.

In other words, while KD may be able to get back into Golden State’s lineup for the Western Conference Finals, the club will likely have to find a way past the Rockets without him, Woj tweets. Game 6 of that series is scheduled to take place on Friday night, with Game 7 happening on Sunday afternoon. The Warriors currently hold a 3-2 lead.

As Anthony Slater of The Athletic notes (via Twitter), Durant has suffered mild calf strains twice during the last two seasons, and has missed a week in each instance. While he’d certainly like to beat that recovery timetable in this scenario, it would be a risk to rush him back before he’s ready.

Despite being down 3-2 in the series, the Rockets now have a huge opportunity to finally get over the hump against the Warriors. Houston has been extremely competitive even in its losses this series, and will have the chance to even up the series at home tomorrow before potentially returning to the Bay Area for a Game 7.

As for the potential impact on the upcoming offseason, Durant’s injury is minor enough that it shouldn’t affect his market at all. But if his absence contributes to a second-round defeat for Golden State, it would be fascinating to see how the early exit might shape the Warriors’ summer.

Draft Notes: Zion, Norvell, Ponds, Tinkle

May 9th, 2019 at 12:57pm CST by Luke Adams

There’s a ton at stake this offseason for many of the teams involved in next week’s draft lottery, but there’s plenty at stake for consensus top prospect Zion Williamson as well. As ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Mike Schmitz, Kevin Pelton, and Bobby Marks outline in an Insider-only article, not every team that has a shot at Williamson would be an ideal fit for him.

In the view of ESPN’s insiders, the Hawks, Mavericks, and Pelicans would be the most preferable landing spots for Williamson. The opportunity to play with up-and-coming play-makers – Trae Young in Atlanta, or Luka Doncic in Dallas – would help unlock Williamson’s potential.

On the other hand, ESPN’s panel doesn’t consider the Lakers, Bulls, and Sixers great fits for Williamson. Spacing is the primary concern for the Lakers and Sixers, and it’s unclear how a pairing with Joel Embiid would work. For the Bulls, Zach LaVine‘s ball dominance and Jim Boylen‘s “outdated” offense are viewed as red flags.

Here are several more draft-related notes:

Gonzaga sophomore guard Zach Norvell Jr. told reporters today that he intends to keep his name in the 2019 NBA draft, tweets Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports. Norvell was one of 66 prospects announced on Wednesday as a 2019 draft combine participant.
St. John’s guard Shamorie Ponds, another one of those 66, has workouts lined up with the Warriors, Bulls, Kings, Jazz, Celtics, and Mavericks, tweets Michael Scotto of The Athletic. Ponds is ranked as the No. 51 prospect on ESPN’s big board.
After working out for Utah and Philadelphia, Oregon State forward Tres Tinkle has auditions this week with the Raptors, Celtics, and Hornets, and will work out for the Hawks next week, writes Nick Daschel of The Oregonian.
After turning in an impressive performance at the Portsmouth Invitational, forward Jarrell Brantley (Charleston) has workouts lined up with 10 teams, including the Celtics, Nets, Timberwolves, Hornets, and Clippers, tweets Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv.

Kevin Durant To Have MRI On Strained Calf

May 9th, 2019 at 8:52am CST by Arthur Hill

Kevin Durant will have an MRI today to learn the severity of his strained right calf, but the Warriors are planning to play Game 6 — and likely longer — without him, writes Mark Medina of the San Jose Mercury News.

The injury happened late in the third quarter last night as Durant felt pain in his right leg after landing on a jump shot. He immediately walked to the locker room as fears grew on the TNT telecast and throughout social media that he had suffered an Achilles injury.

“I thought the same thing because he kind of looked back like he had been kicked or something,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “I’ve seen that before with guys who have hurt their Achilles. That was my first question. I was assured it’s a calf strain, not the Achilles.”

A damaged Achilles would have affected not only the course of the playoffs, but this summer’s free agent landscape as well. Durant will be the best player on the market, and a damaged Achilles could have sidelined him well into next season.

So it was a relief when the training staff delivered the diagnosis of a calf strain, although chances seem remote that Durant will play any more during this series. He sat out for a week and missed three games with a calf strain in early January, although the sense of urgency to get him back on the court will obviously be greater now.

Medina notes that the MRI results will determine when Durant might play again. “Outside experts” tell him that a Grade 1 calf strain has a seven- to 10-day recovery time, which increases to four to six weeks for Grade 2 and three months for Grade 3.

The mood was upbeat in the Warriors’ locker room as they were able to regroup after Durant’s injury and take a 3-2 series lead. But the players understand that they will have to survive for a while without their leading scorer.

“We know we’re going to have to be near perfect to go down to the Houston without Kevin and win a game,” Klay Thompson said. “It’s going to be hard.”

Warriors Notes: Thompson, Durant, Iguodala, Cousins

May 8th, 2019 at 8:36pm CST by Arthur Hill

Speculation over Kevin Durant‘s future has been hounding the Warriors for months, but Klay Thompson‘s upcoming free agency is being almost overlooked, writes Nick Friedell of ESPN. Thompson will also be unrestricted this summer, but he is expected to re-sign with the organization. He has said publicly that he expects a max contract, which would pay him $188MM over five years or $221MM in a super-max deal if he makes an all-NBA team.

“The media, I think, give him a little bit of a break as far as over-speculating and throwing him into the fire because he hasn’t really fueled it — at all,” teammate Andrew Bogut said. “You’ve never heard him say anything bad about wanting to leave here or going to another team or being the No. 1 option. You’ve never even heard that off the record. Some players say the right thing publicly but have different feelings [in private]. He completely wants to be here and he gets it that this is a very rare situation.”

Re-signing Thompson would give the Warriors a measure of stability heading forward, regardless of what happens with Durant. He has been part of the Warriors’ core over the five years that they have been elite and ranks second only to LeBron James in the number of playoff games in that span.

“I think Klay sort of ties it all together in a lot of ways,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “There’s not one person in this organization who would ever question Klay’s agenda or motives.”

There’s more Warriors news to pass along:

Knicks fans shouldn’t start the Durant celebration just yet, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post, who talked to Marcus Thompson II, author of a new book titled, “KD: Kevin Durant’s Relentless Pursuit to Be The Greatest.” Thompson acknowledges that the Knicks will be strong contenders, but he believes Golden State’s chances of keeping Durant have improved.
Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston have both been cleared to play in tonight’s Game 5, tweets Anthony Slater of The Athletic. The Warriors were upset about how Iguodala got hurt at the end of Monday’s game, accusing Chris Paul of intentionally clipping his knee from behind on a rebound, according to Mark Medina of The San Jose Mercury News. Livingston has been dealing with a sore left hip.
DeMarcus Cousins was jogging and putting up 3-point shots in a workout this afternoon, relays Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area. Cousins is determined to overcome a quad injury and return to action before the postseason is over.

Kyler: Durant Not Talking About Future

May 8th, 2019 at 8:48am CST by Luke Adams

Despite all the Knicks-related chatter, Kyler’s sources are adamant that Durant isn’t talking about his future beyond this season. However, Kyler points out that was also the case in 2016, and all of that year’s KD-to-the-Warriors whispers ultimately came to fruition.

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