Hoops Rumors Originals

Community Shootaround: Rookie Scale Extension Candidates

August 26th, 2019 at 9:00am CST by Luke Adams

Caris LeVert‘s contract agreement with the Nets on Sunday marked the third time this offseason that a player eligible for a rookie scale extension has reached a deal with his team.

Heading into July, 20 players were eligible for rookie scale extensions. So far, Ben Simmons, Jamal Murray, and LeVert have received them, leaving 17 players still up in the air. Not all of those players are legitimate candidates for new deals, but many of them figure to enter negotiations with their respective clubs, and they still have plenty of time to work something out before the October 21 deadline.

Rookie scale extensions haven’t been completed quite as frequently within the last couple years as they were in the past, but five deals were reached last year and four occurred in 2017. In other words, we can probably count on at least one or two more happening before the 2019/20 season begins.

Pascal Siakam (Raptors), Domantas Sabonis (Pacers), Buddy Hield (Kings), and Jaylen Brown (Celtics) are among the most productive players who remain eligible for rookie scale extensions. Their teams would certainly like to lock them up long-term, but it might be in the players’ best interests to wait.

After all, if any of their teams were willing to put a max contract on the table right now though, a deal would likely already be done — that’s why Simmons and Murray didn’t waste much time in agreeing to their new pacts. And while a max contract may not be waiting in free agency for the likes of Sabonis, Hield, and Brown, the 2020 unrestricted free agent class projects to be weak. There could very well be teams willing to overpay on huge offer sheets for the top restricted free agents.

The Pelicans seem unlikely to invest heavily in Brandon Ingram before he suits up in a single game for the franchise, but a bridge deal like the one LeVert is signing with Brooklyn could make sense for another player who has dealt with health issues: Dejounte Murray. This offseason might be the Spurs‘ best chance to lock up Murray at a team-friendly rate, since he appeared poised for a breakout before tearing his ACL last fall.

Dario Saric (Suns), Taurean Prince (Nets), and Damian Jones (Hawks) are the other extension-eligible players who changed teams this offseason — new deals seem like long shots unless their clubs really like what they see in the preseason.

Role players who could sign modest rookie scale extensions if the price is right include Malik Beasley (Nuggets), Juan Hernangomez (Nuggets), Thon Maker (Pistons), DeAndre’ Bembry (Hawks), and Jakob Poeltl (Spurs).

Bulls guards Kris Dunn and Denzel Valentine and Trail Blazers big man Skal Labissiere are the remaining players eligible for rookie scale extensions. Valentine is the best extension candidate of the three, but I’d be surprised if any one of them signs a new deal.

What do you think? Are more rookie scale extensions are on the way before the season begins? Which of the eligible players do you think are most likely to sign new deals, and what would a fair price be in those cases?

Head to the comment section below to join the discussion!

Community Shootaround: Best Available Veteran Center

August 25th, 2019 at 7:03pm CST by JD Shaw

With the Lakers claiming another veteran center off the open market by agreeing to a one-year deal with Dwight Howard, it’s time to take a look at the best remaining veteran big men who still don’t have a job for next season.

In addition to Howard, Los Angeles worked out the likes of Joakim Noah and Marreese Speights, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, ultimately choosing a reunion with the eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Noah was also said to impress the Lakers, with Speights being unable to attract enough interest for an offer.

Speights, 32, also worked out for nearly 20 teams just over a month ago in Las Vegas, eager to showcase he still has enough in the tank for another run. Only a handful of NBA clubs were in attendance of those 20 teams, which mostly consisted of groups from overseas, according to a league source. The Lakers had kept tabs on Speights throughout the summer as a potential back-up option in the frontcourt.

Noah, 34, is coming off an underrated season that saw him average 7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in just 16.5 minutes per contest with Memphis. A two-time All-Star in his own regard, Noah hasn’t played over 50 games in a single season since the 2014/15 campaign with Chicago, though many league observers believe he can still contribute off the bench for a playoff team.

Other veteran free agent centers include Marcin Gortat, Kenneth Faried, Nene, Zaza Pachulia, Willie Reed, Salah Mejri, Jason Smith, Alexis Ajinca and more.

Which of these players is the most valuable option for a team still seeking an experienced center this season? Is there a player not mentioned above that you believe deserves to be? Take to the comments section below!

Five Key Stories: 8/17/19 – 8/24/19

August 24th, 2019 at 6:21pm CST by Arthur Hill

If you missed any of this past week’s biggest headlines from around the NBA, we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days:

Dwight Howard completed an unlikely return to the Lakers this week, reaching an agreement to sign with L.A. once he clears waivers. He consented to a buyout deal with the Grizzlies and was waived this morning. Howard had a messy parting with the franchise when he left as a free agent in 2013, but an ACL injury to DeMarcus Cousins last week created an opening for him to return.

The final roster decision for the U.S. World Cup team was simplified when a sore left ankle took Kyle Kuzma out of the running. Team USA suffered its first international loss in 13 years earlier today when Australia pulled off a 98-94 victory in an exhibition game.

The NBA and the Kings concluded their investigation into a sexual assault lawsuit filed against Sacramento coach Luke Walton. The league ruled that there isn’t enough evidence to take disciplinary action against Walton. His accuser, Kelli Tennant, refused to participate in the investigation.

The Hawks promoted Travis Schlenk to president of basketball operations and gave him a multi-year contract extension. Schlenk has put together one of the league’s most impressive collections of young talent since joining the organization in 2017.

Tyronn Lue reached an agreement to become part of Doc Rivers’ staff with the Clippers. Lue, who was considered the favorite to become the Lakers‘ next head coach earlier this summer, compiled a 128-83 record in Cleveland.

Here are 10 more noteworthy headlines from the past week:

In amendments to a lawsuit filed against his former representative, Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson alleges that Gina Ford and Prime Sports Marketing started recruiting him in January, three months before he declared for the NBA draft.
Williamson and Grizzlies guard Ja Morant are the favorites to be named Rookie of the Year in a survey of their peers. However, it’s been more than a decade since that survey picked the correct winner.
Some WNBA players are discussing a work stoppage that could wipe out all of next season. The league’s base salary is about $75K and the average player makes $116K, but attendance is down and a $12MM loss was reported last year.
There’s speculation that the Thunder will be patient in their effort to trade Chris Paul. Oklahoma City found few takers in its attempt to move Paul after acquiring him from Houston, and the front office hopes to build some leverage before trying again.
A source says Bradley Beal would give “serious consideration” to joining the Heat if he can’t work out a long-term deal with the Wizards. Beal is eligible for an extension this summer, but he plans to wait until Washington can make a larger offer before deciding on his future.
Rockets forward P.J. Tucker said he’s optimistic about an extension with the team. Tucker will make $8.3MM this season, but only has a $2.57MM guarantee on his $7.97MM salary for 2020/21.
Free agent power forward Trevor Booker is getting interest from three of the NBA’s top teams. Booker worked out for the Nuggets this week and has upcoming sessions with the Bucks and Clippers.
Veteran guard Isaiah Canaan has reached a deal to play in China this season. The 28-year-old will join Shandong in the Chinese Basketball Association.
Jerryd Bayless, who split last season between the Sixers and Timberwolves, is also headed to China. The 31-year-old guard signed with the Sichuan Blue Whales.
Long-time Maverick J.J. Barea officially signed up for another year with the franchise. He is still recovering from an Achilles tear and hopes to be ready for training camp.

Photo courtesy of USA Sports Images.

Hoops Rumors Originals: 8/17/19 – 8/24/19

August 24th, 2019 at 1:22pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Every week, the Hoops Rumors writing team creates original content to complement our news feed. Here are our original segments and features from the past seven days:

With so many players finding themselves on new teams, there’s a long list of players who can’t be traded for a while. Luke Adams detailed which players can’t be traded until December 15 and which ones can’t be dealt until January 15.
Depth could be a major problem for the Heat this upcoming season and that means the team’s two-way contract players may have to step up. We examined Miami’s roster and some candidates for those two spots.
Luke Adams examined which 2020 first-round picks have already changed hands.
Did you know we had a free agent tracker? While it is an intuitive product, we provided some details on the tracker and how it’s updated.
Prior to Dwight Howard signing with the Lakers, we conducted a poll on the team’s options at center. Nearly 40% of our readers who participated believed the team should sign Howard. Roughly 25% believed in Joakim Noah with the remainder opting for either another center or standing pat.
This week in our Community Shootaround discussions, we focused on:
- Howard’s return to Hollywood.
- How successful the Nets will be this upcoming season.
- How the Warriors will rebound after losing several veterans.

Categories:
Hoops Rumors Originals

Community Shootaround: Nets’ Outlook

August 21st, 2019 at 2:30pm CST by Dana Gauruder

There’s plenty of excitement in Brooklyn these days after the Nets signed two top free agents, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant (though technically Durant came in a sign-and-trade with the Warriors).

The only thing putting a damper on that excitement is Durant’s Achilles injury. While Durant is making good progress rehabbing the ruptured tendon, it’s unlikely he’ll play in the upcoming season.

The Nets essentially swapped out point guards with the more accomplished Irving replacing D’Angelo Russell, who wound up with Golden State. The team added another veteran free agent, DeAndre Jordan, though the Nets already had a promising young center in Jarrett Allen.

That could lead to some playing time issues for coach Kenny Atkinson. Several other players have blossomed under Atkinson’s tutelage in recent seasons, including Caris LeVert, Joe Harris and Spencer Dinwiddie. Forward Taurean Prince was acquired in a trade with the Hawks, who were a willing partner in a salary dump involving Allen Crabbe in order to acquire other assets. Forward Rodions Kurucs could make a major step forward in his second season if he improves his long-range stroke.

By all accounts, the oft-moody Irving is embracing a leadership role with his new team.

How all those pieces will fit while the franchise waits for the 2020/21 season, when Durant should be back to full strength, remains to be seen. Brooklyn reached the playoffs last season but got knocked out by the more talented Sixers, 4-1, in the opening round. Good chemistry played a role in its regular-season success but this is a different mix.

That leads us to our question of the day: Will the Nets make the playoffs again this upcoming season? If so, how deep of a postseason run can they make?

Please take to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to your input.

Examining The Heat’s Two-Way Contract Situation

August 20th, 2019 at 7:34pm CST by ChrisCrouse

The Heat have yet to utilize either of their two-way contracts slots, making them one of three rosters not to feature this type of deal (Raptors, Rockets). Jeremiah Martin, Chris Silva, and Kyle Alexander are each under Exhibit 10 contracts, and it’s plausible that the team will end up converting up to two of the three into two-way deals at some point before the season.

Two-way contracts, which allow players to split time between the NBA and the G League, were implemented during the 2017 season and there has been numerous instances where the players under these deals make an impact for their NBA squad. Quinn Cook (Warriors), Tyrone Wallace (Clippers), and Danuel House (Rockets) are among the players who have contributed to their respective team’s success.

Martin, Silva, and Alexander each suited up for the Miami’s summer league team in Las Vegas and each had impressive stints for the squad, which is why the franchise plans on bringing the trio to camp. Each will likely play for the team’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, should they not receive a two-way deal.

Examine Miami’s roster and its easy to find a need for additional depth. James Johnson, Dion Waiters, and Goran Dragic are among the players to miss extensive time with injuries last season. Kelly Olynyk is already nursing a knee injury that forced him to pull out of the World Cup and while the team brought back Udonis Haslem to man the 15th roster spot, the power forward hasn’t played more than 130 total minutes in a season since the Obama administration was in office.

Hitting on two-way players is critical for this team, as it will help mitigate the risk of sliding down the standings in the event of injuries and back-end of the roster ineffectiveness. The franchise only needs to look back at last season to such occurrences.

Miami’s salary cap situation makes its two-way contract slots even more crucial. The franchise sits less than $1MM below the apron, which represents a hard cap at as a result of the Jimmy Butler sign-and-trade. While many teams will have the ability to tinker with the back end of the rotation and replace players with guaranteed contracts who don’t fit. Miami has no such luxury; the organization had no margin for error here.

The Heat could ostensibly make moves, such as releasing Kendrick Nunn, whose contract is non-guaranteed, in order to make another addition to the official roster. It could also waive any guaranteed contract it wants without making an addition. However, those, like many of the paths for Miami to add talent, appears unlikely.

Two-way contracts do not count against the salary cap, though they allow players under these deal to spend up to 45 days in the NBA. Whether it’s a pair from the Silva/Martin/Alexander trio or other players who end up with those deals, Miami may need production from these spots even if it’s only a total of 90 days of NBA service.

Community Shootaround: Warriors’ Outlook

August 20th, 2019 at 3:07pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Stephen Curry has been saying all the right things this summer.

Curry remains upbeat about the Warriors’ prospects for the upcoming season despite Kevin Durant‘s departure to the Nets, Klay Thompson‘s knee injury and the loss of numerous other rotation players, including Andre Iguodala (trade) and Shaun Livingston (waived).

“It’s just a change in dynamic all the way around,” Curry said this month. “We’re excited about the opportunities, the challenges for the whole roster, because we’ve got a lot of guys that have the opportunity to really prove themselves and make a difference in our team. Obviously our core, ’til Klay gets back, we know how to win and we know how to play. We’re just going to do it a little differently.”

It’s uncertain if and when Thompson will return from his ACL injury. Most likely it will be after the All-Star break and the Warriors will certainly take a cautious approach with an All-Star who just signed a $190MM contract.

D’Angelo Russell was the team’s big offseason acquisition and it remains to be seen how he’ll mesh with Curry while playing off the ball. What they’ll do with Russell once Thompson is healthy enough to play is another major question mark.

The Warriors should have a decent one-two punch defensively at center with Kevon Looney and another off-season addition, Willie Cauley-Stein.

The remainder of the roster is dotted with young, unproven players and a couple of others trying to revive their careers. Their backup shooting guard options include Alec Burks, Jacob Evans and Jordan Poole. Alfonzo McKinnie, Glenn Robinson III, and two-way player Damion Lee are the main contenders at small forward while Omari Spellman, Alen Smailagic and Eric Paschall are the other big man reserves.

Hardly an imposing lot. The good news is that the trio of Curry, Russell and Draymond Green — provided he’s motivated and stays in top shape — are better than the top three players on most other rosters. Additionally, Steve Kerr is one of the top coaches in the league and will be out to prove he can maximize the talent he has on the roster.

That brings us to our question of the day: Will the Warriors make the playoffs during the upcoming season? If so, what is their postseason ceiling?

Please take to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to your input.

Traded First Round Picks For 2020 NBA Draft

August 19th, 2019 at 4:00pm CST by Luke Adams

The 2020 NBA draft is still 10 months away, but several teams have already traded their first round picks for that night, and more clubs are likely to do so before this season’s trade deadline.

We’ll use the space below to keep tabs on each team’s first round pick for 2020, continually updating it as necessary throughout the year.

We’ve listed all 30 teams here, so even if a team hasn’t traded its first round pick, that will be noted. We’ll also provide details on protections for each traded pick, including what happens to the pick in 2021 if it doesn’t change hands in 2020.

Here’s the full breakdown on the status of each 2020 first round pick:

Atlantic

Boston Celtics: Own pick.
Brooklyn Nets: Traded to Timberwolves (top-14 protected).
- If not conveyed, the Nets would owe the Timberwolves their 2021 first-rounder (top-14 protected).
New York Knicks: Own pick.
Philadelphia 76ers: Traded to Nets (top-14 protected).
- If not conveyed, the Sixers would owe the Nets their 2021 first-rounder (top-14 protected).
Toronto Raptors: Own pick.

Central

Chicago Bulls: Own pick.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Traded to Pelicans (top-10 protected).
- If not conveyed, the Cavaliers would owe the Pelicans their 2021 and 2022 second-rounders (unprotected).
Detroit Pistons: Own pick.
Indiana Pacers: Traded to Bucks (top-14 protected).
- If not conveyed, the Pacers would owe the Bucks their 2021 first-rounder (top-14 protected).
Milwaukee Bucks: Traded to Celtics (top-7 protected).
- If not conveyed, the Bucks would owe the Celtics their 2021 first-rounder (unprotected).

Southeast

Atlanta Hawks: Own pick.
Charlotte Hornets: Own pick.
Miami Heat: Own pick.
Orlando Magic: Own pick.
Washington Wizards: Own pick.

Northwest

Denver Nuggets: Traded to Thunder (top-10 protected).
- If not conveyed, the Nuggets would owe the Thunder their 2021 first-rounder (top-10 protected).
Minnesota Timberwolves: Own pick.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Traded to Sixers (top-20 protected).
- If not conveyed, the Thunder would owe the Sixers their 2022 and 2023 second-rounders (unprotected).
Portland Trail Blazers: Own pick.
Utah Jazz: Traded to Grizzlies (1-7, 15-30 protection).
- If not conveyed, the Jazz would owe the Grizzlies their 2021 first-rounder (1-7, 15-30 protection).

Pacific

Golden State Warriors: Traded to Nets (top-20 protected).
- If not conveyed, the Warriors would owe the Nets their 2025 second-round pick (unprotected).
Los Angeles Clippers: Traded to Knicks.
Los Angeles Lakers: Own pick.
Phoenix Suns: Own pick.
Sacramento Kings: Own pick.

Southwest

Dallas Mavericks: Own pick.
Houston Rockets: Traded to Nuggets.
Memphis Grizzlies: Traded to Celtics (top-6 protected).
- If not conveyed, the Grizzlies would owe the Celtics their 2021 first-rounder (unprotected).
New Orleans Pelicans: Own pick.
San Antonio Spurs: Own pick.

Information from RealGM was used in the creation of this post.

Poll: Lakers’ Options At Center

August 19th, 2019 at 1:17pm CST by Luke Adams

NBA training camps are still six weeks away, and opening night won’t arrive for more than two months, but an injury to a key player already has the Lakers considering ways to address their roster.

Since DeMarcus Cousins went down with a torn ACL last week, the Lakers have expressed some interest in veteran center Dwight Howard. Although Howard remains under contract with the Grizzlies, he’s viewed as a strong candidate for a buyout, and Memphis has reportedly granted permission to the Lakers to talk to the big man and his reps.

Howard isn’t the only veteran center who might be interested in joining the Lakers. When he first reported L.A.’s interest in a possible reunion with Howard, Shams Charania of The Athletic also mentioned Joakim Noah. While Charania didn’t explicitly identify Noah as a player the Lakers are targeting, he probably wasn’t just speculating when he threw his name out there — the former Defensive Player of the Year may also be on the Lakers’ radar.

Besides Howard and Noah, other options who may appeal to the Lakers include Kenneth Faried, Nene, Marreese Speights, Salah Mejri, and Amir Johnson. Our current list of free agents, which also features vets like Eric Moreland, Zaza Pachulia, and Tyler Zeller, can be found here.

Of course, a free agent signing isn’t an absolute necessity for the Lakers. For now, the team only projects to have one opening on its 15-man regular season roster, and the front office may prefer to keep that spot open in the hopes of landing a player later in the season in a trade or on the buyout market. Until then, the Lakers could lean more heavily on JaVale McGee while also playing Anthony Davis, Kyle Kuzma, or other forwards at the five.

Still, Davis is reportedly averse to spending much time at center, and Kuzma, LeBron James, and the club’s other forwards are probably too undersized to bang down low with the NBA’s top big men. Biting the bullet and filling that 15th roster spot with a center right away might be the best path for the Lakers — especially since the team could theoretically open another roster slot by waiving Cousins if he’s ruled out for the entire season.

As the Lakers mull their options, we want to get your two cents. Is a reunion with Howard the right play for the team, given how poorly their union went in 2012/13? Should the Lakers target another free agent? Or should the club be content to hold steady for now, perhaps asking Davis to play a few more minutes in the middle?

Vote in our poll, then head to the comment section below to share your thoughts!

Trade Rumors app users, click here to vote.

Players Who Can’t Be Traded Until January 15

August 19th, 2019 at 12:03pm CST by Luke Adams

As we detailed earlier, players who signed new contracts as free agents during the 2019/20 league year can’t be traded for three months or until December 15, whichever comes later. That means that every team has at least one player – and generally a handful – who won’t become trade-eligible until mid-December.

There’s also a small subset of free agent signees whose trade ineligibility lasts for an extra month. These players all meet a specific set of criteria: Not only did they re-sign with their previous team this offseason, but they got a raise of at least 20%, their salary is worth more than the minimum, and their team was over the cap, using Bird or Early Bird rights to sign them.

Listed below are the players who meet this criteria and can’t be traded until at least January 15, 2020. We’ll continue to update this page over the next few months, if necessary.