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New York Notes: Simmons, Nets’ Defense, Knicks’ Injuries, Randle

February 5th, 2024 at 5:31pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Ben Simmons will sit out the Nets’ game against the Warriors on Monday due to injury maintenance for his lower back, according to Andrew Crane of the New York Post.  Simmons is expected to return on Tuesday when the Nets host the Mavericks in the second game of a back-to-back. Simmons has appeared in two games since missing 38 consecutive contests due to a nerve impingement in his lower back.

We have more on the New York teams:

  • Entering Monday’s game, the Nets had shown defensive improvement in recent weeks. They had the league’s eighth-best defensive rating (114.0) since Jan. 5. However, they were still only 5-8 during that stretch. “We’ve got guys who can play defense,” Simmons told Crane. “I think it’s a collective thing, and we can’t get lost in the offensive piece of it. I think when we play defense and we get stops, the offense is easy.”
  • Injuries to Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson and Quentin Grimes are starting to take a toll on the Knicks, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. It showed in the Saturday night loss to the Lakers, when they were outscored 33-19 in the fourth quarter and their nine-game winning streak was snapped. “We’re missing [Anunoby]. We’re missing his ability defensively, able to knock down shots,” wing Josh Hart said. “We’re missing [Randle], an All-Star for a very good reason, 25 [points] and nine [rebounds] every night. Quentin’s ability to space the floor. I don’t think we’re missing just one guy. We’re missing three big guys, and obviously, Mitch has been out for months. But you know, when you’re missing four key players, three of which are starters, it’s always tough.”
  • Randle has started rehabbing from his dislocated right shoulder with the purpose of playing this season, Bondy reports in a separate story. He’ll be reevaluated in two or three weeks, but the early signs are positive. “You know his makeup. That’s what you love about the guy,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “It’ll be full bore. He’ll give it everything he has. … We’re gonna make sure he’s healthy before he gets out there. But we’re encouraged.”
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Scotto’s Latest: Jones, Wright, Hayes, Grizzlies, Okoro, More

February 5th, 2024 at 1:54pm CST by Rory Maher

He may not be a splashy name, but veteran point guard Tyus Jones is drawing interest from a variety of teams on the trade market, reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

The Lakers and Timberwolves have previously been linked to Jones, which Scotto confirms. However, he also adds three new possible suitors to the list: the Magic, Spurs and Nets.

As Scotto previously reported, the Wizards want a first-round pick back for Jones, preferably one beyond the 2024 draft, with a chance at being a top-20 selection. However, rival executives are reportedly confident that Washington will ultimately accept multiple second-rounders for the 27-year-old, who likely wouldn’t be a starter in certain situations and is on an expiring $14MM contract.

Jones has been the NBA’s assist-to-turnover leader for several years running and is posting career highs in several categories as a full-time starter for the first time in his NBA career, averaging 12.2 PPG, 6.3 APG (against 0.9 TOV), 2.8 RPG and 1.2 SPG on .491/.392/.758 shooting in 49 games (28.5 MPG). He has limitations too of course, namely size (he’s listed at 6’1″, 196 lbs.), which limits his defensive versatility.

It’s worth noting that San Antonio currently deploys Jones’ younger brother, Tre Jones, as its starting point guard, though the Spurs are reportedly on the lookout for a long-term fixture at the position, viewing Tre as more of a strong backup.

The Magic seem like an odd fit for Jones, since they have Markelle Fultz (another impending free agent), Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black as backcourt players who can initiate offense, though those duties are frequently handled by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Jones would obviously help on the turnovers front, but he’s small as opposed to rangy and athletic, which is the mold of the rest of Orlando’s roster, and he isn’t a high-volume long-range shooter (3.7 three-point attempts per game), which is a team weakness.

Here’s more from Scotto’s latest rumor round-up:

  • The Celtics, Kings and Timberwolves are among the teams with interest in Wizards guard Delon Wright, sources tell Scotto. Washington is looking for second-round picks for the veteran guard, who had a previous stint with Sacramento back in 2020/21. Known for his excellent defense, Wright is on an expiring $8.2MM contract.
  • Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (subscription required) reported on Sunday that Killian Hayes‘ camp preferred a change of scenery, and sources tell Scotto the Grizzlies are among the teams to show interest in the fourth-year Pistons guard. Hayes has fallen out of Detroit’s rotation of late and could be a restricted free agent if given a qualifying offer this summer. As for players rivals teams are monitoring from Memphis’ side, Scotto hears Xavier Tillman, Ziaire Williams and Jake LaRavia are all considered potential trade candidates. Tillman will be an unrestricted free agent, while former first-rounders Williams (third year) and LaRavia (second) are still on rookie scale deals.
  • Forward Danilo Gallinari is another Pistons trade candidate, Scotto adds, with the Lakers checking in on the asking price for the Italian veteran.
  • Cavaliers wing Isaac Okoro is considered a trade candidate by rival teams, Scotto writes. One GM who spoke to HoopsHype speculated that Okoro could get $14MM annually in free agency this summer — right around the projected mid-level exception for 2024/25. As with Hayes, Okoro will be a restricted free agent if he’s tendered a qualifying offer, otherwise he’d be unrestricted and free to sign with any team. According to Scotto, the Knicks, Hawks, Pacers, Suns and Bucks are all worth watching, as they all have an interest in two-way wings.
  • In addition to Tyus Jones, Monte Morris, Bones Hyland and Wright, the Timberwolves also have interest in Pistons guard Alec Burks, Scotto reports. As Sankofa reported, the Pistons value Burks and “aren’t eager” to part with him. Sankofa suggested it would take a “strong offer” for Detroit to trade the 32-year-old, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. As for players Minnesota might move, rival executives are eyeing Wendell Moore, Shake Milton and Troy Brown, according to Scotto.
  • The Timberwolves are “hopeful” about their chances of re-signing veteran point guard Mike Conley this summer, Scotto adds. Conley, 36, has started all 45 of his games this year for Minnesota, averaging 10.6 PPG, 6.4 APG, 2.8 RPG and 1.0 SPG while shooting 43.6% from long distance. He’s making $24.4MM in the final year of his deal.
  • The Celtics continue to look for bench upgrades, with minimum-salary players and draft picks the likely outgoing pieces in a deal, according to Scotto.
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Knicks Notes: Hartenstein, Brunson, Anunoby, Grimes, LeBron

February 4th, 2024 at 10:59am CST by Arthur Hill

Isaiah Hartenstein can expect a huge raise when he becomes a free agent this summer and he hopes it comes from the Knicks, writes Peter Botte of The New York Post. Hartenstein grabbed 15 rebounds Saturday night, the latest in a string of impressive performances since he took over as the team’s starting center following Mitchell Robinson‘s injury. This is Hartenstein’s first extended experience as a starter in his six years in the NBA, and he’s proving he can handle the challenge.

“Yeah, it’s great timing, I can’t lie about that,” Hartenstein said about his upcoming free agency, “but at the end of the day, I love it here in New York. The plan would be to stay, but at the end of the day, you can’t predict what’s going to happen. So you have to just go game-by-game. But I love New York, I love the fans, I think it’s something special. And I love winning, I think that’s the biggest thing.”

After signing Hartenstein to a two-year, $16MM deal in 2022, the Knicks own his Early Bird rights and can go over the salary cap to keep him. However, there’s no guarantee they’ll be willing to make a long-term investment with Robinson already under contract for the next two seasons.

“I feel like in the past I’ve had times where I’ve played minutes like this, but I don’t think it was ever over a consistent two-month span. I guess I’m just proving that I can be a starter in the NBA. I think I’ve done that,” Hartenstein said. “And us still winning is a part of that. I feel like you can be a starter, you can have great stats on a losing team, but it doesn’t really mean much. So just being in that starting role and playing heavy minutes on a winning team, I think that says a lot.”

There’s more from New York:

  • Jalen Brunson may be the Knicks’ best point guard since Walt Frazier, but he’s uncomfortable with comparisons to the Hall of Famer, Botte adds in a separate story. Brunson expressed admiration for Frazier, who still has a visible role with the team as a broadcaster. “Whenever I see him. I have to say ‘hi’ to him. I can’t just walk past him because he’s a legend,” Brunson said. “But to be able to see him every day just knowing the presence he brings around this organization, you have to respect him and you have to understand the things that he did as a player are remarkable.”
  • Coach Tom Thibobeau wasn’t able to offer an update on OG Anunoby, who missed his fourth straight game Saturday with elbow inflammation, tweets Tim Bontemps of ESPN. Thibodeau said Quentin Grimes is doing more on-court work after suffering a knee sprain, but both players are considered day-to-day (Twitter link).
  • During Saturday’s visit to Madison Square Garden, Lakers star LeBron James told reporters that he considered joining the Knicks when he was a free agent in 2010, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN. Although he doesn’t give it any chance of happening, Stefan Bondy of The New York Post makes the case that New York may be a better fit for James than L.A. at this point in his career.
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Atlantic Notes: Celtics, Brunson, McBride, Simmons

February 3rd, 2024 at 9:51am CST by Tristan Tucker

The Celtics fell at home to the undermanned Lakers on Thursday, resulting in some of Boston’s starters being benched in the midst of a bad stretch in the second half. According to MassLive.com’s Brian Robb, center Kristaps Porzingis had no issues with the decision.

“We deserved it,” Porzingis said. “Of course we were pissed off. We’re pissed off at ourselves and I completely understood. I never want to come out of the game, but I completely understood we had to change something.”

All-Star guard Jaylen Brown, who was also benched in the second half, shared similar sentiments after Boston fell to an L.A. team that was playing without LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

“I haven’t been in that position too often, so it kind of is what it is,” Brown said. “We weren’t playing our best, I wasn’t playing my best, so nothing I can really say there. Every time I step on the court, I try to add to winning. Tonight, I tried to make sure I was being unselfish, hitting the guys in stride, sharing the ball. But I was a little lackadaisical, it wasn’t my best game. But I’ll put it behind me and get ready for the next one.”

We have more from the Atlantic Division:

  • Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson accepted an invitation to participate in the Three-Point Contest during All-Star Weekend, according to TNT and Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes (Twitter link). Brunson has a shot to be the first Knicks player to ever win the event.
  • The Knicks have leaned on Miles McBride more since trading away Immanuel Quickley, and he’s rewarding their faith in him with improved offensive play. Since Dec. 30, McBride is averaging 8.5 points while shooting 46.6% from three — a vast improvement over the 28.2% clip he connected at during the first two years of his career. “Honestly, it’s all about my belief. I feel like I was taking the same shots, and now I’m just getting a little bit more of an opportunity,” McBride said, per The New York Post’s Peter Botte. “The organization and the coaching staff continued to believe in me, and it was just about me consistently working on my shot. I put in the work and it’s showing.“
  • Ben Simmons returned for the Nets on Monday, recording 10 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in his first game since early November. However, he was ruled out the following game against Phoenix on Wednesday with a knee contusion. He’s expected to play on Saturday against the Sixers and is listed as probable on the injury report, according to SNY’s Ian Begley (Twitter link). C.J. Holmes of New York Daily News tweets Simmons was a partial participant at practice on Friday and was set to receive treatments that night and Saturday morning.
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Knicks, Rich Paul Reportedly Work Out Differences

February 2nd, 2024 at 4:58pm CST by Rory Maher

Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul met with Knicks management on Friday and “things were hashed out,” a source told Stefan Bondy of The New York Post (Twitter link). The two sides are now focused on moving forward with a better working relationship, says Bondy.

Paul had a long-running feud with Knicks management of unknown origin, though it’s worth noting that New York has a reputation of favoring clients of CAA, the agency that employed Leon Rose before he took over as New York’s president of basketball operations.

While Paul’s most famous client is Lakers superstar LeBron James, he represents many players around the league, including Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. The former All-Star has been one of the more accomplished players frequently mentioned in trade rumors this season.

A December report from Ian Begley of SNY.tv said “some prominent members” of the Knicks viewed Murray as an “ideal trade target,” but there was a hurdle to overcome due to Paul. However, Begley also said Paul was open to an in-person meeting with the Knicks to work out their differences, and now that has reportedly come to fruition.

It’s unclear if the cleared air between Paul and Knicks brass will be the impetus for renewed trade talks for Murray, but it’s certainly a noteworthy development with the trade deadline less than a week away.

The Hawks are viewed by rival executives as the “most active and aggressive team” on the trade market, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, and they’re said to be interested in third-year wing Quentin Grimes. New York has multiple future first-round picks — which Atlanta reportedly covets for Murray — and also has Evan Fournier for salary-matching purposes.

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Tyronn Lue, Tom Thibodeau Named Coaches Of The Month

February 1st, 2024 at 9:20pm CST by Tristan Tucker

Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue and Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau were named Coaches of the Month for January, the NBA announced Thursday (Twitter link).

Lue, who was also the Western Conference’s Coach 0f the Month in December, led the Clippers to a 13-3 record in January. The Clippers have gone 28-8 since a 3-7 start to the season and, entering Thursday, sat at third in the Western standings, just 2.0 games out of first place.

The Clippers appear to be firing on all cylinders through the first half of the season. James Harden has fit in nicely after being traded to Los Angeles at the beginning of the season while Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were named All-Stars earlier Thursday. Ivica Zubac and Russell Westbrook are among others playing well in their roles.

Thibodeau, the Eastern Conference winner, helped propel the Knicks toward the top of the standings in January. The Knicks went 14-2 after the New Year, including separate winning streaks of five and eight games. After beginning the month with a 17-15 record, the Knicks are now 31-17 and in third in the conference.

Like the Clippers, the Knicks have two All-Stars and several players fitting nicely into their roles. OG Anunoby, traded to New York on Dec. 30, was a huge part of New York’s month. He’s averaging 15.6 points, 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game since being moved.

The other nominees in the Western Conference were Oklahoma City’s Mark Daigneault, Utah’s Will Hardy, Memphis’s Taylor Jenkins and Phoenix’s Frank Vogel, according to NBA PR (Twitter link). Cleveland’s J.B. Bickerstaff, Indiana’s Rick Carlisle and Boston’s Joe Mazzulla were the other nominees in the Eastern Conference.

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2024 NBA All-Star Reserves Revealed

February 1st, 2024 at 6:27pm CST by Tristan Tucker

The 2024 NBA All-Star reserves were announced on Thursday night, according to a release from the NBA (Twitter links). Below is a rundown of the 14 players set to join the previously announced starters in the All-Star Game set in Indianapolis on Feb. 18. All-Star reserves are selected by the league’s head coaches.

Eastern Conference Reserves:

Maxey, Brunson and Banchero are first-time All-Stars. Brunson was a strong contender for a starting guard spot in the Eastern Conference, a spot that ultimately went to Bucks guard Damian Lillard. Mitchell (five), Brown (three), Adebayo (three), and Randle (three) are all multi-time selections.

As observed by ESPN’s Bobby Marks (Twitter link), Randle earns a $1.3MM bonus by making the All-Star Game. Though with the Knicks forward set to miss extended time, it’s likely the NBA will name an injury replacement player. Injury replacements are named by commissioner Adam Silver.

If Brown plays in 65 games by the end of the year, he’ll receive a $1.7MM bonus for his All-Star nod, according to Marks, who adds that Celtics guard Jrue Holiday had a $348K All-Star bonus that is now deemed unlikely.

Hawks guard Trae Young, Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, Boston’s Holiday, Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis, Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, Magic forward Franz Wagner, Bulls guard Coby White, Pacers center Myles Turner and Heat forward Jimmy Butler are among players who had cases to make the game but didn’t.

Western Conference Reserves:

Every player among the Western Conference’s reserves is now a multi-time All-Star. This is Curry’s 10th All-Star appearance, leading the group. George and Davis will be making their ninth appearances. Booker (four), Edwards (tw0), Towns (four) and Leonard (six) round out the list.

Having not been selected to the All-Star Game, Kings forward Domantas Sabonis will miss out on a $1.3MM bonus, according to Marks (Twitter link). Sabonis would regain that bonus if he’s named as an injury replacement, but none of the 12 Western All-Stars appear in danger of missing the game at this point.

Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox and Sabonis, Rockets center Alperen Sengun, Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, Wolves center Rudy Gobert, Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, New Orleans forwards Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, Clippers guard James Harden and Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen are among those who missed the cut in the West.

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New York Notes: Claxton, Bridges, DiVincenzo, Villanova Trio

February 1st, 2024 at 5:25pm CST by Tristan Tucker

The trio of Dorian Finney-Smith, Royce O’Neale and Spencer Dinwiddie remain the likeliest Nets to be on the move before next week’s trade deadline, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. However, in his latest Substack article, Stein writes center Nic Claxton may be more available than previously thought.

According to Stein, there are mixed signals about what Brooklyn’s plans with Claxton may be when he hits unrestricted free agency this summer. The 24-year-old is a valuable asset for Brooklyn and he’s evolved into one of the premier interior defenders across the league.

Claxton is making just $8.75MM in the final year of his contract, so interested teams likely wouldn’t have much of an issue matching salary to acquire him. It is worth mentioning that a January report indicated while Claxton would like to stay in Brooklyn, the Nets are expected to face competition from several suitors in free agency this summer. For what it’s worth, that report speculated Claxton could receive a long-term deal in the range of $90-100MM.

In my view, it may be complicated for any trade to be completed and this could just be due diligence on Brooklyn’s behalf. The Nets seem to value Claxton highly and would likely ask for a massive haul in return for the young center, which opposing teams may not want to meet without assurances he’d re-sign.

The Nets selected Claxton with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2019 draft. He is averaging 12.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks while shooting 63.2% from the field in 37 appearances this year.

We have more news from around New York:

  • In the same Substack story, Stein confirms earlier reports on Brooklyn’s lack of interest in fielding any offers from opposing teams for Mikal Bridges. Those reports indicated the Rockets held interest in acquiring Bridges and would send back a haul of picks, including Brooklyn’s own from the James Harden trade in 2021. According to Stein, the Nets wouldn’t be interested in such a package from Houston even if it included former No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green.
  • With the deadline coming up, rumors linking the Knicks to high-scoring guards like Jordan Clarkson have been in no short supply. However, with the Knicks continuing their winning ways, Newday’s Steve Popper writes New York may already have such an option on the roster in Donte DiVincenzo. DiVincenzo is averaging career bests in points (12.4) and three-point percentage (42.6%) this season. Since the start of January, the Villanova product is averaging 15.6 points on 40.0% shooting from beyond the arc on 8.8 attempts per game. He most recently scored 28 points against the Hornets and 33 against the Jazz in back-to-back games.
  • With Julius Randle out due to injury, Villanova alums and current Knicks DiVincenzo, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart have gotten the opportunity to start alongside each other. The New York Post’s Peter Botte writes the significance of starting together isn’t lost on the trio. “It’s cool, man. It’s dope,” Hart said. “It’s obviously something that we never thought about. Obviously we were in countless lineups together at Nova, but to have something like that, guys that you shared the court with for I don’t know how many games in college, and just seeing the progression individually, it’s really cool to see.“
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Knicks’ Julius Randle To Be Reevaluated In 2-3 Weeks

February 1st, 2024 at 2:13pm CST by Rory Maher

Two-time All-NBA forward Julius Randle will be reevaluated in two-to-three weeks after sustaining a dislocated right shoulder last Saturday against Miami, the Knicks announced (on Twitter).

The news was expected and doesn’t reveal much beyond the fact that Randle will be sidelined through at least the All-Star break, as that’s the time period (February 15-22) when he’ll be reevaluated, observes Fred Katz of The Athletic (Twitter link).

Randle, 29, had appeared in every game this season for the Knicks prior to the injury, which came as Jaime Jaquez attempted to draw a change late in the fourth quarter on Saturday. Randle landed awkwardly with his right arm extended, then headed toward the training staff and was taken to the locker room for X-rays.

The two-time All-Star has missed the past two contests, both victories, and will miss at least seven more games before the All-Star break. The Knicks are the hottest team in the league, having won 14 of their past 16 games.

With Randle sidelined, Josh Hart has started in his place and seen a major uptick in minutes, with Precious Achiuwa also sliding down to power forward at times in addition to playing center.

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Checking In On Active 10-Day Contracts, Roster Addition Deadlines

January 31st, 2024 at 4:00pm CST by Luke Adams

As our 10-day contract tracker shows, there are currently six 10-day deals active around the NBA. Here are those contracts, along with their expiry dates:

Of those six 10-day deals, three are “hardship” signings — the Grizzlies have a full 15-man roster, but have allowed to sign three additional players to 10-day contracts, increasing their standard roster count to 18, since they’ve been hit so hard by injuries.

Hardship exceptions can only be granted 10 days at a time, so Memphis’ situation will need to be reassessed once the contracts for Hurt, Evbuomwan, and Jemison expire. If any of the six Grizzlies players affected by longer-term injuries are nearing a return at that point, the team won’t qualify for three hardship exceptions again, but could still be granted one or two.

If Memphis isn’t granted three hardship exceptions and wants to retain all three players, the club would need to make room for them on the 15-day roster.

The Pelicans and Pacers currently have 13 players on standard full-season contracts, so once Hill’s and Johnson’s 10-day contracts expire, they’ll have up to two weeks to re-add a 14th man. Teams can’t carry fewer than 14 players on their standard roster for more than 14 days at a time.

This is Johnson’s second 10-day deal with Indiana, meaning he’d be ineligible to sign another one — the Pacers would need to give him a rest-of-season contract to bring him back after February 7.

The Cavaliers and Trail Blazers have already dipped to 13 players on standard contracts after 10-day deals for Pete Nance and Taze Moore recently expired. Cleveland is permitted to keep those two 15-man open roster spots until February 10, while Portland can do so until February 12.

It’s worth noting that, in addition to only being able to carry fewer than 14 players for up to two weeks at a time, NBA teams aren’t permitted to do so for more than 28 days in a season. The Cavaliers and Blazers each used up 14 of those 28 days prior to signing Nance and Moore, respectively, so if they take the full two weeks again, they’ll be prohibited from dropping below 14 players on standard contracts for the rest of 2023/24.

For more information on which NBA teams have open roster spots, be sure to check out our tracker.

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