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Cavs, Ricky Rubio Discuss Possible Parting Of Ways

December 20th, 2023 at 12:40pm CST by Luke Adams

12:40pm: Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com confirms that the Cavaliers and Rubio are discussing options, but says they’re not close to reaching a resolution at this time. A trade would be Cleveland’s preferred path, Fedor adds.

12:15pm: The Cavaliers and Ricky Rubio have begun to discuss the possibility of a parting of ways, sources tell Shams Charania and Joe Vardon of The Athletic.

Rubio hasn’t been with the Cavs at all this season after announcing in August that he was pausing his playing career for mental health reasons. The veteran point guard, who remains in Spain, isn’t expected to play this season and there are “serious doubts” about whether he’ll ever resume his career, according to Charania and Vardon, who hear that the 33-year-old isn’t believed to be engaging in basketball activities to stay sharp.

The Cavs, meanwhile, are dealing with long-term injuries to Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Ty Jerome, and are carrying an open roster spot for luxury tax reasons — they’re only $752K below the tax line, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks (Twitter link). Freeing up some money and a roster spot would put the team in a better position to address its roster depth, particularly in the backcourt.

Rubio’s cap hit for this season is approximately $6.15MM. He’s on the books for $6.44MM next season, though only $4.25MM of that 2024/25 salary is guaranteed.

As Charania and Vardon detail, a buyout, a waive-and-stretch, and a trade are some of the potential routes the Cavaliers figure to consider. A waive-and-stretch transaction is presumably the least attractive of those options, since the deadline to stretch this season’s salary has passed — Rubio’s $6.15MM cap charge for ’23/24 would remain unchanged, meaning Cleveland wouldn’t create any additional financial flexibility below the tax line.

Negotiating a buyout with Rubio would allow the Cavaliers to reduce his cap hit for this season, but Charania and Vardon note that the team wants to “do right” by the veteran, who is considered a major part of the team’s resurgence in recent years. That suggests the front office may be reluctant to ask him to give up a significant chunk of money.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported earlier today that a trade involving Rubio was a possibility, and it might be the most appealing option if the Cavs can find the right sort of deal. If Cleveland were to attach a draft asset to Rubio and move him in a trade for a player who’s earning less than him, it could clear a path for the club to fill the 15th spot on its roster without surpassing the tax threshold. In that scenario, Rubio’s new team would then be responsible for either negotiating a buyout or simply waiving him.

Austin Rivers, John Wall Work Out For NBA Teams

December 20th, 2023 at 11:07am CST by Luke Adams

A pair of veteran free agent guards, Austin Rivers and John Wall, worked out for NBA evaluators on Wednesday, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT (Twitter links). Between 10 and 15 teams were in attendance to watch the session, Haynes adds.

Rivers and Wall have appeared in more than 1,350 regular season games between them, but neither player has been on an NBA roster this season. They’re looking to get back into the league and opted to hold a private workout in Orlando, where teams and executives have gathered this week for the annual G League Showcase.

Rivers, 31, spent last season with the Timberwolves, averaging 4.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 19.5 minutes per night across 52 contests (10 starts) for the club. His shooting line was .435/.350/.769.

Wall opened last season with the Clippers after sitting out the entire 2021/22 campaign while under contract with Houston. The 33-year-old appeared in 34 games (22.2 MPG) for the Clippers, averaging 11.4 PPG and 5.2 APG, before he was sent back to the Rockets in a trade deadline deal. Houston subsequently waived him and he has been a free agent since then.

NBA teams will be permitted to sign players to standard (ie. non-hardship) 10-day contracts beginning on January 5, so it’s possible more opportunities will open up for veteran free agents like Rivers and Wall at that time.

Bulls Forward Torrey Craig Sidelined For Extended Period

December 19th, 2023 at 5:38pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Bulls forward Torrey Craig has been diagnosed with an acute sprain of his right plantar fascia and won’t return to action until sometime after the All-Star break, according to a team press release.

Craig will be immobilized for approximately four weeks, followed by a period of rehabilitation projected to require an additional four-to-six weeks. The injury, which he suffered in the second quarter at Miami on Saturday, was revealed following an MRI on Tuesday.

It’s a significant blow to the team’s frontcourt. Craig was signed during free agency to a two-year contract that included a player option for next season. He’s been a major part of Billy Donovan‘s rotation.

Craig, noted for his defense, is averaging 6.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in 21.2 minutes per night through 27 games, including seven starts. Craig, who turned 33 on Tuesday, played the last two-and-a-half seasons with Phoenix.

Craig had been backing up Patrick Williams at power forward. Terry Taylor, who has only appeared in six games, and second-round pick Julian Phillips could see a significant rise in playing time. The Bulls could also go with a number of smaller lineups to make up for Craig’s absence.

Rick Carlisle: Pacers’ Defensive Performance “Not Acceptable”

December 19th, 2023 at 2:10pm CST by Luke Adams

The Pacers lost their fourth consecutive game on Monday, giving up 151 points to the Clippers in a performance that head coach Rick Carlisle referred to as “ugly” and “not acceptable,” per Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.

While Indiana’s high-powered, fast-paced offense had led the NBA in scoring, Carlisle isn’t happy with what he has seen from his club on the other end of the court. No team has given up more points per game (127.0) or has a worse defensive rating (121.4) than the Pacers, and Carlisle believes that his top players need to do a better job setting an example on defense.

“Our best players have to understand, and they have to believe, that the little things are important,” Carlisle said. “That concentration and focus are extremely important. … That creates the culture that we need to have here and obviously, we’re not there yet.”

As exciting as the Pacers’ offense, led by dark-horse MVP candidate Tyrese Haliburton, has been so far this season, Carlisle suggested after Monday’s game that he’s willing to alter the team’s style of play if it will help Indiana improve defensively, Dopirak writes.

“The Pacers aren’t sneaking up on anybody, and if our mindset has shifted to just simply trying to outscore teams and away from any kind of emphasis defensively, that’s got to stop,” Carlisle said. “If it means massive lineup changes, then that’s what will happen. If it means playing a slowdown game, that’s what will happen. At some point, there aren’t any excuses.”

Haliburton is enjoying a career year offensively, putting up 24.9 points and 11.9 assists per game while posting a scorching-hot shooting line of .507/.429/.869, but he’s aware the club needs to improve on the defensive end.

“Something has to be figured out, I don’t know what it is,” Haliburton said. “It’s pretty obvious it’s been awful for 25 games. That starts with our first unit.”

As Dopirak observes, there’s not necessarily one obvious change the Pacers could make to their starting lineup. Haliburton almost certainly won’t be moved to the bench; Myles Turner (who missed Monday’s loss) and Bruce Brown are solid defensive players; Buddy Hield provides crucial floor-spacing; and Obi Toppin has made a league-best 76.9% of his two-point shots this fall (and is hitting 38.3% of his threes too).

It’s possible Carlisle will make a move involving Hield or Toppin. During his media session on Monday, he didn’t specify his plans or guarantee that a lineup change is coming, though he did single out a pair of reserves whose defensive effort he appreciates.

“We had two guys tonight who have a reputation for always competing at a high level,” Carlisle said. “(Aaron Nesmith) was a flat zero in a plus-minus and (T.J. McConnell) was a +16. So there you go. Those guys are setting the kind of example that we’re gonna stand for here.”

As Dopirak observes, while players like Brown and Nesmith are solid wing defenders, neither one has the size to match up with bigger scoring forwards. That’s presumably one key reason why the Pacers have been linked to potential trade targets such as Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby as of late. But with no guarantee of acquiring an impact forward in a trade by the February 8 trade deadline, the team will focus for now on internal improvement.

“We’re gonna practice (on Tuesday), we’re gonna tape up and we’re gonna go,” Carlisle said, referring to players taping up their ankles. “We’re gonna go hard. We’re gonna get back in the gym and compete. We haven’t had a taped practice in, I don’t remember the last time. And we desperately need it.”

Grizzlies Waive Kenneth Lofton Jr.

December 18th, 2023 at 11:00pm CST by Rory Maher

DECEMBER 18: The Grizzlies have officially waived Lofton, the team confirmed in a press release on Monday night. The move opens up a spot to formally activate Morant.

DECEMBER 17: The Grizzlies plan to release Kenneth Lofton Jr., reports Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal.

As Cole explains, the Grizzlies need to create a roster spot with Ja Morant nearing a return from his 25-game suspension; that’s expected to occur Tuesday vs. New Orleans. Lofton won’t be traveling on the team’s two-game road trip, which starts Monday in Oklahoma City.

Two different reports from the past week indicated that Lofton was the most likely player to be cut. When Morant was placed on the suspended list following the fifth game of the season, the Grizzlies signed Bismack Biyombo, and they’ll reportedly be keeping him around for now.

Lofton, a second-year forward/center, was promoted from a two-way deal to a standard contract near the end of the 2022/23 season.

The 21-year-old had an opportunity to earn minutes in the frontcourt this season, with Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke sidelined with long-term injuries, plus Xavier Tillman missing extended time. But he was unable to establish himself as a consistent contributor this fall, averaging just 2.6 points per game on 37.8% shooting in 15 appearances (6.6 MPG).

A source tells Cole that Lofton met with head coach Taylor Jenkins earlier in ’23/24 to gain a better understanding of why he wasn’t playing, but Jenkins reportedly told him there weren’t many minutes available.

Lofton has two years left on his contract after this season, but both are non-guaranteed. That means if he clears waivers, the Grizzlies will only be on the hook for his ’23/24 salary, which is $1,719,864.

According to Cole, Lofton is expected to draw interest from rival teams due to his ability to score. He averaged a double-double for the Memphis Hustle (the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate) last season, winning the NBAGL’s Rookie of the Year award in the process.

Bradley Beal To Miss At Least Two Weeks With Sprained Ankle

December 18th, 2023 at 4:26pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

Suns shooting guard Bradley Beal just can’t seem to catch a break.

The 6’4″ vet is set to be out at least the next two weeks as he recuperates from a sprained right ankle, Phoenix announced (Twitter link). He will then be reassessed, meaning the soonest he could play would happen once the calendar year flips over to January.

Shams Charania of The Athletic previously reported that Beal would be out for “a few” weeks, while Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic suggested a two-to-three week recovery timeline.

As Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports writes (via Twitter), the 30-year-old’s absence now, at best, will leave just 50 more games for the Suns’ maximum-salaried star triumvirate of Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant to jell ahead of the postseason.

Beal is a three-time All-Star and a 2021 All-NBA Third Teamer, but he’s been plagued by health issues for years at this point. He has appeared in just six contests for the Suns thus far this year, averaging 14.7 points per game on .449/.429/.708 shooting splits, along with 3.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per night.

The Florida alum hasn’t appeared in more than 60 games in a season since 2018/19.

Phoenix, expected to be a major postseason contender, may have a little trouble even getting there. At 14-12, the Suns are currently the No. 10 seed in a crowded Western Conference, just two wins north of the No. 11-seeded Warriors. Missing Beal could make for some additional tough sledding in the weeks to come.

Lauri Markkanen Hopes To Remain With Jazz

December 18th, 2023 at 3:53pm CST by Rory Maher

In a conversation with Sam Amick of The Athletic, forward Lauri Markkanen made it clear he hopes to remain with the Jazz. An All-Star for the first time in 2022/23, Markkanen also won the Most Improved Player award in his first season with Utah.

Markkanen’s name has popped up in recent trade rumors, though rival executives expect him to stay put. He’s on a very team-friendly contract, making $17.26MM this season and $18.04MM in 2024/25.

Here are a few highlights from Amick’s interview with the Finnish star.

On the team’s slow start (Utah is currently 9-17 after going 37-45 last season):

“I try to look at the big picture. Obviously, we haven’t had the easiest start to the year, but I think it’s about keeping that long-term mindset in mind and trying to get better every day. Of course, we want to win every game, but even when you lose I think there’s things that we can learn and get better at. It’s not the easiest start, but everybody’s being positive still and working on the team stuff and individually as well. We just have to try to get more together and hopefully, we can grab a couple of these wins.”

On Salt Lake City:

“Oh, yeah. Love it. So we’d like to be there. We like the environment. It’s a pretty comfortable place to be.”

On dealing with trade rumors:

“I’ve been traded, I guess, technically three times with draft night included. Sometimes I knew about it. Sometimes I didn’t. So I kind of learned the business side of basketball. I’ve kind of learned to just go day by day and really put the work in and try to play to the best of my abilities and whatever happens happens, really. Like I said, I love being in Utah and it’s a compliment of what you’ve done in the past (that teams have interest). We’ll see. But yeah, I just want to emphasize that I really believe in what we’re building here with the Jazz. Go day by day. Do your best. That’s all you can do.”

The interview is worth reading in full for those who subscribe to The Athletic.

Eric Montross Dies At 52

December 18th, 2023 at 9:01am CST by Arthur Hill

Eric Montross, who played eight NBA seasons after starring at North Carolina, has died at age 52, reports Louis Fernandez of WRAL Sports.

Montross’s family announced his passing this morning, stating they are “grateful for the tremendous support and the truly overwhelming love expressed by so many people as he battled with his signature determination and grace.” Montross began treatments for cancer in March.

A seven-foot center, Montross was selected by the Celtics with the ninth overall pick in the 1994 draft. He was a second-team All-Rookie selection after averaging 10.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in his first season, but was only in Boston for two years before being traded to Dallas. He also spent time with the Nets, Sixers, Pistons and Raptors before his NBA career ended after the 2001/02 season.

Montross played for the Tar Heels from 1990-94 under Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith. He was the starting center on the 1993 NCAA championship team and earned first-team All-ACC and Final Four all-tournament recognition.

He worked 18 seasons as an analyst for the Tar Heel Sports Network before stepping away earlier this year.

“Eric was a great player and accomplished student,” Carolina Athletics said in an official statement, “but the impacts he made on our community went way beyond the basketball court. He was a man of faith, a tremendous father, husband and son, and one of the most recognizable ambassadors of the University and Chapel Hill.”

We at Hoops Rumors offer our deepest condolences to Montross’ family and friends.

Ex-G Leaguer Comanche Faces Open Murder Charge

December 17th, 2023 at 5:48pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Former Kings NBA G League player Chance Comanche faces an open murder charge in Las Vegas, according to a press release from the Las Vegas Metro police department, James Ham of The Kings Beat tweets.

Comanche, who had been playing for the Kings‘ G League affiliate in Stockton, was released by the team on Friday. He was arrested by the California FBI Criminal Apprehension Team in Sacramento on Friday as a person of interest in the case.

Comanche’s girlfriend, Sakari Harnden, was arrested in Las Vegas on Wednesday on kidnapping charges. Comanche was also charged with kidnapping and is pending extradition to Nevada.

The case involved the Dec. 5 disappearance of Marayna Rodgers. Her remains were discovered in a desert area in Henderson, Nevada “based on information obtained after the arrest of Harnden and Comanche,” according to the release.

Detectives determined that Harnden and Comanche “were responsible for the murder of Rodgers,” per today’s announcement. Charges against them will be amended to open murder.

Comanche played in one game for the Trail Blazers last season, which was his lone NBA appearance. He signed with Sacramento this summer on an Exhibit 10 contract before being waived ahead of the season. He joined the Stockton Kings after clearing waivers.

Suns Claim Theo Maledon Off Waivers

December 17th, 2023 at 4:50pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Suns have claimed guard Theo Maledon off waivers, according to the NBA transactions log.

Maledon was waived on Thursday by Charlotte, where he was playing on a two-way contract. Maledon appeared in 13 games with the Hornets this season, including one start. He was averaging 4.2 points and 2.2 assists in 15.4 minutes per game and shooting just 28.8 percent from the field.

Maledon also played last season with the Hornets after two years with Oklahoma City. Overall, he has averaged 7.9 points, 3.0 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 21.6 minutes over 173 regular season games. Maledon was an early second-round pick in 2020.

The Suns have a full 15-man roster but there was an open two-way spot to slot in Maledon, who will give the team more backcourt depth. Bradley Beal is expected to miss multiple weeks with an ankle injury.