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Woj: Jarred Vanderbilt May Be Out For The Season

February 3rd, 2024 at 7:30pm CST by Arthur Hill

Jarred Vanderbilt suffered a “significant” injury to his right foot, and the Lakers are concerned that he might not be able to return this season, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said on NBA Countdown (video link).

Team officials are consulting with specialists this weekend to determine the full extent of Vanderbilt’s condition and the best course of action, Wojnarowski adds. Sources tell Woj that Vanderbilt is expected to miss “several weeks” at a minimum.

Wojnarowski also speculates that the report on Vanderbilt will affect the Lakers’ strategy heading into Thursday’s trade deadline. He notes that Vanderbilt is one of the team’s best point-of-attack defenders, along with Gabe Vincent, who has only been available for five games this season.

“This is not a marketplace right now where there are a lot of difference makers available, and the Lakers do not have significant assets to add to this team,” Wojnarowski said. “If you are bringing in a player, how much does he move the needle with a team that very well could be without Vanderbilt now for the rest of the season.”

Wojnarowski points out that general manager Rob Pelinka could be in a better position for a major deal this offseason when he’ll have three future first-round picks that can be traded.

Vanderbilt suffered a non-contact injury to the foot during the first half of Thursday’s game at Boston, according to Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times. Woike suggests the Nets‘ Dorian Finney-Smith and the Raptors‘ Bruce Brown as versatile forwards that the Lakers might target before the deadline.

Vanderbilt, who played a significant role in last season’s run to the Western Conference Finals, has only appeared in 29 games this season. Bursitis in his left heel kept him off the court until early December, but he has been part of the rotation since returning, averaging 5.2 points and 4.8 rebounds in 20 minutes per night.

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Zach LaVine To Undergo Season-Ending Foot Surgery

February 3rd, 2024 at 4:06pm CST by Arthur Hill

Zach LaVine has opted to undergo surgery on his right foot and will miss the remainder of the season, the Bulls announced in a press release.

The decision to have surgery was made in consultation with the team’s medical and training staff as well as LaVine’s representatives at Klutch Sports Group. The operation will take place this week, and LaVine is expected to be sidelined for four-to-six months, according to the Bulls.

The 28-year-old guard was limited to 25 games this season due to lingering pain in the foot, along with a sprained right ankle. He hasn’t played since January 18.

The surgery should halt any immediate trade speculation involving LaVine, who has reportedly been on the market since mid-November. His injury issues have limited interest around the league, along with a pricey contract that will pay him $138MM over the next three seasons if he exercises a $49MM player option for 2026/27.

The Lakers were originally reported to have the most interest in LaVine, and the Pistons have been mentioned more prominently in recent weeks. However, any teams planning to make an offer for LaVine will likely wait until at least the offseason.

This marks the fewest games for LaVine in one season since he appeared in 24 during 2017/18 — his first season in Chicago — when he was recovering from a torn ACL. The two-time All-Star saw his scoring average drop to 19.5 PPG this year while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range.

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Joel Embiid Still Weighing Treatment Options For Knee

February 3rd, 2024 at 12:50pm CST by Rory Maher

Sixers star Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with a displaced flap — a tear — of his left meniscus and is still discussing treatment options with his doctors and the team, two sources familiar with the matter tell Shams Charania and Joe Vardon of The Athletic.

Rest and rehab or surgery are the two options being considered, according to Charania and Vardon.

It sounds like a decision will be made by Monday, per The Athletic. If Embiid were to undergo surgery, he would be out for an extended period of time; there are different types of surgeries for a torn meniscus, with varying recovery timelines.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Thursday that Embiid would be held out over the weekend while the team sorted out a plan of treatment. At the time, it was called a lateral meniscus injury in his left knee, but further testing has reportedly revealed a tear.

Regardless of what decision is made, it sounds like Embiid’s odds of repeating as MVP in 2023/24 are slim to none. He will miss his 14th game today and can miss no more than 17 games to qualify for postseason awards like MVP.

Embiid was considered the frontrunner for the award again in 2023/24, with superlative statistics across the board: a league-high 35.3 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.1 SPG and 1.8 BPG on .533/.366/.883 shooting in 34 games (34.0 MPG). He has posted a .645 true shooting percentage this season.

More importantly, Philadelphia will obviously miss its best player if Embiid is out for a substantial amount of time. On the season, the 76ers are 30-17, but they’re 26-8 when Embiid plays and just 4-9 without him.

Embiid suffered the injury during a Tuesday matchup between the Warriors and Sixers, when Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga fell on his leg. The incident took place in the fourth quarter and Embiid left the court under his own power.

The seven-time All-Star missed three games early last month due to knee soreness before sitting out matchups against the Nuggets and Trail Blazers on Saturday and Monday, respectively, due to the same issue.

Embiid, 29, is under contract through at least 2026, with a player option for 2026/27.

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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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Zach LaVine To Remain Sidelined Through Trade Deadline

February 2nd, 2024 at 1:25pm CST by Luke Adams

Bulls guard Zach LaVine won’t be back on the court before next Thursday’s trade deadline.

Speaking today to reporters, including K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago (Twitter link), head coach Billy Donovan said that LaVine’s right ankle sprain has healed, but he’s still feeling discomfort in his right foot and will require at least one more week of rest.

The star guard has missed the Bulls’ past six contests after being sidelined for 17 games earlier this season due to a right foot issue.

“It bugs you, a bony, prominent area,” LaVine said back in December about his foot pain, per Johnson (Twittter link). “You really don’t want to start messing around with that, that fifth metatarsal area and it gets more and more irritated. It’s just smart to calm it down now to where I can get back to 100% and hopefully finish the season strong and help everybody out.”

LaVine will likely require a ramp-up period to get back in game shape even if his foot is feeling better in a week, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s held out through the All-Star break. The Bulls’ last game prior to All-Star weekend is on February 14 in Cleveland.

Of course, it’s possible that LaVine has played his last game as a Bull and will be on a new team by the time he’s ready to return, given that he has been involved in trade rumors all season. However, his value was already down this season due to his dip in production, his maximum-salary contract, and his injury history — a nagging foot issue won’t do anything to improve his stock on the trade market.

In more positive Bulls injury news, forward Torrey Craig appears to be on the verge from returning from the right plantar fascia injury that has kept him on the shelf since December 16. Donovan said today that Craig practiced in full and could be available on Saturday if he feels good during Chicago’s shootaround (Twitter link via Johnson).

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Agent Says LeBron James Won’t Be Traded

February 2nd, 2024 at 11:00am CST by Luke Adams

Lakers star LeBron James won’t ask to be traded and won’t be dealt ahead of next Thursday’s deadline, agent Rich Paul tells Brian Windhorst of ESPN.

There has been no reputable reporting suggesting that James was considering requesting a trade or that the Lakers were weighing the possibility of moving him.

However, there has been some speculation from fans and media members about LeBron’s future, given the Lakers’ middling record (25-25) this season, his age (39), and his contract situation (he can become an unrestricted free agent this summer).

James perhaps fueled that speculation by cryptically tweeting an hourglass emoji following Tuesday’s loss, but Paul opted to shut down it before it went any further, telling ESPN, “LeBron won’t be traded, and we aren’t asking to be.”

Paul’s comments come as no surprise. Although James has changed teams multiple times over the course of his lengthy career, he has never requested a mid-season trade, haing always made his moves during free agency, and the Lakers wouldn’t look to move one of the NBA’s all-time greats without a push from him.

James has, on the other hand, made a habit over the years of putting pressure on his teams’ front offices by making comments to reporters or on social media hinting that roster upgrades are necessary. His hourglass tweet may have been referencing the time ticking down until the February 8 trade deadline or on the Lakers to salvage their up-and-down season.

The Lakers had an encouraging showing on Thursday, pulling out an upset victory over the Celtics in Boston despite James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (Achilles/hip) both missing the game.

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Grizzlies Trade Adams To Rockets For Oladipo, Second-Round Picks

February 2nd, 2024 at 5:40am CST by Tristan Tucker

FEBRUARY 2: The trade is official, according to press releases from both the Rockets and Grizzlies.

The three draft picks sent from Houston to Memphis in the deal are as follows, per Wojnarowski (Twitter link) and The Athletic’s John Hollinger:

  • The Thunder’s 2024 second-round pick.
  • Either the Nets’ 2024 second-round pick (protected 55-58) or the Warriors’ 2024 second-round pick (protected 56-58) (whichever is most favorable).
  • Either the Rockets’ 2025 second-round pick or the Thunder’s 2025 second-round pick (whichever is most favorable).

FEBRUARY 1: The Grizzlies are trading center Steven Adams to the Rockets in exchange for Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). Adams is out for the season with a knee injury while Oladipo is also battling a long-term left patellar tendon injury.

According to Wojnarowski (Twitter link), the Grizzlies are acquiring two 2024 second-round picks and a 2025 second-round pick in the trade.

The move is a primarily financial one from Memphis’ side, according to Wojnarowski (Twitter link). The Grizzlies were and are facing tough contract decisions with an expensive roster set for 2024/25. Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Smart are among players set to make $20MM or more next season and, before acquiring Oladipo, their only free-agent-to-be next season was Xavier Tillman. Adams is set to make $12.6MM next season while Oladipo is on an expiring deal.

Not including the cap hold for a likely lottery pick, the Grizzlies had $186MM in salary for next season with the second apron projected for $190MM, according to Marks (Twitter link). Moving Adams creates some breathing room to the club, who may also look to shed additional salary ahead of next week’s deadline.

While Tillman was the Grizzlies’ only projected standard free agent, they also could look to move Luke Kennard, who possesses a $14.7MM team option for next season. While they could simply decline the option, it may make sense to try and extract value for the career 43.7% three-point shooter. Alternatively, they could exercise Kennard’s team option and look to make smaller moves to duck out of tax territory, according to Spotrac’s Keith Smith.

If they don’t flip him in another trade, the Grizzlies could buy out Oladipo in order to create an opening on their 15-man roster. Two-way player GG Jackson is impressing and is only under contract through the season. Memphis could work out a longer-term deal with him and have the 19-year-old forward take Oladipo’s roster spot, if they so choose.

The Rockets are getting a quality big man when healthy who can play alongside or behind rising star Alperen Sengun. Although Adams is out for the rest of the season, he’s the kind of physical big man the team was seeking. A Wednesday report indicated players like Portland’s Robert Williams and Atlanta’s Clint Capela were among the centers on Houston’s radar.

In the end, the Rockets landed on Adams, who should be full recovered for next season, according to Wojnarowski (Twitter link). Houston’s front office believes in the toughness and leadership he can bring to the team. Adams averaged 8.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 0.9 steals across 42 games with the Grizzlies in ’22/23.

Smith observes that while three second-round picks looks steep on paper for the Rockets, none of those picks are projected to be near the top of the second round. While the exact picks are unknown, the Rockets have second-rounders from Brooklyn, Golden State and Oklahoma City in 2024 and their only 2025 second-rounder is from the Thunder. Additionally, the Rockets are still well below the luxury tax for next season and can dip further by moving off of Jock Landale.

Memphis will be taking on Oladipo’s expiring contract using the $12.4MM disabled player exception they were granted as a result of Ja Morant‘s season-ending injury. That will allow the team to create a $12.6MM trade exception (equivalent to Adams’ full outgoing salary). As explained in our glossary, that trade exception would be good to use for one year.

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Sixers Star Joel Embiid Suffers Lateral Meniscus Injury

February 1st, 2024 at 7:53pm CST by Tristan Tucker

Sixers star center Joel Embiid suffered a lateral meniscus injury in his left knee and will be held out through the weekend while the team sorts through a treatment plan, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). There’s still some uncertainty about how team doctors, specialists and Embiid will move forward to treat the injury, but they’ll use the next few days to figure out a plan, Wojnarowski tweets.

Embiid suffered the injury during a Tuesday matchup between the Warriors and Sixers, when Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga fell on his leg. The injury took place in the fourth quarter and Embiid left the court under his own power.

The seven-time All-Star missed three games early last month due to knee soreness before sitting out matchups against the Nuggets and Trail Blazers on Saturday and Monday, respectively, due to the same issue.

Having won the Most Valuable Player award last season, Embiid has a strong case for MVP again this season. He’s averaging a career-high 35.3 points this season, leading the Sixers to a 29-17 record entering Thursday. In 34 games so far this season, Embiid also maintained averages of 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.8. blocks while shooting 53.3% from the field and 36.6% from deep.

It’s unknown exactly how much time Embiid will miss, but he was already ruled out of the Sixers’ Thursday night game against the Jazz, his 13th game missed this season. Players can miss no more than 17 games to be eligible for postseason awards, like MVP.

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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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Cavs’ Mitchell, Suns’ Booker Named Players Of The Month

February 1st, 2024 at 4:00pm CST by Rory Maher

Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and Suns guard Devin Booker have been named Players of the Month for games played in January, the league announced on Thursday (Twitter link).

Mitchell, the Eastern Conference winner, averaged 28.6 PPG, 7.6 APG, 5.2 RPG and 2.1 SPG on .473/.357/.812 shooting last month. He helped lead Cleveland to an 11-2 record in January, despite missing starters Darius Garland and Evan Mobley for most of those games.

Mitchell, 28, is only the second player in Cavs history to be named the East’s Player of the Month, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. LeBron James earned the award 26 times in his two stints with the team.

Booker, the West’s winner, averaged 30.0 PPG, 6.3 APG, 4.4 RPG and 1.1 SPG on .539/.400/.860 shooting in 16 games last month. Phoenix went 11-5 over that span. According to Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports (Twitter link), Booker, the reigning Player of the Week, now holds the most Player of the Month awards in Suns franchise history with three, passing several noteworthy players who had two.

According to the NBA, the other nominees in the West were Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaren Jackson Jr., Nikola Jokic, Kawhi Leonard, Lauri Markkanen and Domantas Sabonis, while Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Brunson, Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner and Coby White were nominated in the East (Twitter links).

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