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Forbes Releases 2018 NBA Franchise Valuations

February 7th, 2018 at 10:02am CST by Luke Adams

The Knicks are still reeling from Tuesday’s news that Kristaps Porzingis has suffered a torn ACL and will be sidelined for the rest of the season. While Porzingis’ injury essentially eliminates the Knicks from the playoff race in the East, team ownership can at least find some solace in the fact that the organization remains the highest-valued franchise in the NBA, according to a report from Kurt Badenhausen of Forbes.

For the first time, all 30 NBA teams have a perceived worth of $1 billion or more, per Forbes’ annual report. In 2017, 18 teams had a valuation exceeding $1 billion, which was up from 13 teams in 2016 and just three teams in 2015.

The league-wide average of $1.65 billion per team is also a record, with franchise valuations up 22% in total over last year’s figures. NBA franchise values have tripled over the last five years, according to Badenhausen.

Here’s the full list of NBA franchise valuations, per Forbes:

New York Knicks: $3.6 billion
Los Angeles Lakers: $3.3 billion
Golden State Warriors: $3.1 billion
Chicago Bulls: $2.6 billion
Boston Celtics: $2.5 billion
Brooklyn Nets: $2.3 billion
Houston Rockets: $2.2 billion
Los Angeles Clippers: $2.15 billion
Dallas Mavericks: $1.9 billion
Miami Heat: $1.7 billion
San Antonio Spurs: $1.55 billion
Toronto Raptors: $1.4 billion
Sacramento Kings: $1.375 billion
Washington Wizards: $1.35 billion
Cleveland Cavaliers: $1.325 billion
Portland Trail Blazers: $1.3 billion
Phoenix Suns: $1.28 billion
Oklahoma City Thunder: $1.25 billion
Orlando Magic: $1.225 billion
Utah Jazz: $1.2 billion
Philadelphia 76ers: $1.18 billion
Indiana Pacers: $1.175 billion
Atlanta Hawks: $1.15 billion
Denver Nuggets: $1.125 billion
Detroit Pistons: $1.1 billion
Milwaukee Bucks: $1.075 billion
Minnesota Timberwolves: $1.06 billion
Charlotte Hornets: $1.05 billion
Memphis Grizzlies: $1.025 billion
New Orleans Pelicans: $1 billion

For comparison’s sake, Forbes’ 2017 valuations can be found right here.

Celtics, Nuggets, Sixers, Heat Remain In Mix For Evans

February 6th, 2018 at 11:56am CST by Luke Adams

The Celtics, Nuggets, and Sixers appear to be the current frontrunners to acquire Tyreke Evans from the Grizzlies, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link). According to Wojnarowski, the Heat have also remained engaged on Evans.

Evans, 28, has been enjoying one of the best years of his NBA career in Memphis this season, averaging 19.5 PPG, 5.0 APG, and 5.0 RPG with a .458/.392/.799 shooting line so far. Based on his terrific production, the Grizzlies are said to be seeking a first-round pick in any deal and are currently holding Evans out of their lineup as they consider their options.

It makes sense that the Celtics, Nuggets, and Sixers would have a leg up on Miami in the pursuit of Evans, since the earliest first-rounder the Heat can trade is their 2023 pick. Denver still has all of its future first-round picks, while Boston and Philadelphia are owed at least one extra first-rounder in addition to holding all of their own. If the Heat want to make a play for Evans, their offer would likely have to include former lottery selection Justise Winslow.

While it remains to be seen what sort of package each team is willing to offer for Evans, Marc Stein of The New York Times (Twitter link) hears that the Celtics’ reported hunt for a first-round pick in exchange for Marcus Smart is related to their interest in Evans and Lou Williams. Landing a first-rounder for Smart would allow the C’s to flip that pick – or their own first-rounder – to Memphis for Evans or to the Clippers for Williams, Stein notes.

For now though, the Celtics remain reluctant to include a first-round pick in an offer for a player on an expiring contract, preferring to save those selections for a “more seismic” deal, according to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, who classifies Boston’s interest in Williams as “lukewarm.”

Lowe’s Latest: Cavs, Jordan, Magic, Nuggets, Sixers

February 6th, 2018 at 9:24am CST by Luke Adams

On Monday, we rounded up some of the highlights from a Lowe Post podcast featuring ESPN’s Zach Lowe and Adrian Wojnarowski. Late last night, Lowe published an extensive look at the trade market at ESPN.com, following up on some of the scuttlebutt he shared in that podcast. While there are a few repeated items with Lowe’s piece, he also has plenty of new notes for us as Thursday’s trade deadline approaches. Let’s dive in…

Lowe views Marc Gasol as a target that would make sense for the Cavaliers if they’re willing to trade the Nets’ 2018 first-rounder. However, he notes that the Grizzlies seem satisfied to stand pat, and the two teams haven’t discussed Gasol. Rival executives also say that the Cavs continue to act as if they won’t trade the Brooklyn pick.
Outside of the teams already known to have expressed interest in DeAndre Jordan – such as the Rockets, Bucks, and Trail Blazers – the Wizards are another club that has looked into the Clippers center, says Lowe. However, despite investigating the market for Jordan, Washington hasn’t gained any momentum toward a deal.
Every Magic player except for Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac is “readily available,” sources tell Lowe. Most people around the league think that Elfrid Payton will be playing somewhere besides Orlando next season, Lowe adds.
As Lowe observes, Nuggets may not be able to afford Will Barton‘s next contract, but the team appears okay with holding onto him through the deadline and risking losing him for nothing this summer. Denver also remains on the lookout for point guards, having kicked the tires on Pacers backup Cory Joseph, per Lowe. However, potential targets like Joseph and Garrett Temple may not be viable due to the guaranteed 2018/19 money on their contracts.
The Sixers are approaching the trade deadline as buyers, but no longer have as many extra first-round draft picks as they’ve had in recent years, so they may only willing to dangle second-rounders, says Lowe.
According to Lowe, the Timberwolves have been very cautious about discussing the 2018 first-rounder they’ll get from the Thunder, since they recognize they’ll need cheap players to fill out the roster as Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns get very expensive.
The Warriors remain on the lookout for bench help — they inquired on Avery Bradley, but got nowhere, league sources tell Lowe.
The Heat don’t appear to have traction on any major deals, according to Lowe.

Sixers, Thunder Interested in Dewayne Dedmon

February 5th, 2018 at 7:25pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Bucks, Sixers and Thunder are among the teams who have expressed interest in Dewayne Dedmon, Sean Deveney of the Sporting News reports. However, Milwaukee is no longer looking for a big man after acquiring Tyler Zeller from the Nets on Monday night, as Deveney points out (Twitter link).

The Sixers and Thunder are also searching for wing help but could trade for Dedmon to fortify their frontcourts.

Atlanta’s front office would like to move numerous players but Dedmon has attracted the most attention, Deveney adds. Dedmon, who played for the Spurs last season, missed over a month of action with a left leg injury but when healthy the 7-footer has been a rotation player. He’s started 21 of 34 games, averaging a career highs in scoring (10.0 PPG) and rebounding (7.7 RPG).

Dedmon has expanded his offensive game beyond the 3-point line this season and has made a healthy 38.3% of his attempts. He’s likely to re-enter the free agent market after the season. Dedmon, who is making $6MM this season, has a $6.3MM player option for next season and will likely exercise it, according to Deveney.

Since Dedmon would likely only be a rental, the Hawks won’t find a suitor willing to give up a first-round pick for him.

In terms of the teams reportedly interested in Dedmon, he’d serve as backup in Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid or Oklahoma City’s Steven Adams.

Asking Price May Be Too High For Bench Help

February 4th, 2018 at 9:59am CST by Arthur Hill

Sixers center Joel Embiid is showing no ill effects after playing in back-to-back games for the first time in his career, according to an ESPN report. Embiid played 34 minutes Saturday after logging 31 minutes Friday, marking a significant milestone in a career defined by injuries. “I felt great,” Embiid said. “My legs weren’t tired. My body was fine. I could feel it just a little bit. But I was fine.” Embiid has already played 39 games, surpassing the total of 31 from last year in what was technically his rookie season.

The Sixers need to decide whether they’re willing to part with an asset to speed up the rebuilding process, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The physical and shot-related problems affecting first-round pick Markelle Fultz have left Philadelphia without a guard who can provide a scoring boost off the bench. There are two obvious targets in the Grizzlies’ Tyreke Evans and the Clippers’ Lou Williams, but neither will come cheap.

A league source tells Pompey the Sixers are interested in Evans, while reports have also linked them to Williams, who started his career in Philadelphia. The Celtics and other teams are targeting the same players, which may increase the asking price. The Hawks’ Marco Belinelli is a lower-cost option who could also provide bench scoring, and all three have expiring contracts, so they won’t affect future cap space.

Pompey says the Sixers shouldn’t be willing to give up a first-rounder for any of the three players because of their position in the standings. Stuck at .500 through the first 50 games of the season, Philadelphia is unlikely to be a title contender, and Evans, Williams or Belinelli won’t change that. He suggests holding onto first-rounders in case they’re needed for a larger trade in the future.

Sixers Express Interest In Lou Williams

February 2nd, 2018 at 10:36am CST by Luke Adams

With the 76ers exploring ways to upgrade their backcourt, former Sixer Lou Williams is among the players on the club’s radar, league sources tell Michael Scotto of The Athletic. According to Scotto, Philadelphia has expressed interest in Williams.

We heard earlier in the week that Tyreke Evans was another potential trade target being eyed by the Sixers, and both Evans and Williams have a similar appeal. Like Evans, Williams is on an expiring contract and is enjoying perhaps the best season of his career in 2017/18. In 49 games, Lou Will has averaged 23.5 PPG and 5.2 APG, with a .443/.390/.895 shooting line.

Of course, unlike Evans’ Grizzlies, Williams’ Clippers remain firmly in the playoff race in the Western Conference, so it remains to be seen if Los Angles will end up moving its veteran guard. According to Scotto, Williams’ preference would be to re-up with the Clips and remain in L.A. beyond this season, but it’s not clear if the club views him as a long-term piece.

With Williams’ future in Los Angeles uncertain, teams like the Sixers and Cavaliers, among others, are monitoring his situation, hoping the Clippers’ asking price will come down, per Scotto. The Clips are said to be seeking a first-round pick in a deal for Williams.

In addition to eyeing Williams, the Sixers are also keeping tabs on Hawks sharpshooter Marco Belinelli, says Scotto. Both Williams ($7MM) and Belinelli ($6.6MM) are on affordable expiring contracts, so it will be interesting to see if Philadelphia is perhaps willing to offer a draft pick along with Jerryd Bayless, whose contract runs through 2018/19.

Fultz Upset With Head Coach Brett Brown?

January 31st, 2018 at 10:49pm CST by clarkcrum

The issue with the shooting shoulder of Sixers rookie Markelle Fultz has taken an interesting turn, reports Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Fultz, who has missed all but four games this season, was apparently upset with his head coach Brett Brown after it was reported that Brown classified Fultz’s injury as “psychosomatic”.

Sixers, Others Express Interest In Tyreke Evans

January 31st, 2018 at 11:08am CST by Luke Adams

11:08am: While the Sixers have expressed interest in Evans, they’re hardly alone. The Celtics, Cavaliers, Pelicans, Thunder, Heat, and Rockets have all inquired on the veteran guard too, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, who tweets that it will come down to which team is willing to meet the Grizzlies’ asking price.

10:48am: The Sixers have expressed trade interest in Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans, league sources tell Marc Stein of The New York Times (Twitter link), However, according to Stein, Memphis continues to seek a first-round pick in exchange for Evans, and Philadelphia is reluctant to surrender one.

Evans, 28, has been enjoying one of the best years of his NBA career in Memphis this season, averaging 19.5 PPG, 5.0 APG, and 5.0 RPG with a .458/.392/.799 shooting line so far. Based on his terrific production, the Grizzlies are said to be looking for a first-rounder in any deal.

However, while Evans’ expiring contract and modest salary ($3.29MM) make him an intriguing trade piece, they also reduce his value to some extent — he would likely be a rental for any team acquiring him, since he’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Evans is on track to get much more expensive, and whichever team has him at season’s end won’t have his Bird rights, limiting that club’s ability to re-sign him.

Still, the Sixers represent an interesting potential trade partner for the Grizzlies, particularly since they could end up with multiple first-round picks this spring. Chris Herrington of The Commercial Appeal speculates (via Twitter) that perhaps Memphis could pry the 76ers’ own first-round pick away from Philadelphia if the Grizzlies are willing to take on Jerryd Bayless‘ contract, which has a guaranteed $8.58MM cap hit for 2018/19.

Although salary-matching rules would prevent Memphis from trading Evans straight up for Bayless, attaching a player like Ben McLemore or Brandan Wright to Evans would make it cap-legal, Herrington notes (via Twitter). James Ennis‘ contract would also work, but Ennis is a more valuable trade chip than McLemore or Wright, so the Grizzlies likely wouldn’t want to just throw him in for salary purposes.

Joel Embiid’s Back-To-Back Debut Postponed

January 29th, 2018 at 2:12pm CST by Austin Kent

JANUARY 29: Embiid won’t play on Monday night after all, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, who tweets that the Sixers are playing it safe due to the “heavy loading” in Sunday’s game. The current plan is for Embiid to play both halves of the team’s back-to-back on Friday and Saturday against the Heat and Pacers.

JANUARY 28: For the first time in his two active seasons, Joel Embiid has been cleared to play a back-to-back for the Sixers, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes.

Embiid himself said that it depends on how he feels after the club’s Sunday night loss to the Thunder but technically he’s available and adds that he’s felt particularly good of late. On the floor, the 23-year-old has looked better than good, averaging 23.6 points and 10.9 rebounds in just 31.4 minutes per game of action.

Up to this point in the 2017/18 campaign, the Sixers have played in five back-to-backs and Embiid has missed at least one contest in all of them. While there’s no indication that this will necessarily be a regular occurrence, we wrote earlier in the month that Embiid had hoped to reach such an arrangement by the end of January.

The Sixers sit very much in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, eighth, in fact, just 1.5 games behind the fifth-seeded Wizards. On the season, Philly is 24-22 but their record is a slightly more impressive 21-15 when you excluding games that he’s been held out for.

Sixers Future Star May Be Jonah Bolden

January 28th, 2018 at 2:50pm CST by marksuleymanov

Mike Schmitz of ESPN Insider (Subscription required and recommended) writes that while the Sixers possess an impressive young core headlined by Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, their future franchise star may be 22-year-old Australian Jonah Bolden. Bolden was Philadelphia’s second-round pick (36th overall) in the 2017 NBA Draft; he currently suits up for Maccabi Tel Aviv of the Israeli Premier League

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