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Suns, Pistons Discussing Luke Kennard Trade

February 3rd, 2020 at 11:47pm CST by Luke Adams

The Suns and Pistons are discussing a possible trade that would send Luke Kennard to Phoenix, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who reports (via Twitter) that a Suns first-round pick is in play.

Kennard, 23, is a career 40.2% three-point shooter and had taken on an increased role in Detroit this season, averaging a career-best 15.8 PPG and 4.1 APG in 32.9 minutes per contest. The 23-year-old has been limited to 28 games, having been sidelined since December 21 with a knee injury.

A third-year guard who will be extension-eligible during the 2020 offseason, Kennard could be a nice fit on a Suns team that has lacked reliable outside shooting. Phoenix ranks among the NBA’s bottom 10 teams in terms of both three-point attempts and three-point percentage this season, and the club’s most consistent long-distance threat has been a rookie, Cameron Johnson.

It wouldn’t be difficult for Phoenix to match Kennard’s $3.8MM salary — Wojnarowski suggests (via Twitter) that a potential package gaining some traction would feature Jevon Carter, Elie Okobo, and a first-round pick.. If the Suns are willing to part with their 2020 first-rounder, I expect they’d want to add some form of protection, since it currently projects to land at No. 11.

As Gina Mizell of The Athletic tweets, the Suns’ current VP of basketball operations, Jeff Bower, was the Pistons’ general manager when Detroit selected Kennard with the No. 12 pick in the 2017 draft, so he’s very familiar with the former Duke standout. Phoenix envisions Kennard as a floor-spacer who could complement scorers and play-makers like Devin Booker, Kelly Oubre, and Ricky Rubio, per Wojnarowski.

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Trade Rumors: Covington, Randle, Henson, Celtics

February 3rd, 2020 at 10:55pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Clippers are among the teams pursuing Timberwolves forward Robert Covington, Sean Deveney of Heavy.com reports. A package of their first-round pick this year, forward Maurice Harkless, and a young player such as Jerome Robinson or Terance Mann could be enough to secure Covington, Deveney continues. Grizzlies forward Andre Iguodala, Suns center Aron Baynes and Magic guard D.J. Augustin are among the other potential targets for the Clippers, Deveney adds.

We have more trade chatter:

  • The Knicks have engaged in trade talks with the Hornets involving forward Julius Randle, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer tweets. Charlotte would be a surprising landing spot for Randle, who has a guaranteed $18.9MM salary for next season. However, the Hornets have three frontcourt players with large expiring contracts and will need reinforcements.
  • The Knicks had talks with the Cavaliers which included center John Henson but those discussions have died down, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports tweets. Henson has an expiring $9.7MM contract.
  • Celtics GM Danny Ainge would like to strengthen the team’s bench but doesn’t see the center position as a major weakness, Jacob Camenker of NBC Sports Boston relays. The Celtics are reportedly one of the teams interested in acquiring Rockets center Clint Capela. Ainge indicated the roster “probably too many really young guys” but claimed he’s content with Daniel Theis, Enes Kanter, and Robert Williams manning the middle. “We’re not getting beat at the center position,” Ainge said. “We’re getting 17, 18 points per night. We’re getting double-figure rebounds. We’re just doing it as a team.”
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Trade Rumors: Clippers, Pelicans, Randle, Rose

February 3rd, 2020 at 4:00pm CST by Luke Adams

Appearing today on The Lowe Post with Zach Lowe, Brian Windhorst of ESPN said the Clippers are in the market for a center, which is something Marc Stein of The New York Times and others have reported as well.

While Ivica Zubac and Montrezl Harrell have been very effective so far this season in Los Angeles, Windhorst suggested the Clippers may be a little nervous about entering a playoff series against Rudy Gobert and the Jazz or Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets with that frontcourt duo.

Windhorst mentioned Pistons big man Andre Drummond as a possible Clippers target, though he cautions that such a deal would be difficult, noting that Drummond is simply a best-case example of the type of player L.A. may be targeting. A lower-cost option like Suns center Aron Baynes would also be a good fit for the Clips, in Windhorst’s view.

The Clippers have been linked to a wide variety of potential trade targets at a few positions this winter, and appear willing to move their 2020 first-round pick to upgrade their roster. During his discussion with Windhorst, Lowe said the Clips look like “the biggest lock in the league to do something,” adding later in the podcast that he’d be shocked if they weren’t willing to give up that first-rounder for Marcus Morris.

Here are a few more trade rumors and notes from around the NBA:

  • Rather than selling, the Pelicans may actually be interested in acquiring another veteran player at the deadline, according to Windhorst, who said on The Lowe Post that New Orleans believes its early-season struggles could be attributed in part to how young the team’s roster was.
  • The Knicks have had some internal discussions about gauging Julius Randle‘s trade value, sources tell Marc Berman of The New York Post. Randle is the only one of New York’s 2019 free agent signees who has a fully guaranteed salary for 2020/21, and Berman suggests that moving him would create more flexibility to re-sign Marcus Morris. The Knicks will have the ability to open up plenty of room even with Randle still on their books.
  • Derrick Rose, who left Sunday’s game with an injury initially believed to be a groin issue, has been ruled out for Monday’s contest with an adductor strain. Rod Beard of The Detroit News takes a look at whether Rose’s injury could throw a wrench into the Pistons‘ trade deadline plans.
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Pacific Notes: LeBron, Kawhi, Warriors, Suns

February 2nd, 2020 at 9:42pm CST by JD Shaw

For LeBron James, the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant last Sunday in a helicopter crash provided a powerful reminder of life’s priorities, Ben Golliver of the Washington Post writes.

The crash also took the lives of eight others, including Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna. James has three children of his own (Bronny, Bryce and Zhuri, all between the ages of five and 15), and the three-time NBA champion was impacted harder than most by the devastating news.

“Seeing Kobe playing the game of basketball for 20 years,” James said, “you know what’s crazy? Out of all the success he had — five rings, MVPs, first-team everything, all-life, all-world, all-basketball — I felt like the last three years were the happiest I’ve ever seen him. Being able to be with his daughters and his family.”

James gave an inspiring speech prior to the Lakers‘ game against Portland on Friday night, speaking from his heart and remembering the lives of each victim. The game also included various performances, decorations and memorabilia to honor the Bryant family.

“What he said was just beautiful. It was strong,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said of James’ speech. “It represented who he is and who we are as a team. [That was] definitely the heaviest game I’ve been a part of.”

For the Lakers, it’ll unquestionably be difficult to progress forward this season. However, in James’ mind, basketball remains second on his list of priorities.

“When you punch your clocks and we punch our clocks, when we’re done for the day, make sure you hug the s— out of your family,” James told the media. “If you have kids, tell them you love them. Try to make it to as much as you can, and don’t feel bad if you happen to go to one of your loved one’s events and [that means you] sacrifice your job.”

There’s more out of the Pacific Division tonight:

  • Kawhi Leonard‘s impressive scoring surge has lifted the Clippers in recent games, Mirjam Swanson of the Orange County Register writes. Leonard has scored 30+ points in his last nine outings, averaging 34.6 points per contest over that span. “Just midseason,” Leonard said. “My teammates are being aggressive. I’m able to get open shots off of their attacks and drives. I’m just able to make shots right now.” 
  • Anthony Slater of The Athletic previews the trade deadline for the Warriors, including their current mindset, which players could be available via trade, and more. The NBA’s annual deadline falls on Thursday, February 6 this season.
  • Gina Mizell of The Athletic examines which players are most likely to be dealt for the Suns, examining the contracts of Aron Baynes, Tyler Johnson and others. Phoenix has had a tumultuous season to date, accruing a 20-29 record through 49 games.
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NBA G League Assignments/Recalls: 2/1/20

February 1st, 2020 at 8:59pm CST by Arthur Hill

Here are Saturday’s G League assignments and recalls from around the league:

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Devin Booker On All-Star Snub: “The NBA Is Different”

February 1st, 2020 at 11:06am CST by marksuleymanov

When the NBA All-Star Game starters and reserves were announced, there were a couple of glaring omissions from the rosters. Among them was Suns guard Devin Booker, in the midst of a season where he is averaging 27.1 PPG on 51% shooting, both career-bests.

“It was always a goal of mine (to make the All-Star Game), but it just reproves the point that the NBA is different from the game I fell in love with at the beginning of all the best players being in the All-Star Game,” Booker said, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.

“Growing up watching that. And now it’s an entertainment, drama, political-filled league, but we’re a part of it now. It pays well so I guess we should be quiet about it.”

Booker obviously was not the lone snub — Wizards’ guard Bradley Beal was also not among those selected to the All-Star festivities in Chicago. Both Beal and Booker are averaging over 27 PPG, yet will not represent their respective teams unless they’re named as injury replacements.

“It’s a shame that when you look at the system, the way these guys are picked he’s probably a casualty of that,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “It’s pretty clear that the Western Conference coaches didn’t value what he brought to the table and that’s disappointing.”

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Doncic, Young, Zion Headline Rising Stars Rosters

January 31st, 2020 at 11:16am CST by Luke Adams

The NBA has officially announced the 20 rookies and sophomores who have been named to the league’s Rising Stars game for All-Star weekend. Those 20 players, selected by assistant coaches from around the league, will be divided into a U.S. Team and a World Team, as follows:

U.S. Team:

World Team:

Williamson’s inclusion is notable since he has appeared in just four games due to injuries. It’s not surprising that the NBA found a way to get him into the game, since he’s one of the most exciting prospects to enter the league in years, but it’s a tough break for youngsters who have been on the court since the fall for contenders, such as Sixers wing Matisse Thybulle. or Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr.

Snubbed players like Thybulle, Porter, and others could eventually make their way into the Rising Stars game if players have to pull out due to injuries, or if All-Stars like Doncic and Young opt not to play in both events.

The Rising Stars game will take place in Chicago on Friday, February 14.

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Saric Increases QO; Williams, Booker Enthusiastic About Fitzgerald's Involvement

January 24th, 2020 at 4:00pm CST by Luke Adams
  • As a result of starting 41 games this season for the Suns, Dario Saric has met the starter criteria and will be eligible a slightly higher qualifying offer if the team makes him a restricted free agent this summer, tweets ESPN’s Bobby Marks. A former 12th overall pick, Saric would have been in line for a $4.79MM QO, but it’ll now be worth $5.09MM, the equivalent of a QO for the ninth overall pick.
  • Suns head coach Monty Williams and star Devin Booker expressed enthusiasm about NFL receiver Larry Fitzgerald joining the club’s ownership group, as Brendon Kleen of Forbes.com writes. “The level of credibility of our franchise continues to go up,” Williams said. “When someone like Larry partners and pours his money into it, it says a lot about who we are and who we’re trying to be.”
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Clippers, Mavs Exploring Market For Wings, Bigs

January 23rd, 2020 at 12:51pm CST by Luke Adams

The Clippers are exploring the trade market in search of “dependable size” and possible depth on the wing, league sources tell Marc Stein of The New York Times (Twitter links). According to Stein, the Clippers have some concern about how they match up with the Lakers up front, as well as Kawhi Leonard‘s and Paul George‘s nagging health issues.

As we observed earlier this month, the Clippers are in a good position to pursue a roster upgrade at this year’s deadline. Their 2020 first-round pick is available to include in a deal, Maurice Harkless‘ expiring contract is a good salary-matching piece, and their young prospects like Jerome Robinson, Terance Mann, and Mfiondu Kabengele could appeal to trade partners.

On top of that, while there’s no indication that the Clippers are looking to trade either Montrezl Harrell or Ivica Zubac, both centers would have plenty of trade value if the team makes them available in search of an upgrade. Harrell is earning just $6MM and will be a restricted free agent, while Zubac is locked up at a reasonable rate (about $7MM per year) through 2022/23.

The Clippers have been linked this winter to Marcus Morris and Thaddeus Young, among other potential trade targets.

Meanwhile, Stein adds (via Twitter) that the Mavericks are in a similar boat to the Clippers, scouring the market for possible help on the wing and/or in the frontcourt, especially in the wake of Dwight Powell‘s season-ending Achilles injury.

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer suggested earlier today that the Mavs have expressed interest in Danilo Gallinari and Robert Covington. Dallas reportedly checked in on free agent big man Joakim Noah as well.

As the Clippers, Mavs, and other teams explore the idea of trading for a big, Stein also cites league sources who say the Suns aren’t shopping Aron Baynes but haven’t ruled out moving him at the deadline if the price is right (Twitter link). With a $5.45MM expiring contract, Baynes might be a more realistic target for a contender than a big-money player like Andre Drummond or Steven Adams.

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Larry Fitzgerald Now Part Owner Of Suns

January 22nd, 2020 at 9:01am CST by Arthur Hill

NFL star Larry Fitzgerald has purchased an undisclosed share of the Suns, according to Adrian Wojnarowski and Adam Schefter of ESPN.

A longtime receiver with the Arizona Cardinals, Fitzgerald has forged a strong working relationship with Suns managing partner Robert Sarver and has been serving as an ambassador for the team.

Fitzgerald was part of the interview process when the organization hired Jeff Bower as senior vice president of basketball operations in April. He also helped to canvass for a public arena vote, but he won’t become more active with the NBA team until he retires from football, according to the authors. Fitzgerald signed a one-year extension with the Cardinals last week.

He becomes the second prominent NFL player to invest in the NBA, joining Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who bought part of the Bucks in 2018.

Wojnarowski and Schefter point out that Fitzgerald is well respected in the Phoenix community and should bring more credibility to the Suns and to Sarver, who has frequently been a target of fan anger amidst a string of losing seasons. Fitzgerald does extensive charitable work and was selected as the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2016.

“It’s an investment in something I have supported since I’ve been in Arizona,” Fitzgerald told Jim Trotter of NFL.com. “It gives me another connection in the community I love and always will live in. It’s a long-term commitment I wanted to make for life after football.”

Sarver and Fitzgerald have a friendship that dates back to 2005, a year after the wide receiver was drafted into the NFL, Trotter adds. Sarver brought up the idea of investing in the team two years ago when Fitzgerald was thinking of retiring.

“I had never really given it any thought before then,” Fitzgerald said. “I asked him to give me a little bit of time to think about it and wrap my mind around it. I thought it was a unique opportunity because I hadn’t heard of many other [athletes] doing it, but I wanted to really think about it because it’s a substantial capital commitment. It’s not something small.”

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