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Raptors Notes: Gay, Valanciunas, DeRozan

December 9th, 2013 at 5:25pm CST by Chuck Myron

Kings owner Vivek Ranadive was the catalyst behind Sacramento’s trade for Rudy Gay, and he’s wanted the 6’9″ forward for months, regardless of the advanced metrics that suggest Gay is no star, a source tells TNT’s David Aldridge. His enthusiasm allowed the Raptors to unload a player that GM Masai Ujiri clearly wasn’t as high on. Here’s more on the swap along with other news from Toronto:

  • Jonas Valanciunas is the Raptor least likely to be traded, but even he isn’t entirely off-limits as Ujiri attempts to overhaul the team, according to Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun. A desire to sell tickets and the expectation that Gay would raise his trade value helped keep the Raptors from trading Gay before the season, Wolstat suggests.
  • Wolstat adds more thoughts on the trade in a separate piece, passing along word from a source who says it’s likely the Raptors trade one or both of DeMar DeRozan and Amir Johnson.
  • It’s clear that Ujiri is rebuilding the Raptors, but it’s not as easy to see what he’s building toward, writes Matt Moore of CBSSports.com.
  • Andrew Wiggins isn’t the lock for the No. 1 overall pick he once appeared to be, but there’s no way the Raptors would pass him up if they won the draft lottery, writes Chad Ford of ESPN.com, who looks at what several teams would do with the top pick (Insider only).
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Odds & Ends: Tanking, DeRozan, Vucevic

November 29th, 2013 at 11:03pm CST by Ryan Raroque

While ownership, team executives, and coaches may sometimes choose to tank games (usually referred to by some as “focusing on the future”), Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld writes that players aren’t in on it, especially if they’re trying to prove themselves or avoiding the possibility that their potential replacement gets drafted.

Here’s more of tonight’s miscellaneous news and notes:

  • Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun (via Twitter) wonders if the Raptors should look to move DeMar DeRozan while his value is high, especially if they can’t find a taker for Rudy Gay.
  • Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel writes that the Magic are trying to figure out center Nikola Vucevic‘s worth and thinks that the potential numbers on an extension could be between what Larry Sanders and Nikola Pekovic got from their respective teams this past summer.
  • Looking back at how his tenure as the Trail Blazers’ head coach came to an end, Pacers assistant Nate McMillan tells Joe Freeman of the Oregonian that his one regret was trying to fit Gerald Wallace into the starting lineup (to keep the veteran from becoming disgruntled) despite Nicolas Batum needing the development.
  • ESPN looked to 5 of its writers to give their thoughts on how much hope that Knicks, Nets, Cavaliers, Bulls, and Lakers fans should have moving forward this season.
  • Hoopsworld’s Moke Hamilton discusses what he calls the “Derrick Rose dilemma” for Chicago – deciding whether or not to stay the course or start tear down the current team in order to build for the future.
  • Although it’s possible that the Bulls will make a move or two to address the team’s current situation, Herb Gould of the Chicago Sun-Times points out that the return of Jimmy Butler to the lineup will help and how Chicago already proved they can at least stay competitive during the regular season without Rose.
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Raptors Exploring Trade Options For Gay, Others

November 1st, 2013 at 1:37pm CST by Luke Adams

Raptors GM Masai Ujiri hasn’t been overly active since taking over for Bryan Colangelo in Toronto this spring, with the deal that sent Andrea Bargnani to New York representing Ujiri’s only major move. However, according to ESPN.com’s Marc Stein, there are indications that Ujiri and the Raptors are exploring possible trade options “rather vigorously.”

Jonas Valanciunas, 2011’s fifth overall pick, is considered untouchable, but Stein hears that anyone else on Toronto’s roster could be moved if a suitable offer presents itself. That includes Rudy Gay, whose potential availability was reported earlier in the week, as well as players like Kyle Lowry or DeMar DeRozan, who were acquired or extended by the Raptors’ previous regime.

As the Raps weigh their options, they have the blessing of new CEO Tim Leiweke, whom Stein refers to as “splash-loving.” The team may not make a deal anytime soon, particularly since rival clubs are still attempting to determine how likely Gay is to opt out of his contract at season’s end — he has a $19MM+ player option for the 2014/15 season, which will likely be more than he can earn on the open market. But the opportunity to secure a multiyear deal that has a larger overall guarantee may be appealing.

Lowry, meanwhile, is in the final year of his contract, earning about $6.2MM. DeRozan is in the first season of a four-year extension worth $9.5MM annually.

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Amico’s Latest: 76ers, DeRozan, Hawks, Hamilton

October 21st, 2013 at 3:46pm CST by Luke Adams

This week’s Amico Report from Sam Amico has been published at FOX Sports Ohio, and it features a few rumors and rumblings from around the NBA. Let’s check in on Amico’s latest updates….

  • Jimmer Fredette and Omer Asik are among the potential trade candidates “generating whispers” around the league, says Amico. He adds that practically every Sixer, besides the team’s two 2013 lottery picks (Nerlens Noel and Michael Carter-Williams), could also be available.
  • One GM tells Amico that there’s “strong league-wide interest” in DeMar DeRozan, though the Raptors don’t seem too interested in anything that’s been offered.
  • When James Johnson was waived today by the Hawks, I speculated that he could explore overseas options, but Amico suggests there are a few NBA teams with Johnson on their radars.
  • With the Hawks expected to keep either Royal Ivey or Shelvin Mack as their third point guard, the player that gets cut will likely be grabbed by another NBA club, according to Amico.
  • While no teams have stepped up with a commitment to him yet, free agent guard Richard Hamilton is “drawing loads of interest,” writes Amico.
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Odds & Ends: Hill, Team USA, Cousins

July 25th, 2013 at 11:14pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Opting to stick around for youth basketball camps he sponsored in Texas, Pacers guard George Hill understands that his decision to forego his commitment to Team USA training camp on short notice could hurt his chances at future invitations (IndyStar.com). USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo's reacted to Hill's decision: "We expected him here, and he withdrew…Until I really get the answer, I don't know what else to tell you. I just don't think it's fair to comment one way or the other until I have facts, out of courtesy and respect."

Here are a few more miscellaneous rumblings to pass along from tonight:

  • Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee (via Twitter) hears that the Kings will be meeting with DeMarcus Cousins' agent Dan Fegan in the near future to discuss a contract extension. 
  • Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today tweets that early next year, Colangelo will announce another pool of 25-28 players for next summer's World Cup competition.
  • Though he almost chose the Mavericks at the request of his son, Jermaine O'Neal passed on the chance to return home and ultimately chose to join the Warriors for the opportunity to be a part of something special (Marcus Thompson of the San Jose Mercury News). 
  • Eric Koreen of the National Post introduces us to Bill Bayno, Jesse Murmuys, and Jama Mahlalela – some of the new faces on the Raptors' assistant coaching staff. In another piece, Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun gathers some of head coach Dwane Casey's thoughts on Jonas Valanciunas and DeMar DeRozan and their improvement this summer. 
  • Zach Harper of CBS Sports is puzzled by Cavaliers center Andrew Bynum's statement to Cleveland media that he's never played for a city that really supported their team, coming from someone who developed and enjoyed plenty of success with the Lakers. 
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Eastern Notes: Damion James, Felix, Cavs

July 20th, 2013 at 9:41pm CST by Ryan Raroque

RealGM's Shams Charania notes that while Damion James has yet to speak about a training camp invite or regular season roster spot with the Heat, the 6'7 swingman may have boosted his stock after his solid play in Las Vegas over the last few weeks. James – who underwent foot surgery twice over the span of his first two season in the league – told RealGM: "Everybody knows I belong in the league…I’m completely, 100 percent healthy. It’s been a great experience for me. I really look up to the Miami Heat and I really appreciate them for letting me come and be a part of their organization. I just want to show them that I can play, show them that I can belong here. 

Here's more out of the Eastern Conference tonight: 

  • Carrick Felix made a strong enough impression on Mike Brown that the Cavaliers coach thinks he has a good chance to make the regular season roster, writes Mary Schmitt Boyer of The Plain Dealer.  As for other players who could have possibly earned invites to training camp, Brown mentioned Matthew Dellavedova, Cory Higgins, Jermaine Taylor, and Justin Harper.  
  • Wizards rookie Otto Porter did a brief interview with Hoopsworld about his experiences in summer league and what he needs to work on in preparation for training camp (video link). 
  • DeMar DeRozan gave his thoughts and impressions on some of his young Raptors teammates, having a full training camp to work alongside Rudy Gay, Masai Ujiri, and team's playoff chances (video link). 
  • Cody Zeller expounded on what he learned about the NBA game against summer competition and building chemistry with some of his teammates (video link).
  • Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports tweets that Vitor Faverani's three-year deal with the Celtics is worth $6MM, which was the projected deal a few days ago. 
  • Frank Isola of the New York Daily News questions the leadership of Knicks owner James Dolan and is skeptical about how the team will fare next season. 
  • Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer discusses how the NBA's new CBA has benefitted the Bobcats. 
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Western Notes: Rockets, Iguodala, Clippers

June 30th, 2013 at 12:08pm CST by Chuck Myron

The Rockets have been expected to waive Carlos Delfino and Aaron Brooks before their salaries become fully guaranteed at the end of today, but Marc Stein of ESPN.com hears the team is still pursuing 11th-hour trade possibilities for the two, despite the slim chance they'll find a deal (Twitter links). That's just one of many news items out of the West with free agency less than 12 hours away:

  • With a host of teams vying for Andre Iguodala, Nuggets GM Tim Connelly and coach Brian Shaw will meet with Iguodala on Monday in Los Angeles, tweets Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link).
  • Doc Rivers is downplaying talk of a trade involving Eric Bledsoe or anyone else, as Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times notes. The Clippers have interest in retaining Lamar Odom and Matt Barnes, Turner reports, adding that the Lakers are also high on Barnes.
  • Though the Clippers reportedly prefer Andrea Bargnani to DeMar DeRozan, Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun notes that Rivers has always held DeRozan in high regard (Twitter link).
  • O.J. Mayo is expected to turn down his $4.2MM player option for next season, and while his preference is to return to Dallas, the Mavs won't receive a discount, tweets Tim McMahon of ESPNDallas.com.
  • Carl Landry's first priority will be to re-sign with the Warriors, but he believes there will be about half a dozen teams pursuing him, and he expects the Blazers to be one of them, the power forward tells Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com. Landry reciprocates Portland's interest.
  • The Suns won't be in the market for big-ticket free agents, writes Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic. The team prefers to keep its cap flexibility to accomodate an enticing trade possibility or next year's crop of free agents. The Suns will be in contact with Wesley Johnson, one of their own free agents, Coro says.
  • New Kings GM Pete D'Alessandro is promising an "aggressive" approach to the offseason, as Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Bee observes. The Kings won't simply let restricted free agent Tyreke Evans go without matching his offer or working out a sign-and-trade, writes Voisin, who pegs his market value at between $8MM and $10MM per year.
  • Yesterday was the deadline for the Spurs to waive Matt Bonner before his $3.945MM salary for next season, which had been partially guaranteed for $1MM, became fully guaranteed. So, Bonner will be back, unless the team waives him via amnesty, as Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News points out as he examines the Spurs' offseason.
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Raptors Pursuing Eric Bledsoe

June 30th, 2013 at 9:12am CST by Chuck Myron

SUNDAY, 9:12am: The Raptors may end up simply sending Bargnani, whom the Clippers prefer over DeRozan, to L.A. for Butler, with the Clippers saving Bledsoe for another deal or holding on to him for next season, Stein tweets. 

SATURDAY, 10:57pm: ESPN.com's Marc Stein has updated his article on the Raptors–Clippers talks surrounding a possible trade sending Eric Bledsoe to Toronto for Andrea Bargnani and DeMar DeRozan.

But sources tell Stein Doc Rivers' new position as the senior vice president of basketball operations for the Clippers has complicated matters since he was steadfast in his refusal to allow the Clippers to part with Bledsoe while they were acquring him from the Celtics. Rivers is said to be "lukewarm" on the Raptors' offer up to this point.

Rivers still isn't keen on giving up Bledsoe (Twitter), or DeAndre Jordan, despite the fact Chris Paul will probably re-sign with Clippers next month and Bledsoe is due an extension when his rookie deal runs out next summer.

Bledsoe has expressed a desire to sign an extension before the Halloween deadline for his rookie class, and Paul even said that Bledsoe should start somewhere during this past season. Keeping Bledsoe on the roster, even with Rivers' strong support, may be untenable and most league executives expect him to be unloaded some time this offseason while the Clippers can still get something back.

If Bledsoe gets traded, it will most likely be conjoined with Caron Butler, Stein notes.

3:44pm: The Raptors have significant interest in Clippers point guard Eric Bledsoe, and have begun exploratory talks with L.A. about a trade, reports Marc Stein of ESPN.com. The Raptors would like to include Andrea Bargnani in any deal, and while that idea wouldn't entirely turn off the Clips, L.A. has greater interest in DeMar DeRozan than any in other Raptor, according to Stein.

Some executives around the league believe the revamped front office in Toronto, with GM Masai Ujiri in charge, isn't keen on the four-year, $38MM extension that DeRozan got from former GM Bryan Colangelo and company. The Magic have been frequently linked to Bledsoe as well in recent weeks, reportedly with a deal that would include Arron Afflalo, and sources tell Stein that the Pistons are one of a half dozen teams that have interest in Bledsoe, as well.

Caron Butler, who drew mention in the Clippers' talks with the Magic, would likely have to be a part of a deal with the Raptors, though both the Clips and Toronto have discussed a variety of options, Stein writes. In addition to the new regime for the Raptors, coach Doc Rivers appears to have assumed the role of primary basketball decision-maker for the Clippers. During negotiations over Rivers between the Celtics and Clippers this month, the coach reportedly tried to make sure Bledsoe remained in L.A. Still, Bledsoe is due for an extension to his rookie contract this summer, and with Chris Paul seemingly assured of returning to Clipperland, Bledsoe would become an expensive luxury as a bench player. Many front offices have assumed that Bledsoe would be on the block once Paul re-signed this summer.

Magic GM Rob Hennigan told reporters Thursday that his team may revisit its pursuit of Bledsoe, and Orlando remains at the "head of the list" of teams chasing the 23-year-old point guard, Stein writes.

Spencer Lund contributed to this post.

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Atlantic Notes: Copeland, Pierce, Nets, Raptors

June 29th, 2013 at 8:35pm CST by Spencer Lund

Chris Copeland is a restricted free agent this summer after the Knicks offered him a qualifying offer for one year at $988,872 on June 26th. Shams Charania of RealGM.com reports that the 6'8" Copeland would like to remain in a Knicks uniform despite interest from other NBA teams and overseas clubs, like FC Barcelona. Copeland's agent, John Spencer, told Charania:

"Returning is very much an option […] He turned down several options to play, turned down enormous money to get an NBA opportunity last year. He wants to play and wants to contribute. The Knicks are a good organization, with Mike Woodson and the list goes on.

“There’s a chance another team will potentially pick him up, obviously, but the Knicks gave Chris the opportunity to play and he’s loyal because of that.”

The Knicks would only be able to offer Copeland the mini midlevel exception if he returned next season. There's more from Knicks-land, including their escalating rivalry with the team across the East River, who made a splash with a certain blockbuster trade on draft night. 

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Kyler On Gay, Magic, Smith

February 2nd, 2013 at 12:39pm CST by Sean Highkin

Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld.com took questions from his followers on his Twitter account on Saturday morning, covering the Raptors' acquisition of Rudy Gay along with other topics.

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