Michael Carter-Williams Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Central Notes: Pacers, MCW, McDermott, Pistons

November 24th, 2016 at 11:32am CST by ChrisCrouse

The Pacers made several offseason additions and they are still figuring out how all the pieces fit together, Mark Montieth of NBA.com writes. “We try to get out of each other’s way instead of cutting and moving,” said Jeff Teague, whom the team traded for in the offseason. “Once our first option isn’t there we just try to get out of each other’s way and let people play. We were just talking in here, we’ve got to figure out some way to keep us all moving and playing together instead of trying to get out of each other’s way.”

Here’s more from the Central Division:

The Bulls could have Michael Carter-Williams back on the court next week, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times reports. “I’m definitely ahead of schedule,’’ Carter-Williams said. “My knee feels great. I just got to find the measure between how hard I can go without hurting it furthermore, so I’m just testing the limit right now. Just trying to get back to 100 percent.’’
Doug McDermott remains in the concussion protocol and he’ll continued to be monitored, Cowley adds in the same piece. “He’s starting to make progress,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg said. “There’s no doubt about that, but he’s still a ways away.” McDermott has suffered two concussions this season and has missed six games so far as a a result.
Reggie Bullock is dealing with a leg injury and his absence from the lineup could mean that the Pistons’ will have to call upon their rookies, Aaron McMann of Mlive.com writes. Henry Ellenson and Michael Gbinije both were sent to the D-League on Wednesday, but their latest stint could be cut short, as the team may need the players to suit up against the Clippers on Friday.

Atlantic Notes: Sixers, Anthony, Knicks, Kilpatrick

November 12th, 2016 at 6:29pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Sixers haven’t gotten what they expected from the 2013 draft, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia thought it had landed two building blocks for the future when it drafted Nerlens Noel and Michael Carter-Williams. But three years later, Noel is headed for restricted free agency and Carter-Williams has changed teams twice. A second-round pick, Arsalan Kazemi of Oregon, was released last year.

But that doesn’t mean the draft was a failure. In trading to Jrue Holiday to New Orleans for the pick they used to get Carter-Williams, the Sixers also received a 2014 selection that landed them Dario Saric. And they’re still waiting on the protected draft pick they received when they shipped Carter-Williams to Milwaukee. That belongs to the Lakers and will be transferred to Philly next summer if L.A. doesn’t have one of the top three selections.

There’s more from the Atlantic Division:

The Knicks need Carmelo Anthony to become a better and smarter leader, argues Marc Berman of The New York Post. Anthony is under fire for getting tossed from Friday’s game in the second quarter for arguing a foul call. He left the locker room without talking to reporters, but his wife tweeted that referee Tony Brothers has carried on a running dispute with Anthony. Berman says the Knicks, who are off to a 3-5 start despite adding Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah this summer, need Anthony to lead by example.
Although coach Jeff Hornacek said it’s too early to panic, the Knicks‘ early problems on offense and defense may last all season, writes Newsday’s Al Iannazzone. The triangle offense remains unpopular with the players, and the lack of effort on defense has continued even though Kurt Rambis was appointed as defensive coordinator earlier this week. “We’re starting off in a hole every game,” Noah said. “We got to get better. We got to get better defensively. We got to get better executing, and stop pressing.”
Sean Kilpatrick, who is having a breakout season with the Nets, is thankful to late Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders for giving him his first NBA opportunity, relays Jerry Zgoda of the Star-Tribune. Minnesota was short on healthy players in 2014 and turned to Kilpatrick because he was the best D-League player who could get to Madison Square Garden in time for a game with the Knicks. Kilpatrick lasted just four games with the Wolves, but took advantage of his chance with Brooklyn last season. He impressed the team on two 10-day contracts and was signed for the rest of the year. “He’s grinded through some tough times to get where he is,” said Nets coach Kenny Atkinson. “He keeps blossoming. We’re giving him a lot of responsibility, and he has answered the bell. We’re thrilled with what he’s giving us so far.”

Michael Carter-Williams Expected To Miss 4-6 Weeks

November 1st, 2016 at 4:38pm CST by Luke Adams

4:38pm: Carter-Williams is expected to be out a bit longer than previously relayed. The Bulls issued a press release stating that the guard is expected to be out of action for four to six weeks, rather than the three to four that was previously speculated.

12:59pm: After playing three games for his new team to start the regular season, Michael Carter-Williams is expected to be sidelined for the next several weeks due to injuries. According to Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com, Carter-Williams sustained a sprained left wrist and a bone bruise in his left knee, and will miss the next three or four weeks.

Like the Timberwolves, who will be without Ricky Rubio for the foreseeable future, the Bulls have enough depth at point guard that a roster move shouldn’t be necessary to deal with Carter-Williams’ absence. Rajon Rondo is Chicago’s starter, with Isaiah Canaan and Jerian Grant available off the bench.

Carter-Williams, acquired by the Bulls during the preseason, averaged 15.0 minutes per contest in his first three games with the team, putting up 4.0 PPG and 2.7 APG in that stretch. The former 11th overall pick had been eligible for a rookie scale extension up until Monday’s deadline, but had never been expected to get a new deal, since he just joined the Bulls two weeks ago.

Carter-Williams, who turned 25 in October, is on track to become a restricted free agent next summer.

Eastern Notes: Tavares, Carter-Williams, Lamb

October 31st, 2016 at 6:40pm CST by Eddie Scarito

Edy Tavares, who was waived earlier today by the Hawks, may not be out of work for long. The Spanish club FC Barcelona is interested in the center, according to Marca.com (h/t Jorge Sierra of HoopsHype). The team has already reached out to the big man’s representatives, according to the report. The 43rd overall pick in the 2014 draft, Tavares joined the Hawks last season, appearing in just 11 games and averaging 6.6 minutes per contest. The 24-year-old also made 29 D-League appearances, averaging 9.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 3.3 BPG in 21.6 minutes per game.

Here’s more from the East:

It is highly unlikely that the Bulls and Michael Carter-Williams agree to an extension prior to tonight’s deadline, Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com relays (Twitter link). There are no talks currently ongoing between the point guard and the team, the scribe adds.
Hornets guard Jeremy Lamb suffered a strained left hamstring during Saturday’s game against the Celtics, the team announced. Lamb is expected to be out of action for one to two weeks, per the team. The player is averaging 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game in three appearances this season.
The Sixers still need to address their lack of outside scoring as well as to increase the frequency and effectiveness of their fastbreak offense, Bob Cooney of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes. “We’re not forcing a lot of turnovers so we’re not able to get out and get easy buckets,” point guard T.J. McConnell said of Philly’s offense. “We have to get ready on the defensive end and get some stops. When we’re in the halfcourt and stand and watch Joel Embiid, we’re just so easy to guard. We have to get better pace and better movement when we’re in the halfcourt. You can feel it, you can see it. When we get the ball to him and they double him, we just stand and don’t help him. We’ve got to do a better job as a team to move, move without the ball and screen.”

Central Notes: J.R. Smith, Carter-Williams, Pistons

October 19th, 2016 at 11:06am CST by Luke Adams

The details on J.R. Smith‘s new deal with the Cavaliers are now available, and as Bobby Marks of The Vertical outlines, Smith’s salaries don’t descend annually, as some previous reports suggested. Smith will earn $41.28MM in the first three years of his new contract, with an opportunity to earn a $15.68MM salary in year four. Currently, that fourth year is guaranteed for just $3.87MM, bringing the total guarantee to $45.15MM. For the 2016/17 season, Smith will be on Cleveland’s books for $12.8MM, taking the team deep into luxury-tax territory.

Here’s more from around the Central division:

With Smith now locked up, the Cavaliers‘ next big free agent will be a player who signed a lucrative new multiyear deal this summer: LeBron James. As Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com writes, James will be eligible to opt out in 2018, while Smith, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love can’t reach the open market until at least 2019.
Michael Carter-Williams doesn’t know for sure why he’s been dealt twice in his young career, but he’s looking forward to playing for the Bulls, and hopes that playing behind veteran point guard Rajon Rondo will help him improve his game, writes Sam Smith of Bulls.com. “I’m looking to learn from Rondo,” Carter-Williams said. “He’s one of the best point guards in this league. This is something fresh and new and will give me a little push, a little jolt. I think it will be fun.”
Aaron McMann of MLive.com examines the fight for the Pistons‘ third point guard spot, which seems to be going down to the wire. As McMann notes, the battle between Lorenzo Brown and Ray McCallum is crucial, since the winner figures to open the season as the backup at the point, with Reggie Jackson sidelined.

Eastern Notes: Carter-Williams, Jack, Smith

October 18th, 2016 at 9:16pm CST by Eddie Scarito

Discussing the Bulls swap of Tony Snell for Michael Carter-Williams with the Bucks, Chicago coach Fred Hoiberg said he likes what the former Rookie of the Year can bring to the team’s second unit, Vincent Goodwill of CSNChicago.com relays. “I think he’s a versatile basketball player,” Hoiberg said. “He’s shown he can get into the ball and defend full court. His numbers speak for itself on what he can do on the floor as a scorer, averaging over 14 and a half points for his career. Also a very good rebounder and passer with good vision, averaging six rebounds and six assists for his career. Just excited to get him, a long and athletic guard that can play multiple positions.”

“It’s tough because they become family,” said Taj Gibson regarding the loss of Snell, adding that said Snell was happy someone wanted him. “There have been a lot of ups and downs, been in a lot of hostile situations with them. So it’s always tough but it’s the business part of it. It never gets easy but you have to just wish them well knowing they’re going to a better situation to help their game and just keep pushing forward.”

Here’s the latest from the Eastern Conference:

Hawks coach/executive Mike Budenholzer confirmed that point guard Jarrett Jack, who is recovering from knee surgery, won’t be ready to take the court when the regular season begins, Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution relays (via Twitter). No timetable was given for Jack’s return.
J.R. Smith is excited that his contract standoff with the Cavaliers is now in the past, adding that he intends to live in Cleveland year-round now that he has a long-term deal, Michael Beaven of Ohio.com writes. “It feels great,” Smith said of being back. “I didn’t take my physical yet, so I can’t practice, but it feels good to be in the gym, be around the guys and to be a part of it. I have worked out and done a bunch of basketball drills, but as far as 5-on-5 pickup I haven’t done anything like that. I had a great team behind me as far as on the agent side. The Cavs wanted me and they knew I wanted to be here.”
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is excited about the addition of swingman Luis Montero, who was signed by the team earlier today, Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel notes (Twitter links). “We were actually surprised that he was available and wanted to take advantage of that,” Spoelstra said. “He’s one of these long,athletic, combo wing guys that we’ve had success with.“

Bulls, Bucks Swap Tony Snell, Michael Carter-Williams

October 17th, 2016 at 9:58am CST by ChrisCrouse

OCTOBER 17, 9:58am: The Bulls and Bucks have officially announced the trade in a pair of press releases. Given the difference between Carter-Williams’ salary and Snell’s salary, Milwaukee should also pick up a small trade exception worth $815,199 in the deal.

OCTOBER 16, 8:43am: The Bucks will send Michael Carter-Williams to the Bulls in exchange for Tony Snell, Zach Lowe and Marc Stein of ESPN.com report. While it’s not quite a done deal, it is expected to be completed by Monday, Charles F. Garner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel tweets.

Milwaukee has been looking to acquire more shooting and defense since Khris Middleton suffered a torn hamstring in training camp, sources tell the pair of ESPN scribes. Milwaukee is interested in Snell both as a fill-in for Middleton and as a potential role player for the future. The team is expected to open contract extension talks with Snell once the deal is consummated, sources tell Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com.

This will be the Bucks’ second trade since the Middleton injury, as they acquired Michael Beasley last month. Snell should see significantly more playing time with his new team than he would have with the Bulls. He was facing competition for playing time in Chicago with Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler and Doug McDermott expected to see the majority of minutes on the wing.

The Bulls didn’t have a proven option at the point guard position behind new addition Rajon Rondo. The league’s reigning leader in assists per game signed a two-year deal with the team during the offseason, but only $3MM of his $13.4MM salary is guaranteed next season. Carter-Williams could have an opportunity to take over the starting spot long-term, but in the interim, he’ll provide the team with depth at the position.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Eastern Notes: MCW, Smith, Terry

October 16th, 2016 at 1:01pm CST by ChrisCrouse

The Pistons are in need of point guard help, but the team never called the Bucks about acquiring Michael Carter-Williams, Jake Fischer of SI.com reports (Twitter link). Milwaukee reportedly will send MCW to the Bulls.

Here’s more from the Eastern Conference:

Ish Smith has no hard feelings toward the Sixers, as Jessica Camerato of Comcast Sportsnet relays. “No, no, no, no, no,” Smith said of the possibility of ill feelings. “Everything was perfect. [My new deal] was done quick. I’m excited and I’m very, very happy about the decision. … Believe me, the city, I love the city here. I love the fans, they’ve been great. But you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.” Smith signed a three year, $18MM deal with the Pistons during the offseason.
Smith and Brett Brown have kept in touch and the Sixers coach remains a big fan of the point guard, Camerato adds in the same piece. “He’s got such an infectious personality. He’s really got charisma,” Brown said. “His mood never changed. He just was so solid in himself and had a bounce and a spirit and was happy. Just a wonderful teammate and just a real joy to coach.”
New addition Jason Terry believes the Bucks have a chance to do great things this season, as he explains on NBA TV (Twitter link). “We are young and dangerous at the core, but we have veteran experience… sky is the limit,” Terry said.

Bucks Happy With Michael Carter-Williams?

October 8th, 2016 at 7:12pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Michael Carter-Williams has been the subject of several trade rumors since the end of last season, including this week’s report that he was shopped to Sacramento for Ben McLemore. Head coach Jason Kidd defended Carter-Williams and reiterated the team’s commitment to the point guard in an interview on Sirius XMNBA Radio (h/t Kurt Helin of NBC Sports for the transcript).

“Rumors are just part of this business,” Kidd said “We’re happy with Michael. He’s had a great summer and has worked extremely hard and it showed in the first game in Chicago. He came off the bench and I think he led us in rebounds. He can be one of the best wing defenders in this league. He helped us late in the game running the team at the point guard position. There’s always speculation around different guys, but I think Michael is going to help us win.”

The Bucks will be without Khris Middleton for roughly six months and team will likely need to add another piece to remain competent on the offensive end. MCW has struggled with his shooting since coming into the league, nailing just 25.5% of his 3-point shots. Milwaukee brought in Matthew Dellavedova during the offseason. That, coupled with the fact that the team is toying with starting Giannis Antetokounmpo at the point guard position, could make the 2013/14 Rookie of the Year even more expendable.

While Kidd’s endorsement is a positive for Carter-Williams, it doesn’t mean he’s in the team’s long-term plans and I’ll speculate this week’s report won’t be the last time we see his name pop up in trade rumors. Stay tuned.

Stein’s Latest: Llull, Bucks, MCW, McLemore, Pistons

October 7th, 2016 at 8:49am CST by Luke Adams

With the NBA’s regular season inching closer, ESPN’s Marc Stein takes a look around the league and rounds up a handful of noteworthy tidbits from out of training camps. There are plenty of interesting items to pass along, so let’s dive right in…

A recent report out of Spain indicated that the buyout for Sergio Llull‘s contract with Real Madrid has increased to 12 million euros. However, Stein hears that the buyout isn’t “nearly as onerous” as that report suggests — one source describes the cost as “manageable.” As such, the Rockets continue to have strong interest in bringing Llull stateside, and the Spanish guard does have real interest in eventually coming to the NBA, despite his proclamations about spending the rest of his career in Madrid.
The Bucks continue to scour the market for possible Khris Middleton replacements, and have offered Michael Carter-Williams to the Kings in a deal for Ben McLemore, Stein reports. Sacramento turned down that pitch, but Milwaukee continues to explore deals.
One scenario likely not in play for the Bucks is a deal with the Hornets that would involve Jeremy Lamb and Spencer Hawes. According to Stein, Charlotte is said to have no interest in Monroe.
As the Pistons consider potential point guard options with Reggie Jackson ailing, they took a look at Norris Cole before he agreed to sign in China, writes Stein. Steve Blake, given his familiarity with the team, is also an option. However, as the ESPN scribe cautions – and as Stan Van Gundy said himself this week – the Pistons are no lock to add another player at the point, since the club would have to eat a guaranteed contract to do so.