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Bulls Reportedly Eyeing Rudy Gobert, Other Centers

June 6th, 2022 at 12:19pm CST by Luke Adams

The Bulls are among the teams with interest in Jazz center Rudy Gobert, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer. O’Connor reports that Chicago has its eye on a number of centers who could be available this offseason, including unrestricted free agent Mitchell Robinson.

Nikola Vucevic, the Bulls’ current starting center, is coming off a 2021/22 season in which he averaged 17.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game on .473/.314/.760 shooting in 73 games (33.1 MPG). That scoring average was Vucevic’s lowest since 2017/18, though that was largely about him taking on a complementary offensive role in Chicago alongside Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan after a few years of being the go-to guy in Orlando.

If the Bulls were to make a play for Gobert, Vucevic would almost certainly have to be included in their trade offer, both for salary-matching purposes and due to their on-court incompatibility.

Gobert, of course, is a much better defender than Vucevic and less of an offensive weapon, which might be a better fit for the Bulls, especially if LaVine is re-signed. However, Gobert also represents the far more significant financial commitment — he’s under contract for nearly $170MM over the next four years, while Vucevic will have a $22MM expiring deal.

If the Bulls hang onto Vucevic this offseason, they’ll likely pursue a more affordable backup center. It’s unclear if a free agent like Robinson would be willing to accept such a role, but perhaps he’d be intrigued by the opportunity if there’s a potential path to a larger role after Vucevic’s contract expires. The Bulls will also have the option of negotiating an extension with Vucevic.

Chicago will be over the cap this offseason, assuming LaVine returns, but should have the full mid-level exception available to offer potential free agent targets.

O’Connor adds that he has also heard the rumblings – previously relayed by Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report – that the Raptors have interest in Gobert.

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Jazz Rumors: Mitchell, Gobert, Bogdanovic, Coaching Search

June 6th, 2022 at 7:56am CST by Luke Adams

The Jazz are expected to be aggressive on the trade market this offseason, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic, who hears from sources that the club has no plans to pivot to a rebuild following Quin Snyder‘s departure and continues to view itself as a perennial playoff team working toward title contention.

Marc Berman of The New York Post cites league sources who believe that Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell will eventually request a trade, but Berman acknowledges those sources don’t necessarily expect it to happen this offseason. Multiple teams have called Utah to inquire about Mitchell’s availability, sources tell Jones, but the Jazz have responded with a “firm no” and have made it clear they intend to build around the three-time All-Star.

[RELATED: Donovan Mitchell Reportedly “Unsettled” Following Snyder’s Departure]

While the Jazz apparently have no intention of moving Mitchell, virtually anyone else on the roster could probably be had in the right deal, Jones writes. Sources tell The Athletic that All-Star center Rudy Gobert and forward Bojan Bogdanovic are two players who have drawn “significant” interest from potential suitors.

Here’s more on the Jazz:

  • Utah wants its next head coach to “command buy-in and respect” from the players, including Mitchell, according to Jones. Most of the candidates on the Jazz’s preliminary list are highly regarded for their player development skills and defensive acumen, Jones adds.
  • In Jones’ view, Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin is one head coaching candidate to keep an eye on, since he was a finalist in Utah’s previous coaching search that led to the hiring of Snyder. Former Jazz assistant and current Knicks assistant Johnnie Bryant is also worth watching due to his close relationship with Mitchell and his ability to develop talent, says Jones.
  • Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune takes a deeper dive into ESPN’s report on Mitchell being “unsettled” and “unnerved” by Snyder’s exit, explaining why he believes the Jazz star is trying to send a message to the organization with the leak.
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Donovan Mitchell Reportedly “Unsettled” Following Snyder’s Departure

June 5th, 2022 at 6:49pm CST by JD Shaw

In the wake of Quin Snyder stepping down as head coach of the Jazz, star guard Donovan Mitchell is being described as “unsettled, unnerved and wondering what it means for the franchise’s future,” according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Snyder was a significant reason why Mitchell signed a five-year, maximum-salary extension with Utah in 2020, according to Wojnarowski, who says the coach’s decision to step down came as a surprise and a disappointment to Mitchell.

Mitchell is coming off a season where he averaged 25.9 points per game, the second-highest mark of his five-year career. He shot 45% from the floor and 35.5% from three-point range during those outings, continuing to establish himself as one of the league’s premier scorers.

Mitchell was acquired by the Jazz on the night of the 2017 NBA draft. The three-time All-Star would garner significant interest on the trade market if he became available, as he holds career averages of 23.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists at just 25 years old.

Rumors have persisted for years about possible tension between Jazz stars Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, and there has been speculation about whether the guard wants to remain in Utah long-term. Mitchell has repeatedly dismissed that speculation, but if he’s at all dissatisfied with Snyder’s exit, it likely won’t be long before those whispers start up again.

Of course, as Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune tweets, it’s possible Mitchell simply wants to have a significant say in who the team’s next head coach is. He’s reportedly close with current Knicks assistant and former Jazz assistant Johnnie Bryant, who has already been cited as a possible candidate for the job.

As Larsen observes (via Twitter), Mitchell, Bryant, and Wojnarowski are all represented by CAA.

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Jazz To Consider Stotts, Jensen, Others For Coaching Job

June 5th, 2022 at 6:27pm CST by JD Shaw

The Jazz have identified some initial candidates for the team’s vacant head coaching job, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). Former Blazers coach Terry Stotts, Jazz assistant Alex Jensen, Celtics assistant Will Hardy, Knicks assistant Johnnie Bryant, and Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin will all be considered for the position.

In addition, the Jazz are also expected to consider Bucks assistant Charles Lee and Suns assistant Kevin Young, per Charania and The Athletic’s Tony Jones (Twitter link).

Charania mentioned those coaches are among the initial list of candidates, so more names may be added in the coming days. As ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported (via Twitter), Utah is immediately launching a head coaching search in wake of Quin Snyder‘s decision to step down.

The Jazz are coming off a 49-33 season. The team lost in six games to the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs, ending an inconsistent campaign. Despite making the playoffs six straight years, the team hasn’t been able to advance past the second round.

Utah is one of two teams that currently don’t have a head coach. The other is the Hornets, who are reportedly nearing a decision on their search.

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Quin Snyder Steps Down As Jazz Coach

June 5th, 2022 at 4:33pm CST by JD Shaw

Quin Snyder has officially stepped down from his position as head coach of the Jazz, the team announced today in a press release. Snyder recently finished his eighth season with the organization.

Snyder accrued a 372-264 regular-season record with Utah, making him the second-winningest coach in franchise history, behind only Jerry Sloan. He thanked the Jazz and the state of Utah in his parting remarks, explaining that he felt the team needed a different voice going forward.

“At the core, and what drives me every day is our players and their passion for the game, their desire to constantly work to improve and their dedication to the team and the Jazz,” Snyder said as part of a much larger statement. “I strongly feel they need a new voice to continue to evolve. That’s it. No philosophical differences, no other reason. After eight years, I just feel it is time to move onward.

“I needed to take time to detach after the season and make sure this was the right decision. I greatly respect and appreciate (team owner) Ryan (Smith), (CEO) Danny (Ainge) and Justin (Zanik‘s) discussions regarding moving forward together, I just know it is time. I am forever appreciative of all the players, coaches, partners, and people I have worked with at the Jazz.”

The Jazz, who join the Hornets as the only franchises without a head coach, plan to immediately start searching for a replacement for Snyder, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports (via Twitter).

Utah made the playoffs six times under Snyder’s leadership, but never advanced past the second round, posting an overall postseason record of 21-30 (.412). The team finished 49-33 this season and lost to the Mavericks in six games during the first round of the playoffs.

Snyder and the Jazz had been discussing a possible contract extension, but the idea that he could leave the team this spring has been out there since Marc Stein first suggested it in a pair of stories in March. According to Wojnarowski (via Twitter), talks between Snyder and the Jazz were “amicable” and their relationship is still strong, but the veteran coach simply felt it was time to move on.

Snyder’s deal ran through the 2022/23 season and included a coach’s option for the following campaign, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, who previously stated that Snyder would likely take a year off from coaching if he stepped down from the position.

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Northwest Notes: Snyder, Trail Blazers, Sochan, Washington

June 4th, 2022 at 7:01pm CST by Arthur Hill

Coach Quin Snyder’s differences with the Jazz are about more than money, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said in an appearance on the “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” podcast. An ESPN report this week stated that Snyder and the team haven’t been able to reach an agreement on a contract extension, and MacMahon clarified that it’s not because the team is unwilling to make a competitive offer.

“There’s an extension offered that’s still on the table,” MacMahon said. “I don’t have exact terms of it, but it would put him up there with the highest-paid coaches in the NBA. It’s an offer that is reflective of the quality of his work.”

The Jazz are also providing Snyder with the choice of continuing under his current contract, which runs through the end of next season and gives him an option for the 2023/24 season, and working things out year by year. MacMahon adds that his “informed speculation” is that Snyder will leave the team at some point this offseason and will likely take a year off from coaching.

There’s more from the Northwest Division:

  • The timing of the ESPN story this week could have been a strategy to push negotiations toward a conclusion, speculates Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune. He adds that the issues involved likely center around whether the Jazz plan to remain a contender or embark on a rebuilding project. Larsen also believes there are talks about whether Snyder will officially be given a say in front office decisions and how much control management will have over the day-to-day operations of the team.
  • Although the Trail Blazers aren’t currently for sale, the team could wind up being auctioned off because it is part of the Paul G. Allen Trust, which is being managed by his sister, Jody Allen, tweets Scott Soshnick of Sportico. Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Dodgers co-owner Alan Smolinisky recently submitted a bid of more than $2 billion for the team.
  • Baylor forward Jeremy Sochan had a pre-draft workout with the Thunder today, tweets Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman. Kentucky point TyTy Washington had a session with the Thunder on Friday and will work out for the Hawks on Sunday, according to Adam Zagoria of Zagsblog (Twitter link). OKC owns three first-round picks and may be considering both players at No. 12.
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And-Ones: Hernangomez, Brazdeikis, Take Fouls, Mitrou-Long

June 4th, 2022 at 9:31am CST by Dana Gauruder

Juancho Hernangomez told Daniel Arribas of El Pais (hat tip to HoopsHype) that he “can’t picture himself” returning to Europe next season, despite speculation about that possibility. “I have spoken to nobody or signed any offer,” he said.

While the Celtics are three wins away from the championship, Hernangomez said his 18-game stint with Boston wasn’t a pleasant experience. “I wasn’t happy there, it was very hard. There was no communication,” he said. “I didn’t know what was expected of me. There were many super selfish players, no team building. I lost my love for basketball a bit.”

Hernangomez finished the season with the Jazz and is technically under contract through 2022/23, but his $7.42MM salary for next season is non-guaranteed. Utah is expected to make him a free agent before the guarantee deadline at the end of the month.

We have more from around the basketball world:

  • Magic forward Ignas Brazdeikis will play for Lithuania in FIBA World Cup qualifiers this summer, according to BasketNews.com. “I want to play, and I will play for Lithuania,” Brazdeikis said. Brazdeikis was born in Lithuania but grew up in Canada, and has a Canadian passport. It took nearly two years for the Lithuanian Basketball Federation (LKF) to complete all the paperwork required to receive official FIBA confirmation he could play for their national team.
  • NBA coaches and players frustrated by transition take fouls will see a rules change next season, according to commissioner Adam Silver, Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press writes. The fouls, committed to prevent fast-break baskets, will include stiffer penalties next season. The G League rule awards teams one free throw and possession, while international rules have a penalty of two free throws plus possession.
  • Fenerbahce is currently leading the race for former NBA guard Naz Mitrou-Long, according to Italian newspaper La Prealpina (hat tip to Sportando). Mitrou-Long is also being pursued by Olimpia Milano after a strong season with Germani Brescia. He appeared in 20 NBA games, most recently with Indiana in 2019/20.
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Jazz Notes: Far From Contending, Mini-Camp, Prospect Workouts

June 2nd, 2022 at 1:57pm CST by Rory Maher

All four of the 2021/22 Conference Finalists — the Warriors, Mavericks, Celtics and Heat — proved how far the Jazz are from contending for a championship, Sarah Todd of The Deseret News opines.

Todd notes that head coach Quin Snyder, whose status remains uncertain for next season, said Utah was very close to competing at the highest level at his end-of-season press conference.

“This year, I thought that our record didn’t necessarily reflect what we could do in the playoffs. I felt like we were this close to having a spark and kicking it in and finding that unity, that extra secret sauce, and taking off. And obviously that didn’t happen,” Snyder said, per Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune.

Todd disagrees. Even assuming the Jazz had advanced past Dallas in the first round (they lost in six games), Todd is doubtful the Jazz would have been able to take the Suns to seven games in the second round, as Dallas was able to do.

She also doesn’t think the Jazz would have fared any better than the Mavs did against the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, if they’d gotten past Phoenix.

Ultimately, the Todd believes the flawed roster was too much to overcome, and Utah’s front office will have a tough job improving it this summer.

Here’s more from Utah:

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Jazz Notes: FA Mini-Camp, Williamson, Hypothetical Trades

June 1st, 2022 at 3:58pm CST by Luke Adams
  • The Jazz held a free agent mini-camp on Tuesday, according to our JD Shaw, who notes (via Twitter) that G League standouts Justin Tillman and Craig Randall II were among the attendees.
  • Loyola guard Lucas Williamson has a pre-draft workout on tap with the Jazz on Thursday, tweets Tony Jones of The Athletic. Williamson has already worked out for several teams, including the Bucks, Celtics, and Grizzlies, Jones adds.
  • Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune proposes 29 hypothetical offseason trades involving the Jazz — one with each of the NBA’s teams.
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Quin Snyder’s Future With Jazz Remains Uncertain

June 1st, 2022 at 8:28am CST by Luke Adams

It has been over a month since Utah’s season came to an end as a result of a first-round loss to Dallas, but there’s still no resolution on Jazz head coach Quin Snyder, whose future remains unclear, according to Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

Sources tell ESPN’s duo that Snyder has engaged in several weeks of “good faith” conversations with Jazz ownership and management as the team attempts to secure his return for the 2022/23 season and beyond.

Snyder is under contract for next season and holds a coach’s option on the 2023/24 campaign. However, as Marc Stein first detailed in a pair of stories in March, there’s a sense that he’s unsure about committing long-term to the Jazz after spending the last eight seasons with the franchise. There have been rumors that Snyder could walk away from his position this offseason.

Stein previously reported that Snyder turned down an extension offer from Utah prior to the 2021/22 season, and Wojnarowski and MacMahon say the Jazz maintain interest in extending the coach’s contract. However, the team would also be happy if Snyder simply decides to return for next season on his current deal, sources tell ESPN.

Snyder didn’t express interest in pursuing any one of the three NBA head coaching jobs that opened up this spring, according to Wojnarowski and MacMahon, who write that discussions between him and the Jazz have centered on “philosophical issues” and how the club can take the next step toward legitimate title contention.

Neither side has set a deadline to reach a resolution, so the talks are expected to continue, per ESPN’s report.

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