2017 February | Hoops Rumors

Timberwolves Interested In Iman Shumpert

By Arthur Hill | at February 19, 2017 9:19 am

The Timberwolves have “strong interest” in dealing for Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert, tweets Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.

Minnesota has been in the market for veteran wing help all season and tried to acquire Shumpert in October, according to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News in Minneapolis (Twitter link). The Wolves have point guard depth with Ricky Rubio, Tyus Jones and Kris Dunn all on the roster and could help Cleveland with its search for a backup ballhandler.

Shumpert is under contract for two more years and will make $10.3MM next season and $11MM in 2018/19. The 26-year-old has played 51 games for Cleveland this season, starting 15, and is averaging 7.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per night. He has spent two years with the Cavs after being acquired in a 2015 deal with the Knicks.

22 comments Cleveland Cavaliers Minnesota Timberwolves Newsstand Iman Shumpert

Anthony Still Pondering No-Trade Clause

By Arthur Hill | at February 19, 2017 8:59 am

Carmelo Anthony is easily the most unhappy All-Star in New Orleans this weekend, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post.

Anthony was planning a Caribbean vacation when he got the news that he would be replacing the injured Kevin Love in tonight’s game. He told reporters that he can’t get a refund on the trip and would have declined the invitation if the NBA permitted it.

Anthony had been planning to spend his time “evaluating” his long-running feud with Knicks president Phil Jackson and considering whether to waive his no-trade clause if the team can find a suitable deal. Trading Anthony won’t be easy because his salary is nearly $25MM, plus a trade kicker that brings the total up to about $28MM.

New York has reportedly had talks with the Clippers, Cavaliers and Celtics, but Anthony says Knicks management hasn’t spoken to him about the situation. He was non-committal Saturday when asked about his future.

“It would be up in the air,” Anthony said. “Something I have a problem thinking about it. To say I don’t think about it, I’d be wrong, I’d be lying to you. I think about it. Think about it a lot. I think about what’s best for me, what’s best for the organization and what’s out there. I think about that stuff.’’

Asked whether he wants to remain with the Knicks for their first post-deadline game on Thursday, Anthony added, “I hope so. We’ll see what happens. I plan on being here.’’

Anthony, who has spent six years in New York, also stated that he plans to discuss any deals with his family before making a decision on the no-trade clause. He said his fellow All-Stars have been asking him about the situation since he arrived in New Orleans.

12 comments New York Knicks Newsstand Carmelo Anthony

Silver Wants NBA’s Age Limit Reconsidered

By Arthur Hill | at February 18, 2017 10:58 pm

Commissioner Adam Silver said tonight that the NBA should consider changing its minimum age limit. In his annual state-of-the-league address as part of All-Star weekend, Silver said the issue “needs to be studied more,” relays Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com.

He told reporters that players association Executive Director Michele Roberts agrees that the current minimum of 19 years old may need to be altered. No changes were made to the age requirement in the latest collective bargaining agreement that was agreed upon in December. That document takes effect July 1st, and neither side can opt out before the end of the 2022/23 season.

Silver said the issue may need to be addressed “outside of the bright lights of collective bargaining.”

“I think both of us, while our traditional positions have been the league would like to raise the minimum age from 19 to 20, and at least Michele’s stated position is that she’d like to lower it from 19 to 18, I think there’s an acknowledgement that the issue is far more complex than that,” Silver said. “And it requires sort of all the constituent groups to be at the table.

“And I will say — and maybe it’s a little bit of a different position from my standpoint — I think rather than standing here and saying league’s goal is to get from 19 to 20, I think I have a better understanding of the issue now as well as I talk to some of the young players who are coming into our league who have only completed a portion of their freshman year in college and have a better understanding of what the conditions are for them both academically and in terms of their basketball requirements.”

There were some other highlights from Silver’s speech:

Charlotte will be considered as a future All-Star Game host. This year’s game was moved to New Orleans because the league wanted to register its opposition to North Carolina’s House Bill 2, which limits anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Silver said Charlotte may be given the 2019 game if the law is changed.
The league will continue to monitor inclusivity when awarding events such as the All-Star Game. Texas is considering a similar proposal that would prevent transgender people from using the bathroom of their choice. “Our values, our league-wide values in terms of equality and inclusion are paramount to this league and all the members of the NBA family, and I think those jurisdictions that are considering legislation similar to HB2 are on notice that that is an important factor for us,” Silver said. “Those values are an important factor for us in deciding where we take a special event like an All-Star Game.”
The commissioner was disappointed that he wasn’t able to resolve the feud between Charles Oakley and James Dolan. Silver said the Knicks owner invited Oakley back to Madison Square Garden, but the former player hasn’t accepted. “The fan in me and someone who’s known Charles for a long time — I hope at some point he does return to Madison Square Garden,” Silver said. “But ultimately, that’s his decision.”

15 comments Newsstand Adam Silver

Woj: Butler Trade To The Celtics Still Possible

By Arthur Hill | at February 18, 2017 10:19 pm

A potential trade sending Jimmy Butler from the Bulls to the Celtics will loom over deadline week, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical (Twitter link).

In a video interview, Wojnarowski says the teams have discussed a deal involving Butler, but talks haven’t progressed very far. He adds that Chicago officials have to to fully commit to the rebuilding process before they would be willing to give up Butler.

Wojnarowski says the trade would involve one of the Nets’ first-rounders — but probably not both — that Boston owns in the next two drafts. If the Bulls get this year’s pick, Wojnarowski states they can find a replacement for Derrick Rose, who was traded to the Knicks last summer. Washington’s Markelle Fultz and UCLA’s Lonzo Ball are point guards mentioned as likely choices at the top of the draft.

Teaming Butler with Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford would give the Celtics enough firepower to challenge Cleveland for supremacy in the East, Wojnarowski states, not just this season but for years to come.

Other highlights from the interview:

The Clippers and Thunder are both potential landing spots for Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler. However, both teams are low on draft picks and may not have the assets that Denver would want in return.
The Thunder were trying to acquire Kings forward Rudy Gay before a season-ending Achilles injury.
The Wizards would like to add another wing player to their bench, with the Lakers‘ Lou Williams and the Nets‘ Bojan Bogdanovic as possibilities. Wojnarowski says Washington is willing to part with a draft pick to get veteran help.
The Suns have been shopping P.J. Tucker, Tyson Chandler and Brandon Knight, hoping to get picks or young players in return.
Chandler is one of several centers on the market, along with the Sixers‘ Jahlil Okafor, the Mavericks‘ Andrew Bogut, the Bucks‘ Greg Monroe and the Nets‘ Brook Lopez. However, there is limited interest in back-to-the basket centers. Wojnarowski speculates that one or two of them may be traded this week, but cautions that there aren’t enough buyers for all of them to be moved.
Unless something changes, Carmelo Anthony will remain with the Knicks. New York management hasn’t presented him with any deals that would tempt him to waive his no-trade clause. Most of the teams that were interested in dealing for Anthony are now “looking in other directions,” but Wojnarowski thinks the Clippers might revisit their attempt to land Anthony this summer.

54 comments Boston Celtics Brooklyn Nets Chicago Bulls Dallas Mavericks Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles Lakers Milwaukee Bucks New York Knicks Newsstand Oklahoma City Thunder Philadelphia 76ers Phoenix Suns Sacramento Kings Uncategorized Washington Wizards Andrew Bogut Bojan Bogdanovic Brandon Knight Brook Lopez Carmelo Anthony Greg Monroe Jahlil Okafor Jimmy Butler Lou Williams P.J. Tucker Rudy Gay Tyson Chandler Wilson Chandler

Georges-Hunt’s 10-Day Deal With Heat Expires

By Arthur Hill | at February 18, 2017 9:01 pm

The 10-day contract that Marcus Georges-Hunt signed with the Heat expires today and the team currently doesn’t have a roster spot to keep him, writes Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel.

The 6-5 shooting guard signed with Miami on February 8th after the Heat were granted a hardship exception. The league approved the exception because Miami had four players — Chris Bosh, Justise Winslow, Josh McRoberts and Josh Richardson — sidelined by long-term injuries. However, Richardson is expected to return after the All-Star break, so the team no longer qualifies for an extra roster spot.

The exception could be granted again if another player suffers an injury that will keep him out at least two weeks. The Heat could also open a roster spot via trade before Thursday’s deadline or by waiving Bosh, who hasn’t played all season because of ongoing problems with blood clots. Bosh has been out of action for more than a year, so Miami can seek a medical retirement at any time, but the Heat are expected to wait until after March 1st so Bosh won’t be eligible for the playoffs with another organization.

Georges-Hunt didn’t see any court time during his 10 days with Miami. He was sent to the Heat’s affiliate in Sioux Falls on Thursday so he would be eligible for today’s D-League All-Star Game, where he had eight points and four assists.

Hunt went undrafted in 2016 after four years at Georgia Tech. He signed with the Celtics in August, but was waived before the start of the season.

0 comments Miami Heat Newsstand Marcus Georges-Hunt

Trade Deadline Outlook: Pacific Division

By Luke Adams | at February 18, 2017 7:59 pm

In the days leading up to the February 23 trade deadline, Hoops Rumors will be taking a closer look at each of the NBA’s 30 teams, by division. We’ll be identifying each team as a buyer, seller, or something in between, and discussing which teams and players are most likely to be involved in deals this month. We’ve already covered the Atlantic, Northwest, and Southeast. Today, we’re examining the Pacific.

Buyers:

As the odds-on favorite to win the 2017 NBA championship, the Warriors (47-9) are undoubtedly buyers rather than sellers, but the team may not be overly active within the next few days. Adding another reliable guard or rim protector would provide the roster with a little additional depth as the playoffs approach, but Golden State doesn’t have any glaring holes that need to be filled, and the team isn’t brimming with expendable trade assets. With huge max deals for Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant looming, the Warriors may need to rely on young, inexpensive players like Patrick McCaw, Kevon Looney, and Damian Jones to assume regular rotation roles in future seasons, so it makes sense to hang onto them rather than to dangle them in search of a minor upgrade.

The Clippers (35-21) will likely look a little harder for an upgrade than the Warriors, but like Golden State, their trade assets are limited. A 2021 pick is the earliest first-rounder Los Angeles could move, and as the Carmelo Anthony rumors proved, adding an impact player would probably require giving up one or more rotation players out of a group that includes Austin Rivers, Jamal Crawford, and J.J. Redick. If the Clippers were willing to make Blake Griffin available and really reshape their roster, things could get interesting, but there’s no indication that’s on the table at all. If L.A. makes a move, it’s far more likely be a small one.

Sellers:

The Lakers (19-39) have a huge incentive to sell their productive veterans to ensure a bottom-three finish this season, since they’ll give up their 2017 first-rounder to the Sixers if it doesn’t fall in the top three. The outcome for that pick will have further ramifications as well — if the Lakers lose their 2017 first-rounder, they’ll owe their 2019 first-rounder to Orlando. If they keep their 2017 pick, they’ll send a pair of second-round picks to the Magic instead.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, their list of “productive veterans” isn’t long. Lou Williams, the team’s leading scorer, is the most obvious trade candidate on the roster, and Nick Young could draw interest. But newly-signed vets like Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov don’t have much value. The Lakers will also have to figure out how newly-hired advisor Magic Johnson fits into the front office as he continues to talk about wanting to “call the shots” on the club’s roster moves.

Somewhere in between:

Despite being nine games below .500, the Kings (24-33) currently hold the No. 9 spot in the Western Conference, leading the way among the clubs threatening to knock Denver out of the No. 8 seed. Team ownership would love to get into the postseason, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Sacramento try to fortify its roster with a veteran piece or two at the deadline. On the other hand, with Rudy Gay out for the season and DeMarcus Cousins already a good bet to sign an extension with the team (given the money he’d lose by heading elsewhere), it’s possible the Kings won’t be quite as motivated to land short-term pieces as they otherwise might have been.

As for the Suns (18-39), they’re currently dead last in the West, and even though the group of teams competing for the No. 8 seed is weak, that shouldn’t inspire Phoenix to buy. Nonetheless, the team reportedly remains on the lookout for a deal in which it could package a handful of assets for a star player, having contacted the Kings about Cousins earlier in the year. Cousins is unavailable, but if there any other stars land on the trade block, Phoenix is a club to watch — the Suns are eager to make a splash.

Team most likely to make a move:

My vote here is for the Kings. Trailing the Nuggets for a playoff spot by just a game and a half, Sacramento has reason to believe that an extra piece could make the difference. The team currently doesn’t have enough minutes to go around for all of its young players, and likely wouldn’t be opposed to parting with at least one of them in a deal. And if the Kings don’t mind shaking up their rotation a little, veterans like Darren Collison, Arron Afflalo, and Kosta Koufos would make decent trade chips.

Player(s) most likely to be moved:

There’s little reason for the Suns not to take the best offer they can get for P.J. Tucker, who will be a free agent this summer and could help a contender in need of a wing defender. The Lakers and Lou Williams fall into this category as well, though Williams remains under contract for one more year at an affordable salary ($7MM). If the Lakers don’t move him now, they could still do so in the summer, or at next year’s deadline. I’ll give the edge to Tucker as the one more likely to be moved, given Williams’ contract situation and the changes afoot in L.A.’s front office.

Under-the-radar trade candidate(s):

A report in November suggested that the Kings were open to moving Willie Cauley-Stein, but team sources downplayed that idea and his name hasn’t really surfaced in trade rumors since then. Still, even though he has received more consistent minutes lately, Cauley-Stein hasn’t been a regular part of Dave Joerger‘s rotation for much of the year, playing just 13.0 MPG overall (compared to 21.4 MPG in his rookie season). The sixth overall pick still has plenty of promise and should have a fair amount of trade value, so perhaps the Kings will consider moving him in a deal for someone whom Joerger’s coaching staff would view as more reliable.

What do you think is in store for the Pacific teams over the next five days? Which teams are most likely to make a deal? Which players will be on the move?

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

23 comments Golden State Warriors Hoops Rumors Originals Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles Lakers Phoenix Suns Sacramento Kings

Celtics May Pursue Danilo Gallinari

By Arthur Hill | at February 18, 2017 7:03 pm

The Celtics may try to pick up Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari before Thursday’s trade deadline, writes Steve Bulpett of The Boston Herald.

Boston GM Danny Ainge has long been a fan of Gallinari, according to Bulpett, and has tried to deal for him before. There haven’t been any trade rumors linking the Celtics and Gallinari this year, but the author notes that was also true with Isaiah Thomas before Ainge dealt for him two years ago.

Gallinari has been slowed by a groin injury and hasn’t played since February 1st. He has a player option worth $16.1MM next season.

Boston is hoping to add another scorer through trade, and Ainge has been active in talks during All-Star Weekend, both as a main participant and a facilitator, according to Bulpett. So far, Ainge hasn’t found a deal worth giving up his most valuable assets, which include the Nets’ first-rounders this season and in 2018.

“Danny’s let it be known that he’s willing to talk about the Nets’ picks,” said an unidentified executive. “But you want one of those guys, you have to be willing to give up a star.”

Ainge would also prefer to stay away from players whose contracts expire this year or next year. The Celtics had some interest in Serge Ibaka before Orlando traded him to Toronto, but they weren’t willing to part with much because they weren’t sure they could re-sign him in free agency.

Bulpett adds that the Celtics are very protective of their cap space and are reluctant to make a move that would hurt them on the free agent market. He speculates that it would take someone like Jimmy Butler or Paul George to tempt Boston to add significant salary in a pre-deadline trade.

The Celtics are also significantly less interested in trading for Jahlil Okafor than they were a year ago, Bulpett notes. They had talked to the Sixers about an Okafor deal at last year’s deadline, but after signing Al Horford the Celtics only want front-line players who they believe are compatible with him. Boston might have more interest in Philadelphia’s Nerlens Noel, but the team won’t offer as much as it would have in 2016.

The author believes the Celtics would love to pick up Andrew Bogut from Dallas if the Mavericks decide to be sellers, but again wouldn’t pay a high price in a deal.

22 comments Boston Celtics Chicago Bulls Dallas Mavericks Denver Nuggets Indiana Pacers Newsstand Orlando Magic Toronto Raptors Andrew Bogut Danilo Gallinari Danny Ainge Jahlil Okafor Jimmy Butler Nerlens Noel Paul George Serge Ibaka

Community Shootaround: All-Star Weekend Winners

By Arthur Hill | at February 18, 2017 6:00 pm

After last year’s duel with Zach LaVine in the finals of the slam dunk contest, Aaron Gordon comes into this year’s event as a heavy favorite. The high-flying Magic forward impressed judges with some jaw-dropping dunks a year ago, and LaVine, the two-time defending champion, is out of action with a torn ACL that will sideline him for the rest of the season.

Gordon’s competition will come from Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, Pacers swingman Glenn Robinson III and little-used Suns forward Derrick Jones Jr., who has spent most of the season in the D-League.

In the 3-point contest, Golden State’s Klay Thompson is back to defend his title, but fellow “Splash Brother” Stephen Curry is sitting this one out. Thompson will be challenged by Kyrie Irving, C.J. McCollum, Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, Nick Young, Wesley Matthews and Kemba Walker.

There’s a wide-open field in the skills challenge, with MVP candidate Isaiah Thomas among the competitors. He will be challenged by John Wall, Devin Booker, Gordon Hayward, Anthony Davis, Kristaps Porzingis, DeMarcus Cousins and Nikola Jokic.

But before the action gets under way, we want to hear from you. Give us your picks to win the dunk contest, the 3-point contest and the skills challenge, along with the best bet to be named MVP of tomorrow’s game.

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. We look forward to what you have to say.

6 comments Community Shootaround Hoops Rumors Originals

Jahlil Okafor Was Nearly Traded To Portland

By Arthur Hill | at February 18, 2017 5:00 pm

The Sixers were close to a deal with the Trail Blazers when Jahlil Okafor was held out of the lineup, tweets David Aldridge of TNT.

Okafor sat out last Saturday and didn’t accompany the team on a flight to Charlotte for Monday’s game. A trade appeared imminent at the time, but nothing happened and he rejoined the Sixers on Wednesday.

Aldridge says the deal that nearly took place involved Portland, although he doesn’t speculate on what Philadelphia would have received in return. The Blazers and Nuggets finalized a trade Monday that sent Jusuf Nurkic and a 2017 first-round draft pick to Portland in exchange for Mason Plumlee, a 2018 second-rounder and cash. Presumably, that deal ended the Blazers’ interest in Okafor.

7 comments Denver Nuggets Newsstand Philadelphia 76ers Portland Trail Blazers Jahlil Okafor

Week In Review: 2/11/17 – 2/18/17

By Austin Kent | at February 18, 2017 3:41 pm

There has been no shortage of trade discussion in the week prior to the league’s February 23 deadline, basketball fans even saw two significant deals already go through. Here’s a look back at the week that was.

News

Former NBA player Fab Melo passed away of a heart attack at age 26. The big man played for the Celtics during the 2012/13 season.
The Knicks and Lakers are the NBA’s most valuable franchises in Forbes’ latest update of their annual valuation list.
The Heat have hired retired forward Shane Battier as Director of Basketball Development and Analytics.
Warriors guard Klay Thompson has changed agencies.
The NBA Developmental League will be renamed the NBA Gatorade League in 2017/18.
Retired forward Charles Oakley is the latest to be named a BIG3 League player coach.

Injuries

Cavaliers forward Kevin Love will miss six weeks as he undergoes arthroscopic knee surgery.

Rumors

The Pacers are willing to trade their 2017 first-round pick in an effort to support Paul George with more help.
The Sixers have been in talks with several teams regarding Jahlil Okafor. Okafor recently returned to the team after being held out of two games during the discussions.
The Knicks could possibly have several options interested in Derrick Rose as a trade candidate.
The Pistons and Magic supposedly discussed a Reggie Jackson–Jeff Green swap.
The Trail Blazers are looking to trade Festus Ezeli and shed his contract.
The Pelicans and Nets reportedly discussed a deal centered around Brook Lopez.
The Bulls are said to be seeking a 2017 first-round pick in exchange for center Robin Lopez or forward Doug McDermott.
The Lakers are allegedly shopping sixth man Lou Williams.
The Hawks are looking to add to their roster, as opposed to previous notions that they may be embracing a rebuild.

Updates

The Magic will re-evaluate general manager Rob Hennigan this summer and not during the 2016/17 season.
The Lakers are the latest team linked to Larry Sanders.
Recently signed Lakers executive Magic Johnson clarifies that he’d like to eventually be the final decision maker.
For a second time this season, Lance Stephenson may be released by a team because of an injury.
The Timberwolves are intent on making the playoffs this season.
The Lakers have been more involved in trade talks than they have been in previous seasons.
Despite the whirlwind of trade rumors that surrounded Paul Millsap earlier this year, Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer insists the forward is not going anywhere.
Suns general manager Ryan McDonagh says Eric Bledsoe is unlikely to be traded.
Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue denies that he played Kevin Love despite knowing about his knee injury.
Sixers rookie Ben Simmons is progressing from a broken foot at a slow, cautious pace.

Transactions

The Magic have traded Serge Ibaka to the Raptors in a deal for Terrence Ross and a 2017 first-round pick.
The Nuggets traded Jusuf Nurkic and a 2017 first-round pick (from Memphis) to the Trail Blazers for Mason Plumlee, a 2018 second-round pick and cash.
The Hornets traded a 2017 second-round pick to the Cavaliers in exchange for injured center Chris Andersen, Charlotte then immediately waived the veteran big man.
The Warriors signed Briante Weber to a second 10-day contract.
The Spurs have signed center Joel Anthony for the remainder of the season.

1 comment Week in Review

Headlines

Month: February 2017