Weekly Mailbag: 1/30/16 – 2/5/16
We have an opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com. Here are this week’s inquiries:
I keep reading about a Carmelo Anthony to Cavs trade. If the Cavs won’t give up Kevin Love, I don’t see what they have that would interest the Knicks because they can’t trade a #1 for a long time. Am I missing something? — Michael Hecht
Cleveland won’t trade LeBron James or Kyrie Irving, so if they want to deal for Anthony, Love is the only player who gives the Knicks a worthwhile return — unless a third team gets involved. Cleveland could try to match salaries by offering Iman Shumpert, Channing Frye and a couple of others, but Shumpert and Frye have already been Knicks and they don’t offer enough value for Anthony. It’s the same problem with a rumored Clippers deal involving Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford. Unless Phil Jackson can get a player to build the future around, he’s better off waiting to deal Anthony.
What will Danny Ainge do with another point guard if [when] the Celtics get the first pick in the draft? — William D. Baskind
Boston has the option to swap picks with Brooklyn, and the Nets are pulling away with the top spot in our reverse standings. The Celtics would still have win the lottery to get the top pick, but this year’s draft is heavy in point guards, with Washington’s Markelle Fultz and UCLA’s Lonzo Ball projected as the top two selections. It’s a dilemma for Boston, as Isaiah Thomas is playing at an MVP level. The Celtics may seek to trade the pick or they could take Fultz and try to convert him into a shooting guard.
We can all agree that the Thunder need another playmaker now that Enes Kanter is out. Can you name three players that are possible targets at the trade deadline? — Casey Becker
Oklahoma City was reportedly “intrigued” about chasing Anthony, but that seems like a remote possibility. Kanter will be missed after breaking his forearm, but with a four- to eight-week recovery time he should be ready for the playoffs. The need that the Thunder might try to address before the deadline is 3-point shooting, where they are one of the league’s worst teams. Someone like Nick Young could be possible if the Lakers decide to cut salary and commit further to their young core. If they’re looking strictly at playmakers, three names to watch are Sacramento’s Darren Collison, Dallas’ Deron Williams and Orlando’s Elfrid Payton.
Cavaliers Notes: Varejao, Love, Anthony, Shumpert
Anderson Varejao was waived Friday by the Warriors, but he won’t be coming back to Cleveland, at least not for a while, writes Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. The long-time Cavalier was traded to Portland on February 18th of last season, and league rules prevent him from rejoining the Cavs for a full year. Also, Vardon expects someone to claim him 0ff waivers. The Timberwolves, Jazz, Nuggets, 76ers and Nets are all below the salary floor and could benefit from adding the rest of Varejao’s $1.55MM contract. In addition, the Cavaliers prefer to keep their open roster spot through the February 23rd trade deadline to provide flexibility. The 34-year-old Varejao spent his first 12 NBA seasons with Cleveland.
There’s more news this morning about the defending champs:
- If Kevin Love was trying to impress Knicks president Phil Jackson Saturday night, his 23-point, 16-rebound performance should have done it, notes Anthony Rieber of Newsday. Jackson reportedly asked for Love in a possible deal for Carmelo Anthony. The Cleveland forward said after the game that he is trying to ignore trade talk. “I don’t think about it,” he told reporters. “I don’t really pay attention. I do look at my phone, but it’s not like that’s really crossing my mind or is on top of my mind at all.”
- If the Cavs are pondering a Love-for-Anthony deal, their only consideration should be who gives them the best shot at defending their title, writes Jason Lloyd of The Akron Beacon Journal. Both can score, but Anthony is a better playmaker and Love is a better rebounder. He adds that the teams discussed a similar deal last season.
- The Superior Court in Fayette County, Ga., will hear motions next week to throw out elements of Iman Shumpert‘s DUI case from August, according to a separate piece from Vardon. His attorney wants the court to disregard Shumpert’s refusal to take a blood test and the result of his field test, saying they are designed to check for alcohol consumption, not marijuana, which Shumpert admitted to using before being pulled over. He could face a possible suspension, depending on the outcome of the case.
Atlantic Notes: Pierce, Celtics, Powell, Nets
Long-time Celtics star Paul Pierce expects an emotional scene Sunday when he plays his final regular season game in Boston, writes Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times. Pierce is finishing his 19-year NBA career as a little-used reserve with the Clippers. He has appeared in just 12 games this season, averaging about 12 minutes per night. But L.A. coach Doc Rivers plans to play him tomorrow to give Boston fans one last chance to salute one of their favorites. “I played under the lights of retired numbers, a lot of legends, man,” Pierce said. “So that right there is pressure in itself when you’re out there trying to hold the franchise down and you see the numbers and then you look up and Bill Russell, [Bob] Cousy, [John] Havlicek and all them are in the stands and you’re trying to live up to the expectations that they put [for] the franchise.”
There’s more tonight from the Atlantic Division:
- Pierce would consider working for the Celtics after his playing career ends, relays Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. “That’s a possibility,” Pierce said. “Me and [general manager and president of basketball operations] Danny [Ainge] stay in contact, so that’s a possibility.”
- Toronto should consider giving a larger role to shooting guard Norman Powell, argues Doug Smith of The Toronto Star. The slumping Raptors have lost eight of their last 10 games and are dealing with injuries to DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Patterson. Smith contends that giving Powell some time at small forward would improve the team’s defense and maximize his ability to drive to the basket.
- A long season of losing is starting to break the Nets‘ spirits, according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Brooklyn sank to an NBA worst 9-41 with Friday’s home loss to the Pacers. “I think it’s just human nature,” said coach Kenny Atkinson. “I think we’re searching, and when you’re searching and it’s not flowing, I think that’s where the hesitation is right now. And I’ve definitely seen that seeped in. So what we’re trying to do is show them our corrections and stuff we can get better at.”
Sixers Notes: Noel, Okafor, Henderson, Brown
Philadelphia’s desire to deal Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor is complicated by their declining trade value, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Noel is in the final year of his rookie deal and will be a restricted free agent after the season is over. Any team that acquires him faces the risk that he will receive a large offer that it would have to match to keep him. Okafor’s value is driven down by a hurting right knee, defensive problems and the feeling that his old-school game is only effective in certain systems. The Bulls have reportedly contacted the Sixers about Okafor, but Pompey suspects the best Philadelphia could hope for is a young player and a mid- to late-first-round pick.
There’s more out of Philadelphia:
- Okafor has heard about the Bulls’ interest, and says trade talk is nothing new for him, Pompey relays in a separate story. “Trade rumors are something that’s going to be a part of my life probably for as long as I’m in the NBA,” Okafor said. “I’ve been hearing it since I’ve been in the NBA about being traded.”
- Many of the players who are helping the Sixers improve now understand that they won’t be around when the team expects to become a contender, notes Steve Aschburner of NBA.com. One example he cites is Gerald Henderson, a 29-year-old guard who has has been an important contributor, averaging 9.7 points per night and starting 29 games. “That’s what the NBA is,” Henderson said. “… You come in and do your job. Focus on that, and you go home. The future of this franchise will be what it’s going to be. They’ll make a decision to get whoever they want to be in this locker room. But for the group that we have, we play for each other. We try to do our jobs and win every night, and that’s it.”
- Brett Brown’s former boss, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich, has noticed the challenges Brown has faced in managing a team through “The Process” that involved three straight years of losing and rebuilding, writes Brian Seltzer of Sixers.com. “There’s nobody that could do the job that he’s doing, considering the situation as it has been,” Popovich said. “His demeanor and ability to stay positive and just teach, and get satisfaction out of watching young players absorb things is beyond my comprehension. He’s a consummate teacher, and upbeat individual.”
Knicks Notes: Noah, Rose, Anthony, Lee
Knicks management views Joakim Noah as a backup center for next season, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post. Noah has been a disappointment since joining the organization on a four-year, $72MM deal last summer. The Knicks realize it would be nearly impossible to trade that contract, but they plan to reduce his role in the future. And Berman notes that the recent play of rookie Willy Hernangomez may push Noah to the bench before the end of the season. “Obviously we got to get Billy more minutes, whether coming off the bench first, maybe starting him,” said coach Jeff Hornacek. “We’re still looking at all that stuff. Kyle [O’Quinn] gives us great minutes at times. You have to go with the flow and feel.”
There’s more tonight out of New York:
- Derrick Rose realizes he could be a candidate to be traded before the February 23rd deadline, posts Ian Begley on ESPN Now. Rose, who was acquired from the Bulls in an offseason deal, is in the final year of his contract and might be moved if the front office elects to rebuild. “It’s something me and my agent haven’t talked about,” Rose said. “I haven’t talked to [GM] Steve [Mills] or the front office about it. It’s something that hasn’t been out there. It’s a thought, like it’s a one-year deal. It’s a business. Just got to wait and see.”
- LeBron James did little to quiet speculation about a Kevin Love for Carmelo Anthony rumor when he was asked about it, Berman writes in another story. James refused to tell reporters if he has spoken to Anthony about a possible deal, adding that he wants Anthony to find the best situation, no matter where it is. “If he’s there in New York or not, I just want the best for him,” James said. “I want him to be happy. That’s all that matters. The game comes very easy to you when you’re happy about where you’re at. So if he’s happy in New York, maybe he wants to be elsewhere, I’m not sure. He’s done a lot for that franchise, did a lot for the Denver franchise and see what happens.”
- Courtney Lee, who joined the Knicks on a $50MM contract over the summer is opposed to rebuilding, Berman relays in the same piece. “I signed here to be in a winning situation,’’ Lee said. “The reason why we signed here was to try to make the playoffs and we still have a great chance of doing that. It doesn’t matter what the record is, as long as we get there, it’s a new slate.”
Southeast Notes: Sessions, Hibbert, Mahinmi, Hardaway
Hornets guard Ramon Sessions hopes he can avoid surgery on the knee injury he suffered this week, writes Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer. Sessions was diagnosed with a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee after landing awkwardly while jumping Wednesday. He has been ruled out for tonight’s game in Utah and will be re-evaluated after the team returns home Sunday. “It’s not automatic surgery,” Sessions said. “From what the doctor in Utah saw, it wasn’t the worst tear. It was a little tear. Surgery or not, we don’t know. But it already feels better than it did the first night.” Sessions has been in the NBA for 10 years without surgery. The Hornets have a $6.27MM option on his contract for next season.
There’s more news from the Southeast Division:
- Charlotte traded for Miles Plumlee because GM Rich Cho believed the team needed more “physicality” and “athleticism,” he said in a conference call with reporters. The Hornets sent Spencer Hawes to the Bucks in the deal, along with Roy Hibbert, who just signed with the team in July. Cho blamed injuries for the difficulties Hibbert had in Charlotte. “I think that we had pretty high expectations when we signed Roy and, as you know, he had a really good first game,” the GM said, “but then he had some injuries and it’s kind of tough to get in a rhythm, into a groove when you’re up and down with the injuries. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for Roy here, but one thing that you have to do when you’re a team, when you feel like something’s not working, [you have to] try and move on quickly.”
- Wizards center Ian Mahinmi feels “really close” to being ready for game action, relays J. Michael of CSNMidAtlantic. Washington signed Mahinmi to a four-year, $64MM deal, but knee problems have limited him to just a brief appearance in one game. “The reaction to everything I’ve done is much better,” Mahinmi said. “I felt like seeing Dr. [James] Andrews was great. It was obviously the right move. I feel like I’m fixed.” The Wizards have only a brief time to evaluate Mahinmi before deciding if they need to pick up another center for the postseason. Their final game before the trade deadline is February 16th.
- Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. is increasing his value with the best stretch of his career, writes Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He will be a restricted free agent this summer.
Zach LaVine Tears ACL, Out For The Season
Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine will miss the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in his left knee, according to Jerry Zgoda of The Star Tribune.
The injury happened during Friday’s loss to the Pistons and will require surgery, which will be scheduled at a later date.
LaVine has become a full-starter for Minnesota in his third NBA season. He was averaging 18.9 points and 3.0 assists through 47 games.
In October, the Wolves exercised their fourth-year option on LaVine, who will make more than $3.2MM next season. He will be eligible for a rookie-scale extension this summer.
NBA D-League Assignments/Recalls: 2/4/17
Here are Saturday’s D-League assignments and recalls:
- The Celtics assigned power forward Jordan Mickey to their affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, according to the team’s Twitter feed. Mickey has appeared in 14 games with the Celtics but didn’t get any playing time in the last three games.
- The Hawks recalled rookie forward Taurean Prince from the Long Island Nets, according to a press release from the D-League team. Prince played for the Nets’ affiliate on Friday under the flexible assignment rule and tallied 16 points, four rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes at Greensboro. He’s played five games for the Nets’ D-League club and 29 games for the Hawks, averaging 3.4 PPG and 1.9 RPG in 10.1 MPG.
- The Kings recalled center Georgios Papagiannis from their affiliate in Reno, Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee tweets. The 7’2” center is averaging 12.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG and 2.3 BPG in 18 D-League games.
- The Spurs recalled guards Bryn Forbes and Dejounte Murray from their affiliate in Austin, according to a team press release. The duo was sent down to get some game action. Forbes had 20 points and seven rebounds against Rio Grande on Friday night, while Murray racked up 19 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.
- The Bulls recalled rookie guard Denzel Valentine from the Windy City Bulls, according to a team release. Valentine averaged 30.5 PPG, 12.0 RPG and 7.0 APG in two games with Windy City.
Week In Review: 1/29/17-2/4/17
Several teams tinkered with their rosters this week, adding players to 10-day contracts to temporarily fill positions of need. A trio of players on 10-day deals impressed enough to receive multi-year deals. A couple of Eastern Conference clubs striving to make the playoffs completed a deal with each other, and rumors involving big-name players continue to fly with the trade deadline coming up later this month. We take a look back on a busy Week In Review:
News
- The Hornets and Bucks made a splash, swapping big men in a three-player deal. Charlotte acquired center Miles Plumlee – who has three years left on his contract – and cash considerations for center Roy Hibbert and power forward Spencer Hawes.
- Bucks shooting guard Khris Middleton is expected to make his season debut next week after recovering from a torn hamstring.
- Point guard Jordan Farmar stood out among four veteran players during a workout held by the Cavs.
- Lakers legend Magic Johnson returned to the franchise in an advisory role.
- Center Larry Sanders schedules team visits as he seeks to return to the NBA.
- The league sought clarification regarding President Donald Trump’s immigration ban, which could impact several NBA players.
Injuries
- Charlotte guard Ramon Sessions suffers meniscus tear in left knee.
- Kings swingman Garrett Temple partially tears hamstring, out 2-3 weeks.
Rumors
- The Cavs are interested in acquiring center Andrew Bogut and point guard Jose Calderon.
- The Bulls contact Sixers about the availability of power forward Jahlil Okafor.
- Timberwolves offered swingman Shabazz Muhammad for Suns forward P.J. Tucker.
- Pistons explore trade market for reserve centers Aron Baynes and Boban Marjanovic.
- Knicks continue pursuit of Cavs forward Kevin Love.
- Suns had discussions with Kings about center DeMarcus Cousins.
- Magic explore the market for power forward Serge Ibaka.
Transactions
- The Mavs sign point guard Yogi Ferrell to a two-year contract.
- Warriors waive center Anderson Varajeo and sign guard Briante Weber to a 10-day contract.
- Hornets sign guard Ray McCallum to 10-day contract.
- Hornets sign center Mike Tobey to 10-day contract.
- Bucks waive guard Steve Novak.
- Spurs sign center Joel Anthony to second 10-day contract.
- Sixers sign guard Chasson Randle to three-year contract.
- Nets sign power forward/center Quincy Acy to two-year contract.
- Grizzlies sign guard Toney Douglas to 10-day contract and waive forward Troy Williams.
Hoops Rumors Originals: 1/29/17-2/4/17
In addition to our news coverage, the Hoops Rumors team has been active publishing original content as well. Here are some of the best posts from this week.
- Should the Bucks stand pat after trading away Miles Plumlee or should they continue to tinker with their roster? Milo Taibi posed that question to our readers.
- Luke Adams took a poll to find out which Eastern Conference team poses the biggest threat to the Cavaliers. Check out the results here.
- Luke also took a closer look at the Timberwolves’ options regarding injured center Nikola Pekovic.
- There are still six teams below the salary-cap floor this season, including a club comfortably in the playoff mix. Want to know which teams still need to add to their payroll? Find out all the details here.
- Want to know how to follow specific players? We provide a detailed explanation here.
- Blazers center Mason Plumlee is a stat-sheet stuffer and an underrated fantasy basketball asset. Rockets center Clint Capela and Sixers guard T.J. McConnell are also trending upward. Read more about it in Chris Crouse’s Fantasy Hoops breakdown and send him your questions on Twitter at @HoopsRumors or @CW_Crouse.
- Don’t forget to check out our 2016/17 Reverse Standings to see how next year’s draft order is shaping up. The daily updated list tracks each team’s position in the standings and the associated lottery odds.
- We love hearing what readers have to say about pertinent topics in the NBA world. Here is a list of our Community Shootaround Topics this week.
- Chris Crouse handed out his midseason awards, including his MVP selection of James Harden. You can check out his selections and weigh in with your choices here.
- Here are last week’s Hoops Rumors Originals so you don’t have to go searching for them.