Weekly Mailbag: 1/29/18 – 2/4/18
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.
Who would be a better fit for the Thunder, Jonathon Simmons or Avery Bradley? — Duhhkari Sanchez, via Twitter
Bradley is almost a perfect replacement for Andre Roberson, who is out for the season with a ruptured left patellar tendon. Bradley has been an elite wing defender for years and is a better 3-point shooter than Roberson. He has an $8.8MM contract that expires after this season, so he won’t require a long-term financial commitment. The obstacle in the way of any deal is the Thunder’s lack of resources. They can’t offer a first-round pick until at least 2022 and they don’t have enough young players with small contracts to interest the Clippers. They’ve been reluctant to part with Terrance Ferguson, but that will probably be the price to obtain Bradley. Simmons may not be an option, depending on whether Orlando’s front office wants to do a complete overhaul. He is averaging 13.7 points per game and has an affordable contract at $6MM for next season and a non-guaranteed $5.7MM for 2019/20.
Which player is the most realistic option for the Bucks: Malik Monk, Tyreke Evans or Avery Bradley? — Kyle Wagner, via Twitter
The Bucks are focused on winning right away, so Monk isn’t an option. The word out of Charlotte is that he needs significant improvement, especially on defense, before being ready to play regular minutes. Evans and Bradley would both be nice additions, but they will come at a high cost with so many teams being interested. The Grizzlies and Clippers will each be seeking first-round draft picks, and Milwaukee sent this year’s first-rounder (with protections) to Phoenix in the Eric Bledsoe deal. The priority in Milwaukee seems to be finding another center, so don’t expect Evans or Bradley to be heading north.
Phoenix GM Ryan McDonough said he is ready to advance the timeline and swing big with all assets for a young star to grow with Devin Booker and T.J. Warren. Is an Anthony Davis or a similar young star realistic? Please say yes. — Nathan Dylong, via Twitter
It looks like Suns fans are the latest to join the waiting party for Anthony Davis. However, Davis reportedly loves being in New Orleans and there’s almost no incentive for the Pelicans to trade him. He’s still just 24 years old and is signed through the 2019/20 season, with a $28.75MM player option for 2020/21. That salary may be a bargain for his level of production, especially in light of some of the super max deals signed over the past two seasons. Davis is the heart of the Pelicans and the best player in franchise history. Trading him would mark the beginning of another long rebuilding process for an organization that hasn’t enjoyed much success. A lot of stars change teams in the NBA every season, so there will be plenty of opportunities for the Suns to grab one, but don’t count on getting Davis out of New Orleans.
Celtics Notes: Smart, Rozier, Nader, Monroe
The emergence of Terry Rozier may affect the Celtics’ willingness to trade Marcus Smart, writes A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston. Rozier posted a triple-double earlier this week in his first NBA start, then followed that with a 31-point game.
Smart took over as Boston’s primary defensive stopper on the wing after Avery Bradley was traded to Detroit during the offseason. He has excelled in that role, posting the league’s second highest defensive rating of 98.9 among players averaging at least 30 minutes per game. But Smart will be a restricted free agent this summer, and the Celtics may be reluctant to match a sizable offer for someone who will be sharing time with Rozier.
There’s more today out of Boston:
- Smart expects to remain out until after the All-Star break with a hand laceration he received by punching a glass picture frame, relays Taylor Snow of NBA.com. Smart, who was angry about misfiring on a potential game-winning shot against the Lakers in a January 23 game, suffered a cut that required 20 stitches. “Being a competitor, missing the last shot, you kind of get upset with yourself,” Smart said. “You rethink about that night and what you could’ve done differently. You kind of replay everything in your head. As a competitor you want to make every shot, especially with the game on the line, and we fell short. So it was just a lot of frustration about my play as well.”
- The younger Celtics are taking advantage of increased playing time with Kyrie Irving sidelined by a right quadriceps injury, Blakely writes in a separate story. Rozier has been the obvious beneficiary, but rookie forward Abdel Nader has also been making some important plays. “I just think when you’re young and you get the opportunity to play, it’s great experience when you have the responsibility of the game on your shoulders instead of just, you know, when you increase your minutes played,” said Celtics coach Brad Stevens.
- Once free agent Greg Monroe formally signs, he will make the Celtics the clear favorite in the Eastern Conference, Blakely adds in another piece. The veteran center announced his plans to come to Boston after agreeing to a buyout with the Suns earlier this week. He cleared waivers Saturday and is expected to sign soon. Blakely notes that Monroe will give the Celtics the additional size and inside scoring that they have been needing.
Cavaliers Notes: James, Gilbert, Trade Market, Love
The root of the Cavaliers’ problems lies in an adversarial relationship between LeBron James and owner Dan Gilbert, writes Brian Windhorst of ESPN. James has grown frustrated while watching star players change teams over the last eight months, with none of them coming to Cleveland. Cavs management counters that it lost $18MM last season because it paid $25MM in luxury taxes and points out that its bargaining position would be much stronger if James would commit to the franchise beyond this season.
Gilbert went through a difficult rebuilding process when James left Cleveland for Miami in 2010 and doesn’t want to repeat that experience. The team could announce to the league that Brooklyn’s unprotected first-rounder is available if James agrees to re-sign, but he is committed to keeping his options open. Meanwhile, the relationship between James and Gilbert is getting worse, and it’s showing up in the Cavaliers’ performance on the court.
There’s more today out of Cleveland:
- None of the players currently available on the trade market could turn things around in Cleveland, contends Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. Clippers center DeAndre Jordan would provide a much-needed defensive presence in the middle, but Lloyd doesn’t see him as a franchise player. Kings guard George Hill, whom the Cavaliers have also been linked to, would barely move the needle in the playoff race. Cleveland missed opportunities at major deals when Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Carmelo Anthony and others wound up elsewhere, and Lloyd believes it’s probably too late to save this season. After Saturday’s loss, James refused to comment on possible roster moves. “That’s not a question for me,” he said. “I show up to work every day. I bust my tail every day. I’m one of the first ones to get to the gym and I’m one of the last ones to leave. I do my part. I control what I can control and that is what I can control.”
- The Cavs are suffering from a lack of locker-room leadership, Lloyd adds in the same story. In the past, that was provided by James Jones, Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye, but Jones retired, Jefferson was traded and Frye has lost influence as his playing time decreased.
- Kevin Love plans to remain as active as possible while he’s sidelined for eight weeks with a broken bone in his left hand, relays Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. “Obviously I can’t use my left arm as much as I would like to but I’ll still be able to do some ball handling on the court and be dominant with my right hand quite a bit, but keep my legs underneath me for when I do get back,” he said. “It will be very meaningful to get back as quickly as I can. … I’m not rushing it but when the doctors say I’m good to go I’ll be able to get out there.”
Atlantic Notes: Sixers, Embiid, Carroll, Raptors
The Sixers need to decide whether they’re willing to part with an asset to speed up the rebuilding process, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The physical and shot-related problems affecting first-round pick Markelle Fultz have left Philadelphia without a guard who can provide a scoring boost off the bench. There are two obvious targets in the Grizzlies’ Tyreke Evans and the Clippers’ Lou Williams, but neither will come cheap.
A league source tells Pompey the Sixers are interested in Evans, while reports have also linked them to Williams, who started his career in Philadelphia. The Celtics and other teams are targeting the same players, which may increase the asking price. The Hawks’ Marco Belinelli is a lower-cost option who could also provide bench scoring, and all three have expiring contracts, so they won’t affect future cap space.
Pompey says the Sixers shouldn’t be willing to give up a first-rounder for any of the three players because of their position in the standings. Stuck at .500 through the first 50 games of the season, Philadelphia is unlikely to be a title contender, and Evans, Williams or Belinelli won’t change that. He suggests holding onto first-rounders in case they’re needed for a larger trade in the future.
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Sixers center Joel Embiid is showing no ill effects after playing in back-to-back games for the first time in his career, according to an ESPN report. Embiid played 34 minutes Saturday after logging 31 minutes Friday, marking a significant milestone in a career defined by injuries. “I felt great,” Embiid said. “My legs weren’t tired. My body was fine. I could feel it just a little bit. But I was fine.” Embiid has already played 39 games, surpassing the total of 31 from last year in what was technically his rookie season.
- Nets forward DeMarre Carroll has been mentioned as a trade target, but he wants to stay in Brooklyn, relays Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Carroll’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, told him several teams have expressed interest in a deal, but nothing is definite. “He talked to [GM] Sean [Marks] and they value me a lot here,” Carroll said. “You really don’t know what’ll happen. He just told me stay focused and continue to keep on doing well. I’m old enough I understand rumors are rumors. Until somebody calls and I’m shipping up out of here, continue to keep playing great basketball for the Brooklyn Nets.”
- The Raptors should wait until after the trade deadline to upgrade their roster, writes Doug Smith of The Toronto Star. Toronto has been carrying an open roster spot all season and has the chance to do well in the buyout market without giving up an asset.
Northwest Notes: Thunder, Favors, Timberwolves
The Thunder have until Thursday to decide which direction they want to take for the rest of the season, writes Erik Horne of The Oklahoman. Andre Roberson‘s season-ending injury leaves them with little chance of beating the Warriors or Rockets in the playoffs, Horne adds, as he examines the organization’s options before the trade deadline.
First-round picks have become increasingly valuable, but the Thunder have already dealt away their first-rounders for this year and 2020. League rules prevent teams from trading future first-round picks in consecutive years, so the earliest one OKC can offer is for 2022. Horne speculates that in lieu of draft picks, the organization may have to part with a young player such as Terrance Ferguson.
The Thunder are also limited in the buyout market because they can only offer the $2.3MM veteran’s minimum. Oklahoma City is over the cap and spent its $5.2MM taxpayer’s mid-level exception to acquire Patrick Patterson.
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- Clippers guard Avery Bradley has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Roberson, but the Thunder have many options, according to Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman. The Bulls may waive Tony Allen, who was acquired from the Pelicans this week, and he would be a low-cost option who could help replace Roberson’s defensive prowess at the wing. Other possibilities Dawson suggests are Atlanta’s Marco Belinelli, Memphis’ Tyreke Evans, Utah’s Rodney Hood and Orlando’s Jonathon Simmons.
- Jazz forward Derrick Favors hasn’t been distracted by hearing his name in trade rumors, relays Tony Jones of The Salt Lake Tribune. Favors has been playing well, averaging 12.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per night, but he is headed for free agency and Utah may want to get some value now rather than risk losing him for nothing. “I’ve just cleared my mind, and now I’m having a lot more fun,” Favors said. “I’m playing. I’m not worried about scoring, or about minutes. I’m just going out there and hooping. So just playing basketball and not worrying about other stuff, that’s helped me a lot.”
- Shabazz Muhammad, who has asked the Timberwolves to trade or release him, doesn’t have much value in a potential deal, writes Jerry Zgoda of The Star Tribune. Zgoda identifies Minnesota’s main assets as Nemanja Bjelica and Justin Patton, but says the team may be reluctant to part with either one. Gorgui Dieng‘s $16MM salary could be useful in landing another star, and the Wolves can offer Cole Aldrich‘s deal, which is only guaranteed for a little more than $2MM for next season until June 20.
Tyronn Lue’s Job Not In Jeopardy
Despite the embarrassment after tonight’s 32-point loss in a prime-time game, the Cavaliers aren’t planning to get rid of coach Tyronn Lue, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. “We are not firing our head coach,” an unidentified Cavaliers official tells the network.
Cleveland will continue to pursue trades through Thursday’s deadline in an effort to snap out of its recent slump, Wojnarowski adds.
Lue has three more years remaining on the five-year, $35MM extension he signed after leading the Cavs to an NBA title in 2016. He has a 108-66 record in one full season and two partial seasons as the team’s head coach.
Frustration was on display throughout the organization after tonight’s loss, notes Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. Lue said in a halftime interview that his team was “soft, weak, no physicality, no toughness, no grit,” and LeBron James suggested banning the Cavaliers from spotlight games.
“I’m lost for words, actually,” James said. “Going 0-8 on national television. They should take us off every nationally televised game for the rest of the season. We haven’t played good ball and we get our butts kicked every time we play on national television, so I’m at a loss for words.”
James’ recent play has been part of the problem, Vardon points out. His scoring average dipped to 23.5 points per game in January and the team was outscored by an average of 7.1 points during the month while he was on the court. He managed just 11 points tonight.
A bigger problem has been the trade of Kyrie Irving to Boston, which Vardon calls “a disaster.” Isaiah Thomas has been slowed by the injuries to his hip and Jae Crowder has been a disappointment as well. Thomas can no longer score like he did with the Celtics, Vardon notes, and the Cavs don’t have enough good defensive players to make up for his deficiencies in that area.
The situation appears critical with James less than five months away from another free agency decision. Cleveland is 6-12 since Christmas and faces the next two months without All-Star forward Kevin Love. A roster that costs $177MM in salary and tax payments won’t be easy to overhaul by Thursday, but it might be the last chance to avoid a total collapse.
NBA G League Assignments/Recalls: 2/3/18
Here are Saturday’s G League assignments and recalls from around the NBA:
- The Pacers have assigned swingman Glenn Robinson III to their G League affiliate in Fort Wayne, the team announced on its website. He is on a rehab assignment after undergoing surgery on his left ankle in October. Robinson had a career-best season for the Pacers last year, averaging 6.1 points in 69 games. He has yet to play in the NBA this season, but did score 12 points for the Mad Ants on Thursday.
- The Bucks assigned rookie power forward D.J. Wilson to their Wisconsin affiliate, according to the team website. He has appeared in 18 NBA games, but is averaging just 3.3 minutes per night.
Clippers Notes: Jordan, Bradley, Rivers, Harris
The Trail Blazers contacted the Clippers about DeAndre Jordan but never made a formal offer, according to Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times. His story corroborates a recent report from Marc Stein of The New York Times that the Blazers are among the teams with interest in the 29-year-old center.
L.A. is hoping to get a first-round pick, financial flexibility and young talent in any deal for Jordan, league sources tell Turner. That would be a package similar to what they received when they sent Blake Griffin to Detroit earlier this week. The same sources say teams are reluctant to trade for Jordan without assurances that he won’t opt out of his $24.1MM salary for next season and that he is willing to sign a long-term extension.
Jordan, who is averaging 11.8 points and 14.9 rebounds, would bring a huge defensive presence to Portland. Finding an acceptable match for his $22.6MM deal wouldn’t be easy for the Blazers, whose roster is filled with expensive, long-term contracts, though they do own all of their future first-rounders.
Bulls Notes: Nelson, Allen, Grant, Dunn
Newly acquired Bulls Jameer Nelson and Tony Allen shouldn’t get too comfortable in Chicago, writes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. Both players served as salary fillers in the deal that sent Nikola Mirotic to New Orleans, and neither may remain with the Bulls after Thursday’s trade deadline.
‘‘We now have a situation where we’re invested in these young guys,’’ said VP of basketball operations John Paxson. ‘‘Our focus remains on growth and development of them. This is consistent with what we set out to do on draft night.’’
The term “young guys” doesn’t describe Nelson, who turns 36 next week, or Allen, who reached that age last month. They may be able to provide short-term help for a contender, but they don’t have a place on a rebuilding team like the Bulls. They also carry affordable, expiring deals, with salaries of about $1.43MM for Nelson and $1.47MM for Allen.
There’s more news today out of Chicago:
- Cowley suggests in the same piece that Paxson would be willing to move anyone on the roster except Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn in exchange for a young player or draft pick, even if it means taking on a large salary in return. That’s what the Bulls did in the deal with the Pelicans, absorbing Omer Asik‘s contract to obtain a top-five protected first-rounder from New Orleans. “To acquire a [protected] first-round pick in the trade for Niko I think fits the direction this team is heading,” Paxson added. “Obviously, we’re going to have our pick, which will be a very high pick, and then we’ll see what happens with that New Orleans pick.’’
- The Thunder have talked to the Bulls about acquiring Allen, according to K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune. Oklahoma City needs defensive help in the backcourt after a ruptured patellar tendon knocked out Andre Roberson for the rest of the season. Chicago has been offering up point guard Jerian Grant around the league for several weeks, Johnson adds.
- An illness has complicated Dunn’s return from a concussion he suffered January 17, Cowley writes in a separate story. Dunn was progressing through the early stages of concussion protocol before getting sick. He has been ruled out for Monday’s game at Sacramento and may not play again before the All-Star break. Dunn still needs to finish the protocol and get some practice time before he will be cleared to return.
Woj: Celtics Would Trade Marcus Smart For First-Rounder
The Celtics would be willing to trade guard Marcus Smart for a first-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. On his latest podcast, Wojnarowski says Boston wouldn’t mind moving Smart as long as it doesn’t have to take on much future salary in return.
Smart will be a restricted free agent this summer after he and the Celtics failed to reach an agreement on a rookie contract extension. Woj speculates that the financial uncertainty, coupled with Smart’s difficulties from 3-point range, where he is shooting 30% this season, may make him expendable.
Boston has financial concerns for next season with more than $104MM in committed salaries against a projected $101MM cap. That’s without considering Smart, who will be seeking a substantial raise from this year’s salary of about $4.5MM and could push the team toward luxury tax territory.
Appearing on the same broadcast, ESPN’s Bobby Marks warns that other organizations may be wary of giving up a first-rounder for Smart without knowing how much it will take to re-sign him. Such a move would put someone in the difficult position of having to commit financially to keep Smart or losing a first-round pick for about two months of having him on the roster.
Marks speculates that Smart could have commanded an annual salary of $13MM to $14MM in the summer of 2016, but under current conditions his offers are more likely to be in the $8MM to $10MM range.
Before a recent hand laceration, Smart was averaging 10.1 points and 4.7 assists through 46 games, mostly in a reserve role. He is expected to return sometime in mid-February.