2019 June | Hoops Rumors

Celtics Notes: Irving, Davis, Rozier, Baynes

By Luke Adams | at June 13, 2019 8:56 am

Despite all the rumors linking him to the NBA’s two New York franchises, Kyrie Irving still hasn’t removed the Celtics from consideration as he mulls his free agency decision, multiple league sources tell Steve Bulpett of The Boston Herald.

As Bulpett points out, Anthony Davis‘ trade destination and Kevin Durant‘s Achilles injury could be wild cards as Irving considers his options. There has been no definitive word on whether a Celtics trade for Davis would make Irving more likely to return to Boston, or whether the star point guard might hesitate to head to the Nets or Knicks if he won’t be able to team up with a healthy Durant next season. But it’s reasonable to assume that Kyrie will seriously weigh those factors.

For their part, the Celtics remain intent on trying to land Davis in a deal with the Pelicans, no matter what else transpires, sources tell Bulpett. We passed along all the latest rumors on Davis yesterday, including a report that the C’s remain engaged in trade discussions with New Orleans.

Here’s more out of Boston:

Terry Rozier‘s comments after the Celtics’ season ended indicated that he wasn’t satisfied with his situation in Boston and may look to move on in free agency this summer. However, that stance could quickly change if Irving doesn’t return, according to A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston. A source tells Blakely that Rozier would be “more than open” to sticking with the Celtics if an Irving departure opens up a larger role.
While agent Rich Paul‘s warning to the Celtics about trading for Davis raised eyebrows on Wednesday, it’s nothing new, says Jay King Of The Athletic, who points out that Boston has been aware for months of where AD’s camp stands. Within his article, King examines whether the Celtics should be cautious or aggressive in their pursuit of Davis, given the risk that he’d be a one-year rental.
After word broke on Wednesday that Aron Baynes had exercised his player option to remain with the Celtics for 2019/20, Blakely explored the impact of that decision at NBC Sports Boston, noting that it provides some much-needed stability in what could be a tumultuous offseason for the club.

Five Key Offseason Questions: Indiana Pacers

By Luke Adams | at June 13, 2019 8:02 am

The Pacers‘ refusal to slide too far down the Eastern Conference standings after Victor Oladipo‘s season-ending quad injury in 2018/19 was representative of the franchise’s history over the last three decades. Throughout multiple management regimes, Indiana has never seriously considered bottoming out and building through the lottery — the team hasn’t won fewer than 32 games in a season since 1988/89.

Even with Oladipo still recovering and six of their eight playoff rotation regulars headed for unrestricted free agency, the Pacers will carry that approach into the 2019 offseason and into the ’19/20 season. As long as Indiana doesn’t have a disastrous offseason, it’s probably safe to assume we’ll see the club back in the playoffs again in 2020.

Here are five key questions facing the franchise this summer:

1. Which of their free agents do the Pacers want to bring back?

Bojan Bogdanovic, Thaddeus Young, Darren Collison, Cory Joseph, Wesley Matthews, Tyreke Evans, and Kyle O’Quinn are all on track to reach the open market this summer, so it’s possible the Pacers’ roster will look very different next season. Still, I’d expect the team to try to re-sign at least a couple of its free agents.

We can rule out Evans as an option — he has been disqualified from playing in the NBA for the next two seasons for violating the league’s drug policy. I’d also be surprised if O’Quinn returns. He didn’t play a regular role for Indiana after signing for the room exception, and will likely seek a team willing to give him more consistent backup minutes.

The Pacers figure to at least kick the tires on the rest of their free agents though, with Bogdanovic topping the list of priorities. The 30-year-old sharpshooter took on more substantial scoring and play-making responsibilities following Oladipo’s injury, and while he won’t play that same role if the Pacers’ MVP comes back healthy, Bogdanovic proved that he can be a very valuable asset. He’ll be in line for a raise on his $10.5MM salary, and Indiana is in a good position to give it to him.

The Pacers will look to bring back Bogdanovic for his offensive skill set, but for Young, it’s his defensive versatility that makes him a reliable contributor. Although he can chip in on the offense end – even a little as a passer, as his career-high 2.5 APG showed – Young’s value stems from his ability to capably guard both wings and bigs. If Indiana can bring him back at a price similar to – or below – his $13.76MM salary from last season, that’d be a solid investment.

Collison, Joseph, and Matthews are all candidates to return. However, I wouldn’t expect both point guards to re-sign in Indiana, and it’s possible the team won’t aggressively pursue either. Matthews, meanwhile, joined the Pacers on the buyout market because of the team’s promise of a significant role. With Oladipo on his way back, there’s no guarantee that Indiana would be able to offer him that sort of playing time again.

2. How will the Pacers address their point guard spot?

After Collison and Joseph handled the majority of the point guard minutes last season, the position may look drastically different for the Pacers in 2019/20. The team has been linked to some pretty big names, including D’Angelo Russell and Mike Conley, and it’s not unrealistic to think a major splash is possible.

Russell will be a restricted free agent, but if the Nets are truly the frontrunner for Kyrie Irving, it could open up an opportunity for the Pacers to make a play for the former No. 2 overall pick. I can’t envision a scenario in which the Nets retain both Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie while adding Irving. If Brooklyn withdraws its qualifying offer from Russell, the Pacers should have the cap flexibility to make a run at him.

If Indiana doesn’t want to invest heavily in a free agent, making a trade offer for Conley is another potential path. The Pacers don’t have many realistic salary-matching pieces and will probably be reluctant to trade either Myles Turner or Domantas Sabonis for a veteran who is set to earn $32.5MM in his age-32 season. But absorbing Conley’s salary using cap room and offering a package of draft picks and a young prospect or two might work.

Assuming Aaron Holiday isn’t used in a trade for Conley or another upgrade, he appears poised to step into the backup role at the point. He played well in his limited role as a rookie and wouldn’t be asked to do a whole lot more if the Pacers can acquire an impact guard and get Oladipo back to share some of the ball-handling duties.

3. How will the Pacers handle the Turner/Sabonis frontcourt?

The Pacers committed to Turner on a four-year, $72MM extension last summer, which will go into effect for the 2019/20 season. That gamble paid off in spades. After a slow start, Turner enjoyed his best season as a pro, showing off an improved three-point shot (.388 3PT%, 1.0 3PG) and next-level rim protection (a league-leading 2.7 BPG).

He’s exactly the sort of young, versatile center that any NBA team would love to have, and the Pacers have him locked up through 2022/23 at a reasonable rate. He’d be a valuable trade piece, but I expect the organization to view him as a long-term building block instead.

The only problem? Turner was limited to 28.6 minutes per game last season because the Pacers also needed to find minutes for their other talented young center. With 14.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, and 2.9 APG in just 24.8 minutes per contest, Sabonis was a stronger scorer, rebounder, and play-maker than Turner.

Ideally, the two young bigs would be able to co-exist and thrive alongside one another in Indiana’s frontcourt for the next several years, but the team got mixed results when they shared the court in 2018/19.

The Pacers’ 96.5 defensive rating with both players on the floor would’ve led the NBA by a substantial margin, but their 99.6 offensive rating would have been the league’s worst. And lineups featuring Sabonis without Turner performed better than lineups featuring both players.

It will be fascinating to see what the Pacers decide to do with their frontcourt duo, particularly since Sabonis is up for an extension of his own this offseason. Either player would be an excellent trade chip if he’s put on the block, but the team may want to see more of the duo playing together.

One encouraging statistic? The Pacers had 85 three-man groups that played at least 125 minutes together in 2018/19. The trio of Oladipo, Turner, and Sabonis had the best net rating of any of them (+13.7).

4. What trade possibilities are available to the Pacers?

If the Pacers aren’t willing to trade Turner or Sabonis, it’s hard to see them being able to put together a package that could land a true impact player. Oladipo isn’t going anywhere, and Doug McDermott and T.J. Leaf don’t have much trade value. Holiday is promising, but not to the extent that he’d be the centerpiece of a major deal.

The Pacers don’t often deal away their draft picks, but they haven’t been totally averse to it in the past — in 2016, Indiana sent the No. 20 pick to the Nets in exchange for Young in a trade that worked out well for both sides (Brooklyn drafted Caris LeVert). If the Pacers have any concerns about attracting free agents to Indiana, they could explore the trade route again with this year’s No. 18 overall pick.

The players the Pacers could target in trade discussions will hinge on their expectations for free agency. For instance, if they think Young might depart, I could see the Pacers targeting a stretch four like Aaron Gordon or Danilo Gallinari. If they’re not expecting to re-sign their point guards, someone like Conley – or maybe even Goran Dragic – would make more sense. While players such as Gordon and Conley would require a real return, it might not take much more than cap room to land someone like Gallinari and Dragic.

5. What will the Pacers do with the No. 18 overall pick?

If we assume the Pacers keep their first-round pick, targeting the best player available makes sense. The team doesn’t have any glaring holes that need to be addressed, and it’s not as if the 18th player off the board in the draft would be capable of immediately filling that sort of hole anyway.

Indiana native Romeo Langford would be an intriguing pick at this spot, but he’s off the board by No. 18 in most mock drafts. Tyler Herro or Nickeil Alexander-Walker would add more shooting to Indiana’s roster. Kevin Porter Jr. might make a nice upside play. PJ Washington would be a good fit if he lasts this long, though I’m skeptical he will.

The Pacers have grown accustomed to picking in the back half of the first round, but they haven’t found many gems there in recent years, and given the perceived weakness of this year’s draft class, the odds of doing so aren’t necessarily in their favor. If Indiana gets a trade offer it likes for the No. 18 selection, the team should consider pulling the trigger.

Check out the Indiana Pacers’ offseason salary cap outlook right here.

Salary information from Basketball Insiders was used in the creation of this post. Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

8 comments Five Key Offseason Questions Hoops Rumors Originals Indiana Pacers

Tobias Harris Interested In Nets

By clarkcrum | at June 12, 2019 10:48 pm

It’s already been reported that the Nets, among other teams, are interested in signing free agent forward Tobias Harris this summer. Now, according to Michael Scotto of The Athletic, it appears that the interest is mutual, with Harris to consider Brooklyn in free agency.

As noted by Scotto, Harris would fill somewhat of a void at power forward alongside young big man Jarrett Allen, and at only 26 years old, Harris would be able to grow alongside the Nets’ young core of Allen, Caris LeVert, and D’Angelo Russell, should he be re-signed.

Another potentially important factor in Harris’ free agency decision is his connection to Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson. Harris’ family and Atkinson both lived on Long Island when Harris was growing up and Steve Atkinson – Kenny’s brother – was one of Harris’ coaches in high school.

Harris, who turned down a four-year, $80MM contract extension from the Clippers last summer before being traded to the Sixers during the 2018/19 season, averaged a career-high 20.0 PPG this season, making himself one of the more sought-after free agents this summer.

17 comments Brooklyn Nets Newsstand Kenny Atkinson Tobias Harris

Draft Notes: Wolves, Kings, Pistons

By clarkcrum | at June 12, 2019 9:03 pm

We’re continuing to pass along workout schedules for NBA teams in advance of the 2019 NBA Draft on June 20. See below for some additional workout notes from Minneapolis, Sacramento, and Detroit.

French standout Sekou Doumbouya spent a day with the Timberwolves earlier this week, undergoing some medical testing and a workout, reports Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News. Doumbouya is the No. 9 ranked prospect by ESPN. Minnesota owns the No. 11 pick in this month’s draft.
Wolfson adds that Kentucky’s PJ Washington worked out for the Timberwolves today alongside some other prospects. ESPN ranks Washington as the No. 16 overall prospect.
The Kings hosted six prospects for a workout on Tuesday. Per an official release, the list of players that worked out is guard Marcquise Reed (Clemson), guard Shaq Buchanan (Murray State), guard Bryce Brown (Auburn), guard Frank Howard (Syracuse), forward Juwan Morgan (Indiana), and forward Aric Holman (Mississippi State).
Tomorrow, the Kings will host six more prospects for their 15th pre-draft workout. Per an official release, the workout participants are guard Rickey McGill (Iona), guard Jeremiah Martin (Memphis), guard Ar’Mond Davis (UC Santa Barbara), forward Jalen McDaniels (San Diego State), forward Simisola Shittu (Vanderbilt), and big man Christ Koumadje (Florida State).
The Pistons held a workout today as well, per Keith Langlois of Pistons.com. They hosted Brian Bowen, Jalen Adams (UConn), Jarrell Brantley (Charleston), Robert Franks (Washington State), Khalil Iverson (Wisconsin), and Terance Mann (Florida State).

0 comments 2019 NBA Draft Detroit Pistons Minnesota Timberwolves Sacramento Kings Ar'Mond Davis Aric Holman Brian Bowen Bryce Brown Christ Koumadje Frank Howard Jalen Adams Jalen McDaniels Jarrell Brantley Jeremiah Martin Juwan Morgan Khalil Iverson Marcquise Reed Rickey McGill Robert Franks Sekou Doumbouya Shaq Buchanan Simisola Shittu Terance Mann

Kyrie Irving To Sign With ROC Nation Sports

By clarkcrum | at June 12, 2019 7:23 pm

Within a month of free agency, Kyrie Irving and his longtime agent Jeff Wechsler have parted ways, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Woj adds that Irving plans to sign with ROC Nation Sports, which will surely add fuel to the rumor that Irving plans to sign with the Nets this summer.

ROC Nation Sports, of course, was founded by rap mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, who was a part-owner of the Nets before getting into the sports representation business. Born in Brooklyn, Carter was an influential figure in the Nets move from New Jersey to Brooklyn back in 2012. Irving is also from the New York metro area.

ROC Nation Sports represents Nets guard Caris LeVert and used to represent the other marquee free agent who has been rumored to potentially join Irving in Brooklyn this summer – Warriors’ superstar Kevin Durant. If Irving does indeed plan to sign with the Nets, it’ll be interesting to see whether Durant wants to join him, and just as importantly, whether the Nets are willing to offer a maximum-salary contract to Durant after his recent injury.

It has been a busy news day for Irving, as it was also reported earlier today that the 27-year-old point guard will decline his 2019/20 player option with the Celtics, officially opening the door to unrestricted free agency this summer.

25 comments Boston Celtics Brooklyn Nets Newsstand Kyrie Irving

Ja Morant To Meet With Knicks

By clarkcrum | at June 12, 2019 7:11 pm

While top prospect Ja Morant remains the favorite to be selected No. 2 overall by the Grizzlies (link), he’s apparently taking no chances, as Jordan Schultz of ESPN reports that the 19-year-old Murray State product will meet with the Knicks in New York City. The meeting is expected to take place on Friday, per Ian Begley of SNY.tv.

Morant, who recently underwent a preventative surgical procedure on his right knee, also met the the Grizzlies over the weekend. His two reported meetings fit with his projected draft position, as virtually nobody believes Morant will last beyond the Knicks’ pick at No. 3.

One of the reasons that Morant could feel that Memphis is not a sure thing may be a recent rumor that the Grizzlies are looking harder at other options with the No. 2 pick, primarily sparked by the team’s unsuccessful attempt(s) in trying to get R.J. Barrett to come to Memphis for a private workout.

0 comments Memphis Grizzlies New York Knicks Newsstand Ja Morant RJ Barrett

Eastern Draft Notes: Culver, Wizards, King, Sixers

By clarkcrum | at June 12, 2019 6:08 pm

According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers, who hold the No. 5 overall pick in the upcoming 2019 NBA Draft, conducted a private workout with top prospect Jarrett Culver on Monday before hosting him for dinner with general manager Koby Altman, assistant GM Mike Gansey, head coach John Beilein, and assistant coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

As Fedor details, the Cavaliers have been keeping tabs on Culver throughout the entire season, watching him in person multiple times. In addition, both Altman and Gansey were in attendance for Culver’s 22-point game against Michigan in the Sweet 16. Beilein, of course, coached the Wolverines in that game.

The Cavaliers are still hoping to conduct a workout with De’Andre Hunter as well, but it reportedly hasn’t happened yet. Culver is currently the No. 6 ranked prospect in ESPN’s top 100, while Hunter is No. 5, so both are obviously in consideration for the fifth pick.

The No. 7 overall prospect, forward Cam Reddish, won’t work out with the Cavaliers due to recent surgery on a core muscle, but the Cavs would like to meet with him in person again prior to draft night.

There’s more draft notes tonight from around the Eastern Conference.

In other Culver news, his previously-reported workout with the Bulls (link) happened this afternoon, per the team’s official account on Twitter.
The Wizards will host swingman Keldon Johnson (Kentucky) and forward Cameron Lard (Iowa State) for a draft workout tomorrow, per a report from the team. Johnson is the No. 19 ranked prospect by ESPN, and Washington has the ninth overall pick in the draft.
Oregon forward Louis King, ESPN’s No. 50 overall prospect, has met/interviewed with the Bucks again, according to Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times. King previously interviewed with Milwaukee brass at the pre-draft camp in Chicago.
The Sixers will host the following prospects for a workout tomorrow, per Derek Bodner of The Athletic: Jon Davis (UNC Charlotte), Dewan Hernandez (Miami), Ahmed Hill (Virginia Tech), Shamorie Ponds (St. John’s), Marcquise Reed (Clemson), and Luka Samanic (Croatia).

3 comments 2019 NBA Draft Chicago Bulls Cleveland Cavaliers Milwaukee Bucks Philadelphia 76ers Washington Wizards Ahmed Hill Cam Reddish Cameron Lard De'Andre Hunter Dewan Hernandez Jarrett Culver Jon Davis Keldon Johnson Louis King Luka Samanic Marcquise Reed Shamorie Ponds

Five Key Offseason Questions: Oklahoma City Thunder

By Luke Adams | at June 12, 2019 5:03 pm

An MVP-caliber season from Paul George had the Thunder looking like one of the Warriors’ most dangerous challengers for the Western Conference crown for much of the year. However, with George battling a shoulder issue by season’s end, the team once again flamed out early in the playoffs, as Damian Lillard ended Oklahoma City’s season with a memorable dagger in Game 5 of the first round.

After paying a league-high $61MM+ luxury tax bill for a roster that produced a single postseason win, Thunder ownership will have to decide whether to double down or pull back for the 2019/20 campaign. The club’s front office will in turn have its offseason options impacted by that decision.

Here are five key questions facing the franchise this summer:

1. Will the Thunder trade any core pieces?

The Thunder’s de facto “Big Three” – George, Russell Westbrook, and Steven Adams – will combine to earn more than $97MM next season, and all three players have multiple guaranteed seasons left on their respective contracts. If Oklahoma City wants to cut costs going forward, moving one of those players would be a start.

It’s not just about shedding salary though. The Thunder haven’t won a playoff series since Kevin Durant‘s departure in 2016. Westbrook and Adams were cornerstones in each of those three seasons, while George has been there for the last two. As the sample size keeps increasing and the postseason losses keep piling up, it’s fair to question whether this core is capable of making a deep playoff run — especially since the exorbitant cost of the trio limits the Thunder’s ability to add reinforcements.

George, who will earn $33MM in 2019/20, certainly proved last season that he’s worth the price tag, and there’s no chance that the Thunder will look to move him one year after he committed to the organization long-term.

Westbrook, who will make $38.5MM in the second season of his five-year super-max deal, has a more unfavorable contract, but he’s not going anywhere either. As his efficiency numbers continue to slip, it’s looking increasingly likely that the last couple years of his contract ($44.2MM in 2021/22; $47MM in 2022/23) will be hard to swallow, but he’s the heart and soul of the Thunder, and the engine who drives the team. Oklahoma City wouldn’t seriously consider trading him unless he wanted out.

That leaves Adams, who looks like the only realistic trade candidate of the group. If the Thunder could take his $25.8MM cap charge and commit half that money to a stretch four and the other half a to a two-way wing, I’m sure they’d jump at the chance to do so. But the odds of finding a trade along those lines are slim. It wouldn’t surprise me if Oklahoma City gauges the trade market for Adams this summer, but there won’t be teams clamoring to acquire him at that price.

2. How much of a priority is reducing the projected tax bill?

After Patrick Patterson exercised his player option last month, the Thunder’s total guaranteed commitments for 2019/20 rose to approximately $143.5MM for nine players, plus a $2.5MM cap hold for a first-round pick. The tax line is projected to land at around $132MM. That’s a problem.

Thunder ownership has shown it’s willing to invest heavily in the team’s roster, but I’m somewhat skeptical that will continue – at least at the current level – after a third straight first-round exit. Team owners that enter tax territory do so because they believe a championship run is within reach, and the Thunder haven’t shown they’re all that close to that goal in recent years.

I don’t expect an all-out fire sale, and it wouldn’t even surprise me if the Thunder remain over the tax line heading into the fall, but I think the club will make moves to reduce that $143.5MM figure.

Attaching the No. 21 overall pick in the draft to Andre Roberson and Patterson, who will combine to earn nearly $16.5MM on expiring deals, would be one option, though surrendering that first-rounder isn’t a great outcome for a Thunder team that needs to add inexpensive young talent.

Dennis Schroder, who has two years left on his contract at $15.5MM annually, could also be a trade chip if the club is willing to sacrifice a solid rotation player for financial reasons.

3. How can the club add shooting help, given its financial restrictions?

Only three players on the Thunder’s roster shot better than 34.1% from three-point range in 2018/19: George, Jerami Grant, and Terrance Ferguson. Continued reliability and improvement from Grant and Ferguson would be huge for OKC, but the team still needs more outside shooting, as it has been an Achilles heel for multiple seasons.

Two-way wings like Trevor Ariza or Terrence Ross would be ideal free agent targets for the Thunder, but the team will likely only have the taxpayer mid-level exception (worth approximately $5.7MM) available, and those players figure to command larger salaries.

Reggie Bullock, Seth Curry, Wesley Matthews, Wayne Ellington, Rodney Hood, Frank Kaminsky, Trey Lyles, Justin Holiday, Mike Scott, and Troy Daniels are among the other options that could be more affordable for the Thunder, but a handful of those players could easily get offers that exceed the mini mid-level too.

A trade could bring in some shooting help, particularly if the Thunder are willing to use their first-round pick to upgrade the roster rather than cut costs. If they keep that selection, the Thunder could draft an affordable outside shooter, though a rookie may not be ready to step into a rotation role immediately. Tyler Herro, Cameron Johnson, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are among the shooters who might be available at No. 21.

4. Which under-the-radar free agents could help the Thunder at the minimum?

Filling out the final few roster spots with minimum salary players makes sense for a team facing potential tax penalties. The Rockets were among the cap-strapped clubs who showed in 2018/19 that minimum-level veterans can be solid contributors. Carmelo Anthony and Michael Carter-Williams didn’t work out in Houston, but James Ennis, Austin Rivers, Gerald Green, Danuel House, and Kenneth Faried performed capably on minimum deals.

The Thunder’s front office will be keeping its eye out for bounce-back candidates or players who slip through the cracks in free agency. Given how deep and talented this year’s crop of free agents is, there should be opportunities for OKC to make at least a couple value signings.

While it’s too early to say which players will receive strong interest and which ones may not sign until the third or fourth tier of free agency, some of the veterans who could appeal to the Thunder (and other teams hunting for bargains) include Ian Clark, David Nwaba, Vince Carter, Jared Dudley, Darius Miller, Mario Hezonja, Anthony Tolliver, and Mike Muscala.

5. How secure is Billy Donovan’s job?

Donovan will be on the lookout for a new group of assistant coaches for the 2019/20 season, as several of the members of his staff from last season have moved on to new jobs. Mark Bryant and Darko Rajakovic are reportedly joining the Suns, while Bob Beyer will head to the Kings.

Phoenix and Sacramento have something in common — both teams just hired new head coaches to long-term deals, giving their assistants some job security. That’s not the case in Oklahoma City, where Donovan is only under contract through 2019/20. Assuming no extension is forthcoming, that means there are no guarantees for either Donovan or his staff through next season.

It’s rare for an NBA head coach to enter the final year of his contract as a “lame duck,” so it’s possible the two sides could still reach an agreement this offseason that extends Donovan’s deal by at least one more year. But Sam Presti‘s end-of-season declaration that he “anticipates” Donovan’s return in 2019/20 didn’t exactly signal that the head coach is safe for the long term.

Regardless of what happens with Donovan’s contract, it’s safe to assume he’ll be under increased scrutiny going forward. Given the talent at the top of their roster, the Thunder won’t be satisfied with many more one-and-done postseason runs.

Check out the Oklahoma City Thunder’s offseason salary cap outlook right here.

Salary information from Basketball Insiders was used in the creation of this post. Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

5 comments Five Key Offseason Questions Hoops Rumors Originals Oklahoma City Thunder

Southeast Draft Notes: Hornets, Heat, Magic, Hawks

By Luke Adams | at June 12, 2019 5:00 pm

The Hornets have looked into the possibility of moving up in the draft from their current spot in the lottery at No. 12, tweets Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer. Bonnell acknowledges that it may be difficult for Charlotte to put together the sort of trade capital necessary to make a deal happen, but says GM Mitch Kupchak is active.

Meanwhile, the Hornets will continue to explore their draft options by bringing in six more prospects for workouts tomorrow, according to the team. Marques Bolden (Duke), Tacko Fall (UCF), Jaylen Hoard (Wake Forest), Jalen Hudson (Florida), and Luka Asceric (Mega Bemax) are among the players set to participate.

Here are a few more draft-related items from around the Southeast:

In addition to bringing in Kevin Porter Jr. (USC) on Thursday, as was previously reported, the Heat will also have Nassir Little (UNC) in town for a workout, writes Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. Amir Hinton (Shaw) also worked out for Miami this week (Twitter link via The Preparation).
The Magic worked out Aubrey Dawkins (UCF), Talen Horton-Tucker (Iowa State), Jalen Hudson (Florida), Nick Mayo (Eastern Kentucky), Markis McDuffie (Wichita State), and Dererk Pardon (Northwestern) today, tweets Josh Robbins of The Athletic.
The Hawks, who hold six of the top 44 selections in the draft, continue to be very active in the pre-draft process, bringing in Oshae Brissett (Syracuse), Kevarrius Hayes (Florida), Adam Mokoka (Mega Bemax), Nick Weiler-Babb (Iowa State), Jordon Varnado (Troy), and Kenny Wooten (Oregon) for a look today. Tomorrow’s Hawks workout will feature Goga Bitadze (Mega Bemax), Jonathan Galloway (UC Irvine), Rayjon Tucker (Arkansas Little Rock), and Lindell Wigginton (Iowa State), according to the team.

0 comments 2019 NBA Draft Atlanta Hawks Charlotte Hornets Miami Heat Orlando Magic Adam Mokoka Amir Hinton Aubrey Dawkins Dererk Pardon Goga Bitadze Jalen Hudson Jaylen Hoard Jonathan Galloway Jordon Varnado Kenny Wooten Kevarrius Hayes Lindell Wigginton Luka Asceric Markis McDuffie Marques Bolden Nassir Little Nick Mayo Nick Weiler-Babb Oshae Brissett Rayjon Tucker Tacko Fall Talen Horton-Tucker

Rockets Claim Deyonta Davis Off Waivers

By Luke Adams | at June 12, 2019 4:32 pm

The Rockets have claimed center Deyonta Davis off waivers, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic (via Twitter). Davis was released by the Hawks on Monday and would have been an unrestricted free agent if he went unclaimed today.

The 31st overall pick in the 2016 draft, Davis spent his first two NBA seasons with the Grizzlies, appearing in 98 games for the team. After being traded and waived during the 2018 offseason, the 22-year-old caught on with the Warriors’ G League team for most of last season. A solid NBAGL showing earned him a late-season call-up from the Hawks.

Davis averaged 4.0 PPG and 4.0 RPG in nine games (13.1 MPG) with Atlanta down the stretch, signing a contract with the club that included a non-guaranteed minimum salary for 2019/20. That $1,645,357 salary will become partially guaranteed for $250K if he remains under contract through July 31, according to Basketball Insiders.

It’s not clear what the Rockets have in mind for Davis. We’ve seen GM Daryl Morey accumulate minimum-salary players for trade purposes in past seasons, but under the NBA’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement, Davis won’t count for salary-matching purposes as long as his deal remains non-guaranteed. Players claimed off waivers also don’t become trade-eligible for 30 days.

The Rockets don’t need to make a corresponding roster move to take on Davis, since teams are permitted to carry up to 20 players in the offseason.

10 comments Houston Rockets Transactions Deyonta Davis

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Month: June 2019