Eastern Notes: Kornet, Morris, Pasecniks, Wall
The Bulls are trying to get by in the middle with rookie Daniel Gafford and Luke Kornet until Wendell Carter Jr. returns, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times relays. Carter is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury.
The Bulls used their room exception to sign Kornet to a two-year, $4.5MM contract during the offseason but he’s only appeared in 20 games this season, averaging 3.2 PPG in 9.7 MPG. He had 15 points against Detroit on Saturday but went scoreless against Boston on Monday.
‘‘[Kornet] was just waiting for his time to come back and show what he can do, and that’s what he did [Saturday],’’ Gafford said of his Bulls teammate.
We have more from around the Eastern Conference:
- The Knicks are leaning toward retaining forward Marcus Morris, who will be a free agent again after the season, Marc Berman of the New York Post reports. Morris, who will miss his fifth straight game Tuesday against the Bucks with a neck injury, may not be dealt unless they get back a star-quality player in a large package, Berman continues. Several playoff teams are interested in Morris, Berman adds, but the Knicks would prefer to preserve their 2020 or 2021 cap space in any deal.
- The Wizards used part of their mid-level exception to convert center Anzejs Pasecniks‘ contract from a two-way deal to a standard one, Fred Katz of The Athletic tweets. Pasecniks was signed to a multi-year pact on Sunday. The Wizards will take a $482K cap hit this year. Pasecniks has a $250K guarantee on his $1.52MM salary for the 2020/21 season. The contract for next season becomes fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster through July 8, Katz continues. His $1.78MM salary for 2021/22 is non-guaranteed, Katz adds.
- Wizards GM Tommy Shephard reiterated that point guard John Wall will not return this season unless he’s completely healthy, Mike DePrisco of NBC Sports Washington writes. Wall has been participated in 3-on-3 drills with members of the player development staff. “We’re not going to skip steps, we’re not going to get excited about 3-on-3,” Sheppard said. “Down the road, I think we’ll start to add more players to the court and make it feel more like home, but we’re not in a rush to see John come back unless he’s 100 percent healthy.”
Pistons’ Kennard Could Miss Another Month
Pistons swingman Luke Kennard is expected to miss another month due to bilateral knee tendinitis, according to Ansar Khan of MLive.com.
Coach Dwane Casey made the announcement prior to the team’s overtime loss to New Orleans on Monday. Kennard, the team’s top perimeter shooter, has missed 11 consecutive games.
“They said somewhere around All-Star break,” Casey said. “He’s working his behind off and (has) tendinitis, or whatever, I don’t even know the medical term for it. We’ve had so many injuries I get this guy’s injuries mixed up with that guy’s injuries. Just hope you have him healthy because he’s a big piece of what we’re trying to do also and this would be a valuable time for him, for us, if he’s able to go.”
The Pistons announced on December 26 that Kennard would miss two weeks due to bilateral knee tendinitis and would be re-evaluated on January 7. This is the first update on his condition since that point.
The Pistons have 16 more games prior to the All-Star break. His extended absence could kill any trade talk regarding the third-year player out of Duke. The Sixers were reportedly interested in him.
Kennard got off to a hot start, including a 30-point game in the season opener against Indiana. His averages dropped as the knee issues set in but he was still averaging career highs in points (15.8 PPG) and assists (4.1 APG) when he was sidelined.
The Pistons are also down two other starters. Their star forward Blake Griffin could miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery this month. Point guard Reggie Jackson (back) has only played two games this season.
NBA G League Assignments/Recalls: 1/13/20
Here are Monday’s G League assignments and recalls from around the league:
- The Clippers assigned rookie center Mfiondu Kabengele to the Agua Caliente Clippers, the team’s PR department tweets. Kabelgele, a late first-round pick, is averaging 16.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG and 2.0 BPG for the G League team in 15 starts.
- The Grizzlies assigned forward Bruno Caboclo and Marko Guduric to the Memphis Hustle, the team’s PR department tweets. They will play in the Hustle’s game against the Santa Cruz Warriors on Monday. Caboclo has appeared in 22 games with the Grizzlies this season but only one this month. Guduric has appeared in 28 games but has only made two cameos since December 14.
- The Celtics assigned rookie guard Carsen Edwards to the Maine Red Claws, the team tweets. The second-round pick has seen action in 27 NBA games.
Pacific Notes: Ayton, Clippers Arena, Hield, Kuzma
Suns center Deandre Ayton finds himself in a reserve role for the time being and he admits it’s an adjustment, as he told Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. Ayton is working his way back into top shape after a 25-game league-imposed suspension. “I’ve never been through this, but it’s new,” the top overall pick of the 2018 draft said. “I’m just holding my head high and just working.” Ayton had 18 points and nine rebounds in 26 minutes against Charlotte on Sunday.
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- Madison Square Garden Co., which owns The Forum, has sued California Governor Gavin Newsom and the state’s Joint Legislative Budget Committee over legislation that facilitates the construction of a new Clippers arena, Nathan Fenno of the Los Angeles Times reports. The lawsuit alleges that a bill which shields the billion-dollar development from extended environmental litigation if it met several requirements violates the state constitution, Fenno continues. MSG has two additional lawsuits pending in relation to the proposed arena, which is scheduled to open in 2024.
- Kings guard Buddy Hield signed a four-year, $86MM extension prior to the season and the franchise is holding him to a higher standard, Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee relays. Head coach Luke Walton and assistant Jesse Mermuys had a candid conversation with Hield after he recently complained about his playing time. “I talked to Luke and coach Jesse, and we just sat down and they gave me a reality check,” Hield said. “There’s stuff they need me to do and stuff I need to get better at — just challenging me — and Luke is a guy who always challenges me. Him and Jesse just bring the challenge and I accept it.”
- Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma is aware his name has been bandied about in trade rumors but he’s trying to block it out, according to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times. Kuzma averaged 31 points in two games this weekend with Anthony Davis sidelined. “Nah, that’s for y’all to talk about,” Kuzma said. “I’ve been through it multiple times and obviously I see it. But it don’t even matter at this point.”
Cavs Rookie Dylan Windler Out For Season
Cavaliers swingman Dylan Windler will miss the remainder of the season due to ongoing symptoms related to his left lower leg stress reaction, according to a team press release.
After an extended period of rehabilitation and treatment over the last several months, Windler will now undergo surgery to fix the issue. The procedure is scheduled for January 21.
The 6’6″ Windler was sidelined early in training camp after being diagnosed with the injury, which originally had a 4-6 week timetable. After looking good in practices and scrimmages, he was expected to make his NBA debut last month.
Windler suffered a setback in mid-December and underwent additional treatment and rehabilitation but continued to experience discomfort. He sought a second opinion from Orthopedic Specialist Dr. David Porter of IU Health Methodist Hospital and Sports Medicine in Indianapolis. Ultimately, it was determined that surgery was necessary.
Windler is one of three first-rounders on the Cavs’ roster along with Darius Garland (No. 5) and Kevin Porter (No. 30).
Windler moved up the prospects list during his senior season at Belmont, in which he averaged 21.3 PPG and 10.8 RPG with a .540/.429/.847 shooting line in 33 games.
The Cavaliers could apply for a disabled player exception as a result of Windler’s injury, but it would be worth just $1.02MM if granted.
Nuggets Notes: Beasley, Hernangomez, Grant
After a breakout year in 2018/19, it has been an up-and-down season for Malik Beasley in 2019/20. The Nuggets‘ swingman has been in and out of the team’s rotation — for instance, he got a DNP-CD in last Monday’s win before playing 26 minutes in a win on Wednesday. While Beasley would like to have a more regular role, he’s trying to make the most of the opportunities he gets, as Kyle Fredrickson of The Denver Post details.
“I wish it (playing time) was consistent, that’s just me as a player,” Beasley said after last Wednesday’s game. “But I’m happy to contribute to the team and get a win, that’s the most important thing that comes out of every day.”
After acquiring Jerami Grant and getting a healthy Michael Porter Jr. back for this season, the Nuggets have made an already-deep rotation even deeper, resulting in a decline in minutes for some players. Head coach Michael Malone said he understands Beasley’s frustration and admitted that the fourth-year swingman isn’t wrong to believe he should have a bigger role.
“Malik Beasley is sitting there saying, ‘I should be playing more,'” Malone said. “You know what? He’s right. I can’t argue that.”
Beasley, who will be a restricted free agent at season’s end, has been the subject of some trade speculation this season, since he still has long-term value and could be included in a package if Denver makes a play for another impact player. For now, he’ll make the most of the minutes he gets with the Nuggets.
Here’s more out of Denver:
- Beasley isn’t the only RFA-to-be who could be on the trade block in Denver. Mike Singer and Mark Kizsla of The Denver Post make a case for why the Nuggets should seriously consider trading Juan Hernangomez in advance of this year’s deadline. Like Beasley, Hernangomez has had his role dialed back this season, averaging just 11.9 minutes per game after playing 19.4 MPG in 2018/19.
- In a separate article for The Denver Post, Mike Singer looks at how the Nuggets built what they believe is one of the strongest locker rooms in the NBA.
- Jerami Grant showed on Sunday with his defense on Kawhi Leonard why the Nuggets made him their big offseason acquisition last summer, writes Eric Spyropoulos of Nuggets.com.
- In case you missed it on Friday, we noted that the Nuggets are one of several teams around the NBA with an open 15-man roster spot.
Poll: Who Will Be Biggest Name Traded This Season?
No superstars are expected to change teams at this season’s trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean that former All-Stars or even All-NBA players won’t be on the move in the coming weeks.
Five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA forward Kevin Love is among the players whose name has frequently come up in trade rumors in recent months. And while Love’s overall value to a franchise is up for debate as a result of his $30MM-per-year long-term price tag, the Cavaliers‘ veteran remains a positive contributor on the court, averaging a double-double (16.9 PPG, 10.3 RPG) with a three-point percentage north of 37% for the fifth time in his career.
Love isn’t the only All-Star big man in the Eastern Conference who looks like a realistic trade candidate. The Pistons have reportedly shopped Andre Drummond, a two-time All-Star who is leading the NBA in rebounding for a third consecutive season, with 15.9 RPG. Like Love, Drummond’s value is complicated by his contract situation – he can opt out this summer – but he’s still one of the league’s best traditional big men.
2019 All-Star D’Angelo Russell is a trade candidate, though the Warriors may be more likely to consider a move during the summer. LaMarcus Aldridge, DeMar DeRozan, Chris Paul, and Jrue Holiday have earned a combined 21 All-Star berths and 15 All-NBA nods, and have been at least mentioned in passing in trade rumors, but the Spurs and Pelicans remain in the playoff hunt in the West, and probably aren’t looking to trade their stars. The Thunder, meanwhile, firmly hold a playoff spot and might have trouble getting fair value for CP3’s contract even if they wanted to move him.
If none of those players end up changing teams, players like Marcus Morris, Kyle Kuzma, or Evan Fournier could be headliners at this year’s trade deadline.
On the other hand, if 2020 is anything like 2018 and 2019, it’s possible we’ll get an out-of-nowhere blockbuster that involves a bigger name later this month. Blake Griffin was acquired by the Pistons on January 29, 2018, while Kristaps Porzingis was sent to the Mavericks on January 31, 2019. Neither player was widely known to be on the trade block when those deals were made.
With the February 6 trade deadline inching closer, we want to get your two cents on who will be the biggest-name player dealt this season. Will it be Love? Drummond? Holiday? Russell? A lesser player? Or an even bigger-name star who hasn’t been at the center of many rumors so far?
Vote below in our poll, then head to the comment section to share your thoughts!
Who will be the biggest-name player traded this season?
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Andre Drummond (Pistons) 37% (854)
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Kevin Love (Cavaliers) 25% (584)
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Kyle Kuzma (Lakers) 7% (156)
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Someone else 7% (154)
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D'Angelo Russell (Warriors) 6% (132)
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DeMar DeRozan (Spurs) 5% (107)
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Jrue Holiday (Pelicans) 4% (85)
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Marcus Morris (Knicks) 4% (85)
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LaMarcus Aldridge (Spurs) 3% (66)
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Chris Paul (Thunder) 3% (61)
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Evan Fournier (Magic) 1% (31)
Total votes: 2,315
Trade Rumors app users, click here to vote.
Heat Notes: Winslow, Haslem, Silva
After missing a month due to a bone bruise in his back, Heat forward Justise Winslow returned to action last Wednesday, logging 16 minutes against Indiana. However, he complained of discomfort after the game and has been back on the shelf since then, having returned to Miami before the club’s road trip was finished.
According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the decision to send him Winslow early was made by the team, rather than the player. However, it was not disciplinary in any way — the Heat simply wanted to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment process for Winslow, who is consulting with a specialist regarding his back injury.
Now that the Heat are back in Miami following Sunday’s loss in New York, head coach Erik Spoelstra expects to have more information soon on Winslow’s latest setback, Jackson writes.
“He’s going to shut it down a little bit, but he’s taking it well. He’s in the right state of mind,” Derrick Jones said of his Heat teammate. “He was good with (leaving the road trip early). He’s going home to get better and healthy.”
Here’s more out of Miami:
- Udonis Haslem hasn’t officially announced that this will be his final NBA season, but Dwyane Wade‘s upcoming three-day jersey retirement proceedings got the big man thinking about what his own farewell would look like, as Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel writes. “I mean, mine’s going to go forever, because I’m from there,” the Miami native said, joking that he’ll need at least a week. “I haven’t even thought about it. I just saw that he got two or three days. Mine’s going to be parties in a lot of different areas of Miami when I retire.”
- In a separate mailbag article, Winderman explores whether the current Heat roster is built to win in the playoffs, given its reliance on young players like Tyler Herro, Kendrick Nunn, and Duncan Robinson.
- As we relayed earlier today, the Heat and Chris Silva have reached an agreement on a three-year deal that they’ll finalize on Tuesday. Andre Fernandez of The Athletic tweets that the contract will be fully guaranteed for the rest of this year and next season, but not for 2021/22.
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Injury Updates: Holiday, Zion, George, Towns
Reinforcements are on the way soon for the Pelicans, who have been without their most talented backcourt player (Jrue Holiday) for the last four games and their most talented frontcourt player (Zion Williamson) for the entire season.
According to Christian Clark of NOLA.com (Twitter link), Holiday isn’t expected to play on Monday night in Detroit, but Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry sounded optimistic that the veteran guard will be ready to go on Thursday against Utah.
Meanwhile, Williamson – who was playing 3-on-3 after shootaround this morning with Holiday and Pelicans staffers – is inching closer to making his NBA debut. According to veteran NBA writer Mitch Lawrence (Twitter link), there’s a chance that could happen as early as Thursday, depending on how practice goes this week for Zion.
As we wait for an update from New Orleans on the season’s most-anticipated debut, let’s round up a few more injury-related items…
- Paul George, who has missed the Clippers‘ last two games due to a hamstring injury, is expected to be re-evaluated early this week, per Andrew Greif of The Los Angeles Times. George aggravated the left hamstring issue in a practice last Wednesday.
- Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns won’t be back to action on Monday night, but it sounds like that’s more a result of an illness than his knee injury, tweets Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. A return appears imminent for Towns, who hasn’t played since December 13.
- After being sidelined for nearly a month with a broken finger, Celtics center Vincent Poirier is available to play on Monday night, tweets Marc D’Amico of Celtics.com.