Thunder VP of basketball operations Troy Weaver turned down an interview during the second round of Chicago’s search for a new head of basketball operations because he considered it a “token offer,” tweets Marc J. Spears of the Undefeated. Someone in the Bulls organization told Weaver that Arturas Karnisovas was likely to be hired to fill the role, and he didn’t want to go through the process with little chance to get the job, Spears adds.
That contradicts a report from earlier this week suggesting that Oklahoma City declined permission for Chicago to talk to Weaver, who is African American. The Bulls came under criticism this week for seemingly not including any black candidates in their front office search.
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- Like many NBA players, Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum is trying to find ways to stay ready for a resumption of the season even though he doesn’t have access to a basketball court, writes Casey Holdahl of NBA.com. “I’m still working out so I’m holding out hope that we’re going to be able to come back at some point. Honestly, I have no idea, I think it’s a coin flip,” McCollum said. “… I’m continuing to put my head down and work as if we’re returning here shortly. I think that’s how you have to approach a situation like this. There’s 24 hours in a day, plenty of time for me to still get some work in, work on other sectors and things I’m interested in.”
- Troy Daniels didn’t get an opportunity to establish himself with the Nuggets before the hiatus began, notes Arash Markazi of The Los Angeles Times. Daniels was waived by the Lakers on March 2 after agreeing to a buyout, then signed with Denver on March 5, which was six days before the season was suspended. He got into one game and played just one minute during his time with the Nuggets. “We were playing when we found out (about the shutdown) so I didn’t know if we were going to stop but we kept going, and as soon as it was over everyone was talking about it in the locker room,” Daniels said. “We were supposed to go to San Antonio that night but we went back to Denver. That’s when I knew it was serious.”
- Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report suggests five potential trades if the Jazz can’t resolve the reported rift between Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Bailey sees the Knicks, Mavericks and Bulls as possible destinations for Gobert, while the Thunder and Nuggets may be able to swing a deal for Mitchell.
Just saw the BR article and most of those look silly but 2 stood out to me.
1. Mitchell for Micheal Porter JR and 2 first.
Firstly Nuggets with Jokic Murray and Mitchell would b set for the future and be really good to watch. Secondly good return for the Jazz but would mean they stink next year, which probably results in them also trading Gobert to a contender for picks. AKA a rebuild.
I would suggest tweaking so it’s Mitchell for Gary Harris, MPJ and a protected first.
Nuggets wouldn’t need Harris if they get Mitchell and it saves them a first. For the Jazz it means they don’t completely stink next year.
Would have to be done in offseason so Jazz can left Clarkson walk to free up cap space.
2. Was Gobert for some Bulls duds plus Markeneen plus a first round pick.
Mitchell would get Markeneen as a young side kick plus a first which is nice looking at the future. Bulls would get a beast at centre in a win now move. LaVine and Gobert would be nice.
Lastly as you’ve probably seen my idea was
Gobert and a second rounder for Jaylen Brown.
Boston’s adds a centre to help them rebound and defend. Walker Smart Tatum Hayward and Gobert would arguably the leagues best potential starting 5. Although I doubt all would start, Smart probably off the bench. Clippers couldn’t match Gobert, Lakers could with AD but between Walker Tatum and Hayward would be to much for Bron Bradley and Green.
The Jazz on the other hand would be getting Jaylen Brown who just had a career year, is only 23 like Mitchell. Both are solid 2 way players and both would be about to renter their prime. Jazz could them replace Gobert in FA with a vet centre like Tristan Thompson, Derrick Favours or Hassan Whiteside.
Don’t see any trade happening as they will patch things up before they hit the court again.
Not sure Brown and Mitchell would be good backcourt partners in today’s NBA since neither is an elite 3pt shooter
I have a really hard time believing that those 2 can’t mend the fence.
There’s a big difference between an interview and an offer to interview. You can’t make an “affirmative action” candidate show up if he doesn’t want to.
I suppose whoever warned off the non-AKs could be blamed but he will probably never be fingered; he works fine as Weaver’s excuse anonymously.
Reinsdorf was not helpful, somehow letting it be known that he was using the interviews to dig for information. He was probably using the moment to get his chat on, but could have included, say Dell Demps. Demps will come up anyway for the GM job.