Teams interested in pursuing center Kevon Looney this offseason are increasingly pessimistic that they’ll be able to lure him away from the Warriors, league sources tell Marc Stein (Substack link). According to Stein, there’s an expectation that Looney will likely re-sign with Golden State on a multiyear deal when he becomes a free agent this week.
Stein writes that there has been similar pessimism from the teams with interest in making a run at Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons or center Jusuf Nurkic. Simons is a restricted free agent while Nurkic is unrestricted, but the belief among rival teams is that both players will remain in Portland, per Stein.
Here are a few more updates from the veteran NBA reporter:
- Stein says league sources reiterated to him on Monday that the Clippers will be making a “strong pitch” to John Wall if the veteran point guard reaches a buyout agreement with Houston. There’s a sense that the presence of head coach Tyronn Lue will help increase L.A.’s chances of landing Wall, Stein adds.
- While they stayed put on draft night, Hawks big man John Collins and Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon remain highly likely to be traded this offseason, sources tell Stein.
- Following a strong year overseas with AS Monaco, big man Donta Hall is receiving interest from NBA teams, according to Stein. Hall, a former Alabama standout, appeared in a total of 22 games for Detroit, Brooklyn, and Orlando in 2020 and 2021.
Wall to the Clippers could be an awesome match IF he’s willing to put the team first and falcilitate the offense instead of the being worried about his numbers. Forget being the #1
option. He’d likely be the 3rd or 4th option. He’d have 2 other guys who can carry the weight. LA is a playoff contender and they could do offer Wall enough time to player try
Could mean a title… He will be fresh
I hope it works out that Kevon stays – he does so many different things that really helps the team out. Besides he’s a likable guy
John Collins for Ben Simmons
3 team deal
Lakers: Kyrie
Nets: Malcom Brogdan and Myles Turner
Pacers: Russ THT and a 1st (Lakers)
Lakers have a new big 3 of Kyrie Bron and AD
Nets have a new looking core Brogdan Harris KD Collins Turner
Pacers get Russ on a huge expiring deal, THT for the rebuild and a first aswell
Nets need Simmons size rebounding and defense I don’t do that trade if I’m Brooklyn
Fax plus pacers wouldn’t give up brogdon and turner for just one pick
Apparently they want Russ. Brogdan has little value but Turner doesn’t. So getting back a good pick, a young player and a huge expiring deal is actually decent for them if that’s what they want
You’re always (ab)using the Pacers. Theyre not going to do what you want them to.
Collins for Simmons, Collins height gives them rebounds plus he actually plays games whereas Ben doesn’t. Not to mention he will play the 4 which means KD can be at the 3.
Imo lakers best chance of getting kyrie has to be 3 team trade sending kyrie to LA, Westbrook to hornets, and Hayward + picks (possibly from LA) to nets . Super unlikely tho
Wow…Wait a minute…Slow down there Skippy…Why would the Hawks have any interest in Ben Simmons.
Ben would be a terrific fit.
Trae and Ben would be the new Curry and Draymond.