Potential moves around the NBA are on hold as the league waits for the Suns to finalize a Kevin Durant trade, according to Mark Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link).
They mention Kings forward DeMar DeRozan as a player who could be a “fallback trade target” for unsuccessful Durant suitors and cite a report from James Ham of The Kings Beat, who said on his podcast this week that the Heat may be among the teams that pursue DeRozan.
Sources tell Stein and Fischer that Miami has previously expressed interest in forward Jonathan Kuminga, who’s about to become a restricted free agent, and could become a sign-and-trade partner for the Warriors, echoing a report earlier this week from Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
After weeks of speculation, there still doesn’t appear to be a clear favorite to land Durant, who’s widely expected to be dealt before the first night of the NBA draft on Wednesday. Stein and Fischer state that the Spurs and Rockets haven’t seen a need to increase their offers, being reluctant to add an older player to their young cores and knowing that Phoenix wants to resolve the situation quickly. The Timberwolves are still interested, but are hesitant to go all in with their offer without some indication that Durant would consider an extension.
Stein and Fischer share more inside information from around the league:
- A source tells the authors that the Sixers are currently expected to hold onto their No. 3 pick in the draft. They add that Philadelphia is still interested in trading up with San Antonio to grab Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, but the Spurs appear set on keeping the No. 2 selection. The report on the Sixers’ plans came before news broke late Wednesday that Ace Bailey has called off his scheduled workout with the team.
- Stein and Fischer point out that the guaranteed contract for the No. 3 choice will add an $11.1MM salary to the Sixers‘ books next season. Sources tell them that Philadelphia plans to operate either near or above the second apron as they hope for improved health from Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. Stein and Fischer expect Kelly Oubre, Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon to all pick up their player options, and sources tell them that re-signing Quentin Grimes remains an offseason priority. They add that it will become “increasingly challenging” to retain big man Guerschon Yabusele, who’s expected to draw strong interest on the free agent market.
- Stein and Fischer hear that Cooper Flagg was “impressive” this week as he traveled to Dallas to meet with general manager Nico Harrison, coach Jason Kidd and other Mavericks officials. Flagg also worked out for about an hour, displaying the skills that have made him a lock to be the No. 1 pick.
Derozen to clippers or nuggets.
How?
Yabusele is as good as gone. Honestly I’m ok with it. I don’t want to overpay him(let someone else do that)
Agree 13. The dancing bear was decent but not a big loss.
Yep, he put smiles on fan’s faces, which was nice, but he’s not really a player Philly should be holding on to. They should try to keep Grimes.
Will be interesting to see if he gets offer sheets from some other teams out there.
I wonder if the warriors can flip Kumioga for Jovic. There is a few players Warriors like on Heat that fit their team in a trade.
I’d hold off on any offers from the Heat until we know for sure the direction the Bucks (Giannis) and the Grizz (Jackson Jr.) are taking.
I do not see why teh Grizz would trade JJJ. Unless Giannis wants to go to teh heat i don’t see them out bidding other teams for Giannis.
More Kuminga speculation. It needs to be remembered. JK had $30 million on the table, but rejected it. He went on to have his worst shooting season of his career. Hell, the whole team struggled. So, he will probably get offered less than what he could have had. Is JK going to accept that. The Warriors have made it clear that they want a big man and a secondary scorer this off season. They probably won’t be able to get any of that in a sign and trade. Dunleavy seems to prefer plug-n-play draftees. So, no one and done players.
DeRozan is a great dude but he’s about to fall off a cliff. His 17 PER last season was a marked drop from the previous year and he’s really not someone who adds any value on defense. Considering contract, age and normal decline of guys his age he is a net negative at this stage.