Cavs Would Give Up No. 1 Pick For Kevin Love
Immediately after the Cavaliers won this year's draft lottery, we heard that the team would be open to fielding trade offers for the first overall pick. But according to Joe Kotoch of SheridanHoops.com, there's one particular the team with whom the Cavs would like to deal: The Timberwolves. Kotoch reports that the No. 1 pick would be available to the T-Wolves if they were willing to part with Kevin Love.
Kotoch's report doesn't come as a huge surprise — Love is a two-time All-Star and was a member of the gold-medal U.S. Olympic team in 2012, so he's a proven commodity, whereas there's no real consensus top pick in this year's draft class. Nerlens Noel, who sits atop many draft boards, is recovering from ACL surgery. As such, it makes sense that the Cavs, who hope to earn a playoff spot next season, would target a veteran who could make an immediate impact.
Love has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate in the past because he and the Timberwolves have had an up-and-down relationship since the team was unwilling to give him the five-year rookie scale extension he was seeking. Still, with former GM David Kahn out of the picture and Flip Saunders now running the show in Minnesota, I'd be shocked if the T-Wolves seriously considered moving Love this summer. Even if he does intent to opt out down the road, Love still has at least two more years remaining on his contract, so there'd be plenty of time for the Wolves to weigh their options.
In addition to the nugget on the Cavs and Love, Kotoch shared a few more draft-related rumors to go along with his latest mock draft. Here are the highlights:
- Kotoch echoes a report by ESPN.com's Chad Ford (Twitter link) suggesting that Giannis Antetokounmpo has been given a first-round guarantee. According to Kotoch, two teams have made such a promise to the so-called "Greek Freak," and Kotoch believes one of them may be the Hawks, who have two first-round picks.
- The Jazz are interested in C.J. McCollum, but would be happy to select Michael Carter-Williams or Dennis Schroeder if McCollum is off the board at No. 14, says Kotoch.
- McCollum also intrigues the Thunder, who pick 12th, though Oklahoma City has been primarily linked to bigs so far.
- The Knicks "really like" Shane Larkin, according to Kotoch.
Hawks Hire Mike Budenholzer
3:26pm: The Hawks have officially announced the hiring of Budenholzer in a press release.
"We are thrilled to have Mike as the next coach of the Atlanta Hawks. He has an incredible basketball acumen and has a keen awareness of the league and what it takes to be successful," Ferry said in a statement. "His experience and four championships over the last 17 years provide a tremendous foundation for his leadership of our team."
3:13pm: The Hawks have reached an agreement to hire Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach, reports Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution (via Twitter). Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports had previously reported that the two sides were engaged in "serious talks" about the position.
With the move, Atlanta becomes the fourth team to hire a new head coach this season, along with the Cavaliers, Suns, and Bobcats. The hiring of Budenholzer also assures that Larry Drew won't return as the team's coach next season — Drew had remained under contract, though he has been exploring other options and moving forward as if he won't receive an extension.
Budenholzer has been a member of the Spurs' organization since the 1994/95 season, acting as an assistant coach since '96/97 and crossing paths with Hawks GM Danny Ferry during Ferry's two separate stints in the Spurs' front office. Budenholzer has been Gregg Popovich's top assistant in San Antonio since the 2007/08 season.
Before the Hawks reached an agreement with Budenholzer, Stan Van Gundy was among the candidates linked to the team's coaching opening, but Van Gundy eventually decided not to coach in 2013/14. A pair of coaches who spent last season with CSKA Moscow, Ettore Messina and Quin Snyder, were also rumored to be considered by Atlanta.
Mike Budenholzer, Hawks In Serious Talks
The Hawks are engaged in "serious talks" with Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer about becoming Atlanta's new head coach, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter). ESPN.com's Chris Broussard had reported last week that many league insiders viewed Budenholzer as the frontrunner for the Hawks' coaching opening.
While the Spurs remain active in the postseason, having swept the Grizzlies to earn a spot in the NBA Finals, they'll have nine days off before their next series gets underway. As such, the team is allowing its longtime assistant coach to negotiate with the Hawks during that period, assuming Budenholzer is Atlanta's choice for its head coach, writes TNT's David Aldridge.
Budenholzer, who worked with Atlanta GM Danny Ferry back when Ferry was a member of the Spurs' front office, also interviewed for the Pistons and 76ers for their coaching openings, as Aldridge notes. If he were to land the Hawks' job, Budenholzer would be replacing Larry Drew, who technically remains under contract in Atlanta, but is exploring other options — Drew will have a second interview the Bucks tomorrow.
Atlantic Notes: Pierce, Ujiri, Raptors, Ward
A recent News-Herald report suggested the Celtics are "likely" to buy out Paul Pierce before his contract becomes guaranteed on July 1st, but Rich Levine of CSNNE.com isn't so sure that's the case. According to Levine, a C's source "laughed off" that report — not because the idea of buying out Pierce is outlandish, but because the idea Boston is "likely" to do anything isn't accurate at this point. With over a month to make a decision on Pierce, the Celtics figure to continue exploring all their options before making a move.
Here's more on Pierce and the rest of the Atlantic Division:
- Three NBA executives who spoke to Sam Amico told the FOX Sports Ohio scribe that buying out Pierce would be a no-brainer if they were running the Celtics (Twitter link).
- The Raptors and Nuggets may have closure as soon as today on Masai Ujiri, according to Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld. Kyler says the Raptors are "all-in" for Ujiri, but adds that both Toronto and Denver have started kicking the tires on possible alternatives. Ujiri is currently weighing offers from both teams, though the Nuggets' counter-offer is not believed to be as competitive financially as the Raptors', tweets Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
- Canadian shooting guard Warren Ward won't be draft-eligible next month, but as a free agent, he's drawing interest from a few NBA teams, including the Raptors, says Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld. Kennedy also identifies the Pacers, Magic, and Hawks as other clubs with potential interest in Ward.
- As we heard this morning, the Nets are expected to request permission to speak to Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins, perhaps as soon as today.
Update On NBA Coaching Searches
Nearly a third of the NBA's teams have actively sought out a new head coach since the regular season ended last month, and it's possible that we could see even more clubs decide to make a change in the coming weeks. The Kings' new ownership group may fully overhaul the front office and coaching staff, while the Raptors' new head of basketball operations could decide to replace Dwane Casey.
A pair of teams have hired new coaches, but most of the clubs making a change are still pursuing and interviewing candidates. Here's an update on the NBA's offseason coaching carousel:
Atlanta Hawks
Out: Larry Drew
In: TBD
Larry Drew technically remains under contract with the Hawks, but according to Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution (Twitter link), he hasn't been in touch with the team recently and is proceeding as if he won't be back. Stan Van Gundy had initially been linked to the Hawks' opening, but says he won't coach next season. That could be good news for Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer, who is viewed by some insiders as the favorite for the Atlanta job. CSKA Moscow head coach Ettore Messina is also reportedly being considered.
Brooklyn Nets
Out: P.J. Carlesimo
In: TBD
The Nets seem to be thoroughly researching potential candidates before reaching out to them, with a recent report suggesting that Phil Jackson was the only target approached by the team so far. Part of the reason for the deliberate pace may be the fact that two names viewed as likely top candidates, Brian Shaw and Lionel Hollins, remain active in the postseason.
Charlotte Bobcats
Out: Mike Dunlap
In: TBD
When the Bobcats were seeking a a new head coach a year ago, their search was expansive and lasted several weeks. A year later, it appears that will be the case again. Kelvin Sampson, Alvin Gentry, and Elston Turner are among the candidates that have been interviewed by Charlotte so far, but the frontrunner may be Quin Snyder, who interviewed for the position last year as well. Chris Broussard reported last week that Snyder may be the preferred choice of Bobcats GM Rich Cho.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Out: Byron Scott
In: Mike Brown
The Cavs moved quickly to lock up Mike Brown, hiring him within a week of officially firing Byron Scott.
Detroit Pistons
Out: Lawrence Frank
In: TBD
When Jackson was brought in as a pro-bono consultant for the Pistons' coaching search, it raised questions about whose voice would dominate the process: Jackson's or GM Joe Dumars'. If the Zen Master has more sway, the team may push hard for Shaw, a former Jackson assistant. Dumars is believed to favor Maurice Cheeks or Nate McMillan. Budenholzer, Lindsey Hunter, Darrell Walker, and J.B Bickerstaff have also reportedly met with the Pistons.
Los Angeles Clippers
Out: Vinny Del Negro
In: TBD
According to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, the Clippers are shooting for the big names before fully getting their search underway. That list would include Van Gundy, Hollins, and Shaw, at the very least. The Clips have also been linked on several occasions to Gentry, Scott, and Michael Malone, and are said to be high on McMillan.
Milwaukee Bucks
Out: Jim Boylan
In: TBD
The latest report on the Bucks indicates the team has narrowed its focus to three finalists: Drew, Sampson, and Steve Clifford. All three are scheduled for second interviews with Milwaukee on Tuesday or Wednesday, so it wouldn't be a surprise if the team made a decision by the end of the week.
Philadelphia 76ers
Out: Doug Collins
In: TBD
Several names, including Shaw, Sampson, and Michael Curry initially surfaced in the Sixers' search, but GM Tony DiLeo has since been replaced by Sam Hinkie. At the moment, Hinkie seems more focused on structuring the front office than naming a new coach, so it's unclear what the timetable is for a Sixers hire, or which candidates Hinkie is considering.
Phoenix Suns
Out: Lindsey Hunter
In: Jeff Hornacek
The Suns and Jeff Hornacek reached an agreement yesterday, ending Phoenix's search.
Offseason Outlook: Atlanta Hawks
Guaranteed Contracts
- Al Horford ($12,000,000)
- Lou Williams ($5,225,000)
- John Jenkins ($1,258,800)
- (Jeremy Tyler – $100,000)1
Options
- None
Non-Guaranteed Contracts
- DeShawn Stevenson ($2,240,450)
- Mike Scott ($788,872)2
- Shelvin Mack ($884,293)
Free Agents / Cap Holds
- Josh Smith ($16,402,500)
- Devin Harris ($12,750,000)
- Kyle Korver ($9,500,000)
- Zaza Pachulia ($7,873,125)
- Johan Petro ($6,665,000)
- Jeff Teague ($6,082,692)3
- Dahntay Jones ($5,510,000)
- No. 17 pick ($1,348,200)
- No. 18 pick ($1,280,800)
- Ivan Johnson ($1,250,854)4
- Anthony Tolliver ($884,293)
- (Hilton Armstrong - $884,293)
- (Erick Dampier - $884,293)
- (Randolph Morris - $884,293)
- (Etan Thomas - $884,293)
Draft Picks
- 1st Round (17th overall)
- 1st Round (18th overall)
- 2nd Round (47th overall)
- 2nd Round (50th overall)
Cap Outlook
- Guaranteed Salary: $18,583,800
- Options: $0
- Non-Guaranteed Salary: $3,913,615
- Cap Holds: $73,084,636
- Total: $95,582,051
If there are any questions about Danny Ferry's abilities as a general manager, what he does this summer will probably answer them. The Hawks enter the offseason with as much of a clean slate as any team can have, with the exception of an expansion franchise. Twelve players on the team's 15-man roster are free agents, and even coach Larry Drew's contract is up. The Hawks have left the door open for Drew to return, but it looks like both sides have moved on, meaning Ferry will likely have to pick a new coach to lead a team that promises to look much different when the 2013/14 season tips off.
Atlanta will have enough room for a pair of max-contract free agents, even if they're Dwight Howard and Chris Paul, whose maximum salaries are the largest of any free agents on the market this summer. Not surprisingly, it appears Ferry's first order of business, after resolving the coaching situation, will be to see if both D12 and CP3 are interested in forming a super-team with the Hawks.
It would make the summer relatively easy for Ferry if he could land the two most sought-after free agents, but Paul, in particular, is a long shot. The Hawks will have plenty of competition for Howard even if the big man is interested in returning to his hometown, so it seems there's a strong chance that neither will wind up in Atlanta. That puts the onus on Ferry's abilities as a talent evaluator. Nobody else on the market is indisputably deserving of a max deal, and that includes Atlanta's in-house candidate, Josh Smith.
The 6'9" forward believes he's deserving of the max, and while Ferry and company like him enough to have offered him an extension prior to the season, it doesn't seem like they share Smith's view of his abilities. Other unrestricted free agent options include Andrew Bynum, Al Jefferson, David West and Paul Millsap. Andre Iguodala and Monta Ellis could be in play if they decline their options. Top restricted talent includes Brandon Jennings, Tyreke Evans, Nikola Pekovic, Tiago Splitter and the Hawks' own Jeff Teague.
It sounds like the Hawks are high on Teague, and, along with Smith, he'll be relatively easy to evaluate since he's been around the team for so long. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Hawks sign Teague as soon as they have a definitive answer from Paul. After CP3 and Jennings, Teague is probably the best point guard on the market. He's probably not a maximum-salary player, so unless another team decides to overpay, Atlanta shouldn't have much trouble bringing him back into the fold.
The most talented player available, other than Howard and Paul, is probably Bynum. Of course, he comes with a significant caveat surrounding the health of his knees. If Ferry and the team's medical staff are confident that Bynum can regain and maintain full health, they might offer him the max, but that's a big "if." Really, unless one of the other free agents wows the Hawks, the team is likely better off pursuing smaller deals. That way, Ferry could fill out more of his empty roster space with players who command more than the minimum salary. Depending on how cheaply Ferry finds his talent, he may decide to leave enough cap space open for a run at a superstar from the better-stocked 2014 free agent class. Ferry could also decide to go with a bunch of one-year deals, a la the Mavericks this past season.
Whatever Ferry does, he'll be doing it with Al Horford in mind. Horford is owed $36MM through 2016. The contract is reasonable, if not a bargain, so Ferry could probably find a taker if he wants to trade Horford, but there's no indication he'll go that route. The former No. 3 overall pick is no superstar, but he is the building block around which this team will be constructed. His skills present Ferry with an intriguing choice — Horford can play power forward in a traditional lineup that bucks the small-ball trend, or center if Ferry wants to embrace the philosophy of an increasing number of teams. To a lesser extent, Lou Williams will factor into Ferry's thinking as well, since he's under contract through 2015.
John Jenkins, the 23rd overall pick from 2012, is set to return as well after spending the better part of his rookie season in the rotation. The Hawks have four draft picks this year, but I wouldn't expect Atlanta to keep all of them and bring four rookies aboard, unless Ferry decides to roll the team's cap space over to 2014.
The summer ahead is a defining one for the franchise, but it may only be the first step. Unless Howard or Paul arrives in Atlanta, there's no one who automatically propels the Hawks into the title picture for next season. After years as a mediocre playoff team that never got past the second round, the Hawks probably won't be content to pin their hopes on a long-term plan that doesn't include a superstar. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Hawks enter next summer with plenty of cap space as well.
Cap footnotes
- When the Hawks waived Tyler in March, his contract included a $100K guarantee for 2013/14.
- Scott's contract becomes guaranteed for $100K next season if he's not waived on or before August 15th.
- The qualifying offer for Teague, the 19th pick in the 2009 draft, is $3,469,568, which is less than 250% of his salary in 2012/13. The cap hold for a former first-rounder who made less than the league average salary in the fourth season of his rookie-scale contract is always the greater of those two amounts in the summer after his rookie deal expires.
- The qualifying offer for Johnson, originally signed as an undrafted free agent, is $1,202,744, which is less than 130% of his salary in 2012/13. The cap hold for any Early Bird free agent who's not coming off a rookie-scale contract — deals that are reserved only for first-round draft picks — is always the greater of those two amounts.
Storytellers Contracts and Sham Sports were used in the creation of this post.
Pacific Rumors: Gentry, Howard, Kings, Evans
As we head into the offseason, the Clippers and Lakers are looking to retain elite free-agents-to-be, the Warriors are looking for ways to upgrade a roster that's dangerously close to tax territory, the Clippers and Suns are in the market for a new head coach, and the Kings are in the process of changing ownership groups. The Pacific Division certainly isn't lacking for storylines, so let's round up the latest on a few of them:
- Alvin Gentry has a standing invitation to join Mike D'Antoni's staff with the Lakers as an assistant, but is more interested in the Clippers' open head coaching spot, as Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com writes. Gentry is expected to be among the candidates receiving consideration once the process gets more serious, says Shelburne.
- Ric Bucher of 95.7 The Game (Sulia link) downplays the significance of a recent report listing Golden State among Dwight Howard's potential destinations. According to Bucher's source, since making a wish list last year that included the Nets, Mavericks, and Lakers, Howard has become more open to the Rockets, but there's been no indication his position on the Hawks or Warriors has changed.
- Once the new ownership group is able to officially take control of the Kings, Vivek Ranadive and Co. intend to begin sorting out the team's basketball operations "very quickly," as Ranadive tells Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee.
- Jones adds within the same piece that Tyreke Evans' free agency figures to be the biggest roster decision facing the Kings this summer. For his part, Evans plans on waiting until the ownership situation stabilizes, and says agent Arn Tellem will meet with management once things are settled.
Broussard On Coaching Searches, Wolves, Lottery
We briefly touched on the latest Insider-only offering from ESPN.com's Chris Broussard last night, but let's take a more in-depth look at Brousard's newest tidbits today:
- NBA executives are curious to see who the Pistons hire as a head coach, since it may indicate whether advisor Phil Jackson or GM Joe Dumars has more sway in Detroit. Dumars is believed to favor Nate McMillan or Maurice Cheeks, while Jackson's pick would likely be Brian Shaw.
- Had Chris Hansen's purchase of the Kings gone through, Jackson would have run the team's front office in Seattle, and intended to hire Shaw as head coach, says Broussard.
- The Nets have yet to approach any coaching candidates besides Jackson, who told the team he wasn't interested in coaching. Brooklyn is currently conducting "rigorous checks" on potential candidates, and is seeking someone tough and firm who is able to get the most out of the talent on the roster.
- The Clippers are high on McMillan, according to Broussard.
- Sources tell Broussard that Bobcats GM Rich Cho is interested in hiring Quin Snyder to replace Mike Dunlap.
- "Many league insiders" believe Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer is the favorite to land the Hawks' job, says Broussard.
- While Celtics GM Danny Ainge has privately told teams he won't grant them permission to speak to Doc Rivers, Broussard says if Rivers really wanted a change of scenery, Ainge would probably allow him to explore other options. There's no indication that's the case though.
- Although Flip Saunders will run the Timberwolves' basketball operations, he's looking to hire a general manager, and is currently performing background checks on possible candidates. A hire likely won't happen until after the draft, according to Broussard.
- Rival lottery teams aren't necessarily jealous that the Cavaliers landed the first overall pick. Said one GM: "I'd rather be two, three or four in this draft than one."
- Another executive from a lottery team on the process: "We didn't want to win this year's lottery. Next year's the one to win. Then after that, you want to be out of the lottery."
Stan Van Gundy Will Not Coach In 2013/14
Several days after a report indicated that Stan Van Gundy was unlikely to return to head coaching for the 2013/14 season, Van Gundy himself confirmed the news to David Baumann of Sports Talk Florida. Van Gundy told Baumann that he won't coach an NBA team next year, citing family reasons.
According to Van Gundy, he has not interviewed with any teams for their head coaching openings, despite being contacted by a handful of clubs. The former Magic coach has turned down all available opportunities, he tells Baumann. We had previously heard that Van Gundy interviewed with the Hawks as well as the Bucks. Assuming those reports weren't entirely off base, perhaps both teams just spoke to SVG rather than formally interviewing him.
With Van Gundy seemingly off the market, the Hawks and Bucks will be forced to look elsewhere for their new head coaches, while teams like the Nets and Clippers, who had also been linked to Van Gundy, will also have to explore other options. Grantland's Zach Lowe wonders (via Twitter) if Van Gundy is expecting a more desirable job to become available next offseason, though for now it's probably safe to take SVG at his word and assume he's making a family decision.
Poll: Where Will Dwight Howard Sign This Summer?
Earlier today, Ken Berger of CBSSports.com wrote that Dwight Howard was showing interest in the Rockets and Mavericks while he contemplates his free agent fate this summer and ignores the Lakers' request to re-sign with them as quickly as possible. The Lakers can offer Howard a fifth year and more money because the 2011 CBA allows annual raises of 7.5% over the first year, which would be in excess of $20MM for Howard; the other teams bidding for the 27-year-old center's services, including the long shot Nets and Hawks, can only offer increases of 4.5% over the first year.
Remember, Howard is just entering his peak years, and will likely sign another max contract before he retires, so a four-year deal with an option for the final year would allow him to become a free agent again at 30, when he can then sign a larger five-year deal. While Howard takes his time deciding, do you think he re-signs with the Lakers, or does he jump to some other team said to be in the mix?