Week In Review 6/19/16-6/25/16
As expected, the Sixers opened this year’s NBA draft by taking LSU’s Ben Simmons. The 6’10” Australian native, who has been the consensus No. 1 choice since the beginning of the college season, averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists during his lone season with the Tigers. Simmons is the latest in a string of big men drafted early by the Sixers. He joins a crowded frontcourt that includes Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid and maybe Croatian star Dario Saric. You can view the complete list of selections here.
Here’s the other notable news and events from around the NBA this past week:
Trades
- In a three-team trade, the Pacers acquired Jeff Teague, the Jazz acquired George Hill and the Hawks acquired the No. 12 overall pick in this year’s draft.
- The Knicks acquired Derrick Rose, Justin Holiday and a 2017 second-round pick and sent Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon to the Bulls.
- The Pacers acquired Thaddeus Young from the Nets in exchange for the No. 20 overall pick.
- The Hornets shipped the No. 22 overall pick to Sacramento in exchange for veteran shooting guard Marco Belinelli.
- The Celtics dealt Deyonta Davis, the first pick of the second round, to the Grizzlies along with the No. 35 overall pick in exchange for the Clippers’ 2019 first-rounder.
- The Pelicans sent the Nos. 39 and 40 selections to the Clippers in exchange for the No. 33 pick.
- The Warriors purchased the No. 38 pick from the Bucks.
- The Nets acquired the 42nd choice from the Jazz in exchange for pick No. 55 and cash.
- The Kings dealt the No. 8 pick to the Suns in exchange for the rights to Bogdan Bogdanovic and the No. 13 overall pick.
- The Trail Blazers acquired pick No. 47 from the Magic in exchange for $1.2MM and a 2019 second round pick.
- The Cavaliers purchased the No. 54 overall pick from the Hawks.
- The Nuggets sent pick No. 56 to Oklahoma City in exchange for cash.
- The Thunder traded power forward Serge Ibaka to Orlando in exchange for Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and the rights to Domantas Sabonis, the 11th overall pick.
Signings
- The Warriors inked Patrick McCaw.
- The Rockets signed Gary Payton II, Isaiah Taylor and Kyle Wiltjer.
- The Sixers signed James Webb III.
- The Spurs signed Ryan Arcidiacono.
- The Knicks inked Ron Baker.
- The Wizards signed Sheldon McClellan.
- The Knicks signed Marshall Plumlee.
- The Nets signed Yogi Ferrell.
- The Hawks signed Matt Costello.
- The Sixers inked Shawn Long.
- The Jazz signed Quincy Ford.
Option Decisions
Opting In
Opting Out
- Arron Afflalo [Knicks]
- Darrell Arthur [Nuggets]
- Brandon Bass [Lakers]
- Manu Ginobili [Spurs]
- Dwight Howard [Rockets]
- Jeremy Lin [Hornets]
- Dirk Nowitzki [Mavericks]
- Chandler Parsons [Mavericks]
- Deron Williams [Mavericks]
- Derrick Williams [Knicks]
Miscellaneous News
- Richard Jefferson plans to retire from the league.
- The Heat formally extended a qualifying offer to combo guard Tyler Johnson.
- Raptors assistant coach assistant Andy Greer is leaving Toronto to join Tom Thibodeau‘s staff with the Timberwolves as lead assistant.
2016 Offseason Outlook Series
Hoops Rumors took a look ahead at the potential offseason moves for all 30 teams. We examined free agency, the draft, trades and other key storylines for each franchise heading into the summer. Listed below are all 30 team previews organized by conference and division.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic Division
Central Division
Southeast Division
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Northwest Division
Pacific Division
Southwest Division
Eastern Notes: Rose, Knicks, Durant, Magic
The Bulls missing the playoffs this season signaled to the front office that it was time to try a new approach, which led Chicago to trade Derrick Rose to the Knicks, Sam Smith of Bulls.com relays. “We had this window of opportunity,” GM Gar Forman said at a press conference Wednesday. “Obviously, injuries played a part where we couldn’t reach our ultimate goal to be a championship team. But we thought we had a window to compete at a high level. But through injuries and age… we felt that window was coming to a close.
“A year ago you could start to see signs it was coming to a close,” Forman added. “But we didn’t have a lot of [financial] flexibility and we wanted to give the group as it was another year to see where we could go. We also talked about putting together a plan moving forward. We feel we need to get younger, get more athletic; obviously, we need to find players who will fit the style of play [Bulls coach] Fred [Hoiberg] wants to play and fit the players we have on our team. In making this trade, we feel it’s the first step in that direction.”
Here’s more from the East:
- Knicks team president Phil Jackson informed Rose that the team intends to go after unrestricted free agent Kevin Durant as soon as the free agent signing period opens in July, Frank Isola of The New York Daily News writes. Jackson hopes he can sell Durant on the idea of joining Rose, Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis in New York, Isola adds.
- Marc Berman of The New York Post breaks down the five most pressing issues facing the Knicks following the Rose trade.
- One potential scenario that will be considered by the Magic this evening is packaging the No. 11 overall pick along with the non-guaranteed contract of Ersan Ilyasova in exchange for a veteran player from a team looking to shed salary, John Denton of NBA.com writes. “The positive thing is that we have players that the league values,’’ said GM Rob Hennigan, who noted he’s received several trade inquiries from other teams. “This time of year, especially, you’re always having conversations, always listening and always trying to explore ways to improve your team. We’ve had several conversations and we’ll continue to have those conversations [Wednesday] and [Thursday].’’
- Hennigan did note that the Magic would prefer to retain the No. 11 pick and add a player who could join the rotation immediately, rather than deal it away, Josh Robbins of The Orlando Sentinel relays. “I think the preference would be someone who can contribute,” Hennigan said. “But with where we’re picking, we may have to lean more toward picking the best player on the board as we try to balance those two things. But the preference would be to find someone who can help us immediately.“
Thunder Shop Serge Ibaka
In advance of tonight’s NBA Draft, the Thunder are exploring the trade market for Serge Ibaka, Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated reports (ESPN Now link). It’s unclear who or what Oklahoma City is seeking in return for the talented forward.
Ibaka, 26, has one season remaining on his current deal and is set to earn $12,250,000 in 2016/17. The former No. 24 overall pick has been a valuable performer for the Thunder during his career, but his numbers did take a slight dip this past season. In 78 appearances, all as a starter, Ibaka averaged 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 32.9 minutes per outing. He shot .479/.326/.752 from the field.
If Ibaka is indeed dealt, it will be interesting to observe how it alters Kevin Durant‘s free agency plans this summer. Unless the team parlays Ibaka into multiple assets who will contribute immediately, it’s difficult to imagine such a move pleasing Durant. The primary motivating factor for OKC is likely Ibaka being set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer and the team not being willing to pony up a maximum salary contract for the forward. Especially given that Russell Westbrook will also hit the open market next summer and re-signing him will almost certainly take precedence over retaining Ibaka. Durant, if he re-signs on a short-term pact, could also become a free agent, thus making future cap flexibility a necessity for the team.
Bucks, Celtics Discuss Trade For Middleton, Monroe?
2:23pm: Charles F. Gardener of the Journal Sentinel (via Twitter) casts a different view, saying trade talks aren’t currently ongoing in Milwaukee and classifies any pending deals as “possible, but not likely.”
2:21pm: The Celtics are still desperately seeking a star player to add to their roster and are reportedly quite active on the trade front. To this end, Boston has engaged in trade discussions with the Bucks regarding Khris Middleton and Greg Monroe, Gery Woelfel of The Racine Journal Times relayed.
According to Woelfel’s sources, the Bucks and Celtics are exploring a potential deal that would send Middleton and Monroe to Boston in exchange for the No. 16 and No. 23 picks in tonight’s NBA Draft along with another unnamed player. Milwaukee has worked out a number of players who are projected to go in the 16 to 23 range, including guard Denzel Valentine of Michigan State, guard Malachi Richardson of Syracuse, guard Dejounte Murray of Washington and North Carolina power forward Brice Johnson, Woelfel adds.
If Milwaukee is indeed willing to part ways with Middleton it would be reversal from previous reports that stated the swingman was “untouchable.” Middleton, 24, is signed for four more years and is owed a reasonable $55.3MM over that span. In 79 appearances this season he averaged 18.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 36.1 minutes per outing while shooting .444/.396/.888.
The Bucks have shown no such reluctance when it comes to dealing Monroe, with the team reportedly “anxious to move on from him.” Given the Bucks’ overall lack of athleticism, even with the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the lumbering big man was never a good fit in Milwaukee. He has two seasons remaining on his current deal, though, he can choose to opt out next summer. In 79 games for the Bucks Monroe notched averages of 15.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 29.3 minutes per contest. His shooting line was .522/.000/.740.
Poll: 2016 Community Mock Draft (Pick No. 30)
Drafting players is far from an exact science, and many a GM has been second-guessed for his draft night decisions. I’m willing to bet that every team executive has at least one pick that he would like a mulligan for. We at Hoops Rumors thought it would be fun to give our readers the chance to predict the results of this June’s draft, which is what we are doing with a series of polls.
We are now at the end of the first round (and our mock draft) and have come to the Warriors. Readers, you are now on the clock! Cast your vote for Golden State’s selection and check back Friday for the final results. But don’t limit yourself to a simple button click. Take to the comments section below and share your thoughts on the No. 30 overall pick and why you voted the way that you did.
- Sixers — Ben Simmons (LSU)
- Lakers — Brandon Ingram (Duke)
- Celtics — Dragan Bender (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
- Suns — Jaylen Brown (California)
- Timberwolves — Buddy Hield (Oklahoma)
- Pelicans — Kris Dunn (Providence)
- Nuggets — Jamal Murray (Kentucky)
- Kings — Henry Ellenson (Marquette)
- Raptors — Marquese Chriss (Washington)
- Bucks — Jakob Poeltl (Utah)
- Magic — Skal Labissiere (Kentucky)
- Jazz — Denzel Valentine (Michigan State)
- Suns — Domantas Sabonis (Gonzaga)
- Bulls — Deyonta Davis (Michigan State)
- Nuggets — Timothe Luwawu (Mega Leks)
- Celtics — Thon Maker (Australia)
- Grizzlies — Wade Baldwin (Vanderbilt)
- Pistons — Tyler Ulis (Kentucky)
- Nuggets — Furkan Korkmaz (Anadolu Efes)
- Pacers — Demetrius Jackson (Notre Dame)
- Hawks — Taurean Prince (Baylor)
- Hornets — Brice Johnson (North Carolina)
- Celtics — Malachi Richardson (Syracuse)
- Sixers — Malik Beasley (Florida State)
- Clippers — DeAndre Bembry (St. Joe’s)
- Sixers — Dejounte Murray (Washington)
- Raptors — Cheick Diallo (Kansas)
- Suns — Diamond Stone (Maryland)
- Spurs — Juan Hernangomez (Spain)
For Trade Rumors app users: [Direct Link]
Rockets Shop Beverley, McDaniels, Ariza
The Rockets have been calling around the league to gauge the trade interest in Patrick Beverley, K.J. McDaniels and Trevor Ariza, Jake Fischer of Liberty Ballers reports (Twitter links). Houston has already contacted the Sixers and offered a package including Ariza and Beverley for Nerlens Noel, Fischer adds. It’s unclear what the Rockets are seeking from other teams in any deal, though, with the team lacking a first round pick in tonight’s NBA Draft, nabbing a first-rounder is a likely possibility.
Beverley, 27, has three more years and approximately $18MM remaining on his current deal. The point guard made 71 appearances this season, averaging 9.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 28.7 minutes per outing to accompany a shooting line of .434/.400/.682.
Ariza, 30, appeared in 81 games in 2015/16, all starts. He averaged 12.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 35.3 minutes and owned a slash line of .416/.371/.783. The forward has two years and approximately $15.2MM remaining on his contract.
McDaniels appeared in just 37 games for Houston this season. The 23-year-old, who has two years and approximately $6.8MM remaining on his deal, averaged 2.4 points and 1.1 rebounds in just 6.4 minutes per contest. His shooting numbers were .403/.280/.800.
Sixers Working To Acquire No. 3 Overall Pick
The Sixers are intensifying their efforts to pry away the No. 3 overall pick from the Celtics, Marc Stein of ESPN.com relays (Twitter links). Numerous league sources tell Stein that Philadelphia is the most active suitor for Boston’s pick and that Nerlens Noel is the Sixers player most likely to be involved in any swap.
Boston reportedly wants to flip the pick for an established star, with Sixers 2015 lottery pick Jahlil Okafor also being mentioned as a possible trade candidate in relation to the Celtics. Philly has reportedly been pursuing a deal with the Celtics in recent weeks for the pick. With the Sixers reportedly set to take Ben Simmons with the No. 1 overall selection, the team is likely seeking to add backcourt help at the No. 3 spot, with Kris Dunn, Buddy Hield and Jamal Murray all strong candidates for the franchise if Philly completes a trade with Boston. If the Celtics do hang onto the pick, the team may look to nab Dunn, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical (Twitter link).
Noel, 22, appeared in 67 games for the Sixers this past season, averaging 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 blocks in 29.3 minutes per outing. His shooting line was .521/.500/.590.
Western Notes: Bogdanovic, Lacob, Greer
Suns 2014 first-round pick Bogdan Bogdanovic won’t be joining the NBA next season, electing instead to remain overseas with the Turkish club Fenerbahce, Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic relays. Remaining overseas for one more season makes fiscal sense for the swingman. Bogdanovic would have been required to sign a rookie contract that would give him a salary of about $5.7MM over four years. By waiting until 2017 to make the jump to the NBA, Bogdanovic is now free to negotiate any amount, starting with his draft year’s rookie salary scale.
Here’s more from out West:
- Warriors owner Joe Lacob acknowledged the franchise’s role in popularizing a small-ball approach around the NBA, but says now that numerous teams are attempting to copy their style of play it is time to evolve once again, Jennifer Elias of The Silicon Valley Business Journal writes. “We drove this idea of small ball, and it’s a different style of play,” Lacob said. “Having said that, I think it’s important to know that whenever everyone else starts doing things, it’s time to start doing what’s next. We’re on to the next idea — How can we iterate to evolve to get an advantage? I can assure you we’re very forward thinking in that regard.”
- Raptors assistant coach assistant Andy Greer is leaving Toronto to join Tom Thibodeau‘s staff with the Timberwolves as lead assistant, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reports (via Twitter).
- George Hill is thrilled with Wednesday’s trade that saw him shipped to the Jazz, his agent, Bill Neff, told Tony Jones of The Salt Lake Tribune. “This is a good fit for George,” Neff said. “One, George likes it in Utah. Two, George has a close relationship with Gordon Hayward [both are Indianapolis natives]. Three, [GM] Dennis Lindsey was largely responsible for bringing George to San Antonio. George has worked with [Jazz coach] Quin Snyder. This is one of the teams George has always wanted to play for.“
- The Suns made an attempt to pry Hayward from the Jazz, offering Eric Bledsoe and a lottery pick in exchange, Marc Stein of ESPN.com tweets. There is a growing sense around the league that Phoenix will move either Bledsoe or Brandon Knight prior to the start of next season, Stein adds (Twitter link).
Draft Rumors — Morning: Maker, Young, Hawes
The 2016 NBA Draft is mere hours away and trade chatter is likely to ramp up significantly as the event nears. Here’s the latest rumors and notes from around the league:
- A number of teams have ruled out selecting Thon Maker in the first round over concerns that his age has been misrepresented, Jake Fischer of Liberty Ballers tweets. Multiple league sources tell Fischer they believe Maker to be 21-23 years of age, while he is officially listed as being just 19-years-old.
- The Hornets are offering the No. 22 overall pick as a sweetener if teams will take the contracts of Spencer Hawes or Jeremy Lamb off their hands via trade, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical relays (via Twitter). Charlotte wants to clear cap room to aid it in pursuing free agents this offseason, Wojnarowski adds.
- Several Western Conference teams have been aggressively pursuing Nets forward Thaddeus Young, who Brooklyn is looking to deal to the highest bidder in an effort to land a first round pick, Wojnarowski tweets.
- Teams picking after the Grizzlies, who own the No. 17 overall pick, believe Memphis is split between selecting Malachi Richardson and Malik Beasley, Fischer tweets.
- The Hawks have contacted teams drafting in the late teens of the first round offering to trade back from No. 12 overall in exchange for an established rotation player, Fischer relays (on Twitter).
- The Clippers have made calls to teams owning first-rounders in the mid to late teens and are offering up the No. 25 and No. 33 overall picks in return, Fischer tweets.