And-Ones: Lee, Gasol, Griffin
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has had conversations with David Lee and his representatives regarding the power forward’s future with Boston, A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com reports. Our own Chris Crouse examined Lee as a trade candidate earlier today. The Celtics are open to moving to moving Lee, who is set to be a free agent after the season. Ainge would not detail to Blakely what the conversation was about, but did compliment Lee for dealing with what many would label as a difficult situation; Lee, who has experienced plenty of success over his 10-year career, is no longer in the Celtics’ rotation.
Here’s more from around the basketball world:
- Pau Gasol‘s new agent is Steven Heumann of Creative Artists Agency, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune confirms. Gasol hired Creative Artists Agency to represent him earlier this month. The Bulls are familiar with the firm because the agency is headed by Leon Rose, who represented former coach Tom Thibodeau, Johnson adds. Gasol possesses a player option worth $7,769,520 for 2016/17 and has said that he’s leaning toward opting out of his contract this summer.
- The NBA’s investigation of Blake Griffin‘s fight with an assistant equipment manager is still ongoing Chris Broussard of ESPN.com reports. Broussard previously reported that the investigation was complete. There is no timetable for an announcement regarding any discipline for Griffin, per Broussard.
- Center Tyson Chandler remains committed to Phoenix despite the Suns‘ disappointing season, Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News relays. The Suns signed Chandler to a four-year, $52MM deal this past summer after his productive season with the Mavs. “I’m not jumping ship,” Chandler said. “If the organization decides to move me or something like that, then clearly, that’s something that’s out of my control. But I came here for a reason. I thought it was a young, promising team and I wanted to be a part of helping turn this around and help go to the next level. And I feel like I’m capable of doing that and this organization is capable of doing it. Clearly some things have to change.”
Hoops Links: Cavs, Jazz, Nets
Every Sunday, we link to some of the very best work from around the basketball blogosphere. Do you have a link to a great basketball blog post – either your own or someone else’s – that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors? Then you should send it to us at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here’s this week’s rundown…
- The Sports Quotient suggests the Cavs should run the triangle offense.
- Wiz Of Awes takes a shot at creating the perfect point guard.
- Mavs Moneyball examines the trade rumors about Jeff Teague from a Dallas perspective.
- Hot Hot Hoops profiles Chris Bosh.
- Nothin’ But Nets breaks down trade scenarios involving Thaddeus Young.
- CelticsBlog runs down recent trade rumors involving the Celtics.
- SLC Dunk analyzes the last five years for the Jazz.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.
Western Notes: Conley, Mavs, Suns
Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace gave a strong indication that Memphis intends to re-sign Mike Conley this summer when the point guard becomes a free agent, Matt Moore of CBSSports.com reports. Conley will be eligible for a projected maximum starting salary of $24.9MM for 2016/17. The Grizzlies are also not interested in trading Conley prior to the deadline, according to Moore. This jibes with earlier reports that stated the top priority in free agency this summer for Memphis is re-signing Conley, who has already said how much he would like to remain with the Grizzlies.
“If you look back at the five years since the tide has turned for this franchise, we have re-signed every core player for the Memphis Grizzlies,” Wallace told Moore.
Here’s more from around the Western Conference:
- Mavs owner Mark Cuban said “nothing is really tempting” as the trade deadline nears, Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com tweets. Cuban added that he likes how the Mavs are currently constructed. Dallas is 27-22.
- The Suns project to have a crowded backcourt next season when Eric Bledsoe returns, so Eric Saar of Basketball Insiders suggests Phoenix could make a trade to make room for Devin Booker, who has shown an ability to make plays consistently and run the offense.
- The Lakers have recalled Tarik Black from the D-League, according to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News (on Twitter).
- The Clippers have recalled Branden Dawson from the D-League, the team announced, as Dan Woike of the Orange County Register relays (via Twitter).
Hoops Rumors Weekly Mailbag 1/24/16-1/31/16
In addition to our weekly chat, which Chuck Myron facilitates every Wednesday, we have a second opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap, or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com. Here are this week’s inquiries:
With Blake Griffin out, will the Clippers make some bold moves? — Richard
HR: There is no debating Griffin’s talent, but losing Chris Paul would be a bigger blow to the Clippers. Heck, considering the way Griffin tends to dominate the ball, losing DeAndre Jordan would probably be worse than not having Griffin, too. As far as “bold moves,” I don’t see any on the horizon for the Clippers. They’ve won four straight and their bench has looked vastly improved lately. It’s easy to point to Lance Stephenson and say he should be traded, but who would take him? What would the Clippers get in return? Coach/executive Doc Rivers seems to imply that Stephenson will remain on the team through the deadline. If the Clippers don’t make it to the finals this season, I would expect significant moves, perhaps one involving Griffin, especially if the Clippers continue to show they can consistently win without him.
Do you think the Hornets will try to trade for Marco Belinelli? — Nick
HR: Teams have reportedly shown interest recently in acquiring Belinelli from the Kings, but it is unclear if the Hornets are one of those teams. I doubt it. In previous seasons, the Hornets were known for making a deal, but they find themselves in a unique situation this time around. Unlike previous seasons, the Hornets don’t have a major flaw and they are a pretty decent team. Granted, not many expected the Hornets to be as competitive, but since they are, why acquire a guy like Belinelli, who is signed for two more years after this one and is experiencing a down season? I expect the Hornets to let the deadline pass without making a move.
Central Notes: Ellis, Cavs, Pistons
Monta Ellis, whom the Pacers signed this past offseason, is still averaging the fewest amount of points per game since his rookie season, but he has experienced an uptick in scoring recently because of treatment to his right knee, Candace Buckner of the Indianapolis Star relays. Ellis, 30, is averaging 18.4 points per game over his last 10 outings. Ellis recently had fluid in the knee drained, according to Buckner.
“It’s been night and day with having that knee drained as far as his energy and just the way he’s moving,” Pacers star Paul George said. “It’s a lot easier, and it’s a lot better for him. He went the whole length of this game of constant pressure on their team. You definitely notice that. I think for Monta, this is something that’s been reoccurring, so he’s dealt with it before, and he knows the difference between the two.”
Here’s more from around the Central Division:
- Cavs coach Tyronn Lue has improved the team’s morale because of his straight-forward approach to handling roles, rotations and expectations, Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group and the Cleveland Plain Dealer explains. On the court, the Cavs are playing faster and have scored at least 110 points in four straight games.
- Despite referring to this season as the most difficult challenge of his professional career, Mo Williams is not interested in playing for another team and will not request a trade, Haynes reports in the same piece. The Cavs point guard is out of the rotation and played in only five games in January. “Nah, man. I’ve moved my family around enough,” Williams told Haynes. “I’m sticking this thing out.”
- Pistons point guard Brandon Jennings is still adapting to coming off the bench after playing in 17 games so far since returning from an injury, Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press relays. “It’s basically just me,” Jennings said. “I have to show up with a lot of energy. My role is different and I know that. I have to approach the game differently. I have to be ready and when my number’s called I have to be able to perform.”
Atlantic Notes: Nets, Sixers, Celtics
Signing Pelicans power forward Ryan Anderson, who is set to be a free agent after this season, in the summer would make sense for the Nets because they need outside shooting and would have the money to spend, Andy Vasquez of The Record details. The Nets were actually Anderson’s first team before they shipped him to the Magic, as Vasquez points out. Anderson, 27, is enjoying his best season in the league and is averaging 17.5 points per game. Anderson is also pals with Brook Lopez, and that could be an advantage for the Nets, Vasquez writes. It is worth mentioning, however, that Thaddeus Young, a bright spot for the Nets this season, plays the same position as Anderson.
Here’s more from around the Atlantic Division:
- Ish Smith‘s former agent turned down a $2.9MM deal from Suns and later declined a $1.5MM offer from Kings over the summer because he strongly believed the Sixers would re-sign him after Smith played well in 25 appearances with Philadelphia last year, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes in an extensive profile. Of course, that did not happen, but Smith nonetheless found his way onto the team this season. The Sixers acquired Smith in a deal with the Pelicans last month and the point guard has flourished since the trade, as Pompey details in the worthwhile read. Smith switched from IAM Sports & Entertainment to Dutt Sports Services for representation.
- Knicks point guard Jose Calderon, who is signed through next season, has been a stabilizing presence for New York despite his underwhelming defense and lack of speed, Scott Cacciola of the New York Times relays. Calderon has a reputation around the league for being an ideal teammate, Cacciola adds.
- The interesting combination of Kelly Olynyk and Jonas Jerebko on the floor together has opened things up for the Celtics, Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com details. Over Boston’s last 10 games, Olynyk and Jerebko have combined to go 29 for 51 on 3-pointers, according to Forsberg. The Celtics re-signed Jerebko this past summer on a two-year, $10MM deal.
Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 1/24/16
It’s rare for a trade in late January not to be the major news of that particular day. The Rockets’ acquisition of Josh Smith in a trade with the Clippers on Friday, however, was overshadowed by David Blatt‘s firing. At 30 years old, Smith was experiencing the worst season of his career this year with the Clippers, but judging from his play Sunday, he already looks to be more inspired. Check out this Vine from the Rockets’ Twitter account, for example. Smith checked out of Sunday’s game to a standing ovation.
At an underwhelming 23-22 entering action Sunday, the Rockets have the talent to turn things around. Adding Smith, who averaged 12 points per game last season in Houston, should theoretically expedite that process. But by how much? Do the Rockets, who have played better of late, have deeper problems? Or will a familiar face provide the lift needed for a deep playoff run? At the very least, the move likely means the Rockets are seeking to upgrade this year’s team.
That leads us to today’s shootaround topic: How much will Smith help the Rockets?
Being mindful of our commenting policy, let us know in the comments section below what your thoughts are. We look forward to what you have to share.
And-Ones: Cavs, Wiggins, Nets
The Cavs will add veteran assistant Mike Longabardi to new head coach Tyronn Lue‘s staff, Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com reports. Lue and Longabardi spent four seasons together on Doc Rivers‘ staff in Boston, as Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic notes (on Twitter). Longabardi is expected to take over the defensive specialist role that Lue held, Windhorst adds. The Suns fired Longabardi, who is known as a defensive specialist, from his role as assistant coach in late December.
Here’s more from around the basketball world:
- Andrew Wiggins has not spoke candidly about his feelings regarding the Cavs, the team that shipped him to the Wolves as part of the deal for Kevin Love, and instead has preferred to let his play speak for itself, Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune writes. Wiggins has performed particularly well against the Cavs, as Youngblood points out.
- One of the top assistants in the league, like Sean Sweeney of the Bucks, would be a sensible fit for the Nets‘ coaching vacancy because it would be wise for Brooklyn to avoid the long term implications of a flashy hire, Ben Dowsett of Basketball Insiders argues.
- Center Salah Mejri, who was recently coming off the bench in the D-League, found himself starting for the Mavs in place of the injured Zaza Pachulia and is making the most out of his opportunity, Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News relays.
- Arinze Onuaku, who was with the Wolves at the end of last season, will be signing with the D-League, international journalist David Pick reports (on Twitter). Israeli powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv released Onuaku, Pick adds.
Western Notes: Smith, Booker, Jazz
Rockets interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff expects Josh Smith to be the same key player he was off the bench last season and added Smith thrives with the team because there is a level of trust and comfort, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle details. Smith scored 16 points Sunday in the Rockets’ win against the Mavs.
“I feel comfortable. It might have been a little different story if this were my first time here, but being able to get the opportunity to play for the same team, around the same group of guys is awesome,” Smith said, per Feigen. “It’s definitely a comfortable feeling being able to get back. Seeing the appreciation from the fans and my teammates definitely instills confidence that this is where I belong.”
Here’s more from around the Western Conference:
- In a largely disappointing season for the Suns, Devin Booker has been the lone bright spot, Jake Fischer of Sports Illustrated writes. Booker became one of Phoenix’s regular starters after Eric Bledsoe suffered a torn meniscus on Christmas. Booker scored 15.4 points in 30.4 minutes per contest in his first 11 games as a starter, drawing comparisons to Klay Thompson, Fischer adds.
- Trey Burke has developed into the most reliable player off the bench for the Jazz bench, especially considering Alec Burks has been out with an injury, Jody Genessy of the Deseret News writes.
- The Warriors recalled Kevon Looney from the Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State’s D-League affiliate, the team announced.
Hoops Rumors Weekly Mailbag 1/17/16-1/24/16
In addition to our weekly chat, which Chuck Myron facilitates every Wednesday, we have a second opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap, or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com. Here are this week’s inquiries:
Is Baron Davis close to signing with any team in the D-League and have there been any teams that have been interested in bringing him aboard? — Ryan
HR: Despite many fans wanting to see it happen, I don’t see Baron Davis making a return to the NBA this season as a player. All signs point to it not happening. Davis cleared D-League waivers last week after going unclaimed by the league’s 19 teams. In other words, that means no team thought he was worth burning a waiver for. More recently, and perhaps more perplexing, Davis has declined offers from D-League teams wanting him to practice for them. At this point, Davis would still have to sign with a D-League team, play well enough to warrant interest from the NBA and then have a team with flexibility and a need to sign him. There has been little to suggest any of that will happen.
From Minnesota’s perspective, does a trade of Kevin Martin and Tyus Jones to the Bulls for Pau Gasol and Cameron Bairstow hold any appeal? — Mark
HR: The trade you proposed would work from a financial standpoint, but I don’t see the Bulls adding a player like Martin by subtracting Gasol. In other words, if the Bulls are going to make a move with the thought of competing this season, which acquiring Martin would signal, I don’t think they give up Gasol, even though they might lose him this summer (if he opts out). Gasol is making only $7.4MM this season, so he still holds significant trade value. I think if anyone on the Bulls is traded, it is going to be Taj Gibson because the Bulls have depth at that position.
What do you think of this Cavs and Rockets trade: Kevin Love and Timofey Mozgov for Dwight Howard? Or Ty Lawson, Corey Brewer and Terrence Jones for Love? — Dorian
HR: The Cavs seem like the league’s most dysfunctional yet functional team of all time and you want to add Dwight Howard to the mix? It’s not going to happen. Ditto for Lawson. I love the idea of a blockbuster like this, but I don’t see these two teams blowing up their respective rosters months before each prepare for the playoffs (Yes, I think the Rockets will make the playoffs as they’re currently constructed). Just to answer the question in a more thorough way, the deal involving Love and Mozgov would work from a financial standpoint, but reports have indicated that no potential deals are imminent regarding Mozgov.