Thompson Wants Trade, Kings Shop Stauskas
11:11pm: The Kings have been offering a package that includes Nik Stauskas to see what it could fetch them, sources tell Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders (on Twitter). Kennedy gets the impression that the Kings want to make a splashy move. Sean Deveney of The Sporting News indicated last week that the Kings were shopping Stauskas.
10:49pm: The camp for Kings forward Jason Thompson would like to get him traded before Thursday’s deadline, a source told Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter). That feeling is probably reciprocated by the Kings, who have reportedly been shopping him.
Thompson, a Rider product and New Jersey native, appears to have regressed sharply in recent seasons. This season, the big man has averaged just 5.6 PPG with 6.3 RPG in 24.7 minutes per contest. In terms of PER, Thompson’s most efficient year came in 2011/12 when he averaged a decent but not exceptional 16.4 PER.
Thompson is earning $6.037MM this season and he’s scheduled to make a combined $13.25MM in the next two seasons. Needless to say, finding a suitable return for Thompson will not be an easy task.
Atlantic Notes: Sixers, Butler, Celtics
At Canada’s Lakehead University, coach Scott Morrison took one of the nation’s worst programs and developed them into one of the better teams in just two seasons. Now, he seems to be working a similar turnaround with the Celtics‘ D-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, as A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com writes. In his first season as the team’s head coach, Morrison has led the squad to an impressive 20-10 record in addition to leading the “Futures” D-League All-Star team to a 129-94 win over the “Prospects” All-Star team on Sunday.
“Learning how to win is what coaching is,” said Danny Ainge, Boston’s president of basketball operations. “When you win, that’s fun. That keeps players’ attention; that gives the coach credibility when you win. Scott has guys listening a little bit more because he’s had some success.”
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division..
- The Sixers did not sign Tim Frazier to a second 10-day deal, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer (on Twitter). The Penn State product appeared in three games for the Sixers and started in two of those contests. He averaged 5.0 PPG, 8.7 APG, and 4.7 RPG in 35.7 minutes per game. Pompey notes that by not re-signing Frazier, the 76ers now have an available roster spot to take on an expiring contract before Thursday’s deadline. That could be an indication that the 76ers won’t be inking anyone to another 10-day pact in the coming days.
- In an alternate universe, Bulls standout Jimmy Butler could have been a member of the Knicks this season, Tim Bontemps of the New York Post writes. If Carmelo Anthony had decided to go to Chicago, Butler quite possibly would have been one of the pieces coming to the Knicks in a sign-and-trade with the Bulls. Butler, of course, has emerged as a rising star in the NBA while the Knicks are out of playoff contention.
- With Celtics coach Brad Stevens and his players making a public pitch for continuity, Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com wonders if Ainge might take the cautious approach at the deadline. If a team offers a first-round pick for Brandon Bass or Marcus Thornton, Forsberg thinks he should jump on it. If it’s just a mid-to-late second round pick for a player like that, however, there’s little reason for the C’s to do it, especially when they’ll likely have to take back salary to complete a swap.
Bobby Brown In Talks With Multiple Teams
Bobby Brown, a top free agent guard, is in talks with several NBA teams in need of a point guard, according to Shams Charania of RealGM (via Twitter). Brown’s Chinese team – the Dongguan Leopards – was recently bounced from the playoffs and he has returned to the United States in search of a deal.
Brown inked a three-year deal with Dongguan in May of 2014, though the pact was said to include NBA escape clauses. It’s not immediately clear if Brown has already triggered his out-clause. If he hasn’t, then an NBA team signing Brown might have to cut a check to the Chinese squad. At the time of the signing, our own Chuck Myron speculated that the buyout was likely under $600K, which would allow an NBA team to pay the buyout without the money counting against the cap. As a sought-after free agent, it would be surprising if Brown agreed to a deal with a prohibitive buyout clause.
Last month, the Cavs were said to have interest in Brown and the 30-year-old made no secret of his affinity for Cleveland.
“I will say this about Cleveland: How could anyone not want to play with LeBron [James]? First off, he is the best player in the league and second, you have a chance to be a part of a championship team,” Brown said. “Plus, playing in Europe, I was a big fan of [David] Blatt] and always wanted to play for him. Also, I have known [David Griffin] since I was in the draft and have always been a huge believer in him.”
Brown went undrafted out of Cal State Fullerton in 2007 but eventually found his way to the NBA, playing for four teams across two seasons. In 113 career games with the Kings, Wolves, New Orleans, and the Clippers, Brown averaged 5.1 PPG and 1.8 APG in 12.8 minutes per contest. He has not appeared in the NBA since 2009/10.
Northwest Notes: Wolves, Wiggins, Jazz
LaMarcus Aldridge figures to be among the most sought-after free agents this summer and it’s safe to say that he’s probably heard a few recruitment pitches this weekend in New York City. On Saturday, Aldridge cited “winning and being happy” as his top priorities in free agency and the Blazers certainly hope that they can sell him on both fronts. A look at the Northwest Division..
- Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN (on Twitter) sees Lorenzo Brown sticking with the Timberwolves for the remainder of the season. However, he doesn’t envision any news on that front today. The Wolves can wait a few days and see if they need that roster spot for trade purposes between now and the deadline. In a later tweet, Wolfson (link) said a new deal “will happen.” Brown’s second 10-day deal expires after Sunday night.
- Timberwolves rookie Andrew Wiggins has no regrets about the trade that sent him from Cleveland to Minnesota, Holly MacKenzie of The National Post writes. “I think it was the best move for me,” Wiggins said this weekend. “It gave me more room and put me in a position where I could grow up faster. In the league, that’s always what’s best for you.” Wiggins also noted that the deal has given him a chance to “shine.” The guard is averaging 15.2 PPG with 4.3 RPG and 1.9 APG in 34.5 minutes per game. Needless to say, Wiggins wouldn’t be seeing that kind of burn with the Cavs.
- As one of the teams sending multiple players to All-Star Weekend, the Jazz have to feel pretty good about how they’ve been evaluating, drafting, and developing talent, EJ Ayala of Basketball insiders writes. Rudy Gobert seems like a potential cornerstone for Utah and they have plenty of other talented young players who could be a part of their core with Dante Exum, Trey Burke, Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter, Gordon Hayward, Alec Burks, and Rodney Hood.
Hoops Links: Adams, LeBron, Russell
On this date in 2001, Wizards guard Mitch Richmond became the 26th player in NBA history to score 20,000 points when he tallied 18 points in a 102-78 loss to San Antonio. The Scorelord achieved the milestone with a 16-foot jump shot in the second quarter.
Got a great basketball blog post that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors? Send it to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here’s this week’s look around the basketball blogosphere…
- Posterized Basketball discussed the Steven Adams injury.
- Slam Dunk Zone says there’s a price to play with LeBron James.
- The Sixer Sense profiled Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell.
- Legion Report looked at some potential deadline deals.
- Denver Stiffs has some advice for Brian Shaw.
- Liberty Ballers made the case for Karl Towns.
- Swish Appeal looked at how Diana Taurasi‘s absence affects the Phoenix Mercury.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.
Hoops Rumors Originals
Here’s a look at the original analysis generated by the Hoops Rumors staff this week..
- Chuck Myron looked at the teams with tax concerns at the trade deadline.
- Mark Porcaro rolled out the 2014/15 International Transactions Log.
- Chuck examined Deron Williams, whose stock has fallen in recent years, as a trade candidate.
- If the Wolves can get a return for Thaddeus Young that rivals what they gave up for him, they should jump on it, opines Chris Crouse.
- Arthur Hill sees Lance Stephenson as someone who could benefit from a change of scenery.
- Eddie Scarito fielded your questions in this week’s mailbag.
- Eddie gave us the latest edition of the Hoops Rumors Prospect Power Rankings.
- Eddie looked at Nik Stauskas as a trade candidate.
- Your favorite team might not be near No. 1 in the standings, but they’re in the thick of it for the No. 1 pick. Keep track of the race to the bottom with our Reverse Standings.
- If you missed out on this week’s chat, read up on the transcript here.
Week In Review: 2/9/15 – 2/15/15
Our look at the week that was..
- The Kings bounced Tyrone Corbin in favor of George Karl. Corbin will serve as an adviser to the front office.
- Paul George is targeting a mid-March return.
- Carmelo Anthony might shut things down after the All-Star break.
- LeBron James is “widely expected” to opt out of his contract this summer and sign a new contract that covers two years with a player option for the final season.
- The Heat are the latest team rumored to have interest in Goran Dragic, but the Rockets and Lakers appear poised to take another go at him before Thursday’s trade deadline. Meanwhile, the Suns are more apt to try and trade Isaiah Thomas than to deal Dragic prior to the deadline.
- The Kings are interested in several players, including Reggie Jackson, Jonas Jerebko, Arron Afflalo, and Wilson Chandler.
- The Ray Allen saga continues. Several teams have interest and the Warriors are hopeful enough that they’re keeping their last roster spot open until he decides.
- The Nuggets have also discussed Afflalo with the Blazers, Bulls, Clippers, and Heat.
- Amar’e Stoudemire’s representatives are still discussing a buyout with the Knicks, but the player still hasn’t made a definitive decision about his future yet. The Mavs would be the favorites to land him but the Warriors would also have interest.
- Andray Blatche could wind up staying in China.
- Mo Williams was traded to the Hornets on Tuesday. Williams and Troy Daniels were shipped to Charlotte along with some cash considerations while Gary Neal and a second-round pick were sent to Minnesota.
- Enes Kanter wants a trade.
- The Nuggets hammered out a multiyear deal with two guaranteed seasons for Joffrey Lauvergne.
- The Rockets are likely to pursue Jeremy Lin.
- The Magic are open to trading Andrew Nicholson.
- Brandon Bass has been included in trade discussions since the early going of the season, but teams aren’t beating down Boston’s door to acquire him.
- The Hawks traded Adreian Payne to the Timberwolves for a first-round pick. The pick going to Atlanta will become a second-rounder if it’s not conveyed within the protected years.
- The Wolves plan to explore a buyout with Gary Neal and the Hawks are among the teams with interest.
- The Cavs are shopping backup center Brendan Haywood with the intent of acquiring a backup point guard or inside player.
- The NBPA rejected a salary cap smoothing proposal.
- Stan Van Gundy insists that the Pistons won’t trade Greg Monroe.
- The Knicks plan to target Reggie Jackson, Jimmy Butler and Wesley Matthews, among others, this summer.
- The Kings and Quincy Miller plan to discuss a deal to cover the remainder of the season.
- The Pelicans will give Toney Douglas a second 10-day.
- The Pistons signed John Lucas III to another 10-day deal.
- Three-year NBA veteran Josh Harrellson has signed a deal to play in Puerto Rico with Brujos de Guayama.
- The Mavs signed Bernard James to a 10-day deal.
Kings Offer Coaching Job To George Karl?
4:35pm: Multiple players on the Kings roster oppose the would-be hiring of Karl, Jones hears (Twitter link). Karl’s social media campaigning has rubbed some the wrong way, Jones adds (on Twitter), though it’s unclear if that’s the reason why the players don’t want him to coach the team.
4:15pm: The Kings have not made an offer to Karl, sources tell Chris Broussard of ESPN.com, which conflicts with Bucher’s report (below). Chances are good that the sides won’t reach agreement until after the All-Star break, the ESPN scribe adds.
2:52pm: People close to Cousins believe that the team will hire Karl soon, Voisin tweets.
2:43pm: Negotiations with Karl continue, but D’Alessandro hasn’t made his final decision yet, a source close to the team tells Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports. Corbin has been informed that he’ll stay on through the team’s final two games before the All-Star break, Spears also reports (Twitter links).
1:03pm: Ranadive and D’Alessandro are interrogating Karl about his health, tweets Ailene Voisin of The Sacramento Bee. The 63-year-old is a two-time cancer survivor, as Voisin points out.
12:47pm: The Kings have offered Karl a contract, a league source tells Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher (Twitter link).
12:39pm: Ranadive has granted D’Alessandro the power to make the hire he wants if he wishes to make a coaching change, Amick reports. Presumably, that’s further indication that a deal with Karl is forthcoming, as Amick writes, nonetheless noting that it’s unclear just when D’Alessandro would want to make a move. There were also indications Sunday that Cousins’ camp was warming to the idea of Karl as the team’s coach, Amick observes
11:28am: Some in the front office have reservations about Karl and have told Cousins about their concerns, but D’Alessandro seems prepared to forge ahead and reach an agreement with Karl, as Jones explains in a full piece.
MONDAY, 8:17am: The Kings front office has recommended that the team hire Karl, and they’re close on the terms of a deal, leaving the decision in the hands of ownership, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link). Tyrone Corbin met with the front office Sunday evening and remains the head coach of the Kings, Wojnarowski tweets, but it sounds as if the two games the Kings have before the All-Star break will be Corbin’s last in charge of the club, according to Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee (on Twitter).
Meanwhile, Cousins seems perturbed with the whole affair and vented to reporters after Sunday’s game, saying in part, “This city done put me through so much and I stayed loyal to it the whole time,” as James Ham of Cowbell Kingdom relays.
SUNDAY, 7:39pm: There was was a sizable gap between the two sides on salary and the length of a potential contract, but that has been narrowed, according to Amick. D’Alessandro, meanwhile, appears willing to make the hire without the consent of Cousins’ camp.
Aaron Bruski of NBCSports.com (on Twitter) hears from a source that the discussions with Cousins’ camp have largely been to smooth things over from the Mike Malone firing and show that the team respects his place as a franchise player.
5:47pm: Kings GM Pete D’Alessandro is still pushing hard to hire George Karl as the team’s next head coach, according to Sam Amick of USA Today Sports (via Twitter). As was rumored on Saturday, Karl is expected to talk with DeMarcus Cousins‘ camp later on today (Sunday). The meeting, Amick adds, will be crucial towards Karl’s candidacy.
A potential deal between the two sides is not dead, but there’s still plenty of work to be done if a deal is going to happen, Amick tweets. The idea that Karl must win over Cousins before getting the gig is also quite real. When asked if he was playing a role behind-the-scenes in whether Karl would get hired, Cousins didn’t exactly issue a denial:
“I’m waiting just like you guys,” Cousins said on Saturday. “There’s gonna always be allegations, there’s always going to be he said/she said.”
Cousins’ agent Dan Fegan told Ailene Voisin of The Sacramento Bee (on Twitter) that his client is not “blocking” a deal and if the Kings want Karl, they should “make the move. We don’t run [the] team.” That could be exactly what the Kings are planning to do. The Kings aren’t saying much today and neither is Karl’s camp, according to Voisin (on Twitter), and that’s usually a sign that the parties are close to making something happen, in her view.
And-Ones: Wizards, KG, Stoudemire, Cavs
The Wizards are looking at free agents from overseas and players who will buy out their contracts before turning to the trade market, according to J. Michael of CSNWashington.com (on Twitter). The Wizards don’t want to sacrifice their long-term flexibility, so free agents are more attractive to them at this time (link). An attractive trade offer could change that, but that hasn’t come up yet (link).
- The Clippers would be interested in Amar’e Stoudemire or Kevin Garnett if they became available on the buyout market regardless of Blake Griffin‘s status, according to Dan Woike of the Orange County Register (on Twitter).
- The Cavs announced that they have recalled guard Joe Harris from the Canton Charge. Harris has played in six games for the Charge this season, averaging 18.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 33.2 minutes per game. The 23-year-old guard has played in 36 games (one start) for the Cavs this season, averaging 2.8 points in 10.8 minutes per game.
- Bismack Biyombo‘s MRI shows that he’ll miss at least two more weeks of action, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter). The Hornets youngster was mentioned in trade rumors prior to the season and the latest diagnosis means that he’ll be sidelined through the trade deadline.
- The best move the Pistons could make at the deadline is not making one, opines David Mayo of MLive.com. The Pistons merely are on the edge of playoff contention, nothing more, and with so many roster holes after this season, they shouldn’t trade away key pieces for the future to complete the run.
- Expect the 76ers‘ core to be intact after the deadline, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes.
Hoops Links: Lowry, Smart, Kings, Cavs
On this date in 1986, 5’7″ Hawks guard Spud Webb posted two perfect scores of 50 to beat teammate Dominique Wilkins in Spud’s hometown of Dallas in the Slam Dunk contest. This date also marked the first ever three-point shootout with Larry Bird winning the competition.
Got a great basketball blog post that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors? Send it to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here’s this week’s look around the basketball blogosphere…
- Slam Dunk Zone turned the spotlight on Kyle Lowry.
- Green Street gives credit to Marcus Smart.
- A Royal Pain imagines the Kings as a football team.
- Posterized Basketball looked at the Cavs in the middle of their hot streak.
- Posting & Toasting advocates minutes for the Knicks’ youngsters.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.