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Rival Teams Skeptical Giannis Will Request Trade?

While he cautioned that it’s too early to say what might happen, and things could change later this month, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line recently said on a Bleacher Report live stream (YouTube link) that rival teams have become skeptical that Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will request a trade out of Milwaukee.

Honestly, right now I’d say the prevailing sentiment from rival teams that I’m speaking to — around the combine two weeks ago, two and a half weeks ago — there was no shortage of optimism, of hope, of excitement from other teams that they were going to be able to potentially make an offer to get Giannis Antetokounmpo into their franchise, into their building,” Fischer said (hat tip to RealGM).

Of late, I’d say that that confidence has been replaced with skepticism. To a man, from talking to agents, team executives, whoever, there is not a lot of belief right now at this juncture. It’s only June 5th — anything could happen — and I’ve been told all along that if there is a decision, a formal decision made to shut or open the door on trade conversations for Giannis this summer, that it would likely happen closer to the end of June and when the offseason really, really begins.

But I’d say for now, for now, talking to people around the league, the assessment and the expectation is that they’re going to believe it when they see it — that someone who has valued being the franchise face, that the central linchpin of the Bucks franchise, is going to want to play somewhere else.”

The two-time MVP is reportedly mulling his future in Milwaukee and is expected to let the Bucks know at some point soon whether he remains committed to the team or would prefer to seek a change of scenery. While Shams Charania of ESPN reported a few weeks ago that Antetokounmpo is more “open-minded” than in the past about taking the latter route, there has been no indication to this point that he’s looking to leave the Bucks.

Fischer’s comments echo reporting from Brian Lewis of The New York Post, who wrote that NBA personnel he’s spoken to recently have been expressing less confidence about Giannis asking to be traded this summer.

Windhorst: Cavs Listening To Offers For Darius Garland

Appearing on 850 ESPN Cleveland (Twitter video link), ESPN insider Brian Windhorst said the Cavaliers are listening to trade offers for point guard Darius Garland and are “open-minded” about the possibility of moving him if it improves their roster.

The interesting thing about the Cavs is a year ago, there was some belief that Darius Garland may want to get traded,” Windhorst said (hat tip to RealGM). “That was definitely out there, that if Donovan (Mitchell) extended his contract then maybe Darius would want to get traded. And the message that was very hard out there, (president of basketball operations) Koby (Altman) was on the record I’m pretty sure even saying, ‘We’re not trading Darius Garland.’

A year later, I think there’s some belief that Darius Garland might be available under the right circumstances,” Windhorst continued. “And I don’t think Darius Garland wants to go anywhere. I think Darius Garland is very happy with how things have developed in Cleveland and he really likes it, he likes the role that he’s got.

“But I think the Cavs are listening and open-minded without actively trying to think that they need to change their roster.”

In a separate podcast appearance with ESPN Cleveland’s Chris Oldach (YouTube link), Windhorst clarified that the Cavaliers are concerned about the roster-building restrictions of being a second-apron team, which is why they’re active in trade talks.

What I’m trying to say here is that executing a significant trade is going to be hard for them,” Windhorst said. “They’re definitely open to it. I definitely think they’re willing to discuss options. I think last year, ironically, when they were coming off a quote-unquote more questionable season, they were much less interested in adjusting and listening to options than they are now.

Talking to teams out there, I think the Cavs are much more open-minded regardless of what Koby said. However, it’s not that they’re open-minded necessarily because they think this team needs to be renovated. They’re open-minded because they realize once the second apron comes a lot of doors get closed.

“... I think they’re active without being aggressive,” Windhorst added.

Windhorst’s reporting is more or less confirmation of what Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com recently reported, that the Cavaliers are more open to entertaining offers for Garland and Jarrett Allen than they have been in the past, though Windhorst didn’t explicitly mention Allen by name.

Garland, 25, made his second All-Star appearance in 2024/25, averaging 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals on .472/.401/.878 shooting in a career-best 75 regular season games (30.7 minutes per contest). However, he aggravated a toe injury in Cleveland’s first-round sweep of Miami, wound up missing four playoff games, and was hindered in his return to the court during the Cavs’ second-round loss to Indiana.

De’Aaron Fox Hopes To Sign Extension With Spurs

Despite playing just 17 games with the Spurs following a mid-season three-team trade, De’Aaron Fox is already thinking long-term, according to Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle.

Starting August 3, Fox will be eligible for a four-year extension worth up to a projected $229MM, and according to Lerner, he is looking forward to signing that offer if San Antonio puts it on the table. Asked if he was optimistic about reaching terms with the Spurs, he said, “I would definitely hope so.”

Fox, who currently has one year and $37MM left on his contract, looks to be an integral part of the Spurs’ outlook as they continue to search the market for impact players to add to the core anchored by Victor Wembanyama.

Armed with the second and 14th picks in the 2025 draft, as well as several young veterans like Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan on deals that could be valuable on their own or as salary-matching pieces in larger trades, the team has a wide range of options to consider this summer.

There are concerns with how Fox, reigning rookie of the year Stephon Castle, and projected No. 2 pick Dylan Harper will coexist as three guards with shaky jump shots and – in the case of Fox and Harper particularly – a skill set best suited to having the ball in their hands, but it’s unlikely that Fox would be the odd man out after the former All-Star pushed for a trade to the Spurs last season.

In his 17 games for San Antonio last season, Fox averaged 19.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 27.4% from three. While the scoring and shooting numbers would rank as some of the lowest of his career, he was both adjusting to just the second NBA team of his career and also dealing with tendon damage in the pinkie of his shooting hand, an injury that eventually sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

I’m doing well. The surgery went fine,” Fox said when asked about the injury. “I’ve been cleared so I played a little five-on-five and I’ve done contact stuff, so I’ll be ready for next year.”

Suns Officially Announce Jordan Ott As Head Coach

As expected, the Suns have hired Jordan Ott as their new head coach.

Word broke on Wednesday that Phoenix had chosen Ott over fellow Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant to replace Mike Budenholzer. Now, the Suns have officially confirmed the news in a press release.

“Jordan embodies the culture of excellence and accountability we’re going to prioritize,” Suns owner Mat Ishbia said in a statement. “He is young, hungry and is ready to be an NBA head coach. His track record of developing players, fostering team chemistry, and his understanding of the game at the highest level are essential skills to how we are building for our future.”

Ott, who shares Michigan State ties with Ishbia and general manager Brian Gregory, spent the past season in Cleveland under Kenny Atkinson after previously spending time as an assistant with the Lakers and Nets. In today’s press release , the Suns highlight the fact that Ott “worked closely” with big man Evan Mobley, who was named the Defensive Player of the Year and made an All-NBA team for the first time this season.

Ott issued a statement of his own in which he thanked the Suns for the opportunity and vowed to build a hard-working, winning culture in Phoenix. Gregory, meanwhile, stated that the Suns chose Ott after conducting an “extensive” search for Budenholzer’s replacement.

“Jordan’s leadership and basketball intellect consistently stood out, combining a brilliant mind as an offensive strategist with the blueprint to employ an aggressive defensive system,” Gregory said. “A strong communicator with a relentless work ethic, he shares our vision of establishing a team identity rooted in toughness, accountability and a systematic approach to the game. Jordan attacks every day with the grit and competitiveness we need in a leader of our culture, and we are excited to welcome him and his family to Phoenix.”

Ott, who will be the Suns’ fourth head coach in the past four seasons, reportedly agreed to a four-year contract with the organization.

The Knicks are now the only NBA team without a head coach in place.

Knicks Expected To Request Permission To Talk To Mavs’ Kidd

The Knicks, who have a newly created head coaching vacancy after parting ways with Tom Thibodeau earlier this week, are expected to ask the Mavericks for permission to speak to Dallas head coach Jason Kidd, reports Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Substack link).

Stein, who identified Kidd on Wednesday as a potential target for the Knicks, says sources have described New York’s interest in the Mavs coach as “serious,” adding that some people in coaching circles believe he’s the Knicks’ top target to replace Thibodeau.

The Knicks were also said to be interested in Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, but multiple reporters – including Stein – have stated that Houston has no interest in granting New York permission to speak to Udoka. Stein hasn’t been able to confirm if the Mavs would take a similar position with Kidd.

Kidd was initially hired by former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban in 2021, a little before Nico Harrison came aboard as the team’s head of basketball operations. Given that Cuban is no longer running the show in Dallas and Harrison didn’t hire Kidd himself, it’s possible the Mavs wouldn’t be as attached to him as the Rockets are to Udoka.

Kidd signed a contract extension with the Mavericks in May of 2024. According to Stein, that deal tacked on two years to Kidd’s previous contract, which would’ve expired at the end of 2024/25.

In the past, there have been instances where a team gave up draft compensation in order to hire a head coach away from another franchise — in fact, as Stein notes, that has happened before with Kidd, as the Bucks sent a pair of second-rounders to hire him away from the Nets in 2014. It remains to be seen whether the Knicks would be willing to take a similar route to hire Kidd.

Although Kidd has spoken about how he wasn’t involved in the unpopular decision to trade Luka Doncic in February, he’s believed to still be happy in Dallas and is excited about the opportunity to coach Cooper Flagg, according to Stein. Kidd also has strong relationships with current Mavs stars Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.

Even if Kidd ends up staying put, the Mavs’ coaching staff seems likely to undergo some changes this offseason. Assistants Sean Sweeney and Jared Dudley both received consideration in Phoenix’s coaching search, according to Stein, who reports that the Spurs have expressed interest in trying to hire Sweeney as an assistant, while the Grizzlies recently spoke to Dudley about a role on their staff. Both San Antonio (Mitch Johnson) and Memphis (Tuomas Iisalo) have first-time head coaches who were promoted during the 2024/25 season and will be entering their first full seasons as head coaches in ’25/26.

The Mavs already lost one key assistant – Alex Jensenearlier this year, when he agreed to become the new head coach at the University of Utah. Stein hears that Dallas has targeted former NBA head coach Jay Triano to replace Jensen, though Triano is believed to be receiving interest from other NBA teams as well.

Latest On Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal

Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported earlier this week that the Suns have made multiple calls to the Rockets about Kevin Durant since the end of the season and have “gradually lowered” their asking price for the star forward during those discussions. However, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 (Twitter links) strongly disputes those claims, referring to them as “beyond untrue.”

According to Gambadoro, the Suns haven’t spoken to the Rockets since February and had put a potential Durant trade on the back-burner while they hired a new general manager and head coach. Now that those tasks have been crossed off their offseason to-do list, they’ll begin having conversations with potential trade partners about Durant, Gambadoro adds.

During a TV appearance on Thursday (Twitter video link), ESPN’s Shams Charania reiterated – as he reported during the season – that there was some mutual interest between Durant and the Knicks prior to February’s trade deadline. According to Charania, New York made an offer for Durant at that time.

A deal involving Devin Booker‘s former Kentucky teammate Karl-Anthony Towns would probably be the simplest way for the Knicks to acquire Durant, since Towns and KD will have very similar cap figures next season. But Gambadoro said during Thursday’s Burns & Gambo show (Twitter video link) that he has heard the Suns don’t have interest in Towns and would prefer a return centered around OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges if they were to make a trade with the Knicks.

Charania cited sources this week who said that Durant is expected to draw serious interest from approximately four to six teams this summer.

Charania has previously identified New York, Golden State, Minnesota, Houston, San Antonio, and Miami as clubs who expressed some level of interest prior to the trade deadline, though it’s not clear whether all of those teams would renew their interest during the offseason. During the Burns & Gambo clip linked above, Gambadoro also pointed to the Clippers as a team to watch for Durant.

Of course, Durant won’t be the Suns’ only big-name trade candidate to monitor in the coming weeks. Bradley Beal is also expected to be on the trade block, but will be far more difficult to move due to his salary (nearly $111MM over the next two years) relative to his production, as well as the fact that his contract contains a no-trade clause.

According to Gambadoro (Twitter links), the Suns don’t want to bring back Beal, but he may be prove to be unmovable this summer, as he was prior to the trade deadline. If that’s the case, the club is expected to explore the possibility of a buyout, but there’s no guarantee that the veteran guard would go for that idea.

If Beal can’t be traded or bought out, the Suns would have to keep him and try to rebuild his value, per Gambadoro (Twitter link), who notes that head coaching candidates during Phoenix’s interview process were asked how they’d use the three-time All-Star.

Commissioner Says NBA Expansion Isn’t ‘Automatic’

NBA commissioner Adam Silver indicated Thursday that expansion may not be as much of a priority for the league as some fans are hoping, according to Joe Vardon and Sam Amick of The Athletic. Speaking at his annual news conference before the start of the NBA Finals, Silver said he doesn’t think it’s “automatic” that the league will decide to add more teams.

Silver has stated in the past that expansion would become more of a front-burner issue once the new collective bargaining agreement was in place and new media rights deals had been worked out. Both those things have happened, but the league hasn’t taken any action to expand.

Silver added that he expects the Board of Governors to direct the commissioner’s office this summer to “continue to explore” the possibility of adding teams. That action could involve meetings with prospective ownership groups, but Silver cautioned that there are concerns among the current owners about bringing in more partners to divide up revenues.

“It depends on your perspective on the future of the league,” Silver said. “You know, as I said before, expansion in a way is selling equity in the league, and if you believe in the league, you don’t necessarily want to add partners. On the other hand, we recognize there are underserved markets in the United States and elsewhere, markets that deserve to have NBA teams — probably even if we were to expand, more than we can serve.”

Fans in Seattle have been counting on a return of the SuperSonics, who left for Oklahoma City in 2008. Las Vegas has also been heavily rumored as a leading candidate for the next round of expansion.

Silver has been concentrating lately on creating a new NBA European league, and he framed that during Thursday’s presser as a type of expansion.

There’s more from Silver’s media session:

  • The commissioner confirmed that changes are in the works to the All-Star Game, but it won’t be a straight U.S. vs. the World format, per Vardon and Amick. Silver noted that NBC plans to air the game on a Sunday afternoon amid its Winter Olympics coverage, which he expects to boost fan interest. However, he expressed doubt that matching a team of American players against a team of international players is workable.
  • Despite concerns about television ratings, Silver said the league is embracing the small-market matchup between the Pacers and Thunder, the authors add. “We set out to create a system that allowed for more competition around the league,” Silver told reporters. “The goal being to have 30 teams all in a position, if well-managed, to be competing for championships. And that’s what we’re seeing here.”
  • Playoff injuries to stars such as Jayson Tatum and Stephen Curry have led to calls for a shorter regular season, but Silver doesn’t believe that’s necessary, Vardon and Amick relay. The commissioner points out that there are longer breaks between playoff games than there used to be, and he said this season’s injury rate is the second-lowest in the past decade. “Money is part of it, there’s no question about it — we’re a business,” Silver said. “But having said that, I don’t really see the benefit to reducing the number of games. People used to say you should reduce the number of games because it will lead to reduction in the number of injuries. There’s absolutely no data to suggest that.”

Thunder Change Starting Lineup For NBA Finals Opener

The Thunder are unveiling a different starting lineup as the NBA Finals get underway tonight, according to OKC beat writer Rylan Stiles. Coach Mark Daigneault is opting for a smaller look, with second-year guard Cason Wallace replacing center Isaiah Hartenstein.

Wallace, a defensive standout, will give Oklahoma City one more weapon to slow the speedy Pacers, who like to wear down opponents by pushing the ball up court throughout the game. Wallace is better equipped than Hartenstein to handle that style of play.

Hartenstein had been a starter for the Thunder in the first 16 games of this year’s playoffs, averaging 9.2 points and 7.9 rebounds in 23.9 minutes per night. He was signed as a free agent last summer to give OKC a larger presence inside and prevent the team from being badly outrebounded like it was against Dallas in last year’s playoffs.

Stiles notes that Daigneault has been relying on a double-big starting lineup with Chet Holmgren alongside Hartenstein. However, he moved away from it quickly in the conference finals against Minnesota, replacing Hartenstein early in games with either Wallace or Alex Caruso.

As Law Murray of The Athletic tweets, the Pacers got off to fast starts against the Thunder in their two regular season meetings and outscored OKC while Hartenstein was on the floor.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort will join Wallace and Holmgren in the starting lineup.

Knicks’ Towns Undergoes Procedures For Playoff Injuries

Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns recently underwent unspecified procedures to deal with his bruised left knee and to repair ligament damage in his left finger, reports Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com.

As Shelburne writes, Towns sustained the finger injury in New York’s second-round series against Boston and hurt his knee in the Eastern Conference Finals vs. Indiana.

The 29-year-old big man had his injuries reevaluated after the Knicks were eliminated by the Pacers, according to Shelburne, who hears from sources that Towns opted to have the procedures right away in order to maximize his recovery timeframe ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Towns, who was selected No. 1 overall in the 2015 draft, had a productive first season with the Knicks, having been named to his fifth All-Star team and earning a spot on the All-NBA Third Team for the third time.

Towns is under contract through ’27/28 and will be extension-eligible this offseason, Shelburne notes. His current deal will pay him approximately $110MM in guaranteed money over the next two seasons, with a $61MM player option for the final year.

D.J. Augustin Joining Rockets’ Front Office

Former NBA point guard D.J. Augustin formally announced his retirement as a player in November. Now, he’s transitioning to a new role.

Sources tell Kelly Iko of The Athletic that Augustin is being hired by the Rockets and will have a job in their front office (Twitter link). Augustin confirmed the news to Danielle Lerner of The Houston Chronicle.

Augustin had two separate stints with Houston at the end of his long playing career. The 37-year-old, who played high school ball in Texas, also played two years at the University of Texas at Austin prior to being selected No. 9 overall in the 2008 draft.

Augustin appeared in 976 regular season games (334 starts) with 11 different teams over the course of his 15 NBA seasons, averaging 9.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 23.4 minutes per contest. He posted a shooting slash line of .412/.381/.867.

When he announced his retirement on Instagram, Augustin suggested that he would be looking to remain involved with basketball in some capacity.

I may be retiring as a player, but I’ll always be connected to this game we all love,” he wrote in November.