Central Notes: Giddey, Bulls, Hardaway, Pistons
The Bulls have some major decisions to make about their talented — and perhaps too crowded — backcourt moving forward, writes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times (subscriber link).
Starting guard Josh Giddey enjoyed an impressive debut season in Chicago. As he heads to restricted free agency this offseason, however, Cowley wonders just how much will be too much for the Bulls when it comes to Giddey’s annual salary.
Following a rocky start, Giddey rounded into form down the season’s home stretch. After the league’s All-Star break — and after the Bulls traded away former All-Star guard Zach LaVine — Giddey logged averages of 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per night, and connected on an impressive 45.7% of his three-point attempts.
“Coming into a new situation, I never want to come in here and step on any toes,” Giddey said. “I was trying too hard to fit in and please everybody, and [after the] All-Star break and [trade] deadline, I started to play freely and be me.”
Cowley is convinced that Giddey will remain in Chicago long-term, but notes that recently extended reserve guard Lonzo Ball and veterans Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter and Coby White could all be on the trade market next season. Among those four, only Ball is under contract beyond 2025/26.
There’s more out of the Central Division:
- Bulls front office decision makers had an opportunity at this week’s draft combine in Chicago to get an up-close look at some candidates for their No. 12 pick in June’s draft, writes Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune. As Poe writes, the Bulls interviewed prospects like Texas guard Tre Johnson, Georgetown center Thomas Sorber, Georgia forward Asa Newell, Connecticut forward Liam McNeeley, South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles, and Michigan State guard Jase Richardson. Poe adds that Duke center Khaman Maluach and Maryland center Derik Queen could also be on Chicago’s radar.
- Upon being traded to Detroit from Dallas during the 2024 offseason, Pistons swingman Tim Hardaway Jr. emerged as exactly the kind of reliable, role-playing veteran the team needed en route to its first playoff appearance in six years, writes Keith Langlois of Pistons.com. Hardaway is one of three heavily used Pistons vets who will hit free agency this summer, along with Sixth Man of the Year finalist Malik Beasley and guard Dennis Schröder. Langlois notes that there is a possibility that all three could be back on new deals, if the price is right.
- In case you missed it, nine-time Bucks All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to meet up with Milwaukee decision makers to discuss his future with the team next week.
2025 NBA Offseason Preview: New Orleans Pelicans
Coming off a 49-win season in 2023/24, the Pelicans had real reasons for optimism heading into the '24/25 campaign.
They'd gone out and acquired a legitimate two-way point guard in Dejounte Murray, which would allow CJ McCollum to shift back to his more natural combo/shooting guard spot. And while they were thin in the middle, the Pelicans were confident they had enough talent at wing and forward - led by Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, and Trey Murphy - to make up for it.
As it turned out, New Orleans never really got the opportunity to see if there was enough roster depth at center to get by. The injury bug plagued the Pelicans early and often, preventing the team from ever gathering any real momentum.
Murray broke his hand in the first game of the season and later tore his Achilles tendon, ending his season after just 31 appearances. Williamson, who battled hamstring problems during the first half and a back injury in the spring, appeared in only 30 contests. Ingram saw action in 18 games before being sidelined by an ankle injury. Shoulder issues limited Jones to 20 games before he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. Murphy underwent a similar shoulder procedure later in the season. The list goes on.
There were actually a few positive takeaways from an otherwise forgettable year. Murphy took his game to a new level when healthy, averaging a career-high 21.2 points per game. Rookie center Yves Missi emerged as a pretty solid option up front, starting 67 games and averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per night. And trade-deadline additions Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown fit in nicely.
But health has been an ongoing issue in recent years for the Pelicans, who reached a crossroads with oft-injured forward Ingram during his contract year and decided trading him for the best offer at February's deadline made more sense than continuing to try to make it work with him and Williamson.
After moving on from Ingram, one of their longest-tenured players, the Pelicans will now have to figure out whether more drastic changes are necessary or whether there's still reason to believe that the rest of this core can succeed with a few tweaks and some better health luck.
Aaron Gordon Available For Game 7 Despite Grade 2 Hamstring Strain
2:07 pm: Gordon has been listed as available for Game 7 (Twitter link). He’ll get the start and will attempt to play through a hamstring injury that typically takes weeks to heal, tweets Charania.
8:56 am: Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain that will likely prevent him from playing in today’s Game 7 at Oklahoma City, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
Gordon is still hoping to be active for the series-deciding contest, but Charania hears that it’s “becoming physically improbable to do so” because he’ll need several weeks to fully recover from the injury.
Gordon, who hurt his hamstring late in Denver’s Game 6 victory, participated in Saturday’s walkthrough in hopes of receiving medical clearance, writes Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. He is listed as questionable on the team’s official injury report and was expected to be a game-time decision.
“Obviously, (team medical staff) will do whatever they have to do for the safety of a person. But yeah, I don’t know,” interim coach David Adelman responded Saturday when asked about Gordon’s chances to play. “I’m sure the hoops (to jump through in order to play) are probably smaller because the game’s coming so quickly. It’s not a thing where he has three weeks to go through it. So it’ll probably be his comfortability along with the medical staff’s advice on what he can and can’t do. … If they say he’s available, he will start.”
Durando reports that Gordon was already dealing with the remnants of a calf strain that has been affecting him all season.
If Gordon doesn’t receive medical clearance, Durando expects either Russell Westbrook or Peyton Watson to take his place in the starting lineup. Adelman prepared for both scenarios during the walkthrough.
“You talk about plays you’re gonna run early in the game, actions to attack people. Some other guys took (Gordon’s) ball-handling responsibilities in case (he’s out),” Adelman said. “We know that’s where Aaron is so underrated and impactful, when he brings the ball up the court. So the other guys have to know those simple actions, but they’re not simple if you’ve never done them. So we walked through a lot of stuff today with different people. … But like I said, the hope is the responsibilities will be Aaron’s.”
Suns Narrow Down Coaching Search To Nine Candidates
2:06 pm: Heat assistant Chris Quinn has also moved onto the second stage of Phoenix’s coaching search, reports Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Twitter link).
1:17 pm: The Suns appear to be narrowing down their search for their fourth head coach in as many seasons.
According to veteran NBA insider Chris Haynes (YouTube video link), new Phoenix general manager Brian Gregory has selected eight candidates to advance to the second round of the process. Previous reporting indicated that the Suns had initial conversations with between 15 and 20 candidates.
As Haynes details, that eight-man group consists of Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney, Suns assistant David Fizdale, Pelicans assistant James Borrego, Cavaliers assistants Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott, Nets assistant Steve Hetzel, Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, and Thunder assistant Dave Bliss.
Among these eight finalists, only Fizdale and Borrego have prior head coaching experience on their resumes.
As Haynes notes, Fizdale previously turned down a head coaching offer from former Suns owner, Robert Sarver, instead accepting an ill-fated gig as the head coach of the Knicks, which lasted just over a year. All told, Fizdale has a cumulative 71-134 regular season record during his stints with the Grizzlies and Knicks. He led Memphis to one playoff berth during his debut season as the team’s head coach.
Borrego was the interim head coach in Orlando for the end of the 2014/15 season, and served as the head coach with Charlotte from 2018-22. He boasts a 148-183 overall regular season record and has yet to lead a team to the playoffs.
Reports earlier this spring indicated that Phoenix would likely be targeting a younger head coach following brief stints with Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer at the helm. As Haynes observes, this group of names is consistent with that aim — 51-year-old Nori and 50-year-old Fizdale are the oldest of the eight candidates, most of whom are in their 30s and early 40s.
The Suns brass is hoping their next coach can “build a program from scratch,” according to Haynes, who says the team is emphasizing discipline, accountability, and a philosophical alignment with majority owner Mat Ishbia and the front office. Phoenix is also prioritizing coaching candidates with defensive backgrounds.
A coach who can effectively work with star players is another important consideration, even if the Suns ultimately move on from Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and/or even Devin Booker in the near future. According to Haynes, the head coaching decision may have an impact on how the team moves forward with its stars, since it’s possible Budenholzer’s replacement will have a preexisting relationship with one or more of those players or will hit it off quickly with them.
The expectation is that the Suns will eventually reduce their coaching candidate pool from eight candidates to three finalists, reports Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Substack link).
Draymond Green Discusses Decision On Jonathan Kuminga, Offseason Plans
Warriors forward Draymond Green addressed several topics related to the team in his latest podcast, including an upcoming decision on restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga (hat tip to BasketNews).
Kuminga was an impact player for Golden State early in the season, but his role diminished after the team traded for Jimmy Butler in early February. His minutes declined once he returned from an extended absence caused a severe right ankle sprain, and he was barely used in the playoffs until injuries to Butler and Stephen Curry opened up opportunities.
The fourth-year forward is only 22 and provides athleticism and physicality that the Warriors need. However, there are concerns about playing him alongside Green and Butler because none of them are accomplished three-point shooters.
Green admitted it would be a “huge financial commitment” to bring back Kuminga, who is likely to get a significant offer if he reaches the open market. He also singled out Kuminga for dealing with the uncertainty surrounding his playing time and for thanking coach Steve Kerr in his exit interview for helping him develop as a player.
“I love the way he handled it … that was such a responsible, great, well-thought answer,” Green said. “He will get paid here, or he will get paid somewhere else.”
Green talked about the team’s collection of young talent in general, also mentioning Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gui Santos and Quinten Post. He said they all made progress during the season, but acknowledged that several of them may not return.
“When I look at our young guys, they all show promise,” Green said, “… but just off sheer numbers and the way this business works, probably not all will be back.”
It was an up-and-down season for the Warriors, who started off slowly, then surged once they acquired Butler. They narrowly missed a top-six spot in the West, then defeated Memphis in the play-in tournament and Houston in the first round before being ousted by Minnesota in five games.
Green expects his team to be back in title contention next season and said he, Curry and Butler will provide input to management on possible offseason moves.
“You just got to have a conversation … what can be seen from the stands or from some numbers — it ain’t always what it seems,” he said. “We’ll be in the weeds … trying to make it all make sense. The goals will be the goals — trying to win a championship. I stand on that 100%.”
International Notes: P. Gasol, Bogut, Nunn, Shorts, Biberovic
Former NBA stars Pau Gasol and Andrew Bogut were welcomed into the FIBA Hall of Fame Saturday night in Bahrain, according to Eurohoops. In addition to their NBA accomplishments, both players had extensive experience in international competitions, with Gasol being Spain’s all-time scoring leader in EuroBasket and Bogut representing Australia in three Summer Olympics.
Gasol, who was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2023, used his speech to reflect on his time with the Spanish national team and share memories of former Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant.
“None was more important than my brother, Kobe,” Gasol told the crowd. “Our connection went far beyond that. He was unique. He challenged me to leave it all on the court every day to make us NBA champions. I’ll never forget how he welcomed me onto the team. We built something special. It wasn’t easy. Trust, accountability, unwavering commitment, and pure determination. I miss him and (his daughter) Gigi terribly.”
Other notable members of this year’s class include former Duke and Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski, three-time gold medalist Dawn Staley and WNBA career assists leader Ticha Penicheiro of Portugal.
There’s more international news to pass along:
- Kendrick Nunn is mulling over offers to represent Greece or Turkey at this year’s EuroBasket tournament, according to George Adamopolous of EuroHoops. The former NBA guard, who plays for Panathinaikos in Greece, is the reigning EuroLeague MVP. “There were offers that came on the table to play either for the Greek national team or the Turkish national team,” Nunn said. “It’s still in the air. I haven’t made a decision yet to be honest. I still have time.”
- T.J. Shorts, who has received interest from the Grizzlies, has earned back-to-back MVP honors in the French League, per EuroHoops. The Paris Basketball point guard averaged 16.9 points and 8.0 assists per game in his first season in the league, shooting 59.1% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range. Shorts, 27, will be a free agent this summer.
- Fenerbahce swingman Tarik Biberovic, whose rights are controlled by the Grizzlies, is pondering a move to the NBA and is getting encouragement from teammate Marko Guduric, EuroHoops relays in another piece. “If I’m Fener, I’m obviously trying to keep Tarik,” Guduric said, “but for him, personally, it’s going to be his decision and of his family, whatever is best for them. I told him, if there is an opportunity, maybe you should try.”
Celtics Notes: Kornet, Holiday, Brown, White
With the Celtics looking for ways to cut costs this offseason, it’s possible that re-signing Luke Kornet will be a luxury they can’t afford. The 29-year-old backup center wasn’t ready to address his future at Saturday’s exit interviews, according to Souichi Terada of MassLive.
“Regarding going forward it’s like, I’ll figure out stuff when it kind of comes to it,” Kornet said. “At this point, you’re just kind of trying to unwind and spend some time with family and you don’t even know what everything is gonna look like because you just got done playing. That’s kind of what it is for now.”
Kornet, who has been with the team since being acquired at the 2022 trade deadline, turned out to be a bargain on the one-year, minimum-salary contract he signed last summer. He brought stability to Boston’s frontline, appearing in 73 games and averaging 6.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per night. He helped the Celtics extend their second-round series with a near triple-double in Game 5 and was in the starting lineup for Game 6.
Keeping Kornet could become more important than ever with Al Horford uncertain about returning for another season. Boston owns Kornet’s Bird rights, but second apron restrictions and a huge projected tax bill will likely limit what the team is willing to offer.
“The year, obviously it didn’t ultimately end in what we wanted to do and accomplish,” Kornet added. “It’s like a good deal to look back on well. I mean obviously the day after, that’s a little tough. But I think that it was a little more time to be able to kind of appreciate things for what they were. Obviously we had some good stretches and we ultimately came short, so it’s just kind of the taste in the mouth for the time being.”
There’s more from Boston:
- Jrue Holiday has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate because of his hefty salary, but he believes the Celtics can remain title contenders if the core of the team stays together, Terada states in a separate story. Holiday has three seasons left on his four-year, $134.4MM extension, including a $37.2MM player option in 2027/28. “We still have a really, really great opportunity and a great window to be successful and win a championship again,” he said. “I think the talent that we have on this team, not only on the court, but the coaching staff all the way up to (president of basketball operations Brad Stevens) has been amazing. So, the opportunity to win is now, and I still want to be a part of that.”
- Jaylen Brown, who has been diagnosed with a partially torn meniscus, offered a message of hope to Celtics fans after being eliminated, Terada adds in another piece. Brown expects the team to bounce back quickly, even though Jayson Tatum is sidelined indefinitely after having surgery to repair a torn Achilles. “This journey is not the end; it’s not the end for me,” Brown said. “I’m looking forward to coming back stronger, so you just take this with your chin up. I know Boston, it looks gloomy right now, obviously with JT being out and us kind of ending the year. But it’s a lot to look forward to. I want the city to feel excited about that. This is not the end, so I’m looking forward to what’s next.”
- Derrick White appears likely to stay in Boston because he’s delivering good value on his contract, observes Brian Robb of MassLive. White acknowledged that changes are likely coming to the team, adding that his priority will be improving during the summer. “I just gotta focus on what I need to focus on, which is obviously I have a lot of room for improvement,” White said. “So I gotta get better. People are going to do their jobs and my job right now is to get better.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo To Meet With Bucks Next Week
A meeting has been set up between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks management that could affect the future of the franchise and possibly set off one of the hottest NBA trade sweepstakes in years. According to veteran reporter Chris Haynes (Twitter video link), Bucks officials contacted Antetokounmpo and his representatives Saturday morning, and the parties will get together “mid next week.”
It’s an event that could have huge ramifications across the NBA landscape if the team isn’t able to convince Antetokounmpo that he can compete for more championships in Milwaukee. There has been speculation for weeks that the two-time MVP might ask for a trade, and a report on Monday indicated that he has become open-minded about pursuing opportunities elsewhere.
The Bucks’ challenge of convincing Antetokounmpo that they can field a title-worthy team around him became more difficult after they were ousted in the first round for the third consecutive year and Damian Lillard was lost with a torn left Achilles.
The injury may keep Lillard out of action for all of next season, but his $54.1MM salary will remain on the books and he holds a $58.5MM player option for 2026/27, making it difficult for the front office to acquire any more high-priced talent.
Rumors have been flying about Antetokounmpo’s potential next destination, with a report this week suggesting the Rockets and Spurs are in position to make the best offers for the two-time MVP. That came out before San Antonio moved up to second in Monday night’s draft lottery, creating another valuable trade chip that could be included in any offer. Houston is also awash in young talent and draft assets and may be willing to include All-Star center Alperen Sengun as part of a package to Milwaukee.
The Nets, Heat and Hawks have also been mentioned as possible suitors, while the Pelicans could get involved either directly or as a third team to facilitate a deal because they have the ability to swap picks with Milwaukee in both 2026 and 2027 (top-four protected).
The Thunder are another team with a large collection of draft assets, and they could be motivated to make a play for Antetokounmpo if they fall short of a title after winning 68 games this season.
Antetokounmpo developed into one of the greatest players in franchise history after being selected with the 15th pick in the 2013 draft. He was the cornerstone of the 2021 team that brought Milwaukee its first NBA title in 50 years, but that group has largely been broken up with Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton already being traded away.
Anyone who trades for Antetokounmpo would be getting an all-time great who’s still in his prime without having to worry about re-signing him right away. At age 30, he’s a finalist for MVP honors this year after averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 67 games and shooting 60.1% from the field. He’s under contract for $54.1MM next season and $58.5MM in 2026/27 while possessing a $62.8MM player option for 2027/28.
Al Horford Will Take Time To Decide On NBA Future
Major roster changes are expected for the Celtics this summer, and speculation has already started about whether those changes will include Al Horford‘s retirement, writes Jay King of The Athletic.
Horford, who will turn 39 next month, is headed for free agency after the expiration of the two-year contract he signed in 2023. He has been a fixture with the organization since returning in 2021 and played an important role with last year’s championship team, but he hasn’t decided if he wants to continue his NBA career.
“I’m going to take some time here with my wife and my kids and just (do) that,” Horford said at Saturday’s exit interviews. “It has not even been a day (since Boston’s playoff run ended), so there’s still a lot for me to process and just feeling everything out from last night, that was difficult.”
King notes that Horford has previously said he plans to keep playing as long as he feels good physically and can continue to contribute. A report last week from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said Horford wasn’t ready to retire and was hoping for a new contract with the Celtics, but the veteran center sounded less certain after Friday’s Game 6 loss at New York.
“I’m just not ready to talk about that right now,” he told reporters. “I just need some time with my wife and my family, and that’s what I plan on doing these next few weeks.”
There were already rumors that Boston was planning to trim salary this summer to reduce its tax bill, and that strategy became more likely with the loss of Jayson Tatum to a torn Achilles that could sideline him for all of next season. The organization projects to be well over the second apron and is facing record-breaking tax penalties if the current roster remains together.
The Celtics have made a few concessions to Horford’s age, like not using him in both ends of back-to-backs, but he remains a vital part of the team’s success. He appeared in 60 games this season, starting 42 and averaging 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds in 27.7 minutes per night. He also fits in with the team’s three-point philosophy by shooting 36.3% from beyond the arc.
Horford made $9.5MM this year, so it shouldn’t be expensive to bring him back if he decides to continue playing.
King adds that Horford has also been a tremendous locker room leader, with players such as Luke Kornet and Sam Hauser raving about his influence.
“He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had at any single level,” Hauser said. “What I learned from him the most was just being routined and being efficient with your time. In my first two years, I watched him from afar a lot. And I don’t even know if he knows this, but I took a lot of mental notes about how he operated on a day-to-day basis.
“He’s got five kids at home, he’s gotta be really efficient when he’s here, but he’s always in early getting his pre-court in and getting his rehab in, getting his treatment in, getting his shots up, doing whatever it takes to be prepared on the court but then also knowing he’s gotta be a father at home too for five kids. Now, having a kid, just one, I mean, it’s a lot.
“We would love to have him back, but I’m sure he’s going to take his time and do what’s right for him. Whatever he decides, that’s the right decision.”
Mavs’ Marshall Discusses Losing Doncic, Landing Flagg
Like virtually everyone else in Dallas, Naji Marshall was in disbelief when he heard that the Mavericks had traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers, writes Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal (subscription required). For Marshall, the move meant not only losing the cornerstone of the franchise, but also parting with a close friend and someone who impacted his game during their brief time together.
Marshall arrived in Dallas last summer, signing a three-year, $27MM contract in free agency after spending his first four NBA seasons in New Orleans. He wound up playing just 17 games alongside Doncic before the trade, but he said they quickly formed a connection on the court.
“I mean, I understood that, like, business is business as far as the NBA, but I was hurt, man,” Marshall said during a recent appearance on The Old Man and the Three podcast. “Luka’s my dawg, for real. And I love (Anthony Davis). That’s my guy right there. Like, he’s been great with us. You know, he welcomed us with open arms. … But as far as just personally, like, I just was hurt to lose Luka, man.”
Marshall added that Doncic’s welcoming nature became apparent shortly after he joined the Mavericks. He called Doncic a great communicator who knew how to connect with his teammates.
“Luka is just the chillest guy ever, bro. You just feel like his best friend from day one,” Marshall continued. “He’s just a great dude. Never mad, just always happy. And just a Hall of Fame flamethrower when it comes to basketball.”
Marshall also shared his memories of Doncic’s emotional return to Dallas on April 9. After being moved to tears by a pregame tribute video, Doncic proceeded to shred his former team with 45 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals in a 112-97 victory. Marshall, who led the Mavs with 23 points and eight assists in that game, said it was “beautiful” to watch Doncic back in action at American Airlines Center.
“First game home … Luka wanted to be in Dallas. He probably never thought he was gonna leave,” Marshall said. “To see him cry before the game — like, I don’t know what he was feeling, but I could just imagine what that moment felt like for him.”
Another topic during the podcast was the Mavericks’ remarkable lottery luck, which saw them rise from No. 11 to land the top pick and the chance to draft Cooper Flagg. Marshall said he was overcome with excitement while watching the broadcast as envelopes continued to be opened without Dallas’ logo coming up.
Marshall believes Flagg can be an impact player right away as the Mavs try to establish themselves as contenders again following a disastrous season.
“I love his game, honestly,” Marshall said. “Like, for real… He’s a winner. I love how he hoop. … The dog he has. I’m a dog, so that’s what I’m really looking for, and he’s a dog, too. I’m excited, bro. I’m excited to see him grow—become a star in the league.”