Stein On Hayward, Favors, Extensions, Durant
At the start of the week, ESPN.com’s Marc Stein provided an update on the NBA’s remaining extension-eligible players on rookie contracts, reporting that Gordon Hayward was the likeliest candidate for a new deal. Stein is back today with the latest news on Hayward and others, so let’s dive in and recap his two newest pieces for ESPN.com….
- Hayward and the Jazz continue to negotiate a new contract, and remain likely to work something out by Thursday’s deadline. Talks are expected to intensify this weekend as the team returns from a California road trip.
- According to Stein, Derrick Favors‘ extension with the Jazz works out to just over $47.7MM in guaranteed money. Stein adds that a new contract for Hayward may still be end up being worth more than Favors’ deal.
- Extensions are also still in play for Eric Bledsoe (Suns), Ed Davis (Grizzlies), and Avery Bradley (Celtics), who continue to talk with their respective teams. While there may still be one or two dark horse candidates, those three players, plus Hayward, are the strongest bets to sign long-term pacts next week.
- In his second column, Stein discusses Kevin Durant‘s contract situation with the Thunder, noting that even though the star forward won’t be a free agent until 2016, OKC “would be wise not to relax” — Durant has dropped a couple “odd hints” suggesting he’s getting antsy about winning a championship, says Stein.
Suns Waive James Nunnally
The Suns have waived camp invitee James Nunnally, according to Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic (via Twitter). Nunnally represented the most obvious cut on the team’s roster, since he was the only player on a fully non-guaranteed contract.
Nunnally played for the Suns’ D-League affiliate, the Bakersfield Jam, last season, averaging 10.3 PPG in 49 contests. The 23-year-old also joined the Heat’s Summer League squad this July before eventually signing a camp deal with Phoenix.
With Nunnally no longer on their books, the Suns are down to 17 players, meaning they’ll have to cut at least two more before opening night. Phoenix is carrying 16 players on fully guaranteed contracts, along with Dionte Christmas on a partially guaranteed deal, so in all likelihood the team will have to eat some salary in order to get down to 15 players.
Eric Bledsoe, Suns Working On Extension
Five extension-eligible players have already inked new deals this offseason, a figure that aligns fairly closely with what we’ve seen in past years. But with another week remaining before the October 31st deadline, there could be a few more players locked up by Halloween. One of those players is Eric Bledsoe, who continues to discuss an extension with the Suns, according to Phoenix GM Ryan McDonough.
“If we’re not able to work out a deal, we would start next summer with Eric as a restricted free agent,” McDonough told Arizona Sports’ 620 AM. “But obviously we’re hoping to get something done before that.”
ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reported earlier this week that Bledsoe ranked behind only Gordon Hayward and perhaps Ed Davis among remaining extension candidates likely to work something out with their respective teams. As Stein noted at the time and as Andrew Gilstrap of Arizona Sports writes in his recap of McDonough’s comments, the Suns are in an unusual position, having only acquired Bledsoe this summer, and not having seen him play extended minutes as a starter yet.
“With Eric, there’s more projection. Some would say there’s more risk, but I’d also counter that there’s more upside,” McDonough said. “He does some unique things athletically. I think he’s the best shot-blocking guard in the league. If he plays extended minutes, which he will for us, I think he might lead the league in steals. He has a unique potential.”
When I examined Bledsoe as an extension candidate back in August, I suggested his lack of track record compared to other recently-extended point guards like Jrue Holiday and Ty Lawson might limit the amount the Suns are willing to offer. However, if Phoenix hopes to keep him off the restricted free agent market, it sounds as if it may take a deal close to the $40MM+ that those players received. For now, McDonough says negotiations are going “pretty well,” so we’ll see if that translates into a new contract by next Thursday.
Stein On Bledsoe, Davis, Turner, Pondexter
Gordon Hayward and the Jazz are working on an extension, and it looks like the two sides will work something out within the next 10 days, as ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reported overnight. However, Hayward looks like the only member of the draft class of 2010 likely to receive a new deal by the October 31st deadline, in Stein’s view. The ESPN.com scribe examined the remaining extension-eligible players in his latest piece, so let’s round up the highlights….
- Besides Hayward, Eric Bledsoe of the Suns and Ed Davis of the Grizzlies appear to be the strongest candidates to re-up with their respective teams. Sources tell Stein that Memphis has been discussing a new deal with Davis’ camp this month.
- As for Bledsoe, Stein notes that next year’s free agent crop of point guards looks thin, meaning it may be risky for the Suns to let the ex-Clipper hit the open market, even as a restricted free agent. According to Stein, Favors’ deal may help Bledsoe’s negotiating position, since Utah paid its big man based in part on the expectation that his role and production will increase this season.
- Evan Turner is more likely to be traded by the Sixers than extended.
- Having spent big already on John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins respectively, the Wizards and Kings probably won’t extend their other fourth-year players this month. Trevor Booker and Kevin Seraphin are eligible for Washington, while Greivis Vasquez and Patrick Patterson fit the bill in Sacramento.
- Greg Monroe (Pistons) and Avery Bradley (Celtics) also continue to look like strong bets to hit free agency next summer.
- A new deal for Quincy Pondexter hasn’t been completely ruled out by the Grizzlies, but Ekpe Udoh (Bucks) and Jordan Crawford (Celtics) won’t get extensions, says Stein.
Pacific Rumors: Wayns, Bogut, Suns, Kings
The left knee injury sustained by Maalik Wayns may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the young guard, who had been vying for a roster spot with the Clippers. As Steve Perrin of Clips Nation explains, players on non-guaranteed, non-summer contracts who suffer an on-court injury can’t be released while they’re recovering, or else their deals will become guaranteed.
As such, Eric Pincus of HoopsWorld tweets that Wayns now looks like a lock to make L.A.’s opening night roster. Wayns’ deal was already set to become fully guaranteed if he wasn’t waived on or before December 1st, so assuming his recovery extends into December, it appears he’ll earn a full salary for 2013/14.
Here’s more from around the Pacific Division:
- Grantland’s Zach Lowe takes an in-depth look at Andrew Bogut‘s extension talks with the Warriors, noting that it’s very hard to pin down Bogut’s value, not just in terms of annual salary, but also on the trade market. Lowe attempts to brainstorm a few trade possibilities involving Bogut, but writes that the Warriors aren’t open to deals that would include Klay Thompson as a sweetener.
- Asked by Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News for a comment on the Bogut extension talks, Warriors owner Joe Lacob was fairly noncommittal, but said the team likes him “a lot,” and that he hopes Bogut remains in Golden State “for a long time.”
- Suns coach Jeff Hornacek spoke to Matt Peterson of Suns.com about the tough decisions ahead for a team that needs to cut its roster down from 18 players. Phoenix is also the only NBA team currently carrying more than 15 players on fully guaranteed contracts, meaning at least one of the players released before opening night will still get paid.
- The Kings have one potential opening on their roster, and while the team is still weighing its options, Hamady N’Diaye has a chance to grab that spot, writes Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee. “I’m not sure what [GM] Pete D’Alessandro‘s plan for that last spot is right now,” said coach Michael Malone. “But I think ‘H,’ as we call him, has done a lot to showcase his abilities as to why he should be on this team.”
Pacific Notes: Bogut, Kobe, Kings, Suns
Veteran contract extensions are rare in today’s NBA, but as we heard overnight, the Warriors and Andrew Bogut have opened discussions on a new deal for the Golden State big man, and could reach an agreement within the next few weeks. In his latest piece for SBNation.com, Tom Ziller questions why Bogut or the Warriors would feel compelled to get something done so soon.
Bogut suggested in his interview with Scott Howard-Cooper that multiple Western teams have already asked his agent about his free agent plans, which shows that he should draw interest next summer. As for Golden State, it may be in the team’s best interest to wait to get more than 44 games out of its injury-plagued center before committing to him long-term.
As we wait to see how negotiations between Bogut and the Warriors play out, let’s check out a few other items from around the Pacific Division….
- Sean Deveney of the Sporting News wonders whether Kobe Bryant will take a pay cut to help the Lakers next summer, breaking down several scenarios for how Kobe’s free agency could play out.
- A new Sacramento citizens’ group was formed yesterday to combat the proposed $258MM public subsidy for a new Kings arena, reports Dale Kasler of the Sacramento Bee. According to Kasler, the new group, Voters for a Fair Arena Deal, has taken pains to separate itself from the original effort launched by Sacramento Taxpayers Opposed to Pork, which received support from Chris Hansen.
- The working relationship between Alvin Gentry and the Suns came to an abrupt end back in January, but as Bob Young of the Arizona Republic writes, both parties appear to be better off after parting ways.
Western Notes: Jazz, Gortat, Bogut, Ebanks
Trey Burke is set to have surgery on his broken right finger tomorrow, and Jody Genessy of the Deseret News hears from the rookie’s agent that the injury could sideline Burke for more than eight weeks. It’s bad news for the Jazz, who don’t have a ton of point guard depth, but the team isn’t rushing to find a replacement, and is still in info-gathering mode, according to Genessy (via Twitter).
One option that doesn’t appear to be on the table for Utah is bringing over second-round pick Raul Neto. According to GM Dennis Lindsey, via Steve Luhm of the Salt Lake Tribune, Neto’s team in Spain (Lagun Aro) is in a similar building process to the Jazz, so Utah wouldn’t try to lure away one of its best players (Twitter links).
Here’s more on the Jazz and a few other Western teams:
- Luhm adds in another tweet that Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said today there are a couple of free agents who are looking for more than what the club is willing to pay.
- Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic spoke to Marcin Gortat about entering a contract year and the possibility of remaining with the Suns long-term.
- Andrew Bogut reiterated to Sam Amick of USA Today that he likes playing for the Warriors and wants to stay in Golden State beyond this season, but noted that Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry probably felt the same way before they signed elsewhere. In other words, Bogut hopes to remain with the Warriors, but recognizes anything could happen next summer in free agency.
- On the heels of a report indicating Corey Maggette figures to retire if he’s waived by the Spurs, Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld notes (via Twitter) that the veteran has long been interested in an executive job. Maggette participated in the NBPA’s Leadership Development Program, which prepares players for front office roles.
- The NBA announced today that Devin Ebanks has been suspended two games for pleading nolo contendere to driving under the influence of alcohol. Ebanks is currently trying to earn a spot on the Mavericks‘ regular-season roster — he was already a long shot, but his suspension certainly doesn’t help his chances.
Western Rumors: Jazz, Miller, Kings, Brown
Trey Burke‘s injury has opened up the possibility that the Jazz could trade for Marquis Teague of the Bulls or scour the free agent market for a veteran, and Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin says the team will consider its options, notes Steve Luhm of The Salt Lake Tribune.
“We’ll see,” Corbin said. “We’ll put our heads together tomorrow. We’ve got scouts out there. We’ll see what’s available. We’ve got some guys here. … We’ll see what gives us a chance.”
Internal candidate John Lucas III has impressed in camp so far, Luhm writes, so perhaps the Jazz may not have to look too far for their interim starting point guard. Here’s more from the West:
- Andre Miller isn’t concerned about offseason trade rumors that invoked his name, and the 37-year-old Nuggets point guard says he wants to play until he’s 40, as Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post writes.
- Kings owner Vivek Ranadive struck an agreement to hire Michael Malone as the team’s new head coach before the sale of the team became official, and Malone tells Sactown magazine that he and Ranadive kept their arrangement secret for two weeks. Sactown Royalty’s Tom Ziller has more.
- Shannon Brown fell out of the rotation for the Suns last season, and the team could have waived him in June and avoided paying 50% of this season’s $3.5MM salary. They kept him instead, and he’s relishing the fresh start the team’s new regime has afforded him, as he tells Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic.
Poll: Which Guaranteed Deal Will The Suns Cut?
NBA teams will be forced to make a lot of moves in the next two weeks, as teams pare down their preseason rosters to the 15-man regular season limit. Extra players must clear waivers by October 28th, making 4pm Central time on October 26th the deadline for teams to make their camp cuts. Nearly 100 players will be exiting NBA rosters, as Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors detailed yesterday.
Perhaps the most difficult decisions will be made in Phoenix, where the Suns have 16 fully guaranteed contracts. They’re the only team with more than 15 such deals, so unless they can find a trade partner soon, they’ll wind up owing a full season’s salary to a player they won’t be carrying. New GM Ryan McDonough also has Dionte Christmas on a partially guaranteed deal and James Nunnally on a make-good contract, further complicating matters. Christmas and McDonough have a history with the Celtics, and Nunnally was a sought-after camp invitee, so if the GM and president of basketball operations Lon Babby are tempted into keeping one or both of those players, multiple Suns with guaranteed deals could hit the road.
For the purposes of our poll, we’ll simply assume that the Suns will cut only one guaranteed contract. Which do you think is likeliest to go? We’ve included their 2012/13 salary figures via ShamSports to assist your choice. Leave a comment if you think someone you don’t see here is a better bet to end up on waivers. The other option here is a wild card — if you think the Suns can find a team willing to absorb one of their guaranteed contracts via trade and finalize the transaction by October 28th, they won’t have to cut any of their guaranteed guys.
Which Guaranteed Deal Will The Suns Waive?
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Ish Smith ($951,463) 24% (92)
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Malcolm Lee ($884,293) 21% (82)
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Viacheslav Kravtsov ($1,500,000) 15% (59)
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Kendall Marshall ($2,005,560) 15% (57)
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No one — the Suns will work out a trade 14% (54)
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P.J. Tucker ($884,293) 12% (46)
Total votes: 390
Western Rumors: Kobe, Jazz, Bledsoe, Spurs
Earlier today, Kobe Bryant addressed reporters at the Lakers‘ practice facility and fielded a number of queries, but wouldn’t answer the million dollar question. “I didn’t say anything,” Bryant said when asked about a potential timetable for returning, according to Lakers.com. “I just keep it all open right now. I don’t’ know why you guys are so hell bent on timelines. When I’m ready, I’m ready.” More out of the West…
- The Jazz have to cut their roster down to 15 players before the start of the season, but there are no signs of that coming just yet, writes Jody Genessy of the Deseret News. There are 20 players on the roster currently, but Marvin Williams (Achilles’ heel) and Brandon Rush (knee) are recovering from surgeries.
- Eric Bledsoe has matured since his rookie year and he’s ready to shine as a main player for the Suns, writes Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic. Bledsoe came to Phoenix in the three-team deal with the Clippers and Bucks that sent J.J. Redick to L.A.
- Spurs coach Gregg Popovich endorses European coaches making the transition over to the NBA, but Dan McCarney of the Express News wonders when that will become a reality. Ettore Messina is among several qualified coaches waiting for their chance in the NBA, but the Italian doesn’t believe that offer will come anytime soon.
- Former Mavericks forward and free agent Lamar Odom pleaded not guilty to DUI charges, according to the Associated Press. Odom, who was said to be dealing with a drug problem and other issues, seems pretty far from another NBA run.