The NBA offseason is in full swing now and there have been a number of Australians in the headlines, with Josh Giddey traded to Chicago early in the piece while Josh Green was the latest countryman to land on a new team.
With all of that in mind, foxsports.com.au has you covered with all the latest news on every Australian in the NBA and what is in store for those who will be wearing new colours.
JOSH GIDDEY (Chicago Bulls)
Starting with the biggest name of the lot because for the last three years, Giddey had been one of the faces of the Oklahoma City rebuild.
But, as has been well-established by this point, he was forced into a role that didn’t play into his strengths as the talented Thunder roster rose to new heights in the 2023-24 season.
That is all old news though. So, what is new for Giddey in Chicago?
Well, for starters he won’t be coming off the bench given what the 21-year-old said at his introductory press conference for the Bulls.
Giddey opens up on trade to Bulls | 01:12
“I just said to him at this point in my career, I’m 21 years old, it wasn’t something that I was overly eager to do,” Giddey said of his chat with Thunder GM Sam Presti.
You would suspect Giddey wouldn’t be eager to do that at the Bulls either, especially when you consider he would have been a lot closer to contending for a title at Oklahoma City.
At this stage it looks like Giddey will be starting in the backcourt alongside Coby White, who is a nice fit alongside the Australian after shooting 38 per cent from deep on seven attempts per game last season.
Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago’s young guard who emerged down the stretch, looks more likely to settle into a bench rotation role.
Elsewhere, DeMar DeRozan’s departure for Sacramento will only further open up more opportunities for this to be Giddey’s team.
That is true to a degree, of course, given the Bulls won’t want to just give Giddey the keys entirely considering how much White showed in a prominent role last season.
But it will still be a much better set-up for Giddey in terms of getting his hands on the ball more while the Bulls won’t be expected to compete for a playoff berth either, meaning there should be less pressure and hence more chances for Giddey to make — and learn from — mistakes.
Gaze: Bulls a ‘better fit’ for Giddey | 00:59
“It was going to be hard to tap into my full potential, in my opinion, on a team like [Oklahoma City] with so many talented guys who needed the ball in their hands, who were great with the ball in their hands,” Giddey said.
“A change of scenery was going to maybe unlock more of that for me. Being able to make the game easy for everybody, being able to get guys involved, distribute the ball and get other players confident around me is the thing I pride myself on doing.
“And it’s hard to do that in a role when the ball isn’t in your hands a lot. … That’s probably the big thing coming in here. I want to be the pass-first point guard I am.”
Bulls fans will get a look at the pass-first point guard in Giddey at this year’s Olympics after the 21-year-old thrived in a similar role at the FIBA World Cup.
The big question for the Bulls as a whole is what happens with Zach LaVine, who is due to make $43 million next season, $46 million in 2025-26 and has a $49 million player option for 2026-27.
At this stage, the Bulls are still looking to offload him but may find it hard to get the kind of return they are after given LaVine’s contract and the fact they have so little leverage in negotiations.
JOSH GREEN (Charlotte Hornets)
As will be consistent with all the younger Australian players moved this offseason, this trade takes Green further away from competing for a title but will ultimately help his development.
At Dallas, Green was restricted to a rotation role where he was more of a 3-and-D guy than anything else, complementing Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
There were times that Green excelled in that role, most notably in Game 5 of the NBA Finals when he made four 3-pointers on his way to 14 points off the bench in a loss to the Celtics.
But for the most part Green’s form would fluctuate depending on how he was shooting the ball.
Josh Green was traded to Charlotte. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
What didn’t falter though was the energy and hustle Green offered on both ends of the floor and he will be an important player in setting the tone and culture for a Charlotte team that is still in the early stages of forming its own identity.
Green has an opportunity to start at the two for the Hornets but either way he will see more minutes than he did at the Mavericks and have more freedom, like Giddey, to make mistakes and learn from them.
At Dallas, if Green made too many missteps he risked having his minutes squeezed in the rotation for a team that has title aspirations.
It is easy to forget Green is still only 23 years old and he has previously shown his potential when operating as the primary ballhandler in games without Doncic or Irving.
He may not have as many wins on the board in Charlotte but don’t be surprised if Green emerges as a breakout player of sorts with the added responsibility.
DYSON DANIELS (Atlanta Hawks)
Likewise, Daniels is another player who will benefit from getting a fresh start in the upcoming season.
New Orleans traded Daniels as part of a move that saw the Pelicans land Dejounte Murray and it is expected to be just the start of more major changes at Atlanta, who may be heading towards a rebuild of sorts.
With that in mind, Daniels also has a legitimate chance to see playing time — at least more than he was getting at New Orleans, another Western Conference contender on the rise.
In fact, there is every chance he could share the backcourt with Trae Young, should he stay at the Hawks, given the Australian’s elite defence would be the perfect match alongside him.
Dyson Daniels will have more opportunities with the Hawks. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Daniels’ point of attack defence in particular will keep him on the court, while any growth on the offensive side of the ball will determine just how high his ceiling is.
The young guard out of Bendigo looked hesitant and lacked confidence at times when playing for the Pelicans, whether it was with his shot or driving to the rim.
If Daniels can overcome that mental battle and develop his perimeter shooting, he could end up being a key piece of Atlanta’s future but at least his defence gives him a solid floor and an asset the Hawks desperately need right now as constructed.
JOE INGLES (Minnesota Timberwolves)
It wasn’t supposed to be like this for Ingles, who told reporters after Australia’s second warm-up game against China that he hoped he would be a one-team player in his NBA career.
“The crazy thing is I only wanted to play for one. I really just wanted to play for one,” Ingles said, per ESPN.
Instead Ingles played eight seasons at Utah until he tore his ACL and was traded to Portland, where he remained sidelined by injury and didn’t see a single minute on the court before becoming a free agent.
The veteran wing then secured a one-year contract with the Bucks, only to then agree to another short-term deal with the Magic the following season and now Minnesota is the next stop for the Boomers legend.
Although Ingles revealed he could have easily already been on the Timberwolves this time last year.
“They actually tried to get me last year as well,” Ingles said.
Ingles landed at Orlando instead, where he was the oldest player in a young roster that exceeded expectations and will likely continue to rise up the Eastern Conference standings.
Ingles signs one-year deal with Wolves | 00:39
But unlike Giddey, Green and Daniels, Ingles is heading to a team that is a genuine title contender next year.
The Timberwolves knocked off defending champions Denver in this past season’s playoffs before going down to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semi-finals.
In Minnesota, Ingles will reunite with former Jazz teammates Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert.
He will also team up with one of the league’s most rapidly ascending superstars — and best trash talkers — in Anthony Edwards.
“He’s good,” Ingles said of Edwards’ trash talk.
“I’ll save it for someone else. (But) it’s exciting. It’s obviously a really good team. Western Conference finals this year. Just going in there fully understanding the role they have for me. Trying to help Rudy, trying to help Ant, trying to help all these guys get better and hopefully go further.”
Ingles described it as a “basketball opportunity that was too good to give up”.
Realistically, the 36-year-old will slot into a similar bench role to Kyle Anderson, who signed a three-year contract with Golden State.
He can still shoot the ball and is a valuable veteran locker room presence while his familiarity with Conley and Gobert is obviously also a plus.
JOHNNY FURPHY (Indiana Pacers)
From an Australian veteran to the country’s newest NBA export.
Furphy was projected as a mid-to-late first round pick but was instead made to wait until the early stages of the second round for his name to be called.
The Indiana Pacers traded up to land the Victorian, who Pacers coach Rick Carlisle told ‘The Wake Up Call’ on 107.5 The Fan was actually the 14th-ranked prospect on their big board.
“He is a guy that our scouts had as the No. 14 player in the entire draft, and we got him at 35, so we feel pretty fortunate there,” Carlisle said.
At19 years old, Furphy offers plenty of upside with his combination of shooting, athleticism and length at 6-foot-9.
Johnny Furphy during his time at the Kansas Jayhawks. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
But Furphy is very much a developmental player who still needs to add plenty of weight to his frame to be able to handle the physicality of the NBA.
That is something both Furphy and Chad Buchanan are aware of though, with the Indiana general manager telling reporters the team believes the former Kansas wing has “a lot of room to grow”.
“Both his body physically and his game,” Buchanan said.
“He’s obviously very young in age, but we liked a lot of things about him that felt like aligned with who we are as an organisation and how we play.”
Specifically, Indiana likes to push the pace and that is a stylistic fit for Furphy, who had highlight finishes in transition during his time at Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence.
The way Furphy moves, or more accurately, glides down the court also makes him an ideal piece for the high-tempo offence Indiana runs.
“I think the Pacers run a super exciting play style. Their team dynamic is something I can envision myself fitting in really well,” Furphy said in his introductory press conference.
“Just how fast they play. How different players impact the game. I can kind of envision myself doing that.”
Pacers nab exciting Aussie with pick 35 | 01:48
Furphy, who said slipping out of the first round of the draft is “definitely a motivation” for him moving forward, will likely struggle to find playing time early in his Pacers career and Buchanan hinted at as much.
“The reality is our roster is in a situation where it’s going to be tough for a young guy to come in and play,” the Pacers GM said.
“We have a lot of good young players already on the roster. We have a lot of established roles already. We feel like we’re willing to be a little bit more patient with a young player like Johnny.”
But that is honestly for the best since Furphy was viewed as more of a high-upside project player heading into the draft, so the Pacers are taking the right approach with him.
One of the key focuses for Furphy will be developing his game off the ball as it is his best chance of seeing playing time on an Indiana team that is not short of playmaking options.
“That’s something I’ve had to do my whole life,” Furphy said.
“Playing with a lot of different teams, learning how to play without the ball in my hands. That’s something I feel like I do really well.
“Being able to impact the game without the ball. Playing in transition, rebounding, cutting. That’s something I can see myself doing.”
BEN SIMMONS (Brooklyn Nets)
It all comes down to this for Simmons. A contract year and potentially the season that will decide if he still has a career in the NBA.
After multiple injury setbacks and false starts, could this finally be the season when Simmons puts it all together and shows glimpses of the talent that made him a three-time All-Star?
If it is another disappointing season for Simmons, the Nets will likely just count down the days until his $40.3 million contract expires because it is hard to see any team being incentivised enough to take on his salary without a sudden turnaround in form.
Of course, on the flip side, the best case scenario for the Nets is that Simmons does start to show signs of improvement — or at least enough to increase his trade value.
Ben Simmons is on an expiring contract. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
The worst case scenario is that Simmons is playing poorly, stays on the roster and walks in free agency next summer.
But at least they’d be rid of his salary at that point as the Nets play towards the future.
If anything, trading Mikal Bridges should theoretically give Brooklyn the chance to feature Simmons more in the offence, if that is still a feasible plan at this stage of his career.
Should Simmons return to health and remind everyone of his potential when running the offence, maybe a team could come to the negotiating table?
PATTY MILLS (Miami Heat)
Mills is a free agent and while he would obviously welcome the chance to return to Miami, the ball is in the Heat’s court.
Although the fact Milwaukee added Delon Wright in free agency would only increase the veteran guard’s chances of scoring another contract.
If Mills is offered the chance to re-sign with Miami it would be on a one-year, veteran-minimum deal where he would be a depth piece more than anything.
DANTE EXUM (Dallas Mavericks)
With Green out of the picture, it leaves Exum with even more responsibility should Doncic or Irving go down injured as the team’s next best option at point guard.
Otherwise, Exum will remain locked into a key rotation role for the Mavericks given his energy on both ends along with his playmaking and distributing chops.
Outside of Exum, 22-year-old guard Jaden Hardy also stands to benefit from Green’s move while the Mavericks also traded for Quentin Grimes, who will help fill the void left by the Sydney native.
JOCK LANDALE (Houston Rockets)
It looks at this stage like Landale’s $8 million salary with the Rockets for next season has been fully guaranteed, although it is hard to see the Australian having a prominent role given he is now behind Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams.
Regardless, Landale’s salary could be used in a future trade alongside Houston’s growing draft capital should the Rockets decide to make a big, all-in move.
For now, Landale will be a frontcourt depth piece and may see some minutes in the rotation after proving himself down the stretch for Houston as he finished the season strong.
Landale averaged 8.8 points and 4.1 rebounds in his final two months for the Rockets after an injury to Sengun saw him take on greater responsibility in the Houston frontcourt.
MATISSE THYBULLE and DUOP REATH (Portland Trail Blazers)
Not much is expected to change for Thybulle and Reath, who will likely both settle into rotation roles off the bench for a Trail Blazers team that is still in the early stages of a rebuild.
The only real notable addition Portland made this offseason via free agency or trade was Deni Avdija while Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons are staying put for the time being despite speculation they could be on the move.
Elsewhere, the Trail Blazers added Donovan Clingan in the draft, which specifically will make it harder for Reath to see significant minutes in a crowded big man rotation which includes Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III.
JAYLIN GALLOWAY (Milwaukee Bucks)
Galloway is currently signed on a two-way contract for next season and will feature for Milwaukee’s G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.
In the meantime, Galloway will be in action for the Bucks at the NBA Summer League again, where he will play alongside NBL Next Star AJ Johnson, who Milwaukee drafted in the first round this year.
AUSTRALIANS AT THE NBA SUMMER LEAGUE
The NBA’s Summer League is also already underway as rookies, second-year players and some NBL-rostered Australian talent will be looking to make an impression.
Melbourne United’s Jack White impressed enough at the Summer League back in 2022 to earn a contract with the eventual NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets.
Here are a few names to look out for at this year’s edition:
Tasmania JackJumpers star Jack McVeigh was visibly emotional after he and teammate Will Magnay were named in the Boomers squad for the Paris Olympics.
Goorjian made the final trim to his squad after the Boomers’ warm-up games against China, with Portland star Matisse Thybulle and Xavier Cooks two of the most notable omissions.
McVeigh and Magnay were two of three NBL players who made the cut alongside Matthew Dellavedova, with the Tasmania duo set to make their Olympic debuts.
The moment they were informed of their inclusion by Goorjian was caught on camera in highly emotional scenes.
McVeigh immediately teared up and put his head in his hands before telling Goorjian: “I won’t f***ing let you down. I won’t let you down. I can promise you that. I can f***ing promise you that. You made the right choice.”
Goorjian responded: “We’re all really proud of you. You earned every bit of this. You’re a self-made man. Be proud of yourself.”
When Magnay was told he made the squad, his mind instantly turned to the fate of his JackJumpers teammate.
McVeigh made the final cut for the Boomers’ Olympics squad. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
When told McVeigh had also made the cut, Magnay yelled: “Let’s go!”
McVeigh, a 28-year-old guard, played a starring role in the JackJumpers’ championship-winning season as he averaged 17.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Towering centre Magnay averaged 10.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
The Boomers will face a difficult task in repeating their Tokyo Olympics heroics of a bronze medal as they were officially locked into the dreaded group of death in Paris.
Brian Goorjian’s side will face Spain, Canada and Greece, with the first game against the Spaniards to take place on July 27.
BOOMERS OLYMPICS SQUAD: Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Josh Green, Patty Mills (captain), Dante Exum, Jock Landale, Duop Reath, Joe Ingles, Jack McVeigh, Will Magnay, Matthew Dellavedova, Nick Kay
The second round of the 2024 NBA Draft gets underway at 6am AEST on Friday morning and all eyes are on when Australian prospect Johnny Furphy has his name called.
ESPN ranked Furphy as its 18th overall ranked player in this year’s class but he isn’t expected to have to wait much longer in the second round, with the 19-year-old expected to be taken early.
Toronto, Utah and Milwaukee are the first three teams on the board and there is also the possibility another team could trade up to take Furphy, surprised that he is still available given the Kansas wing was projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick.
Watch Live Coverage of The 2024 NBA Draft with ESPN on Kayo Sports. Fri 6am AEST. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
Duke forward Kyle Filipowski was the only other surprise name to slide out of the first round, having also received an invite to the green room ahead of Thursday’s Barclays Center event.
While the invite is no guarantee a prospect will be selected, 23 of 25 players in the green room were selected in the opening round, with Furphy and Filipowski the only ones to miss out.
Phoenix was the only other team to work out Bronny ahead of the draft but the Suns traded back and selected Ryan Dunn at No.28, leaving the Lakers as the likely landing spot for the USC guard.
NBA DRAFT SECOND ROUND ORDER
31. Toronto (from Detroit via New York and LA Clippers)
32. Utah (from Washington via Detroit and Brooklyn)
33. Milwaukee (from Portland via Sacramento)
34. Portland (from Charlotte via Denver, Oklahoma City and New Orleans)
35. San Antonio
36. Indiana (from Toronto via Philadelphia, LA Clippers and Memphis)
37. Minnesota (from Memphis via Los Angeles Lakers, Washington and Oklahoma City)
38. New York (from Utah)
39. Memphis (from Brooklyn via Houston)
40. Portland (from Atlanta)
41. Philadelphia (from Chicago via Boston, San Antonio and New Orleans)
42. Charlotte (from Houston via Oklahoma City)
43. Miami
44. Houston (from Golden State via Atlanta)
45. Sacramento
46. LA Clippers (from Indiana via Memphis and Milwaukee)
47. Orlando
48. San Antonio (from Los Angeles Lakers via Memphis)
— Philadelphia (forfeited)
49. Indiana (from Cleveland)
50. Indiana (from New Orleans)
51. New York (from Phoenix via Washington)
52. Golden State (from Milwaukee via Indiana)
53. Detroit (from New York via Philadelphia and Charlotte)
54. Boston (from Dallas via Sacramento)
55. Los Angeles Lakers (from LA Clippers)
56. Phoenix (from Minnesota via Oklahoma City and Denver)
57. Memphis (from Oklahoma City via Houston and Atlanta)
— Phoenix (from Denver via Orlando; forfeited by Phoenix)
58. Dallas (from Boston via Charlotte)
LIVE BLOG:
Follow the latest news and every pick from the NBA Draft below! Can’t see the blog? Click here!
Bill Walton, a college basketball icon, former NBA MVP and Hall of Famer who then became a legendary broadcaster, died from cancer on Tuesday surrounded by family, the league announced. He was 71 years old.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
Walton starred at UCLA under John Wooden before being selected No. 1 overall in the 1974 NBA Draft, where he embarked on a career with the Trail Blazers, Clippers and Celtics across 10 seasons — with five seasons entirely lost to foot injuries mixed in.
Bill Walton was a basketball legend. Picture: Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
Walton also had a long career as a broadcaster for CBS, NBC and ESPN.
He initially joined ESPN in 2002 after 12 years at NBC to serve as their lead NBA analyst, and in 2012, he began calling games again with the network — this time as a college basketball analyst for Pac-12 broadcasts, where he became a figure symbolic of and connected with a league that held its final basketball games this year and final conference tournament this week with baseball.
Walton, who won one NBA title with Portland and another with Boston, became known for his unique style of broadcasting, with bizarre and hilarious moments scattered throughout the games that often had little to do with the action on the court.
Bill Walton and actor Jack Nicholson at a Lakers game in 2004. Picture: Vince Bucci/Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesWalton attempts to block a layup by Lakers guard Byron Scott.Source: Getty Images
Walton’s easygoing nature — and so many other iconic moments while wearing a headset — that helped him mesh with a variety of play-by-play broadcasters.
It all shaped the latest chapter in his legacy that didn’t even begin until after he retired from the NBA.
“It’s very hard to put into words what he has meant to UCLA’s program, as well as his tremendous impact on college basketball,” UCLA head coach Mick Cronin said in a statement. Beyond his remarkable accomplishments as a player, it’s his relentless energy, enthusiasm for the game and unwavering candour that have been the hallmarks of his larger than life personality.”
After Walton’s death was announced, memories, messages and iconic clips from Walton’s broadcasts were posted on X — with former players such as Julius Erving and former broadcasters such as Jason Benetti sharing tributes.
Jay Bilas, a former Duke star who now serves as an ESPN college basketball analyst, said during a segment with the network that Walton might’ve been one of the greatest players to ever compete in college basketball.
Bill Walton and Muhammad Ali at a Lakers game in 2002.Source: Getty Images
Walton had four sons — Nate, Adam, Chris and Luke, who has embarked on a coaching career and served as the head coach for the Lakers and Kings — and was also survived by his wife, Lori.
“As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the centre position,” Silver continued in his statement.
“His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colourful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans.
“But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life. He was a regular presence at league events — always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.”
This article was originally published by the New York Post and reproduced with permission
Josh Giddey has endured a tough third season in the NBA and opened up on the learning process in a recent interview ahead of the playoffs.
Speaking of which, there could be up to seven Australians featuring in the post-season this year, so what could their roles look like?
Below foxsports.com.au looks at how all the Australians in the NBA have been tracking in recent weeks.
Watch an average of 9 NBA Regular Season games per week LIVE on ESPN, available via Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
NBA Wrap: Curry & KD rewrite record book | 02:56
JOSH GIDDEY (OKC Thunder)
It still remains to be seen just how heavily Giddey will factor into Oklahoma City’s plans in the playoffs but the Australian is doing his chances of earning a prominent role no harm recently.
In case you’ve missed Thunder games this season, NBA teams have made little secret of their strategy to either sag off Giddey completely beyond the arc or at most put a big on the young guard.
Sure, Giddey has made them pay from time to time but largely it is a sacrifice worth making if it means clogging the paint and the ability of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams to get clean looks at the rim.
But recently Giddey has started to look more like himself again, averaging 13.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists this month while shooting a solid 34.3 per cent from beyond the arc.
Josh Giddey has been playing well recently. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The outside shooting hasn’t always been there like it was in a loss to Milwaukee on Monday, where Giddey went 4-for-6 from downtown to actually force the Bucks to start closing in on him.
But both Giddey and the Thunder have come up with different ways for him to make an impact without the ball in his hands, most notably using the Australian as a screener more.
It wasn’t something coach Mark Daigneault had given much thought to before this season but OKC had to be flexible given the new way rival teams were defending Giddey.
“And being open to that and understanding that that’s his path forward when he gets played like that, and that’s what’s best for the group when he’s on the court getting guarded like that.”
Full strength Bucks dominate OKC | 00:56
What was most pleasing from Giddey’s standout game against Milwaukee, where he had 15 points in the first half alone, was the confidence in which he was shooting when given an open look.
There was no hesitation, no suggestion that the missed shots or way teams were defending him was getting to him. It has been a learning experience for Giddey though.
“It ain’t a secret,” Giddey told Lorenzi in a raw interview earlier this month.
“It certainly takes its toll. You start to question yourself and you see things on social media. As much as I try to stay off of it, it’s hard to ignore and you start to buy into it a little bit.
“When you see enough of that s***, you start to believe it, and that’s a tough thing to deal with. And I’ve tried to avoid it as much as I can, but [it] kind of naturally just finds its way back to me.
“Sometimes it can be a confidence killer. Seeing a big guard gap you and daring you to shoot the ball. But you have to stay confident. You have to trust it because the second you don’t, they win and it falls into their hands.”
If Giddey fell into the trap he would also have likely seen his minutes reduced as Oklahoma City leaned more heavily on new acquisition Gordon Hayward.
But Hayward, who the Thunder traded for at the deadline, hasn’t shot at nearly the same volume as Giddey and hasn’t done enough as it stands to pose a significant threat to his minutes in the playoffs.
That could of course change given Hayward’s post-season experience while opposition teams may only target Giddey even more heavily too.
More games like the one against the Bucks though will continue to build Giddey’s confidence as OKC prepares for its first playoff run with this young group.
“He got off to a really good start, made some shots and played well, especially in that first stretch,” coach Daigneault said after the loss to the Bucks.
“That was a bright spot tonight but obviously we needed the team to play like that.”
BEN SIMMONS (Brooklyn Nets)
Nothing new to report on Simmons, who earlier this month was ruled out for the remainder of the season before undergoing surgery for the nerve impingement in his lower back.
It casts even more uncertainty over his playing future as Simmons enters the final year of his contract with the Nets on an expiring $40 million salary.
What direction Brooklyn goes in from that point is unclear at this stage, although Erik Slater, a reporter from Clutch Points and host of Bleav in Nets, told foxsports.com.au a buyout is unlikely.
What is next for Ben Simmons? Mike Lawrie/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“Nobody’s going to want to sign Ben, he’s not a player that is going to have that much interest, I feel, on the market,” Slater said.
“This is his last big contract, so there’s no reason for him to leave money on the table. That should rule out a buyout.”
Instead, the more likely scenario is that the Nets let Simmons’ contract expire and free up cap space to take a swing at one of the league’s big-name free agents in 2025.
Otherwise, they could look at making a trade that would send a host of role players to Brooklyn in exchange for Simmons, whose expiring contract would be appealing to a team looking to get off long-term money on their books.
“If I had to guess right now, I would think the overwhelmingly likely scenario is that they just let him expire,” Slater said.
“It’ll ultimately depend on how teams are viewing their cap sheet and who’s looking to get off some long-term money and whether the Nets could potentially be interested in those pieces.”
DYSON DANIELS (New Orleans Pelicans)
Daniels has already been ruled out of New Orleans’ game against Oklahoma City but is very much closing in on a return.
The Bendigo product has been sidelined since early February after being diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee.
The Pelicans though have gone to another level in Daniels’ absence to put themselves in a strong position to contend for fourth seed in the West and possible home court advantage come the playoffs.
Daniels said last week that he was “hopefully” going to be ready in a week or two.
Dyson Daniels is nearing a return. Chris Gardner/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Look for the Pelicans to ease Daniels into the action before building him up ahead of the post-season, where the Australian along with Herb Jones will be New Orleans’ two crucial pieces on defence to match up against some of the league’s biggest stars.
Daniels told reporters after his first full practice last week that this was the “biggest injury of his career” and while it was “tough” to watch from the sidelines it gave him a new perspective on assessing the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
“I’ve taken a lot of things from what the team is doing well and what we can do better,” Daniels said.
“It’s [the rehab process] been tough. A lot of earning mornings spent in the weight room, just strengthening exercises and stuff like that. A lot of conditioning. The stuff you don’t want to do but have to do.
“… I’m super excited [to be nearly back]. We’re in a really good position right now. We’ve got to keep our foot on the gas, keep pushing. Fourth spot is right there for us with home ground advantage.”
Bench CLEARED – Draymond incites scuffle | 00:43
JOSH GREEN (Dallas Mavericks)
Another Australian on the mend is Josh Green, who went down with an ankle injury after stepping on Derek Lively II’s foot in a game against the Thunder earlier this month.
Coach Jason Kidd told reporters on Monday that Green is out of his boot and doing some pool work.
“So trending in the right direction,” Kidd said, although Green is still not in a position to start on-court activity yet.
The hope for Dallas is that Green will be healthy enough to see playing time before the post-season so he has a chance to ramp up towards the consistent 20-plus minutes he was seeing before the injury.
Kidd though added he was comfortable with the Dallas rotation with or without Green, which brings us to his Mavericks teammate Dante Exum.
DANTE EXUM (Dallas Mavericks)
Exum shapes as a serious X-factor for Dallas off the bench in the playoffs and showed his value against San Antonio, coming up clutch late to help seal a 113-107 win.
Luka Doncic had an off shooting night against the Spurs, going 6-for-27 from the field, and while that usually would result in a Mavericks loss it wasn’t the case last Thursday.
Instead, 16 points from Exum, who went a perfect 4-for-4 from deep, helped Dallas home as coach Jason Kidd declared post-game that the Australian was “huge” down the stretch.
“Dante played amazing,” Doncic added post-game.
Those kinds of performances are the ones that will see Exum earn Kidd’s trust in the post-season.
Exum followed it up with a scoreless game against Utah in 15 minutes but he only attempted one shot in the game which saw four of Dallas’ starters hit double figures, with Doncic leading the scorers on 34 points.
Dante Exum got plenty of praise from his teammates. Sam Hodde/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
And that is the thing with Exum. He is not always going to be making shots or putting up points but that doesn’t mean he isn’t making an impact, as teammate Kyrie Irving pointed out in his assessment of the Australian’s game against the Spurs.
“He’s a pressure reliever,” Irving said.
“He’s like one of those Swiss army knives that you can throw in there at any point, can play with anybody out there at any point and it makes a big difference for us, takes a tonne of weight off our shoulders.”
Exum will be a valuable piece in the playoffs, offering Kidd a third ball-handling option off the bench while his defensive versatility is also obviously a plus.
JOCK LANDALE (Houston Rockets)
Where did that come from?
After seemingly looking destined for a reserve role with the Rockets, injuries have opened the door for Jock Landale to suddenly emerge as a key piece of Houston’s playoffs push.
The Rockets are the league’s most in-form team, having won 11 of their last 12 games to threaten the Warriors, who sit just ahead of Houston in 10th position.
Houston’s rapid rise is particularly impressive given it has been without standout centre Alperen Sengun, who went down injured earlier this month and was feared to be at risk of missing the entire season.
However, Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported there is a “very real chance” he could be cleared to return before the end of the regular season.
In the meantime, Landale has taken advantage of his increased playing time since Sengun’s injury, scoring double figures in five of seven games without him.
That included 15 points in the first quarter alone in Houston’s most recent win against Portland.
Jock Landale has made the most of his opportunity. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Landale also has made a big impression on the defensive end, recording a career-high seven blocks in Houston’s 137-114 road win over the Washington Wizards.
“It was great,” Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said of Landale.
“We acknowledged him in the locker room, about that. He was part of the unit that really got us going, from an energy standpoint. Meeting guys at the rim, making the right plays in there, and deterring shots, even if he didn’t block it.”
“It is always good to get an opportunity to get out there with the boys to make a push toward the Play-In Tournament,” added Landale.
“I think we have gained some good traction. That’s where my mind has been; having a lot of fun.”
Vibes are clearly immaculate at Houston and after a tough start to the season Landale is also enjoying his basketball, described by commentator Craig Ackerman as the “most popular man in a Rockets uniform tonight” after playing a leading role in the team’s 103-101 win over the Spurs.
Landale obviously feels comfortable too, comfortable enough to cheekily call out teammate Dillon Brooks after he was ejected in Houston’s win against the Bulls.
“Dillon Brooks, if you’re listening. This ain’t Memphis, man. Stop getting yourself ejected. We need you out here. We need that physicality,” Landale said.
JOE INGLES (Orlando Magic)
The hope for the Magic is that Ingles is really about to show his worth as Orlando prepares for its first post-season run with its young, developing core.
The Magic sit fifth in the Eastern Conference and are locked into a playoff berth with a chance of pushing up the standings to earn home court advantage.
It is an impressive step in the right direction for a team that undoubtedly has even better days ahead given its relative inexperience, although that is why Ingles was brought over in the first place.
Ingles’ poise and steady presence as the creator for the second unit should see him earn a consistent role for the Magic in the playoffs, even if he has been regularly targeted on the defensive side of the ball.
Joe Ingles will be a much-needed veteran presence. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
DUOP REATH (Portland Trail Blazers)
Reath proved a handful in his latest start against the Nuggets, once again proving his all-round skillset by finishing at the rim and draining a trio of 3-pointers on the way to 24 points in a 114-111 loss.
The 27-year-old also had eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal in the game and is shooting at 38.3 per cent from downtown, excellent numbers for his position.
A feature from ESPN’s Andrew Lopez on Tuesday lifted the lid on Reath’s journey to the NBA and the mentorship big man Deandre Ayton has provided since he entered the league.
“He ain’t backing down from s***,” Ayton said of Reath to ESPN.
“He loves the challenge and he competes. I tested him and I’m a crazy m*****f*****. But Wop got it. Wop can play on any team in this league. Any team.”
Fellow Australian Matisse Thybulle also recalled in the ESPN story how the Trail Blazers locked room was convinced Reath wasn’t going to be stuck in the G League much longer after a dominant showing in his Rip City Remix debut against the South Bay Lakers.
Reath exploded for 37 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in the game.
Duop Reath has been a big success story this season. Steph Chambers/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“After the game, everybody’s joking as we’re walking out the gym like, ‘Well, Wop just played himself out of the G-League’,” Thybulle said.
He was right too, with Reath called up to make his NBA debut against the Lakers two days later and he has never looked back since that point.
“I told Matisse as soon as I walked on the court to do my warmup, the lights were a little bit brighter at Crypto.com Arena,” Reath told ESPN.
“It felt like this is how I visualised it, the warmup, my pre-game warmup, everything was the way I visualised it. And I was just telling him, yeah, ‘Man, dreams do come true’.”
Portland is in the middle of a rebuild and out of playoff contention so there won’t be any post-season basketball for Reath.
MATISSE THYBULLE (Portland Trail Blazers)
The same goes for Blazers teammate Thybulle, who has been sidelined since early last week with a sprained ankle.
Thybulle was a game-time decision for Portland’s game against the Rockets before later being ruled out.
Despite the injury setback the Australian still comfortably leads the league for blocked 3-point shots (25) and Portland will welcome his disruptive defence and improved outside shooting when the Australian returns for the final stretch of the season.
Matisse Thybulle is closing in on a return. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
PATTY MILLS (Atlanta Hawks)
Mills has been given more playing time since making the move to Miami, benefiting from injuries to fellow guards Josh Richardson and Tyler Herro.
Herro has now missed 15 straight games with a foot injury and there is no real clarity on when he could return while Richardson has already been ruled out for the season after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder.
Mills should see steady minutes until Herro is healthy and had a solid game against Cleveland on Monday, scoring 10 points to go with three assists, two rebounds and a pair of steals.
As a whole though Mills has struggled from 3-point range since joining the Heat, shooting only 20.0 per cent.
He will need to improve on that number to have any chance of seeing any significant playing time in the post-season for the Heat.
Obviously Mills has other intangibles to offer Miami like his general leadership and locker room presence but his 3-point shooting is still his greatest on-court strength.
Patty Mills has a big opportunity. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
JAYLIN GALLOWAY (Milwaukee Bucks)
Galloway is continuing to produce plenty of highlights in the G League since being snapped by the Milwaukee Bucks after his impressive season with the Sydney Kings in the NBL.
The 21-year-old put a Salt Lake City defender on a poster in his Wisconsin Herd debut and backed it up last week with a ferocious dunk.
Galloway had six points, three rebounds, one assists, one steal and one block in the 125-111 win over Capital City Go-Go, later scoring a career-high 13 points in a 105-85 victory against the Raptors 905.
Galloway also had four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in that win.
The young Australian won’t feature in Milwaukee’s post-season action but could push for minutes in the rotation next season with more impressive performances this year.
Nikola Jokic bagged his 20th triple-double of the season as the Denver Nuggets held off the Boston Celtics 115-109 in their heavyweight NBA showdown, while Dante Exum starred in a comeback win for the Mavericks.
The eagerly anticipated clash between the reigning NBA champions and Eastern Conference-leading Celtics lived up to the billing in a hard-fought duel in Denver.
Denver talisman Jokic finished with 32 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists while Jamal Murray finished with 19 points and Aaron Gordon 16.
Watch an average of 9 NBA Regular Season games per week LIVE on ESPN, available via Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
The win gave Denver a clean sweep over Boston in their meetings this season. The Celtics, beaten by Cleveland on Tuesday, suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since early November.
Jokic meanwhile played down the significance of the result, brushing off suggestions that Thursday’s showdown could be a preview of the NBA Finals.
“We’re a long way from the finals my friend,” the Serbian said in an on-court interview after the win.
“We had a really good energy tonight…our offense was really clicking today.”
Nikola Jokic bagged his 20th triple-double of the season as the Denver Nuggets held off the Boston Celtics.Source: AFP
Boston meanwhile were left to reflect on a loss that came despite a 41-point performance from Jaylen Brown, who shot 16-of-29 from the field.
Kristaps Porzingis added 24 points but Jayson Tatum was restricted to 15 points. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said his team’s 12 turnovers had been the difference.
“When you play against another great team, those 10-12 possessions are super, super critical,” Mazzulla said. “I think Denver did a better job of taking advantage of those than we did.”
Boston remain on top of the Eastern Conference with a 48-14 record. Denver meanwhile are third in the West at 43-20, one game back from leaders Minnesota.
In other games on Thursday, Luka Doncic completed a triple double to help the Dallas Mavericks edge past the Miami Heat 114-108.
Slovenian ace Doncic finished with 35 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists as Dallas staged a late rally to end their three-game losing streak.
The Mavs trailed 101-100 with just over four minutes remaining but pulled clear to clinch victory after a flurry of late three-pointers.
Australia’s Dante Exum played a big role in key moments, and finished with 13 points, four rebounds and five assists from just 17 minutes on the floor.
Exum hit a three-pointer along with Doncic and Kyrie Irving as part of a 10-run that started when the Mavs were trailing 101-100.
It was Exum who started the run with a triple that beat the shot clock.
– Wolves claw Pacers –
Doncic received scoring support from Irving with 23 points while four other Dallas players made double figures.
Terry Rozier led Miami’s scoring with 27 points.
Dallas improved to 35-28 with the win to remain in playoff contention in the Western Conference.
DALLAS, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Dante Exum #0 of the Dallas Mavericks brings the ball up court during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on December 23, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
In Indianapolis meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves snatched a 113-111 win over the Indiana Pacers thanks to a 44-point performance from Anthony Edwards in a see-saw battle that saw the lead change hands 17 times.
The Timberwolves looked to be cruising after opening up a 17-point lead in the second quarter.
But the Pacers chipped away at the deficit to set up a tense finish after outscoring Minnesota 34-23 in the third quarter.
Edwards was the undisputed star of the show for Minnesota, unfurling a 25-foot three-pointer to give the Timberwolves a 108-105 lead with 1:11 remaining.
Rudy Gobert finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds for the Timberwolves, with Naz Reid adding 13 from the bench.
Phoenix meanwhile secured a second straight win with a wire-to-wire 120-113 victory over the Toronto Raptors in Arizona.
Kevin Durant was the pick of the Suns’ offensive performers with 35 points from 11-of-19 shooting.
Grayson Allen caught the eye with 26 points, including eight three-pointers, while Bradley Beal finished with 20 points.
The Golden State Warriors, who rediscovered their best form in an emphatic win over Milwaukee on Wednesday, were unable to back that victory up in their home game with the Chicago Bulls.
DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic both scored 33 points apiece as the Bulls held off a late Warriors rally to claim a 125-122 win.
Klay Thompson’s 28-foot three-pointer gave the Warriors a 119-118 lead with 40 seconds remaining, but DeRozan hit back with a pull-up from 17 feet to restore the Bulls’ advantage.
OKC Thunder centre Bismack Biyombo collapsed on the bench in scary scenes during his team’s game against Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday (all times AEDT).
The worrying moment happened in the first half, with Biyombo unexpectedly falling to the ground while teammates were coming to the bench for a time-out.
Teammates and officials crowded around Biyombo before he was eventually able to leave the court without assistance.
Watch an average of 9 NBA Regular Season games per week LIVE on ESPN, available via Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
Thankfully, Biyombo was cleared of any serious medical issues by Portland physicians, according to Thunder sideline reporter Nick Gallo.
However OKC is reportedly taking a conservative approach with the big man and will hold him out for the rest of the game before it’ll evaluate him further tomorrow.
Biyombo signed with the Thunder last month for additional front-court depth to Mark Daigneault’s team.
It came in a game Josh Giddey shot an incredible 8-of-9 from the field for 19 points, adding six rebounds and seven assists as the Thunder coasted to a 128-120 win.
Fellow Aussie Dup Reath backed up his career-best outing earlier this week with 16 points and five rebounds, again starting at centre with DeAndre Ayton sidelined.
Aussie Mills joins chip contender | 00:30
ELSEWHERE …
Things got spicy in the final seconds of Chicago’s 119-117 win over Utah, with John Collins getting into a scuffle with a host of Bulls players — and even an assistant coach.
Collins got chirpy with Torrey Craig near the Bulls bench before the Jazz forward started shoving Chicago assistant Chris Fleming as emotions really got the better of both teams.
It led to a wild fracas with multiple players and officials involved in bizarre scenes with nine seconds left in the contest.
In other results, Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points with six rebounds and seven assists and Paul George and James Harden added 21 points each as the Clippers came from behind to defeat the Rockets 122-116.
LA endured a monster performance from Alperen Sengun, who racked up 23 points, 19 rebounds and 14 assists, leading all five Rockets starters in double-figure scoring.
In the later game, the Golden State Warriors destroyed the Milwaukee Bucks 125-90 behind 29 points from Stephen Curry.
The Warriors, who were crushed by the Celtics 140-88 in their last game, bounced back in a big way, shot an ultra efficient 55 per cent from the field including 48 per cent from three-point range.
Damian Lillard has hit back at NBA media for “blowing things out of proportion” following his recent comments about his first season in Milwaukee.
Lillard in an interview with Chris Mannix opened up on his trade from Portland and how he’s struggled being away from his family.
“Being away from my kids is tough. In Portland, my life was set up … just my whole life was set up perfectly right there,” Lillard said in the interview. “So just leaving that behind alone is a lot. And then you add the basketball side to it, and that is what it is.
Watch an average of 9 NBA Regular Season games per week LIVE on ESPN, available via Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
“It’s definitely lonely because I’m such a family guy. My life is my family.”
The eight-time All-Star also commented on the Bucks’ indifferent season amid lofty expectations — despite currently sitting third in the East — a season it parted ways with first-year coach Adrian Griffin and replaced him with Doc Rivers.
Lillard was traded from Portland to Milwaukee (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTS
“I thought we was going to be how Boston is right now. But I think what I’ve learned is that some things take time, especially stuff that has reward in the end,” Lillard said.
“You can’t come into it and think that it’s just going to be all peaches and cream. We’ve had our ups and downs. We’ve had a coaching change. I haven’t completely settled in to finding who am I on this team. And that’s kind of a tough thing.”
Struss sinks ABSURD halfcourt winner! | 01:04
In a now-deleted Instagram story re-sharing a headline that read: “Damian Lillard is “lonely” in Milwaukee,” Lillard said: “Blowing things out of proportion like a mf.”
He also commented on the post, writing: “Y’all gotta stop man. I am just fine lol.”
The Bucks have gone 6-7 under Rivers including winning their last three in a row.
KNICKS’ PROTEST REJECTED BY NBA
The Knicks’ recent protest has been officially rejected by the NBA.
The league, as expected, denied the Knicks’ filing over the admitted incorrect foul called against Jalen Brunson near the end of their Feb. 13 loss to the Rockets in Houston.
“The Knicks protested the result of the game on the ground that a shooting foul was called incorrectly on the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson for making contact with the Rockets’ Aaron Holiday during a last-second shot attempt,” the NBA said in a statement. “Under the standard for NBA game protests, New York was required to demonstrate that there was a misapplication of the official playing rules, as opposed to an error in judgment by game officials.
“Because the foul call at issue reflected an error in judgment, New York did not demonstrate a misapplication of the playing rules, and the extraordinary remedy of upholding a game protest was not warranted.”
The Knicks had filed the protest with the league in an attempt to extend the game to overtime after the officiating crew had acknowledged the incorrect foul called against Brunson — leading to two tiebreaking free throws by Holiday with 0.3 seconds remaining.
The NBA only has upheld six of 44 formal protests in its history and one since 1982 — a December 2007 game in which Heat centre Shaquille O’Neal was ruled to have fouled out when he only had been assessed five fouls.
The Knicks, who were not slated to face the Rockets again this season, will be charged $10,000 for the unsuccessful protest.
Brunson (neck/cervical spasms) again has been listed as questionable for Friday’s home game against the Warriors after sitting out Tuesday’s loss to the Pelicans. Isaiah Hartenstein (Achilles) is expected to play after being removed from the injury report. Andrew Wiggins (personal reasons) is out for the Warriors.Veteran guard Alec Burks missed six of seven field-goal attempts — including both from 3-point range — in Wednesday’s loss.
He’s shooting 31.4 per cent in seven games in his second stint with the Knicks following a deadline trade with the Pistons.
“He’s gotta shoot ’em. They’re open,” Tom Thibodeau said of Burks after the game, the Knicks’ seventh loss in their past 10 games. “We knew we were gonna have to have volume 3s and we were gonna have to make to have a chance. So I like the 3s that he got.”
Friday’s February 9 NBA trade deadline (all times AEDT) is fast approaching.
While a few big trade dominoes have already fallen, there’s still several big-name stars that could be on the move and teams looking to shake things up otherwise.
And so we’ve come up with one mock (but realistic) trade for all 30 teams ahead of Friday’s cut off to make roster changes for the second half of the season.
Watch an average of 9 NBA Regular Season games per week LIVE on ESPN, available via Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
LeBron stars as Lakers down Knicks | 01:18
To keep things simple, we haven’t included pick protections, swaps or gone in depth with which picks specifically are being moved. However all picks moved are legally owned by that team (in any future draft), and all trades work from a salary cap perspective.
Read on for foxsports.com.au’s mock trade for all 30 NBA teams (*all stats and records accurate at the time of writing on 6th of February).
ATLANTA HAWKS
Hawks receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins
Warriors receive: Clint Capela, AJ Griffin, second-round pick
The shake-up both teams need? The Hawks take a punt on Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins despite Kuminga’s career not yet living up to his Pick 7 draft spot and Wiggins falling away dramatically since Golden State’s 2022 title run. In fact, Wiggins’ four-year, $109 million contract is now basically a negative asset, so Atlanta is almost doing the Warriors a favour by taking him off their books and creating flexibility. Not only would it provide a different dynamic and much needed perimeter defence to to Atlanta’s current mix, but also the ability to commit to a youth movement at some stage — so the Hawks almost hedge their bets here. They also stay the course with Dejounte Murray, despite all signs pointing to a trade, and instead try and retool the roster around him and Trae Young. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, head coach Quin Snyder is pushing the Hawks front office to keep Murray, too. Despite previously being linked to trades, a Clint Capela move hasn’t gained any traction in the lead into this deadline, even though Atlanta has the veteran and Onyeka Okongwu locked in a time share at centre. But with Capela not helping the team win, holding back Okongwu from reaching his potential and being marginalised himself, it makes a lot of sense for Atlanta to trade Capela and adjust other parts of its roster (though his latest injury setback may complicate matters). The Warriors probably push to get a first-round pick instead of a second rounder, but this solves a lot of their problems — both short and long-term.
BOSTON CELTICS
Celtics receive: Alex Caruso, second-round pick
Bulls receive: Prayton Pritchard, Svi Mykhailiuk, two first-round picks
Despite the huge price, a move that would really tip over Boston as the clear championship favourite (if it isn’t already). Though some big man insurance for Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford would also be nice, Pritchard is the only roster spot the Celtics could still use an upgrade. Adding Caruso would add more size and double down on their already elite perimeter defence with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White and create a truly formidable backcourt in the playoffs. Even if he’s only a role player, Caruso wouldn’t come cheap as one of the most courted players in the league, so Boston would need to pay up to secure the defensive stud – even if two first rounders seems like an inordinate price. Plus, the Bulls, despite being potential deadline sellers, could just as easily hold Caruso unless the right deal comes along, so the onus is on other teams to make an offer they can’t refuse.
Golden State power past Grizzlies | 00:42
BROOKLYN NETS
Nets receive: Dejounte Murray
Hawks receive: Spencer Dinwiddie, two first-round picks, second-round pick
With it becoming hard to trust Ben Simmons to stay on the floor and Spencer Dinwiddie being more of a scoring guard, the Nets are clearly crying out for a true playmaker to assist their arsenal of wings. Plus, it doesn’t appear Brooklyn is yet willing to go down the full rebuild route – a direction it could’ve taken after trading away Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving. With Murray, on a modest $18 million deal, the Nets get a proper gauge of how good this team can be in the second half of the season before they can always reset over the US summer, if needed. It’s no secret the Hawks have been shopping Murray, their most appealing trade asset, despite handing over three first rounders to acquire him from San Antonio two years ago. Murray’s pairing with Trae Young simply hasn’t worked, with Atlanta sitting a whole five games below .500, as the team now looks to flip him by the deadline. Considering this season is a write off for the Hawks, the obvious move would be to deal him for draft picks — with reports claiming Atlanta wants at least two first rounders back in any deal — and an appealing expiring contract like Dinwiddie’s $20 million deal to open up cap space for next off-season.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Hornets receive: Davis Bertans, first-round pick
Thunder receive: PJ Washington
Having already parted ways with Terry Rozier, the aim for the Hornets at the deadline should be selling their veterans – ideally Gordon Hayward and Kyle Lowry – for draft picks or long-term assets otherwise. However getting off Hayward ($31 million) and Lowry’s ($29 million) contracts and getting something in return would be tricky, making them more buyout candidates unless another team gets desperate. It makes Miles Bridges and Washington more likely trade candidates given they have real value. Here, Charlotte takes on Davis Bertans’ $17 million deal, which has reportedly been reworked next season to just over $5 million guaranteed, in exchange for PJ Washington and a first-round pick. Sure, Washington has proven to be a solid piece, but it might be the ideal time to capitalise on is his trade value given he doesn’t appear to be part of the Hornets’ future core. It continues Charlotte’s commitment to a proper rebuild and to its long-term future under new management, where everyone bar LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams should be available for trade.
The number one goal for the Bulls at the deadline should’ve been parting ways with LaVine’s mega contract (in year two of a $215 million, five-season deal). But that’s now highly unlikely given teams wouldn’t be willing to give much up at all to acquire the two-time All-Star. In fact, given LaVine’s injury history, Chicago would probably now need to attach assets to a deal, so it’s probably wiser to wait on that front. And so trading DeRozan becomes the next priority given his impending free agency status and it being unlikely he’s a part of the Bulls’ long-term future. A trade with the Knicks, a reported suitor for DeRozan and in need of additional scoring/playmaking after trading RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, could be ideal given New York’s wide collection of picks. Plus, Fournier’s $18 million deal is extra valuable as it has a team option for next season, so Chicago could use it as a trade in the off-season if it wanted. Grimes meanwhile comes cheap and fits into the age demographic with the likes of Pat Williams and Coby White.
Reaves takes out Celtics in Lakers win | 01:34
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Cavaliers receive: DeAndre Hunter
Hawks receive: Caris LeVert, two second-round picks
As good an addition as Max Strus has been, the Cavs are reportedly still looking for a 3-and-D players, so moving one of their depth players, like LeVert (who’s expendable after the emergence of Sam Merrill and their most movable salary if they try something bold), for a true upgrade on the wing feels like the most profitable move. It might be tough to convince Atlanta to part ways with former Pick 4 Hunter for any package that doesn’t include a first-round pick, however Cleveland doesn’t have any first-rounders it can move, and LeVert offers value in his own right and would give Atlanta more flexibility to trade Dejounte Murray. There’s also been suggestions the Cavaliers could consider blowing up their star core given the team bizarrely got rolling when both Evan Mobley and Darius Garland were sidelined, however seems more likely they wait and see how the team functions when healthy again before trying anything drastic.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
Mavericks receive: Kyle Kuzma
Wizards receive: Grant Williams, Richaun Holmes, Jaden Hardy, first-round pick
Whether it’s now or in the off-season, the Mavericks clearly need to make a move — namely an upgrade at power forward — so Kyle Kuzma should be their main priority in terms of who’s available. Kuzma would provide size, rebounding and another true scorer alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving who can create his own shot. Though Kuzma doesn’t exactly help the Mavericks’ defensive issues, he’d raise the overall floor of this team and a make it a bigger threat in the Western Conference. If the Mavs can get away with dealing Grant Williams, whose first season with the team has been underwhelming, instead of Tim Hardaway Jr. (they’d likely need to off-load at least one) for a meaningful addition to their rotation, that’d be a win.
After losing Bruce Brown and Jeff Green last off-season, there’s both a void of leadership and general veteran talent off the Denver bench. And so the Nuggets would ideally add another piece at little cost — both in terms of trade and salary — that can help them in the playoffs. Grimes ($2 million deal) ticks both those boxes, having shown promising signs at the Knicks as a clear upgrade on Strawther. Why would New York do it? Reports have claimed Grimes is disgruntled with his role, while they add other long-term assets to help make a move for a big-name superstar. It’s most likely the reigning champs stand still at the deadline given there’s not many levers they can pull. The Nuggets aren’t trading any of their starters, and Reggie Jackson’s $5 million deal is their next most movable piece. However Jackson has been an important sixth man for Mike Malone’s team this season and valuable insurance whenever any of their starters get hurt, plus the guard is on a modest deal. It’s also tricky for Denver to upgrade Jackson without also sending out one of its starters. If the Nuggets somehow finds a way to make a move, expect it to be on the periphery.
Maxey leads 76ers with 51-point haul | 01:16
DETROIT PISTONS
Pistons receive: Kevin Huerter, Davion Mitchell, first-round pick, second-round pick
Kings receive: Bojan Bogdanovic, Killian Hayes
The Pistons last trade deadline weren’t prepared to part ways with Bogdanovic, one of their few reliable and consistent performers. But amid another another horror season for Detroit, who has the worst record in the NBA and suffered the longest losing streak in the team’s history, you have to wonder if that might have shifted. If the Pistons can get a first-round pick for Bogdanovic, 34, a useful rotation player like Huerter or Harrison Barnes and a young player like Davion Mitchell, it’s a good deal for Detroit from a long-term perspective. There would of course be no shortage of suitors for the Croatian forward if indeed he was available. Killian Hayes meanwhile reportedly wants out of Detroit, and a fresh start elsewhere for the former Pick 7 is probably best for both parties. The Pistons should otherwise be open to anything and everything — perhaps bar moving Cade Cunningham — with an emphasise on adding long-term assets in a bid to dig the franchise out of its current mess.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Warriors receive: Nikola Vucevic, Alex Caruso
Bulls receive: Chris Paul, Terrence Jackson-Davis, two first-round picks
The last The Warriors are desperate for an upgrade at centre and shake-up at large, so here they get help in multiple areas in a final bid to make things work in Steph Curry’s prime. A line-up of Vucevic, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Caruso and Steph Curry would be fascinating, with Vucevic and Caruso providing big boosts both ends of the floor. The question is, would it be enough to make the 20-24 Warriors a genuine contender again? Giving up such draft capital and Paul’s $30 million contract — essentially an expiring deal — would be an all-out commitment to winning over prioritising the future. But so long as the Warriors have Curry, they’re committed to winning, aren’t they? If Golden State doesn’t try something bold, this season has arguably reached a point where the team is better off standing still and waiting until the off-season to reassess its direction instead of making a trade for the sake of it.
Reports state the Rockets asked the question of Mikal Bridges and made an offer of multiple first-round picks, however the Nets showed no interest in moving the star forward. But what if Houston made an offer the Nets couldn’t refuse? The Rockets could sell the idea of a combination of win-now pieces, long-term assets and avoiding the need to bottom out – which the Nets have wanted to steer clear from. Former Pick 2 Green is still just 21 and could be anything, Eason, 22, is one of the brightest young players in the NBA and Landale offers insurance behind Nic Claxton, who’s on an expiring deal. It’s some price, but would immediately raise the floor of Ime Udoka’s team with a potent big three of Bridges, Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet. Ironically, the Nets still owe the Rockets future picks from the infamous James Harden trade in 2021. Having reportedly been in the market for a backup centre, the Rockets already made a move last week. They off-loaded Victor Oladipo and a very of second-round picks for the injured Steven Adams, who will serve as Sengun’s backup next season, casting more uncertainty around Landale’s future in Houston.
The Pacers already made arguably the biggest splash of any team by acquiring Pascal Siakam. So are they done yet? ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski interestingly revealed after the Siakam trade that the Pacers tried to get both Siakam and OG Anunoby, but were unable to meet the asking price set by the Raptors. It means Indiana could yet look to make another big move by the deadline, plus they have the assets and trade-friendly contracts to make it happen. Portland’s Jerami Grant, despite talk he isn’t available, would be the ideal addition as an upgrade on the wing who could fit in as the Pacers’ third star – a role he’s most suited to – alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Siakam. Given the Blazers’ reluctance to deal him (even though it makes sense), the Pacers would need to stump up in a deal. Grant would provide valuable two-way production on the wing, in particular on the defensive end, where the Pacers would be desperate to boost their No. 26 rating and become a legitimate contender in the East.
Much like Denver – there’s probably no necessity for the Clippers to make a move. For LA has virtually no draft capital to trade (next six first rounders are owed out from the Paul George/James Harden), nor do they need to do anything after taking their big swing on Harden in a move that’s paid massive dividends, having gone 24-6 over their last 30 games. Even the Clippers’ defence is ranked No. 8 in the NBA in their last 15 games, so it’s not like they need to address anything specific in a great spot to be. The Harden trade did however cost the Clippers a key chunk of their forward depth – they lost Robert Covington, Nic Batum, Marcus Morris Sr. and KJ Martin – so they could use some additional depth and a legitimate stretch five to play with their stars. It makes Washington an obvious target, with the Clippers here handing over their last remaining tradeable first-round pick and $16 million in expiring funds if PJ Tucker opts out of the last year of his $11 million deal (which you’d expect he did if he got traded to Charlotte). Tucker could also immediately reach a buyout with the Hornets to sign with a contender.
LA LAKERS
Lakers receive: Dejounte Murray
Hawks receive: Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, Lakers’ two first-round picks
Pelicans receive: D’Angelo Russell
A three-team trade! The Lakers are the side that have reportedly been most active in talks for Dejounte Murray – talks that however hit a snag, with the Hawks wanting either Austin Reaves to be included in a deal or a third team to take on D’Angelo Russell. Enter New Orleans, who are in need of a more pure point guard despite CJ McCollum currently filling the position. The Pelicans substitute some of their depth to address that need, the Lakers, despite Russell’s strong play of late, get a clear upgrade at point guard and genuine two-way player, while Atlanta gets useful pieces and draft stock for Murray (and probably can’t expect too much more). Who says no? Despite the Lakers’ urgency to make another win-now move to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they could wait until the off-season given the team unlocks the option of trading three-first round picks to target an even bigger fish.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Grizzlies receive: Jonathan Isaac, two second-round picks
Magic receive: Luke Kennard
The soft tanking/asset building continues in what’s become a write-off season for the Grizzlies including campaign-ending shoulder injury to Ja Morant as well as Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart also facing long-term stints on the sidelines. And so everything Memphis does now should be with an eye towards the 2024/25 season, leaving veterans like Luke Kennard, John Konchar and Xavier Tillman Sr vulnerable in a trade if it can get draft capital back or cap space otherwise. The much-improved Magic should be prepared to stump up for a shooter given they have the worst three-point shooting efficiency in the NBA – making Kennard a natural target. Isaac’s $17 million deal is non guaranteed for next season, so the Grizzlies in this deal could open up sufficient cap space in the off-season and add to their chest of second-round picks – having landed three from Houston last week in the Steven Adams deal.
MIAMI HEAT
Heat receive: Alex Caruso
Bulls receive: Josh Richardson, Nikola Jovic, first-round pick
Is there a player who would be more suited to the infamous ‘Heat Culture’ than Caruso? The Terry Rozier was trade was supposed to take the Heat to another level, but the’ve in fact gone the other way and struggled badly since the guard’s arrival. While Miami could easily stand still and work things out as is, don’t be surprised if it has another move up its sleeve. Bringing in Caruso would not only be a big upgrade on Josh Richardson, but also provide more of a defensive balance in the backourt staggered with Rozier and Tyler Herro – and create a healthy dilemma of which two players get to start. Miami is fully committed to winning now, and adding Caruso to the playoff mix would only further make Erik Spoelstra’s side even more feared come playoff time. Seriously, no one would want to play them.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Bucks receive: Matisse Thybulle
Trail Blazers receive: Pat Connaughton, AJ Green, second-round pick
There’s been reports the Bucks are in the market for Dejounte Murray, but it feels unrealistic given their lack of trade capital – they have no control over their own first-round picks for the next season drafts and even limited second rounders to play with. As nice as Murray would be, bringing in a dedicated defensive perimeter stopper at a cheaper price to play alongside Damian Lillard feels the more likely – and arguably best – scenario to help off-set the loss of Jrue Holiday. Despite his offensive deficiencies, Thybulle makes plenty of sense for the Bucks to help boost their near bottom 10 defensive rating and to provide more versatility to their line-up. While it’s hard to gauge the dual American-Australian’s value, a team might be able to get Thybulle cheap-ish given his offensive issues.
NBA Wrap: Hot Curry dismantles Philly | 03:56
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Timberwolves receive: Monte Morris
Pistons receive: Shake Milton, Troy Brown Jr.
The Timberwolves would love a more reliable backup point guard – and some insurance behind the 36-year old Mike Conley. Tyus Jones would be the dream target, however the Timberwolves likely don’t have the draft capital required to satisfy Washington in a deal unless the asking price lowers. Minnesota likely needs to look a tier down, with Morris one of the best value backup point guards who’s gettable. Reports have linked Minnesota, whose general manager Tim Connelly drafted Morris in Denver, to the 28-year old, in the final year of a three-season $27 million deal. It feels like the Pistons are selling Morris cheap here – and they’d probably want a pick thrown – though he’s battle injury in recent times and about to become a free agent. Plus Detroit gets a couple of veterans to help nurture its young group.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Pelicans receive: Tyus Jones
Wizards receive: Larry Nance Jr, Jose Alvarado, first-round pick
Could this be the move that tips the Pelicans over as a legitimate contender in the West? Though they could also use an upgrade at centre, adding a pure point guard could unlock everything for the Pelicans, given their array of weapons lack a true playmaker running the show. Jones is known to be on the trade block and feels like the most likely Wizard to be moved, on an expiring $14 million deal. Some reports have claimed Washington wants two first rounders back in a trade, plus there will be a host of teams ling up to land the 27-year old, so New Orleans would need to make a juicy offer despite Jones’ impending free agency status. There would however be obvious defensive deficiencies in the backcourt given the lack of size of a Jones and McCollum. Size is one of the Pels’ greatest strengths too, so Jones could also slot into a sixth-man role. Given New Orleans’ logjam of guards, it’d be pretty well be forced to give one back to Washington, with Alvarado seemingly the most expendable.
NEW YORK KNICKS
Knicks receive: Bruce Brown
Raptors receive: Evan Fournier, first-round pick
The missing piece? If the Knicks are serious about trying to win it all this season, which, based on form, they should be, but staying flexible long-term, this might just be their best play. Recent reports have claimed New York has cooled on Brown, who, like Fournier, has a team option for next season, and that the Knicks are eyeing a bigger fish. But who else is available that can really propel them? Perhaps Dejounte Murray – but is he worth the price when the Knicks could wait it out in hopes that a certain guard for the Cavaliers becomes available? DeMar DeRozan? Maybe, but he’d also come at a greater price and it’s hard to say if he’d genuinely take them to the next level or if they’d be wasting assets on a short-term rental. The Knicks are also reportedly circling Jordan Clarkson, but he’s got three more years to run on his deal and thus would give New York less flexibility to target a bigger fish down the line. It feels like Brown, who can play multiple roles and buys in on both ends of the floor, and New York could be an ideal match and is the type of player Tom Thibedou would love. It’d also be the second trade between these teams in as many months after the Anunoby for RJ Barrett/Immanuel Quickley swap, which was of course the Knicks’ big swing, so they might well stand pat this week. But it’s also opened the need for more scoring and playmaking, making Brown an obvious target.
Giddey’s Thunder succumb to Timberwolves | 00:36
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Thunder receive: Nic Claxton
Nets receive: Davis Bertans, two first-round picks
If the Nets aren’t keen to pay Claxton, who’s due for a bumper raise this off-season – when he comes out of contract – the Thunder should be ready to strike. There’s been calls for OKC to add more size and a seasoned body to pair with Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt, while the Thunder would ideally find someone who fits the age demographic of the rest of their budding core. It makes Claxton a natural target. Sam Presti is armed with a bounty of draft picks, and you’d think he’d need to hand over a minimum of two in exchange for Claxton. If pure picks didn’t satisfy the Nets, who don’t appear to be keen to rebuild, there could however be a potential issue in terms of making salaries match in a deal for the $9 million Claxton. Bertans’ $17 million deal is clearly OKC’s most movable piece and gets it done in a straight swap, but Brooklyn wanting other player/s would really complicate matters. Vasilije Micić ($7 million deal) and Tre Mann ($3 million) could also be used separately, while the Nets would probably prefer a package centred around Josh Giddey, but it’s hard to see the Thunder parting ways with the Aussie young gun just yet.
ORLANDO MAGIC
Magic receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Hawks receive: Jonathan Isaac, first-round pick
While Bogdanovic isn’t considered to be on the trade block, he’d be an ideal target for the Magic, who rank dead last in the NBA in three-point shooting efficiency. This is of course a much-improved Orlando side that is now looking to round its squad with veterans and would be desperate to add shooting alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Would say Isaac’s non-guaranteed deal (basically $17 million in cap space) and a first-round pick interest Atlanta if it was ready to waive the white flag on this season? It’s not far from the type of haul the Hawks would get back in a Dejounte Murray trade, so would they be better served instead moving a bench player then reassessing their direction in the off-season? Orlando has a host of other pieces it could dangle including Gary Harris and Cole Anthony.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Sixers receive: Bruce Brown
Raptors receive: Marcus Morris Sr., Jaden Springer, two-second round picks
Fair to say news that Joel Embiid requires surgery has changed everything for Philadelphia, who reports throughout the season linked the team to the likes of Pascal Siakam, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. You sense the Sixers would however now be keen to take all their assets into the off-season and gear up for the 2024/25 campaign, plus the team, as constructed, has space to sign a max contract-level star in a rare spot to be for one of the chief contenders. Some have argued Philly could target a starting calibre centre to replace Embiid, but that feels like a waste of resources from a bigger picture perspective. The Sixers could otherwise still consider trading a collection of their expiring deals for an upgraded player also on an expiring as something of a mini swing – provided it doesn’t cost many additional assets – if they’re confident Embiid can get back at some stage. If things continue to go south for the Raptors and Brown’s market cools down, could Philly pry him for effectively two second-round picks and give up Jaden Springer? Springer’s $4 million deal for 2024/25 and Embiid’s $51 million deal are Philly’s only guaranteed contracts for next season, so the team could talk itself into a deal it opened up more cap space (albeit $4 million) and kept all its first rounders. This is more food for thought though, as it feels more likely the Sixers stand still at the deadline and hold all their picks with their superstar centre’s season potentially over.
Bucks fall short in Rivers’ first game | 01:18
PHOENIX SUNS
Suns receive: Miles Bridges
Hornets receive: Nassir Little, Josh Okogie, three second-round picks
Scary areas for the rest of the NBA. It’s hard to think a trade like this could go through, but reports have stated the two teams are in active discussions over a Bridges trade, so all indications are a deal is looming. It comes despite Phoenix having virtually no assets other than a handful of second-rounders it picked up last off-season, so it’d literally be all-in on this roster. You suspect a Suns package would centre around Little and a collection of those picks, and the fact that’s the likely framework is a showing of how much Bridges’ value has dropped amid his off-court transgressions despite a strong season on the court, averaging over 20 points per game. The forward is playing on a one-year, $7 million deal and set to become a free agent at the end of the season. From a basketball perspective, it’s hard to say how Bridges would fit into Phoenix as juicy it sounds from a fantasy basketball mentality. The Suns would have some seriously potent small ball line-ups to double down on their high-octane offence, but the bigger question marks on them are on the other end of the floor. Plus it’d all come down to how Bridges buys into a different role than the one he currently has in Charlotte.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Trail Blazers receive: Even Fournier, Quintin Grimes, first-round pick
Knicks receive: Malcolm Brogdon
The deadline should be pretty simple for the rebuilding Blazers – trade Brogdon for the best possible package. Portland has done a great job building up his trade value by showcasing the always consistent Brogdon to potential buyers. But the Blazers priority should now be selling high and bringing in long-term assets – ideally a first-round pick and another young piece to put with their young core – while handing the starting point guard duties to Scoot Henderson. Here, the Blazers convince the Knicks to give up Fournier (to make salaries match), Grimes as well as a first-round pick, though New York would push to keep Grimes. But this deal is intended to favour to Blazers, who would also open up salary cap space with Fournier’s non-guanteed money for next season. There’s also been suggestions Portland should look to trade Jerami Grant, but the team doesn’t appear to be keen to.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
Kings receive: Kyle Kuzma
Wizards receive: Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, first-round pick
Sacramento gets the forward upgrade it needs without selling the farm. Kuzma doesn’t solve all the Kings’ problems, but better than Barnes at both ends of the floor and would be well suited to Mike Brown’s up-tempo style. Sacramento would suddenly boast a starting line-up of De’Aron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Kuzma, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis in what would be a real handful for any team. Does this make the Kings a contender to come out of the West? Probably not. Does this make the Kings better overall and in a better position in the off-season with more talent on their roster? Almost certainly.
Simmons shines in explosive Nets return | 01:15
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Spurs receive: Chuma Okeke, second-round pick
Magic receive: Cedi Osman
While the Spurs have been linked to Dejounte Murray, they’re likely better served trusting the process – to steal a phrase from a rival organisation – and sticking with the youth movement. That means selling their veterans for long-term assets – either young players or picks – with the likes of Doug McDermott, DeVonte Graham, Cedi Osman, Zach Collins the types they should be willing to explore moves for. Though the aforementioned names likely wouldn’t yield the Spurs much more than second-round picks, the above idea would at least give San Antonio another draft asset, while Orlando brings in another shooter. Given both Okeke and Osman are on expiring deals, that’d be a win for San Antonio. Yes, not the most exciting deal, and the Spurs would ideally bring in a young player currently devoid of opportunities, but you sense this is the most realistic play the team should pursue.
TORONTO RAPTORS
Raptors receive: Davis Bertans, first-round pick
Thunder receive: Bruce Brown
Much like Portland with Brogdon, it’s operation get the best package available for Bruce Brown — or dance with whoever is willing to hand over a first-round pick. The Raptors only recently acquired Brown in the Pascal Siakam trade with the intention of forwarding him to a contender by the deadline. Assuming the reported key Brown suitors like the Lakers and Knicks pursue other moves, the Thunder could be a sneaky team to watch in the Brown sweepstakes given their bounty of picks, plus Bertans’ contract for next season is only $5 million guaranteed. And so the Raptors would open up a ton of cap space in the off-season and add a first-round pick, while the Thunder get another piece to help their playoff push at a cheap-ish price. A win-win.
UTAH JAZZ
Jazz receive: Markelle Fultz, first-round pick
Magic receive: Jordan Clarkson
Are the Jazz buyers or sellers? It’s to hard to tell. But unless they can make a move for another genuine star who will help take them to another level, which, it doesn’t feel like there’s one out there, their best option is flipping one of their parts to add to their suite of picks. Sure, Utah has turned its season around to sit well and truly in the playoff mix, but it’s also created strong trade appeal with the team’s veterans. Taking on Fultz’ expiring $17 million deal would also open up cap space for the off-season. It’s worth noting that the Jazz owes the Thunder a first-round pick this year (top 10 protected), so unless Utah is really bad, its top pick this year is likely going out the door.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Wizards receive: Gabe Vincent, Maxwell Lewis, first-round pick
Lakers receive: Tyus Jones
If the Wizards can move Jones for a useful player like Gabe Vincent, and most importantly, a first-round pick, they should pull the trigger. It’s worth noting Jones, despite being one of the most sought after players at the deadline, is on an expiring deal and due to become a free agent, so it’s unlikely teams get silly and overpay for the guard (though this is the NBA) with much more than this. If the Lakers fail to land a bigger name, you’d expect something like this to interest them and have Jones come in and run their second unit. Kyle Kuzma is on also on the trade block, but Washington would only part ways with the forward for a big price.
In sports, like in life, there are heartfelt returns to a place you once loved and still do… and then there are the returns you’re not so keen on.
Both were on display in the NBA on Thursday as Damian Lillard made his long-awaited return to Portland as a Milwaukee Buck, while Kevin Durant headed back to Brooklyn as a Phoenix Sun.
Lillard, who spent 11 years as a much-loved member of the Trail Blazers before seeking a trade to try and win a championship, admitted he got lost after initially heading into the home locker room at the Moda Center.
Watch an average of 9 NBA Regular Season games per week LIVE on ESPN, available via Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
“I really didn’t know where to go,” Lillard said during a pregame news conference.
“I’d never been in the visitors locker room until today.”
The Blazers great also kept the door open for a return down the line.
“Because of how I feel about Portland,” Lillard said.
“How I feel about the organisation here and my time that I spent here, in my mind I’ve always felt like that’s how my career would end.
“Right now, I’m just in a space of like, this is where I am now. I’m in Milwaukee. I wanted the opportunity to contend and our team has an opportunity to contend for this year and years to come and I’m just living in that. But I definitely, when I was traded, I see a day where I’ll be in a Trail Blazer uniform again before I’m done.”
The Blazers showed two tribute videos during the first quarter, one on his on-court achievements and the other on his off-court impact, Lillard given a minute-long standing ovation from the crowd.
He revealed former teammate CJ McCollum called him on the way to the pre-game shootaround telling him to embrace the emotions of the night.
“My feelings about playing here, my feelings about putting my best foot forward for the organisation while I was here, it was genuine,” Lillard said.
“It weighed on me heavy, so I’m sure it’ll be a lot of emotions. Just being back out there and seeing the familiar faces. A lot of people in the crowd, I’m going to recognise those faces because I’ve seen them many times, so many years.
“So I’ll let it be what it is. I’m not going to cry, nothing like that. I’m not a big crier, but I’m not going to hide the emotions that I feel from it. I think it’s a moment that means a lot to me and a lot of other people.”
Lillard had 25 points but his Bucks copped a shock 119-116 loss.
Meanwhile the story wasn’t quite so sweet in Brooklyn, where Kevin Durant appeared baffled at a pre-game tribute video to celebrate his brief time attempting to build a superteam with the Nets.
Damian Lillard and Kevin Durant returned to face old teams on Thursday.Source: FOX SPORTS
While he was more cheered than booed after the video, which Durant had said he didn’t want to see, the boos soon built as Durant’s 33-point night led the Suns to victory.
He still praised the Nets for the video post-game, explaining: “There’s classy people here. They appreciate everybody who donned the jersey… And that shows a great organisation when you can appreciate everyone who stepped in and put their blood, sweat, and tears in. So I respect that.”
At one stage, Durant drove on Cam Thomas, which is about as preposterous a scenario as the Nets could envision.
He bullied his way into the lane during the third quarter and rose as Thomas continued reaching in. Durant easily flipped in a bucket, heard the whistle signalling a foul and glared not at Thomas but at fans behind the basket.
The one-time (and short-time) Nets superstar brought his right hand up and extended his index finger and thumb about an inch apart from each other: the universal symbol for too small.
On this night, the Nets indeed had brought the JV to a varsity game.
In Durant’s return to Brooklyn, his Suns dominated the Nets — more so in the style of play than the final score — in a 136-120 win at Barclays Center over a Jacque Vaughn group that was severely undermanned, a word we mean literally.
The Nets (19-28) snapped a brief two-game win streak and have not won three in a row since early December.
Giddey’s Thunder succumb to Timberwolves | 00:36
This one, against the superstar who followed Kyrie Irving out of Brooklyn last year, must have hurt a bit more than most. It had to hurt the poor wings who had to guard Jusuf Nurkic the most.
Without Ben Simmons, Dorian Finney-Smith and Day’Ron Sharpe, the Nets were forced to put comparative ants on the Suns’ 7-footer whenever Nic Claxton was off the court. (Claxton, too, couldn’t hang.)
Nurkic thoroughly dominated the game, finishing with 28 points on 11-of-15 shooting, so many back-ins that met no resistance.
Nurkic added 11 rebounds, six assists and two blocks, helping his team outrebound the Nets, 52-36.
Simmons, who sat for nearly three months before returning Monday, was on the bench one game later with a knee contusion.
Finney-Smith missed a second straight game with an ankle sprain and Sharpe remains out with a knee injury.
So it was wings such as Cam Johnson, Royce O’Neale and Spencer Dinwiddie who received the unfortunate matchup, and they were thrown around.
A team with Durant (33 points), Devin Booker (22 points) and Bradley Beal (12 points) was somehow led by a veteran center who has never been an All-Star.
Doncic heroics leads Mavs past Magic | 00:38
The Nets had hung around for the first half and entered the break down just three. They were being badly out-rebounded but were careful offensively, turning the ball over just twice in the half and shooting 51.1 percent from the field in the early going.
They were not going to outmuscle Nurkic, Durant & Co., but they were going to try to outshoot and out-hustle them, grabbing 11 steals.
The plan unravelled in the third quarter, when a 75-75 tie at 7:31 became the last time the Nets could feel good about themselves.
The Suns ripped off a 24-6 run on the back of 10 points from Durant, and the game never again became competitive.
A big fourth quarter from Cam Thomas (eight of his 25 points in the last period) kept the final score respectable, but the Nets were never within single digits in the fourth.
