I fucks with dude
Official 2018 NBA Offseason Thread: free agency starts 7/1 - Summer League action is here!
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Raja Bell: LeBron, Kawhi could be teammates with Cavs
LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard could end up being teammates in Cleveland, according to Raja Bell.
JUNE 21, 2018
There have been rumors aplenty of LeBron James and Kawhi Leonardbecoming teammates as new members of the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, according to one former NBA player and Cavaliers front-office member, they could indeed end up being teammates… in Cleveland.
Now with CBS Sports, Raja Bellbelieves the two All-Star forwards could actually be working toward becoming teammates with the Cavaliers.
“Yeah I do. My question is if whether Kawhi is going to come off that demand and go to the Lakers…If he’s only going to sign with the Lakers that’s a rental for them,” Bell, the former Director of Player Administration for the Cavaliers, said. “But I do think if he’s had these conversations with LeBron which I imagine he’s had. If he figures out a way to get to Cleveland then LeBron stays in Cleveland.”
Bell says James is in search of another star player to join him in Cleveland with Kevin Love.
“LeBron is looking for another piece,” Bell said. “You put LeBron, Kawhi, (and) you don’t have to get rid of Kevin Love in that package you’re back in the thick of things.”
That isn't going to work out for a title. Kawhi needs a buffer between him and Lebron. Los Angeles is that. Magic is that.
In CLE, nobody is saving him. Bad idea, but they'll win some games. Just not the finals.
I'm surprised a lot of people don't like the pick....The Cavs got a player that plays defense and can score but many wanted Porter.
As,much I wanted Porter I understand,why the Cavs didn't pick him.
NBA trade rumors: LeBron James stays with Cavs if they acquire Kemba Walker
NBA
NBA
- Chelsea HowardOmnisport @CDH16[/paste:font]
Updated at 11:59 a.m. ET
It appears the Cavaliers are doing everything they can to keep LeBron James.
Cleveland entered the 2018 NBA Draft without knowing James' intentions as he has until midnight on June 29 to make a decision on the final year of his contract, but it appears the Cavs are interested in a trade with the Hornets that would bring veteran point guard Kemba Walker to Cleveland.
There was speculation from many that a trade would happen on draft night for Walker, but according to the Bleacher Report, citing two unidentified league sources, there's still a possibility.
Per the Bleacher Report:
The Cavs continue to explore the possibility of working a deal with the Charlotte Hornets for two-time All-Star Kemba Walker, two league sources told B/R on Thursday night. Their best chance at such a deal would seem to have involved the eighth pick in the draft, which didn't happen. One person close to Walker said Thursday night that he still believes such a deal is "possible."
Another league source pushed the notion of a trade for Walker one step further when it comes to the Cavs' chances of keeping LeBron: Acquiring Walker, the person said, "is the only way LeBron stays."
READ THIS
http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/omnisport/22/2e/lebronjames-cropped_1vbf1d1gm6w4s14ger44hf3oh7.jpg?t=-1532570213&w=178
Cavaliers, LeBron James ‘continue to have good dialogue,’ GM says
CHELSEA HOWARD
http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/omnisport/46/17/love-kevin-usnews-getty-ftr_makbz9urvxzr1ewvx4wufiugw.jpg?t=86030520&w=178
NBA Draft 2018: Cavaliers not shopping Kevin Love, report says
ALEC BRZEZINSKI
The Cavs selected Alabama point guard Collin Sexton with the No. 8 pick out of the draft Thursday, but it appears they are still looking to bolster their roster.
Cavs Rumors: LeBron James Working to Bring Other All-Stars to Cleveland
Throughout the NBA, fans and experts alike have now seemingly agreed that LeBron James will likely decide between re-signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers and taking his talents to Southern California.
While some see the Los Angeles Lakers as the favorites right now, James’ recent actions seem to indicate that he is still hoping to stay in Cleveland.
According to a recent report, James is actively trying to recruit other star players to join him in Northeast Ohio.
“All the arrows point to him bolting, but I know for a fact that LeBron is trying to figure out if other stars around the league want to come play with him, but come play with him in Cleveland first,” ESPN’s Ryen Russillo said. “I have been alone on this, he may end up moving on, but I know for a fact that LeBron is still trying to find a way make it happen in Cleveland. I just don’t know if anybody wants to go there with him.”
It is certainly encouraging to hear that James is looking for ways to remain in the Wine and Gold, but it is still up to Cavs general manager Koby Altman and owner Dan Gilbert to find a way to make it happen.
So far, the two stars that have been most closely connected to the Cavs are San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard and Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker. However, those are not the only two All-Stars potentially available as several top-tier talents are expected to hit the free-agency market along with James in just over a week.
It would take quite a bit a creativity from the Cavs’ front office to free up the cap space necessary to sign a star, but crazier things have happened.
The three-time NBA champ’s preferred destination remains far from clear. What is clear is that he likely wont be staying in Cleveland if the Cavs are not able to add some substantial talent to their roster. If they can’t, it seems likely that James will look to continue his storied NBA career elsewhere.
- By Jonathan Sherman
- Updated: June 22, 2018
Throughout the NBA, fans and experts alike have now seemingly agreed that LeBron James will likely decide between re-signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers and taking his talents to Southern California.
While some see the Los Angeles Lakers as the favorites right now, James’ recent actions seem to indicate that he is still hoping to stay in Cleveland.
According to a recent report, James is actively trying to recruit other star players to join him in Northeast Ohio.
“All the arrows point to him bolting, but I know for a fact that LeBron is trying to figure out if other stars around the league want to come play with him, but come play with him in Cleveland first,” ESPN’s Ryen Russillo said. “I have been alone on this, he may end up moving on, but I know for a fact that LeBron is still trying to find a way make it happen in Cleveland. I just don’t know if anybody wants to go there with him.”
It is certainly encouraging to hear that James is looking for ways to remain in the Wine and Gold, but it is still up to Cavs general manager Koby Altman and owner Dan Gilbert to find a way to make it happen.
So far, the two stars that have been most closely connected to the Cavs are San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard and Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker. However, those are not the only two All-Stars potentially available as several top-tier talents are expected to hit the free-agency market along with James in just over a week.
It would take quite a bit a creativity from the Cavs’ front office to free up the cap space necessary to sign a star, but crazier things have happened.
The three-time NBA champ’s preferred destination remains far from clear. What is clear is that he likely wont be staying in Cleveland if the Cavs are not able to add some substantial talent to their roster. If they can’t, it seems likely that James will look to continue his storied NBA career elsewhere.
Say bro, thought we was cool but you throwing more shade than a Sycamore tree.
What's your opinion on the Porter pick...
I absolutely love the pick. Risky but the Nuggets are one team that can afford to take that risk. I mean we weren't supposed to be in the lottery anyway. I can get over them trading Donovan Mitchell for punk ass Tyler Lydon(who didn't play one damn minute and is trade bait now).I was truly expecting Nuggets GM Tim to "mess it up like usual".
Say bro, thought we was cool but you throwing more shade than a Sycamore tree.
Just think about the bulljive we've listened to for the last 4years, at the end of each damn year it's "we got y'all next year" followed by the dubs getting another strong voice of energy....
"Dubnation this dubs dat, CheatCode this, nobody beating them, this, that etc
I'm just saying bro, actually I don't know what to say
This might be a huge fucking deal
Paul, Rockets may be having some tension over contract
There is reported tension between Chris Paul and the Rockets in regards to his contract.
JUNE 22, 2018
Colton Jones
It has been presumed Chris Paulwill sign a five-year max deal with the Houston Rockets this summer.
Acquired last summer in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul had a fine first season in Houston but was again plagued by injuries, as evidenced by the fact he missed the Games 6 and 7 of the Western Conference Finals against eventual champion Golden State because of an injured right hamstring. The Rockets led that series, 3-2, when Paul suffered the injury late in Game 5.
However, since then, Tilman Fertitta bought the Rockets, which could wind up complicating contract negotiations with Paul.
Appearing on FS1’s “Undisputed,” NBA insider Chris Broussard of FOX Sports said there is tension between Paul and the Rockets regarding his contract situation.
“From what I’m told, there is tension now between Houston and Chris Paul. There was definitely some type of handshake, wink-wink, we’re going to max you out last summer,” he said. “Now, they’re not so sure. Houston, with good reason, doesn’t want to do that. They have an out because they have new ownership. So (general manager) Daryl Morey can go to Chris Paul and be like ‘I want to do it, but we’ve got the new owner and he doesn’t want to give you five years.'”
Which could send what is expected by most to be a wild and wacky NBA offseason — highlighted by what LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers decides to do — even more unpredictable.
“Could Chris and LeBron go to the Lakers? Can Chris Paul go elsewhere? Which would open up Houston,” Broussard said. “I don’t think LeBron would go there with them doing that to Chris Paul and he doesn’t want to be there long-term.
“I’m told LeBron hasn’t made a decision yet because there are so many moving parts.”
Paul, Rockets may be having some tension over contract
JUNE 22, 2018
Colton Jones
It has been presumed Chris Paulwill sign a five-year max deal with the Houston Rockets this summer.
Acquired last summer in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul had a fine first season in Houston but was again plagued by injuries, as evidenced by the fact he missed the Games 6 and 7 of the Western Conference Finals against eventual champion Golden State because of an injured right hamstring. The Rockets led that series, 3-2, when Paul suffered the injury late in Game 5.
However, since then, Tilman Fertitta bought the Rockets, which could wind up complicating contract negotiations with Paul.
Appearing on FS1’s “Undisputed,” NBA insider Chris Broussard of FOX Sports said there is tension between Paul and the Rockets regarding his contract situation.
“From what I’m told, there is tension now between Houston and Chris Paul. There was definitely some type of handshake, wink-wink, we’re going to max you out last summer,” he said. “Now, they’re not so sure. Houston, with good reason, doesn’t want to do that. They have an out because they have new ownership. So (general manager) Daryl Morey can go to Chris Paul and be like ‘I want to do it, but we’ve got the new owner and he doesn’t want to give you five years.'”
Which could send what is expected by most to be a wild and wacky NBA offseason — highlighted by what LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers decides to do — even more unpredictable.
“Could Chris and LeBron go to the Lakers? Can Chris Paul go elsewhere? Which would open up Houston,” Broussard said. “I don’t think LeBron would go there with them doing that to Chris Paul and he doesn’t want to be there long-term.
“I’m told LeBron hasn’t made a decision yet because there are so many moving parts.”
Dropping from lottery to 27th? Blowing off the draft in NY to party at the hometown Buffalo Wild Wings? Hiding out at your Auntie's House on the one night your boss/agent/mama most needs to talk to you? Missing your first on-the-job conference call because over asleep? Finally making a "first impression" with the Boston media using a janky cell phone with bad reception? I wonder if Danny Ainge is getting a steal here or making a HORRIBLE mistake?
Robert Williams admits oversleeping introductory conference call with Celtics
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...oston-celtics-1st-round-pick-sleeps-call-team
Robert Williams, the Boston Celtics' first-round selection in the 2018 draft, admitted he overslept the team's originally scheduled introductory conference call on Friday morning, although the team believes it was simply a miscommunication compounded by different time zones.
Williams, a projected lottery pick, did not attend the draft in New York and instead spent Thursday with family in his native Louisiana, where he watched the draft from a party at a Buffalo Wild Wings.
The Celtics snagged Williams with the No. 27 pick but ran into troubles trying to get him on the phone in the aftermath of the selection, including with Friday's 11 a.m. EST call.
"Right after the draft, I actually ran to my aunt's house and went to sleep because I was so tired from everything," Williams said Friday afternoon in a call that took place an hour later than originally scheduled. "When I woke up, my sister woke me up, she said, 'You have a conference call.'"
Williams later noted that it was, "a good night's sleep after a busy two days."
The Celtics were not concerned about the missed call, in part because of the time difference. Poor audio hindered the follow-up call as Williams' phone broke up repeatedly while answering questions during a 10-minute session with reporters.
The Celtics plan to formally introduce Williams next Friday in Boston.
Williams, an athletic 6-foot-10 big man out of Texas A&M, was ranked No. 12 on ESPN's final predraft big board, but there were concerns about both a knee injury and his approach to the game. Missing the initial call, accidental or otherwise, did not seemingly help dispel some of those concerns as social media had a field day with his absence.
The Celtics were deemed one of the night's winners after Williams slid to them. Williams seems to already have motivation from those that doubt him, especially after falling in the first round.
"You always have people that doubt you," said Williams. "I know that I'm definitely going to make a lot of noise when I get there."
Some wondered if Williams hurt his stock by returning for a sophomore season with the Aggies, but he said he does not second-guess his decision.
"Definitely no regrets," said Williams. "I definitely feel like everything happens for a reason."
Ainge unaware he revealed C's pick on webcast
Celtics president Danny Ainge unknowingly tipped the team's first-round selection of Texas A&M big man Robert Williams when point guard Terry Rozier called him during a live webcast.
Six big winners from the NBA draft's first round
Which teams made the best moves in the first round of the draft?
Just think about the bulljive we've listened to for the last 4years, at the end of each damn year it's "we got y'all next year" followed by the dubs getting another strong voice of energy....
"Dubnation this dubs dat, CheatCode this, nobody beating them, this, that etc
I'm just saying bro, actually I don't know what to say
I have to keep this ish exciting bro
Fuck whoever wrote this. If the Sixers can get a free agent with that trade than it was a good move. And judging by how Brett Brown was talking after the draft a deal could very well already be in place.
You had to make that move all if the Sixers moved where to free up money and get assets to trade for a Star free agent.Fuck whoever wrote this. If the Sixers can get a free agent with that trade than it was a good move. And judging by how Brett Brown was talking after the draft a deal could very well already be in place.
Zaire Smith from Texas Tech, Spurs play in Texas . Brett Brown told him he reminds him alot of Kawhi Leonard. I am hoping the Spurs will take him and the unprotected 2021 1st rd pick along with Covington, Fultz and Bayless for Leonard.
The 26th pick Landry Shamet is Fultz/Redick replacement as a catch and shoot guard.
These moves also free up enough cash to get Lebron to sign as a free agent.
Green to exercise player option with Spurs
JUNE 22, 2018
San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Danny Green will exercise his player option with the team, according to a report from the San Antonio Express-News.
Green will earn $10 million next season and enter free agency in the summer of 2019.
The veteran shooter averaged 8.6 points and 3.6 rebounds this past year, shooting 38.7 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three.
Green was unlikely to earn a $10 million salary or more if he entered free agency. The hope within Green’s camp is that he can have a bounce back season in 2018-19 and raise his value.
The Spurs tried to trade Green last offseason but couldn’t find a deal to their liking. Green was part of the Spurs’ championship team in 2013-14 and on the 2016-17 All-NBA Defensive Second Team.
Green, 31, has career averages of 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
JUNE 22, 2018
San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Danny Green will exercise his player option with the team, according to a report from the San Antonio Express-News.
Green will earn $10 million next season and enter free agency in the summer of 2019.
The veteran shooter averaged 8.6 points and 3.6 rebounds this past year, shooting 38.7 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three.
Green was unlikely to earn a $10 million salary or more if he entered free agency. The hope within Green’s camp is that he can have a bounce back season in 2018-19 and raise his value.
The Spurs tried to trade Green last offseason but couldn’t find a deal to their liking. Green was part of the Spurs’ championship team in 2013-14 and on the 2016-17 All-NBA Defensive Second Team.
Green, 31, has career averages of 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
Chandler exercises player option with Nuggets
JUNE 22, 2018
Denver Nuggets small forward Wilson Chandler will exercise his player option for the 2018-19 season, according to a report from ESPN.
Chandler will earn $12.8 million next season and become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019.
The 10-year veteran played in 74 games this past year and averaged 10.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists, shooting 44.5 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from three.
Chandler has been with the Nuggets since 2011. He was acquired by the team in the blockbuster Carmelo Anthony trade with the New York Knicks.
For his career, Chandler has averaged 13.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 590 games.
JUNE 22, 2018
Denver Nuggets small forward Wilson Chandler will exercise his player option for the 2018-19 season, according to a report from ESPN.
Chandler will earn $12.8 million next season and become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019.
The 10-year veteran played in 74 games this past year and averaged 10.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists, shooting 44.5 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from three.
Chandler has been with the Nuggets since 2011. He was acquired by the team in the blockbuster Carmelo Anthony trade with the New York Knicks.
For his career, Chandler has averaged 13.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 590 games.
Report: There is tension between Chris Paul and the Rockets over his contract
https://www.bgol.us/forum/threads/n...ul-and-the-rockets-over-his-contract.1006806/
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...um=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national
Michael Porter Jr.'s Status for Summer League, Next Season Unclear Due to Injury
Medical concerns surrounding Michael Porter Jr. nearly caused the former Missouri Tigers forward to fall out of the lottery in the 2018 NBA draft Thursday night, but the Denver Nuggets decided he was worth the risk at No. 14.
Now, the team will have to wait and see when its first-round pick will be able to take the court.
Nuggets president Josh Kroenke told Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated that he was not sure if Porter would be able to play in summer league or even during the 2018-19 regular season.
Coming out of high school, Porter was widely expected to be in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick. However, disaster struck nearly immediately. He suffered an injury just two minutes into his college career and had to undergo back surgery.
By the time he was able to see game action again, it was the postseason, and he was thrown into the March Madness fire. He averaged 14 points on 31 percent shooting over two games in the SEC and NCAA tournament.
As a result, NBA teams flagged Porter as a medical risk. It didn't help his cause that he had to pull out of a predraft workout because of muscle spams. The 19-year-old told ESPN Radio's The Will Cain Show that the reports on his injury were "exaggerated," noting his hip was just "kind of sore," via Jenna West of SI.com.
Come draft night, Porter had to wait longer than expected to hear his name called. When he finally did find a home, he told NBA TV's Jared Greenberg that he doesn't expect injuries to affect him down the road:
While he acknowledged that Porter wasn't a safe pick, Kroenke showed faith in his player.
"Michael is an incredible talent, and we were surprised to see him available at No. 14," he told Spears. "We know the risks associated with him due to his recent back injury at Missouri, but he’s an incredibly hard worker, is an outstanding young man and we think he will fit in well with our up-and-coming group in Denver."
Porter told ESPN he was going to do everything he can to be the best draft pick in Nuggets franchise history.
"All of this is a blessing," Porter said, per Spears. "I can't wait to prove a lot of people wrong."
Michael Porter Jr.'s Status for Summer League, Next Season Unclear Due to Injury
Medical concerns surrounding Michael Porter Jr. nearly caused the former Missouri Tigers forward to fall out of the lottery in the 2018 NBA draft Thursday night, but the Denver Nuggets decided he was worth the risk at No. 14.
Now, the team will have to wait and see when its first-round pick will be able to take the court.
Nuggets president Josh Kroenke told Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated that he was not sure if Porter would be able to play in summer league or even during the 2018-19 regular season.
Coming out of high school, Porter was widely expected to be in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick. However, disaster struck nearly immediately. He suffered an injury just two minutes into his college career and had to undergo back surgery.
By the time he was able to see game action again, it was the postseason, and he was thrown into the March Madness fire. He averaged 14 points on 31 percent shooting over two games in the SEC and NCAA tournament.
As a result, NBA teams flagged Porter as a medical risk. It didn't help his cause that he had to pull out of a predraft workout because of muscle spams. The 19-year-old told ESPN Radio's The Will Cain Show that the reports on his injury were "exaggerated," noting his hip was just "kind of sore," via Jenna West of SI.com.
Come draft night, Porter had to wait longer than expected to hear his name called. When he finally did find a home, he told NBA TV's Jared Greenberg that he doesn't expect injuries to affect him down the road:
While he acknowledged that Porter wasn't a safe pick, Kroenke showed faith in his player.
"Michael is an incredible talent, and we were surprised to see him available at No. 14," he told Spears. "We know the risks associated with him due to his recent back injury at Missouri, but he’s an incredibly hard worker, is an outstanding young man and we think he will fit in well with our up-and-coming group in Denver."
Porter told ESPN he was going to do everything he can to be the best draft pick in Nuggets franchise history.
"All of this is a blessing," Porter said, per Spears. "I can't wait to prove a lot of people wrong."
Bridges was redshirted as a freshman...Smith started..better athlete as well
Im the one who told bgol he was special before the season even started...search
I watched the draft...did yall see his mom.
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NBA - Melo won't opt out of $27.9M option with Thunder by Saturday deadline.
In surprise to nobody, Carmelo Anthony reportedly will not opt out of $27.9 million
Kurt Helin
13 hours ago
Associated Press
Carmelo Anthony is going to take the money. Who could have seen that coming?
Not that we should blame the man — anybody else in his shoes (including you, dear reader) would do the same thing. Anthony is contractually owed $27.9 million next seasons, and while he can opt out he knows if he did the open market would not pay near that much. So the man is going to take the cash, which was expected but Marc Stein of the New York Times is making it official.
Carmelo Anthony does not intend to opt out of his current contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to a person familiar with Anthony’s decision.
Anthony has until Saturday at midnight (Eastern) to exercise the option that would make him a free agent July 1 — provided he were willing to walk away from the $27.9 million he is owed next season. But he is planning to let the deadline pass quietly and keep his current contract in effect, according to the person, who was not authorized to discuss the situation publicly.
The Thunder are in a bind.
It became clear in the playoffs that at this point in his career, Anthony’s defense and ball-stopping offense are just not a fit with this Oklahoma City roster. He played 194 playoff minutes with the Thunder and had two assists. Last regular season, 32.5 percent of Anthony’s offense came from isolations or post ups, and he scored less than 0.9 points per possessions on those — his numbers aren’t awful, but they’re not good enough to make up for his poor defense. (Stats via Synergy Sports.)
That’s why Anthony saw his minutes and role shrink in the postseason — but he said after the Thunder were eliminated (in the first round) he did not want to accept that role and fewer touches next season. He said he wants to get back to playing his way. (Stop laughing, Knicks’ fans, it’s not polite.)
The Thunder may try to trade him. Good luck with that. There is going to be limited to no market. With that salary they are going to have to throw in a serious sweetener to get other teams to bite (and/or take on a worse, longer contract in return).
Anthony is not likely to take less in a buyout to get out of town.
Nobody should blame Anthony here — he is taking the money is is contractually owed. The Knicks gave him this contract, the Thunder traded for it. But OKC is backed into a corner with this move and has few options.
In surprise to nobody, Carmelo Anthony reportedly will not opt out of $27.9 million
Kurt Helin
13 hours ago
Associated Press
Carmelo Anthony is going to take the money. Who could have seen that coming?
Not that we should blame the man — anybody else in his shoes (including you, dear reader) would do the same thing. Anthony is contractually owed $27.9 million next seasons, and while he can opt out he knows if he did the open market would not pay near that much. So the man is going to take the cash, which was expected but Marc Stein of the New York Times is making it official.
Carmelo Anthony does not intend to opt out of his current contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to a person familiar with Anthony’s decision.
Anthony has until Saturday at midnight (Eastern) to exercise the option that would make him a free agent July 1 — provided he were willing to walk away from the $27.9 million he is owed next season. But he is planning to let the deadline pass quietly and keep his current contract in effect, according to the person, who was not authorized to discuss the situation publicly.
The Thunder are in a bind.
It became clear in the playoffs that at this point in his career, Anthony’s defense and ball-stopping offense are just not a fit with this Oklahoma City roster. He played 194 playoff minutes with the Thunder and had two assists. Last regular season, 32.5 percent of Anthony’s offense came from isolations or post ups, and he scored less than 0.9 points per possessions on those — his numbers aren’t awful, but they’re not good enough to make up for his poor defense. (Stats via Synergy Sports.)
That’s why Anthony saw his minutes and role shrink in the postseason — but he said after the Thunder were eliminated (in the first round) he did not want to accept that role and fewer touches next season. He said he wants to get back to playing his way. (Stop laughing, Knicks’ fans, it’s not polite.)
The Thunder may try to trade him. Good luck with that. There is going to be limited to no market. With that salary they are going to have to throw in a serious sweetener to get other teams to bite (and/or take on a worse, longer contract in return).
Anthony is not likely to take less in a buyout to get out of town.
Nobody should blame Anthony here — he is taking the money is is contractually owed. The Knicks gave him this contract, the Thunder traded for it. But OKC is backed into a corner with this move and has few options.
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Tyronn Lue names Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson as players Cavs will develop
June 22, 2018
Rodney Hood and Jordan Clarkson both share the unfavorable distinction as the most disappointing Cleveland Cavaliers players last season, especially during the playoffs. However, head coach Tyronn Lue bundles the two players’ names along with Cedi Osman, Ante Zizic, and rookie Collin Sexton as among those the team wants to continue nurturing, per Jimmy Watkins of The Athletic.
“We haven’t had a lot of chances to develop guys,” Lue said. “Now having (Sexton) and Clarkson and Hood and Cedi and (Ante Zizic), now we got guys we can develop and help try and mature. I’m very excited for that challenge.”
Hood’s numbers plummeted after he was traded to Cleveland by the Utah Jazz back in February. Hood averaged 16.8 points in 39 games for Utah last season but put up only 10.8 per contest in 21 appearances for Cleveland. He was way worse in the playoffs in which he chipped in a measly 5.4 points per game, though, that had a lot to do with his reduced playing time, logging in only 15.3 minutes per outing. He did atone himself a bit during the latter parts of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, scoring 15 and 10 points in Games 3 and 4, respectively, but those came too little and too late for the Cavs.
As for Clarkson, he averaged 14.5 points per game with the Los Angeles Lakers before getting traded to Cleveland, where he mustered 12.6 points each outing. In the playoffs, he virtually turned into a ghost, netting only 4.7 points per game.
Clarkson has a guaranteed contract until 2020, while Hood is a looming restricted free agent this summer. If anything, what Tyronn Lue said could mean that Cavs are willing to match any offers Hood would get from other teams in the free agent market.
June 22, 2018
Rodney Hood and Jordan Clarkson both share the unfavorable distinction as the most disappointing Cleveland Cavaliers players last season, especially during the playoffs. However, head coach Tyronn Lue bundles the two players’ names along with Cedi Osman, Ante Zizic, and rookie Collin Sexton as among those the team wants to continue nurturing, per Jimmy Watkins of The Athletic.
“We haven’t had a lot of chances to develop guys,” Lue said. “Now having (Sexton) and Clarkson and Hood and Cedi and (Ante Zizic), now we got guys we can develop and help try and mature. I’m very excited for that challenge.”
Hood’s numbers plummeted after he was traded to Cleveland by the Utah Jazz back in February. Hood averaged 16.8 points in 39 games for Utah last season but put up only 10.8 per contest in 21 appearances for Cleveland. He was way worse in the playoffs in which he chipped in a measly 5.4 points per game, though, that had a lot to do with his reduced playing time, logging in only 15.3 minutes per outing. He did atone himself a bit during the latter parts of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, scoring 15 and 10 points in Games 3 and 4, respectively, but those came too little and too late for the Cavs.
As for Clarkson, he averaged 14.5 points per game with the Los Angeles Lakers before getting traded to Cleveland, where he mustered 12.6 points each outing. In the playoffs, he virtually turned into a ghost, netting only 4.7 points per game.
Clarkson has a guaranteed contract until 2020, while Hood is a looming restricted free agent this summer. If anything, what Tyronn Lue said could mean that Cavs are willing to match any offers Hood would get from other teams in the free agent market.
LeBron James jerseys selling cheap spark more free agency chatter
June 22, 2018
No one knows for sure what LeBron James is going to do once his contract expires this summer. It is for the same reason why people will keep on attaching meanings on anything connected to James while trying to predict the four-time NBA’s future in the league. One form of such activity has something to do with the sudden drop in prices of Lebron James Cleveland Cavaliers uniforms on Dick’s Sporting Goods’ online store.
Per Chris Walder of The Score:
A search of LeBron James’ name on the retail store’s website shows lots of products on sale at a substantial discount, including his jersey.
If you act now, you can purchase a Cleveland Cavaliers No. 23 burgundy Dri-FIT swingman jersey for the low price of just $55, marked down from $110.
Does this categorically mean that LeBron James is going to leave Cleveland? Definitely not, but it’s enough to raise further speculations about the possibility of James taking his talents somewhere else.
James is clearly taking his time in making a decision. He has a player option with Cleveland worth $35.6 million for the 2018-19 season, though, teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and the Philadelphia 76ers are not hiding their collective desire of signing the future Hall of Famer.
Collin Sexton compares himself to Russell Westbrook
June 22, 2018
Chauncey Billups compared Collin Sexton to Eric Bledsoe when the former Alabama Crimson Tide star was drafted on Thursday by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sexton agrees with Billups, but also added a few more players he sees himself in, including Oklahoma City Thunder and 2016-17 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
He says his favorite player is Kobe Bryant but believes his game most resembles John Wall, Eric Bledsoe and Russell Westbrook, with the former league MVP in Oklahoma City appealing to him because, “I just like the energy he plays with night in and night out. He doesn’t take any plays off or any games off.”
In Cleveland, Sexton is going to have to live up to the hype. The Cavs drafted him thinking they got someone who can score, create plays, and perhaps most importantly come through in high-pressure moments. The jury is still out for Sexton, but based on scouting reports and glowing assessments from Tyronn Lue and Sexton’s college coach in Avery Johnson, the 19-year-old Crimson Tide hotshot is ready for the big stage.
Having Westbrook’s gusty disposition on the basketball court would definitely help Sexton navigate his way through the NBA and earn the respect of his opponents and teammates alike right in his very first year in the league.
While it may come across as cocky to others, Sexton immediately gave Cavs fans a glimpse of his high level of confidence when he said during an interview after he was drafted that he expects Cleveland to be in the NBA Finals as soon as next year. Brash or not, the Cavs apparently have an entertaining and talented rookie in the fold.
June 22, 2018
Chauncey Billups compared Collin Sexton to Eric Bledsoe when the former Alabama Crimson Tide star was drafted on Thursday by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sexton agrees with Billups, but also added a few more players he sees himself in, including Oklahoma City Thunder and 2016-17 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
He says his favorite player is Kobe Bryant but believes his game most resembles John Wall, Eric Bledsoe and Russell Westbrook, with the former league MVP in Oklahoma City appealing to him because, “I just like the energy he plays with night in and night out. He doesn’t take any plays off or any games off.”
In Cleveland, Sexton is going to have to live up to the hype. The Cavs drafted him thinking they got someone who can score, create plays, and perhaps most importantly come through in high-pressure moments. The jury is still out for Sexton, but based on scouting reports and glowing assessments from Tyronn Lue and Sexton’s college coach in Avery Johnson, the 19-year-old Crimson Tide hotshot is ready for the big stage.
Having Westbrook’s gusty disposition on the basketball court would definitely help Sexton navigate his way through the NBA and earn the respect of his opponents and teammates alike right in his very first year in the league.
While it may come across as cocky to others, Sexton immediately gave Cavs fans a glimpse of his high level of confidence when he said during an interview after he was drafted that he expects Cleveland to be in the NBA Finals as soon as next year. Brash or not, the Cavs apparently have an entertaining and talented rookie in the fold.
Report: There is tension between Chris Paul and the Rockets over his contract
https://www.bgol.us/forum/threads/n...ul-and-the-rockets-over-his-contract.1006806/
If he wanted that supermax he would have never left the clippers
I fucks with dude
He from Harlem
14 things you may not know about JJ Redick
1. His first e-mail address was jjshoota3@aol.com.
2. He’s the only player to win back-to-back ACC Player of the Year since Tim Duncan.
3. He was drafted behind Adam Morrison, Tyrus Thomas, Shelden Williams, Patrick O’Bryant and Saer Sene… And before Rajon Rondo and Kyle Lowry.
4. He had his wingspan measured at 6-foot-3.25 in 2006… Which was below his measured height.
5. He officiated his sister’s summer wedding as an ordained minister.
6. He says he’s cried at every wedding he’s been to.
7. 21 members of the 2006 draft class scored more points than him his rookie year. Only two did in 2017-18.
8. He played 276 minutes his sophomore season in the NBA .
9. He was once a guest at the James Corden show.
10. He was a backcourt partner of Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings for two months in Milwaukee.
11. He has several tattoos of Bible verses.
12. He has averaged 0.08 blocks per game in his NBA career.
13. He has shot 90-plus percent from the free-throw line in six different seasons.
14. His actual name is Jonathan Clay Redick.
1. His first e-mail address was jjshoota3@aol.com.
2. He’s the only player to win back-to-back ACC Player of the Year since Tim Duncan.
3. He was drafted behind Adam Morrison, Tyrus Thomas, Shelden Williams, Patrick O’Bryant and Saer Sene… And before Rajon Rondo and Kyle Lowry.
4. He had his wingspan measured at 6-foot-3.25 in 2006… Which was below his measured height.
5. He officiated his sister’s summer wedding as an ordained minister.
6. He says he’s cried at every wedding he’s been to.
7. 21 members of the 2006 draft class scored more points than him his rookie year. Only two did in 2017-18.
8. He played 276 minutes his sophomore season in the NBA .
9. He was once a guest at the James Corden show.
10. He was a backcourt partner of Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings for two months in Milwaukee.
11. He has several tattoos of Bible verses.
12. He has averaged 0.08 blocks per game in his NBA career.
13. He has shot 90-plus percent from the free-throw line in six different seasons.
14. His actual name is Jonathan Clay Redick.
Heat swimming upstream this offseason | Commentary
Sometimes you have to know your place and the time.
When it came to Thursday's NBA draft, it was Chris Riley who had the better sense of circumstance.
When it comes to NBA free agency, it is her husband, Pat Riley, who appreciates the moment.
In advance of Thursday's draft, a process the Miami Heat entered without a selection, Chris Riley saw no need to put off a "see-you-later-alligator" pool party Friday for grandson Conner and 22 kids.
"My wife went ahead and set the pool party," the Heat's president/life guard said. "I said, 'Chris, we might have a press conference for 1 o'clock. How am I going to be able to do this?' "
Chris knew. There was no Heat trade for a selection, just a Friday soaking at the Riley residence.
Next comes the July 1 start of free agency, a process that will begin with the Heat not only lacking salary-cap space, but so hard against the punitive NBA luxury tax that spending the mid-level exception could even prove problematic.
That could mean time for more pool parties at Casa Riley.
"You know me," Riley said as his team's focus shifted from the draft to free agency. "I sat down with a lot of guys at midnight [July 1] since 2010. I'm not sure there's going to be midnight meetings."
It will be a decidedly different summer for a Heat team that feasted on cap cash last summer, extending deals at $50 million or more to James Johnson, Kelly Olynykand Dion Waiters, moves essentially required in advance of Tyler Johnson's salary bumping from $5.8 million last season to $19.2 million next season.
"I don’t know if there's going to be any midnight meetings," Riley said, after wooing LeBron James at the start of free agency in 2014, Kevin Durant in 2016 and Gordon Hayward last summer.
"This might not be the year for us to do that," he said. "But we will plan. We're already planning for the future like we did 2006 for 2010, and 2014 as soon as LeBron left. We were in it with Durant. We were in it for Hayward.
"I don't think we're going to be in it that way because we can't. We don't have the cap space and we're up against the tax, so we have to do some other things in reversing that direction, and sometimes you have to go through that.
"And at the same time you go through it, we believe that we're a playoff team and that we can get better. And, so, I think there are other teams that feel the same way."
Even with the buzz about James, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Riley said it could nonetheless prove to be a mostly copacetic NBA summer, at least when it comes to Heat impact, with a chance of all three winding up with Western Conference teams and with the draft hardly changing the face of the East.
"If you look at all the teams that have room out there, a lot of those teams obviously are not the teams that are in contention," he said. "There's only two teams that could really be players, Philadelphia and maybe L.A. [Lakers], but there's a lot of other teams out there that I'm not so sure they want to spend the kind of dollars right now that they spent in 2016."
The brush that has painted the Heat the past two offseasons largely -- and also mostly unfairly -- has been one of failure, even with the remote chances of adding Durant or Hayward.
"Aggressive summers are free-agent summers, are room summers, are summers when you know you have either cap space or tax space to be able to really pursue somebody," Riley said. "We're up against the tax. We all know what the accounting situation is with us.
"So, when you're a free-agent player like we have been since 2006, 2010, you go after Kevin Durant. It was a long shot and we always thought big. You go after Hayward. We've always thought big.
"As soon as it didn't happen with Hayward, we went right to Plan B and I think that's where we are."
That doesn't mean that pie-in-the-sky options will be summarily dismissed, only that the pursuits will be measured, last summer very much designed to set the blueprint for next season, and perhaps even the season after.
"We look at this as maybe a two-year run," Riley said. "We're a playoff team. We're a playoff contender. How are we going to improve? It's going to be from within or the possibility of some transaction that might happen. It's not going to be easy.
"I think, yes, this could be -- not a passive summer -- but it might not be the kind of summer that you may think that something big can happen from that standpoint. And I think that's the same way for a lot of teams, I really do."
This time, instead of diving into the process, Riley well could leave it to others to sink or swim.
IN THE LANE
WAITING GAME: Even with the draft completed without a single trade involving an NBA player, Heat President Pat Riley senses that could change during free agency, potentially creating options for his team. "There has been a lot of discussion with a lot of teams about a lot of players," he said. "I just feel that there's a restlessness on the part of the teams and also there's a reluctance to do things. Teams that there was a high expectation level, maybe even higher than ours, that the season didn’t end up well for them and they have very good players, maybe even All-Stars players, that there's been some contemplation. But it's pretty hard to pull the trigger on that kind of thing. That might be something that happens more in free agency -- after July 1 or even after the [July 6 end of the signing] moratorium or even late in the summer -- because when you're talking about that transformative player I was mentioning, then you're going to have to get something back in return for that. There's been a lot of discussion, but there's nobody really interested in doing something like that. At least not now."
STILL INTERESTED?: At the outset of 2016 free agency, when the Heat finalized their four-year, $98 million deal with Hassan Whiteside, the Dallas Mavericks were ready to pounce with a similar deal if the Heat wavered. Two years later, armed with the opportunity to fill their center void by holding their No. 5 position in Thursday's draft and select Texas' long-armed Mo Bamba, Mark Cuban instead elected to trade for the rights to Luke Doncic. Now the question becomes whether Dallas might revisit the Whiteside possibility amid their ongoing void at center. The Mavericks are expected to have between $16 million to $24 million in cap space, meaning they could take in Whiteside in a trade without having to send back anything close to his $25.4 million 2018-19 salary. Of course, Dallas also could hit up the free-agent market, where Clint Capela, DeMarcus Cousins, Brook Lopez and others could stand as more cost-effective options.
LESSON PLAN: Shaquille O'Neal said LeBron James would be wise not to follow his career path when it came to O'Neal's journey after winning his fourth NBA title with the Heat in 2006, ring chasing from that stage with the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. Speaking with ESPN, O'Neal said James already has sufficient respect after his two titles with the Heat and then a third with the Cleveland Cavaliers. "My problem toward the end of my career," O'Neal said, "was I was trying to shut everybody up and I was greedy. After I got to three, everybody was saying I couldn't get another. So I got four. After I got the fourth, they were saying I couldn't get another one. So I was trying to make quick stops to get it -- Phoenix, Cleveland, Boston."
STILL TIME: Having attempted to display his versatility during summer league last season with the Heat, Okaro White likely will get the same chance this summer with the Cavaliers. Added by Cleveland late in the season as he worked his way back from his early-season foot injury with the Heat, the former Florida State forward has a $1.5 million contract for next season that carries an Aug. 5 trigger date for half of that amount, with the rest to be guaranteed on opening night. By rule, because of the timing of his signing, he cannot be dealt by Cleveland until July 7. White was dealt by the Heat at midseason to the Atlanta Hawks in the trade that landed Luke Babbitt, with a still-sidelined White the immediately released.
NUMBER
1. Heat player selected in the NBA draft over the last three years (No. 14 2017 pick Bam Adebayo). The Heat did not make a selection in the 2016 draft or in Thursday's draft, without a second-round selection in any of the three years.
Sometimes you have to know your place and the time.
When it came to Thursday's NBA draft, it was Chris Riley who had the better sense of circumstance.
When it comes to NBA free agency, it is her husband, Pat Riley, who appreciates the moment.
In advance of Thursday's draft, a process the Miami Heat entered without a selection, Chris Riley saw no need to put off a "see-you-later-alligator" pool party Friday for grandson Conner and 22 kids.
"My wife went ahead and set the pool party," the Heat's president/life guard said. "I said, 'Chris, we might have a press conference for 1 o'clock. How am I going to be able to do this?' "
Chris knew. There was no Heat trade for a selection, just a Friday soaking at the Riley residence.
Next comes the July 1 start of free agency, a process that will begin with the Heat not only lacking salary-cap space, but so hard against the punitive NBA luxury tax that spending the mid-level exception could even prove problematic.
That could mean time for more pool parties at Casa Riley.
"You know me," Riley said as his team's focus shifted from the draft to free agency. "I sat down with a lot of guys at midnight [July 1] since 2010. I'm not sure there's going to be midnight meetings."
It will be a decidedly different summer for a Heat team that feasted on cap cash last summer, extending deals at $50 million or more to James Johnson, Kelly Olynykand Dion Waiters, moves essentially required in advance of Tyler Johnson's salary bumping from $5.8 million last season to $19.2 million next season.
"I don’t know if there's going to be any midnight meetings," Riley said, after wooing LeBron James at the start of free agency in 2014, Kevin Durant in 2016 and Gordon Hayward last summer.
"This might not be the year for us to do that," he said. "But we will plan. We're already planning for the future like we did 2006 for 2010, and 2014 as soon as LeBron left. We were in it with Durant. We were in it for Hayward.
"I don't think we're going to be in it that way because we can't. We don't have the cap space and we're up against the tax, so we have to do some other things in reversing that direction, and sometimes you have to go through that.
"And at the same time you go through it, we believe that we're a playoff team and that we can get better. And, so, I think there are other teams that feel the same way."
Even with the buzz about James, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Riley said it could nonetheless prove to be a mostly copacetic NBA summer, at least when it comes to Heat impact, with a chance of all three winding up with Western Conference teams and with the draft hardly changing the face of the East.
"If you look at all the teams that have room out there, a lot of those teams obviously are not the teams that are in contention," he said. "There's only two teams that could really be players, Philadelphia and maybe L.A. [Lakers], but there's a lot of other teams out there that I'm not so sure they want to spend the kind of dollars right now that they spent in 2016."
The brush that has painted the Heat the past two offseasons largely -- and also mostly unfairly -- has been one of failure, even with the remote chances of adding Durant or Hayward.
"Aggressive summers are free-agent summers, are room summers, are summers when you know you have either cap space or tax space to be able to really pursue somebody," Riley said. "We're up against the tax. We all know what the accounting situation is with us.
"So, when you're a free-agent player like we have been since 2006, 2010, you go after Kevin Durant. It was a long shot and we always thought big. You go after Hayward. We've always thought big.
"As soon as it didn't happen with Hayward, we went right to Plan B and I think that's where we are."
That doesn't mean that pie-in-the-sky options will be summarily dismissed, only that the pursuits will be measured, last summer very much designed to set the blueprint for next season, and perhaps even the season after.
"We look at this as maybe a two-year run," Riley said. "We're a playoff team. We're a playoff contender. How are we going to improve? It's going to be from within or the possibility of some transaction that might happen. It's not going to be easy.
"I think, yes, this could be -- not a passive summer -- but it might not be the kind of summer that you may think that something big can happen from that standpoint. And I think that's the same way for a lot of teams, I really do."
This time, instead of diving into the process, Riley well could leave it to others to sink or swim.
IN THE LANE
WAITING GAME: Even with the draft completed without a single trade involving an NBA player, Heat President Pat Riley senses that could change during free agency, potentially creating options for his team. "There has been a lot of discussion with a lot of teams about a lot of players," he said. "I just feel that there's a restlessness on the part of the teams and also there's a reluctance to do things. Teams that there was a high expectation level, maybe even higher than ours, that the season didn’t end up well for them and they have very good players, maybe even All-Stars players, that there's been some contemplation. But it's pretty hard to pull the trigger on that kind of thing. That might be something that happens more in free agency -- after July 1 or even after the [July 6 end of the signing] moratorium or even late in the summer -- because when you're talking about that transformative player I was mentioning, then you're going to have to get something back in return for that. There's been a lot of discussion, but there's nobody really interested in doing something like that. At least not now."
STILL INTERESTED?: At the outset of 2016 free agency, when the Heat finalized their four-year, $98 million deal with Hassan Whiteside, the Dallas Mavericks were ready to pounce with a similar deal if the Heat wavered. Two years later, armed with the opportunity to fill their center void by holding their No. 5 position in Thursday's draft and select Texas' long-armed Mo Bamba, Mark Cuban instead elected to trade for the rights to Luke Doncic. Now the question becomes whether Dallas might revisit the Whiteside possibility amid their ongoing void at center. The Mavericks are expected to have between $16 million to $24 million in cap space, meaning they could take in Whiteside in a trade without having to send back anything close to his $25.4 million 2018-19 salary. Of course, Dallas also could hit up the free-agent market, where Clint Capela, DeMarcus Cousins, Brook Lopez and others could stand as more cost-effective options.
LESSON PLAN: Shaquille O'Neal said LeBron James would be wise not to follow his career path when it came to O'Neal's journey after winning his fourth NBA title with the Heat in 2006, ring chasing from that stage with the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. Speaking with ESPN, O'Neal said James already has sufficient respect after his two titles with the Heat and then a third with the Cleveland Cavaliers. "My problem toward the end of my career," O'Neal said, "was I was trying to shut everybody up and I was greedy. After I got to three, everybody was saying I couldn't get another. So I got four. After I got the fourth, they were saying I couldn't get another one. So I was trying to make quick stops to get it -- Phoenix, Cleveland, Boston."
STILL TIME: Having attempted to display his versatility during summer league last season with the Heat, Okaro White likely will get the same chance this summer with the Cavaliers. Added by Cleveland late in the season as he worked his way back from his early-season foot injury with the Heat, the former Florida State forward has a $1.5 million contract for next season that carries an Aug. 5 trigger date for half of that amount, with the rest to be guaranteed on opening night. By rule, because of the timing of his signing, he cannot be dealt by Cleveland until July 7. White was dealt by the Heat at midseason to the Atlanta Hawks in the trade that landed Luke Babbitt, with a still-sidelined White the immediately released.
NUMBER
1. Heat player selected in the NBA draft over the last three years (No. 14 2017 pick Bam Adebayo). The Heat did not make a selection in the 2016 draft or in Thursday's draft, without a second-round selection in any of the three years.