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NBA Rumors: 'Nothing Happened' in 76ers-Nets Trade Talks amid Durant, Irving Buzz

Jul 4, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on April 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets 116-112. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on April 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets 116-112. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers were among the many teams to touch base with the Brooklyn Nets about a potential trade for Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving, but "nothing happened there," a source told Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

Durant sent shockwaves throughout the NBA when he requested a trade from the Nets last week, and it makes sense for the 76ers to at least see if a deal is possible. However, the return package must be big in order to land the 12-time All-Star with four years left on his contract.

According to Lewis, the Nets are "eyeing" players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards.

A trade for Irving could be more likely, with Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium listing Philadelphia as a potential landing spot for the point guard along with the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks.

Durant reportedly has a preference to land with the Phoenix Suns or Miami Heat, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Irving has been heavily linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, with Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports noting there is "palpable optimism" that a deal could get done.

The 76ers, meanwhile, are seemingly planning to run it back with last year's group. James Harden opted out of the final year of his contract, although he is meeting with the team to renegotiate a new deal, per Haynes. Harden also has a long-standing relationship with 76ers president Daryl Morey from their time together with the Houston Rockets.

After the Nets traded Harden at the February deadline, it seems unlikely the guard would spend next season alongside either Durant or Irving.

Philadelphia also has an emerging talent in Tyrese Maxey, who can provide the type of perimeter scoring the team would get from Irving.

Taking into account their current backcourt along with a healthy Joel Embiid, the Sixers might already have enough to contend for a championship in 2022-23.

Kevin Durant Rumors: Rudy Gobert Trade Expected to Drive Price Higher for Nets Star

Jul 3, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 12: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the first half of the Eastern Conference 2022 Play-In Tournament against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center on April 12, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 12: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the first half of the Eastern Conference 2022 Play-In Tournament against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center on April 12, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Timberwolves didn't do any favors for the teams that plan to aggressively pursue Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant this offseason.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Timberwolves are acquiring Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz for a package of players and four first-round draft picks. When news of the trade surfaced, many began to wonder whether the deal would impact the Nets' asking price for Durant.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported the price "is expected to go up."

"Brooklyn is seeking a combination of the best assets from teams, including any All-Star player(s), rising young players with All-Star potential and substantial unprotected draft picks and pick swaps where applicable," per Scotto.

There's no question Durant is significantly more valuable than Gobert.

As great as Gobert is on defense, his offensive limitations inevitably become a problem in the playoffs, which is when you want somebody you surrendered four first-rounders to get stepping up.

Durant is a 12-time All-Star, a two-time NBA Finals MVP and one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. Even at 33, his presence alone can make a team a title contender. Imagine what a talent like that could cost in the current trade market.

The problem for the Nets is that any franchise acquiring Durant will have to thread a difficult needle. You'll inevitably have to lose one or two key players. Lose too much, however, and the supporting cast around Durant won't be strong enough to win a championship.

Under the general framework presented by Scotto, for instance, how many teams can realistically afford to jettison a combination of a ready-made All-Star or two and young talent with a high ceiling?

As others have pointed out, too, the collective bargaining agreement takes a lot of possible targets for the Nets off the table. Unless Brooklyn gets rid of Ben Simmons, it can't acquire another player on a designated rookie max extension.

In general, it's almost impossible to get equal value back when dealing a star player, and that's especially true when a player at Durant's level is involved.

The San Antonio Spurs received DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a 2019 first-round pick for Kawhi Leonard in 2018. Even though Leonard was coming off an injury and only had one year left on his deal, the Spurs got fleeced.

In perhaps the best parallel to Durant's situation, the Los Angeles Lakers settled on Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant and a first-rounder for Shaquille O'Neal in 2004. ESPN's Tim Bontemps wrote how the Lakers initially sought to land Dwyane Wade from Miami.

As much as the Nets should theoretically be in a position to request a king's ransom for Durant based on the Gobert trade, that might not provide much of a road map for Brooklyn.

Kevin Durant Rumors: Raptors 'Lurking' for Nets Star After Trade Request

Jul 1, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets warms up before Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on April 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets warms up before Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on April 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)

Don't rule out the Toronto Raptors in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes.

The Raptors are "lurking" for Durant following his trade request from the Brooklyn Nets, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Friday on the NBA Today free agency special.

"I think a team that's lurking and is going to lurk in this is Toronto. They have all the kinds of pieces that you would want and their picks to do a deal for Kevin Durant and they have an organization, a leader in Masai Ujiri who, certainly you saw the chance he took on Kawhi Leonard with one year left on his deal. How far are the Raptors willing to go in an offer to Brooklyn?"

It's no surprise the Raptors are considered a landing spot for Durant as they have a treasure trove of assets to offer Brooklyn in return for the superstar.

Scottie Barnes is one of the most valuable young players in the NBA and would probably have to be on the table in a Durant package. The 2021 fourth overall pick averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals during his rookie season and won the 2021-22 Rookie of the Year award.

In addition, the Raptors boast a roster that includes OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and Precious Achiuwa, all of whom could possibly be included in trade discussions.

The Raptors also currently have a first-round pick available for trade in each draft through 2029, so there's no question they have enough ammunition to make a run for the two-time NBA champion.

That said, Ujiri told reporters during his end of season media availability that the Raptors would continue to develop during the 2022-23 campaign and appeared reluctant to move any of his young core.

“I think it’s still a team of the future. I think we have to have patience and grow. It’s the first time Pascal (Siakam) and Fred (VanVleet) and OG (Anunoby) have been at the helm. I think they did OK. And the young guys, (it was) the first time they’re really playing.

“We still preach patience and growth here. I know with how the results came at the end of the season. I know the expectations now become day-to-day; I understand that from a fan perspective or media perspective. It’s win now. But we’re thinking (about) the long game here.”

Still, that was before he knew Durant would be available.

Even at 33 years old, Durant is one of the best players in the NBA. During the 2021-22 campaign, he shouldered much of the load for the Nets following the James Harden trade and with Kyrie Irving unable to play most of the team's home games because of New York City's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for indoor arenas.

Durant averaged 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists while shooting 51.8 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from deep in 55 games.

The four-time scoring champion also has four more years remaining on his contract. With that kind of term, Ujiri at least has to consider adding the veteran, no matter the cost.

Deandre Ayton Rumors: Jazz Interested in Suns Star After Rudy Gobert Trade

Jul 1, 2022
PHOENIX, AZ - MAY 2: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns smiles after Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals on May 2, 2022 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MAY 2: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns smiles after Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals on May 2, 2022 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Utah Jazz are reportedly already considering a replacement for Rudy Gobert in Phoenix Suns restricted free-agent center Deandre Ayton.

According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7, the Jazz "have interest in exploring a trade" for Ayton, which would have to be a sign-and-trade deal since Utah doesn't have salary-cap space.

Utah's rumored interest in Ayton comes on the heels of ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski (h/t ESPN's Tim MacMahon) reporting Friday that the Jazz agreed to trade Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves for four first-round picks, Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Leandro Bolmaro and 2022 No. 22 overall pick Walker Kessler.

The Suns and Ayton are seemingly at a crossroads, as Ayton wants a max contract extension, but Phoenix has been unwilling to give it to him.

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported Thursday that while the Suns don't want to give Ayton a max deal, they also don't want to lose him for nothing by allowing him to sign an offer sheet with another team.

As a result, there is reportedly some belief within the NBA that the Suns would match an offer sheet even if it is for the max, but a sign-and-trade could be the best solution for all involved.

Suddenly, Utah looks like an ideal landing spot for Ayton after the Jazz traded away a three-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year at center in Gobert.

While Ayton can't compare to Gobert defensively, he is arguably a better offensive player, averaging 17.2 points per game last season and 16.3 for his career.

He also put up 10.2 rebounds per game last season and shot a career-best 63.4 percent from the field, plus he has averaged a double-double in each of his four NBA seasons.

Ayton has a better history of playoff success than Gobert as well, helping lead the Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021, while Gobert and the Jazz never made it past the second round in six consecutive playoff appearances.

On top of that, the 2018 No. 1 overall draft pick still has plenty of room to grow and improve in all aspects at just 23 years of age.

Even without Gobert, the Jazz still have a strong core in place with All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell leading the way alongside Bojan Bogdanovic, Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson.

Ayton would likely go a long way toward cementing them as a playoff team again next season, plus they could use some of the assets they got in the Gobert trade to improve elsewhere and perhaps be even better than they were in 2021-22.

As for the Suns, they are believed to be in the mix to acquire superstar forward Kevin Durant in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, so trading Ayton away to make room would be a sensible move unless Ayton is needed in a potential KD deal.

Carmelo Anthony Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Potential Knicks Reunion

Jul 1, 2022
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on April 05, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona.  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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on April 05, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The idea of free-agent forward Carmelo Anthony heading back to the New York Knicks isn't off the table, per SNY's Ian Begley:

"My understanding, at least going back more than a year now was that the idea that if Carmelo, you know, wanted to come back and, especially like, wanted to have his final year in the NBA here, my understanding was that was on the table, and I haven't heard anything about it being off the table," Begley said.

Anthony played for the Knicks from 2011-17 and led the NBA with 28.7 points per game in 2012-13. New York went to the playoffs three straight years under Anthony's leadership, including a 54-win campaign in 2012-13 that ended with a second-round playoff appearance.

Anthony has played 19 NBA seasons. He's a 10-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA team honoree and a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary team. The former Syracuse star also has an NCAA championship and three Olympic gold medals with Team USA.

The 38-year-old still has game. He averaged 13.3 points on 44.1 percent shooting (37.5 percent from three) and 4.2 rebounds per game for the Los Angeles Lakers last year. Anthony played 69 games, starting three while averaging 26.0 minutes per outing.

He could certainly help the Knicks, who have already made some big moves this offseason. They've agreed to terms with Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson and Los Angeles Clippers center Isaiah Hartenstein and re-signed big man Mitchell Robinson.

New York is looking to improve upon a disappointing 37-45 season that saw the Knicks finish 11th in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks can stand to improve an offense that finished just 26th in points per game. Anthony could help that effort off the bench as New York tries to rebound.

Woj: Jazz Plan to 'Retool' Around Donovan Mitchell After Rudy Gobert Trade

Jul 1, 2022
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 05: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a win in overtime during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 05, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 05: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a win in overtime during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 05, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Having already agreed to trade one of their stars, the Utah Jazz don't plan on losing both Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell this offseason.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Jazz "plan to retool the roster" around Donovan Mitchell after striking a deal to send Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

On June 5, Wojnarowski reported Mitchell was "surprised and disappointed" upon learning head coach Quin Snyder stepped down. While the three-time All-Star hadn't gone so far as to request a trade, his future in Utah suddenly looked a little murky.

Rather than triggering a total rebuild, trading Gobert to Minnesota could be a way for the Jazz to send a message to Mitchell about their continued commitment to him.

Draft picks obviously won't help Utah win in the short term, and the combined contributions of Beasley, Beverley, Kessler, Vanderbilt and Bolmaro likely won't get the team any closer to a title.

From that aspect, Mitchell might not be all that impressed with the overall haul. The return might, however, give the Jazz more flexibility to swing another major trade.

Arizona Sports' Josh Gambadoro reported they're interested in Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton, who'd need to be acquired in a sign-and-trade. They now have the draft assets and salary filler necessary to make something like that happen.

What's clear is that the Gobert trade alone can't be Utah's only offseason business if it truly does intend to make Mitchell the lone centerpiece for now. The franchise has taken a step backward with some glaring flaws that need to be addressed.

The structure of the Jazz roster is bound to look a lot different on opening night this fall.

Nets Rumors: Joe Tsai 'Reached His Limit' amid Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving Trade Buzz

Jul 1, 2022
BROOKLYN, NY - MAY 9: The Brooklyn Nets and The New York Liberty Owner, Joseph C. Tsai, looks on prior to a game against the China National Team on May 9, 2019 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE  (Photo by Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - MAY 9: The Brooklyn Nets and The New York Liberty Owner, Joseph C. Tsai, looks on prior to a game against the China National Team on May 9, 2019 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Kevin Durant was the one whose trade request went public, but Brooklyn Nets governor Joe Tsai may have been ready to break up this iteration of the roster regardless.

Per The Athletic's Joe Vardon, Tsai "had already reached his limit" with this era of the Nets "after years of injuries, off-court embarrassments and playoff failures were followed by threats leaked by Irving and Durant during Brooklyn’s contract negotiations with Irving."

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Durant formally requested a trade on Thursday shortly before the new league year began at 6 p.m. ET.

Rich Kleiman, Durant's business manager, told Wojnarowski that Nets general manager Sean Marks is working with them to find a trade partner.

Irving told Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium earlier in the week he was opting in to his $36.5 million salary for next season. It came after only one known team—the Los Angeles Lakers—showed interest in acquiring the seven-time All-Star in a sign-and-trade, per Wojnarowski.

In the wake of Durant's request, Wojnarowski noted the entire Nets' roster will be made available in trade talks.

Assuming this marks the end of the Durant-Irving era in Brooklyn, it will go down as one of the most incredible failures in NBA history. The duo paired up to join the Nets in the summer of 2019.

Durant was still recovering from a torn Achilles he suffered in the 2019 NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors that made it unlikely he would play in his first season in Brooklyn.

Irving only played 20 games during the 2019-20 season due to a shoulder injury. Vardon noted in February that his decision to seek multiple opinions on the injury, except from Nets team doctors, led to frustration before he eventually decided to have surgery in March.

During the 2020-21 season, Irving essentially went missing from the Nets for two weeks before returning on Jan. 19. He told reporters his absence was due to a "lot of family and personal stuff going on, I just want to leave it at that."

As a result of his decision not to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Irving wasn't eligible to play in Nets home games until March 27 last season. He has only appeared in 103 games in three seasons since signing with the club.

James Harden, who was acquired by the Nets in a Jan. 2021 trade with the Houston Rockets, didn't seem to mesh well with Irving during their time together as teammates. The former NBA MVP wound up getting dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers in February.

Ben Simmons, the key player who came back to Brooklyn in the Harden deal, didn't appear in a game all season because of back injuries and mental health issues.

Durant has only played in 106 games (including the playoffs) with the Nets.

Brooklyn's lone playoff series win during the Irving-Durant era was in the first round of the 2021 postseason against the Boston Celtics.

It was the Celtics who may have ended the Irving-Durant experiment this postseason. They swept the Nets in the first round to end a disappointing season.

Celtics Rumors: Danilo Gallinari Plans to Sign 2-Year Contract After Spurs Waivers

Jul 1, 2022
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 26: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round at FTX Arena on April 26, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 26: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round at FTX Arena on April 26, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Veteran forward Danilo Gallinari is reportedly set to sign with the Boston Celtics after he's released by the San Antonio Spurs and clears waivers.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Gallinari's preference to join the Celtics. Brian Robb of MassLive added the 33-year-old Italian is expected to sign a two-year contract using the team's $6.5 million taxpayer mid-level exception.

The Spurs acquired Gallinari in the blockbuster Dejounte Murray trade with the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.

Gallinari is an ideal fit for Boston on paper as a stretch 4 who can make an offensive impact without needing a ton of touches.

He averaged 12.4 points while attempting 9.4 shots per game across two seasons with the Hawks. His usage rate last season (18.4 percent) hit its lowest mark since his rookie year with the New York Knicks in 2008-09.

His career field-goal percentage (42.8) is subpar, but he's knocked down 38.2 percent of his threes and 87.7 percent of his free throws in 13 NBA seasons.

Although Gallinari is in his mid-30s, he said after the season that he came out of the campaign without any physical concerns.

"I felt great. My body felt great," he told reporters in April after the Miami Heat eliminated the Hawks from the playoffs. "I'm very happy with the way that I was able to play all these games and sustain the season."

The Celtics' starting lineup is locked in with Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford and Robert Williams III, so Gallinari is ticketed for a reserve role in Boston.

He could form a platoon with Grant Williams for reserve minutes at the 4. He'll handle a larger share of the minutes when Boston is seeking offense, and Williams will step in when it's more of a defensive situation.

The Celtics figure to remain among the NBA's championship contenders heading into the 2022-23 campaign, so proven depth will be important coming off a year where they played 106 games counting the playoffs.

Gallinari can take some offensive pressure off Tatum and Brown while stepping into the starting lineup if needed, giving a nice boost to the rotation.

NBA Rumors: Thomas Bryant Receiving 'Significant Interest' from Lakers, Celtics, More

Jul 1, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 04: Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards in action against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 4, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 04: Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards in action against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 4, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Veteran center Thomas Bryant is on the radar for some marquee teams in free agency.

Per Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are among teams that have shown "significant interest" in Bryant.

Haynes added that Bryant is expected to make a final decision Friday.

Bryant has some familiarity with the Lakers. He was acquired by the team in a draft-day trade in 2017 with the Utah Jazz, who selected him No. 42 overall.

Bryant was assigned to the South Bay Lakers in the G League to start his rookie season. The Indiana University alum made his NBA debut on Dec. 23, 2017. He wound up playing 15 games off the bench in Los Angeles.

Bryant was claimed off waivers by the Washington Wizards in July 2018. His career took off in his first season with the club as he averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in 72 appearances.

Injuries began to take a toll on Bryant starting with the 2019-20 season, though. He missed 26 games total, including 20 straight due to a hip injury.

A torn ACL limited Bryant to just 10 games during the 2020-21 campaign. The 24-year-old returned from the injury in January after missing the first 41 games this season. He averaged 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in 27 appearances in 2021-22.

Given how many significant injuries Bryant has had over the past three seasons, his new team should carefully manage his minutes in 2022-23.

If the Lakers want to keep Anthony Davis as their starting center next season, Bryant wouldn't be a bad backup option. They could also sign Bryant to be their starter and potentially sign another low-cost free agent to play behind him.

The Celtics currently have Robert Williams III and Daniel Theis. It might be difficult for Bryant to get extensive playing time because of their depth at the position, but they do offer an opportunity to win, having just reached the NBA Finals before losing to the Golden State Warriors.

Heat Rumors: Udonis Haslem Visited by 'Delegation of Employees' for Free-Agent Pitch

Jun 30, 2022
MIAMI, FL - MAY 17: Udonis Haslem #40 of the Miami Heat reacts to a play during Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals on May 17, 2022 at FTX Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MAY 17: Udonis Haslem #40 of the Miami Heat reacts to a play during Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals on May 17, 2022 at FTX Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Udonis Haslem might no longer make much of an on-court contribution, but the 42-year-old was a priority for the Miami Heat in free agency:

Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel added that the Heat personnel visited Haslem at his vacation home in Orlando.

Haslem has spent his entire 19-year NBA career with the Heat, helping the team win three NBA titles in this stretch.

The center has seen his playing time dwindle in recent years, appearing in just 13 games in 2021-22 while averaging 6.4 minutes and 2.5 points. He has made just 58 total regular-season appearances over the last six seasons.

Haslem's leadership within the locker room was still enough to keep him on the roster throughout this stretch. He re-signed with the team on a one-year deal last year and the organization essentially gave him the green light to keep coming back.

"The Heat have made it clear that Haslem will be allowed to retire on his terms, whenever he so chooses," Winderman reported last year.

Haslem still must decide if he wants to be back for a 20th season. He was unsure of his future as of May, saying he needed to speak with team president Pat Riley and governor Micky Arison.

"I will take my time and sit down the family, Pat, Micky and talk about what's next and where it goes," Haslem told reporters. "Now is time to take a mental break and figure it out."

Thursday's demonstration showed in no uncertain terms that the Heat want Haslem back, whether he wants to come back remains to be seen.

Miami earned the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference last season before losing to the Boston Celtics in the conference finals.