The problem is that Utah, winners of 15 of their last 21 games, is in position to make the playoffs for the first time in six years and is just now cashing in on years of difficult rebuilding. They have no desire to let Hayward walk, and with the trading deadline still seven weeks away, they’ve not considered offers for Hayward. That could change. As one league source pointed out, “No one does things more quietly than Utah,” and the 2011 trade of Deron Williams to the Nets, which seemingly came out of the blue, is a good example of that.
The problem is that Utah, winners of 15 of their last 2…
July 4, 2022 | 10:35 pm EDT Update
Nets willing to drag on trade talks for Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving into training camp
With four years left on Kevin Durant’s contract, and Kyrie Irving having opted in to the last year of his deal, the Nets have leverage and every intention of using it. And league personnel say the Nets have implied if they don’t get what they want, this could well drag on into training camp.
Nets general manager Sean Marks and owner Joe Tsai had agreed to work with Durant and business partner Rich Kleiman to try to trade him to one of his preferred landing spots. But in the end, Durant and Irving are expected to be moved where and when it works best for Nets management.
Nets not wanting to trade Joe Harris
How the Nets deal with Joe Harris may be the best indicator of how they plan to proceed. He’s the longest-tenured Net, often consulted by Marks on major decisions. “I know the Nets absolutely do not want to trade Joe under any scenario,” a league source familiar with Brooklyn’s thinking told The Post. “But there are just thousands of different ways this can play out.”
Taken in the most recent draft at No. 8 overall by New Orleans, Australian product Dyson Daniels is already impressing the Pelicans’ coaching staff. “We’re playing him in scrimmages we’re putting him in multiple spots,” said Pelicans lead assistant coach Jarron Collins, who will coach in Summer League. “Obviously, he can be a primary ball-handler, he can literally play 1-4 and defend every single position.”
Standing 6′8 with a 6′11 wingspan, Daniels has physical tools to be inserted in various scenarios on the floor in various roles. “Frankly, his versatility will allow us to be creative with our lineups,” Collins said. “And his availability to us putting him in different spots.”
July 4, 2022 | 7:43 pm EDT Update
2023 draft No. 1 pick candidate Victor Wembanyama signs two-year deal with French team
Victor Wembanyama has signed a two-year deal with French side Boulogne Metropolitans 92, the club officially announced Monday. 2004-born Wembanyama posted averages of 9.4 points and 5.1 rebounds across 18 minutes in the French Betclic Elite in 2021-22 with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and was voted as the league’s Rising Star.
The Sydney Kings have announced the signing of former Detroit Pistons point guard Derrick Walton Jr for the upcoming NBL23 season. The Kings have signed the 27-year-old, 185cm former Michigan Wolverines star to a one-year deal, which includes periodical NBA outs.
Joe Mussatto: The Thunder’s entire Summer League roster will be available to play tomorrow in Salt Lake, including the rookies.
