Adam Zagoria: UCLA’s TJ Leaf will declare for the Draft with the intention of signing with an agent, he tells me.
Adam Zagoria: UCLA's TJ Leaf will declare for the Draft…
May 31, 2023 | 10:27 am EDT Update
Jonas Valanciunas would like extension with Pelicans
Valanciunas also talked about his future in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Lithuanian big man revealed he would like to stay with the Pelicans. “We had some talks with [the team]. I think this summer won’t be easy for them [team executives] because they will have to make a few key decisions. Our season didn’t go as planned, so there will definitely be changes,” Valanciunas said. “I would like to stay and extend my contract,” JV continued. “Obviously, during the season, you try to help the team as much as possible, but when the summer comes, you try to take care of your own things – how to extend the contract and stuff.”
In an interview with Kestas Rimkus from 24sek.lt, the 31-year-old talked about his situation in the NBA, a possible return to the EuroLeague, and the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup. “I can see myself playing for a European club,” Valanciunas revealed Kestas Rimkus from 24sek.lt “I felt sympathy for European basketball for the whole of my life, so I would not rule such a possibility in the future.” “At this moment, I prefer teams with Lithuanian connections, including Barcelona with Saras and Rokas [Jokubatis]. Whether I’ll play there one day? It’s difficult to say. It’s two different things to support and play for the team,” Valanciunas added.
The Home of Glory Twitter account made this announcement on Tuesday, while Mundo Deportivo sources say Mirotic’s departure is a “very real possibility.” According to BasketNews sources, the two sides have already had a few conversations about solving the current contract, but there’s still no agreement in place. Per Mundo Deportivo, it is hoped that these discussions can progress swiftly to reach a satisfactory resolution for all parties involved.
Sources say Henderson is also very interested in Charlotte’s situation and would welcome hearing his name called second, as much due to geographic proximity to his hometown of Marietta, Georgia, as the excitement over new ownership that is potentially taking over the Hornets organization this summer. If that doesn’t materialize, landing in Portland and being mentored by Damian Lillard is also viewed as an attractive option.
May 31, 2023 | 9:18 am EDT Update
Portland remains committed to building around Damian Lillard
Scotto: Damian Lillard created a little bit of a stir when he showed up to watch the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center during the playoffs and caught his guy Mikal Bridges playing. With that said, Portland still plans to build around Lillard, I’m told.
Highkin: If Dame was to reverse course and say it’s time to get me somewhere else, I think they’d work with him and get him somewhere he wants to go. But that’s not what Iheard they’re thinking of doing or their mindset at all right now.
Scotto: Rival executives have been closely monitoring Portland believing that the third overall pick is potentialtrade bait if the Blazers try to improve the roster and compete with Lillard. Portland has received inquiries from various teams interested in the third pick, I’m told. So far, Portland is listening, but the sense is the Blazers are comfortable taking either Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller if either player falls to them, depending on what Charlotte does at pick two.
Scotto: Portland just signed Simons to a deal. Looking ahead at the salary cap rise, he’s at a decent number. I’m confidentpeople in Portland will tell you the same thing. Portland could’ve traded Anfernee Simons to Orlando as part of a package for Aaron Gordon when he was with Orlando, who was eventually dealt to Denver and is headed to the NBA Finals, but Neil Olshey didn’t pull the trigger.
