Yet there are also major optics concerns for the Lakers. Team officials, sources say, do not want to pay a premium to move on from Westbrook so soon after the Lakers gave up so much to get the Los Angeles native.
Yet there are also major optics concerns for the Lakers…
June 27, 2022 | 4:15 pm EDT Update
Heat more interested in Kevin Durant than Kyrie Irving
The Heat has far more interest in acquiring Durant than Irving, according to a source close to the situation. Acquiring Irving comes with a risk because his availability has become a major issue.
Any potential interest the Heat has in acquiring Irving, 30, will depend on what his price is on the trade market or in free agency. The belief is the Heat is not currently willing to give up its top assets to acquire Irving — a list that obviously includes Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, and also Tyler Herro.
There are rumors floating about that Victor Oladipo is looking for a short-term contract to build his value and the Kings have been mentioned as a potential landing spot. He’s played with Sabonis in both OKC and Indiana, so there is some familiarity, but the injury risk is substantial.
Josh Robbins: Wizards assistant coach Zach Guthrie will serve as the Wizards’ head coach during upcoming NBA Summer League games.
The way people watch sporting events is shifting. More people consume games via streaming or social media, and the NBA has never been more popular than it is today, especially with advertisers. For example, according to iSpot.tv data, the NBA playoffs brought in $842 million in sales revenue for Disney and Turner Sports. That’s 19% more than the $705 million networks brought in last year and a 54% increase compared to $546 million in 2019. So my point is…numbers can be deceiving.
June 27, 2022 | 4:00 pm EDT Update
Clippers to make strong pitch to John Wall in free agency
League sources reiterated Monday that the Clippers would be making a strong pitch to Wall once he makes it to the open market, with their chances of signing him said to be enhanced by the presence of coach Tyronn Lue.
Kevon Looney re-signing with Warriors?
There is growing pessimism, league sources say, among teams interested in pursuing Kevon Looney about the ability to pry Looney away from the newly minted champions in Golden State. Looney is increasingly expected to re-sign with the Warriors on a multiyear deal after playing a vital role in their fourth title run in a span of eight seasons.
