Storyline: DeAndre Jordan Free Agency
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“We are thrilled to welcome DeAndre and his family to Brooklyn,” said Nets General Manager Sean Marks. “As a veteran center with All-NBA and All-Defensive Team honors on his resume, DeAndre will provide us with the type of defensive mindset, toughness and leadership that are needed to compete at the highest levels of the NBA.”
Dennis Smith Jr. wasn’t surprised Irving, Durant and even DeAndre Jordan chose the Nets. Jordan was Smith’s teammate in Dallas and New York last season. “I wasn’t surprised, to be honest with you. People in the league talk anyway. They just keep it private. People in the league talk,” Smith said. “They’re great players but I like what we have, to be honest with you. I know there are a lot of hecklers out there and talking this that and the third. But I like what we have and I’m not really concerned with what’s going on in Brooklyn.”
KD, Kyrie taking less than the max
Adrian Wojnarowski: Free agents Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are taking less than the max to allow DeAndre Jordan to get the $10M annual salary with Brooklyn, league sources tell ESPN.
Adrian Wojnarowski: DeAndre Jordan has agreed to four-year, $40M deal with the Nets, Excel Sports agent Jeff Schwartz tells ESPN.
Albert Nahmad: Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving could structure their contracts as full maxes ($32.7M and $38.2M, respectively), but with $5.0M and $4.3M, respectively, as unlikely bonuses. That could save Nets $9.3M of cap room. A DeAndre Jordan 4-year, $40M contract could start as low as $9.3M.
Free-agent All-NBA star Kevin Durant plans to sign a four-year, $164 million contract to play for the Brooklyn Nets, league sources told ESPN. Durant will join free agents Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan, who also plan to sign with the franchise, league sources said.
The Nets are expected to meet with free agent forward Tobias Harris and also have DeAndre Jordan and Justin Holiday among the free agents on their radar, league sources told The Athletic. Harris embodies everything the Brooklyn Nets desire on and off the court. The Long Island native is a multi-positional player who can score in pick-and-roll sets and spread the floor on offense. On defense, he’s an above-average rebounder. In the locker room, Harris is coachable and has adapted to several roles while playing for five teams in his eight-year career. He comes in early and stays late in the gym.
Meanwhile, All-Star Kyrie Irving is fully focused on a potential deal with the Brooklyn Nets, league sources have told The Athletic. League sources say the Nets’ goals center upon forming a trio of Irving, Durant and free-agent center DeAndre Jordan. That is part of the intrigue in Brooklyn, the ability to take one commitment from Irving and turn it into the capability to sign all three. A trio of that magnitude should compete for multiple NBA championships in the Eastern Conference.
But Jordan, who played nine seasons with the LA Clippers, has an interest in playing in Los Angeles again, sources said. He would potentially be a fit for the Lakers, who are expected to try to find a way to sign Jordan and play him alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
Team sources still believe Jordan wants to return home, and that could strengthen if Capela is moved. He’s still close with Paul, and extremely close with Butler should that move materialize. Last season was a strange one for Jordan, starting out with a one-year max with Dallas and ending with him collecting DNP-CDs with the Knicks. The question remains, which side of 30 is he?
Other free agents on the Knicks’ radar include their own free-agent center DeAndre Jordan, Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins and twins Markieff and Marcus Morris. New Orleans Pelicans forward Julius Randle and the Knicks also have mutual interest, according to sources.
Nets interested in DeAndre Jordan?
Stefan Bondy: Beyond Durant factor, Nets need a big body to bang with the likes of Joel Embiid. They were crushed by Philly’s physicality in the playoffs. Sean Marks today: “I think adding size is certainly something we’ll look at as the summer transpires, but you never know what happens.”
Lakers interested in Brook Lopez, DeAndre Jordan
Brian Windhorst: “The Lakers, I think, are sniffing around [Lopez]. I think the Lakers need perimeter players. I think they’re going to have to use their money on perimeter players. I know DeAndre Jordan is a guy on the Lakers’ radar that they’re hoping they may able to get for relatively cheap because he wants to be back in L.A., but that’s another story for down the line.”
Stefan Bondy: David Fizdale reveals on ESPN radio that the Knicks offered to buyout DeAndre Jordan but he wanted to stay with the Knicks.
In the event they are relegated to pursuing second-tier free agents, ESPN’s Tim McMahon said on the “The Hoop Collective” podcast there are rumblings of DeMarcus Cousins being a possibility for the Lakers, in addition to DeAndre Jordan: “That’s definitely a rumor out there. DeAndre Jordan, too.”
“(GM) Scott Perry and (president) Steve (Mills) had a lot to do with that as well,” Fizdale said. “(DeAndre) sees a situation as a good situation for this year, having a real purpose, and possibly in the future. He’s like having another coach on the bench.” Asked why he decided to stick, Jordan said, “You want me to leave? Why do you keep asking me that? It’s what the league is about. It’s a fraternity. You learn from older guys like I learned from Marcus. Anytime you can help a younger player out that’s what you’re supposed to do. He’s playing well. We’ve played against each other in practice a lot. Its tough battles. He’s talking more. It’s something we all love to see.
A better fit would be New York Knicks center DeAndre Jordan, who the Lakers are eyeing before the March 1 playoff-eligibility waiver deadline. The Dallas Mavericks sent Jordan to New York in the Kristaps Porzingis trade. With the 11-47 Knicks focused on (or tanking for) the draft lottery, why wouldn’t they let him out of his contract to join a contender? The Knicks recently bought out guard Wesley Matthews, who then signed with the Indiana Pacers, but Jordan remains in New York.
Jordan still has a home in Los Angeles, but there’s no guarantee he’d pick the Lakers should the Knicks set him free. Other teams in better playoff position may be able to beat out James and the Lakers, but Jordan would be worth relegating starter JaVale McGee to the bench.
The Knicks acquired something else while trading Kristaps Porzingis: a conduit and recruiter to Kevin Durant. New York’s line on DeAndre Jordan is they hope he can mentor their young centers, but, as the Daily News has learned, the Knicks also view him as an asset in their pursuit of Durant.
Jordan, after all, is close with Durant and served a similar role while with the Clippers in the summer of 2016. Durant ultimately signed with the Warriors, but cited Jordan as the reason he even considered L.A.’s stepchild franchise.
He is on a $22.9 million expiring deal and will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer, so the Knicks – who have hopes of signing Durant and another max star – may not be able to bring Jordan back. But they could also use the mid-level exception (almost $9 million per season) to sign Jordan this summer, so it’s certainly possible. The Knicks have another of Durant’s buddies – Royal Ivey – as an assistant coach. Ivey and Durant were teammates on the Thunder for two seasons. Durant once called Ivey his best friend in the league.
The New York Knicks traded Kristaps Porzingis for a package that included DeAndre Jordan, who may actually help them land Kevin Durant. Brian Windhorst mentioned that New York plans to keep the two-time NBA rebounding leader, though many have expected Jordan to end up as a buyout candidate.
A reunion with the Clippers is a definite possibility. The team could use more rebounding, and Jordan could rebuild some of his defensive reputation by helping the Clippers in an area where they struggle. Jordan would like to return to Los Angeles, and he’s still close with coach Doc Rivers. Some NBA scouts believe a pairing with the Lakers, perhaps next summer, makes sense for Jordan, too.
However, Fizdale said he feels Jordan — and even the defensive-minded Matthews — can have a future with the Knicks. Even if the Knicks use up their cap space on mega free agents, they could offer Jordan, a two-time all-defensive selection and former All-Star, their $5 million room exception. “Both of those guys have played some [playoff] series on some really good basketball teams,” Fizdale said. “And who knows what the future holds for these guys? They’re ours now, free agents at the end of the year, but who knows? I want them to come here and enjoy the process with us and really help the young guys.”
A more immediate impact could come after the trade deadline, when the center-heavy Knicks could buy out Jordan’s contract, making him a free agent. A reunion with the Clippers is a definite possibility. The team could use more rebounding, and Jordan could rebuild some of his defensive reputation by helping the Clippers in an area where they struggle. Jordan would like to return to Los Angeles, and he’s still close with coach Doc Rivers. Some NBA scouts believe a pairing with the Lakers, perhaps next summer, makes sense for Jordan, too.
Marc J. Spears: Guard Gary Payton, Jr., expected to sign a 10-day contract with the Wizards tomorrow, a source said.
NBA sources said they do not believe the Mavs will offer Jordan a multi-year deal after his contract expires in the offseason, which is what both he and his agent will want.
Tim MacMahon: Sources: DeAndre Jordan’s salary for his one-year deal with the Mavericks is $22.9 million. He would have made $24.1 million if he opted into the final year of his contract with the Clippers. With no state income taxes in Texas, Jordan didn’t actually take a pay cut.
Marc Stein: DeAndre Jordan is offciallly a Dallas Maverick
DeAndre Jordan: 🤠 Mark Cuban: 👍👍👍#MFFL
Mike Fisher: The #Mavs will say: 1-year deal w #DeAndreJordan can lead to new long-term deal next summer. Yeah, maybe. Or … crazy cap room for Dallas next summer.
Marc Stein: DeAndre Jordan and the Dallas Mavericks have verbally agreed on a one-year deal approaching the $24.1 million option with the Clippers for next season that Jordan relinquished Friday, according to league sources
Marc Stein: Sources close to DeAndre Jordan say he is eager to join the Mavericks and has made that known to some of his potential new teammates, having declined his $24.1 million option with the Clippers for next season to ensure he had the ability to land in Dallas
Marc Stein: DeAndre Jordan and the Dallas Mavericks have scheduled a 12:01 a.m. meeting to immediately launch into free-agent negotiations and are expected to quickly reach terms on a new deal tonight, according to league sources.
Marc Stein: The Warriors know this has a marginal chance of success, but league sources say they intend to at least explore their free-agent chances with DeAndre Jordan, who is not only close pals with Kevin Durant but also one of GM Bob Myers’ former clients
Marc Stein: Such a move would require Jordan to take a deal starting at the taxpayer midlevel exception of $5.3 mil — which would cost the Warriors more like $27 mil next season. But it has been whispered around the Warriors for months that they will at least explore making a run at Jordan
Marc Stein: The Mavericks remain the favorites to sign Jordan. Dallas, remember, has created roughly $28 million in salary-cap space and — as you may remember from July 2015 — will make the longtime Clipper its No. 1 free-agent priority when the market opens Sunday at 12:01 AM ET
Tim Cato: the Mavericks told Wes Matthews yesterday that he would not be involved in a DeAndre trade, I’m told. trade talks died off today leading up to DeAndre’s opt out.
The Dallas Mavericks have declined face of the franchise Dirk Nowitzki’s $5 million team option to create additional salary cap space for their pursuit of free agent center DeAndre Jordan, a source confirmed.
In recent days, the Clippers and Mavericks were unable to come to terms on a sign-and-trade agreement to move Jordan to Dallas now, but the Mavericks have $27 million in salary-cap space — and the ability to create more — to sign Jordan and possibly add more in free agency.
Eddie Sefko: Sources have said Dirk Nowitzki is on board with the DeAndre Jordan move. Him giving up maybe only $600K is not a problem.
Brad Turner: DeAndre Jordan is opting out of his $24.1 million deal with the Clippers, per source.
Marc Stein: The Mavericks will make DeAndre Jordan their top target in free agency after Jordan informed the Clippers that he will bypass next season’s $24.1 million player option to become a free agent, league sources say
Marc Stein: The Mavericks did not want to surrender draft compensation in a potential trade with the Clippers for DeAndre Jordan and prefer instead to pursue him in free agency, league sources say
David Aldridge: Mavericks will be clear favorites to sign Jordan, three years after he verbally agreed to a deal in Dallas then changed his mind at the 11th hour to stay with the Clippers.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Sources: DeAndre Jordan still deliberating his Clippers $24.1M option with deadline approaching at 11:59 PM. Talks on a sign-and-trade could pick up again, but dormant today. Jordan could opt-out and sign free agent deal w/ Mavericks, or opt-in and work with Clippers on a trade.
Bobby Marks: Mavericks could sign DeAndre Jordan outright with cap space but certainly would like 2 bites of the apple by moving a contract like Wes Matthews and also have room to sign another FA.
If Jordan opts out of his $24 million deal for next season, LA has a starting center. If he opts in, the Clippers with one stroke of the pen regain some control of his destiny. They’d be fine keeping even a disgruntled Jordan, and using Gortat as a backup, sources say. If they trade him, they can do so without worrying about acquiring a center.
The Dallas Mavericks have made center DeAndre Jordan their primary target as free agency nears, league sources told ESPN.
If Jordan declines the option with the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources say the Mavs plan to aggressively pursue him in free agency, which begins Sunday. The interest is mutual, according to league sources, as hard feelings from three years ago have been forgiven.
Brad Turner: Sources: Clippers still waiting for DeAndre Jordan to make decision to opt-in, opt-out $24.1 million deal. Deadline Friday at midnight. Clips in daily contact with DJ’s reps. DJ’s agent talking with Mavs about center. Mavs interested to get DJ in sign-and-trade or free agent.
In the land of second chances, the Mavericks have made it clear they are in a forgiving mood, reversing field to become major threats for free-agent-to-be DeAndre Jordan. Management extended a qualifying offer to Doug McDermott on Tuesday, but then took it off the table when news broke about the Los Angeles Clippers trading for center Marcin Gortat from Washington. An NBA source said that the Mavericks need the roughly $10-million salary-cap hold that McDermott would have required if he had OK’d the qualifying offer and become a restricted free agent.
Gortat gives the Clippers a starting-level center should DeAndre Jordan opt-out of his $24.7M contract before Friday’s deadline. Even if Jordan opts-in to the deal, the Clippers and Jordan would work together to find a trade out of Los Angeles before — preferably well before the February trade deadline.
Marc Stein: One source described a Jordan-to-Dallas trade as a “long shot” … but the fact it’s on the board is the strongest indication yet that the sides are willing to engage again after Jordan’s about-face in 2015 free agency when he committed to the Mavs and then went back to the Clips
Brad Turner: Clippers center DeAndre Jordan hasn’t made decision yet on whether to opt in or opt out of his $24.1 million contract, per source. His deadline is Friday.
First, you’d have to forgive DeAndre Jordan. Or, more specifically — because if he somehow ends up in a Dallas Mavericks uniform, you, as an MFFL would surely grow to acceptance — first, Mavs management would have to forgive him. [….] Consider it done. The Mavs have, a source tells me, decided to let bygones bygones. And why? Well, they do need a center.
Part of the forgiveness is simply a matter of time healing wounds. In recent days, we’ve already seen one of the grandest “hug it outs” in franchise history as Mavs owner Mark Cuban participated in a make-up session with agent Bill Duffy, an organizational nemesis for a decade-and-a-half, the result of Duffy guiding Steve Nash away from the Mavs and to the Suns. The fact that this time around, Duffy was, sources tell me, a key participant in the NBA Draft night swap that brought his client Luka Doncic to Dallas via a trade with Atlanta, is a miracle of sorts. If the Mavs can reunite with Duffy, they can certainly do so with Jordan — who happens to be repped by agent Jeff Schwartz, who unlike Duffy has always been very Mavs-friendly.
Fan: where do you think Demarcus cousins and Deandre go? Jared Dudley: I think one will wind up in Dallas
The 10-year veteran, who was the subject of trade talks around last year’s deadline involving him and Clint Capela—talks which went nowhere due to Houston’s desire to keep Capela— has remained focused on the possibility of playing in Houston, two league sources told Rockets Wire. The sources requested anonymity because they are unauthorized to speak on the record about Jordan’s intentions. According to one source, Jordan was in the ears of multiple Rockets players throughout the 2017-2018 season, expressing his longtime desire to play in his hometown.
The source also detailed the events surrounding the infamous Clippers-Rockets postgame locker room altercation earlier in January. According to the source, after the altercation, Jordan spoke to multiple Rockets players on the team bus, citing frustration with the Clippers organization and a strong desire to leave. Blake Griffin, then a member of the Clippers and a teammate of Jordan, was traded to the Detroit Pistons less than two weeks later.
According to one source, Jordan was in the ears of multiple Rockets players throughout the 2017-2018 season, expressing his longtime desire to play in his hometown. The source also detailed the events surrounding the infamous Clippers-Rockets postgame locker room altercation earlier in January. According to the source, after the altercation, Jordan spoke to multiple Rockets players on the team bus, citing frustration with the Clippers organization and a strong desire to leave.
What do you make of this DeAndre Jordan chatter? Would the Mavs seriously be interested? Sefko: I’ve been told no. While you never say never in the NBA, this would be akin to having your wife leave you with half of everything you own, only to get flirty with you again so she could come back and get the other half of everything you own.
Mavs to pursue DeMarcus Cousins, DeAndre Jordan and Julius Randle?
Ever since word spread in league circles in March that Dirk Nowitzki would return to the Mavericks for his 21st season, there have also been rumblings that the Dallas front office will look to make additions this summer that can put the team back on a winning track. The Mavericks can create space to sign a max free agent, and multiple league sources expect them to pursue a trio of big men: DeAndre Jordan, DeMarcus Cousins, and restricted free agent Julius Randle. If the Mavericks do indeed plan to pursue expensive bigs in free agency, then it’d make sense to target a primary scorer, like Porter, rather than Bamba.
In the team’s final game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Rivers inserted forward/center Montrezl Harrell and pulled Jordan out of the game for the final time of the season, and potentially, for the final time as a member of the Clippers. Jordan and Rivers then shared an embrace; a lengthy, 10 second hug with pats on the back and it was clear some emotions were coming out in the process. “I basically told him I love him,” explained Rivers. “DJ’s been great for me. We don’t know what he’s going to do and that could possibly be the last game. I hope not obviously. DJ and I are very close. I challenged him when I took this job. I asked him to be one of the best defensive players, once of the best rebounders, and he took that title and ran with it. I’m just proud of him. He’s like a kid to me.
Tomer Azarly: LA #Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank says that although DeAndre Jordan (@DeAndre) has a player option, the team will continue to have dialogue with him and his agent – “There is a contract for him next year if he wants to be here.”
DeAndre Jordan is the last player standing from the greatest era in Clippers history, which would feel strange if he hadn’t also preceded all of those Blake Griffin in-your-face throw-downs and Paul no-look dimes. Lob City might be resting in peace, but Jordan has already defied the usual expectancy of a Clipper. He has worn the uniform for an unprecedented 10 years, becoming an unlikely mainstay who has outlasted All-Stars and journeymen alike. “I’m here and that’s what I’m focused on,” Jordan told Yahoo Sports. “I’m excited. Like I told somebody the other day, I hope I can play another 10 years here. That’s what I’m focused on now.”
The Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan has listed his home in Malibu for sale at $6.5 million. The two-story contemporary sits at the end of its own gated driveway in the guard-gated Serra Retreat neighborhood. Extensively remodeled, the house features high ceilings, wide-plank wood floors and full smart-home and security systems. Massive pocket doors open to a covered terrace for indoor-outdoor entertaining.
DeAndre Jordan came close to being dealt to the Cavaliers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, but the deal fell through because the Clippers were unwilling to absorb Iman Shumpert’s salary. This makes the summer ahead that much more interesting for Jordan. With the salary cap flattening, only seven teams are expected to have over $10 million in cap space. There were 10 such teams last summer and 25 in 2016, as ESPN’s Bobby Marks and Brian Windhorst recently wrote. A dearth of free-agent funds will lead to a hard choice for Jordan, who has a player option worth $24.1 million for the 2018-19 season. But multiple league executives think it’s unlikely that he’d receive that type of money annually on the open market. Most of the teams that are expected to have money, like the Hawks, 76ers, and Nets, don’t need an expensive 30-year-old rim-running center, and the teams that do need one won’t have to pay him max money.
Multiple executives and agents think DeAndre Jordan’s decision might depend more on where he wants to play than the money he can make. Jordan said on February 9 that he wants to be somewhere he’s wanted, and he doesn’t know whether that can be said about the Clippers. Still, you need to be careful about the emotional roller coaster players experience ahead of free agency. Jordan might not have been happy to have been shopped in January and February, but things can change by June.
Alex Kennedy: DeAndre Jordan wasn’t dealt. Sources say he could be a sign-and-trade candidate this summer. Or we may see him re-sign and then get dealt during the season (as the Clippers did with Blake Griffin). DJ would get his payday and L.A. would be able to get assets back as they rebuild.
David Aldridge: Wizards’ interest in @DeAndre Jordan, like almost every other team—maybe not the Cavs—would be predicated on him opting in for 2018-19 ($24.1M) rather than opting out to become UFA. From what I’ve heard thus far, Jordan has given no indication to anyone that he’d be willing to do that. Jordan hired Jeff Schwartz—perhaps the most powerful agent in the NBA—last year. You generally don’t do that if you’re just going to opt in next summer rather than opt out and seek a max/near max contract.
Sam Amick: And once he did this, I’m told, the Clippers’ phones started getting quieter. To DA’s point, teams got the message about DJ’s mindset when he made that hire. This is why him staying is still very possible. twitter.com/daldridgetnt/s…
One of the roadblocks for a team to trade for him is his contract situation as he could become a free agent by the summer. Teams do not see this as a good sign, as he could turn out to be a very risky loan for them, and could give up assets without the guarantee of him re-signing with them. That was also part of the report made by Zach Lowe of ESPN, as he stated that Jordan would be even more appealing if he opted into his contract for next season. Interest leaguewide would be higher if Jordan signaled he might opt into his deal for next season, but that hasn’t happened, sources say.
How are you taking teammate DeAndre Jordan’s pending free-agency situation? Blake Griffin: This is his second time being in this situation. Before that he was a restricted free agent. Each time I’ve told him the same thing. He knows and he’ll know the exact same thing about how I feel about him and how much we want him to be here, to be a Clipper for life. But at the end of the day, he has a family and he has to make the decision that is best for him. Whatever that is, I’ll support him. He’ll know how much we want him here.
Bobby Marks: Outside of staying with the Clippers, it will be a lukewarm FA market for DeAndre Jordan if he opts-out. 6 teams with room: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix and Philly. All rebuilds or already have a C. Hard to recoup his $24.2M player option if he opts-out.
Jordan has a player option worth $24.11 million, and while most insiders don’t believe there will be a very robust free agent market for traditional centers, there is something to the idea of trading in $24.11 million for a multi-year deal. With the Clippers beginning to accept that a rebuild is more than necessary, Jordan’s future with the Clippers is anything but clear, especially with the notion of him expecting a new deal north of $100 million.
DeAndre Jordan chooses new agent
After two years without an agent, LA Clippers All-Star center DeAndre Jordan has hired new representation with trade discussions and free agency on his immediate horizon, league sources told ESPN. Jordan, 29, has signed with Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, sources said, who will help navigate the processes expected to determine Jordan’s future with the Clippers.
February 19, 2020 | 7:57 am EST Update
Thibs wants Knicks job?
When not traveling, the unmarried Thibodeau has made his home base at his brother’s place in New England. “He really wants the Knick job,” a Thibodeau confidant said. “He can taste it and he may even be in the lead.”
“Rose has always been known as much more ethical than most agents, and if he can deliver players and let a strong coach coach, this could work out,” the Thibodeau confidant said. “It’s never a sure thing because of ownership, but Thibs knows he can work with Rose and also knows he’d be able to bring in his people as well.”
Donatas Urbonas: Donatas Motiejunas revealed few NBA teams expressed interest in signing him, there’s Euroleague options too. But Motiejunas remains under the contract with Shanghai Sharks and is not willing to terminate it.
Nick Friedell: Kerr on Steph wearing red non-contact jersey in practice. “We’re calling him Tom Brady today. ‘Don’t touch Steph.’” Kerr said Curry won’t be cleared for scrimmages this week. Kerr says organization still doesn’t have specific return date yet. Next update expected in two weeks.
Dirk Nowitzki received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award on Monday in Berlin. The 2020 Laureus World Sports Awards brought together a who’s who of personalities from across the world. In his homeland, the Dallas Mavericks icon, who retired last summer after 21 seasons with the team, received the honor of a lifetime.
February 19, 2020 | 7:56 am EST Update
Thibs wants Knicks job?
When not traveling, the unmarried Thibodeau has made his home base at his brother’s place in New England. “He really wants the Knick job,” a Thibodeau confidant said. “He can taste it and he may even be in the lead.”
“Rose has always been known as much more ethical than most agents, and if he can deliver players and let a strong coach coach, this could work out,” the Thibodeau confidant said. “It’s never a sure thing because of ownership, but Thibs knows he can work with Rose and also knows he’d be able to bring in his people as well.”
Donatas Urbonas: Donatas Motiejunas revealed few NBA teams expressed interest in signing him, there’s Euroleague options too. But Motiejunas remains under the contract with Shanghai Sharks and is not willing to terminate it.
Nick Friedell: Kerr on Steph wearing red non-contact jersey in practice. “We’re calling him Tom Brady today. ‘Don’t touch Steph.’” Kerr said Curry won’t be cleared for scrimmages this week. Kerr says organization still doesn’t have specific return date yet. Next update expected in two weeks.
Dirk Nowitzki received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award on Monday in Berlin. The 2020 Laureus World Sports Awards brought together a who’s who of personalities from across the world. In his homeland, the Dallas Mavericks icon, who retired last summer after 21 seasons with the team, received the honor of a lifetime.
February 19, 2020 | 2:27 am EST Update
Moe Harkless on Lakers' radar
That doesn’t mean they aren’t looking, though. In fact, during an appearance on ESPN LA 710’s “The Sedano Show” on Tuesday, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Lakers are waiting to see what happens with Moe Harkless, who was traded from the 37-18 LA Clippers to the 17-38 New York Knicks in the Marcus Morris deal earlier this month: “Moe Harkless is a name I’ve heard they’re interested in and monitoring and still have an eye on.”
Thanasis, 27, is currently a little-used reserve on the Bucks, while Kostas, 22, is on a two-way contract with the Lakers. “I think that’d be amazing,” Giannis told USA Today. “Obviously we’d spend more time together. I’m 100 percent sure my mom would love that. But if we could end up on a team in Milwaukee, L.A. whatever, that’d be awesome.”
Andre Drummond to be traded again?
There’s some belief around the league that the Cavaliers could look to flip Drummond as early as this summer. “I don’t think [Drummond and the Cavs] will last long,” one former NBA general manager said. “I could see them trading him to a team this summer if he agrees to pick up his option. They could also do a sign-and-trade if he agrees to a new long-term deal. I don’t think he’ll be in Cleveland for long.”
While the Pistons were seeking salary relief this summer, the Cavs are believed to want Drummond to pick up his option so they can use him as a trade chip next season.
Altman admitted he and Drummond hadn’t talked about what he would do with his option before the trade, but he was fine sacrificing the Cavaliers’ upcoming salary-cap space for him. “Absolutely, we consider him a potential long-term play,” Altman said. “Obviously, he has a player option that if he picks up, we think we’re in good shape in terms of our cap space. There’s no better money spent than on Andre Drummond if he picks up his option.”
That didn’t make sense for a Cavs team focused on asset accumulation at this point. “Kevin and [agent] Jeff [Schwartz] wanted a trade, but I think both knew it probably wasn’t going to happen,” the former GM said. “It’s something they’ll push for again in the summer. I think he’ll be traded this summer since the free-agent market is so bare and the draft doesn’t look like anything special. Teams need to add talent somehow.”
“There’s a lot of bad contracts they could have traded him for. The Sixers would have traded Al Horford for him, but why would Cleveland do that? They want expiring money and picks,” the former GM said. “Portland could have made a deal work, but for what? They would have really had to look at their cap space and tax money for next year and asked how far a trade for Love would really push them. Would it make them a top-four seed in the West? I don’t think so.”
Connor Letourneau: Jeremy Pargo and Zach Norvell had their 10-days end today, and they will not be brought back. Kerr said he wasn’t totally sure what went into the decision.
So just to fact-check the popular narrative, Russell’s journey to Houston started with a phone call from you, James. He said he was interested, and then the Rockets front office made it happen. Harden: That simple. If the goal was for you guys to play together again, did you ever discuss James going back to OKC? Westbrook: Discuss James coming to OKC? Yeah. Westbrook: Oh, nah! [laughs] No, that wasn’t a thought. Harden: It’s impossible. It’s impossible? Harden: It’s impossible. Why? Westbrook: I never thought about that until now. [laughs]
When did you hit your growth spurt and take that next step as a player? Jaren Jackson Jr: I probably hit my growth spurt during freshman year or toward the end of freshman year. It was probably because, I don’t know, I was eating a lot of broccoli or something (laughs). Then, I just grew. I was about 6-foot-5 and then I became 6-foot-10 real quick, so I had to figure out how not to trip over myself all the time (laughs). Once I got all of that together, I was good!
Of the 19 seasons this century where a team outscored its opponents by at least 8 percent, only seven resulted in championships; of the 12 that didn’t, only one (Detroit in 2008) was knocked out by another team on this list. Sum it up and these dominant regular season teams only went 7-for-18 (38.9 percent) converting their awesomeness into championships.
According to sources, the Cavs and Beilein both believed he had already coached his final NBA game when he left for the All-Star break, but Beilein hadn’t made a firm decision and needed to have numerous conversations, both internally and externally, before walking away from the remainder of his contract.
As of Tuesday evening, even though Beilein stepping down was a mere formality, multiple coaches on staff hadn’t received an official update on Beilein’s immediate future, sources say. The Athletic reported that Beilein was prepared to walk away from the remainder of his deal, which was originally a four-year contract that contained a team option for the fifth year and was worth around $4 million per season.
Beilein struggled with the stress of losing games and the lack of control he felt within the locker room, league sources said. The organization largely wanted him to just concentrate on developing the young talent on the roster.
Friends and associates of Beilein have described him as unhappy — even miserable — with the move to the Cavaliers. The losing that comes with a rebuild, as well as several skirmishes in public and private with players, has played a part in the rapid deterioration of tenure, sources said.
The Timberwolves would retire Garnett’s jersey tomorrow if they could. He is far and away the most accomplished and most popular player to ever suit up here. The lone stretch of modest success enjoyed by the team was in KG’s prime. There appeared at one point to be a possible thawing of the iciness as recently as last season. But Garnett remains upset at owner Glen Taylor for the way things ended and a promise that he believes was broken.
Throughout that previous season, KG had made it clear behind the scenes that he planned on taking over as a primary decision-maker in the franchise. He wanted to be an owner and implement his own vision for where this team could go. That he wasn’t consulted on the decision not to retain Mitchell and the implementation of a new front office felt like a betrayal to him. “I think if you put enough blood, sweat and tears into these organizations, you should have at least the option to be able to buy into or have a piece of it,” Garnett said during an All-Star weekend appearance with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson on their “All the Smoke” podcast. “Hell, you helped build it.
The reality is it is a delicate situation for them. They know that Garnett still holds a grudge against Taylor. They understand that there is a large gap to be bridged. They want things to be on good terms before such a festive event is planned. Wolves CEO Ethan Casson and COO Ryan Tanke, longtime franchise employees who have some rapport with Garnett, and Ryan Saunders, Flip’s son and the current head coach, have worked hard behind the scenes over the last several years to try to repair the organization’s relationship with its biggest star.
Former equipment manager Clayton Wilson, a longtime Garnett confidante, had a special jersey made for him and the organization bent over backward to make him feel welcome in his first game back since he retired. It was then that there was a belief that progress was being made. As it stands today, the Wolves still hold out hope that they are headed in the right direction toward the essential re-establishment of a connection with the team’s North Star.
The team Michael Jordan owns played host to the 2019 All-Star Game in Charlotte, N.C. The team Jordan led to six championships in the 1990s just played host to the 2020 All-Star Game in Chicago. Jordan made the briefest of public appearances last year, when he was essentially considered the All-Star grand marshal, and then stayed completely out of public view this year. Jordan defenders always tell me, when I bring this stuff up, that I cannot possibly understand how hard it is for His Airness to put himself out there. He’s a very private person, they always say, and makes it his mission to avoid the spotlight.
What does that player need to be to earn a signature sneaker? Harden: The whole package. Westbrook: You can’t just be one-dimensional. I didn’t deserve a signature shoe for a while, because I didn’t earn it. But I’ve earned my way, and now I have my own. I’m realistic when it pertains to that. Some players just get a shoe. Like James said: You gotta have the package. The fan base. Your play gotta speak, obviously. Outside of basketball, whatever else you got going on. You gotta be “that guy” to be able to have a shoe. Because nowadays everybody got a shoe. [laughs]
Joe Ingles: A guy puts a phone right in my face and says ‘selfie, selfie’… I said at least say please. Then says ‘you want me to call you sir also’? Seriously, come on man. I have no issue at all having photos with people but at least say please. Especially if I’m with my family.
February 18, 2020 | 8:32 pm EST Update
Adrian Wojnarowski: Story filed to ESPN: After a brief and tumultuous tenure, John Beilein is leaving as Cleveland’s coach. Associate HC JB Bickerstaff will be elevated to head coach. Beilein’s expected to say goodbye to staff and players on Wednesday upon team’s return from All-Star Break.
February 18, 2020 | 8:32 pm EST Update
Adrian Wojnarowski: Story filed to ESPN: After a brief and tumultuous tenure, John Beilein is leaving as Cleveland’s coach. Associate HC JB Bickerstaff will be elevated to head coach. Beilein’s expected to say goodbye to staff and players on Wednesday upon team’s return from All-Star Break.
Fresh off of securing a buyout with Detroit, veteran guard Reggie Jackson intends to sign with the Clippers once he clears waivers Thursday afternoon, a person with knowledge of Jackson’s plans confirmed Tuesday.
For the Clippers, Jackson’s expected signing would come with another benefit — keeping him away from the Lakers, who also hold interest in signing him to bolster their backcourt. The Clippers also acquired another Lakers target, New York forward Marcus Morris, ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Jackson, however, had eyes on the Clippers because of his close friendship with forward Paul George.
Jonathan Feigen: Rockets make it official, announcing the 10-day contract with Jeff Green. Daryl Morey: “Jeff is a very versatile player. Can play big, can guard on the perimeter, athletic, somebody that can hit 3s. We love his versatility and feel he can fit right in w/ what we’re trying to do.”
Bobby Marks: Houston makes it official on the Jeff Green 10-Day. The contract will cover 4 games (at GSW, at UTH, vs. NYK and vs. MEM) and expire on Feb. 27. Green will earn $144,901 with Houston incurring a $91,557 cap hit.
Bobby Marks: Houston makes it official on the Jeff Green 10-Day. The contract will cover 4 games (at GSW, at UTH, vs. NYK and vs. MEM) and expire on Feb. 27. Green will earn $144,901 with Houston incurring a $91,557 cap hit.
Rod Boone: Cody Martin (concussion protocol) and Terry Rozier (left knee soreness) both fully practiced today, according to James Borrego. Appears #Hornets will have both available for Thursday’s game vs. the Bulls in Chicago, which is their first contest after the All-Star break.
Leon Rose may learn to hate the Miami Heat once he transforms from superagent to Knicks president, but not for this one last weekend. One of the holdups to officially joining the Knicks is his participation in the Heat’s three-day Dwyane Wade retirement extravaganza this weekend, which Rose helped plan.
The Wade tributes — called “L3GACY Celebration” — will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday’s event at AmericanAirlines Arena will be a series of tributes to honor Wade’s impact on the Heat and the South Florida community. Wade’s jersey No. 3 will be retired Saturday before the Heat host the Cavaliers. Sunday, a documentary will be screened highlighting Wade’s NBA career, with the 13-time All-Star and three-time champion addressing the crowd.
Marc J. Spears: Sig Sports hired All-In-One Sports Management CEO Jacquail Jacox-Knight as Associate Director of Men’s Basketball, source said. Jacox, who used to work with the NBA’s Draymond Green and NFL’s Bennie Fowler and Brandon Graham, will partner with agent Mike Lelchitski at Sig Sports.
February 18, 2020 | 6:54 pm EST Update
Kyrie Irving continues to struggle with the shoulder injury that caused him to miss 26 games earlier this season and is scheduled to see another specialist this week, Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said. “That’s about all I can tell you,” Atkinson said. “His shoulder continues to bother him. That’s about the extent of it now.”
Atkinson said Irving will be unavailable for Brooklyn’s first game after the All-Star Break against the 76ers on Thursday. Irving was not at practice on Tuesday night. Atkinson said he will have a clearer timetable for Irving after he sees the specialist.
Atkinson said Tuesday that it was not a specific play or practice that caused Irving to be in pain again, but rather something he’s been dealing with continuously. “The shoulder is a tough thing,” Atkinson said. “I just think it was an on and off thing where it’s bothering you. Some days you feel good, some days you don’t feel good. But I think it got to the point it was, ‘Hey let’s see another specialist.'”
Gerald Bourguet: Suns have assigned Jalen Lecque to the G League for the 6th time this season. In 25 games with the NAZ Suns, he’s averaged 13.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG and 3.0 APG in 25.8 MPG
KC Johnson: Otto Porter Jr. said he felt good while practicing fully. Said he’ll play when he’s 100 percent.
