Latest news with #BrianWindhorst
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ben Simmons to Celtics Deemed Unlikely for One Reason
Ben Simmons to Celtics Deemed Unlikely for One Reason originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In recent weeks, there have been multiple reports tying Ben Simmons to the Boston Celtics. Both Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst revealed that the Celtics are among the teams interested in signing the three-time All-Star. Since his fallout with the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons has not played at the same level he once did. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged five points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds a game while shooting 52% from the field in 51 games combined with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. After losing Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and presumably Al Horford, the Celtics don't have that many big men in their frontcourt. Their rotation of centers includes Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman, Luka Garza, and Amari Williams. However, despite the Celtics' interest in Simmons, he doesn't seem likely to join them. Not unless someone else gets traded first. CLNS Media's Bobby Manning explained how, from a roster standpoint, he doesn't see the Celtics adding Simmons. "If #Celtics sign Ben Simmons, they're effectively committing to 15 players to start the year which they haven't done in some time," Manning wrote. "Unless they have a path in mind to further downsizing payroll in September/later, or adjusting the roster, I don't see it unless they love him…" If the Celtics get rid of someone first to open a roster spot and/or make trades to reduce their payroll, that scenario could open the door for Boston to sign Simmons. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers rumors: What Brian Windhorst thinks LeBron James ultimately ‘wants'
The post Lakers rumors: What Brian Windhorst thinks LeBron James ultimately 'wants' appeared first on ClutchPoints. Upon entering the final year of his contract, the NBA world speculates that the upcoming season could be Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James' last campaign, either with the Lakers or marking the end of an unprecedented career. After James addressed the shift from the Big 3 era, a time when LeBron thrived by capturing four championships, ESPN's Brian Windhorst suggested what he thinks the Hall of Fame forward truly wants. For Windhorst, the face of the Lakers' franchise may have switched to Luka Doncic, but James' desire to stay in LA remains the same. 'A lot has changed for LBJ in the last year. A year ago, the Lakers were offering him a multi-year deal with a player option, drafted and guaranteed Bronny a long-term deal, and LBJ was offering to give up money to work with free agents,' Windhorst said. 'Now Luka is centerpiece of franchise and the transition has shocked and strained everyone and they're all dealing with the new reality. That's playing out partially in real time and in some public. At the end of the day, I think LBJ wants to be a Laker.' With a full season alongside Doncic and new additions, such as veteran center Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart added to the roster, 2025-26 could be James' best chance at returning to the NBA Finals since 2020. Also, the Lakers still have Rui Hachimura and Austin Reeves, both of whom are on the cusp of entering their respective prime years, while Dalton Knecht is coming off an impressive rookie campaign. Brian Windhorst could be accurate. LeBron James on NBA's shift ahead of last season with Lakers After Lakers All-Star LeBron James opted in to his final year of a two-year, $104 million contract, he spoke about the shift from the NBA's Big 3 era to where the league is today. Teams no longer look for the best three All-Stars to put together, but rather prioritize depth and team-friendly contracts. James pointed out the noticeable shift, per the Mind the Game podcast. 'I played in the era as well of the Big 3 era, but it's looking like now the game is starting to shift again to how can we create the most depth,' James said. 'But also, how can we create the most energy life? How can we have the most shelf life out on the floor to be able to sustain an injury or sustain a run throughout the course of a game, where guys can come in, and it's infectious all game long.' Adapting is key for James and the Lakers as they enter the upcoming season with high hopes. Related: Lakers rumors: Slovenian news site claims Luka Doncic already agreed to $229 million extension Related: NBA rumors: Bill Simmons, Zach Lowe ponder Lakers-Heat LeBron James trade
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Teams Set High Prices For Their Centers When The Lakers Called For Trades
NBA Teams Set High Prices For Their Centers When The Lakers Called For Trades originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers needed a starting-caliber center entering this offseason, and they got one in Deandre Ayton. Before Ayton became available, though, the Lakers were seemingly facing a bit of a problem, as NBA insider Brian Windhorst reported that teams with centers to trade had driven up the asking price. "Teams who had centers available were keeping their price for the Lakers high when they called, sources said, after they had established what they were willing to pay for Mark Williams (in February's rescinded trade)." The Lakers were sending Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round draft pick, and a 2030 pick swap to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams. They would later rescind that trade due to concerns regarding Williams' health. With teams knowing the Lakers were willing to give up that kind of package for Williams at the deadline, it's not surprising that the asking price was high. They also knew they were dealing with a team that was desperate to get a quality center next to Luka Doncic. It was reported that some of the notable centers the Lakers were looking to trade for were Nic Claxton, Walker Kessler, and Robert Williams III. Claxton was being touted as a realistic target, but it's possible the Brooklyn Nets were one of the teams that Windhorst was referring to. As for Kessler, well, the Utah Jazz's asking price had proven to be too high for the Lakers for quite some time now. The Jazz reportedly would have wanted a package that included two first-round picks and Knecht for Kessler back in January. Keep in mind, this was before the Lakers were desperate to get a big, when they had Anthony Davis. The price might have even gone up further after Davis was traded for Doncic. When it comes to Williams, though, you'd think even the Lakers' desperation couldn't have driven up the price too much. He has played just 26 games in the last two seasons for the Portland Trail Blazers due to injury and should have been attainable without giving up assets of great value. Perhaps it was those health concerns that dissuaded the Lakers from making a move, not the asking price. In the end, the Lakers got their starter and backup for the center spot without having to give up any assets. Ayton was signed to a two-year, $16.6 million deal after the Trail Blazers bought out the last year of his contract, while Jaxson Hayes returned on a one-year deal worth $3.4 million. It's not a great rotation, but it isn't terrible either. The Lakers were forced to start Hayes last season after rescinding the Williams trade. While he fared fairly well during the regular season, it was crystal clear that head coach JJ Redick didn't trust him in the playoffs. Hayes averaged just 7.8 minutes per game in the first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Redick all but removed him from the rotation, and the Lakers needed an upgrade. Despite all his flaws, Ayton is a significant upgrade over Hayes. He averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game for the Trail Blazers in 2024-25. Lakers' President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka believes Ayton is an ideal player to add to their core. There is very little risk involved here due to the nature of the contract, so even if things don't work out, this won't go down as a disastrous story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
4 Ideal Destinations For Lauri Markkanen Amid Recent Trade Rumors
4 Ideal Destinations For Lauri Markkanen Amid Recent Trade Rumors originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Lauri Markkanen has been one of the most productive players for the Utah Jazz during his tenure with the team. While it would be highly unlikely for the Jazz to part ways with the forward, the recent trade of John Collins has effectively changed the outlook of the franchise. Recent revelations have suggested that the Jazz traded Collins because of his impact on winning. If this is to be considered true, a similar future may present itself for Markkanen, who averaged 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 42.3% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range. ESPN's Brian Windhorst addressed this matter on a recent episode of "The Hoop Collective" podcast, when talking about the possibility of Markkanen being traded. He said: "I don't think Markkanen is getting traded in the next few weeks. I know this is not necessarily what he signed up for, so keep an eye on Markkanen.' While this presents a vague future, there is a real likelihood for the Jazz forward to be on the way out of Utah. Considering that he has been involved in trade rumors with the Lakers, there is certainly a market for him. But with a $46,394,100 cap hit this season and with four years left on his contract, teams may be hesitant to trade for him due to the risk of going over the first apron. With this in mind, we explore four ideal destinations for the 28-year-old this offseason. Brooklyn Nets The Brooklyn Nets have been making some interesting moves this offseason. Although they have some capable scorers on their side, they could benefit from having a player possessing Lauri Markkanen's skillset anchor their frontcourt rotation. Proposed Trade Details Brooklyn Nets Receive: Lauri Markkanen Utah Jazz Receive: Nic Claxton, Terance Mann, Noah Clowney, 2027 first-round pick (NYK), 2031 first-round pick A deal of this nature would be considered quite outrageous, but the benefits for the Nets are not to be overlooked. The addition of Lauri Markkanen would be a massive boost to the overall roster strength. The recent acquisition of Michael Porter Jr. from the Denver Nuggets only added to the offensive firepower. With a versatile forward like Markkanen starting next to him, Brooklyn would have significantly more offensive options available to them. Markkanen's length is also a big factor in this move. At 7'0" tall, the Finnish forward would be the tallest person in the starting rotation. Paired with an athletic big man like Day'Ron Sharpe, who is capable of holding his own in the paint, the Nets would feature an offensively flexible frontcourt if the trade goes through. The decision to part ways with Claxton also finds some basis in the performance of Nets rookie Danny Wolf in the Summer League. Wolf has showcased tremendous ball handling and playmaking ability for a player of his size. Should the Nets cultivate his talents, he would be a tremendous fit next to Markkanen in the starting rotation. Detroit Pistons Another team that could benefit from adding some size to its roster is the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons are primed to make a rise through the ranks of the Eastern Conference next season, and with Markkanen on their side, they would be a force to be reckoned with. Proposed Trade Details Detroit Pistons Receive: Lauri Markkanen Utah Jazz Receive: Tobias Harris, Caris LeVert, 2027 first-round pick The Jazz do this deal to acquire expiring and short-term contracts along with draft capital. But the Pistons do this deal purely to become a contender in the East. Given the current state of the conference, the Pistons have a real shot at being a top-4 team. Led by an inspiring young star in Cade Cunningham, Detroit features all the right pieces to be a threat, except for size. While Jalen Duren has had an immense impact on the team's interior defense and rebounding effort, the lack of size in the frontcourt has limited their overall output. The addition of Markkanen would give the team a lot more balance. Markkanen's ability to stretch the floor would create more opportunities for players like Ausar Thompson and Cade Cunningham to operate near the basket. Interestingly, the departure of Tim Hardaway Jr. also created a need for a perimeter threat. The addition of Duncan Robinson addressed this need, but it also allows a stretch forward like Markkanen to seamlessly fit into the rotation. While the on-court chemistry may take time to develop, Markkanen's presence could ultimately prove beneficial for this young Pistons squad. Portland Trail Blazers Since allowing Deandre Ayton to walk in free agency, the Portland Trail Blazers need a more dynamic, star-caliber player. With Markkanen available on the market, the Blazers could look to restructure their franchise around the 28-year-old. Proposed Trade Details Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Lauri Markkanen Utah Jazz Receive: Jerami Grant, Matisse Thybulle, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 second-round pick (WAS or IND) The Trail Blazers could prove to be an interesting landing spot for Lauri Markkanen this offseason. While Portland's long-term direction remains unclear, indications suggest they intend to move on from Jerami Grant's contract. In this trade scenario, Grant's departure would be greeted by Markkanen's arrival. This would be an upgrade in every sense. Markkanen's perimeter shooting and overall offensive versatility make him a superior acquisition to Grant. Although his defensive contributions pale in comparison, the forward proves to be a more reliable presence on the floor overall. The Blazers aren't in a position to compete at this juncture, especially considering how stacked the Western Conference is. In the immediate context, the pairing of Markkanen and the newly acquired Jrue Holiday could make for a formidable duo. But with some talented players on their roster, Portland could look to structure their rebuild around their young players instead, with the 28-year-old playing the role of the veteran leader. Washington Wizards The Washington Wizards have made a lot of moves this offseason, acquiring a lot of veteran talent in the process of doing so. With a relatively competent roster, the Wizards could look to bolster their starting rotation by trading for Lauri Markkanen. Proposed Trade Details Washington Wizards Receive: Lauri Markkanen Utah Jazz Receive: Marcus Smart, Corey Kispert, 2026 first-round pick (PHX), 2027 first-round pick, 2029 second-round pick (HOU) Last season, the Wizards finished at the bottom of the East with the worst record in the NBA. After making some changes, the team is primed to be more competitive. The addition of CJ McCollum gives some legs to their starting backcourt, but it is quite evident that their frontcourt needs some support. A trade for Lauri Markkanen would answer the need for length and offensive firepower in the frontcourt. Paired with Khris Middleton on the wings, Markkanen would have the opportunity to be the primary scoring option on the team. Injuries have disrupted Markkanen's rhythm, but he's proven capable of carrying an offense. A trio of Markkanen, McCollum, and Middleton could potentially be effective if the three of them remain healthy. The outlook with the Wizards is possibly the weakest among the four teams mentioned. But the opportunity to be the go-to option on offense could do wonders in improving Markkanen's overall value. Is It Time For The Jazz To Trade Markkanen? There are multiple ways to approach this question, especially while considering what the Jazz's approach to the offseason has been. Utah has made attempts to acquire short-term deals, expiring contracts, and draft capital. While this would indicate an attempt at building through the draft and rebuilding, the Jazz haven't necessarily succeeded in doing so thus far. Drafting Ace Bailey and developing Keyonte George could have promise in the future, but Markkanen is entering his prime and has four years left on his contract. If the timelines aren't matching, Utah should consider trading the forward while his contract still has story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Fans Told 'Don't Panic' If Luka Doesn't Sign Extension This Summer
Lakers Fans Told 'Don't Panic' If Luka Doesn't Sign Extension This Summer originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Despite early hopes that a new deal would be finalized this summer, Luka Doncic's contract extension with the Lakers may not come until September. According to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, there are multiple reasons behind the delay—including Doncic's commitment to Slovenia's national team—and Lakers fans have been advised not to panic if the deal doesn't get done right away. "I would not expect it to happen that early," said Windhorst on NBA Today. "There are various reasons why the timeline would be pushed to September. Don't react negatively, Lakers fans, if you don't see a deal right away, he's playing for the Slovenian national team. Also, it behooves him to take a three-year contract extension. The Lakers can offer 4 and $230, but it makes sense that it would take a three-year extension for long-term reasons. But anything that he would sign would be terrific for the Lakers, they're going to obviously make that their offseason priority.' Lakers fans may still be unfamiliar with Luka's offseason habits, but anyone who followed him in Dallas will tell you this is entirely in character. Typically, when he prepares to suit up for Eurobasket, he puts his NBA business on hold, and that includes any and all extension talks. 'He won the Eurobasket for Slovenia earlier in his career, probably the greatest moment of his career. They play six exhibition games leading up to the start on August 27th. And they could go as late as September 14th, which means he may not be back in the US until late September. McMan will tell you that, in the past, when he's been playing for the national team, he has not done NBA business, including NBA contracts. So he could certainly pledge his intention to sign with the Lakers, but do not freak out if you do not hear from Luka contractually until September.' It hasn't even been a full year since Luka joined the Lakers, but the team is eager to lock in his commitment for the next phase of his career. With his current contract set to expire in 2027 ($48.9 million player option), Doncic could be up for free agency as early as next summer if he doesn't agree to an extension soon. While Lakers fans are expecting Doncic to sign a contract before the start of next season, he's not in any rush to accept a deal, even for the maximum amount of $230 million over four years. Luka is reportedly considering a three-year deal, but any agreement would be a huge win for the Lakers, especially after giving up their championship big man, Anthony Davis, to acquire him in February. The important thing for the Lakers is that Luka clearly still wants to stay, even if he doesn't prove it by signing an extension as soon as he can. In this case, the delay is not a sign of tension, just practical timing. If played correctly, it can sweeten the position of both the Lakers and Doncic for the foreseeable future. Lakers fans may need to wait a bit longer to see the official ink dry, but there's no reason to panic. Luka Doncic remains committed to both his country and his new NBA home, and all signs indicate that a contract extension is coming—it just might not happen until the summer's spotlight dims and Slovenia wraps its Olympic story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
