Latest news with #OnyekaOkongwu
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mock trade gives Lakers young, rising center with high motor
The Los Angeles Lakers are obviously in the market for a starting-caliber defensive center, and they have been looking for such a player for some time now. It will likely be their highest priority this offseason. A few days ago, ESPN's Dave McMenamin said that before the Lakers' failed trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, they called the Atlanta Hawks about Onyeka Okongwu. Okongwu is an emerging 6-foot-10, 240-pound big man who is a very strong rebounder and has some rim-protecting ability, as well as the ability to finish strong at the rim. He is also a player who has a pretty high motor, which is something the team needs. Advertisement Colby Faria of The Sporting News came up with a trade idea that would give the Lakers Okongwu for what seems like a reasonable price. In this deal, they would give up rookie sharpshooter Dalton Knecht, guard Gabe Vincent and an unprotected 2031 first-round draft pick. Via The Sporting News: "The Lakers would finally have their answer when it comes to a starting-caliber center in Okongwu, who averaged career highs of 13.4 points per game to go along with 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per contest in just under 28-minutes a night," Faria wrote. "Okongwu will earn a reasonable $15 million over each of the next two seasons." Okongwu is 24 years of age and is fairly athletic, and he could be a part of the Lakers' core in this scenario alongside Luka Doncic for a long time. He also happens to be a native of the Southland — he attended Chino Hills High School and played one year of college basketball at the University of Southern California. He would be a more inexpensive get for L.A. than someone such as Nic Claxton, who has been linked to the team and also fits the profile of the type of center the team needs, but will make $25.35 million next season. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Mock trade gives Lakers young, rising center with high motor
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could be eyeing $61,980,000 Atlanta Hawks center in a blockbuster deal to bolster squad around LeBron James and Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic and LeBron James (Image via Joe Murphy/ Getty Images) The Los Angeles Lakers face a critical offseason after a disappointing first-round playoff exit. A glaring weakness was exposed—their lack of a dominant center. Now, a surprising trade proposal suggests they could fix that problem by acquiring Atlanta Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu. Why the Los Angeles Lakers Need a True Center The Los Angeles Lakers ' struggles against the Minnesota Timberwolves highlighted their need for a reliable center. Rudy Gobert dominated in Game 5, putting up 27 points and 24 rebounds. Without a strong interior presence, Los Angeles was outmatched. ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka previously tried to address this issue: "Rob Pelinka made calls to the Atlanta Hawks at this past February's trade deadline in hopes of acquiring big man, Onyeka Okongwu before ultimately deciding on a deal with the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, before Williams failed a physical, which forced the trade to be rescinded." With the offseason approaching, the Lakers may revisit a deal for Okongwu. Proposed Trade Details LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Makoto Kokushi. Image via: LM Otero/ AP | Los Angeles Lakers/ Instagram Here's how the trade could work according to Colby Faria of the Sporting News : Los Angeles Lakers Receive Atlanta Hawks Receive Onyeka Okongwu Dalton Knecht Gabe Vincent 2031 First-Round Pick (unprotected) Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Los Angeles Lakers - Onyeka Okongwu's Production: He averaged career highs of 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in under 28 minutes. - Contract Value: He's owed just $15 million per year for the next two seasons—a reasonable price for a starting-caliber center. - Defensive Upgrade: His athleticism and rim protection would significantly improve the Lakers' interior defense. Why the Atlanta Hawks Might Consider It - Future Assets: A 2031 unprotected first-round pick could be valuable if the Lakers struggle in the future. - Youth Movement: Knecht is a promising young player who fits a rebuilding timeline. - Financial Flexibility: Moving Okongwu's salary could help the Hawks reshape their roster. What's Next for the Los Angeles Lakers? If this trade happens, the Los Angeles Lakers finally secure a long-term answer at center. Okongwu's energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility would complement LeBron James , allowing him to play his natural power forward position more often. For the Hawks, this deal signals a shift toward future flexibility rather than immediate contention. Also read: NBA Trade Rumor: Golden State Warriors predicted to send $215,353,664 superstar to Boston Celtics in a blockbuster 3-way trade This offseason could define the Lakers' direction. If Pelinka pulls off this move, it might be the game-changing addition they need to return to title contention. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
McMenamin: Lakers showed interest in trading for Hawks center
The Los Angeles Lakers badly need a starting-caliber center, and they have been looking for help at that position for some time now. They lacked a legitimate backup behind Anthony Davis during Davis' last few seasons with them, and once he was sent away in the Luka Doncic deal, they suddenly had a Grand Canyon-sized hole at that position. They had to survive with Jaxson Hayes, who is thin as a reed and not a consistent defensive presence, as their only true 5 on a standard contract since acquiring Doncic. Advertisement The Lakers did make a real effort to plug that hole, however. They tried to land rising Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, but that attempted trade was rescinded when he failed his physical. ESPN's Dave McMenamin said on 'Straight Fire' with Jason McIntyre that they also looked into trading for Onyeka Okongwu of the Atlanta Hawks. 'Before the Mark Williams trade, and I can't tell you all the names on that list but I actually assume he was one of the names on the list that Rob Pelinka presented to Luka because I do know the Lakers made a call to the Hawks around the trade deadline about Okongwu,' McMenamin said. Okungwu, 24, is 6-foot-10 and 240 pounds, and he reportedly has a wingspan of 7-foot-2. The No. 6 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, he has been starting to emerge as an impact player over the last year or two. This season, he averaged 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 27.9 minutes a game. He's a good finisher around the rim and possesses strong athleticism, as well as a solid motor, especially on the boards. He will make $15 million next season, so he could be a relatively inexpensive get for Los Angeles, at least in terms of the players it would have to give up. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: McMenamin: Lakers showed interest in trading for Hawks center
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors might bag 6-foot-10 Atlanta Hawks center to boost title hopes with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler
Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler (Image Source - Getty Images) The Golden State Warriors are exploring ways to strengthen their roster to maximize Stephen Curry's remaining prime years. One potential move involves trading Moses Moody and Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Atlanta Hawks for center Onyeka Okongwu , a $62 million big man who could address the team's defensive and rebounding needs. Golden State Warriors' Need for a Dominant Big Man Exposed The Golden State Warriors ' first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets has highlighted their lack of a true defensive anchor. Rockets' All-Star center Alperen Şengün dominated Game 2 with 17 points and 16 rebounds, exposing Golden State's struggles against physical, athletic big men. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo While the Warriors have relied on Draymond Green and Kevon Looney for interior defense, neither possesses the size and athleticism to consistently match up against elite centers like Şengün. This weakness could push the front office to seek an upgrade this offseason. Why Onyeka Okongwu Fits the Golden State Warriors' Needs Onyeka Okongwu, 24, has emerged as one of the league's most promising young centers. This season, he averaged: - 13.4 points - 8.9 rebounds - 2.3 assists - 0.9 steals - 0.9 blocks - 56.7% field goal shooting His ability to protect the rim, switch defensively, and finish lobs makes him an ideal fit alongside Curry. As ClutchPoints' Enzo Flojo noted: "Okongwu is good. He is too good to be a backup—but not good enough to elevate Atlanta past its current ceiling." (H/t: Sporting News) With Clint Capela still in the Hawks' rotation, Okongwu's role remains inconsistent, making him a potential trade candidate. Proposed Trade Package To acquire Okongwu, the Golden State Warriors may need to part with: - Moses Moody (2021 No. 14 pick) - Trayce Jackson-Davis (2023 No. 57 pick) - Future draft compensation How the trade impacts the Warriors and the Hawks Onyeka Okongwu (Image via NBA) Warriors Gain Hawks Gain Elite rim protector Young wing in Moody Pick-and-roll threat for Curry Developmental big in Jackson-Davis Rebounding upgrade Future draft assets While losing Moody would hurt Golden State's wing depth, Okongwu's defensive presence could be the missing piece in their championship puzzle. Why the Hawks Might Consider the Deal The Atlanta Hawks is reportedly hesitant to fully commit to a youth movement, and Onyeka Okongwu's value may never be higher. Trading him now could allow the Hawks to: - Acquire a reliable 3-and-D wing in Moody - Add a young big in Jackson-Davis - Stockpile draft picks for a future superstar trade Final Verdict: A Win-Win Move? For the Warriors, Onyeka Okongwu represents an immediate upgrade in size and athleticism, helping them contend in a stacked Western Conference. For the Hawks, this deal could provide flexibility while adding young talent. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angelers could sign $3,303,771 Philadelphia 76ers star to bolster Championship title hopes with LeBron James and Luka Doncic If Golden State is serious about extending Curry's championship window, this trade could be a game-changer.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nets vs. Hawks game preview: How to watch, lineups, broadcast info
Mar 16, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) drives to the basket against Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The Brooklyn Nets (26-53) have just three games left in their 2024-25 NBA season and at this point, they're just looking to finish the campaign strong for the sake of morale. Brooklyn has a tough turnaround coming up as they will be facing the Atlanta Hawks (37-42) at Barclays Center on Thursday and if you're wondering how you can watch all the action live, you've come to the right place! Advertisement The Nets come into this game following a 119-114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday in which Brooklyn led by as many as 20 points in the contest before New Orleans made things interesting in the fourth quarter. Forward Trendon Watford led the way for the Nets with 22 points, three rebounds, and five assists while center Drew Timme had 16 points and nine rebounds off the bench. The Hawks enter this matchup after a 119-112 loss at the Orlando Magic on Tuesday in which the Magic used a decisive second quarter to give themselves the edge over Atlanta along with their standing in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament race. Center Onyeka Okongwu had one of the his best games of the season for the Hawks with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and three steals while Trae Young did his usual work with 28 points and 10 assists to just three turnovers. Here's when and where you should tune in to see the matchup: How To Watch Date : Thursday, Apr. 10 Time : 7:30 PM ET Location : Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY Channel: YES Network Notable Injuries Nets: OUT: Noah Clowney (ankle), Cam Johnson (back), De'Anthony Melton (knee), D'Angelo Russell (ankle), Day'Ron Sharpe (knee), and Cam Thomas (hamstring). Advertisement Hawks: OUT: Kobe Bufkin (shoulder), Clint Capela (finger), Jalen Johnson (shoulder), Larry Nance Jr. (knee), and Jacob Toppin (calf). PROBABLE: Trae Young (Achilles). Probable Starting Lineups Brooklyn Nets Guard : Reece Beekman Guard : Keon Johnson Forward : Ziaire Williams Forward : Trendon Watford Center: Nic Claxton Atlanta Hawks Guard : Trae Young Guard : Dyson Daniels Forward : Zaccharie Risacher Forward : Onyeka Okongwu Center: Mouhamed Gueye This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets vs. Hawks game preview: How to watch, lineups, broadcast info
