Latest news with #Play-InTournament
Time of India
04-08-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Why the Golden State Warriors Declined Sacramento Kings' Bold $77 Million Push for Jonathan Kuminga; Inside the Rejected Trade Offer
Jonathan Kuminga in action (Image via Instagram / @jonathan_kuminga) The Sacramento Kings are aggressively pursuing roster upgrades this offseason, and their latest target - Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga - has once again proven elusive. According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Kings made a significant trade proposal involving $77 million guard Malik Monk in a sign-and-trade deal, but the Warriors weren't sold. Sacramento Kings' Trade Offer for Jonathan Kuminga: What We Know Sacramento Kings reportedly offered Jonathan Kuminga a three-year, $63 million contract as part of a sign-and-trade deal. In return, the Warriors would receive: • Malik Monk • A 2030 lottery-protected first-round pick However, Golden State declined the deal. 'The Warriors rejected this offer due to them wanting an unprotected first-round pick in a trade for Kuminga,' reported Sam Amick of The Athletic. Proposed Trade Package Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga (Image via Imagn) Team Gives Up Receives Kings Malik Monk, 2030 protected 1st Jonathan Kuminga (S&T) Warriors Jonathan Kuminga (S&T) Malik Monk, protected pick The Golden State Warriors' firm stance on acquiring an unprotected pick halted the deal, despite interest in Monk's services. Sacramento's Offseason So Far After falling short in the 2024 Play-In Tournament against the Dallas Mavericks, the Kings are determined to break through in the West. They are sticking with their core - Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine - and making roster tweaks to surround them with talent. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Key Offseason Moves • Signed Dennis Schroder in free agency • Drafted Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud in the 2025 NBA Draft • Targeted multiple players in free agency • Pursued Jonathan Kuminga via sign-and-trade Golden State's Trade Preferences This isn't the first time the Kings tried to land Jonathan Kuminga . Earlier this offseason, the Golden State Warriors also rejected a package centered around: • Devin Carter • Dario Saric • A protected first-round pick Instead, the Golden State Warriors were said to be more interested in: • Keegan Murray • Keon Ellis Their insistence on stronger assets - particularly unprotected draft capital - has made negotiations difficult. Why Malik Monk Was in Play Malik Monk recently signed a four-year, $77 million deal with the Kings. Including him in the Jonathan Kuminga proposal shows Sacramento's willingness to move key pieces to acquire a versatile forward who fits their system. While Golden State turned down the initial offer, the fact that they are open to acquiring Monk signals potential for future negotiations - especially if the Kings are willing to remove the protection on their 2030 first-round pick. The ball is in Sacramento's court. If they want to pry Jonathan Kuminga away from the Golden State Warriors, they'll likely need to return with a stronger offer - one that includes an unprotected pick or a more enticing player package. Possible Next Steps for the Kings • Remove protection from the 2030 first-round pick • Include additional assets or prospects • Revisit offers involving Keegan Murray or Keon Ellis Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: San Antonio Spurs Poised for Blockbuster Trade With $52.1 Million in Movable Contracts; What's in Store? With Jonathan Kuminga still a restricted free agent, Golden State holds leverage. But the Kings' persistent interest suggests this trade saga is far from over. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Chicago Bulls Predicted to land $163 million Sacramento Kings Star in Blockbuster Three-Team Deal Involving the Atlanta Hawks
De'Aaron Fox (image via Getty) In a potential shake-up of the NBA landscape, a newly proposed three-team blockbuster trade would land Sacramento Kings' star guard De'Aaron Fox in the Chicago Bulls . The speculative deal, reported by Joe Mayo of outlines a significant roster reconfiguration involving the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs , and Atlanta Hawks, aimed at realigning each team's strategy heading into the upcoming season. Deal Structure: Who Gets What? According to Mayo's report, the proposed trade would unfold as follows: Team Receives Bulls De'Aaron Fox, Kobe Bufkin, 2029 first-round pick (top-8 protected via ATL) Spurs Kevin Huerter, Coby White, 2027 first-round pick (top-10 protected via CHI) Hawks Ayo Dosunmu This proposed trade offers a major backcourt upgrade for Chicago, a potential pick-and-development angle for San Antonio, and a role-playing guard for Atlanta. Chicago Bulls: Upgrading the Backcourt Amid Rebuild The Chicago Bulls have largely flown under the radar this offseason. Following a Play-In Tournament exit at the hands of the Miami Heat, the front office made minor moves—trading Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro and re-signing Tre Jones. They are also in ongoing talks with restricted free agent Josh Giddey, whose future in Chicago remains uncertain. If negotiations with Giddey stall, acquiring De'Aaron Fox would offer the Bulls a new cornerstone in their backcourt. While Coby White has shown promise, Fox is a clear upgrade, bringing All-Star-level talent, elite speed, and scoring prowess. Potential Gains for Chicago: • Star-caliber Point Guard in Fox • Youth Development Piece in Kobe Bufkin (age 21) • Future Asset: Top-8 protected 2029 first-round pick Even if De'Aaron Fox walks in free agency next offseason, the Chicago Bulls would still retain the draft pick and development rights for Bufkin, making this a relatively low-risk, high-upside move. Spurs: Flexibility and a Strong Rotation Piece FILE - Chicago Bulls' Lonzo Ball (2) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers' Isaac Okoro (35) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Dec. 8, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File) San Antonio's involvement hinges on their long-term vision for De'Aaron Fox , whom they traded for last season. If the Spurs are hesitant to offer him a substantial contract extension, this deal provides an exit strategy with solid returns: • Coby White, under contract through 2026-27, adds guard depth and shooting. • Kevin Huerter strengthens their rotation with size and perimeter scoring. • A 2027 first-round pick, albeit protected, boosts their draft capital. However, Mayo notes: 'It's still more likely that San Antonio will pursue an extension with De'Aaron Fox after trading for him last season.' Still, the trade presents a fallback option if talks sour. Hawks: Swapping a Pick for Ayo Dosunmu Atlanta would receive Ayo Dosunmu, a versatile two-way guard, in exchange for sending a protected 2029 first-round pick to Chicago. Dosunmu's defensive tenacity and improving offensive game would make him a solid addition to the Hawks' bench unit. What This Means for Each Team For the Bulls: • Opens a pathway to a new era, possibly moving past the Zach LaVine-DeMar DeRozan core • Provides insurance if Giddey walks or becomes too expensive • Offers developmental upside with Bufkin For the Spurs: • Allows asset recovery if they don't extend Fox • Gains a reliable scorer in White and a pick for future use For the Hawks: • Adds backcourt depth with a young, defensively strong guard This trade, while speculative, speaks volumes about the shifting dynamics in the league and how teams are positioning for the future. The Chicago Bulls are clearly exploring contingency plans around their roster, and De'Aaron Fox could represent a significant pivot in their rebuild strategy. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Blockbuster 3-Team Deal Lands the Golden Stand Warriors $100 Million Brooklyn Nets Guard As Joe Mayo of concludes, 'If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement, moving him remains a viable option.' That sentiment could apply to any of the three teams involved, making this trade more than just a rumor—it's a real possibility rooted in the realities of contract talks and team direction. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
NBC News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC News
Knicks expected to hire Mike Brown as next head coach: Reports
The New York Knicks are set to hire two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown as their head coach, according to multiple reports. Brown, 55, was most recently head coach of the Sacramento Kings. The Kings hired Brown in 2022 and he led the team to back-to-back winning seasons before he was fired in December after a 13-18 start. Brown will now have big shoes to fill in New York. The Knicks finished 51-31 under Tom Thibodeau in 2025, their best regular season win total since 2013. In the playoffs, New York made it to the conference finals for the first time in 25 years. Since 2000, Thibodeau is the only head coach who has led New York for more than 300 regular season games. Thibodeau also led the Knicks to more playoff wins than all the coaches from 2001 to 2020 combined. Thibodeau went 226-174 in five seasons with the Knicks, advancing to the postseason four times. New York fired Thibodeau in June after the team lost to the Indiana Pacers in six games in the conference finals. Before his stint with Sacramento, Brown was an assistant with the Golden State Warriors — with whom he won three championships — as well as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice) and the Los Angeles Lakers. From 2005-10, Brown led LeBron James and the Cavaliers to two 60-win seasons as well as an NBA Finals appearance in 2007. He won his first Coach of the Year award in 2009. He would next coach the Lakers, making the playoffs in 2012 before he was fired only five games into the following season. Brown spent one more season in Cleveland from 2013-14, then joined the Warriors staff in 2016, spending six seasons with the club. He acted as head coach for 12 games during the 2017 playoffs while Steve Kerr was absent due to a back issue, posting a 12-0 record. In 2023, Brown was Coach of the Year again after leading the Kings to their first postseason appearance in 17 years. Sacramento won 46 games in 2024 but failed to make the playoffs after losing in the Play-In Tournament. In 758 career games, Brown has a 454-304 record, a .599 winning percentage. Not including the games he coached in place of Kerr, Brown also has a 50-40 record in the postseason.
New York Times
01-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Hawks' rapid rebuild around Trae Young comes full circle, so is he still Atlanta's future?
For so long, Trae Young seemed destined for an eventual trade. The Atlanta Hawks' All-Star guard was always a tremendous playmaker, but his ball dominance and defensive vulnerability made building a contender around him a quagmire. It meant Young lived in trade rumors every silly season. The Hawks made the Eastern Conference Finals years ago with Young, so there had to be a solution to get there once again. Now, after a dramatic yearlong makeover, the Hawks may have a shot at returning. Advertisement Following years of Young trade rumors, the Hawks have built a team optimized to fit around the recently evolved version of him. Last season, then-general manager Landry Fields traded Dejounte Murray for this year's Most Improved Player, Dyson Daniels, and extended forward Jalen Johnson for what looked like a team-friendly deal. Onsi Saleh replaced Fields this offseason, swiftly completing the rebuild. At the opening of free agency Monday, Atlanta reportedly agreed to a sign-and-trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves for stout defensive wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Then they reportedly agreed to sign sharpshooter Luke Kennard, joining recent trade acquisition Kristaps Porziņģis in a reloaded Hawks rotation. Atlanta can roll out a lineup of Young, Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher (last year's No. 1 pick), Johnson and Porziņģis on opening night. Coming off the bench will be Onyeka Okongwu, who showed some impressive development when he was promoted to the starting lineup last season; Alexander-Walker; Kennard; last week's 23rd pick, big Asa Newell; 2023 15th pick Kobe Bufkin at backup point guard; hybrid defensive big Mouhamed Gueye and spark plug shooter Vit Krejcii. The Hawks were ahead of schedule early last season, on pace for a 44-win season at the halfway point before Johnson's left torn labrum ended his breakout season in January. They still managed to finish 40-42 before losing to the Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament, with most of Atlanta's young rotation players showing continued growth throughout the year. The Hawks had little shooting around Young last year, so coach Quin Snyder devised an improvisational, cutting-based, transition-focused offense. It resulted in the NBA's 14th-ranked offense in the first half of the season, despite DeAndre Hunter being the only player to even shoot above league-average from 3. Advertisement Even before their free agent signings Monday, the Porziņģis trade drastically changed the possibilities for this offense. He may be the best player Young has ever played with when healthy, particularly considering how well they will accentuate each other's strengths. Porziņģis averaged about 20 points per game in his two seasons with the Boston Celtics, and he wasn't even the second option. He has a chance to make it back to the All-Star Game playing alongside Young and will be the key to pushing the Hawks toward a return to the conference finals. The Hawks' offense functioned with Clint Capela and Okongwu at the five last season, neither of whom could pull the defense out of the paint through pick-and-pop actions. Porziņģis and Young can run the pick-and-roll 30 feet out and spread the defense so far apart that Atlanta's wings will have much more room to flash to the paint or attack closeouts. Porziņģis is coming off the best shooting season of his career (41.2 percent on 6.0 attempts per game) and is adept at attacking closeouts to make swing passes or get to his high post game. He also gives the Hawks an offensive reprieve with his post game, as the Celtics often used him as an isolation option to target cross-matches and give their primary creators a break. He was a dud in the postseason due to a mystery illness, but played at his usual high level after returning from ankle surgery in late November. The Hawks have possibly the best backup big in the league in Okongwu, and Porziņģis is on an expiring contract, still giving Okongwu a long-term pathway to starting. With Johnson being big enough to play some small-ball five and Newell needing minutes to develop, the Hawks will be happy to keep Porziņģis' minutes down and help him load manage throughout the season. On defense, he can slot into the same drop coverages Capela ran and will likely sit below the 3-point line on ball screens while Young chases over the pick. Atlanta will have to bifurcate its game plan once again, playing a deep drop with Porziņģis and more aggressive coverages with Okongwu. With Daniels, Risacher and Johnson on the wings, the Hawks will be able to flood the gaps with aggressive help when Young and Porziņģis run a deep drop. Advertisement When drop coverage becomes untenable in certain postseason matchups, Okongwu can step in and guard up to the screen level for 36 minutes. This team can roll out various lineups and identities, a key to postseason survival. This marks the second consecutive strong offseason for Atlanta, whose direction crystallized around Young with these moves. But will they keep him long term? Starting on July 6, Young is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension that would take him into his 30s. He is entering the last guaranteed year of his contract, with a player option for the 2026-27 season. Considering how well Daniels, Risacher and Johnson play off a primary creator, this version of the Hawks will need a point guard to be the focal point of everything. Young led the NBA with 11.6 assists per game, but also embraced playing off the ball more than ever so the team could play more decisively uptempo in transition. Few players in the league are a better fit. His defensive focus and toughness also took a step forward, exhibiting the potential for him to lead a winning program at a higher level. Multiple reports said Young was recruiting Alexander-Walker and Kennard to the Hawks. He has maintained publicly that he wants to remain in Atlanta, where he has spent the duration of his seven-year career. Saleh's comments at his introductory news conference indicated he's building this roster with Young in mind. 'Trae, me and him spoke the other day, and he's just locked in for this season coming up,' Saleh said last week. 'We're both locked in, and we have a lot of optionality this summer.' Saleh and the Hawks maximized that optionality this past week. The East is wide open with the Indiana Pacers, Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks losing star players to Achilles tears during the postseason, and the Knicks are still searching for a new coach. Their draft night trade with the Pelicans somehow has an unprotected New Orleans pick coming their way in a year. Advertisement The Hawks are positioned to go from missing the postseason to a sustainable pursuit of home-court advantage if they can build off last year's momentum. With Risacher finally finding his footing late in the season, the Hawks may once again be ahead of schedule in this rapid rebuild. (Photo of Trae Young: Brennan Asplen / Getty Images)
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Is DeAndre Ayton leaving Portland Trail Blazers? His agent approached the team about a buy-out
Deandre Ayton is leaving the Portland Trail Blazers. This news came after his agent spoke to the team and asked for a buy-out. He had a big contract with the team. However, it appears that both parties are ready to move on from each other. This is probably because neither has benefited from the other. Deandre Ayton joined the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023 through a three-team trade. However, now he is looking out. Deandre Ayton eyes exit from Portland Trail Blazers amid buyout discussions Deandre Ayton and his agent, Bill Duffy, who also represents Luka Doncic, are in buyout talks with the Portland Trail Blazers. He is entering the final season of his contract, worth $35.6 million, if he signs with the team. However, NBA insider Shams Charania said that the NBA player wants to play for a team that's more likely to win. During Deandre Ayton's time as the team's main center, Portland has struggled and failed to reach the playoffs or even qualify for the Play-In Tournament. Addressing the same, Charania said: "(DeAndre) Ayton, who turns 27 next month, had $35.6 million left in his contract, which was set to expire next summer.. Ayton and his representatives approached the Blazers about a buyout and Ayton wanting to play in a winning situation." He spent one season with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was a tough center who had fairly good numbers. However, the overall team did not perform well. They took a rebuilding approach and gave more opportunities to young players. Because of this, DeAndre Ayton and the team decided it was better to part ways. His agent approached the Portland Trail Blazers and asked if they could agree to a buy-out. The team said yes. Now, he will go through a process called the waiver period. This lasts for 48 hours. During this time, other NBA teams can choose to pick him up and pay his old contract. If no team does that, DeAndre Ayton will become a free agent. In other words, he can go anywhere he wants. He'll probably search for a team that's good already and is interested in adding a player like him. Meanwhile, although a buyout is very likely, it's still uncertain which teams might want to sign the player. The Portland Trail Blazers' center has dealt with his injuries over the years. Even though he can be dependable when he plays, his inability to stay consistently healthy could be a concern for any team considering picking him. Also read: LeBron James celebrates his electric boat team's strong finish in Italy but the real test is still ahead. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
