Latest news with #RussellWestbrook
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
What I heard about Damian Lillard, LeBron, NBA expansion and more at summer league
LAS VEGAS — What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, as the saying goes, but the underlying presumption of that is something will actually happen in the first place. Las Vegas Summer League has become sort of the opposite: Player movement comes to a halt aside from a few restricted free-agency situations playing out, the best young players only take the court for a couple of games (if that), and the entire league unwinds from a long year. Advertisement Six years ago, we had an earthquake and Chris Paul getting traded for Russell Westbrook; this year, we had … the buyout market? Those of you working the police scanner since summer league started July 10 have been treated to a few two-way and minimum deals and some previously announced deals becoming official — and not a whole lot else. NBA job-chasers have also noted that summer league isn't the hiring free-for-all it used to be. With too few execs overwhelmed by too many resume-toters who are incredibly excited about opportunities with Team X, and a lot of said execs decompressing themselves from a brief and wild NBA transaction season (and keeping their Vegas stays shorter, I should add), I kept hearing that many clubs pushed back hiring and staffing decisions — including a couple of high-level front office positions — until later in the summer. Still, plenty of situations had people talking. Let's check in on what everyone was saying: Technically, I left Las Vegas before the Trail Blazers reached a deal to bring back franchise icon Damian Lillard on a three-year, $45 million deal, but talking to people in the league in the wake of it, this one had people scratching their heads. The part about Lillard's return to the Blazers is much more easily understood than the team's half of the deal. Lillard still has his entire circle in Portland and returns as a living legend. He also got the exact contract that is most favorable for him, with only the league's second active no-trade clause, plus a player option that lets him become a free agent in 2027 if he has a big return year in 2026-27. In the meantime, Lillard will miss all of the 2025-26 season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. However, he will make a combined $29 million from the Blazers in the two seasons; about $12 million of that will go back to the Milwaukee Bucks as offset after they decided to waive-and-stretch Lillard earlier this offseason, but it's still a nice payday. Between the two contracts, Lillard will make about $64 million for the next two seasons, although most of the money will be stretched over five. Advertisement On the court for Portland, this amounts to a one-year, $28 million deal for Lillard in 2026-27, when he'll be 36 and coming off that Achilles injury. Suffice to say, this doesn't feel like much of a hometown discount. There's also the issue of timing on this roster, given that it's basically a young rebuilding team, but one that has now locked itself into contracts for Lillard, Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday that will soak up more than half the cap in 2025-26 and 2026-27, and also 2027-28 should Lillard and Grant opt into the final year of their deals. If you're one of those people who likes to plot out multi-layered conspiracies with charts and arrows, there's also plenty of room for that type of thinking. Between the impending sale of the team, the Lillard move and the surprise selection of Chinese center Yang Hansen in the first round of June's draft, a lot of the conversation in Vegas was about whether the Blazers are making purely basketball decisions right now. How much is the optics for a potential buyer influencing the basketball choices? One thought is that recent contract extensions for general manager Joe Cronin and Chauncey Billups would give them the leeway to be more patient, but instead, the Blazers have seemingly gone in the opposite direction. The two big offseason moves have been adding Holiday and Lillard to a young team that doesn't seem particularly close to challenging the Western Conference's upper crust. Can I get to a defensible basketball logic for the Lillard move? Sure. It goes something like this: The Blazers came into their nontaxpayer midlevel exception late after Deandre Ayton's buyout, and Lillard was by far the best player they could get with that tool, this summer or next. Portland is far enough from next year's tax line that this deal (and Holiday's) have no material impact; even extensions for Shaedon Sharpe, Robert Williams and Toumani Camara wouldn't push the Blazers into the tax in 2026-27. And the Blazers give themselves an off-ramp from the Scoot Henderson Experience if he doesn't take a step forward in 2025-26. By that logic, all Portland did was take itself out of some unlikely cap-room scenarios next offseason, scenarios that would likely disappear if the extensions I enumerated above happen. (I wrote about Camara's situation for an extension earlier this summer.) Still, there are a million ways this can go wrong. Lillard is a dead-money roster spot for 2025-26 and leaves the Blazers very thin in the backcourt after the Anfernee Simons trade; one presumes Portland will land a veteran point guard with its final roster spot (the Blazers can sign a veteran's minimum contract and stay a few pennies below the tax line). Lillard will come back in the fall of 2026 wanting to prove he's that Damian Lillard, which could be problematic if Henderson emerges in 2025-26; that combined with Lillard's status in Portland could lend itself to some Kobe-in-2016 vibes. Advertisement Most importantly, however, is that the Blazers subtract the opportunity cost of having their nontaxpayer MLE available for trades that could add more long-term talent to the roster. If they have to wait on Lillard anyway, wouldn't they be better off waiting on somebody younger? At the league's Board of Governors meeting in Vegas, the NBA basically pumped the brakes on expansion, and our Mike Vorkunov and David Aldridge already told you the big reasons. However, I think another aspect to this that people aren't appreciating is the one-directional nature of it: You can't un-expand. That, in part, helps explain why the league is slow-rolling the concept and forming review committees. 'They want to get to yes,' said one plugged-in team spy, but there's really no urgency. The league can always sell buyers on a team in Seattle later, but whenever it does, it needs to make sure it's a win beyond the initial windfall of an expansion fee. In particular, figuring out the imploding local TV landscape is critical, given that two new teams would just dilute the league's national TV contract for the other 30 owners. The league already missed its two best chances at fresh pro sports markets that have since been colonized by other leagues (Nashville and Las Vegas). Meanwhile, as long as Seattle has no team, it serves as a useful boogeyman for every other franchise that wants a new arena. The other factor here is that the league's European plans have taken on much more urgency. This isn't NBA expansion; the basic elevator pitch is more along the lines of, 'The Europeans are bad at making money from basketball, and we can do better.' The league sees a clear growth opportunity and has a much more specific time window for action. Inevitably, that has taken some focus off expansion, but the long-term expectation from most people I've talked to is that it still happens … eventually. Just probably not soon enough for those in the 206 area code. Oh yes, people were talking about LeBron James at summer league. Of course they were. While he opted in to the final year of his contract and does not appear to be an imminent trade candidate, as our Joe Vardon and Dan Woike reported here, that doesn't necessarily mean returning to the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year deal was at the top of his wish list. In particular, the whispers about him having eyes for Dallas — a place where he could have teamed up with former teammates Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving and young phenom Cooper Flagg — before opting into his deal were hard to ignore. Advertisement Obviously, James wasn't willing to leave $52 million on the table to take a nontaxpayer MLE or something similar from the Mavericks or another team. A buyout seems similarly unlikely. Additionally, the tax aprons on both sides will make any in-season transaction with a contender-class team challenging. Nonetheless, this situation bears watching from both sides, particularly if L.A. starts the regular season slowly. The Lakers set themselves up to have max cap room next summer once James' salary comes off their books, taking advantage of an artificially low cap hold for Austin Reaves. If that's their angle, wouldn't it make sense to cash in their James stock if they aren't challenging at the top of the West? Meanwhile, James has some power to choose his next destination via a no-trade clause, but free agency isn't what it used to be. The best realistic way for him to get paid next summer by his team of choice is to land at his preferred destination via trade, and then have intact Bird rights in the summer of 2026. The Phoenix Suns bought out Bradley Beal and stretched his remaining money, taking them out of the luxury tax entirely after they began the summer over the second apron. While that has some positive implications for unfreezing the Suns' 2032 and 2033 draft picks, it's hard to think that Team Damn the Torpedoes had that factor top of mind. Instead, it's a continuation of another theme: The Suns paring back sharply on expenses after owner Mat Ishbia's opening two years in charge. That carried over in a humorous way to the postgame scene in Vegas, where other teams' staffers noted with sadness that Suns personnel were no longer buying rounds for everyone and putting it on Ishbia's tab. After trading Kevin Durant, cutting Cody Martin and buying out and stretching Beal, the Suns are set to finish the year slightly under the luxury tax. One presumes they'll be under by year-end to sidestep an onerous repeater tax. (Going deeper: A veteran's minimum signing for a 14th player would leave Phoenix slightly over the tax line entering the season, but it's a pretty easy two-step to get back under if the player has a partial guarantee. Alternatively, promoting two-way Koby Brea into that spot on a rookie contract would ensure the Suns stay under all year. Cap nerds will note that some unlikely incentives in Dillon Brooks' contract could also factor in here.) Alas, the Suns' previous profligacy has still left them with $22.5 million dead money through 2030 for Beal and the previously waived Nassir Little, to go with no control of their own draft picks through 2031. On the bright side, a more financially responsible operating model might help them stumble into some better decisions, but this franchise still has the league's most depressing long-term outlook. In this case, the beer glass is truly half-empty. (Top photo of LeBron James and Damian Lillard: Stacy Revere / Getty Images)
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nine-time All-Star linked to New York Knicks in NBA free agency
The New York Knicks may still be plotting their chance to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason after missing out on Kevin Durant. However, before that potential blockbuster event can take place, the Knicks will be focused on the start of NBA free agency, which tips off at 6 p.m. ET. While NBA rumors are flying fast, now the Knicks have been closely linked to adding a nine-time All-NBA All-Star. According to The Stein Line, the Knicks are expeced to show interest in free agent Russell Westbrook, who spent last year with the Denver Nuggets. Furthermore, local SNY Knicks insider Ian Begley reports that there will be 'mutual interest' between Westbrook and the Knicks when free agency tips off. The best part? Is that the Knicks may be able to get the nine-time All-Star at a bargain rate. 'There will be mutual interest between veteran guard Russell Westbrook and the Knicks when free agency opens, as Knicks are one of several teams who will have interest in Westbrook, league sources say. Knicks currently have the $5M tax-payer exception and the veteran's minimum exception to offer free agents. The Stein Line & Jake Fischer earlier said Westbrook was a target for the Knicks.' Ian Begley on New York Knicks/Russell Westbrook Even if he's not a consistent knockdown shooter, several teams could use a scoring punch like Westbrook off the bench. Plus, the opportunity to pursue a championship playing at Madison Square Garden in New York could be just enough motivation to help get a deal done on both sides. Westbrook may no longer play at the level that once won him two NBA MVP awards, but his 17 seasons of experience could be a very valuable addition for the Knicks as they seek even more playoff success. Related: Related Headlines Denver Broncos reportedly wanted to trade into top 10 for this 2025 NFL Draft prospect 5 biggest winners from first stage of NBA free agency, including Denver Nuggets Damian Lillard shockingly hits NBA free agency: 5 potential landings spots, including the Heat and Suns Deshaun Watson could return to practice during early portion of Cleveland Browns season
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Latest intel on Sacramento Kings interest in Russell Westbrook, odds of signing
The Sacramento Kings came into the offseason focused on improving at point guard, immediately landing veteran Dennis Schroder. With a starting point guard now in Sacramento, veteran Russell Westbrook reportedly remains on the team's radar. NBA reporter Sam Amick of The Athletic shared on Sactown Sports 1140 that the Kings' front office, especially general manager Scott Perry, has 'a lot of affinity' for Westbrook. While the team likes him, the crowded backcourt has raised concerns that signing the 36-year-old point guard would only make things worse. Related: : 13.3 PPG, 6.1 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 44.9% FG, 32.3% 3PT, 0.045 Win Shares per 48 Minutes Amick, who used to cover the Kings, now believes that a signing of Westbrook isn't going to happen. For that to change, Sacramento would likely need to move one or both of guards Devin Carter and Malik Monk. For now, nothing is imminent. Westbrook spent last season with the Denver Nuggets after finishing as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate the previous season with the Los Angeles Clippers. However, the 6-foot-4 point guard's effectiveness dipped considerably, and he showed real signs of age. Related: Russell Westbrook career earnings (): $345.9 million Schroder will be the Kings' starting point guard for the 2025-26 season, with Carter and Monk behind him. The other known suitor for Westbrook, the New York Knicks, is also unlikely to add him after landing Jordan Clarkson. Related Headlines Elite MLB reporter details 3 big reasons why rumors of Red Sox trading Alex Bregman are ridiculous Bold UFC Nashville predictions: Will it be a bad night in Music City for 'Black Beast'? NFL analyst boldly predicts Eagles and Lions 2025 Super Bowl hopes will be upended by surprise NFC team Mets rumor claims club dangled Pete Alonso in trade idea to get Pete Crow-Armstrong back
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bucks linked to former league MVP to replace Damian Lillard
The Milwaukee Bucks could still use another guard, but it's also important to note that the team lacks a competent wing. Over the past few years, the Bucks haven't done a great job of bringing in a wing, and as they've seen in previous seasons, this becomes an issue when they play some of the better teams in the NBA, such as the Boston Celtics. However, regarding the guard spot, outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo occasionally playing point guard, the Bucks aren't in the best spot at the position. With Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr., who are both decent players in their own right, the Bucks could still improve. According to a recent report from Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, one of the players they could fix that with is former league MVP Russell Westbrook. "The expectation surrounding the Bucks is that they will be utilizing one of their final roster spots to add extra guard depth after bringing back Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins in free agency. Given Westbrook's athleticism and speed, he would be an ideal fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo on a Bucks team that likes to push the pace in transition,' Siegel wrote.. When the Bucks are at their best over the past few years, it's when they get out running and hit open shots in transition. MORE: Westbrook would allow them to do that more than others, but adding him wouldn't exactly help everything. Sure, the idea of Westbrook and Antetokounmpo playing together on a fast break would be must-see TV, but outside of that, there isn't much intrigue in this pairing. Westbrook doesn't align with the Bucks' approach to their shooting, and he's quite old.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
What does LeBron's 'frustration' mean for his Lakers future?
Yahoo Sports fantasy analyst Dan Titus and senior NBA writer Dan Devine discuss Lebron James's reported "frustrations" with the Los Angeles Lakers and what it means for his immediate future with the franchise. Hear the full conversation on 'Good Word with Goodwill' and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen. View more Video Transcript Unsurprisingly, we saw LeBron make a couple of appearances at Summer League. A report came out from Anthony Irwin, a senior insider at the Lakers, saying that LeBron has become increasingly frustrated. And unhappy with the direction of the team since the Russell Westbrook trade. Is this just noise? What, what are your take on it? Yeah, well, first off, you forgot the main reason he was at Summer League. His son was playing, right? Oh you guys are watching, you gotta watch Bronnie of course last year too, exactly right. Um, and listen, Bronny has given him reason to be excited about watching him play this summer. That's good. It is funny that when you zoom out from all of it, the headline is more like, report, man who opted into contract will stay with team that is paying him. You were absolutely right to point to the notion that it is difficult to trade a $52 million contract. If LeBron James wanted to be anywhere else, he could have opted out. LeBron James isn't gonna go someplace else and sign for, you know, the biannual exception. LeBron James is going to get the, the top possible dollar. The questions moving forward are all about what does this mean like on the court next year? What does this mean when we get to next summer and we revisit this whole question about where does LeBron want to be for the balance of his career? Is he, does he decide that he's done? Does he decide that he wants to play 23 more years? He's gonna stay there to make as much money as he can possibly make right now, because he opted in and said that's what he wanted to do, doesn't seem like a super shock. And then the rest of it is kind of all noise. Yeah, now that the Lakers have new ownership, I'm curious to see where Rob Polinka's place in this standing is. Like, maybe he's bulletproof for a while because he acquired he traded for Luca. Like he got off of that, right? Yeah, yeah, I'm curious to see where this goes. I don't, I don't think this is gonna end up being a midseason trade or anything like that. I think LeBron's gonna play out the final year, and then we'll see what's next. Maybe it's retirement, maybe it's going somewhere else. Close
