The Nets and Timberwolves are discussing a deal involving MarShon Brooks, from Stefan Bondy of Daily News: “The Nets have been involved in discussions of a trade that would send MarShon Brooks to the Timberwolves, multiple sources told the Daily News. Minnesota has shown interest in the third-year guard out of Providence, calling around the league for feedback and initiating trade discussions. Talks have not escalated to anything serious or imminent at the moment, according to a source. However, another source said that a proposal is on the table waiting for the Timberwolves’ approval. The Timberwolves have an excess of experienced point guards, and the Nets could use one because CJ Watson will opt out of contract by the June 30 deadline. JJ Barea and Luke Ridnour would seem to fit the Nets’ needs, although it’s unclear if they’ve been discussed in trade scenarios. Both point guards earn more money than Brooks, however, and other players would have to be added to a trade to make salaries match. In the past the Nets have also shown an interest in Minnesota’s Andrei Kirilenko.”
The 76ers have received permission from the Spurs to speak with Brett Brown in their continued search for a coach, from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports: “After an interview with the Denver Nuggets that moved San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Brett Brown’s candidacy into strong contention for the franchise’s head coaching job, the Philadelphia 76ers have sought and received permission to discuss their coaching opening with Brown, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Brown met with Nuggets officials on Sunday and emerged as a significant candidate in the team’s search process, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. It is immediately unclear when Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie will meet with Brown. The Sixers have been moving deliberately on their coaching search and have several candidates in play as possibilities.”
The Bulls and Wizards are discussing a deal that would involve Luol Deng and the No. 3 pick in the draft, according to Marc Stein of ESPN: ” Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that the Chicago Bulls, in their latest attempt to gauge the trade value of All-Star swingman Luol Deng, have had exploratory discussions with Washington about a deal that would land Deng with the Wizards and bring the No. 3 pick in Thursday’s draft to the Bulls. The most likely trade construction, if talks were to progress to the serious stage, would send Deng to the Wizards for the No. 3 pick and center Emeka Okafor, who would have to formally opt into his contract for next season ($14.5 million) this week for the trade to go through. Yet it’s worth noting that Cleveland, sources say, has interest in Deng as well … and there will surely be other potential trade partners to surface if the Bulls decide they’re legitimately ready to part with Deng after years of flirting with the idea.”
Other veteran names that will potentially be dealt on draft night include Danny Granger and, surprisingly, LaMarcus Aldridge. NBA insider Ric Bucher has details: “League source: three veterans who are candidates to be in deals leading up to, or during NBA draft are the Bulls’ Luol Deng, Pacers’ Danny Granger and Blazers’ Lamarcus Aldridge. The Cavs apparently have interest in Deng and he certainly would be a terrific role model and leader-by-example for a young squad; the Cavs also have a gaping hole at that position and if they have interest in vying for a playoff spot next season, a rookie out of this draft isn’t going to move them appreciably closer. That said, there is skepticism that the Cavs are actually serious about parting with the No. 1 pick because they keep asking for assets as if it were the first pick in next year’s draft.
The Cavaliers are interested in the idea of trading for Paul Pierce, and the Celtics are listening. Baxter Holmes of Boston Globe has details: “The Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in the possibility of acquiring Celtics forward Paul Pierce, a league source confirmed to the Globe Monday, and reportedly the Cavaliers have discussed the possibility of offering multiple second-round draft picks in exchange for him. However, the source told the Globe any talks are very much in the preliminary stages. That said, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge would no doubt be interested in acquiring assets, such as draft picks, that could help rebuild the Celtics going forward. As the Globe recently reported, league sources have indicated that there is better-than-average interest for Pierce on the trade market, specifically from teams that are on the cusp of making the playoffs or are looking to make a deeper postseason push.”
- However, Pierce’s desire to play for a contender may make it difficult for the Cavaliers to pull the trigger, according to Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio: “As for the rumors involving the Cavs, the Boston Celtics and Paul Pierce, sources confirmed the Cavs have indeed expressed an interest — but the talks have yet to reach the level of seriousness conveyed by some reports. The Cavaliers are reportedly willing to give up both of their second-round picks for Pierce. Following the departure of coach Doc Rivers to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Celtics are looking to gut the roster and shed salary, making Pierce and forward Kevin Garnett (and possibly even point guard Rajon Rondo) available. Word is, however, that Pierce wants to play for a contender, making the Cavs hesitant to be overly aggressive in their pursuit of the 14-year veteran.”
John Wall talked about his goals and who he would switch lives with, if given the chance. Sarah Kogod of Washington Post has details of the interview: “Tell us the true-life tale of the last completely awesome thing you did. “I recently took lessons and played golf for the first time.” Tell us a little about your career goals. Any creative endeavors on the horizon? “Win a championship, and be an NBA All-Star; work on movies; be an NBA fashion icon.” If you could switch lives with anyone else under 30, who would it be? “Lil Wayne. [He’s my] favorite rapper, and he set goals at a young age and achieved them.” Which celebrity would play you in the movie version of your life? “Jamie Foxx. He’s a talented actor and avid sports fan.”
- Here’s one of the cooler gifs you’ll see of all the shots LeBron James nailed in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, from Drew Sheppard:
Ric Bucher didn’t specify why LMA would be on the trading block and what Portland would be looking for.
I do find it strange that his name was thrown out there.
The reason I believe Granger is on the trading Block is that Paces don’t have enough cap room to re-sign David West. Surprised the Media has missed this. Just because West said he wants to return to Pacers, doesn’t mean he would accept less than 6 million, which may be all that Pacers can offer, either with the Early Bird or with Cap Space.
*Correction: a provision of the Early Bird is that he can be paid up to 175% of the previous salary for past 2 seasons. SInce West paid 10 million, this wouldn’t be a problem.
However with West having a 13 million cap hold, Pacers couldn’t obtain any free agents using cap space as the team is currently constructed.