2023-24 NBA Bric-a-Brac and Playoff Predictions

(Got bored down the stretch looking at 10-day contracts, I should probably just stop doing that. Here's a few moves that I missed)

Coach

Jamahl Mosley (Magic) signed 4-year extension

The Magic are a young team on the rise, Mosley came in as a promising behind-the-scenes guy and he's grown nicely with this team. Seems like the right move, especially since this roster is pretty well set for the future, I'd guess one big signing this summer, maybe some luck in the draft, but for the most part this squad is ready to grow together, Coach Mosley looks to be the right guy.

Player Contract

Jrue Holiday (Celtics) signs 4yr/$135m extension

Holiday has definitely been a good addition to this Celtics squad and since they've already extended Jaylin Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, seems like this is their roster for the foreseeable future. This is a good team that still has room to get better, this is a good move. 

Retired

Nemanja Bjelica, Rajon Rondo

I always loved Bjelica, too bad the big fella didn't have a coupla more years in him. I remember watching him with the Wolves and he would always have these bruises and cuts on his face--he perpetually looked like he just came from a fist fight in a Wal-Mart parking lot! Loved his game, big guy that shot 3's and took no shit, love that he got a ring with the Warriors. So long, big guy, I was a big fan.

On the other hand, as a lifelong Kentucky Wildcats supporter, I can honestly say Rajon Rondo was my LEAST favorite Wildcat (and he's actually from Kentucky!). I knew he had the skills to be great, I was not surprised by his success, but his taciturn selfishness torpedoed teams as much as he helped them. I still say the trade that sent him to the Mavs was the WORST single trade of the last decade (and one that everyone forgets), considering that the Mavs had the best offense in the league before the trade (didn't need to be done at all). That said, Rondo was a really good player and at his best was a for-real badass (almost as good as his own sense of self). Will he be back as a coach? On the one hand, he was clearly intelligent at basketball; on the other hand, he didn't strike me as the most outgoing, mentor-oriented guy. 

 

Post-Season Predictions

Play-in

(East) I'll take Heat over Sixers, Bulls over Hawks; Sixers over Bulls

(West) I'll take Pelicans over Lakers; Kings over Warriors; Lakers over Kings

1st round

(East) Celtics over Sixers in 5; Heat over Knicks in 7; Bucks over Pacers in 7; Cavs over Magic in 7

(West) Thunder over Lakers in 7; Nuggets over Pelicans in 4; Wolves over Suns in 6; Mavs over Clippers in 6

2nd round

(East) Celtics over Cavs in 5; Bucks over Heat in 7

(West) Thunder over Mavs in 7; Nuggets over Wolves in 7

Conference finals

(East) Celtics over Bucks in 6

(West) Nuggets over Thunder in 6

This was my pre-season Final Four and I'm sticking with it. Yeah, OKC needs to show they can win in the playoffs and I think they will. But the Nuggets are still the team to beat in the West, the one truly ready-to-win team out there. The Celtics have easily been the best in the League this season and while the Bucks have been more shaky than solid this season, I still think they're better than everyone else (except the Celtics).

Finals

Nuggets over Celtics in 6

This was my pre-season pick and my all-star break pick, I don't see any reason to change. I think the Celtics can beat the Nuggets and it'll be a great series, but I'm sticking with the Jokic and co. until the explosion comes to defeat them. 

2023-24 NBA Bric-a-Brac (Weeks 19-20)

Signed (extension)

Kelly Olynyk (2yr/$26.2m) 

I wondered what Toronto's plan was in getting Olynyk but giving him the 2-year extension makes more sense--at least now he's tradeable. I always liked Olynyk and I kinda like the moves the Raptors have made in the last few months but....they're still barely a play-in team in the East. So I expect them to be wheeling and dealing next year, too, and this deal is a good commodity for this squad (probably better than what Olynyk will bring them on the court). 

Signed (rest of season)

Aleksej Pokusevski (Hornets), Trent Forrest (Hawks), Jalen Wilson (Nets), Javon Freeman-Liberty (Raptors), Eugene Omoruyi (Wizards), Mike Muscala (Thunder), Dominick Barlow (Spurs), DJ Carton (Raptors), AJ Lawson (Mavs), Kendall Brown (Pacers), Justin Champagnie (Wizards), Shake Milton (Knicks), Patty Mills (Heat), Darius Bazeley (Jazz), Kenny Lofton Jr (Jazz)

Sneaky move by the Hornets: stole Tre Mann from the Thunder in the swap for Gordon Hayward instead of Poku--who got cut anyway by the Thunder to free up summer money on the roster. FWIW, I still think if Poku could knock on a 20-footer, he could still be pretty good. 

Meanwhile, the Thunder basically replaced Poku with Mike Muscala and well neither of them were going to play anyway, so not sure it really makes any kind of difference on the floor. 

Patty Mills is still a nice player off the bench. Won't give the Heat more than 8-10 minutes per night, but if he has one nice game off the bench in the playoffs, then he will have been more than worth it. 

10-Day Contracts

Izaiah Brockington (Pelicans), RJ Hampton (Wizards), Jahmius Ramsey (Raptors), Taj Gibson (Pistons), TJ Warren (Wolves), Wenyen Gabriel (Wolves), Dejon Jarreu (Grizzlies), Taevion Kinsey (Jazz)

Can Warren be a nice scorer off the bench for the Wolves (now that Towns is out indefinitely)? Can he be Alec Burks? 

Gabriel has freakishly long arms and makes the defensive half (along with Warren) of the Towns-replacement platoon off the bench. Decent rebounder, he'll get some steals, maybe a few assists. Might be handy for eating innings to finish out the regular season. 

Taj Gibson....keep getting dem checks. 

Always like RJ Hampton, Wizards might be the last best shot for him.  

2-Way Contracts

Jeff Dowtin (Sixers), Jaylin Galloway (Bucks), Marques Bolden (Hornets), Jacob Gilyard (Nets), Harry Giles (Lakers), Jamaree Bouyea (Spurs), RaiQuan Gray (Spurs), Dylan Windler (Hawks), Jacob Toppin (Knicks), Alex Fudge (Mavs), Quenton Jackson (Pacers), Mouhamadou Gueye (Raptors), Ish Wainwright (Suns) 

Any chance any of these dudes really catch on or are all these guys staying in shape for Summer League?

Retired

Otto Porter Jr (Jazz)

Hmmm....well, he hasn't played hardly at all in the last 2 seasons, so is his body totally done or is this a paperwork plot to get him back to a real team next season? Hey, man, he was pretty good for the Warriors in their championship run just 2 years ago, I'm not completely out on him unless he feels like his body just can't do it any more.  Porter has a weird career: never as good as he should've been (#3 pick in the draft back in the day) but he also never really played any good teams, except for his one deep run with the Warriors. He was treated like a star when really he was a complementary player, if he had properly found his spot, he might've been a Scottie Pippen (or at least a Tayshaun Prince). He got a ring, he made a ton of money, so can't cry for the guy but he never had the career he should've had. (Possible he shows up in Denver or Boston next season? Wouldn't be shocked.....)

Waived/Released

Mike Muscala (Pistons), Patty Mills (Hawks), Darius Bazeley (Sixers), Kenneth Lofton Jr (Sixers), Nathan Mensah (Hornets), Dylan Windler (Lakers), Shake Milton (Pistons), Mamadi Diakite (Spurs), DJ Carton (Raptors), Jacob Toppin (Knicks), Dominick Barlow (Spurs), Justin Jackson (Wolves), DaQuen Jaffries (Knicks), Jalen Crutcher (Pelicans), Markquis Nowell (Raptors), Theo Maledon (Suns), Dru Smith (Heat), Sharife Cooper (Cavs), Matthew Hurt (Grizzlies)

Lot of a around-the-edges talent in this bunch. A fair amount have already been re-signed, a fair amount will be by the end of the month.  

2023-24 NBA Bric-a-Brac (Week 16) (Trade Deadline)

Trades

Celtics get Xavier Tillman; Pelicans get Lamar Stevens; Grizzlies get 2027 2nd rd pick, 2030 2nd rd pick

Celtics finally get the rim protection they've needed for years (Robert Williams was pretty good in his time but seemingly always injured). Grizzlies get a couple more 2nd rd picks to throw on the pile and, since Stevens hasn't been waived, I guess they plan on adding Stevens to the rotation. 

Pistons get Troy Brown Jr, Shake Milton, 2030 2nd rd pick; Wolves get Monte Morris

Pistons didn't really need Morris, a vet hungry for some playoff run, but I'm not sure they needed Brown or Milton, either--well, until they waived most of their roster, stripping it back down to pure youth movement--as they are already Cunningham and Ivey as ball dominant attackers. As for the Wolves, well, Morris is fine, gives them a little more toughness on D, little more irrational confidence on offense, and since Milton had fallen pretty far out of the rotation, this was an easy move for them.

Pacers get Cory Joseph, 2025 2n rd pick, cash; Warriors get 2024 2nd rd pick

Since Joseph has already been cut, this looks to be a paper-shuffling move for the Warriors, opening the spot for a buy out (big man?), I presume. Presumably the Pacers get the better 2nd rd pick and for a team that values the draft, that might become something useful.  

Pistons get Danuel House Jr, 2024 2n rd pick; Sixers get 2028 2nd rd pick

Another roster-shuffling move, as House has already been waived by the Pistons. Not sure why the Sixers are moving on from House, he's a nice contributor and I'm not sure I see someone more fitting for them out their in the buy-out market, but I guess they have moves in mind, already. As for the Pistons, it's just another 2nd rd pick for the upcoming draft. 

Jazz get Otto Porter Jr, Kira Lewis Jr, 2024 1st rd pick; Raptors get Kelly Olynyk, Ochai Agbaji

I don't really get this trade. The Jazz love their 1st rd picks and that's probably the right price for Olynyk, but Agbaji is still a nice young prospect and I don't see Kira Lewis as an upgrade. And what do they intend to do with Porter? As for the Raptors, what do they need Olynyk for? I like Olynyk but he's the kind of guy that can make a worthwhile contribution to a good team but isn't gonna do much to raise the level of a bad team, so are the Raptors just looking to tank the rest of the season, then flip Olynyk in the summer? Is that really worth a 1st rd pick? Agbaji should fit the new-look Raptor rotation but, again, not sure he's worth a 1st rounder, either (unless the Raptors presume this draft will suck). Can't help thinking that Porter and Olynyk are still on the move--and since the draft probably will suck, wouldn't the Jazz rather have Agbaji rather than Lewis and an anonymous draft pick? 

Kings get Robin Lopez, cash; Bucks get the rights to Dimitrios Agravanis

Another roster shuffle, as the Kings have already waived Lopez (hmmm, kinda thought the Kings could use Lopez). Don't know Agravanis....sounds Greek...pal of Giannis, I presume. Seems like this about the Bucks freeing up a roster spot for a buy out guy (hmmmm, kinda thought the Bucks could use Lopez). 

Mavs get Daniel Gafford; Wizards get Richaun Holmes

All the Wizards got was Richaun Holmes? Why didn't OKC offer slightly more and steal him away? I like Gafford, good rebounder, hard worker, a guy that busts his ass night in, night out. Not a star but the kind of role player pretty much every team could use (especially, say, the Thunder). Holmes is a nice veteran but he's hardly a long term addition for the Wizards, so they just wanted the fungible contract rather than a highly prized role player? Great trade for the Mavs, kinda shocked the Wizards couldn't do better than this for Gafford--not even a throw-in 2nd rounder? Jeez. 

Blazers get Dalano Banton; Celtics get 2nd rd pick

Banton had a moment last year with the Raptors where he kinda seemed like a guy, but I guess it was just an unexpected hot streak because nothing much ever happened with him again. The Celtics needed a roster spot but since the Blazers haven't waived him, perhaps they've got plans for Banton. 

Celtics get Jaden Springer; Sixers get 2024 2nd rd pick

Jaden Springer is why the Celtic moved on from Banton--and why they could afford to give away a 2nd rd pick. So basically this is a 3-way trade where the Sixers and the Blazers get nothing and the Celtics get the prospect they wanted all along. We'll see if Springer becomes something, if he can handle the ball then he'll get more of a chance with the Celtics than the Sixers, I suppose. But on the surface this just looks like the Celtics get the Blazers and Sixers to pay each other for the guy the Celtics wanted. 

Bucks get Patrick Beverley; Sixers get Cameron Payne

PatBev is one of those guys that people are irrational about. The idea that he makes the difference for the Bucks or the Sixers is laughable....that said....every time I've watched the Sixers this year, he's the one that stands out. So I can't imagine why the Sixers gave him away to a conference rival. Payne brings back a ball handler instead of a defensive presence but do the Sixers need that? I can't believe there wasn't more to this deal--why would the Sixers just give away a player to the team ahead of them in the standings? I guarantee Beverley was giving them more than Payne will, so what is up with this move? 

Nets get Dennis Schroder, Thaddeus Young; Raptors get Spencer Dinwiddie

Schroder is the kinda guy that can bring it when he's motivated but mails it in when he's not feeling it. In 2023's Euro championship, I thought Schroder was the MVP of the tourney--not Luka, not Jokic, not Markennen. And with the Lakers in the playoffs last year, I thought Schroder's defense was extremely underappreciated. But when he was with the Celtics a few years back--a team desperate for a PG--he barely paid attention and was clearly eager to get run out of town. Why? Likewise, the Raptors are a team desperate for a PG and yet night after night he brought not much to that team. Well, now he's going to another squad desperate for a PG and I can't help feeling that this is the best/last chance for Schroder to actually be a star--which I am convinced he can be if he really wants to. Will he ball out in Brooklyn? I doubt it, but we'll see. As for Young (already moved on to the Suns) and Dinwiddie (already moved on to the Lakers), I think they can be kinda useful in limited roles on playoff teams, we'll see if they get anything done in their new homes. 

Knicks get Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks; Pistons get Evan Fournier, Malachi Flynn, Quentin Grimes, Ryan Arcidiacano, 2028 2nd rd pick, 2029 2nd rd pick

Knicks bolster their bench with two reliable veteran shooters, both of whom are wildly underrated. The fact that the Knicks got both of these guys without giving up a 1st rd pick is remarkable. What happened to the Knicks? They look like a real organization for the first time since the Patrick Ewing days. As for the Pistons, well, I guess Grimes has a shot at becoming a rotation guy, but Arcidiacano is already gone, I assume Flynn will be waived at the first chance and Fournier is clearly not someone to build around. So Grimes and a coupla 2nd rd picks feels like not much for two vets all playoff teams could use. 

Mavs get PJ Washington, 2024 2nd rd pick, 2028 2nd rd pick; Hornets get Grant Williams, Seth Curry, 2027 1st rd pick

I love PJ Washington, he's on a great contract and he's a hungry that's never been on a good team--exactly the guy I'd love to add to a playoff roster. (So why didn't OKC go get this guy? And they facilitated the trade by offering a 1st rounder in a pick swap deal with the Mavs--why not just use that pick to go get Washington for the Thunder roster?) Clearly Grant Williams was not a successful signing, but still a reasonable enough addition for the Hornets, and Seth Curry was not really needed on a team with so much firepower (and now the Hornets can play the "we got a Curry!" game, worse ways to go). Weird trade but the Mavs end up with the guy they want (instead of the guy they don't want) and the Hornets shuffle the deck chairs and have an extra 1st round pick.

Thunder get Gordon Hayward; Hornets get Vasilijie Micic, Tre Mann, Davis Bertans, 2024 2nd rd pick, 2025 2nd rd pick

Why did the Thunder do this? So instead of going to Charlotte and putting your assets out for Washington (and Nick Richards), they help Washington go to a conference opponent and get Hayward instead? Why....why....I don't get this at all. I like Micic and Mann, they'll both get run in the Hornets rotation, and even Bertans might get some time, too, since the Hornets have no need to win anything. I like OKC, they have drafted so well over the years that they can afford to give up on Micic and Mann, but to do that for Hayward makes no sense to me. 

Grizzlies get Chimezie Metu, Yuta Watanabe; Suns get Royce O'Neale, David Roddy; Nets get Keita Bates-Diop, Jordan Goodwin, 2026 2nd rd pick, 2028 2nd picks, 2029 2nd rd picks, the rights to Vanja Marinkovic

The Suns wanted a solid veteran perimeter defender and, in O'Neale, they got that. The rest is just a shuffling of little used players to similarly dusaty benches. I like Watanabe but hard to imagine he makes a difference in Memphis. Roddy was my favoire player in the NCAA tourney a coupla years back, but I think we can say he doesn't look to be a major star in the NBA. Bates-Diop is a servicable forward but the Nets already have a whole roster full of those. Metu and Goodwin have already waived. No idea who Marinkovic is, I suppose it is possible that he is the real jewel in this transaction. Well, the Nets got a fist full of 2nd round picks, that's something, I guess.

Sixers get Buddy Hield; Pacers get Furkan Korkmaz, Doug McDermott, 2024 2nd rd pick, 2029 2nd rd pick, cash; Spurs get Marcus Morris, 2029 2nd rd pick

Sixers get the shooter they needed in Hield, but unless Embiid returns, not sure it matters. Pacers get two guys they don't need or want and some 2nd rounders. Spurs get a Morris twin for no reason and a far off 2nd rounder. Feels like the Pacers should've done better for Hield--and why were they so desperate to trade him anyway? He has better value than what they got back. The Spurs get to move on from McDermott but what do they need Morris for? I dunno, this just looks like a big ol' waste of time. 

Nuggets get rights to Ishmael Kamagate; Clippers get cash

Okay. Do the Nuggets really like this guy or were the Clippers just extra desperate to get rid of him?

Pistons get Simons Fontecchio; Jazz get Kevin Knox, rights to Gabriele Procida, 2024 2nd rd pick

Fontecchio is a reasonable perimeter shooter, kinda had moments with the Jazz, not sure what kind of time he'll get with the Pistons. Jazz have already released Knox. I remember some hopeful talk of Procida in that draft. Interesting to see if the Jazz can bring Procida over next year. 

Waivings

Victor Oladipo (Grizzlies), Frank Ntilikina (Hornets), Ish Smith (Hornets), James Bouknight (Hornets), Robin Lopez (Kings), Harry Giles (Nets), Thaddeus Young (Nets), Cory Joseph (Pacers), Danilo Gallinari (Pistons), Danuel House Jr (Pistons), Joe Harris (Pistons), Killian Hayes (Pistons), Spencer Dinwiddie (Raptors), Chimezie Metu (Grizzlies), RJ Hampton (Heat), Kevin Knox (Jazz), Jordan Goodwin (Nets), Furkan Korkmaz (Pacers), Kyle Lowry (Hornets), Ryan Arcidiacano (Pistons), Delon Wright (Wizards)

Hornets and Pistons clean house.

Signings (for the rest of the season)

James Johnson (Pacers), GG Jackson (Gizzlies), Keon Ellis (Kings), Lindy Waters III (Thunder), Spencer Dinwiddie (Lakers), Bismack Biyombo (Thunder), Kyle Lowry (Sixers), Thaddeus Young (Suns), Danilo Gallinari (Bucks), Delon Wright (Heat), Criag Porter Jr (Cavs), Duop Reath (Blazers), Jeremish Robinson-Earl (Pelicans)

Jackson has been balling out, looks like a great signing for the Grizzlies.

I think Dinwiddie can be really good off the Lakers bench. He can be the pretty good 2nd string playmaker (as long as he stays engaged) that the Lakers will need if they plan on making a run. 

Thunder needed rebounding and rim-protecting and that's pretty much all Biyombo can do, so he can be pretty good for them. (They could've traded for PJ Washington and Nick Richards and still signing Birombo....just sayin'....)

So the Sixers will use Lowry and Buddy Hield to stay afloat til Emibiid comes back? Meh, I guess it might work.

The Suns weren't old enough, they're gonna need Young's veteran presence. 

I don't see what Galinari gives the Bucks. He can shoot 3's but he's too slow to be effective on defense, hard to imagine he's a net benefit for this team. Well, the Bucks this year are built to outscore teams so I guess his lack of defense doesn't really matter (as long as he scores). 

Wright is a nice backup PG, the Heat always need depth. 

10 Day Contracts

Ashton Hagans (Blazers), Trey Jamison (Grizzlies), Taj Gibson (Knicks), Justise Winslow (Raptors), Mouhamadou Gueye (Raptors), Zhaire Smith (Cavs), Tosan Evbuomwan (Pistons), Jordan Goodwin (Grizzlies) 

Winslow is back! Man, when he fell to $#10 in the draft, I thought that would be a talking point for years to come. Not so much. 

2-Way Contracts

Alondes Williams (Heat), Mason James (Kings), Adam Flagler (Thunder)

Don't know. 

2023-24 NBA Bric-a-Brac (Week 15)

Trade

Rockets get Steven Adams; Grizzlies get Victor Oladipo, two 2024 2nd rd picks, one 2025 2nd rd pick

In case you wondering if injured players could get traded in the NBA, the answer is obviously "YES", considering that neither Adams not Oladipo has played a game yet this year. I have a theory about Adams: I bet in real life he's a really cool guy and probably a great locker room presence. In his prime he was a hell of a rebounder, defender and all-around lane filler but the prime years are long past for Adams. So what purpose does he serve the Rockets? Well, they're a young team and he's a reliable (likable?) veteran in the locker room and when he does come back next year, he'll be a nice 2nd string big man for them. 

As for Oladipo, well, if he comes back from injury, he could possibly get some for-real minutes on this Grizzlies team that is already decimated by injuries and not looking to win games anyway. If he could be something like the ball handling scorer he was at his peak, then there's definitely room in Memphis for him right now. Honestly three 2nd rd picks is the real prize in this deal as the Grizzlies need bodies and will likely be able to make better use of them that the Rockets (who have already moved on from their youth movement into a maturing roster). 

Is this move a big deal? Well, its deck chair shuffling for both teams and that might make each of them a little more nimble this off-season but isn't gonna make much different on the court. 

Injury

Zach LaVine opted for season-ending foot surgery

LaVine had been prominent in trade rumors for the last month or so, does this mean he's off the market? Most likely, since anyone trading for LaVine would want him to play now rather than later. But, as we've seen with Adams and Oladipo, resetting for this summer and/or next season is not out of the question, so is there anyone out there willing to pick up a convalescing LaVine? The Pistons are still a possibility and why not the Raptors, since it seems like they're not interesting in winning any more this season. Could the Blazers pony up Jerami Grant for 2025 LaVine?

10-day Contracts

Tosan Evbuomwan (Grizzlies), Taj Gibson (Knicks), Trey Jemison (Grizzlies)

The Grizzlies are crippled by injuries at the moment, I'm a little surprised there are only two 10-day-ers in the rotation at the moment. 

Taj! Hey, man, when Coach Thibs says, "I need ya, Taj", Taj snaps into action, pulls the old Knick jersey out of the back of the closet and collects a few extra paychecks. Always liked Taj, glad he's still around (though clearly Thibs is the only one that truly appreciates his genius). 

Retiring

Marc Gasol

Helluva player in his day, he was the epitome of the ol' grit-and-grind Grizzlies, went to Toronto for a playoff run, bounced around a little. Always had a weird game, weird body, but in his prime he was a reliable scorer, subtle tough guy and a great all-round contributor. Good int'l career, too, and I presume that this announcement is truly about no longer playing for Spain or in Europe in general. Hall of famer? I'd say yes (but then again, everybody makes the basketball hall of fame). 

2023-24 NBA Bric-a-Brac (Week 13-14)

Trade

Pacers get Pascal Siakim, 2024 Pelicans 2nd rd pick; Raptors get Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, Kira Lewis Jr, two 2024 1st rd picks, one 2026 1st rd pick, one 2024 2nd rd pick; (Pelicans get....nothing?)

I was actually a little skeptical of Siakim's fit in Indy, but supposedly Siakim has long been an admirer of Myles Turner and really looked forward to playing with him.  Okay, that doesn't look like it'll work to me but if they're into it, then let's see it in action. On paper this deal is a win for the Pacers, a team that either has to draft well or make shrewd trades and this looks like a good one (assuming they can re-sign Siakim long term this summer). Losing Bruce Brown is tough but Siakim's offense and defense should make up for that loss.  

Personally I thought the Raptors were going to re-sign Siakim this summer and that that was the plan all along...but, apparently not. I guess they thought they either had to trade him or else just loved this deal so much they couldn't pass it up. Either way, they add Bruce Brown to the rotation, where I think he'll fit in right away (or Brown can still be flipped to another team and while I assume there would be many suitors, that doesn't necessarily mean the right deal will come together). And they get three 1st rd picks and the Raptors are a pretty good draft team, so more fuel for their fire. Nwora and Lewis are not high on anyone's lists of must-have players, but they give enough depth for other players on the Raptors (*ahem* Denis Schroder and, well, Bruce Brown) to be moved by the deadline, too. And since the Raptors are clearly punting on this season, there's no need to bring back quality unless the contract matches future desires. I thought the Raptors had their Siakim problem fixed all long (re: I thought they loved each other and it was a mega-re-signing just waiting to happen), but I guess they chose to pull the rip chord instead. Okay, not a bad idea and a pretty good haul.

The Pelicans pitched in a 2nd rd pick and Kira Lewis Jr. and received....nothing at all....?  Uh....isn't there some provision that requires this trade to look somewhat balanced? Pelicans didn't even get a future 2nd rd pick or anything? Do they get a trade exception? Anything? (How is this still possible?)

Heat get Terry Rozier; Hornets get Kyle Lowry, 2027 1st rd pick

Great deal for the Heat. Rozier is a playmaker or a scorer, he wants to win, has a range of additive skills and has been playing for a losing team for so long that he's probably dying to play meaningful games again. 

The Hornets don't really need Rozier any more since they're not trying to win. Lowry will be waived, I presume, or if not, he won't help the Hornets win games. And an unprotected 1st rd pick is always good (on paper). The Hornets don't really add much but they've got nothing to lose anyway.  

Firings

Bucks fire coach Adrian Griffin; hire Doc Rivers ($40m/3.5yr)

Wow, 40 games into his coaching career and now he's out? Well, it started shaky enough. First off, I thought they were foolish for firing Coach Budenholzer. Secondly, Nick Nurse was the obvious replacement (but apparently he and Giannis did not hit it off). And then this team with championship aspirations hires a 1st time head coach? From outside the organization? Then right before the season starts, new guy fires off Terry Stotts, the one veteran coach on the staff (and presumed Dame-whsiperer). Yeah....none of that is good. The Bucks overreacted to getting bounced in the playoffs (uh, Giannis was hurt, you'll recall), fired a good coach, panic-traded for Dame (don't hate the trade but I'm not convinced it needed to be done), then went pennywise-pound-foolish on the new head coach. Now their defense is a disaster and they had to overpay Doc Rivers (while still overpaying the last two coaches). All right, the good news is: Dame and Giannis together are quite the offensive juggernaut, they're still 2nd in the East and if they could get any kind of defensive identity going, then they could still win it all. Doc is fine for this team (though that price tag--whooch!) but it all just reminds us that Coach Bud should be coaching this team still. 

Wizards fire (and re-assign) coach Wes Unseld Jr; Brian Keefe named interim head coach

Yup, it was all the coach's fault. Whew! Thank god the Wizards have finally put that problem to bed! Uh....just kidding. This organization is a mess and Unseld is probably better off collecting his severance and trying to get a job on Doc Rivers' staff in Milwaukee. Where do the Wizards go from here? Well, I mean "up" is the only direction available, right?

Waivings

Christian Koloko (Raptors)

The fallout of the Siakim trade. Koloko played 58 games for the Raptors last year but has played 0 this year. Turns out he has a seemingly major blood clot issue that could be life-threatening much less career-threatening. I hope the NBA insurance policy is a good one (I would assume it is as good as any on planet Earth). Hopefully we'll see him in Summer League.  

2-way Contracts

Scottie Pippen Jr (Grizzlies)

A hot prospect at Vanderbilt, Pippen hasn't really done much as a pro. Seems like he's more of a playmaking PG than a scorer, seems like the Grizzlies could use that. We'll see if he gets minutes this year. 

10-day Contacts

Pete Nance (Cavs), (2x) James Johnson (Pacers), Taze Moore (Blazers), Trey Jemison (Wizards), Malcolm Hill (Pelicans), Matthew Hurt (Grizzlies)

Will any of these guys really make a difference for their squads? I dunno. The 10-day contract thing is more about roster paperwork shuffling than on the court activity, so probably not. But, these guys are all NBA players and I'm not. 

2021-22 NBA Bric-a-Brac (Post-Draft) (*)

Post-Draft Signings

Tomas Satoransky signed with FC Barcelona

Barcelona's nemesis (Real Madrid) just played in the Euroleague final, which means Barca is ready to unload the vault to get back in the game. Good time to be Tomas: being a badass in Barcelona is probably a lot better than being a Washington Wizard. I always liked him, good for Tomas, nice playmaker (an oldhead Josh Giddey, if you will), should still have a coupla really good Euro years left in him.

Qualifying Offers

Heat tendered RFA Caleb Martin a qualifying offer

I like both of the Martin twins, Caleb just played solid minutes in a conference final, his contract is miniscule, I would expect somebody to take a run at him (and unless someone comes way over the top, I would expect the Heat to keep him). 

Kings did not tender UFA Donta DiVincenzo a qualifying offer

I didn't understand why the Bucks gave up on DiVincenzo so easily last year, when they clearly could've used some wing scoring off the bench. And now I don't understand why the Kings are going to just let him walk when they actually made a nifty move to get him last season. I mean if he's not part of the plan then I guess you move on, but what better plan are the Kings working on? 

1yr deals

Heat sign Orlando Robinson to 1yr deal

Recent Fresno State big man, Robinson had (briefly) a 1st round grade in some mocks, so signing him post-draft could be a real get for the Heat. He's a Summer Leaguer if nothing else. 

Pacers sign Fanbo Deng to 1 yr deal

Fanbo didn't start appearing in the mocks until right before the draft, so I know nothing about him. We'll see in Summer League. Why sign these guys to 1 yr deals rather than 2-ways or even less formal deals? I dunno, something in the salary cap structure promotes having a slot that endures into the next season--even if the player does not come back. Will Fanbo and/or Robinson be on the opening day rosters in October? I doubt it, but you never know. 

2-way contracts

Bucks sign AJ Green, Grizzlies sign Kenneth Lofton Jr, Jazz sign Johnny Juzang, Lakers sign Scotty Pippen Jr , Nuggets sign Collin Gillespie, Raptors sign Ron Harper Jr, Warriors sign Lester Quinones

Yeah...not a lot of mock draft love for any of these guys all year long--even though I thought Juzang would start the season with a 1st rd grade, but he never wowed the scouts. I dunno, man, I think the Jazz got themselves a guy that can score. As for others....no idea.

Options/Extensions

Thunder pick up option on Lu Dort

The final year of Dort's rookie deal, not even $2m (not even sure if that's guaranteed), pound for pound this is maybe the most valuable contract in the league. Wouldn't be at all surprised if they trade him this summer: OKC is still in Lose mode for another year, Dort is quite possibly too good to play and (like *ahem* SGA), the sporting thing to do is to trade young guys that need to play if you're not gonna play them. I can absolutely see Dort and SGA on other teams by October. 

Rockets pick up option on Jae'Sean Tate

I liked Tate, another nice young player for the Rockets to build around. The Rockets are the kind of team that will invest well, accrue value well, make the right moves, and will willingly sacrifice W's if it means building a better value base over time. Point being: the Rockets should still be pretty awful next year (like OKC, they're in for 1 more year of tank commander b-ball) but I think they are building correctly and will be rewarded over time. 

Cavs pick up option on Dean Wade

The poor man's Kevin Love, perfect just in case they move on from Love this summer. Under $2m, final year of the deal, he played 51 games last year, this is a no-brainer. 

Kyrie Irving (Nets) exercises player option

Ha! This basically means Kyrie couldn't find a trade or sign/trade option, nor does it seem like the Nets were eager to give a max deal (good god, why would they?), so it appears Kyrie is resigned to playing out his deal and finding a new home next summer. Should be a weird year for Kyrie and the Nets.

Pat Connaughton (Bucks) exercises player option

Cool.  I always dug, Connaughton, he hustles, don't take no shit, ain't a great shooter but isn't afraid to shoot, knows he's not the star. Totally worth 1yr/$5.5m. He might get moved but he's the kinda guy that's nice to have, a wild card guy that can make plays. 

Kendrick Nunn (Lakers) exercises player option

Sure, why not? Nunn was supposed to be a ball handler off the bench for a playoff team last year but Nunn didn't play at all and the Lakers sucked. I expect Nunn to play next year (but I wouldn't expect the Lakers to be much better). 

Cory Joseph (Pistons) exercises player option

I reckon Joseph will be part of their rotation next year. The Pistons should be better but I don't see them as a post-season team next year, so filling minutes with Joseph sounds just fine. 

Svi Mykhailuk (Raptors) exercises player option

Under $2m, played 56 games last year, Raptors rotation is a deep one, I can see him playing minutes for Toronto, this is probably a good deal. 

John Wall (Rockets) exercises player option

If I'm not mistaken, the Rockets agreed to buy Wall out and he is going to sign with the Clippers (something like 1yr/$8m). I thought the Rockets could've played him, he could've looked kinda good without winning games, seems like they could've made more of a market for him, but I guess they were cool with just buying him out (when (NFL guy) says he got paid to lose games, why are we surprised? In the tanking NBA there's a handful of guys getting paid to not win games every season). I think Wall probably still has something left in the tank, he's barely played but I reckon he's still physically well enough to be good. The Clippers should be a nice spot for him. 

James Harden (Sixers) declines player option

This is so Harden can sign an extension, I'm guessing 3yrs something like $170m. I wouldn't pay him that but it isn't my money-- in fact, it's the best kind of money: someone else's money! I still think Harden can be good, possibly even really really good, but he's also guaranteed to be annoying, cryptic and there's also a chance he just goes sideways forever and never comes close to being worth a big fat extension. The Sixers are into it, I guess, but I'd be looking for a trade partner (Westbrook doesn't seem that bad a pairing for Embiid to me), but then again, I'm not an NBA GM, I'm a frickin' blogger.  

Bradley Beal (Wizards) declines player option

This is so Beal can sign the mega-max (or something pretty max-y) with the Wizards. Does he get traded in the next year? I guess I'd say 50/50 chance. Beal has always said he wants to stay in DC, but the Wizards have always sucked, I think he's a popular enough player for the fans to root for him at-large and therefore is massive tradebait, even at his high salary. I don't see the ideal circumstance (to Philly w/ Harden and Embiid? Can he get to Miami? Is it possible to pair him with Luka?), so I can see Beal just playing his entire career in a quiet NBA suburb (that ain't the worst life, actually).  

Nicholas Batum (Clippers) declines player option

Uhhhh, I don't get this one. I always liked Batum as much as the next guy, but I thought another year with the Clippers at $3.5m sounded about right. If he opts out, I don't see him going back to the Clippers, so does he have a better deal waiting from somewhere else? (Jazz? Bucks? Celtics? Heat?)

Trades

Thunder get JaMycheal Green, 2027 1st rd pick; Nuggets get 2023 2nd rd pick, 2024 2nd rd pick, the rights to pick # 30 (Peyton Watson)

Green is a reliable vet with no aspirations to a future with OKC and he's on an expiring contract, so he can either play for OKC or get waived or get traded. Kinda feels like the Nuggets overpaid to get the worst 1st rd pick possible (no comment on Watson, but #30 is arguably the worst spot in the whole draft), but I suppose clearing out space to replace Green is valuable. (And hey! 2nd rd picks! Hooray!)

Blazers get Jerami Grant, the rights to the #46 pick (Ismael Kamangate); Pistons get 2025 1st rd pick, 2025 2nd rd pick, 2026 2nd rd pick, the rights to pick #36 (Gabriele Procida)

Grant in the final year of his deal is a nice scoring option for the Blazers, who feel like they're gonna score a ton (but will they defend enough to actually win games?); I feel like the Pistons tipped their hand a bit much and could've done better than a future 1st and a bunch of 2nd rd picks for a pretty good veteran scorer. On the other hand: if Procida becomes a nice player, then that alone is worth it because they needed to get off Grant's salary. Anyway, this is not the deal I foresaw for Jerami Grant, not sure what else was out there for the Pistons, though. 

Mavs get Christian Wood; Rockets get Boban Marjanovic, Trey Burke, Sterling Brown, Marquese Chriss, the rights to #26 pick (Wendell Moore Jr)

Wood is a nice big man, shoots 3's, feels like he won't get in Luka's way and will contribute more offense than you think; this is a good move for the Mavs. I feel like the Rockets could've done better for Wood, but a collection of vets on small contracts is maybe exactly what they need. Throw in another youngster (just played in a Final Four, no less) for the youth movement and, okay, I'm talking myself into this move. 

Sixers get De'Anthony Melton; Grizzlies get Danny Green, the rights to #23 pick (David Roddy)

I like Melton but I guess the Grizzlies fancied themselves deep enough to let him walk or perhaps they saw what I saw in Roddy's rambling run through March Madness (one of the only players I name checked this year). I have my doubts about Roddy, but you never know, but Green on the other hand is clearly not going to play next year, so he's just a piece of paper to pass around. Melton is a nice pickup for the Sixers, another savvy contributor off the bench. 

Coaches

Hornets hired Steve Clifford (multi-year) to be Head Coach

*cue the Welcome Back Kotter theme song* Clifford was the guy the Hornets fired the last time they needed to go in a new direction. Most insiders speak highly of Clifford's skills but I dunno that I've ever seen any evidence of it. They went with a hot new thing (Borrego) last time, so going back to the check-getting retread route, I reckon. (So we're just recycling golf buddies in Charlotte or something...?) Will it help? Who knows? Clifford might be perfect, I have no idea what kind of coach this team needs.

Jazz hired Will Hardy (5yrs) to be Head Coach

Okay. Danny Ainge reaching back to Boston to thin out that coaching staff after snagging an Eastern Conference title. The Jazz need a new look and feel (one in Ainge's image, I presume), and Hardy may well be perfect. Clearly Hardy was at peace with whatever comes to pass with Donovan Mitchell and/or Rudy Gobert this summer (and that's probably the first question in the interview!). 

(*) The plan is to do a team-by-team look at the draft. Hopefully tomorrow. We'll see.

2021-22 NBA Bric-a-Brac (post-Championship)

Players

Derrick Favors (Thunder) exercises player option

Yup, this was always going to happen. Next year as SGA's contract matriculates, Favors will drop to being only the 2nd highest paid player on the Thunder roster (at $10.1m). He's expiring veteran trade bait, I'd love to see Favors on a nice team (Jazz, Heat, Sixers, Nets, Lakers, Clippers always in the mix), I think he can be a nice bench piece on a good team (and OKC ain't it). 

Robert Covington (Clippers) signs 2-year/$24m extension

Long thought Covington is among the most underrated guys in the league for the last 5 years or so. He's a much better defender than you're giving him credit for (had him higher than Smart on my scorecard) and a better shooter than you realize. Covington can be that reliable defensive junkyard dog that can knock down a 3 on a champ team. Clippers got a ways to go, but the Covington deal is arguably the bestest purest value they've got.

Russell Westbrook (Lakers) exercises player option

Oh yeah, no one ever thought Westbrook would just walk away from a $47m paycheck. Whether he stays in LA or gets traded (just sayin': don't you think he's the perfect pairing with Gobert?), opting in was a foregone conclusion. If the Lakers could get something better then he'd be gone (hey, that's just how it is to play for the Lakers, they're always dealing), and that could happen. But I think its more likely we find out how strong Coach Ham is gonna be by Xmas time. 

Sixers exercise team option on Shake Milton

I like Shake, under $2m to finish off his rookie deal is a no-brainer. He kinda reminds me of Tyrese Maxey (Shake's a little more of a playmaker), makes him a nice off the bench guy for Philly. 

Jeff Green (Nuggets) exercises player option

Man, Jeff Green is still good, I kinda love Green, he went to waste on an injury riddle Nuggets squad this year. But if they come back healthy, Green can be a playoff bench guy. 

Thanassis Antetokounpo (Bucks) exercises player option

It seems to me Thanassis at least has DPOY potential (and he's the big star's brother, so...), he's under $2m, no reason not to bring him back. 

PJ Tucker (Heat) declined player option, becomes free agent

I thought Tucker and Heat culture were a good match but Reddit says 3yr/$30m to the (Sixers?), which sounds kinda crazy to me. I like Tucker, he can probably just sit out til January 1 and angle his way onto a talent-rich squad in the cap shuffling. I dunno where this is going, I just assumed he was gonna be in Miami but this is a taking a Horford-to-Philly turn.

JaMychal Green (Nuggets) exercises player option (trade?)

Green getting traded to OKC was reported last week (then ghosted after it required other moves to happen first), I'm assuming the trade talk returns on Draft Night (tomorrow, btw). (Seemed like a good deal, Nuggets trying to trade up in the draft, I think)

Coaches

Kings fire Alvin Gentry (interim coach); hire Mike Brown

Ahhhh, summer....time for the Kings to get to work on a new identity. Gentry was just a paycheck collecting caretaker while at least Brown is coming in with some promising talent and some authority. Kings are as snakebit as any franchise in North America, I wish 'em luck but we'll see. I like Fox and Sabonis, we'll see what they add on draft night (I got a feeling they trade out of #4), if they get a new attitude maybe they're a sneaky play-in team.  

Lakers fire Frank Vogel; hire Darvin Ham

The Lakers firing Vogel just proves what everyone already knows: the Lakers front office is stupid. Man, you think Vogel was what was wrong with that team? That's crazy. They won a championship with him, then made a soul crushing trade and now Vogel can't coach? Yeah...yeah, nobody's buying that. Vogel will be getting paychecks to not coach the Lakers for a while and he'll get another job one o' these days because no one watching the NBA thinks Vogel did a bad job in LA. 

Good luck to Ham. He was a popular asst with the Bucks, not sure what his deal is but he's swimming with sharks now, god love him. He'll be getting paid and living large in LA (which always looks like fun on TV), but there's a real chance the Lakers won't make the playoffs next year either (or that they get mopped up quickly) and that probably isn't that much fun. If Ham wins he'll be a legend, if he fails he'll still work in the NBA, so obviously its the right career move, but man that looks like a tough life to me.

Wolves sign Chris Finch to 3-year contract extension

The Wolves have been getting better over the last coupla years (re-emerging from the Thibodeau crater) and if the core likes the coach, then bring back the coach. I have no idea if Finch is any good but the Wolves were pretty good this year and that's worth some bonuses, so good for Finch.

Hornets fire James Borrego; announce the hiring of Kenny Atkinson, who backed out a coupla days later; (going to hire D'antoni?)

The Hornets have arguably been the weirdest team over the last 5 years or so. They always seem to have some nice players, good contracts, good situations and then they're never as good as they should be. Somehow, though, I can't imagine that Borrego is the problem, he actually seems pretty good to me and he'll be on a high profile coaching staff by October, I reckon. Atkinson is a well known in-your-face kinda coach, is that really what this team wants? I don't see that working, honestly, I think Atkinson did well to get out intact. I'd say the next candidate is Mike D'Antoni, who is a paycheck-grabbing old retread...which is probably exactly what the Hornets: just a day in/day out guy doing his job. 

Quin Snyder resigns as Jazz head coach; (Terry Stotts? Frank Vogel?)

Yeah, Snyder and the Jazz are going in different directions. Snyder was always thought to be in the running for taking over after Popovic in San Antonio (doesn't Becky Hammond going WNBA open the door for Snyder?). So Snyder has had a lot of good years in Utah, but likely that version of the team has peaked and this team is facing a blow up. They could keep Snyder, but they'd have to give him a serious raise to get him to sign a fresh deal when he is clearly eyeballing San Anton, and that's a tough ask for a team that almost guaranteed to be weird next year. I've heard of Stotts and Vogel, two veteran retreads eager to keep getting paid huge money to watch basketball all day, but until we see what they do with Mitchell and/or Gobert, not sure what difference the coach makes. 

Grizzlies extend Taylor Jenkins to multi-year extension

Yeah, they had a good year, pay the man. 

Executives

Kings fire Asst. GM Ken Catanella; Kings exec Joe Dumars resigns

I dunno, who knows what is good for the Kings. New blood is what they're used to, anyway.

Blazers name Joe Cronin as GM, Sergi Oliva as Asst GM

Don't know either of these guys. Good luck, though, rooting for everyone to succeed.

Hornets sigs Mitch Kupchak multi-year extension to remain Prez of Bask Ops

Kupchak has been around forever, Hornets were frustrating before Kupchak arrived, still frustrating now. Worth an extension? I have no idea. Maybe.

Wolves hire Tim Connelly as Prez of Bask Ops

Everyone raves about how great Connelly was in Denver but the record seemed mixed to me. He drafted Jokic and I guess that alone makes him an all-star in the world of the NBA cocktail set, but I wouldn't expect him to do that every year. Good hire? Sure, I guess so. He's high profile, well respected, he's making serious rich guy money, so obviously he's "successful". I mean, if you have the power to anoint such a guy then wouldn't you want such a guy?

Hawks name Landry Fields as GM

I remember Fields as scrappy off the bench guy for the Knicks. Had no idea he had already ascended to GM level, but good for him. Atlanta is a weird job (supposedly) because rather than having a single owner to work with, the Hawks have a series of minority owners, which can make for an unstable bureaucratic nightmare. But then again that provides great power for a clever management guy. Good luck to Fields, seems like a low risk/high reward job.

(*) Is Kenny Atkinson allowed to take another job or is he stuck in Golden State until next summer? He pulled the 'my kids don't want to move' card, which means he can't go anywhere now, right? 

2021-22 NBA Bric-a-Brac (Weeks 14-17 w/Trade Deadline) (*)

Notable injuries

Alex Caruso (Bulls) out indefinitely (fracture right wrist) 

Cheap shot from Grayson Allen (Bucks) looks likely to cut short a fine season from Caruso. Yeah, if I was Caruso, I'd be hating Allen for the rest of my days--and they play in the same division! Feels like some old Norris division kinda shit might be going on btw Chi-town and Milwaukee for the next few years, goon on goon action might get outta control. 

Didi Louzada (Pelicans/Blazers) out indefinitely (torn meniscus in left knee)

Traded while injured? I thought that wasn't allowed by the league nor prudent practice by any team. This really just highlights how badly the Blazers are eager to tank.

Cam Payne (Suns) out indefinitely (sprained right wrist)

The Suns are masterfully working time off for their rotation guys. They've studied the Popovic method for using rest to go deeper into the post-season. This may well net the Suns an extra W in the playoffs. 

Cody Zeller (Blazers/free agent) out indefinitely (right knee surgery)

Zeller probably won't be back this season. If his price tag is low, he'll have plenty of offers, he's still big and reasonably skilled.

Terence Davis (Kings) out indefinitely (right wrist)

Haven't really seen much of Davis this year.

Tim Hardaway Jr (Mavs) out indefinitely (fractured left foot)

That contract is overpriced but not wildly so; at its longest right now, but declining so not an onerous deal. He meshes pretty well with Luka but he's probably movable. The Mavs are kinda always in flux around Luka, not sure how much longer Hardaway is in the mix. 

Usman Garuba (Rockets) out indefinitely (surgery on left wrist)

Nice young rookie. Kinda like what (little) I've seen of him.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) out indefinitely (sprained right ankle)

Well, the Thunder aren't interested in W's right now anyway, just as well to let Shai get some rest. 

Joe Ingles (Jazz/Blazers) out for season (torn ACL in left knee)

Damn. Feels like the next time we see Ingles, it'll be signing a 1-day contract so he can retire with the Jazz. At 34, a year long knee injury is gonna be tough to come back from. As a free agent cut loose (presumably) by the Blazers, he'll be free to move right back into the Jazz system, right? Maybe there's a chance he comes back, but I suspect he'd be better as a coach or a player personnel kinda guy than as a 3-and-D guy. (Also I felt like they could've traded him to Atlanta for Gallinari, would've been a better fit) They brought in Ingles back in the day to be the Dante Exum whisperer, then he turned out to have much longer and more productive career than Exum ever did. Ingles must be a fan favorite and how many guys nowadays actually wanna live in SLC? (Pretty much just Joe Ingles) I fully expect Jingles to be part of the Utah front office or at least a regular part of Jazz lore for at least the next decade. Guys like Joe Ingles are rare and I'm glad I got to see him. Always liked that guy, good shooter, good defender, fun player to watch, unique style. I'm rooting for him but it's hard to imagine he'll be back.  

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (Thunder) out indefinitely (fractured right foot)

Rookie who has had some decently promising moments this season. I hope he gets back for summer league.

Bradley Beal (Wizards) out for the season (left wrist surgery)

The Wizards spent so many seasons just sucking, then got really weird this season, seemed like they might be buyers at the deadline or like they might completely up-end the franchise, instead they kinda whimpered away some dudes and outta nowhere ended up with Porzingis....I have absolutely no idea what this team is now. I'm not sure if they suck, never know, man: KP and Beal might be money together and getting 'Trez and Dinwddie out might make all the difference...or maybe not....maybe not even close...who knows? As for Beal, I'm sure he's fine. Gets to go to Cancun a little earlier than usual this summer but I reckon he'll be ready to ball in the Fall. 

Jay Scrubb (Clippers) out for the season (right foot surgery)

I don't know who that is. 

Larry Nance (Pelicans) out indefinitely (right knee surgery)

They just got Nance. Is the plan to bring him back this year to play with Zion? Or are we waiting til next season for both of them?

Chris Silva (Heat) placed on ineligible IL

Silva was waived, re-signed and placed on IL in a matter of hours. This smells like roster/cap manipulation more than a meaningful basketball move.

Front office moves

James Jones (Suns) given contract extension as GM

A trip to the Finals in his first year...what took so long on the extension?

Sashi Brown (Wizards) resigns as President

Hmmmm....no idea what's going on here. So he had nothing to do with this year's trade deadline moves?

Trades

Nuggets get Bryn Forbes; Spurs get Juancho Hernangomez, 2028 Nuggets 2nd rd pick, cash; Celtics get Bol Bol, PJ Dozier

Nuggets get a reliable energetic perimeter vet off the bench and give up two dudes that weren't playing anyway. Celtics ended up moving Bol and Dozier (and a 2nd rd pick) for a 2nd rd pick (one of those moves that seems utterly meaningless on paper but probably saves the state of Massachusetts a billion dollars or something, its some weird sacrifice to ancient gods or something), so they move on from Hernangomez (who also got moved by the Spurs). So...basically the Nuggets got Bryn Forbes for...a series of magic tricks and a 2nd rd pick.

Blazers get Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson, 2025 Clippers 2nd rd pick; Clippers get Norman Powell, Robert Covington

From the Blazers' perspective this was just a salary dump, so getting a nice young prospect (Johnson), a veteran that will give you minutes (Winslow) and an expiring contract (Bledsoe), and a 2nd rounder is a nice haul. I think Johnson becomes a focus for them this summer, I think Winslow is now ready to settle into the wiley veteran mode (might take a while but I still haven't given up on him), I think he's got good years in him and hell even Bledsoe will score some points, so while he's not a long term fixture he's not detrimental to the team. 

As for the Clippers, picking up Powell is actually a clever move: I think he's a good fit with PG and Kawhi and there's still room for Morris and/Kenard and/or Reggie Jax and maybe even Covington (a free agent this summer, I could see the Clippers trying to keep him). This was a build for next year (when Kawhi and PG come back healthy) move and I like it, one of those deals that works for both teams (Blazers get more diverse and flexible, Clippers get more usable talent ready to play now (er, well, next year)).  

Cavs get Caris LeVert, 2022 Pacers 2nd rd pick; Pacers get Ricky Rubio, 2022 Cavs 1st rd pick, 2022 2nd rd pick, 2027 2nd rd pick

Rubio is out for the year (and, am I wrong: he's retiring this year, right?), so he's just a contract in this deal (which is too bad because I always dug Rubio and he was ballin' out this year). So for the Pacers this all about the draft picks. They get Cavs 1st rd pick (btw 20-24, I'd guess) this year and the Cavs 2nd rd pick (around 50 or so) and a 2027 2nd rd pick (a 2nd rd pick 5 years from now is literally the smallest possible object of value in the NBA, less like a penny and more like a stamp). And they also sent out their own 2nd rd pick (which should be around #35, which is a pretty good pick). So the Pacers traded LaVert and the #35 pick to move up a little bit in the draft and get back a coupla meaningless 2nd rounders. Meh. I guess that's okay, feels like they could've done better for LaVert but this is weird year and grabbing anything you can is not a bad way to go, I reckon. 

For the Cavs, it strengthens their bench heading into the post-season and with the roster they have, I'd rather have the #34 pick than #20 and I couldn't care less about #50, so nothing but ups for the Cavs. Not merely free improvement, it was really convenient free improvement. So yeah, clear W for the Cavs. 

Kings get Domantas Sabonis, Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb, 2023 2nd rd pick; Pacers get Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, Tristan Thompson

I like Sabonis as much as the next guy, but what does he do for Sacramento? How does he make them better? And how is playing with Richaun Holmes gonna be any different than playing with Myles Turner? How does this move solve any of Sabonis's problems or the Kings' problems? And why did the Kings trade away Halliburton for any reason? (*sigh*) You know, I always keep trying to like the Kings but it's like they are specifically designed to do the wrong thing every time. I like Sabonis and they'll actually play Holiday and Lamb but getting them for Halliburton (the best player in the deal) and Hield and Thompson is not really an upgrade, just a re-arrangement. No matter what the Kings do, they'll always be the Kings.

I love the move for the Pacers. Halliburton is the best player and though I like Sabonis a lot, he wasn't a great fit with what the Pacers do, so they definitely got the better player on a better contract at a better position at a better place in his career. Good move for the Pacers. Getting Hield gives them perimeter scoring that is an upgrade on Lamb (and they have already waived Thompson). The Pacers got a lot younger at the deadline and they'll probably look to trade at least one of the vets (Hield and/or Brogdon) and add two 1st rounders next year.

Blazers get Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoransky, Didi Louzada Silva, 2022 Pelicans 1st rd pick, 2026 2nd rd pick, 2027 2nd rd pick; Pelicans get CJ McCollum, Larry Nance, Tony Snell

The Blazers are emptying their payroll (though I have yet to see any kind of "plan" at work), and getting back a good Pelicans draft pick, Hart and Louzada (NAW and Satoransky have already been moved again), gives them a little something. The pick is nice and Hart is a reliable guy (does he fit with Anfrenee Simons? Probably) but trading away McCollum is a big ol' white flag on the future.

The Pelicans got a good veteran to go with Zion and Ingram and that makes them, well, more fun to watch, not sure it puts them into the post-season, though. They'll need Zion for that and I don't see him coming back any time soon. So....not sure what this trade actually does for them. 

Blazers get Joe Ingles, Elijah Hughes, 2022 Jazz 2nd rd pick; Jazz get Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Juancho Hernangomez; Spurs get Tomas Satoransky, 2022 Jazz 2nd rd pick

Blazers end up with Elijah Hughes, a nice role player (do they actually want him?). 

Jazz end up with Alexander-Walker and a Hernangomez (the much maligned one, I think) to go in their rotation, which is not as good as Ingles, but he was no longer going to help them, so I guess this is sort of an upgrade. 

Spurs get Satoransky, who seems like the perfect Spur....ten years ago. I like Satorasnky as much as the next guy but I doubt he'll be in the NBA next season. So this was all a deckchair-shuffling exercise, with some 2nd round picks thrown in, right?

Celtics get a 2023 Magic 2nd rd pick; Magic get Bol Bol, PJ Dozier, undisclosed 2nd rd pick

The Celtics had to add a 2nd rd pick just to get a 2nd rd pick back? What kinda paperwork nightmare is this? Do the Magic actually want Bol (promising but injury prone) or Dozier (playable vet but so-so at best)? The only significance of this deal is if Bol turns into something--which he might! We'll see but I suspect history will little note nor long remember that this deal ever happened.

Raptors get Thad Young, Drew Eubanks, 2022 Spurs 2nd rd pick; Spurs get Goran Dragic, 2022 Raptors 1st rd pick

Goran Dragic is the perfect Spur....ten years ago. And they've already released him, so for Thad Young and a 2nd rd pick (something in the low 30's, I'd say), they got a 1st rd pick (something in the low 20's, I'd say). Was the move up in the draft worth it? Hmmmm.....I doubt it. I'd rather have the early 2nd rounder than the late 1st rounder this far out from draft day. 

Raptors gave up their 1st rounder and their Dragic-in-the-hole for a Thad Young rental....meh. They should've just worked harder at convincing Dragic to play out his deal in Toronto. 

Suns get Aaron Holiday; Wizards get cash

(So does this mean the Suns don't want Goran Dragic?) is what I wrote before Dragic signed with the Nets. I'm just sayin'....if CP is gonna be out for a while, why not give Dragic a spin off the bench? 

Pacers get Jalen Smith, 2022 Suns 2n rd pick; Suns get Torrey Craig, cash

Pacers get to kick the tires on the #10 pick in last year's draft simply because the Suns have a payroll logjam and can't afford to pay their next guy; so, the Pacers move on from an 1-dimensional vet for an extra lottery ticket (that already looks at least okay). Free money for the Pacers (and nifty accounting work for the Suns).

Hornets get Montrezl Harrell; Wizards get Vernon Carey Jr, Ish Smith, 2023 2nd rd pick

I like Montrezl and I think he's kinda perfect for this Hornets squad. Does he push them deep into the playoffs? Well, we'll have to see about that. The Hornets are (for the first time in ages) a downright interesting team and if they can gel over the next six weeks, then they can be a sneaky pain in the ass team come playoff time. 

The Wizards were just looking to move on from a player they're not bringing back next year, so getting a flyer on a nice young big man is a fine return, I suppose. (I would think there might be teams out there that would rather have Ish Smith than the Wizards, will he be getting released soon?)

Bucks get Serge Ibaka, two undisclosed 2nd rd picks, cash; Clippers get Rodney Hood, Semi Ojeleye, rights to Vanja Markovic; Kings gets Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Jackson, Trey Lyles, rights to David Michineau, 2nd rd pick; Pistons get Marvin Bagley

Not exactly sure why the Bucks were so gung-ho on getting rid of DiVincenzo (I understand perfectly wanting to get rid of Hood and Ojeleye). But Ibaka is a sensible vet than can do a lot, so its nice to have him around, I suppose.

Not exactly sure why the Clippers were so gung-ho on getting rid of Ibaka--and I have no idea why taking back Hood and Ojeleye is thought of as a plus for them. Clippers are buying and selling at the same time, which suggests they're setting up for next season, not this one. (Maybe Vanja Markovic is the secret sauce of this deal....)

Not exactly sure why the Kings were so gung-ho to get rid of Marvin Bagley. I understand that he had not been their ideal, but did they ever really try to make it work? Frankly, Bagley is exactly what they need right now and rather than giving him away, I still don't understand why they didn't just play him and make it work. Josh Jackson is not helping anyone and Trey Lyles was better off in Detroit. I like DiVincenzo and if you're not gonna work with Bagley, then I guess trading for DiVincenzo is better but....really?

Not exactly sure what the Pistons are gonna do with Bagley, but they've got a youth movement going and perhaps he just needed a change of scenery. We'll see. 

Celtics get Daniel Theis; Rockets get Dennis Schroder, Enes Kanter Freedom, Bruno Fernando

The Celtics are in addition-by-subtraction mode and getting back Theis (for more money than the Celtics originally wanted to pay him--funny world we live in! Hey, Avery Bradley is probably available, too! Why not get the whole band back together?), is just a mild little bonus for getting rid of Shroder (more trouble than he was worth) and Kanter (contributing more to the social media page than to the court).

The Rockets have already waived Kanter--not sure why they haven't yet waived Shroder--and pick up Fernando, still young enough to be promising, to throw into their rotation (that Theis had already played himself out of). Yeah, good move for the Rockets, they turned not much into a little bit. 

Celtics get Derrick White; Spurs get Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, 2022 Celtics 1st rd pick, 2028 1st rd pick swap (Celtics)

Great deal for the Celtics! I think White is a great fit with Tatum and Brown and makes for a nice platoon with Marcus Smart, meaning the real Celtic core wasn't touched and, indeed, was added to. Richardson was expendable, Langford now gets a second chance in a new town and that 1st rd pick was not getting anyone excited, this was a good deal. 

The Spurs unclutter their back court (this is Dejounte Murray's team), get back some scoring (right? Langford is gonna score, right?), give Richardson a defensive showcase for his next contract, a 1st rd pick and a far off pick swap (that might come in handy). White was a reliable part of their rotation but he wasn't the future of the Spurs, so this is the right move for them.

Mavs get Spencer Dinwiddie, Davis Bertans; Wizards get Kristaps Porzingis, 2022 Mavs 2nd rd pick

Okay. I get moving on from Porzingis, having a nice year but wildly overpriced, much too injury-prone and not exactly pals with Luka, but Dinwiddie doesn't seem like the right fit for Luka, either, and Bertans has been a bit of a bust (though I think he'll fit better with Luka than he did with the Wizards). I think these are two different deals and I think the Mavs would've been better served by holding on to KP. 

The Wizards get a "star" (well, he's paid like one) to go with Beal, which now clearly forms their nucleus for the foreseeable future. Moving on from Bertans is a godsend and Dinwiddie was never the guy in DC, so basically they're getting Porzingis for free. Good deal. 

Sixers get James Harden, Paul Millsap; Nets get Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, 2022 Sixers 1st rd pick, another 1st rd pick

I think this trade works for both teams. The Sixers get a for-real scorer to pair with Embiid and the Nets get younger, cheaper and more hungry. 

I think Harden is still the most boring big star I've ever seen and I've been telling ya since day one that Ben Simmons's inability to make FT's is a SERIOUS PROBLEM. But I really do think Harden is a better fit than Simmons in Philly and that Simmons and Curry are going to do more for the Nets rotation than Harden was going to. Thumbs up for both teams--now, let's see 'em match up in the playoffs!

Extensions/Signings

Patrick Beverley (Wolves) signed a 1-year/$13m extension

Okay. Nice trade chip if the Wolves wanna pull off some big deal this summer or need to sell at next year's deadline. And if the Wolves are good (50/50, I'd say, should be on the upswing next season), then he fits their rotation at a reasonable price. Good signing, I'm into this. 

Daishen Nix (Rockets) signed a 4-year extension

Nix is a 2nd rd pick, so signing him long term at the first hint of promise is the way to go. 

Aaron Wiggins (Thunder) signed a 4-year/$6.4m extension

Wiggins has played 34 games in his rookie season. His raw numbers are not particularly impressive but they're fine for his age. A contract like this is about guaranteeing a bit of money for the player while maximizing the years of control for the team (like a baseball deal). My guess is teams offer contracts like this all the time and most guys think they can do better (whether they can or not).  

Caleb Martin (Heat), Ryan Arcidiacano (Knicks), Deandre Bembry (Bucks), Danuel House (Jazz), Luke Kornet (Celtics), Sam Hauser (Celtics) sign for the rest of the season

I kinda love both of the Martin twins, those dudes ball out, perfect for Heat Culture (I expect they'll give him more money, more years this summer). Arcidiacano will get minutes (especially if they're without Rose for long). Bembry will likely play til April then I wouldn't expect him to get playoff minutes. The Jazz go deep rotation from time to time, I can see House getting some fringe minutes. I don't see either of the Celtics dudes getting much time (short of major injury). 

Xavier Sneed (Jazz), JaVonte Smart (Heat) signed to 2-way contracts

Don't know Sneed or Smart, could be a roster move or maybe they love him, no idea.

Haywood Highsmith (Heat) signed to a 10-day contract

Highsmith is a kina fun watch, big crazy big guy. 2-way contract is a great place to stash a weird young prospect. 

Waived/Relinquished

Olivier Sarr (Thunder), Solomon Hill (Knicks), Denzel Valentine (Jazz), James Ennis (Nuggets), Wenyen Gabriel (Clippers), Zylan Cheatham (Jazz), Paris Bass (Suns), Xavier Moon (Clippers), Dakota Mathias (Grizzlies), Cassius Stanley (Pistons), Cody Zeller (Blazers), Mamade Diakite (Thunder), Chris Silva (Heat), E'Twaun Moore (Magic), Michael Carter-Williams (Magic), PJ Dozier (Magic), DeAndre Bembry (Nets), Drew Eubanks (Raptors), Armoni Brooks (Rockets), Enes Kanter Freedom (Rockets), Justin Jackson (Suns), Paul Watson (Thunder), DJ Augustine (Rockets), KZ Okpala (Thunder), Jahmi'us Ramsey (Kings), Robert Woodard (Kings), Moses Brown (Mavs), Abdel Nader (Suns), Reggie Perry (Pacers), Tristan Thompson (Pacers), Louis King (Kings), Greg Monroe (Bucks), Goran Dragic (Spurs), 

Tristan Thompson is rumored to be signing with the Bulls any day now. (And hasn't he already announced that he's retiring this year?)

Dragic is (right?) headed to the Nets. Man, why didn't he just play for the Raptors? He'd be fine in their system and they're exactly the kinda edge playoff team that just needs a boost from a crafty veteran--he was a perfect fit! Anyway, I would've thought Denver, Dallas and Phoenix would've been in the mix (is he eligible to return to Miami?). 

The rest are mostly just roster/cap casualties, has virtually nothing to do with their play on the court. These are the deadline orphans, a handful will find their way back to rosters. 

Health & Safety Protocols

Daniel Gafford (Wizards) as of February 6 seems destined to be the answer to the trivia question "Who was the last NBA player to miss games because of Covid?" (well, unless you count Kyrie Irving being stuck in a city that still fetishizes civic power trips and phony "health" measures over common sense). 

I'm done with this segment because the world is finally done with Covid-19 (hey, planet Earth: take a tip from the NBA and move on with your lives!). I'll bring it back if need be but in the age of Omicron, why would it need to be? Remember: it was SXSW, the NCAA and the NBA that ushered in the lockdown--not the gov't--so when these organizations (like Coachella) announce they're done with Covid, then it is now time for the gov't to follow suit.

(*) Fell off of this blog for a while because of a sick cat. I love this cat and I really thought he was going to die. But I'm pleased to report he's starting to get annoying again! 'Yo, dude, laying in bed all day while I bring you food is not a long term plan!' He still has some muscle atrophy in his haunches, but he's mostly back to full health. Good to have him back (though, to be honest, if not for the injury, he might've been moved at the trade deadline).  

2019 NBA Draft Day Bric-a-Brac

Signings
(Executives)
Blazers re-sign Neil Olshay as President of Basketball Operations through 2023-2024
The Blazers have been better than I thought they'd be for the last coupla years and making the Western Conference Finals this year is pretty badass, so re-upping Olshay seems like an easy call.

Bucks re-signed Jon Horst as GM
Horst had a helluva year in 2018-19 (my Executive of the Year), so getting a raise/bonus/guarantee is well-deserved and a good move for the Bucks.

Wolves named Gianluca Pascucci asst. GM
Guy's got a cool name. Not sure what an asst. GM does (besides wait around for the next GM opening).

Grizzlies named Taylor Jenkins as Head Coach
Jenkins is a young guy and comes from the Budenholzer camp, so the recent Grizzlies executive suite upheaval has resulted in a full-on youth movement on the court and behind the scenes. Good idea? Who knows?

Pelicans extended Alvin Gentry as Head Coach for two more years
Of all the horrible things that have happened to the Pelicans over the last two years, I've never heard anyone suggest that Gentry is to blame, so that alone is worthy of a reward, I reckon. He'll have a whole new look on the court, he's probably just the right guy for the Zion-Lonzo-Ingram line. They'll be fun next year--not sure they'll be any good but they'll be fun.

Cavs hired Lindsay Gottlieb as asst. Coach
Gottlieb comes from coaching the Cal Lady Bears to the NBA sidelines. Good luck! Coach Bielein seems like a good guy to work for.


(Player options exercised)
Marvin Williams (Hornets)
Aron Baynes (Celtics)
Goran Dragic (Heat)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Hornets)
Tyler Johnson (Suns) (?)
Yeah, all of these guys are better off staying put.


(Player options declined)
Kyrie Irving (Celtics)
Jonas Valenciunas (Grizzlies)
James Ennis (Sixers)
Jimmy Butler (Sixers)
Julius Randle (Pelicans)
Khris Middleton (Bucks)
Harrison Barnes (Kings) (?)
Al Horford (Celtics) (?)
Kyrie is gonna get paid; not sure what's up with Ennis, played well in the playoffs so probably looking for good money from a good team (maybe or maybe not the Sixers); JV and Butler (and Harrison Barnes?) are likely gonna get raises from their current teams; Randle is on the move after a solid offensive year (and the imminent arrival of Zion, who looks like Julius 2.0); felt to me like Middleton would be on the move but the latest buzz is that Middleton should get a raise from the Bucks, good move for the Bucks if they can afford it; the Horford plan was to re-sign with the Celtics but the buzz is he'll be on the move--and suddenly the Celtics have a ton of money to spend and look to be big players this summer.


(Team options exercised)
Alonzo Trier (Knicks)
Jahlil Okafor (Pelicans)
A very promising rookie year, cheap contract, Knicks need bodies--yeah, this was always gonna happen.
I actually always thought Okafor had pretty good offensive skills (not so much on the defensive side) and he looked pretty good for most of last year.  And he's a Dukie, get ready for more of those, New Orleans!


(Team options declined)
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Nets)
I never understood RHJ's position with the Nets, guess now we know.


(Claimed off waivers)
Rockets nabbed Deyonta Davis after he was waived by the Hawks
Rockets need every cheap body (and roster manipulation) they can find. I thought Davis was a promising prospect but has only bounced around the league so far. Maybe Houston is a good spot for him.


(Retired)
Tony Parker (Hornets)
Hall of Famer. With Kemba possibly on the move, seems like he could've seen some playing time in Charlotte, why walk away now?


Trades
Hawks get Allen Crabbe, #17 pick, 2020 1st rd pick; Nets get Tauren Waller-Prince, 2021 2nd rd pick
Hawks take on some salary and get a coupla 1st rounders (though I suspect that 2020 pick is well protected) in return. Not bad. If Crabbe is healthy, he can blend into the Hawks youth movement for a year--and never know, man, Crabbe might bounce back and be great off the bench for the Hawks. Worth a look.
I kinda like Waller-Prince but the Hawks are gonna be paying a lot of youngsters soon, I guess they considered him low priority. The Nets save some money and throw another body in the rotation and the Nets don't care about draft picks because they fancy themselves a free agent destination (though they just shipped out the best signing they ever made (*).

Lakers get Anthony Davis; Pelicans get Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, the #4 pick, Lakers 2021 1st rd pick, 2023 1st rd pick swap, 2024 1st rd pick
Was gonna happen eventually and then eventually happened and now it seems like the Lakers are trying to renegotiate (if I'm the Pelicans I would politely decline and remind the Lakers that I'd rather Anthony Davis than all that LA junk anyway). The Lakers got the guy they want and all it cost them was virtually all of their roster, so how do they get another star and then fill out the roster? Not sure, but I'm guessing it's gonna be reeeeeeeaaaaallllll expensive. Hey, man, Lakers don't care, they're about stars, not basketball and now they're set on stars for the next few years.
The Pelicans basically control the Lakers' next six drafts (I believe there is another pick swap in there) and lifted most of their most recent draft picks (and just said goodbye to another Laker draft pick, Julius Randle). The Lakers are now basically the Pelicans with Lebron and the Pelicans are the Lakers with (hopefully) the patience to actually grow their prospects. Not sure either are guaranteed playoff teams.

Jazz get Mike Conley; Grizzlies get Jae Crowder, Kyle Korver, Grayson Allen, the #23 pick, Jazz 2020 1st rd pick
Conley is a good PG, he controls the ball, he leads the team, he knocks down big shots, I think he'll fit just fine with Donovan Mitchell, I wouldn't say this puts the Jazz over the top but next year looks wide open in the West, so maybe it does.
Hmmmm, couldn't the Grizzlies have done better? Crowder and Korver are on the downside and only really valuable on an already good team, Allen has got some Grizzlies grit to him but is hardly a guaranteed rotation guy for them and the #23 pick is meh. Seems like the Celtics would've given a coupla better picks. For as long as they held on to Conley, it feels like they could've held out for a deal that helps them quicker than this.

Bucks get Jon Leuer; Pistons get Tony Snell, the #30 pick
I always kinda liked Leuer, he's slightly cheaper than Snell and while not as good a shooter, probably a better rebounder. Not a huge move for the Bucks but moving on from Snell (who did nothing in the post-season) and the last pick of the 1st round (re: least exciting prospect with higher guaranteed contract) are good moves. They may waive Leuer but I think they'll play him.
Pistons get a little more scoring for a little more money and #30 gives them another chance to bring in a low-cost body to throw in the rotation.

Warriors get #41 pick; Heat get #43 pick; Hawks get Warriors 2024 2nd rd pick, a future 2nd rd pick from the Heat, cash from the Heat
The Hawks have 3 good 1st rd picks, went ahead and paid their two 2rd rd picks forward for future picks and everyone's favorite Xmas gift: cash.
Warriors are suddenly in great need of low-cost bodies, wouldn't be surprised to see them find another 2nd rd pick before the night is done.
The Heat might have their eye on someone (do they think  Johntay Porter (Missouri) can turn into something?) and their top heavy salary cap might make them trade heavy this summer, in which case having low-cost bodies on hand is not a bad thing.

Pacers get TJ Warren, the #32 pick; Suns get (straight) cash (homie)
Wow, just an old fashioned straight up salary dump. Good pick up for the Pacers, a very affordable deal for a guy that'll help replace Thaddeus Young. And I like #32, too, as a throw-in (made for Carsen Edwards (Purdue)!). They still have plenty enough cash to do what they need to do this summer (Bogdonavic and Ricky Rubio?).
Suns get a big ol' hole in their lineup (hmmm, a Demarcus Cousins-sized hole?). They've got a ton of money and they still have #6, so expect the Suns to have new faces in the fall.

Hawks get Solomon Hill, #4, #57, 2021 2nd rd pick; Pelicans get #8, #17, #35, Cavs' 2020 1st rd pick
Hawks get to move up in the draft (Darius Garland (Vanderbilt)? I thought they like Cam Reddish (Duke)), two picks for stashing foreign prospects and Solomon Hill (who I'm sure will be waived any second now). If they get the guy they want at #4, then this deal was totally worth it.
Pelicans get rid of their worst contract and though they moved back in the draft, they pick up a coupla extra picks and stand to pick up an extra 1st rd pick if the Cavs are an upside surprise next year (not impossible but not likely). If they were targeting Reddish instead of Garland, they're probably still in line for him and get some bonus picks besides. Good deal for Pelicans.

Wolves get #6; Suns get Dario Saric and #11
I like what the Suns did here. I think Saric can still be really good and with TJ Warren out of the way, Saric slides nicely into that rotation. And since I think this is a 4 man draft, the difference between #6 and #11 isn't huge--Suns can still get Rui Hachimura, for example, who I think should be ranked higher. Obviously it comes down to the pick but this could be a home run for the Suns.
If the Wolves get the guy they want at #6 then its worth it (but if they don't, then they just gave away  a good young defender up for extension this year), so who do they want? Coby White (North Carolina) to replace Jeff Teague next summer?


Feels like more trades are coming but I'll wrap up after the draft.


(*) Couldn't help myself, had to see the Nets' free agents signings since 2013-14 (not a complete list, but pretty close): Jerome Jordan, Darius Morris, Willie Reed, Ryan Boatright, Trevor Booker, Justin Hamilton, Grievis Vasquez, Luis Scola, Joe Harris, Anthony Bennet, Spencer Dinwiddie, Tyler Zeller, Shabazz Napier, (re-signed Joe Harris). Outside of Dinwiddie and Harris, not much to indicate that they're experienced at wheeling and/or dealing. Oh, and actually Crabbe was a sign-and-trade, so he doesn't even actually count.

2018-19 NBA Bric-a-Brac (post-season)

Players
Opting into their 2019-20 player options: CJ Miles (Grizzlies), Kent Bazemore (Hawks), Jeff Teague (Wolves), Bismack Biyombo (Hornets), Dwight Howard (Wizards), Allen Crabbe (Nets), Patrick Patterson (Thunder)
I would still expect Miles, Bazemore and Patterson to be on the move this summer. I expect Teague and Crabbe to be integral for their squads next year. I expect Biyombo to get stretched. And I have no idea what to expect of Howard.

Declining their 2019-20 player options: Dwight Powell (Mavs), James Ennis (Sixers), Devin Robinson (Wizards; team option)
I can see Powell getting a raise from the Mavs (I can also see him elsewhere like, say, the Kings). I thought Ennis had some impactful minutes in the playoffs and I think he'll get a raise from his $1.8m from last year. I have no idea who Robinson is, summer leaguer?


Coaches
Fired: Larry Drew (Cavs), JB Bickerstaff (Grizzlies), Dave Joerger (Kings), Luke Walton (Lakers), Igor Kokoskov (Suns)
Joerger and Walton are two of the better coaches in the league and the fact that they both got fired is pretty crazy (although the Kings moved on from Joerger to Walton, so not necessarily a step down for them). Drew and Bickerstaff were probably never really likely to move beyond their interim status. Why exactly did the Suns hire Kokoskov in the first place? And does getting knee-capped by the Suns in every where kill his chances to get another gig in the NBA?

Hired: Luke Walton (Kings), Monty Williams (Suns), Frank Vogel (Lakers), Ryan Saunders (Wolves), John Beilien (Cavs), JB Bickerstaff (Cavs asst coach),
Walton and the Kings seem like a good fit to me. Williams is a legendarily nice guy but I've never seen any evidence that he's much of a coach. Vogel is walking into a tough situation but he's a for-real coaching lifer, this is probably just a stop before he heads to the NCAA, don't ya think? Saunders is the ideal palette cleanser after the disastrous Thibodeau years. Bielein and Bickerstaff seem like a good start for the Cavs to rebuild around.

Signed to extension: Doc Rivers (Clippers), Terry Stotts (Blazers), Jim Boylen (Bulls)
Rivers and Stotts had great years and both are in situations that look good going forward. Boylen...uh...well...someone's gotta coach the Bulls.


Execs
Out: Magic Johnson (Lakers), Chris Wallace (Grizzlies; demoted to scout)
(In the voice of Col. Kurtz): The Lakers...the Lakers. The Grizzlies front office turned into quite a crazed shitfest this summer, not sure where any of that is headed, but I'm anticipating a full-on teardown this summer because they're ready for tank mode.

In or Extended: Vlade Divac (Kings GM & VP), James Jones (Suns GM), Jeff Bower (Suns VP), Glenn Grunwald (Grizzlies adviser), Rich Cho (Grizzlies VP), Aaron Nelson (Pelicans VP),
Vlade has made weird moves (traded Boogie, fired Joerger) but they've drafted well, have an excellent core and the coach of their dreams, so gotta give the man credit. I'm not sure what the Suns, Grizzlies or Pelicans are doing or if these moves are of any use at all.

2018-19 NBA Bric-a-Brac (End of regular season)

Firings
Dave Joerger (Kings)
Kind of a surprise and yet not really. The rumors were swirling early in the season that Joerger and GM Valde Divac were not on the same page. Then the Kings vastly over performed throughout the year and it felt like Joerger was in a good place--he'll get Coach of the Year votes. But...I guess not. The power struggle was won by Divac and a coach who's actually two pretty good runs with two not very good squads is looking for a new job (hmmmm....Wolves?).

JB Bickerstaff (Grizzlies)
Just days after the dreaded 'vote of confidence', Bickerstaff was let go amidst an overhaul in the Grizzlies front office. Grizzlies were not built to have a good season and trading away Marc Gasol was the signal of changes a'coming. (They got any interest in bringing back Dave Joerger?) Bickerstaff showed enough to warrant a run on the asst. coach treadmill, I fully expect he'll be employed somewhere next year.

Larry Drew (Cavs)
Not a firing exactly, but his extended audition for the job is officially over. Reports suggest he didn't really want the job anyway. Drew is a respected veteran, wouldn't be surprised to see him on the Spurs bench next year or the Warriors.

GM Chris Wallace (Grizzlies)
Seemed like he thought he was in charge, so the owner showed up and reminded him...nope, you are not. Wallace was demoted, meaning he's still stuck with an organization that clearly no longer wants him (which is...well, professionally speaking, that's about the worst thing possible, isn't it?). So who will run the new look Grizzlies? (How about a Jeff and Stan Van Gundy combo?)

Magic Johnson (Lakers), President of Basketball Operations
Fired himself out of nowhere at a rambling bizarre press conference that he apparently did without notifying the organization. Magic never seemed to put forth the effort needed to be a for-real NBA GM and since he was never the man for this job, I kinda wonder how this effects his standing with the team going forward. Obviously he's a Laker legend, it'd be a shame if that gets tarnished. Hiring Magic for this kind of position was a bad move from the start, hard to see where they go from here. (And do GM Rob Pelinka and Coach Luke Walton get run out, as well?)


Hirings/Extensions
GM Vlade Divac (Kings)
Got the juice that allowed him to put a dagger in the back of Coach Joerger. He's drafted well and made some savvy trades over the last coupla years, I don't understand the friction with Joerger (who looked like he did a great job) but Divac has put together a pretty good young squad. (And apparently has his eye on Luke Walton, if he gets bounced from the Lakers)

GM James Jones (Suns)
Was the interim GM, but no longer. Now the job is his. (Beware what you wish for...) He's got Devin Booker signed long term and a pack of interesting talent but he's also got the worst owner in the league and a growing track record of sucking.


Late season Waivings
Tahjere McCall (Nets), Terrence Jones (Rockets), Christian Wood (Bucks), Tyler Zeller (Hawks), Jason Smith (Pelicans), Andre Ingram (Lakers), BJ Johnson (Hawks), Jawun Evans (Suns), Trevon Duval (Bucks), Eric Moreland (Raptors), Charles Cooke (Heat), Justin Patton (Sixers), Greg Monroe (Celtics), Dusty Hannahs (Grizzlies), Isaiah Briscoe (Magic), Wesley Johnson (Wizards), Rodey McGruder (Heat), Luc Mbah-a-Moute (Clippers)

Most all of these guys were signed to 10-day contracts that were not renewed when the contract expired.

A coupla exceptions:
Patton (Sixers). He was a throw-in in the deal that brought Jimmy Butler over from the Wolves (fun fact: he was a throw-in in the deal that took Butler to the Wolves to begin with), a 1st rd draft pick that has been injured since before he arrived in the league. Some folks would see that as a bad sign but injured rookies is the Sixers' way, so I guess they just don't see any upside in him. Kinda wonder if we'll ever get to see him beyond the three games he played this year.

Briscoe (Magic). He played a lot for the Magic this year, which surprised me as I thought Briscoe was a guy fated to live in Europe. He's had some injury troubles, had season-ending surgery in March, they may well want him back for Summer League and/or next season. He's a reliable 2nd string combo guard, the kinda guy who's not bad at a wide range of things while not really excelling at anything.

Johnson (Wizards). Wily vet came over from the Clippers but never got going with the Wizards. Hard to tell what direction the Wizards are going in for next year but I guess Johnson was not part of their plans. Johnson is not a star by any means but a reliable enough vet to be valuable to a good team at the right price (like, say, the Grizzlies).

McGruder (Heat) and Mbah-a-Moute (Clippers). I believe these two are intertwined: Luc was injured and McGruder was added to the Clipper's post-season roster.


Signings
(for the rest of the season)
Andrew Bogut (Warriors)
Yeah! Weird to say it but I've missed him on the Warriors. They've come so far in the last few years that it's hard to remember that Bogut was the original cornerstone star this dynasty was built on. He's been in Australia all year, should be in good enough shape to give 10-12 minutes per game going forward. I think this is a good pick up.

Danuel House (Rockets)
House has actually looked pretty good in limited minutes this season, if he gets some shine time in the post-season, they'll be happy to have him back next season.

Cam Reynolds (Wolves)
I don't know who this is.

Tim Frazier (Bucks)
Considering the Bucks will be without Mirotic and Divincenzo, Frazier could get see some playing time in the playoffs.

Jimmer Fredette (Suns)
Didn't exactly tear it up in his brief time in Phoenix, but looks like he'll be back next year.

Chris Chiozza (Rockets)
I don't know who this is.

Jawun Evans (Thunder)
Solid 2nd string PG, not sure the Thunder need him. But he'll be on a roster next year, I'm sure.

Jodie Meeks (Raptors)
Can't imagine Meeks will get much playing time going forward, but the Raptors do rely on a deep bench and I think that will maintain for at least the first coupla rounds of the playoffs, so we might see a little bit of Meeks.

Trevon Duval (Rockets)
Nice pickup! Doubt he'll play this post-season but they'll put him to work next year.

Christian Wood (Pelicans)
I always liked Wood but he's bounced around so much I kinda doubt he'll stick here. This is likely just a late season roster manipulation.

Walter Lemon Jr (Bulls)
Had some nice moments in his brief time in Chicago. I can see him coming back next year.

Greg Monroe (Sixers)
Some nice down-low depth for the playoffs, should play some early on but I'd be kinda surprised to see him on the Sixers next season.

Michael Carter-Williams (Magic)
I wonder if this is just a warm body to fill in for Isaiah Briscoe or if they think they can really use MCW.

Donatas Motiejunas (Spurs)
Shweet! I always loved Motiejunas, deep down I always knew he'd get to the Spurs eventually. I doubt we'll see much of him, likely just an emergency bench guy, but I'd like to see him back there next year.

Tyler Zeller (Grizzlies)
Hey, man, everyone can use a Zeller. I suspect this is just a roster manipulation, only 50/50 whether he'll be back there next year.


(multi-year deal)
Deonte Burton (Thunder)
Guess we'll see him in a Thunder uni next year.


Season Ending Injuries
(playoff teams)
Donte Divincenzo (Bucks) out with heel injury
Nikola Mirotic (Bucks) out with a thumb injury

Jusuf Nurkic (Blazers) out with a broken leg

Dante Exam (Jazz) out after knee surgery

Luc Mbah a Moute (Clippers) out after knee surgery

Patrick McCaw (Raptors) out with a thumb injury

James Ennis (Sixers) out with bruised quad
Allen Crabbe (Nets) out after knee surgery

Andre Roberson (Thunder) ruled out for a return from knee surgery 

Hard to imagine that the Bucks' fate would've revolved around Mirotic and/or Divincezno, but those guys knock down shots and guys like that are always handy have.

(non-playoff teams)

Jrue Holiday (Pelicans) out with strain abdominal

Brandon Ingram (Lakers) out with blood clots
Isiah Briscoe (Magic) out after knee surgery
Derrick Rose (Wolves) out with elbow injury
Jeff Teague (Wolves) out with foot injury
Kelly Oubre (Suns) out with thumb injury
CJ Miles (Grizzlies) out with foot injury
Tim Hardaway Jr (Mavs) out with leg injury
Robert Covington (Wolves) out with knee injury
Chandler Hutchinson (Bulls) out with toe injury
Miles Plumlee (Hawks) out after knee surgery
Lauri Markanen (Bulls) out with (fatigue?)
Josh Hart (Lakers) out after knee surgery
Frank Nkiliina (Knicks) out with a groin injury
Lebron James (Lakers) out with a groin injury
Devin Booker (Suns) out with ankle sprain

Ingram's blood clots are scary and worth keeping an eye on. But that perversely guarantees he'll be with the Lakers for the foreseeable future.


Retiring
Al Jefferson
Ahhhh, Big Al. Man, his bust out year with the 2013-14 Hornets briefly made me a Hornets fan (remember? Josh McRoberts was good that year...ahh, good times...). He bummed around the league for a lot of years, some of them were pretty good, most of them were kinda forgettable. But he was kinda the last of the old timey big men: back to the basket, beastly down low, didn't run the floor worth a shit, only looked to pass out of a double team, probably smoked cigarettes at halftime. Gonna miss you, Big Al.

Khris Humphries
Most famous for being played out like a chump by one of those Kardashians, Humphries was actually a really great rebounder in his day. So-so defender, so-so scoring skills but really had a nose for the ball. The kind of player that could've bee a legit star in the right system.

Dirk Nowtizki (Mavs)
Early reports are that he passed on joining the TNT crew--good for him! I hope for his sake that he avoids the media and sticks with the Mavs. He's obviously juiced in for life with Cuban and the Mavs organization, he can hang around Dallas and be a Metroplex legend for the rest of his life. Not a bad way to go. One of the best I ever saw, in his prime he was an unstoppable scorer and he can still score...but his defense has just gotten too awful for him to keep going. First ballot Hall of Famer.

Dwyane Wade (Heat)
Personally, I was never a Wade fan, always found his game rather boring and the cult of personality surrounding him inelegant. But he's clearly a Hall of Famer, won championships and he's a Miami mafia lifer. Even went out scoring 30 on Udonis Haslem night.

Udonis Haslem (Heat)
Dude, I was ready for him to retire before Lebron even arrived in Miami! Can't believe he lasted this long but good for him. Miami mafia for life, he got rings and made waaaaaaaay more money than he really deserved for playing basketball.


NCAA Final
Texas Tech 77-85 (OT) Virginia
My initial note: 1 minute into the game: each team is0/1 from the field with no turnovers, no offensive rebounds and no fouls. Yeah, 39 more of those and we'll have the first scoreless draw in the history of the NCAA tournament. At the first TV timeout (15:51): the score was 3-2. Yeah, got a pitcher's dual on our hands.
That said, both teams got frisky on offense before halftime, something about playing their doppelgangers inspired each squad to get adventurous with the ball. What looked destined to be a low-scoring contest turned into a frenzied free-for-all by the end of regulation. Fun game. But in OT, Tech ran out of gas and Virginia claimed their first title. Good for them. Losing to a #16 seed last year and becoming the champ this year is a hell of a turnaround.