Kevin Durant will become eligible to sign an extension in July and there’s an expectation that he and the Rockets are going to explore that possibility once the trade sending him from Phoenix to Houston is official, ESPN’s Shams Charania said on Thursday’s episode of First Take (YouTube link). “The goal right now for Kevin Durant and the Rockets is for him to retire in … [Read more...] about Charania’s Latest: Durant, Celtics, Giannis
Fischer’s Latest: Porzingis, Spurs, Bulls, Suns, Thunder, Rockets
After agreeing on Monday night to trade Jrue Holiday to Portland, Boston continues to explore potential Kristaps Porzingis trades, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link), who says the Celtics are determined to get positive value for Porzingis and get younger in the process, like they did with the Holiday deal. In addition to reiterating that the Suns have … [Read more...] about Fischer’s Latest: Porzingis, Spurs, Bulls, Suns, Thunder, Rockets
Rockets Re-Signing Fred VanVleet On Two-Year Deal
The Rockets are declining Fred VanVleet‘s $44.9MM team option and will instead re-sign him on a two-year, $50MM deal, reports Shams Charania of ESPN. The second season will be a player option, Charania adds. According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic (Twitter link), VanVleet’s new deal will have a flat structure, paying him $25MM next season, with his option also worth … [Read more...] about Rockets Re-Signing Fred VanVleet On Two-Year Deal
Draft Notes: Bailey, Johnson, Maluach, Jazz, Raptors
Ace Bailey may be the most polarizing player at the top half of the lottery. Bailey, once projected to go off the board with the No. 2 or 3 pick, could drop a few notches after his unconventional pre-draft approach. The Wizards, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, are hoping that’s the case. Sources tell Pompey that the Wizards want to select the Rutgers … [Read more...] about Draft Notes: Bailey, Johnson, Maluach, Jazz, Raptors
And-Ones: Taylor, Parker, Avdija, Power Rankings
Maria Taylor has officially been named NBC Sports’ lead studio host for the NBA and WNBA, according to an NBC Sports press release. NBC reacquired the rights to NBA games in an 11-year agreement with the league last summer and will begin its coverage in 2025/26. Taylor will host NBC Sports’ NBA studio programs on Sunday and Tuesday nights alongside analysts Carmelo Anthony and … [Read more...] about And-Ones: Taylor, Parker, Avdija, Power Rankings