May 2024 Basketball Wiretap

Donovan Mitchell: I'm Happy In Cleveland, I Know I've Got Decision To Make This Offseason

May 16, 2024 10:27 PM

The future of Donovan Mitchell with the Cleveland Cavaliers will likely be settled this offseason as faces a decision about an extension with the franchise. If Mitchell declines an extension offer, he could become a free agent in 2025.

"I reached out to Donovan Mitchell today," said Adrian Wojnarowski on NBA Countdown. "And he was emphatic in telling me that he is not disgruntled with anyone or anything in Cleveland. In fact, he said to me 'I am happy in Cleveland. I've been happy since I arrived in Cleveland.'

"He thinks this team has made progress this season. Obviously, winning that best of seven first round series against the Magic to get to the Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2018.

"But as he said, he's not in this to go to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs."

Mitchell will be offered an extension by the Cavaliers this offseason.

"Donovan Mitchell knows the question that is coming for him now in this offseason about his future in Cleveland. He said 'I know I've got decision to make this offseason. My agent and I will talk to Cleveland about that at the right time.'

"[Mitchell] emphasized 'I'm not leaving this season unhappy. I'm leaving it more determined.'"

This offseason, the Cavaliers could also consider parting ways with J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach and a trade of Darius Garland if Mitchell agrees to extend. 

Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN

Tags: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Trade Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

Discuss
Paolo Banchero: Magic Front Office Wants To Add Two-Way Players

May 16, 2024 10:36 PM

The Orlando Magic enter an offseason with substantial cap space and future draft capital that could allow them to build out their roster around Paolo Banchero.

While the Magic could theoretically add a guard that can stretch the floor be dynamic with the ball, they would only want to do in a way that doesn't compromise their defense.

“[The front office] wants two-way guys who add to what we already have in terms of our defensive identity, length and versatility,” Banchero said in a profile by Ben Golliver of the Washington Post. “Shooting is a big part of what we need to improve on, whether we go and get somebody or try to develop guys. I don’t know which way they’re going to approach that. And having a guy who can set the table and be reliable. We have a lot of talented guys who can make shots and make plays: me, Franz [Wagner] and Jalen Suggs. I would rather be more of an offensive hub than the point guard, if that makes sense.”

Banchero averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists in the regular season, but he increased that production in the playoffs by posting 27.0 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.

Ben Golliver/Washington Post

Tags: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Trade Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

Discuss
Luka Doncic: This Team Is Special

May 16, 2024 2:42 PM

After missing the playoffs in 2023, the Dallas Mavericks reshaped their roster and are one win away from returning to the Western Conference Finals. There were fears that Luka Doncic could request a trade as early as the 2024 offseason if significant improvement didn't occur and those concerns now appear to be put to rest.

Dallas remade their roster over the past 15 months with trades for Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, while also drafting Dereck Lively II and signing Derrick Jones Jr.

"This team is special," Doncic said. "We've only been together for what, five months, and I'm having a lot of fun with this team."

Doncic will be eligible to sign a supermax extension with the Mavericks during the 2025 offseason.

Tim MacMahon/ESPN

Tags: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Trade Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

Discuss
OG Anunoby Out For Game 6 With Hamstring Injury

May 16, 2024 5:22 PM

OG Anunoby has been ruled out by the New York Knicks for Game 6 at the Indiana Pacers.

Anunoby has been out with a hamstring injury since Game 2.

The Knicks enter Game 6 with a 3-2 series lead.

There is some level of optimism that Anunoby could play in a potential Game 7 or in the Eastern Conference Finals if the Knicks advance. 

Ian Begley/SNY.tv

Tags: OG Anunoby, New York Knicks, NBA, NBA Injury

Discuss
DeMar DeRozan Wants To Return To Chicago

May 16, 2024 9:32 AM

DeMar DeRozan's three-year contract with the Chicago Bulls is coming to an end. But DeRozan would like to extend that partnership, either via an extension or a new contract as a free agent.

"It's definitely somewhere I'd like to return to," DeRozan told Lou Williams about re-signing with the Bulls. "I think more so than anybody. When the job ain't done with me, Lou, no matter how tough the situation may look, I'm one of those guys that tries to stick it through and try to make something out of nothing."

DeRozan praised both the city and the Bulls organization.

"The city is great, I love the city. The organization been great, so it's definitely a place I'd love to return to and take care of unfinished business," DeRozan said.

Run It Back/Fan Duel TV

Tags: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor

Discuss
Tyrese Maxey Wins 23-24 NBA Sportsmanship Award

May 16, 2024 1:07 PM

Tyrese Maxey has been awarded the Joe Dumars Trophy as the winner of the 2023-24 NBA Sportsmanship Award. Maxey becomes the second player in franchise history to receive the honor, joining Eric Snow in 1999-00.

The annual award is designed to honor a player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court. Each NBA team nominated one of its players for the NBA Sportsmanship Award. From the list of 30 team nominees, a panel of league executives selected one finalist from each of the NBA’s six divisions, and current NBA players selected the winner.

Maxey concluded his fourth NBA campaign in 2023-24 as a top-11 scorer in the league, averaging career highs in points (25.9), assists (6.2), and steals (1.0). He was selected as a first-time NBA All-Star on Feb. 1 and later became the second player in franchise history to be named the league’s Most Improved Player (Dana Barros in 1994-95).
 
Maxey averaged just 1.7 turnovers this season, joining Dallas’ Kyrie Irving (also 2023-24) as the only two players in league history to average at least 25.0 points and 5.0 assists with fewer than 2.0 turnovers for a full campaign.

RealGM Staff Report

Tags: Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia Sixers, NBA, NBA Award

Discuss
Darius Garland Could Seek Trade From Cavs If Donovan Mitchell Extends

May 15, 2024 10:41 PM

The Cleveland Cavaliers could break up their backcourt duo this offseason regardless of what Donovan Mitchell decides to do on the four-year, $208.5 million extension they offer him. 

The combination of Mitchell and Darius Garland hasn't succeeded as well as the Cavaliers expected and may have to choose between the two.

Sources tell The Athletic that Garland's agent, Rich Paul, will have a conversation with the Cavaliers about a potential trade if Mitchell decides to sign an extension.

The Cavaliers drafted Garland in 2019 and he became an All-Star in 2022 a few months before they acquired Mitchell. 

Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, Jason Lloyd/The Athletic

Tags: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Trade Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

Discuss
Spurs Not Believed To Have Interest In Trading For Trae Young

May 15, 2024 9:30 PM

The San Antonio Spurs have expressed little interest in trading for Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks, sources tell Jake Fischer of Yahoo.

The Spurs would be a logical trade partner for the Hawks considering their need for a point guard and their possession of multiple first round picks from Atlanta. 

Multiple figures with knowledge of the situation say any plans from the Spurs to acquire Young are "vastly overstated."

While Young is a very talented offensive player, he has obvious flaws, particularly on defense. Victor Wembanyama, however, could theoretically cover for Young's limitations on defense.

Jake Fischer/Yahoo Sports

Tags: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, NBA, NBA Trade Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

Discuss
Jarrett Allen Rib Injury Frustrated Members Within Cavs

May 16, 2024 1:38 AM

Members of the Cleveland Cavaliers were frustrated by the way Jarrett Allen handled his rib injury, sources told The Athletic.

Allen was elbowed by Franz Wagner in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Magic. The move "pierced" a rib on Allen's right side.

Allen was listed as questionable for every Cavs game after the initial injury, though he was not close to playing.

There was frustration among people in the team that Allen refused an injection to numb the pain and play. 

Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, & Jason Lloyd/The Athletic

Tags: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Injury, NBA Playoffs

Discuss
Evan Mobley's Agents Cautioned Cavs Against Drafting Him With Third Pick In 2021

May 16, 2024 1:32 AM

Evan Mobley's representation cautioned the Cleveland Cavaliers from selecting him with the third pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, sources told The Athletic. Mobley is represented by Thaddeus Foucher and Joe Smith of Wasserman.

Mobley's representation were attempting to get him to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder reportedly made several offers to the Cavs for the third pick. 

With Mobley available for an extension this summer, the two sides now have a healthy relationship.

Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, Jason Lloyd/The Athletic

Tags: Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor, NBA NBA Draft, NBA Draft General

Discuss
Caitlin Clark WNBA Debut Averages 2.13M Viewers, Most-Watched WNBA Game Since 2001

Jon Lewis/Sports Media Watch

Jazz Interested In Working Out Bronny James

Krysten Peek/Yahoo! Sports

Victor Wembanyama Named To France’s Preliminary Roster For Olympics

ESPN

Wizards Hire Michael Hartman For Strategy & Analytics Department

Mike Vorkunov/The Athletic

Steph Curry Wins 2023-24 Magic Johnson Award

ESPN

Doc Rivers To Make 'Aggressive Push' To Add Sam Cassell To Bucks Coaching Staff

Marc Stein/The Stein Line

Donovan Mitchell's Odds Of Signing Extension With Cavaliers Believed To Be Increasing

Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, Jason Lloyd/The Athletic

Cavaliers Considering Dismissal Of J.B. Bickerstaff

Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, Jason Lloyd/The Athletic

J.J. Redick Considered Favorite For Lakers, Decision Could Be Delayed Until After Finals

Marc Stein/The Stein Line

OG Anunoby Could Return For Eastern Conference Finals If Knicks Advance

Adam Zagoria/NJ Advance Media

Rival GM: Victor Wembanyama Will 'Win Everything All The Time' Once Spurs Build Out Roster

Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN

Tom Thibodeau, Knicks To Discuss Contract Extension In Offseason

Shams Charania/The Athletic

Bronny James Focused On 'Getting To League', Not Playing With Father

Jamal Collier/ESPN

Nets To Retire Vince Carter's No. 15

ESPN

Donovan Mitchell Situation Being Closely Watched, Multiple Teams Preparing 'Huge Offer' To Cavs

Brian Windhorst/ESPN

Donovan Mitchell Expected To Miss Game 5 With Hamstring Strain

Shams Charania/The Athletic

Derrick Jones Wants To Return To Mavericks Next Season

Tim Cato/The Athletic

Lonzo Ball Says He's 'About 70%, Good Enough To Play'

Ryan Taylor/NBC Sports Chicago

Mike James Named EuroLeague MVP

BasketNews

Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert Questionable For Game 5

Tim Bontemps/ESPN