Hoops Rumors

The Suns‘ interest in acquiring Jimmy Butler is “absolutely genuine,” but they may not have enough assets to entice the Heat, Marc Stein writes in his latest Substack column (subscription required). In theory, Bradley Beal‘s $50MM contract is a good salary match f0r Butler’s $48.8MM deal, and it’s being portrayed in some circles that Beal’s no-trade clause is the major … [Read more...] about Stein’s Latest: Butler, Beal, Nnaji, Kuzma, Hawkins

Luka Doncic (left heel contusion) has been ruled out for the Mavericks‘ game vs. the Clippers on Thursday, while Kyrie Irving (right shoulder soreness) is questionable to play, writes Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal (Substack link). There was some good news on the injury front for Dallas, however, as neither Naji Marshall nor Maxi Kleber is on the injury report for … [Read more...] about Injury Notes: Doncic, Mavs, Barnes, Poeltl, Beal, Wizards, Harris

Jonas Valanciunas of the Wizards may be the most “attainable” and desirable trade candidate among centers this season, but he’s certainly not the only big man who could be on the move prior to the February 6 deadline, league sources tell Jake Fischer (Substack link via The Stein Line). According to Fischer, several teams are looking for help in the middle, including the Lakers, … [Read more...] about Fischer: Valanicunas Among Several Centers On Trade Block

Well-traveled Magic veteran guard Cory Joseph is evolving into a key locker room presence for a rising young Orlando squad, writes Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel. “The league’s getting younger and they keep me young, too,” Joseph said of his Magic colleagues. “It continues to change and you have to continue to adapt. I’m asking a lot of questions as well, trying to learn … [Read more...] about Southeast Notes: Joseph, Daniels, Wizards, Hornets

The Heat have just one unprotected first-round pick available for trade, which are owed from their moves to acquire Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald writes. The only picks Miami can trade are their 2030 or 2031 picks, but not both, due to the Stepien Rule. This complicates matters for the Heat as they approach a chatter-filled deadline, with … [Read more...] about Southeast Notes: Heat Picks, Jovic, Banchero, Harris, Valanciunas