(08-01-2024, 09:13 AM)Knutsen Wrote: Gordon Hayward is retiring.

Wheels fell of quickly in OKC, didn’t they?

https://x.com/gordonhayward/status/1819010197857198161

(08-02-2024, 10:23 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes)
Undrafted free agent center Jamarion Sharp - tallest player in college at 7-5 - has reached an agreement on a one-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks, his agent Scott Nichols of @Rize_Management tells @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.

(08-02-2024, 11:45 AM)michaeltex Wrote: Is this a contract with the main club? How many contracts are now in place?

(08-01-2024, 01:13 PM)SleepingHero Wrote: I find it hard to believe PHX didn't offer Hayward anything. I'm sure OKC would've had him back on a minimum.

Given that there was no concrete rumors on Hayward you're probably right that he wasn't offered anything and he made the choice to retire.

(08-02-2024, 10:23 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes)
Undrafted free agent center Jamarion Sharp - tallest player in college at 7-5 - has reached an agreement on a one-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks, his agent Scott Nichols of @Rize_Management tells @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.

Quote:Former Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton is expected to be on the move once again.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Portland Trail Blazers - who acquired Ayton via trade last season from Phoenix - are expected to part ways with the former No. 1 overall pick:

“Ayton, who is in the third year of his four-year contract, will be making $34 million this upcoming year. He will make $35.5 million during the 2025-26 season, which is the final year of his contract with Portland. The Blazers still value Ayton as one of the veteran leaders of the team, sources said, which is why it is unlikely they will push for a trade involving the center right now.”

Ayton played in just 55 games for the Blazers last year - his 16.7 point per game mark was the lowest he had in three seasons.

It's not a surprise that the expensive Deandre Ayton will be on the move when the Blazers chose Donovan Clingan 7th in this most recent draft, especially with previous reports about the tardiness he exhibited earlier on in his Portland debut.

(08-05-2024, 08:05 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: I wonder what team will be excited to pickup Ayton and attempt to pay him a contract. At one point in time I was the biggest Ayton kool-aid drinker. I am glad the Mavs have found a better center.

(08-05-2024, 08:42 AM)Ghost of Podkolzin Wrote: Good on you for owning that.  I try to always remember my failed predictions, like signing Lonzo Ball instead of THJ; Ball hasn't played a minute since.

I thought Ayton had buyer beware simply because he didn't punish us in that series.  We let him go, free range, with only Powell covering him.  OK numbers when he should have been balling.

(08-05-2024, 10:57 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
Jerami Grant enjoys the stability in Portland, per @JakeLFischer

“Few players want to face the general uncertainty of moving midseason, especially those who have enjoyed newfound stability for the first time in their careers. That has been the same word about Portland forward Jerami Grant, sources said, despite rival teams' interest in the veteran Trail Blazer.”

(Via http://yhoo.it/3Akvwn4)

(08-05-2024, 08:05 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: I wonder what team will be excited to pickup Ayton and attempt to pay him a contract. At one point in time I was the biggest Ayton kool-aid drinker. I am glad the Mavs have found a better center.

(08-05-2024, 09:28 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
Lauri Markkanen is unlikely to sign an extension with the Jazz tomorrow, per @Tjonesonthenba & @timkawakami

“According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, it’s unlikely that Markkanen will sign the new deal by Tuesday. Which makes sense. The 27-year-old Markkanen knows he’s going to get major money either now or next summer. By not signing this week, Markkanen essentially gains a bit of control over his future.”

(08-05-2024, 09:27 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: And I definitely didn't think Lively would be ready to be a starting center for a finals team in his rookie year.

(08-05-2024, 10:57 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
Jerami Grant enjoys the stability in Portland, per @JakeLFischer

“Few players want to face the general uncertainty of moving midseason, especially those who have enjoyed newfound stability for the first time in their careers. That has been the same word about Portland forward Jerami Grant, sources said, despite rival teams' interest in the veteran Trail Blazer.”

(Via http://yhoo.it/3Akvwn4)

(08-05-2024, 04:03 PM)Mavs2021 Wrote: I seriously can´t work out why Orlando´s isn´t throwing the kitchen at Simons. They have an elite defense that desperately needs a scorer/shooter/playmaker. 23/4/6 with 39% 3pt shooting on nine attempts per game. At 25 years old he even fits into the timeline of Banchero/Wagner/Suggs perfectly. If you had to bake a guy for Orlando it would be Simons.

(08-05-2024, 02:05 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: I have never been a huge Ayton fan, but I was definitely intrigued heading into last offseason.    I never would have offered our #10 pick, but I would have done it for Maxi and Hardaway.  Heck, I may have been talked into Josh Green as well.   Mavs are in a much better place now.

I am curious what the next 5 years look for Ayton.  Does he just play for bad teams and puts up decent stats?  Or does he find a good team where he takes a reduced role and finds footing in the league?  The issue is not a ton of teams need centers. Even more, most teams don't want to pay huge money for a non star center.