Jimmy Butler‘s return from his seven-game suspension hasn’t changed the Heat‘s desire to work out a trade before the February 6 deadline, Marc Stein writes in his latest Substack column (subscription required). Butler was back in the starting lineup and played 33 and 28 minutes as Miami split a pair of weekend games, but concerns remain that the relationship will continue to … [Read more...] about Stein’s Latest: Butler, Beal, Okogie, C. Johnson, Mavericks
Western Notes: Daigneault, Simons, Green, Curry, Beal
The Thunder’s Mark Daigneault has been named a head coach for the All-Star Game with the team clinching the Western Conference’s best record through Feb. 2, NBA Communications tweets. Under the new format, the All-Stars will be split into four teams. One of Daigneault’s assistants will also serve as a head coach. “An honor. A huge thank you to all the people that are behind the … [Read more...] about Western Notes: Daigneault, Simons, Green, Curry, Beal
Pacific Notes: Richards, Poole, Green, Curry, Vincent, Clippers
Nick Richards looked like the big man the Suns have been missing during his debut with the team Saturday afternoon at Detroit, writes Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. Richards, who was acquired from Charlotte earlier this week, came off the bench to post 21 points and 11 rebounds in nearly 30 minutes. Beyond that, Rankin notes that Richards brought energy and “edginess” to … [Read more...] about Pacific Notes: Richards, Poole, Green, Curry, Vincent, Clippers
Trade Rumors: Johnson, Claxton, Butler, Suns, Raptors, Sixers
Nets forward Cameron Johnson is considered one of the most players most likely to be moved at this year’s trade deadline, and people around the NBA believe Brooklyn will be open to listening on center Nic Claxton as well, according to Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst of ESPN. However, at least one league executive who spoke to ESPN pointed out that Johnson’s and Claxton’s … [Read more...] about Trade Rumors: Johnson, Claxton, Butler, Suns, Raptors, Sixers
Scotto’s Latest: Warriors, Vucevic, Centers, Connaughton, Suns
After telling reporters earlier this week that he doesn’t want the Warriors to make a “desperate” trade that compromises the team’s long-term future for short-term gain, Stephen Curry clarified on Wednesday that his comments don’t mean he’s content playing on a .500 team that’s not trying to improve. “Anyone who thinks I’m OK being on an average basketball team is insane,” … [Read more...] about Scotto’s Latest: Warriors, Vucevic, Centers, Connaughton, Suns