Welcome to Around the Realm, where we look at the top news stories from around the league. If I missed any notable stories, feel free to discuss in the comments!
New Orleans trades for Steven Adams
As part a complex, 4-team deal the Oklahoma City Thunder sent Steven Adams to the New Orleans Pelicans. Oklahoma City got back picks and players.
The Thunder have agreed in principle to trade Steven Adams to the Pelicans as part of a multi-team trade, sources tell ESPN. OKC is getting back -- wait for it -- future first-round pick and second-round picks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
As part of four-team Steven Adams trade, Thunder also receive George Hill, Darius Miller, 2023 Denver protected first-round pick and second-round picks in 2023 (via Charlotte) and 2024 (via Washington), sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
The trade has so many moving parts that Woj is still sorting it all out Saturday morning, but the big takeaway is that the Pelicans added a really good player. Between Adams and Zion Williamson, the Pelicans have the tools to run some devastating pick and roll sets.
What the heck is Detroit doing?
The question of the day is what in the world is happening with the Detroit Pistons. They've been active in signing players, but the players they've added have everyone scratching their heads.
Free agent center Mason Plumlee has agreed to a three-year, $25M deal with the Detroit Pistons, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 20, 2020
Free agent center Jahlil Okafor has agreed to a two-year deal with the Detroit Pistons, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
Jackson, 23, was the fourth overall pick in the 2017 Draft to the Suns. He spent last season with Memphis, splitting the season between the G League and Grizzlies. https://t.co/8IwfrXGY3T
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
Detroit clearly targeted players that had a second year non-guaranteed with the goal to use the waive-and-stretch provision (over 5 seasons vs. 3) to create cap space.
Less of blow financially compared to a player that had one year (ex: $12.8M Trevor Ariza over 3 seasons). https://t.co/2ct7L95lEl
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) November 21, 2020
So the Pistons traded for Dedmon and McGruder, stretched them both to create a $3.5 million cap hit over the next 5 years. But wait, there's more.
One more time amid the madness so we're all clear:
Dallas gets James Johnson (from OKC)
Detroit gets Delon Wright (from Dallas)
OKC gets Trevor Ariza (from Detroit), Justin Jackson (Dallas) and draft compensation to be explained later
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 21, 2020
And the biggest addition for the Pistons was still to come, as they added Jerami Grant for 3 years, $60 million.
Denver was willing to match the three-year, $60M offer Jerami Grant received from Detroit. Grant enjoyed his time in Denver, but leaves for Pistons where he is expected to have an enhanced offensive role. https://t.co/qdiIhku6gb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
It's crazy that Grant took the exact same money to leave a title contender just so he could take more shots on a lousy Detroit team for three years.
Denver fills the Grant void
But the Nuggets didn't waste any time replacing Grant, adding JaMychal Green. Green should fit nicely into the role Grant played for the Nuggets, and at a lower cost.
After losing Jerami Grant to Detroit, the Nuggets are acquiring a starting-caliber forward in JaMychal Green who is able to provide versatility on both ends of the floor. https://t.co/hx1jQZmAnW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
Christian Wood is a Houston Rocket
One of the more interesting names in the market was Christian Wood. Part of what makes Detroit's spending spree so strange is that they spent so much money but still let Wood leave.
In a destination nobody saw coming, Wood will join the Rockets via sign and trade.
Deal expected to be completed with a sign-and-trade via Detroit, per source. https://t.co/TALHbm9OlP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
The Wood addition puts Houston back into the luxury tax, at least until they trade Harden and/or Westbrook.
Shooters got paid
The two biggest shooters on the market were Joe Harris and Davis Bertans. Both of them earned big paydays to stay with their current teams.
Free agent guard Joe Harris has agreed to a four-year, $75M deal to return to the Brooklyn Nets, his agent Mark Bartelstein @PrioritySports tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
Free agent forward Davis Bertans has agreed to a 5-year, $80M deal to return to the Washington Wizards, his agent @ArtursKalnitis tells ESPN. Deal includes an ETO after fourth year. One of biggest deals ever for a European-based agent in NBA.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
The Bertans deal seems like a good value to me. The Harris deal seems like an overpay even though I like Harris as a player. Of course, Harris' deal is about $20 million less over the 4 years than what Buddy Hield is getting for the next four years.
The Lakers added depth
The Lakers added Montrezl Harrell and Wes Matthews to bolster their attempt at a title repeat.
Free agent Montrezl Harrell has agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, agent Rich Paul of @KlutchSports tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
Wes Matthews is signing a one-year, $3.6M deal with the LA Lakers, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. https://t.co/fYHthoXFjE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 20, 2020
A lot of people were shocked at how little Harrell got paid, but I think we'll see more notable names sign for the MLE over the coming days. The Knicks and Hawks are the only teams with notable cap space, and they can't sign everyone. Any big names that want to join contenders are likely to be on the MLE.
Where will Gordon Hayward land?
Right now the smart money seems to be some sort of sign and trade where Hayward ends up in Indiana, but there's still plenty of time for Danny Ainge to overplay his hand, ask for too much, and end up with nothing. The Knicks continue to be in the hunt.
The Knicks remain in the Hayward hunt with salary-cap space, league sources say, but have held firm on lower figures than Indiana's
Hayward has a huge admirer in Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks, I'm told, have shown some willingness tonight to go beyond an initial two-year offer
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 21, 2020
The Hawks sign Gallo
The Hawks are looking for two or three big signings, and their first one is Danilo Gallinari.
Free agent F Danilo Gallinari is finalizing a three-year, $61.5M contract with the Atlanta Hawks, his agent Michael Tellem of CAA Sports tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
The Hawks have also been reported as interested in Rajon Rondo and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
The Clippers spent big on Marcus Morris
The Clippers lost Montrezl Harrell for the MLE, but spent big to keep Marcus Morris.
Deal: 4 years, $64M, per source. https://t.co/w8keZqg6hE
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
John Wall wants a trade, but does anyone want John Wall?
In an absolutely wild move, John Wall has asked for a trade.
As Rockets/Wizards talks on Russell Westbrook-for-John Wall stall, Wall has made it clear he wants trade out of Washington to happen, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
As Tom Haberstroh notes, this is an astounding request given Wall's contract and injuries.
John Wall is due $40.8M, $43.8M and $46.9M, and hasn’t played an NBA game in 23 months. https://t.co/oM2RvSg1E5
— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) November 21, 2020
Day 2 story lines
As we enter Day 2, Bogdan Bogdanovic remains one of the bigger names on the market. It bodes well for the Kings that he didn't immediately sign an offer sheet. Once an offer sheet is signed, the Kings will only have the option to match or let him walk. The best case for the Kings is to work out a sign and trade to get something in return.
Said it in the free agency thread, and say is again here.
Dedmon being waive-and-stretch just shown how bad his contract is, and how bad this sign is, and how the money is being wasted, by Divac……..
p.s. I hope we should target some UFA like Alen Len, Bazemore and Kris Dunn…….
Kings definitely need a legit C. I’m just worried about what it is going to cost when someone like Plumlee gets $9M.
Would’ve loved to get Steven Adams. He’s only 27 and I e always been a Stan for him
I’m kind of hoping for Nerlens Noel on the cheap right now.
we got Holmes, why should we try to grab Noel…..
we need some BIGĂ¯Â¼Â¢Ă¯Â¼Â¯Ă¯Â¼Â¤Ă¯Â¼Â¹
you mean tristan? nah
That would be sweet, he would fit in nicely
Nerlans just signed with the Knicks. Shit
Inexpensive bench big. You’ve got Bagley and Holmes to pair with Bjelica and Barnes. The roster as currently constructed is one to play smaller. An Alex Len type would fit the bill, but for me the most important component is to keep the rate low and the term lower.
I was pleasantly surprised by Alex’s play and fit last year. Would be great to retain him, but I haven’t read anything about the teams interest to retain him. I love that McNair keeps things close to the vest
McNair keeps things close to the vest, then who leaks the rumors that the FO is interested in Whiteside Ă¯Â¼ÂŸ
Whiteside’s agent?
please not whiteside. dude’s only about himself, he will only present problems in the locker room. i’d rather have len
Hassan Blackside, Whiteside’s evil twin with a goatee from another dimension.
Wouldn’t be surprised if we re-signed Len to the minimum. Much better option than targeting Whiteside IMO.
Yes I liked what Alex Len brought to our team. He set high picks that really helped our guards and provided nice rim protection and rebounding.
I’ll play center for $100 for the whole season.
Don’t do it – Walton will ruin your value.
Willie on a vet minimum!
Ooph!
I wonder how Dedmon turned into a deadman after signing with the kings. I remembered we all loved that deal when it first came out then it totally clasped since
Dedmon is a weird one. Went from a great player in Atlanta that litterally any team would love to have in their rotation to basically out of the league in 12 months. Super weird.
He played hard his contract year, got paid and went on vacation.
Playing well on a bad team means very little sometimes…
My feeling is to match pretty much any offer for Bogi because he’s better than Buddy and will have a cheaper price tag and more demand in the market. Him working with Fox and Hali is a really terrific set of guards. Versatility which gives you options on the floor and in the FO if you wanna trade Bogi later. But honestly – just trade Buddy. He doesn’t want to be here, and he’s only gonna take minutes from younger guys who have a chance of becoming better players if given the time. Long term you have to think Fox and Hali are the 1-2. That leaves the question of the frontcourt. Forwards is probably our weak spot but Barnes is probs not going anywhere and I don’t mind that as he’s a steady force on the floor and locker room as well as a terrific guy. Which means you need to decide if Bagley is gonna be the 4 or 5 long-term. Either way, you need to find him a frontcourt partner who will provide rim protection and spacing. Enter Myles Turner, whom I think we should flip Holmes, Buddy and picks for. They are the only assets who are not long-term high-production guys at their positions and will only take minutes away from whoever may one day potentially fill that role. Seeing Holmes go would hurt, but it’s a strong offer for the Pacers. Bagley-Turner complement each other really well, where Bagley can fall back into backup 5 if he flops. You end up with a final roster like in the image below. Giving lots of young guys on cheap contracts with upside the ability to develop while giving more clarity on the long-term expectation of the roster with a talented, inexpensive young core of Fox-Hali-Bagley-Turner. Only really leaves the 3 (and maybe 4) spot left to be figured out and will have Barnes there until we do. I’d love watching a team like this run.
I hate to say it, but the Lakers are absolutely killing it this offseason. They replaced Rondo, Green and Pope with Harrell, Schroder and Mathews.
Agreed, and I’m really concerned they’re gonna get Bogi too
I don’t think they can now with the addition of Harrell and Mathews.
I’ve read they’re exploring a S&T for either KCP or Kuzma… Have to admit, I don’t know much about either of them as I purposefully choose to ignore anything and everything Laker related
KCP opted out of his deal. The only thing I see is Kuzma and McGee, but I don’t think that even works anymore.
Oh God no.
I’m really disappointed in the decisions made by Detroit. I was hoping Troy Weaver would help bring them back to relevance but my first impression of him isn’t filled with hope.
Dunn is now gone. I actually don’t think the Kings need a backup PG anymore with Hali now in the fold. Unless they move Joseph what is the point?
It is a definiteĂ£Â€Â€steal by Hawks……
After the sign by the Hawks, in case they don’t have cap left, I hope we can work out a “sign and trade”
and try to get Cam Reddish from the Hawks
They more they fill up their cap space, the more likely a sign and trade can happen for assets in return. Kings just need to sit tight and let things play out.
Question: The Hawks decide that Capela and his salary do not fit their plans moving forward. The Hawks offer a take it or leave it S&T for Bogi. Do you take it, or match on Bogi (for grins let’s say Bogi’s offer is 4/$76m, a 16, 18, 20, 22 contract)?
Capela is a tough one for me. He is a bit redundant with Holmes. If you have a trade for Holmes for a ball handling wing (doubtful) I’d say sure.
I like Capela, so I’d do it.
I would love if the Kings get Capela but I agree is a bit redundant with Holmes in the lineup. Not sure if the money works but if they can expand the trade to something like Bogi + Holmes for Capela and Huerter I’ll take that deal without question.
capela, huerter, and hunter
I think taking Capela for Bogi would be an obvious move. Holmes has only one more year on his contract, and is two years older, and in his best season last year was still not quite as good as Capela. Unless McNair has another target that he is waiting on, this seems like a great move. Capela is an excellent rebounder, a humongous weakness for the Kings. The Kings could use Holmes as an excellent back up and injury insurance this year, and likely have an easy time flipping him before the trade deadline to whatever team needs a big man for the post season or playoff push. What do you think Rob?
I prefer John Collins to Capela personally. But I think getting back a talented player in a Bogi S&T is an absolute must for MM & Co.
I don’t love the idea of taking on any contract right now. For me it would come down to the Bogi offer. I match three year up to $54m, but I would only match a four year at $64m or less, as I would prefer Capela and his 3/$51m at that point. As we have previously discussed, it’s all about the better value asset.
If that happens then we’re going to have a lineup of:
Fox
Haliburton
Barnes
Bjelica
Capela
Where is Buddy?
Cam AND Huerter!!!
Wall asking for a trade is the ultimate in hubris. Dude has made somewhere in the neighborhood of $75m while not logging a minute on the floor and now wants out. The Wiz gave him the monster contract based on potential, not results up to that point, and this is their reward. A cautionary tale.
Wall for Westbrook = double nut punch. Just make it happen.
I do think a Westbrook to Detroit, Griffin to Washington, Ball to Houston three way trade would be delightful if for nothing other than the drama.
Whoever is getting Wall better hope they can get Mexico to pay for it.
I see Wall staying and Beal leaving.
Disagree. I think the best case in terms of Bogdanovic is to match an offer for Bogi & then trade Buddy.
I’m in that boat as well. Just match Bogi’s offer not matter what it is. He is going to be cheaper than Buddy. Keep the asset and figure things out later. If people are paying a high price for shooters like Harris and Bertans, there is going to be a nice market for Buddy.
My big concern there is handing Walton Bogi, Hield & Reese, and then watching him stunt Reese’s growth and/or Hield’s remaining value.
Agreed, that is why I’d look to move Buddy ASAP. I’d prefer to roll with Fox, Hali, and Bogi. I’d even like to see all three of them on the court at the same time for parts of the game.
Yeah, I think that Hield has the harder skill to replace (absolute elite volume deep shooting), but Walton’s system is just so wrong for him. Not sure what kind of deal can be had, but if I could swing Hield for Capela and one of their young wings while retaining Bogi, I’d sure consider it.
It might change now with Gentry on board. I expect him to be the offensive coordinator and would definitely use Hield’s skillset correctly just like how Joerger used him a couple of seasons ago.
But I agree if we can somehow flip Buddy instead of Bogi then I’m all for it. Buddy might be the better shooter but Bogi impacts the game more than just 3 point shooting. I hope that is what Mcnair is trying to do and is canvassing the league for a Buddy trade. Might be the reason why Bogi hasn’t signed any offer sheet yet even with the reports that he would sign with the Hawks the moment free agency starts. Could be he is giving Mcnair more time to find a trade partner for Buddy and Bogi re-signs with the Kings.
I think we’re on the same page, but it’s ridiculous to me that anything should be done based on Walton’s “system.” Talent is a lot harder to come by than coaching.
Amen, brother. The money saved by not firing Walton is more than flushed via Hield’s diminished value.
Yup, I’d have no problem hanging onto Buddy if Walton was booted. Maybe that is McNair’s plan come deadline. Just ride out Walton for a bit then promote Gentry. Keep Buddy and have Gentry use him correctly.
I assume that Gentry will run the offense for the entire season.
My biggest fear is that Walton’s system is wrong for every human who plays basketball. Seriously the ridiculous drop off in efficiency for players across two teams now that he has coached is incredible. Now, I think he probably gets fired either during the season or at the end of the season when he’s successfully guided the tank off a cliff but I do worry about him doing any lasting damage to Fox and Haliburton. I just think he’s a terrible coach.
I read that Haliburton makes everyone around him better.
….which might offset the fact that Walton makes everyone around him worse.
Fingers crossed.
I heard the ladies love Walton’s system.
With Tyrese on board, I do think that changes the calculation of who is more value to the Kings. Buddy is a much better shooter than Bogi, as well as more durable,, and with Tyrese to handle back up point guard and a secondary ball handler, I think he usurps a great deal of Bogi’s utility. I think frustration with how Heild has played under Walton has inflated Bogi’s contribution a bit. He is still a bit inconsistent, and in my mind, has a fair share of moments of over dribbling and forcing plays.
So much this. I couldn’t think of the right way to say it.
You make some good points, but I think the combination of Bogis smaller contract, and his court awareness , more than makes up for Buddy’s shooting edge. I cannot speak to injuries.
We had a better coach two seasons ago.
Walton’s “system.” Quotation marks are necessary here.
That said, I totally agree. Bogi > Buddy.
yes. if only things are okay with bogi and the team, a lineup featuring him, hali, and fox will be so fun to watch. and yeah add giles to that welp not going to happen now but, the playmaking between those four guys will remind everyone of the early 00’s kings
Fox, Hali, Bogi, Bjelly and Giles.. sheesh! Imagine the ball movement, cutting and playmaking with those 5 on the court.
Nemenja, too!
-EDIT– d’OH! I see you wrote Bjelly. My bad!
Giles is gone per Carmichael Dave.
Good run down of who is left, posted last night. Obviously Dunn, AD, and Harkless are off the table.
Bring Back Bismack…and Beno!
They left off:
Maybe no other teams will notice??
Wow not much left.
bringing bazemore back, s and t bogi with the hawks, and trading buddy. bogi and james for capela, huerter, and a 21 first. is that too much?
Bazemore is 35-40% FG shooter. And he thinks he’s a star level offensive player. You cannot win with guys like that. I dont care that he is high energy and good on defense, which he is.
Jefferies is the better player who does not take as many bad shots. I would much rather have Jefferies than Baze and looks like our new GM feels the same.
yes baze does have that tendency of seeing himself as a star but with the rise of talented big wings in the nba (lbj, luka, kawhi, freak) it’s a nice insurance to have hard nosed wing defenders.
with baze, jeffries, woodard, barnes, brewer we have guys who are willing and can actually play defense on those stars.
Would the best outcome for the Kings be that Bogi is unable to find the deal he wants, so he signs the QO, and then Sacramento can trade him sometime during the season for a better return than they might have to take in a S&T?
That’s a possibility. I think his QO is around $10M, but then he is a UFA next summer. You might be able to flip him to a contender later in the season.
Could happen, but is so rare for a guy to reject $50m & take a one year deal. Noel did it. Can’t think of anyone else at the moment.
Bogi could get Bonzi’d.
More money next summer, but also more talent in the free agency pool. It would definitely be a risk. Bogi’s QO is also quite high. I think Noel’s was only around $3-4M.
The injury risk factor, too. Bogi’s not young for an NBA player.
Very true. He’d be leaving a lot on the table.
Possible but as far as the Bucks debacle the main culprit I can suss out is Bogi’s agent both on precedent and for the amount to gain. If thats the case, It leads me to think he must have some assurance of an offer sheet considerably higher than what the Bucks were suggesting. If thats the case the QO would look horrible considering the previous rejection and renege of the MIL trade. Dont see that likely, I suspect he is aware of suitors.
Correct me if I’m wrong but if Bogi signs the QO then that means we can’t trade him. So basically that means he would definitely walk at the end of the year and we get nothing in return.
I believe he can be traded, but I could be wrong. Maybe you are thinking about if the Kings match his offer from another team? If they do that, he has a no-trade clause for one year.
From what I can find online, if he signs the QO, then he can veto trades during the year. But if the writing is on the wall, and the player has one foot out of the door, you’d think he’d be open to being traded (so long as it provided the playing time and competitiveness, I suppose).
FWIW, I think there is a very small chance he takes the QO.
Just to the both of you: If Bogi signs a QO OR the Kings match an offer sheet, Bogi can veto deals for the next season in its entirety. The exact date of that ending I don’t know as I don’t know when the season ends yet.
But Bogi, if he remains on the Kings, will certainly have veto power over deals.