Around the League / Regular Season Thread (Upstairs Version)

[RC_Drunkford]

and this is exactly why the Knicks haven't won anything since the 70s

[ace3g]

https://x.com/BrettSiegelNBA/status/1930291322235064780

[ace3g]

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1930303661801939415

[Ice009]

Did I understand that correctly, did Silver say that the all-star game will also now be in the afternoon and not in the evening?

[Seventyniner]

RIP USA. Wemby + Jokic + SGA + Giannis is already a death lineup.

[Ocotillo]

Paging TPark - https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/new-york-knicks-predicted-to-complete-villanova-takeover-by-hiring-2-time-ncaa-champion-coach/ar-AA1G2O2B?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=e02818fe432c4ba5bbc790d0caeca746&ei=37

If you don't want to click, it's a story speculating the Knicks might go after Jay Wright. I seem to recall TPark would invariably bring up Wright as Pop's successor.

[Ariel]

Yeah, it's interesting to see how things develop-- a couple years ago most people were saying that Ainge had won both of his Mitchell & Gobert trades by a big margin, and that it was dangerous to deal with him because he always got the upper hand in every transaction... Right now, the Jazz look pretty bad and are still in the rudimentary stages of their rebuild, and most of his draft pick haul looks pretty mediocre.
To be fair, he received Kessler, 4 picks (3 unprotected) and a swap (plus role players) for Gobert, and Lauri, Sexton, Agbaji (had just been taken in the lottery), 3 unprotected firsts and 2 unprotected swaps for Donovan Mitchell, whether they maximized those assets is another story, but even if the return isn't the fleece many of us thought at the time (myself included) it's definitely a very, very fair return at least. They just fucked up by failing to tank properly and missing on their picks, but that's a different story.

[exstatic]

RIP USA. Wemby + Jokic + SGA + Giannis is already a death lineup.

Hopefully, the NBA wakes up and makes it North America vs. the rest of the World so that the olds from the US don’t get flattened.

[R. DeMurre]

To be fair, he received Kessler, 4 picks (3 unprotected) and a swap (plus role players) for Gobert, and Lauri, Sexton, Agbaji (had just been taken in the lottery), 3 unprotected firsts and 2 unprotected swaps for Donovan Mitchell, whether they maximized those assets is another story, but even if the return isn't the fleece many of us thought at the time (myself included) it's definitely a very, very fair return at least. They just fucked up by failing to tank properly and missing on their picks, but that's a different story.


I think the big unanticipated problem was that Markkanen was much better than expected, and had a career year where he elevated a team that was supposed to be squarely in the lead for the Wembanyama sweepstakes to one that was on pace to win 40 games until they started sitting him near the end of the season.

[RC_Drunkford]

1930613437387731342

[mo7888]

I saw reports yesterday that Phoenix is wanting to buyout Beal. That would have to be the largest buyout in history since Beal has no incentive to give them a discount. Crazy situation..

[spurraider21]

I saw reports yesterday that Phoenix is wanting to buyout Beal. That would have to be the largest buyout in history since Beal has no incentive to give them a discount. Crazy situation..
if that happens he can choose wherever he wants to go for the minimum (offset contract language means he doesnt benefit from signing for more than that). would be a hell of a get if he is actually waived

[mo7888]

if that happens he can choose wherever he wants to go for the minimum (offset contract language means he doesnt benefit from signing for more than that). would be a hell of a get if he is actually waived

Agreed....the whole perspective on him changes if it's for a minimum contract.

[RC_Drunkford]

Milwaukee and Denver should try whatever they can to get him if that's the case. He'll probably go to the Lakers though.

[spursistan]

Unless it is generational talent like Wemby, drafting these giant guys in high lottery is extremely risky..23 year-old and requiring surgery (likely out 4-6 montjs) on sprained ankle is alarming..Looking like a wasted pick already..

Memphis are a team Spurs should definitely be leapfrogging in the West standings next season.

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1931421208441983132

[Ice009]

Wow. That sucks for Edey and Memphis. That's not good spraining an ankle and then needing surgery and consequently being out 4-6 months :(. Even though I don't like Memphis, I hope he bounces back from it and recovers well.

[dn0774]

Wow. That sucks for Edey and Memphis. That's not good spraining an ankle and then needing surgery and consequently being out 4-6 months :(. Even though I don't like Memphis, I hope he bounces back from it and recovers well.

I’m guessing it’s the same ankle he sprained in summer league a year ago and re-sprained a couple times this season iirc. Hopefully this surgery corrects the issue for his sake. Steph Curry had glass ankles and managed to get them right eventually but he isn’t a giant.

[stnick2261]

You would think big men of the future would start copying Wemby's warmup and stretching routines.

[RC_Drunkford]

Looks like Kidd really wants the Knicks HC gig and somehow Dallas gon allow it. People are saying Mavs FO is behaving strange recently. No clue what Nico is doing up there. AD wants Kidd to stay.

[Ice009]

Where have you seen/read that Kidd wants the job?

[Robz4000]

Where have you seen/read that Kidd wants the job?

Windhorst says there's mutual interest apparently.

[Ice009]

Windhorst says there's mutual interest apparently.

OK, thanks. I only ask because if Kidd really is interested and takes it, who knows what might happen with the draft.

I wonder if the Mavs are more likely to select Cooper if Kidd is the coach or not. My thinking is, if there's even a small chance they don't take Flagg (less than 5%), we need Kidd to stay as he was a PG himself, and he might be interested in Dylan Harper instead, whereas, if Kidd is gone and Mike Malone is hired, then it's 99.9% that Flagg is getting picked.

[spurraider21]

:lmao knicks tried poaching quinn snyder to and rejected again

embarrassing tbh

[KobesAchilles]

I mean what top coach wants the Knicks job. Making it to the ECFs get you fired. My guess is Malone takes the job and is fired in two years

Unproven guys will love the Knicks gig tho since they basically get a 3 year paid vacation once they’re fired. It’s my dream job tbh

[benefactor]

The Knicks have pulled a Cheddar Bob with this whole situation. They should have just kept Thibs

[spurraider21]

hopefully they request permission to interview Mitch tbh

[spursistan]

Tatum & Jalen Brown could both be broken down physically by the time we swap picks with them in 2028. That CELTICS swap is an asset that's cooking on low-temperature. Spurs should not think about trading it until we see how things develop in boston in the next couple of years.

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1932821212738298161

[spursistan]

The Knicks have pulled a Cheddar Bob with this whole situation. They should have just kept Thibs
The sheer arrogance of the Knicks :lol..Not even the Lakers have gone about trying to steal other franchises' coaches. It is not like their roster have a Wemby/Jokic/prime Lebron that you would be fine with dumping your current team for..

https://x.com/BleacherReport/status/1932966079200178226

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4h_joOYadU

[Ice009]

WTF are the Knicks doing? This is shameless going after already hired head coaches. Has any other team done that before? I don't remember, but it seems crazy. You can't go after already signed players, so why can you do that with already hired coaches? What are the rules in regard to coaches? How would it work if one of those guys wanted to take the Knicks offer? Can they legally leave already being signed/under contract?

At first I could understand the Jason Kidd connection since he played there, but I don't understand what they're trying to do going after multiple already hired head coaches.

[exstatic]

WTF are the Knicks doing? This is shameless going after already hired head coaches. Has any other team done that before? I don't remember, but it seems crazy. You can't go after already signed players, so why can you do that with already hired coaches? What are the rules in regard to coaches? How would it work if one of those guys wanted to take the Knicks offer? Can they legally leave already being signed/under contract?

At first I could understand the Jason Kidd connection since he played there, but I don't understand what they're trying to do going after multiple already hired head coaches.

The rule is,you need the current team to Ok you hiring away their coach, and every team they’ve approached has said no. Dumb to not have a strategy.

[BatManu20]

1933214250748571871

[RC_Drunkford]

WTF are the Knicks doing? This is shameless going after already hired head coaches. Has any other team done that before? I don't remember, but it seems crazy. You can't go after already signed players, so why can you do that with already hired coaches? What are the rules in regard to coaches? How would it work if one of those guys wanted to take the Knicks offer? Can they legally leave already being signed/under contract?

At first I could understand the Jason Kidd connection since he played there, but I don't understand what they're trying to do going after multiple already hired head coaches.

at least they know not to interview Doc Rivers

[ace3g]

https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/1934000499998728497

[SpursFan86]

1934266665035841856

Holy shit :lol I like Bane but that’s a damn steep price.

[LeBowen]

Another Bridges trade.

Wagner $38M
Bane $37M
Suggs $35M
Banchero $15M, extension kicks in next year.

CP3 should go there, tbh.

[RC_Drunkford]

5 picks for Desmond Bane is crazy work. That’s way more than we paid for Fox, who’s better. I guess this raises the price for KD again.

[SpursFan86]

5 picks for Desmond Bane is crazy work. That’s way more than we paid for Fox, who’s better. I guess this raises the price for KD again.

I don’t see how this impacts KD. It’s a totally different situation. The whole reason KD’s return is lower is because of his age and contract situation. Bane, a young player with several years left on his contract, getting this sort of deal isn’t really comparable IMO.

[Dverde]

The Orlando Tragic :lol :lol

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I've no idea how Orlando plan to manage their cap situation with 3 players on max contracts plus Suggs, but it'll be fascinating to see how they handle it.

It's interesting for Memphis too. Are they blowing it up or it was just too much to turn down? They were also on the path of having 3 maxes and Aldama to pay, so perhaps they thought that wasn't going to be manageable.

[Dverde]

I've no idea how Orlando plan to manage their cap situation with 3 players on max contracts plus Suggs, but it'll be fascinating to see how they handle it.

It's interesting for Memphis too. Are they blowing it up or it was just too much to turn down? They were also on the path of having 3 maxes and Aldama to pay, so perhaps they thought that wasn't going to be manageable.

Four unprotected first rounders can make a lot of players available for trade. Not sure why they value Bane that much.

[thOOdee]

Lol wtf magic!? Honestly would’ve traded castle+fillers for that price. Am i missing something? Welp the west just getting westier.

[RC_Drunkford]

I don’t see how this impacts KD. It’s a totally different situation. The whole reason KD’s return is lower is because of his age and contract situation. Bane, a young player with several years left on his contract, getting this sort of deal isn’t really comparable IMO.

cause the Suns can now say Bane costs 5 picks, we want 2-3 for KD. Teams were offering none or 1 first and I don’t think anybody will offer more first rounders, but it gives them some negotiating power

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Four unprotected first rounders can make a lot of players available for trade. Not sure why they value Bane that much.

Yeah, Orlando blowing their load on Bane like they're one player away from championship contention is wild. Promises a great summer with lots of moves though.

Picks apparently are 2025 pick 16, the swap on swap that they have for Phoenix '26, and then Orlando's own '28, '30 and '29 swap. Damn.

[Leetonidas]

Jesus christ talk about an overpay. Makes the Fox deal look like a god damn heist in comparison

[Ice009]

Jesus christ talk about an overpay. Makes the Fox deal look like a god damn heist in comparison

The Fox deal looks like a freaking meticulously planned heist in comparison.

Geez, no wonder these teams end up sucking and screwing their futures up. Just throwing away picks when you don't even have a championship level core where that one player could help put you over the top, you don't go making deals like this.
It seems like they think this move makes them a Championship contender (anyone think it does?).

[SpursFan86]

cause the Suns can now say Bane costs 5 picks, we want 2-3 for KD. Teams were offering none or 1 first and I don’t think anybody will offer more first rounders, but it gives them some negotiating power

I mean I see the logic, but if teams like SA and Houston just hold firm then Phoenix really has no leverage. There’s also the element of Orlando getting out of KCP’s contract at play too. I just really don’t see the two situations as very comparable.

[spursistan]

Desmond Bane for 4 unprotected FRPs..What an absolutely disgusting overpay.:lmao:lmao

We should be thankful everyday for Brian Wright steering the wheel of our trade machine

[BatManu20]

What in the actual fuck is Orlando doing :lmao

[Dex]

1934266665035841856

Holy shit :lol I like Bane but that’s a damn steep price.

Control of 5 first-round picks (plus giving up two decent players) for Desmond fucking Bane is borderline front office malpractice. Magic finally get some success...then keep on going Magic things.

This also isn't going to help in any bidding war for someone like Giannis or Durant.

[LeBowen]

This also isn't going to help in any bidding war for someone like Giannis or Durant.

I'd say trading for a legit superstar in his prime has become pretty much impossible because even if you get him you have nothing left.
Unless you're dealing with Nico, that is.

[Ice009]

I'd say trading for a legit superstar in his prime has become pretty much impossible because even if you get him you have nothing left.
Unless you're dealing with Nico, that is.

Got darn Nico.

[DPG21920]

Like Fox deal, ORL gave up no meaningful players (Cole is better than anyone who SA gave up in Fox deal but hes expendable). Bane’s deal is reasonable for his production and when you dont give up any true core players, you compensate with picks.

Overpaid by a pick at least for sure, but it makes sense for ORL to go pick heavy vs giving up a core guy (like Franz) to keep picks out of deal IMO. Now, will it end up being worth it? Depends on how they perform and what picks turn into etc…but as a general strategy I personally agree with that direction/thinking/strategy

[cutewizard]

The mother of all offseasons begin........

[Ice009]

The mother of all offseasons begin........

The off-season hasn't actually begun yet ;). If this is a teaser, it's a pretty darn big one. I thought it was frowned up to announce trades during the NBA finals? Does this mean other teams can just start doing trades now?

[mo7888]

The Fox deal looks like a freaking meticulously planned heist in comparison.

Geez, no wonder these teams end up sucking and screwing their futures up. Just throwing away picks when you don't even have a championship level core where that one player could help put you over the top, you don't go making deals like this.
It seems like they think this move makes them a Championship contender (anyone think it does?).

I do not think this makes them a contender. I don't there's enough shooting or quality depth and I expect the depth problem to be exacerbated when they have to move a couple pieces to cut salary in a year or two.

[Dex]

Like Fox deal, ORL gave up no meaningful players (Cole is better than anyone who SA gave up in Fox deal but hes expendable). Bane’s deal is reasonable for his production and when you dont give up any true core players, you compensate with picks.

Overpaid by a pick at least for sure, but it makes sense for ORL to go pick heavy vs giving up a core guy (like Franz) to keep picks out of deal IMO. Now, will it end up being worth it? Depends on how they perform and what picks turn into etc…but as a general strategy I personally agree with that direction/thinking/strategy

Obviously they had to trade salaries to make it work...but 4 unprotected firsts AND a swap?

Those are assets that should only be flying around for a superstar, or at least an All-NBA type guy. I'll admit I haven't watched a ton of Desmond Bane's game, but I'm pretty damn sure he isn't either of those.

My concern is now anybody in future trades can point to this as an example of why they expect better compensation for a good-but-not great player.

[mo7888]

Control of 5 first-round picks (plus giving up two decent players) for Desmond fucking Bane is borderline front office malpractice. Magic finally get some success...then keep on going Magic things.

This also isn't going to help in any bidding war for someone like Giannis or Durant.

I don't think it effects Durant. There only a few teams looking at him and does this make anyone up there ante? I don't think so..

[Mugen]

Man, we need to shop Devin hard if Bane is fetching that tbh. Bane is better obviously but damn.

[Chinook]

No one is going to go "Oh, we were only comfortable giving up X for Durant, but after seeing Bane go for four firsts and a swap, we want to give up a lot more now." Phoenix cannot keep Durant, so they aren't going to be able to threaten not to trade him if they don't get more. This was always going to be about how much the 2-6 teams that want Durant are willing to pay. None of them give a shit about the what the Magic do with their picks.

[spursistan]

Feels like one of those classic, panic "save-my-job" trades a GM would do. Pressure is mounting in Orlando to make a deep post season run with Mosley getting slowly put on the hot seat for the team's lack of offensive creativity..

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Like Fox deal, ORL gave up no meaningful players (Cole is better than anyone who SA gave up in Fox deal but hes expendable). Bane’s deal is reasonable for his production and when you dont give up any true core players, you compensate with picks.

Overpaid by a pick at least for sure, but it makes sense for ORL to go pick heavy vs giving up a core guy (like Franz) to keep picks out of deal IMO. Now, will it end up being worth it? Depends on how they perform and what picks turn into etc…but as a general strategy I personally agree with that direction/thinking/strategy

It's more that they're going all in while not in a position to do so, at least from my perspective. They're not one player away from contention and they're going to be super expensive from next year on. They'll be capped out with 4 players on the roster - Banchero, Bane, Franz and Suggs = 100% of the cap, or damn near. They still don't have a true PG too.

It'll take a monumental job to build the roster around those 4 with the scraps they have left. Most likely they'll have to trade Suggs or Franz, or both, within a couple of years.

[DPG21920]

Obviously they had to trade salaries to make it work...but 4 unprotected firsts AND a swap?

Those are assets that should only be flying around for a superstar, or at least an All-NBA type guy. I'll admit I haven't watched a ton of Desmond Bane's game, but I'm pretty damn sure he isn't either of those.

My concern is now anybody in future trades can point to this as an example of why they expect better compensation for a good-but-not great player.

Can always point to Luka trade as a counter. Or Fox deal.

[Dex]

Can always point to Luka trade as a counter. Or Fox deal.

Luka trade basically broke the market tbh. May be one of the most WTF trades in the history of sports.

[TD 21]

Feels like one of those classic, panic "save-my-job" trades a GM would do. Pressure is mounting in Orlando to make a deep post season run with Mosley getting slowly put on the hot seat for the team's lack of offensive creativity..

I've heard this nonsensical narrative too from the usual media suspects pushing their agenda, but the Magic have no primary shot creator and have been the worst shooting team in the league.

I don't care who the coach is or what they run (in a mostly homogenized league), that combination = a terrible offense.

[DPG21920]

It's more that they're going all in while not in a position to do so, at least from my perspective. They're not one player away from contention and they're going to be super expensive from next year on. They'll be capped out with 4 players on the roster - Banchero, Bane, Franz and Suggs = 100% of the cap, or damn near. They still don't have a true PG too.

It'll take a monumental job to build the roster around those 4 with the scraps they have left. Most likely they'll have to trade Suggs or Franz, or both, within a couple of years.

So I think in East it’s wide open. ORL IMO could easily make a leap with this team to being right in the mix which is all you can ask for. Besides that, I also think that ORL know (like with Bane) if they ever do need to reset any of their core players can recoup much of what they sent out.

So the logic is keep all your main youth, go pick heavy, and see if this type of upgrade can make you a contender for ECF in East for 2 years. If not? Can always trade Franz or Suggs or a couple others and recoup most of what you lost and try again

[thOOdee]

I wonder if any calls were made to the spurs in an attempt from orlando to pry the #2 pick/harper. 4-5 1st round picks possibly. I’d imagine its strongly possible. And if so, shows how strongly spurs see harper fitting with the spurs and for the long run next to wemby.

[Mr. Body]

This feels a lot like the Dejounte Murray trade, where a team doesn't want to trade their player but another team gets a bug about prying him loose. Good on Memphis for making them pay.

Orlando won't be a bad team, with Paolo and Franz, so their own picks will be post-lottery. I'm not sure Bane is the guy, but didn't realize he's only 26. Feels like he's been around forever. With Boston down, the East is really bad going forward and here's the move to take. Just feels like an overpay, and a consequence of failing to get shooters in. How did they not take Gradey Dick instead of Jett Howard?

[Mr. Body]

I wonder if any calls were made to the spurs in an attempt from orlando to pry the #2 pick/harper. 4-5 1st round picks possibly. I’d imagine its strongly possible. And if so, shows how strongly spurs see harper fitting with the spurs and for the long run next to wemby.

Probably everyone has called them. Those Orlando picks are not going to be that great.

[BatManu20]

11 years ago today :cry

1934294839459467363

[SpursBills]

The funniest thing about this Bane trade is that if Orlando really wanted to go all in for Bane, they should have swapped Paolo and salary for JJJ and could have probably saved a pick or two. Paolo is perceived as the better player, but Orlando would legitimately be a functional team with JJJ instead.

Suggs
Bane
Franz
JJJ
Goga

If Suggs and Franz revert back to close to their form from a year or two ago, that's a scary team with high level rim protection and perimeter defense, good composite shooting, and no ball stoppers. However, Memphis' front office is pretty smart and analytically driven, so they may not get fooled by Paolo like some other front offices.

[Mr. Body]

The funniest thing about this Bane trade is that if Orlando really wanted to go all in for Bane, they should have swapped Paolo and salary for JJJ and could have probably saved a pick or two. Paolo is perceived as the better player, but Orlando would legitimately be a functional team with JJJ instead.

Suggs
Bane
Franz
JJJ
Goga

If Suggs and Franz revert back to close to their form from a year or two ago, that's a scary team with high level rim protection and perimeter defense, good composite shooting, and no ball stoppers. However, Memphis' front office is pretty smart and analytically driven, so they may not get fooled by Paolo like some other front offices.

There's not a universe where I'd trade Paolo for JJJ, to be honest. JJJ is horribly overrated and has a shit attitude to boot.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I wouldn't at all be surprised if Ja is next.

Memphis seem hellbent on re-negotiating and maxing out JJJ, perhaps they realize they're going nowhere with the current roster and want to retool around him (bad premise, tbh)

[mo7888]

I wouldn't at all be surprised if Ja is next.

Memphis seem hellbent on re-negotiating and maxing out JJJ, perhaps they realize they're going nowhere with the current roster and want to retool around him (bad premise, tbh)

So, who out there would be most interested in Ja?

[SpursBills]

There's not a universe where I'd trade Paolo for JJJ, to be honest. JJJ is horribly overrated and has a shit attitude to boot.

I don't think JJJ is some world beater, but I also think Paolo is massively overrated as well, especially in the context of Orlando's roster construction. Orlando's -8/100 possessions in 2300 minutes where Paolo is playing without Franz dating back to 2022, while Franz is +0.6/100 in 4600 minutes without Paolo. Together, they're +1.5 in 4000 minutes. This past season, Franz alone was +9.5, Paolo alone was -9.5, and the two together were +3.8. If you think JJJ sucks, fine, try and get some more picks back but I think the fundamental issue may be the Franz-Paolo combo which I don't think Bane is necessarily going to solve.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

So, who out there would be most interested in Ja?

Atlanta, if they don't extend and decide to trade Trae. Brooklyn, Charlotte, Sacramento, maybe Washington or Portland, if they've given up on Scoot.

[RC_Drunkford]

I wouldn't at all be surprised if Ja is next.

Memphis seem hellbent on re-negotiating and maxing out JJJ, perhaps they realize they're going nowhere with the current roster and want to retool around him (bad premise, tbh)


So, who out there would be most interested in Ja?

If Ja is getting moved, look for Miami to pivot away from KD and pursue Morant. They need a PG more than anything.

[SpursFan86]

After getting past the sticker shock, I don’t know if this is such a terrible trade. Orlando gets rid of the awful KCP contract and adds one of the best shooters in the league. The Phoenix 2026 pick is definitely juicy, but outside of that there’s a high likelihood the rest of those picks are all in the 15-25 range assuming Orlando’s core stays together.

It’s certainly a bit of an overpay, and I don’t really think the Magic are contenders because I still don’t believe in the Banchero/Wagner duo…but it’s not the worst thing I’ve ever seen.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

1933214250748571871

Miss manu and the original super friends

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

Well, Mitch in his entire career as an assistant never saw a playoff series or saw how a head coach handled a series.

Soooooo .... No. Getting a resume like Mitch of an entire career of losing and the lottery is hard.

hammer don't hurt em

[LeBowen]

Tbh, Bane trade just shows how important front office continuity is.

Their GM was hired in 2021, his rebuild has been good so far, but if they fail again in the upcoming season, his job will be at risk.

He doesn't really care about the risk of trading 2028 and 2030 picks because they won't really matter to him.
If Bane trade works Magic will be good and those picks won't be relevant, if it proves to be a failure he won't be the GM by the time those picks convey and it'll be someone else's problem.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

You would think big men of the future would start copying Wemby's warmup and stretching routines.

Unfortunately wemby not the poster child for availability so far

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

Wow magic Wow wtf

[RC_Drunkford]

1934805099274027299

[Mugen]

Congrats, Faker fans.

Was only a matter of time but Buss family finally selling the team to the same ownership group as my Dodgers. League is fucked tbh :lol

[CorrectCrusader]

Congrats, Faker fans.

Was only a matter of time but Buss family finally selling the team to the same ownership group as my Dodgers. League is fucked tbh :lol

She's still governor, so she can still fuck it up

[Mugen]

She's still governor, so she can still fuck it up

Brother, they're gonna push Jeanie out by the end of the year tbh :lol

[Obstructed_View]

She's still governor, so she can still fuck it up
Watching your sig, Stef losing the dunk contest is the biggest robbery since Iguodala.

[CorrectCrusader]

Watching your sig, Stef losing the dunk contest is the biggest robbery since Iguodala.

Real, but also you should click the gif

[Ice009]

What happened? Have the Lakers been sold? Why? I didn't even know the Buss family was looking to sell?

[TD 21]

She's still governor, so she can still fuck it up

Just like Cuban was still going to remain whatever it is he claimed his title was going to be (governor, POBO, etc.) . . . until he wasn't.

[CorrectCrusader]

What happened? Have the Lakers been sold? Why? I didn't even know the Buss family was looking to sell?

You didn't get to send in a bid? This is a catastrophe.

[Ice009]

You didn't get to send in a bid? This is a catastrophe.

lol. I could have worded that a lot better. Makes it sound like I was interested.

[RC_Drunkford]

is the new owner as stupid as the Mavericks one? Maybe he'll trade Luka away for a bag of chips too

[Mugen]

is the new owner as stupid as the Mavericks one? Maybe he'll trade Luka away for a bag of chips too

Definitely not tbh.

[Mugen]

Big 'Mona Shelburne gonna be out of a job soon tbh

[RC_Drunkford]

1935449599709430232

[mudyez]

Are we really ignoring how DeJounte is labouring to become a Spur again?

[mystargtr34]

The Luka trade makes even more sense now.

Just remember how corrupt things are at the top end of town (government, CEO’s etc.) and it shouldn’t surprise you.

[poopbox]

Are we really ignoring how DeJounte is labouring to become a Spur again?

I'd welcome him back in a heartbeat :cry

[Robz4000]

Just another reason to hate the Lakers tbh. Bout to see deferred contracts in the NBA.

[Ice009]

Just another reason to hate the Lakers tbh. Bout to see deferred contracts in the NBA.

What are deferred contracts?

[Robz4000]

What are deferred contracts?

Imagine Doncic being paid $1M/season for the duration of his time with the Lakers tbh.

[Ice009]

Is this something these new owners used to do with their baseball team years ago? I'll have to look it up.

[Robz4000]

Is this something these new owners used to do with their baseball team years ago? I'll have to look it up.

Doyers have built a juggernaut with deferred contracts the last few years tbh. They're paying the best player in baseball $2M a season for the duration of his contract.

[scott]

Thankfully I think the CBA will prevent the Dodgers shenanigans.

[Robz4000]

Thankfully I think the CBA will prevent the Dodgers shenanigans.

True, but this group has found plenty of ways to cheat the system before. I'm sure they'll find a way to do it in the NBA.

[RC_Drunkford]

Lauri and #5 for PG13 and #3 bout to happen

1935460827613511786

[Mugen]

PG in Utah would be hilarious tbh.

[Mr. Body]

Impressive if Phila wiggles out of the George contract and gets Markannen out of it.

[mystargtr34]

Lauri and #5 for PG13 and #3 bout to happen

1935460827613511786

This seems like a win for the Sixers. Even though Mark has an extra year at $50M.

Maybe the Jazz love VJ that much. Or maybe they love someone out of VJ, Tre, Kon. Can’t imagine it being Ace given its Utah.

[scott]

Lauri and #5 for PG13 and #3 bout to happen

1935460827613511786

In the spirit of fun game theory scenarios...

I'll preface this by saying I think Lauri is still a very good player who had a down year and is on a bit of an overpay contract... whereas PG13 appears completely washed. So that is the position from which I approach this.

So with that said, downgrading Lauri to PG13 seems like a massive overpay to move up from 5 to 3. If I'm Ainge, I'd do Lauri + 21 for PG13 + 3, but I'm not including 5 in there.

[RC_Drunkford]

In the spirit of fun game theory scenarios...

I'll preface this by saying I think Lauri is still a very good player who had a down year and is on a bit of an overpay contract... whereas PG13 appears completely washed. So that is the position from which I approach this.

So with that said, downgrading Lauri to PG13 seems like a massive overpay to move up from 5 to 3. If I'm Ainge, I'd do Lauri + 21 for PG13 + 3, but I'm not including 5 in there.

yeah I was thinking the same thing. Would still make sense for both teams. PG13 as a tank commander should be straight comedy.

[timtonymanu]

One of Paul George’s former teams is about to ring and he’s now just being thrown around to Utah :lol.

Pretty deserving tbh

[Mr. Body]

One of Paul George’s former teams is about to ring and he’s now just being thrown around to Utah :lol.

Pretty deserving tbh

To be fair, I don't think anyone remembers he played for OKC. I don't think he even remembers. No one cares about OKC.

[Ice009]

To be fair, I don't think anyone remembers he played for OKC. I don't think he even remembers. No one cares about OKC.

I think he finished his highest in MVP voting when he played for OKC. For whatever reason, I'm remembering he finished 3rd one of those seasons.

[quentin_compson]

To be fair, I don't think anyone remembers he played for OKC. I don't think he even remembers. No one cares about OKC.

You seem to care plenty about OKC. You're talking about them all the time.

[exstatic]

She's still governor, so she can still fuck it up

Yeah, Cuban was supposed to be for a year, and Adelson booted him after like two months. Most new ownership groups want an illusion of continuity, but they ultimately grab control, and quickly.

[exstatic]

True, but this group has found plenty of ways to cheat the system before. I'm sure they'll find a way to do it in the NBA.

There are literally no salary rules in MLB.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1935734526510043497

[djohn2oo8]

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1935734526510043497
Love it

[scottspurs]

Ime Udoka is the best defensive mind in basketball right now.

[LkrFan]

Just another reason to hate the Lakers tbh. Bout to see deferred contracts in the NBA.

:lol

[LkrFan]

Thankfully I think the CBA will prevent the Dodgers shenanigans.

:lol

[LkrFan]

Imagine LeBron being paid $1M/season for the duration of his time with the Lakers tbh.
FIFY son :lol

[LeBowen]

Windhorst:



In late April, TWG Global announced a $15 billion capital raising effort and they wanted to create a fund that they would use to invest in sports. $10 billion of that money was invested by Mubadala Capital. Mubadala is Abu Dhabi. You guys have heard me talk about Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi’s deep interest in investing in the NBA and American sport. Mubadala Capital wouldn’t be able to directly buy the Lakers but certainly they couldninvest in something to buy the Lakers. TWG Global has a lot of investors. I’m not saying one piece of money goes to one investment… In their press release from two months ago, they said that they planneed to “build up sizable stakes in a range of sports assets in the years leading up to this investment.” So, they announced a $15 billion raise with $10 billion from Abu Dhabi to invest in sports assets. Two months later, they buy the Lakers for $10 billion. I’m just pointing that out.


Al-Bron James, tbh.
Lakers being owned by blood money state is fitting.

[LkrFan]

Congrats, Faker fans.

Was only a matter of time but Buss family finally selling the team to the same ownership group as my Dodgers. League is fucked tbh :lol

:toast

[LkrFan]

She's still governor, so she can still fuck it up

Yup, just like Marc Cuban :downspin:

[LkrFan]

Big 'Mona Shelburne gonna be out of a job soon tbh

:rollin :lmao :rollin

[LkrFan]

The Luka trade makes even more sense now.

Just remember how corrupt things are at the top end of town (government, CEO’s etc.) and it shouldn’t surprise you.

You make it sound like a bad thing. This is good for the poverty franchises that mooch off of the tax revenue the Lakers generate every year. Don't hate, Celebrate :toast

[Mr. Body]

So Lakers are now like Man City but with hordes of fans who don't know anything about basketball.

[LkrFan]

Windhorst:



Al-Bron James, tbh.
Lakers being owned by blood money state is fitting.

Amerikkka was built on blood son. But it's a problem now? Get real. :lol

[LeBowen]

Amerikkka was built on blood son. But it's a problem now? Get real. :lol

California has the biggest economy out of any state.
It's also the supposed bastion of democracy with better human rights than the rest of the country.
Lakers are the most successful sports franchise in the state and the most popular basketball team in the world. Also a franchise that never lacked money.

And now they've been sold out to goatfuckers who just happened to stumble upon some oil reserves.
No more pride nights at the arena, might even ban Magic from it because his son is...whatever you want to call him. :lol

[LkrFan]

California has the biggest economy out of any state.
It's also the supposed bastion of democracy with better human rights than the rest of the country.
Lakers are the most successful sports franchise in the state and the most popular basketball team in the world. Also a franchise that never lacked money.

Laker Nation is worldwide, but Jeanie was cash strapped compared to every other team owner. Even small market teams had billionaire ownership groups. Jeanie was worth like $500M which pales in comparison.

Lakers infrastructure was still in the 1980s. Smallest front office, smallest training staff, analytics staff was pathetic, weak international scouting, etc.

The advantages of having the most money and the best location for stars to flock to has greatly diminished over the years.

Mark Walter and his team is aggressive (see the Dodgers turnaround since he took over) so I expect the Lakers to catch up on the Basketball Operations side of team building before too long. Having a competent front office will do wonders for the Lakers tbh.


And now they've been sold out to goatfuckers who just happened to stumble upon some oil reserves.
No more pride nights at the arena, might even ban Magic from it because his son is...whatever you want to call him. :lol
:lol

[scott]

Windhorst:



Al-Bron James, tbh.
Lakers being owned by blood money state is fitting.

Abu Dhabi piece aside, it's interesting to see institutional investment (PE Funds) increasingly flow into sports teams. The Spurs have Sixth Street Partners in their cap stack, and Sixth Street also has significant holdings in FC Barcelona, Bay FC and are part of the group that bought the Celtics (which I'm a little surprised doesn't trigger some kind of conflict of interest with the NBA). Sixth Street also invested a cool billion into AirBnB, and AirBnB founder Joe Gebbia came on as a partner in the Spurs following that. Sixth Street also acquired Legends Hospitality, which was started by Jerry Jones and George Steinbrenner to run concessions and merch for stadiums around the country (though I don't think they run concessions for the Frost Bank Center, interestingly enough... that may have changed though).

More and more, teams are being owned by groups like Sixth Street, TWG, Fenway Sports Group, etc. Will be interesting to see how this impacts the Sports business long term.

[TekXX]

Middle east billionaires buying everything vs. American billionaires buying everything, which is worse?

[ace3g]

https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1935773379421765763

[scott]

https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1935773379421765763

Will we see an entire summer full of talk shows complaining about nepotism like they did for Bronny?

[RedAzSa]

Will we see an entire summer full of talk shows complaining about nepotism like they did for Bronny?
His dad owed him one after giving him such an unfortunate name

[Mr. Body]

There was a point where like half of the Warriors players were nepo babies.

[stnick2261]

https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1935773379421765763

Nicholas "Nick" Kerr ?

[Ice009]

His dad owed him one after giving him such an unfortunate name

Bronny or are you talking about Nicholas.

[scott]

Bronny or are you talking about Nicholas.

Nick Kerr definitely an unfortunate name

[Ice009]

Nick Kerr definitely an unfortunate name

Yeah, if you use "Nick" it isn't good. I'd be telling people to call me Nicholas, though. I think Nicholas is a good name, but maybe the Kerr's didn't think it through when combining his first and last name.

[RC_Drunkford]

https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1935773379421765763

he was the Spurs video guy back in 2017

[Dex]

Having your son (or family member) as part of your coaching staff doesn't strike me as much as having your son as a player since there are limited spots on the bench and can certainly affect the dynamic of the locker room, especially if that player gets preferential treatment (looking at you, Austin Rivers).

AFAIK they can have as many assistants as they want but it all still rolls up to the head coach, so why not?

[RC_Drunkford]

1936125510024937888

[scott]

As posted in another thread:


For the "Hawks have no way to improve" crowd:

ATL has a $25MM TPE (the largest in the league) and reports are they intend to use it (Keith Smith, not one to peddle in click bait rumors, says he's heard buzz around the league this week around ATL and this exception). Something to keep an eye on. The Hawks have plenty of room under the tax and apron line to resign Caris Levert and use this TPE. Keith says ATL is a team to watch in the trade market.

Is this going to be our Offseason Thread for the rest of the league, or should we start up a new one?

[Ice009]

Darn, when did they get that trade exception? Can they absorb multiple players in it, or can it only be one player?

[mo7888]

As posted in another thread:



[/COLOR]Is this going to be our Offseason Thread for the rest of the league, or should we start up a new one?

I'd suggest starting a new one based on the post-season.

[RC_Drunkford]

poor guy forgot how it feels

1938102234581213485

[ace3g]

https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1943686250206011603

[Strategic]

Watching the Hawks vs Clippers. KL nowhere to be seen.

[Strategic]

Hawks lay 80 on the Jazz in 1st half. Still just ahead by 13.

[Strategic]

Pistons have Ivey back from his acl injury tonight and Harris is also back on the court. They may be the best team in the east when the dust settles but I’m not sold on them for beating any of the top west teams in a series.

[spurs1990]

The kings, same team a broken Spurs group toyed with last week, pulled it off at Denver.

Nikola Jokic 2025 is the best offensive player ever invented. And OKC 2025 is the best team ever constructed.
Interesting time to be watching basketball.

[Strategic]

Looks like the Suns are running out of gas in the 2nd quarter vs the Rockets tonight. Serves them right