Around The League News And Rumors (Non-Hawks)

[HMFFL]

Glen Rice Jr. arrested for felony robbery with an AK-47 in possession

Glen Rice Jr. (son of three-times NBA all star and 2000 champion Glen Rice) who played for the Washington Wizards from 2013 to 2015 was arrested in Georgia and was charged with felony robbery, aggravated battery and marijuana possession

When it comes to the battery charges, Rice’s victim is reported to be Jordan Callahan, point guard for German team Crailsheim Merlins. According to TMZ Sports, Rice beat Callahan with such grievous force, that made him break his jaw and knock one of his tooth out.

Actually, he was so badly hurt that he was found in a “pool of blood” according to witnesses. When Rice tried to escape the scene, he left two bags hidden nearby that carried two guns, an AK-47 assault rifle and a Taurus .38 special, along with some bullets. A third gun was found in his car. http://www.eurohoops.net/nba-news/289259/former-wizard-arrested-for-felony-robbery-with-an-ak-47-in-possession http://www.eurohoops.net/nba-news/289259/former-wizard-arrested-for-felony-robbery-with-an-ak-47-in-possession

[Jamaaliver]

^This kid...

Supremely disappointing. His NBA career is undoubtedly over.

And there's a decent chance he does jail time, considering this isn't his first brush with the law. Hearing he is likely involved in drug distribution leads me to believe his father is NOT supporting him financially.

Which, given his age, is fair. But man...regardless of how this plays out, his life, will be impacted negatively moving fwd.

What a waste.

[MaceCase]

Can take Westbrook off the trade market after inking a 3 year extension to stay in OKC.

[ATL Boy]

Westbrook was already my favorite (non-Hawks) player, and this just solidifies that love.

He got his money, and has a couple opt outs, sure, but this is still a very loyal move to at the very least give OKC a chance at building around him and attracting FA's (maybe Blake Griffin next summer) using his star power.

He didn't have to do that: could've opted for the long term security of a 4 year deal next summer, or a 1+1 next summer to take him into his 10th year of service time (for 35% of the cap), but he instead gave his team a chance despite being the smallest NBA market. Much respect to Russ.

[Jamaaliver]

Bold prediction time:

I don't think the GSW Warriors are gonna last very long with Durant added to that core. They had perfect balance, depth before adding KD. And I predict the guys who'll get marginalized most will eventually end up pushing their way out of Oakland.

Klay Thompson and Draymond Green seem most likely to get the shaft with GSW now having 2 of the top 4 players on the planet getting the bulk of offensive touches.

Klay has already refuted the thought of changing his game just because Durant was added:

I feel kind of disrespected that people keep using the term sacrifice to describe me and describe us,” Thompson told The Vertical. “We all want to see each other do well. But I’m not sacrificing [expletive], because my game isn’t changing. I’m still going to try to get buckets, hit shots, come off screens. I want to win and have a fun time every game we play.

Here


A guy as accomplished as KT doesn't want to be pushed aside in his prime. And I'm not sure he realizes just how much he'll HAVE to change his game to accommodate their newest signing.



I predict Draymond Green and/or Klay Thompson will be on their way out of town within 3 years.


I kinda think it'll be even sooner than that (Summer 2018). But I can't see any scenario where Steph, Durant, Klay and Draymond will all still be on that same team come August 2019. #PredictionsList


NOTE: I do believe they will win another title. But that may only exacerbate the desire of Green or Thompson to go be the man elsewhere instead of living in Steph and KD's shadow for the remainder of their careers.

[HMFFL]

Westbrook was already my favorite (non-Hawks) player, and this just solidifies that love.

He got his money, and has a couple opt outs, sure, but this is still a very loyal move to at the very least give OKC a chance at building around him and attracting FA's (maybe Blake Griffin next summer) using his star power.

He didn't have to do that: could've opted for the long term security of a 4 year deal next summer, or a 1+1 next summer to take him into his 10th year of service time (for 35% of the cap), but he instead gave his team a chance despite being the smallest NBA market. Much respect to Russ.

Westbrook giving OKC a chance makes me respect him more.
Hell, he proved me wrong, even if he does utilize one of his opt outs.
I intend on cheering for him even more now, but I hope he stays healthy, and is in the running for MVP.

[HMFFL]

Rockets favored to land Rudy Gay if he's traded

http://celtics.247sports.com/Bolt/Rockets-favored-to-land-Rudy-Gay-if-hes-traded-46733035

[ATL Boy]

Rockets favored to land Rudy Gay if he's traded

http://celtics.247sports.com/Bolt/Rockets-favored-to-land-Rudy-Gay-if-hes-traded-46733035

Id love Rudy Gay. We probably wouldn't be willing to be them what they want in a trade.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums

[Jamaaliver]

Reports are that Khris Middleton is out for 3-6 months after surgery on a torn hamstring. (Ouch!)

Any thoughts on making a trade offer for the 25 year old 3 & D specialist? The Bucks seem genuinely determined to make the jump to annual playoff team and have plenty of young, athletic wing players to make up for KM's absence.

Could some of our vets be included with draft picks to entice MIL to make a bold move?
Is KM a long-term piece in anyone else's estimation?
Do we think Taurean Prince is a lock to become that caliber of player?

Would we be willing to take on Greg Monroe in trade to get to KM?

I'd offer a package that could vary from Millsap, Bazemore, Tiago, Thabo, Korver, or Dennis to get Middleton under team control as he heads into his prime.

I have Middleton rated that highly.

[HMFFL]

Reports are that Khris Middleton is out for 3-6 months after surgery on a torn hamstring. (Ouch!)

Any thoughts on making a trade offer for the 25 year old 3 & D specialist? The Bucks seem genuinely determined to make the jump to annual playoff team and have plenty of young, athletic wing players to make up for KM's absence.

Could some of our vets be included with draft picks to entice MIL to make a bold move?
Is KM a long-term piece in anyone else's estimation?
Do we think Taurean Prince is a lock to become that caliber of player?

Would we be willing to take on Greg Monroe in trade to get to KM?

I'd offer a package that could vary from Millsap, Bazemore, Tiago, Thabo, Korver, or Dennis to get Middleton under team control as he heads into his prime.

I have Middleton rated that highly.

Middelton has a friendly contract according to the numbers.

2016/17 $15,200,000
2017/18 $14,100,000
2018/19 $13,000,000
2019/20 $13,000,000

During the past we attempted to trade Jeff Teague for him and the Bucks shut it down quickly. I'd love to have him part of our future but I'm also content with sticking to the young draft selections.

[Jamaaliver]

Middelton has a friendly contract according to the numbers.

During the past we attempted to trade Jeff Teague for him and the Bucks shut it down quickly. I'd love to have him part of our future but I'm also content with sticking to the young draft selections.

You're probably right. Middleton is a guy I think could have a Paul Millsap like emergence on the right team under a top coach. But for what it'd take to get him right now...probably not worth it.


But at some point, MIL will have to make some tough decisions regarding their glut on the wings. Jabari Parker, Giannis and Middleton are all talented in unique ways.

But they have deficiencies at PG and Center that need to be shored up.

I'd do Millsap, Tiago and Prince for Middleton and Monroe...in a heartbeat.

[jayu70]

Reports are that Khris Middleton is out for 3-6 months after surgery on a torn hamstring. (Ouch!)

Any thoughts on making a trade offer for the 25 year old 3 & D specialist? The Bucks seem genuinely determined to make the jump to annual playoff team and have plenty of young, athletic wing players to make up for KM's absence.

Could some of our vets be included with draft picks to entice MIL to make a bold move?
Is KM a long-term piece in anyone else's estimation?
Do we think Taurean Prince is a lock to become that caliber of player?

Would we be willing to take on Greg Monroe in trade to get to KM?

I'd offer a package that could vary from Millsap, Bazemore, Tiago, Thabo, Korver, or Dennis to get Middleton under team control as he heads into his prime.

I have Middleton rated that highly.

I'm definitely not interested in trading Dennis to the Bucks. All we would be doing is helping them balance their roster with what they need he most - a PG. Then we won't have one to groom.

[jayu70]

Middelton has a friendly contract according to the numbers.

During the past we attempted to trade Jeff Teague for him and the Bucks shut it down quickly. I'd love to have him part of our future but I'm also content with sticking to the young draft selections.

You're probably right. Middleton is a guy I think could have a Paul Millsap like emergence on the right team under a top coach. But for what it'd take to get him right now...probably not worth it.


But at some point, MIL will have to make some tough decisions regarding their glut on the wings. Jabari Parker, Giannis and Middleton are all talented in unique ways.

But they have deficiencies at PG and Center that need to be shored up.

I'd do Millsap, Tiago and Prince for Middleton and Monroe...in a heartbeat.

How does this help us?
Middleton is out for the year - so nothing this year.
Who plays PF with Millsap gone? Monroe? He can't - not next to Dwight. Monroe is also more than likely to opt out and will be looking to be paid or he can just walk away. And oh yeah - his defense really sucks.
Middleton is a SG, which is Baze's natural spot. Trading Prince who is a legitimate SF to still have 2 SGs with big money doesn't make much sense, since we just traded Teague to get the true SF we need. Now we have an unbalanced roster.
The Bucks should have made the Teague trade when they had the chance, either for one of their wings or pick #10.

[Jamaaliver]

I'd do Millsap, Tiago and Prince for Middleton and Monroe...in a heartbeat.

How does this help us?

I view a healthy three some of Dennis-Bazemore-Middleton as a perfect trio to man the perimeter with Dw1ght.

Monroe is included in the deal as a backup big man...nothing more. (Having a guy on your bench able produce 15 ppg and 9 rpg is pretty useful.)

Because Millsap and Tiago are expiring contracts, this is simply a move to get us the premier 3 & D player in the NBA (Middleton). He's on a lower salary than Millsap is now (and lower than Millsap will get next summer). And Khris Middleton, at 6'8" - 234 pounds, is more than equipped to handle the small forward position. He's only 10 pounds lighter than Millsap...


My goal is to field a team that will be under contract for a few years, can compete this season, but still has some room to grow as a unit. Baze and Middleton would be hell on the wings for years to come (I'd split Korver/Thabo at SF until he is healthy.) Middleton and Dennis would be a nice scoring duo to surround Dwight with. (DS having the ability to get to the rim, Khris being a knock-down shooter on the outside.)

Regarding the PF position...that would take some figuring out (Can Muscala or Mike Scott split time as stretch 4s?)

But the overall trade, when you take out expiring contracts, is basically Taurean Prince for Khris Middleton. I see that as a definite win for us long-term...even if we have to wait 6 months to get him on the floor.

[jayu70]

I'd do Millsap, Tiago and Prince for Middleton and Monroe...in a heartbeat.

But the overall trade, when you take out expiring contracts, is basically Taurean Prince for Khris Middleton. I see that as a definite win for us long-term...even if we have to wait 6 months to get him on the floor.

So why does the Bucks do this is the main parameters of the deal is this. Their main need is a PG.

[Jamaaliver]

But the overall trade, when you take out expiring contracts, is basically Taurean Prince for Khris Middleton. I see that as a definite win for us long-term...even if we have to wait 6 months to get him on the floor.

So why does the Bucks do this is the main parameters of the deal is this. Their main need is a PG.

A fair question. And, as always, there's a decent chance they'd decline.

There are a handful of reasons.

• By multiple accounts, Giannis is the PG for that team moving forward
  
  
• Rumors have been swirling for months that Jason Kidd's job might be on the line. Middleton's injury makes them less likely to be competitive this season. The Bucks need a winning season to avoid a house-cleaning. The addition of Millsap and Splitter gives them a legit shot at making the playoffs.
  
  
• MIL has only one winning season in the last five years. They haven't made it out of the first round in 15 years. The chance to acquire a proven All Star at PF and a proven, championship caliber Center this season significantly increases their competitiveness this season. Having Bird Rights for Millsap gives them a legit shot at keeping Millsap into the future.
  
  
• Getting a solid prospect (Taurean) to replace Middleton at SF assures them the chance to receive long-term value in case Splitter/Millsap leaves in Free Agency.
  

[jayu70]

So why does the Bucks do this is the main parameters of the deal is this. Their main need is a PG.

A fair question. And, as always, there's a decent chance they'd decline.

There are a handful of reasons.

• By multiple accounts, Giannis is the PG for that team moving forward
  
  
• Rumors have been swirling for months that Jason Kidd's job might be on the line. Middleton's injury makes them less likely to be competitive this season. The Bucks need a winning season to avoid a house-cleaning. The addition of Millsap and Splitter gives them a legit shot at making the playoffs.
  
  
• MIL has only one winning season in the last five years. They haven't made it out of the first round in 15 years. The chance to acquire a proven All Star at PF and a proven, championship caliber Center this season significantly increases their competitiveness this season. Having Bird Rights for Millsap gives them a legit shot at keeping Millsap into the future.
  
  
• Getting a solid prospect (Taurean) to replace Middleton at SF assures them the chance to receive long-term value in case Splitter/Millsap leaves in Free Agency.

Giannis at PG is an experiment.
Middleton is their SG.
Jabari at SF/PF.

[Jamaaliver]

Zach Lowe's predictions for this year:

Miami tanks
Miami never planned for the Big Three era to end so abruptly. But Riley is a pragmatist...if they struggle early, history suggests that Miami won't be afraid to plummet down the standings.

The Heat own their own pick in a loaded draft, and with everyone trying to win (what a concept!), the path from mediocrity to the No. 4 or No. 5 pick has never been cleaner. Some team with busted postseason hopes is absolutely going this route.




The Clippers, not the Spurs, will be the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference
It's ridiculous to worry about the Spurs...But I'm a little worried about the Spurs.

Their defense and rebounding should take a hit.

The Clippers know exactly who they are, they score like hell and they don't beat themselves (until the second round). Their annual collection of Doc Rivers Bargain Bin Veterans looks friskier than usual. We love to mock the Clippers, but they are awesome.




LaMarcus Aldridge's name will surface in trade talks
The Spurs are self-aware. I have a hunch they know this is something of a placeholder season, and that without some injury luck swinging their way at the right time, they are a tier below Golden State. Aldridge is 31, six years older than Kawhi Leonard, and his trade value will never be higher; he can opt out of his contract after the 2017-18 season.



Orlando trades Nikola Vucevic
It's hard to find teams willing to give up anything of value for a center who can't protect the rim;

But Vucevic is the belle of the ball among ground-bound low-post types -- a brute with passing skills, high hoops IQ, and enough shooting touch to stretch almost to the 3-point arc. That range makes him a bit more malleable than Greg Monroe, Al Jefferson and perhaps even Brook Lopez. He'll be 26 at the end of this month, with three years (including this season) left on a ridiculous contract.

The Magic don't want to trade Vucevic, but it's hard to see Orlando finding enough minutes for their giant pile of big men.

Here

[Jamaaliver]

LaMarcus Aldridge's name will surface in trade talks
The Spurs are self-aware. I have a hunch they know this is something of a placeholder season, and that without some injury luck swinging their way at the right time, they are a tier below Golden State. Aldridge is 31, six years older than Kawhi Leonard, and his trade value will never be higher; he can opt out of his contract after the 2017-18 season.

Here

LaMarcus Aldridge signed with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015 and had a successful first season but there could be some issues that lead to him eventually being traded.
The Boston Celtics are in a position to trade for a player of Aldridge's caliber, should he become available, due to the value of the players on their roster and future picks.
"Sources were telling me the other day that LaMarcus Aldridge may not even finish the year with the Spurs. That experiment hasn't quite worked out the way they'd hoped. I think there's going to be a lot of shifting around. That (Nets) pick is going to be very, very valuable."

Here


1. I have serious doubts that SAS would actually trade away a player the caliber of LaMarcus.

2. It'd be pretty brilliant if they did, though. That'd be fantastic asset management on their part.

3. Any chance we could get in on this kid of deal? Do we possess the kind of assets necessary to put a bid in for a player as highly regarded as LMA?

[Jamaaliver]

CBS Sports indicates that LMA does not appear to currently be in talks...but mentions the Hawks as a team with capable of acquiring LaMarcus:

Read on Twitter

Reports are vague and unclear, but there's reason to think they might deal the All-Star


If the Spurs were to consider trading Aldridge, the Celtics would be a natural fit, as Aldridge would make them a serious force in the East with LMA next to Al Horford.

Horford's old team might consider moving Paul Millsap (whom they nearly traded this summer) for Aldridge to pair with Dwight Howard.

Here