Hoops Rumors

Jaylen Brown is set to return for the Celtics‘ game against the Heat on Thursday after missing the previous two games with back spasms, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel notes (Twitter link). The Celtics lost both games after winning nine of their previous 11 matchups. Brown believes that the Celtics have not been getting the whistle they should from the referees, … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Brown, Embiid, Lowry, Shead

Celtics star Jaylen Brown ripped the officials, including calling out crew chief Curtis Blair by name, following Saturday’s loss to San Antonio, writes Tim Bontemps of ESPN. The Spurs attempted 20 free throws, compared to four for the Celtics. “If we can’t get to the free throw line and teams are allowed to be physical and bump us off our spots, etc., then it’s hard to win … [Read more...] about Brown Rips Officials After Saturday’s Loss

Celtics star Jaylen Brown has been fined $35K for “public criticism of the officiating” following Saturday’s game vs. San Antonio, the NBA announced today (via Twitter). The fine was anticipated after Brown went on a prolonged rant about the officials, including calling out crew chief Curtis Blair by name, after Boston attempted four free throws in the four-point home loss, … [Read more...] about Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Fined $35K By NBA

Ja Morant has become the name to watch in NBA trade circles following reports that the Grizzlies were open to listening to offers for their star point guard. In his latest article for The Stein Line (Substack link), Marc Stein notes that, due to their reported interest in trade targets like Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and Domantas Sabonis, there is a belief around the league … [Read more...] about Stein’s Latest: Morant, Young, Knicks, Gafford, More

The Celtics were hoping to re-sign center Luke Kornet last summer, but their desire to duck below the second apron limited what they could offer, writes Brian Robb of MassLive. Kornet, who accepted a four-year, $41MM c0ntract with the Spurs, returns to Boston tonight with his new team. At this morning’s shootaround, he talked to reporters about his decision to move on. “It was … [Read more...] about Celtics Notes: Kornet, Hauser, Simons, Brown

The Pacers signed Tony Bradley to a 10-day deal on Thursday just three days after releasing him from his non-guaranteed contract, but it doesn’t sound as if the Raptors will go the same route with Mo Bamba. Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca, who speculated after Toronto waived Bamba on Tuesday that he could return on a 10-day deal, says the Raptors considered that possibility but … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Raptors, Bamba, Knicks, Simons, Walker

The Bucks, Timberwolves, and Clippers are among the teams that are monitoring Trae Young‘s situation along with Washington, reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. While Dallas doesn’t appear to have any interest in the Hawks‘ point guard, the Mavericks are among the clubs that have called to inquire about former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, league sources tell Scotto. … [Read more...] about Scotto’s Latest: Trae, Risacher, AD, Zubac, Pacers, Celtics, Cavs

Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija and Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey have been named the Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, according to the NBA (Twitter links). Avdija averaged 26.8 points, 9.8 and 8.3 rebounds per game while leading to Portland to a 3-1 record during the week of December 29 to January 4. This the first time Avdija has earned Player … [Read more...] about Deni Avdija, Tyrese Maxey Named Players Of Week

Jaylen Brown‘s already-impressive season reached a new level during Saturday night’s victory over the Clippers, writes Jay King for The Athletic. Brown scored 50 points and dished out six assists while requesting to take the Kawhi Leonard matchup defensively. King writes that the term “two-way player” means a lot to Brown, as it highlights what he believes the game to really be … [Read more...] about Celtics Notes: Brown, Walsh, Mazzulla, Stevens