Hoops Rumors

The Kings and Knicks appear to be the most likely destinations for Ben Simmons in free agency, Jake Fischer said recently in a Bleacher Report video (hat tip to BasketNews). Simmons, who played 51 combined games with the Nets and Clippers last season, is one of several prominent veterans who remain unsigned. “We are still anticipating the Kings to be bringing in another veteran … [Read more...] about Fischer’s Latest: Simmons, Brogdon, Kuminga, Celtics

In a wide-ranging interview with Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer (subscription required), Hornets head coach Charles Lee spoke about the offseason additions to the roster, why he’s comfortable with the team’s frontcourt options, and how he expects LaMelo Ball to take another step forward as a leader next season, among other topics. Discussing newly acquired veteran … [Read more...] about Eastern Notes: Sexton, Holland, Anthony, Embiid, Bassey

When the Bulls traded Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro earlier this month, they had to use a portion of their existing Zach LaVine traded player exception worth $17MM+ to absorb Okoro’s $11MM salary, tweets Keith Smith of Spotrac. Chicago couldn’t simply use Ball’s $10MM outgoing salary for matching purposes due to an injury protection clause in his contract, Smith notes. The $10MM … [Read more...] about Cap Notes: Bulls, Nuggets, Harden, Minott, MLEs

After playing a limited role for the Pistons and Timberwolves over the course of his first four NBA seasons, former Iowa star Luka Garza admitted he was motivated to sign with the Celtics because he’ll have an opportunity to earn more playing time, according to Brian Robb of MassLive. “Obviously, the franchise speaks for itself and just the winning and the history,” Garza said. … [Read more...] about Luka Garza Discusses Signing With Celtics

The Warriors are considered the heavy favorite to sign veteran big man Al Horford if he doesn’t retire. However, ESPN’s Marc J. Spears reports that a couple of Eastern Conference teams are interested in his services (hat tip to Brian Robb of Masslive.com). The Bucks and Hawks, along with the Lakers, have looked into signing the Celtics free agent. Atlanta could hold some … [Read more...] about Bucks, Hawks Interested In Horford?

Raptors forward Brandon Ingram has yet to suit up for his new team, but he’s confident that Toronto can mount a postseason run in 2025/26, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca (Twitter video link). “I think we’re making the playoffs for sure,” Ingram said. “I think we try to build championship habits. I think what I saw in the second half of the season is, they play hard, they play … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Ingram, Tatum, Lillard, Sixers

Charles Bassey wasn’t on the Celtics‘ Summer League roster when the week began, but he was one of the stars of Friday’s win over Memphis, writes Brian Robb of MassLive. The free agent big man, who’s playing a rare fifth year in the Las Vegas league, came off the bench to contribute 14 points and 11 rebounds in 18 minutes. “It was last-minute,” Bassey said. “I got a call from my … [Read more...] about Celtics Notes: Bassey, Chisholm, Gonzalez, Brown

The Celtics moved forward with their Jrue Holiday/Anfernee Simons swap earlier this week, completing the trade with Portland as a straight-up, one-for-one swap after exploring ways to expand the deal during the July moratorium. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean Boston is committed to having Simons on its roster to open the season. “I have talked to other teams who have … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Simons, M. Brown, Knicks, Edgecombe