Hoops Rumors

Ten NBA teams are still operating in luxury tax territory in the wake of last Thursday’s trade deadline, but this season’s total projected luxury tax payments – and the clubs projected to be taxpayers – have declined significantly in recent weeks. As of January 23, a total of 14 teams projected to be taxpayers, Bobby Marks of ESPN (Twitter links) observes, with the 16 … [Read more...] about Projected NBA Taxpayers For 2024/25

It’s been a frustrating stretch for Magic guard Jalen Suggs. He missed 10 games due to a low back strain and has now missed another eight games due to a left thigh contusion. Suggs has still only done non-contact work since his latest injury. Even if he’s able to return for Orlando’s last game before the All-Star break on Wednesday, Suggs will be on a minutes restriction. “It’s … [Read more...] about Southeast Notes: Suggs, Wiggins, Heat Exhibition, Nance

Suns forward Kevin Durant admitted he was “blindsided” that his name came up in trade talks prior to last week’s deadline, according to Doug Haller of The Athletic. However, he took the news diplomatically. “Everybody’s bought and sold in this league,’’ Durant said. “Anybody can be up for auction. I understand that.” Durant’s name surfaced in trade rumors after negotiations … [Read more...] about Kevin Durant “Blindsided” By Trade Rumors

The Heat won half of their first 50 games this season. Considering the extended Jimmy Butler drama, coach Erik Spoelstra is relieved that the team’s spirit didn’t crumble before Butler was dealt to Golden State. “It was six, eight weeks of not having full clarity,” Spoelstra said, per Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. “But I think that helped our team develop some grit. Even … [Read more...] about Heat Notes: Butler, Spoelstra, Rivas, Buyout Market, Wiggins, Rotation

A number of free agent signings have been finalized in the days since last Thursday’s trade deadline, but there are still many teams around the NBA with one or more open spots on their respective rosters. For clubs with just a single standard or two-way opening, there’s not necessarily any urgency to fill those spots, especially ahead of the All-Star break. But the clock is … [Read more...] about NBA Teams With Open Roster Spots