NBA Notes: Rockets, Christian Wood, Suns, Hawks

Rockets

  • Along with making a selection with the No. 3 overall pick, the Rockets must decide whether to trade Christian Wood or extend his contract, as noted by Rahat Huq of the Houston Chronicle. Wood is eligible for free agency at the end of next season, and per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Rockets are expected to gauge the trade market on his value.
  • Huq added that “I wouldn’t hold my breath” on a potential John Wall and Russell Westbrook swap with the Lakers. As we relayed previously, the Rockets appear to be holding out for trader assets, of which LA is already majorly in short supply. (Full post.)
  • The Rockets also own the No. 17 pick. We have them taking Duke center Paolo Banchero at No. 3 and Kansas small forward Ochai Agbaji at No. 17. You can check out our full mock draft right here.

Suns

  • The Suns are hiring Patrick Mutombo as as assistant on Monty Williams‘ coaching staff, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Mutombo spent last season as head coach of Raptors 905 of the G League. He has been an assistant with both the Raptors and Nuggets as well.
  • As we’ve relayed, the Suns are expected to entertain sign-and-trade offers for Deandre Ayton, via Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Overall, it is seeming less likely that the former No. 1 overall pick returns to Phoenix. The Trail Blazers, Hawks, Mavericks and Spurs are among those linked to Ayton.
  • The Suns recently hosted Memphis guard Lester Quinones and Arkansas big man Jaylin Williams for draft workouts, as relayed by Damon Allred of SB Nation. Phoenix does not have any picks, but that could of course change between now and the June 23 draft.

Hawks

  • The Hawks should be considered a wildcard entering the draft, as they very well may trade up or out entirely, per Chris Kirchner of The Athletic. As we’ve relayed time and again, they are expected to be one of the most aggressive teams in trying to reshape the roster this offseason.
  • Bogdan Bogdanovic underwent surgery to address inflammation in his right patella tendon, the team announced. Bogdanovic had been dealing with discomfort in the knee since the end of the regular season and missed the Hawks’ final playoff game.
  • Along with that, the Hawks announced that Jalen Johnson had a non-surgical procedure on his left knee. Johnson, who appeared in just 22 games last season as a rookie, had been experiencing tendonitis in the knee. He should be ready for the start of training camp.
  • We have a boatload of news and notes out of Atlanta recently, as its become pretty evident the Hawks aren’t satisfied with getting bounced out of the first round one year after reaching the East finals. So be sure to follow along on our Hawks page right here.

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