Hoops Wire

Tag: Darius Garland

  • NBA Notes: Jazz, Kevin Love, Cavs, offseason, Wizards

    NBA Notes: Jazz, Kevin Love, Cavs, offseason, Wizards

    Jazz

    Kevin Love’s future remains unsettled, and Jared Koch of Jazz On SI writes that Philadelphia’s interest only makes a return to Utah a little more complicated.

    Love remains a free agent after averaging 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in 37 appearances for the Jazz last season.

    ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Love’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, has been in contact with the 76ers since LeBron James chose Philadelphia. Love and James remain close and, naturally, the idea of another reunion has generated plenty of attention.

    Koch notes that Utah shouldn’t necessarily be ruled out, either.

    Love developed a strong relationship with Jazz coach Will Hardy and was viewed as a valuable veteran presence around the team’s younger players. Love has also indicated he’d be open to returning.

    The biggest issue for both teams is roster space.

    Utah already has 15 players on standard contracts, though Mo Bamba’s deal is only partially guaranteed. Philadelphia has its own roster and hard-cap issues to navigate.

    So Love apparently has two destinations that could make sense. Neither has an especially easy path to signing him at the moment.

    Cavaliers

    The Cavaliers didn’t land LeBron James and haven’t exactly dominated the NBA transaction wire this summer.

    Still, Zach Weiss of Cavs On SI argues there are reasons for fans not to view the offseason as a failure.

    At the top of his list is continuity. Donovan Mitchell signed a long-term extension, Evan Mobley remains in Cleveland despite trade speculation, and Jarrett Allen is still around. James Harden, acquired for Darius Garland during last season, is also expected to finalize a new deal.

    Weiss also points to second-round pick Meleek Thomas, who led Las Vegas Summer League in scoring at 27.3 points per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from three.

    And then there’s last season itself. Cleveland reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time without James in decades before losing to the Knicks.

    Weiss’ basic argument is that while the Cavs didn’t deliver a splashy offseason, they retained much of what made them successful and may still have another move coming.

    Whether that’s enough to keep pace in an improved East is the bigger question.

    Wizards

    Alondes Williams is back with the Wizards, though Henry Brown of Wizards On SI cautions against viewing the move as anything that changes the organization’s larger offseason plans.

    Washington agreed to a deal with Williams after he showed flashes during a brief stint with the team last season.

    Williams appeared in four games for the Wizards and had one especially memorable night, scoring 25 points on 9-of-11 shooting against the Pacers.

    His new deal is expected to give him another training-camp opportunity, but Brown notes that Williams isn’t necessarily being penciled into Washington’s regular-season rotation.

    The Wizards still have flexibility to add another player, and Brown mentions several veterans who could remain possibilities, including Anthony Gill, Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, Aaron Holiday and Gabe Vincent.

    Williams, meanwhile, gives Washington another familiar guard who can score and potentially provide depth if injuries hit.

    In other words, it’s a useful camp move. Probably not the final word on the Wizards’ offseason.

  • Donovan Mitchell reportedly extra motivated after LeBron James’ Cavs snub

    Donovan Mitchell reportedly extra motivated after LeBron James’ Cavs snub

    Donovan Mitchell heard the reports. Now he apparently intends to respond.

    NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson said Mitchell is especially motivated entering next season after LeBron James passed on a return to the Cavaliers and signed with the 76ers.

    Robinson recently exchanged text messages with Mitchell and discussed their conversation on SiriusXM host David Shepard’s “The Good Shepard” YouTube show.

    “I’ll save what he said to me,” Robinson said. “But I’ll just say that he is motivated to have a good season. And if unbothered was a person, it would definitely be Donovan Mitchell.”

    That sounds about right.

    Mitchell has been at the center of the conversation since James chose Philadelphia. Robinson previously reported that members of James’ camp were surprised Mitchell remained with the Cavs, believing James may have considered Cleveland more seriously had the organization kept Darius Garland and Evan Mobley while moving Mitchell.

    There is a connection worth noting. Garland is represented by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports, the same agent and agency that represent James. So it’s probably no coincidence Garland’s name keeps surfacing as the player James’ camp wanted to remain in Cleveland.

    Instead, Garland was traded for James Harden, Mitchell remained the centerpiece and James went elsewhere. Now Mitchell gets the opportunity to answer the questions himself.

    Robinson spent significant time around the Cavs last season and said Mitchell has fully embraced Cleveland. So has his fiancée, Coco Jones. More importantly, the city and organization have embraced Mitchell right back.

    “Donovan Mitchell is the epitome of Cleveland,” Robinson said. “He’s not from there, and he spends a lot of time there.”

    Robinson also offered a fitting description of Mitchell’s place within the franchise.

    “Donovan Mitchell, from everything that I’ve seen and heard and just observed, is definitely the main course,” he said.

    And that may be the most important part of all this.

    LeBron had the opportunity to return. He chose another path. The Cavs still have Mitchell, and by all accounts, he is entering next season with something to prove.

    That’s not necessarily bad news for Cleveland.

    RELATED | Cavs aren’t sweating LeBron James’ decision

  • NBA Notes: Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, Warriors, Yaxel Lendeborg, Hawks

    NBA Notes: Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, Warriors, Yaxel Lendeborg, Hawks

    Clippers

    The Clippers aren’t planning to move on from Kawhi Leonard. At least, that’s what they’re saying.

    Asked about the two-time Finals MVP following the draft, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank made it clear the organization’s focus remains on winning with Leonard leading the way.

    “Our plan still is to win with Kawhi,” Frank said, via The Athletic.

    Frank also believes Leonard will be pleased with the team’s selection of Illinois guard Keaton Wagler at No. 5 overall.

    “Kawhi loves size, he loves shooting, he loves skill, he loves IQ, he loves feel,” Frank said. “Those are the types of players that he’s always kind of been attracted to.”

    Frank said the Clippers went through an “exhaustive process” before settling on Wagler, citing his versatility, basketball IQ and ability to handle, pass and shoot at a “very, very high level.”

    Frank also revealed that point guard Darius Garland offered input during the pre-draft process and believes he’ll be “really, really happy” to welcome Wagler to Los Angeles.

    Warriors

    Yaxel Lendeborg admitted he wasn’t always a Stephen Curry fan.

    After being selected by the Warriors with the No. 11 overall pick, Lendeborg recalled rooting for Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers during the 2016 NBA Finals.

    “I used to hate him,” Lendeborg said of Curry, smiling.

    Times have changed.

    “Now that I’m actually going to be able to be on the same team with him, play and actually learn so much from him, it means a lot,” Lendeborg said, via ESPN. “He’s a very great guy, genuine person. It’s going to be an honor to be able to watch what he does in person.”

    Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. also dismissed concerns about Lendeborg entering the league at age 24.

    “He’s not 38,” Dunleavy joked.

    Dunleavy praised Lendeborg’s versatility.

    “He can play everything,” Dunleavy said. “Potentially he can guard one to five.”

    Dunleavy also confirmed that the animated conversation caught on ESPN’s draft broadcast involved trade offers for the No. 11 pick after Milwaukee selected one of Golden State’s preferred targets a spot earlier.

    Hawks

    The Hawks believe they’ve found their point guard of the future.

    Atlanta selected Kingston Flemings with the No. 8 overall pick after moving on from Trae Young earlier this offseason.

    President of basketball operations Onsi Saleh pointed to Flemings’ competitiveness and two-way ability as major reasons for the selection.

    “He’s just the ultimate competitor, especially at his position,” Saleh said, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Point-of-attack defender. Really high-level offensive player, super-efficient. The guy can just do a little bit of everything.”

    Flemings now steps into one of the league’s more challenging roles, replacing a four-time All-Star, but the Hawks believe his size, athleticism and defensive upside make him an ideal fit for the franchise’s next chapter.

  • NBA Draft Notes: Suns, No. 47, Clippers, Lakers

    NBA Draft Notes: Suns, No. 47, Clippers, Lakers

    Suns

    The Suns have been linked to the possibility of acquiring a first-round pick despite currently holding only the No. 47 overall selection in the NBA Draft.

    Jake Fischer of The Stein Line recently reported that Phoenix has discussed scenarios that could allow the franchise to move into the first round.

    However, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 downplayed the notion that such a move is imminent, indicating the Suns are not actively pursuing a first-round selection at this time.

    That said, Gambadoro acknowledged things could change quickly if the right opportunity presents itself.

    Clippers

    The Clippers own the No. 5 overall pick, and according to Law Murray of The Athletic, keeping it may be the most sensible option.

    Murray explored several possible scenarios and concluded Los Angeles would likely be better off making the selection than moving it.

    The challenge is identifying the right fit.

    Several guards, including Darius Acuff, Keaton Wagler, Mikel Brown Jr., Kingston Flemings and Brayden Burries, are expected to come off the board in that range. However, Murray noted that none appear to be perfect complements to Darius Garland, whom the Clippers seem to view as a franchise cornerstone.

    Lakers

    The Lakers enter the draft holding the No. 25 pick and could look to add help in the frontcourt.

    According to Murray, Chris Cenac, Tarris Reed and Zuby Ejiofor are among the big men who could make sense for Los Angeles as the team searches for additional size, athleticism and depth.

    Murray also highlighted several perimeter prospects who may be available later in the first round, including Duke wing Isaiah Evans.

    With draft night approaching, the Lakers appear focused on adding young talent that can help address roster needs while complementing their veteran core. Much like most teams picking in their range.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by team

  • NBA Rumors: Jazz, Darryn Peterson, Clippers, draft pick, Nets

    NBA Rumors: Jazz, Darryn Peterson, Clippers, draft pick, Nets

    Jazz

    The Jazz continue to keep their options open at No. 2 overall.

    According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, one reason Kansas guard Darryn Peterson has not worked out for Utah is because his camp reportedly has concerns about a potential overlap with young guard Keyonte George.

    That said, the Jazz don’t appear bothered.

    Tony Jones of The Athletic reported that Utah remains focused on Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer with the second overall pick, regardless of who does or doesn’t come in for a workout.

    Jones added that the Jazz recently hosted Darius Acuff and were impressed, though sources indicated Utah remains unlikely to move away from its top three targets.

    Clippers

    The Clippers may be narrowing their focus with the No. 5 overall pick.

    Per Fischer, rival teams increasingly believe Los Angeles is likely to select either Louisville guard Mikel Brown or Illinois guard Keaton Wagler in next week’s NBA Draft.

    Both players are viewed as strong fits alongside All-Star guard Darius Garland, who remains one of the cornerstones of the Clippers’ roster.

    Fischer added that Wagler recently participated in a head-to-head workout with Kingston Flemings at the Clippers’ facility and reportedly left a strong impression.

    Brown has also been making the rounds, recently visiting both the Nets and Clippers as the draft approaches.

    Should Brown and Wagler come off the board early, that could have a ripple effect throughout the lottery, with Sacramento and several other teams believed to be monitoring the situation closely.

    Nets

    The Nets could emerge as a team to watch if the Thunder decide to trim payroll.

    Per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Brooklyn is believed to have interest in Oklahoma City wing Aaron Wiggins.

    The fit makes some sense. Wiggins has developed into a reliable rotation player and defender, while the Nets are expected to have significant cap flexibility this offseason.

    If the Thunder eventually decide they need to shed salary, Brooklyn could be one of the more logical landing spots.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by team

  • Darius Garland doesn’t expect LeBron James to return to Cavs

    Darius Garland doesn’t expect LeBron James to return to Cavs

    Could LeBron James return to Cleveland for a third stint with the Cavaliers?

    Former Cavs guard Darius Garland isn’t betting on it.

    Appearing recently on the Ball in the Family Podcast, Garland was asked about the possibility of James returning to Cleveland in free agency this summer. The current Clippers guard indicated he doesn’t see it happening.

    LeBron James, Cavaliers, Cavs, Lakers, NBA, Darius Garland
    AP

    Garland’s reasoning was simple. After spending the past eight years in Los Angeles, it may be difficult for James to leave Southern California behind.

    James is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, fueling speculation about his future for the first time since he left the Cavaliers for the Lakers in 2018.

    Naturally, Cleveland has been mentioned as a potential landing spot.

    The Cavs are coming off their deepest playoff run in nearly a decade, reaching the Eastern Conference finals before being swept by the Knicks. They already feature an established core led by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and James Harden.

    Adding James to that mix would instantly create one of the NBA’s most intriguing storylines. Whether it’s realistic is another matter.

    ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently reported that James is not expected to take a significant pay cut, which presents a major obstacle for Cleveland. As things currently stand, the Cavs have very limited financial flexibility and would be unable to offer anything close to James’ market value.

    That reality is one reason many league observers continue to view a return to the Lakers as the most likely outcome.

    Of course, James’ history with Cleveland ensures the rumors won’t disappear entirely.

    The Akron native remains the most important player in franchise history, leading the Cavs to four straight NBA Finals appearances from 2015-18 and delivering the city’s first major professional sports championship in more than 50 years with the unforgettable comeback against Golden State in 2016.

    James recently acknowledged that title remains the most meaningful accomplishment of his career.

    “Winning in Cleveland was a goal that I wanted to do,” he said. “I always wanted to win one back home.”

    As for whether there will be one final chapter in Cleveland? Garland doesn’t seem convinced.

    And for now, the obstacles appear greater than the possibility.

  • Why Cavs’ No. 29 pick matters more than you may think

    Why Cavs’ No. 29 pick matters more than you may think

    The Cavaliers enter the 2026 NBA Draft in a familiar position.

    They’re picking near the end of the first round after another successful season. But unlike rebuilding teams with multiple first-round selections and a stockpile of future assets, Cleveland doesn’t have much room for error.

    The Cavs currently own the No. 29 overall pick in this month’s draft. After that, future draft capital becomes a little more complicated.

    Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman meets with NBA reporters.
    AP

    Several of their first-round picks remain tied up in previous trades, many of them stemming from the acquisition of Donovan Mitchell and the organization’s aggressive push toward championship contention. The Cavs currently don’t own a first-round pick in 2027 and have various swap obligations and protections attached to future drafts.

    That’s the price contenders often pay. And it’s one reason this year’s selection could carry more importance than a typical No. 29 pick.

    President of basketball operations Koby Altman has generally drafted well during his tenure. Darius Garland became a two-time All-Star. Evan Mobley developed into one of the league’s premier big men and a Defensive Player of the Year winner. Even players who didn’t stick around long-term, such as Ochai Agbaji, ultimately became valuable pieces in larger transactions.

    So who might make sense for Cleveland this year? Well, let’s takje a stab at it.

    Koa Pete, Arizona

    Pete could be one of the more NBA-ready forwards available late in the first round.

    The Arizona product averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 35 percent from three-point range. His combination of size, versatility and perimeter shooting could make him an intriguing fit on a veteran roster built to compete immediately.

    Dailyn Swain, Texas

    If Swain somehow remains available at No. 29, he may be difficult for the Cavaliers to pass up.

    The athletic wing averaged 17.3 points and 7.5 rebounds for Texas, showing the ability to attack the basket, create offense and impact games on both ends of the floor. Cleveland could always use another young player capable of generating his own offense.

    Meleek Thomas, Arkansas

    Thomas may be the most interesting name of the group.

    The Arkansas guard averaged 15.6 points while shooting better than 41 percent from beyond the arc. With James Harden entering the later stages of his career, adding another young backcourt scorer could make sense for a Cavaliers team trying to balance winning now with preparing for the future.

    The Cavs remain firmly in championship mode. But because future draft assets are limited, hitting on the No. 29 pick could go a long way toward helping them stay competitive.

  • Darius Garland says he ‘got my joy back’ after trade from Cavs to Clippers

    Darius Garland says he ‘got my joy back’ after trade from Cavs to Clippers

    Darius Garland isn’t looking back.

    Appearing recently on the Ball in the Family Podcast, the former Cavaliers guard spoke candidly about his first few months with the Clippers and suggested the move to Los Angeles helped him rediscover what he loves most about basketball.

    “I got my joy back,” Garland said.

    Darius Garland, Clippers, Pacers, NBA, Cavaliers
    AP

    That’s a pretty powerful statement from a player who spent nearly six seasons in Cleveland and developed into a two-time All-Star before being traded to the Clippers in February as part of the deal that brought James Harden to the Cavaliers.

    Garland made it clear he enjoyed his time with the Cavs. But he also acknowledged that his role in Los Angeles has allowed him to return to being more of a traditional lead guard.

    “Coming to a system where I can actually be me,” Garland said. “Have the ball in my hand for the majority of the game and actually have control of the pace of the game. Just be like a second coach out there.”

    It’s easy to understand where Garland is coming from.

    After Donovan Mitchell arrived in Cleveland in 2022, Garland remained highly productive, earning another All-Star selection and helping the Cavs become one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams. But he also shared primary ball-handling duties and often played off the ball more than he had earlier in his career.

    With the Clippers, Garland immediately returned to a featured role. His usage rate climbed significantly following the trade, and he averaged 21.7 points and 8.6 assists while helping Los Angeles reach the Play-In Tournament.

    Interestingly enough, Garland also addressed the criticism smaller backcourts often face.

    He noted that he heard similar concerns when he first arrived in Cleveland alongside Collin Sexton, then again when Mitchell joined the Cavaliers.

    “They’re going to say whatever,” Garland said.

    The Cavs, meanwhile, reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2018 after acquiring Harden, suggesting both sides may have benefited from the blockbuster deal.

    Sometimes, that’s exactly how a trade is supposed to work.

  • Lonzo Ball offers blunt assessment of Cavs’ trade deadline

    Lonzo Ball offers blunt assessment of Cavs’ trade deadline

    The Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2018. That doesn’t mean everyone believes they made the right moves along the way.

    Former Cavs guard Lonzo Ball suggested that Cleveland may have been better off standing pat at the trade deadline instead of reshaping the roster with a series of blockbuster deals.

    Speaking on the Ball in the Family podcast, Ball said he believes the Cavaliers could have advanced even further had they kept him and Darius Garland.

    Lonzo Ball, Cavaliers, Cavs, NBA
    Getty

    “If you were trying to win a championship, I don’t think that was the path that you should’ve took,” Ball said. “If you ask me, I think we would’ve went further. But that’s just me. I’m always going to bet on myself.”

    Ball added that identity became an issue after the roster changes.

    “To me, it’s gonna be hard to win when you don’t have no identity,” he said.

    Cleveland made its biggest move on Feb. 3, sending Garland to the Clippers in exchange for James Harden. A day later, Ball was dealt to the Jazz as part of a three-team trade.

    The moves helped spark a postseason run that ended with a trip to the conference finals. But the Cavaliers were ultimately swept by the Knicks, leading to questions about whether additional changes could be coming this summer.

    Harden played a major role in helping stabilize Cleveland after arriving from Los Angeles. However, he struggled during the conference finals, averaging 16.0 points while shooting 38.9 percent from the field and just 17.9 percent from beyond the arc.

    Ball, meanwhile, never found a consistent role before being traded, averaging 4.6 points in 20.8 minutes per game.

    Whether he’s right or wrong, Ball clearly believes the Cavaliers gave up on a group that could have gone further.

    The Cavs, of course, may point to the conference finals appearance and argue otherwise.

  • NBA Notes: Suns, LeBron James, Bulls, coaching search, Clippers

    NBA Notes: Suns, LeBron James, Bulls, coaching search, Clippers

    Suns

    We now have a hypothetical involving LeBron James and the Suns. Whether there’s any real chance of it happening is another story.

    Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic recently outlined several reasons why the Suns could make sense as a destination for James, while also acknowledging the odds are “very slim to none.”

    Among the connections: James already knows Devin Booker from their time together with Team USA, Suns coach Jordan Ott previously worked for the Lakers, and former Lakers guard Jordan Goodwin is also in Phoenix. There’s also a family connection, with James’ son Bryce attending the University of Arizona in nearby Tucson.

    The biggest basketball argument may be that James could once again serve as a primary playmaker rather than sharing those responsibilities as he did alongside Luka Doncic with the Lakers.

    Rankin is right. It’s a long shot. But hey, the speculation isn’t likely to disappear until James decides on his future.

    Bulls

    The Bulls have added another name to their coaching search.

    According to ESPN’s Jamal Collier, Chicago has expressed interest in BYU coach Kevin Young, who previously spent four seasons as an associate head coach with the Suns and has long been viewed as a future NBA head coach.

    Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter also remains among the candidates being discussed.

    New basketball operations chief Bryson Graham is overseeing the search after arriving from Atlanta earlier this month.

    Clippers

    The Clippers enter the offseason with plenty of options.

    According to cap analyst Yossi Gozlan, Los Angeles could choose to operate with cap room or remain over the salary cap while pursuing roster upgrades.

    The organization also continues to navigate questions surrounding the Aspiration investigation, though the Clippers are still expected to have significant flexibility as they look to improve the roster around Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland.

    How aggressively they choose to use that flexibility could become one of the more interesting stories of the summer.

  • NBA Notes: Clippers, Darius Garland, Wizards, Anthony Davis, Thunder

    NBA Notes: Clippers, Darius Garland, Wizards, Anthony Davis, Thunder

    Clippers

    Darius Garland may have dealt with injuries and inconsistency this past season, but his short stint with the Clippers still offered plenty of encouragement.

    As relayed by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Garland is extension-eligible beginning Aug. 4 and could sign a new deal worth up to three years and $177 million.

    The former Cavaliers guard played just 45 games overall after battling turf toe surgery recovery and another toe injury during the season. He was later traded to Los Angeles, where he quietly played some highly efficient basketball.

    In 19 games with the Clippers, Garland averaged 19.9 points and 6.3 assists while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and a career-best 43.8 percent from deep. Los Angeles went 13-6 in those games.

    Still, durability remains the major question.

    “The offseason is the time where you can make great gains with your body,” Clippers president Lawrence Frank said.

    Marks also noted another interesting wrinkle: the Clippers hold the No. 5 pick in the draft and could strongly consider selecting a guard in what many evaluators believe is a loaded backcourt class.

    Because of that, extension talks with Garland may ultimately wait until next summer.

    Wizards

    Anthony Davis is extension-eligible this offseason too, though the situation in Washington feels far more complicated.

    Davis, 33, did not appear in a game after being traded to the Wizards and has now failed to reach 60 games in five of the past six seasons.

    When healthy, however, he remains one of the NBA’s most impactful two-way players.

    According to Marks, Davis becomes eligible Aug. 6 for a four-year extension worth roughly $275 million. The deal would pay him approximately $76 million at age 37.

    That’s a huge commitment for a player with significant injury concerns.

    Davis recently made it clear that winning remains his top priority.

    “They know that I want to win,” Davis said. “Nobody wants to lose.”

    The Wizards, meanwhile, are still very much in transition despite adding Davis and Trae Young. Washington also owns the No. 1 overall pick and has a roster filled with younger players.

    Marks suggested there’s little urgency here from either side.

    An eventual extension remains possible, but it would likely need to come with some sort of compromise financially given Davis’ age and availability history.

    Thunder

    Cason Wallace has rapidly developed into one of the NBA’s premier perimeter defenders, and the defending champions are expected to reward him accordingly at some point.

    Per Marks, Wallace becomes extension-eligible beginning July 6 after another standout defensive season.

    Wallace earned All-Defensive Second Team honors this year and led the NBA in steals. According to GeniusIQ data cited by Marks, opponents shot just 41.6 percent against Wallace as the closest defender — one of the best marks in the league.

    His playoff defense stood out too.

    Wallace held players such as Austin Reaves, Devin Booker, Stephon Castle and Jalen Green to just 25 percent shooting from three-point range during the postseason.

    Durability has also become one of Wallace’s biggest strengths. He has played at least 68 games in all three NBA seasons, including all 82 during his rookie campaign.

    Marks noted Oklahoma City has consistently prioritized extending its own young core under executive Sam Presti.

    Given that history, few around the league expect Wallace to be going anywhere anytime soon.

  • Kenny Atkinson hints strongly he expects to return as Cavs coach

    Kenny Atkinson hints strongly he expects to return as Cavs coach

    CLEVELAND — Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson sure sounded like a man who expects to be back.

    Whether he actually will be is another question entirely.

    The Cavs were embarrassed Monday night in a season-ending 130-93 home loss to the Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals, completing a stunning sweep in a series that frankly wasn’t very competitive.

    Kenny Atkinson, Cavaliers, Cavs, NBA
    Getty

    Afterward, Atkinson was asked directly about his job security.

    “That’s a question for Koby (Altman) and Dan (Gilbert),” he said. “It’s hard for me to sit here and speak for someone else.”

    Still, the overall tone from Atkinson suggested he believes he’ll return.

    “Listen, I have confidence,” he said. “In myself, in the group. The roster talk is for down the line. So, just keep trusting …”

    Then came perhaps the biggest clue yet.

    “We obviously have to make decisions,” Atkinson said. “It’s not gonna be the same roster. But I love this group.”

    In other words, Atkinson spoke like someone already thinking about next season.

    That said, this summer suddenly comes with real questions.

    Atkinson won NBA Coach of the Year in his first season with Cleveland in 2024-25. But expectations changed quickly after that. The Cavs entered this season viewed by many as the Eastern Conference favorite, only to finish fourth in the standings before surviving back-to-back seven-game series over the Raptors and Pistons.

    Then came the Knicks.

    New York looked tougher, sharper, more connected and far more prepared throughout the series. The Cavs once trailed by as many as 45 in front of a stunned Rocket Arena crowd.

    The midseason James Harden trade that sent Darius Garland to the Clippers will now face heavy scrutiny, too. So will the roster construction in general.

    To Atkinson’s point, the Cavs technically took another playoff step by reaching the conference finals for the first time in this era.

    But the way it ended changed the conversation entirely.

  • Cavs showing why this version might be different

    Cavs showing why this version might be different

    Some news, notes, and random thoughts on the Cavaliers after their first two playoff games against the Toronto Raptors…

    This is the version of Evan Mobley the Cavs have been waiting on.

    Not passive. Not floating. Attacking.

    Mobley went for 25 points on 11-of-13 shooting in Game 2, and just as important, most of it came right at the rim. No settling. No overthinking. Just pressure.

    Evan Mobley, Cavaliers, Cavs, NBA
    Imagn

    That is where he changes everything. When he plays like that, the Cavs are tough to deal with. Toronto does not really have an answer, especially when it goes small.

    Mobley and Scottie Barnes went at each other again. That matchup has some history. This time, Mobley clearly got the better of it.

    The defense will always be there. The offense is what raises the ceiling.

    Ingram Out of Rhythm

    It has been a rough start to the series for Brandon Ingram.

    Seven points in Game 2. Three-of-15 from the field. A handful of turnovers. Just never looked comfortable.

    The Cavs deserve credit. They are crowding him, making everything difficult, forcing him into tough spots. At the same time, the urgency has not always been there. A missed contest here. A loose ball there. Those moments add up in the playoffs.

    Toronto needs more. Simple as that. Without Immanuel Quickley, the margin gets even thinner.

    Harden Move Pays

    Games like this are exactly why the Cavs made the move for James Harden.

    Size. Strength. Control.

    Toronto tried Barnes on him. Good idea in theory. Barnes has length, can move. Did not matter. Harden just powered through it. That is the difference.

    This is not a knock on Darius Garland. Different player. Different strengths. But in a series like this, where everything gets physical, Harden gives the Cavs a different look.

    And when you add Donovan Mitchell and Mobley into that mix, it becomes a lot to handle.

    The Cavs did not play a perfect game on Monday. The bench struggled. The rebounding was not great. There are things to clean up. 

    Still, they are up 2-0. And the formula is starting to show.

    More Cavaliers

  • Clippers enter offseason with questions, starting with Kawhi Leonard

    Clippers enter offseason with questions, starting with Kawhi Leonard

    The Clippers checked one box late in the season. They found something that worked.

    At least they did until getting eliminated in the play-in tournament. That came courtesy of major blown lead against the Warriors.

    Kawhi Leonard, Clippers, NBA
    File photo

    Still, since Dec. 19, the Clippers went 36-19, one of the better marks in the West over that stretch. It came with a noticeable shift, leaning more into younger players and moving away from an aging core.

    That part felt like progress. Everything else feels up in the air.

    As ESPN’s Bobby Marks outlined, the organization is staring at an offseason filled with major decisions, starting with Kawhi Leonard.

    Leonard is entering the final year of his contract and is extension-eligible after the Finals. The numbers will not be small. The Clippers can offer roughly two years and more than $120 million.

    That leads to the obvious question: Do you commit long term, or look for another path?

    Team president Lawrence Frank has signaled a desire to keep building with Leonard.

    “We can continue and look forward to building with Kawhi while still acknowledging we’re going to need more,” Frank said. “Kawhi’s been a great partner, and I anticipate him being a great partner moving forward.”

    Leonard, 35 in June, remains highly productive. He averaged 27.9 points this season and delivered one of the most efficient campaigns of his career. He also appeared in 66 games, a notable number given his recent history.

    Still, the timing of his contract and the team’s direction make this a defining decision.

    Hovering over it all is an ongoing NBA investigation tied to allegations involving Leonard’s endorsement dealings. The outcome could carry consequences ranging from fines to potential loss of draft assets, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Clippers’ long-term planning.

    The roster itself is not settled either.

    Bennedict Mathurin is headed for restricted free agency. John Collins is unrestricted. Veterans such as Bogdan Bogdanovic, Brook Lopez and Nicolas Batum are tied to team options, giving the front office flexibility if it chooses to use it.

    That flexibility appears intentional.

    The Clippers positioned themselves to maintain financial breathing room this summer and, more importantly, into next year. The question is how aggressive they plan to be.

    There is also a clear roster need. Frontcourt depth and a secondary playmaker behind Darius Garland remain priorities, particularly for a team that is trying to balance competing now with building something sustainable.

    The late-season run offered a glimpse of what that might look like. The offseason will determine whether it actually gets there.