Hoops Wire

Tag: Kyle Anderson

  • NBA Notes: Knicks, Landry Shamet, Hawks, Buddy Hield, Raptors

    NBA Notes: Knicks, Landry Shamet, Hawks, Buddy Hield, Raptors

    Knicks

    Things couldn’t have started much worse for Landry Shamet with the Knicks.

    A dislocated shoulder derailed the veteran guard early in his first season in New York, leaving him fighting simply to stay on the roster.

    Fast forward a year, and he’s an NBA champion with a new long-term contract.

    Per Jared Schwartz of the New York Post, Shamet’s turnaround culminated in a four-year, $24 million deal after he played an important role off the bench during New York’s title run.

    The veteran shooter was the final player to make last season’s roster before emerging as one of the league’s hottest perimeter threats. At one point, he knocked down six three-pointers in a game while scoring 36 points, helping revive a career that briefly appeared to be in jeopardy.

    Now the Knicks are betting that success wasn’t a fluke.

    Hawks

    Buddy Hield‘s name continues to surface in trade discussions.

    According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Atlanta is still listening to offers for the veteran sharpshooter despite guaranteeing his $9.7 million salary for next season.

    Hield saw a limited role after arriving from Golden State, and the Hawks have since added Aaron Wiggins while drafting Kingston Flemings with the No. 8 overall pick.

    Even if he remains in Atlanta, Hield’s expiring contract and proven outside shooting could make him an attractive trade piece later in the season.

    Raptors

    The Raptors have added another experienced veteran to their revamped roster.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Toronto has agreed to a one-year deal with forward Kyle Anderson.

    The 32-year-old will provide depth behind Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes after spending last season with Utah, Memphis and Minnesota.

    Anderson has never been known as a prolific scorer, but he’s built a lengthy NBA career through his versatility, basketball IQ and defense. He averaged 6.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season.

    The signing also reunites Anderson with Leonard. The two spent Leonard’s first four NBA seasons together in San Antonio before now reconnecting in Toronto.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • NBA Notes: Knicks, Mikal Bridges, Timberwolves, Kyle Anderson, Pelicans

    NBA Notes: Knicks, Mikal Bridges, Timberwolves, Kyle Anderson, Pelicans

    Mikal Bridges, Knicks, NBA
    File photo

    Knicks

    It’s been a mixed season for Mikal Bridges.

    As The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III noted, the veteran wing has delivered some big nights, including Sunday’s win over San Antonio, but also some quieter performances like Wednesday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

    Bridges’ counting stats remain strong. Still, the trade that brought him to New York continues to shape how his season is evaluated.

    Meanwhile, coach Mike Brown picked up his first technical foul of the season during the Thunder loss, notes the New York Daily News’ Kristian Winfield.

    Brown was upset about a non-call involving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson late in the first quarter.

    “You guys saw the play,” Brown said. “Jalen was there and he ran him over.”

    Officials later said Brunson did not give Gilgeous-Alexander enough space to avoid contact. Either way, Brunson appreciated his coach speaking up.

    “I’m going to have his back every single night,” he said.

    Timberwolves

    The Timberwolves believe Kyle Anderson could make an impact down the stretch.

    As The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski reported, Minnesota sees Anderson as a versatile connector who fits easily into the rotation after returning via the buyout market. Coach Chris Finch said the team plans to use Anderson in multiple roles.

    “We’ll put the ball in his hands. We’ll treat him like a point guard,” Finch said. “Defensively he gives us versatility and intelligence.”

    Anderson previously played in Minnesota from 2022-24 before leaving in free agency.

    After a brief run with Golden State and multiple trades around the league, he jumped at the chance to return.

    “The circle is complete,” Finch said.

    Pelicans

    DeAndre Jordan’s impact in New Orleans goes beyond the stat sheet.

    The veteran center has recently reentered the Pelicans’ rotation, starting five games and playing double-digit minutes in six straight contests.

    Interim coach James Borrego said Jordan’s leadership has been invaluable, according to EssentiallySports’ Mark Medina.

    “He’s elevated our program tremendously,” Borrego said.

    Jordan, now in his 18th NBA season, said he has embraced the mentor role. He added he still hopes to reach the 20-year mark in the NBA if possible.

  • NBA Moves: Timberwolves, Kyle Anderson, Suns, Jamaree Bouyea, Blazers

    NBA Moves: Timberwolves, Kyle Anderson, Suns, Jamaree Bouyea, Blazers

    Kyle Anderson, Timberwolves, Warriors, NBA
    File photo

    Timberwolves

    The Timberwolves have officially signed veteran forward Kyle Anderson after he cleared waivers.

    Anderson reached a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies following a brief four-game stint. The 32-year-old began the season in Utah before being included in a larger trade and ultimately returning to Minnesota, where he previously helped the Wolves reach the Western Conference finals.

    Known for his versatility and defense, Anderson is averaging 7.5 points in 24 games this season. Memphis will fill his roster spot by signing veteran big man Taj Gibson.

    Minnesota has been active, also adding Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips at the deadline.

    Suns

    The Suns are converting two-way guard Jamaree Bouyea to a two-year standard contract, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

    Bouyea has appeared in 33 games, averaging 6.5 points in 15.5 minutes. The move follows the waiver of Cole Anthony, who never reported after being acquired at the deadline.

    Phoenix must now fill an open two-way slot before Wednesday’s deadline.

    Trail Blazers

    The Blazers are signing guard Chris Youngblood to a two-way deal, per ESPN.

    Youngblood played 32 games with Oklahoma City earlier this season and recently averaged 23.5 points in the G League. Portland had an opening after promoting Sidy Cissoko last month.

  • Mavericks’ Khris Middleton weighs buyout as Nuggets, Spurs monitor

    Mavericks’ Khris Middleton weighs buyout as Nuggets, Spurs monitor

    Khris Middleton, Mavericks, Mavs, Pacers, NBA
    Imagn

    The buyout market has been quiet. Mavericks veteran Khris Middleton could change that.

    According to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, the Mavericks have essentially left the decision in Middleton’s hands. When he arrived in the Anthony Davis blockbuster with the Wizards, many assumed a buyout was inevitable.

    Not so. Dallas welcomed him, valued his presence and has not pushed him toward the exit.

    But contenders are watching.

    League sources tell Siegel that the Nuggets and Spurs are among the teams with interest should Middleton become available.

    Denver, in particular, has been scanning the wing market. The Nuggets moved below the tax at the deadline and still have an open roster spot. They previously showed interest in Kyle Anderson before his buyout.

    Middleton would fit cleanly into a playoff rotation.

    Still, this isn’t simple.

    If Middleton pursues a buyout, he likely signs for the minimum the rest of the way. Around the league, agents are wary of that path.

    Once a veteran takes a minimum deal, that number can follow him into future negotiations. Middleton is 34 and heading toward free agency this summer. Optics matter.

    Dallas, meanwhile, is not buying out Tyus Jones. The Mavericks view him as part of next season’s plans behind Kyrie Irving.

    So this comes down to Middleton. Play meaningful games now. Or maintain leverage for July.

  • March 1 waiver deadline looms for NBA playoff eligibility

    March 1 waiver deadline looms for NBA playoff eligibility

    Khris Middleton, Mavericks, Mavs, NBA
    Imagn

    The NBA calendar matters this time of year.

    As Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors pointed out, March 1 is the line in the sand for playoff eligibility. If a player is waived after 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, he cannot suit up in the postseason for a new team.

    There is one key wrinkle.

    Players currently on 10-day contracts — or those who sign one after March 1 — remain playoff-eligible because they are not being waived. They simply become free agents when the deal expires.

    That includes names such as Rayan Rupert in Memphis, Killian Hayes in Sacramento and Mo Bamba in Utah, whose 10-day contracts run beyond the deadline.

    And to clear up a common misconception: a player does not have to sign with a new team by March 1. He simply must be waived by then. Eric Gordon, for example, was waived earlier this month and can join a playoff team anytime before the end of the regular season.

    The buyout market hasn’t exactly exploded this year, but Jevon Carter, Cam Thomas, Jeremy Sochan and Haywood Highsmith have already landed elsewhere. Kyle Anderson is next once he clears waivers. Also, Khris Middleton remains a name to watch.

    After Sunday, though, the door closes.

  • Grizzlies add veteran Taj Gibson amid rebuild

    Grizzlies add veteran Taj Gibson amid rebuild

    Taj Gibson, Knicks, Hornets, NBA
    File photo

    The Grizzlies are going old school. Very old school.

    Memphis is signing 40-year-old veteran Taj Gibson to a two-year deal, per Shams Charania of ESPN. The second season is expected to be non-guaranteed.

    The move became official after the Grizzlies finalized a buyout with Kyle Anderson, who is headed to the Timberwolves.

    This isn’t about numbers. It’s about presence.

    Gibson appeared in 37 games with Charlotte last season, averaging 2.9 points and 3.2 rebounds in limited minutes. He hasn’t played yet this year. But around the league, he’s long been viewed as a pro’s pro — steady, respected, no nonsense.

    Memphis could use that.

    The Grizzlies have pivoted hard into rebuild mode. Desmond Bane is gone. Jaren Jackson Jr. was dealt earlier this month. Injuries have piled up. The frontcourt, in particular, has been thin.

    Enter Gibson.

    If he appears in a game, this will mark his 17th NBA season. He’d also become just the 35th player in league history to suit up at age 40, according to Charania.

    This is less about production and more about tone. Young locker room. New direction. Veteran voice.

    Sometimes rebuilding teams need a grown-up in the room. Memphis just signed one.

  • NBA Trade Notes: Bulls, Anfernee Simons, Celtics, Pistons, Wolves, Jazz, Jaren Jackson Jr, Grizzlies

    NBA Trade Notes: Bulls, Anfernee Simons, Celtics, Pistons, Wolves, Jazz, Jaren Jackson Jr, Grizzlies

    Anfernee Simons, Celtics, NBA
    AP

    Bulls/Celtics

    Chicago and Boston finally pulled the trigger on a framework that’s been floating around for a while.

    The Celtics are acquiring Nikola Vucevic, while the Bulls land Anfernee Simons, with both teams also receiving a second-round pick, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

    According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, Boston gets Denver’s 2027 second-rounder, while Chicago receives the most favorable 2026 second from a four-team pool, likely New Orleans.

    For Boston, this is about frontcourt survival and tax relief. Losing Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet left them thin up front, and Vucevic gives them scoring, spacing, and durability.

    He’s averaging 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds and is on an expiring $21.5MM deal. The move also cuts the Celtics’ projected tax bill by more than $22MM and drops them below the first apron.

    Simons had become a reliable bench scorer, but Brad Stevens ultimately decided the roster balance and flexibility were worth the cost.

    Chicago, meanwhile, adds another guard to an already crowded backcourt. Whether Simons is a long-term piece or a flip candidate remains to be seen, but moving Vucevic officially closes the book on the Arturas Karnisovas era-defining trade that brought him to Chicago in 2021.

    Expect at least one more Bulls guard to be on the move.

    Pistons/Bulls/Wolves

    Detroit made its call on Jaden Ivey.

    The Pistons are sending Ivey to Chicago in a three-team deal that routes Mike Conley from Minnesota to the Bulls, while Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric head to Detroit.

    The Pistons also receive a protected 2026 first-round pick swap from the Timberwolves.

    Ivey never fully re-established his role after injury setbacks and was playing limited minutes on a team chasing the East’s top seed.

    Detroit decided now was the time. Huerter fills an immediate shooting need, even if his percentages are down this season.

    For Minnesota, this is a straight salary move. Moving Conley’s $10.8MM expiring deal drops the Wolves below the first apron and slashes their tax bill, while also creating a trade exception that could be useful if they pivot to another guard or keep dreaming on Giannis Antetokounmpo.

    Chicago suddenly has guards everywhere, and that feels very much by design.

    Jazz/Grizzlies

    This one shook the league.

    The Jazz acquired former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. in a blockbuster with the Grizzlies. Utah also gets John Konchar, Vince Williams Jr., and Jock Landale.

    Memphis receives Walter Clayton, Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three first-round picks — the Lakers’ 2027 pick, the most favorable of Cleveland, Minnesota, or Utah’s 2027 selections, and Phoenix’s unprotected 2031 first.

    The surprise wasn’t just that Jackson moved. It was where he landed. Utah had not been linked to him, and Memphis had been signaling Jackson was a long-term pillar.

    Instead, the Jazz went big. New president Austin Ainge is clearly accelerating the timeline, envisioning a future frontcourt of Lauri Markkanen, Jackson, and Walker Kessler.

    Utah still controls at least one first-round pick in every future draft and is betting that this is the moment to pivot from asset hoarding to building.

    For Memphis, this is about picks, flexibility, and a reset. The Grizzlies now control 12 first-rounders over the next seven drafts and have optionality everywhere.

  • NBA trade proposal sends Jonathan Kuminga to Jazz, Klay Thompson to Warriors

    NBA trade proposal sends Jonathan Kuminga to Jazz, Klay Thompson to Warriors

    NBA, Golden State Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga
    Getty

    NBA trade season brings out some creative thinking. Occasionally, it brings out something closer to an accounting seminar.

    This one falls firmly in the second category.

    NBA writer Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report floated a massive eight-team hypothetical trade built around the idea that the Warriors will explore moving Jonathan Kuminga once he becomes trade-eligible after January 14.

    The proposal also brings a familiar name back to the Bay Area.

    Here’s how Pincus mapped it out.

    Warriors receive

    Jazz receive

    Mavericks receive

    Magic receive

    Nets receive

    • Al Horford (from Warriors)
    • Trayce Jackson-Davis (from Warriors)
    • Kyle Anderson (from Jazz)
    • Georges Niang (from Jazz)
    • Jett Howard (from Magic)
    • 2026 Lakers second-round pick (via Raptors)
    • 2027 Clippers second-round pick (via Jazz)
    • 2030 second-round pick (via Mavericks)
    • 2031 76ers second-round pick (via Jazz)
    • $2.8 million (from Raptors)
    • $2.7 million (from Nuggets)
    • $2.5 million (from Suns)

    Nuggets receive

    • $2.2 million trade exception (Hunter Tyson)
    • $2.2 million trade exception (Jalen Pickett)

    Raptors receive

    • $2.3 million trade exception (Garrett Temple)

    Suns receive

    • $2.0 million trade exception (Nigel Hayes-Davis)

    The motivation is straightforward. The Warriors are widely expected to explore the market for Kuminga once restrictions lift. He signed a two-year, $48.5 million deal last summer with a team option designed to allow Golden State or another team to restructure his contract next offseason.

    In this scenario, Kuminga gets his wish and Golden State gets a familiar face back.

    Thompson reportedly wants to play for a contender, and a return to the Warriors has long carried emotional appeal because of Stephen Curry.

    That said, trades involving eight teams, multiple rotation players, draft picks, trade exceptions and cash almost never materialize. Front offices may think creatively, but reality usually trims these ideas down to something far smaller.

    Still, as a thought exercise, it checks the boxes. As an actual blueprint, it remains exactly that.

  • NBA Rumors: Spurs, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jazz, Pelicans, Saddiq Bey

    NBA Rumors: Spurs, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jazz, Pelicans, Saddiq Bey

    Spurs

    The Spurs have been one of the league’s early surprises, opening the season 21-7 and reaching the NBA Cup championship game.

    Still, league sources who spoke with Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal don’t expect San Antonio to make a major in-season move that would sacrifice long-term flexibility.

    “They’re not going to sit around being satisfied,” one source told Afseth. “But I don’t see them making a move like trading for Giannis.”

    The expectation is that the Spurs will continue prioritizing internal development around their young core while keeping their best assets intact.

    That said, rival teams have wondered whether San Antonio would consider adding a high-level complementary piece if the fit and timing were right.

    “They have the assets to make a trade like Orlando did to add Desmond Bane,” another source said, via Afseth. “It’d have to fit their timeline. Someone like Trey Murphy III, for example.”

    Bucks

    If Giannis Antetokounmpo were to become available, Afseth reports that Eastern Conference teams would be the most aggressive suitors.

    That group includes the Heat, Knicks, Hawks and Raptors. However, rival executives are skeptical that New York would want to disrupt its roster midseason, while Atlanta has shown no willingness to include Jalen Johnson in talks.

    Milwaukee, for its part, continues to signal it prefers to build around Antetokounmpo rather than move him.

    Jazz

    The Jazz are trying to balance urgency with restraint.

    Both Afseth and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line report that retaining Utah’s top-eight–protected 2026 first-round pick remains a priority. At the same time, Fischer notes the Jazz want to establish a winning environment sooner rather than later.

    Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and Walker Kessler are viewed internally as cornerstones, while veterans Kyle Anderson, Jusuf Nurkic, Kevin Love and Georges Niang are considered potential in-season trade candidates, per Afseth.

    Management and ownership, meanwhile, remain confident in head coach Will Hardy as the right long-term leader.

    Pelicans

    Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey is drawing increasing interest from teams in need of wing help, Afseth reports.

    Bey, who missed last season rehabbing a torn ACL, has reestablished himself as a reliable contributor. He’s averaging 15.0 points and 6.1 rebounds in just under 30 minutes per game through 29 appearances, including 21 starts.

    Around the league, that combination of size, versatility and health tends to get noticed — especially as the deadline approaches.

  • Jazz Rumors: Lauri Markkanen, Kevin Love, Walker Kessler, Will Hardy

    Jazz Rumors: Lauri Markkanen, Kevin Love, Walker Kessler, Will Hardy

    Kevin Love, Jazz, Cavaliers, Cavs, Cooper Flagg, Mavericks, Mavs, NBA
    Getty

    The Jazz are living in the gray area that now defines the NBA’s middle class.

    At 10-17 and buried in the Western Conference standings, Utah is balancing two priorities at once. Namely, they’d like to stay competitive enough to develop the core, while protecting their top-eight–protected 2026 first-round pick.

    If that pick slips outside the protection, it heads to the reigning champion Thunder.

    That reality appears to be shaping everything, per Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal.

    Who Stays, Who Moves

    Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George remain foundational pieces. Everyone else is more fluid.

    Veterans Kyle Anderson, Jusuf Nurkic, Kevin Love and Georges Niang are all viewed around the league as potential trade candidates, sources told Afseth. None would qualify as a franchise-altering move, but each could help Utah manage its trajectory.

    Kessler Still Part of Plan

    Walker Kessler remains a longer-term question, Afseth wrote.

    Early extension talks stalled when Kessler sought total compensation north of $120 million, a number Utah wasn’t prepared to meet. As it stands, he would need to find that type of offer in restricted free agency for the Jazz to consider matching.

    The Pacers are one team known to have interest. Utah, however, continues to signal it wants to keep Kessler in the fold.

    Confidence in Hardy

    One thing the Jazz are not questioning is leadership.

    The organization remains confident in head coach Will Hardy as the long-term figure to guide Utah out of its rebuild, Afseth reported. That belief extends to ownership.

    The roster may change. The approach may shift. But the plan, for now, stays steady.

  • NBA Notes: Mavericks, Dennis Smith Jr, Heat, Tyler Herro, Grizzlies

    NBA Notes: Mavericks, Dennis Smith Jr, Heat, Tyler Herro, Grizzlies

    Dennis Smith Jr, Nets, NBA, Knicks, Mavericks
    File photo

    Mavericks

    Dennis Smith Jr. is back with the Mavericks, but it’s unlikely he’ll crack the 15-man roster, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

    Smith, the No. 9 pick in the 2017 draft, is signing a one-year training camp deal. With 14 guaranteed contracts already on the books, Smith’s signing is more about securing his G League rights than anything else.

    If he doesn’t stick, he’s expected to land with the Texas Legends. The 30-year-old guard hasn’t played in the NBA since 2023-24.

    Heat

    Tyler Herro will be sidelined about eight weeks following his ankle surgery, the team announced.

    The procedure was done to address posterior impingement syndrome in his left ankle and was performed by Dr. Thomas San Giovanni with Heat team physicians assisting.

    Herro, 25, is coming off his first All-Star season, averaging 23.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 47 percent from the field.

    The surgery puts his start to the season in jeopardy, though he’s not expected to miss the year.

    Miami reshaped its roster this offseason, adding Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio while shipping out Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, Duncan Robinson and Haywood Highsmith.

    The Heat are also shopping Terry Rozier, who is under federal investigation related to gambling.

    Grizzlies

    Jaren Jackson Jr. said he’s on schedule in his recovery from turf toe surgery, though there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready by opening night.

    “I’m progressing the right way,” Jackson told Grind City Media. “Every day has been a building block.”

    The 25-year-old forward/center averaged 19.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks last season in 65 games.

  • NBA Notes: Heat, Norman Powell, realignment, Woj

    NBA Notes: Heat, Norman Powell, realignment, Woj

    Norman Powell, Clippers, Heat, NBA
    NBAE via Getty

    Norman Powell hasn’t played a game for the Heat yet, but the front office is already considering the possibility of keeping him around. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Miami is open to exploring an extension for Powell if the start of the season goes well.

    The veteran guard/forward arrived in July from the Clippers as part of the three-team trade that also sent Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson to Utah. Powell is entering the final year of his contract — worth about $20.5 million — and is eligible to sign an extension at any point before next summer.

    Powell, 32, is coming off the best year of his career. He averaged 21.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 60 games with the Clippers, while shooting 48 percent from the field and 42 percent from deep.

    That kind of production has the Heat intrigued, though they’ll likely want to see how he fits alongside Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins before making any long-term commitments.

    Expansion and realignment: What would NBA realignment look like if Las Vegas and Seattle officially join the league? Zach Harper of The Athletic explored a few scenarios, including moving either the Timberwolves, Pelicans or Grizzlies to the Eastern Conference. Division shuffles would also follow in most expansion scenarios.

    Bonnies hosting pro day: St. Bonaventure will host its first-ever pro day on Oct. 11 at the NBPA training facility in Manhattan, the school announced. Former NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, who serves as GM of the Bonnies program, called it “a tremendous opportunity for NBA and G League front office executives to scout our players in a competitive practice and workout environment.”

  • NBA Notes: Spurs, Victor Wembanyama, Raptors, Jazz, veterans

    NBA Notes: Spurs, Victor Wembanyama, Raptors, Jazz, veterans

    Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs, NBA
    File photo

    For the Spurs, he biggest storyline in 2025-26 is simple. It all boils down to how Victor Wembanyama comes back from the deep vein thrombosis that ended his sophomore season.

    If healthy, he could realistically make first-team All-NBA and win Defensive Player of the Year in Year 3.

    But the other issue is guard play, per ESPN’s Zach Kram. De’Aaron Fox, Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and No. 2 pick Dylan Harper combined for just 30.4 percent shooting from three last year (counting Harper’s college numbers).

    Fox is a career 33 percent shooter, Castle has yet to prove it, and Harper is still untested at the NBA level. With Fox locked in long term, Kram notes the Spurs may face tough choices down the road if that trio can’t provide enough spacing around their franchise star.

    • Raptors’ expensive middle ground: According to Kram, Toronto projects to finish $1.1 million above the first apron — making it one of just six apron teams. The problem? The other five (Boston, Denver, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, Phoenix) have either been No. 1 seeds or reached the conference finals in the past two seasons. Toronto hasn’t made the playoffs in three years. That’s a strange place to be for a team shelling out $40 million annually for Brandon Ingram and $32.5 million for Immanuel Quickley. The investment could pay off in a weak East if the roster clicks, but it could just as easily backfire if this pricey lineup fails to mesh.

    • Jazz double down on youth: Three years into the rebuild, Utah is still going younger. Out of 11 players who topped 800 minutes last year, only four were older than 23. This offseason, they dumped three of those veterans — Collin Sexton, John Collins and Jordan Clarkson. Only Lauri Markkanen, now 28, is left from the core that had any real experience. Kram points out that while newcomers like Jusuf Nurkic, Georges Niang, Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson could play rotation roles, the bigger emphasis will be on youth. Utah added two more first-rounders and plans to give more minutes to Taylor Hendricks, last year’s lottery pick, after surgery limited him to just three games as a rookie.

    MORE NBA | Available free agents by position

  • Heat eyeing Trey Lyles, other bigs to bolster frontcourt

    Heat eyeing Trey Lyles, other bigs to bolster frontcourt

    Trey Lyles, Kings, Heat, NBA
    USA Today

    The Heat are still tinkering with the roster, and now their frontcourt looks a little thin.

    After sending Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love to Utah in last month’s three-team deal, Miami followed up Friday by trading Haywood Highsmith to Brooklyn in what amounted to a salary dump. That leaves Bam Adebayo, Kel’el Ware and Nikola Jovic as the primary options at the four and five.

    According to Grant Afseth of FastbreakJournal.com, the Heat are already exploring ways to bolster the front line. Free agents Trey Lyles and Kai Jones are among the names being considered. Jones reportedly impressed Miami this week with his energy and activity during workouts, per Afseth.

    Lyles is a 10-year veteran who was a lottery pick in 2015. He has spent the last three-plus seasons with the Kings and averaged 6.5 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 34 percent on threes in 19.6 minutes over 69 appearances last season.

    Jones is younger and more of a wild card. The 24-year-old center played for both the Clippers and Mavericks last year, putting up 5.0 points and 3.1 boards in 11.7 minutes a night while shooting nearly 80 percent from the floor.

    The former 19th overall pick of the 2021 draft offers length, athleticism and upside that Miami seems intrigued by.

    As Afseth pointed out, the two big men bring different skill sets. Lyles is more of a proven depth piece while Jones could give the Heat a high-energy presence who still has room to grow. Either one could help stabilize the rotation as the season approaches.

    Trading Highsmith not only moved Miami below the luxury tax line, it also opened up a roster spot.

    That 14th slot could go to Lyles or Jones, though the Heat are said to be considering several possibilities. Miami is unlikely to add a 15th man before the opener given the tax situation.