2023 NBA Trade Rumors & rumors FA signings

[Who]

With the Sacramento Kings creating cap space on draft night, there has been "momentum" about a pursuit of Kyle Kuzma in free agency.

Even with a new renegotiate-and-extend deal for Domantas Sabonis, the Kings could have $25 million in cap space.

The Kings nearly acquired Kuzma in 2021 before the Los Angeles Lakers pivoted to a Russell Westbrook trade.

Kuzma has also been linked with the Utah Jazz, but they acquired John Collins via trade. The Jazz now have a logjam in the frontcourt that makes them unlikely to pursue a player at Kuzma's position.

Reporter Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports via RealGM.

[perks-a-beast]

With the Sacramento Kings creating cap space on draft night, there has been "momentum" about a pursuit of Kyle Kuzma in free agency.

Even with a new renegotiate-and-extend deal for Domantas Sabonis, the Kings could have $25 million in cap space.

The Kings nearly acquired Kuzma in 2021 before the Los Angeles Lakers pivoted to a Russell Westbrook trade.

Kuzma has also been linked with the Utah Jazz, but they acquired John Collins via trade. The Jazz now have a logjam in the frontcourt that makes them unlikely to pursue a player at Kuzma's position.

Reporter Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports via RealGM.

I don’t like the fit. Kings need guys who can defend, Kuzmas not really going to help in that regard.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

With the Sacramento Kings creating cap space on draft night, there has been "momentum" about a pursuit of Kyle Kuzma in free agency.

Even with a new renegotiate-and-extend deal for Domantas Sabonis, the Kings could have $25 million in cap space.

The Kings nearly acquired Kuzma in 2021 before the Los Angeles Lakers pivoted to a Russell Westbrook trade.

Kuzma has also been linked with the Utah Jazz, but they acquired John Collins via trade. The Jazz now have a logjam in the frontcourt that makes them unlikely to pursue a player at Kuzma's position.

Reporter Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports via RealGM.

I don’t like the fit. Kings need guys who can defend, Kuzmas not really going to help in that regard.

Feel like he and Murray play the same position and role. I don't like that it takes away from one of their best young players.

[Roy H.]

Without a Lillard trade, or another deal that includes Kyle Lowry’s $29 million expiring contract, league personnel are preparing for Miami to waive Lowry with tax penalties in mind despite his strong postseason contributions. The Heat explored Lowry deals before February’s trade deadline, sources said, and there have already been whispers of potential destinations for Lowry on the buyout market.

[jpotter33]

Seeing some noise on Twitter that Pat Bev and the Celtics have some mutual interest.

Not a huge fan, but it would be an interesting fit with no more Marcus here, especially as a third guard if we trade PP.

[Who]

Without a Lillard trade, or another deal that includes Kyle Lowry’s $29 million expiring contract, league personnel are preparing for Miami to waive Lowry with tax penalties in mind despite his strong postseason contributions. The Heat explored Lowry deals before February’s trade deadline, sources said, and there have already been whispers of potential destinations for Lowry on the buyout market.

It would be cool to see him go home to Philly. And if Harden stays that would give Philly a super-strong backcourt of

G - Maxey, Lowry
G - Harden, D Melton

Lowry's vetern know-how and mental toughness would be of much use to the mentally soft Philadelphia 76ers.

[JBcat]

It will be very interesting to see how things play out in Portland. If Lilliard stays more than likely Simons is gone, as his salary is a natural fit to trade for another position of need now that they have a glut of talented guards in Sharpe and Scoot. Simons is an excellent player in his own right, but is whatever he get can get in trade to fill a position of need, is that enough for Portland to be a contender to satisfy Lilliard? I have my doubts.  Sharpe and Scoot would need to grow up fast to fit Lilliard’s short window, though I’m a huge believer in Scoot can make immediate big impact, but he also brings a little redundancy with Lilliard there.

It’s a tough situation for Portland as they seem they want to try to make it work with Dame. Me personally, I’d trade Dame for package of young assets, and let Simons, Scoot, and Sharpe grow at their own pace along with whatever they get for Dame. Simons can play the 1 or 2 and is a nice fit along the better defender in Scoot, or playing the 1 fitting in with Sharpe. Would be a nice 3 guard rotation for the future, and you may be able to play all 3 at once at times too.

[Who]

Lowry could also be interesting in Milwaukee. They could replace J Carter with Lowry as backup PG and use Lowry in their finishing lineup alongside Jrue Holiday in the backcourt.

G - Jrue Holiday
G - Kyle Lowry
F - Khris Middleton
F - Giannis Antetokounmpo
C - Brook Lopez

That is an impressive finishing unit. Milwaukee have been complaining about too much responsibility / pressure on Jrue Holiday's shoulders as their offensive creator in the backcourt. Both as a scorer and a passer. Lowry can help should some of that responsibility. Two set of hands instead of one.

Milwaukee has had problems at that SG slot. Bringing in Kyle and playing smaller in the backcourt would be a better solution than their current cast of characters.

[Who]

Looks like Lowry could have a lot of options in FA. Here are some of the Western teams who could make a run at him. 

DEN still haven't found a backup guard they are happy with. So they may be an option if Lowry is willing to go to the team that just defeated him in the final. The idea of Lowry's passing and savvy next to Jokic is fun. Although I do wonder whether it is worthwhile given that he makes them smaller, slower and less athletic. I like their current balance.

PHO need a PG to replace CP3. I expect they are currently planning on usin Beal at PG although maybe they plan on going small with D Booker sliding over to SF. I don't know. Lowry should be a backup at this point in his career anyway so a bench role is ideal for him. I'd start Cam Payne ahead of Lowry just to have quicker legs on the floor defensively to start the game against more talented opposing PGs. Lowry too old and too slow defensively to start.

LAC could put together a nice 1-2 punch at PG with Westbrook and Lowry. That would be a fun combination.

I don't think MEM need Lowry with Morant only out 25 games. Lowry's 1st team in the NBA. I like the idea of Smart, Lowry, Morant but there is a minutes crunch with Bane there also. Still, they have almost no talent at SF so going small might be a better option for them than playing bigger with low talent players.

LAL will probably try to get in on this but I don't see the role for Lowry there with D Russell and Schroder.

I wonder if DAL would go after Lowry as a backup to Kyrie. Not a great fit. Lowry will have better options both in terms of playing time, role and opportunity for team success.

I also wonder about NOP. Would they want a veteran around to try and help the team grow up? Maybe move McCollum back to SG. I like their backup PG. I wouldn't do it if I were them because that leaves a minutes crunch elsewhere with T Murphy III, Herbert Jones and Dyson Daniels if NOP go small in the backcourt. That team could be very close to a title contender if they can get healthy though so there is some attractiveness to it.

[GreenEnvy]

The team offense would look a lot better with Garland with major improvements in tempo, dribble penetration and playmaking.

G - Garland, Brogdon
G - D White
F - Tatum, Hauser
F - Horford, G Will
C - Porzingis, Timelord

Is the improvement in offense worth the drop-off in defense? I am not sure but I am interested. It is well worth considering.

Just look at how much better the ball-handling & passing is on the perimeter with Garland there instead of Jaylen. Getting to play D White as a two guard giving us a second ball-handler. And Tatum as a third ball-handler. Far superior ball-security, dribble penetration and team passing.

Turnovers are going to be a major problem for this team next season. Having a PG like Garland and being able to play an extra ball-handler in D White next to him would go a long way to allievating that concern.

I haven’t seen much of Garland other than against the C’s. I know he runs a good offense which is what we’d be interested in. Can’t speak to his defense, but I can to Brown’s: It’s been trash for a few seasons now.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

The team offense would look a lot better with Garland with major improvements in tempo, dribble penetration and playmaking.

G - Garland, Brogdon
G - D White
F - Tatum, Hauser
F - Horford, G Will
C - Porzingis, Timelord

Is the improvement in offense worth the drop-off in defense? I am not sure but I am interested. It is well worth considering.

Just look at how much better the ball-handling & passing is on the perimeter with Garland there instead of Jaylen. Getting to play D White as a two guard giving us a second ball-handler. And Tatum as a third ball-handler. Far superior ball-security, dribble penetration and team passing.

Turnovers are going to be a major problem for this team next season. Having a PG like Garland and being able to play an extra ball-handler in D White next to him would go a long way to allievating that concern.

I haven’t seen much of Garland other than against the C’s. I know he runs a good offense which is what we’d be interested in. Can’t speak to his defense, but I can to Brown’s: It’s been trash for a few seasons now.

His defense was a big reason we beat Philly, and a big reason we pushed Miami to 7. His high-end defense is really, really good. He's not always as committed there as he should be, but no one that score as much as he does is.

[jpotter33]

The team offense would look a lot better with Garland with major improvements in tempo, dribble penetration and playmaking.

G - Garland, Brogdon
G - D White
F - Tatum, Hauser
F - Horford, G Will
C - Porzingis, Timelord

Is the improvement in offense worth the drop-off in defense? I am not sure but I am interested. It is well worth considering.

Just look at how much better the ball-handling & passing is on the perimeter with Garland there instead of Jaylen. Getting to play D White as a two guard giving us a second ball-handler. And Tatum as a third ball-handler. Far superior ball-security, dribble penetration and team passing.

Turnovers are going to be a major problem for this team next season. Having a PG like Garland and being able to play an extra ball-handler in D White next to him would go a long way to allievating that concern.

I haven’t seen much of Garland other than against the C’s. I know he runs a good offense which is what we’d be interested in. Can’t speak to his defense, but I can to Brown’s: It’s been trash for a few seasons now.

His defense was a big reason we beat Houston, and a big reason we pushed Miami to 7. His high-end defense is really, really good. He's not always as committed there as he should be, but no one that score as much as he does is.

What is this, 2017?! (I think you’re referring to Brown’s defense on Harden in the Philly series haha)

I think it’s important to distinguish between his man-to-man defense and team defense. His man-to-man defense remains elite due to his overall size and athleticism; his team defense is God awful, which coincidentally is also a reason why the Philly series lasted as long as it did (his game 4 helping off of Harden fiasco).

[DefenseWinsChamps]

The team offense would look a lot better with Garland with major improvements in tempo, dribble penetration and playmaking.

G - Garland, Brogdon
G - D White
F - Tatum, Hauser
F - Horford, G Will
C - Porzingis, Timelord

Is the improvement in offense worth the drop-off in defense? I am not sure but I am interested. It is well worth considering.

Just look at how much better the ball-handling & passing is on the perimeter with Garland there instead of Jaylen. Getting to play D White as a two guard giving us a second ball-handler. And Tatum as a third ball-handler. Far superior ball-security, dribble penetration and team passing.

Turnovers are going to be a major problem for this team next season. Having a PG like Garland and being able to play an extra ball-handler in D White next to him would go a long way to allievating that concern.

I haven’t seen much of Garland other than against the C’s. I know he runs a good offense which is what we’d be interested in. Can’t speak to his defense, but I can to Brown’s: It’s been trash for a few seasons now.

His defense was a big reason we beat Houston, and a big reason we pushed Miami to 7. His high-end defense is really, really good. He's not always as committed there as he should be, but no one that score as much as he does is.

What is this, 2017?! (I think you’re referring to Brown’s defense on Harden in the Philly series haha)

I think it’s important to distinguish between his man-to-man defense and team defense. His man-to-man defense remains elite due to his overall size and athleticism; his team defense is God awful, which coincidentally is also a reason why the Philly series lasted as long as it did (his game 4 helping off of Harden fiasco).

You got me there.

He has moments where his team defense is pretty awful. I admit that. But I do think his team defense is average.

[celticsclay]

Lowry could also be interesting in Milwaukee. They could replace J Carter with Lowry as backup PG and use Lowry in their finishing lineup alongside Jrue Holiday in the backcourt.

G - Jrue Holiday
G - Kyle Lowry
F - Khris Middleton
F - Giannis Antetokounmpo
C - Brook Lopez

That is an impressive finishing unit. Milwaukee have been complaining about too much responsibility / pressure on Jrue Holiday's shoulders as their offensive creator in the backcourt. Both as a scorer and a passer. Lowry can help should some of that responsibility. Two set of hands instead of one.

Milwaukee has had problems at that SG slot. Bringing in Kyle and playing smaller in the backcourt would be a better solution than their current cast of characters.

I don’t think lopez will be on bucks next year

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Shams: Vucevic resigns with Bulls 3 years/60mm