AP TOP 25 POLL: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll
The Maurice Podoloff Trophy, named after the NBA's first-ever commissioner, will now be awarded to the team with the best regular season record instead of to the MVP.
LEGAL:
Russia freed Brittney Griner in a prisoner swap, with the United States releasing Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Anthony Lamb has been named in a civil lawsuit filed against the University of Vermont by three former students, with a fellow student-athlete saying Lamb sexually assaulted her in 2019 at an off-campus party.
Pittsburgh freshman Dior Johnson, suspended from the team, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges and has been sentenced to a year of probation.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office is working with the New Mexico State Police to investigate the conduct of the New Mexico State University staff and players: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/35205871/da-looks-conduct-new-mexico-state-players-staff
CBA:
The NBA and NBPA had mutually agreed to extend the deadline to opt-out of the current CBA on June 30, 2023 from December 15, 2022 to February 8, 2023.
This time around the NBA is pushing for an upper spending limit more vigorously in CBA negotiations than in the past (according to Marc Stein).
TRANSACTIONS:
The Timberwolves and free agent Matt Ryan signed a two-way contract.
Free agent Greg Monroe signed with Shanxi Loongs of the Chinese CBA.
Ricky Rubio, who is on a 3 year deal (3rd year partially guaranteed), said that he anticipates playing just 2-3 more NBA seasons. He wants to settle in his house in Badalona, Spain when his son starts school. H/t El Reverso Podcast.
TRADE RUMORS:
Some executives say that the Suns don't want to take on much additional salary, if it all, ideally if Jae Crowder is moved, and they'd like a forward back (according to Michael Scotto).
In addition to the Hawks, the Suns are one of several teams to express trade interest in Kyle Kuzma (according to Shams).
After seriously discussing a trade with the Hawks for John Collins in the offseason, the Wizards remain interested and have shown interest (per Shams).
The Knicks have been active in trade talks, with the most common players they have discussed with other teams being, in no particular order: Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier, Derrick Rose, and Cam Reddish. The Knicks have made it clear to other teams that their goal is to free up space on a crowded roster (according to Fred Katz).
The Knicks have not shown any interest in attaching draft picks to Evan Fournier just to trade him. They have expressed to other teams that they would consider moving Fournier for a less desirable contract if it meant brining back an asset. They have also communicated that they are willing to attach Immanuel Quickley or Derrick Rose to Fournier to make a trade work (per Katz).
Immanuel Quickley has fans in other front offices, but the question is if they like him enough to pay the Knicks' asking price of a 1st round pick (per Katz).
There is not much trade demand for Derrick Rose. The league has taken notice that his fireball moments have become sparser. Teams are generally worried about his burst and injury history (per Katz).
In addition to the Lakers and Heat, the Bucks are among the teams who have reached out to the Knicks about trading for Cam Reddish since they acquired him (according to Ian Begley). With no role for him, New York is working with Reddish's representatives toward a trade (according to Stefan Bondy). When asked about the report, Reddish said, “Y'all seem to know more than me.” H/t SNY.
The Lakers and Knicks talked earlier this month about a potential trade that would have needed a 3rd team to complete (per Begley).
Many NBA executives around the league who have spoken with Michael Scotto are closely monitoring the Bulls since they've underwhelmed so far and Lonzo Ball's health is a major question mark. There's a lot of interest in DeMar DeRozan across the league and some teams have interest in Zach LaVine (per Scotto). Many around the league believe that Chicago has a low-ceiling roster (according to Eric Pincus).
The Lakers are interested in both DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic (per Pincus). However, Arturas Karnisovas has no interest in Russell Westbrook, even if it means adding draft picks (according to Joe Cowley).
The Knicks will be watching the Bulls and their trade pieces (according to Woj).
Kyle Kuzma, who will have a $13.0 million player option after this season, wants out and is looking for over $20 million a season in a big market or with a contender (according to Eric Pincus).
Kyle Kuzma is believed to still be on the Kings' radar after they missed out on him in 2021 when the Lakers traded him (per Pincus).
Rival execs are keeping a close eye on the Raptors, bracing for fireworks if Toronto is around .500 as the trade deadline approaches. They are curious to see how long Masai Ujiri will be content to wait out the current group if it doesn't take a major step forward (according to Zach Lowe).
However, out of the Wizards, Bulls, and Raptors, Toronto is the most likely to keep its roster together (according to Pincus).
Rival teams are uncertain about whether the Raptors intend to stick with Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Scottie Barnes long-term or if they'd eventually be open to moving one of them (per Lowe). If Toronto is to change direction, some around the league believe that now would be the time, as players tend to draw less in return on expiring contracts - Siakam and Anunoby are under contract through 2023-24 and OG can opt-in for 2024-25 (per Pincus).
There's a question about whether Fred VanVleet fits the vision of a team that is primarily made up of longer, more versatile athletes (the Raptors) (per Lowe). With FVV’s experience, he could be a target of some of the younger teams with cap space like the Magic (per Pincus). He has a $22.82 million player option after this season.
The Raptors probably don't want to keep Gary Trent Jr., who has a $18.56 million player option after this season (per Pincus).
The Spurs are once again active in trade talks and are open for business now that the Joshua Primo situation is settled (according to LJ Ellis).
The player that the Spurs get the most trade inquiries about is Jakob Poeltl and their asking price is a pair of 1st round picks with limited protections. The two teams most persistent about acquiring him are the Raptors and Warriors. Toronto is hesitant to offer San Antonio anything more than a package highlighted by a single 1st round pick with moderate protections for Poeltl. The Warriors are primarily interested in trying to find a way to flip James Wiseman for Poeltl, but the Spurs have indicated to Golden State that they aren't interested in Wiseman as a centerpiece of a Poeltl trade. San Antonio isn’t high on Wiseman or Jonathan Kuminga, and they value Moses Moody more than either of them but they would want a lot more than Moody in a trade for Poeltl (per Ellis).
If the Spurs don't get their asking price for Jakob Poeltl, they're expected to hold on to him as opposed to selling him to the highest bidder at the trade deadline, as they have come to the conclusion he'd be the perfect fit next to French PF Victor Webanyama (2004) (per Ellis).
The Spurs front office would prefer to keep Doug McDermott and they are not expected to trade him unless a team offers a 1st round pick (per Ellis).
With the Pistons playing two young frontcourt players, teams believe they are at least open to discussing a Nerlens Noel trade. He has drawn interest from several contending teams who have struggled with rim protection (according to Ian Begley).
The Mavericks and Pistons touched base recently on trade talks in which Nerlens Noel's name came up (per Begley). He played for them in 2017-18.
Teams are keeping an eye on the trade availability of Hornets players like Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Mason Plumlee - Gordon Hayward was also on that list before his injury (according to Pincus).
PJ Washington could be available as he's believed to be seeking more than the Hornets are willing to offer in his impending RFA (per Pincus).
The Magic are expected to shop Gary Harris, Terrence Ross, and Mo Bamba (according to Pincus).
An Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Sean Deveney said that the first obstacle in a Duncan Robinson trade is his contract, which the exec said you could argue is the worst in the league for its length.
Part of the reason why Duncan Robinson is getting more playing time is in hopes of possibly increasing his trade stock (according to Ira Winderman).
Some executives who have spoken with Michael Scotto wonder if Myles Turner will be as available for trade as he was in the past given Indiana's hot start.
The Jazz want to sign Jordan Clarkson to a contract extension. They have been impressed with Lauri Markkanen and it would take a lot to trade him. The rest of the roster is expendable (according to Scotto).
The Jazz may now be more of a buyer than a seller when it comes to trades (according to Eric Pincus).
Damian Lillard is interested in trading for Jarred Vanderbilt:
CONTRACT EXTENSIONS:
Jakob Poeltl may prefer to stay with the Spurs on a maximum contract extension of 4 years $58 million (according to LJ Ellis). A handful of NBA scouts that spoke with Ellis believe that he could land a 4 year deal worth around $70 million if he waits until the summer.
FRONT OFFICE/COACHING:
Warriors president and GM Bob Myers' contract is believed to expire at the end of June. Team ownership and Myers have had conversations on a new contract but they appear to be on hiatus (according to Woj). Myers told ESPN his focus is on this season and the team.
Warriors owner and CEO Joe Lacob told ESPN that they love Bob Myers and hope he is there for a long time.
Steve Kerr has 2 years left on his contract and the Warriors have broached the concept of a contract extension with him (according to Woj).
FREE AGENCY:
Scouts who have seen free agent Isaiah Thomas recently say that he's in great shape (according to LJ Ellis).
The Spurs have been linked to Isaiah Thomas and they may bring in a veteran like him if the coaching staff feels like the scoring burden on Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell becomes too overwhelming (per Ellis).
The Spurs have recently spent time scouting Jared Butler of the G-League team the Grand Rapids Gold (according to Ellis).
After waiving Matt Ryan, some executives are wondering if the Lakers will look to make a roster upgrade around the edges (according to Michael Scotto).
The Cavaliers and Kevin Love, who is on an expiring contract, have mutual interest in extending their relationship beyond this season (according to Chris Fedor).
Jason Kidd said that Josh Green is going to get paid a lot of money. H/t Callie Caplan.
AGENTS:
Kristaps Porzingis signed on with agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports (according to Stefan Bondy). He has a $36.02 million player option after this season.
Kristaps Porzingis said that he is hoping to stay with the Wizards long-term. H/t Jake Fischer. Several rival executives believe that Washington will not lose Porzingis (according to Eric Pincus).
AGENCIES:
Life Sports Agency hired Radiant Co-Founder Alex Tarshis as Executive Vice President of Marketing.
Agents Olle Hansson and Erik Friman left JCK Sports for AMR Agency (according to Guido Guida).
NIL:
Arizona State junior PG DJ Horne has now signed on with FR/Action for NIL (according to Guido Guida).
Texas senior PF-SF Dylan Disu signed on with FR/Action for NIL (according to Guida).
Vanderbilt senior C-PF Luke Robbins signed on with FR/Action for NIL (according to Guida).
Illinois junior C Brandon Lieb signed on with FR/Action for NIL (according to Guida).
Lafayette freshman SF-SG Josh Rivera signed on with FR/Action for NIL (according to Guida).
Washington State freshman C Adrame Diongue signed on with PNW Sports Group for NIL (according to Guida).
Virginia senior SG Armaan Franklin signed on with Seven1 Sports & Entertainment for NIL (according to Guida).
Texas senior SF Brock Cunningham signed on with Young Money APAA Sports for NIL (according to Guida).
RECRUITING:
2023 4 star C-PF Isaiah Miranda committed to NC State. H/t Adam Finkelstein.
2024 4 star C Peyton Marshall committed to Auburn. H/t Joe Tipton.
Update: Update: 2024 4 star PF Donnie Freeman, the #1 recruit in his class from DC, said that a decision will probably come by January or February. H/t Brandon Jenkins.
2024 4 star SF-SG Dwayne Pierce said that as of right now he aims to make a decision in the summer time. H/t Dushawn London.
2024 5 star SG Ian Jackson, #1 recruit in his class from New York, said that he will have a decision timetable soon. He said that it's up in the air whether he reclassifies to 2023. H/t Joe Tipton. 24/7 lists Kentucky, LSU, UNC, and Oregon as the favorites. Rivals Future Cast for Jackson says 100% Kentucky (1 prediction).
2024 4 star SG Malachi Palmer said that he has had conversations about reclassifying to 2023 but right now he thinks he won't (according to Jamie Shaw).
2024 4 star SG-PG Jaeden Mustaf said that as of now he is hearing a lot from Indiana, Virginia, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Georgetown, NC State, and Florida State, among others. He said he doesn't really know when he'll decide - maybe after the season. H/t Dushawn London. 24/7 lists Florida State, Georgetown, and Maryland as the favorites.
2023 3 star SF Wesley Tubbs III said that the two schools that he has been in recent contact with are Wake Forest and Georgia State. He said that he isn't in a rush to make a decision. H/t Travis Branham.
2024 3 star C Lathan Sommerville said that Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Penn State and Western Michigan are among the schools involved in his recruitment. H/t Dushawn London.
2025 5 star SG Isiah Harwell, the #1 SG in his class and the #1 recruit in his class from Utah, said that he's hearing from UNC, Duke, Kansas, Gonzaga, and Kentucky. H/t Jamie Shaw.
DRAFT:
Many scouts believe that Victor Wembanyama is the best draft prospect in more than a decade (according to LJ Ellis).
The Spurs have held internal discussions to gameplan about scenarios in which they draft Victor Wembanyama and he is the top player on their draft board from their due diligence - no question. The Spurs hope that Gregg Popovich would continue to coach if they win the draft lottery. Part of the reasoning behind San Antonio trading Dejounte Murray in the offseason was the potential of landing Wembanyama in the draft. The Spurs are reluctant to trade Jakob Poeltl due to his potential fit next to Wembanyama. Wembanyama would play power forward to begin to give him space to grow and protect his body. Down the line you could leave the door open to him playing outside or center. Wembanyama could play next to Jeremy Sochan, who would play on the ball more, and could possibly start at point guard in the future (per Ellis).
Texas freshman SF Dillon Mitchell is a projected 1st round draft pick (according to Jonathan Givony).
Illinois senior SG-SF Terrence Shannon Jr. is a projected 1st round draft pick (per Givony).
Illinois junior PF Coleman Hawkins is a projected 1st round pick (per Givony).
NBA scouts have taken notice of 2023 4 star PF Eric Dailey Jr., a post grad, this season (according to Jamie Shaw).
NBA guys love Arkansas sophomore PF-C Trevon Brazile's upside (according to Jeff Goodman).
INJURIES:
Trevon Brazile of Arkansas is out for the rest of the season due to a right knee injury.
Jaelin Llewellyn of Michigan is out for the rest of the season due to a left ACL injury.
Chet Holmgren, who remains out for the season, had a successful secondary procedure to remove hardware from his initial Lisfranc procedure in August.
MEDICAL:
Larry Brown resigned from his assistant coaching job with Memphis due to health concerns that are not considered serious.
Gavin Baxter of Utah medically retired from basketball.
OTHER:
Joel Embiid told Marc Stein that he is deferring all conversations about his international future until the offseason.
Ja Morant passed Marc Gasol's franchise-record of total triple-doubles on December 7.
Follow me on Twitter @kylecohennba.