The NBA world’s attention is focused on the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis this Friday, where the Oklahoma City Thunder will seek revenge against Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers, with the intention of tying an exciting Finals.
However, for the 28 teams not in contention, activity doesn’t stop. Less than two weeks from a potentially eventful NBA draft and less than three weeks from the start of the free agency period, we analyze the most recent events in the league.
With trade rumors involving Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the New York Knicks’ coaching search, and the first whispers of free agency, attention is elsewhere from the Pacers-Thunder matchup.
What future awaits Giannis?
The uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future is the main topic of the offseason, unless a trade materializes or Milwaukee confirms that the two-time MVP will remain on the team.
Acquiring Giannis, in his prime at 30 years old, is an attractive possibility for other teams. However, this is far from a certainty. Antetokounmpo is expected to start next season as a Bucks player, according to sources close to the situation.
In meetings with the management, Bucks coach Doc Rivers and general manager Jon Horst have presented plans to keep the team’s core around Antetokounmpo, with the aim of competing for a top-six playoff spot and hoping that Damian Lillard recovers from his injury before the end of next season.
With Jayson Tatum undergoing rehabilitation and the Boston Celtics possibly reducing their roster, the uncertainty surrounding Joel Embiid’s health and several rebuilding teams in the East, the Bucks could once again be contenders with their MVP.
The question is whether the Bucks will be willing to pay the luxury tax next season. Starting center Brook Lopez will be a free agent and Bobby Portis must decide on his $13.4 million player option.
If Lopez re-signs, Milwaukee won’t have many options to avoid the tax. If he enters free agency, the Bucks could avoid it. The team is expected to pay the tax again after spending more than $200 million in recent years.
Rival teams suspect the Bucks will end up paying the tax, but will keep their payroll below the first threshold of $196 million, which would allow them to access a larger portion of the $14 million mid-level exception.
A starting point guard will be needed in place of Lillard, with candidates like Dennis Schroder, Tyus Jones, and Malcolm Brogdon. More will be known once the Milwaukee roster is defined after the draft and free agency, which will give a better idea of the Bucks’ aspirations and the possibility of competing next year with Antetokounmpo.
Where will Durant play?
Unlike Antetokounmpo, Durant’s situation is not so ambiguous. The Suns and Durant are considering trade offers, according to reports.
Five teams have shown interest: Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks. Several more clubs have inquired about Durant, 36 years old.
For Phoenix, a trade will be complex for several reasons. Durant must want to go to the team. The team will probably have to offer him an extension of more than $60 million per season for his seasons 38 and 39. The Suns will need to get good compensation in the trade.
On the February trade deadline, the Suns talked to several teams about Durant without his knowledge. When he found out, Durant stopped the negotiations. There was internal disagreement about how the process was handled.
The most important thing now is to keep Durant informed. The Suns need a favorable trade more than keeping Durant happy. If both can be achieved, that would be excellent.
The Timberwolves, who were a second-apron team, could have more flexibility to execute a transaction. The Clippers could also be a team to watch out for.
The saga could be resolved on draft night, June 25. With the weak free agent class and the lack of teams with salary cap space, this year’s draft could be even more active than usual.
Who will be the Knicks’ coach?
Tom Thibodeau, former Knicks coach, published a full-page ad in The New York Times thanking the organization, players, and fans for his five years. However, the search for a replacement for Thibodeau is turning into a nightmare.
In 24 hours, the Knicks were rejected by five teams in their attempts to speak with their coaches: Atlanta Hawks (Quin Snyder), Chicago Bulls (Billy Donovan), Dallas Mavericks (Jason Kidd), Rockets (Ime Udoka), and Timberwolves (Chris Finch). This doesn’t usually happen and has left many in the league surprised.
A team like the Knicks, which parts ways with a coach who won a series in three consecutive playoffs and reaches its first conference final in 25 years, usually knows who it’s looking for.
New York didn’t have a plan when it decided to do without Thibodeau.
Things could change in the cases of Kidd in Dallas and Donovan in Chicago. Kidd has a history of problematic departures. Donovan is a native of Long Island. The Knicks could look at Taylor Jenkins, Mike Brown, or Michael Malone. Johnnie Bryant, assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, could be an option.
The only thing clear is that the search for a coach is not going as the Knicks hoped.
What will happen with Ty Jerome?
Despite the limited free agent class, Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome could have an interesting market.
Jerome, who was a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, averaged 12.5 points in less than 20 minutes per game, with over 51% field goal shooting and over 43% on three-pointers. His return from an ankle injury was key for Cleveland to reach the top spot in the East.
The Cavs fear losing him and Sam Merrill, another free agent. Jerome, who had a $2.5 million contract, could receive a significant raise. The full mid-level exception, around $14.1 million, is expected to be needed to sign him.
However, Cleveland hopes Jerome will return for less as it tries to navigate the second luxury tax limit and the team’s construction challenges.
The team president, Koby Altman, has said he has authorization from owner Dan Gilbert to pay the luxury tax. But, the further a team goes into the thresholds, the harder it is to escape.
