Since Phoenix acquired Nick Richards from Charlotte earlier this month, most of the focus has been on how the big man is helping the Suns. But the deal has also had a positive effect on the Hornets, according to Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer, who says veteran swingman Josh Okogie has been just what the team needs. Okogie set new personal season highs with 16 points … [Read more...] about Southeast Notes: Okogie, Butler, Hawks, Bitadze
Southeast Notes: Okongwu, Young, Johnson, Poole, Smith Jr.
In the three games leading up to his promotion to the starting lineup, Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu averaged 18.3 points and 15.7 rebounds. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, his call-up to the opening five was a reward for his strong play and an opportunity to see what he could do as a starter. Okongwu is seen as part of Atlanta’s young core headlined by Jalen Johnson, … [Read more...] about Southeast Notes: Okongwu, Young, Johnson, Poole, Smith Jr.
Trade Rumors: Turner, Heat, Brown, Raptors, Clippers
Asked on a live stream on Friday whether the Pacers might be open to trading center Myles Turner, who is on an expiring contract, Jovan Buha of The Athletic (YouTube link) said he has heard a “little bit of chatter” about that possibility. However, based on his wording, it sounds like Buha is just referring to speculation from rival executives who are curious about whether … [Read more...] about Trade Rumors: Turner, Heat, Brown, Raptors, Clippers
Suns Rumors: Butler, Nurkic, Durant, Beal
There was an “undeniable vibe” in Miami on Tuesday that the Suns‘ draft-pick trade with Utah moved Phoenix a step closer to potentially acquiring Jimmy Butler, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link), who say a source close to the process believes there’s a “real pathway” to a deal sending the Heat star to the Suns. [RELATED: Likelihood Of … [Read more...] about Suns Rumors: Butler, Nurkic, Durant, Beal
Southeast Notes: Wizards Core, Magic, Hunter, Capela, Heat
Success for the Wizards this season isn’t necessarily going to be measured in wins or losses. Their young core being enough to lift them to a postseason berth would have been greatly exciting, but an accelerated timeline isn’t all that common. Instead, as Josh Robbins of The Athletic writes, this Washington season was always going to be about seeing which young players are … [Read more...] about Southeast Notes: Wizards Core, Magic, Hunter, Capela, Heat