Heat acquire Hornets Terry Rozier
On Tuesday, the Miami Heat made a significant move by acquiring Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier in exchange for guard Kyle Lowry and a protected 2027 first-round pick.
This trade brings the Heat a highly skilled scoring guard, with Rozier currently enjoying one of his most impressive NBA seasons, averaging 23.2 points and 6.6 assists per game.
In return, the Hornets (with a current record of 10-31) are strategically accumulating future assets as they approach the February 8 trade deadline. As part of the deal, Charlotte receives a lottery-protected pick in 2027, which transitions to an unprotected pick in 2028. Sources indicate that the Hornets are actively engaged in discussions regarding other potential trades involving their veteran players, with a focus on accumulating additional assets.
To facilitate the transition, the Hornets are expected to work on finding a new team for Kyle Lowry, who is 37 years old, before the trade deadline. However, if a suitable deal for the veteran guard and his $29.6 million expiring contract cannot be reached, there is a possibility that he may become a contract buyout candidate, as per insider sources.
Notably, the Miami Heat stands to benefit financially from this trade, saving $15.4 million in luxury tax. Additionally, they will create a $6.4 million trade exception as part of the deal.
Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, the new owners of the Hornets, have outlined their strategy to focus on developing young talents like LaMelo Ball and rookie Brandon Miller. They aim to accumulate draft assets and young players through potential deals.
With a current record of 24-19 and holding the sixth position in the Eastern Conference, the Heat are looking to bolster their roster with the addition of 29-year-old Terry Rozier. The goal is to enhance their guard play dynamically, with hopes that Rozier’s presence will contribute to a strong playoff run in the Eastern Conference this year and in the future.
This information was contributed to the report by ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Bucks fire first-year
The Milwaukee Bucks terminated Adrian Griffin as head coach on Tuesday, a move that came as a surprise given the team’s strong performance with one of the top records in the league halfway through his inaugural season.
Sources have revealed that the Bucks are expeditiously exploring a select group of experienced and available veteran head coaches, with Doc Rivers emerging as a primary target, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Bucks have initiated contact with Rivers and are actively engaged in discussions regarding the coaching vacancy.
Bucks General Manager Jon Horst expressed the challenging nature of the decision to part ways with Griffin mid-season in a statement, stating, “This was a difficult decision to make during the season. We are immediately working on securing our next head coach and extend our appreciation to Coach Griffin for his dedication and contributions to the team.”
In the interim, veteran assistant Joe Prunty will assume the role of head coach. Horst is scheduled to address the media in a news conference on Wednesday, ahead of the Bucks’ upcoming home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
During the summer, Milwaukee brought in Griffin to take over as head coach, replacing the long-tenured Mike Budenholzer, who was dismissed following the Bucks’ early exit in the previous postseason. Several months after Griffin’s appointment, the Bucks executed a significant trade to acquire Damian Lillard, adding pressure on the team to achieve substantial success this season.
Currently holding a 30-13 record, the Bucks occupy the second spot in the Eastern Conference as of Tuesday night, boasting the best winning percentage for a team that changed its head coach mid-season since the Cavaliers did so with David Blatt in 2015-16.
Despite their commendable record, the Bucks have faced challenges, particularly on the defensive end. Their defensive ranking has slipped from fourth last season to 22nd this year, and they recently allowed 135 and 113 points in consecutive games against the Detroit Pistons.
Griffin, 49, brings with him 16 seasons of experience as an NBA assistant, including the last five with the Toronto Raptors, following a nine-year playing career in the NBA. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Following the dismissal of Adrian Griffin, the Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly initiated discussions with Doc Rivers regarding the team’s head coaching position, as per sources informed ESPN on Tuesday.
Rivers, a former NBA coach and current ESPN analyst, who previously guided the Philadelphia 76ers to three consecutive Eastern Conference semifinal appearances, is said to be the primary candidate in the Bucks’ quest to fill the vacancy left by Griffin.
In the interim, Joe Prunty has been appointed as the interim coach, marking the third time in his coaching career that he has assumed such a role, including a previous stint with the Bucks after the termination of Jason Kidd in 2018.
Despite holding the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, the Bucks decided to part ways with Griffin after just 43 games into his head-coaching career. This decision was primarily driven by the organization’s belief that they could secure a more experienced coach who would enhance the team’s chances of competing for a championship, according to sources.
Griffin achieved a 30-13 record (.698), but the Bucks experienced a significant decline in defensive efficiency, dropping from fourth to 22nd compared to the previous season. While some of this decline could be attributed to the absence of All-Star guard Jrue Holiday, the organization felt the need for a coaching change.
Griffin took on the coaching role in June, replacing Mike Budenholzer, and was entrusted with implementing his own system into a team of veteran stars. Despite the initial expectations, Bucks general manager Jon Horst believes Griffin has the potential to become a successful NBA head coach. However, the organization lost confidence in his ability to achieve this development within the immediate championship window, sources revealed.
The Bucks are now actively seeking an accomplished veteran coach, and Rivers emerged as the top candidate due to his extensive 25-year head-coaching experience, including a championship with Boston in 2008, sources said. At 62, Rivers, who was an All-American at Marquette University in Milwaukee, brings a wealth of knowledge and success to the coaching position.
Wolves Hornets
Three of the incorrect calls favored Minnesota and six favored Charlotte, including a missed shooting foul that would’ve given Karl-Anthony Towns a chance to give the Timberwolves a lead with less than five seconds left.
Overall, the Hornets should have been penalized for two shooting fouls, two instances of traveling/double dribble, a loose ball foul, and a personal foul. Additionally, the Wolves managed to escape with two uncalled shooting fouls and an offensive foul on the last possession of the game.
Towns delivered a historic performance in the match, securing 44 points in the first half and ultimately achieving a 62-point game. With just 4.5 seconds remaining and Minnesota trailing by one, Towns drove to the basket. However, his layup attempt, during which Leaky Black made contact with his arm, went unnoticed by the officials.
Mitch Kupchak say
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Hornets have initiated a significant roster shakeup by trading their starting guard Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat. This move may be just the beginning, as the Hornets, currently holding a 10-31 record, face the prospect of an eighth consecutive season without making it to the postseason—a prolonged drought, the longest in the NBA.
Mitch Kupchak, the President of Basketball Operations and General Manager for the Hornets, recognizes the urgency to shift focus towards building for the future and accumulating valuable draft assets. Acknowledging the team’s rebuilding phase, Kupchak stated, “I can’t disregard the fact that we’re a team aiming to establish a sustainable foundation for the future, and…
The departure of Terry Rozier, who was delivering a career-best performance with an average of 23.2 points per game on 46% shooting, may signify the initial move in a series of potential transactions. In exchange for Rozier, the Hornets acquired a protected 2027 first-round pick from the Heat and 37-year-old Kyle Lowry, whom they are actively seeking to move before the approaching February 8 trade deadline. The Hornets are poised to make strategic moves to reshape their roster and position themselves for future success.
Miles Bridges and the frequently injured Gordon Hayward, both seasoned players with contracts set to expire at the end of the season, making them unrestricted free agents, are plausible candidates for trade. Despite the Hornets holding their Bird rights, it appears likely that the team is open to trading both players in order to acquire additional draft picks.
When specifically questioned about the potential trades involving Bridges and Hayward, Kupchak remarked, “Given our current performance, no one is untouchable.”
However, exceptions may exist.
LaMelo Ball, who inked a five-year, $260 million max contract during the previous offseason, and Brandon Miller, the second overall pick in the prior year’s draft, are considered integral to the team’s future, according to Kupchak. They are viewed as foundational pieces for the franchise.
Additionally, Kupchak mentioned that there are a few players whom the team might wish to retain, though he refrained from specifying who they are. Notably, P.J. Washington secured a four-year, $46.5 million contract extension during the recent offseason.
While Kupchak avoided explicitly characterizing the recent Rozier trade as a “rebuild,” a term often sidestepped by general managers due to its negative implications, it suggests a strategic shift in the team’s direction.
However, it is evident that we have progressed beyond that stage,” remarked Kupchak. “So, while I can’t pinpoint the exact term, I wouldn’t characterize it as a rebuild.”
Nevertheless, it’s apparent that the Hornets’ roster will undergo changes by mid-February as they strive to construct a team for the future.
Rozier had two years remaining on his existing contract, whereas Lowry is on an expiring deal, providing the Hornets with additional salary cap flexibility this summer.
“The freed-up funds will enhance our financial flexibility, aiding us in planning for the upcoming summer and beyond in the next couple of weeks,” stated Kupchak. Yet, such a valuable asset can also be utilized in a trade to strike a deal. So, while the financial aspect played a role, obtaining the pick was the paramount objective.”
Regarding Lowry, who will turn 38 in March, there’s a substantial likelihood that he might never see playing time with the Hornets.
Kupchak indicated that the team will adopt a wait-and-see stance with Lowry leading up to the trade deadline, signaling their commitment to exploring all options for his move before contemplating a buyout.
“It might be in our best interest to wait and observe developments out of respect for his contributions to the league. We may choose to let the trade deadline pass rather than having him relocate, initiating a process that may or may not materialize. Thus, not playing him seems like the logical course of action, although it’s not definitive. However, that approach appears to be the most sensible,” added Kupchak.
LeBron, Curry, Embiid headline U.S. player pool for Olympics
In pursuit of their fifth consecutive Olympic gold in Paris this summer, USA Basketball is gearing up to face what could be the most formidable international competition ever assembled. The team is pinning its hopes on a mix of seasoned veterans and a recently naturalized American player.
LeBron James, absent from Olympic play since 2012; Stephen Curry, making his Olympic debut; and Joel Embiid, originally from Cameroon but now a U.S. citizen since 2022, have all thrown their hats into the ring for consideration. These high-profile players are among the key names revealed on Tuesday as part of a 41-player pool, marking the initial phase in forming the 12-man team. The final roster is anticipated to be determined as early as May, with the Olympics set to commence on July 27. The players’ post-playoff health will undoubtedly be a significant factor in the selection process.
Following an unmedaled performance with a youthful squad at the World Cup last summer, USA Basketball’s executive director Grant Hill, coach Steve Kerr, and general manager Sean Ford have actively recruited more experienced players in the months since.
The initial list includes Kevin Durant, a three-time gold medalist with Team USA, along with Jimmy Butler, who last competed in Rio in 2016. Also featured are Paul George and Kyrie Irving, both seasoned veterans in their 30s.
While the list is not set in stone, offering flexibility for potential additions or removals in the coming months, it provides insight into the team’s strategic approach as they prepare for what is anticipated to be a significant challenge.
In an unexpected development, Draymond Green, a gold medalist in 2021 in Tokyo, was not included in the list. Green, whom many expected Coach Kerr to strongly consider for the roster, has faced suspensions twice this season for on-court incidents.
It’s evident that the Americans are prioritizing size following challenges against larger teams in the World Cup. Securing a commitment from Joel Embiid became a top goal after facing physicality issues. France, where Embiid holds citizenship, faced a setback when the current NBA MVP chose Team USA. The inclusion of 7-foot-1 rookie Chet Holmgren, the MVP of the Under-19 World Cup in 2021, also aligns with this emphasis on size.
Star big man Anthony Davis, absent from the Olympics since 2016, has entered his name into the pool. Young guards Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Austin Reaves, who stood out in their national team performances last summer, are part of the initial pool as well.
Team USA has announced a showcase game against Canada in a rematch of the bronze-medal game from the World Cup in Las Vegas on July 10 at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 PT. Tickets for this game and showcase games in London against South Sudan on July 20 and world champion Germany on July 22 are available for purchase at usab.com/tickets.
The comprehensive player pool includes Bam Adebayo, Jarrett Allen, Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, Scottie Barnes, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Jimmy Butler, Alex Caruso, Stephen Curry, Anthony, LeBron James, Cam Johnson, Walker Kessler, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Chris Paul, Bobby Portis, Austin Reaves, Duncan Robinson, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Trae Young.
Kevin Porter Jr.
Former Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. has entered into a plea agreement in a New York City court on Tuesday, concerning a case involving his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick.
In connection with an incident at a Manhattan hotel in September, the 23-year-old Porter pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and a harassment violation. Prosecutors claimed that Porter attacked Gondrezick, causing her to be covered in blood with a deep cut above her right eye.
However, Gondrezick has refuted these allegations, stating to the New York Post that Porter “didn’t hit me,” and the accusations of him assaulting her were untrue.
As part of the plea deal, Porter is required to complete a court-ordered treatment program within a year, choosing between a 26-week abusive partner intervention program or an equivalent private counseling program. If he successfully fulfills this requirement, adheres to a limited order of protection, attends all court dates, and avoids further arrests, he will have the opportunity to withdraw his assault plea.
At that point, he would be sentenced to time served for the harassment charge, effectively clearing his criminal record.
Porter’s attorneys, Phillip Jobe and Stephanie Kelemen, released a statement saying, “The resolution will allow
During Porter’s arraignment, prosecutors initially asserted that the attack resulted in Gondrezick having a fractured neck vertebra and a deep cut above her right eye. However, in October, one of the assault charges was dropped, with prosecutors acknowledging that Porter did not fracture Gondrezick’s neck during the alleged assault.
In October, the Houston Rockets traded Porter to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who subsequently waived him. This report includes information from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and The Associated Press.
Cavaliers
CLEVELAND — NBA player Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers has been handed a 25-game suspension without pay by the league for violating its anti-drug policy. The 32-year-old athlete reportedly tested positive for ibutamoren, a growth hormone, and SARM LGD-4033, a substance commonly used in the bodybuilding and weightlifting community for muscle enhancement.
Thompson’s suspension takes effect starting Wednesday, coinciding with the Cavaliers’ upcoming two-game series against the Milwaukee Bucks. He will be eligible to return to play on March 16 against the Houston Rockets. In response to the league’s decision, the Cavaliers released a statement expressing their full support for the NBA’s anti-drug program and standing behind Thompson, offering their support throughout his suspension.
“We are disappointed in the recent news surrounding Tristan Thompson,” stated the Cavaliers. “His absence from game action will impact our team.” During the suspension period, Thompson is permitted to travel and participate in team practices. The only restriction is that he must leave the arena at least two hours before tipoff for any games.
Thompson, a Canadian player originally drafted by the Cavaliers in 2011, is currently in his second stint with the team. A key member of the 2016 NBA championship-winning squad, he has garnered popularity in Cleveland. Over his career, Thompson has played for various teams, including the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers, before re-signing with the Cavaliers this season as a free agent.
Despite the setback, the Cavaliers, on an eight-game winning streak, remain committed to Thompson’s future contributions to the team.