2022 Off-Season Around the League

[Monster]

The Atlanta Hawks are waiving 21-year old guard Sharife Cooper. It was just days ago he was signed to a two-way contract. I'm not sure what happened since then -- perhaps the Hawks saw someone else that they liked more -- but I would have legitimate interest in nabbing him with Minnesota's second two-way spot.

Cooper averaged 17.1 PPG, 7.3 APG, and 4.0 RPG last year in 22 G-League games on .435/.368/.907 shooting. He was a big-time player at Auburn as well. The rub on him is his size, or lack thereof, but I believe in his skill and overall feel for the game.

I was just about the post essentially the same thing, Cam. He's "undersized" but really talented. Super quick with a great feel for the game. The only question mark, other than his size, is his shooting. But his form looks fine. I loved him in Summer League. I never thought he'd be available. He'd be a great two-way contract addition to the Wolves. Again, it's his feel for the game that really jumps out when you watch him.

He would already have chemistry with AJ Lawson. That team was crazy talented.

I watched some clips of him. Maybe I'm seeing things but I thought he looked bigger in the SL league clips than when he was playing for Auburn. I'm intrigued. He is 4 months older than TyTy Washington.

[Lipoli390]

I love Shaq's comment on Durant's trade request:

ClutchPoints: "When you put a house together, you should live in it... You, as a leader, should make it work, but you don't want to make it work, I guess...You know he's probably trying to get to a contender. It's easier that way." Shaq on Kevin Durant's trade request
Source: Twitter @ClutchPointsApp

I liked Durant when he first came into the League. But I've come to dislike him. He's a thin-skinned whiner who is always looking for the easy path - the antithesis of a sport hero. He had an ideal situation paired with Westbrook in OKC. They were edged out by the champion Warriors, but instead of sticking with his team and taking another shot at getting to the finals Durant baled and went to the team that beat him. Then when he wasn't getting enough credit with the Warriors, he baled on them to build a "super team" in Brooklyn. Harden left, the going just got tough and what does Durant do? Same pattern and a stark contrast to the true greats of the game like Jordan, Pippen, Stockton, Malone, Dwayne Wade, Tim Duncan, Nowitski, Kobe, KG, and Giannis. And while I don't like LeBron, I respect him as a player. He didn't force his way to Miami at the first sign of difficulty. He stuck with the Cavs and led his team into contention without a good supporting cast and without complaining. And after going to Miami, he left a sure-fire championship contender to return to the Cavs.

Durant and Anthony Davis are great players - Durant top 5 in the League if healthy - but they're both whiny whim-s and I wouldn't want either one on my team at any price.

[Lipoli390]

Here's the latest on the Kevin Durant Saga:

In a face-to-face meeting with Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai over the weekend, All-NBA star Kevin Durant reiterated his trade request and informed Tsai that he needs to choose between Durant or the pairing of general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash, sources tell The Athletic. Durant stated he does not have faith in the team's direction, sources said. 3 hours ago - via Shams Charania @ The Athletic

As if we needed a reminder of just what sort of little twerp Kevin Durant is. I don't see the Nets owner firing Marks and Nash at the behest of Kevin Durant. What this news means is that the Nets now have to trade Durant. It also means the Nets now have less negotiating leverage and will have to accept less than they were expecting in return for him. Durant has also told the Nets he wants to go to Miami or Phoenix. I really, really hope the Heat and Suns refuse to give the Nets what they'd be willing to accept for Durant. I'm hoping he ends up where he doesn't want to be on a team that's unlikely to win an NBA championship while he's there. Unfortunately, I don't think he'll end up with Orlando or Indiana.

The team that's been hottest on his trail has been the Celtics who reportedly offered Jaylen Brown and picks for Durant. The Nets apparently turned that offer down, but I would expect them to take the same offer now if it's still on the table. But if I were the Celtics, I wouldn't offer that deal again. I'm going to be bold and predict that the Knicks will emerge out of nowhere and end up doing a deal for Durant. They have more picks to give than just about any franchise and they also have some nice young talent in Barrett, Toppin, Grimes and Quickly. They also have Randle and Fournier to help with salary matching. I'm thinking a package of Toppin, Grimes, Quickly and 5 future 1st round picks might get it done. Or maybe the Knicks would have to give up Barrett along with Toppin and Grimes and 4 future first-round picks.

[Monster]

Here's the latest on the Kevin Durant Saga:

In a face-to-face meeting with Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai over the weekend, All-NBA star Kevin Durant reiterated his trade request and informed Tsai that he needs to choose between Durant or the pairing of general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash, sources tell The Athletic. Durant stated he does not have faith in the team's direction, sources said. 3 hours ago - via Shams Charania @ The Athletic

As if we needed a reminder of just what sort of little twerp Kevin Durant is. I don't see the Nets owner firing Marks and Nash at the behest of Kevin Durant. What this news means is that the Nets now have to trade Durant. It also means the Nets now have less negotiating leverage and will have to accept less than they were expecting in return for him. Durant has also told the Nets he wants to go to Miami or Phoenix. I really, really hope the Heat and Suns refuse to give the Nets what they'd be willing to accept for Durant. I'm hoping he ends up where he doesn't want to be on a team that's unlikely to win an NBA championship while he's there. Unfortunately, I don't think he'll end up with Orlando or Indiana.

The team that's been hottest on his trail has been the Celtics who reportedly offered Jaylen Brown and picks for Durant. The Nets apparently turned that offer down, but I would expect them to take the same offer now if it's still on the table. But if I were the Celtics, I wouldn't offer that deal again. I'm going to be bold and predict that the Knicks will emerge out of nowhere and end up doing a deal for Durant. They have more picks to give than just about any franchise and they also have some nice young talent in Barrett, Toppin, Grimes and Quickly. They also have Randle and Fournier to help with salary matching. I'm thinking a package of Toppin, Grimes, Quickly and 5 future 1st round picks might get it done. Or maybe the Knicks would have to give up Barrett along with Toppin and Grimes and 4 future first-round picks.

Durant supposedly wanting to fire Nash is kinda ridiculous since they moved on from Kenny Atkinson who did a hell of a job but I guess was the right guy to coach super star players. I kinda get it I guess but they they basically got to have HOF cool dude Steve Nash as their coach. Who does Durant want now? I really love Nash but I don't know if he is a good coach or not. I mean maybe moving on from Nash would be fine I guess.l although I roll my eyes at it.

Move on from Sean Marks though?!?! Wut? His only failing is going for this superstar pairing thing. Meanwhile he continues to find worthwhile/good players with late first round and 2nd round picks etc. Marks is a pretty good GM I'd pick him over Durant at this point no question.

Durant doesn't like the direction of the team? Shocking. Maybe he should have asked me if this whole thing was a good idea when he decided to go to the Nets. I would have said no. Now he wants to go to a good team? Guess what he was on a good team a few years ago. Idk if anyone has heard of them but it's the current NBA champion GS Warriors. If you dislike Durant you should throw up a little celebratory cheer for the Warriors winning a title without him this past season. I'll also say that while it seems clear Durant wants out of his situation does he REALLY want this guy or that guy actually fired? Maybe. Or maybe he is just saying whatever shit he thinks will make things move the direction he wants. Ultimately Durant will get traded for a significant amount of assets. I've been a fan of Harden's talent for years but if I was gonna give up a ton for one of those guys I'd pick Durant. It used to be closer for me but now I don't feel as confident in Harden's ability to stay healthy as a couple years ago. The Nets are gonna get a significant return even with the lack of negotiation power they have. Trading a player like Durant even at this stage of his career is a good problem to have.

Also Lip I will have to push back out your characterization of Durant. It's pretty clear to me he isn't a little twerp he is a BIG one! If nothing else look up his standing reach in your database!!! :)

[Lipoli390]

Here's the latest on the Kevin Durant Saga:

In a face-to-face meeting with Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai over the weekend, All-NBA star Kevin Durant reiterated his trade request and informed Tsai that he needs to choose between Durant or the pairing of general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash, sources tell The Athletic. Durant stated he does not have faith in the team's direction, sources said. 3 hours ago - via Shams Charania @ The Athletic

As if we needed a reminder of just what sort of little twerp Kevin Durant is. I don't see the Nets owner firing Marks and Nash at the behest of Kevin Durant. What this news means is that the Nets now have to trade Durant. It also means the Nets now have less negotiating leverage and will have to accept less than they were expecting in return for him. Durant has also told the Nets he wants to go to Miami or Phoenix. I really, really hope the Heat and Suns refuse to give the Nets what they'd be willing to accept for Durant. I'm hoping he ends up where he doesn't want to be on a team that's unlikely to win an NBA championship while he's there. Unfortunately, I don't think he'll end up with Orlando or Indiana.

The team that's been hottest on his trail has been the Celtics who reportedly offered Jaylen Brown and picks for Durant. The Nets apparently turned that offer down, but I would expect them to take the same offer now if it's still on the table. But if I were the Celtics, I wouldn't offer that deal again. I'm going to be bold and predict that the Knicks will emerge out of nowhere and end up doing a deal for Durant. They have more picks to give than just about any franchise and they also have some nice young talent in Barrett, Toppin, Grimes and Quickly. They also have Randle and Fournier to help with salary matching. I'm thinking a package of Toppin, Grimes, Quickly and 5 future 1st round picks might get it done. Or maybe the Knicks would have to give up Barrett along with Toppin and Grimes and 4 future first-round picks.

Durant supposedly wanting to fire Nash is kinda ridiculous since they moved on from Kenny Atkinson who did a hell of a job but I guess was the right guy to coach super star players. I kinda get it I guess but they they basically got to have HOF cool dude Steve Nash as their coach. Who does Durant want now? I really love Nash but I don't know if he is a good coach or not. I mean maybe moving on from Nash would be fine I guess.l although I roll my eyes at it.

Move on from Sean Marks though?!?! Wut? His only failing is going for this superstar pairing thing. Meanwhile he continues to find worthwhile/good players with late first round and 2nd round picks etc. Marks is a pretty good GM I'd pick him over Durant at this point no question.

Durant doesn't like the direction of the team? Shocking. Maybe he should have asked me if this whole thing was a good idea when he decided to go to the Nets. I would have said no. Now he wants to go to a good team? Guess what he was on a good team a few years ago. Idk if anyone has heard of them but it's the current NBA champion GS Warriors. If you dislike Durant you should throw up a little celebratory cheer for the Warriors winning a title without him this past season. I'll also say that while it seems clear Durant wants out of his situation does he REALLY want this guy or that guy actually fired? Maybe. Or maybe he is just saying whatever shit he thinks will make things move the direction he wants. Ultimately Durant will get traded for a significant amount of assets. I've been a fan of Harden's talent for years but if I was gonna give up a ton for one of those guys I'd pick Durant. It used to be closer for me but now I don't feel as confident in Harden's ability to stay healthy as a couple years ago. The Nets are gonna get a significant return even with the lack of negotiation power they have. Trading a player like Durant even at this stage of his career is a good problem to have.

Also Lip I will have to push back out your characterization of Durant. It's pretty clear to me he isn't a little twerp he is a BIG one! If nothing else look up his standing reach in your database!!! :)

Lol. I stand corrected, Monster.

[AbeVigodaLive]

So does this summarize the Brooklyn thing accurately?

- Durant and Irving show up.
- They demand the Nets sign Deandre Jordan.
- But Kenny Atkinson rightfully realizes that Jarrett Allen is infinitely better.
- So Kenny Atkinson gets fired per Durant... and Allen gets traded. And becomes an All Star. Jordan becomes unplayable.
- Durant wants Nash. Irving says they'll all coach the team.
- Irving can't play because of the vaccination stuff.
- Durant blames the team?
- Durant demands a trade.
- Then demands they fire Nash and/or Marks.

I get that player empowerment is here. I get that draconian owners isn't much/any better. But this is downright silly what's going on in Brooklyn.

I'm already on my way out of college sports with the monetization/bastardization of tradition and faux collegiate atmosphere. Baseball is way too analytics focused. And basketball has its issues if this is the new wave of player empowerment.

Ugh.

[SameOldNudityDrew]

So does this summarize the Brooklyn thing accurately?

- Durant and Irving show up.
- They demand the Nets sign Deandre Jordan.
- But Kenny Atkinson rightfully realizes that Jarrett Allen is infinitely better.
- So Kenny Atkinson gets fired per Durant... and Allen gets traded. And becomes an All Star. Jordan becomes unplayable.
- Durant wants Nash. Irving says they'll all coach the team.
- Irving can't play because of the vaccination stuff.
- Durant blames the team?
- Durant demands a trade.
- Then demands they fire Nash and/or Marks.

I get that player empowerment is here. I get that draconian owners isn't much/any better. But this is downright silly what's going on in Brooklyn.

I'm already on my way out of college sports with the monetization/bastardization of tradition and faux collegiate atmosphere. Baseball is way too analytics focused. And basketball has its issues if this is the new wave of player empowerment.

Ugh.

You could also do some background on Irving forcing his way out of Cleveland, toying with the Boston fans about staying, poisoning their locker room, and leaving Boston for nothing (which a lot of Boston fans I know were totally cool with). And you could also add a bit about Harden quitting his way out of Houston and Ben Simmons doing the same in Philly leading each of them, consequently, to join the team.

Given the obvious dumpster fire in Brooklyn, I think there's a general consensus in the league that this sort of thing is a problem, which suggests it may happen less in the future. I don't know if it's true that LeBron and AD lobbied for Russ (I'm generally skeptical about a lot of reporting out there about this sort of thing, because it always feels like leaks from one side or another), but it's widely accepted that they did. And the fact that THAT has turned into such a mess is another huge cautionary tale out there. So I suspect we will see a little more daylight between players and front offices in the near future, but we'll see. Remember, this whole thing probably blew up because Sean Marks refused to pay Kyrie long-term after all his BS. So there are limits to what people are willing to put up with. And in retrospect, at least initially, the Nets told Kyrie they wouldn't let him play 50% of the games, which showed that Marks was still in charge--until they reversed that decision . . .

In general, I'm all for player empowerment. Those are the guys we're paying to see, so they should get most of the money and have some real agency in the system. But I agree that when guys are publicly calling for trades, quitting on their teams to get traded, or just generally acting like Kyrie, that's just not good. I do think it's fine for the players to have input on personnel decisions, but they shouldn't be able to basically force those decisions like KD and Kyrie were trying to. I think we'll see less and less of the latter in the coming years. As for the publicly demanding trades and quitting on teams? I don't know. That feels a bit more like a genie that's out of the bottle, though they'll obviously address it with the next CBA.

[Q-is-here]

I agree that how Durant and Irving have behaved is egregious - makes them extremely unlikeable. Harden might be my least favorite player in the league and he certainly seemed to get his comeuppance last year, helping the Sixers fizzle out in the playoffs.

The good news is that the last two NBA champions were teams largely built internally and via trades for players that weren't publicly demanding one. And their respective best players (Giannis and Curry) have only played for one team. I think that has garnered a ton of admiration by a lot of their younger peers and hopefully the trend continues. We've certainly seen that reflected in some of KAT's comments regarding the Wolves.

[Monster]

I'll add something else about the Nets. IF........that team was healthy and got on the same page it's actually a really talented roster. Simmons Kyrie Durant is a pretty good 3 top players and they in theory have skill sets that could compliment each other. Then there is guys like Joe Harris Seth Curry,Claxton Patty Mills that are good to really good complimentary players. If TJ Warren somehow can stay healthy that would be a heck of a bench player. They have some young guys they have shown some ability also. The reason I don't believe and haven't believed in the Nets isn't talent. It's mostly availability due to all 3 of their top players having concerns in that area. I can see why someone would want out but I'm also like umm...thanks a pretty talented team why do you want to leave? Also again even considering the idea that they should fire Marks is ridiculous.

[Q-is-here]

I agree Monster, they are a really good team on paper. And if I'm Brooklyn, I basically tell Durant and his agent and any team asking about a trade that they will demand what Minnesota got for Gobert, but instead of role players they want an all-star caliber young player in return along with the picks.

I can accept a superstar player getting fed up with a coach or a franchise if they ultimately fail to build a culture, system, and/or obtain the talent to be really competitive. We've seen plenty of examples dating back to the 80s of a superstar player ultimately getting a coach fired because they just weren't on the same page. Or eventually wanting to move on since his team just couldn't build a winner around him. But guys like Durant, Irving, and Harden have taken things too far. Enough!