Hoops Rumors

The Raptors are among the teams who “highly value” Duke center Khaman Maluach ahead of this month’s NBA Draft, sources tell Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link). However, it remains to be seen if the 7’2″ big man will be available at No. 9, which is the lottery pick Toronto currently controls. If Maluach — who is ranked No. 6 on ESPN’s big board — is unavailable, … [Read more...] about Fischer’s Latest: Raptors, Maluach, Barrett, Suns, Triano

The Nuggets might explore trades involving Michael Porter Jr. this summer, but the most likely scenario has him returning for at least one more season, Bennett Durando of The Denver Post states in a mailbag column. The 26-year-old forward has been the frequent target of trade speculation, but Durando believes he has more value to Denver than he would to any rival team. Durando … [Read more...] about Nuggets Notes: Porter, GM Candidates, Durant, Repeater Tax

The Mavericks will likely deny permission for the Knicks to talk to Jason Kidd about their head coaching vacancy if a formal request is made, Marc Stein states in his latest Substack column (subscription required). Stein cites “well-placed observers” who believe Dallas would turn down the request to interview Kidd, just as the Rockets have communicated that they would do if New … [Read more...] about Stein’s Latest: Kidd, Flagg, Beal, Booker, More

The Raptors are considered by “numerous NBA figures” to be a potential suitor for Suns star Kevin Durant, Jake Fischer reports for The Stein Line (Substack link), especially if their well-documented interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t come to fruition. Fischer writes that the pieces the Raptors have assembled would make for a more realistic trade package for Durant, who … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Durant, Hauser, Nets, Sixers

After reporting before the end of the regular season that there was some mutual interest between the Spurs and Suns star Kevin Durant at the trade deadline, ESPN’s Shams Charania reiterated that point last week during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show (Twitter video link). Charania’s reporting has since been confirmed by a plugged-in Phoenix-area insider. “The team that I … [Read more...] about Latest On Kevin Durant