Category: NBA Teams

NBA teams blog

Nets and Rockets trade multiple draft picks

The Brooklyn Nets have acquired their 2025 first round draft pick, negating a previously agreed to swap, and their first round pick in 2026, from the Houston Rockets in exchange for a 2025 first round pick swap (Houston/Oklahoma City for Phoenix), the Phoenix Suns’ 2027 first round pick and a the rights to the two most favorable of the Dallas, Phoenix and Houston first round picks in 2029. Brooklyn retains the least favorable of Dallas, Houston and Phoenix’s first round draft picks in 2029.

The Rockets receive:

– In 2025, the rights to swap either their own first round pick or Oklahoma City’s first round pick in exchange for Phoenix’s first round pick.

– Phoenix’s first round pick in 2027.

– In 2029, the rights to the more favorable of either Dallas’ or Phoenix’s first round pick in addition to the right to swap their own first round pick for the less favorable of either Dallas’ or Phoenix’s first round pick.

The Rockets relinquish:

– In 2025, the right to swap either their first round pick or Oklahoma City’s first round pick in exchange for Brooklyn’s first round pick.

– Brooklyn’s first round pick in 2026.

Trail Blazers hire Nate Bjorkgren and Chris Fleming as assistant coaches

The Portland Trail Blazers have named Nate Bjorkgren and Chris Fleming as assistant coaches on Head Coach Chauncey Billups’ staff.

During the 2023-24 season, Bjorkgren served as a Special Assistant to the Coaching Staff for the Trail Blazers. Prior to this past season, Bjorkgren served an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors (2021-23, 2018-2020) and was the head coach of the Indiana Pacers for the 2020-2021 season. A professional basketball coach of 17 years, Bjorkgren’s first NBA coaching job came as an assistant with the Phoenix Suns (2015-17).
A native of Storm Lake, Iowa, Bjorkgren began his professional coaching career with the Iowa Energy (2007-2011) of the NBA G League as an assistant coach, helping the team win a championship in 2010-11 before becoming the head coach of the Dakota Wizards prior to their move to Santa Cruz. The Warriors appeared in the Finals in their first season in Santa Cruz under Bjorkgren during the 2012-13 season. Bjorkgren also had NBA G League head coaching stops with the Iowa Energy (2013-14) and Bakersfield Jam (2014-15).

Fleming spent the last five seasons (2019-2024) as an assistant coach with the Chicago Bulls and will be entering his 10th season as an NBA Coach. Prior to Chicago, Fleming spent three seasons (2016-19) as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets, helping the team improve its win total each season. Fleming’s NBA coaching career began with the Denver Nuggets in 2015-16.

The Forked River, NJ, native served as a head coach in Germany for 14 years where he spent eight seasons (2000-08) with QSTV/Artland Dragons in Quakenbrϋck and six seasons (2008-14) with Brose Baskets Bamberg, where he led Brose Baskets to four German League championships and was named the German League Coach of the Year in 2011. During his time in Germany, Fleming captured four Germany Cup championships along with three German Supercup championships and spent three seasons (2014-18) coaching the German national team.

Lakers name JJ Redick as new head coach

The Los Angeles Lakers have announced JJ Redick as head coach. Redick becomes the 29th head coach in franchise history and the 25th of the Los Angeles era.

“We are thrilled to introduce JJ Redick as the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers,” said Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka. “After a thoughtful and thorough search process, I couldn’t be more proud to welcome JJ, his wife Chelsea, and their two sons to the Lakers family. JJ is a fierce competitor and has an extraordinary basketball IQ and understanding of the modern game that will energize players and excite fans. His rigorous analysis will immediately unlock new opportunities for our roster while setting a foundation for player development over the long term. He brings an intense dedication to innovation, advancing the game and staying at the forefront of an ever-evolving league. Beyond his basketball acumen, JJ has a care for people and genuine empathy that are critical for connecting with players today. This is an exciting time for Lakers basketball.”

Redick, 40, enjoyed a 15-year NBA playing career (2006-21) suiting up for Dallas, New Orleans, Philadelphia, LA Clippers, Milwaukee and Orlando. Of those 15 seasons, the former guard was part of 14 teams that advanced to the NBA Playoffs. The renowned shooter excelled in his role, averaging 12.8 points in 940 regular season games. Redick was a career 41.5-percent shooter from distance and his 1,950 made triples still stand 20th all-time in NBA history.

“I am incredibly humbled to join the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic and successful sports franchises in the world,” Redick said. “This opportunity for me is all about service to the players, team and organization. I want to express my utmost appreciation to Jeanie Buss, Rob Pelinka and the entire Lakers front office. My goal will focus on delivering championship-caliber basketball for Lakers fans everywhere, building on the tremendous history and legacy of the Lakers. I am excited to surround myself with a veteran, innovative staff as we work relentlessly to develop individual players and maximize the team’s potential. My family and I couldn’t be more ecstatic for this new chapter in our lives and look forward to immersing ourselves in the vibrant Los Angeles community.”

Timberwolves sign Head Coach Chris Finch to contract extension

The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed Head Coach Chris Finch to a multi-year contract extension.

“I’d like to thank Glen, Becky, and the entire organization for their continued support and commitment to me and the team,” said Finch. “I’m proud of the way we’ve been able to establish a great culture here with the Timberwolves and I look forward to continuing to lead this organization and make our fans proud.”

“Chris is a wonderful coach, and an even better person,” said President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly. “We are thrilled that he is being rewarded with a well-earned extension. Under his guidance the team has improved every year, he’s the perfect leader for our organization.”

Finch guided the Timberwolves to a 56-26 record in 2023-24, the second-highest win total in franchise history. Minnesota secured the third seed in the Western Conference, marking the third consecutive year clinching a spot in the NBA Playoffs, the most consecutive seasons making the playoffs since eight straight appearances from 1996-2004.

Medical update on Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis suffered a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 9th. This injury always requires surgical repair. Porzingis had hoped to delay surgery until after both the NBA Finals and Latvia’s Olympic campaign, but the injury doesn’t allow for consistent play at the level required for Olympic competition. Surgery will be performed in the coming days, and further updates will be provided when available.

Pelicans promote Bryson Graham to general manager position

The New Orleans Pelicans announced yesterday that Bryson Graham has been promoted to general manager and Jon Moul has been hired as senior director of cap and strategy.

“Over his 14 NBA seasons, Bryson has built a stellar reputation throughout the NBA,” stated Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin. “First and foremost, he is recognized for the strength of his character. His work ethic, basketball acumen, leadership ability and eye for talent have contributed immeasurably to our growth as a franchise. I couldn’t be happier to see him assume the role of general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans.

“We are equally thrilled to welcome Jon to our organization and look forward to adding his experience, creativity and knowledge to our front office.”

Graham enters his 15th season with the Pelicans, his first as general manager after serving the previous five seasons as assistant general manager. During his tenure, Graham has served as one of the organization’s key talent evaluators of players at both the professional, collegiate, and international levels, assisting with the team’s year-round preparation for the NBA draft, free agency and trades.

New Cavs head coach will reportedly be Kenny Atkinson

Per the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

The Cavs have their man.

Sources tell cleveland.com that a long, exhaustive search ended on Monday morning with the franchise choosing Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson, considered one of the favorites from the beginning, to replace fired J.B. Bickerstaff.

Over the last month-plus, the Cavs conducted numerous interviews with various candidates — over Zoom and in person — and eventually narrowed down their finalists to three: Atkinson, New Orleans associate coach James Borrego and Minnesota’s Micah Nori.

Report: Malik Monk will stay with Kings

Per ESPN.com:

Free agent guard Malik Monk intends to sign a four-year, $78 million deal — including a player option — to return to the Sacramento Kings, sources told ESPN on Thursday night.

Monk, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year runner-up, had a career-best season, averaging over 15 points and five assists, and he avoids free agency with the maximum deal available to him to stay in Sacramento.

Pistons fire head coach Monty Williams

The Detroit Pistons announced today that Monty Williams will not return next season as the team’s head coach. The decision comes after a thorough review and analysis of the team’s performance during the 2023-24 campaign.

“Decisions like these are difficult to make, and I want to thank Monty for his hard work and dedication,” said Pistons owner Tom Gores. “Coaching has many dynamic challenges that emerge during a season and Monty always handled those with grace. However, after reviewing our performance carefully and assessing our current position as an organization, we will chart a new course moving forward.”

“I have great respect for Monty as a coach and as a person and I am certain he will be successful in his future endeavors,” added Gores. “I sincerely wish him and his family the very best.”

The search process for a new head coach will begin immediately.

“We are unwavering in our commitment to bring a championship-caliber team to Detroit,” said Gores. “We will be diligent and swift in our search for a new head coach to lead our exciting young core of players and will continue our vision towards building a best-in-class front office that will help us achieve sustainable success.”