NBA Rumors: Latest Outlook on Post-Draft Buzz and Speculation
Thought the chaos of the NBA offseason would begin to wind down at the end of the 2015 NBA draft Thursday night? Think again.
While the 60 selections undoubtedly bring clarity to most teams' blueprints and give a much more tangible outlook for next season, those picks have a trickle-down effect on the rosters and free agency. Teams don't always hit a home run on draft night, and that can leave soon-to-be free agents and in-house players to change their mindsets following the draft.
Things have already begun to shake up around the league in the hours following Thursday's draft. Here's a look at some of the biggest talking points on the day after the draft.
Aldridge Sweepstakes Takes Shape
Thursday night was always going to be a telling moment in the courting of soon-to-be free agent LaMarcus Aldridge, as potential suitors made important picks that could shape their pursuit of the big man. And the results seem to further indicate the inevitable.
The Portland Trail Blazers didn't pick until the 23rd selection, with which they selected Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. But they quickly packaged Hollis-Jefferson with Steve Blake in a deal with the Brooklyn Nets for second-round pick Pat Connaughton and young big Mason Plumlee, per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski. Along with trading Nicolas Batum days prior, it played even more into Aldridge's possible departure, per ESPN's Marc Stein:
The rumors swirled directly after the draft, as Erik Gundersen of the Columbian reported that Aldridge informed the Trail Blazers that he wouldn't be back with the team. The Trail Blazers denied that report, but Aldridge's likely suitors still positioned themselves accordingly.
The first team to do so was the Los Angeles Lakers, making a bold move to select guard D'Angelo Russell instead of big man Jahlil Okafor at No. 2 overall. That only proved that the Lakers are confident of their chances, per DraftExpress.com's Jonathan Givony:
Of course, the San Antonio Spurs have long been an ideal landing spot as they free up cap space to sign the marquee big man. After selecting Nikola Milutinov as a draft-and-stash pick at No. 26 that won't impact the cap immediately, they positioned themselves as well, per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne:
It has seemed like an inevitability for some time that Aldridge would at least entertain offers from around the league, but his potential departure from Portland has never looked more real. And if the Trail Blazers' efforts in finding another young big Thursday are any indication, they are beginning to accept the reality.
Cousins Staying in Sacramento After All?
While the Lakers' pursuit of Aldridge and potentially Kevin Love began to work its way into the forefront of L.A.'s offseason plans after Thursday night, it started to close the door for another big man to make his way to Hollywood.
The Sacramento Kings were a mess leading up to the draft, as ESPN's Chris Broussard reported they were considering firing recently acquired head coach George Karl due to his insistence on trading DeMarcus Cousins. He wasn't moved during the draft, and Sacramento instead inched closer to remedying the situation.
As reported by USA Today's Sam Amick, the Kings' selection of Willie Cauley-Stein at No. 6 overall could end up benefitting Cousins and may open the door for another Kentucky star to join them:
At first glance, the selection of Cauley-Stein could be seen as a possible replacement for Cousins in the frontcourt. But with Cauley-Stein's limited offensive game and an identity as an all-defense prospect, he could end up meshing alongside Cousins to form one of the NBA's best defensive frontcourts.
There will need to be some serious fence-mending in Sacramento between Cousins, Karl and the front office if it's going to be a happy marriage. But after Thursday night, it appears the Kings are intent on finding that middle ground.
Carmelo Not Happy with Knicks' Draft Moves
The New York Knicks took the unconventional route at Thursday's NBA draft, opting to select international big man Kristaps Porzingis at No. 4 overall. They weren't done there, trading Tim Hardaway Jr. for the chance to nab point guard Jerian Grant at No. 19 overall.
Needless to say, it didn't sit well with the one superstar already in the fold in the Big Apple.
Carmelo Anthony took quite an exception to what the Knicks did Thursday night, according to New York Daily News' Frank Isola. He reportedly called up Hardaway to express his frustration:
As if the circus ever stops around the this franchise, the lack of agreement between Anthony and the Knicks further shows that perhaps the partnership should have ended in free agency last season, per Isola:
When the Knicks re-signed Anthony last offseason and pried him away from overtures from the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and others, they promised a quick rebuild with the chance to compete for championships. Porzingis and Grant may eventually offer that, but the former is more of a long-term project.
Anthony recently turned 31 and has been rehabbing from a knee injury that kept him out of most of the 2014-15 season. It's understandable that he desires a roster around him capable of winning now, not in a few years.
Unfortunately for Anthony, that doesn't seem to be in the cards in the Big Apple.
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