Latest news with #ChrisMannix
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Knicks Reportedly Not Interested In LeBron James, Believe Roster Is Already Set
Knicks Reportedly Not Interested In LeBron James, Believe Roster Is Already Set originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The New York Knicks have reportedly taken a firm stance on the LeBron James rumors, and it's a hard pass. According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Knicks are content with their roster heading into the 2025–26 season and are not looking to shake things up by bringing in a 41-year-old superstar, no matter how legendary he may be. 'I don't think the Knicks have an interest in LeBron James,' Mannix said on Sports Illustrated's YouTube channel. 'The Knicks are pretty happy with what they did this offseason. They're happy with what they got from Mike Brown. Mike Brown's been a big hit in Vegas, like, big hit. They love the Jordan Clarkson addition. They love the Guerschon Yabusele addition." "They think they've got a rotation that's nine or 10 deep right now. Like, they're not looking to shake that up. Not in a conference, they think they can win with this group.' That statement is particularly bold considering LeBron was rumored to have had the Knicks on his short list, along with the Mavericks, Cavaliers, Clippers, and Warriors, if he were to push for a trade or buyout. LeBron opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, sparking immediate speculation about a potential move. But the Knicks don't appear to be biting. In theory, a trade could have been worked out. New York has the pieces, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and a combination of other assets could have formed the foundation of a deal. They even have a coach in Mike Brown who has a past relationship with LeBron, dating back to their time together in Cleveland. But the Knicks are thinking long-term. They just made the Eastern Conference Finals with a young and talented core that includes Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart. They've built depth, added shooting, and addressed playmaking. They believe this group is ready to contend, and with the East now wide open after devastating Achilles injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, their belief is not unfounded. Bringing in LeBron at this stage could complicate that plan. While James is still a top-tier player and can swing a playoff series, he's also on what could be his final NBA contract. His presence would demand a system shift, a media circus, and possibly a year or two of win-now moves that compromise the long-term balance New York has carefully constructed. When he leaves, the Knicks would be forced to chase another superstar just to maintain relevance. That's not the position the Knicks want to be in. Right now, they have chemistry, youth, and a sense of continuity. While a potential LeBron move might be revisited later if the season goes sideways or Bronny James becomes a tradeable asset, the message from the front office is clear: the Knicks aren't interested in chasing ghosts. They believe the future is already story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Star Link To Knicks Could Spark Concern Among Purple And Gold Fan Base
Lakers Star Link To Knicks Could Spark Concern Among Purple And Gold Fan Base originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers are in a rather interesting spot with their star, Austin Reaves. As the guard recently declined the four-year, $89.2 million extension offer from the team, his future after the next season has become largely uncertain. This degree of doubt could allow the New York Knicks to make improvements, with the two sides being linked in recent rumors. This rumor was addressed by Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix, who spoke about what Reaves brings to the table as a guard who can create shots for himself. He said: "I might look at a team like New York, that has Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, three-and-d types of guys. The Knicks under Mike Brown, looking to become more diverse offensively, maybe they'd be interested in something like that." Reaves has firmly expressed his desire to play out his career with the Lakers. But with the growing likelihood that the guard will reject his player option to test free agency next season, the franchise may not be able or willing to meet his demands. It seems more likely that the Lakers would be willing to gauge interest in him in trade talks now instead of parting ways with him for nothing. In this regard, several teams have shown an interest. With the Knicks in mind, we look at a potential trade package that could help both teams. Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Mikal Bridges New York Knicks Receive: Austin Reaves, Maxi Kleber This trade offers significant short-term benefits for the Lakers, as well as the Knicks. For the Lakers, the acquisition of Mikal Bridges would be immense in strengthening their wing depth and starting rotation. Bridges is one of the premier 3-and-D players in the league today. Coming off a tremendous season with the Knicks, he has established himself as a key role player on a winning team. Last season, Bridges averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, while shooting 50.0% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range. With incredible defensive instincts, the forward also delivered some critical stops, especially in the postseason. The Lakers' current priority has been acquiring elite defenders to fortify their roster. With the addition of Marcus Smart, the Purple and Gold have managed to strengthen their backcourt rotation. Bridges' addition would increase the team's defensive prowess in the starting rotation while also increasing their perimeter shooting ability. Acquiring Bridges is also in the Lakers' interest as the forward is currently on an expiring contract. After a $24.9 million cap hit next season, Bridges will become a free agent. This aligns perfectly with the franchise's plans of keeping a clear salary sheet for the 2026 offseason. Meanwhile, the Knicks also gain a lot from completing this deal. With the addition of Austin Reaves and Maxi Kleber, New York adds significant depth to their overall roster. With regards to Reaves, Mannix made an interesting point in noting the impact of Mike Brown's arrival as the new head coach. In a new system, the Knicks may rely on a secondary guard who is also capable of creating shots, alongside Jalen Brunson. Considering Reaves' tremendous offensive upside and his average of 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists from last season, he could thrive in such a system. A team like the Knicks also allows Reaves to grow as a player. In a system where he could effectively become the legitimate third star, the 27-year-old could maximize his potential, helping New York stake their claim as the best in the East. Along with Reaves, the Knicks would also acquire a savvy veteran big man in Kleber. While his impact is limited, especially since New York signed Guerschon Yabusele as well, his value lies in his expiring contract. This would help New York clear up cap space in the 2026 offseason. The Knicks Don't Need To Do This Trade The Lakers may push for a trade to get the most out of Austin Reaves' contract while they still have it, but the Knicks don't need to make this trade. As constructed, New York has addressed some key roster concerns with their latest offseason acquisitions. While their guard rotation could still use some work, the Knicks need not consider parting ways with Bridges in this trade. While certain rumors have suggested that the forward will be on the trading block, the Knicks may prefer to include him in deals that address more pressing roster needs. Regarding Reaves, the Knicks could be better off playing the waiting story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"LeBron Wants To Have His Cake And Eat It Too": NBA Analyst Says Lakers Star Could Ask For Mid-Season Trade
"LeBron Wants To Have His Cake And Eat It Too": NBA Analyst Says Lakers Star Could Ask For Mid-Season Trade originally appeared on Fadeaway World. LeBron James could've rejected his player option this summer to take a lower-valued contract to help the Lakers build an immediately contending roster around him. But he decided to pick up his $52.6 million player option, and then his representation claimed that he wants to be on a championship-winning roster. Advertisement Experts believe that this move may have backfired on James. There were several reports that teams around the league have little to no interest in trading for a 40-year-old James entering his 23rd season in the NBA at a supermax contract value. According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, James and his representation are more likely to now request a trade mid-season while they evaluate whether the Lakers are genuine championship contenders or not. And they supposedly will hope that the Lakers will agree on finding James a home mid-season on a team where he can fulfill his wishes. Mannix appeared on the Rich Eisen Show and gave his two cents on James' trade saga. "Well, my first reaction was that it struck me that LeBron wants to have his cake and eat it too. He wants to collect the $53 million, which he's entitled to, which by the way, he's worth three times that to the NBA and Lakers organization, and he wants the Lakers to do right by him if he decides he wants to play somewhere else." "Look, LeBron could have opted out and made $15 million per year anywhere. Could have made more in some situations. Like a lot of teams don't have the financial flexibility of like a Brooklyn or a Detroit at one point. Some teams might have only been able to offer that kind of high exception that's available. So, he could have done that. But he wants to get paid, and he wants to collect the full amount of his contract." Advertisement 'So, I read that as him saying, as his team saying, 'All right, yeah, we're going to opt in. We're a Laker right now, but in the weeks and months ahead, if this team doesn't look like it's going to compete for a championship, we are certainly hoping that Jeannie Buss and Rob Pelinka are collaborative with us and try to find a destination that LeBron would want to be at.'' LeBron James' Trade Saga: Potential Landing Spots And More As one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball, James would be a valuable asset for any team he wants to play on. While some teams have their hands tied due to financial constraints, some teams are just not in the position to take on a $52.6 million contract and give James the competitive roster he expects to be on. The Cavaliers, the team that drafted James into the NBA, are reportedly not interested in bringing him back as they would have to lose a major portion of their core to afford James. The Mavericks, which were reportedly the team James wanted to join earlier, are only interested in James if he is bought out by the Lakers. Advertisement Another former team that could bring James back is the Heat, but the Lakers are currently rumored to be negotiating a trade package for Andrew Wiggins, who could've been a part of the package that sent James to the Heat, but the Heat seems unwilling to invest in James at the moment. This is the first time in James' career that he is reportedly viewed as a trade piece by the front office of his team. James also reportedly does not like playing with Doncic. Considering that he acknowledges the Lakers are now Doncic's team, could this finally mean that James is getting traded? If he requests a trade, where will he end up? So many important questions revolve around James' future that the Lakers need to answer in the upcoming season. Related: LeBron James And The Lakers Are Drifting Apart After Seven Years Together This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill Simmons Claims Knicks Owner James Dolan Is Blocking NBA Expansion
Bill Simmons Claims Knicks Owner James Dolan Is Blocking NBA Expansion originally appeared on Fadeaway World. NBA expansion talk has heated up again, especially following the earth-shattering $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers, a figure that stunned the basketball world and injected fresh urgency into adding new franchises. But if there's one man seemingly standing in the way of that future, according to veteran NBA analyst Bill Simmons, it's none other than New York Knicks owner James Dolan. Advertisement On The Bill Simmons Podcast, during a conversation with Chris Mannix, the two discussed the inevitability of NBA expansion and the surprising resistance it's facing. Chris Mannix: "We're going to get two expansion teams probably in the next three years. I think the NBA is going to step on the gas with the expansion now that the Lakers sold for ten billion dollars." Bill Simmons: "You know who's roadblocking them right now? James Dolan. He's got a little cabal of anti-expansion owners just because doesn't want it. He doesn't want to share the media rights." Chris Mannix: "James Dolan doesn't want to share anything. He votes no at every single Board of Governors meeting. Go back and look at some of these meetings, like, how many of them are twenty-nine to one?" Advertisement That statement sent a ripple through NBA media circles. While Dolan has long been a controversial figure among fans, Simmons' revelation pulls the curtain back on what may be happening behind closed doors at NBA Board of Governors meetings. According to both Simmons and Mannix, Dolan has been a consistent 'no' vote on major league initiatives, including past budgets and revenue-sharing proposals, and frequently sends representatives instead of attending meetings himself. This aligns with Dolan's recent track record. In September 2024, he sent a letter to the league vehemently opposing the NBA's new $76 billion media rights agreement, citing what he claimed was an 'unfair distribution' of revenue that hurt larger-market teams like the Knicks. He's also gone on record criticizing how local TV partners are being pushed aside in favor of consolidated national media deals. And now, according to Simmons, Dolan fears expansion would further dilute the pot. Advertisement Adding two new franchises, widely expected to be the resurrection of the Seattle SuperSonics and a new Las Vegas team, would bring more revenue upfront via expansion fees. But it would also mean dividing media rights, merchandise, and sponsorship revenue among 32 instead of 30 teams. That's something Dolan, reportedly worth over $2 billion and fiercely protective of his franchise's financial clout, wants no part of. Despite Dolan's resistance, momentum for expansion is growing. Reports from ESPN and The Athletic indicate that many owners see expansion as a one-time financial windfall, potentially up to $400 million per franchise, and an inevitable step given the NBA's global growth and increasing team valuations. Commissioner Adam Silver has publicly acknowledged discussions are ongoing, though he's stopped short of confirming a timeline. Advertisement Still, Dolan's resistance is a reminder that expansion, like everything in the NBA, isn't just about fans and basketball. It's a boardroom battle over power, revenue, and control. And if Simmons is right, one man in New York may be the reason Seattle and Las Vegas are still waiting. Whether Dolan's influence holds or the owners override him, one thing is clear, the fight for NBA expansion isn't just about growing the game. It's about who gets a piece of the pie. And James Dolan, as always, doesn't want to share his slice. Related: NBA Wants To Create A New League In Europe Over Adding New Expansion Teams This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.


NBC Sports
23-06-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Pacers vs. Thunder one of best NBA Finals what-ifs
Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix joins the Dan Patrick Show to break down Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City, highlighting how Tyrese Haliburton's injury changed the game.