Latest news with #DillonBrooks
New York Times
13 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Assessing the Suns' return for KD
There will be new basketball leadership in Toronto. What else will the offseason bring? Follow along for the latest. Getty Images Since the season ended, Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has promised an organizational makeover, one built around toughness and grit. This is the start. At the 2023 trade deadline, Phoenix had acquired Kevin Durant for a package that included Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and four unprotected future first-round picks. While the Suns didn't come close to matching what they gave up to acquire Durant, this might have been the best they could do under the circumstances. Jalen Green is a high-scoring guard who has improved over his four NBA years. He's explosive, athletic and dependable. He's played all 82 games the past two seasons, and this season averaged a team-best 21 points while shooting a career-best 35.4 percent on 8.1 attempts per game. Last October, Green signed a three-year rookie extension worth $106 million. The obvious issue: The trade gives Phoenix an overflow of guards. Green joins a group that includes Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen. Booker and Green could give Phoenix a dynamic backcourt if the chemistry is right, something Phoenix battled with Durant. Dillon Brooks is among the league's biggest irritants, a small forward who loves to get inside the heads of opponents. He has the toughness Phoenix seeks, but he often goes too far. His 19 technical fouls this season trailed only the Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards. Brooks has two years left on a contract worth $41.1 million. The No. 10 pick positions Phoenix to add a solid rotation player at a position of need, someone like Duke center Khaman Maluach. The Suns also have the 29th pick, so they have an opportunity to change the roster quickly. Joe Camporeale / Imagn At first glance, Kevin Durant looks like a hand-in-glove fit for a Houston Rockets team that struggled offensively at times last season, especially in the halfcourt — deficiencies that were exposed by a veteran Warriors team in the first round of the playoffs. For all the benefits that the rebuild has brought, their lack of a consistent go-to scorer is arguably the biggest thing holding the Rockets back from making a deep playoff run. Durant's three-level efficiency will instantly raise Houston's ceiling and gives head coach Ime Udoka optionality with in-game lineups. One criticism about the Rockets' coaching staff was the lack of creativity in some of its play calling. With Durant, an analytical darling, there should be more rhythm and flow in Houston's execution. Alperen Şengün and Fred VanVleet (and Amen Thompson to a lesser degree) have the ability to create plays for others, but Houston's lack of outside shooting has been a consistent issue over the years. Now, Udoka doesn't have to put multiple non-shooters on the floor at the same time for extended periods, with the luxury of slotting Durant into any five-man pairing. According to tracking, Durant averaged 5.7 catch-and-shoot attempts last season, which led the team. His effective field goal percentage (66.9) and three-point efficiency (45.6 percent) also led the team. Envision a VanVleet/Şengün pick-and-roll on the weak side with Durant waiting in the opposite slot. Questions about Durant's longevity will naturally arise given his age, injury history and the opening of a title window in Houston. But there's no question that the Rockets' elite defense and Durant's elite offensive arsenal are a match made in heaven, if not extremely close to that. Christian Petersen / Getty Images Kevin Durant's future in the desert became clear at this season's trade deadline. Fighting to reach .500, the underperforming Suns explored trading the superstar without informing him, something Durant did not appreciate. Over the season's final weeks, Durant seemed to accept his fate. With Phoenix lacking roster flexibility as a second-apron team, the Suns needed to reset. Trading him was their best option. This marks the first blockbuster trade for Phoenix general manager Brian Gregory, a former college basketball coach who was promoted to his new role as part of a front-office revamp in May. After the Suns missed the playoffs despite boasting the league's highest payroll, owner Mat Ishbia set out to establish an organizational identity focused on toughness. GO FURTHER Suns trade Kevin Durant to Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 1st-round pick: Sources What a way for Kevin Durant to find out the news he had been traded to the Houston Rockets. Christian Petersen / Getty Images Mark L.: Great trade for Houston. They overpaid Brooks and Green is a liability on defense. Only one 1st for Durant and they keep the best pieces of their core long term. They will be a threat to OKC next year if they stay healthy. Femi O.: If the Rockets believe that they are one player away from a title, it's hard to do better than this. It's reminiscent of the Raptors trading for Kawhi even though they didn't know if they would be able to keep him for more than one year. Larry P.: As a Rockets fan I have mixed feelings about this. Excited though to see how the season turns out. Robert G.: This doesn't seem like Houston gave up much for Durant. Drake T.: Strange to think this was the best offer PHX could get for KD. Thomas Shea / Imagn By Doug Haller, Sam Amick and Kelly Iko The Phoenix Suns are trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft and five second-round picks, team sources told The Athletic. Durant will play for his fifth franchise, following stints with the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix. He has one year left on his current contract at $54.7 million, and is eligible this summer for a two-year extension worth up to $122 million. The 15-time All-Star turns 37 in September. ESPN first reported the trade. Green, 23, is a 6-foot-4 guard who has averaged 20.1 points per game across four seasons. He averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season while shooting 42.3 percent. Brooks, 29, is an eight-year veteran who has averaged 14.2 points throughout his career. He shot a career-best 39.7 percent from 3-point range last season. He is also known as a physical defender and was second-team All-Defense in 2022-23. Read the rest of our story on the trade below. GO FURTHER Suns trade Kevin Durant to Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 1st-round pick: Sources The Phoenix Suns have sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in a long-rumored trade agreed upon mere hours before Game 7 of the NBA Finals. In exchange, Phoenix will receive Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five second-round picks. Durant, who will soon turn 37, has been on borrowed time in Phoenix since the February trade deadline, when Phoenix and Golden State considered a deal that would have reunited Durant with his former Warriors teammate Steph Curry. This is the second blockbuster trade to be completed this month. Last Sunday, the Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies for Cole Anthony, Kentavious-Caldwell Pope, four first-round picks and a pick swap. Check back here for all the latest reaction on the Durant deal and other moves throughout the NBA's offseason. GO FURTHER Suns trade Kevin Durant to Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 1st-round pick: Sources Kirby Lee / Imagn We want to hear from you! Have some opinions about the Kevin Durant trade saga? Send us your thoughts on the Durant trade, or anything else regarding the NBA offseason, via email at live@ We'll feature some of our favorite entries right here on the blog! Christian Petersen / Getty Images The NBA offseason waits for no one, not even the teams competing in the 2025 NBA Finals. We've already seen two big trades: Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets and Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. Here are the other key dates you must know. Tomorrow : Each team may begin negotiating with upcoming free agents who finished the just-completed season on its roster. : Each team may begin negotiating with upcoming free agents who finished the just-completed season on its roster. Weds. and Thurs.: NBA Draft NBA Draft June 30: Each team may begin negotiating with all other upcoming free agents (beginning at 6 p.m. ET) Each team may begin negotiating with all other upcoming free agents (beginning at 6 p.m. ET) July 5-6, 8: California Classic Summer League (Warriors, Lakers, Heat, Spurs) California Classic Summer League (Warriors, Lakers, Heat, Spurs) July 5, 7-8: Salt Lake City Summer League (Jazz, Grizzlies, Thunder, 76ers) Salt Lake City Summer League (Jazz, Grizzlies, Thunder, 76ers) July 6: Each team may begin signing free agents to contracts (12:01 p.m. ET) Each team may begin signing free agents to contracts (12:01 p.m. ET) July 10-20: Las Vegas Summer League Kenneth Richmond / Getty Images Hello and welcome to The Athletic's ongoing coverage of the NBA offseason, which has begun before this current season officially ended. Hours before the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to do battle in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets completed a blockbuster trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five second-round picks. If that move is any indication, this will be an active offseason. Stay tuned to this live blog for the latest.
New York Times
17 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
The latest on the Kevin Durant trade
The Phoenix Suns have sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in a long-rumored trade agreed upon mere hours before Game 7 of the NBA Finals. In exchange, Phoenix will receive Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five second-round picks. Durant, who will soon turn 37, has been on borrowed time in Phoenix since the February trade deadline, when Phoenix and Golden State considered a deal that would have reunited Durant with his former Warriors teammate Steph Curry. This is the second blockbuster trade to be completed this month. Last Sunday, the Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies for Cole Anthony, Kentavious-Caldwell Pope, four first-round picks and a pick swap. Check back here for all the latest reaction on the Durant deal and other moves throughout the NBA's offseason. GO FURTHER Suns trade Kevin Durant to Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 1st-round pick: Sources
National Post
a day ago
- Sport
- National Post
Canadian NBA star says ex-girlfriend threatened to cut off his fingers
Dillon Brooks has been known to get under the skin of his opponents on the basketball court, but the Canadian NBA star reportedly is dealing with some troubling issues off the court. Article content Brooks, who was traded to the Phoenix Suns earlier this month as part of a package that sent superstar Kevin Durant to Houston, has alleged that his ex-girlfriend threatened to cut off his fingers. Article content Article content According to TMZ, Brooks filed a restraining order against former partner Heather Andrews, whom he accused of harassment and making threats. Article content Brooks claims a message purportedly from Andrews – with whom he shares two young children – includes a threat of having someone cause bodily harm to him. Article content 'I'll habe [sic] someone cut each one of your f***ing little fingers off one by one… So you can never play basketball LOL… And actually now I understand why people are racist,' the message allegedly read. Article content Article content The Mississauga native says that the alleged harassment began around the time that Andrews became pregnant with their first child. Article content Brooks also alleges emotional abuse and that Andrews has shared private conservations online on several occasions to cast him in a negative light. Article content Article content When Andrews became pregnant with their second child, Brooks claims that her threats intensified and the 'threats referenced various different ways that she was going to hurt me either personally, professionally, or both.' Article content He also claimed Andrews threatened his mother, writing, 'I'll send someone after your mom to [sic] bitch.' Article content The pair, who reportedly met in a Las Vegas nightclub in 2018, are expected to meet in front of a judge in July. Article content Brooks, a second-round pick who began his career with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2017, is known as one of the biggest antagonists in the NBA. He has been suspended no fewer than five times by the league over his eight-year career and was named to the NBA's second all-defence team in 2022-23. Article content
Toronto Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Canadian NBA star says ex-girlfriend threatened to cut off his fingers
Dillon Brooks claims former girlfriend's 'threats referenced various different ways that she was going to hurt me either personally, professionally, or both.' Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets works against Ochai Agbaji of the Toronto Raptors during a game this past season. Getty Images Dillon Brooks has been known to get under the skin of his opponents on the basketball court, but the Canadian NBA star reportedly is dealing with some troubling issues off the court. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Brooks, who was traded to the Phoenix Suns earlier this month as part of a package that sent superstar Kevin Durant to Houston, has alleged that his ex-girlfriend threatened to cut off his fingers. According to TMZ, Brooks filed a restraining order against former partner Heather Andrews, whom he accused of harassment and making threats. Brooks claims a message purportedly from Andrews – with whom he shares two young children – includes a threat of having someone cause bodily harm to him. 'I'll habe [sic] someone cut each one of your f***ing little fingers off one by one… So you can never play basketball LOL… And actually now I understand why people are racist,' the message allegedly read. The Mississauga native says that the alleged harassment began around the time that Andrews became pregnant with their first child. Brooks also alleges emotional abuse and that Andrews has shared private conservations online on several occasions to cast him in a negative light. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. When Andrews became pregnant with their second child, Brooks claims that her threats intensified and the 'threats referenced various different ways that she was going to hurt me either personally, professionally, or both.' He also claimed Andrews threatened his mother, writing, 'I'll send someone after your mom to [sic] bitch.' Read More The pair, who reportedly met in a Las Vegas nightclub in 2018, are expected to meet in front of a judge in July. Brooks, a second-round pick who began his career with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2017, is known as one of the biggest antagonists in the NBA. He has been suspended no fewer than five times by the league over his eight-year career and was named to the NBA's second all-defence team in 2022-23. Brooks was a member of the Canadian national men's team that won bronze at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and competed at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Toronto Raptors Toronto Raptors Music Sunshine Girls Canada
News.com.au
a day ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Dillon Brooks says his ex threatened to cut his fingers off as he files restraining order
Mercurial NBA star Dillon Brooks alleges his ex once threatened to cut off his fingers, with the newly acquired Phoenix Sun now seeking a restraining order. Brooks — just days removed from being traded out of Houston as part of the Kevin Durant blockbuster — filed for a restraining order in Los Angeles against his ex Heather Andrews, the New York Post reports. Brooks reportedly accused Andrews of harassment and making threats, according to TMZ. In purported correspondence obtained by TMZ, Brooks said a message allegedly from the mother of his two young children read: 'I'll habe [sic] someone cut each one of your f**king little fingers off one by one… So you can never play basketball LOL… And actually now I understand why people are racist.' Brooks, said to have met Andrews at a Las Vegas nightclub in 2018, claimed the harassment originated around the time she was pregnant with their first child. He alleges to have been the recipient of 'emotionally abusive' messages, with their private exchanges sometimes being shared in a public space to cast him in a negative light. The matter intensified when their second baby was on the way, according to Brooks, who said Andrews' 'threats referenced various different ways that she was going to hurt me either personally, professionally, or both'. Brooks also claimed Andrews threatened his mother by sharing the message: 'I'll send someone after your mom to [sic] bitch.' The former second-round pick recently alleged Andrews gained unauthorised access to his account on the OurFamilyWizard co-parenting app and transmitted 'a 'criminal threat' message to herself purporting to come from me', per TMZ. Beyond the alleged threats, Andrews is accused of defacing Brooks' property. One apparent incident dating back to 2022 claims she scribbled 'You Suck Bitch' on an outdoor mantle. Both parties are expected to meet in front of a judge in July. Brooks, widely regarded as the league's top antagonist, is heading to the Suns after Phoenix shipped Durant to the Rockets last weekend. Young star Jalen Green is also part of the package. Brooks averaged 14 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game this season. He began his career in Memphis in 2017.
