Latest news with #JockLandale
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Warriors running out of time, lose free agent center target to long-time rival
The Golden State Warriors have stayed quiet during NBA free agency so far. Although reports are indicating that they were close to a deal with Al Horford, there still hasn't been any announcement of an actual deal. Now, another Warriors free agent center target is off the market. ESPN's Shams Charania announced Saturday that Jock Landale had reached a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. Advertisement 'Free agent center Jock Landale has agreed to a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, sources tell ESPN. Landale solidifies the Grizzlies' frontcourt as the team and his agent, Sammy Wloszczowski of SIG Sports, reach terms.' While Landale certainly wasn't a top Warriors free agent target, he would have been a role player for a team that needs size. He could have been a nice backup center for Al Horford if he ever does sign. Landale only averaged 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in Houston last season. However, he provided a top seed with an edge and a spark off the bench. The Warriors need more guys like that. He also, unlike Horford, isn't almost 40 years old. Advertisement Jonathan Kuminga's restricted free agency has held the Warriors back from making many quick decisions. However, another day has passed, and another free agent center is off the market. The Warriors need to start making some signings quickly, or there won't be any players left. Otherwise, they will be going into next season with two young and inexperienced centers on their roster. This would put unnecessary stress on Draymond Green, making it not the ideal scenario. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp The Warriors need to keep an eye on the center market. If Horford doesn't sign soon, they may need to pick up a player like Landale as a precaution. More NBA: Warriors predicted to pursue controversial 3x All-Star if available in free agency
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Boston Celtics might acquire $32 million Houston Rockets star to support Jayson Tatum and improve title odds
Jock Landale (Image via USA Today Sports) The Boston Celtics may soon add another big man to their roster, with newly available center Jock Landale emerging as a potential target. The Houston Rockets recently waived the 29-year-old Australian before his $8 million salary guarantee kicked in, making him an unrestricted free agent. With Boston's frontcourt depth shrinking rapidly this offseason, Landale could be a low-cost, reliable option to fill the void. Why the Boston Celtics Need Frontcourt Reinforcements Boston Celtics ' center rotation has taken multiple hits in recent weeks: - Kristaps Porzingis was traded to the Atlanta Hawks. - Luke Kornet signed a four-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs. - Al Horford is reportedly drawing interest from the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers. Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum (Image via Getty) That leaves the Boston Celtics with only three true centers under contract: 1. Neemias Queta 2. Xavier Tillman 3. Newly signed Luka Garza While Josh Minott adds depth, he doesn't provide the size Boston desperately needs. As MassLive's Brian Robb noted, "Boston's frontcourt is very undermanned right now," suggesting another veteran addition is likely. Jock Landale's Fit in Boston Jock Landale, a Saint Mary's product and Olympic bronze medalist, had a limited role in Houston last season but brings valuable experience. Here's a quick breakdown of his 2024-25 stats: Stat Average Points 4.8 Rebounds 3.3 Minutes 11.9 While not a star, Landale offers: - Size and physicality – At 6'11', he can provide much-needed rim presence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo - Championship experience – Played a key role in Australia's Olympic run. - Affordability – Likely available at a minimum or low-cost deal. What's Next for the Boston Celtics? Boston currently has 15 players under contract, including non-guaranteed deals, leaving some flexibility. If Horford departs, expect Brad Stevens to act quickly. Landale isn't a game-changer, but he's a steady, low-risk option for a team in need of frontcourt stability. With few proven centers left in free agency, this move could make sense for both sides. The Boston Celtics face a clear need for frontcourt depth, and Jock Landale presents a practical solution. While he won't single-handedly transform the roster, his size, experience, and affordability make him a logical target. With Horford's future uncertain and limited options available, Boston may not find a better low-cost backup. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Are the Los Angeles Lakers Trading LeBron James for Cooper Flagg? A Deep Dive Into the Latest Trade Rumors Involving the Mavs' Top Pick If signed, Jock Landale would compete for minutes behind Tillman and Queta while providing insurance against injuries. For a team with championship aspirations, even small upgrades matter. As free agency unfolds, expect Boston to weigh all options—but don't be surprised if Landale ends up in green. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rockets waive 6-foot-11 forward
The post Rockets waive 6-foot-11 forward appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Houston Rockets are feeling the vibes of a successful offseason … and we are less than two weeks into it. After trading for Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, the Rockets re-signed key pieces and added more depth to a deep roster. The Rockets ended last season as the No. 2 seed but did not get out of the first round. Now, they aim to take down the Oklahoma City Thunder as the team to beat in the Western Conference. Advertisement Because the team is deep, some players had to be let go. One of those players is 6-foot-11 forward Jock Landale. Once Landale clears waivers, he'll be able to sign with any team. Landale has quietly been a contributor for three different teams and has 11 career starts between the Rockets, Suns, and San Antonio Spurs. Last season, Landale started three games and averaged 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. His 42 appearances were the lowest of his career. In his final regular-season game against the Denver Nuggets, Landale scored 11 points in nine minutes. He shot 53.3% from the floor during the season, so there is value in his game. The Rockets simply didn't need his services any longer. With Durant in the frontcourt with Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun, Houston is deep in that area. Steven Adams, Jeff Green, Tari Eason, and Cam Whitmore are back. Clint Capela returns to the Rockets, and Dorian Finney-Smith also signed with Houston. Head coach Ime Udoka has a ton of depth and size. Durant is 36 years old but is coming off one of his best seasons. If he can stay healthy, then the Rockets will be a force in the West. A potential starting lineup of Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, KD, Smith Jr., and Sengun can compete with any in the league. Advertisement The offseason has only begun. Bill Simmons thinks the Rockets could be involved in more trades as summer progresses. Related: Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen feud recalled by former Rockets teammate Related: Former Rockets teammate says Yao Ming had Nikola Jokic type skills but was held back
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rockets Release NBA Veteran Days After Kevin Durant Trade
Rockets Release NBA Veteran Days After Kevin Durant Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Following a promising but ultimately short-lived 2024-25 season, one in which the Houston Rockets lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs, their front office pivoted decisively toward a win‑now mindset. Advertisement On June 22, the Rockets agreed in principle to acquire two‑time Finals MVP Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. That transaction, encompassing stars, draft picks and salary-matching deals, could balloon into a record-setting seven-team swap, per Fred Katz of The Athletic, involving franchises such as the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves. League rules mandate official sign‑off after the July moratorium, with final paperwork expected on July 6. Parallel to the Durant deal, Houston re‑signed Fred VanVleet and veteran Steven Adams on team‑friendly terms, then used creative cap management to bring back former Rocket Clint Capela on a three‑year, $21.5 million contract. Advertisement On Thursday, the Rockets made another roster move by waiving veteran center Jock Landale. Undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft coming out of Saint Mary's, Landale took his talents overseas, winning the Lithuanian League championship and Cup in 2020, then capturing the NBL championship and Grand Final MVP honors with Australia's Melbourne United in 2021. His international resume includes a bronze medal with the Australian Boomers at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the nation's first Olympic basketball medal. Landale signed his first NBA contract with the San Antonio Spurs for the 2021-22 season, followed by stints with the Phoenix Suns and then Houston beginning in 2023. Advertisement Over four NBA seasons, he compiled career averages of 5.4 points and 3.3 rebounds on 51.8% shooting in 12.8 minutes per game. Despite flashes of efficiency and his team‑first approach, Houston's aggressive offseason agenda left little room for Landale. Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) dribbles against Houston Rockets center Jock Landale (2).© Rob Gray-Imagn Images The move comes ahead of Landale's non‑guarantee date of July 7, when his $8 million salary for the 2025-26 season would have fully vested. By cutting Landale, the Rockets cleared critical room under the NBA's first apron hard cap, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks, set at approximately $195.945 million, allowing them to complete sign‑and‑trade deals for Dorian Finney‑Smith and a reunion with Clint Capela without breaching league financial thresholds. Advertisement With the Rockets poised to finalize Durant on July 6 and already committed to multi‑year deals for Finney‑Smith and Capela, Landale's non‑guaranteed salary became a cap casualty. Related: Dennis Schroder Sends 3-Word Message After Joining Sacramento Kings Related: New Damian Lillard Speculation Emerges After Release From Bucks This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rockets, Jock Landale to delay 2025-26 contract deadline until July 7
In a move designed to maximize options in the opening days of 2025 free agency, the Houston Rockets and veteran center Jock Landale mutually agreed to delay the guarantee date for his 2025-26 salary from June 29 until July 7. The decision was first reported by The Athletic's Fred Katz. Free agency negotiations can officially begin on Monday, June 30. Advertisement After restructuring Fred VanVleet's deal to a lower annual rate, Houston is in line to potentially stay beneath the league's first apron and its luxury tax threshold. In turn, this could allow the Rockets to use the NBA's non-taxpayer, mid-level exception (NT-MLE) to sign a free agent for to $14.1 million in starting annual salary. Houston's recent decisions to re-sign a trio of veteran reserves (Aaron Holiday, Jae'Sean Tate, and Jeff Green) to reduced salaries suggests a disciplined fiscal approach to those final bench slots, with an eye on freeing up NT-MLE flexibility to pursue a rotation upgrade. For that financial plan to work, the Rockets likely need to either trade Landale or decline the $8-million salary under his previous contract. If the Rockets were to pick up Landale's contract at that figure, their collective team salary would likely reach a level that prevents NT-MLE access. Yet, Landale's non-guaranteed salary is also potentially useful as a matching piece in trades. So, by delaying the deadline, the Rockets keep that path open — should general manager Rafael Stone decide that a trade is more worthwhile than an outright NT-MLE signing. From Landale's perspective, since his 2025-26 salary would have to be guaranteed in order for that $8-million figure to count for trade purposes, he has a clear financial incentive to let things play out. Advertisement Because Landale played only sparingly last season, he likely wouldn't be in line to make $8 million, annually, should he be sent into free agency. The Rockets initially signed Landale in the 2023 offseason, and he was slotted at the time as the primary backup at center to Alperen Sengun. But the arrival of Steven Adams bumped Landale to third string in 2024-25, and in 2025-26, Adams will be two years removed from his previous knee surgery and without any medical restrictions or limitations. Last season, Adams' maintenance absences gave Landale more opportunities than a third-string center would normally receive. With Adams now fully cleared, $8 million is an excessive figure for a third-string center that won't regularly feature in Houston's playing rotation. So, Stone and head coach Ime Udoka will likely attempt to use that salary slot more efficiently next season, be it with a trade or by gaining full access the NT-MLE to backfill a rotation role that had belonged to Dillon Brooks (before the large consolidation trade sending Brooks, Jalen Green, and draft assets to Phoenix for All-Star forward Kevin Durant). Advertisement Landale, 29, averaged 4.8 points (52.2% FG) and 3.2 rebounds in 12.9 minutes over the past two seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25) with the Rockets. Should Houston ultimately waive Landale, it's possible that the Rockets could attempt to re-sign him (similar to Holiday, Tate, and Jeff Green) at a lower price point. However, if playing for near the minimum salary, the Australian big man might prefer to go to a team where he has a more clear path to playing time. More: Despite losing minutes, Jock Landale understands why Rockets prioritized Steven Adams This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets, Jock Landale to delay 2025-26 contract deadline until July 7
