logo
#

Latest news with #Suns

Goodwin wants Lever confident for Demons return
Goodwin wants Lever confident for Demons return

The Advertiser

time3 hours ago

  • Sport
  • The Advertiser

Goodwin wants Lever confident for Demons return

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says Saturday's 19-point AFL loss to Gold Coast won't change his plan to get premiership defender Jake Lever back feeling good about his game after a tough 2025. The loss to the Suns was the Demons' fourth in a row and all but extinguished any hope of finals football, leaving them 15th on the ladder and 16 points outside the eight. Lever was one of three players axed by Goodwin for the trip to People First Stadium with the 29-year-old instead lining up for the Casey Demons in their 97-88 loss to the Suns in the VFL. After a season where Lever has already missed eight games with an ankle injury before earning a recall to the AFL team a month ago, Goodwin said his omission was about giving him an opportunity to rediscover his best form. "It's just to get him back feeling good about his footy, back playing where you feel confident about your game," Goodwin said. "Sometimes you can do that at VFL level, and you come back a really much improved and confident player. "He's someone that we value highly. We expect him to come back soon." Regardless of Lever's situation, Goodwin will almost certainly need to change his side for next weekend's trip to Adelaide after losing Blake Howes and Harrison Petty to concussion in the first half of Saturday's game. It's Petty's second concussion of the season after his head collided with Brayden Fiorini's hip while contesting for a loose ball. Suns coach Damien Hardwick, whose primary concern was for Petty, did not however feel that Fiorini had done anything wrong in the incident. "I hope he's (Petty) okay, and I'm sure he will be but we teach our player that technique and look, accidents are going to happen in AFL," Hardwick said. "He (Fiorini) made a play on the ball. I thought he got his hands on the ball at the same time. I don't think he has a case to answer." Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says Saturday's 19-point AFL loss to Gold Coast won't change his plan to get premiership defender Jake Lever back feeling good about his game after a tough 2025. The loss to the Suns was the Demons' fourth in a row and all but extinguished any hope of finals football, leaving them 15th on the ladder and 16 points outside the eight. Lever was one of three players axed by Goodwin for the trip to People First Stadium with the 29-year-old instead lining up for the Casey Demons in their 97-88 loss to the Suns in the VFL. After a season where Lever has already missed eight games with an ankle injury before earning a recall to the AFL team a month ago, Goodwin said his omission was about giving him an opportunity to rediscover his best form. "It's just to get him back feeling good about his footy, back playing where you feel confident about your game," Goodwin said. "Sometimes you can do that at VFL level, and you come back a really much improved and confident player. "He's someone that we value highly. We expect him to come back soon." Regardless of Lever's situation, Goodwin will almost certainly need to change his side for next weekend's trip to Adelaide after losing Blake Howes and Harrison Petty to concussion in the first half of Saturday's game. It's Petty's second concussion of the season after his head collided with Brayden Fiorini's hip while contesting for a loose ball. Suns coach Damien Hardwick, whose primary concern was for Petty, did not however feel that Fiorini had done anything wrong in the incident. "I hope he's (Petty) okay, and I'm sure he will be but we teach our player that technique and look, accidents are going to happen in AFL," Hardwick said. "He (Fiorini) made a play on the ball. I thought he got his hands on the ball at the same time. I don't think he has a case to answer." Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says Saturday's 19-point AFL loss to Gold Coast won't change his plan to get premiership defender Jake Lever back feeling good about his game after a tough 2025. The loss to the Suns was the Demons' fourth in a row and all but extinguished any hope of finals football, leaving them 15th on the ladder and 16 points outside the eight. Lever was one of three players axed by Goodwin for the trip to People First Stadium with the 29-year-old instead lining up for the Casey Demons in their 97-88 loss to the Suns in the VFL. After a season where Lever has already missed eight games with an ankle injury before earning a recall to the AFL team a month ago, Goodwin said his omission was about giving him an opportunity to rediscover his best form. "It's just to get him back feeling good about his footy, back playing where you feel confident about your game," Goodwin said. "Sometimes you can do that at VFL level, and you come back a really much improved and confident player. "He's someone that we value highly. We expect him to come back soon." Regardless of Lever's situation, Goodwin will almost certainly need to change his side for next weekend's trip to Adelaide after losing Blake Howes and Harrison Petty to concussion in the first half of Saturday's game. It's Petty's second concussion of the season after his head collided with Brayden Fiorini's hip while contesting for a loose ball. Suns coach Damien Hardwick, whose primary concern was for Petty, did not however feel that Fiorini had done anything wrong in the incident. "I hope he's (Petty) okay, and I'm sure he will be but we teach our player that technique and look, accidents are going to happen in AFL," Hardwick said. "He (Fiorini) made a play on the ball. I thought he got his hands on the ball at the same time. I don't think he has a case to answer."

Spurs' Harrison Barnes cut off from answering question amid Kevin Durant trade rumors
Spurs' Harrison Barnes cut off from answering question amid Kevin Durant trade rumors

Yahoo

time17 hours ago

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Spurs' Harrison Barnes cut off from answering question amid Kevin Durant trade rumors

The post Spurs' Harrison Barnes cut off from answering question amid Kevin Durant trade rumors appeared first on ClutchPoints. During a community event in Austin, Texas, San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes met with the media. Upon getting asked about his possible inclusion in a potential trade for Kevin Durant, a Spurs media relations employee shut down the question before the reporter could finish it. Advertisement 'No, we're not doing any trade talk. Sorry,' the team's staffer interrupted. It followed a question that comes in the midst of reports that Durant wants to be in San Antonio. 'How does it feel to be involved in trade talk…' Multiple reports have indicated the Spurs are willing to offer several players, including Barnes, and their 14th pick in this month's NBA Draft for Durant. Those same reports, along with speculation, suggest the Phoenix Suns are looking for more. Harrison Barnes faces trade question On behalf of the Harrison and Brittany Barnes Community Fund, the veteran forward helped unveil a newly renovated basketball court at a Boys & Girls Clubs location in the state's capital city. Austin is approximately an hour away from San Antonio by car. Advertisement When Spurs players do such events, usually in the Alamo City, it's common for them to take basketball-related questions as well. But in the rare cases that the player's name is involved in contexts the franchise would rather avoid, the Spurs media staff has limited related questions. The Spurs have been linked to Durant for several weeks now. Because San Antonio is reportedly his preferred landing spot, the organization isn't throwing the kitchen sink at the Suns in a trade proposal. Truth be told, they wouldn't even if KD hadn't reportedly stated he wants to play in the Alamo City. The future Hall-of-Famer will be 37 years old when next season starts. The Silver and Black don't have the intention of trading the second overall pick in the draft and, thus, the chance to add Dylan Harper, nor do they want to part with Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. Harrison Barnes and Kevin Durant history At 33 years old and, admittedly, probably not part of the Spurs young core, rumblings indicate Barnes is a piece the Spurs are willing to part with in exchange for Durant. Advertisement It wouldn't mark the first time Barnes would be replaced by KD. The former North Carolina standout left the Golden State Warriors in the summer of 2016 after the Dubs signed Durant. Golden State, which won a championship with Barnes, added two more with the one-time Oklahoma City Thunder star, and there is a chance history could repeat itself this offseason. Related: Kevin Durant trade offer Spurs must make to Suns to seal deal Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo trade grades for ESPN's Spurs-Bucks proposal

Why the Spurs made right decision to pass up on Kevin Durant trade
Why the Spurs made right decision to pass up on Kevin Durant trade

Yahoo

time17 hours ago

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Why the Spurs made right decision to pass up on Kevin Durant trade

The post Why the Spurs made right decision to pass up on Kevin Durant trade appeared first on ClutchPoints. After offseason reports indicated that the San Antonio Spurs were Kevin Durant's preferred destination, the future Hall-of-Fame forward okayed a trade to the Houston Rockets. San Antonio was unwilling to include this summer's second overall draft pick and NBA Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle in any deal for Durant. Advertisement Reports indicate they were also unwilling to part with either a future first-round pick or forward Jeremy Sochan. That is where the true debate lies regarding whether the Spurs should've pulled the trigger. It's fair to ask whether the Silver and Black should've given up a third-year forward who has yet to put up the type of production you might expect from a ninth overall pick and/or a future pick, considering they have several over the next five-plus years. But what should settle the debate is Durant, as in what he's done or hasn't done over the last several years. Kevin Durant wouldn't have automatically translated to success Durant's Phoenix Suns failed to make the playoffs this past season. That's despite also featuring another player who's currently probably among the ten best in the league, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, who, despite some struggles, still averaged 17 points per game in 2024-2025. With that same core the year before, the Suns were swept in the first round. The season before, they lost in the second round. Advertisement These results came two years after the Suns reached the NBA Finals in 2022 and won 64 games in 2022-'23. In other words, the Suns were worse after they acquired Durant through a trade highlighted by four unprotected first-round picks, a 2028 first-round pick swap, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, and Jae Crowder. Was it all Durant's fault? Of course not. But, it's noteworthy because he teamed with Booker, then Booker and Bradley, with a franchise that had recently come within two wins of an NBA championship and then won 64 games. If his Phoenix teams armed with established stars didn't make long playoff runs, would a Spurs squad centered on a still-blossoming Victor Wembanyama, a recently acquired De'Aaron Fox, and a young, but still raw, Castle? Some may include Dylan Harper in that mix. And that's precisely the reason San Antonio doesn't want to part with the pick that should lead to the former Rutgers star. But, as a rookie, will he affect winning at a substantial mark? The answer to these questions is probably 'no,' which gives more reason for the franchise to focus on its future. Advertisement That the Spurs hold two first-round picks in this draft represents the norm for GM Brian Wright and company. In addition to the second and fourteenth selections this month, they have two more next offseason, two each in 2028, '30, and '31 to go along with first-round picks in '27 and '29. Include second-rounders, and they have 33 selections over the six drafts following this summer's. With all that in the fold, the Spurs didn't see the need to trade for a player who hasn't elevated a team to true contending status since his days with the Golden State Warriors. The 37-year-old left the Bay in 2019. Results haven't followed him since. Related: Spurs rumors: San Antonio targeting ex-1st rounder with Victor Wembanyama connection Related: Fans hit Skip Bayless with Spurs receipts after bizarre 22-minute Thunder video

Heat rumors: What Miami is missing in Kevin Durant trade proposal
Heat rumors: What Miami is missing in Kevin Durant trade proposal

Yahoo

time20 hours ago

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Heat rumors: What Miami is missing in Kevin Durant trade proposal

The post Heat rumors: What Miami is missing in Kevin Durant trade proposal appeared first on ClutchPoints. As Kevin Durant trade discussions intensify across the league, the Miami Heat continue to emerge as one of the most viable landing spots for the Phoenix Suns star. However, despite Miami's strong positioning and persistent interest, a key piece may still be missing from their offer. According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, league personnel believe Miami could be close — but not quite at the finish line — unless they are willing to part with rookie center Kel'el Ware. Advertisement Ware, 21, completed his first NBA season averaging 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 55.4% from the field and 31.5% from three. The 7-foot center with a 7-foot-4 wingspan is viewed as a highly valuable developmental prospect with two-way upside. Sources indicate that Phoenix sees Ware as a central piece in any potential Heat-led trade for Durant. 'To this point in negotiations, the Heat have not firmly offered Ware in a proposed package,' Siegel reported. 'If Pat Riley and his front office don't push more chips in to get Durant, a player Riley has wanted to bring to South Beach for years, they will be out, and the Suns will further their talks with the other teams interested.' Heat's reluctance to include Kel'el Ware stalls talks as Suns seek youth, flexibility in Kevin Durant trade Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Miami has reportedly put together a framework that includes Andrew Wiggins and other assets, but the absence of Ware has slowed momentum in the discussions. While Wiggins would add veteran depth and playoff experience to Phoenix's wing rotation, the Suns are believed to be focused on acquiring young, cost-controlled talent who can grow within a restructured roster. Advertisement Durant, 36, is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract and remains one of the NBA's most productive forwards, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.7% shooting from the field and 43% from three during the 2024–25 season. Despite his continued offensive output, the Suns missed the playoffs with a 36–46 record, prompting the organization to explore major changes under new head coach Jordan Ott. The Heat, who were swept in the first round of the playoffs after earning the No. 8 seed via the Play-In Tournament, are evaluating how to build around Bam Adebayo and their current young core. Tyler Herro, who just completed his sixth season, is under contract through 2026–27 and became a first-time All-Star in 2025. Miami also has other young contributors and tradeable contracts that could be packaged for a win-now move. Financial considerations are also shaping the Suns' trade goals. Sources say Phoenix is aiming to move out of the second tax apron, which may necessitate involving multiple teams in any finalized deal to absorb outgoing salary. While Miami remains firmly in the mix, their willingness to include Ware could be the turning point in the Durant sweepstakes. If the Heat hold back, Phoenix is expected to advance discussions with other interested teams, including the Timberwolves, Rockets, and Spurs. Related: Why Kenyon Martin rejected chance to join LeBron James Heat title team Related: Miami Heat's nightmare outcome for 2025 NBA Draft

Suns' revamped front office has busy 2 days, grabs Rasheer Fleming with first pick of second round
Suns' revamped front office has busy 2 days, grabs Rasheer Fleming with first pick of second round

Fox Sports

timea day ago

  • Sport
  • Fox Sports

Suns' revamped front office has busy 2 days, grabs Rasheer Fleming with first pick of second round

Associated Press The Phoenix Suns' revamped front office had a busy NBA draft. First-year general manager Brian Gregory continued an aggressive rebuild Thursday night, moving up to the first pick of the second round in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves and selecting Saint Joseph's forward Rasheer Fleming, who surprisingly fell out of the first round the night before. The 6-foot-9 Fleming figures to compete for minutes immediately, joining a core that includes four-time All-Star Devin Booker, No. 10 pick Khaman Maluach and guards Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, who were added as part of a proposed trade that will eventually send 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. The Suns also had the No. 29 pick on Wednesday, but dealt that selection and a 2029 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Mark Williams. The 7-foot Williams averaged 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds last season but has struggled with a myriad of injuries during his three years in the NBA. Finally, Phoenix used the No. 41 pick to add Kentucky's Koby Brea after a proposed trade with the Warriors. Brea made 43.5% of his 3-pointers last season. The rest of the NBA's Pacific Division was quiet by comparison. Sacramento traded into the first round, adding Colorado State guard Nique Clifford with the No. 24 selection. The 23-year-old guard is a mature prospect who should be able to help the Kings immediately. They also selected Stanford center Maxime Maynaud at No. 42. The Los Angeles Clippers took Yanic Konan Niederhauser with the No. 30 pick, which was the final selection of the first round. The 7-foot shot blocker played last season at Penn State after two years at Northern Illinois. The Clippers also acquired the No. 50 pick from the Knicks and added Nevada guard Kobe Sanders, according to ESPN. The Los Angeles Lakers moved up to the No. 36 pick in a trade with the Timberwolves, grabbing Arkansas forward Adou Thiero. The Lakers sent the No. 45 pick and cash to Minnesota. Golden State took Australian forward Alex Toohey with the No. 52 selection after acquiring the pick in a proposed deal with the Suns. They also took Florida guard Will Richard at No. 56 after a proposed deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. Phoenix Suns Needs: The Suns have struggled at point guard since trading Chris Paul to the Wizards in 2023 in the deal that brought Bradley Beal to the desert. They also need athletic wings who play good defense and big guys who can provide rim protection. Who they drafted: Maluach was arguably the draft's top interior defender and immediately provides the Suns with a presence in the paint. Williams — added by trade — is still just 23 and has loads of talent if he can stay healthy. Fleming figures to be in the rotation immediately and his 7-foot-5 wingspan should be very useful. NBA comparisons: The dream is that Maluach turns into something similar to Minnesota's Rudy Gobert, an eight-time All-Defensive team selection and a three-time All-Star. Sacramento Kings Needs: Trading point guard De'Aaron Fox to the Spurs midway through last season left a huge void in the backcourt, one that became more evident with each game. Devin Carter was drafted 13th overall in 2024 but spent most of his rookie season in the G League. Who they drafted: Clifford is more of a scorer than playmaker, a solid 6-6, 202-pound guard who can also play small forward. In addition to his versatility on offense, Clifford brings a defensive mentality that the Kings desperately need. Raynaud is a late bloomer and a skilled big man who is an intriguing prospect. NBA comparisons: Clifford is reminiscent of a guard like Knicks standout Josh Hart, who provides a versatile offensive game, defense and toughness. Los Angeles Clippers Needs: The Clippers needed a defensive-minded big man to spell veteran center Ivica Zubac and give them another rim protector. Zubac played a career-high 2,654 minutes last season, and the Clippers didn't have another true center on their roster. The Clippers also needed a point guard with James Harden turning 36 in August and holding a player option for next season. Who they drafted: The Clippers made Niederhauser the first Penn State player ever drafted in the first round. The 7-foot, 250-pound Switzerland native averaged 12.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game and led the Big Ten Conference with 2.3 blocks per game last season. An elite shot blocker on the defensive end, he also shot a team-high 61.1% from the field for the Nittany Lions. Niederhauser transferred to Penn State for his junior year after spending his first two seasons at Northern Illinois. NBA comparisons: JaVale McGee. Like McGee, Niederhauser projects to be one of the NBA's elite shot-blockers who can finish around the rim on the offensive end. Golden State Warriors Needs: Golden State could use a rim protector or point-of-attack defender. Who they drafted: The 6-foot-8, 223-pound Toohey recently earned the Australian NBL Next Generation Award during his second professional season with the Sydney Kings. He averaged 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 assists over 30 games playing 22.9 minutes. Richard averaged 13.3 points last season for the Gators, who won the national title in April. Los Angeles Lakers Needs: The Lakers' biggest offseason need is a well-rounded center. Los Angeles has a strong history of identifying overlooked talent in the past decade, including undrafted free agent Austin Reaves, G League player Alex Caruso and second-round picks Larry Nance Jr., Ivica Zubac and Max Christie. Who they drafted: The 6-foot-6 Thiero is a little raw, but is also considered one of the best pure athletes in the entire draft. ___ AP Sports Writers Greg Beacham and Janie McCauley contributed to this report. ___ AP NBA: recommended

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store