Latest news with #freeagency
Yahoo
4 hours ago
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Phoenix Suns' biggest mistake in 2025 NBA free agency
The post Phoenix Suns' biggest mistake in 2025 NBA free agency appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Phoenix Suns excelled in the NBA Draft and showcased strong summer league performances from their rookies and second-year players. However, there might be one area they didn't address in free agency that could be the difference maker. Although the Suns officially waived Bradley Beal, they could still use another guard: A point guard. That mantra was echoed last season, but it didn't truly come to fruition. Tyus Jones was effective and did his job, considering he was on a one-year, minimum-salary deal. Still, his lack of size and scoring punch made him nearly unplayable down the stretch of the season. Regardless of that move, another point guard could truly help unlock Devin Booker and Jalen Green. Both players are elite scorers, and unlike Beal and Booker, adding Green unlocks a new level of dynamic play. The former Houston Rockets guard plays above the rim and is one of the most explosive athletes in the league. Meanwhile, Booker's game is about finesse, timing, and truly being a master of his craft. That can unveil so many unique opportunities for both players to score effectively. The question that ponders, though. Could landing someone like Chris Paul or Malcolm Brogdon make that much of a difference? Short answer: yes. Paul's age is a lingering concern, along with Brogdon's injury history. Despite that, a team like the Suns with young players and two dynamic scorers could use a floor general. Chris Paul should run it back with the Suns Although Paul could re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, his time with the Suns was unforgettable. He unlocked a version of Booker that no one saw. He had some of the most efficient shooting percentages of his career. Not to mention, the aggressiveness was off the charts. Granted, that was a Chris Paul at age 35, 36, and 37. In that age-36 season, he led the league with 10.8 assists and helped Phoenix to a 64-18 record. Though they were ultimately eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in one of the most lopsided Game 7s in NBA history. Since then, he has gone to the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs. He played with two young teams, but didn't find much sustained success. Even though he would be 40 entering the 2025-26 season, he could find the fountain of youth, like he did in his first stint with the Suns. Malcolm Brogdon could benefit the Suns Much like how Paul could benefit Phoenix, Brogdon could do the same thing. After reports surfaced that Brogdon was heading to the Suns in prior seasons, he could sign with the team outright this year, as more reports have indicated that he could land in the Valley of the Sun. The veteran point guard has had a recent streak of being productive. For instance, he secured the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year award with the Boston Celtics. Also, his size and versatility can make him a useful option for the point guard spot. Having someone to simply be a gadget player could be what the Suns need. Finding someone to initiate the offense and let Booker and Green score the ball at a high level is key. Not to mention, rebounding, defense, and that veteran presence could corral the young guys into the new Suns culture. Not having a point guard would be a loss for the Suns This was a similar sentiment last season, and one that never came to fruition. Jones was not the answer, so why would Paul or Brogdon be? Having a veteran presence to calm things down will be an automatic boost. Rookies like Khaman Maluach, Koby Brea, and second-year players Oso Ighodaro and Ryan Dunn can learn a ton from a floor general. Plus, it'll allow those guys to focus on playing freely. They won't feel the need to do more than what is asked of them. They won't have to play a role they are uncomfortable with. If the Suns don't land either guard, they could strike out in free agency, despite having one of the best NBA drafts of the summer. Related: Suns' Mat Ishbia breaks silence on Bradley Beal buyout Related: Suns' owner Mat Ishbia breaks silence on Bradley Beal buyout
Yahoo
4 hours ago
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NBA rumors: Suns, Celtics added to list of Ben Simmons suitors
The post NBA rumors: Suns, Celtics added to list of Ben Simmons suitors appeared first on ClutchPoints. The majority of the big moves of the NBA offseason have already been made, but there is still a solid crop of players available in free agency who could help out playoff-contending teams. One of those names is Ben Simmons, and while his stock has taken some serious hits in recent seasons, he's seen the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics emerge as the two most recent teams with interest in him. Simmons put himself back on the map last season by suiting up for 51 games with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. After the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings checked in on him earlier this offseason, it now sounds like the Suns are the latest team to take a look at him, with the Celtics also doing their due diligence on the three-time All-Star. 'League sources say that the Suns have also had some recent dialogue with former All-Star Ben Simmons, who I'm told has drawn interest since free agency began from Boston, New York and Sacramento,' Marc Stein reported. Ben Simmons continuing to draw interest in free agency Simmons isn't the same player who was one of the top two-way guards in the league back at the start of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, but he still has something to offer in the right role for a contending team. Last season, Simmons averaged five points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game, while also still playing lockdown defense on the perimeter. Considering his upside, it's not a shock to see Simmons generating interest, but there are reasonable injury concerns surrounding him, even though he managed to play in 50-plus games last season. With the Suns and Celtics joining the race for Simmons' signature, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him latch on with a new team in the near future. Related: Siegel's Scoop: Latest NBA free agency, trade intel after Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, Marcus Smart deals Related: 10 most chaotic offseasons in NBA history, ranked
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4 hours ago
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Suns rumors: 2 other veterans ‘not on radar' as Chris Paul joins Clippers
The post Suns rumors: 2 other veterans 'not on radar' as Chris Paul joins Clippers appeared first on ClutchPoints. It's been a busy offseason thus far for the Phoenix Suns, who have traded Kevin Durant, signed Devin Booker to a mammoth extension, and bought out Bradley Beal, among other moves so far in 2025. It's all been a part of a larger effort to help restructure their team around Devin Booker and give themselves some much-needed flexibility moving forward. One name that has come up as a possible free agent target for the Suns is their former point guard, Chris Paul. However, on Monday, Paul signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, per Shams Charania of ESPN. However, recently, Duane Rankin of AZ Central dumped cold water on the idea of the Suns signing Paul, among other notable free agents. 'The Suns don't have veteran free agents like point guards Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook or power forward Al Horford on their radar, league sources informed The Republic,' reported Rankin. Rankin also reported that the Suns are 'good with their current roster.' It had been reported previously by ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel that another one of Paul's former teams, the Los Angeles Clippers, are the most likely landing spot this offseason for the future Hall of Famer. 'What I'd say about Chris is he's a great player and he's a great Clipper,' Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank recently said, per Tomer Azarly. 'He obviously possesses some of the qualities we just referenced. Of course, we're strongly strongly considering him.' The Suns reportedly had interest in Marcus Smart before the point guard signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, per NBA insider Marc Stein. An eventful offseason In exchange for Durant, the Suns brought back a package centered around Jalen Green. Meanwhile, the Beal buyout gives them a small amount of roster flexibility heading into this season which they didn't have previously. Still, the Suns figure to have one of the bleakest future outlooks in the NBA, especially considering that the majority of their draft picks for the foreseeable future will be heading elsewhere. In any case, the Suns' season is slated to begin in October. Related: NBA rumors: Suns, Celtics added to list of Ben Simmons suitors Related: NBA rumors: Lakers beat out Suns for Marcus Smart
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6 hours ago
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6 players on roster bubble before Cowboys training camp begins includes first-round pick
The Dallas Cowboys rarely make big splashes in free agency, but this offseason, they made significant signings and trades to bolster the team's depth. The roster bubble in Dallas doesn't normally consist of veterans who have already contributed, but rather young players whom fans were hoping could develop into impactful players at positions of need. The last few seasons, players like Justin Rodgers, Isaiah Land, and John Ridgeway were on the bubble. This year, veterans will surf the bubble just as much as rookies. The Cowboys will look to determine which positions require extra bodies and which don't have depth, then strike a winning balance for the 53-man roster. Here are two defensive options and four offensive players who are on the bubble this training camp. LB Damone Clark Damone Clark has 24 starts with the Cowboys for two different defensive coordinators, playing over 1,300 defensive snaps and nearly 500 special teams plays. He has never been able to solidify his spot as one of the top guys at the position, however. Dallas continued to draft players and sign veterans to play ahead of him, and this offseason, they signed Jack Sanborn, traded up to draft Shemar James, and acquired Kenneth Murray through a trade. Dallas now has depth at the position, and Clark is in the final year of his deal. If the team wants to be shrewd, they could let Clark go and keep a James and or a Justin Barron to protect them from being stolen off waivers. Sanborn, Murray, Marist Liufau, James, and Barron can hold the spots on the 53-man roster until DeMarvion Overshown returns from injury. DE Payton Turner Payton Turner is the other defensive player on the bubble for Dallas. The position he is playing makes it challenging because the team has Micah Parsons and Dante Fowler Jr. as starters. They also have three, young, top 50 picks at the position. Turner was a first-round pick, but hasn't started a game yet because he was injured early on. He only played 15 games in his first three seasons before getting in 16 last year. He has potential, but at a position with two double-digit sack players as starters and multiple young investments, the Cowboys may need to give snaps to their other options, making Turner the odd man out. IOL T.J. Bass T.J. Bass hasn't been on the roster bubble since signing as an Undrafted Free Agent(UDFA) in 2023. He has played in 30% of the offensive snaps and started five games in his two years in Dallas. He looked like a possible Zack Martin replacement as a rookie, but regressed last year. This spring the Cowboys signed Robert Jones, who started 17 games for the Miami Dolphins, along with Saahdiq Charles and Hakeem Adeniji, who can all play at guard. They also drafted Tyler Booker in the first round, brought back Brock Hoffman, and they have Nate Thomas, who can play both offensive tackle and offensive guard. Bass could end up making the team, but unlike the last two seasons, it isn't a certainty that he is on the 53-man roster. RB Deuce Vaughn The Cowboys added two veteran running backs and two draft picks, so Deuce Vaughn would typically be off the 53-man roster, but his former coach is now the offensive line coach here. With a sponsor in the room, Vaughn may make it. If the team keeps one veteran from Jevonte Williams and Miles Sanders, and only Jaydon Blue makes the team as a rookie, Vaughn could sneak on the team with Conor Riley speaking up for him. He is on the bubble at best. WR Parris Campbell Parris Campbell is in the battle for sixth receiver, only if Dallas decides to keep one. Jalen Brooks and Ryan Flournoy are players who fit the roles of George Pickens and Jonathan Mingo, so making the roster might make the position redundant. Campbell and Jalen Cropper are smaller, shifty options Dallas doesn't have. CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin can do some of those things, but it isn't their specialty. Campbell adds a speed option who can bring what Turpin does, but with a higher quality of play at the position. He has always had the talent, but Campbell continually gets injured, and that is the question the team must answer. Should they risk losing someone elsewhere to keep a speedy receiver who is often on the shelf? TE Princeton Fant Princeton Fant played in two games as a rookie as a special-teams contributor and then eight games in 2024. He was a depth piece on offense at tight end and fullback, but only had 14 snaps on offense. His special-teams snaps increased from 30 to 148, and this is what could keep him on the roster. Dallas has three players locked in. Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, and Luke Schoonmaker. If Fant makes the team, it will be his special-teams contributions and the fact that he can play fullback if Hunter Luepke isn't able to play. The Cowboys could avoid taking a fourth tight end, but if they do, they might prefer an athletic, stretch-type option like Johnny Stephens Jr., Rivaldo Fairweather, or Tyler Neville. You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Six veterans on the roster bubble for the Dallas Cowboys
News.com.au
6 hours ago
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- News.com.au
Josh Giddey's NBA payday shrinks in standoff with Chicago Bulls
Josh Giddey is still waiting to get his next NBA deal as the Chicago Bulls play hardball on a mega contract extension in an off-season standoff that continues to drag on. The Australian finished his fourth NBA season on a hot streak, racking up triple doubles for fun and scoring a halfcourt buzzerbeater against the LA Lakers to send his value skyrocketing heading into restricted free agency. It was widely expected that Chicago would offer Giddey a contract extension worth $30 million (A$45 million) per season, but that is yet to happen as the Bulls appear hesitant to shell out that kind of money. A contract of that value would make Giddey one of Australia's highest paid athletes, excluding LIV golfers Cam Smith and Marc Leishman. As it stands, it looks likely Giddey may accept Chicago's qualifying offer of $11.1 million (A$17m) for the 2025-26 season and bet on himself to outperform that value so he can command a more lucrative deal when he hits unrestricted free agency next summer. Alternatively, the Bulls will come to the table with a deal of around four years, $90 million (A$136 million), which is significantly lower than what Giddey's camp is asking for. Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf has been notoriously stingy when it comes to avoiding paying the luxury tax, and now Chicago's front office is holding out on giving Giddey a mega payday. The Aussie has every right to feel hard done by at the moment, given Chicago previously paid Patrick Williams USD$90 million over five years, despite the draft bust showing very little promise during his NBA career so far. Giddey averaged 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists in 19 games for the Bulls after NBA All-Star break while shooting 45.7 per cent from 3-point range. The standoff between Giddey and Chicago can be put down to the fact it is a very bad time to be a restricted free agent in the NBA this off-season, with very few teams having salary cap space. Giddey, Brooklyn's Cam Thomas, Golden State's Jonathan Kuminga and Philadelphia's Quentin Grimes could have earned deals worth in excess of $100 million in most other off-seasons. 5 former 1st rd. picks have signed a Qualifying Offer since 2018. Their next contract outside of Miles Bridges has not been pretty: Alex Len: 2/8.5M Nerlens Noel: 2/3.7M Rodney Hood: 2/11.7M Denzel Valentine: 2/4.1M Miles Bridges: 3/75M — Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 18, 2025 But a lack of cap space around the league this year and the NBA's restrictive new collective bargaining agreement is making teams wary of shelling out big contracts on players who aren't superstars. YardBarker's Nathan Shirberg said: 'Essentially, the Bulls are negotiating against themselves, which incentivises them to not negotiate at all. As it stands, the Bulls should feel no pressure to give in.' A Bulls executive told Spotrac's Keith Smith: 'We want to get a deal done with Josh. He's as important of a player as we have. We see him as a foundational player for us. I hope we can find a deal that makes sense for us and him and that we'll be together for a long time.' ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel wrote that 'no progress' has been made between Giddey's camp and the Bulls. 'The two sides met at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where Giddey and his camp made it clear they want a contract similar to that of Jalen Suggs (5-year, $150 million) and Immanuel Quickley (5-year, $162 million) and have not come down from their $30 million annual average value asking price,' Siegel wrote. 'The Bulls have not offered more than a four-year contract in the $20 million per year range.' The Athletic's Law Murray described the situation as 'free agency hell, where Giddey is keeping the Bulls from doing anything except repeat their 2024 trade where they send a former Laker defender to a No. 1 seed in exchange for a lottery pick'. 'Last year, it was Giddey from Oklahoma City in exchange for now two-time NBA champion Alex Caruso. This year, the Bulls sent (Lonzo) Ball to the Cavaliers for (Isaac) Okoro.' Chicago's ownership and executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas have come under fire for being content to stay in the NBA's no-man's land of not committing to a full rebuild. Bill Simmons said on his podcast he would rather have any other roster situation for the next five years than Chicago's. The Bulls have featured in the NBA play-in tournament in the past three seasons. 'I just don't know what this team is,' Simmons said. 'Where am I going in the next three years? I know I'm not going to be a bottom five team next year … it just seems bleak to me. 'If I'm a Bulls fan, what I am excited about? My owners have already made it very clear to me we're never really going to spend money. 'They've done a sh*tty job with the (Michael) Jordan legacy. I just don't know what this team is other than a team that's going to go 40-42 every year.' Co-host Ryen Russillo added: 'I think the Giddey trade will turn out to be a good trade for them.' NBA pundits have no doubt Giddey will turn up for pre-season training camp with the Bulls, but there are some concerns about whether the contract negotiations will have left a sour taste in his mouth. Bulls insider K.J. Johnson said: 'The Bulls hold all the power. Giddey is almost certainly going to be back on a qualifying offer or a long term deal. 'What I would be concerned about is what kind of mindset is Josh Giddey going to come into camp with after the negotiations dragging on that long and then him maybe not getting what he wanted. 'You want him coming into camp with a good feeling, pleased with his deal. The fact that it dragged on, guys get over that if they sign a deal that ultimately pays him $90 million over four years. That's a lot of money.' One cryptic quote Giddey shared on his Instagram story this week read: 'What a privilege to outgrow things you used to settle for.'
