Latest news with #UtahJazz
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rui Hachimura Named in Lakers Trade Report on Thursday
Rui Hachimura Named in Lakers Trade Report on Thursday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura has been a dependable role player his entire career, but that doesn't mean he won't get shipped out this summer. Advertisement The 27-year-old averaged 13.1 points on 50.9 percent shooting (41.3 percent) with five rebounds over a career-high 31.7 minutes this past season. He's a viable option to aid LeBron James in the frontcourt until he retires, but he could be sacrificed for the Lakers' most pressing need. Los Angeles hasn't had a reliable center since it traded Anthony Davis in February's Luka Doncic deal. The club was set to send the Charlotte Hornets a package including Dalton Knecht for Mark Williams, but nixed it when the latter failed his physical exam. The Lakers have discussed trading Hachimura for a big man, via ClutchPoints' Anthony Irwin. Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20).Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images "Sources close to the Los Angeles Lakers say that internally, they have long been fans of John Collins, who has the ability to stretch the floor both as a deep threat or someone who can finish well above the rim," he reported on Thursday. Advertisement "Many within the Lakers organization believe Collins would be an especially great fit alongside Luka Doncic," he continued. "Since their season ended, they've held a few conversations with the Utah Jazz to try to land the 27-year-old big man, with Rui Hachimura often the centerpiece of the deal." The 6-foot-9-inch Collins is a power forward like the 6-foot-8-inch Hachimura, so he wouldn't solve Los Angeles's center issue. However, Collins averaged 19 points on 52.7 percent shooting (39.9 percent) with 8.2 rebounds over 30.5 minutes this past season. The Lakers also like Utah's seven-foot center Walker Kessler, via Irwin. Advertisement "The Lakers have also remained interested in Walker Kessler and will likely remain as such until the end of time, so another possibility some around the league are wondering about is if a bigger deal involving Collins and Kessler could be in the works," he continued. "Issue there is the Lakers' lack of draft capital, as sources have indicated the price for Kessler is still quite high." The 24-year-old Kessler averaged 11.1 points on 66.3 percent shooting with 12.2 rebounds over 30 minutes this past season. Related: Warriors NBA Champion Emerges as Potential Lakers Target Related: Luka Doncic's Former Mavericks Teammate Posts Immediate Reaction to Cooper Flagg News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
5 bad teams more likely to taste success by 2028 than Manchester United
There is dreaming big and then there is just dreaming, and Omar Berrada, the Manchester United CEO, seems to sit firmly in the latter category. After a season in which the men finished 15th in the Premier League and the women third in the Super League, some 16 points behind champions Chelsea, Berrada told club fanzine United We Stand he believed they could both win their respective titles in 2028. 'Can the team win the Premier League title by 2028? Of course,' Berrada said. 'We've just finished 15th and it seems an impossible task. But why not aim for it? Why not do everything in our power?' Sounds wildly optimistic to us. But it did get the sports desk wondering which other bad sides might have a better chance at success than the Premier League strugglers by 2028. Utah Jazz While the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers battle it out in the NBA Finals, fans in Salt Lake City spent another year watching one of the worst teams in the league.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Lakers Set to Aggressively Target New Center This Offseason
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The 2025 NBA offseason is set to be one for the books. There has already been much movement, and the offseason has not yet begun. The NBA Finals are still underway, and while that is the case, it appears that everyone is looking forward to this much-anticipated offseason. At the forefront of it will be the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have plenty to address this offseason, but shoring up the center spot tops the list. The lack of consistency and production from that position was one of the major flaws that hurt them during their playoff run. Expect Los Angeles to be aggressive in its search for a reliable big. According to ClutchPoints' Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, the team has already expressed interest in several centers as they gear up for what's expected to be a busy summer. Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz drives into Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of a game at Vivint Arena on February 03, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah.... Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz drives into Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of a game at Vivint Arena on February 03, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. More Photo by"Sources close to the team reiterated that the internal plan is to trade for their starting center – sources say they've held conversations with other teams about Nic Claxton, Robert Williams, Walker Kessler and others – then, ideally, use the taxpayer midlevel on his backup – Brook Lopez and Clint Capela are the two names most often linked to the Lakers. It's a solid plan that they're considered likely to be able to execute. But, because of their clear and desperate need at the position, such an approach is going to be a lot more complicated than it would've been had they not neglected the position the past couple of seasons," wrote Irwin. Arguably, the most intriguing name on the Lakers' radar is Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler. At just 23 years old, Kessler has the makings of a long-term anchor in the middle and would be an ideal complement next to Luka Doncic moving forward. He's young, highly skilled, and still developing — which makes him all the more valuable. The Jazz may listen to offers this offseason, but there's a sense they could be hesitant to deal him, especially to a Western Conference rival like the Lakers. That said, don't expect L.A. to back down from making a strong push. The others on the list would be of massive help and a huge upgrade. Nic Claxton is another player who fits the mold of succeeding next to Doncic, as he is a rim runner and extremely athletic. Robert Williams also fits that mold and is arguably the best defender and shot blocker from this current crop of big men. As for Clint Capela and Brook Lopez, they may be on the older side, but they will certainly be an upgrade compared to what the Lakers had in the second half of the season. More NBA news: LeBron James Reveals Plan for 2028 LA Olympics Bucks' Doc Rivers Offers Major Update on Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors For more on Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Utah Jazz's perfect outcome for No. 5 pick in 2025 NBA Draft
The post Utah Jazz's perfect outcome for No. 5 pick in 2025 NBA Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints. To say the Utah Jazz were tanking during the 2024-25 NBA season is a bit of an understatement. At various times during the regular season, the Jazz were put on blast by media and fans for their blatant tanking strategies. But despite finishing with one of the best chances at the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Jazz were not rewarded by the basketball gods as they were bumped out of the top-three draft picks. Advertisement The Jazz finished the 2024-25 season with an overall record of 17-65, the worst overall record in the league. But as fate would have it, the Jazz didn't even get a top-four pick in the NBA Draft, they landed at No. 5. Although the Jazz will likely miss out on top talents such as Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, all is not lost for the franchise. One of the Jazz's biggest roster needs during their rebuild is a true point guard, and it's still possible for them to get the type of player they need with the No. 5 overall pick. In fact, one of the draft's biggest stock risers could fall right into their lap when they are on the clock. Jazz select Jeremiah Fears in the NBA Draft David Banks-Imagn Images One of the draft prospects who has managed to raise their stock in a big way in the weeks leading up top the NBA Draft is Jeremiah Fears. Fears exploded on the national scene last year as he led Oklahoma to the NCAA Tournament as a freshman. Advertisement Fears appeared in 34 games during his lone season at Oklahoma, including 31 starts, at a little over 30 minutes per game. He averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals with splits of 43.4 percent shooting from the field, 28.4 percent shooting from the three-point line and 85.1 percent shooting from the free-throw line. He was already getting lottery interest during the college season, and following the NBA Draft combine, it appears to be a forgone conclusion that Fears will be selected with a high lottery pick. Barring a team in the top four drafting him, he should be available when the Jazz are up at No. 5. There might be a little apprehension from the Jazz fanbase considering the team already drafted Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier, two players who project to be playmaking guards. But in any NBA Draft, the general rule of thumb is take the best player available regardless of position and figure it out later. Fears has the opportunity to develop into a legitimate starting point guard in the NBA. There's no guarantee that either George or Collier can become that. The Jazz have been playing George as their lead playmaker with mixed results. He began the season as one of the team's starting guards, but was moved to the bench by the second half of the season. Advertisement Not only does Fears bring a strong playmaking game to the NBA, he also is a talented shot creator who can put up points. Having a true, lead guard is crucial for success in the NBA and without Fears, it's not clear if the Jazz actually have a player capable of being that on their roster. Drafting Fears could also potentially open up other guards on the roster as trade bait if the Jazz should consider taking that route. Overall, Fears projects as a future lead guard in the NBA, and the Jazz should not let that opportunity slip past them when they're on the clock with their draft pick. Related: Bill Simmons brainstorms Paul George for Lauri Markkanen 76ers-Jazz trade Related: NBA rumors: Jazz already talking with fellow lottery team on trade
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA rumors: Jazz already talking with fellow lottery team on trade
The post NBA rumors: Jazz already talking with fellow lottery team on trade appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Utah Jazz blew up their core of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell in 2022 and have been in limbo as an organization ever since, trying to rebuild and gather as many picks as possible. The 2025 NBA Draft is no different for the Jazz, with Utah sitting at the fifth pick in a draft with talent, but not many potential stars outside of Cooper Flagg. Advertisement The Jazz have flexibility because of their current roster and future asset collection. That flexibility has also allowed Utah to take the lead in talking to other teams about potential trade options in the draft. According to The Athletic, at least one team in the lottery has already engaged the Jazz in potential trade discussions. It seems like the Jazz will try to win this season in one way or another. That could be with an experienced or young team full of talent. Austin Ainge, Danny Ainge's son, was recently hired as the president of basketball operations for the Utah Jazz. When asked about the team's tanking, Ainge laid it out plainly. 'You won't see that this year,' Ainge said via SI. Advertisement The Jazz only won 17 games last season to improve their odds of landing Cooper Flagg. Now that they did not land the top pick, everything seems to be on the table. The Jazz aren't known for landing big fish in free agency, but given the number of assets they have available in picks, could they make a move for an All-Star? The draft is the top priority before they decide on what to do. The Jazz are working out several players in the first round, both players who could be available with their fifth-overall and 21st-overall picks. They have all the options ready, and they seem prepared for anything. The Jazz can follow the blueprint some smaller-market teams have followed, most notably the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers formulas. Those two teams are not in flashy markets, yet both are in the NBA Finals, preparing for a championship showdown. Advertisement The Jazz have even more relevant history than either of those two franchises, and it would be a smart bet not to count them out based on what they have available to use in their tool chest. Related: New Jazz executive shuts down tanking narrative Related: Jazz hire Danny Ainge's son to lead front office
