Latest news with #ZachLowe
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Zach Lowe drops firm take on Trae Young's future with Hawks
The post Zach Lowe drops firm take on Trae Young's future with Hawks appeared first on ClutchPoints. Trae Young's future with the Atlanta Hawks continues to be up in the air after the team's underwhelming seasons. However, NBA analyst Zach Lowe believes they should remain committed to the All-Star guard. Advertisement Young has led the Hawks to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2021 to 2023. His playoff debut was a major success, taking Atlanta to their first East Finals since 2015. However, they haven't maintained that level of play, exiting the first round in 2022 and 2023 while falling short in the play-in tournament for the last two years. Despite the Hawks' inability to get back in the conversation as a serious contender, Lowe wants the franchise to continue with Young as their cornerstone. 'I kind of want the Hawks to keep Trae Young long term. I don't think there's a great market for him. So I don't think there's a trade out there that completely just reorients the franchise in a positive way,' Lowe said on his show. 'If I can extend him at a decent number, I just kind of like their team, and I do think he'll change his style of play a little bit. I think there's hope for like a Trae Young mid-career, metamorphosis is too strong of a word, but I could see, like, in a year, it's like, 'oh my god, the Hawks are like, up 2-1 in the second round, and Trae Young is moving off the ball a little bit'…like I could see it.' What lies ahead for Trae Young, Hawks Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Trae Young continues to impress with his high-level shooting and playmaking ability. It's just a matter of whether the Hawks can maximize their ceiling with him being the leader. Advertisement This past season was a career year for him when it came to passing the ball. After 76 games, he averaged 24.2 points, a career-high 11.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He shot 41.1% from the field, including 34% from beyond the arc, and 87.5% from the free-throw line. The Hawks will be busy this offseason, especially with Young. The guard has two years remaining on his contract, with the 2026-27 season being a player option. In other words, what happens in the 2025-25 campaign might play a big impact on how Young decides to approach his situation with the franchise. Atlanta also has Clint Capela, Caris LeVert, Larry Nance Jr., and Garrison Matthews as free agents this summer. It's clear that the roster may look somewhat different next season, so fans should be in for a treat for what their team does to strengthen their squad. Related: NBA rumors: Hawks join Pistons as Myles Turner free agency suitor Related: Hawks hire Pelicans, 76ers execs to work with new GM
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Timberwolves' 3-Time All-Star Linked as Centerpiece in Possible Kevin Durant Trade
Timberwolves' 3-Time All-Star Linked as Centerpiece in Possible Kevin Durant Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Minnesota Timberwolves are among the teams most interested in trading for superstar Kevin Durant, which also renders them among the most likely landing spots for the future Hall of Fame forward. Advertisement Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe on the June 12 edition of "The Bill Simmons Podcast" named the Timberwolves and the San Antonio Spurs as the two franchises with the most buzz in NBA circles with regards to a Durant trade this summer. Both of the longtime league insiders dubbed the Spurs as the more likely destination given San Antonio's viable trade assets -- both in terms of current players and draft picks. However, Ian Begley of SNYtv authored an X report on Saturday, June 14, that supports a version of a Durant deal that might favor Minnesota. "One thing worth noting on potential Kevin Durant trades: there are important Suns voices who want to add a starting-caliber [center] this offseason," Begley wrote. "There are several pathways to do this, but KD trade obviously gives PHX the clearest path to one. As many others have said, MIN is among teams with current interest in Durant. Nothing has changed for me with the Knicks and Durant, despite the reported interest earlier this week. Still see it at as a long shot that Durant ends up in NY." Advertisement Lowe noted the combination of Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker and Gobert as "a thing" during his appearance on Simmons' podcast Thursday. Gobert is a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Star who has been a big part of two consecutive trips for the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals. He averaged 12 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 blocks per game last season at the age of 32. Meanwhile, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game during his age-36 campaign with the Suns in 2024-25. Related: Kevin Durant To The Timberwolves Is Topping Zach Lowe's "Buzz" Rankings This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Minnesota Timberwolves Reportedly Frontrunners To Land Kevin Durant
Minnesota Timberwolves Reportedly Frontrunners To Land Kevin Durant originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Minnesota Timberwolves have suddenly emerged as the leading contenders to land Kevin Durant in what could become the most high-profile trade of the 2025 NBA offseason. Advertisement According to Zach Lowe of The Zach Lowe Show, the Timberwolves now sit atop the 'buzz' rankings in the Durant sweepstakes, leapfrogging previous favorites like the Houston Rockets and even the San Antonio Spurs, who were once thought to be in a near-done deal with the future Hall of Famer. "I would say the buzz order right now, if I had to do a buzz rank is Minnesota." Just a week ago, it seemed like Durant was quietly headed to San Antonio. Reports of mutual interest and a potential secret deal surrounding the NBA Draft had fueled widespread speculation. But momentum has shifted rapidly, and now Minnesota, fresh off back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, is aggressively exploring a deal to bring Durant to the Twin Cities. Advertisement This is more than a pipe dream. Shams Charania confirmed on The Pat McAfee Show that Minnesota, Houston, and Miami are now the three most serious contenders for Durant. While nothing can be made official until July 1 due to second-apron financial restrictions, trade frameworks are being actively discussed behind the scenes. For Minnesota, the logic is simple. They've built a bruising, elite defensive team behind Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels. What they've lacked in both playoff exits has been a dependable secondary scoring option to relieve pressure off Edwards late in games. Enter Kevin Durant. Despite being 36, Durant remains one of the most efficient and lethal scorers in basketball. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 52.7% shooting from the field and 43% from deep during the 2024–25 season. Even as the Phoenix Suns collapsed around him, finishing 36–46 and missing the play-in entirely, Durant remained their lone bright spot. When he wasn't on the floor, the Suns went just 3–17. Advertisement Durant's fit next to Edwards would instantly give Minnesota one of the most potent one-two punches in the league. The idea of Edwards slicing into the paint while Durant punishes defenders with pull-up jumpers and off-ball cuts is nightmarish for any defense. However, putting together a trade package will be difficult. Anthony Edwards is off-limits, and Naz Reid and Julius Randle, acquired at the deadline, would have to opt in to their contracts to be trade-eligible. That leaves Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and future draft picks as potential assets in a Durant trade. McDaniels, in particular, could be the key. At $24.4 million per year and just 24 years old, he represents both immediate value and long-term upside. Gobert's salary would help match Durant's $54.7 million for next season, but whether Phoenix wants an aging big man with limited offensive upside is unclear. Advertisement The Rockets remain in the mix, though it's reported that acquiring Durant would require them to part with both Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., a heavy price for a win-now swing. The Heat are always lurking, but their assets may not match Minnesota's combination of win-now talent and picks. As of now, the Timberwolves are the frontrunners and for good reason. They're close. They've tasted the edge of greatness. Durant might be the final step in their evolution from a feel-good story into legitimate title favorites. If the deal happens, the West could be looking at a new superpower, led by a cold-blooded scorer and a rising superstar ready to take the crown. Related: Former NBA Player Feels Anthony Edwards Would Go "Supernova" With Kevin Durant On The Timberwolves This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kevin Durant To Minnesota Is Topping Zach Lowe's "Buzz" Rankings
Kevin Durant To Minnesota Is Topping Zach Lowe's "Buzz" Rankings originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to be part of the trade rumors machine ahead of the 2025 offseason. Most people's attention is on the NBA Finals, but the Timberwolves and Kevin Durant are still making the headlines. Advertisement While the rumors also involve the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets, prominent NBA insider Zach Lowe believes the "buzz" surrounding a Durant move to the Timberwolves is at the top of the list. Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images It is easy to understand why Durant to the Timberwolves is getting the attention. The move is the most logical one because Durant will have a good opportunity to win the championship with Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves. The other options, Houston and Miami, are decent landing spots. However, they are too far behind in the championship contention when compared to Minnesota. It will require a significant trade package, but the Timberwolves could send back a reasonable return to the Phoenix Suns. Advertisement Related: Stephen A. Smith Reacts To The Timberwolves Being A Potential Kevin Durant Spot Lowe's Speculation Of What The Timberwolves Will Do If They Get Durant Since Lowe has heard a lot of talk surrounding Durant's potential move to Minnesota, the likely package will involve Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, and Rob Dillingham. Draft picks should be included, so that will open up a path to Minnesota. "Every team is talking. I would say the buzz order right now is Minnesota, Houston, back in the buzz rankings," Lowe said on his show with Bill Simmons. "I think Minnesota wants Durant the most from what I've heard. Houston is a bit of an internal GM/coach different idea of what they should trade for Kevin Durant." This move will open opportunities for re-signing free agents as the Timberwolves remove Gobert's contract off the books. However, the center position might be depleted with only Naz Reid and Luka Garza manning the paint. Advertisement Lowe speculates that Minnesota will find cheaper centers in the free agency market or through trades. It is a reasonable trade to make if they go that route, but they will have to find a gem. If they cannot find the right center, they might regret sending Gobert for Durant. The Durant Trade Makes Sense For The Timberwolves To win an NBA championship, a team must make some risky decisions. The Timberwolves made an ambitious trade for Rudy Gobert in 2022. The trade was widely panned in the NBA community, but it worked for the Timberwolves, as they reached the Western Conference Finals twice. Now that Gobert is likely on the trade block, Minnesota could include him. In the package for Durant. It makes sense to part ways with Gobert if the team feels they have reached their ceiling with him as the starting center. This also means they will likely explore the market, and find the right big man. Durant significantly boosts the Timberwolves' chances of winning a championship. The Timberwolves already have the superstar with Edwards, so pairing him with another could be the key to winning it all. Advertisement Durant has already established himself as a great teammate to other superstars, so this won't be an issue if he joins the Timberwolves. Related: Zach Lowe Admits The Kevin Durant Trade To The Timberwolves Is Challenging This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Indianapolis Star
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Bill Simmons on Indianapolis: 'It's the happiest basketball place'
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is well known for his love for the Boston Celtics but he had a shocking revelation on his podcast Thursday: He loves basketball in Indianapolis. "It's a really special place," he said in a conversation with Zach Lowe. "It's the place of Hoosiers and Larry Bird. Forty-nine state and then there's Indiana, whatever the saying is. "Everyone is wearing jerseys. Everyone is super optimistic. It's the happiest basketball place. It's so much fun to come here. The arena is probably the best. I think it's No. 1 for me. Even the corners are good. The crowd feels like it's on top of the game. When you have a game like today (the Pacers' Game 3 victory over Oklahoma City), I do think it affects the game. If you're the visiting team it feels like the fans are on top of you in a slightly different way and those fans are fantastic.: Listen to the full podcast here. Get IndyStar's Pacers coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Pacers Update newsletter.
