Next season, it looks like <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-james-harden-poised-to-agree-shorter-term-contract-extension-with-76ers-1621-20220618-SPD-1621.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PJ Tucker</a> will resume his jaunt through the Eastern Conference’s top teams. The veteran power forward is anticipated to join the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-trail-blazers-in-talks-for-matisse-thybulle-with-76ers-1726-20220624-SPD-1726.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> after his two-year stints with Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat.



Even while it isn’t a surprise to see Tucker join another competitor, it is startling to learn that he will be paid $30 million over three years, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey. In spite of his ability to defend and shoot well from 3-point range, he will reach 40 years old in the last year of the contract.



A guy in his late 30s who plays as physically as Tucker does may be beneficial to the Sixers if he can remain healthy. However, that isn’t a given.



<h2>Sixers-Tucker: There’s a catch</h2>



However, if James Harden exercises his $47.36 million player option, the club will not have enough financial room to complete the deal to bring Tucker in. As a consequence, they’d have to make room for his wages, which would need some clearing out.



It remains to be seen after June 30, no franschise may begin contract negotiations with a free agent until after the start of the free-agency period. Any conversation prior to the event constitutes tampering.

NBA Rumors: Free-agent veteran PJ Tucker set to join 76ers - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Free-agent veteran PJ Tucker set to join 76ers

destacadas

An extension of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-knicks-missed-out-on-stephen-curry-to-warriors-in-2009-nba-draft-1246-20220602-SPD-1246.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-knicks-missed-out-on-stephen-curry-to-warriors-in-2009-nba-draft-1246-20220602-SPD-1246.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ivica Zubac</a>‘s deal with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/report-russell-westbrook-will-opt-into-47m-option-to-return-to-the-lakers-1842-20220628-SPD-1842.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/report-russell-westbrook-will-opt-into-47m-option-to-return-to-the-lakers-1842-20220628-SPD-1842.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a> for another three years has been agreed upon, according to ESPN and the basketball agents Jeff Schwartz and Mike Lindeman from Excel Sports.



The Clippers will not exercise Zubac’s club option for the last season of his current deal, which pays him $7.5 million and ties him to LA through the conclusion of the 2024/25 season in order for him to collect $33 million over the following three seasons. The Clippers’ longest-tenured player already has six and a half seasons under his belt if he signs a new deal to continue with the team until the conclusion of the current one.



When they agreed to this arrangement, they blocked the Croatian from going elsewhere when his contract expired next summer (after his previous deal expired), while also resolving the problem of a long-term primary center for a reasonable fee. Zubac, on the other hand, was given job stability for the next phase of his career as well as a rise in compensation of around $4 million above his prior yearly wage.



<h2>Zubac to stay with Clippers until 2025</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“For four seasons, Zu has been a pillar of our team, durable and dependable. He does whatever is needed: setting screens, rolling to the rim, anchoring the interior of the defense. He is a reliable teammate and a consistent pro, just entering the prime of his career. We are excited to continue growing with him.”<cite>Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank</cite></blockquote>



This squad received Zubac in a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2019 for the 32nd overall selection. Since his first season in 2019, the 25-year-old center has been a regular in the starting lineup.

NBA News: Ivica Zubac signs three-year contract extension with LA Clippers - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA News: Ivica Zubac signs three-year contract extension with LA Clippers

Ever since the 2021-22 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-new-lakers-contract-likely-off-table-for-lebron-james-1559-20220616-SPD-1559.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> season came to an end for the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-malik-monk-willing-to-take-less-money-to-return-to-the-lakers-1833-20220627-SPD-1833.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, the future of Russell Westbrook with the team was one of the biggest talking points in the league.



Brodie fell short of expectations in his first season with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-jeanie-buss-explains-why-she-would-never-sell-the-lakers-622-20220510-SPD-622.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purple and Gold</a>, who failed to make the playoffs. Neither Lakers fans nor Westbrook himself seemed to have enjoyed their first year together, which is why many doubted he would return next season.



However, it looks like he’s ready to opt into a lucrative player option this offseason to stay in California for at least another year. According to Woj, Westbrook has made up his mind.



<h2>Report: Russell Westbrook to pick up $47m option with Lakers</h2>



(Via Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN)



“Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook is planning to exercise his $47.1 million option for the 2022-23 season to return to the franchise, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Westbrook’s agent, Thad Foucher, is planning to file the paperwork Tuesday, sources said. Westbrook has a Wednesday deadline on his option.”



It would have been a tough decision for Westbrook to turn down that kind of money, which is why this isn’t exactly a surprise. Now, Darvin Ham will try and get the best out of the former MVP.

Report: Russell Westbrook will opt into $47m option to return to the Lakers - thesportsdrops NEWS

Report: Russell Westbrook will opt into $47m option to return to the Lakers

miniaturas

Changes are expected to be made by the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-shannon-sharpe-wants-lebron-james-kyrie-irving-to-join-forces-again-1692-20220621-SPD-1692.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lakers</a> this offseason after a terrible campaign. There’s not much the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-jeanie-buss-explains-why-she-would-never-sell-the-lakers-622-20220510-SPD-622.html">Purple and Gold</a> can take from the 2021-22 NBA season, in which they missed the playoffs.



Even so, there were a <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-new-lakers-contract-likely-off-table-for-lebron-james-1559-20220616-SPD-1559.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">few bright spots</a> throughout the year. One of them was Malik Monk, who delivered solid performances — unlike many of his teammates. But now he is a free agent.



However, a return to LA wouldn’t be a bad idea considering how he performed. Having averaged 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, it would make sense if the Lakers bring him back. On top of that, money will not be a stumbling block.



<h2>Money won’t be a problem for Malik Monk to go back to the Lakers</h2>



“They might not be able to pay me as much as I want,” Monk said, via Jovan Buha of The Athletic. “But I could be here and be way more comfortable as a Laker than going to any other team and they’re paying me $5 million more. So it’s just me trying to figure out what team would really want me.“



However, Monk made clear that he will decide what he considers the best for his future. While he would be glad to suit up for the Lakers again, he is also open to all options.



“I definitely would still want to evaluate things,” Monk added. “You never know what happens. Some other team could come in and hopefully tell me the same thing and maybe I get a little bit more minutes on that team. 



“So it’s just actually me being presented and being able to go out there and do what I do is a priority. That’s the biggest priority: A team that’s just going to let me come in and be myself.”

NBA News: Malik Monk willing to take less money to return to the Lakers - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA News: Malik Monk willing to take less money to return to the Lakers

For years now, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-potential-to-win-deciding-factor-in-bradley-beals-decision-on-future-1445-20220611-SPD-1445.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bradley Beal</a> has been a subject of debate about his long-term prospects with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-deandre-ayton-requested-maximum-deal-from-suns-1080-20220526-SPD-1080.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington Wizards</a>. Although there are constant trade and free agency rumors, he has yet to depart the team.



A rumor from The Athletic last week stated that Beal had already decided, but he was not yet ready to share it. However, there is a high probability that the shooting guard will not exercise his $36.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season and sign a new long-term contract with the Wizards.



So, the major issue was going to be, would this take place in Washington or somewhere else? It will be the former, according to ESPN‘s most recent information.



<h2>Beal to stay at Wizards until 2027</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Even if Beal simply re-signs with the Wizards, he can increase his 2022-23 salary to the projected max of $42.7 million. Per [Adrian] Wojnarowski, Beal is very likely to decline the option and re-sign with Washington on a five-year deal worth a projected $248 million that would take him through age 33.”<cite>ESPN‘s Kevin Pelton and Adrian Wojnarowski</cite></blockquote>



Even while Beal did tell Taylor Rooks this in June, he hasn’t offered any concrete indications that he plans to leave the Wizards: “I know what my decision will be based off of, and that’s gonna be where I feel like I can win. That’s going to be my decision. If I feel like I can win in D.C., that’s what I’m gonna do. I want people to respect that.”

NBA Rumors: Wizards anticipate re-signing Bradley Beal to five-year, $248 million contract deal - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Wizards anticipate re-signing Bradley Beal to five-year, $248 million contract deal

The future of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/warriors-star-in-2022-nba-finals-andrew-wiggins-reveals-true-feelings-on-the-cavs-1494-20220613-SPD-1494.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a> player <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-treatment-of-kyrie-irving-may-force-point-guard-to-leave-1125-20220529-SPD-1125.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyrie Irving</a> will be closely followed over the coming weeks. Before deciding on his $36.5 million player option for the next season, Irving has until June 29 to make a final choice.



Multiple sources claim that the two sides have reached an impasse in their negotiations about his contract and he may still return to the Nets should he choose to opt out and become an unrestricted free agent. Irving, of course, wants a max contract, but the Nets are wary of making a long-term commitment to a player who hasn’t been consistent in recent seasons.



As the driving factor behind the Brooklyn experiment, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-new-lakers-contract-likely-off-table-for-lebron-james-1559-20220616-SPD-1559.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a> would undoubtedly want to keep his teammate. In an interview with The ETCs Podcast on Friday, the 33-year-old ex-Warriors star said that he would, however, stay away from further involvement.



<h2>What Durant said about Irving’s final decision</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“It’s no involvement at all. I can’t be involved with it. This is this man’s livelihood. This is much bigger than me. Being a free agent, it’s one of the most important times in your career. That can’t be swayed by anybody else. I just do me and wait for the time. There’s nothing that can happen right now. I don’t think he can even make a decision on opting out until the 29th, I think.“I just let things play out and see what happens, but keep the regular contact up with Ky and see what happens. It’s something that’s so much out of my control that I don’t want to be a part of it. We’ll see what happens though.” That’s where I’m at with it. Basketball is obviously the most important thing but I try not to let that get in the way of somebody else’s personal decision. Like I said, whatever happens, the friendship will still be there.”<cite> Kevin Durant told The ETCs Podcast</cite></blockquote>

NBA News: Kevin Durant won't get involved in Kyrie Irving's decision on future - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA News: Kevin Durant won't get involved in Kyrie Irving's decision on future

J<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-mavericks-to-trade-for-zach-lavine-and-pair-him-up-with-luka-doncic-1116-20220528-SPD-1116.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-mavericks-to-trade-for-zach-lavine-and-pair-him-up-with-luka-doncic-1116-20220528-SPD-1116.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alen Brunson</a> was one of the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-rockets-trade-christian-wood-to-mavericks-in-exchange-for-26th-pick-and-four-players-1634-20220619-SPD-1634.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-rockets-trade-christian-wood-to-mavericks-in-exchange-for-26th-pick-and-four-players-1634-20220619-SPD-1634.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks</a>‘ best players this season, but the team was unable to agree on a contract extension. Averaging 21.6 points per game, Brunson was a pleasant surprise in the NBA postseason. 



Moreover, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-knicks-missed-out-on-stephen-curry-to-warriors-in-2009-nba-draft-1246-20220602-SPD-1246.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-knicks-missed-out-on-stephen-curry-to-warriors-in-2009-nba-draft-1246-20220602-SPD-1246.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Knicks</a> are reportedly in the process of offering the point guard a four-year, $100 million contract. After moving for Kemba Walker, the Knicks now have a salary cap room to pursue Brunson.



Upon Jalen Brunson’s impending free agency next week, the New York franchise are reportedly planning to present him with the aforementioned contract, according to New York Times’ Marc Stein. 



<h2>Where next for Brunson?</h2>



He also disclosed that Dallas squandered two chances to keep Brunson on board by not extending his contract. The Mavericks thought they might get his services on a four-year, 88 million dollar contract at the conclusion of the season.



Brunson has the option of signing a new one-year contract extension with the Mavericks, but the Knicks might give him a more prominent position on the club. When it comes to the New York Knicks coaching staff and front office, his father Rick Brunson is a member, while his old agent Leon Rose is head of the front office.

NBA Rumors: Four-year, $100 million deal in works for Jalen Brunson with Knicks - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Four-year, $100 million deal in works for Jalen Brunson with Knicks

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-kenny-atkinson-to-remain-with-warriors-after-rejecting-hornets-coaching-job-1611-20220618-SPD-1611.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlotte Hornets</a>‘ hunt for a new head coach has come to a conclusion thanks to an old and well-known face. According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-mike-dantoni-in-pole-position-for-charlotte-hornets-job-794-20220515-SPD-794.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steve Clifford</a>, the team’s head coach from 2013 to 2018, will be back.



In an unexpected turn of events, Marc Stein revealed on Thursday that Clifford was a viable contender to succeed James Borrego. After the team’s second straight loss in the play-in competition, the 44-year-old was sacked.



Clifford spoke with GM Mitch Kupchak and owner Michael Jordan earlier this week, according to Roderick Boone and Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer on Friday. Following <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-kenny-atkinson-to-become-new-charlotte-hornets-head-coach-1471-20220612-SPD-1471.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kenny Atkinson</a>‘s decision to remain with the Golden State Warriors, Clifford was called to interview for the Charlotte position.



<h2>How Clifford fared in his first time with Hornets</h2>



As a coach, Clifford has a 196-214 overall record with the Hornets during his time in charge from 2013 to 2018. The Hornets have only made the playoffs twice since 2010 thanks to his leadership in both 2014 and 2016.



During his five seasons as a head coach, the 60-year-old also earned a 196-213 record. Then, Clifford served as the Orlando Magic’s head coach until 2021, leading the team to the playoffs twice.

NBA News: Steve Clifford returns to Hornets for second stint as coach since 2018 - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA News: Steve Clifford returns to Hornets for second stint as coach since 2018

Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer claims that the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-trail-blazers-and-kings-among-teams-interested-in-hawks-john-collins-1716-20220623-SPD-1716.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a> are in talks with the team about a <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-james-harden-poised-to-agree-shorter-term-contract-extension-with-76ers-1621-20220618-SPD-1621.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matisse Thybulle</a> trade. In a three-team transaction including Matisse Thybulle, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-james-harden-poised-to-agree-shorter-term-contract-extension-with-76ers-1621-20220618-SPD-1621.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> want to obtain Houston Rockets player Eric Gordon for their franchise. 



Portland Trail Blazers are interested in signing Thybulle on a ‘straight-up contract’ Pompey said. There is some indication that the Blazers are open to trading for Thybulle in a three-team trade, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet.



Alykhan Bijani, a Houston Rockets insider, has also verified that Houston and Philadelphia are interested in a trade for Gordon, with the possibility of a third team.



<h2>Could Matisse Thybulle be traded to Sixers?</h2>



The Philadelphia 76ers seem to be attempting to replicate the success of the Houston Rockets in the Eastern Conference this summer. Sixers acquired James Harden on Feb. 27 at the trade deadline. As of right now, it looks like they are looking to bring in more ex-Rockets players.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Now, the executive is pursuing former Houston power forward PJ Tucker, league sources confirm. Sources have also said the Sixers are looking to make a three-team trade that could involve Matisse Thybulle and the No. 23 pick to create space.”<cite>Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer</cite></blockquote>

NBA Rumors: Trail Blazers in talks for Matisse Thybulle with 76ers - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Trail Blazers in talks for Matisse Thybulle with 76ers

To change things up in a significant manner, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/magic-johnson-explains-what-the-lakers-should-expect-from-their-new-head-coach-1011-20220523-SPD-1011.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlanta Hawks</a> may be willing to move one of their most important players over the summer. According to Marc Stein, the Hawks are set to trade power forward <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-deandre-ayton-requested-maximum-deal-from-suns-1080-20220526-SPD-1080.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Collins</a> this summer. 



A player option for the 2025-26 season might help make Collins more enticing to potential suitors since he still has four years left on his current deal. Since last season saw the Hawks make it to the Eastern Conference finals before being knocked out in the first round this year, the team’s top management has obviously decided that they need to make some changes to the squad.



Aside from the Portland Trail Blazers, it’s likely there are many more teams interested in Collins. In addition to the Hawks, the Sacramento Kings have also shown interest in the 24-year-old, according to Shams Charania.



<h2>Where could Collins be traded?</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“The likelihood of a John Collins trade, league sources indicate, is as high as it’s ever been. Collins just completed the first season of a five-year, $125 million contract, but the newness of his deal didn’t do anything to downgrade external interest in the 6-foot-9 forward that has bubbled leaguewide since talks broke down between Collins and Hawks on a $90 million extension at the start of the 2020-21 season.“He was one of the league’s most-talked-about trade targets this season until Atlanta ultimately decided to shut down all Collins discussions before the Feb. 10 trade buzzer when the team started to pull out of its 17-25 start. The trade chatter has since only intensified since Atlanta’s meek first-round exit to Miami in five games… I’ve been advised that relocation for Collins this offseason is pretty much expected now.”<cite>Marc Stein on Collins</cite></blockquote>

NBA Rumors: Trail Blazers and Kings among teams interested in Hawks' John Collins - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Trail Blazers and Kings among teams interested in Hawks' John Collins

After a great 2021-2022 season, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-deandre-ayton-requested-maximum-deal-from-suns-1080-20220526-SPD-1080.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> are said to be considering a move for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-heat-and-jazz-could-trade-tyler-herro-and-donovan-mitchell-1235-20220602-SPD-1235.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah Jazz</a> center <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nikola-jokic-and-nuggets-expected-to-agree-new-260-million-supermax-contract-1097-20220527-SPD-1097.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rudy Gobert</a> this summer. By ending with a 46-36 overall record and giving the Grizzlies some significant competition in the NBA Playoffs’ first round, many people were astonished by what the Timberwolves accomplished this season.



In Anthony Edwards, the previous first-round selection, and in seasoned All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, the team seems to have a stable and talented core. It’s now all about finding the perfect supporting cast for the pair and making an NBA Finals run. It’s possible that Gobert may be the missing piece, according to one NBA analyst.



Going forward, the Timberwolves are keeping a close eye on Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, according to BasketballNews.com‘s Evan Sidery. Minnesota and Chicago are closely monitoring the situation surrounding the three-time Defensive Player of the Year.



<h2>How Timberwolves plan to snatch Gobert</h2>



A squad that has yet to realize its full potential may be improved if the Timberwolves were prepared to trade Rudy Gobert. They must trade D’Angelo Russell and the $31 million he will earn next season if they are going to make the money work.



Also said to be on the Timberwolves’ radar is Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela, who is said to be up for grabs. Clearly, Minnesota are interested in bolstering the strength of their frontcourt.

NBA