New Nets power forward Darius Bazley envisions himself as being a versatile, defense-first contributor for Brooklyn, writes Zach Braziller of The New York Post.
Following a 2022/23 season split between the Thunder and Suns, the 6’8″ big man inked a one-year, veteran’s minimum agreement with Brooklyn, citing the team’s energy and chemistry as reasons why the Nets appealed to him.
“Just watching them a little bit in the playoffs, also just throughout the course of the season, the new team that they had towards the end here, they looked like they had fun,” Bazley said. “They looked like they played hard and together. It was just something I wanted to be a part of. When it all came down to it, Brooklyn was the place to be.”
There’s more out of the Atlantic Division:
- As chatter about Damian Lillard‘s demand to be traded to the Heat continues, league executives who spoke with Sean Deveney of Heavy.com suggested that a stronger package could be put together around Sixers shooting guard Tyrese Maxey, whom they see as a better young player than Miami shooting guard Tyler Herro. “I like Herro, I think everyone does,” a rival scout said. “But when you look at where these guys are gonna be in four or five years, you can see a lot more growth potential with Maxey. He is more of an attacker, he gets into the lane, he is a lot more efficient with his shot. And you know, in today’s game, efficiency is everything. So I mean, it’s a no-brainer in that respect.”
- Sixers star guard James Harden continues to want out of town, while veteran power forward P.J. Tucker‘s name was recently floated as a potential piece to include in a possible trade. Kyle Neubeck of ThePhillyVoice.com wonders if it may behoove Philadelphia strategically to move off Tucker’s contract. Though the 39-year-old remains a high-level defender, his meager offensive contributions last seasons don’t necessarily portend a bright future in that regard. Neubeck notes that moving Tucker for cap relief and/or a more athletic player could help the club.
- Although the Knicks have now signed three players to fill their three two-way contracts heading into the 2023/24 season, the team is not permitted to withdraw its two-way qualifying offer to Duane Washington Jr. without his permission, in accordance with NBA guidelines, as Fred Katz of The Athletic observes (Twitter links). If Washington were to accept his two-way QO, the Knicks would have to waive one of their two-way players, since they’re not permitted to carry four.
Damian signed a contract he should honor. By saying he wants to play with only 1 team makes it impossible to trade. Heat needs to up their offer to sweeten the deal.
What more can they give up than what they are allegedly offering?.. Any legitimate offer should start with Bam, it won’t so the discussion should be over. Miami simply doesn’t have the assets to aquire Dame.
No Bam no Dame in Miami. Miami refused to give up Bam for KD and he’s better than Dame. It’s unfortunate no one wants to come to NY still. NY could offer RJ,IQ,Randle and 3 picks.
I agree on NY Knicks have more to offer.
Is NY offering anything for Lillard?
If I were to guess, NY is interested, but their offer for Lillard would be tempered due to salary, and age.
If they balked at going in on Mitchell last season, then I’d expect they are hesitant with Lillard also
The Heat made an offer?
Honestly speaking, I think the idea is to ADD players to a combo of Embiid and Maxey. Obviously, Dame > Maxey but what’s really the point differential? Switching out one for the other, other than Adam’s bring clutch, is there that big of an improvement?
Lillard for Maxey, Melton + a million picks
76ers then flip Lillard, Harris and Harden for Herro, Lowry and Bam.
I love how Miami has become “frustrated” with Portland’s negotiation tactics. I guess the Blazers didn’t get the message that because the Heat want Dame and Dame wants to go to Miami, Portland should just accept any offer. I guess the Blazers should take Lowry, Robinson and a 2nd because that would make Dame and Miami happy.
I liked Dame, and I didn’t even mind him wanting to move on from Portland, but after his agent came out and said that he either gets dealt to Miami or he won’t report to another team that deals for him, I lost all respect. Rot in street clothes for the next three years Dame, hope Portland never deals you.
Jeez man, lay off the hyperbole. “Rot in street clothes” lol hes making millions “rotting” – it doesn’t even make sense.
You swallow anti-player stories that are made up by the owners so easily, but why?
I actually don’t swallow anti-player stories at all, i get annoyed when the agent of a player says it publicly that other teams should not trade for his client or he won’t report. That wasn’t an owner saying that, it was his agent.
Sixers don’t have the players or assets to get Dame. Even if they include Maxey. So move on to reality …….
Dame is going to Miami ….. live with it.
It’s just about who wants Herro. And if they can take Nurkic also. Now I find that more difficult. But Herro, Lowry, Jovic, Jaquez meets the financial part ……. I believe they offered two picks. Plus swaps ….
So it’s really which team will jump in and take Herro. Get it done already ….. please
All these players who demand a trade should never go play where they want to play. If your a player that has a dream destination then go play when you’re a free agent. Why sign a max contract with a team you’re unhappy with.
Longer term Maxey over Herro? I don’t think so but hard to tell. Maxey wouldn’t be near as efficiency if Embiid wasn’t there getting double or triple teamed. His style relies heavily on speed and athleticism. I’d take my chances with Herro.
I have often thought the same of Maxey and the benefit he has of playing with Embiid. I’ve often wondered what Herro would do if he played with Embiid. While the Heat tend to be a better team than Philly, the facts are that Embiid draws more attention than Bam and Butler combined. Herro has to work a lot harder with Bam and Jimmy than he would have to if he played with Embiid. Maxey would have to work a lot harder if he played with Jimmy and Bam, unlike the eased up defenses he faces because he plays of Embiid.