u/Pyromania1983

> Free agent F Trendon Watford has agreed to a one-year, $2.9 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN. Watford considered multiple options but for New Orleans serves as a productive two-way get late into the offseason after a year in Philadelphia where he notched a 20-point, 17-rebound, 10-assist triple double in November.

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> I think it would’ve been very entertaining for the world at large, the world of basketball. Look at the Olympics, you know, and him and Steph, all that stuff. But he chose to go a different route, and I can’t really tell you why because I don’t really know why.

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> Love's agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, has been in touch with the Philadelphia 76ers' front office since James picked Philadelphia, sources told ESPN. Though the 6-foot-10 Love and James have remained close since teaming up for four seasons with the Cavaliers and even vacationed extensively together this summer, that bond doesn't necessarily mean there will be a roster spot for the former five-time All-Star by training camp. The Sixers are already at roster capacity after signing another one of James' former teammates, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, to their last spot. And they already have two backup centers behind Joel Embiid in 23-year-old Adem Bona and 24-year-old Ariel Hukporti. Philly would need to make a move to accommodate the 38-year-old Love, who averaged 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 37.3% from 3 off the bench for the Jazz last season. Though Love has interest in pairing with James to pursue a championship, he has maintained a strong relationship with Jazz coach Will Hardy, serving as a veteran voice with that young group, sources said. Utah, however, also has a full roster.

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> League sources told The Athletic that any meaningful talks between Anthony Davis and the Wizards about a possible extension will occur during the 2026-27 season, not before. Even if the 2026-27 season starts well for Davis and for the team, it’s reasonable to speculate that both sides could find themselves far apart on a potential extension. Because he holds a player option for the 2027-28 season, the 2026-27 trade deadline, which will fall on Feb. 11, will be a key date to monitor for Davis’ future with the Wizards.

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> Former Philadelphia 76ers forward Trendon Watford is nearing a move to Europe, sources tell BasketNews. According to sources, the 25-year-old combo forward is in advanced negotiations with Valencia Basket. Watford became a free agent earlier this offseason after the 76ers declined the team option on the second year of his contract.

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> The Philadelphia 76ers have been looking for a trade for Johni Broome. If they can’t find one, the team may waive and stretch Broome’s salary. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope wont clear waivers until tomorrow. The Sixers have time to work out the move to clear room to sign KCP.

The other move that would work is if we release Jabari Walker, whose contract is only partially guaranteed. However, he is a Klutch guy, and I don't think that happens.

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> The Heat and free agent Demar DeRozan have had mutual interest in the past, and fresh conversations are expected in the wake of James picking the 76ers. If DeRozan signs, the Heat likely still would need another skilled three-point shooter. Though Miami has four players who ranked in the top 38 in three-point percentage last season, the perception has been that the Heat is one shooter short.

> According to a source, the Heat has targeted Dallas guard Klay Thompson, who shot 38% on threes last season and is fourth all time in three pointers. But the Mavericks would prefer to trade Thompson than buy him out, and that could delay or eliminate this option for Miami unless Thompson pushes for a buyout in the weeks ahead, something that remains a possibility.

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> Since LeBron James announced he wasn’t returning to the Lakers on June 30, there’s been speculation the Warriors could trade for star Anthony Davis in an effort to convince James to sign with Golden State. But that’s all this is: speculation. The Warriors have not engaged the Wizards and the sides haven’t had substantive talks about Davis, according to a source with knowledge of the Warriors’ offseason direction. Wizards general manager Will Dawkins has also sought to shut down trade rumors in public interviews.

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> Duren wants the max. Five years, $287 million. He is 22 years old, was a critical piece of a Pistons team that shocked the world en route to 60 wins and finished third team All-NBA.

> He's also a restricted free agent. Detroit, having dipped into its financial flexibility war chest to acquire Isaiah Joe (nontaxpayer mid-level exception) and John Collins (sign-and-trade), is hesitant to commit nearly $60 million annually to a center who might not be dependable in a playoff setting — in addition to having to eventually pay Ausar Thompson (All-Defense) and already on the hook with Cade Cunningham (All-NBA). Sprinkle in Victor Wembanyama's "discount," which came at the worst possible time for a rival player in negotiations, and it's easy to see the Pistons' hesitancy as well as Duren's gripe.

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