Day: May 17, 2023

The Milwaukee Bucks interviewed Kelvin Sampson and Joseph Blair for their head coaching vacancy this week.

Sampson spent six seasons in the NBA as an assistant coach before returning to college basketball at Houston. Sampson spent three seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Sampson has history and a relationship with Bucks general manager Jon Horst, who was a member of the front office when Sampson worked on Scott Skiles’ coaching staff between 2008 and 2011.

Blair is an assistant coach with the Washington Wizards and won a 2019 G League title with Rio Grande Valley.

The Bucks also have Charles Lee, Kenny Atkinson, Scott Brooks, Adrian Griffin, Chris Quinn, Kevin Young and James Borrego on their list of candidates.

The Los Angeles Clippers met with representatives of Tyronn Lue to discuss his future with the franchise this week, sources tell Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.

Lue has been a target of the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns.

Lue has two years remaining on his five-year, $35 million deal signed with the Clippers in 2020. The value of his current contract is similar to the one he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Haynes reports that Lue would want a brand new contract, presumably with an immediate raise, rather than an extension off his current number if he were to commit long-term to the Clippers.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe reports the Clippers have no intention of letting Lue leave for another job.

James Harden will decline his $35.6 million player option with the Philadelphia 76ers to become a free agent this offseason in search of a long-term deal, sources tell Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.

Harden re-signed with the Sixers last offseason on a two-year, $68 million deal after he declined his $47.4 million player option.

Harden is reportedly “very serious” about signing with the Houston Rockets and the franchise “thinks” he will return. Harden requested a trade from the Rockets in 2020.

Sources tell Haynes, however, that “Harden will only entertain suitors that present a competitive roster and the basketball freedom for the star to be himself.”

Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists last season with the Sixers.