ESPN has laid off Mark Jackson, joining Jeff Van Gundy in exiting their lead NBA broadcast team.
ESPN is closing in on promoting Doris Burke and also hiring Doc Rivers to join Mike Breen.
ESPN considering shifting Jackson to their “B” team with Mark Jones, but that plan fell apart as they want to get more reps for JJ Redick and Richard Jefferson.
Burke and Rivers are believed to be popular in the NBA’s league office. There is no evidence that the NBA delivered an edict to ESPN to make a change.
Garrett Temple has agreed to a one-year, $3.2 million deal with the Toronto Raptors.
Temple spent the past two seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans and will be in his 14th NBA season.
The Phoenix Suns do not currently have any trade options available for Deandre Ayton that would maintain or improve their title odds, sources tell Zach Lowe of ESPN.
Ayton and the Suns have had tension for several years stemming from his lack of extension in 2021 after he was critical in their Finals berth. Ayton’s relationship with Monty Williams subsequently deteriorated but the Suns still matched his offer sheet in restricted free agency with the Indiana Pacers.
The Suns have since parted ways with Williams and have new ownership in Mat Ishbia. Frank Vogel is attempting to repair the relationship with Ayton as he begins his first season as head coach.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been looking to add another center this offseason. Jonas Valanciunas is in the final season of his contract. Valanciunas has sought an extension, but none has come from the Pelicans as of yet.
New Orleans has had rumored interest in Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Isaiah Stewart II of the Detroit Pistons. Allen has three years and $60 million (at a flat $20 million per year) left on his contract. Stewart is in the final year of his rookie scale contact, but inked a four-year, $60 million extension that starts with the 2024-25 season.
