Day: October 25, 2024

The Philadelphia 76ers are a team with potential interest in Jonathan Kuminga, reports Jake Fischer. The Sixers could use the contract of K.J. Martin and their future draft picks to acquire a player like Kuminga. The Golden State Warriors and Kuminga were unable to agree to terms on a contract extension and were reportedly never close. The Warriors would be “happy to pay” Kuminga if he demonstrates the ability to produce at a high level over a bigger sample size.

“The Sixers have definitely indicated around the league and behind the scenes that they are willing to pay to add in another piece,” said Fischer. “They are willing to spend their draft capital.”

Fischer said the Sixers’ ownership group is prepared to go over the luxury tax to maximize their title chances.

The Brooklyn Nets are another team who could pursue Kuminga. The Nets figure to have as much cap space as any team

“There’s already been rumblings of Brooklyn potentially willing to throw a big offer sheet at Jonathan Kuminga,” said Fischer.

Fischer added that Trey Murphy III was another candidate for both the Sixers and Nets before he extended with the New Orleans Pelicans.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray underwent successful surgery on his fractured left hand. Murray will miss four to six weeks due to the injury.

Murray was injured late in the Pelicans opening night victory over the Chicago Bulls. He finished the game with 14 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists.

The Houston Rockets had a plan to be a player with cap space in the summer of 2025. When guard Donovan Mitchell and Derrick White signed extensions with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics respectively, the Rockets changed gears. Mitchell and White are favorites of Houston head coach Ime Udoka and the team could have pursued either player in 2025 free agency.

With the veteran guards off the board, Houston decided to extend Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun on rookie scale extensions instead of creating cap space next offseason. Now, the Rockets GM Rafael Stone may use Green, who will make just over $33 million in Year 1 of his extension (with a 10% trade bonus), as a trade piece next offseason.

Houston was linked to Kevin Durant last summer, and acquired some of the Phoenix Suns own draft picks in a deal with the Brooklyn Nets. The Rockets could use those picks, Green and other players in an offer for Durant, should the veteran superstar become available.