Sources: Fins, Steelers talking trade for TE SmithSources: Fins, Steelers talking trade for TE Smith
The Dolphins have engaged in trade discussions with the Steelers involving tight end Jonnu Smith, sources told ESPN.
The Minnesota Timberwolves had stronger interest in acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns at the trade deadline than previously assumed. The cap machinations required to consummate a trade were extremely challenging as two second apron teams, but the impending free agencies of Julius Randle, Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker could change the equation.
“It became clear to me in talking to the parties involved just how serious the Wolves were about trying to trade for Kevin Durant at the trade deadline,” said Brian Windhorst on Friday’s Hoop Collective Podcast.
“At the time, the Wolves were not playing their best basketball. They subsequently finished the season, I think, 18-5 and got to the Western Conference Finals. So I don’t want to make it implied that their mindset is still where it was in February.”
“Also, it would have been an extraordinary series of deals to be able to [make the trade],” interjected Tim MacMahon.
“Which is why they didn’t do it. But the point is this wasn’t just we’re not doing anything on trade deadline day. They made some sort of progress. Getting it done was impossible. They were two second apron teams. But after these guys opt out, they won’t be a second apron team.
“I’m not arguing that Durant is going to end up in Minnesota… If you look at Tim Connelly, he made the big [Rudy] Gobert trade. He made the big trade of KAT for Julius Randle and DiVincenzo.”
The Wolves certainly hope to keep some combination of Randle, Reid and Alexander-Walker could be retained, but there is also a path of revisiting a trade for Durant this offseason.
The Chicago Bulls hold the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Picking near the end of the lottery leaves Chicago with a lot options, but they Bulls are seemingly focusing in on drafting Egor Demin of BYU.
Some outlets consider Demin to be a top 10 selection in the draft. Others have him available when the Bulls pick. Chicago is said to be focused on drafting a wing or big with their first-round pick.
The 6-foot-8 ballhandler had an up-and-down season at BYU. Demin averaged 10.6 points, 5.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Unfortunately, the 19-year-old shot just 41.2% from the field and 27.3% on three-pointers.
Still, Chicago sees Demin as potentially a good fit in their up-tempo offense. The pace with which team wants to play, has reportedly seen them sour some on big man Derik Queen. The Maryland big man is not considered a good fit for the Bulls style of play.