GAME RECAP: Knicks 96, Pistons 84

Rumors broke last season of blockbuster trade talks that would have seen LeBron James traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Golden State Warriors. It was reported at the time that talks were serious enough that Lakers and Warriors ownership were involved in the discussion. In the end, the Lakers would have moved James only had he requested a deal got done to send him to the Warriors.

Ultimately, no agreement was reached and James stayed in Los Angeles. That may have been in part because James’ agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports was against the idea of a trade to the Bay Area. The super-agent asked both sides to not consider a deal. Paul reportedly wanted to shield his superstar client from the criticism that would have come from changing teams for a fourth time.

James previously left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat in 2010. James then returned to the Cavs in 2014. The superstar forward then left Cleveland a second time for the Lakers in 2018.

The Utah Jazz have exercised the option on head coach Will Hardy’s contract. The 36-year-old is entering his third season with the Jazz and is currently the second youngest head coach in the NBA.

“Will has done a great job of guiding our program and instilling the right values and competitive habits with our young group,” said Jazz general manager Justin Zanik. “The organization looks forward to developing with Will as we strive for long-term success through strategic and deliberate growth.”