Spurs’ Elson to undergo eye surgery

The Detroit Pistons have dismissed Monty Williams as their head coach. Williams spent one year with Detroit, going 14-68, including an NBA record 28-game losing streak.

Williams is owed more than $65 million over the next five years. The Pistons gave Williams the then largest contract for a head coach in NBA history when they hired him last offseason. Williams had planned on sitting out last season after he was fired by the Phoenix Suns, but the Pistons’ financial offer was ultimately too lucrative to pass up.

New President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon was said to be undergoing a thorough evaluation of both the coaching staff and the roster before making any decisions. The ultimate decision to move on from Williams was made by Pistons ownership.

Detroit will now have a third coach in as many seasons, after Dwane Casey was re-assigned following the 2022-23 season and Williams was let go after one year. The Pistons also have decisions to make with the roster, including extension discussions with Cade Cunningham and how to use a projected $64 million in cap space this offseason.

The Toronto Raptors have emerged this week as the frontrunners to trade for Damian Lillard, two team executives tell ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.

The Raptors have had recent conversations with the Portland Trail Blazers, but no trade is imminent. Toronto could send out Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes or OG Anunoby as part of their trade package, plus Gradey Dick and future first round picks.

Lillard requested a trade from the Blazers to the Miami Heat on July 1st, but no substantial discussions have occurred between the two teams. The Heat initially offered the Blazers a package built around Tyler Herro and two first round picks.

Two executives expect Lillard to be traded before Portland’s media day on October 2nd.

The Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls have also shown interest in Lillard.