NBA Rumors Roundup: Jordan Poole linked to 2 rebuilding teams; Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving playing in their last season together and more | October 14, 2022
One of the hottest topics in the NBA today is Jordan Poole and his extension with the Golden State Warriors. Both parties have until October 17 to agree a contract. The latest NBA rumors suggest that there are at least two teams interested in Poole, who could be a restricted free agent next summer.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving might be playing in their last season together. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has made the claim that the two superstars are headed for divorce after the season. Irving will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
On that note, here's a look at the latest NBA rumors roundup for October 14 brought to you by Sportskeeda.
Raptors to make big splash at trade deadline
The Toronto Raptors are expected to make the NBA playoffs this season. They didn't make any huge moves in the summer, but they have a great core of players. Scottie Barnes has superstar potential, while Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam are All-Star players.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Raptors are plotting to shock the NBA this season by making a move before the trade deadline. With many teams expected to tank for Victor Wembanyama, some game-changing players could become available.
"The Raptors will be a spoiler in the Eastern Conference, which they were also last year," Windhorst said. "Everybody ticks off teams that they think will win the East. Nobody talks about the Raptors, and the Raptors are primed to make a mid-season trade. My hot take is watch out the team north of the border to create some havoc in the East this year."
"The Raptors will be a spoiler in the Eastern Conference... And they are primed to make a mid-season trade. My hot take is watch out the team north of the border to create some havoc in the East this year."
Brian Windhorst on Toronto 👀
https://t.co/vaHoYMcwsr
Jordan Poole linked to two rebuilding NBA teams
The Golden State Warriors and Jordan Poole have until October 17 to agree a contract extension. If they fail to do so, Poole will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
On the "HoopsHype" podcast with Michael Scotto, Anthony Slater said that there are at least two teams interested in Poole. The Warriors beat writer mentioned the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs as potential suitors.
"I think there are dangers out there for the Warriors that he could get a max offer sheet, which starts around $33.5 million or so," Slater said. "The Orlando Magic, for example, need a lead guard. They should have a bunch of cap room. If they believe they can pry Poole away, wouldn't you want to pair him as a pick-and-roll partner with Paolo Banchero?
He continued:
"I think the Spurs are another team who's rebuilding where Poole is so appealing compared to Green, Kyrie, or some of the other free agents out there. For a young team with cap space that wants to build, Poole fits an age curve."
that SLOW grind 🏁
📸: @_JordanJimenez https://t.co/ygu2L3ckNc
Suns interested in former NBA Sixth Man of the Year
The Utah Jazz will enter the 2022-23 season on a full-scale rebuild. Former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson does not seem to fit their plans. He has been linked with several teams this offseason, but the Jazz are waiting for the right offer.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, the Phoenix Suns are interested in acquiring Clarkson. The Suns are looking to unload veteran forward Jae Crowder but will need to attach a draft pick. Fischer noted that the Jazz could only listen if there's a pick involved.
If the Jazz acquire Crowder, they're expected to reach a buyout so that he can sign with a contender. Meanwhile, the Suns would add an extra weapon off the bench in Clarkson. He struggled last season but remains one of the premier sixth men in the NBA.
The Phoenix Suns are interested in acquiring Jordan Clarkson for Jae Crowder.
(via Jake Fischer) https://t.co/w8XVUtRI9Z
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving playing in last season together
The Brooklyn Nets are coming off a tumultuous offseason where Kevin Durant demanded a trade. Kyrie Irving is in the final year of his contract, Steve Nash is in the hot seat, and Ben Simmons has not played an NBA game for 16 months.
According to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, this will be Durant and Irving's last season playing together. Smith reckons Irving might not sign with the Nets next offseason, as he could join the LA Lakers.
"This is itl barring a trade before the trading deadline, this is their last season together," Smith said. "Kyrie's not re-signing in Brooklyn. Kyrie's planning on going to Los Angeles; he's trying to go to Los Angeles. That's what he was trying to do over the summer; that's what he's trying to do now."
Candidates for Warriors' two 2-way player spots heading into Opening Night
With just a few days to go before the start of the NBA regular season, the Golden State Warriors have released a couple of players. The Warriors have both their two-way player slots open after waiving Quinndary Weatherspoon and Lester Quinones.
Sean Keane of Golden State of Mind has predicted that the Warriors wanted players with more NBA experience, like Ty Jerome, Jereme Robinson, Pat Spencer and Antony Lamb.
Jerome and Robinson will likely get the nod, as they have the most experience among the remaining training camp invitees. Both are former first-round picks, with Robinson being a lottery pick. Spencer was mainly a lacrosse player in college, while Lamb has been struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.