NBA Rumors Roundup: Golden State Warriors to offer sophomore forward Gary Payton II’s minutes, Boston Celtics eyeing 10x All-Star, and more | September 1, 2022
The Golden State Warriors' most significant loss in the offseason was that of defensive stalwart Gary Payton II. Re-signing Payton based on his market value would've been expensive for the Dubs, who already had the highest payroll last campaign.
Golden State will have to rely on its available players to compensate for his departure. They have reportedly identified sophomore Moses Moody as that player.
The Boston Celtics' newly acquired forward Danilo Gallinari suffered an MCL injury while playing for Italy. The 17-time champions are looking for reinforcements at the power forward position. Reports suggest they are interested in veteran Carmelo Anthony.
Here are the latest NBA rumors as of September 1, 2022.
Golden State Warriors to offer Moses Moody Gary Payton II’s minutes
According to The San Francisco Chronicle's CJ Holmes, a Golden State Warriors staffer said that Moses Moody "will fill the stat sheet" next season. The sophomore forward didn't play a significant role last campaign because the Warriors had a deep roster with the presence of Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr., among others.
Moody was an impactful player when called upon. He averaged 4.4 points and 1.5 rebounds in 11.7 minutes in his rookie year. The 20-year-old also played a prominent role in the conference finals, with Payton sidelined due to injury.
Moody has displayed tremendous potential as a two-way player, and he is now expected to see an increased role following Payton's departure.
Boston Celtics eyeing Carmelo Anthony
The Boston Celtics are looking as active as ever this offseason. Danilo Gallinari's MCL injury means the Celtics need to explore their options. According to Bally Sports' Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson, the Celtics are considering Carmelo Anthony as a potential replacement for Gallinari.
Anthony, 38, has rejuvenated his career with the Portland Trail Blazers and LA Lakers over the past three years. He adapted brilliantly to his role as a bench scorer and spot-up shooter. Melo averaged 13.3 points over the past two seasons.
Utah Jazz declined a package for Donovan Mitchell from New York Knicks centered around RJ Barrett
The New York Knicks and Utah Jazz continue to engage in talks over a Donovan Mitchell trade. Reports suggest that the Jazz want RJ Barrett in a potential package. However, The Athletic's Shams Charania recently reported that they declined a deal centered around him. New York offered two unprotected first-round picks along with Barrett.
"Their most recent offer, I'm told included RJ Barrett as well as two unprotected first-round picks. That was not deemed as being close to enough by the Utah Jazz in a trade. And that's why we saw the Knicks move forward with their own business and getting done this RJ Barrett extension."
The Jazz deemed the offer too low. They are keen to land the majority of the Knicks' eight first-round picks without protection. They also want young players like Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin.
Golden State Warriors impressed with new signing Donte DiVincenzo
Donte DiVincenzo was the Golden State Warriors' marquee offseason signing. The former Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings guard is one of the most intelligent players in the league. He was instrumental in the Bucks' championship-winning season before injuring his ankle early in the postseason.
According to The San Francisco Chronicle, the Golden State Warriors coaching staff and front office have been impressed with DiVincenzo.
Utah Jazz unlikely to take up Russell Westbrook’s contract without unprotected 2027 and 2029 first-round picks from LA Lakers
The LA Lakers could offload Russell Westbrook's $47 million salary to the Utah Jazz this offseason. Reports suggest they could be the third team in a potential trade between the New York Knicks and the Utah Jazz. The Lakers will have to part ways with their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks, which the Jazz highly covet.
The Athletic's Jovan Buha said that Jazz CEO Danny Ainge is unlikely to take on Westbrook's $47 million contract without the two unprotected picks. The Jazz want a bevy of unconditional first-round picks for Mitchell as they prepare to rebuild next season.