NBA Rumors Roundup: Kyrie Irving close to returning from suspension, Chicago Bulls in trade talks, and more | November 18, 2022
Kyrie Irving has not appeared in an NBA game for the Brooklyn Nets since Nov. 1 against the Chicago Bulls. Irving was suspended for at least five games for promoting a film with antisemitic tropes on social media. With Irving making amends for his actions, he might be close to returning for the Nets.
Meanwhile, the Bulls might start making moves a month into the season. Chicago is off to a tough start with a record of six wins and nine losses. They are currently on a three-game losing streak and are in need of an upgrade.
Here is the latest NBA rumors roundup for Nov. 18 brought to you by Sportskeeda.
Suns have several options for Cameron Johnson
The Phoenix Suns failed to extend Cameron Johnson's contract, and he's set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Johnson is currently out with a knee injury, but he's an important player for the Suns. He's the new starting power forward for Phoenix following their fallout with Jae Crowder.
According to Michael Scotto and Yozzi Gozlan of HoopsHype, the Suns have several options on what to do with Johnson. Scotto thinks that Phoenix are open to giving Johnson a four-year deal, while Gozlan believes that the Suns could trade him if needed.
"I wonder how much they prioritized extending him," Gozlan said. "Because now that he;s not extended, he's much easier to trade. They could easily trade him if needed."
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Kyrie Irving nearing NBA return
Kyrie Irving has been suspended since Nov. 1 by the Brooklyn Nets. But with Irving making amends with the NBA, NBPA and Nets ownership, he's close to making his NBA return after an eight-game absence.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Friday that Irving is expected to be cleared against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Nets just finished off a four-game road trip and will be back at home for Sunday's game.
Charania cited sources as saying that all parties involved are happy with Irving's improvement. Irving will be a big lift for the suddenly really good Nets team. He's averaging 26.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season.
De'Aaron Fox not interested in trade despite hiring Rich Paul as his agent
De'Aaron Fox fueled speculation that he might want to leave the Sacramento Kings after hiring Rich Paul as his agent. Paul is known for working out with teams about trading his clients to their preferred destinations.
However, that might not be the case for Fox, who is reportedly happy in Sacramento. On the latest "The Hoop Collective" podcast, ESPN's Marc J. Spears compared Fox to Damian Lillard, who is very loyal to his team.
"He's not asking out," Spears said. "I think people were nervous about that, but De'Aaron doesn't want to leave. He's kind of in the Dame mold. Like he wants to do something special there."
The Kings are one of the hottest teams in the NBA this season. They are currently on a five-game winning streak as of this writing. They are looking to end a 16-year postseason drought, the longest in league history.
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Duncan Robinson among players on the Bulls' radar
The Chicago Bulls are not having a good start to the NBA season with a record of 6-9. The Bulls are currently in a three-game losing streak and could use a roster upgrade. One of the names linked to Chicago is Miami Heat sharpshooter Duncan Robinson.
An Eastern Conference executive told Sean Deveney of Heavy.com that the Bulls might want to add a defensive center, as well as a 3-point shooter.
"I don't know if they would get another big guy, with (Andre) Drummond there, but finding a way to make a deal for Richaun Holmes in Sacramento might be a way to give them some rim protection," the executive said. "The problem is, it is a tough fit with their salary structure, making the match. ... think they'd do well with a volume 3-point shooter, a Buddy Hield or Luke Kennard or even Duncan Robinson, if they could figure out a way to make that deal."
P.J. Washington looking for $20 million annual salary
P.J. Washington and the Charlotte Hornets failed to agree on an extension in the offseason. Both sides were negotiating a four-year deal worth around $50 million, which is similar to what the Orlando Magic gave to Wendell Carter Jr.
But with Washington averaging career-highs in points and blocks this season due to the absence of Miles Bridges, he could be in line for a bigger payday. Michael Scott of HoopsHype thinks that Washington might be looking for an annual salary of $20 million.
"The Charlotte Hornets were discussing a contract extension of around four years, $50-52 million, with forward PJ Washington," Scotto said. "That offer was nearly identical to the extension Wendell Carter Jr. previously signed with the Orlando Magic. However, Washington was seeking closer to $20 million annually."
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