Hoops Rumors

Confirming a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link) also hears the Pacers are pursuing a trade for a backup center. In fact, Fischer’s sources say Indiana is considered likely to acquire a reserve big man shortly after Dec. 15, when many players around the league become trade-eligible. The Pacers have an open spot on their 15-man … [Read more...] about Central Rumors: Pacers, Turner, LaVine, Vucevic, Strus

4:48pm: In exchange for Bryant, the Heat will acquire the right to swap 2031 second-round picks with the Pacers, according to Chiang. 3:47pm: The Heat have agreed to trade veteran center Thomas Bryant to the Pacers, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN. The deal will have to wait until Sunday, as that’s when Bryant becomes trade-eligible. Indiana will send Miami a second-round … [Read more...] about Heat To Trade Thomas Bryant To Pacers

Bulls forward Patrick Williams practiced in full on Thursday and is on track to play approximately 20-24 minutes on Friday, coach Billy Donovan told K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network and other media members (Twitter link). Williams has been sidelined since Nov. 18 due to a foot injury. The Bulls held guard Josh Giddey (back tightness) out of practice but there’s optimism … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Williams, Pacers Practices, Bucks Tourney Run, Lillard

Revenge wasn’t on Jalen Smith‘s mind when he faced the Pacers Friday night for the first time since leaving them over the summer to sign with the Bulls, writes Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. Given the financial realities of the situation, Smith and Indiana’s front office both seemed to understand going into last season that their relationship was about to end, Dopirak … [Read more...] about Bulls Notes: Smith, LaVine, Vucevic, Williams, Buzelis

Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 overall pick of June’s draft, has been cleared for on-court workouts as he ramps up toward a return, according to the Trail Blazers, who announced (via Twitter) that the rookie center is day-to-day going forward. Clingan has been sidelined for the past seven games after sustaining a sprained MCL in his left knee. The former UConn big man, who won … [Read more...] about Injury Updates: Clingan, P. Williams, Rockets, Pacers