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Articles by Zach Lowe
Nets, Wolves Had Real Interest In Jaylen Brown But Moved On Before Celtics Reached Deal With Sixers
The Boston Celtics received trade interest from a number of other teams on Jaylen Brown, but some of those teams dropped out of the bidding and moved forward with other teams. This left the Celtics to eventually move forward with their trade to the Philadelphia 76ers that was widely received as a surprise and for less than expected when he first was put on the trade market with their offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Clippers Signaling They Plan On Being Cap Space Team In Offseason
The Los Angeles Clippers have the capacity to open up some level of cap space this offseason if they decline team options on Brook Lopez, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nicolas Batum. "I don't know if this has been decided yet, but someone who would know told me [Wednesday] that the Clippers are telling or behaving I guess as though they're going to have cap space in the offseason," said Zach Lowe. "They can't open much.
Thunder Have Told Inquiring Teams Chet Holmgren Not Available
The Oklahoma City Thunder have received calls from rival teams with trade interest in Chet Holmgren. The Thunder have let those teams know that Holmgren is not available. Holmgren is starting a five-year, $239 million rookie scale extension this coming season. His first-year salary projects to be $41.25 million. This extension mirrors that of Jalen Williams, who deal looks exactly the same as Holmgren's in terms of annual salary.
Thunder Have Told Teams Chet Holmgren Is Not Available
The Oklahoma City Thunder have received calls from rival teams with trade interest in Chet Holmgren. The Thunder have let those teams know that Holmgren is not available. Holmgren is starting a five-year, $239 million rookie scale extension this coming season. His first-year salary projects to be $41.25 million. This extension mirrors that of Jalen Williams, who deal looks exactly the same as Holmgren's in terms of annual salary.
Zach Lowe: Knicks’ playoff magic showcases resilience, Jalen Brunson’s iconic performance, and strategic risk-taking in team building | Bill Simmons
Key takeaways The Knicks’ playoff run is marked by memorable moments and strategic excellence. The team found a superior version of themselves during the playoffs compared to the regular season. Resilience was key, with the Knicks winning despite player foul trouble and injuries. Brunson’s performance was crucial, but role players also made significant contributions. The Knicks’ bold team-building moves reflect a strategic risk-taking approach.
NBA GMs, Scouts Don't Expect Thunder To Target Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been speculated as a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade suitor given their position as a title contender who could put together the most compelling offer to the Milwaukee Bucks without losing too many of their existing pieces. There is an argument that Antetokounmpo could be a better counter for the Thunder against Victor Wembanyama given the struggles of Chet Holmgren in the Western Conference Finals.
Zach Lowe: The Spurs are a championship team despite their youth, Chet Holmgren’s reluctance to shoot cost the Thunder, and strategic shifts can change series outcomes | Bill Simmons
Key takeaways The Spurs’ youthful roster is already performing at a championship level. Young teams reaching the NBA finals is a rare occurrence. Injuries to key players can significantly hinder a team’s offensive capabilities. Chet Holmgren’s lack of offensive aggression contributed to his team’s loss. Defensive strategy shifts, like not double-teaming Shea, can alter the course of a series. Oklahoma City’s three-point shooting was insufficient to secure a win.
Zach Lowe: Cleveland’s playoff performance isn’t embarrassing, Toronto’s defense disrupts their rhythm, and the Cavaliers have matchup advantages against Detroit | Bill Simmons
Key takeaways Cleveland’s playoff performance should not be seen as an embarrassment. The Cavaliers faced a significant talent gap against their opponents. Toronto’s defensive style disrupts Cleveland’s offensive rhythm. The Cavaliers and Detroit series is expected to be highly competitive. Cleveland has potential matchup advantages against Detroit. Cleveland is under pressure due to recent trades. Toronto’s roster is financially burdensome, requiring adjustments.
Zach Lowe: Orlando Magic’s playoff resilience questioned, financial commitments threaten roster flexibility, and Jalen Suggs’ contract under scrutiny | Bill Simmons
Key takeaways The Orlando Magic’s recent playoff performance raises questions about their resilience and potential. Financial commitments of the Magic could lead to future challenges, impacting their roster flexibility. Jalen Suggs’ contract is under scrutiny due to his current performance levels. The trade for Desmond Bane was seen as a strategic move given the team’s needs at the time. Teams often face difficult decisions when forced to trade key players due to limited options.
Zach Lowe: Pistons’ reliance on Cade Cunningham limits offensive flexibility, Orlando’s game plan neutralizes threats, and playoff format may disadvantage top seeds | Bill Simmons
Key takeaways The Pistons’ heavy reliance on Cade Cunningham limits their offensive flexibility. Orlando’s game plan effectively neutralized Detroit’s offensive threats by focusing on Cade. Orlando’s physicality and size counteract Detroit’s usual advantages. The Magic’s recent performance indicates a potential turnaround in their season. The current playoff format may disadvantage top-seeded teams due to extended breaks.
Zach Lowe: Jayson Tatum’s remarkable return boosts Celtics’ championship hopes, Jalen Brown’s significant improvement, and the rarity of long-term player partnerships | Bill Simmons
Key Takeaways Jayson Tatum’s return from injury has been remarkable, surpassing expectations with his performance. Tatum’s missed dunk demonstrated his explosive potential and ability to change direction quickly. The Celtics’ current roster dynamics suggest they have a championship-caliber lineup. Long-term player partnerships are rare in today’s NBA, highlighting the significance of enduring team dynamics. Jalen Brown has shown notable improvement this year, enhancing his consistency on the court.
Zach Lowe: MVP voting shouldn’t hinge on team standings, SGA’s historic season is crucial for Thunder, and player character can enhance MVP candidacy | Bill Simmons
The MVP race should not be solely determined by team standings, especially if it leads to questionable tie-breaking decisions. — Zach Lowe I think it’s a little silly that you know if there’s a tie and the spurs win the tie breaker we give it to wenbin yama for if if you weigh that reason that heavily it’s a little silly. — Zach Lowe The MVP voting process often prioritizes team success over individual performance.
Zach Lowe: The thrill of dominant center matchups, Aaron Gordon’s defensive versatility is key for Denver, and the Kings face challenges integrating new talent | Bill Simmons
Key takeaways Watching dominant centers compete offers a unique thrill in basketball matchups. Aaron Gordon’s defensive versatility is crucial for the Denver team’s success. The Kings must navigate the integration of De’Aaron Fox with their new star player. Only a select few teams have the potential to reach the highest level of play this season. The Nuggets needed a significant win to solidify their status at the top of the league. Historical voting practices for All-NBA teams should be maintained.
Zach Lowe: Celtics’ offense struggles since Tatum’s return, Luka Doncic’s historic scoring season, and LeBron’s pivotal role in Lakers’ surprise playoff success | Bill Simmons
The Celtics’ offense has struggled since Jayson Tatum’s return. — Zach Lowe In the eight games that Tatum was back they were sixteenth in offensive rating and then today they stunk. — Zach Lowe The Celtics’ offense is not as seamless as it was earlier in the season. It just doesn’t look as seamless as it did. — Zach Lowe The team needs to return to what makes them great offensively.
Zach Lowe: Retaining talented players is crucial for franchise success, Celtics strategically using Shireman as Tatum proxy, and Tyrese Maxey's All-NBA potential | Bill Simmons
Key Takeaways Retaining talented players is crucial for building successful sports franchises. The Celtics are strategically using Shireman as a proxy for Tatum during his recovery. Tatum’s return to the Celtics will likely involve a gradual increase in minutes. Vucevic’s transition to a backup center role is appropriate given his age and performance. The return of a key player late in the season could have unpredictable outcomes for playoff performance.
Wizards, Kings, Pacers Considered Most Likely To Have Best 2026 NBA Draft Lottery Odds
The 2025-26 season isn't halfway over yet, but the three teams who are widely expected to finish the season with the best lottery odds are the Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers. The New Orleans Pelicans are behind the Kings in the standings, but they don't have the same incentive structure as their first round pick in 2026 was traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Derik Queen.
'Never A Whisper' About Nikola Jokic Wanting To Leave Nuggets
Nikola Jokic decided this offseason not to sign a three-year, $212 million contact extension with the Denver Nuggets, which was his expected decision and has led to zero credible reporting that he could consider leaving the franchise in the future. Sources around Jokic and the Nuggets have indicated that there is no underlying tension on him possibly wanting out. "Nobody in Denver batted an eye that I heard, privately or publicly, when Jokic said, 'You know what?
Lauri Markkanen Could Become NBA's Most Interesting Trade Candidate
Lauri Markkanen was a constant in trade rumors during the 2024 offseason before signing a five-year, $238 million renegotiate-and-extend contract with the Utah Jazz. After a disappointing 2024-25 season where his PER dropped from 21.2 to 15.6, Markkanen was conspicuously absent from trade rumors.
Jalen Williams' Extension Tiered At 26, 27, 30 Percent For Each All-NBA Level
Jalen Williams will need to make All-NBA again this season to trigger escalator clauses in his Oklahoma City Thunder contract extension that could reach $287 million over five years. Williams and the Thunder negotiated an extension that includes tiered escalator bonuses. Third-team All-NBA selection would increase Williams' salary from 25 percent to 26 percent of the salary cap maximum. Second-team All-NBA recognition triggers a larger bump from 25 percent to 27 percent of the maximum salary.
No Trade Buzz Surrounding LeBron James Since Opt In With Lakers
LeBron James remains with the Los Angeles Lakers despite casting doubt on his future after opting into his $52.6 million contract for the 2025-26 season, with no active trade discussions currently taking place. The four-time champion's agent Rich Paul previously suggested the Lakers were building long-term around younger players rather than maximizing title chances. Multiple teams expressed initial interest following those comments, but no concrete negotiations have materialized.
Santi Aldama Expected To Receive Offers At Full Mid Level Exception
Santi Aldama is expected to be one of the more sought after free agents this offseason with mid-level contract offers awaiting him from rival teams. Aladama is a restricted free agent after he was the 30th overall pick in the 2021 draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. "Because Santi Aldama has full mid-level deals, I think, waiting for him," said Zach Lowe on Saturday.
NBA's Win-Now Incentives Fuel Unprecedented First-Round Pick Trading Boom
The Orlando Magic's trade sending multiple future first-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies for Desmond Bane represents the latest example of teams mortgaging their future to maximize championship windows. This aggressive approach has become the defining trend of modern NBA team-building. The Magic join a growing list of franchises making all-in moves.
Spurs, Raptors Still Considered Teams To Watch For Kevin Durant Trade
After discussing Game 4 of the NBA Finals on The Zach Lowe show, the eponymous host and Bill Simmons talked NBA trade buzz. Most of the discussion focused on a seemingly impending Kevin Durant trade from the Phoenix Suns. After listing off the known suitors of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat, Lowe and Simmons agreed that the San Antonio Spurs should still be considered a potential Durant landing spot.
Pistons Debated Stanley Johnson, Devin Booker At 2015 Draft
At the 2015 NBA draft, the Detroit Pistons had a decision to make with the No. 8 pick and narrowed their options to Stanley Johnson and Devin Booker. The Pistons selected Kentavious Caldwell-Pope at No. 8 in the 2013 draft and was perceived as having more positional overlap with Booker than Johnson. Johnson's strength and profile projected him as being more of a small forward who could also play power forward in some lineup configurations.
The Zach Lowe Show
Same Zach. New home. The Zach Lowe Show keeps you in the know around the Association with a variety of NBA conversations and game breakdowns. Plus guests, including his friends covering the league and some of the biggest names shaping it. Episodes weekly on Mondays and Thursdays. This podcast hasn't been reviewed yet. You can to show others what you thought. Do you host or manage this podcast? Claim and edit this page to your liking. Are we missing an episode or update?
Joel Embiid Extension, Knicks Center Rotation, and Lakers Coach JJ Redick!
The Lowe Post Joel Embiid Extension, Knicks Center Rotation, and Lakers Coach JJ Redick! Zach is joined by Ian Begley of SNY to discuss Joel Embiid’s contract extension and legacy through this point of his career and they discuss the news that Mitchell Robinson is going to miss the start of the season and what the Knicks plan to do at center. Then, new Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick joins the podcast to discuss his whirlwind summer and the Lakers expectations heading into the season.
Woj Retirement and Reasons to Watch the Bottom Tier Teams in the League
The Lowe Post Woj Retirement and Reasons to Watch the Bottom Tier Teams in the League Zach reacts to Adrian Wojnarowski leaving ESPN, divides the Eastern conference into tiers, and then brings in Steve Jones Jr. of The Dunker Spot to explain why these 8 teams will be worth watching: the Wizards, Hornets, Bulls, Raptors, Jazz, Blazers, Nets, and Pistons.
Who Can Rise in the Eastern Conference? and Will Jayson Tatum Ever Win an MVP?
The Lowe Post Who Can Rise in the Eastern Conference? and Will Jayson Tatum Ever Win an MVP? Zach Lowe and Mo Dakhil discuss the biggest question marks surrounding the Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat and if any of those teams can upset the top four of the Eastern Conference in a playoff series. Also, they debate if Jayson Tatum gets his proper respect as an NBA Superstar. All that and more! 3:30 Which of the young playoff teams in the East has the brightest future?
Jamal Murray, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, and the biggest contract questions heading into NBA season
The Lowe Post Jamal Murray, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, and the biggest contract questions heading into NBA season Zach Lowe and Bobby Marks discuss Jamal Murray signing his contract extension with the Denver Nuggets and what that means for the Nuggets title window, the trade rumors surrounding Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram, and which 4th year rookie scale contract extensions they expect to come through.
Michael Malone, Nuggets' Front Office Reportedly Not 'Seeing Eye To Eye'
The Denver Nuggets lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency without an external replacement as the expectation is Christian Braun will take his place at shooting guard in the starting lineup. Calvin Booth has prioritized the development of Denver's draft picks with the goal of building a sustainable contender, but that could come at the expense of their short-term success managed by Michael Malone. "There are rumblings," said Zach Lowe on his podcast this week.
Most Intriguing Teams and Players for 2024-25 Season
The Lowe Post Most Intriguing Teams and Players for 2024-25 Season Zach Lowe is joined by Kevin Pelton to discuss the Olympics and all of the late offseason news from around the league, then they discuss the teams they have the most questions for after this summer, and which players they think are the most intriguing heading into the 2024-2025 NBA season.
Bryan Curtis on Brady, Belichick, Barkley & More
Episode 511 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with The Ringer's Editor-At-Large, Bryan Curtis.
Lauri Markkanen and Brandon Ingram Trade Rumors, Can the Nuggets return to glory?, and Can the Timberwolves compete for the title?
The Lowe Post Lauri Markkanen and Brandon Ingram Trade Rumors, Can the Nuggets return to glory?, and Can the Timberwolves compete for the title? Zach Lowe is joined by Tim MacMahon to discuss the lingering trade rumors surrounding Lauri Markkanen and Brandon Ingram heading into the 2024-25 NBA Season and what they make out of the Phoenix Suns.
Lowe - Jokic, Russ and a huge warning sign for a Denver Nuggets team once primed for an NBA dynasty - ESPN
A FUN POLL question for executives and coaches in this late July calm, with free agency about done and two major potential trade-slash-contract situations -- Lauri Markkanen and Brandon Ingram -- as yet unresolved: If you had to pick one West team to make the Finals, who would it be? Maybe three-quarters of respondents open their mouths right away as if to deliver a confident response -- only to clam up and furrow their brows.
Team USA Survives Exhibition Games, Next Season's Wins Over/Under Reactions, and Knicks Talk
The Lowe Post Team USA Survives Exhibition Games, Next Season's Wins Over/Under Reactions, and Knicks Talk Zach and Fred Katz discuss Team USA winning competitive exhibition games and how they feel about the team heading into the Olympics, then they discuss the most interesting win totals by ESPN Bet and which teams they think will surpass or fail to meet expectations, and if there are any moves left to make for the New York Knicks.
What's Going on with the Raptors and Hornets, Banchero vs. Barnes, Bucks Update, and Westbrook to Denver
The Lowe Post What's Going on with the Raptors and Hornets, Banchero vs. Barnes, Bucks Update, and Westbrook to Denver Zach and Seth Partnow discuss what the Raptors and Hornets are up to before weighing in on some offseason winners and losers. Then ESPN’s Jamal Collier joins for the latest on the Bucks. Plus, Russell Westbrook is reportedly headed to Denver. Raptors (3:01) Banchero vs.
Lowe - The 7 most underdiscussed NBA teams this offseason - ESPN
The meat of the NBA offseason is over. Most of the discussion has centered around the New York Knicks, Paul George and the Philadelphia 76ers, the end (for now) of the LA Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers standing pat, the crowded tank race, the Oklahoma City Thunder loading up and aprons. So many aprons. Here are seven teams that have gone underdiscussed this offseason -- each with critical storylines and moves yet to play out.
Lowe - The 7 most under-discussed NBA teams this offseason - ESPN
The meat of the NBA offseason is over. Most of the discussion has centered around the New York Knicks, Paul George and the Philadelphia 76ers, the end (for now) of the LA Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers standing pat, the crowded tank race, the Oklahoma City Thunder loading up and aprons. So many aprons. Here are seven teams that have gone under-discussed this offseason -- each with critical storylines and moves yet to play out.
Banchero vs. Barnes, More WTF Teams, and Westbrook to Denver on Apple Podcasts
Zach and Seth Partnow discuss what the Raptors and Hornets are up to before weighing in on some offseason winners and losers. Then ESPN's Jamal Collier joins for the latest on the Bucks. Plus, Russell Westbrook is reportedly headed to Denver. Raptors (3:01) Banchero vs.
Brunson's Team Friendly Extension with the Knicks and a WTF Are These Teams Draft
The Lowe Post Brunson's Team Friendly Extension with the Knicks and a WTF Are These Teams Draft Zach and ESPN’s Kevin Pelton discuss Jalen Brunson’s extension with the Knicks and whether or not it will be a precedent in the apron era, the Warriors’ pursuit of Lauri Markkanen, and a look at a few teams that make you wonder about their direction. Brunson’s extension (1:04) Will this be a precedent? (12:34) Where do the Knicks stack up in the East?
Brunson's Team Friendly Extension with the Knicks and a WTF Are These Teams Draft on Apple Podcasts
Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss Jalen Brunson's extension with the Knicks and whether or not it will be a precedent in the apron era, the Warriors' pursuit of Lauri Markkanen, and a look at a few teams that make you wonder about their direction. Brunson's extension (1:04) Will this be a precedent? (12:34) Where do the Knicks stack up in the East? (19:43) Warriors' pursuit of a Markkanen trade (25:16) WTF are these teams draft (39:58) Learn more about your ad choices.
Clippers Retrospective, What are the Warriors, Markkanen Teams, and the lurking Grizzlies on Apple Podcasts
Zach looks back on the Paul George-Kawhi Leonard era of the Clippers. Then ESPN's Tim MacMahon joins to take stock of the Warriors, possible Lauri Markkanen trade teams, and the state of the Memphis Grizzlies. The Kawhi-PG era (1:01) Tim MacMahon (19:21) Team USA latest (20:11) Current state of the Warriors (30:34) Markkanen trades (43:58) Don't sleep on the Grizzlies (1:10:01) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
DeRozan to the Kings, PG on talks with the Clips, the Walls Closing in on the Heat, and an Olympics Preview
The Lowe Post DeRozan to the Kings, PG on talks with the Clips, the Walls Closing in on the Heat, and an Olympics Preview Zach and ESPN’s Chris Herring react to Paul George’s comments about his contract negotiations with the Clippers, discuss the Heat losing Caleb Martin to the Sixers, the Kings trading for DeMar DeRozan, and the Bulls’ attempt at a rebuild. Then ESPN’s Brian Windhorst joins to preview a loaded Olympic field and Team USA’s biggest questions.
DeRozan to the Kings, PG on talks with the Clips, the Walls Closing in on the Heat, and an Olympics Preview on Apple Podcasts
Zach and ESPN's Chris Herring react to Paul George's comments about his contract negotiations with the Clippers, discuss the Heat losing Caleb Martin to the Sixers, the Kings trading for DeMar DeRozan, and the Bulls' attempt at a rebuild. Then ESPN's Brian Windhorst joins to preview a loaded Olympic field and Team USA's biggest questions. Paul George on his contract talks with the Clippers (4:26) What are the Clippers now?
LeBron: Bronny's selection was 'dream come true'
LAS VEGAS -- LeBron James said Saturday afternoon that it was a "dream come true" for his son, Bronny James, to be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers last month, and that "there's a loss for words" about what the opportunity to play with him means to LeBron and his family. "For me to see my son to be able to, you know, be in the NBA alone. I mean, it's always been a dream of his and for us to be side by side ...
Sources: Kings land DeRozan for 3 years, $74M
The Sacramento Kings are acquiring free agent guard DeMar DeRozan in a three-year, $74 million sign-and-trade deal, sources told ESPN on Saturday night. The Kings are trading forward Harrison Barnes and an unprotected 2031 pick swap to the San Antonio Spurs and guard Chris Duarte, two second-round draft picks and cash to the Chicago Bulls, sources said.
Trae Young's Trade Market 'As Chilly As It Has Ever Been'
Trae Young has been linked with a potential trade to the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers, but sources tell ESPN's Zach Lowe that neither team has shown much interest in acquiring him recently. The Hawks are resetting their roster around Young, Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher after trading away Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Spurs control Atlanta first round picks in 2025, 2026 and 2027, creating little incentive for the Hawks to enter into a full rebuild.
Heat Interested In Trading For Lauri Markkanen
The Miami Heat have joined the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings in trading for Lauri Markkanen. The Jazz are listening to trade offers on Markkanen ahead of a possible renegotiate-and-extend deal with him when they are allowed to do so in August. For the Heat, Markkanen would give them a floor spacer between Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, as well as another shot creator.
Lowe: The Clippers, the Nuggets and the convenient fear of the second apron
Now that the dust has (mostly) settled after another wild NBA free agency, it's time to take stock of who won, who lost and where the league is now. Jump to Lowe's biggest free agency winners, losers and takeaways: The Clips' looming purgatory | Denver's convenient fear Orlando's build | OKC winning ...
Klay to the Mavs, Spida re-signs in Cleveland, Lakers' Off-Season, and the Free Agency Medal Stand
The Lowe Post Klay to the Mavs, Spida re-signs in Cleveland, Lakers' Off-Season, and the Free Agency Medal Stand Zach and ESPN’s Kevin Pelton discuss the Klay Thompson sign and trade to the Mavericks, the state of the Warriors, potential moves for the Lakers, the Cavs re-signing Donovan Mitchell, and the Top 3 free agency winners.
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