Sam Amick: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

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The future of guard-forward Peyton Watson with the Denver Nuggets is still up in the air. Denver has already extended a qualifying offer worth $6.53 million to Watson, who is a restricted free agent, and is said to be willing to match any offer that another team would offer the former UCLA Bruins star.

Minnesota Timberwolves News / Minnesota Timberwolves on SI / June 20

Why the Timberwolves' Latest Trade Rumor Makes Too Much Sense

With the NBA Draft less than a week away, trade rumors continue to heat up. The Athletic's Sam Amick reported on Friday that Minnesota has a strong interest in Celtics guard Derrick White, and another report continued that Boston has inquired about Rudy Gobert.

NBA News / Total Apex Fantasy Sports / June 12

Giannis Trade Rumors: Teams Don’t Trust The Milwaukee Bucks In Negotiations

The Milwaukee Bucks may have unintentionally complicated their own offseason. According to reporting from Sam Amick and Eric Nehm of The Athletic, several front offices around the league have developed a “sense of distrust” toward Milwaukee after how the team handled Giannis Antetokounmpo discussions during the in‑season trade window.

Oklahoma City Thunder News / Larry Brown Sports / May 31

Thunder are being linked to one NBA All-Star big man

The Oklahoma City Thunder may already be plotting after their championship defense came up short. Oklahoma City is being linked to Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported on Sunday.

NBA News / Hoops Rumors / May 17

NBA Executives Critical Of ‘3-2-1’ Lottery Reform Plan

The NBA’s Board of Governors appears likely to pass the “3-2-1” lottery reform plan on May 28, but some front office executives around the league aren’t fans of the proposal, according to Sam Amick and Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic.

NBA News / Hoops Wire / May 17

NBA expected to approve ‘3-2-1’ lottery reform plan

The NBA appears ready to move forward with major lottery changes. Despite pushback from some corners, the league’s Board of Governors is expected to approve the proposed “3-2-1” lottery reform plan later this month, according to Sam Amick and Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic.

NBA News / Hoops Rumors / May 17

Despite Critics, Lottery Reform Plan Seems Headed For Approval

The NBA’s Board of Governors appears to be headed toward approving the “3-2-1” lottery reform plan later this month, but Sam Amick and Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic found plenty of critics of the proposal in their conversations with executives at the draft combine.

Portland Trail Blazers News / Hoops Wire / May 5

Blazers casting wide net in coaching search, with no clear timeline

The Trail Blazers are keeping their options open. Maybe too open. Portland’s coaching search has expanded to a wide pool of candidates, with league sources telling The Athletic’s Sam Amick the list could approach 20 names.

Portland Trail Blazers News / Hoops Wire / May 5

Blazers under scrutiny as rivals spend big on coaches, front offices

The Trail Blazers are taking a different path. Around the NBA, others are spending big. While teams like the Bucks and Mavericks have made aggressive, high-cost moves this offseason, Portland continues to operate with a more cautious approach, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

NBA News / Hoops Wire / April 27

NBA has ‘heavy frontrunner’ in attempt to overhaul draft lottery

The NBA has spent a lot of time lately getting serious about tanking. Or at least trying something new. And a “heavy front-runner” has emerged in talks on draft lottery reform, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

NBA News / Total Pro Sports / April 27

NBA Reportedly Considering Major Draft Lottery Change to Combat Tanking

Tanking has become a hot topic in recent years, sparking debates among NBA fans and analysts alike. This controversial tactic involves teams intentionally losing games to secure better chances in the draft lottery.

NBA News / NBA Draft on SI / April 27

Front-Runner has Reportedly Emerged for NBA Draft Reform

The NBA Draft has been a major subject of discussion over the course of the NBA season. Not only because it’s set to be the most loaded in years — offering up talents like AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson and Darryn Peterson — but also how it’s affected the season as a whole.

Milwaukee Bucks News / Hoops Wire / April 20

Bucks interview Taylor Jenkins for coaching vacancy

The Bucks are starting to zero in on their next head coach, and one familiar name is already in the mix. Milwaukee has met with former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins as the search begins to take shape, according to Eric Nehm and Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Milwaukee Bucks News / Hoops Rumors / April 20

Bucks Met With Taylor Jenkins About Coaching Job

The Bucks have met with former Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins as they ramp up their search for a new head coach following the departure of Doc Rivers, according to Eric Nehm and Sam Amick of The Athletic.

NBA News / Hoops Wire / April 10

Lakers, Celtics among teams linked to potential Giannis pursuit

If Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo ever hits the trade market, expect just about everyone to at least check in. That includes the Lakers and Celtics, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / February 28

Rockets Face Grim Reality, as it Pertains to Title Chances

The question has previously been raised regarding whether the Houston Rockets should be viewed as title contenders. The answer will vary, depending on who you ask.

NBA News / Hoops Wire / January 2, 2025

De’Aaron Fox’s Future With Kings Uncertain as Trade Rumors Heat Up

As the Sacramento Kings continue to focus on building around De’Aaron Fox, rival teams are keeping a close eye on the situation, per Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Philadelphia 76ers News / Basketball Network / November 26, 2024

'Common sense tells you something in between went down' - Sam Amick speculates that Embiid got injured after the Olympics

Joel Embiid's injury situation regarding his knee has been a dark cloud hovering over the Philadelphia 76ers' franchise this season. Although the absences

NBA News / Hoops Wire / October 18, 2024

Report: De’Aaron Fox Could Enter Free Agency In 2026

According to NBA writers Sam Amick and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox could enter free agency in 2026. Fox,

NBA News / Yardbarker / June 29, 2024

Rockets eyeing stars whose ages align with young core, per report

Age is reportedly a major factor for the Rockets as they look for a new addition.

New Rockets Player Looking To Redeem Himself

20 cities that deserve an NBA expansion team

The 'Most points in one NBA postseason' quiz

NBA News / Hoops Wire / February 19, 2024

Report: Players Want To Get Paid To Play In All-Star Game

According to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, players want to get paid to play in the All-Star Game. The main reason players played hard in the NBA In-Season Tournament was because money was at stake. The Los Angeles Lakers won the In-Season Tournament, with each player getting $500,000.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / February 3, 2024

Sam Amick Argues This Laker Didn't Deserve His 2024 All-Star Selection

Despite being the ninth seed in the Western Conference, your 25-25 Los Angeles Lakers managed to secure All-Star appearances for a whopping two of their players.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / January 29, 2024

Sam Amick Believes LA Trading For All-Star Guard Is An "Inevitability"

The Los Angeles Lakers front office has been looking all across the league to see where they can get help before the NBA trade deadline next week. They know that the Lakers are a few pieces away from being a real contender for the title, so they are trying their best to piece things together.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Yardbarker / January 8, 2023

LeBron James denies frustrations over Lakers' lack of moves on social media

Last month, James shared an ominous message with reporters, saying he knew what he could "still bring to any ballclub with the right pieces." The statement only fueled speculation over James' future in Los Angeles if the Lakers fail to add. James has one year remaining on his contract and a $50.4 million player option for 2024-25, but he could quickly force his way out if he wanted.

LeBron James again hints at desire for Lakers to make roster upgrades

LeBron James changing his stance on playing with son Bronny?

Will LeBron James continue playing if he passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on all-time scoring record?

Who has the highest single-season PPG average for every NBA team?

The '40-point games from the 2019-20 NBA season' quiz

NBA News / Yardbarker / July 28, 2021

Report: Heat, Raptors, Wizards seen as most likely landing spots for Ben Simmons

Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons playing for a new team next season is "increasingly likely," according to The Athletic's Sam Amick. The Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards are seen as the most likely landing spots for the point guard, Amick adds.

76ers deny report about Ben Simmons ghosting them

Odd Blazers-76ers situation delaying Ben Simmons trade?

Redrafting the 2016 NBA Draft

The 'No. 1 overall NBA draft picks' quiz