NBA Buzz: Porzingis, Trades, Cavaliers, Maxey, Knicks, Wall, Booker, Pacers

The Kristaps Porzingis move has brought new life to the Washington Wizards and the team believes he’s a good fit next to Daniel Gafford.

“I think it’s a different feel,” head coach Wes Unseld Jr. told FortyEightMinutes and other media on Wednesday. “K.P.’s able to stretch the defense and Gaff obviously puts a lot of pressure on the rim as a roller. Both have good length and size up front. But just the ability to mix and match, kind of give offenses and our offense a different feel, the defense a different look.”

Washington has gone 1-1 since Porzingis made his debut with a point differential of +3. The team currently sits outside the playoff picture, owning a record of 29-35 on the season (1.5 games behind Atlanta for the final play-in game spot).

More NBA Rumors, News & Notes

The Cavaliers have officially signed Moses Brown to a 10-day deal. Brown should help fill the void of Jarrett Allen, who is out with a fractured finger and has no definite timeline to return.
Would the Sixers trade Tyrese Maxey in a deal for Damian Lillard this summer? Bill Simmons (speaking with Zach Lowe on the Lowe Post) wonders whether Maxey has played himself into a more untouchable trade piece than the Blazers’ star given Maxey’s leap and the guards’ respective contract situations.
On the same podcast, Lowe speculates that the Knicks would be among the suitors for Kyrie Irving should become available (either via trade or free agency down the line). It’s worth noting that Lowe isn’t reporting anything concrete but rather postulating as part of a conversation on the Nets’ future.
John Wall would reportedly be open to a return to the Wizards (via David Aldridge of The Athletic). Wall, who has one season left on his contract (a player option for $47.4 million), was rumored to be on the trade block leading up to this year’s deadline. However, the Rockets were unable to find a taker for his salary and the point guard is unlikely to play at all for the franchise this season.
Devin Booker returned to the Suns’ lineup after missing four games while on the COVID list. Booker has a monster game in his return, accumulating 23 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and two steals in the team’s win over Miami on Wednesday night [Suns Odds to Win NBA Title: +425].
Malcolm Brogdon will miss at least two games for the Pacers because of a concussion he suffered. The guard has been in and out of the lineup for the Pacers all season and Chris Duarte has routinely seen more opportunities with Brogdon sidelined.\