RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Report: Jeff Weltman To Join Raptors' Front Office

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 19:39:41 EDT

The Toronto Raptors will hire Jeff Weltman as their second in command behind Masai Ujiri.

Weltman will remain with the Milwaukee Bucks, however, until after the draft.

Weltman signed an extension with the Bucks in January.

Bucks Offered Two-Year Extension To Monta Ellis

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:06:58 EDT

The Milwaukee Bucks offered a two-year extension to Monta Ellis that would have resulted in a total package of nearly $36 million over three years, according to sources.

Ellis would have had to opt in to the additional two years.

Ellis has until June 20 to decide whether to opt into the final season of his deal. Ellis signed a six-year, $66 million contract with the Golden State Warriors in 2008.

Shane Larkin Believes Bucks Would Be 'Good Fit'

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 01:06:47 EDT

Shane Larkin might be gone by the time the Milwaukee Bucks select 15th in the NBA Draft, but he would want the organization to pick him if possible.

"I kind of had that same setup down in Miami," Larkin said. "So coming in here and running the pick-and-roll with those guys would be a lot like at Miami. It seems like a good fit to me."

Larkin, 20, has studied the Bucks' personnel and said he would be comfortable playing in a lineup with Larry Sanders and Ersan Ilyasova.

"Actually Larry Sanders was at VCU when coach Shaka (Smart) was recruiting me, so I knew about him," Larkin said. "I played with a stretch 4 (at Miami), so that's like Ersan."

Raptors Pursuing Jeff Weltman For Front Office Position

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:10:11 EDT

Jeff Weltman is being pursued by the Toronto Raptors to join their front office.

Weltman has been with the Milwaukee Bucks since 2008 and received an extension in January.

Weltman has received interest from the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns for their general manager vacancies in recent years.

Masai Ujiri has been turning over the Raptors' front office since being hired last week as GM.

Kohl Dedicated To Keeping Bucks In Milwaukee

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 20:25:02 EDT

Herb Kohl is committed to keeping the Milwaukee Bucks from relocating by replacing the Bradley Center.

The Bradley Center opened in 1988.

"We have to find a way and we will find a way," Kohl said. "We know we have to find a way to a new facility and we will. The question is when and how. But we will because that is the future of not only the Bucks ... Milwaukee and Wisconsin need a 21st century sports and entertainment complex."

Kohl was asked how long he is going to stay owner of the Bucks.

"For the foreseeable future," Kohl said. "I have always said I will own the team until it's sold at some point to somebody or some group that ... is dedicated to keeping it here in Wisconsin. So when the time comes and the right person or group appears, my mind will start moving in another direction. But they must stay here. That's the bottom line."

Bucks Hire Larry Drew As Head Coach

Fri, 31 May 2013 17:30:22 EDT

Larry Drew has accepted the Milwaukee Bucks' offer to become their next head coach.

Drew was most recently head coach of the Atlanta Hawks. 

The Hawks reached the playoffs in each of Drew's three seasons as head coach.

Drew will replace former interim head coach Jim Boylan who had succeeded Scott Skiles.

The Bucks enter an uncertain offseason in which Brandon Jennings, Monta Ellis and J.J. Redick will be free agents.

Monta Ellis Increases Interest In Kings With Malone Hire

Fri, 31 May 2013 01:13:33 EDT

Monta Ellis can become a free agent this offseason and his interest in signing with the Sacramento Kings has increased upon their decision to hire Mike Malone, according to a source.

Ellis became familiar with Malone during their time together with the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors traded Ellis to the Milwaukee Bucks at the 2012 deadline.

Execs: Bucks Prefer To Re-Sign Ellis Over Jennings

Wed, 29 May 2013 15:46:11 EDT

There is a rising belief among NBA executives that the Milwaukee Bucks prefer to re-sign Monta Ellis over Brandon Jennings this offseason, when likely both will be free agents.

Ellis will become an unrestricted free agent if he opts out of the one season left on his contract.

Jennings will be a restricted free agent on July 1.

There is a sense the Bucks prefer Ellis and J.J. Redick in their backcourt moving forward.

21 NBA Teams To Compete In 2013 Vegas Summer League

Wed, 29 May 2013 13:52:37 EDT

The 2013 Vegas Summer League will be comprised of 22 teams and run from July 12 to July 22.

Atlanta Hawks (2010-12)
Charlotte Bobcats (2008, 2012)
Chicago Bulls (2005, 2009-12)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2004-12)
Dallas Mavericks (2005-12)
Denver Nuggets (2004-12)
Golden State Warriors (2005-12)
L.A. Clippers (2005-12)
L.A. Lakers (2007-12)
Memphis Grizzlies (2007-12)
Miami Heat (2010-12)
Milwaukee Bucks (2007-12)
Minnesota Timberwolves (2006-12)
NBA D-League Select (2009-12)
New Orleans Pelicans (2005-12)
New York Knicks (2005-12)
Phoenix Suns (2004-12)
Portland Trail Blazers (2005-12)
Sacramento Kings (2005-12)
San Antonio Spurs (2007-12)
Toronto Raptors (2008-12)
Washington Wizards (2004-12)

Drew, Sampson, Clifford Chosen As Finalists For Bucks' Position

Sun, 26 May 2013 15:54:11 EDT

Larry Drew, Kelvin Sampson and Steve Clifford have emerged as the three finalists for the Milwaukee Bucks' head coaching position.

The three candidates will meet with John Hammond for a second interview.

Hammond has the strongest history with Sampson, while Clifford comes strongly recommended by Tom Thibodeau, Stan Van Gundy and Jeff Van Gundy.

Sampson and Clifford are also candidates for the Charlotte Bobcats' position.

Stan Van Gundy Confirms He Won't Coach Next Season

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:46:07 EDT

Stan Van Gundy appeared on The David Baumann Radio Show on Tuesday morning in Orlando and confirmed he will not coach next season.

“As you get down the road more and the longer you are out, the harder it is to get back in and that was certainly a difficult part of the decision process for me because it’s certainly something that I miss and don’t want to close the door on for the rest of my life, but, it is not right now anyway, in the best interest of my family, so it won’t be next year,” said Van Gundy.

Van Gundy has not interviewed with any teams, though he has been contacted.

The Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks are two teams known to have interest in Van Gundy.

“I sort of laugh a little bit on jobs I supposedly interviewed for. I don’t know who those sources are. I certainly have had inquiries from people, but no job offers and I have not interviewed anywhere.”

Van Gundy was also asked about an ESPN report indicating Dwight Howard's frustration with Mike D'Antoni.

“When Dwight has a private meeting with Mitch Kupchak, I don’t know who the source would be… other than Mitch Kupchak," said Van Gundy. "My guess is Mitch is not the source and Dwight is not the source.

“I know through my own history and even some things written about what I was supposedly doing this Spring, that quite honestly, I think a lot of times these writers just sit down, make up a story, claim there’s a source and put it out there. I hate to say that, but there’s no other explanation.”

Larry Drew Will Interview For Bucks' Head Coaching Job Monday

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:26:42 EDT

Larry Drew will interview for the Milwaukee Bucks' head coaching vacancy on Monday and is receiving interest from a second team.

The Bucks called Danny Ferry about speaking with Drew, who is still under contract with the Atlanta Hawks until June 30, and they were granted permission.

“I’ve moved on from the situation,” Drew said. “We had a very professional talk just trying to get things in order since I’m still under contract.”

While Drew is prepared to part ways with the Hawks, the door is not completely closed on him returning as coach.

“There is not a sadness,” Drew said. “This is a business. We left open that this could evolve back. If it doesn’t, I have to move on. That’s how this business works. I knew that. Nine years is a good run. There is a business side to this profession."

Report: Redick Unlikely To Return To Bucks

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:29:49 EDT

J.J. Redick is unlikely to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, according to a report.

Redick will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Redick is coming off a reported 3-year, $20 million contract.

Sloan Not Interested In Coaching Bucks

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:21:41 EDT

Jerry Sloan is not interested in taking the Milwaukee Bucks’ vacant head coaching position.

Sloan met with Bucks officials last week.

"The bottom line is, Jerry doesn't really feel it's the right fit for him right now," Keith Glass, Sloan’s agent, said on Thursday. "He's interested (in coaching again). He's in Chicago now watching the Pre-Draft. And his name keeps popping up with every job, and he hasn't applied for anything. He had a real nice meeting with them. They came to see him on his farm (in downstate Illinois). They had a great meeting just in terms of liking each other. (Bucks general manager) John Hammond said 'I wish I could have stayed and watched the game with him.' It's just not the right fit for Jerry, from Jerry's point of view. That's not a negative thing; that's just the reality."

Glass said that Sloan would be interested in coaching a playoff-level team.

"Jerry probably is a lot like Scott, in that the working conditions and where the team is (contender-wise) are important," Glass said. "For Jerry to go to a place that's going to take years to build—and I'm not talking about Milwaukee, I'm talking about anywhere—that's just not right for him. They have to be able to compete. Jerry is a competitor, and he wants to compete and teach."

Sloan Considered Serious Candidate For Bucks' Opening

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:57:56 EDT

Jerry Sloan has already met with the Milwaukee Bucks about their head coaching vacancy and sources say he is a serious candidate.

Sloan abruptly stepped down as head coach of the Utah Jazz in February of 2011.

The Bucks fired Scott Skiles midseason and replaced him with Jim Boylan on an interim basis.

Steve Clifford Interviews With Bucks

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:49:27 EDT

Steve Clifford has an interview with the Milwaukee Bucks for their head coaching vacancy on Monday, according to sources.

Clifford spent last season with the Los Angeles Lakers after serving as assistant coach of the Orlando Magic for five seasons. Clifford was previously with the Houston Rockets for four seasons. 

Clifford also will interview with the Charlotte Bobcats.

John Hammond is searching for a replacement for Jim Boylan.

Redick Plans To Consult With Krzyzewski On Free Agency Decision

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:08:34 EDT

J.J. Redick plans to consult with Mike Krzyzewski before making his free agent decision.

Redick will spend the offseason in Texas as he explores his options for the future.

"I don't take anything for granted," Redick said. "If I have one option or four options this summer, I'll be excited about anything. I feel blessed that I made it through my seventh year, and I'm healthy and in one piece. I'm excited about the future. It's probably my only chance to be unrestricted during the prime of my career. It's exciting."

Redick shot just 31.8 percent from beyond the arc after being acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks at the trade deadline.

Mark Jackson: Trading Monta Ellis Helped Change Warriors' Culture

Thu, 09 May 2013 18:20:21 EDT

Mark Jackson was asked on Thursday how the Golden State Warriors' trade of Monta Ellis for Andrew Bogut, which created more opportunities for Klay Thompson.

“It helped change the culture," said Jackson. :Obviously it was easier to pull the trigger because we knew what we had in Klay and it was time for him to be a starting two-guard. And he does everything right.” 

Jackson was asked for anything specific in how the trade helped change the culture.

"You know," said Jackson.

Jackson called Ellis the third best shooting guard in the NBA when he was hired.

Prospective Kings' Owner Interested In Monta Ellis

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:55:37 EDT

Monta Ellis has yet to decide if he will opt out of his $11 million deal for the 13-14 NBA season, but he could have one potential suitor in the Sacramento Kings.

A member of the Kings' prospective ownership group has worked on a background check on Ellis as a potential player to sign if Tyreke Evans departs in the offseason.

Evans will be a restricted free agent in the offseason.

Ellis, Sanders Were Physically Separated Following Game 3

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:47:17 EDT

Monta Ellis and Larry Sanders nearly engaged in a physical confrontation after Game 3 of the Milwaukee Bucks' first round series against the Miami Heat, according to four sources.

The Bucks were swept by the Heat in four games.

The two players had to be physically separated.

One source described the confrontation as “just words between teammates in the locker room.” 

Sanders made a speech following a 13-points loss on the Bucks' home floor in an attempt to rally his teammates.

“We need to start playing together as a team and stop worrying about next year,” according to one of the people briefed on the confrontation. “We need to stop being selfish and start worrying about right now.”

Ellis “took umbrage,” according to another person with knowledge of the situation. 

Ellis and Brandon Jennings will likely be free agents this offseason.

Jim Boylan Relieved Of Duties As Interim Head Coach Of Bucks

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:05:02 EDT

The Milwaukee Bucks have relieved Jim Boylan of his duties as interim head coach.

Boylan went 22-28 as head coach, helping the Bucks secure the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Stan Van Gundy and Kelvin Sampson are the two main targets for the Bucks, according to sources that spoke with Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Mike Dunleavy Likes Bucks, Open To Return

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:36:07 EDT

Mike Dunleavy signed a two-year contract with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2011 and will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Heading into free agency, Dunleavy believes he will definitely consider returning to the Bucks and liked his situation over the past two seasons.

"I like being here; I grew up here," Dunleavy said. "I signed as a free agent here. I'm willing to come back. I've got to talk to the team and see what they want to do and go from there."

Still, Dunleavy -- like many of the Bucks' role players -- was not pleased with the way the season unfolded.

"I have no issue about getting swept by the Heat," Dunleavy said. "They're a great team. The issue is having to face the Heat. We basically dog-trotted down the stretch for March and April.

"We should have never been in the position of having to play the 1 seed. Kind of shame on us. That's the disappointing part of the whole season."

Dunleavy averaged 12.3 points and provided a spark off the bench in 55 games during the lockout-shortened season, then averaged 10.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 75 games during the past season.

Gustavo Ayon Looks Forward To Bucks Exercising Team Option For Next Season

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:58:04 EDT

Despite speculation surrounding his future in the NBA, Gustavo Ayon expects the Milwaukee Bucks to pick up the team option on his contract for next season and is looking forward to returning, his agent Emilio Duran told RealGM.

The Bucks traded for Ayon in the deal that brought them J.J. Redick, and the organization insisted that the Orlando Magic include Ayon. From the start, the Bucks have let Ayon and his agent know that playing time would be scarce this season, but they would prioritize him long-term.

“Gustavo likes Milwaukee, he just really wants to help the team and as far as we’ve been indicated he will be with the Bucks next season,” Duran said. “He wants to keep getting better there and help out.”

Newspapers out of Ayon’s native Mexico have published stories claiming the 6-foot-10 big man is not pleased about his situation with the Bucks and has thought about playing overseas. Still, Duran was adamant Ayon’s supposed quotes were fabricated.

“He didn’t even talk to those papers, so the quotes are totally made up,” Duran said. “I have no doubt in my mind he will play in the NBA next year.”

Ayon, whose team option is worth $1.5 million, has shown flashes of skill and solid rebounding in two NBA seasons. Ayon, 28, has averages of 4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 16.7 minutes a game over 109 games, playing just 13 times after being traded to the Bucks in late February.

Jeff Weltman Considered Favorite To Become Suns' GM

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:33:31 EDT

Jeff Weltman is considered by many around the NBA to be the frontrunner to replace Lance Blanks as general manager of the Phoenix Suns.

Weltman is currently assistant general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Lon Babby remains president of the Suns.

Ellis Lost Trust For Warriors' Organization Following Mullin's Departure

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:19:38 EDT

Monta Ellis broke his ankle in a moped accident in 2008 shortly after signing a six-year, $66 million contract extension.

Ellis received support from then-general manager Chris Mullin, but the Warriors wanted him to return an additional $500,000 beyond the nearly $3 million he had already agreed to.

The situation revealed the developing rift between Mullin, former owner Chris Cohan and former team president Robert Rowell.

Mullin left the franchise in May of 2009.

"Chris Mullin, he had my back 100 percent," Ellis says. "And they jerked him off. Then when they jerked him off because he was sticking up for me as being a guy who made a mistake or a young man who made a mistake, when they did that to him, I was totally off the organization then. There wasn't nothing I could do then, because who could I trust? The people that I could trust in the organization, you had just sent them away. It was a dark cloud from then on with the owner in that organization there."

The Warriors were eventually sold to a group led by Joe Lacob in 2010. Ellis was traded in a deal for Andrew Bogut at the 2012 deadline.

"The thing is with that, you trade me, you didn't let my agent know that you were going to trade me," he says. "The killing thing about that, I'm in Sacramento, the trade deadline is going on and I talked to them. We talked to them. They said, 'You're not getting traded. You're not going anywhere. Get ready for the game.' I'm cool with that. We were just two games out of the eighth spot for playoffs. We rolling. Everybody's jelling. We good. I get from the hotel to the gym. I'm getting dressed, the next thing you know, it comes on the bottom of the screen. One of my teammates sees it. I say, 'Nah, I ain't getting traded. They said I'm not getting traded.' At the bottom of the screen, it comes across again. I'm fitting to go out there and work out for the game. Then Mark Jackson brings me back, he tells me, 'Well, they didn't want me to tell you, but I'm going to be a man and tell you we traded you.' Those were his exact words."

Lacob was subsequently booed at Mullin's jersey retirement in Oakland during the next week, at least in part because of the unpopular decision to trade Ellis. Other reasons that played a part were the new ownership's clear wishes to relocate to San Francisco, as well as guaranteeing a playoff spot before the start of the season.

"After everything I've done for that organization, playing through injuries, going out there every night, competing every night, leaving everything on the floor, for them to do me the way they did, it stung a little bit," Ellis says of the trade. "At the same time, I put some dirt on it and moved on."

Ellis seems to prefer the culture with the Milwaukee Bucks over the Warriors.

"The difference here?" Ellis says. "You've got guys over here that actually play hard. Over there, guys didn't play hard. They didn't play hard at all. They make it out to seem like 'Monta was the selfish guy. He was always the one complaining.' But if you look at it, I was averaging five or six assists throughout my whole career, top five in steals for at least six of the eight years I've been in the NBA. What more can I do? Everything was pointed at me. Everything was pointed at Monta. But what more you want me to do? You had [me] guarding the best player every night. There's nothing else I can do."

Michael Curry Will Interview For 76ers' Head Coaching Job, Eyes Other Openings

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:45:49 EDT

With the resignation of Doug Collins as Philadelphia 76ers head coach, associate Michael Curry will interview for the franchise's vacancy while eyeing job openings around the NBA, Curry told RealGM on Thursday afternoon.

Curry discussed the 76ers' coaching position with general manager Tony DiLeo on Thursday and will continue his duties into the offseason as part of the staff. DiLeo has already begun compiling a list of candidates and Curry is poised to be among them to receive a formal interview.

Collins, now a special consultant to the 76ers, has always been an advocate of Curry, who served as his lead assistant over the past three seasons. Nevertheless, the possibility exists of the 76ers' ownership clearing out the current staff and bringing in a fresh coach as its first hiring.

After being a finalist for the Orlando Magic's vacancy that went to Jacque Vaughn last offseason, Curry has established himself as a defensive coach who will attract interviews from teams with openings � such as the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers, who fired Byron Scott on Thursday, have made clear their hunt will be predicated on finding a defensive mind with strong schemes. The Milwaukee Bucks could also have an opening this offseason, given Jim Boylan's seemingly tepid status.

In one season as the Detroit Pistons' coach in 2009, Curry went 39-43 and reached the playoffs as the eighth seed before being fired. Since then, he has emerged as an influential voice within the 76ers' staff, and he led more and more huddles in recent years.

"I have grown as a coach since [the Pistons season] and I know that it's not just about Xs and Os; you also have to be a great communicator, good with your dealings," Curry said. "I feel I am there now, and I helped a lot of those young players grow in Detroit and now here in Philadelphia."

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