TITLE: Lakers Reportedly Covet Jarrett Allen in Potential LeBron Sign-and-Trade; Coaches Object to Blazers Deal for Nori; ESPN’s Bontemps Near Hawks Move
SLUG: lakers-eye-jarrett-allen-blazers-contract-criticized-bontemps-hawks-talks
Lakers circle Cavs center amid LeBron uncertainty
LeBron James remains unsigned in free agency, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland radio the Los Angeles Lakers would “have immediate interest” in a sign-and-trade for the four-time MVP if it brought Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen to Los Angeles.
“The Lakers would kill for Jarrett Allen. They would do that deal in 17-tenths of a second,” Windhorst said, adding that any scenario first depends on James choosing to play next season and electing to return to his home-state franchise.
Cleveland, fresh off an Eastern Conference finals appearance, has shown no inclination to move the 26-year-old center. The organization is expected to keep its core of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Allen intact. No talks between the Cavaliers and Lakers have been reported.
Blazers contract for Nori draws coaching backlash
New Portland Trail Blazers head coach Micah Nori received a one-year guaranteed contract with team options for the next two seasons and a below-market salary enhanced by incentives, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported. The structure has sparked concern among NBA coaches.
“I feel like he was put in a situation he shouldn’t be put in. Someone’s taking advantage of your dream,” said Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who also serves as president of the National Basketball Coaches Association. Bickerstaff warned the limited security could weaken a coach’s authority, comparing it to “the substitute teacher” dynamic.
MacMahon added that several coaches echoed those worries privately.
ESPN’s Bontemps in advanced talks with Hawks
Veteran reporter Tim Bontemps, part of ESPN’s NBA coverage since 2018, is in advanced negotiations to join the Atlanta Hawks’ front office under president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh, according to Front Office Sports. Bontemps is a regular on ESPN platforms, including “The Hoop Collective” podcast alongside Windhorst and MacMahon.
If finalized, the move would mark another high-profile jump from media to management ranks inside the league.
Source: Hoops Wire
