NBA Roundup: Castle’s Two-Way Push, Jenkins’ Contract Gamble, Blazers Keep Tabs on Antetokounmpo
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Spurs
Rookie guard Stephon Castle continues to draw attention in San Antonio, averaging 16.6 points and 7.0 assists heading into Saturday. Despite the numbers, the reigning Rookie of the Year says his priority is defense.
“I’m trying to hang my hat on that end,” Castle told the San Antonio Express-News, adding that he embraces any challenge from the coaching staff.
Interim head coach Mitch Johnson backs that commitment. “He’s an All-NBA defender when he puts his energy and focus into the right areas,” Johnson said, highlighting Castle’s two-way impact as the Spurs work to establish their identity.
Pistons
Second-year guard Daniss Jenkins has declined a two-year minimum-salary offer from Detroit, according to The Stein Line. Jenkins is on a two-way contract and is approaching the 50-game active limit, meaning a standard deal will soon be required for him to remain eligible.
League sources expect the sides to negotiate a richer agreement, with recent contracts for Ajay Mitchell and Miles McBride cited as potential comparisons. An above-minimum pact would force the Pistons to use their biannual exception after already spending their full non-taxpayer mid-level on Caris LeVert.
If no deal is reached quickly, Jenkins is projected to attract multiyear offers in restricted free agency this summer, which Detroit could match. The 24-year-old is averaging 7.7 points on efficient shooting while earning praise for his defense.
The Pistons, who currently have a full 15-man roster, could postpone any conversion until after the Feb. 5 trade deadline. In the meantime, they continue to monitor wing scorers such as Michael Porter Jr. and Miles Bridges; reports indicate Charlotte wants at least one first-round pick for Bridges, while Brooklyn is seeking more for Porter.
Trail Blazers
Portland remains linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo discussions. After previously exploring a multi-team framework, the Blazers have also expressed direct interest in acquiring the Milwaukee star, per The Stein Line.
Team officials recognize that securing a long-term commitment from Antetokounmpo would be a long shot, and many around the league still view Portland as a likely facilitator rather than a primary destination. Even so, rival executives believe adding Jrue Holiday could enhance the Blazers’ chances, and Portland is known to admire Knicks wing Mikal Bridges.
The club controls key future Bucks draft picks from the Damian Lillard trade, retains its own selections and owns young assets such as Donovan Clingan. While a deadline move is possible, Portland would gain additional flexibility in the offseason when further trade restrictions expire.
Source: Hoops Wire
