Anthony Slater

Covers the Warriors and NBA at large for ESPN.

[Shams Charania @ShamsCharania]

The Oklahoma City Thunder are finalizing a trade to send guard Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks for two second-round picks (Atlanta's in 2030 and the least favorable of Hawks/Lakers in 2032), sources tell ESPN.

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Here's the latest intel on the Warriors a week out from the draft and two weeks out from free agency.

https://t.co/ABDlapzvx8

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Here's the latest intel on the Warriors a week out from the draft and two weeks out from free agency.

https://t.co/ABDlapzvx8

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Splitter was another candidate the Warriors had circled for their vacant lead assistant job, but he lands in Chicago.

Willie Green remains a name to watch in the GSW conversation.
https://t.co/Kwg1ISmPtK

[Shams Charania @ShamsCharania]

BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are finalizing the hire of Portland Trail Blazers interim Tiago Splitter as the franchise's new head coach, sources tell ESPN. Splitter succeeds Billy Donovan as the Bulls' coach after stepping into the head job and excelling in Portland last season.

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Warriors are working out Michigan wing Yaxel Lendeborg tomorrow at Chase Center. Older prospect, bigger wing who is a theoretical plug-and-play option. He is a real option for them at #11. A few other lottery prospects expected in SF next week.

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Sam Presti spoke for 100+ minutes today on a number of Thunder related topics, including the free throw conversation around SGA.

"He drew 415 fouls this year. Eleven were challenged. Eleven. Four of those were overturned."

ESPN story

https://t.co/rn2mZy5JKC

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Sam Presti last September: "The second apron has become so ingrained in our NBA vocabulary so quickly. But there's nothing relative to the second apron that would prohibit us from keeping anyone on our team."

https://t.co/NLYLJLqTXM

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

The Thunder’s roster cost a manageable $186.7 million this season. It’s currently projected to spike toward $250 million next season, deep into the second apron.

ESPN story with @BannedMacMahon on the real question ahead for OKC and its ownership group

https://t.co/CQFLIOm6cU

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

The Thunder’s roster cost a manageable $186.7 million this season. It’s currently projected to spike toward $250 million next season, deep into the second apron.

ESPN story with @BannedMacMahon on the real question ahead for OKC and its ownership group

https://t.co/CQFLIOm6cU

[Shams Charania @ShamsCharania]

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry has signed a shoe endorsement contract with Chinese company Li-Ning -- a landmark 10-year deal, sources tell ESPN. Li-Ning extends his Curry Brand venture globally and encompasses basketball products, athleisure, the ability for Curry to sign athletes under his brand, and a full golf line.

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Jalen Williams on the Spurs: “It honestly feels like we are playing a version of ourselves.”

Could he have changed the outcome? “I think we could’ve won if I played…But it’s also hats off to them. What do you want them to do about me being hurt?”

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Chet Holmgren reflects on his struggles in the Spurs series: “I feel like there were definitely opportunities to get more attempts up that I didn't in the moment. That's an area to improve.”

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the Spurs defense: “There’s a guy on their back line that is a little bit different. They funnel everything to him…It’s a really good defense. But it’s not impossible to score. I just think it’s very different.”

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “It was a failure. I failed at my goal. I didn't achieve what I wanted to achieve. But through those experiences, I learn the most about myself and make the greatest amount of increases in my career when I fail."

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander goes deep on the impact of Jalen Williams’ absence and the WCF struggles of Chet Holmgren

“We need Chet Holmgren.”

[SportsCenter @SportsCenter]

"[Victor Wembanyama] wants to have this feeling and do this 15-20 more times in his career."

@anthonyVslater on Wemby's 'outwardly emotional' reaction to the Spurs winning the Western Conference finals 🏆

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Chet Holmgren only took three total 3s the last four games of the Spurs series. His 3-point volume has been decreasing. Mark Daigneault said it's a "priority" to correct that.

But

"Every minute Chet Holmgren has been on the team we've been the 1-seed in the Western Conference."

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs sped up their timeline, dethroned the champs and celebrated a conference crown loudly in Oklahoma City on Saturday night

ESPN story https://t.co/jSpcls6nc3

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs sped up their timeline, dethroned the champs and celebrated a conference crown loudly in Oklahoma City on Saturday night

ESPN story https://t.co/jSpcls6nc3

[Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater]

Here is two minutes of an extremely emotional Victor Wembanyama celebrating the aftermath of a conference finals elimination of the Thunder. Advances to his first Finals five months after his 22nd birthday.

[Tim MacMahon @BannedMacMahon]

The Thunder are going back to Cason Wallace instead of Jared McCain in the starting lineup.