Washington Wizards

Anthony Davis has not shut the door on staying with the Wizards, and Michael Winger says the feeling is mutual. That matters in Washington, where Davis’ future was already being questioned after the February three-team trade that brought him in. Winger, the Monumental Basketball president, said his conversations with Davis have been positive and pointed to a shared desire to build toward something bigger. “My conversations with AD are delightful. He’s a pro’s pro,” Winger said in a conversation with JP Finlay of NBC Sports. A Stronger Sense Of Direction In Washington Winger said Davis understands both the league and the organization’s goals, and he added that the star big man has communicated “a strong interest in being part of what we’re building.” He also said Davis wants to be on a team that can compete for something meaningful. That is a notable shift in tone for a franchise that has struggled to define its path for years. The Wizards now have Davis, Trae Young, the No. 1 pick, and a roster full of intriguing young talent, which gives them a chance to move forward faster if the pieces come together. Elsewhere In The Southeast Division The Heat and Bucks remain in a standoff over the asking price for Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald noting that Miami has to balance ambition against the risk of leaving its roster too thin. Any final offer would likely need to account for both draft capital and the kind of player contracts the Bucks might want to unload. Miami would also need to weigh whether it can take back contracts such as Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma, or Myles Turner, especially with its post-trade cap situation in mind. That makes the decision even more complicated as the two sides wait to see who will blink first. In Orlando, Jeff Weltman said the Magic’s repeated link to Antetokounmpo is not just about the star forward’s relationship with newly hired head coach Sean Sweeney. Speaking to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, Weltman said the attention reflects the talent already on the roster and the team’s belief in its own direction. “Obviously I won’t comment on any discussions we’re having with teams or where our agendas are,” Weltman said. “I know a lot’s been written about that. But I think, like, you can’t get into that conversation without talent, you know?” Weltman added that he knows the Magic still have holes to address, and that he is continuing to do his due diligence on the best way to fill them. In Charlotte, Liam McNeeley is taking a much simpler approach to his offseason. The Hornets forward said he plans to spend the summer in the gym after a rookie season that included limited NBA minutes and game reps with the Greensboro Swarm. “I’m not going anywhere,” McNeeley said. “I’m getting in the gym.” McNeeley said the main goal is to come back stronger, adding that he wants to spend plenty of time in the weight room. He described the work ahead as part of getting older, maturing physically, and building the kind of mindset that can help him take a bigger step next season. Read more at: www.hoopsrumors.com

Anthony Davis Sends a Clear Signal, Wizards Belief Is Growing Fast