All articles tagged with #center position
Detroit captain Dylan Larkin has reportedly asked for a trade, a move complicated by his eight-year, $8.7 million AAV contract that includes a full no-trade clause through next season; while Detroit could retain him, the market for a true No. 1 center is expected to be crowded, with several teams (notably Minnesota, Montreal and Los Angeles) poised to bid if a deal materializes.
Las Vegas signed Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal that is, in practice, fully guaranteed: $20 million signing bonus; $10 million 2026 base; $30 million 2027 base; $21 million 2028 base guaranteed on the third day of the 2027 league year, plus injury guarantees. This vesting makes the $60 million guarantee effectively secure by year three, elevating the center market despite Linderbaum’s neck-injury history.
The Lakers are at the center of NBA offseason drama, focusing on their need for a new center, with potential targets like Deandre Ayton, amid ongoing trade rumors and roster adjustments, while managing star player LeBron James' concerns and future plans.
With the Pittsburgh Steelers lacking a clear option at the center position, speculation arises about second-year offensive lineman Spencer Anderson potentially filling the role, especially after being seen bonding with new quarterback Russell Wilson. Despite limited experience at center, Anderson's versatility and athleticism make him a plausible candidate, especially given the team's current lack of viable options.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a significant gap at the center position after releasing Mason Cole, and with the draft approaching, there's speculation about their draft strategy. While they haven't addressed the position in free agency, it's suggested that they prefer not to select a center in the first round, aiming for Day 2 instead. The decision to release Cole without a clear replacement has raised questions, and the team's draft approach will be crucial in addressing this gap while navigating the challenges of the draft board.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan expressed surprise at acquiring both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields after initially expressing confidence in quarterback Kenny Pickett, who was subsequently traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. Khan acknowledged that he didn't foresee the team acquiring two veteran quarterbacks at a low cost and emphasized the importance of finding the right fit for the team. Additionally, the Steelers are considering options to upgrade the center position and have proposed moving the trade deadline back to Week 9 to align with the 18-week NFL season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Ilya Lyubushkin and are now focusing on addressing their trade deadline priorities, including the need for a top-nine center, a bottom-six winger, and a third-pairing defenseman. The team is exploring options to improve their lineup flexibility and depth, considering potential trade targets and the challenge of balancing available assets.
James Harden's debut with the Los Angeles Clippers was disappointing, with the team suffering a 14-point loss to the New York Knicks. While Harden showed promise in controlling the offense and running pick-and-rolls, he needs to evolve his game to fit alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The Clippers should consider having Russell Westbrook run the second unit to maximize his style of play. Terance Mann should be considered for a starting role due to his defensive abilities and shooting. The Clippers also need to address their frontcourt issues, as their current center, Ivica Zubac, is struggling and lacks support.
Montreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach will miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee. Dach, who had shown promise as the team's No. 1 center, will undergo surgery once the swelling subsides. This injury marks the second consecutive season in which Dach's potential has been hindered by injury. Alex Newhook will fill in at center for the Canadiens, while Dach's absence creates a significant void in the lineup.
The Chicago Bears' decision not to address the center position in the offseason has left them with Cody Whitehair and Lucas Patrick as the starting options, both of whom have question marks. However, the team also has longer-term options in Doug Kramer and Dieter Eiselen, although neither has proven themselves yet. Injuries could force one of the current starters to step up, potentially leading to a permanent change.
Dwight Powell is returning to the Dallas Mavericks on a 3-year, $12 million deal. The details of how the Mavericks are bringing him back are unclear, but they have his bird rights, allowing them to go over the cap to retain him. Powell has been with the Mavericks for eight and a half seasons and has been a reliable rim runner. While some fans may be disappointed, Powell's presence provides stability at the center position for the team.
The Orlando Magic have decided to pick up the team option on Goga Bitadze's contract, signaling their preference for a traditional low-post and paint protection center. This move fills one of the two remaining project roster spots and leaves the Magic with one more spot to spend on in free agency. Bitadze showed promise in his short stint with the team, excelling in defense and rebounding. The Magic's focus on defense and rim protection aligns with Bitadze's skill set, making him a valuable asset for the team. The Magic may still look to retain Moe Wagner or explore other options in free agency to strengthen their roster.
The Detroit Red Wings selected center Nate Danielson with the No. 9 pick in the 2023 NHL draft. Danielson, a highly skilled and versatile player, led the Brandon Wheat Kings in scoring in the Western Hockey League. The selection addresses the Wings' need for a center in their farm system. This is Steve Yzerman's fifth draft as the team's general manager.
Ohio State football is still looking for three new offensive line starters, but coach Ryan Day has seen progress in the center position during spring practice. Carson Hinzman has emerged as a contender for the starting spot, impressing with his performances during bowl prep and making a quick transition back to center. Vic Cutler and Jakob James are also in the mix, but Hinzman appears to have a clear lead. The spring game may not determine the starter, but it will be worth watching how comfortable Cutler looks.
The Chicago Bears reportedly sent two scouts to Wisconsin's pro day to scout center Joe Tippmann, indicating they may be looking to address the center position in the NFL Draft. While offensive tackle has been a popular mock draft pick for the Bears, center is still a question mark and protecting quarterback Justin Fields is a top priority. Tippmann, a former Indiana Mr. Football offensive lineman, took over as Wisconsin's starting center in 2021 and is known for his athleticism.