The Nets were the major newsmakers of the past week, firing coach Lionel Hollins and removing Billy King from his GM job with the intention of reassigning him to another position within the organization. Brooklyn named assistant Tony Brown interim head coach, and assistant GM Frank Zanin will run the front office.
“After careful consideration, I’ve concluded that it’s time for a fresh start and a new vision for the direction of the team,” Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov said in the team’s statement. “By making this decision now, it enables our organization to use the rest of the season to diligently evaluate candidates with proven track records. It’s clear from our current state of affairs that we need new leadership. With the right basketball management and coach in place, we are going to create a winning culture and identity and give Brooklyn a team that it can be proud of and enjoy watching. We have learned a great deal during the past six years and our experiences will guide us for the future. Following the consolidation of team ownership last month, I can assure you that I’m more determined and committed than ever to build a winner.”
The team hired Hollins in the summer of 2014 shortly after the departure of Jason Kidd for the Bucks. Hollins went 48-71 with Brooklyn during the regular season over a season and a half, and the Nets fell in six games to the Hawks in the first round of the playoffs last year.
Here’s more from the week that was…
Miscellaneous News
- Joakim Noah dislocated his left shoulder and is expected to miss four to six months.
- Pelicans small forward Quincy Pondexter is scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery January 20th on his left knee.
- Kobe Bryant announced that he won’t pursue a spot on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team.
- The Kings have given Luc Mbah a Moute a financial settlement stemming from the dispute over his voided contract with Sacramento this past offseason.
- Bradley Beal acknowledged that he’ll “probably” have to deal with a minutes limit for the rest of his career as he continues to have trouble with injuries.
- John Wall fired agent Dan Fegan of Relativity Sports and hired Rich Paul of Klutch Sports.
- Enes Kanter dropped agent Max Ergul, who helped him land his maximum-salary offer sheet this summer.
- Greivis Vasquez hired agent Alex Saratsis of Octagon after leaving Darren Matsubara of the Wasserman Media Group.
- The Warriors delayed their scheduled move from Oakland to San Francisco for one year, from 2018 to 2019.
Trades
- The Cavaliers traded Joe Harris to the Magic along with a top-55 protected 2017 pick for a top-55 protected 2020 pick.
Signings
- The Nuggets signed Sean Kilpatrick to a 10-day contract.
- Jazz training camp cut J.J. O’Brien rejoined the team on a 10-day deal.
- The Magic plan to sign Keith Appling, who was with Orlando for the preseason, to a 10-day contract.
- Veteran small forward Reggie Williams, who played with the Spurs last season, signed a deal to play with Avtodor Saratov in Russia.
- Kostas Papanikolaou, whom the Nuggets released twice this season, has a deal with Olympiacos of Greece.
You can stay up to date on all the 10-day deals handed out with our 10-day contract tracker.
Waivers
- The Magic waived Joe Harris.
D-League News
- Veteran point guard Baron Davis signed with the NBA D-League.
- Recent former Suns power forward Cory Jefferson is expected to sign with the D-League. Phoenix waived him this month just before his salary would have become guaranteed.
- Bryce Cotton, whom the Suns also waived prior to the leaguewide contract guarantee date, rejoined the D-League affiliate of the Spurs.
- Former Grizzlies and Pelicans point guard Russ Smith signed with the D-League and the affiliate of the Sixers claimed him.
- Eight-year NBA veteran point guard John Lucas III has entered the D-League and will play for the Pacers affiliate.
- Veteran shooting guard Keith Bogans intends to sign with the NBA D-League.
You can stay up to date on all the D-League assignments and recalls for the season here.