As the playoffs creep ever closer, the highlights of this April week are the returns of several prominent players to playoff-bound contenders. The week also saw a number of younger players audition on short-term contracts and, ahem, the announcement of an NFL Pro Bowler’s NBA debut. Seriously. April Fools’ Day was last week.
Transactions
- The Bucks released forward Terrence Jones.
- The Magic released guard C.J. Wilcox.
- The Nets signed guard Archie Goodwin.
- The Pelicans signed guard Quinn Cook.
- The Bucks signed guard Gary Payton II.
- The Sixers signed forward Alex Poythress.
- The Magic signed forward Marcus Georges-Hunt.
- The Pelicans signed forward Axel Toupane.
- The Magic signed guard Patricio Garino.
Injuries
- After a 19-game absence, Kevin Durant is returning for the Warriors.
- After a 21-game absence, Kyle Lowry is returned for the Raptors.
- After an 11-game absence, Dwyane Wade is returning for the Bulls.
- A torn meniscus will sideline Knicks guard Derrick Rose for the remainder of the season.
- A broken hand will keep Rockets forward Sam Dekker out of action for 3-4 weeks.
News
- The NBA projected that there will be a $101MM salary cap in 2017/18.
- The Mavs will make Tony Romo a “Maverick for a Day“, whatever that means. He’s not expected to play in the team’s home finale Tuesday (but we can hope).
- Former Knicks star Patrick Ewing has been hired to coach at the Georgetown University, his alma matter.
- Forward LeBron James supports the idea of the Cavaliers extending general manager David Griffin.
- The Sixers were granted an injury exception (which they used to sign Alex Poythress)
- The Lakers shut down guard Nick Young for the remainder of the season.
- The Pistons likely shut down guard Reggie Jackson for the rest of the season.
Rumors
- The Knicks are interested in retaining Ron Baker, who is set to hit restricted free agency this summer.
- The Mavericks will be looking for a pass-first point guard in the offseason.
- General manager Rob Hennigan insists that the “leaked white board” photo does not hint at Magic‘s offseason plans.