With the offseason in full effect for many teams and the NBA Draft lottery just 10 days away, a great deal happened this week. Here’s our recap of what you need to know for the last seven days:
News
- Thunder GM Sam Presti is hopeful that the team can sign Russell Westbrook to a long-term extension this summer.
- Kelly Oubre Jr. was suspended for Game 4 of the Celtics–Wizards series as a result of his altercation with Kelly Olynyk in their previous game.
- Former Hawks forward Mike Scott was cleared of drug charges in a Georgia court, accelerating a possible NBA comeback.
- The head of the NBPA is concerned that Phil Jackson is trying to “shame” Carmelo Anthony out of playing for the Knicks.
- The NBA announced the lineup for its first eLeague season.
- Tyronn Lue revealed that the Cavaliers reached out to Kevin Garnett during the season, attempting to lure the legendary big man out of retirement.
- The Timberwolves finalized their purchase of the Iowa Energy, a D-League franchise that previously had a relationship with the Grizzlies.
- Bucks general manager John Hammond indicates that the team intends to retain Tony Snell and that the medical staff hopes Jabari Parker can return by next season’s All-Star break.
- Bulls executives John Paxson and Gar Forman said that Fred Hoiberg will return as head coach and that “there’s a really good chance” that Rajon Rondo will be back as well.
- At age 40, Grizzlies veteran Vince Carter wants to play two more seasons.
- The NBA will use D-Leaguers to represent team USA in qualifiers for the 2019 Basketball World Cup, which will be used to determine which countries make the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
- Rashad McCants, who played five seasons in the NBA and won an NCAA championship, was the first player selected in the BIG3 three-on-three league draft.
Front Office News
- The Hawks will retain Wes Wilcox, and Mike Budenholzer will remain as head coach, but both Wilcox and Budenholzer will have reduced roles in the basketball operations department.
- Larry Bird officially stepped down as president of the Pacers.
- The Magic have begun to hold interviews in their quest to hire a president of basketball operations.
- Milwaukee’s John Hammond and Toronto’s Jeff Weltman are under consideration for the Magic opening, as well as Kevin McHale and Cleveland’s GM David Griffin.
- LeBron James continues to express support for David Griffin, whose contract with the Cavaliers expires after the postseason ends.
- Two top candidates for the Hawks‘ top front office position are reportedly David Griffin and Joe Dumars.
Rumors
- The Knicks and Clippers are expected to re-open trade talks involving Carmelo Anthony.
- Teams are reportedly inquiring about Kristaps Porzingis after he skipped his exit meeting.
- The role of Bulls vice president John Paxson might expand, as the team considers front office changes this offseason.
- The Pelicans continue to evaluate Alvin Gentry and Dell Demps, with no deadline set for the organization to decide on either’s fate with the team.
- Will Barton is expected to turn down a contract extension from the Nuggets and become an unrestricted free agent in 2018.
Injuries
- Tony Parker will be sidelined for the remainder of the postseason with a ruptured left quadriceps tendon.
- Steve Kerr remains out indefinitely as a result of flaring complications from his back surgery two years ago, making his return for Golden State’s series against the Jazz extremely unlikely.
- Alec Burks‘ knee injury could prevent him from returning for the Jazz this postseason.
- Luol Deng underwent successful surgery on his right pectoral muscle and expects to be fully recovered for the Lakers training camp.
Draft
- Markelle Fultz and De’Aaron Fox highlight the official NBA draft combine list.
- Jayson Tatum, Malik Monk, and other top prospects will skip the combine, just as Lonzo Ball has announced he will do.
- Louisville combo-guard Donovan Mitchell will hire an agent and stay in the draft.
- Theo Pinson will return to North Carolina, the Knicks will consider taking French point guard Frank Ntilikina with their seventh pick, among other draft updates.