Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the past week at Hoops Rumors:
Kyrie Irving has requested that the Cavaliers trade him. Irving’s trade request left running mate LeBron James “blindsided and disappointed.” According to the ESPN report, Irving prefers to be the focal point of his team. Irving provided Cleveland with four preferred landing spots: New York, Miami, San Antonio, and Minnesota. The star point guard does not, however, possess a no-trade clause. The Knicks would consider a package involving Carmelo Anthony and future first-round picks.
The Cavaliers will be promoting Koby Altman to general manager. Altman’s promotion from assistant general manager is considered “imminent.” Earlier this summer, general manger David Griffin parted ways with the organization and Chauncey Billups turned down an offer for the vacant position. Altman’s first order of business will almost certainly be handling Irving’s trade request. Since Griffin left the Cavs, Altman has been performing the duties of G.M. Mike Gansey is expected to be named the new assistant general manager following Tony Leotti‘s announced departure.
The Houston Rockets franchise is up for sale. Team owner Leslie Alexander is also putting Clutch City Sports & Entertainment on the market. Ownership prefers the sale occur “sooner rather than later.” While Yao Ming and Daryl Morey reportedly will not seek to purchase the franchise, Dikembe Mutombo is trying to put together a group to buy the team.
The Wizards will sign John Wall to a four-year extension. The extension will be worth $170MM and will include both a fourth-year player option and a 15% trade kicker. It will take effect in 2019, when Wall’s current contract is set to expire. In the summer of 2013, Wall signed a five-year max extension.
Pau Gasol will re-sign with the Spurs. The agreement was expected all along, but now contractual details are becoming clear. The veteran big man will sign a three-year contract with the third year being partially guaranteed. Gasol opted out of the final year of his contract earlier this summer to facilitate the team’s offseason, leaving $16.2MM on the table in the process.
Ten More Stories
- The Spurs are finalizing a contract with Manu Ginobili.
- Timberwloves coach Tom Thibodeau indicated that the team is working on an extension for Andrew Wiggins.
- The Rockets have signed Luc Mbah a Moute to a one-year, minimum-salary contract.
- Free agent Nerlens Noel is “very disappointed” with his negotiations with the Mavericks.
- Carmelo Anthony is reportedly willing to waive his trade kicker if the Knicks can trade him to the Rockets.
- Here’s the latest on Derrick Rose, who is expected to make his free agency decision next week.
- James Jones will retire and join the Suns front office, where he will report to general manager Ryan McDonough, who has just received a multiyear contract extension.
- The Celtics have signed draft-and-stash prospect Guerschon Yabusele and will sign Shane Larkin, who played in Spain last season.
- The Grizzlies have re-signed Mario Chalmers to a one-year, partially guaranteed contract.
- The Rockets will re-sign Troy Williams and Bobby Brown.