Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the past week at Hoops Rumors:
Kyrie Irving was traded to the Celtics for a package including all-star Isaiah Thomas. The blockbuster trade also witnessed Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the Nets’ 2018 first-round pick (unprotected) heading to Cleveland. Irving waived his trade kicker so the trade could be completed. The swap, which is being complicated by Thomas’ troublesome right hip, will be re-evaluated by the teams on Saturday.
This week, the Clippers hired a new general manager and two assistant GMs. Michael Winger will soon be finalized as the new GM. He had previously served as both assistant GM and team counsel for Oklahoma City. Trent Redden, now one of the Clippers’ assistant GMs, had worked in Cleveland’s front office. The other assistant GM hire is Mark Hughes, a longtime Knicks executive.
The Lakers are under investigation for tampering with Paul George. The Pacers initiated the investigation around the time of the draft. About a week later, Indiana traded George to the Thunder. According to Kurt Helin, it will be virtually impossible to prove the Lakers legitimately tampered with George unless the team left a “paper trail.” The focus of the investigation is impermissible contact between Magic Johnson and George.
Andrew Wiggins has filed paperwork to leave BDA Sports after his agent Bill Duffy negotiated his five-year, maximum salary extension for the Timberwolves. Wiggins is leaving his agent with that deal not yet agreed upon. It is expected to be worth about $148MM. Darren Wolfson says that Wiggins will likely sign with a Canadian agent who works for a major agency in the United States.
Nerlens Noel has signed a qualifying offer to remain with the Mavs. The offer is for one year and $4.1 MM. He also switched agents from Happy Walters to Rich Paul earlier in the week. Paul also represents LeBron James and John Wall, among many other NBA players.
Ten More Stories:
- The Pacers exercised their 2018/19 option on Myles Turner.
- Here’s the latest on Dwyane Wade and a potential buyout with the Bulls.
- Incoming NBA rookies view Dennis Smith Jr. as the favorite to win Rookie of the Year.
- Trade talks between the Knicks and Rockets regarding Carmelo Anthony are being described as “fairly dormant.”
- Veteran Manu Ginobili signed a two-year deal to remain with the Spurs.
- Suns rookie Davon Reed will be out 4-6 months with a knee injury.
- Reportedly there is mutual interest between Josh Smith and the Rockets on a reunion.
- Here are the NBA G League expansion draft results.
- USA Basketball announced its AmeriCup roster.
- Before Irving was dealt to Boston, the Bucks made a competitive offer for the point guard.