Five Key Stories: 8/26/17 – 9/2/17

Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the past week at Hoops Rumors:

After hitting a snag over the condition of Isaiah Thomas‘ injured hip, the deal to send Kyrie Irving from the Cavaliers to the Celtics was finalized. Boston agreed to include Miami’s 2020 second-round pick to settle a dispute over whether Cleveland was made fully aware of Thomas’ condition.

Another trade this week saw the Pelicans send Quincy Pondexter to the Bulls along with a 2018 second-rounder and cash in exchange for Ater Majok, a 2011 draftee currently playing in Lebanon. New Orleans made the deal to free up cap room to seek a replacement for Solomon Hill, who will be sidelined for part of the season after surgery to repair a torn hamstring.

The Lakers received a $500K fine for violating NBA anti-tampering rules. After an independent investigation, the league determined there was “prohibited expression of interest” in Paul George by Lakers GM Rob Pelinka during a conversation with George’s agent, Aaron Mintz. The actions came while George, who is widely expected to sign with L.A. next summer, was still a member of the Pacers.

The Bucks waived Spencer Hawes, just before the August 31 deadline to stretch his salary. The veteran center had one season left on his contract at $6MM, and league rules allow deals to be stretched for twice the remaining length, plus one year. That means Milwaukee will pay Hawes $2MM for each of the next three seasons, saving $4MM in cap room for 2017/18.

The Trail Blazers extended the contract of president of basketball operations Neil Olshey. Portland exercised two contract options to retain Olshey through 2020, and the sides agreed to an extra year that will keep him in place through 2021. Olshey has been in the position since 2012.

Ten more stories:

• Bulls guard Cameron Payne will be out of action until at least late November after undergoing surgery on his right foot.
• Pelicans guard Frank Jackson is expected to miss three to four months after foot surgery this week.
• The Magic agreed to a training camp deal with former Connecticut guard Rodney Purvis. Orlando also signed G League veteran Kalin Lucas.
• Ex-Syracuse guard Andrew White agreed to a partially guaranteed one-year deal with the Celtics. Boston also signed former Georgetown standout T.J. Peak.
• The Sixers signed former Warriors forward James McAdoo to a two-way deal.
• Former Celtics and Raptors power forward Jared Sullinger had a workout with the Nets.
• Josh Smith was among several veterans who worked out for the Pelicans. Chase Budinger and Martell Webster were also part of the group.
• The Sixers chose longtime power forward Elton Brand as GM of their G League affiliate.
• The Bucks seem interested in re-signing guard Jason Terry, who will turn 40 this month.
• Shooting guard Rodney Hood began extension talks with the Jazz.