If you missed this week’s NBA headlines, we’ve got your covered. Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the past seven days:
Gordon Hayward suffered a serious injury on opening night, dislocating his left ankle and fracturing his tibia. The injury occurred about five minutes into Boston’s game at Cleveland and was a gruesome sight. While uncertain, it is unlikely that Hayward will return to the court this year. The Celtics could apply for a disabled player exception worth about $8.4MM which, if granted, could be used to acquire one player.
Jeremy Lin suffered a similar fate as Hayward, rupturing the patella tendon in his right knee during New Jersey’s opening night lost to Indiana. Lin will be gone for the entire season, which likely means increased minutes for backup point guard Isaiah Whitehead and other Nets guards.
The San Antonio Spurs and big man LaMarcus Aldridge reached an agreement on a three-year contract extension worth a reported $72.3MM. Aldridge, 32, will be locked up for four years total, although the final year of the extension is partially guaranteed. Given Aldridge’s age and slip in production, it is fair to question the typically above-reproach Spurs for this transaction.
Bulls teammates Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic fought during practice, resulting an eight game suspension for Portis and hospitalization for Mirotic. Portis will be eligible to return on November 7. Mirotic has a much longer timeline due to a concussion and facial fractures he suffered during the melee.
Richard Jefferson signed with the Nuggets. The 37-year-old forward agreed to a one-year deal for $2.3MM. Jefferson was traded from the Cavs to the Hawks in a cost-cutting move and then was immediately released by Atlanta. Jefferson averaged 5.7 PPG and 2.6 RPG last year.
Here are 10 more notable NBA headlines from the last week:
- Chris Paul’s return from injury is up in the air. The Rockets have indicated it could be days or weeks.
- Jameer Nelson was waived by the Nuggets to create a roster spot for Jefferson. He agreed to sign with the Pelicans less than 24 hours after clearing waivers.
- Kendrick Perkins accepted an assignment to the Cavs’ G League affiliate, the Canton Charge.
- Dennis Schroder was arrested last month on battery charges, and the Hawks appear intent on taking some disciplinary measures.
- Wade Baldwin, the Grizzlies’ first-round pick last year, and rookie Rade Zagorac were both waived by the team this week. Baldwin was subsequently signed to a two-way contract by the Trail Blazers.
- The Bucks claimed DeAndre Liggins off waivers to fill the 15th spot on their roster.
- The Bulls claimed point guard Kay Felder off waivers. To make room for Felder, the team waived Jarell Eddie and Diamond Stone.
- The Celtics and point guard Marcus Smart could not agree on a contract extension, which means Smart will likely head into restricted free agency next offseason.
- The Jazz waived Joel Bolomboy, who was then signed by the Bucks to a two-way contract.
- Tiago Splitter is hoping to latch onto an NBA team after playing just six games last season.