Hoops Rumors has you covered in case you missed any of this past week’s NBA headlines. Below are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last 7 days.
In the biggest news of the week, Eric Bledsoe was traded from the Suns to the Bucks in exchange for Greg Monroe, a 2018 first-round pick, and a 2018 second-round pick. Both draft selections being sent to Phoenix are Milwaukee’s own, but the first-rounder has some interesting protections, with the pick not wholly unprotected until 2021.
The Pelicans waived Josh Smith after he appeared in only 3 games and logged just 12 total minutes. The move reduces New Orleans’ roster count to 15 and, more importantly, puts the Pelicans back under the luxury tax threshold.
With Joakim Noah‘s return from suspension imminent, both he and Mindaugas Kuzminskas are now on the trade block in anticipation of the Knicks deadline to drop its roster count from 16 to 15 by early Sunday evening. If a trade cannot be completed, it appears that the Knicks will likely waive Ramon Sessions.
The Sixers and Robert Covington are on track for a contract renegotiation and extension. Covington is eligible to renegotiate and extend his current contract (which allows for a more substantial raise than a simple extension) this Wednesday, and multiple reports are relaying that a new deal is imminent.
The Lakers and Luol Deng are discussing buyout and trade options for the 32 year-old veteran. Including this season, Deng still has 3 years and $54MM left on the contract he signed last summer. Despite the high salary, however, Deng has only appeared in one game so far this season.
Here are 10 more NBA headlines from the last week.
- In addition to being traded, Bledsoe was also fined $10K for the tweet that ultimately led to the trade.
- The Suns are doubtful that Monroe will remain on their roster until the end of the season.
- The Hawks filled their second two-way roster spot with 23 year-old undrafted rookie Tyler Cavanaugh.
- The two franchises that appear to be most interested in the services of Jahlil Okafor are the Hawks and Bulls.
- But, don’t count out the Suns either.
- The Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis may need offseason surgery to alleviate chronic inflammation in his right elbow.
- Ben McLemore is set to make his debut with the Grizzlies tonight against Houston.
- Given the Lakers‘ desire to make a big splash in free agency next summer, Julius Randle is unlikely to figure in to the team’s future plans.
- The Windy City and the Bulls will host the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.
- The Cavaliers will keep Derrick Rose on a minutes cap of 28-31 minutes per game for the remainder of the season.