Hoops Rumors has you covered in the event you missed any of this past week’s headlines from around the NBA. Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last 7 days.
The Lakers‘ goal of trading away some of their players in exchange for cap space in the summers of 2018 and 2019 has been well-documented. This week, details of the Lakers’ plan began to more fully emerge. First, the team is confident that it will be able to unload the contract of guard Jordan Clarkson at some point after the season to help with their pursuit of free agents in the offseason. Moreover, the team has also already looked into moving Julius Randle, with the Lakers and Mavericks discussing a deal swapping Randle for Nerlens Noel. Both reports come on the heels of the news that the Lakers have abandoned hope of being able to trade Luol Deng and his remaining $36.81MM in guaranteed money.
Despite the Bulls’ improved play since the return of Nikola Mirotic from injury, Mirotic is still willing to waive his no-trade clause to join a contender. Likely one of the reasons for Mirotic’s openness to being moved is the rocky relationship he still shares with teammate Bobby Portis after the pair’s infamous altercation in October. Meanwhile, the Bulls are reportedly open to a trade as well given the team’s concerns about its rebuilding plans in the wake of Mirotic’s impressive play since his return from injury.
The Bucks have reportedly spoken to the Warriors about a possible trade for center JaVale McGee or Zaza Pachulia. The Bucks, who traded away Greg Monroe in exchange for Eric Bledsoe, believe that either big man will be able to sure up its rotation, and while Pachulia is likely to stay put, McGee may be a name to keep an eye on. Rookie Jordan Bell has moved ahead of McGee in Golden State’s center rotation and McGee hasn’t been pleased with his playing time or the fact that he was only offered a minimum contract last offseason.
The Rockets signed veteran guard Gerald Green to a non-guaranteed minimum salary deal for the remainder of the season. Green, 31, previously played for Houston during the 2007/08 season but was released after appearing in just one game. Injuries have taken a toll on the Rockets’ lately, with both Chris Paul and Luc Mbah a Moute currently sidelined during the team’s five game losing streak.
The Pacers signed second-year forward Alex Poythress to a standard NBA contract on Thursday, becoming yet another player to sign an NBA deal after beginning the season as a two-way player. Poythress, 24, has played sparingly in 11 games with Indiana this season, but has averaged 20.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG and 2.7 APG with the Pacers’ G League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
Here are 10 more headlines from around the NBA last week.
- Magic center Nikola Vucevic fractured the first metacarpal on his left hand in last Saturday’s game against Washington. Vucevic had successful surgery on his hand and is expected to miss six to eight weeks.
- Former NBA point guard Beno Udrih has signed to play for Zalgiris Kaunas of the Lithuanian Basketball League and EuroLeague.
- Escalating tensions between NBA players and officials led to a recent meeting between the leaders of their respective unions.
- Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson suffered a severe right ankle sprain in Detroit’s game against Indiana on Tuesday and will be out at least six to eight weeks.
- Timberwolves point guard Jeff Teague sprained his left knee chasing a loose ball in Wednesday’s win over Denver and will be sidelined for approximately two to four weeks.
- Spurs forward Rudy Gay will be sidelined for at least the next two weeks with retrocalcaneal bursitis in his right heel.
- Lakers rookie point guard Lonzo Ball sprained his left shoulder in the second quarter of the Lakers’ Saturday night loss to Portland. Ball missed the team’s Christmas Day game against Minnesota and remains out.
- The Cavaliers‘ marquee offseason acquisition, All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas, could make his debut in the Cavs’ game tonight at Utah.
- Heat center Hassan Whiteside returned from injury for Miami’s victory against Orlando on Tuesday. Whiteside missed 13 games after suffering a bone bruise on November 28.
- Marc Gasol made himself available to reporters following Grizzlies practice on Monday to answer any questions pertaining to former coach David Fizdale.