In case you missed any of the past week’s top stories from around the Association, we have you covered with our Week in Review. Below are the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days.
The Hawks and Ersan Ilyasova finalized a buyout agreement, with Ilyasova the second veteran to be released by Atlanta in recent weeks. And like the prior veteran released by Atlanta before him – Marco Belinelli – Ilyasova has signed a rest-of-season contract with the Sixers. In order to make room for Ilyasova on their roster, Philadelphia released veteran forward Trevor Booker, who plans on signing with the Pacers after he clears waivers.
The Lakers and Corey Brewer finalized a buyout agreement as well. Brewer, like Ilyasova, quickly determined the team with which he wanted to sign, choosing the Thunder after also considering three Eastern Conference teams. The fit in Oklahoma City is logical given the injury to Andre Roberson and Brewer’s relationship with head coach Billy Donovan, Brewer’s coach in college at the University of Florida.
The Timberwolves and Shabazz Muhammad also finalized a buyout agreement, with Muhammad committed to signing with the Bucks once he clears waivers. In order to make room for Muhammad on their roster, Milwaukee released guard Sean Kilpatrick before the March 1 deadline so that he is playoff eligible for a new team if signed.
Despite head coach Gregg Popovich’s recent comments that Kawhi Leonard may not play the rest of this season, Leonard does in fact plan on returning this season. Specifically, Leonard has begun working out at the Spurs’ practice facility in hopes of returning to the court sometime this month. A speculated return date is the Spurs’ mid-March road trip to Golden State, Oklahoma City, and Houston.
Dwyane Wade is happy to be back in Miami, but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that he will suit up again next season. Wade will only be 36 years old this summer, but he’s not ready to commit to another season just yet. Some of the many factors Wade plans to consider include milestones regarding his NBA legacy, his short and long-term health, and his family.
Here are 13 additional headlines from last week:
- The Pelicans signed veteran big man Emeka Okafor to a rest-of-season contract after his second 10-day contract expired.
- The Jazz signed Naz Mitrou-Long to a second 10-day contract with the team.
- The Bulls signed Jarell Eddie to a 10-day contract.
- The Magic signed Rashad Vaughn to a second 10-day contract.
- The Lakers signed Travis Wear to a 10-day contract.
- The Pelicans will sign Walt Lemon Jr. to a second 10-day contract.
- The Suns signed Shaquille Harrison to a second 10-day contract.
- The Knicks signed Troy Williams to a second 10-day contract.
- Jimmy Butler underwent successful surgery on his torn right meniscus.
- Knicks point guard Jarrett Jack considered requesting a release from the Knicks before the March 1 playoff eligibility deadline.
- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver sent a memo to all 30 teams with a reminder of the league’s policy on tanking.
- Former MVP Derrick Rose has received a couple of 10-day contract offers, but continues to hold out hope for a long-term offer.
- Despite a report to the contrary, Mirza Teletovic has denied that pulmonary emboli in both of his lungs has ended his career.