If you missed any of this week’s biggest stories, don’t worry because we’ve got it covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some the more noteworthy news items from the last seven days.
The NBA’s Board of Governors will vote next month on three potential rule changes recommended by the league’s Competition Committee. Most intriguingly, there is a proposal to reset the shot clock reset to 14 seconds instead of 24 seconds after an offensive rebound. The NBA has experimented with this during the G League and Summer League, and it appears to be leaning toward implementing it for the coming season. The other two potential rule changes are a simplification of the clear-path foul rule, which would eliminate the need that a play start in the backcourt, and an expanded definition of what constitutes a “hostile act” for the purposes of triggering an instant-replay review.
A source close to Timberwolves swingman Jimmy Butler has reportedly made it known that Butler is open to the idea of signing with the Lakers next summer. Butler, 28, can opt out of the final year of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019. Butler turned down a contract extension offer from Minnesota earlier this summer, but as we discussed, it would have been a poor financial decision for Butler to agree to an extension, as he’ll be able to earn much more on the open free agent market.
While his first choice is still Los Angeles, and likely the Lakers, Kawhi Leonard is keeping an open mind about a future with the Raptors. Leonard, who technically still has two seasons left on his contract, can opt out next summer and become an unrestricted free agent just like Butler. When the Raptors agreed to trade for Leonard last month, team president Masai Ujiri said he was determined to convince Leonard to remain in Toronto long term. This story is at least a step in that direction.
Spurs veteran guard Manu Ginobili is seriously considering retirement, and will meet with head coach Greg Popovich soon to discuss his future with the team. Ginobili still has one year left on his contract with San Antonio, but has yet to commit to returning. The Spurs remain hopeful that the 41-year-old will decide to keep playing, and is giving him all the time he needs to make a decision. Despite his relatively advanced age, Ginobili has a good season in 2017/18, averaging 8.9 PPG, 2.5 APG, and 2.2 RPG in 65 regular season contests.
According to his father, who once played in the NBA himself, expect Klay Thompson to stay with the Warriors long term. Speaking with The San Francisco Chronicle, Mychal Thompson says that his son will retire in a Warrior uniform, and that money is no object for Golden State owners Joe Lacob and Peter Gruber, especially with a new arena coming soon. Accordingly, Thompson should theoretically still be able to make plenty of money on his next contract.
Here are 10 more notable NBA headlines from the last week:
- Former Suns guard Josh Gray has agreed to a deal with the LG Sakers of the Korean Basketball League.
- The Rockets have invited 2014 second round pick Alessandro Gentile to training camp.
- Free agent point guard Brandon Jennings, who was recently waived by the Bucks, has signed with Zenit St. Petersburg in Russia.
- The Heat have signed big man Jarnell Stokes to a contract – presumably a training camp deal.
- The Raptors have signed point guard Kay Felder to a one-year, partially guaranteed contract.
- The Heat will meet with free agent guard Dwyane Wade in the near future in hopes of signing him for at least another season.
- According to Paul George, the Lakers were not happy that George refused to take a free agent meeting with the team this summer.
- Clippers guard Patrick Beverley is optimistic about the team’s outlook this season as he returns from injury.
- The Hawks have officially signed veteran guard Vince Carter to a one-year, minimum-salary contract.
- Free agent guards Ty Lawson and Tyrone Wallace both worked out for the Pelicans earlier this week.