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 Rockets traded power forward Ryan Anderson and rookie guard De’Andre Melton to the Suns for point guard Brandon Knight and power forward Marquese Chriss. Houston had been shopping Anderson for quite awhile and finally found a taker in Phoenix. Anderson, who has two years and more than $41MM remaining on his contract, wasn’t going to get steady playing time with the Rockets after the addition of Carmelo Anthony. He’ll get a fresh start in Phoenix as a stretch four to pair with top overall pick DeAndre Ayton. Knight and Chriss will have to fight for rotation spots with the Rockets, while the Suns now have to fill a void at point guard.
Spurs guard Manu Ginobili announced his retirement. Ginobili, 41, joined the San Antonio franchise in 2002 and carved out a Hall of Fame career, mainly as a sixth man. The two-time All-Star appeared in 1,057 regular season contests, averaging 13.3 PPG, 3.8 APG, and 3.5 RPG. He also played in 218 more postseason contests, winning four championships with the Spurs. With Ginobili joining Tim Duncan in retirement, the book on the franchise’s Big Three is officially closed. Tony Parker left the Spurs this summer and signed with the Hornets.
The Sixers received permission to interview three more candidates for their GM opening. Philadelphia’s search for Bryan Colangelo’s replacement has dragged on throughout the summer. It reportedly pursued some high-profile GMs and team presidents, including the Rockets’ Daryl Morey. The search has now been expanded and team ownership intends to start meeting with candidates during the coming week. Larry Harris (Warriors), Gersson Rosas (Rockets), and Justin Zanik (Jazz) are among the Sixers’ potential targets.
Power forward David West announced his retirement. West, 38, called it quits after a solid 15-year career that included two All-Star appearances. He began his career with the New Orleans franchise and also played for the Pacers and Spurs before winning two rings with the Warriors. The former Xavier standout averaged 13.6 PPG and 6.4 RPG in 1,034 regular season games. He also appeared in 118 postseason contests, contributing 11.3 PPG and 5.6 RPG.
The Lakers reached a buyout agreement with little-used forward Luol Deng. Los Angeles’ previous front office regime made a colossal mistake by handing Deng a four-year, $72MM contract two summers ago. The 33-year-old forward played in 56 games his first season with the franchise and just one last year, as the Lakers chose to go with younger players. The buyout is expected to create $36-$38MM in cap space next summer, enough to offer an All-Star level free agent a max contract to pair with LeBron James.
Here are 10 more notable NBA headlines from the last week:
- The Grizzlies saved a little money by waiving recently-acquired center Dakari Johnson.
- The Pelicans alleviated a longjam at the wing spots by waiving DeAndre Liggins.
- The Thunder waived little-used small forward Kyle Singler.
- Former All-Star big man Chris Bosh hasn’t given up hope of returning to the NBA despite his blood clotting issues.
- The Hawks signed forward Thomas Robinson to a non-guaranteed contract.
- The Spurs signed second-rounder Chimeze Metu to a three-year contract.
- Kobe Bryant shot down speculation that he’d join the BIG3.
- The Spurs signed swingman Quincy Pondexter to a partially-guaranteed, one-year contract.
- Celtics GM Danny Ainge declared that Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward should be at full speed during training camp.
- Potential lottery pick Darius Bazley decided not to play in the G League during the upcoming season.