In case you missed any of this week’s biggest NBA stories, we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days.
After months of drama in Minnesota, All-NBA swingman Jimmy Butler has requested a trade from the Timberwolves, telling the team he would prefer to be dealt to the Nets, Knicks, or Clippers. Butler, who is technically under contract for two more years, will have an opportunity to hit the open market next summer. If Butler is traded, his Bird rights would be traded along with him, so his new team would gain the ability to offer a five-year contract worth an estimated $190MM. After Butler’s announcement, the front office began rebuffing inquiries from other teams, but owner Glen Taylor has since declared that Butler is available.
The NBA has concluded its investigation into the Mavericks’ workplace misconduct allegations, finding that the Mavs had “serious workplace misconduct by former and current employees,” along with “improper or ineffective management.” Investigators found no evidence that owner Mark Cuban was aware of the misconduct, but the billionaire will donate $10MM to organizations that “promote women in leadership roles and combat domestic violence” nonetheless.
In a somewhat unusual and unprecedented move, the Clippers have hired Sports Illustrated senior NBA writer Lee Jenkins, naming him the team’s executive director of research and identity. Per the club, the newly-created position is the first of its kind for any NBA franchise, and the Clippers hope Jenkins’ extensive reporting background and unique interviewing style will to contribute to the franchise’s amateur and professional scouting infrastructure.
Heat guard Dion Waiters won’t be available for the start of training camp and likely won’t be ready to play on opening night, with the Heat medical staff having not yet deemed Waiters healed, rehabbed and physically conditioned for basketball activities, per president Pat Riley. The 26-year-old was limited to just 30 games last season in the first year on a newly-signed, lucrative four-year contract, but the Heat are confident that the 26-year-old will be back sooner rather than later.
The Sixers have promoted former VP of Basketball Operations Elton Brand as its general manager. While vice president, Brand also served as GM of the Sixers’ G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, prior to landing the coveted GM position with the Sixers. Brand was ultimately promoted over fellow in-house executives Ned Cohen, Marc Eversley, and Alex Rucker, and several other outside candidates.
Here are 10 more notable NBA headlines from the last week:
- Veteran guard Dwyane Wade has decided to return for one, final season with the Heat, signing a new one-year, minimum salary deal.
- TNT analyst and former Spurs’ guard Brent Barry has been named the Spurs’ new vice president of basketball operations.
- Undrafted rookie big man Drew Eubanks will sign a two-way contract with the Spurs.
- The Suns are interested in trading for point guard Patrick Beverley, but the Clippers are demanding a first round pick in return.
- The Celtics and free agent Jamal Crawford have mutual interest in reaching a deal.
- Knicks’ veteran swingman Courtney Lee has refuted the idea that he wants a trade, saying that he’s happy in New York.
- The Nuggets have filled out their offseason roster by signing veteran guard Donald Sloan.
- Days after being waived by the Pelicans, veteran big man Emeka Okafor signed a veteran’s minimum deal with the Sixers.
- Veteran point guard Jarrett Jack has signed a one-year contract with the Pelicans.
- Rockets guard Brandon Knight recently had “clean up” surgery on his left knee and will miss an unspecified amount of time.