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.
The Timberwolves continued trade talks involving Jimmy Butler with the Clippers and Heat emerging as the co-favorites to land his services. Minnesota has reportedly asked for multiple players and picks in negotiations with the Clippers with another impending free agent, forward Tobias Harris, as part of the package. The Clippers don’t want to part with Harris and deem Minnesota’s asking price as too high. The Timberwolves have focused on Bam Adebayo, Josh Richardson and a protected first-rounder for 2019 in trade talks with the Heat. They’d also like to shed the contract of Gorgui Dieng, who is owed more than $48MM over the next three seasons.
Thunder shooting guard Andre Roberson had a setback rehabbing from a ruptured patellar tendon and will miss at least two more months. Roberson, considered Oklahoma City’s top perimeter defender, won’t be re-evaluated until at least early December. He had a procedure on Thursday to alleviate irritation in the left knee caused by a suture. That means an expanded role for Alex Abrines and perhaps some two point guard lineups with Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder once Westbrook returns from minor knee surgery.
Kyrie Irving tried to scuttle any doubts about his future by declaring he plans to re-sign with Celtics. Irving is still likely to turn down his player option next summer but he’s apparently not going anywhere. The Celtics hold his Bird rights, meaning Irving will be eligible to sign a five-year deal worth up to a projected $189.66MM next summer. Irving’s declaration deals a blow to teams like the Nets and Knicks, who are hoping to land an All-Star level talent on the free agent market.
In what could be the final year of his Hall of Fame career, Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki may miss the start of the season. Nowitzki suffered a setback in his recovery from left ankle surgery just prior to training camp, as he experienced soreness in his Achilles while playing pickup games at Dallas’ practice facility. Head coach Rick Carlisle said Nowitzki is weeks away from live action and hasn’t been practicing during training camp. Nowitzki appeared in 77 games last season.
Warriors guard Patrick McCaw declined the team’s qualifying offer to remain a restricted free agent. It’s very unusual for a young reserve like McCaw to play hardball with an organization, led alone the defending champions. But McCaw is apparently hoping he’ll get an offer sheet elsewhere and Golden State, which has been holding a roster spot for him, won’t match it. He also turned down the Warriors’ two-year contract offer with a team option. McCaw is the only restricted free agent still on the market.
Here are 10 more notable NBA headlines from the last week:
- The Kings and Warriors played a preseason game in Seattle but the league has no plans in the near future to bring an NBA franchise back to the city.
- Kevin Durant could be a viable option for the Knicks in free agency next summer.
- The Knicks waived guard John Jenkins, who previously played for the Hawks, Mavericks and Suns.
- Big man Cole Aldrich is expected to play in China after the Hawks waived him.
- Sixers reserve guard Jerryd Bayless is out at least a month after suffering a knee sprain.
- With Jabari Bird‘s status in doubt, the Celtics signed guard Marcus Georges-Hunt.
- Lakers first-round pick Moe Wagner is expected to miss the preseason due to a left knee injury.
- A knee injury has sidelined Sixers forward Wilson Chandler for the balance of the preseason.
- The Jazz signed guard Isaiah Cousins to their camp roster.
- Celtics assistant coach Jerome Allen faces a suspension after pleading guilty to taking a bribe while coaching Penn in 2014.