If you missed any of this past week’s biggest headlines from around the NBA, we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Below are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days:
Last week, we relayed h
ow front offices of some teams were upset about perceived tampering by LeBron James when he said it would be amazing to play with Anthony Davis. James, apparently unfazed, met Davis for a post-game meal in L.A. after the Lakers defeated the Pelicans, later telling reporters that he considers recruiting other stars to be part of his job and that he knows his success in L.A. will be tied to his ability to woo free agents. Most around the league ultimately expect Davis to be traded before next season, likely to the Celtics or Lakers, but the league is unwilling to sit by and let the recruitment of Davis begin now, issuing a memo to all teams, reminding them about the rules and consequences related to tampering.
Speaking of James, the Lakers are preparing for him to miss “several games” after he suffered a groin strain in his team’s victory over the Warriors on Christmas Day. James’ MRI came back clean, but there’s a healing process that will need to occur before he is able to get back on the court. Moreover, the Lakers are understandably expected to play it safe to avoid further aggravating the injury and risk more missed time later this season or beyond. The Lakers have lost two straight without LBJ.
After remaining on the free agent market for nearly six months, shooting guard Patrick McCaw has signed an offer sheet with the Cavaliers worth $6MM over two years. Both seasons are non-guaranteed, but this season will become guaranteed if he remains on a roster past January 7. Because McCaw is still a restricted free agent, the Warriors will have the opportunity to match Cleveland’s offer. An earlier report indicated that they were prepared to match any offer, but given everything else going on the Warriors, it may not be worth it to bring someone back who clearly doesn’t want to be in Oakland in McCaw. The Warriors have until tomorrow to make a decision.
Former Wizards guard Austin Rivers reached an agreement to join the Rockets, signing a fully-guaranteed rest-of-season contract with the defending regular season champs. The move makes sense after the injury to Chris Paul, but it will be interesting to see whether Rivers can carve out enough of a role with Paul out to remain in the rotation once the veteran returns. The deal is for the veteran’s minimum, so Rivers’ cap hit is just under $923K.
With the emergence of wunderkind Luka Doncic, there’s growing confidence around the league that the Mavericks will move on from and trade last year’s first-round pick, point guard Dennis Smith Jr. Of course, Dallas has denied any interest in moving Smith, but due to injuries, he has only played in three of the Mavericks’ 12 games in December and the Mavs are still competing for a playoff spot without him, thanks to Doncic’s play. Ultimately, the Mavericks plan to build their roster around Doncic, and Smith would likely garner the biggest return in a trade.
Here are 9 more notable NBA headlines from the last week:
- Despite being under contract with the Clippers, Turkish club Anadolu Efes is seriously pursuing guard Milos Teodosic.
- Lakers’ point guard Rajon Rondo would have remained with the Pelicans if the team had made an offer.
- Speaking of Rondo, he is expected to miss four to five weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a ligament in his right ring finger.
- Sixers’ guard Markelle Fultz plans to return to the lineup at some point this season.
- Knicks’ guard Frank Ntilikina was not happy about being benched and receiving a DNP on Christmas Day.
- The Bulls signed shooting guard Brandon Sampson to a two-way deal, waiving point guard Tyler Ulis to make room.
- Despite a lack of playing time, Nets’ forward Kenneth Faried has not approached the team for a buyout.
- The Thunder waived two-way player Tyler Davis and replaced him with big man Donte Grantham.
- With a potential player revolt behind him, Bulls’ head coach Jim Boylen may actually now be in position for an extension this summer.