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:
Ahead of a summer that’s expected to include the trading of franchise cornerstone Anthony Davis, the Pelicans fired GM Dell Demps. Demps spent nearly nine years running the team, but was never able to build a consistent contender around Davis. Danny Ferry was named interim GM until New Orleans can find a replacement.
Enes Kanter, who spent much of the season complaining about a lack of playing time with the Knicks, found a new home with the Trail Blazers after being released. Kanter had fallen to fourth-string center in New York despite productive numbers, as coach David Fizdale opted for a younger lineup and a switching philosophy on defense that Kanter wasn’t equipped for. Multiple teams, including the Lakers, expressed interest in signing Kanter.
The Pacers turned to the buyout market to fill the void left by Victor Oladipo‘s season-ending injury, signing Wesley Matthews. The former Maverick was traded to the Knicks at the end of January, but only played two games there before reaching a buyout agreement.
The Thunder landed one of the top prizes in the buyout market when Markieff Morris agreed to a contract. Morris spent most of the season with the Wizards, but reached a buyout agreement with the Pelicans after a deadline-day trade. He recently received medical clearance after recovering from a neck injury.
The Raptors signed former Hawks guard Jeremy Lin for the rest of the season. The move took place shortly after Toronto lost back-up point guard Fred VanVleet for about five weeks due to thumb surgery.
Here are 10 more notable NBA headlines from the past week:
- Luke Walton’s job will remain safe for the rest of the season, according to a report out of Los Angeles. There had been speculation that the Lakers‘ disappointing season and recent clashes with veteran players might have Walton on the hot seat, but he still has the support of team management.
- The Lakers won’t be hit with tampering penalties for team president Magic Johnson’s statements about Ben Simmons when revealing that the Sixers guard has asked to be tutored over the summer. Johnson had indicated an interest in the arrangement before both teams decided against it.
- Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry was fined $25K for comments he made about Davis. Lasry was responded to a report that Davis listed Milwaukee as one of his four preferred destinations.
- Veteran forward Marcus Morris ripped his Celtics teammates after the team let a big lead get away in a loss to the Clippers. Morris said the season “hasn’t been fun for a long time” and called the team “a bunch of individuals.”
- Nuggets guard Isaiah Thomas made his season debut this week after recovering from his latest hip surgery. The former All-Star signed a one-year deal with the Nuggets.
- Former Heat star Chris Bosh is ready to make his retirement official. Bosh’s hasn’t played since the 2015/16 season because of health issues stemming from blood clots.
- After a tour of the league that saw him go from Portland to Cleveland to Houston to Indiana in less than a week, Nik Stauskas re-signed with the Cavaliers. The 25-year-old guard inked a contract for the rest of the season.
- Commissioner Adam Silver admitted he has received offers to run the NFL, but added that he hasn’t considered changing leagues. Silver said some Fortune 500 companies have also approached him with job opportunities.
- Former No. 2 pick Hasheem Thabeet worked out for several teams at All-Star Weekend in Charlotte. Thabeet hasn’t played in the NBA since the since the 2013/14 season.
- Gilbert Arenas is the latest former NBA star to commit to the BIG3 league. The 37-year-old was a high-scoring guard who had his best seasons with the Wizards.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.