Hoops Rumors’ own JD Shaw hears that the Sixers will sign center Norvel Pelle to a two-way contract (Twitter links).
Pelle, who went undrafted in 2014, played for the Delaware Blue Coats last season. The big man was named to the NBAGL All-Defensive Team for his play in the G League.
Haywood Highsmith previously occupied one of the team’s two-way contracts before being waived earlier in the week. Shaw adds that Highsmith will join Philadelphia’s Summer League team in Las Vegas.
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- David Heller, who had been a partial owner of the Sixers, is no longer part of the team, Yaron Weitzman of Bleacher Report relays (Twitter link). “We can confirm that David Heller has sold his interest in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE). David will always be a friend to this organization. We appreciate his time, effort, energy, and partnership…and wish him well in his future endeavors,” the Sixers said in a statement. The circumstances surrounding Heller’s departure are unclear, but sources close to the front office tell Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer that he was forced out. The 76ers strongly denied that characterization, Pompey notes.
- Isaiah Thomas is not in the Celtics‘ plan this offseason, Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe writes. Boston appears likely to lose Kyrie Irving, though the organization is reportedly a leading contender for Kemba Walker.
- Blake Murphy of The Athletic explores whether the Raptors should ink Pascal Siakam to an extension this summer. Siakam’s long-term future in Toronto isn’t in question; it’s just a matter of whether to sign him to an extension before the season or wait until next summer to handle his contract situation in restricted free agency.
Yea I kinda saw that coming Pelle will have a shot at converting that contract.
yeah ok
Why sign Siakam now when his cap hold will be less than his contract next year if you do a deal this offseason? You can match any offer, but keep more payroll flexibility when Lowry, Gasol and Ibaka come off the books.
Yeah it really does seem pointless and there are no real reasons why doing it now versus waiting a year makes sense. Keep the flexibility and team control going longer.
The only reason to sign him now would be to save money. If he improves upon last season, he will probably get a max offer. An extension could probably get done for less, if not then there is no reason to sign him now
To make him happy coming off of a strong year? They can resign their own players for whatever they want. my guess they’ll wait until they’re done this offseason to do it. They have $80 mil coming off three books after the season if they let Lowry, (34), Gasol (35) and Ibaka (30) walk. Yeezus i can’t believe Lowry is going to be 34. it always felt like Derozen was the big brother.
I really hope Isaiah Thomas gets some sort of chance this upcoming season. I really think he could still be an effective NBA player if given the right opportunity. I mean it was just 3 years ago that he averages almost 29 PPG for the C’s. I know that injuries have taken their toll and he may not have really been as good as his stats indicated that season in Boston to begin with. Nevertheless I think if he were in the right situation he could thrive again as a legitimate scoring option either off the bench as a 6th man or possibly even as a starter.
I think he’s worth a flier on the Magic. They had their struggles scoring at moments last year and have the length defensively to try and hide him
The Magic went in a different direction and are still tied up with Fultz.
Just THREE years ago?
That’s a long time in hip years
3 yrs is the length greater than most NBA careers
I don’t know JD, and they don’t know me, but I’m still proud of them. Keep up the good work!
Imo I think IT4 would be a good fit back in Boston he could be that scorer/backup point guard of the bench they won’t have with TR leaving
But I get y they won’t do it so I see him going to Charlotte or New Orleans