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. Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days:
The league has launched a tampering investigation due to early commitments in free agency. Suspicions were raised as some free agent deals were announced immediately upon the arrival of the negotiating period, which began at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on June 30. A few agreements were leaked ahead of that hour, prompting questions about the legality of the process. A number of options are being considered to prevent a repeat in future summers.
Tim Duncan was named an assistant coach with the Spurs. The decision by the future Hall of Fame big man to take a spot on Gregg Popovich’s staff was a surprise to many people around the league. Popovich joked that it was only fitting that the perennial All-Star serve under him “after I served loyally for 19 years as Tim Duncan’s assistant.”
Pau Gasol signed a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract with the Trail Blazers. The veteran big man finished last season with the Bucks, who let him go as an unrestricted free agent. Gasol, 39, underwent surgery in May to repair a navicular stress fracture in his left foot. He’s expected to make a full recovery in advance of training camp. He’ll provides insurance with Jusuf Nurkic recovering from a serious leg injury suffered in late March.
Reserve swingman Furkan Korkmaz signed a two-year deal with the Sixers after flirting the possibility of playing overseas. Philadelphia renounced its rights to Korkmaz earlier this month and it appeared he was headed overseas to play in Turkey. He ultimately decided to stay in the NBA and he’ll provide depth at the wings behind starters Tobias Harris and Josh Richardson. The Sixers now have 14 players with guaranteed contracts and a pair of two-way players.
Nearly half of the players on Team’s USA original 20-man roster have declined to participate in the FIBA World Cup. Paul Millsap and Kevin Love are the latest defections. Damian Lillard, DeMar DeRozan, Anthony Davis, James Harden, Bradley Beal, CJ McCollum and Eric Gordon have also withdrawn their names.
Here are 10 more noteworthy headlines from the past week:
- Kawhi Leonard said he didn’t lead on anyone in free agency. He also claims he never rooted for the Lakers.
- Bradley Beal revealed he’s in no rush to sign an extension with the Wizards.
- The Clippers unveiled their plans to build a new arena.
- The Bucks signed power forward Dragan Bender, who is hoping to turn his career around in the Eastern Conference.
- Point guard Trey Burke signed a one-year contract with the Sixers.
- The Celtics signed four young players, including rookie big man Tacko Fall.
- Veteran center Greg Monroe signed a contract to play in Germany next season.
- The Rockets signed shooting guard Ben McLemore to a two-year contract.
- Brian Wright was promoted to GM by the Spurs while R.C. Buford was given a different title.
- Wizards owner Ted Leonsis acknowledged that John Wall is unlikely to return next season as he mends from an Achilles tear.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.