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:
Kyrie Irving made headlines twice this week: first by returning to the court after a two-month absence caused by a shoulder injury, then by telling reporters the Nets have “glaring needs.” Irving later clarified that he isn’t calling for major changes by the trade deadline, but believes there are issues that need to be addressed in the long run.
The Timberwolves traded Jeff Teague to the Hawks, where he spent the first seven seasons of his NBA career. Atlanta also received swingman Treveon Graham in exchange for wing Allen Crabbe. Minnesota reportedly made the deal to gain flexibility in its pursuit of Warriors guard D’Angelo Russell.
Kent Bazemore and Trevor Ariza headlined a five-player trade between the Kings and Trail Blazers. The deal, which can’t be completed until Tuesday, will reduce Portland’s projected luxury tax payment by $12.6MM.
January 22 has been set as the date for Zion Williamson‘s NBA debut. The Pelicans have been protecting the top pick in the 2019 draft as he recovers from meniscus surgery, but he was able to participate in full practices this week without any issue.
A lingering foot injury will prevent LaMelo Ball from finishing his season in Australia. He played just 12 games for the Illawara Hawks, but his performance has some scouts convinced that he should be the first player selected in this year’s draft.
Here are 10 more noteworthy headlines from around the basketball world this week:
- The NBA has postponed a planned vote on several significant changes at its Board of Governors meeting in April. The league will get more input on proposals to create an in-season tournament and a postseason play-in tournament for the seventh and eighth seeds in each conference, and to reseed the conference finalists.
- Karl-Anthony Towns returned to action this week and shot down speculation that he wants the Timberwolves to trade him.
- The Cavaliers applied for a Disabled Player Exception after learning that Dylan Windler‘s leg injury will sideline him for his entire rookie season.
- The Magic suffered a setback in the playoff race with the news that D.J. Augustin will miss several weeks because of left knee bone irritation. The team plans to re-evaluate its back-up point guard in three to four weeks to see how he responds to treatment.
- The Nuggets will be without Jamal Murray for several games after he suffered an ankle injury.
- Pistons swingman Luke Kennard will miss at least another month due to bilateral knee tendinitis. The team hopes to get him back around the All-Star break.
- The Hawks and Knicks have both cooled their interest in Pistons center Andre Drummond. Detroit continues to shop its star big man, who can opt out of his contract for next season.
- The Wizards waived swingman C.J. Miles, who was lost for the season with a wrist injury in November. Miles is making $8.73 in the final year of his contract.
- Denzel Valentine spoke out about his lack of playing time with the Bulls. Valentine will be a restricted free agent this summer and may not have a future in Chicago.
- Several teams made roster moves this week prior to Wednesday’s deadline for signing players to two-way contracts.
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