The Grand Rapids Gold, the Nuggets‘ G League team, acquired the returning rights to center Charles Bediako in a deal with the Austin Spurs, according to OurSportsCentral.com. The Spurs‘ affiliate received the returning player rights of Jamorko Pickett and Reggie Kissoonlal.
Bediako went undrafted last year and had a two-way deal with San Antonio. He was waived by the Spurs in late December after suffering a left meniscus tear. Bediako played 11 games and averaged 7.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game before the injury. He most recently played for the Magic in the Summer League, where he averaged 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds per contest.
We have more from the Northwest Division:
- Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups believes Russell Westbrook will be a good fit with the Nuggets, adding toughness and a mentality that will make the team better, he told Sean Keeler of The Denver Post. “Russ does help that (depth),” Billups said. “He helps bring some of those things. Obviously, (he and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are) totally different players. But, yeah, losing KCP was — I’m happy and proud of him for getting to capitalize (financially) on the great years that he had here — but it’s a substantial loss.”
- Deandre Ayton will be the Trail Blazers’ starting center, according to Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report, but the distribution of minutes for the post reserves is up in the air. Lottery pick Donovan Clingan will definitely soak up some of those minutes but Duop Reath is also deserving of playing time. It’s uncertain where Robert Williams III fits in, even when he finishes rehabbing from his latest knee injury.
- DeAndre Jordan‘s one-year contract with the Nuggets is worth the minimum salary, Hoops Rumors has confirmed. Jordan’s deal was originally reported to be worth $3.6MM, which would have been possible if he were re-signed using his Early Bird rights, but it’s simply a veteran’s minimum contract, which will pay the veteran center approximately $3.3MM.
Portland NEED to make a centre trade.
Ayton, Clingan, Reath and Williams.
30+ mil, 7th overall pick, feel good story undrafted worked his whole career to make the league and played like he deserves his minutes, all defensive second team in 2022 coming off a bad injury.
Landing spots….
Milwaukee would be a great place for Rob Will.
Firstly not needed right away with BLopez the starter but he is 36 in the last year of his deal.
What Rob lacks in height is made up for by Giannas at the 4. Could be a great long term fit and all it would likely cost them is Pat Connaughton and a second round pick or two…
Lakers could also be a great landing spot, as it would allow AD to spend some time at the 4. Gives them another great interior defender and again likely only cost them Gabe Vincent and a couple second round picks.
I seen an interesting tale on Deandre Ayton to Brandon Ingram. Pelicans need a centre, good upside in a Dejounte Trey Herb Zion Ayton future 5. Portland on the other hand get back an all star calibre player for a guy who’s been underwhelming. Although not a great fit Ingram definitely makes them a better side.
Another Ayton idea,
Capela, Hunter and a first for Ayton and Thybulle.
ATL look decent Trae Dyson Risacher Jalen Ayton, good depth in Bogi Thybulle Okungwu.
Nice little Aussie connection, I like their defenders around Trae wouldn’t be a bad side.
Portland would then look to flip Capela but Hunter and a first ain’t a bad return plus you’d get something of decent value for Clint. Hunter is only 26 and gives them a nice 3 and D forward.
I like it but Rob Will is only 26 so he may be worth waiting on until they can trade Ayton.