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Mavericks, Spencer Dinwiddie Agree To One-Year Deal

July 22nd, 2024 at 12:08pm CST by Luke Adams

Veteran point guard Spencer Dinwiddie is returning to Dallas, having agreed to a one-year contract with the Mavericks, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).

Dinwiddie, 31, was previously a Maverick from 2022-23 for almost exactly one year. He was traded from Washington to Dallas at the trade deadline in February 2022 as part of the return for Kristaps Porzingis, then was sent to Brooklyn at the 2023 deadline as part of the package for Kyrie Irving.

Dinwiddie played well during his first stint in Dallas, averaging 17.1 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 32.3 minutes per game across 76 outings (60 starts). He posted a shooting line of .466/.404/.788 during that time — those field goal and three-point percentages are well above his career marks.

The veteran guard was less effective in 2023/24 across 76 appearances (52 starts) for the Nets and Lakers, posting averages of 10.5 PPG, 4.7 APG, and 2.7 RPG in 28.3 MPG while shooting .392/.337/.805.

The hope is that a return to Dallas will help fuel a bounce-back season for Dinwiddie, who still has a home in Texas and whose partner is from the state, according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post (Twitter link). As Lewis observes, the move also reunites Dinwiddie with Irving — the two guards played together in Brooklyn from 2019-21.

The Mavericks’ interest in Dinwiddie was reported earlier this month by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype and was reiterated over the weekend by Marc Stein.

The terms of the Mavs’ agreement with Dinwiddie have yet to be reported. While Dallas could technically offer more than the veteran’s minimum using the mid-level or bi-annual exception, the team doesn’t have a ton of wiggle room below the first tax apron, so a minimum-salary deal seems more likely.

Assuming Dinwiddie’s salary is fully guaranteed, he’d be the 14th Maverick on a guaranteed contract for 2024/25. A.J. Lawson, the 15th man, has a non-guaranteed deal and would need to be waived in order to make room for the club to re-sign veteran forward Markieff Morris, whose return is considered likely.

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Olympic Notes: Gabriel, Exum, K. Antetokounmpo, Galloway

July 22nd, 2024 at 11:01am CST by Arthur Hill

Veteran NBA big man Wenyen Gabriel believes South Sudan is ready to become a force in international basketball, writes Cesare Milanti of Eurohoops. Before taking on the world’s best teams at the Olympics, the Bright Stars got plenty of attention by nearly upsetting Team USA in an exhibition game on Saturday.

“A lot of people around the world don’t know what South Sudan was, but today we were able to represent our country with pride, put up a good fight, and show them the potential of our country,” Gabriel said. “It was a proud moment for a lot of people. Obviously, we wanted to win, we played really well and I’m really proud of my teammates, the heart we showed, the dedication, and trying to put respect on our name, and to get our country respected.”

South Sudan has built a competitive basketball program since gaining its independence from Sudan 13 years ago. Former NBA star Luol Deng has financed the effort, but the nation is still in the process of building its first indoor basketball court. Gabriel is looking forward to seeing young South Sudanese players develop their skills as facilities become more widespread.

“There are some tall kids back in the village, I remember I came back home to South Sudan to visit them, and they didn’t have any opportunities,” he added. “Seven feet tall and they’re herding cows. Some people around the world don’t have the opportunity to play basketball for a living, to go shoot hoops, to go fish for food, do different things to survive. Today was an example and something to bring us together.”

There’s more on the Olympics:

  • An injured finger won’t prevent Mavericks guard Dante Exum from playing in the Olympics, according to ESPN Australia. Exum had to leave Sunday’s exhibition game against France after hurting the finger on a drive to the basket, but X-rays showed it’s a compound dislocation rather than a fracture. “Any time one of your key pieces goes down there’s some degree of concern,” Australian teammate Jock Landale said. “They’ve cleared him for play and Dante’s a pretty tough individual … he’s definitely a key piece of the puzzle for us.”
  • Kostas Antetokounmpo has been ruled out for Greece due to a knee injury, per a Eurohoops report. Doctors determined that the former Mavericks and Lakers forward hasn’t made enough progress in his recovery to receive medical clearance. Giannis Antetokounmpo will headline the Greek roster, but Thanasis Antetokounmpo will also be sidelined as he recovers from Achilles surgery.
  • Langston Galloway talked to Marc J. Spears of Andscape about his unique experience with USA Basketball. After being part of the Select Team that scrimmaged against Team USA in Las Vegas, Galloway was offered the opportunity to travel with the squad and fill a reserve spot during exhibition play. “It’s just a full-circle moment because I played against so many of these guys during my time in the NBA,” Galloway said. “Everybody knows what I can do, and I continue to showcase that. They know I can do it. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time. And hey, maybe it’s a full-circle moment. Maybe I’ll be able to get back in the league at some point.”
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Barcelona Interested In Signing Chimezie Metu

July 22nd, 2024 at 10:00am CST by Arthur Hill

Barcelona has expressed interest in veteran center/power forward Chimezie Metu, according to Alessadro Maggi of Sportando.

Metu became an unrestricted free agent last month when the Pistons declined his $2.65MM option for next season. There are only a handful of open roster spots around the league, so the 27-year-old big man may have to consider playing overseas.

Metu signed with the Suns last summer and appeared in 37 games before being sent to Memphis as part of a three-team deal at the trade deadline. The Grizzlies waived him a day later, and he eventually landed in Detroit, first on a 10-day contract and then on a standard deal.

He put up the best numbers of his career during his brief stay with the Pistons, averaging 10.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.7 steals in 14 games while playing 29.4 minutes per night. He made seven starts and had shooting splits of .500/.302/.952.

Metu was selected by San Antonio with the 49th pick in the 2018 draft and spent two seasons with the Spurs before signing with Sacramento in 2020.

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Rokas Jokubaitis In “Advanced Talks” With Maccabi Tel Aviv

July 22nd, 2024 at 9:00am CST by Arthur Hill

Rokas Jokubaitis, who played for the Knicks during Summer League, is in “advanced talks” with Maccabi Tel Aviv, according to Alessandro Maggi of Sportando.

The Lithuanian point guard has spent the past three years with Barcelona, where he averaged 5.3 points and 2.8 assists per game last season. Barcelona recently declined to exercise an option on his contract, making him a free agent.

Jokubaitis appeared in five games for New York in Las Vegas, averaging 9.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 19.1 minutes per night. He shot 57.1% from the field, 50% from three-point range and 71.4% from the foul line as the Knicks posted a 3-2 Summer League record.

The 23-year-old was selected by Oklahoma City with the 34th pick in 2021 and was traded to New York on draft night. The Knicks will retain his NBA draft rights no matter where he plays this season.

Jokubaitis is also a member of the Lithuanian national team, which lost to Puerto Rico in the finals of a pre-Olympic qualifier earlier this month.

If he signs with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Jokubaitis will join former NBA guard Jordan Loyd, who played 12 games for Toronto during the 2018/19 season. According to Maggi, the team is also hoping to sign Daryl Macon, who had brief NBA stops with Dallas and Miami.

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LeBron James To Carry U.S. Flag In Olympics Opening Ceremony

July 22nd, 2024 at 7:56am CST by Arthur Hill

LeBron James has been selected to carry the U.S. flag during Friday’s opening ceremony for the Olympics, writes Brian Windhorst 0f ESPN. The Lakers star was chosen in a vote by his fellow Olympians, making him the first male basketball player to ever receive the honor. He will be joined by a female athlete who will be voted on Tuesday.

“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James said. “For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”

James and his teammates are currently in London, where they will play their last pre-Olympic exhibition game later today against Germany. Team USA is 4-0 so far, but is coming off a narrow win over South Sudan on Saturday.

James was nominated to be the flag bearer by Stephen Curry, who submitted a video on his behalf, along with USA Basketball. This is the fourth Olympics for James, who won gold medals in 2008 and 2012 and a bronze in 2004.

“We are thrilled to announce LeBron James as one of two flag bearers who will lead Team USA in the Opening Ceremony, and officially open the Paris 2024 Games,” U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland said in a statement. “Being selected by your teammates to carry the flag is a tremendous honor — and a testament to LeBron’s passion for Team USA and his dedication to his sport. We will watch with great pride as the flag bearers lead our athletes who are about to embark on a remarkable journey together.”

Dawn Staley in 2004 and Sue Bird in 2020 are the only other American basketball players to ever carry the flag in the Olympics.

Friday’s ceremony will start at 12:30 p.m. Central time (7:30 p.m. in Paris) and will be shown live on NBC.

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Central Notes: Livingston, Holland, Klintman, Buzelis, Tshiebwe, Jackson, Trent Jr.

July 21st, 2024 at 9:45pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Bucks lost their first four Summer League games in Las Vegas but 2023 second-round pick Chris Livingston has been a bright spot, averaging 15.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 28.1 minutes per game, Eric Nehm of The Athletic notes.

The 6’6” Livingston is preparing to play any of the frontcourt positions, including center, after seeing just 90 minutes of NBA action as a rookie.

“It’s a fight, you know what I’m saying? I’ve been working,” he said. “Trying to get in the best shape of my life, that’s what I’m going to do. Working on my skill development, my shot. My shot’s always been there, but just speeding my shot up. Being ready to shoot, changing my mindset when it comes to that.”

We have more from the Central Division:

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Spurs Add Minix, Warriors Sign Rowe On Camp Deals

July 21st, 2024 at 8:50pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Spurs have signed undrafted Morehead State forward Riley Minix to a training camp contract and the Warriors have also added Jackson Rowe on a camp deal, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac (Twitter links).

Minix, 23, appeared in 35 games last season as a senior, averaging 20.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks in 33.8 minutes per game. Minix ranked among the top 20 in Division I in scoring. He appeared in three games with the Spurs’ Summer League team.

Rowe, 27, played regularly last season for Golden State’s NBA G League team, the Santa Cruz Warriors. He averaged 13.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.4 steals per contest. He appeared in six Summer League games this month for the Warriors.

It seems safe to assume both players were added on Exhibit 10 deals.

An Exhibit 10 contract is a non-guaranteed minimum-salary deal that doesn’t count against a team’s cap unless the player makes the regular season roster. It can be converted to a two-way contract before the season begins or the player can earn a bonus of up to $77.5K if he’s waived and then spends at least 60 days with his team’s G League affiliate.

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Sixers Sign Adem Bona To Four-Year Deal

July 21st, 2024 at 8:27pm CST by Dana Gauruder

JULY 21: The signing is official, according to a team press release.

JULY 14: Sixers second-rounder Adem Bona has agreed on a four-year, $8MM rookie contract, Shams Charania of The Athletic tweets. Bona was selected with the No. 41 pick in last month’s draft.

Philadelphia will be using the second-round exception to sign the former UCLA center, which means the fourth year will be a team option. A four-year, minimum-salary contract for a rookie would be worth about $7.9MM, so the terms reported by Charania are either rounded up or suggest Bona will earn a bit more than the minimum in year one.

Bona has averaged 6.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.5 blocks in 22.7 minutes per night thus far for Philadelphia’s Summer League squad. In his final collegiate season with the Bruins, he averaged 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 33 games.

Bona is currently slotted in as the No. 3 center on the Sixers’ depth chart behind Joel Embiid and free agent acquisition Andre Drummond.

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Nets Sign Keon Johnson To Two-Year Deal

July 21st, 2024 at 8:20pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

JULY 21: The signing is official, according to the NBA transactions log.

JULY 20: The Nets are re-signing free agent shooting guard Keon Johnson to a standard contract, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link), Johnson is inking a two-season agreement with the Nets. The contract is partially guaranteed for 2024/25 and will have a team option for ’25/26.

Johnson has enjoyed an outstanding run throughout this year’s Las Vegas Summer League thus far. He’s averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game for Brooklyn this offseason.

The 6’5″ swingman was selected with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2021 draft out of Tennessee. Johnson, then just 19, split his rookie season between the Clippers and Trail Blazers. He stayed with Portland for the 2022/23 season, but broke a finger midway through the year, cutting him off at just 40 games.

Johnson was shipped out to the Suns as part of the three-team deal that landed All-Star point guard Damian Lillard with the Bucks and was cut prior to the start of the 2023/24 season.

He ultimately landed with the Nets on a two-way deal last season, appearing in just five games for Brooklyn. Across those contests, Johnson averaged 6.2 points per contest on .381/.400/.917 shooting splits. He also chipped in 1.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 0.6 steals per night.

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Bulls Sign DJ Steward To Two-Way Contract

July 21st, 2024 at 7:34pm CST by Arthur Hill

7:34pm: The signing is official, according to a team press release.

9:00am: Summer League standout DJ Steward has agreed to a two-way contract with the Bulls, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).

The 22-year-old guard is coming off a 37-point performance in Friday’s win over Atlanta. He averaged 17.4 PPG in five Summer League games with Chicago while shooting 47% from the field and 40% from three-point range.

Steward is a Chicago-area player who was a highly regarded recruit out of high school in 2020. He played one season at Duke, then signed with the Kings after going undrafted in 2021.

Steward spent two years in the G League with Stockton before signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics last September. He played for Boston’s G League affiliate in Maine last season.

The addition of Steward fills the Bulls’ last two-way opening. Andrew Funk and Adama Sanogo are also on two-way deals.

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