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Central Notes: Stewart, LaVine, Sheppard, Walker, Mathurin

September 8th, 2024 at 12:59pm CST by Arthur Hill

Isaiah Stewart‘s role under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is among the questions facing the Pistons as they prepare for training camp, writes Keith Langlois of NBA.com. Stewart played nearly all his minutes at center during his first two NBA seasons, but that changed when the team added Jalen Duren in 2022. Langlois notes that Stewart was used at power forward 75% of the time last season, but his primary position is less certain than ever with a revamped roster.

Other than Stewart and Duren, offseason addition Paul Reed is Detroit’s only player who projects as a center. The Pistons claimed the four-year veteran after the Sixers waived him in July. Reed has shown promise backing up Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.

Detroit also added ex-Sixer Tobias Harris in free agency, and Langlois notes that he and Simone Fontecchio are examples of modern stretch fours. It’s possible that Bickerstaff could choose to dedicate the power forward minutes to those two proven three-point shooters, leaving Stewart to battle for playing time in the middle.

There’s more from the Central Division:

Mending fences with Zach LaVine should be one of the priorities for the Bulls as they get ready for camp, observes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. The front office began trying to trade LaVine last fall in what was hoped to be the first step of a roster makeover. However, his massive contract and injury history doomed trade efforts and forced the team to keep him. LaVine is still owed $138MM over the next three years, so the Bulls need to build up his trade value ahead of the February deadline. Cowley states that coach Billy Donovan took the first step toward mending their relationship when he visited LaVine in Los Angeles this summer.
With their roster virtually set for the upcoming season, the Pacers are facing three option decisions that should be easy, per Tony East of Sports Illustrated. Indiana has until October 31 to pick up the third-year options for Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker, along with the fourth-year option for Bennedict Mathurin. All three players appear to be part of the team’s future, so there’s no reason to part with any of them. The options would pay Sheppard $2.8MM, Walker $6.6MM and Mathurin $9.1MM for the 2025/26 season.
The Pacers announced in a press release that they have added Dr. Jaimie Rubin as Director of Sport Psychology and Team Wellness.

International Notes: Fournier, Gafford, Smailagic, Karaman

September 8th, 2024 at 11:41am CST by Arthur Hill

Evan Fournier is ready to get started with Olympiacos after spending 12 years in the NBA, per a Eurohoops story. The 32-year-old guard made the decision to play in Europe after helping France win a silver medal at the Olympics. During a press conference this week, Fournier confirmed that he received an offer from Washington, but he didn’t want to settle for being a mentor and a part-time player.

“I had contacts with some contenders during the summer, before the Olympics,” he told reporters. “I had an offer from the Wizards, but that wasn’t something I wanted for my career right now. I came to Olympiacos to experience strong emotions, play in big games, and be part of a special project. This was the opportunity at the right time and by far the best option for me.”

Fournier added that he grew up as a fan of Olympiacos and is happy to be able to join the Greek team. He spent time with JSF Nanterre and Poitiers Basket 86 before coming to the NBA, so he’s familiar with the European style of play, and he said at the news conference that it’s actually harder to score in the EuroLeague than it is in the NBA. He also stated that he received encouragement from Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, a former teammate, about returning to Europe.

“Vucevic and I have been discussing it all the time lately,” Fournier said. “He is from Montenegro and is a fan of Red Star, and he was asking me a lot of questions about my transition here. He loves European basketball as well. If he doesn’t (make) the playoffs, he will come see me play here.”

There’s more international news to pass along:

Mavericks center Daniel Gafford received an offer to join Luka Doncic on the Slovenian national team, Matej Erjavec, president of the Basketball Federation of Slovenia, revealed in an interview with Ekipa. Gafford was approached with the possibility after a game last season and asked for some time to consider it. “When he called us a few days later, he said that this summer was simply not going to work, as he had ordered individual exercises, programs, personal trainers and some other matters,” Erjavec said. “(But) he is definitely interested in the future.”
Former NBA player Alen Smailagic cited extortion, blackmail and financial fraud as reasons he chose to leave Serbia and sign with Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania, per BasketNews. Smailagic has filed criminal charges against two people regarding a contract his parents signed in 2019 after his first season with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League.
Turkish player Ilkan Karaman, who was selected in the 2012 NBA draft, has died at age 34 after being struck by a car while standing on the sidewalk, according to BasketNews. Karaman was taken by the Nets with the 57th pick in 2012. His draft rights were traded to Cleveland in 2014 and to Milwaukee in 2020, but he never played in the NBA.

Mikal Bridges Shares Excitement With Knicks Fans At Central Park Event

September 8th, 2024 at 10:21am CST by Arthur Hill

Mikal Bridges expressed his eagerness to get started with the Knicks during a “Roommates Show Block Party” held Saturday at Central Park, writes Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. The event featured podcast co-hosts Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, two of Bridges’ new teammates, along with comedian Jon Stewart.

“Long offseason. I got the itch right now,” Bridges told a large crowd at the celebration. “I’m ready right now. I’m active. It’s been too long.”

The Knicks acquired Bridges from Brooklyn in June in one of the major moves of the offseason. He joins fellow Villanova alums Hart, Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo on a team that hopes to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years. New York advanced to the second round of the playoffs last season, but lost to Indiana in Game 7 amidst a flood of injuries.

The partisan Knicks crowd booed every time the Nets were mentioned Saturday, but Bridges told them he improved during the season and a half he spent in Brooklyn.

“Y’all should appreciate Brooklyn because it made me better,” he said, adding, “my game grew there.”

Bridges began his career in Phoenix after being selected with the 10th pick in the 2018 draft and played in the 2021 NBA Finals on a team that appeared to have a bright future. That changed at the February 2023 trade deadline when the Suns got the opportunity to acquire Kevin Durant from the Nets, with Bridges, Cameron Johnson and a parcel of draft picks heading to Brooklyn in return.

The 28-year-old forward was part of another huge deal this summer when he moved from one New York City borough to another as part of a trade focused on replenishing the Nets’ supply of draft assets.

Among the things Bridges is looking forward to is teaming up with his friends from Villanova.

“I’m pairing up with a lot of psychos,” he said, “and I’m happy to be here.”

Hornets’ Vasilije Micic Dismisses Trade Rumors

September 8th, 2024 at 9:01am CST by Arthur Hill

Serbian point guard Vasilije Micic confirmed that he will remain with the Hornets and dismissed offseason trade speculation, according to Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops. Speaking to the media after a mural dedication ceremony in Belgrade, Micic said he is looking forward to the start of training camp with the team.

“I am staying in Charlotte. That is official,” he said. “All these rumors out there, I did not want to comment until something concrete. Probably, there was some interest, but nothing enough for me to comment. I am happy they want me here and I think the next season will be more productive for me.”

The Hornets acquired Micic at the February trade deadline in the deal that sent Gordon Hayward to Oklahoma City. He appeared in 30 games after the trade, making 21 starts and averaging 10.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting 43.7% from the field and just 29.4% from three-point range.

Micic will likely be moved to a reserve role this season as LaMelo Ball returns from ankle tendinopathy. Micic came off the bench in all 30 games he played for OKC.

Last year was the first NBA season for the 30-year-old, who was taken 52nd overall by Philadelphia as a draft and stash pick in 2014. He was a star in the EuroLeague for several years, mainly for Anadolu Efes in Turkey.

There have been rumors over the summer that the Nuggets may have interest in acquiring Micic to team him up with countryman Nikola Jokic. They have played together on the Serbian national team for several years and captured a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.

“I would like to play with Jokic, but I do not know what will happen,” Micic said. “I think I need one more year to show what I can do in the United States. Whatever you do outside American soil, they still only trust players proven in the USA. So, I think that one season with a trade and two solid months is not enough for a team of such caliber to be sure to bring me in. But maybe next season. We will see.”

Micic will make $7.7MM this season, and the Hornets hold an $8.1MM option for 2025/26. He will become a free agent next summer if the team decides not to exercise that option.

Pacific Notes: Vanderbilt, LeBron, Bronny, Clippers, Valley Suns

September 7th, 2024 at 10:00pm CST by Arthur Hill

The foot issue that sidelined Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt for most of last season may not have improved during the summer, analyst Mike Bresnahan said on Spectrum SportsNet’s “Lakeshow” podcast (hat tip to Lakers Nation). Vanderbilt, who became the team’s starting power forward after being acquired at the 2023 trade deadline, was limited to 29 games last season and didn’t play at all after February 1.

“Vando is gonna be interesting,” Bresnahan said. “I’m not sure he’ll be ready for training camp or even for the preseason games. It’s a foot injury. He opted not to have a procedure in-season when he got hurt in February. So we’ll see if he’s ready to go. I don’t have a lot of details on it but I’m not sure he’ll be ready for training camp. Regular season is a different story, hopefully he’s ready by then. But nothing concrete on him yet.”

Vanderbilt suffered a right midfoot sprain midway through the season and was never able to return. He received medical clearance for the final game of L.A.’s playoff series, but didn’t see any action.

The Lakers invested heavily in Vanderbilt last summer, signing him to a four-year, $48MM extension. They were counting on an offseason of rest to fix the problems with his foot, but it sounds like that didn’t go as planned. Vanderbilt was used mostly in a reserve role last season, contributing 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 20 minutes per night.

There’s more from the Pacific Division:

On the latest episode of “The Shop” podcast, LeBron James talks about the thrill of being the first NBA player ever to team up with his son (hat tip to Silver Screen and Roll). The Lakers took Bronny James with a second-round pick after one season at USC. “I am so excited for training camp,” LeBron said. “Having your son work with you, it’s like the greatest thing. I can’t wait for this moment. I really cannot wait to hit the floor for him. It’s going to be pretty surreal for me. That might be the first time I sit back and, like, out of my whole career, finally get an opportunity to sit back and be like, ‘Oh s–t, this is really cool.’”
The Clippers are receiving $750K to hold training camp and an exhibition game in Honolulu, according to Duane Shimogawa of Island News. He cites public records showing that the Hawaiian Tourism Authority will receive several marketing opportunities with the team and will be named an official partner of the L.A. Clippers. In addition, Clippers officials will conduct several community events during camp, which begins October 1 and wraps up with a game against the Warriors October 5.
Brendan Sabean, general manager of the G League’s newest team, the Valley Suns, talks to PHNX Sports about the challenges of trying to assemble a roster from scratch.

Atlantic Notes: Barrett, Raptors, Yabusele, Springer

September 7th, 2024 at 8:31pm CST by Arthur Hill

RJ Barrett enjoyed his time with the Knicks, but he tells David Stol of Sharp Magazine that the chance to play for the Raptors in the city where he lived as a child is “a literal dream come true.” Barrett’s homecoming occurred last December when New York sent him to Toronto as part of a five-player trade involving OG Anunoby.

“I grew up with my dad taking me to games,” Barrett said. “[…] When I found out I was coming home, I didn’t know how to act. I was pinching myself and telling my people, ‘We’re really here. We’re playing for the Toronto Raptors.’”

Barrett became the focus of the Raptors’ offense after the deal, averaging a career-high 21.8 PPG in 32 games. He’s looking forward to his first training camp with the team and seeing what he can accomplish in a full season. He also has fond memories of his years in New York, where he helped to turn around a floundering franchise after being selected with the third pick in the 2019 draft.

“I think people forget that we really built something there,” he said. “When I arrived, we weren’t contending. We weren’t close, really. My sophomore year, we made the playoffs. Then, we just kept building. We gave the fans something to cheer for. And they deserve it, man. It’s a tough city but you earn their love. I’m glad we got there for them.”

There’s more from the Atlantic Division:

Not much is being expected from the Raptors as they look ahead to their 30th season, notes Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun. A lack of star power will likely limit Toronto to a play-in tournament spot at best, Wolstat adds, as Washington and Brooklyn are the only Eastern rivals that appear to be significantly worse. Wolstat also cites a difficult early schedule, with 22 of the first 25 games against teams coming off postseason appearances.
Guerschon Yabusele is probably in a better spot with the Sixers than he would have been if he had tried to return to the Celtics, Brian Robb of MassLive states in a mailbag column. Yabusele signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia last month after a standout performance with France in the Olympics. Robb points out that his main competition for playing time as the backup power forward to Caleb Martin will be KJ Martin and Ricky Council. Robb also suggests the Celtics may have been more interested in Yabusele if they hadn’t reached new deals with backup big men Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman.
Jaden Springer is eligible for a rookie scale extension through October 21, but sources tell Robb that the Celtics aren’t likely to consider a new deal until the fourth-year guard has played a full season with the team.

Nets Notes: Butler, Simmons, Johnson, Finney-Smith

September 7th, 2024 at 7:02pm CST by Arthur Hill

Jimmy Butler is “fond” of the idea of joining the Nets if he eventually decides to leave the Heat, sources tell Brian Lewis of The New York Post. There’s no guarantee that Butler will be coming to Brooklyn, but his uncertain status in Miami makes it a situation worth watching.

Butler holds a $52.4MM player option for the 2025/26 season and plans to become a free agent next summer. He’s currently eligible for a two-year extension worth about $113MM, but he recently stated that he won’t consider extending his contract with the Heat or any other team.

Team president Pat Riley expressed reservations about extending Butler during a press conference in May, suggesting that his limited availability makes it a risky investment. Butler missed 22 games last season and hasn’t played in more than 64 during his five years in Miami.

Even so, re-signing with the Heat remains a possibility when Butler tests the market in 2025 in hopes of landing a max contract. Lewis expects Brooklyn, which projects to have a large amount of cap space, to be among the bidders, along with possibly the Rockets and one of the Los Angeles teams.

There’s more on the Nets, all from Lewis:

After playing just 15 games last season and undergoing back surgery in March, Ben Simmons has been cleared for 5-on-5 play and should be ready for the start of training camp. Lewis reports that new head coach Jordi Fernandez has traveled to Florida to visit with Simmons and check on his recovery from a herniated disc. This is the final year of Simmons’ hefty contract, which is now a $40.3MM expiring deal.
Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith both remain trade candidates as the Nets get serious about the rebuilding process. Sources tell Lewis that Brooklyn’s front office has placed a high price on Johnson in trade talks, which explains why a deal hasn’t been completed yet. While Johnson is signed through the 2026/27 season, Lewis sees more urgency to find a taker for Finney-Smith. The 31-year-old forward has a $15.3MM player option for next season, which Lewis expects him to decline since there’s usually a strong demand for 3-and-D wings. The Nets will risk losing Finney-Smith for nothing if they don’t deal him by the trade deadline.
The Nets are hoping to expand their international presence by having their G League affiliate in Long Island play six home games in Quebec this season, Lewis adds.

Northwest Notes: Hartenstein, Edwards, Gobert, Nuggets

September 7th, 2024 at 5:35pm CST by Luke Adams

The debate over whether or not Isaiah Hartenstein should start for the Thunder remains a hot topic among fans in Oklahoma City as training camp nears, writes Joel Lorenzi of The Oklahoman.

Lorenzi expects Hartenstein to toggle back and forth between the starting five and the second unit depending on matchups, writing that whether or not he starts matters less than the lineups he’ll play with.

Lorenzi wouldn’t be surprised if the Thunder’s top free agent addition plays alongside Chet Holmgren frequently at the start of the season, as head coach Mark Daigneault gathers information on how the duo performs together, but Hartenstein will also be a crucial piece in non-Holmgren lineups, which badly needed a rim protector last season, Lorenzi notes.

Here’s more from around the Northwest:

The ongoing development of Anthony Edwards is the key to the Timberwolves continuing to raise their ceiling, according to John Schuhmann of NBA.com, who breaks down some numbers and film in considering how the All-NBA guard could keep getting better.
Referring to the four-time Defensive Player of the Year as the league’s “favorite pin cushion,” Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic defends Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert from some of the criticism he’s taking this offseason after being on the wrong end of a Luka Doncic highlight in the Western Conference Finals and playing limited minutes for France during their run to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. Gobert was a huge part of Minnesota’s success last season and will be even more critical in 2024/25, Krawczynski contends.
In a subscriber-only mailbag for The Denver Post, Bennett Durando explores several Nuggets-related topics, including what Michael Porter Jr.‘s next contract might look like and where Zeke Nnaji stands as he enters a four-year, $32MM extension. General manager Calvin Booth has made it clear he still believes in Nnaji, Durando writes, but the big man’s deal “obviously looks terrible” after a poor 2023/24 showing.

Darius Bazley, Will Barton Joining Chinese Team

September 7th, 2024 at 3:28pm CST by Luke Adams

A pair of NBA veterans are reportedly headed to China, with forward/center Darius Bazley and guard Will Barton joining the Guangdong Southern Tigers, as Dario Skerletic of Sportando relays.

Bazley, the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 draft, spent his first three-and-a-half NBA seasons with the Thunder, appearing in 221 games for the club. The 24-year-old has bounced around the NBA since being dealt to Phoenix at the 2023 trade deadline, enjoying brief stints with the Suns, Sixers, and Jazz.

In 237 total NBA contests (118 starts), Bazley has averaged 8.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 23.4 minutes per game, posting a shooting line of .414/.309/.677. He signed a multiyear deal with Utah in March, but it wasn’t guaranteed beyond 2023/24, so he was waived in July, making him a free agent.

Barton, an 11-year NBA veteran, made 679 regular season appearances for Portland, Denver, Washington, and Toronto from 2012-23. His best years came with the Nuggets, where he finished in the top four in Sixth Man of the Year voting twice and averaged 14.0 points per game on .438/.362/.789 shooting across seven-and-a-half seasons.

Barton didn’t play in the NBA last season. He initially signed with CSKA Moscow in January, but that contract was voided before he appeared in a game for the Russian club. He subsequently caught on with teams in Spain and Puerto Rico to close out the 2023/24 season.

Guangdong posted a 37-15 record in Chinese Basketball Association competition last season, but was eliminated from the postseason by the Liaoning Flying Leopards, who went 43-9 during the season and eventually won the 2024 CBA title.

Five Teams Who May Pursue Cost-Cutting Trades

September 7th, 2024 at 1:23pm CST by Luke Adams

Most of the 29 trades completed so far this offseason by NBA teams have been made with financial considerations in mind. In some cases, those considerations were obvious -- when the Timberwolves sent Wendell Moore to Detroit, the Nuggets dealt Reggie Jackson to Charlotte, or the Grizzlies traded Ziaire Williams to Brooklyn, saving money was the primary motivating factor.

For other trades, cap savings were just one part of the equation. For example, Portland's July deal with the Wizards was primarily about acquiring Deni Avdija, but by including Malcolm Brogdon in their package for Avdija, the Trail Blazers were able to duck out of luxury tax territory. The same is true of the Hawks in the Dejounte Murray trade, which reduced their team salary for 2024/25 and helped them sneak below the tax line.

While some teams have already made their cost-cutting moves for '24/25, there are others who are worth keeping an eye on this fall and winter. Based on their proximity to the luxury tax line or the tax aprons, they look like potential candidates to pursue deals that would shed some salary.

Let's take a closer look at some of those teams...

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