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International Notes: Batum, Randle, Lithuania, Tubelis

August 15th, 2023 at 8:48am CST by Luke Adams

Clippers forward Nicolas Batum is playing for France at this year’s World Cup and intends to suit up for the national team at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. However, next year’s Olympics tournament is expected to be the last time Batum represents France in an international competition.

Batum’s wife, Lily Batum, indicated in a tweet that the veteran NBA wing will retire from France’s national team after the 2024 Olympics. Her tweet also suggested that Nicolas will retire as an NBA player following the final year of his contract with the Clippers, though she later clarified in a follow-up tweet that that decision hasn’t been made yet.

Batum, who entered the NBA in 2008 and has spent 15 seasons in the league, will turn 35 later this year. He has spent the last three seasons with the Clippers, but has seen his playing time dip a little in each season, from 27.4 minutes per game in 2020/21 to 24.8 MPG in ’21/22 and 21.9 MPG in ’22/23. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent in 2024.

Here are a few more notes from around the international basketball world:

AEK Athens and former NBA guard Chasson Randle have agreed to a one-year deal, according to Stavros Barbarousis of Eurohoops. Randle, who has played in a handful of professional leagues around the world, also has 119 NBA appearances on his résumé, having spent time with the Sixers, Knicks, Wizards, Warriors, and Magic between 2016-21.
After defeating Finland in an exhibition game on Monday – overcoming a 32-point outing from Lauri Markkanen – Lithuania has finalized its roster for the 2023 World Cup, per Eurohoops. The roster includes a handful of current or former NBA players, headlined by Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas. However, NBA rookie Azuolas Tubelis, who signed a two-way contract with the Sixers last month, didn’t make the final cut.
In case you missed it, veteran NBA wing Sterling Brown completed a two-year deal with Germany’s Alba Berlin. We have the full story here.

Sterling Brown Signs With German Team

August 15th, 2023 at 8:07am CST by Dana Gauruder

AUGUST 15: Brown has officially signed with Alba Berlin, according to a press release from the team. Brown’s deal is for two years and will run through the 2024/25 season.

AUGUST 13: Veteran NBA swingman Sterling Brown is reportedly signing with a German team, Sportando relays.

According to European reporter Tolis Kotzias, Brown is close to signing with Alba Berlin. Another European basketball insider, Lucas D’Alessandro, writes that it’s a done deal (Twitter link).

The 2017 second-round pick has appeared in 268 regular season NBA games. He has averaged 5.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per game during his NBA career.

Brown played three seasons in Milwaukee and saw action in 51 games with Houston in 2020/21, including 14 starts. He played 49 games, including three starts, with the Mavericks in 2021/22. He also saw action in nine playoff games with Dallas.

Last season, Brown made four brief appearances off the bench for the Lakers after signing a 10-day contract in early January. He spent most of the season with the Raptors’ G League affiliate, appearing in 24 games (22 starts) and averaging 15.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

Brown was traded twice last offseason, first by the Mavericks to the Rockets. He was later dealt to the Thunder, who waived him in early October.

Eastern Notes: Bailey, Herro, Wiseman, Butler

August 14th, 2023 at 10:41pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Second-round pick Amari Bailey averaged 9.3 points in 16.1 minutes per game in Summer League and the Hornets rookie found the experience very beneficial, he told Sarah Efress of The Charlotte Observer.

“It was just an amazing experience, being able to spend time with some of the guys on the team and the coaches as well. I feel like we have a great family dynamic around the whole organization,” Bailey said. “Given us being somewhat of a younger team, I feel like I can come in and just work right with everyone else. I feel like we’re very hungry, so there’s a lot to look forward to here.” Bailey signed a two-way contract with the Hornets last month.

We have more from the Eastern Conference:

If Tyler Herro is re-routed in a potential blockbuster between the Heat and Trail Blazers, the Raptors should only be moderately interested in being the third team, Eric Koreen of The Athletic writes in a mailbag piece. While the Raptors could use a high-level shooter and scorer like Herro, he’s a defensive liability and the Raptors are not in a position where they should be giving away more first-round picks, Koreen opines.
If the Pistons can unlock James Wiseman‘s overall game to match his physical gifts, they’ll have two premier young centers, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com writes. Wiseman is expected to share minutes with Jalen Duren, a late lottery pick last year who turned heads during his stint with the USA Select Team. Wiseman felt reinvigorated merely by getting an opportunity to play through his mistakes after he was traded from Golden State, Langlois notes.
Jared Butler was arguably the Thunder’s best player during his four Summer League appearances, averaging 20.0 points and 4.3 assists per game, Bijan Todd of the NBC Sports Washington writes. Todd takes a closer look at Butler, who signed a two-way deal with the Wizards last month.

Pacific Notes: Queta, Noel, Ham, Reaves, Azubuike

August 14th, 2023 at 9:13pm CST by Dana Gauruder

A training camp roster battle is on tap between Kings big men Neemias Queta and Nerlens Noel, according to James Ham of The Kings Beat.

Sacramento now has essentially five options at center. Queta and Noel have partially guaranteed contracts and with starter Domantas Sabonis, Alex Len and small-ball center Trey Lyles also on the roster, there’s probably no need to carry both Queta and Noel out of camp. Queta offers much more on the offensive end, while Noel is the safer choice defensively.

We have more from the Pacific Division:

Lakers coach Darvin Ham is thrilled with the depth moves the front office made this offseason, he told ESPN’s Leonard Solms. The team signed Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes in free agency. “I think we added a lot of depth, a lot of guys that have skill, size and athleticism, so I look forward to all of that coming together,” Ham said.
Austin Reaves re-signed with the Lakers on a four-year deal worth nearly $54MM. He said the money won’t change him or his approach. “It obviously changes things in the fact that me and my family, my friends, don’t have to worry about that part of life anymore,” Reaves told Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. “Like, if you’re good with me, you’re good on that standard. But my everyday life, I don’t think anything really will change. It’s not like I’m going to go out and buy the craziest stuff or things like that.”
Udoka Azubuike played against Deandre Ayton in high school. They’re now on the same NBA team after Azubuike signed a two-way contract with the Suns. Azubuike is excited to compete against his new teammate in practice. “Playing alongside him, it’ll be great. Just us competing. Ultimately, we’re competing for one another,” he told Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. “We’re a team. It’s all for the best interest of the team. Whatever is going to make the team better, just competing. I’m excited. I’m looking forward to that from the jump, going into training camp and competing and working hard.”

Bulls Re-Sign Forward Terry Taylor

August 14th, 2023 at 7:21pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Bulls have signed restricted two-way free agent Terry Taylor to a standard contract, the team tweets.

Taylor had been just one of four restricted two-way free agents who remained unsigned, as our free agent tracker shows.

The 23-year-old was waived by the Pacers after being thrown into the four-team Kevin Durant blockbuster at February’s trade deadline. The Bulls signed him to a two-way deal later that month.

Taylor appeared in 59 games with Indiana over the past two seasons, including nine starts, after going undrafted in 2021 out of Austin Peay. The 6’4” player, listed as a forward despite his height, came off the bench in five games for Chicago. Overall, he has averaged 6.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 15.3 minutes during his 64-game NBA career. He also appeared in eight G League contests last season.

The addition of Taylor gives the Bulls 15 players on standard contracts, though Carlik Jones has a non-guaranteed contract and Taylor’s deal also seems unlikely to be fully guaranteed.

Southwest Notes: Irving, Harden, Spurs, Popovich, Sengun

August 14th, 2023 at 7:02pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving showed his support for former Nets teammate James Harden after Harden called Sixers executive Daryl Morey a liar, The Dallas Morning News relays.

When ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski labeled Harden “disgruntled” in a social media post, Irving stood by Harden on his official Twitter (X) page.

“Is he Disgruntled Adrian?? Or is he holding Morey accountable for his dishonesty and lack of transparency throughout the contract negotiation process this summer?” Irving wrote.

Harden reportedly was unhappy with Irving prior to be traded to Philadelphia, but Irving’s post suggests the two star guards may be on better terms now.

We have more from the Southwest Division:

Victor Wembanyama has created so much buzz that the Spurs have released more season ticket packages to their fans. According to Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News, the Spurs have opened an additional 1,500 season ticket membership opportunities. The multi-game options include a full season with 42 home games, a half season with 20 games and a 10-home game plan.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich rarely speaks about his family but he opened up about his late wife Erin and his children during his acceptance speech at the Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday, Orsborn notes in a separate story. “I have a family,” Popovich said. “People think I just do basketball. I don’t really like it that much. Basketball doesn’t love us back, does it? We use it like a bar of soap, right? It pays our bills. It gives us a wonderful life. But I don’t remember it saying, ‘I love you, Pop.’ It’s different. It’s the family.”
Rockets center Alperen Sengun has set lofty goals for himself, according to Semih Tuna of Eurohoops.net. “Of course, like everyone else, my goal is to become an All-Star,” Sengun said. “I hope I can do that.” Sengun averaged 14.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists in his second NBA season.

Sixers Unfazed By Harden’s Criticism, Expect Him At Camp

August 14th, 2023 at 5:32pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Sixers weren’t surprised that James Harden publicly called out top executive Daryl Morey and the team still expects him to report to training camp, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

A league source told Pompey that Morey wasn’t caught off guard by Harden’s attempt to make things personal, given his agent’s reaction to the news that the Sixers weren’t able to find a suitable trade. Harden made his frustration public when he called Morey a “liar” during an event in China.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported over the weekend that the Sixers had suspended trade talks regarding Harden, who requested a deal this offseason — preferably to the Clippers.

Subsequently, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that Harden was firm in his stance about not wanting to play in Philadelphia. Harden reportedly doesn’t plan to report to training camp if he’s still on the roster, though that could jeopardize his free agent status for next offseason under the terms of the new CBA.

Harden opted out of his $47.4MM contract last summer and accepted a two-year deal worth $68.64MM, which helped Philadelphia make offseason moves to upgrade the roster. Harden picked up his $35.6MM option for the upcoming season with the desire to be traded, since the Sixers were unwilling to negotiate a contract with him prior to the free agency period, according to Pompey.

And-Ones: Rivers, Myers, ESPN, Flowers, Tillman

August 14th, 2023 at 4:00pm CST by Rory Maher

ESPN has officially hired former Sixers head coach Doc Rivers to join its top broadcast team, the network announced in a press release written by Ronce Rajan. Rivers, who signed a multiyear contract to be an analyst, will work alongside fellow analyst Doris Burke and play-by-play announcer Mike Breen.

ESPN decided to shake up its top broadcasting group after releasing former analysts Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy.

In addition to Rivers, ESPN has also signed longtime Warriors executive Bob Myers, who left his post a couple months ago. Myers will serve as analyst on NBA countdown and will also call games during the season, per Rajan.

The signings of Rivers and Myers were previously reported by The New York Post.

ESPN also announced a new secondary broadcast team comprised of play-by-play voice Ryan Ruocco alongside analysts — and former NBA players — JJ Redick and Richard Jefferson. Jefferson received a multiyear extension, Rajan adds.

Here’s more from around the basketball world:

Forward Trentyn Flowers, who had committed to Louisville, has decided against playing for the Cardinals and will instead head overseas in an effort to make the NBA. Flowers announced on Twitter that he’ll be joining the NBL’s Next Stars program and will play for the Adelaide 36ers. The NBL features nine Australian teams and one based in New Zealand. As Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report tweets, Flowers is one of a handful of potential 2024 first-round picks who have decided to play in the NBL.
Greece’s AEK Athens has officially signed big man Justin Tillman, according to Eurohoops.net. Tillman never actually got in an NBA game, but he signed a 10-day hardship deal with the Hawks a couple years ago and has been a highly productive player in the G League. The former VCU star has had several other international stops during the course of his professional career.
In case you missed it, we passed along several World Cup notes this morning.

Mavericks Sign Greg Brown, Jordan Walker, Joe Wieskamp

August 14th, 2023 at 2:44pm CST by Rory Maher

The Mavericks have signed a trio of players, announcing in a press release (via Twitter) that Greg Brown, Jordan Walker and Joe Wieskamp are all officially under contract.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported last week that Brown, a forward, and Wieskamp, a wing, would be receiving training camp deals. Both players were 2021 second-round picks and hold some NBA experience: Brown spent his first season-and-a-half with Portland prior to being waived last February, while Wieskamp played for the Spurs and Raptors over his first two NBA seasons.

Walker, on the other hand, went undrafted in June out of UAB. The 5’11” guard quickly reached an agreement with Dallas and averaged 13.0 points and 3.5 assists in four Summer League games with the Mavs. The terms of his contract aren’t yet known.

The Mavs do have one two-way slot available, but they didn’t say anything about Walker receiving a two-way contract. It seems more likely he received an Exhibit 10 deal, which would put him in line to receive a bonus worth up to $75K if he’s waived and spends up to 60 days with Dallas’ G League affiliate, the Texas Legends. Exhibit 10 deals can also be converted into two-way contracts.

The Mavericks currently have 14 players signed to guaranteed standard contracts, and will reportedly sign Derrick Jones, but his contract has yet to be officially announced. Once Jones’ deal is official, Dallas will have 20 players under contract, one shy of the offseason limit.

Only One Standard Restricted Free Agent Remains Unsigned

August 14th, 2023 at 1:28pm CST by Rory Maher

Entering 2023 free agency, there were 12 restricted free agents on standard contracts. Of that group, 11 have signed new deals, which means Hornets forward P.J. Washington is the lone standard RFA left on the market.

As our free agent tracker shows, Miles Bridges, Ayo Dosunmu, Rui Hachimura, Cameron Johnson, Tre Jones, Herbert Jones, Austin Reaves, Paul Reed, Matisse Thybulle and Coby White have all returned to the teams that held their rights of first refusal. Only Grant Williams found a new club, joining the Mavericks via a three-team sign-and-trade with Boston and San Antonio.

That doesn’t mean other players in that group weren’t interested in finding new homes in free agency. Thybulle and Reed signed offer sheets with the Mavs and Jazz, respectively, that the Trail Blazers and Sixers decided to match.

Bridges’ representatives reportedly weren’t thrilled with his lack of negotiating leverage in talks with the Hornets, as he was the only standard RFA to sign his $7.9MM qualifying offer, which means he’ll become an unrestricted free agent in 2024. Bridges was ineligible for a sign-and-trade after missing all of last season following domestic violence charges.

Washington is reportedly at an impasse in contract negotiations with Charlotte, and only the Cavaliers have been linked as a potential sign-and-trade suitor for the former 12th overall pick. Still, Cleveland is limited in its ability to make a lucrative offer for Washington due to its proximity to the luxury tax, and the Cavs also don’t have many desirable draft assets, so the Hornets might balk at that idea.

Washington, who turns 25 next week, is reportedly seeking a contract in the range of $18-20MM annually. A month ago, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that Charlotte had yet to offer Washington a contract that matched or exceeded the rookie scale extension Isaiah Stewart signed with Detroit — $15MM in guaranteed money per year (up to $16MM annually with incentives).

Perhaps Washington will eventually take the same route as Bridges by signing his $8.5MM qualifying offer to hit unrestricted free agency next summer. That scenario would be less than ideal for Charlotte, as the team could potentially lose both of its former lottery picks for nothing in 2024.

In addition to Washington, there are also four two-way restricted free agents who remain unsigned: Trent Forrest (Hawks), Theo Maledon (Hornets), Matt Ryan (Timberwolves) and Terry Taylor (Bulls). Jamal Cain accepted his two-way qualifying offer from the Heat on Friday, taking him off the market.