Cassius Stanley Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Pistons Plan To Sign Cassius Stanley

September 23rd, 2021 at 2:46pm CST by Rory Maher

The Pistons are planning to sign second-year free agent Cassius Stanley, according to James Edwards III of The Athletic (twitter link).

Stanley was drafted 54th overall in the 2020 draft by the Pacers and signed a two-way contract with the team, but only saw game action in a total of 93 minutes across 24 games – an average of 3.9 MPG. The Pacers withdrew their two-way qualifying offer to Stanley last month, making him an unrestricted free agent.

An extremely athletic but raw player, Stanley is perhaps best well known for participating in the 2021 Slam Dunk Contest. He also played 12 games for the Pacers’ G League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, averaging 12.7 PPG/3.3 RPG/1.7 APG in 27.8 MPG over 12 games, with a .413/.267/.533 shooting line.

Edwards doesn’t specify what type of contract Stanley will receive, but the team doesn’t currently have a two-way slot open, so a standard contract, perhaps with Exhibit 10 language, seems likely. As has been previously noted, it’s possible the team could convert Luka Garza‘s two-way contract into a standard contract before the regular season, which would free up a two-way slot, and Stanley is two-way eligible. That may be his best path to sticking with Detroit.

If Stanley does sign an Exhibit 10 contract, he would be eligible for a bonus worth up to $50K if he’s waived before the regular season and then spends at least 60 days with the Pistons’ G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise.

Pacers Notes: Stanley, LeVert, Duarte, Jackson

August 20th, 2021 at 11:59am CST by Arthur Hill

Cassius Stanley may already be nearing the end of his time with the Pacers, writes J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star. Indiana withdrew its qualifying offer last week for Stanley, who was taken with the 54th pick in the 2020 draft, making him an unrestricted free agent.

It’s the latest in a series of events that show the second-year shooting guard might not be in the organization’s long-term plans. Stanley saw limited playing time last season, averaging about four minutes per night in 24 games, even though management instructed former coach Nate Bjorkgren to use him more often to help develop his game, sources tell Michael. Stanley rarely got off the bench, even with injuries to Jeremy Lamb, Malcolm Brogdon and Edmond Sumner.

During this year’s Summer League, Stanley found himself behind undrafted rookie Duane Washington, who signed a two-way deal with the team. Michael got conflicting reports from sources about whether Stanley will be invited to training camp, and the best offer he might get from the Pacers is a one-year Exhibit 10 contract. Michael states that Stanley figures to get similar or even better offers from other teams.

There’s more from Indiana:

The Pacers’ search for a third point guard includes a plan to use Brogdon off the ball more often, Michael adds. Indiana explored point guard options in free agency and brought back T.J. McConnell at $35MM over four years. Caris LeVert can help with playmaking duties, but new coach Rick Carlisle prefers to keep him as the primary scorer and doesn’t want to burden him with running the offense, according to Michael.
First-round pick Chris Duarte showed off his versatility during Summer League, Michael observes in a separate story. Duarte directed the defense and displayed an ability to be a finisher, a shooter or a creator on offense. “We’re putting him in different situations, wanting him to read the game, feel the game,” said coach Mike Weinar. “A lot of the NBA game now is feel. When you get towards the playoffs and intense basketball you certainly don’t want to be calling plays all the time.”
Rookie Isaiah Jackson showed good instincts on defense, even though he didn’t get to practice with his teammates before Summer League began, Michael adds. Jackson was acquired from the Lakers in a trade and wasn’t cleared to play until midway through the first game.

Central Notes: Pacers, Stanley, Green, T. Antetokounmpo, DeRozan

August 14th, 2021 at 11:31am CST by Dana Gauruder

The Pacers are looking to add a third point guard after trading Aaron Holiday to the Wizards, according to J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star. They’ve been trying to move wing Jeremy Lamb and his expiring $10.5MM contract but have yet to find any takers.

Those factors contributed to the decision to pull a qualifying offer from two-way player Cassius Stanley. However, Stanley’s time in the organization isn’t necessarily over. He’s been offered a training camp invite, though it’s uncertain if he’ll accept it or attempt to hook on with another team.

We have more from the Central Division:

Javonte Green‘s two-year, veteran’s minimum contract with the Bulls is fully guaranteed and doesn’t include any options, Keith Smith tweets. Green was acquired in March and entered the month as a restricted free agent after Chicago extended him a qualifying offer. The signing was made official on Wednesday.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo received a player option in the final year of his two-year contract with the Bucks, Ian Begley of SNY.TV tweets. He signed a two-year deal worth approximately $3.6MM.
DeMar DeRozan will make $26MM in the first season of his three-year contract, somewhat below what was initially reported, Bobby Marks of ESPN tweets. DeRozan, who was acquired by the Bulls in a sign-and-trade, will make $27.3MM and $28.6MM in the final two years, for a total of $81.9MM, according to Smith (Twitter link). The contract is fully guaranteed without any options or bonuses.

Pacers Withdraw Qualifying Offer To Cassius Stanley

August 13th, 2021 at 9:21pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Pacers have withdrawn their two-way qualifying offer to Cassius Stanley, making him an unrestricted free agent, J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star tweets.

Stanley played on a two-way contract as a rookie. He saw action in 24 games, averaging 1.5 PPG in 3.9 MPG.

Stanley, 21, was chosen with the No. 54 overall pick in 2020 out of Duke. He competed in last year’s Slam Dunk competition prior to the All-Star game.

He averaged 12.6 PPG and 4.9 RPG in his lone season with the Blue Devils.

Indiana has both of its two-way slots filled by Amida Brimah and Duane Washington.

QO Roundup: Perry, Stanley, Brantley, Forrest, Coffey

August 1st, 2021 at 9:56am CST by Arthur Hill

The Nets will extend a qualifying offer to power forward Reggie Perry, tweets Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype. The 57th pick in the 2020 draft, Perry was acquired in a trade with the Clippers and earned a two-way contract as a rookie. He appeared in 26 games last season, averaging 3.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per night.

Because Perry was a two-way player with just one season in Brooklyn, his qualifying offer is limited to one year with a $50K guarantee. The QO means he will be restricted, giving the Nets the right to match any offer when free agency starts Monday.

There are a few more qualifying offers to round up:

Cassius Stanley received a QO from the Pacers, according to J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star (Twitter link). The shooting guard was also a rookie two-way player, so his offer is subject to the same terms as Perry’s. Stanely got into 24 games, averaging 1.5 PPG.
The Jazz extended qualifying offers to Jarrell Brantley and Trent Forrest, tweets Tony Jones of The Athletic. Brantley, a power forward, averaged 2.3 points and 1.0 rebounds in 28 games in his second NBA season, while Forrest, a rookie point guard, appeared in 30 games, averaging 2.9 points and 1.5 assists per night. Both are two-way players.
The Clippers made a qualifying offer to Amir Coffey, according to Andrew Greif of The Los Angeles Times (Twitter link). The second-year shooting guard, also on a two-way contract, got into 44 games, averaging 3.2 PPG and 1.0 RPG.

Pacers Notes: Warren, McConnell, Bjorkgren, Stanley

May 23rd, 2021 at 3:28pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

Pacers forward T.J. Warren, who missed all but four games this season due to a stress fracture in his left foot, discussed his lost 2020/21 season, as Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files details. “I just know it can’t storm forever and the sun has to come out,” Warren said of his extended rehab process. Warren has one year and $12.9MM remaining on his current contract after this season.

Warren also had harsh words in response to a report claiming that he was had requested a trade because he was at odds with embattled head coach Nate Bjorkgren.

“Seeing that report was really, really terrible,” Warren said, adding that Bjorkgren has been “nothing but a great guy” since becoming the Pacers’ head coach. “Not cool.”

There’s more out of Indianapolis:

Pacers reserve point guard T.J. McConnell appears hopeful about returning to Indiana as he reaches unrestricted free agency during the 2021 offseason, tweets J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star. “I would love to be back here,” McConnell said. “I absolutely love it here. … I don’t have a bad thing to say about anything or anyone.” McConnell signed a two-year, $7MM deal with Indiana in the summer of 2019.
The Pacers are not expected to make an immediate decision on the future of head coach Nate Bjorkgren, writes Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files. A report detailing locker room tensions surfaced earlier this month that appeared to put Bjorkgren’s long-term fate in doubt. “My focus is on the players right now,” Bjorkgren himself responded when asked about the situation earlier this week. “And I’m not thinking about myself, I’m really not. I want to do what’s best for these guys.” The Pacers lost Thursday’s play-in game to slide out of the postseason and into the lottery during Bjorkgren’s first season at the helm.
Following his rookie season, Pacers first-year shooting guard Cassius Stanley will play in the Summer League, scheduled for this August in Las Vegas, tweets Agness.

Central Notes: Giannis, Holiday, McDermott, Stanley, Cavs

April 30th, 2021 at 10:34am CST by Luke Adams

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was already dealing with a minor right ankle sprain entering Thursday’s game against Houston, aggravated that injury early in the first quarter, stepping on Kelly Olynyk‘s foot and rolling the ankle (link via ESPN). He didn’t return to the game.

Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said after the game that there’s hope Giannis’ sprain isn’t too serious, adding that the team will see how it responds to treatment and go from there. Milwaukee has played it relatively safe with the two-time MVP this season as the club focuses on getting fully healthy for the postseason, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Antetokounmpo misses a little time — even if it’s out of abundance of caution.

Here’s more from around the Central:

Within his weekly “10 Things” article for ESPN.com (Insider link), Zach Lowe highlights the play of Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, who recently signed a long-term extension, and Pacers forward Doug McDermott, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Holiday is having arguably the best season of his career, while McDermott has developed into a strong finisher at the rim and deserves Sixth Man of the Year consideration, Lowe writes.
Pacers rookie guard Cassius Stanley is on a two-way contract that expires at season’s end, prompting J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star (subscription required) to wonder if the team should be giving him more playing time to determine whether he’s worth a longer-term investment. Stanley has logged just 54 total minutes in 19 games this season.
The Cavaliers have some promising young talent on their roster, but still lack a potential franchise player who can be the centerpiece of the rebuild, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, who points out that the Cavs’ recent skid should put them in a better position to draft one of those players this summer.

Pacers Sign Amida Brimah, Waive Brian Bowen

April 23rd, 2021 at 11:57am CST by Luke Adams

11:57am: Brimah has officially signed his two-way deal with the Pacers, the team announced in a press release. He won’t have to go through a quarantine period and will be available for the team’s game on Saturday vs. Detroit, tweets Scott Agness of The Athletic.

As first reported by J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star (via Twitter) and confirmed by the Pacers, Bowen has been waived to open up a spot for Brimah. The 22-year-old forward, who has spent the last two seasons on a two-way deal with Indiana, logged a total of just 46 minutes in 12 games for the team since the start of 2019/20.

9:37am: Following a series of injuries to their frontcourt players, the Pacers are adding some depth. Free agent center Amida Brimah is signing a two-way contract with Indiana, agent Daniel Hazan tells Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link).

Brimah, who went undrafted out of UConn in 2017, has never appeared in an NBA regular season game despite signing Exhibit 10 contracts with NBA teams for four consecutive years — two with the Spurs (2017 and 2018) and two with the Pacers (2019 and 2020).

The 27-year-old big man had a brief stint with a Serbian club in 2018 but has otherwise spent his professional career in the G League, most recently averaging 8.0 PPG, 8.6 RPG, and 2.6 RPG in 10 games (23.5 MPG) for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in this season’s NBAGL bubble.

Brimah is known for his rim-protecting abilities — he was named the AAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 and made the G League All-Defensive team in 2018. And despite never playing an NBA game, he has some championship experience, having won an NCAA title with UConn in ’14 and a G League title with the Austin Spurs in ’18.

The banged-up Pacers are currently missing Myles Turner (toe), Domantas Sabonis (back), and Goga Bitadze (ankle), so there could be a path to immediate minutes for Brimah, depending on when he officially signs and when Sabonis and Bitadze are ready to return.

Indiana will have to waive one of its current two-way players to make room for Brimah. Brian Bowen is probably a likelier release candidate than 2020 second-rounder Cassius Stanley, but we’ll have to see what the Pacers have in mind.

Simons, Stanley, Toppin To Compete In Dunk Contest

March 2nd, 2021 at 6:56pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Anfernee Simons of the Trail Blazers, Cassius Stanley of the Pacers, and Obi Toppin of the Knicks will compete for the annual Slam Dunk title at halftime of the All-Star game on Sunday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, the NBA announced in a press release.

Simons, a 6’3” guard, is averaging 8.2 PPG in his third NBA season. Stanley is a 6’5″ rookie guard on a two-way contract after being selected in the second round last fall. He recorded a maximum vertical leap of 44 inches in the 2020 draft combine. Toppin, a 6’9″ rookie forward and lottery pick, is averaging 4.6 PPG in 25 games off the bench.

The 3-Point Contest, which will be held prior to the game, has a lot more star power. Suns guard Devin Booker and Warriors guard Stephen Curry, former winners of the long-ball contest, head the list of participants. The Celtics’ Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the Bulls’ Zach LaVine and the Jazz‘s Donovan Mitchell round out the six-man field.

The Skills Challenge, which will also be held prior to the game, also has plenty of All-Star firepower. Mavericks guard Luka Doncic and Suns guard Chris Paul head that six-man list. Knicks forward Julius Randle, Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis, Magic center Nikola Vucevic and Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington round out the field.

Anfernee Simons, Cassius Stanley Expected To Join Dunk Contest

February 28th, 2021 at 5:11pm CST by JD Shaw

Blazers guard Anfernee Simons and Pacers two-way guard Cassius Stanley are expected to join Knicks forward Obi Toppin in the All-Star slam dunk contest on March 7, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).

All three players would be first-time participants in the contest, which is set to take place at halftime of the All-Star Game next Sunday.

Simons, 21, has averaged 8.5 points, 1.2 assists and 17.5 minutes for Portland this season. Stanley would become the first player on a two-way contract to ever compete in a dunk contest — the 21-year-old has only appeared in eight games for the Pacers this year.

Along with the dunk contest, the three-point contest and skills competition will also be held on March 7 in Atlanta. The league’s traditional method of spreading the events over a weekend has been voided this season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.