Week in Review

Missed this week’s biggest NBA headlines? We’ve got a recap for you. Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days:

The Sixers reached an extension agreement with oft-injured center Joel Embiid. The max deal is valued at $146.5M over five years, but it includes protections for the team if Embiid can’t reach benchmarks for games and minutes played. It also contains some incentives for Embiid that could push the value as high as $175.74MM.

Also signing a rookie-scale extension this week was high-scoring Timberwolves star Andrew Wiggins. The fourth-year wing kept the team waiting for a couple of months before agreeing to the five-year, maximum-salary offer that will be pay him roughly $146.5MM. The former No. 1 draft pick fired his agent soon after Minnesota’s offer was finalized.

The Nuggets locked up guard Gary Harris for the next four years with an $84MM extension. The deal gives Harris $74MM in guaranteed money, with another $10MM available through bonuses and incentives. Harris overcame early-season injuries last year to average a career-best 14.9 points per game and shoot 42% from 3-point range.

In a cost-cutting move, the Cavaliers traded Richard Jefferson and Kay Felder to the Hawks. Atlanta also received $3MM in cash and second-round picks in 2019 and 2020 in exchange for the rights to draft-and-stash prospects Dimitrios Agravanis and Sergiy Gladyr. The Hawks subsequently waived Jefferson and Felder, making them unrestricted free agents if they clear waivers.

Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum was suspended for the season opener after leaving the bench during an altercation in a preseason game Wednesday. McCollum will lose roughly $165K in salary for the missed game.

Here are 10 more notable NBA headlines from the last week:

• A rookie-scale extension for Marcus Smart seems unlikely before Monday’s deadline. The Celtics guard said earlier this week that he has yet to hear from the team.
• The Knicks signed free agent point guard Trey Burke then waived him three days later. There were rumors that Burke might be a contender for the starting job before his release was announced.
• Speaking to reporters before a game in China, NBA commissioner Adam Silver discussed the possibility of playoff re-seeding. He said increased travel and an unbalanced schedule are both working against the concept, but the league will continue to study it.
• Jazz point guard Dante Exum suffered a separated left shoulder that could sideline him for the entire season. Exum, who also had ligament damage, is searching for an alternative to surgery.
• Wizards guard Sheldon Mac will miss six to eight months with a torn left Achilles. Most of Mac’s salary for this season is non-guaranteed, but the team will have to pay him until he is fully healthy.
• A specialist told Hornets swingman Nicolas Batum he won’t need surgery on his injured left elbow. Batum suffered a torn ligament and is projected to be out of action for six to eight weeks.
• Pelicans point guard Rajon Rondo is expected to miss four to six weeks after surgery for a sports hernia. Rondo signed a one-year, $3.3MM deal with New Orleans in July.
• The Heat will be without swingman Rodney McGruder for three to six months because of a stress fracture in his left tibia.
• Sixers big man Richaun Holmes will be sidelined for the start of the season with a broken bone in his left wrist. Team doctors plan to re-evaluate him in late October.
• Mavericks guard Seth Curry is out indefinitely with a stress reaction in his left tibia.

Missed this week’s biggest NBA headlines? We’ve got a recap for you. Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days:

The Raptors reached an agreement on a four-year, $42MM contract extension with Norman Powell. The move will keep Powell off the restricted free agent market in 2018, locking him up through at least the 2020/21 season. However, it could also create some luxury tax problems for Toronto beginning next year.

The NBA’s All-Star Game will no longer pit the Eastern Conference against the Western Conference. While All-Stars will still be selected the same way – with 12 coming out of each conference – the top vote-getter in each conference will then be named a captain, and those captains will draft their squads from the rest of the All-Star pool. Each All-Star team will also play on behalf of a charity of its choice.

Markieff Morris and Marcus Morris were acquitted in their aggravated assault case. The verdict allowed both players to avoid potential jail time, return to their respective teams – the Wizards and Celtics – and likely to steer clear of possible discipline from the NBA as well.

The sale of the Rockets to Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta was approved by the NBA. Team owners voted unanimously in favor of giving Fertitta the go-ahead, clearing the way for him to officially take over as owner of the Rockets for a price of $2.2 billion.

The Clippers and DeAndre Jordan are reportedly discussing the idea of a contract extension. Nothing is close, but the two sides will have all season to talk about a possible extension, since the deadline doesn’t arrive until June 30. Jordan will have the chance to opt out of his contract in 2018.

Here are 10 more notable NBA headlines from the last week:

• Hornets forward Nicolas Batum is expected to miss at least six to eight weeks, and possibly longer, due to an elbow injury.
• Billionaire executive Laurene Powell Jobs is purchasing a 20% stake in Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the holding company that controls the Wizards and Capital One Arena.
• Veteran NBA forward Martell Webster abandoned his comeback attempt with the Pelicans, announcing his retirement.
• The Bucks released former first-round pick James Young.
• Kings rookie Harry Giles won’t make his NBA debut until at least January, and possibly later.
• The Magic hired Tracy McGrady as a special assistant to team CEO Alex Martins.
• The Lakers are hiring Antawn Jamison in a scouting role.
• The Cavaliers are considering which player with a guaranteed contract to trade or waive, and Richard Jefferson appears to be the prime candidate for now.
• Ex-Knicks guard Chasson Randle will play for Real Madrid in Spain.
• Former Purdue standout and Timberwolves forward Robbie Hummel announced his retirement.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Missed this week’s biggest NBA headlines? We’ve got a recap for you. Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days:

The Thunder signed last season’s Most Valuable Player, Russell Westbrook, to a five-year extension worth approximately $205MM. The contract agreement ends any speculation about where Westbrook will be playing in the near future. Westbrook’s new deal is a Designated Veteran Extension, similar to the ones signed by Stephen Curry, James Harden, and John Wall earlier this offseason. Not only is Oklahoma City committed to Westbrook, he also showed faith in the franchise that it will remain a championship contender in the coming years. It sends a clear message to Paul George that if he and Westbrook mesh well, there’s no reason for him to bolt to Los Angeles as a free agent next summer.

The league’s Board of Governors approved major changes in the draft lottery system, beginning in 2019. Commissioner Adam Silver has been seeking ways to discourage tanking and hopes that lottery reform will help achieve that goal. Under the new system, the teams with the three worst records will have an equal chance at getting the top pick. Teams that get unlucky in the lottery could slide down as many as four spots instead of a maximum of three under the current rules.

Dwyane Wade signed a one-year contract with the Cavaliers after reaching a buyout agreement with the Bulls and clearing waivers. Wade rejoined forces with his old Heat pal LeBron James in pursuit of another title. Wade left roughly $8MM of the $23.8MM he was due to receive this season on the table in order to complete the buyout, then signed for approximately $2.33MM with the three-time defending Eastern Conference champions.

Suns big man Alan Williams underwent knee surgery and will miss most of the season. Williams is projected to need six months to return from the meniscus tear in his right knee. Williams, who signed a three-year deal worth just over $17MM this summer, suffered the injury during a workout.

Restricted free agent power forward JaMychal Green finally came to terms with the Grizzlies. Green, who emerged as a starter last season, agreed to a two-year contract worth in excess of $17MM. Green’s agent has said early in the free agent process that he was exploring offer sheets and sign-and-trade scenarios, but nothing materialized and his client wound up right back where he started.

Here are 10 more notable NBA stories from the last week:

• Hawks starting point guard Dennis Schroder was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge.
• Center Willie Reed filed a $13.5MM arbitration claim against agent Andy Miller.
• The Nuggets exercised their options on five players, including guards Emmanuel Mudiay and Jamal Murray.
• Carmelo Anthony thought he would be a Rocket before the Thunder acquired him.
• The Kings extended the contracts of GM Vlade Divac and coach Dave Joerger.
• Suns forward T.J. Warren signed a four-year, $50MM extension.
• The Bulls re-signed power forward Nikola Mirotic to a two-year, $27MM contract.
• Nuggets big man Kenneth Faried expressed unhappiness with his projected backup role.
• The NBA released its salary-cap projections for the next two seasons.
• Pacers swingman Glenn Robinson III suffered a severe ankle sprain in practice and is expected to miss two months.

Photo courtesy of USA Today

Missed this week’s biggest NBA headlines? We’ve got a recap for you. Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days:

The Heat locked up Josh Richardson through at least 2021, reaching an agreement on a four-year extension worth about $42MM. Richardson wasn’t a first-round pick and wasn’t eligible for a rookie scale extension, but Miami could offer him up to 120% of the estimated average salary, which worked out to a starting salary of about $9.4MM, with subsequent annual raises. The final year of Richardson’s new four-year deal, which goes into effect in 2018/19, will be a player option.

Tony Allen found a new NBA home, agreeing to a minimum salary, one-year contract with the Pelicans. New Orleans had been in the market for help on the wing, and have now added plenty of toughness to their roster in 2017, having acquired Allen, Rajon Rondo, and DeMarcus Cousins.

The Timberwolves worked out a deal with Shabazz Muhammad, ensuring he’ll return to Minnesota. Muhammad, who was an unrestricted free agent, was looking for a more substantial offer, but ultimately turned down a little more money to re-sign with the Wolves for the minimum salary. His new deal includes a few bells and whistles, including a second-year player option, a 15% trade kicker, and the ability to veto trades.

The NBA’s Board of Governors is set to vote on draft lottery reform on September 28. The league’s proposal would give the top three lottery seeds a 14% each at the No. 1 pick, and would put the top four lottery spots up for grabs.

The Bucks have reached an agreement to bring back veteran guard Jason Terry. Although he just turned 40 years old, Terry hasn’t shown any desire to call it a career, and drew interest from the Timberwolves as well before striking a new deal with Milwaukee. It’ll be a guaranteed one-year, minimum salary pact for Terry.

Here are 10 more notable NBA stories from the last week:

• The Cavaliers currently have no plans to trade Kevin Love.
• The Nets signed free agent center Tyler Zeller to a two-year contract.
• Kings power forward Zach Randolph reached a plea deal on marijuana charges.
• Boris Diaw has agreed to play for a French team, though his contract reportedly includes an NBA out.
• The Trail Blazers are bringing veteran sharpshooter Anthony Morrow to training camp.
• Former Magic general manager Rob Hennigan is returning to the Thunder front office.
• The Knicks signed point guard Jarrett Jack to fill out their 20-man offseason roster.
• Veteran NBA big man Jared Sullinger has signed with the Shenzhen Leopards in China.
• Former All-Star Stephon Marbury wants to play in the NBA one last time, and says he has spoken to a team.
• Groups in Seattle continue to work toward getting approval to restore KeyArena.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the past week at Hoops Rumors:

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta agreed to buy the Rockets for a record price of $2.2 billion. The NBA’s Board of Governors must approve the deal before it can be finalized. Former Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo claims his group was close to matching the sale price.

Rumors emerged that Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov may sell the team in a two-part process. The Russian businessman will reportedly try to unload a minority stake in the franchise, then give that a buyer a chance to buy the whole thing at a later time.

The NBA is considering significant changes to the way it conducts its draft lottery. The Competition Committee has proposed giving equal odds for the top pick to the three teams with the worst records and barring teams from picking in the top three in consecutive years, among other changes. A vote could be held before the season starts.

Dwyane Wade is dropping hints that buyout talks with the Bulls could be imminent. Wade reportedly hasn’t spoken to anyone in Chicago’s front office since deciding to opt in for next season and feels misled by the team’s trade of Jimmy Butler.

Cavaliers GM Koby Altman admits no timetable has been set for Isaiah Thomas to return from a hip injury. Altman says there is a “non-surgical” plan in place for the newly acquired point guard and the team expects him to return “at some point.” Thomas is in the process of changing agents to prepare for free agency next summer.

Ten more stories:

• The Nets‘ unprotected first-rounder may have been the most valuable piece the Cavaliers landed in the Kyrie Irving deal, but they could use it as a trade chip rather than keeping it until June.
• Spurs point guard Tony Parker is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a quadriceps injury and could return sooner than expected. Parker suffered the injury in the second round of the playoffs and has been projected to start playing again in January.
• Former Pacers guard Rodney Stuckey has lined up visits with several teams in hopes of getting an invitation to training camp.
• Former All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire announced his retirement from basketball after playing one season in Israel. Stoudemire will continue as a shareholder for his Hapoel Jerusalem team.
• Pacers owner Herb Simon issued a statement indicating he is satisfied with the results of the league’s investigation into tampering involving the Lakers and Paul George. There had been rumors that Simon was considering legal action against the league and the Lakers.
• Lakers president Magic Johnson offered to pay the $500K fine from the tampering case from his own salary, saying he didn’t want owner Jeanie Buss to have to come up with the money.
• Anthony Morrow and Trey Burke were among a group of free agents who worked out for the Timberwolves. Minnesota has just 11 players with guaranteed contracts and is looking to add a backup point guard and veteran wings.
• Tyler Zeller, who was waived by the Celtics in July, had a workout for the Nets. Brooklyn is seeking frontcourt depth after a flurry of offseason moves.
• Two teams already have health concerns at point guard. The Bulls announced Cameron Payne will miss three to four months after foot surgery, and the Hornets‘ Michael-Carter-Williams may not be ready for opening night after a procedure on his knee in August.
• The Grizzlies have no plans to trade Marc Gasol or Mike Conley.

Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the past week at Hoops Rumors:

After hitting a snag over the condition of Isaiah Thomas‘ injured hip, the deal to send Kyrie Irving from the Cavaliers to the Celtics was finalized. Boston agreed to include Miami’s 2020 second-round pick to settle a dispute over whether Cleveland was made fully aware of Thomas’ condition.

Another trade this week saw the Pelicans send Quincy Pondexter to the Bulls along with a 2018 second-rounder and cash in exchange for Ater Majok, a 2011 draftee currently playing in Lebanon. New Orleans made the deal to free up cap room to seek a replacement for Solomon Hill, who will be sidelined for part of the season after surgery to repair a torn hamstring.

The Lakers received a $500K fine for violating NBA anti-tampering rules. After an independent investigation, the league determined there was “prohibited expression of interest” in Paul George by Lakers GM Rob Pelinka during a conversation with George’s agent, Aaron Mintz. The actions came while George, who is widely expected to sign with L.A. next summer, was still a member of the Pacers.

The Bucks waived Spencer Hawes, just before the August 31 deadline to stretch his salary. The veteran center had one season left on his contract at $6MM, and league rules allow deals to be stretched for twice the remaining length, plus one year. That means Milwaukee will pay Hawes $2MM for each of the next three seasons, saving $4MM in cap room for 2017/18.

The Trail Blazers extended the contract of president of basketball operations Neil Olshey. Portland exercised two contract options to retain Olshey through 2020, and the sides agreed to an extra year that will keep him in place through 2021. Olshey has been in the position since 2012.

Ten more stories:

• Bulls guard Cameron Payne will be out of action until at least late November after undergoing surgery on his right foot.
• Pelicans guard Frank Jackson is expected to miss three to four months after foot surgery this week.
• The Magic agreed to a training camp deal with former Connecticut guard Rodney Purvis. Orlando also signed G League veteran Kalin Lucas.
• Ex-Syracuse guard Andrew White agreed to a partially guaranteed one-year deal with the Celtics. Boston also signed former Georgetown standout T.J. Peak.
• The Sixers signed former Warriors forward James McAdoo to a two-way deal.
• Former Celtics and Raptors power forward Jared Sullinger had a workout with the Nets.
• Josh Smith was among several veterans who worked out for the Pelicans. Chase Budinger and Martell Webster were also part of the group.
• The Sixers chose longtime power forward Elton Brand as GM of their G League affiliate.
• The Bucks seem interested in re-signing guard Jason Terry, who will turn 40 this month.
• Shooting guard Rodney Hood began extension talks with the Jazz.

Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the past week at Hoops Rumors:

Kyrie Irving was traded to the Celtics for a package including all-star Isaiah Thomas. The blockbuster trade also witnessed Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the Nets’ 2018 first-round pick (unprotected) heading to Cleveland. Irving waived his trade kicker so the trade could be completed. The swap, which is being complicated by Thomas’ troublesome right hip, will be re-evaluated by the teams on Saturday.

This week, the Clippers hired a new general manager and two assistant GMs. Michael Winger will soon be finalized as the new GM. He had previously served as both assistant GM and team counsel for Oklahoma City. Trent Redden, now one of the Clippers’ assistant GMs, had worked in Cleveland’s front office. The other assistant GM hire is Mark Hughes, a longtime Knicks executive.

The Lakers are under investigation for tampering with Paul George. The Pacers initiated the investigation around the time of the draft. About a week later, Indiana traded George to the Thunder. According to Kurt Helin, it will be virtually impossible to prove the Lakers legitimately tampered with George unless the team left a “paper trail.” The focus of the investigation is impermissible contact between Magic Johnson and George.

Andrew Wiggins has filed paperwork to leave BDA Sports after his agent Bill Duffy negotiated his five-year, maximum salary extension for the Timberwolves. Wiggins is leaving his agent with that deal not yet agreed upon. It is expected to be worth about $148MM. Darren Wolfson says that Wiggins will likely sign with a Canadian agent who works for a major agency in the United States.

Nerlens Noel has signed a qualifying offer to remain with the Mavs. The offer is for one year and $4.1 MM. He also switched agents from Happy Walters to Rich Paul earlier in the week. Paul also represents LeBron James and John Wall, among many other NBA players.

Ten More Stories:

• The Pacers exercised their 2018/19 option on Myles Turner.
• Here’s the latest on Dwyane Wade and a potential buyout with the Bulls.
• Incoming NBA rookies view Dennis Smith Jr. as the favorite to win Rookie of the Year.
• Trade talks between the Knicks and Rockets regarding Carmelo Anthony are being described as “fairly dormant.”
• Veteran Manu Ginobili signed a two-year deal to remain with the Spurs.
• Suns rookie Davon Reed will be out 4-6 months with a knee injury.
• Reportedly there is mutual interest between Josh Smith and the Rockets on a reunion.
• Here are the NBA G League expansion draft results.
• USA Basketball announced its AmeriCup roster.
• Before Irving was dealt to Boston, the Bucks made a competitive offer for the point guard.

Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the past week at Hoops Rumors:

The NBA released its schedule for the 2017/18 season. An earlier start date and the elimination of four games in five nights for all teams highlights the changes made. The league has stretched out the regular-season schedule to allow players more rest in between games. The NBA hopes this will limit key players being rested for nationally televised matchups.

Top high school prospect Marvin Bagley has reclassified into the class of 2017. Bagley committed to Duke. He was initially set to begin his college basketball career in 2018. If the phenom declares for next year’s draft, he is expected to contend for the first overall selection.

Tayshaun Prince will join the Grizzlies front office for the upcoming season. Prince is expected to soon be named special assistant to Memphis’ general manager. The veteran small forward had reportedly been mulling a possible on-court return, while also considering coaching or a front office role.

Stan Van Gundy said that tax and cap issues will not hinder the Pistons’ ability to re-sign Avery Bradley. These comments from the Pistons head coach and president come after the team traded for Bradley earlier this offseason. Bradley will be an unrestricted free agent in 2018.

A buyout remains possible for Dwyane Wade and the Bulls. Initially, Nick Friedell indicated that a buyout was expected to happen in the not-too-distant future. While Friedell has backed off that assertion, he still says that “nobody would be surprised” if Wade decides he wants out of Chicago and reaches a buyout agreement with the team in the next few months.

Ten More Stories

• Here are the latest Kyrie Irving rumors from Adrian Wojnarowski and Steve Kyler.
• Also on the Irving front, the Raptors inquired about the disgruntled point guard.
• The Timberwolves are interested in bringing back Shabazz Muhammad, despite renouncing his rights earlier this offseason.
• Seventeen players are vying for spots on USA’s 2017 AmeriCup roster.
• Julyan Stone has been granted a release from his Italian team, and he is expected to sign with the Hornets.
• Udonis Haslem discussed a potential reunion with Dwyane Wade.
• Marc Gasol suggested that changes may be needed for the Grizzlies.
• Kevin Durant weighed in on the Cavaliers‘ situation.
• K.J. McDaniels will sign a one-year, partially guaranteed deal with the Raptors.
• The Pacers have signed veteran swingman Damien Wilkins to a one-year minimum contract.

Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the past week at Hoops Rumors:

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor wants assurances from Andrew Wiggins before offering the forward a max extension. Taylor wants to hear these promises in a face-to-face meeting with Wiggins, who was Minnesota’s second-leading scorer last season. If Wiggins is maxed out, the T-Wolves will have five players on the current roster making at least $14MM for the 2018/19 season.

Zach Randolph was arrested on a felony charge of marijuana possession with intent to sell. The embattled big man was signed by the Kings last month to be in part a mentor to the younger players. Randolph, 36, moved from the starting lineup to the bench in Memphis last season, but was still very productive, averaging 14.1 PPG and 8.2 RPG in just 24.5 minutes per game.

The Knicks have signed Michael Beasley to a one-year deal.  New York hopes that the signing will bring some much-needed scoring punch off the bench. In 56 games for the Bucks last season , the veteran forward averaged 9.4 PPG with a career-best .532 FG% and .419 3PT%. Beasley was selected one spot after Derrick Rose in the 2008 draft, but has yet to live up to his pre-draft billing.

Ben McLemore is expected to be sidelined for 12 weeks. As a result of the injury that was incurred during a pick-up game, McLemore may not be ready to begin the regular season. The shooting guard signed a two-year contract with the Grizzlies last month.

The Knicks and Rockets have re-engaged on trade talks involving Carmelo Anthony. A third team in a potential trade would be needed since the Knicks do not have interest in Ryan Anderson. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Anthony could begin the season in a Knicks’ uniform.

Ten More Stories

• Isaiah Thomas expects to return from his hip injury in time for training camp.
• The Timberwolves reportedly intend to add three more established veterans to their roster this offseason.
• Here is the latest on the potential sale of the Nets.
• The Knicks have exercised their 2018/19 team option on Kristaps Porzingis.
• After undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, Patrick Patterson may not be ready for the Thunder‘s training camp.
• The Lakers will sign Briante Weber to a partially guaranteed deal.
• The Bucks have hired Milt Newton as their assistant general manager.
• NBA veterans Ty Lawson and Donatas Motiejunas will play in China this season as teammates for Shandong.
• The NBA is expected to approve player-resting rules, which are designed to cut back on teams benching healthy players for regular seasons games.
• Clippers big man Willie Reed was charged with misdemeanor battery.