Week in Review

In case you missed any of this week’s biggest NBA stories, we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days.

The Timberwolves continued trade talks involving Jimmy Butler with the Clippers and Heat emerging as the co-favorites to land his services. Minnesota has reportedly asked for multiple players and picks in negotiations with the Clippers with another impending free agent, forward Tobias Harris, as part of the package. The Clippers don’t want to part with Harris and deem Minnesota’s asking price as too high. The Timberwolves have focused on Bam Adebayo, Josh Richardson and a protected first-rounder for 2019 in trade talks with the Heat. They’d also like to shed the contract of Gorgui Dieng, who is owed more than $48MM over the next three seasons.

Thunder shooting guard Andre Roberson had a setback rehabbing from a ruptured patellar tendon and will miss at least two more months. Roberson, considered Oklahoma City’s top perimeter defender, won’t be re-evaluated until at least early December. He had a procedure on Thursday to alleviate irritation in the left knee caused by a suture. That means an expanded role for Alex Abrines and perhaps some two point guard lineups with Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder once Westbrook returns from minor knee surgery.

Kyrie Irving tried to scuttle any doubts about his future by declaring he plans to re-sign with Celtics. Irving is still likely to turn down his player option next summer but he’s apparently not going anywhere. The Celtics hold his Bird rights, meaning Irving will be eligible to sign a five-year deal worth up to a projected $189.66MM next summer. Irving’s declaration deals a blow to teams like the Nets and Knicks, who are hoping to land an All-Star level talent on the free agent market.

In what could be the final year of his Hall of Fame career, Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki may miss the start of the season. Nowitzki suffered a setback in his recovery from left ankle surgery just prior to training camp, as he experienced soreness in his Achilles while playing pickup games at Dallas’ practice facility. Head coach Rick Carlisle said Nowitzki is weeks away from live action and hasn’t been practicing during training camp. Nowitzki appeared in 77 games last season.

Warriors guard Patrick McCaw declined the team’s qualifying offer to remain a restricted free agent. It’s very unusual for a young reserve like McCaw to play hardball with an organization, led alone the defending champions. But McCaw is apparently hoping he’ll get an offer sheet elsewhere and Golden State, which has been holding a roster spot for him, won’t match it. He also turned down the Warriors’ two-year contract offer with a team option. McCaw is the only restricted free agent still on the market.

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

• The Kings and Warriors played a preseason game in Seattle but the league has no plans in the near future to bring an NBA franchise back to the city.
• Kevin Durant could be a viable option for the Knicks in free agency next summer.
• The Knicks waived guard John Jenkins, who previously played for the Hawks, Mavericks and Suns.
• Big man Cole Aldrich is expected to play in China after the Hawks waived him.
• Sixers reserve guard Jerryd Bayless is out at least a month after suffering a knee sprain.
• With Jabari Bird‘s status in doubt, the Celtics signed guard Marcus Georges-Hunt.
• Lakers first-round pick Moe Wagner is expected to miss the preseason due to a left knee injury.
• A knee injury has sidelined Sixers forward Wilson Chandler for the balance of the preseason.
• The Jazz signed guard Isaiah Cousins to their camp roster.
• Celtics assistant coach Jerome Allen faces a suspension after pleading guilty to taking a bribe while coaching Penn in 2014.

In case you missed any of this week’s biggest NBA stories, we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days.

After declaring last week that Jimmy Butler is indeed available, it was reported this week that Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor wants the trade to be completed as soon as possible, ordering GM Scott Layden to start aggressively pursuing a trade. Yet, it was also reported that coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau met with Butler on Monday in an attempt to coax Butler to rejoin the team. Butler reportedly declined. The Cavaliers, Rockets, and Heat are the latest teams to have reported interest in trading for Butler, with Miami as the reported favorite.

In other, more positive Timberwolves’ news, the team has officially signed All-NBA big man Karl-Anthony Towns to a five-year, super-max salary contract extension. The deal could end up paying Towns as much as $190MM over five years. Terms of the contract enable Towns to earn 30% of the team’s salary cap by making an All-NBA team or by being named MVP or Defensive Player of the Year this season. If Towns doesn’t meet the super-max criteria, his new deal would start at 25% of the cap rather than 30%. Towns’ new deal does not contain any options.

The Knicks and Joakim Noah are finally close to a buyout agreement after months of speculation that a deal would get done. The buyout was expected to be finalized either Monday or Tuesday, but it’s still in the works. When the deal gets done, it’s almost certain to be a waive and stretch agreement with Noah likely retaining most of his guaranteed salary. Regardless of when the agreement is finalized, Noah has not and will not report to training camp.  He has been away from the team since he was suspended in January for a clash with ex-coach Jeff Hornacek over playing time.

Veteran NBA forward Mirza Teletovic is retiring from basketball after being diagnosed with pulmonary emboli in both lungs while playing for the Bucks last season. Teletovic, 33, has accepted an offer to become the new president of the Bosnian Basketball Federation. When reports surfaced in the winter suggesting that Teletovic’s playing career was likely over, the six-year NBA veteran denied it. However, he was waived by Milwaukee the following week, so his retirement decision seemingly appears to be motivated by his health issues. Teletovic averaged 8.1 PPG and 3.2 RPG in 324 regular season contests with the Nets, Suns, and Bucks over his NBA career.

Bulls power forward Lauri Markkanen will be out for an estimated 6-to-8 weeks after suffering a high-grade right lateral elbow sprain during practice on Thursday. Markkanen underwent an MRI on Friday. Markkanen had an outstanding rookie campaign, averaging 15.2 PPG and 7.5 RPG in 29.7 MPG while appearing in 68 contests. With the second-year man out, the Bulls will likely thrust Bobby Portis into a starting role or move Jabari Parker from small forward to the four spot and start Justin Holiday or Denzel Valentine.

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

• The Warriors entered training camp without swingman Patrick McCaw, who continues to contemplate the team’s $1.7MM qualifying offer.
• The Bucks have signed reserve point guard Tim Frazier to their training camp roster.
• Pelicans’ superstar forward Anthony Davis has signed with agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports.
• Heat forward James Johnson hasn’t been medically cleared for contact and may not be ready for the team’s season opener.
• In other Butler news, the Kings and their cap space are open to facilitating a three-team deal with the Wolves involving Butler.
• Former second-overall pick Derrick Williams has agreed to a contract with Bayern Munich in Germany.
• The NBA has announced that it will make fourth quarters of certain games available for purchase this season.
• Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes may miss the preseason due to a hamstring injury he suffered in practice.
• Longtime NBA head coach Stan Van Gundy has been hired as an NBA studio analyst by ESPN.
• The Lakers have hired Kurt Rambis as their senior basketball advisor to president of basketball operations, Magic Johnson.

In case you missed any of this week’s biggest NBA stories, we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days.

After months of drama in Minnesota, All-NBA swingman Jimmy Butler has requested a trade from the Timberwolves, telling the team he would prefer to be dealt to the Nets, Knicks, or Clippers. Butler, who is technically under contract for two more years, will have an opportunity to hit the open market next summer. If Butler is traded, his Bird rights would be traded along with him, so his new team would gain the ability to offer a five-year contract worth an estimated $190MM. After Butler’s announcement, the front office began rebuffing inquiries from other teams, but owner Glen Taylor has since declared that Butler is available.

The NBA has concluded its investigation into the Mavericks’ workplace misconduct allegations, finding that the Mavs had “serious workplace misconduct by former and current employees,” along with “improper or ineffective management.” Investigators found no evidence that owner Mark Cuban was aware of the misconduct, but the billionaire will donate $10MM to organizations that “promote women in leadership roles and combat domestic violence” nonetheless.

In a somewhat unusual and unprecedented move, the Clippers have hired Sports Illustrated senior NBA writer Lee Jenkins, naming him the team’s executive director of research and identity. Per the club, the newly-created position is the first of its kind for any NBA franchise, and the Clippers hope Jenkins’ extensive reporting background and unique interviewing style will to contribute to the franchise’s amateur and professional scouting infrastructure.

Heat guard Dion Waiters won’t be available for the start of training camp and likely won’t be ready to play on opening night, with the Heat medical staff having not yet deemed Waiters healed, rehabbed and physically conditioned for basketball activities, per president Pat Riley. The 26-year-old was limited to just 30 games last season in the first year on a newly-signed, lucrative four-year contract, but the Heat are confident that the 26-year-old will be back sooner rather than later.

The Sixers have promoted former VP of Basketball Operations Elton Brand as its general manager. While vice president, Brand also served as GM of the Sixers’ G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, prior to landing the coveted GM position with the Sixers. Brand was ultimately promoted over fellow in-house executives Ned Cohen, Marc Eversley, and Alex Rucker, and several other outside candidates.

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

• Veteran guard Dwyane Wade has decided to return for one, final season with the Heat, signing a new one-year, minimum salary deal.
• TNT analyst and former Spurs’ guard Brent Barry has been named the Spurs’ new vice president of basketball operations.
• Undrafted rookie big man Drew Eubanks will sign a two-way contract with the Spurs.
• The Suns are interested in trading for point guard Patrick Beverley, but the Clippers are demanding a first round pick in return.
• The Celtics and free agent Jamal Crawford have mutual interest in reaching a deal.
• Knicks’ veteran swingman Courtney Lee has refuted the idea that he wants a trade, saying that he’s happy in New York.
• The Nuggets have filled out their offseason roster by signing veteran guard Donald Sloan.
• Days after being waived by the Pelicans, veteran big man Emeka Okafor signed a veteran’s minimum deal with the Sixers.
• Veteran point guard Jarrett Jack has signed a one-year contract with the Pelicans.
• Rockets guard Brandon Knight recently had “clean up” surgery on his left knee and will miss an unspecified amount of time.

f you missed any of this week’s biggest NBA stories, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days.

Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee. Westbrook is expected to miss the preseason and perhaps a few early-season games after what was labelled a maintenance procedure. Inflammation in the knee, which had already been operated on three times, led to the surgery. Westbrook has remained one of the league’s most explosive players and while the latest issue doesn’t appear to be serious, it’s certainly a blow to the Thunder, who have high hopes this season after re-signing Paul George.

Suns shooting guard Devin Booker underwent hand surgery. Like Westbrook, Booker is expected to miss all of training camp and perhaps some regular-season games. He will need approximately six weeks to recover from the surgery. Booker, who inked a five-year contract extension this summer for an estimated $158MM, initially injured the hand in March. In the short team, the Suns have issues at both guard spots. Phoenix has been looking to trade for a point guard since it dealt Brandon Knight to the Rockets.

Celtics guard Jabari Bird was arraigned on charges of assault and kidnapping. The disturbing allegations against Bird involving a domestic incident included claims that he choked the woman about a dozen times, kicked her and held her against her will. Bird entered a not guilty plea and issued a statement saying in part he was “taking some time away from the team as I deal with my legal and medical issues.” At the very least, Bird’s NBA career is in jeopardy after he signed a two-year contract in July.

Rodney Hood accepted the Cavaliers’ qualifying offer. A restricted free agent, Hood was seeking a long-term deal in the $9MM annual range. The market dried up on the shooting guard and he didn’t receive an offer sheet. A disappointing 2017/18 campaign contributed to the lack of interest in Hood. So, he chose to accept the $3.47MM qualifying offer with the hope of having a bounce-back season and getting a lucrative offer as an unrestricted free agent next summer.

The Knicks are expected to part ways with Joakim Noah before training camp. Noah’s unproductive and unpleasant stint with the Knicks appears to be coming to an end. The team continues to make calls in an effort to find a trading partner and is expected to waive and stretch the veteran center’s contract if a deal can’t be worked out. He has two seasons and $37.8MM remaining on the four-year, $72MM agreement he signed in 2016. With this year’s salary already locked in, New York can stretch the remaining $19.295MM over three years.

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

• With training camp around the corner, Dwyane Wade still hasn’t decided if he’ll play this season.
• After recovering from his horrific leg injury, Celtics forward Gordon Hayward is confident he’ll be ready for opening night.
• Former Suns big man Alan Williams agreed to a two-way contract with the Nets.
• The Sixers and Lakers are interested in signing veteran free agent guard Jamal Crawford.
• The Heat exercised their third-year option on center Bam Adebayo.
• Center Andrew Bynum, who hasn’t played in the league since the 2013/14 season, has been working out at the Lakers’ facility.
• The Heat brought back forward Udonis Haslem for the 16th consecutive season.
• The Timberwolves signed former Laker Luol Deng, reunited him with coach Tom Thibodeau.
• Center Dakari Johnson, who was in the Thunder organization the past three seasons, has signed a contract to play in China.
• Point guard Kobi Simmons has agreed to a one-year contract with the Cavaliers.

If you missed any of this week’s biggest NBA stories, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days.

The Pelicans reached an agreement with restricted free agent guard Tyrone Wallace on a two-year, minimum salary deal, with the offer sheet including $300K in guaranteed money as of this Wednesday, September 12. After Wallace signed the offer sheet, the Clippers had two days to decide whether or not to match it.

The Clippers ultimately decided to match the Pelicans’ offer sheet, adding Wallace to an already overcrowded backcourt roster. There’s little risk involved for L.A. in bringing Wallace back for the time being however, as they will now have the opportunity to evaluate Wallace and the rest of their roster in training camp, and will only be out $300K if they decide that the second-year guard isn’t part of their plans after all.

Despite losing Wallace to the Clippers, the Pelicans were able to sign another point guard to fill out its roster in Darius Morris. Morris will receive a partially guaranteed two-year deal worth the minimum salary. Morris, a second-round pick in the 2011 NBA draft, has averaged 3.3 PPG and 1.4 APG in 132 career NBA games.

Newly-minted unrestricted free agent Luol Deng and Knicks big man Joakim Noah still appear to be significant interests for the Timberwolves and the two players’ former head coach in Chicago, Tom Thibodeau. This comes as no surprise, as Thibodeau has long exhibited a fondness for bringing his old Chicago players to Minnesota, with Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson, and Derrick Rose already on the Wolves’ roster. The Wolves have begun their pursuit of Deng.

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

• 14-year NBA veteran Boris Diaw has officially retired from basketball.
• Heat point guard Goran Dragic is available for the right price and the Suns may be interested.
• According to Raptors’ assistant coach Phil Handy, newly-acquired forward Kawhi Leonard is looking healthy and doing great in Toronto.
• The Pacers have officially announced in a press release that head coach Nate McMillan has signed his contract extension.
• The Spurs and Chimezie Metu have officially announced the rookie big man’s signing.
• The Heat and veteran forward Udonis Haslem have agreed to a one-year, veteran’s minimum salary for next season.
• Magic owner Richard DeVos, a co-founder of Amway, passed away at the age of 92.
• The Sixers expanded their list of GM candidates to four additional names – Elton Brand, Marc Eversley, Ned Cohen and Alex Rucker.
• The Hawks and big man Cole Aldrich have reached an agreement on a non-guaranteed camp deal.
• Celtics reserve guard Jabari Bird was arrested on Friday night due to a domestic incident in Boston.

If you missed any of this week’s biggest stories, don’t worry because we’ve got it covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some the more noteworthy news items from the last seven days.

Power forward David West announced his retirement. West, 38, called it quits after a solid 15-year career that included two All-Star appearances. He began his career with the New Orleans franchise and also played for the Pacers and Spurs before winning two rings with the Warriors. The former Xavier standout averaged 13.6 PPG and 6.4 RPG in 1,034 regular season games. He also appeared in 118 postseason contests, contributing 11.3 PPG and 5.6 RPG.

The Lakers reached a buyout agreement with little-used forward Luol Deng. Los Angeles’ previous front office regime made a colossal mistake by handing Deng a four-year, $72MM contract two summers ago. The 33-year-old forward played in 56 games his first season with the franchise and just one last year, as the Lakers chose to go with younger players. The buyout is expected to create $36-$38MM in cap space next summer, enough to offer an All-Star level free agent a max contract to pair with LeBron James.

If you missed any of this week’s biggest stories, don’t worry because we’ve got it covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some the more noteworthy news items from the last seven days.

While his first choice is still Los Angeles, and likely the Lakers, Kawhi Leonard is keeping an open mind about a future with the Raptors. Leonard, who technically still has two seasons left on his contract, can opt out next summer and become an unrestricted free agent just like Butler. When the Raptors agreed to trade for Leonard last month, team president Masai Ujiri said he was determined to convince Leonard to remain in Toronto long term. This story is at least a step in that direction.

Spurs veteran guard Manu Ginobili is seriously considering retirement, and will meet with head coach Greg Popovich soon to discuss his future with the team. Ginobili still has one year left on his contract with San Antonio, but has yet to commit to returning. The Spurs remain hopeful that the 41-year-old will decide to keep playing, and is giving him all the time he needs to make a decision. Despite his relatively advanced age, Ginobili has a good season in 2017/18, averaging 8.9 PPG, 2.5 APG, and 2.2 RPG in 65 regular season contests.

According to his father, who once played in the NBA himself, expect Klay Thompson to stay with the Warriors long term. Speaking with The San Francisco Chronicle, Mychal Thompson says that his son will retire in a Warrior uniform, and that money is no object for Golden State owners Joe Lacob and Peter Gruber, especially with a new arena coming soon. Accordingly, Thompson should theoretically still be able to make plenty of money on his next contract.

If you missed any of this week’s biggest stories, don’t worry because we’ve got it covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some the more noteworthy news items from the last seven days.

The Rockets officially signed Carmelo Anthony to a one-year contract. Anthony had already verbally agreed to chase a ring with Houston once he cleared waivers. He will now team up with the All-Star backcourt of James Harden and Chris Paul, giving the Rockets more star power as they try once again to knock the Warriors from their perch.

Stephen Curry declared he wants to be a Warrior for life. Golden State didn’t have any concerns about losing its two-time MVP in the near future. Curry has four years remaining on the five-year, $201MM contract that he signed last summer. But if all goes well, Curry will join the likes of Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan, stars who played for only one franchise.

The Nets guaranteed Spencer Dinwiddie‘s contract for next season. Brooklyn didn’t have to give Dinwiddie a guarantee until January 10. With Dinwiddie making just $1.656MM, it was a no-brainer for the Nets to guarantee that money to a player who  averaged 12.6 PPG and 6.6 APG in 28.8 MPG last season.

Shabazz Muhammad agreed to re-sign with the Bucks. Muhammad, who joined Milwaukee last season after getting bought out by the Timberwolves, will have to fight for a roster spot after only being offered a training-camp deal.

Dwyane Wade revealed he would either re-sign with the Heat or retire. Wade reportedly had a lucrative offer to play in China but he’s not interested in continuing his career overseas. He’ll either rejoin Miami’s crowded backcourt or hang up his shoes and await his Hall of Fame induction.

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

• The Rockets waived two-way player R.J. Hunter.
• The Rockets reached an agreement with forward Bruno Caboclo.
• The Heat signed undrafted forward Marcus Lee.
• Summer-league standout Christian Wood agreed to a training-camp contract with the Bucks.
• The Jazz waived guard David Stockton, who’s headed to Germany.
• Guard Briante Weber agreed to a partially-guaranteed contract with the Heat.
• The Thunder signed former Texas A&M big man Tyler Davis to a two-way contract.
• Former Spurs guard Darrun Hilliard signed a contract to play in Spain.
• Nuggets lottery pick Michael Porter Jr. said he’s pain-free after his latest back surgery.
• Nuggets guard Isaiah Thomas apologized after making a disparaging remark about Cleveland in an Instagram post.

If you missed any of this week’s biggest stories, don’t worry because we’ve got it covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some the more noteworthy news items from the last seven days.

Sixers rookie Zhaire Smith had surgery to repair a Jones fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his left foot. Sixers rookies have been snakebit by injuries in recent years, including current stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, and Smith joined the list during a development camp in Las Vegas. No timetable has been released regarding his recovery but Philadelphia has taken a cautious approach with its young players in the past. The former Texas Tech standout, the No. 16 pick, was acquired by the Sixers on draft night along with a future first-rounder in a trade that sent 10th overall pick Mikal Bridges to Phoenix.

The Pelicans signed former No. 3 overall pick Jahlil Okafor to a partially guaranteed two-year contract that includes a team option. One Okafor just wasn’t enough for New Orleans, which also has veteran center Emeka Okafor on the roster. Jahlil has seen his career nosedive after a promising beginning in Philadelphia and isn’t even a lock to make the Opening Night roster.

The NCAA announced dramatic changes regarding basketball eligibility, including allowing some underclassmen who don’t get drafted to return to school and permitting top high school prospects and college players to hire agents. These changes came as a big surprise to NBA and USAB executives, who held meetings with NCAA officials but weren’t expecting any announcement regarding these sweeping moves. The new draft rule will have a minimal impact since it only applies to players invited to the combine. The new rule regarding agents likely won’t go into effect for a few more years.

The Cavaliers added some frontcourt depth by acquiring forward Sam Dekker from the Clippers. Dekker was a rotation player for the Clippers last season after spending his first two years in Houston. He could see more action with the Cavaliers, who have to replace all the minutes that LeBron James logged.

Veteran center Greg Monroe found a new home as he agreed to a one-year contract with the Raptors. Monroe may be a defensive liability but he always puts up numbers. Last season, he averaged 10.3 PPG and 6.9 RPG while playing for the Bucks, Suns and Celtics. He’ll back up Jonas Valanciunas in Toronto.

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

• The Timberwolves signed swingman James Nunnally to a two-year contract.
• The Rockets signed undrafted guard Rob Gray to a training-camp deal.
• The NBA schedule was released and features the fewest back-to-backs in league history.
• Dirk Nowitzki remains undecided whether he’ll retire after the upcoming season.
• The Knicks are planning to shed disgruntled center Joakim Noah before camp opens.
• Forward Trevor Booker decided to play in China next season.
• In the league’s worst-kept secret, Carmelo Anthony has verbally agreed to join the Rockets.
• Several teams have shown interest in point guard Mario Chalmers, though he remains unsigned.
• The Grizzlies signed backup point guard Shelvin Mack.
• Rookie forward Marcus Derrickson agreed to a Exhibit 10 contract with the Warriors.

If you missed any of this week’s biggest stories, don’t worry because we’ve got it covered with our Week in Review. Listed below are some the more noteworthy news items from the last seven days.

Contract talks between the Cavaliers and restricted free agent Rodney Hood have stalled for the time being, with Hood reportedly seeking a short-term deal. The Cavs were rumored to be interested in signing Hood to a three-year deal, so it appears that Hood wishes to be able to return to free agency before the summer of 2021. However, Hood’s leverage is limited due to the lack of viable suitors left for him around the NBA. Only the Kings have any significant cap room left and the Cavs and the Jazz – the team that traded Hood – are the only teams that still possess their full mid-level exception.