Central Notes: Cavs’ Arena, Markkanen, Pistons
Approximately a week after announcing that they were pulling out of plans for a $140MM renovation project to Quicken Loans Arena, the Cavaliers indicated this week that they’ve recommitted to that project. The Cavs’ change of heart came on the heels of critics withdrawing petitions that would have required a referendum on the city of Cleveland’s contribution to the arena’s renovations, writes Karen Farkas of Cleveland.com.
With their commitment to the renovation project, the Cavs have also agreed to extend their lease at Quicken Loans Arena by an extra seven years, ensuring that the franchise will remain a tenant at the arena through 2034. Assuming construction on those renovations begins soon and stays on schedule, the Cavs may once again have a chance to host the 2020 or 2021 NBA All-Star Game, Farkas notes.
Here’s more from around the Central division:
- In a pair of pieces for NBA.com, Shaun Powell takes a look back at the offseason moves by the Bucks and Bulls, noting that Milwaukee continues to focus on developing its talented young core, while Chicago’s Jimmy Butler trade signals that the Bulls are also trying to make youth a priority.
- Speaking of that Butler trade, while many Bulls fans weren’t particularly fond of the return for their All-Star forward, rookie big man Lauri Markkanen is helping to ease that blow, according to Mike Schmitz of ESPN. As Schmitz details, the 20-year-old Markkanen has looked very impressive for Finland in Eurobasket play this offseason.
- Within his latest mailbag at Pistons.com, Keith Langlois discusses Stan Van Gundy‘s use of his bench, Eric Moreland‘s potential, the new arena in Detroit, and several other Pistons-related topics.
Cavs GM: No Timetable For Isaiah Thomas’ Return
The Cavaliers introduced the newest members of their roster at a press conference in Cleveland today, and when the team opened up the floor for questions, the topic of discussion quickly turned to Isaiah Thomas‘ injured right hip. However, Cavs general manager Koby Altman shot down that line of questioning, declining to discuss specifics and suggesting that there’s no set timetable for Thomas’ return, writes Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today.
“Our responsibility is to get him back to 100% and that’s our goal,” Altman said. “Our performance team has mapped out a great plan, a multi-faceted plan to really attack this thing, and Isiah is deeply committed to that.”
Recent reports have suggested that Thomas is unlikely to be ready to start the regular season, and while Altman didn’t confirm as much, he strongly hinted at it, saying today that his new point guard will be back on the court “at some point” this season. Head coach Tyronn Lue also noted that he didn’t expect to have Thomas to start the year.
Altman indicated that the Cavaliers’ medical staff has an extensive plan for Thomas’ rehabilitation and recovery, but said that plan will be “non-surgical,” per Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. During the week last month when the deal involving Thomas and Kyrie Irving still appeared to be in flux, there were reports that Cavs doctors may have been questioning the Celtics’ decision to forgo surgery, but it seems Cleveland will take the same approach with Thomas’ recovery.
If Thomas is out to start the 2017/18 season, as expected, newly-added free agents Derrick Rose and Jose Calderon figure to handle most of the point guard minutes, with LeBron James and others also taking on ball-handling duties.
Celtics Notes: Irving, Horford, Morris, Smart
Clippers head coach Doc Rivers left the Celtics several years ago as Boston entered a rebuilding period, so he’s as impressed as anyone with how quickly the C’s have managed to retool their roster and become a legit contender. As Stephen Hewitt of The Boston Herald details, Rivers still has a fondness for Boston, along with many members of the organization, and admires the work the front office has done in recent years.
“[I] love Danny (Ainge), love (owner Steve Pagliuca), that whole group, and I just want them to do well. I really do,” Rivers said. “I love what they’ve done. I think the turnaround in four years starting with hiring Brad (Stevens). … (Ainge) and (assistant general manager) Mike Zarren have done the best job I’ve seen in sports in a long, long time of rebuilding. Maybe ever.”
Rivers also had praise this week specifically for the acquisition of Kyrie Irving. Attending a fundraising event in Boston, Rivers joked that he’d rather have seen Irving land in Los Angeles, but expects the young point guard to thrive with the Celtics.
“This is a perfect situation for him,” Rivers said. “The Celtics gave up a lot to get him, but he’s 25 years old and that’s the other thing people forget about: He’s so young. He’s going to be a star here for a long time.”
Here’s more on the Celtics:
- Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge answered questions this week about completing the Irving trade, why Boston was willing to give up so much to get him, and how Irving and Gordon Hayward will mesh on the court (video link).
- Although Al Horford spent a good chunk of last season playing power forward, the Celtics sound as if they’re leaning toward having him start the 2017/18 campaign at center, per ESPN’s Zach Lowe (link via Jay King of MassLive.com). That would allow Boston to start Horford alongside a power forward like Marcus Morris rather than a center like Aron Baynes.
- A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com provides an update on the upcoming trial for Morris and his brother Markieff Morris, who face aggravated assault charges.
- Marcus Smart, who is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, said this week that he’s lost 20 pounds since the end of last season and feels more “explosive” than he used to (Twitter link via Taylor C. Snow of Celtics.com). Smart also spoke about the trade that sent Isaiah Thomas to Cleveland, suggesting that losing Thomas “still feels unreal” (video link via CSNNE.com).
- Michael Lee of The Vertical spoke to some of Irving’s old coaches, who believe the star point guard is ready to show that he can be a franchise player.
Kyler’s Latest: Carmelo, Green, Len, Muhammad
As we detailed earlier this week, little to no progress has been made on the Carmelo Anthony front, with the veteran forward and the Knicks appearing to be engaged in a game of chicken. With training camp fast approaching, Anthony has been unwilling to expand his list of acceptable landing spots beyond Houston, knowing that the Knicks have little interest in bringing him to camp and paying his full salary. However, the Knicks have maintained that they’re not open to a buyout and won’t accept a trade for pennies on the dollar.
Anthony expanding his list of preferred destinations beyond the Rockets would help the two sides reach a resolution, but the All-Star forward’s camp has shown little interest in doing that, writes Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders. According to Kyler, Anthony seems to recognize that his no-trade clause gives him the power to force the Knicks to trade him where he wants to go or to pay his full salary.
As we wait to see whether Anthony will report to camp with the Knicks, let’s round up a few more items from Kyler…
- The Grizzlies initially made JaMychal Green an offer that was “far less” than what he and his camp were seeking, per Kyler. As we learned on Wednesday, Green and the Grizzlies now seem to be focused on a shorter-term contract, likely in the two-year range. There was some speculation that Green could sign his qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent in 2018, but his $2.82MM QO was probably too modest to be a serious threat, says Kyler.
- Another restricted free agent, Suns center Alex Len, remains in limbo and there’s an expectation that he may end up signing his qualifying offer, according to Kyler. League sources tell Kyler that an initial offer extended by Phoenix early in the free agent period didn’t meet Len’s expectations. A multiyear offer was still on the table as of mid-July, but it’s not clear if that offer remains available for Len now.
- While the Timberwolves are holding onto hope that they can bring back Shabazz Muhammad, there’s increased speculation that the free agent forward will join the Lakers on a one-year deal, writes Kyler. Many people in NBA circles believe the idea of getting a bigger role and a bigger stage in Los Angeles would appeal to Muhammad, Kyler adds.
Pistons Sign Dwight Buycks To Two-Way Deal
SEPTEMBER 7: Buycks’ deal with the Pistons is now official, according to agent Chris Patrick (Twitter link).
AUGUST 29: The Pistons have agreed to sign free agent point Dwight Buycks, Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders writes. Chris Reichert of 2Ways10Days adds that Buycks’ deal is a two-way pact (Twitter link). The journeyman guard last played in China following stints with the Raptors and Lakers.
In six games with Los Angeles three years ago, Buycks averaged 8.7 points and 2.3 assists per game in just over 20 minutes of action. Now the 28-year-old will look to break camp as the third point guard behind Reggie Jackson and Ish Smith, a role that Beno Udrih held in 2016/17.
Buycks went undrafted out of Marquette in the 2011 NBA Draft but has thrived on and off in the G League and internationally over the course of the past half decade.
Earlier this summer, Buycks suited up for the Mavs’ team in the Orlando Summer League.
Mutombo’s Group Came Close To Buying Rockets
Hall of Fame center Dikembe Mutombo says the group he assembled came close to matching the record sale price for the Rockets, relays Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston.
Current owner Leslie Alexander agreed on Tuesday to sell the team to Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta for $2.2 billion, but Mutombo claims he was able to assemble nearly as much cash.
“We did raise a lot of money. I raised close to $2 billion, but we just didn’t get a call, and it happens,” Mutombo said. “I was very happy with myself. I’m not crying for the fact that we didn’t win. I’m more happy that I was able to pull people together who did believe in my vision to put up that much money. I might be disappointed, but I’m not crying. Things happen, and sometimes they happen for a good reason.”
Mutombo, who ended his NBA career with five seasons in Houston, added that he is “happy for Mr. Tilman [Fertitta] and his family.” He said he has known Fertitta for a long time and called him “a great businessman.”
Three Huge Decisions Awaiting Sixers
The Sixers are facing three decisions this fall that will affect the future of the franchise, writes Derek Bodner of The Athletic (subscription site).
Philadelphia hasn’t posted a winning record since going 35-31 in the lockout-shortened 2011/12 season, but years of acquiring draft picks and other assets seem ready to pay off. The Sixers appear to have the talent on hand to be perennial playoff contenders, but Bodner identifies three immediate issues that must be resolved.
- Will Robert Covington receive an extension? Covington started all 67 games he played last season and is expected to keep that role at small forward for 2017/18. The team’s best perimeter defender and a career .354 shooter from 3-point range, Covington will make less than $1.6MM in his fifth NBA season. Headed for free agency next summer, he is in a unique situation that lets him either extend his current contract or renegotiate the entire thing, including the upcoming season. Bodner speculates that Philadelphia may use some of its $15MM in remaining cap money to boost Covington’s salary for 2017/18 and save on the rest of the contract. Nothing can happen until November 15, the three-year anniversary of when Covington signed his current deal, and sources tell Bodner there is interest in a long-term relationship.
- Will Joel Embiid receive an extension? Embiid posted massive numbers during his rookie season, although the team played him in just 31 games with limited minutes so there wouldn’t be a repeat of the injuries that wiped out his first two NBA seasons. Without an extension, Embiid will be a restricted free agent next summer, but the injury risks make it a difficult decision as Bodner notes that Embiid hasn’t been cleared for five-on-five activity at camp. Bodner speculates that 60 games of being healthy could be enough for Embiid to land a maximum offer. He adds that Embiid will have an $18.3MM cap hold next summer, which will affect the Sixers’ plans in free agency. Bodner suggests a compromise where the Sixers commit to a max yearly average with only part of it guaranteed. He relays that the front office has talked to Embiid’s representatives about an extension and there appears to be mutual interest.
- Will Jahlil Okafor‘s option be picked up? The third pick in the 2015 draft has been a disappointment in his first two seasons, although injuries have been a factor. Okafor would make more than $6.3MM in 2018/19 if the team exercises its option, which could cut into its ability to make a max offer to free agents. Also, Embiid is clearly the center of the future if he stays healthy, so it’s hard to envision a significant role for Okafor. The Sixers could elect to pick up the option and try to rebuild Okafor’s trade value, but Bodner sees that as a risky strategy.
Latest On Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade feels misled by the Bulls and hasn’t talked with anyone from the front office for two months, writes Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype. Those strained feelings have led to rumors of an impending buyout and the possibility that Wade might be headed to Cleveland, Los Angeles or Miami.
Sources tell Kennedy that Wade asked management for assurances that Chicago would have a competitive team next season before deciding to opt in for $23.8MM. The front office promised him it would, so Wade announced June 21 that he will stay for another year. The next day, the Bulls traded Jimmy Butler to the Timberwolves and signaled the start of a rebuilding process.
At 35, Wade doesn’t have a lot of years left in the league and he doesn’t want to waste a season playing for a lottery team. Kennedy states Wade’s only discussions with the organization since the deal were with coach Fred Hoiberg and didn’t involve anything related to the team.
Several recent stories in the national media have been negative toward Wade, which Kennedy speculates is the Bulls’ way of angering him so he might be willing to accept less in a buyout just to get out of Chicago. A recent report from ESPN suggested the Bulls’ younger players don’t like having Wade as a teammate. A Fox Sports story claimed Wade and Butler had a strained relationship, which Butler denies.
Even if a breakup is imminent, all public comments from the Bulls’ front office have indicated Wade is staying with the team. Kennedy adds that Wade is preparing to report to training camp if a buyout doesn’t happen in the next three weeks.
A source tells Kennedy the Cavaliers and Heat are the most likely destinations for Wade once a buyout is completed. If he does go to Cleveland, he will probably become a starter, with J.R. Smith being moved to a reserve role. The Cavs see a Wade addition as a way to improve their roster and appease LeBron James before he enters free agency next summer.
Wade recently took his children out of school in Chicago and moved them back to Miami, but Kennedy warns not to read too much into the move. Wade and Heat president Pat Riley have barely communicated since their 2016 breakup, and Wade wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting spot in Miami. Other teams, such as the Nuggets and Bucks, who both tried to sign Wade last summer, could also get involved.
James Young Signs With Bucks
Free agent guard James Young has agreed to a training camp contract with the Bucks, the team announced on its website.
The 22-year-old played for the Celtics during his three NBA seasons, but spent much of the first two years in the G League. Young was the 17th pick in the 2014 draft, but never lived up to expectations in Boston, appearing in just 89 games over three years. He won a training camp battle for a roster spot last fall, but was used in only 29 games during the season, averaging 2.6 points in 7.6 minutes.
He joined the Pelicans’ summer league team, but hadn’t found a new NBA opportunity until today. He attended a mini-camp in Milwaukee last week, along with several other veteran free agents.
And-Ones: Warney, Head Coaches, Wolters
Jameel Warney, who spent the 2016/17 season with the Texas Legends in the G League, was a key player for USA Basketball in last week’s AmeriCup tournament. Earning MVP honors for the FIBA event and helping lead Team USA to a gold medal, Warney averaged 12.8 PPG and 8.6 RPG to go along with a .649 FG%.
In the wake of that performance, Warney spoke to HoopsHype and expressed hope that he’ll get a chance to make his NBA debut this season, as Bryan Kalbrosky details. While there has been no word yet of a contract agreement for Warney, he seems like a good bet to land a training camp deal or a two-way contract. In the days since Team USA’s win, his teammates Larry Drew II and C.J. Williams have landed camp deals with the Heat and Clippers respectively, so we’ll see if Warney is next.
Here are a few more odds and ends from around the basketball world:
- In a piece for Basketball Insiders, Steve Kyler examines some head coaches around the NBA who may find themselves on the hot seat if their teams struggle out of the gate in 2017/18. Kyler identifies Dwane Casey (Raptors), Mike Budenholzer (Hawks), Steve Clifford (Hornets), Doc Rivers (Clippers), and Brett Brown (Sixers) as coaches who fit that bill.
- Nate Wolters, who has played overseas for the last two seasons, was close to joining Brose Bamberg in Germany, but is now leaning toward signing an NBA deal, according to Sportando (Twitter link). It’s not yet clear which NBA team might have interest in adding Wolters, who previously spent two seasons with the Bucks and Pelicans after being selected 38th in the 2013 draft.
- Brad Botkin of CBSSports.com singles out five praiseworthy roster moves that flew under the radar this offseason, starting with the Thunder‘s signing of Patrick Patterson.
- Second round picks who become All-Star players are rare — Isaiah Thomas, Draymond Green, and DeAndre Jordan are the only ones to achieve the feat since 2008. Nonetheless, Lang Greene of Basketball Insiders believes there are several candidates to do so in 2017/18 and compiles a list of his top picks.