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.
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