If you missed any of this past week’s biggest headlines from around the NBA, we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Here are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days:
Giannis Antetokounmpo told reporters he won’t discuss contract speculation during the upcoming season. The reigning MVP will become eligible for a super-max deal next year and would be the top name on the market in 2021 if he turns down the offer. Antetokounmpo needs seven years of experience before he can sign a super-max, which would start at 35% of the salary cap.
Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle declared at Media Day that Kristaps Porzingis‘ recovery from a torn ACL is “complete.” Porzingis didn’t play for Dallas after being acquired from the Knicks in January, but his preseason debut is expected to happen this week.
Warriors fans shouldn’t expect any news about Klay Thompson‘s progress in recovering from a torn ACL until mid-February. President of basketball operations Bob Myers said the team won’t issue any updates before the All-Star break.
New Clippers star Paul George is targeting November for a return from shoulder surgery. George said he “still has a little ways to go” after having offseason procedures on both shoulders.
Erik Spoelstra agreed to a four-year extension in Miami. Spoelstra, who is beginning his 12th season as head coach of the Heat, is now under contract through the end of the 2023/24 season.
Here are 10 more noteworthy headlines from the past week:
- Malik Beasley turned down a three-year, $30MM extension offer from the Nuggets. Beasley is coming off a breakthrough season and will be a restricted free agent next summer if no deal is reached.
- After winning Most Improved Player honors last season, Pascal Siakam is looking for a maximum extension from the Raptors. Siakam has an October 21 deadline to reach an extension, but president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri said he’s in the team’s long-term plans whether they meet that deadline or not.
- The Celtics have begun extension talks with Jaylen Brown. Much like Siakam’s situation, Boston is expected to reach a new deal with Brown even if he becomes a restricted free agent next summer.
- DeMar DeRozan is holding extension discussions with the Spurs. DeRozan is eligible for a four-year, $149MM deal that would start with the 2020/21 season.
- A strained right Achilles tendon will keep Wizards center Ian Mahinmi out of action for at least six weeks. He is entering the final year of his current contract.
- Anthony Bennett‘s comeback attempt with the Rockets will end with knee surgery. The top pick in the 2013 draft was hoping to win an NBA job after a strong showing in the G League last season.
- Clippers owner Steve Ballmer expressed determination to build a new arena in Inglewood, even though several legal actions have been filed to stop the project. Ballmer wants to have the new facility ready to move into in 2024.
- The Spurs picked up 2020/21 options on Derrick White and Lonnie Walker.
- The Raptors exercised the fourth-year option on OG Anunoby, keeping him under contract through the 2020/21 season.
- The Lakers signed David Stockton, son of Hall of Fame guard John Stockton. Jordan Caroline was trimmed from the roster in an accompanying move.
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