And-Ones: Schröder, Kleber, Poythress, Alexander, Ayayi
Dennis Schröder has apologized to Maxi Kleber for recent comments he made about Kleber’s participation in international competitions with Germany’s national team, according to Eurohoops.net.
Kleber was upset with Schröder regarding the guard’s criticism of the Mavericks’ big man’s lack of participation in the EuroBasket competition last year.
“Maxi wasn’t there last year,” Schröder said. “If you didn’t commit — that was actually the message for all of us — then you won’t be there next year either.”
Schröder tried to smooth things over in a statement released on the German Basketball Federation’s website.
“All of this was never something personal against Maxi Kleber from my side,” said Schroder, who signed with the Raptors as a free agent this summer. “Anyone who knows me knows that I am a direct type and always assume that the person I am talking to understands what I mean by what I say, but I have once again been shown that this is not always the case. I still appreciate and respect him and his career and hope he accepts my apologies.”
It’s unclear whether Kleber will now change his mind and play in the World Cup.
We have more from the basketball world:
- Forward Alex Poythress is departing Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv but he’s apparently found another basketball home overseas, Sportando relays via Basket News and ONE. Poythress is expected to join Italy’s Olimpia Milano. Poythress played 52 games in the NBA, mostly recently with Atlanta in 2018/19, when he appeared in 21 contests.
- Another Israeli team, Hapoel Tel Aviv, is close to signing Kyle Alexander, according to Sportando. He played last season with Spain’s Valencia. Alexander appeared in two games with the Heat during the 2019/20 season.
- Joel Ayayi has landed with the French team Nanterre 92, according to another Sportando story. He spent last season with the Magic’s G League team in Lakeland, where he averaged 8.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The Gonzaga product appeared in seven games with the Wizards the previous season.
Western Notes: Braun, Thunder Arena, Jones, Gordon
The Nuggets lost a key all-around performer in Bruce Brown during free agency. That could thrust second-year guard Christian Braun into an expanded role and he’s eager to show he can handle it, he told Sean Keeler of the Denver Post.
“I want that challenge. I want a bigger role and I think everybody wants a bigger role,” he said. “But the fact that the Nuggets show confidence in me and (in) our young guys to come in and take over that role and make that next step means a lot to me. And obviously, I’m going to prove them right.”
We have more from the Western Conference:
- Oklahoma City mayor David Holt doesn’t want to raise taxes to help pay for a new arena for the Thunder, according to Jana Hayes of The Oklahoman. He’d prefer to extend a temporary sales tax. “We just know that we won’t make a proposal that raises the tax rate,” he said. Negotiations are ongoing, including the potential cost of the arena and terms of the lease agreement.
- Suns general manager James Jones believes the team’s experience can lead to a championship, he told Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. After numerous free agent signings, the Suns have a dozen players who are 26 and older. “Versatility and balance and more importantly, experience. It takes a unique combination of skill, and know-how to navigate a regular season and a postseason,” Jones said. “You have to have success and failures in the postseason to understand what it actually takes to, ultimately, to be successful and win a championship.”
- In a subscriber-only story, Gerald Bourguet of GoPhnx.com describes how Eric Gordon‘s offensive skills could make an impact on a top contender. Gordon signed a two-year, veteran’s minimum deal with the Suns after the Clippers declined to guarantee his original $20.9MM salary for next season.
NBA’s Board Of Governors Approve Sale Of Hornets
The NBA’s Board of Governors has approved the sale of the Hornets to a group led by Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
Michael Jordan agreed to sell his majority stake in the franchise last month after a 13-year run as the team’s majority owner. The Hall of Famer is expected to remain involved with the franchise as a minority shareholder.
The completed sale of the team, which was purchased at an approximate $3 billion valuation, is expected to be formally executed within the next two weeks. Jordan, who had been the league’s lone Black majority owner, paid $275MM for a majority stake in the franchise in 2010.
Schnall, the co-owner of a private equity firm, and Plotkin are not newcomers to NBA ownership. Schnall had been a minority owner of the Hawks, while Plotkin had a minority share of the Hornets. They’ll now serve as the franchise’s co-governors.
Plotkin, founder and chief investment officer of Melvin Capital, acquired his minority share from Jordan in 202o. Another minority owner of the franchise, Daniel Sundheim, is also part of the purchasing group.
Nuggets Re-Sign Reggie Jackson, DeAndre Jordan
JULY 21: Jordan’s contract is also official, the Nuggets announced in a press release.
JULY 16: The Nuggets have officially re-signed Jackson to a multi-year contract, according to a team press release.
JUNE 30: The defending champion Nuggets are bringing back two of their free agent veterans.
Point guard Reggie Jackson is staying in Denver on a two-year, $10.25MM deal, Shams Charania of The Athletic tweets. Jackson’s new contract will feature a second-year player option, Charania adds.
Center DeAndre Jordan has also reached an agreement to remain with the Nuggets, Chris Haynes of TNT and the Bleacher Report tweets.
Jackson, 33, has been in the league since 2011. He appeared in 16 regular-season games and six postseason contests for Denver after signing with the franchise as a free agent. He was bought out and waived by the Hornets after he was dealt by the Clippers at the trade deadline.
Jackson started 38 of 52 games for the Clippers prior to the trade. Denver has younger backcourt options off the bench behind Jamal Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, most notably Christian Braun and Peyton Watson, but Jackson won’t simply be an insurance policy.
The Nuggets, who lost Bruce Brown to the Pacers in free agency, are hopeful that Jackson can be more effective with a full offseason and training camp to adjust to their system and personnel, Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports tweets. His salary could also come handy in a potential trade down the road, Wind adds.
Jordan didn’t play much for the Nuggets — 39 regular-season appearances and four playoff cameos — but he’s a highly-respected locker room and bench voice. He averaged 5.1 points and 5.2 rebounds in those regular-season games. He’ll be the third — or even fourth — option behind franchise player Nikola Jokic.
Hornets’ Kupchak: Miles Bridges’ Return ‘Polarizing Topic’
Hornets president of basketball operations Mitch Kupchak admits that retaining Miles Bridges might alienate some of the team’s fan base, Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer writes.
Bridges missed all of last season after being charged with felony domestic violence. He agreed to a plea deal and was subsequently suspended by the NBA, who will require him to sit out the first 10 games of ’23/24.
“It obviously is a polarizing topic and not everyone may agree,” Kupchak said during a Tuesday press conference. “It’s a tough situation to be in. But we started out with the legal process in Los Angeles, worked through the legal process, worked through the NBA’s investigation, our relationship with Miles, our conversations with Miles. Remorse, accountability. And it’s the best we can do. But yes, I do understand not everyone may agree.”
Bridges is returning to the Hornets after signing a qualifying offer. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Bridges realizes that some fans don’t want him back in the league.
“People think I don’t deserve a second chance and I understand that,” Bridges said. “So that’s what I’m going to try to use this year to prove to everybody just the person I am. Who is Miles Bridges and it’s not what people think he is, you know?”
Bridges noted he’ll have to repair the damage he caused.
“First of all, I just want to apologize to everybody for the pain and embarrassment that I caused everyone, but especially my family,” he said. “This year away, I’ve used it to prioritize just going to therapy and becoming the best person I can be — someone that my family and everybody here can be proud of.”
He believes he can make an impact with the current roster, which includes No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller. “I feel like I can still fit in,” Bridges said.
As for the forward’s future, Kupchak pointed out that Charlotte will have the inside track on signing him next offseason.
“Upon the conclusion of the season, he will become an unrestricted free agent and he will have Bird rights,” Kupchak said. “So, in the NBA with Bird rights, that gives you an advantage when signing free agents. Beyond that, we will just have to wait and see how the season plays out. From a basketball point of view, putting aside the serious nature of what took place, we are excited to get him back. He had his best year ever two years ago, so we are excited to get him back. And whatever it is to deal with a year from now, we will deal with a year from now.”
Los Angeles Notes: Christie, Plumlee, Leonard, Harden
Austin Reaves was a breakout performer for the Lakers last season. Could second-year guard Max Christie make similar strides?
After a strong showing in the Summer League, he feels he’s ready to step into the Lakers’ rotation, he told Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney.
“I feel a lot more comfortable, feel a lot more confident out here, just having the ball in my hands and being able to just play my game,” he said. “And so it’s kind of crazy what one year can do for you one year of experience. And so I think I’m reaping the benefits of just sort of staying even-keeled last year and learning a lot and being able to showcase it out here.”
Christie, who averaged 19 points per game in three appearances in Las Vegas, could carve out second-unit minutes behind Reaves at shooting guard.
We have more on the Los Angeles teams:
- Mason Plumlee re-signed with the Clippers on a one-year, $5MM contract this month and the veteran big man said his experience with the club last season was a motivating factor, per Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times. “Just believing in the roster and having a little bit of playoff experience playing for (Tyronn Lue) and the staff,” he said. “To me, we were playing really well those first couple games even without Paul [George] yet into that and I just have a personal belief in this group and it’s something I wanted to be a part of.” Plumlee was acquired from Charlotte at last season’s trade deadline.
- Kawhi Leonard is extension-eligible, and The Athletic’s Law Murray says the “dialogue is healthy,” but he still doubts that a deal will be reached anytime soon. Murray anticipates Leonard will once again opt for free agency as soon as next summer, when he must make a decision on his $48.8MM option for the 2024/25 season. Murray notes Leonard did not sign an extension with San Antonio after he was named the league’s MVP and also walked away from Toronto after winning a championship there.
- Should the Clippers trade for James Harden? Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times believes so, opining that it’s the last chance for Leonard and Paul George to seriously chase a championship with the franchise.
Jason Preston’s Salary Guarantee Date Moved To October
Jason Preston‘s salary guarantee date has been pushed back to October 1, Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times tweets.
The Clippers agreed at the start of the month to move Preston’s guarantee date to July 18. If they hadn’t pushed it back for a second time, they would have had to decide on Tuesday whether to fully guarantee his $1,836,096 salary for next season.
The early second-round pick in 2021 has been sidetracked by injuries during his first two seasons. He missed his entire rookie campaign after undergoing right foot surgery, then appeared in just 14 NBA games last season. He recently revealed he underwent LASIK eye surgery and had another procedure to fix a deviated septum.
Preston, who spent most of ’22/23 playing for the Clippers’ G League affiliate, averaged 9.0 points, 6.0 assists and 5.2 rebounds in Summer League competition this month.
The Clippers, of course, are rumored to be James Harden‘s preferred destination in a potential trade with Philadelphia. That possibility could have played a role in the team’s decision to delay Preston’s guarantee.
And-Ones: Towns, Smith, George, Moneke
The President of the Dominican Basketball Federation, Rafael Uribe, says there’s a “90 percent” chance that Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns will play in this summer’s FIBA World Cup, Hoops Hype relays. The Dominican team also has several other NBA performers. Lester Quinones, Justin Minaya and Chris Duarte will be part of the Dominican squad that will play a warm-up match against the University of Memphis on August 2, Diamante Deportivo tweets.
We have more from around the basketball world:
- Jabari Smith‘s scoring explosion was one of the notable developments in the Summer League, The Athletic’s John Hollinger writes in a recap of this month’s action. The Rockets’ second-year forward scored 71 points in his 64 summer minutes, signaling that he could be a breakout performer next season after struggling through his rookie campaign.
- In a similar story, ESPN’s Insiders take a closer look at the Summer League’s surprises and disappointments. Kendra Andrews and Tim Bontemps both note that Jazz rookie Keyonte George, the 16th overall pick, was a standout.
- Former NBA forward Chima Moneke has finalized a two-year agreement with Spain’s Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, according to BasketNews.com. Moneke played with AC Monaco last season after a stint with the Kings. Moneke appeared in two NBA games before Sacramento waived him in January.
Northwest Notes: Henderson, Billups, Towns, Juzang, Tyson
Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said that developing lottery pick Scoot Henderson into a top-level point guard is a “personal” project, he told The Athletic’s David Aldridge.
“It’s personal for me,” said Billups, the 2004 Finals MVP. “‘Cause I just remember myself being that dude, third pick in the draft. The expectations. I want to give Scoot what I needed at the time. I can do that. I’ve done everything he wants to do in this league. I struggled mightily early, which I don’t see that happening with him.”
We have more from the Northwest Division:
- The Timberwolves had some pre-draft discussions about a possible Karl-Anthony Towns trade, Ian Begley of SNY TV said on ESPN’s Zach Lowe podcast (hat tip to RealGM). “There were talks between the Timberwolves and other teams before the draft and Towns’ name came up,” Begley said. “I don’t know how aggressive the Timberwolves were with Towns, if at all.” Towns is entering the first year of his four-year super max extension.
- Jazz summer league coach and developmental assistant Evan Bradds said he’s been pushing second-year swingman Johnny Juzang hard, Eric Walden of the Salt Lake Tribune writes. Juzang had a high efficient 26-point outing in the team’s second Summer League game. “I want him to succeed, and I think over the [past] year, we were able to build a good relationship,” Bradds said. “I think if you ask him, he would want to be coached hard. So if you tell me you want me to coach hard, I’m gonna coach you hard, no matter what — when you’re good, when you’re bad. Even during the game, we get a little heated, and that’s OK, that’s part of it.” Juzang is an unrestricted free agent after the Jazz pulled their qualifying offer.
- Second-round pick Hunter Tyson was a standout for the Nuggets in the Summer League, Matt Schubert of the Denver Post writes. Tyson averaged 20.8 points in five games and made half of his 3-point attempts. He also averaged 6.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
Morey Spells Out What He Wants In Potential Harden Deal
Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey says he’s trying to honor James Harden‘s trade request but won’t make a deal unless he can get a top-level player in return, or enough assets to acquire a difference-maker in a separate trade.
In a revealing radio interview on The Anthony Gargano Show, Morey discussed the Harden situation, as well as other roster issues. The quotes were posted by 975TheFanatic.com. Morey said he’s seeking a “running mate” for Joel Embiid in a potential Harden trade, though he’s still hopeful Harden will change his mind.
“I do have a long relationship with him, and I am attempting to honor that,” Morey said. “If we do look at a trade, it will be for one of two things. Either a player who helps us be right there like we were last year. Up 3-2 on one of the best teams in the East, the Celtics. Obviously, we didn’t get it done, but James is one of the reasons we were up 3-2. Or we are going to do it where we get enough draft picks so we can turn those into a player who can be a running mate with Joel. If we don’t get either – a very good player or something we can turn into a very good player – then we will just not do it.”
In regard to finding another top talent to pair with Embiid, Morey expressed hope that Tyrese Maxey could develop into that type of player.
Here are some other highlights from the interview:
- Morey confirmed that the disconnect between Harden and the front office is due to the guard’s contract demands. Harden took a pay cut and signed a two-year deal last summer. He’s seeking a long-term deal, which Philly is reluctant to give him. “He is wishing for a different situation contractually,” Morey said. “That has been the main desire for looking for a new situation. At this point, if we can do something that is win–win, we will look at it. But if we can’t, then we won’t.” Harden picked up his option for next season prior to free agency.
- Morey realizes that fans are weary of the team’s playoff flameouts and says he feels their pain. “Losing the way we did, the fact that this has happened over and over. I do nothing else but try to figure out how to get this team over the hump.”
- Morey tried to calm down fans who are concerned about Embiid’s recent comments about wanting to win a championship “whether it’s in Philly or anywhere else.” He had some fun with that yesterday, that was a very Joel day yesterday. I spoke to him at length, he is very excited,” Morey said. “Coach (Nick) Nurse is planning to do some innovative things for training camp that Joel is excited about. ... He wants to win in Philly. That is the only place he wants to win. He was referencing the fact it is not totally in his control.”
- With Harden and Tobias Harris on expiring contracts, the Sixers could be in the rare position of a contending team with plenty of cap space next summer. Morey plans to protect that cap space as much as possible. He’s hopeful of acquiring another star in that fashion: “What we are attempting to do is not just have the best team this season, but also have the ability to be a very unique team with the most cap room for a team that is as good as us. The new CBA next year will put massive constraints downwards on salaries in the league. So us being the only team with a top player, where another player can join, puts us in a very unique situation.”
- That cap situation for 2024 is why the Sixers aren’t planning to extend Maxey this offseason, Mike Vurkonov of The Athletic tweets. “Because of the quirk of the CBA we will be able to add a significant player next year before we extend Maxey and he’ll be a cornerstone, once we do that, with the franchise for a very long time,” Morey said.