Suns Waive Elie Okobo
The Suns have waived backup guard Elie Okobo, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic (Twitter link).
The 31st overall pick in the 2018 draft, Okobo spent two years in Phoenix, appearing in a total of 108 games. He averaged 4.8 PPG and 2.2 APG in 15.5 minutes per contest during those two seasons.
Okobo became expendable as a result of Cameron Payne‘s strong play during the summer restart and the Suns’ offseason backcourt overhaul. Chris Paul, E’Twaun Moore, and Langston Galloway are joining Devin Booker and Payne.
Okobo’s $1.66MM salary for the 2020/21 season would have become guaranteed if he remained under contract through this Thursday. By waiving him, the Suns won’t be on the hook for any of that money. Okobo, meanwhile, will become an unrestricted free agent if he goes unclaimed.
Suns Sign Langston Galloway
NOVEMBER 29: The move is official, according to the RealGM Transactions Page.
NOVEMBER 23: The Suns have reached a contract agreement with free agent guard Langston Galloway, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link). It’s a minimum-salary deal for Galloway, reports John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 (via Twitter).
Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic (Twitter link) reported earlier this afternoon that Phoenix had interest in signing Galloway.
Galloway flew somewhat under the radar in 2019/20 as part of a Pistons team that was never in the playoff hunt. However, he enjoyed arguably the best individual season of his career, with 10.3 PPG on .435/.399/.859 shooting in 66 games (25.8 MPG).
In Phoenix, Galloway will provide extra depth in a talented backcourt that already features Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and E’Twaun Moore. He and Moore figure to give the Suns some scoring punch off the bench.
Bucks, Cavaliers Complete Minor Trade
The Cavaliers and Bucks have officially completed a minor trade, the Cavs announced today in a press release.
The Cavaliers acquired the Bucks’ 2025 second-round pick in the deal in exchange for the rights to former second-round pick Ilkan Karaman. Additionally, the protections on the Bucks’ 2022 first-round pick – sent to Cleveland in a deal two years ago – have been removed.
Although it’s technically a separate transaction, this deal is related to the Bucks’ Jrue Holiday mega–deal. Milwaukee is sending the Pelicans two future first-round picks in that swap. That wouldn’t have been possible as long as the conditions on the traded 2022 pick (which was protected through 2024) remained in place.
Teams aren’t permitted to leave themselves without first-round picks in back-to-back future drafts or trade picks more than seven years in advance. By removing the protections on the 2022 pick to Cleveland, the Bucks freed up their first-rounders to be dealt starting in 2024 — they’ll send the 2025 and 2027 selections to New Orleans.
As a sweetener for accommodating the Bucks, the Cavaliers will pick up that 2025 second-rounder in exchange for the NBA rights of a player drafted in 2012 who will almost certainly never play in the NBA.
Rockets Sign DeMarcus Cousins To One-Year Deal
DECEMBER 1: The Rockets have officially signed Cousins, the team announced today in a press release. Houston now has a full 20-man roster.
NOVEMBER 23: The Rockets and free agent center DeMarcus Cousins have agreed to a one-year, minimum-salary contract, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter links) first reported that the two sides were nearing a deal and says it will be non-guaranteed.
Cousins, 30, has only played in 78 games over the last three seasons – and didn’t play at all in 2019/20 – due to a series of major leg injuries, including a torn Achilles and, most recently, a torn ACL.
He reportedly received contract offers prior to the NBA’s summer restart, but turned them down in order to focus on his rehab. He’s aiming to get back to 100% before returning to action, so it’s not clear yet whether he’ll be ready to go for the start of the season.
A fully-healthy Cousins would be a tantalizing weapon for the Rockets this season. The four-time All-Star has career averages of 21.2 PPG, 10.9 RPG, and 3.2 APG in 565 games, and while he’s certainly unlikely to match those numbers, he’d be a bargain for Houston if he’s able to recapture his old form at all.
Houston’s agreement with Cousins is the latest signal that the team will be pivoting away from its micro-ball approach for 2020/21. The team also agreed to a three-year, $41MM deal with big man Christian Wood.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Hawks Sign Solomon Hill To One-Year Deal
NOVEMBER 25: The Hawks have officially signed Hill, per a team press release. The deal is non-guaranteed, tweets Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.
“Solomon is a player who has been on four playoff teams and has competed on the highest level,” president of basketball operations Travis Schlenk said in a statement. “We are fortunate to add his veteran presence to our group.”
NOVEMBER 23: The Hawks and free agent forward Solomon Hill have reached an agreement on a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowsi (Twitter link).
Hill, 29, was very briefly a member of the Hawks last summer when the team acquired him from New Orleans in a draft-night trade, but Atlanta flipped him to the Grizzlies in a subsequent deal. After appearing in 48 games for Memphis, Hill was once again traded at the 2020 deadline and finished the season with the Heat, appearing in a total of 18 regular season and playoff games for Miami.
For the 2019/20 season, Hill averaged 5.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 1.8 APG in a total of 59 games (18.4 MPG) for the Grizzlies and Heat. While he’s not much of a scorer, the former first-round pick has the size to match up with most wings on defense.
The Hawks have made it a priority this offseason to add some solid defenders to their roster, having already struck deals with Kris Dunn and Rajon Rondo. The team is also signing Danilo Gallinari and is waiting to see if Sacramento will match its offer sheet for Bogdan Bogdanovic.
With Hill coming aboard, the Hawks project to have at least 15 players on guaranteed contracts if the Kings decline to match on Bogdanovic, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, who notes (via Twitter) that second-round pick Skylar Mays could end up on a two-way deal if there’s no room on the standard roster for him.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Tacko Fall Returns To Celtics On Two-Way Deal
NOVEMBER 24: The deal is official, per the NBA’s transactions log.
NOVEMBER 23: Second-year center Tacko Fall, a fan favorite in Boston, is returning to the Celtics on a second two-way contract, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).
An undrafted free agent out of UCF, the 7’5″ big man spent his rookie season in 2019/20 on a two-way deal with the Celtics, appearing in seven NBA games for the club. He racked up 23 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in just 33 minutes in those seven contests.
Fall was a rotation mainstay for the Maine Red Claws, the Celtics’ G League affiliate, averaging 12.9 PPG, 11.3 RPG, and 3.1 BPG in 29 games (23.3 MPG) for the club.
The Celtics’ issued a qualifying offer to Fall last week, making him a restricted free agent. Now it appears he’ll be back with the team for the 2020/21 season, filling one of the two-way slots. Tremont Waters, the club’s other two-way player last season, also received a QO from the club, but it’s not clear yet whether or not he’ll return.
Blazers Notes: Collins, Hood, Free Agency, Simons
Trail Blazers big man Zach Collins, whose 2019/20 season came to an early end when he underwent ankle surgery in August, isn’t expected to be ready to go for the start of the ’20/21 campaign, president of basketball operations Neil Olshey said today (Twitter link via Joe Freeman of The Oregonian). According to Olshey, Collins will likely be out until mid-January or so.
With Collins out of the lineup for the time being, the door may be open for newly-added big men Enes Kanter and Harry Giles to pick up some extra minutes at the start of the season. The Blazers could also end up leaning more heavily on smaller lineups with Robert Covington or Carmelo Anthony at the four.
Here’s more out of Portland:
- Olshey expects swingman Rodney Hood, who is returning from a torn Achilles, to be ready for opening night (Twitter link via Freeman).
- Portland’s offseason moves were aimed at improving the team’s defense and adding versatility and athleticism to the squad, Olshey said (per Freeman). The additions of Covington and Derrick Jones, in particular, should help on that front.
- The Blazers, who intend to lean on Anfernee Simons as their backup point guard, don’t plan to fill their 15th roster spot due to potential luxury tax concerns, Olshey said (Twitter link via Freeman).
Wizards’ GM: No Plans To Trade John Wall
Speaking to reporters today on a conference call, Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard said the team has no plans to trade point guard John Wall (Twitter link via Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN).
Sheppard, who said he was just watching Wall work out this morning, told the media that – with Wall and Bradley Beal set to play together for the first time since 2018 – it’s a new chapter for the Wizards’ two star guards, rather than a “sequel.”
“I can’t wait to see those two together,” he added (Twitter link via Youngmisuk).
A report last week indicated that Wall had made it clear he wants to be traded out of Washington. However, Sheppard, who said that he and Wall speak every other day, said the five-time All-Star has never asked him per a trade, per Chris Mannix of SI.com (Twitter link).
“There’s no issue with John and I, with John and the Wizards,” Sheppard said (Twitter link via Youngmisuk).
Even if Wall does want to be dealt, he has little leverage to force the issue. With three years and $133MM left on his deal, the 30-year-old has one of the NBA’s least team-friendly contracts. He’s also spent nearly two full years rehabbing various injuries.
While Wall has apparently looked great in workouts, per Marc Stein of The New York Times (Twitter link), teams would be extremely wary about taking on that contract without having seen him play since 2018. In other words, it wouldn’t make sense for the Wizards to make a deal when Wall’s stock is so low.
The team plans to manage Wall’s workload this season, reducing his minutes and likely sitting him during one half of back-to-back sets.
With Wall and Beal reunited in the backcourt and Davis Bertans back in the fold, the Wizards hope to make it back to the postseason in 2021. The team also drafted Deni Avdija last week and signed veterans Robin Lopez and Raul Neto in free agency. Those newcomers will join a roster that also features Rui Hachimura, Troy Brown, and Thomas Bryant.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Sixers, Pistons Swap Zhaire Smith, Tony Bradley
NOVEMBER 23: The Pistons and Sixers have officially sent out press releases announcing the deal, confirming they’ve swapped Bradley and Smith.
There have been reports that Detroit may end up waiving Smith, but for now he remains on the roster.
NOVEMBER 22: The Sixers and Pistons are completing a minor trade, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who reports (via Twitter) that third-year wing Zhaire Smith will head to Detroit in the deal, while fourth-year center Tony Bradley goes to Philadelphia.
Smith was the 16th overall pick in the 2018 draft but has barely seen the court during his first two professional seasons, having battled health issues and playing just 13 total NBA games. He did appear in 28 games for the Delaware Blue Coats in the G League last season, averaging 13.5 PPG and 3.1 RPG with a .530/.376/.714 shooting line.
As Omari Sankofa of The Detroit Free Press notes (via Twitter), the Pistons had been seeking more shooting on the wing and – since they’re in rebuilding mode – can afford to be patient in developing him. Moving Bradley also helps the team slightly clear its logjam at center, where the team has added Mason Plumlee, Jahlil Okafor, and first-round pick Isaiah Stewart in the last few days.
In Philadelphia, meanwhile, new 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has apparently developed a newfound fondness for centers, having already signed Dwight Howard on Saturday to back up Joel Embiid. If Bradley remains with the 76ers, he’ll provide additional depth in the middle.
The 28th overall pick in the 2017 draft, Bradley spent his first three seasons in Utah before the Jazz agreed to trade him to Detroit earlier in the week. He earned regular minutes for the first time in 2019/20, averaging 4.9 PPG and 4.6 RPG in 58 games (11.4 MPG).
The financial impact of the trade will be minimal. Smith has a $3.2MM salary for 2020/21 and a $4.92MM team option for 2021/22, which Detroit must exercise or turn down by the end of next month. Bradley will earn $3.54MM this season before becoming eligible for restricted free agency next year.
2020 NBA Draft Pick Signings
Free agent news has dominated NBA headlines over the last few days, but teams around the league are also taking care of the rookies they drafted on November 18, signing them to their first NBA contracts. Because cap holds for first-round picks count for 120% of the rookie scale instead of 100% in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, there’s little incentive for teams to wait to lock up their first-rounders.
For first-round picks, rookie contracts are fairly rigid, having essentially been predetermined. The NBA’s rookie-scale structure dictates that first-rounders will be signed to four-year deals, which include two guaranteed years, then team options in years three and four.
The value of those contracts depends on where a player was drafted. This year, No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards figures to sign a four-year deal worth in excess of $44MM, which represents the maximum allowable 120% of his scale amount. No. 30 pick Desmond Bane, on the other hand, will likely sign a four-year contract worth just shy of $10MM.
The full breakdown of this year’s first-round rookie salaries and contracts can be found right here — if you see a first-rounder listed below as “signed,” you can assume his contract looks like that, unless otherwise indicated.
Second-round picks, meanwhile, aren’t assured of two guaranteed seasons, though some players will receive them. Teams can sign second-rounders to whatever amount they choose, using cap room or various exceptions. Those players who immediately join their NBA teams figure to get a minimum salary or something slightly above the minimum. We’ll make a note of contract details for second-rounders below, as they become available.
Finally, some second-rounders – and perhaps even some first-rounders – won’t sign NBA deals immediately. They may get two-way contracts, play in the G League, or head overseas to refine their games while their NBA teams retain their rights. We’ll make note of that below too, wherever it’s applicable.
Here’s a breakdown of 2020’s draft pick signings. This list will continue to be updated as more draftees sign their first NBA contracts:
First Round:
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, G, Georgia: Signed
- Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman, C, Memphis: Signed
- Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball, G, USA: Signed
- Chicago Bulls: Patrick Williams, F, Florida State: Signed
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Isaac Okoro, F, Auburn: Signed
- Atlanta Hawks: Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC: Signed
- Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes, G, France: Signed
- New York Knicks: Obi Toppin, F, Dayton: Signed
- Washington Wizards: Deni Avdija, F, Israel: Signed
- Phoenix Suns: Jalen Smith, F/C, Maryland: Signed
- San Antonio Spurs: Devin Vassell, G/F, Florida State: Signed
- Sacramento Kings: Tyrese Haliburton, G, Iowa State: Signed
- New Orleans Pelicans: Kira Lewis Jr., G, Alabama: Signed
- Boston Celtics: Aaron Nesmith, F, Vanderbilt: Signed
- Orlando Magic: Cole Anthony, G, UNC: Signed
- Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Stewart, C, Washington: Signed
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Aleksej Pokusevski, F, Serbia: Signed
- Dallas Mavericks: Josh Green, G, Arizona: Signed
- Detroit Pistons: Saddiq Bey, F, Villanova: Signed
- Miami Heat: Precious Achiuwa, F, Memphis: Signed
- Philadelphia 76ers: Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky: Signed
- Denver Nuggets: Zeke Nnaji, F, Arizona: Signed
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Leandro Bolmaro, G, Argentina: Expected to spend season in Spain
- Denver Nuggets: R.J. Hampton, G, USA: Signed
- New York Knicks: Immanuel Quickley, G, Kentucky: Signed
- Boston Celtics: Payton Pritchard, G, Oregon: Signed
- Utah Jazz: Udoka Azubuike, C, Kansas: Signed
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaden McDaniels, F, Washington: Signed
- Toronto Raptors: Malachi Flynn, G San Diego State: Signed
- Memphis Grizzlies: Desmond Bane, G, TCU: Signed
Second Round:
- Dallas Mavericks: Tyrell Terry, G, Stanford: Signed
- Four-year, $6.52MM contract. First three years guaranteed.
- Four-year, $6.52MM contract. First three years guaranteed.
- Charlotte Hornets: Vernon Carey Jr., C, Duke: Signed
- Four-year, $6.58MM contract. First three years guaranteed.
- Four-year, $6.58MM contract. First three years guaranteed.
- Los Angeles Clippers: Daniel Oturu, C, Minnesota: Signed
- Two-year, minimum-salary contract. Fully guaranteed.
- Two-year, minimum-salary contract. Fully guaranteed.
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Theo Maledon, G, France: Signed
- Four-year, $7.83MM contract. First two years guaranteed.
- Memphis Grizzlies: Xavier Tillman, C, Michigan State: Signed
- Four-year, $6.53MM contract. First three years guaranteed.
- Four-year, $6.53MM contract. First three years guaranteed.
- Dallas Mavericks: Tyler Bey, F, Colorado: Signed
- Two-way contract.
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Vit Krejci, G, Czech Republic: Will be on G League roster
- Detroit Pistons: Saben Lee, G, Vanderbilt: Signed
- Two-way contract.
- Utah Jazz: Elijah Hughes, G, Syracuse: Signed
- Two-year, minimum-salary contract. Fully guaranteed.
- Sacramento Kings: Robert Woodard, F, Mississippi State: Signed
- Four-year, $6.73MM contract. First two years guaranteed.
- San Antonio Spurs: Tre Jones, G, Duke: Signed
- Three-year, minimum-salary contract. First two years guaranteed.
- Three-year, minimum-salary contract. First two years guaranteed.
- Charlotte Hornets: Nick Richards, C, Kentucky: Signed
- Three-year, $4.3MM contract. First two years guaranteed.
- Three-year, $4.3MM contract. First two years guaranteed.
- Sacramento Kings: Jahmi’us Ramsey, G, Texas Tech: Signed
- Three-year contract. First two years guaranteed.
- Chicago Bulls: Marko Simonovic, C, Montenegro: Expected to spend season in Serbia
- Milwaukee Bucks: Jordan Nwora, F, Louisville: Signed
- Two-year, minimum-salary contract. Fully guaranteed.
- Portland Trail Blazers: CJ Elleby, G, Washington State: Signed
- Two-year, minimum-salary contract. Fully guaranteed.
- Two-year, minimum-salary contract. Fully guaranteed.
- Boston Celtics: Yam Madar, G, Israel: Expected to spend season in Israel
- Golden State Warriors: Nico Mannion, G, Arizona: Signed
- Two-way contract.
- Philadelphia 76ers: Isaiah Joe, G, Arkansas: Signed
- Three-year, minimum-salary contract. First two years guaranteed.
- Atlanta Hawks: Skylar Mays, G, LSU: Signed
- Two-way contract.
- Golden State Warriors: Justinian Jessup, G, Boise State: Expected to spend season in Australia
- Houston Rockets: KJ Martin, F, IMG Academy: Signed
- Four-year, minimum-salary contract. First year guaranteed.
- Four-year, minimum-salary contract. First year guaranteed.
- Washington Wizards: Cassius Winston, G, Michigan State: Signed
- Two-way contract.
- Indiana Pacers: Cassius Stanley, G, Duke: Signed
- Two-way contract.
- Los Angeles Clippers: Jay Scrubb, G, John A. Logan College: Signed
- Two-way contract.
- Charlotte Hornets: Grant Riller, G, Charleston: Signed
- Two-way contract.
- Brooklyn Nets: Reggie Perry, C, Mississippi State: Signed
- One-year, minimum-salary contract. Non-guaranteed.
- Philadelphia 76ers: Paul Reed, F, DePaul: Signed
- Two-way contract.
- Toronto Raptors: Jalen Harris, G, Nevada: Signed
- Two-way contract.
- Milwaukee Bucks: Sam Merrill, G, Utah State: Signed
- Two-year, minimum-salary contract. Partial guarantee in second year.