Rockets Waive Zhou Qi
The Rockets have waived Chinese big man Zhou Qi, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). Houston selected Zhou with the 43rd overall in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Zhou, 22, has appeared in just one game this season as he’s dealt with knee and ankle injuries. His last G League game with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers came on Nov. 20, when he sprained his left ankle. In seven G-League contests, Zhou averaged 11.9 PPG, 9.4 RPG and 52.9 percent from the field.
The 7’1″ forward/center appeared in 18 games with the Rockets last season, averaging just 1.2 PPG in 6.9 minutes per game.
By waving Zhou, the Rockets reduce their roster total to 14 players, plus a pair on two-way contracts. And because Zhou was on a non-guaranteed contract, he’ll only count for about $506K on Houston’s cap for 2018/19.
Suns Trade Ariza To Wizards For Oubre, Rivers
DECEMBER 17: The trade is now official, with both the Suns and Wizards issuing press releases to confirm the move.
DECEMBER 15: After a hectic Friday night in which a three-team deal was scrapped, the Suns have agreed to deal Trevor Ariza to the Wizards in exchange for Kelly Oubre and Austin Rivers, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 reports (Twitter link). The trade call with the league is scheduled for later today, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
Last night’s nearly completed deal would have sent Ariza to the Wizards, Rivers to the Suns and allowed the Grizzlies to acquire Oubre for Wayne Selden, two second-round picks, and one other player. The confusion came over the identity of that other player as the Grizzlies believed they were dealing MarShon Brooks while the Suns thought Dillon Brooks was headed their way.
As we relayed in a separate story, despite the nixed deal, Phoenix and Washington remained in touch to see if an Ariza trade could be completed.
This version of an Ariza trade includes three players in the final year of their respective deals. For Ariza, the trade means the end of a brief 26-game stint in Phoenix as he signed a one-year, $15MM deal with the Suns during the 2018 offseason. Ariza averaged 9.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and a .379/.360/.837 shooting line for the Suns.
This marks a homecoming of sorts for Ariza as he spent two seasons with the Wizards, including perhaps his best season as a pro in 2013/14, when he averaged 14.4 PPG and 6.2 RPG with a .456/.407/.772 shooting line. Prior to this trade, we had relayed at least eight teams had expressed interest in Ariza, including the Lakers and Rockets — two teams he had previously suited up for.
During his stint in the nation’s capital, Ariza was reportedly a respected presence who, among other things, had a good impact on the team’s All-Star point guard, John Wall. At 11-18, the Wizards are 2.5 games back of the Eastern Conference’s eighth seed and will hope Ariza’s 3-and-D ability can narrow the gap.
For the NBA-worst Suns, they acquired a pair of useful assets that could possibly be used as trade chips later in the season. Rivers, 26, has been a mainstay off the Wizards’ bench, averaging 7.2 PPG and 2.4 RPG for Washington. Rivers’ shooting has taken a hit this season as his field-goal percentage (39.2%) and three-point shooting (31.1%) are his worst in several seasons.
As for Oubre, 23, he averaged a career-high 12.9 PPG in 29 games (seven starts) for the Wizards. By trading Oubre, the Wizards will create a traded player exception worth his salary ($3,208,630). Washington already had four trade exceptions, including one worth $5.45MM, as our list of outstanding TPEs shows.
Oubre is set to hit restricted free agency this upcoming summer, at which point the Suns could tender him a $4.5MM qualifying offer, ESPN’s Bobby Marks notes. Phoenix could flip Oubre before the trade deadline but cannot aggregate him with another player for salary-matching purposes.
Once the deal is completed, the Wizards’ roster will dip below the requirement of 14. Washington will need to sign another player within two weeks to get their roster count back up to the minimum.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Lakers Refused To Include Core Players In Ariza Trade
It took two attempts but the Suns struck a deal to part with veteran swingman Trevor Ariza, dealing him to the Wizards for Kelly Oubre and Austin Rivers. However, after a three-team deal cratered on Friday, Suns re-engaged the Lakers in trade talks, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
As we relayed earlier today, the Lakers were “eager” to acquire Ariza as he and agent Aaron Mintz tried to a broker a deal that would land him in purple and gold. The Lakers were unwilling to include one of their core players and the Suns moved on to complete a deal with Washington, Wojnarowski added.
Also, Suns owner Robert Sarver was reportedly reluctant to strike a deal with the Lakers after criticism that the buyout of Tyson Chandler created a clear path to Hollywood for the veteran center.
Given Ariza’s age (33) and his expiring deal, it’s understandable why Los Angeles elected to keep their young players for the time being. It’s been reported that the Lakers are unwilling to part with Lonzo Ball in trade talks. It would be fair to state that in addition to Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and other young standouts are off limits for the time being.
Latest On Failed Three-Team Trevor Ariza Trade
In what was a whirlwind few hours on Friday night, a three-team deal centered around Suns’ swingman Trevor Ariza fell apart. As it was reported, the deal would have sent Trevor Ariza to the Wizards and Austin Rivers to the Suns, and allowed the Grizzlies to acquire Kelly Oubre for Wayne Selden, two second-round picks, and one other player.
The confusion came over the identity of that other player as the Grizzlies believed they were dealing MarShon Brooks while the Suns thought Dillon Brooks was headed their way. We outlined in a pair of stories how the deal fell apart, particularly with the Grizzlies and Suns using the Wizards as a conduit in lieu of direct communication. The deal was scrapped after all three teams spoke directly and the Brooks-related confusion became apparent.
In his latest report, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski added new tidbits of information in regards to the scrapped trade and where Ariza may be headed.
- After the original deal fell apart, several other teams began to push Phoenix to enter the fray for Ariza’s services. The Lakers and Rockets were both engaging the Suns for Ariza, Wojnarowski noted. Along with the Wizards, this marks three of Ariza’s former teams being in contention to reacquire him.
- The Suns privately insisted they had direct conversations with Grizzlies officials on Dillon — not Marshoon — Brooks and Memphis denied that, per Wojnarowski. The Grizzlies viewpoint is that Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld negotiated the deal and that a miscommunication with interim Suns GM James Jones led to the gaffe.
- All the parts in the three-team swap were finalized until the Grizzlies and Suns saw conflicting reports on which Brooks was included in the deal. That led to a direct conversation in which the Suns informed Memphis that a deal would not happen unless it included Dillon Brooks.
- Ariza and his agent are hopeful that he finds his way back to the Lakers. However, that seems unlikely at this point as Suns owner Robert Sarver is wary of dealing him to the Lakers after criticism that Tyson Chandler‘s buyout created an easy path to Los Angeles. For what it’s worth, Wojnarowski reports that the Lakers were eager to acquire Ariza.
Marvin Bagley III To Be Reevaluated In Approximately Two Weeks
Kings forward Marvin Bagley III underwent an MRI on Friday that revealed a bone bruise in his left knee and he will be reevaluated in 10 to 14 days, the team announced in a press release.
Bagley, 19, suffered the injury in the second quarter of the Kings’ 130-125 loss to the Warriors on Friday night. The second overall pick in last year’s draft landed awkwardly following a rebound attempt and never returned to the game.
The Duke product is averaging 12.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG and 53.6% shooting in 23.1 minutes per game this season. The Kings (15-13) have been a surprise in the Western Conference this season and are currently half a game back of the Trail Blazers for the eighth seed in the Western Conference. The loss of Bagley could impact the Kings’ postseason push in the coming weeks.
Jimmy Butler Leaves Sixers’ Win With Groin Injury
DECEMBER 11: An MRI this morning revealed no structural damage, tweets ESPN’s Zach Lowe.
DECEMBER 10: Sixers swingman Jimmy Butler left the team’s eventual 116-102 victory over the Pistons with a groin injury. With 2:20 left in the first quarter, Butler left with obvious discomfort and did not return to the game.
The four-time All-Star notched four rebounds and two assists while shooting 0-for-3 from the floor. After the game, Sixers’ head coach Brett Brown told reporters, including Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter link), that he was unsure how severe Butler’s injury is and had yet to meet with the medical staff.
Butler, 28, entered play on Monday averaging 21.4 PPG and 5.3 RPG with Philadelphia through 12 games. The Sixers acquired Butler from the Timberwolves in mid-November as his tumultuous tenure in Minnesota concluded. Philadelphia’s plan was to pair Butler with their two budding stars, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
If the groin injury keeps Butler sidelined for an extended stretch, it would mark the second consecutive season that he missed significant time. Butler missed nearly a month with a left knee strain last February. He returned late in the regular season to help push the Timberwolves to the postseason.
NBA G League Assignments/Recalls: 12/10/18
Here are Monday’s assignments and recalls from around the NBA:
- In what might be the most significant G League assignment of the season, the Warriors sent All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins to their affiliate in Santa Cruz, the team announced. Cousins is rehabbing from a torn Achilles and is hopeful to return within three-to-four weeks. We relayed Cousins’ assignment and his comments after Monday’s practice.
- The Rockets recalled Isaiah Hartenstein from their G League affiliate in Rio Grande, per Mark Berman of FOX 26. Hartenstein (Twitter link). The 20-year-old center has appeared in 21 games this season, averaging 2.1 PPG and 1.6 RPG.
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The Celtics recalled Robert Williams from their G League affiliate Maine Red Claws, the team announced (Twitter link). Williams has appeared in nine games with Boston on the season and was drafted by the team 27th overall in June.
- The Bulls assigned Antonio Blakeney to their G League affiliate Windy City Bulls, the team announced (Twitter link). Blakeney has appeared in 24 games with Chicago this season but only played four of their past seven.
Rockets Have Expressed ‘Exploratory’ Interest In J.R. Smith
The Rockets have expressed “exploratory” interest in acquiring veteran shooting guard J.R. Smith, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times (Twitter link). We relayed last week that both the Rockets and Pelicans had expressed interest in Smith’s services.
Smith, 33, is currently away from the Cavaliers as they try to find a suitable trade partner. The Rockets are in the midst of a similar situation as Carmelo Anthony is currently on the roster but away from the team as both sides seek a resolution. We noted last month that Houston is seeking wing help.
The former NBA champion Smith has been vocal in his quest to be traded from Cleveland all season as he did not believe the team’s goal is to win games.
I don’t think the goal is to win. The goal isn’t to go out there and try to get as many wins as you can,” Smith said in November. “I think the goal is to develop and lose to get lottery picks. I think that was always the plan.”
With the departure of LeBron James this past summer, the Cavaliers seemed intent to compete for the postseason regardless. Cleveland even inked Kevin Love to a massive extension, but entering play on Monday, the Cavaliers sport a 6-20, tied for second-worst in the Eastern Conference.
While it’s clear the Cavaliers want to move on from Smith, his contract — which includes a $14.72 MM cap hit makes that proposition difficult. Also, in just 11 games this season, Smith posted career-lows with 6.7 PPG and .342 FG%. However, Smith does have considerable postseason experience and he would not be a long-term risk as he has just a $3.87MM guarantee on his $15.68MM salary for 2019/20.
Atlantic Notes: Walker, Hernangomez, Butler, Yabusele
While Kemba Walker did not sound enthused about returning to his native New York and play for the Knicks, he did not shut the door on the possibility, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes.
“I don’t have any interest in coming back home — right now,” Walker said. The 28-year-old Bronx native is set to hit free agency this summer and will be one of the most sought-after guards on the market.
New York is expected to have cap room to sign at least one top-tier free agent and Walker fits the bill. While he admitted to enjoying his time playing in Madison Square Garden as a visitor, Walker appeared to shut down the possibility over the summer
“I’ve been hearing it for years now, the Knicks,” Walker said. “Every time I come home, it’s ‘When are you coming home to the Knicks?’ MSG is a special place, man. The Knicks are a special team. Of course, I’ve been a Knicks fan growing up, always rooted for the home team. But I really can’t see myself in a Knicks jersey — only because I’ve been in one jersey. I really don’t know.”
Check out more Atlantic Division notes below:
- Former Knicks center Willy Hernangomez said he requested a trade last season after it became clear he was no longer in the team’s long-term plans, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. “Obviously with Phil [Jackson] out, he was the person who bought me here from Spain, who believed in me from the beginning,” Hernangomez said. “Him and Steve Mills. Summer, they made a change. I think that changed the mentality to the future. You see how many players from my first year are on the team now.”
- Sixers big man Joel Embiid said the acquisition of Jimmy Butler and subsequent change to his role have impacted his play. Speaking to reporters, including Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Butler downplayed Embiid’s comment and expressed his support for Embiid. “I know where his heart is, man,” Butler said. “His heart is pure. He wants to win. I can feel for him. It’s new to him. It’s new to myself. It’s new to everybody.
- Celtics big man Guerschon Yabusele suffered a “bad sprain” in his right ankle during the team’s on Saturday, A.Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston writes. Yabusele is expected to “be out for a while,” according to head coach Brad Stevens.
Warriors’ DeMarcus Cousins Talks G League Assignment
The latest step in DeMarcus Cousins‘ NBA comeback attempt was a G League assignment to the Warriors‘ affiliate in Santa Cruz. Cousins practiced with the team on Monday and came out of it without issues.
Cousins, 28, suffered a torn Achilles nearly a year ago when he was still a member of the Pelicans. Golden State inked the All-Star center with the hope he would be ready to play several months into the regular season. While today’s practice went well, Cousins noted that playing in an NBA game soon would not be easy.
“I mean if it was… I feel like if my life depended on it at the moment, yeah, I could go out and play a game,” Cousins told reporters, including ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “I want to be 100% or as close to 100% as I can be when I do return. I want my body in tip-top shape. It is not even about the Achilles, it’s just about my other body parts and making sure everything is fine-tuned and in the best shape possible to go out and play a full game.”
The hope is that Cousins will be ready to play within the next three or four weeks, putting him on a track for a mid-January return. A healthy Cousins would give an already formidable lineup another elite, All-Star caliber talent. In 48 games before the injury, Cousins averaged 25.2 points and 12.9 rebounds in New Orleans.
The six-time All-Star noted it was his idea to join Santa Cruz as part of his rehab process.
“It was my idea, I want to come down,” he said. “Before I ever stepped on the floor, I wanted to get in some type of basketball rhythm. That’s something me and the trainers butted heads about, they have their idea of getting ready for a game and I have mine.”
It’s possible that Cousins plays in a G League game before his NBA return, but the center noted he had discussions with Warriors’ general manager Bob Myers and no decision has been made. Ultimately, his goal is to be as prepared as possible.
“It’s been extremely humbling,” Cousins said. “It’s really tested me as a person, as a man, as an athlete. I’ve had a lot of dark days, a lot of good days. I’ve questioned myself a lot. But I found a way to overcome all those bad feelings. I see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am extremely excited to get back on the floor.