Southwest Notes: Noel, Withey, Spurs, Rockets
After months of uncertainty, Nerlens Noel agreed to a one-year, $4.1MM qualifying offer with the Mavericks, returning to the team that acquired him at the trade deadline last season. The former first round pick (sixth overall) from the 2013 NBA Draft has seen his stock derailed due to numerous injuries but his return provides Dallas with stability at center, Earl K. Sneed of NBA.com writes.
Noel, still just 23 years old, posted 8.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.0 SPG and 1.1 BPG in 22 games with Mavericks after the deal. While a return was far from certain for most of the offseason, Noel can now focus on strengthening the team’s core and building on the experiences that made Dallas an appealing destination for him.
“You know, I learned a lot,” Noel said. “I met a lot of great people and I started a lot of great relationships. And being around all the vets they have around here, it’s definitely something I took in with all the knowledge and all the small habits that help you succeed in this league for the duration of time that you’re in it. It’s been great. I love Dallas. You know, in my short time here, I’ve really enjoyed it. I think it’s been a great time. And with the pieces that we have and the opportunities that will be seen in the near future, I think there’s a lot to be excited for.”
Read below for additional news around the Southwest Division:
- In addition to Noel, the Mavericks have shored up their depth at center by signing 27-year-old Jeff Withey to a two-year deal, according to Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News (Twitter link). Withey, 27, appeared in 102 games off the bench for the Jazz the last two seasons.
- With Noel’s return confirmed, Dallas Sports Day has compiled a feature highlighting 10 important facts about the center’s life and career.
- Jorge Sierra of Hoops Hype previews the Spurs‘ 2017/18 as he examines the team’s additions, subtractions, incumbents, and salaries.
- Rockets owners Leslie Alexander has increased his donation to aid the recovery from Hurricane Harvey to $10MM, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes.
Knicks Notes: Durant, Ownership, Offseason Recap
Warriors‘ superstar Kevin Durant has explicitly stated he would never play for the Knicks but it does not mean he will not offer the franchise advice. Speaking with The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, Durant criticized the Knicks’ front office and lack of leadership from the top of the organization all the way down to the on-court product.
“Everything starts at the top, you have bad leadership, and it’s just going to trickle down to everybody else,” Durant said (via New York Post). “When a GM wants to make a decision, he has to talk to the owner and he’s nowhere to be found and he don’‘t care then you kind of stuck and that causes tension.”
The Knicks’ front office drama with Phil Jackson, James Dolan, and even the current trade saga with Carmelo Anthony has been ridiculed for a long time. Durant, who joined the Warriors in free agency last year, never seriously considered the Knicks and helped deliver the Warriors’ second title in the last three seasons. While Durant later went on to praise New York City and playing in Madison Square Garden, the former MVP will not be a popular face when the team heads to New York next season.
Read about other news tidbits surrounding the Knicks:
- The daughter of Bucks co-owner Wes Edens, Mallory Edens, recently told TMZ that she wants to purchase the Knicks. Dolan has not expressed any public desire to sell the team but Edens would want first dibs on the chance to buy the team, citing lack of women in top positions in the NBA.
- Shaun Powell of NBA.com recapped the Knicks team based on last year’s performance, expectations for 2017/18 and more.
Cavaliers, Celtics Set To Discuss Issues With Mega Trade
With Isaiah Thomas‘ troublesome hip holding up the blockbuster trade agreed upon earlier this week, the Cavaliers and Celtics will discuss the issue on Saturday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
On Tuesday, both teams agreed to a deal that would send Irving to Boston in exchange for Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the Nets’ unprotected first round pick. At the time, it was reported that Thomas’ hip — which caused him to miss a portion of the NBA Playoffs — was a cause for concern and a reason why the Celtics decided to move him. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge spoke with reporters on a conference call after the deal was announced and mentioned that Thomas’ hip played “some” part in his decision to deal the beloved point guard.
Wojnarowski reported at the time that the Cavaliers were “anxious” to give Thomas his physical but had made the deal with the belief he would be healthy.
Both sides have up until Thursday to come to a resolution. As Wojnarowski mentions, there are three possible outcomes to this current situation: the Cavaliers can pass Thomas on the physical and complete the deal as is; request additional compensation from Boston; or veto the deal altogether.
Thomas took the physical in question on Friday in Cleveland and Irving is currently in Boston to take his physical, according to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com (Twitter link).
Thomas, 29, and Irving, 26, both had comparable seasons in 2016/17 but Thomas is a free agent after 2017/18 whereas Irving comes with two years of control. Boston was reportedly reluctant to give Thomas the maximum deal he desired and this trade not only brought in a younger All-Star point guard but eliminated the issue of having to pay Thomas.
While several days remain before a final verdict is required, both sides will reportedly work to reach a determination sooner rather than later.
Atlantic Notes: Anthony, Porzingis, Thomas, Celtics
In a blog post for MSG.com, Knicks president Steve Mills discussed the team’s future and plan for the upcoming season. Mills mentioned Kristaps Porzingis, Willy Hernangomez, offseason signee Tim Hardaway Jr., and this year’s first-rounder Frank Ntilikina but conspicuous by the absence of his name is Carmelo Anthony.
Mills said in the post that the “plan to become more youthful and athletic is underway” before mentioning the Knicks’ young assets. This comes shortly after the Knicks released promotional content for their season ticket plans with the featured players being Porzingis, Hernangomez, and Ntilikina. Even though Anthony is still a member of New York’s roster, the team appears to be showing through subliminal signs that the team has moved on from their superstar.
Trade talks regarding Anthony to the Rockets are “fairly dormant” and the Cavaliers are possibly interested in his services; however, a trade is not imminent. While it’s possible that Anthony begins the season with the Knicks, he is not expected to remain with the team for the remainder of his contract.
Read below for additional news tidbits around the Atlantic Division:
- While Porzingis has been absent from Team Latvia, the Knicks’ big man remains committed to the team for Eurobasket, according to basketball journalist David Pick (Twitter Link).
- Speaking to reporters, including ESPN’s Chris Forsberg, from the Basketball Hall of Fame Friday, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens discussed the team trading away Isaiah Thomas. “What [Thomas] did in Boston the last two-and a-half years has been incredible,’ Stevens said. “I said earlier what he’s meant to me, what I think of him, how great he’s been in the locker room, what kind of teammate he’s been.” While the trade is currently complicated by Thomas’ troubled hip, Stevens was complimentary of the player who helped lead his team to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.
- Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald joined CSN New England to discuss the Thomas trade — which is currently in danger of being nixed due to his hip injury — and said that the organization owes thanks to him. Thomas emerged into one of the league’s top players while in Boston and Bulpett also covers the effort that the former last pick of the 2011 draft put in to help the team.
Community Shootaround: Kyrie Irving Drama Just Starting
Kyrie Irving has a new home as the disgruntled Cavaliers All-Star was traded to the Celtics as part of a four-player trade that also sends the Nets‘ unprotected 2018 first-round pick to Cleveland. On the surface, it seems that the Irving saga is over; all involved parties can move on, and things can retain a sense of normalcy.
Wrong.
This latest chapter is just beginning as the trade and its ramifications will be examined under a microscope that won’t even reflect Isaiah Thomas’ alleged growth spurt. Thomas, who will head to Cleveland as part of the trade, will do so with questions surrounding his hip — the same hip that caused him to miss most of the playoffs in 2016/17. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge spoke to reporters, including ESPN’s Jeff Goodman (Twitter link) on a conference call Tuesday night and indicated that Thomas’ troubled hip played “some” part in the decision to consummate a deal.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweets that the Celtics expected a mix of rehab and rest would bring Thomas back to full health. Now, the Cavaliers plan with Thomas is to “monitor closely” as he recovers, adding that the team is “anxious” to give him a physical. However, Wojnarowski adds that Cleveland has “no short term concerns” with Thomas’ hip and instead view him as a player entering his contract year with extra motivation.
Thomas indicated multiple times this offseason that his goal is to land a maximum contract in free agency. In an interview with Stephen Hewitt of the Boston Herald earlier this month, Thomas said he feels confident about landing a max deal.
“Very confident,” Thomas said. “I deserve it. I put the work in, and you can put me down against any guard in the NBA. . . . My numbers are up there with the best players in the world, and my team is winning. So, I mean, you have to reward that.”
Thomas, 28, is not the only player in the deal who will reach free agency soon. Irving is set to hit the open market in 2019, but Wojnarowski reported that Irving is “thrilled” to join Boston and that the Celtics made the deal with a “great chance” to re-sign him (Twitter Link).
“Kyrie is one of the best scorers in the NBA. He has proven that on the biggest stage, the NBA Finals, the last three years,” Ainge said in a press release announcing the trade. “He’s been an NBA champion, an Olympic Gold Medalist, and a four-time All-Star. For all he’s accomplished, we think his best years are ahead of him.”
Factoring in the rest of Cleveland’s return (Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the aforementioned draft pick), the team secured a sizeable haul in exchange for a player who, for all his talented, reportedly wanted out. Pairing a healthy Thomas with Crowder’s defense along with LeBron James, Kevin Love and lower-tier talents like Derrick Rose and Tristan Thompson makes for a dynamic team.
Likewise, adding Irving to a group that includes Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Marcus Smart, and Jaylen Brown gives Boston a young, athletic, and yet still seasoned core of talent.
Whether or not that draft pick lands Cleveland a game-changing talent, Thomas or Irving re-sign with their new teams, or if any of the secondary pieces pan out will the be major storylines to watch. The analysis of this trade will take on a new life when the Cavaliers welcome the Celtics to Cleveland on opening night October 17.
Do you think this trade works out well for both sides? Do you think Thomas’ hip injury will be an issue? Will Irving cement himself as Boston’s primary option? Sound off in the comments below!
Andrew Wiggins Leaves Agent Who Negotiated Max Deal
Andrew Wiggins has filed paperwork to leave BDA Sports after his agent Bill Duffy negotiated a five-year, maximum salary extension for the Timberwolves‘ budding star, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports. That deal, which has not yet been agreed upon, is expected to be worth about $148MM.
Duffy revealed to Wojnarowski that Wiggins filed paperwork to terminate his relationship with BDA Sports as Minnesota sent a contract to both agent and Wiggins. Players are free to leave their agents at any time but guidelines of the National Basketball Players Association are set up to protect agents who negotiated deals for their players while representing them. Duffy indicated that whenever Wiggins puts ink to paper to confirm the deal he negotiated, he will be in touch with the NBPA to protect his interests.
“We are disappointed that Andrew made this decision, especially after a three-year partnership where we worked closely with Andrew and his entire family,” Duffy said to ESPN. “Unfortunately, tampering is a common problem in our industry, and that’s part of the reason why I’ve already been in contact with the NBPA to discuss my rights in this matter. Obviously, whenever Andrew signs the max extension that we negotiated with Minnesota, we will work with the NBPA to make sure that our interests are protected.”
The former first overall pick would become the first player from his 2014 draft class to sign a rookie extension. Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN tweets that Wiggins is likely to sign with a Canadian agent (Wiggins is a native of Toronto, Canada) that works for a major agency in the United States. Once he has new representation, Wiggins’ tentative deal with Minnesota will likely not change, Wolfson adds.
Wiggins, 22, has shown vast improvements in his offensive game in his first three seasons, topping out at 23.6 PPG last season while completing his third straight season of at least 81 games played. Along with Karl-Anthony Towns, the recently acquired Jimmy Butler and Jeff Teague, Wiggins is expected to be a vital piece for a potential playoff team.
And-Ones: Antetokounmpo, Teodosic, Sources, 2018 Standings
Bucks‘ All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out of Eurobasket earlier this week, which was met with disdain from the Greek basketball federation. The group accused the Bucks and NBA orchestrating an “organized and well-staged plan” to keep Antetokounmpo out of the event. However, a statement from the NBA reported by the Associated Press (via ESPN) explicitly denied the allegation.
“The NBA and the Milwaukee Bucks have followed all appropriate protocol under the NBA-FIBA agreement,” the NBA’s statement reads. “Giannis has an injury that has been confirmed through multiple examinations and any suggestion to the contrary is false.”
The Bucks explained that Antetokounmpo reported knee pain while training in Greece. The saga does not end there as, after a series of communications between the Bucks and the Greek team, Antetokounmpo was ultimately pulled from the tournament after the knee ailment did not improve. This subsequently led to the allegations that both the NBA and Bucks purposely sabotaged Antetokounmpo’s stint.
After a tremendous season with Milwaukee last season and major expectations for 2017/18, Antetokounmpo’s NBA future will be his most important.
Read up on more news around the basketball universe below:
- Antetokounmpo will not be the only major name to be pulled from Eurobasket this week as the Clippers‘ major international signee, Milos Teodosic, will also not compete in the event, per Eurohoops (via Twitter).
- As part of an in-depth look at the reporting side of the NBA, Steven Kyler of Basketball Insiders breaks down how “sources” work. Kyler explains how information is gathered from agents, front office personnel, the players, and other people inside the industry that leads to the stories that are reported across the internet.
- As part of its Summer Forecast series, ESPN has released its predictions for standings in both the Western and Eastern conferences.
Cavaliers Notes: Griffin, LeBron, Merchandise
Blake Griffin is no stranger to rumors swirling at an impending free agency as the Clippers‘ longtime forward hit the open market this offseason but ultimately re-signed with Los Angeles on a lucrative five-year deal. Next offseason, LeBron James is set to hit the open market and has been rumored to be interested in L.A. (Clippers or Lakers), a place he has referred to as “home” this offseason and owns a home.
In a recent podcast appearance on View from the Cheap Seats with the Sklar Brothers, Griffin gave his thoughts on James possibly heading out west. While Griffin claimed to have no direct knowledge, he said he doubts that the three-time NBA champion will not go to Los Angeles and feels New York would be a more viable destination (via Complex).
“Honestly, I don’t see him coming to L.A. period. Listen, again, I have no idea. I think something is brewing with him and his group of guys. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I think something’s brewing and they’re going to try to make that work,” he said. “I could see him going to New York before L.A. I still think, when you go to the Garden, it’s a completely different feeling. The energy, there seems like there’s just a consistent buzz the entire game … even last year when you go play them, it’s still there.”
James’ future will be a hot topic in the next 12 months and players around the league will be among those to weigh in with their thoughts.
Below you can read up on several tidbits of Cavaliers news:
- Charles Curtis of USA Today breaks down why the Cavaliers will not trade James before his hits free agency despite the uncertainty of his future. Curtis notes that James has a no-trade clause, teams’ skepticism of trading for a player departing in one year, fielding a competitive team even without Kyrie Irving, and the reputation of the NBA’s best player.
- In a separate USA Today, Alysha Tsuji writes that a store in James’ native Akron, Ohio, is selling merchandise asking James to “Stay Home” to stay past the 2017/18 season.
- Sam Amico of Amico Hoops writes that unless the team begins its transformation project of Quicken Loans Arena by September 15, the Cavaliers will not be considered for an NBA All-Star game in 2020 or 2021.
Celtics Agree To Sign Daniel Dixon
The Celtics have agreed to a contract with College of William and Mary product Daniel Dixon, as first reported by Nicola Lupo of Sportando (via Twitter). Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders later tweeted confirmation that both sides reached an agreement. The signing of Dixon will bring the Celtics’ roster count to 20 players, the maximum entering training camp.
Dixon had a strong senior season at William and Mary as he averaged 19.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 2.5 APG while shooting nearly 38% from beyond the arc. The 6’6″ guard will give Boston another capable shooter who could impress in camp but as it stands, he remains as a longshot to make the roster.
With signings of Andrew White and Jabari Bird earlier this week, Boston has filled out its roster and provided possible depth for its G-League affiliate in Maine.
Mavericks Notes: Nowitzki, Mejri, Motley
Dirk Nowitzki, entering his 20th season with the Mavericks, will have a lot of questions surrounding his health and productivity. While the 39-year-old was still productive in 54 games last season, averaging 14.2 PPG and 6.5 RPG, his shooting (.437% )from the field was the lowest figure since his rookie season. As Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News writes, the legendary Maverick could become a bench player in 2017/18.
Sefko notes that coming off the bench would help keep Nowitzki’s legs fresh and perhaps prevent long term injuries. The German-born All-Star missed several games last season with Achilles tendon issues and considering the mileage on his body, pushing the near 40-year-old legend could only result in further damage.
However, the Dallas scribe is adamant in mentioning that if Nowitzki did not feel he could help, he would not play. “He will probably split time again between power forward and center, and the long-talked-about scenario of him coming off the bench might finally be in the cards, although he still seems better suited to start, keeping those creaky old legs from stiffening up after pregame warmups,” Sefko writes.
Below you can find additional notes surrounding the Mavericks organization:
- While Salah Mejri found his way into 73 games for Dallas last season, Eddie Sefko writes in a separate piece that he will have to prove himself in 2017/18 if he wants to remain with the Mavericks. Mejri averaged just 2.9 PPG last season and entering the final year of his deal, he will need to show improvements across the board.
- While he does not figure to get much NBA playing time, Johnathan Motley, who signed a two-way deal with the Mavericks, feels he can provide energy and size if called upon, NBA.com’s Earl K. Sneed writes. Motley enjoyed three good years at Baylor and went undrafted this year but could see time if the Mavericks are struck by injuries.
- Once from Sefko, he writes that Motley’s role with the team is uncertain but the two-way deal gives Dallas a choice to shuttle him between the NBA and G-League. If he stays healthy and proves he can be effective in the NBA’s minor leagues, he will get a look from the team, Sefko adds.