Stein’s Latest: Morant, Young, Knicks, Gafford, More
Ja Morant has become the name to watch in NBA trade circles following reports that the Grizzlies were open to listening to offers for their star point guard.
In his latest article for The Stein Line (Substack link), Marc Stein notes that, due to their reported interest in trade targets like Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and Domantas Sabonis, there is a belief around the league that the Raptors may be facing internal win-now pressure, which could lead to them making a play for Morant.
Stein also states that, despite rumors that the Kings aren’t looking to making a move for the oft-injured point guard, he has heard rumors that Sacramento’s interest in Morant could be piqued if the Grizzlies would consider a return built around DeMar DeRozan, Devin Carter, and draft assets.
Carter was the 13th pick in the 2024 draft but has struggled to carve out a role with the Kings, averaging just 8.4 minutes this season.
Morant has played 18 games this season and is averaging 19.0 points and 7.6 assists on .401/.208/.900 shooting splits.
We have more from Stein’s latest newsletter:
- One of the lingering questions following the Wizards‘ trade for Young is whether Washington will extend its newly acquired guard. Stein, who notes that the Hawks’ refusal to extend Young was one of the impetuses that led to their separation, says there are rumblings that the four-time All-Star will ultimately land a two-year extension. With Young widely expected to see little to no action during the second half, Stein notes that the Wizards will likely to point to Toronto’s handling of Brandon Ingram last year as a precedent if the league takes issue with their new point guard sitting out. Ingram didn’t suit up for the Raptors last season, with the team citing an ankle injury.
- The Knicks have struggled to regain their footing after claiming the NBA Cup, winning just one of their last six games. While it’s unlikely that they’ll part with any of their core players, Stein writes that Guerschon Yabusele and second-year wing Pacome Dadiet are both available as New York attempts to tinker around their margins. Yabusele, after a breakout return to the NBA with the Sixers last season, has struggled to find a rhythm or role in coach Mike Brown‘s system, leading to him being in and out of the rotation. Dadiet, the 25th pick in the 2024 draft, has seemingly been overtaken in the rotation by youngsters like Mohamed Diawara and Kevin McCullar Jr., having played just 44 minutes in 14 games.
- While the Hawks‘ interest in Davis is well-documented, Stein writes that they also have some level of interest in another Mavericks big man: Daniel Gafford. Gafford offers less upside than Davis, but such a deal would help the Hawks keep Zaccharie Risacher out of trade talks. Stein adds that the Pacers and Celtics are also interested in pursuing the 27-year-old center.
- Spencer Dinwiddie is now eligible to sign with an NBA team after parting ways with Bayern Munich, but Stein reports that he could need some time to deal with the personal matters that led to his leaving the EuroLeague club.
- According to Stein, the Mavericks are holding off on waiving Dante Exum to open up a roster spot to promote Ryan Nembhard because they hope they can use Exum’s $3.3MM salary in a trade instead. Decisions on converting two-way players like Spencer Jones (Nuggets), Daniss Jenkins (Pistons), and Pat Spencer (Warriors) will likely all happen after the trade deadline for similar reasons, especially since those players won’t reach their active game limits until around that time.
International Notes: Dinwiddie, Silva, De Colo, NBA Europe
Veteran NBA guard Spencer Dinwiddie has officially parted ways with Bayern Munich, the German team announced in a press release.
According to Bayern, which competes in both the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) and the EuroLeague, Dinwiddie’s contract was terminated in a mutual agreement. The 32-year-old was granted permission to travel to the United States prior to Christmas because a family member is dealing with a serious illness.
“I would like to thank the organization, the team, and the fans. Despite the recent challenging phase of the season, I felt very comfortable in Munich. Unfortunately, I am currently not in a position to play,” Dinwiddie said in a statement.
An 11-year NBA veteran, Dinwiddie signed a one-year, minimum-salary contract with Charlotte in July. Although the deal was fully guaranteed, he became the victim of a preseason roster crunch for the Hornets, who waived him on October 16. He signed with Bayern, his first international team, a week later.
Here are a few more international items of interest:
- Former NBA big man Chris Silva is moving from AEK Athens to Fenerbahce, as first reported by Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu (via Twitter) and confirmed by Semih Tuna of Eurohoops.net and Domantas Urbonas of BasketNews.com. The 29-year-old forward/center was thriving with the Greek team and reportedly received interest from multiple EuroLeague clubs before deciding to sign with Turkey’s Fenerbahce, which won the EuroLeague championship last season.
- Fenerbahce will also be adding ex-NBA guard Nando De Colo, who has parted ways with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, according to an announcement from the French team (hat tip to Tuna of Eurohoops). “Approached by the Turkish club, Nando was keen to seize this opportunity, to which LDLC ASVEL did not object, wishing to respect the player’s wishes,” ASVEL said in a statement. “The entire club thanks Nando for his integrity and professionalism throughout these years spent at LDLC ASVEL and wishes him the maximum joy and trophies for the rest of his career.”
- Some European politicians have raised objections about the NBA’s proposed European league, according to Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops. January will be an important month for the new venture and for the EuroLeague, which is waiting to hear back from four teams — including Fenerbahce and ASVEL — about whether or not they will stay in the league in 2026/27, per Aris Barkas of Eurohoops.
International Notes: Ryan, Dinwiddie, Parker, Faried
Free agent sharpshooter Matt Ryan is finalizing a contract with Dubai Basketball, sources tell Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com (Twitter link).
A 6’6″ wing, Ryan has suited up for five different NBA teams over the past four seasons, having spent most of 2024/25 with the Knicks. He rarely played for New York last season, only making 19 garbage-time appearances (3.6 minutes per game).
The 28-year-old signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Knicks in September and spent all of training camp and the preseason with the team, but was waived last month before the ’25/26 campaign began. As a four-year veteran, Ryan is no longer eligible for a two-way contract.
Dubai BC is in its first season in the EuroLeague and features several ex-NBA players, including Davis Bertans, Mfiondu Kabengele, and Dwayne Bacon.
Here are a few more notes from overseas:
- Veteran NBA guard Spencer Dinwiddie was cut by the Hornets this fall and decided to continue his career in Europe, having signed with Bayern Munich. In an interview with Nicolas Bulach of BasketEurope, Dinwiddie discussed the decision to play in Germany as well as the broader trend of former NBA players joining the EuroLeague. “Everybody is realizing that there is another very high-level basketball league in the world,” Dinwiddie said (hat tip to Nikola Miloradovic of Eurohoops). “The EuroLeague is very competitive. We have the chance to keep chasing our dreams and to enjoy playing the game, no matter where you are in your career. I think that’s why a lot of players move from the NBA to the EuroLeague.”
- Four-time NBA champion Tony Parker has agreed to become the head coach of France’s under-17 men’s national team, according to Marc J. Spears of Andscape. Parker explained he was motivated to make the move because he recently came across a list his late father made for his three sons. “When I went through his notes after he passed away, one of his notes was top 10 goals for his kids,” the Hall of Famer told Andscape in a phone interview. “And when it came to me, it was coaching in the NBA and coaching the national team. That’s what he put on goals for me. So, it gives me a great inspiration and great motivation to follow this dream. …I want to give back because I miss the court. I miss the adrenaline, the challenge, the drive to win something. The front office is fun, but it’s not the same as being on the court.”
- Amid frontcourt injuries to Mathias Lessort, Richaun Holmes and Omer Yurtseven, Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos has reached a rest-of-season agreement with veteran big man Kenneth Faried, reports Aris Barkas of Eurohoops. The 35-year-old had been playing in Taiwan, but Panathinaikos bought out his contract, Barkas explains. Faried’s deal with Panathinaikos will be finalized soon, pending a physical, head coach Ergin Ataman confirmed today (Twitter video link via Eurohoops).
Spencer Dinwiddie Signs With Bayern Munich
After having been linked to multiple EuroLeague teams, including Olympiacos, free agent point guard Spencer Dinwiddie has officially signed with Bayern Munich, the German club announced in a press release. The deal doesn’t include an NBA out clause, according to the team.
An 11-year NBA veteran, Dinwiddie signed a one-year, minimum-salary contract with Charlotte in July. Although the deal was fully guaranteed, the 32-year-old became the victim of a preseason roster crunch for the Hornets, who waived him last Thursday in order to set their regular season roster.
Dinwiddie spent last season in Dallas and played a more significant role than expected due to the Luka Doncic trade and a series of injuries affecting guards like Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum. He was one of the only Mavericks players who made it through the season without dealing with any major health issues.
In 79 games (30 starts), Dinwiddie averaged 11.0 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per night, with a shooting line of .416/.334/.802.
Dinwiddie’s new team competes in both the EuroLeague and Germany’s top league (Basketball Bundesliga). Bayern just missed the EuroLeague playoffs last year after finishing with a 19-15 record, losing to Real Madrid in the play-in tournament for the final spot. However, the club is a powerhouse in the German league, having won each of the past two domestic titles. Dinwiddie will look to help make it three in a row for Bayern in 2025/26.
International Notes: Dinwiddie, Butler, Cancar, Samanic, More
A pair of point guards who were waived by NBA teams within the past week are drawing interest from clubs in Europe, according to league insider Marc Stein (Twitter links), who reports that both Spencer Dinwiddie and Jared Butler have suitors overseas.
While Stein doesn’t specifically identify any of the teams in the mix for Dinwiddie, he says Turkish powerhouse Anadolu Efes is not among that group. As for Butler, Stein suggests the Serbian team Crvena Zvezda has emerged as the frontrunner, echoing reporting from Stavros Barbarousis of Eurohoops. KK Partizan and Olympiacos are also among the teams linked to Butler, who is considered likely to end up with Crvena Zvezda.
Dinwiddie and Butler are among the most notable players who were part of the final wave of preseason cuts around the NBA. Dinwiddie was waived by the Hornets last Thursday despite having signed a guaranteed one-year contract with the team earlier in the offseason. Butler was released by the Suns a day later despite a strong preseason that included a 35-point, nine-assist performance last Tuesday.
Here’s more from around the international basketball world:
- Former Nuggets forward Vlatko Cancar and Olimpia Milano have parted ways, the team confirmed in a statement (story via BasketNews.com). Cancar signed with the Italian club as a free agent this summer, but has dealt with a knee issue in recent weeks, which may have played a part in his release.
- Another former NBA forward is leaving his team in Europe, as Spanish club Baskonia and former first-round pick Luka Samanic are going their separate ways, writes Nikola Miloradovic of Eurohoops. The expectation is that Samanic, the 19th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, will return to Cibona, his home team in Zagreb, Croatia. He had a brief stint with Cibona last season as well.
- While they’re losing Samanic, Baskonia has officially signed guard Kobi Simmons to a two-month contract, the EuroLeague team announced in a press release. Simmons, who made 42 NBA appearances for four teams between 2017-24, will add depth to an injury-plagued Baskonia backcourt.
- Former Sixers and Grizzlies shooting guard Dakota Mathias is headed to Australia, having agreed to a deal with the Brisbane Bullets, reports Olgun Uluc of ESPN (Twitter link). Mathias signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Indiana in 2024 but hasn’t appeared in an NBA game since 2022.
- Free agent guard David Duke Jr., who has appeared in NBA games in each of the past four seasons with Brooklyn and San Antonio, is drawing interest from teams in Australia’s National Basketball League, according to Uluc (Twitter link). Duke was waived last week by the Suns and seems likely to open the season with Phoenix’s G League affiliate unless he finds a situation overseas that he likes more.
Stein’s Latest: Connaughton, Knicks, Mazzulla, Curry, Mavs
Charlotte’s decision to release Spencer Dinwiddie — after signing the veteran guard to a guaranteed minimum-salary contract over the summer — surprised some people around the NBA, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Substack link).
There was some speculation that the Hornets might waive Pat Connaughton instead, but Stein hears the team decided to keep the veteran wing because he’s popular in the locker room and has championship experience. Another key factor: the Hornets remain cautiously optimistic they might be able to use Connaughton’s $9.4MM expiring contract in a trade before February’s deadline, Stein writes.
Here’s more from Stein:
- The Knicks attempted to speak to several employed head coaches when they were looking for a replacement for Tom Thibodeau, but all of their formal requests were denied. According to Stein, there have been rumblings that New York also informally explored the possibility of trying to pursue Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, which obviously went nowhere — a month after the Knicks hired Mike Brown, Mazzulla signed an extension with Boston. While the Celtics vaguely referred to Mazzulla’s agreement as a multiyear extension, Stein hears the 37-year-old likely received a six-year contract.
- There’s zero doubt that the Warriors will eventually re-sign Seth Curry — the only question is when, says Stein. While Golden State could technically bring Curry back on November 11, waiting a bit beyond that date would give the Warriors more breathing room below their second apron hard cap, and they are believed to be considering that path, per Stein.
- The Mavericks waived NBA veterans Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Dalano Banton and Dennis Smith Jr. on Friday. Their G League affiliate — the Texas Legends — controls the returning rights of Robinson-Earl and Banton, and Dallas expects both players to open the season with the Legends, according to Stein. The Mavs are also optimistic that Smith with play for the Legends, but Stein points out that the former lottery pick’s rights are currently held by the Wisconsin Herd — an NBGL trade between Wisconsin and Texas would need to occur for that to happen. Banton was on an Exhibit 10 deal with the Mavs (Robinson-Earl and Smith were on Exhibit 9s), so he’s the only player of the group who will receive a bonus if he spends at least 60 days with the Legends.
Hornets Waive Spencer Dinwiddie
12:28 pm: The move is official, according to a Hornets press release.
12:08 pm: Just three months after signing a guaranteed contract with the Hornets as a free agent, veteran point guard Spencer Dinwiddie is being waived, according to Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
Dinwiddie agreed to terms with Charlotte early in free agency on a one-year, minimum-salary deal and officially finalized that agreement on July 13. Because his salary was guaranteed, the 32-year-old will still receive his full $3,634,153, while the Hornets will carry $2,296,274 in dead money on their cap, assuming Dinwiddie goes unclaimed on waivers.
An 11-year NBA veteran, Dinwiddie played a more significant role than expected in Dallas last season due to the Luka Doncic trade and a series of injuries affecting guards like Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum. He was one of the only Mavericks players who made it through the season without dealing with any major health issues.
In 79 games (30 starts), Dinwiddie averaged 11.0 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per night, with a shooting line of .416/.334/.802. All of those numbers were in the ballpark of his career rates.
The Hornets’ decision to sign Dinwiddie in July was a little curious, given that the team had already traded for Collin Sexton and agreed to re-sign Tre Mann at that point in the offseason. It appeared the front office was making it a priority to load up on point guard depth after Mann and starter LaMelo Ball missed significant time last season due to injuries.
However, facing a roster crunch this fall and with Ball and Mann both healthy, the Hornets decided that Dinwiddie was the odd man out. He registered six points and six assists in 30 total minutes across two preseason games with the club — Charlotte was outscored by 20 points in those 30 minutes.
Once Dinwiddie is officially placed on waivers, the Hornets will have 14 players on guaranteed contracts, plus center Moussa Diabate on a non-guaranteed deal. There had been speculation that Pat Connaughton would be the roster casualty in Charlotte, but unless more moves are coming in the next few days, it looks like the former Buck is now on track to make the team’s regular season roster.
Hornets Notes: Miller, Knueppel, Lee, Mann, Dinwiddie, Lineup
Forward Brandon Miller is healthy and will participate in training camp, Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson said on Monday, according to Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer (Twitter link). Miller’s 2024/25 campaign was cut short by wrist surgery performed in January.
There’s no timetable regarding the injury status of Grant Williams and Josh Green, Peterson added. Both players are expected to miss all of training camp. Green underwent left shoulder surgery in June, while Williams tore the ACL and meniscus in his right knee last November.
We have more on the Hornets from Boone:
- LaMelo Ball was caught off guard by rookie Kon Knueppel‘s athleticism, particularly his hops (Twitter link). “I’m not going to lie. I’m going to go with the bounce,” he said. “For real. I didn’t know he could jump like that. He’s even caught a few little dunks. I’m like, ‘Hold up, I’ve seen ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ at the end and he’s been kind of jumping like that the whole day, though. Solid.”
- Hornets head coach Charles Lee indicated the system and offensive strategy has been tweaked so they can play faster this season. He added he’s more prepared now than he was in his first year on the job (Twitter link).
- Tre Mann re-signed with the team on a three-year, $24MM contract. He missed most of last season due to a back injury but started to feel back to normal in April. “I’m grateful to be healthy,” he said. (Twitter video link).
- Journeyman guard Spencer Dinwiddie signed a one-year deal in July as a free agent. He believes the team has the talent to end its postseason drought. “Being able to help a team possibly trying to make the playoffs is an exciting opportunity and another challenge in my career,” he said. (video link).
- Ball, Miller and Miles Bridges are starting lineup locks. Who fills the other spots? According to Boone, Sexton could be the person sliding into the shooting guard spot. Starting him would allow Lee to moved him to point guard when Ball goes to the bench in the opening quarter. At center, Lee could play the matchup game. Veteran Mason Plumlee appears to be the favorite to snag that spot, backed up by Moussa Diabate and rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner.
Hornets, Spencer Dinwiddie Finalize One-Year Deal
July 13: The Dinwiddie signing is official, Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer notes (via Twitter).
July 2: Free agent point guard Spencer Dinwiddie has agreed to sign a one-year contract with the Hornets, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
Charania’s report doesn’t include any salary details, but I’d expect it’ll be a veteran’s minimum deal for Dinwiddie, who played for the minimum last season as well, as a member of the Mavericks.
Dinwiddie, 32, played a more significant role than expected in Dallas due to the Luka Doncic trade and a series of injuries affecting guards like Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum. He was one of the only Mavs players who made it through the season without dealing with any major health issues.
In 79 games (30 starts), Dinwiddie averaged 11.0 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per night, with a shooting line of .416/.334/.802. All of those numbers were in the ballpark of his career rates.
Charlotte entered the offseason with LaMelo Ball as the only point guard on a guaranteed contract for next season and didn’t address this position in last week’s draft, but have been busy adding backcourt depth since then. The Hornets made a trade for combo guard Collin Sexton and agreed to re-sign point guard Tre Mann before also agreeing to terms with Dinwiddie.
A report over the weekend indicated that the Hornets were considering making a run at Chris Paul, a North Carolina native, as they sought a veteran point guard. However, the 12-time All-Star wants to play as close to his home in Los Angeles as possible, prompting Charlotte to pivot to other targets and ultimately land on Dinwiddie.
Knicks Notes: Achiuwa, Tucker, Payne, Shamet, Free Agents, Brown
Coming off a frustrating season in terms of playing time, Knicks big man Precious Achiuwa “started to see the game a lot differently” in January, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post (subscriber link).
Bondy notes that Achiuwa was never able to win the full trust of former head coach Tom Thibodeau, dating back to his arrival in a trade with Toronto last season. Thibodeau inserted former Knick Jericho Sims into the starting lineup instead of Achiuwa when Karl-Anthony Towns was injured, and Achiuwa saw his minutes drop even more when Mitchell Robinson returned in March.
Bondy points out that Achiuwa got off to a strong start during the preseason, but wasn’t able to claim a regular role after missing the first 21 games of the regular season with a hamstring strain.
“You don’t want to start off the season hurt,” Achiuwa said. “And I was kind of having a really good preseason. So getting hurt right there kind of throws you off your rhythm. You get back, you’re trying to get back your rhythm. And then you’re battling getting your rhythm with inconsistencies in terms of playing time, playing style. It took a while for me. But it was tough.”
Achiuwa is exploring his options as he prepares for free agency at the end of the month. Bondy believes the chances of him staying in New York may have improved slightly due to the coaching change, but the team’s salary cap situation makes a return uncertain.
“Going to take a little bit of time from my end to think about that stuff,” Achiuwa said regarding free agency. “But that’s something that’s important. So when that time comes, I have people who I pay money to handle that type of stuff, who have those type of conversations. So we’ll see how that goes.”
There’s more from New York:
- The Knicks are almost certain to decline their $3.5MM option on P.J. Tucker for next season, Bondy adds in the same piece, but that doesn’t mean he won’t re-sign. Although Tucker barely played after joining the team in March, he established himself as a strong locker room leader. Bondy notes that free agent guards Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet are both close friends of Mikal Bridges, increasing the chances that they’ll return. Bondy identifies Al Horford, Nicolas Batum and Chris Paul as potential low-cost additions in free agency.
- In a mailbag column, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic points to Grizzlies sharpshooter Luke Kennard as another possible free agent target. Edwards acknowledges that Kennard is likely to receive better offers than the $5.7MM he could get from New York, but adds that his status as a CAA client could give the Knicks an advantage. Edwards also names Horford as an MLE target, along with Spencer Dinwiddie and Trey Lyles.
- Former Sacramento head coach Mike Brown conducted his interview with the Knicks on Wednesday, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Twitter link).