Kristaps Porziņģis and the Washington Wizards are in serious discussions about a new deal that would see him opt out of his $36 million player option for the 2023-24 season and sign a new long-term contract.
If Porziņģis opts out for next year and extends his deal, the Wizards can offer him a maximum of four years and $180 million, with the deadline for such an agreement being in late June.
Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard has been effectively ruled out for the remainder of the NBA season due to a calf injury.
The team’s drop in the standings, making it unlikely they will make the playoffs, is also a factor in the decision.
The Blazers will retain their lottery-protected first-round pick and may consider trading Lillard, who is due to make $216 million over the next four years.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, there may be serious discussions about Lillard’s future with the team.
The Charlotte Hornets have signed Nick Richards to a three-year, $15 million extension, thus avoiding restricted free agency this offseason. Richards, who was selected as the 42nd overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft out of Kentucky, has been contributing 7.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in an average of 18 minutes this season.
The news was reported by ESPN.
Zion Williamson has been given permission to resume on-court activities after being out of play due to a hamstring injury since January 2nd. However, he won’t be evaluated again for two weeks and may miss the rest of the regular season. The New Orleans Pelicans’ last regular-season game is on April 9th, and the earliest he can be cleared to play is April 5th based on the current timeline.
Hoopshype evaluates the upcoming free agent, Austin Reaves, and his stock after an impressive recent stretch of games. Reaves is a versatile player who can play different roles and contribute effectively. He has shown an ability to score, create plays, and complete difficult passes.
The Lakers are likely to re-sign him this summer, thanks to his restricted free agent status, and they could offer him a four-year contract worth $51 million. However, other teams with cap space could offer him a higher contract under the Gilbert Arenas provision, but it’s unlikely to happen.
The article also highlights the Lakers’ history of making mistakes with undrafted players and second-rounders, which could lead to luxury tax casualties elsewhere on the roster this offseason.
Jaylen Brown is uncertain about his future with the Boston Celtics as he approaches free agency next year.
Brown is unlikely to sign a contract extension with the Celtics and could potentially make more money as a free agent. However, if he is offered a supermax contract after making an All-NBA team this year, the situation could change.
Brown emphasized that he wants to stay where he is wanted and treated well, and he is focused on the present moment rather than his long-term future with the team.
The Utah Jazz have announced the return of Jarrell Brantley.
The forward has signed a 10-day contract.
Brantley is coming off a year in the NBL with the New Zealand Breakers (15.7 points, 6 rebounds).
Welcome 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬, @jstuntbrantley 🖤https://t.co/VaKfbEvdGR#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/kaPphPdPLR
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 18, 2023
The Golden State Warriors have converted forward Anthony Lamb to a standard NBA Contract.
Lamb was originally signed by Golden State on October 5 and converted to a Two-Way contract on October 14.
Lamb is averaging 7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 20 minutes per game.
Warriors convert forward Anthony Lamb to standard NBA contract: pic.twitter.com/fLwp2gO0Vu
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) March 17, 2023
eBron James has been out of play since February 26th due to a tendon injury in his foot, and it is expected that the Lakers will not provide any updates about his return until next week.
However, according to Brian Windhorst, James is not expected to return soon. Windhorst added that this injury may not be one that James can play through, and that the three-week reevaluation period mentioned earlier does not mean that he will return after three weeks.
The Lakers have won 5 out of 9 games since James was injured.
NBA player Ben Simmons and his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, have agreed to part ways. Klutch Sports had represented Simmons since he joined the NBA in 2016 and negotiated his $177 million extension with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019.
The news was reported by Ramona Shelburne.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Atlanta Hawks and Bogdan Bogdanovic have agreed to a four-year, $68 million extension.
The 30-year-old Serbian guard is producing 14.1 points and 2.9 assists per game this year, shooting 40 percent from long range on an impressive 6.7 attempts per game.
Bogdanovic had a player option for 2023/24 in his previous four-year, $72 million deal.
Bogdanovic declines the $18M player option on his 2023-2024 contract and his new deal kicks in next season, sources tell ESPN. Bogdanovic, 30, is averaging 14 points on 40 percent three-point shooting for the Hawks this season. https://t.co/wodWFNNswB
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 16, 2023
The Milwaukee Bucks have signed center Meyers Leonard to a contract for the remainder of the season.
Leonard played in five games with the Bucks this season while on two 10-day contracts and averaged 2.8 points and 2.0 rebounds in 6.8 minutes per game.
The 7-foot center has now appeared in 452 games with Portland, Miami and Milwaukee in his NBA career and holds averages of 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game.
Meyers stays on with Milwaukee for the rest of the season. https://t.co/1n8IkdxiFe pic.twitter.com/Y3WTNuUxfb
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 15, 2023
The NBA announced today that Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended eight games without pay for conduct detrimental to the league. The discipline is in response to Morant’s live streaming of a video on March 4 in which he is holding a firearm in an intoxicated state while visiting a Denver area nightclub. Morant will be eligible to return for the team’s game against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, March 20.
A meeting took place today in the NBA’s New York offices between NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Morant to discuss Morant’s conduct. NBA Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars and NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio, among others, attended the meeting.
The league office conducted an investigation of the March 4 incident. Based on the information obtained during the investigation, the league did not conclude that the gun at issue belonged to Morant, was brought by him into the nightclub or was displayed by him beyond a brief period. The investigation also did not find that Morant possessed the gun while traveling with the team or in any NBA facility, and the Colorado authorities did not find sufficient cause to charge Morant with a crime.
“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous,” said Silver. “It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him. He has expressed sincere contrition and remorse for his behavior. Ja has also made it clear to me that he has learned from this incident and that he understands his obligations and responsibility to the Memphis Grizzlies and the broader NBA community extend well beyond his play on the court.”
According to Shams Charania, Kris Dunn has reached an agreement with the Utah Jazz on a deal until the end of the season.
The Providence product recorded averages of 11.6 points, 4.8 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals in his 20 days with Coach Hardy’s group.
The Utah Jazz and guard Kris Dunn have agreed to a new deal for the remainder of the season, sources tell me and @Tjonesonthenba. Dunn is averaging 11.6 points, 4.8 assists and 4.8 rebounds for Jazz and earns a full deal after his second 10-day ended.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 14, 2023
The Cleveland Cavs have made official the signing of Sam Merrill to a multi-year deal.
The guard originally signed a 10-day deal with the Ohio team last March 3.
Merrill started the season in G League with the Cleveland Charge (16.4 points, 2.8 assists).
Here to stay.💪 #LetEmKnow
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 14, 2023
As part of the NBA’s ongoing CBA talks with the NBPA, a stipulation is being discussed that a player must play in a minimum number of regular season games to be eligible for major awards, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Both sides are in agreement on tying major awards to games played over the course of the season. The parties can point to a precedent, where a player must appear in at least 58 games to qualify for the league’s scoring title.
Boston Celtics assistant Damon Stoudamire is finalizing a deal to become Georgia Tech’s head coach, as reported by ESPN.
Stoudamire has informed the Celtics that he’s accepting job and making the leap to the ACC.
Chicago Bulls player Lonzo Ball may require a third surgery on his right knee, which would necessitate six more months of recovery and rehabilitation, according to sources who spoke to ESPN on Thursday. Ball has not played in an NBA game since January 14, 2022, and has already undergone two surgeries on the same knee in the past 14 months. The Bulls and Ball’s representatives are consulting with specialists before making a final decision on surgery, but a procedure this month would further delay his potential return next season. Ball has yet to run, cut, or jump without pain, despite making incremental progress in recent months. The Bulls signed Ball to a four-year, $80 million contract as a free agent, which began with a promising start in the 2021-22 season, during which he played a significant role on offense and defense, averaging 13.0 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 42% on 3-pointers. Since his injury, the Bulls have struggled and currently have a record of 30-36, ranking 11th in the Eastern Conference.
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant could be facing a long and several games suspension if it’s proven that he had a gun on team premises or plane, as reported by Marc Stein. This doubt is the focus of NBA’s investigation.
On Monday, Colorado police confirmed they were investigating Morant’s actions and any laws were broken. Morant’s video is believed to have been filmed in Glendale.
The Washington Wizards have signed National Basketball League MVP Xavier Cooks to a multi-year deal that will keep him with the team through the 2023-24 NBA season, according to Cooks’ agent, Daniel Moldovan. Cooks had previously signed two 10-day contracts with the Wizards, showcasing his skills in the NBA G League. The 26-year-old Australian has played professionally in his home country, Germany, and Greece before making his way to the NBA. He played college basketball at Winthrop University and was named the NBL MVP last season while playing for the Sydney Kings. In his debut with the Wizards, Cooks had four points and five rebounds in just over 14 minutes of play.
Washington Wizards signs Xavier Cooks until 2024.
Cooks is MVP of the National Basketball League in Australia with Sydney Kings.
The Washington Wizards are signing Sydney Kings forward Xavier Cooks – MVP of the National Basketball League in Australia — to a deal through the 2023-2024 season, his agent Daniel Moldovan of Octagon Sports tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 5, 2023
DaQuan Jeffries has signed a 10-day deal with the New York Knicks.
The forward, who originally signed a two-way player, averaged over 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists per game with the Westchester Knicks in G League.
.@nyknicks Sign DaQuan Jeffries to 10-Day Contract pic.twitter.com/o94WkDPzIR
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) March 5, 2023
Once free agent Goran Dragic completes his meetings in Milwaukee this afternoon, he plans to sign a deal with the Bucks for the rest of the season, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Brooklyn Nets strengthen the frontcourt with the signing of Nerlens Noel, reports Adrian Wojnarowski.
The former Kentucky center has played only 3 games this season with the Detroit Pistons.
Free agent center Nerlens Noel is signing a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, his agent @GeorgeLangberg tells ESPN. After completing buyout with Pistons, Noel joins a Nets team needing some size off the bench.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 4, 2023
San Antonio Spurs release Isaiah Roby to sign Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Roby averaged 11.8 minutes this season.
Mamukelashvili played 24 NBA games with Bucks and averaged in G League with Wisconsin 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds.
The San Antonio Spurs are releasing Isaiah Roby and claiming former Milwaukee Bucks C/F Sandro Mamukelashvili off waivers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 3, 2023
Milwaukee Bucks signs Meyers Leonard to a second consecutive 10-day contract.
American big man played 4 games with Bucks this month.
The Milwaukee Bucks are signing F/C Meyers Leonard to a second consecutive 10-day contract, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 3, 2023
The Milwaukee Bucks are the frontrunners to sign guard Goran Dragic.
A formal agreement could be reached as soon as Friday as reported ESPN.
Dragic is visiting the Bucks on Friday, sources said. The Bucks tried to sign Dragic prior to him committing to the Nets a year ago and could have agreement as soon as tomorrow.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 2, 2023
Jared Butler is signing a Two-Way deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
The Baylor product spent the season in G League with the Grand Rapids Gold (18.1 points, 5.5 assists per game, 40% from long range on 7.2 attempts).
Oklahoma City is signing guard Jared Butler to a two-way deal, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 2, 2023
The Milwaukee Bucks have requested waivers on Two-Way forward Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Mamukelashvili appeared in 65 games with the Bucks over the last two seasons while on a Two-Way contract and averaged 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 9.6 minutes per game. Originally selected with the 54th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Mamukelashvili also played in 30 games (23 starts) with the Wisconsin Herd over the past two seasons where he averaged 20.5 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
Milwaukee’s roster is now at 15 players.
The Milwaukee Bucks have requested waivers on two-way forward Sandro Mamukelashvili. https://t.co/LmsLfiDth5
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 1, 2023
The Golden State Warriors will sign Lester Quinones to a 10-day contract, Shams Charania reports.
The Memphis product recently won the G League Player of the Week award with averages of more than 31 points and 9 rebounds in 4 games with the Santa Cruz Warriors.
Moving up to 15 players, Golden State will be able to continue using Two-Way Players Ty Jerome and Anthony Lamb, as Anthony Slater explains in this article.
What a week for Lester Quiñones! 👏
The @GLeagueWarriors star averaged 31.0 PTS, 9.5 REB & 4.3 AST in a 3-1 week- including a career-high 42-point performance against the Stars. As a result, he's your Player of the Week. pic.twitter.com/LESEHakTa1
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) February 28, 2023
The Golden State Warriors plan to sign G League Santa Cruz guard Lester Quinones to a 10-day contract, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Quinones is averaging 21 points per game for Santa Cruz this season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 1, 2023
