Kenneth Lofton Jr. has signed a deal with the Shanghai Sharks, a team currently in second-to-last place in the CBA.
The 22-year-old big man spent the preseason with the Chicago Bulls.
Lofton Jr averaged 4.6 points in 21 games in the last NBA season.
The Charlotte Hornets have exercised team options for the third year of guards Brandon Miller and Nick Smith Jr. and for the fourth year of center Mark Williams.
Miller, the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, scored 17.1 points per game with 37 percent from long range as a rookie.
Smith Jr was selected at No. 27 in the same draft, while Williams was taken at No. 15 in 2022.
OFFICIAL: We have exercised our third-year team options on guards Brandon Miller and Nick Smith Jr., in addition to exercising our fourth-year team option on center Mark Williams.
🔗https://t.co/SEWNWgHALn pic.twitter.com/vA8KRMDNjB
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 30, 2024
The Memphis Grizzlies are converting two-way center Jay Huff to a new four-year standard NBA contract, according to agent Michael Siegel.
The 7-footer has had an impressive start to the season, averaging 13 points and 3.3 rebounds over 19 minutes per game, while shooting an outstanding 57.1 percent from beyond the arc.
The Memphis Grizzlies are converting two-way C Jay Huff on a new four-year standard NBA contract, agent Michael Siegel told me and @BobbyMarks42. The 7-footer has had a strong start to the season, averaging 13 points, 3.3 rebounds, 19 minutes while shooting 57.1 percent from 3. pic.twitter.com/BgIq8qKqek
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 28, 2024
The Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly interested in PJ Tucker if he parts ways with the Clippers.
A buyout of his expiring contract would open the door for Tucker to join one of these teams according with Marc Stein.
Lonnie Walker IV was left off the initial Maine Celtics training camp roster, despite his path back to the NBA potentially going through the G League.
The guard may be exploring other options, including reported interest from Real Madrid.
The Houston Rockets are closely watching Jimmy Butler’s situation, as he could enter free agency next summer or request a trade according with Marc Stein.
The Texas team remains alert, eyeing a potential homecoming for the veteran star.
The Los Angeles Clippers have granted PJ Tucker’s agent, Andre Buck, permission to negotiate with other teams to explore a trade.
Tucker remains away from the team as he awaits an opportunity to contribute in a winning environment.
Sources: Los Angeles Clippers granted permission for PJ Tucker’s agent Andre Buck to speak with other teams to facilitate working on a trade. Both sides continue working together while the veteran remains away from the team waiting for an opportunity to contribute to winning. pic.twitter.com/RUqXeOgOLE
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 24, 2024
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas remains focused despite not receiving a rookie contract extension before the deadline. After a breakout 2023-24 season, where he averaged 22.5 points per game, Thomas will enter restricted free agency next summer.
Asked about the situation, Thomas said, “Just getting ready to play the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow. So, that’s all I’m focused on. I don’t really care about all the extra stuff. Just worried about trying to get a win on Wednesday.”
#Nets guard Cam Thomas on not getting a rookie extension: “Just getting ready to play the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow. So, that’s all I’m focused on. I don’t really care about all the extra stuff. Just worried about trying to get a win on Wednesday.” #NBA #Hawks
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) October 22, 2024
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has agreed to a three-year, $110 million contract extension, according to Shams Charania.
The new deal was finalized shortly before Minnesota’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, securing the four-time Defensive Player of the Year for the team.
Gobert declined his $46.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, opting for a longer-term contract that gives the Timberwolves more salary cap flexibility. The contract also includes a player option for 2027-28 and a trade kicker.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has reached a three-year, $110 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN. T’Wolves and Gobert’s agent, Bouna Ndiaye, negotiated the new deal locking in the league-record four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/1FfVQnbJYa
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2024
Aaron Gordon has agreed to a four-year, $133 million contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, according to Klutch Sports.
The deal includes a player option for 2028-29 and a trade kicker. Gordon, 29, was a key contributor to the Nuggets’ 2023 championship team, averaging 13.9 points and 6.5 rebounds in the 2023-24 season.
AG will opt into his $22.8 million player option for the 2025-26 season and receive his max number the remaining three years. https://t.co/MCA6jT3DRc
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 22, 2024
Jared Butler signs a two-way contract with Washington Wizards.
Butler averaged 6.3 points on 48.8% shooting from the field with Washington last season.
The Washington Wizards have agreed to a two-way contract with Jared Butler, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports told @hoopshype. Butler averaged 6.3 points on 48.8% shooting from the field with Washington last season. pic.twitter.com/EjNF32cKTJ
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 21, 2024
Jalen Johnson has agreed to a five-year, $150 million rookie contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks.
Johnson had a breakout third season, averaging 16 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has agreed to a five-year, $150 million rookie contract extension with the franchise, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and representative Lucas Newton told ESPN. Major new deal for Atlanta’s young cornerstone. pic.twitter.com/bzlK7SCQNg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2024
Quentin Grimes, who has averaged 8.5 points per game over three NBA seasons, did not reach an extension agreement with the Dallas Mavericks.
The player will enter the next offseason as a restricted free agent.
The Dallas Mavericks and guard Quentin Grimes did not come to an extension agreement, @hoopshype has learned. Grimes will enter restricted free agency in the offseason. The 24-year-old guard has averaged 8.5 points and shot 37.1% from 3-point range in three NBA seasons. pic.twitter.com/IaNNK9h22c
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 21, 2024
Jaden Hardy has agreed to a three-year, $18 million rookie contract extension with Dallas Mavericks.
Former Coronado guard averaged 6.6 points last NBA season.
Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy has agreed to a three-year, $18 million rookie contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Hardy, 22, has averaged 7.9 points during his two seasons in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/yCFKXF5hrd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2024
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun has agreed to a five-year, $185 million contract extension, as reported by his agents to ESPN. The deal includes a player option in the final year.
Sengun, 22, emerged as an All-Star candidate last season, averaging 21.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5 assists per game before suffering an ankle injury.
Houston center Alperen Sengun has agreed on a five-year, $185 million rookie extension, his agents Sean Kennedy and Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball, tells ESPN. The contract includes a player option in the last year.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) October 21, 2024
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is reportedly set to pass on a contract extension with the team, even if offered.
According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Butler is also expected to decline his player option for the 2025-26 season and enter free agency in 2025.
However, internal sources suggest Butler wishes to stay in Miami and sign a new deal.
Lonnie Walker IV is officially an unrestricted free agent.
The player, who averaged 9.8 points in six NBA seasons, was approached by BasketNews to Real Madrid.
Lonnie Walker IV has cleared waivers and is now an unrestricted free agent, league sources told @hoopshype. The 25-year-old guard has averaged 9.8 points in 20.3 minutes per game in six NBA seasons. pic.twitter.com/OOhFpd9fBT
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 21, 2024
The Charlotte Hornets will turn Jared Rhoden’s contract into a two-way one.
The Seton Hall forward played 17 games last season with the Detroit Pistons.
The Charlotte Hornets have claimed Jared Rhoden off waivers, league sources told @hoopshype. Rhoden is expected to become a two-way player for the Hornets by the team implementing a two-way clause conversion in his contract, sources say. pic.twitter.com/v3hbEo9fay
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 21, 2024
The New Orleans Pelicans signed Brandon Boston Jr. on a two-way contract.
Last season the wing produced 4.9 points in 35 games with the Clippers.
The New Orleans Pelicans are signing former Clippers G Brandon Boston Jr. to a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2024
The Los Angeles Clippers and guard Bones Hyland have not reached terms on a rookie-scale extension, which means he will become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Sources: Los Angeles Clippers and guard Bones Hyland will not reach terms on a rookie-scale extension and he’ll become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season. pic.twitter.com/FZXTjYMolb
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 21, 2024
The Golden State Warriors have extended Moses Moody’s contract for three years, totaling $39 million.
Moody, who was in the final year of his rookie deal, impressed during training camp and is expected to have a larger role this season.
The news was confirmed by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.
Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody has agreed to a three-year, $39 million rookie contract extension, CEO of Klutch Sports, Rich Paul, tells ESPN. Moody has developed into a key, reliable rotation player for Steve Kerr and the Warriors. pic.twitter.com/JVJqZsaJEn
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2024
Yesterday NBA teams announced the releases of several players before the start of the regular season.
Players who could be interesting for the European market include center Frank Kaminsky, point guard Killian Hayes, forward Braxton Key, center Armando Bacot, guard Miye Oni, center Anzejs Pasecniks and guard Jamaree Bouyea.
The Detroit Pistons have signed two players to two-way NBA deals.
Alondes Williams, a guard who spent training camp with the Clippers and played for Miami and Brooklyn in the last two seasons, and Cole Swider, a forward who averaged nearly eight points in preseason with the Pacers after stints with the Lakers and Heat.
Swider brings needed shooting to Detroit’s frontcourt.
The Detroit Pistons are signing guard Alondes Williams to a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. Williams spent training camp with the Clippers after playing eight games for Miami and Brooklyn over last two NBA seasons.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2024
Free agent F Cole Swider plans to sign a two-way NBA contract with the Detroit Pistons, sources tell ESPN. The former Lakers and Heat shooter averaged nearly eight points for the Pacers in preseason.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2024
The Detroit Pistons and Cole Swider have agreed to a two-way deal, league sources told @hoopshype. The 25-year-old forward brings needed shooting to Detroit’s frontcourt after spending the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. pic.twitter.com/72Ip84fHbZ
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 19, 2024
Yuki Kawamura, a point guard just over 170 centimeters tall, earned the Memphis Grizzlies’ last available Two-Way Player spot, as reported by Micheal Scotto and other NBA reporters,
The 23-year-old Japanese during the preseason dished out 4.2 assists in 15 minutes per game.
Kawamura arrives in the NBA after an excellent season in the B.League (20.8 points, 8 assists per game for the Yokohama B-Corsairs).
The Boston Celtics opted to release guard Lonnie Walker, as reported by Shams Charania.
The 25-year-old guard could start the season in the G League with the team affiliated to the reigning champions.
Given their complicated salary situation, the Celtics were supposed to spend about $11 million between contract and Luxury Tax to retain Walker.
Most likely the team will start the regular season with 14 players.
The Charlotte Hornets will waive Charlie Brown Jr., who has spent four seasons in the NBA.
Last season, as a Knicks two-way player in the G League, he averaged 16.6 points per game.
The Charlotte Hornets will waive Charlie Brown Jr, league sources told @hoopshype. Brown has spent four seasons in the NBA and is owed $2.24 million for the 2024-25 season. As a Knicks two-way player, he averaged 16.6 points, 5.9 boards and 2.1 steals in the G League last season. pic.twitter.com/YpKMB1jTjc
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 18, 2024
The Sacramento Kings are waiving guard Boogie Ellis, who averaged 9.0 points and shot 39% from 3-point range during the preseason.
Ellis also shot 47% from beyond the arc during Summer League.
The Sacramento Kings are waiving guard Boogie Ellis, league sources told @hoopshype. Ellis averaged 9.0 points in 12.8 minutes during the preseason, while shooting 39% from 3-point range and playing capable defense. During eight Summer League games, he shot 47% from 3-point range pic.twitter.com/Skxdan1zCx
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 18, 2024
Doug McDermott reached an agreement with the Sacramento Kings a couple of days ago on a one-year contract.
According to Michael Scotto, it is a “partially guaranteed” deal worth $750,000.
The Sacramento Kings signed Doug McDermott to a one-year deal, which is partially guaranteed for $750,000, league sources told @hoopshype. McDermott enters his 11th season in the NBA and is a career 41% 3-point shooter. pic.twitter.com/CWGkH5gevV
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 18, 2024
The Detroit Pistons have waived Lamar Stevens, who had signed a training camp contract at the end of September.
The forward in four NBA seasons averaged 5.7 points per game.
The Detroit Pistons have waived Lamar Stevens, league sources told @hoopshype. The 27-year-old forward has averaged 5.7 points in four NBA seasons. pic.twitter.com/wPtT7qQhZF
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 17, 2024
The Portland Trail Blazers have released Devonte’ Graham.
The experienced point guard had signed with the team during free agency.
Graham in six NBA seasons put together career averages of 11.1 points and 4.3 assists, shooting 36 percent from long range.
The Portland Trail Blazers have waived guard Devonte’ Graham.
The Trail Blazers’ roster currently stands at 18, including three two-way players. pic.twitter.com/OfMPGWnHzi
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 17, 2024
