NBA rumors

Crvena Zvedza reportedly interested in Oshae Brissett

According to Serbian website Sportske.net, Crvena Zvedza continues to scour the market for a power forward, and has reportedly identified reigning NBA champion Oshae Brissett as the alternative to the return of Filip Petrusev.

The 26-year-old Canadian forward has not exercised the Player Option included in his previous contract with the Boston Celtics, but he is still without a team when we are now on the eve of Training Camp.

Last year Brissett produced 3.6 points and 2.9 rebounds in 11 minutes per game with the NBA champions.

Philadelphia 76ers sign Lester Quinones

Free agent guard Lester Quinones has agreed to a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to The Athletic.

Quinones, who played for the Golden State Warriors over the last two seasons, averaged 4.2 points in 10.1 minutes across 41 games. He will now compete for a roster spot with the 76ers for the upcoming NBA season.

Zach LaVine Actively Engaged in Bulls’ Offseason Despite Trade Rumors

Zach LaVine has been an active participant in the Chicago Bulls’ offseason activities, despite previously expressing interest in a trade.

The Bulls held informal workouts in Miami, where LaVine fully engaged before stepping away for personal reasons. He later rejoined his teammates in Chicago ahead of the upcoming training camp.

Although trade discussions are ongoing, LaVine is committed to supporting the team’s current development. In talks with head coach Billy Donovan, LaVine assured he would not hinder the growth of younger players on the roster.

Source: The Athletic

Magic sign Mac McClung, Javonte Smart and Ethan Thompson

The Orlando Magic have announced the signings of Mac McClung, Javonte Smart and Ethan Thompson.

The three guards signed an Exhibit 10, that will allow them to receive a bonus after two months spent in the G League with the team affiliated to the Magic.

The Florida team also made official the releases of Myron Gardner and Tre Scott.

 

Nets sign Killian Hayes, Tyrese Martin and Yongxi Cui

The Brooklyn Nets made official the signings of point guard Killian Hayes and swingman Tyrese Martin, and the arrival of Yongxi Cui on a Two-Way Contract.

The 23-year-old Frenchman left the Pistons after four seasons, the last with 6.9 points and 4.9 assists in 24 minutes per game.

Martin comes from a good year in the G League with the Iowa Wolves (over 16 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists per game).

Yongxi Cui is a 21-year-old Chinese forward who produced 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals last year in the CBA with the Guangzhou Loong Lions.

 

AJ Griffin reportedly leaving Rockets

AJ Griffin and the Houston Rockets have agreed to a buyout, as reported by Jonathan Feigen.

The 21-year-old former Duke swingman will miss the entire 2024-2025 season and then consider whether or not to return to the court.

Griffin, son of former Bucks coach Adrian, was selected by the Hawks at No. 16 in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Joel Embiid signs a three-year contract extension with Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have finalized a three-year, $192.9 million contract extension (193 for The Athletic) that ensures the 2023 MVP remains with the team through the 2028-29 season. With this deal, Embiid’s total guaranteed earnings rise to $299.5 million (301 for The Athletic), as confirmed by multiple sources. The star center declined his previous $59 million player option for the 2026-27 season in favor of the new extension, which will see him earning $69 million in the final year.

In a statement shared on social media, Embiid expressed his commitment to Philadelphia, emphasizing his desire to spend the rest of his career with the franchise. He expressed love for the city and fans, stating that there’s still unfinished business, particularly with hopes for delivering a championship to the 76ers.

This extension marks another significant step for the Sixers, who have invested heavily this offseason. Alongside Embiid’s deal, the franchise extended guard Tyrese Maxey and signed notable players like Caleb Martin and Eric Gordon. Embiid, who has been a key figure in the Sixers’ recent successes, remains one of the most dominant centers in the league, averaging 27.9 points per game over his career.

With his earnings set to reach $514.8 million by the end of his new contract, Embiid is positioned as one of the highest-paid players in NBA history, solidifying his role as the face of the 76ers franchise.

 

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Javon Freeman-Liberty joins Manisa

Javon Freeman-Liberty, a 24-year-old scorer who can play both backcourt positions, is a new player of Manisa.

Freeman-Liberty last season shined in G-League with the Raptors 905, scoring 24.2 points with 6.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

The former Depaul also played 22 games in the NBA (7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists).

 

 

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Jiangsu Dragons sign Terquavion Smith and James Thompson IV

The Jiangsu Dragons have finalized the signings of guard Terquavion Smith and center James Thompson IV.

As a rookie, Smith was a two-way player for the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring an average of 3.2 points in 16 games.

The former NC State also played 36 games in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats (22.2 points, 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals pg).

Thompson IV spent 2023/24 in VTB League with Samara (9.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG in 24 minutes).

Dmytro Skapintsev reportedly joining Celtics

The Boston Celtics and Dmytro Skapintsev have reached an agreement on an Exhibit 10 contract, reports Michael Scotto.

The 26-year-old Ukrainian big man last year made his NBA debut with the New York Knicks, but played mostly in the G League with the Westchester Knicks (10 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 blocks per game).

Skapintsev is also eligible for a Two-Way contract, but the Celtics have already used the 3 spots reserved for that type of deal, so they would have to release one among Watson, Petersen and Davison to eventually retain the Ukrainian center.

 

NBA is targeting 2027/28 for expansion teams to begin playing

The road map toward a new NBA expansion, which could take the league from the current 30 to 32 teams, had been made clear early on: first the new collective bargaining agreement (ratified), then the new “media deal” (also signed), and then, eventually, the expasion. Now the time has come, and the NBA commissioner has confirmed that it will be discussed intensively in the coming months. Seattle and Las Vegas remain the main candidates for expansion. As for Las Vegas, some rumors speak of a possible interest by LeBron in having a small minority stake in the franchise that could be hosted by the Californian city. While for Seattle, according to ESPN, the Oklahoma City Thunder would be ready to allow the eventual new team to acquire the “Supersonics” name again

As reported by sources to ESPN, the NBA is targeting the 2027/28 season for the new franchises’ official inclusion, which will also be the one in which they will begin play.

Minnesota Timberwolves sign Skylar Mays, Eugene Omoruyi

Skylar Mays will continue his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Michael Scotto reports.

Mays played 38 games last season between the Blazers and Lakers. With him also Eugene Omoruyi, former Wizards.

Isaac Okoro reportedly signing three-year, $38 million deal with Cavs

Isaac Okoro has agreed to a three-year, $38 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The news was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski.

Okoro was one of the main players still available in free agency.

The former Auburn forward ended last season with averages of 9.4 points, 3 rebounds and 1.9 assists, shooting 49% from the field and 39% from three.

 

Los Angeles Lakers close to sign Christian Koloko

Christian Koloko, a 7-foot center, is close to making his return to the NBA, with the Los Angeles Lakers emerging as frontrunners to sign him. According to The Athletic, Koloko is awaiting clearance from the NBA’s fitness panel but is currently eligible to sign.

The 22-year-old, a former second-round pick of the Raptors, has been considering multiple offers, including interest from the Clippers, Spurs, and Raptors. However, the Lakers, seeking frontcourt depth, are leading the race to secure his services.

Golden State Warriors’ show interest in Butler

The Golden State Warriors have shown interest in Jimmy Butler, who is set to become a free agent next summer. According to Sam Amick, Butler did not reach an extension agreement with the Miami Heat, opening the door for future negotiations.

Reports suggest the Warriors made some calls to Miami this summer to explore the possibility.

Portland Trail Blazers: Robert Williams III could get traded

The Portland Trail Blazers could deal Robert Williams III at the trade deadline. According to a report by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the center could leave Portland this offseason and join a contender, a team that could guarantee him a significant role if he stays healthy.

The long 26-year-old makes “only” $13 million and could be an interesting player for contenders despite the many physical problems he has had in recent years. Robert Williams III could recover from the serious injury he suffered last November (torn kneecap and knee ligaments) by the start of the season.

Markieff Morris to remain with Mavs

According to Shams Charania, the Dallas Mavericks and Markieff Morris have agreed on a new contract that will allow the former Kansas forward to play another season with Coach Kidd’s group.

The reporter of The Athletic explains that this was one of Dallas’ offseason priorities, as the Texas team did not want to lose Morris’ contribution in terms of leadership in the locker room.

Morris ended last year with 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game.

Jamal Murray reportedly signing four-year, $209 million max contract extension with Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets take Jamal Murray off next summer’s list of NBA free agents with a four-year, $209 million max contract extension.

The news was reported by Shams Charania.

The Canadian point guard is now under contract with the Nuggets until 2029 for about 244 million total.

The details of the new deal, shared by Bobby Marks:

 

Murray ended last season with 21.2 points and 6.5 assists per game, shooting 48 percent from the field, 42 percent from long range and 85 percent from the foul line, but without replicating the feats in the playoffs that brought the title to Denver in 2022.

E.J. Liddell reportedly joining Bulls

According to Michael Scotto, forward E.J. Liddell has reached an agreement with the Chicago Bulls.

It’s most likely an Exhibit 10 contract, that will allow the former Ohio State forward to receive a bonus after two months with the Bulls-affiliated G League team.

Picked No. 41 overall in the 2022 Draft, Liddell missed his first pro season due to a serious knee injury.

Last year the forward played mostly in the G League (17.3 points, 8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 29 games with the Birmingham Squadrons).

 

Vasilije Micić: I am staying in Charlotte, it’s official

Vasilije Micić has officially confirmed that he will stay with the Charlotte Hornets for the 2024-2025 NBA season, dispelling rumors of a possible move to the Denver Nuggets.

In an interview with Sport Klub, he said: “I am staying in Charlotte, it’s official. All those speculations, I don’t comment on them unless something is concrete. Maybe there was some interest, but nothing concrete enough to talk about. I’m happy to be where they want me, and I think this season will be more productive for me.”

Los Angeles Lakers sign Alex Fudge

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed forward Alex Fudge. Fudge played in six NBA games last season as a two-way player for the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 2.5 points in 6.7 minutes.

The 21-year-old also participated in 33 NBA G League games with the Texas Legends and South Bay Lakers, averaging 8.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 18.5 minutes.

Chicago Bulls sign Talen Horton-Tucker

Free agent guard Talen Horton-Tucker signs a partially guaranteed deal with the Chicago Bulls.

The Chicago native returns home and will have the opportunity to join the Bulls’ roster after averaging 10.5 points over the past two seasons with the Utah Jazz.

Yongxi Cui reportedly signing Two-Way deal with Brooklyn Nets

According to several Chinese media outlets, 21-year-old Yongxi Cui will join the Brooklyn Nets on a two-year Two-Way Contract.

The NBA Global Academy product, who seemed headed to the Trail Blazers on an Exhibit 10, comes from a successful two-year stint in the CBA with the Guangzhou Loong Lions (15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game in 2023/24).

The news was also confirmed by Nets Daily.