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Nets sign T.J. Warren

The Brooklyn Nets yesterday signed free agent forward T.J. Warren to a contract.

“T.J. is a proven three-level scorer with the size and versatility to make an impact for us,” said Nets General Manager Sean Marks. “We think T.J. is a great fit on the wing, and we’re excited to welcome him and his family to Brooklyn.”

Warren (6’8”, 215) has appeared in 332 games (236 starts) across seven seasons with the Indiana Pacers (2019-21) and Phoenix Suns (2014-19), registering averages of 15.5 points on 50.7 percent shooting from the field, 35.7 percent shooting from 3-point range and 78.0 percent shooting from the free-throw line, 4.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steals in 28.8 minutes per game. The 28-year-old played in just four games in the last two seasons due to injury, but in his last full season in 2019-20 with the Pacers, he appeared in and started a career-high 67 games, while averaging a career-high 19.8 points per game on a career-high 53.6 percent shooting from the field, 40.3 percent shooting from 3-point range and a career-high 81.9 percent shooting from the free-throw line, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 32.9 minutes per contest. In six seeding games in the Orlando Bubble in the summer of 2020, Warren put together the best stretch of his career, averaging 31.0 points on 57.8 percent shooting from the field, 52.4 percent shooting from 3-point range and 88.9 percent shooting from the free-throw line, 6.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals in 36.4 minutes per game, trailing only Damian Lillard (38.9 points per game), James Harden (31.7 points per game) and Devin Booker (31.0 points per game) in seeding game Orlando Bubble points per game. The Durham, N.C., native also saw the first playoff action of his career in Orlando in 2020, posting averages of 20.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.3 steals in four games in a first round series against the Miami Heat.

Warren was originally selected with the 14th overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft by Phoenix after spending two years (2012-14) at North Carolina State University. At NC State, Warren was named to the ACC All-Freshmen Team in his first season and then earned All-ACC First Team, ACC Player of the Year and consensus second-team All-American honors in his second and final collegiate season.

Atlanta Hawks hire Mike Longabardi as an assistant coach

The Atlanta Hawks today announced the hiring of Mike Longabardi as assistant coach. Longabardi, who owns 19 years of NBA coaching experience, and has won two NBA Championships, comes to the Hawks following one season as an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings.

Prior to Sacramento, he spent two seasons as a member of the Washington Wizards coaching staff (2019-21). Before his time in Washington, Longabardi, who was hired on Jan. 25, 2016, by the Cleveland Cavaliers, spent three and a half years as an assistant coach for the Cavs, winning one of his two NBA titles in 2016.

The Frostburg State alumnus has also spent time as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns (2012-15) and Boston Celtics (2007-13). While with Boston, Longabardi helped lead the Celtics to three Eastern Conference Finals, two NBA Finals appearances and a 2008 NBA Championship.

In addition, he was an assistant coach/video coordinator for the Houston Rockets under Jeff Van Gundy. In 2003-04, his first year in Houston, Longabardi served as assistant video coordinator before being promoted to lead video coordinator the following season.

A native of Brooklyn, New York, he began his coaching career at the collegiate level for seven seasons, which included coaching stops at Pfeiffer University, Adelphi University, Lafayette College and Townson University.

Lakers sign rookie Max Christie

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Max Christie, it was announced today by Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka.

Christie appeared in 35 games (all starts) in his lone season at Michigan State last year, averaging 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 30.8 minutes. The 2021-22 Big Ten All-Freshman Team selection scored in double figures in 13 games last season and was selected with the 35th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Timberwolves sign rookie Wendell Moore Jr.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed rookie guard Wendell Moore Jr.

Moore Jr., 6-5, was also acquired by Minnesota during the 2022 NBA Draft, averaged 13.4 points (ranking second on Duke), 5.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists (fourth in the ACC) and 1.3 assists per game in his junior season at Duke.

For his collegiate career, Moore Jr. averaged 10.7 points on 45.9% from the field and 35.8% from three, 4.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He recorded the fifth triple-double in Duke history with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against Army on Nov. 12, 2021.

Brooklyn Nets sign Edmond Sumner

The Brooklyn Nets have signed free agent guard Edmond Sumner.

Sumner (6’4”, 196) has appeared in 108 games (29 starts) across four seasons (2017-21) with the Indiana Pacers, recording averages of 5.7 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 14.1 minutes per game. The 26-year-old was most recently acquired via trade by the Nets on Oct. 6, 2021, before being waived on Oct. 10, and did not participate in the 2021-22 NBA season due to a torn left Achilles tendon. In his last full season in 2020-21 with the Pacers, he appeared in 53 games (24 starts) and averaged a career-high 7.5 points on 52.5 percent shooting from the field (career high), 39.8 percent shooting from 3-point range (career high) and 81.9 percent shooting from the free-throw line (career high) and 1.8 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game. During his time in Indiana, Sumner saw action in four career playoff games and recorded averages of 1.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in 10.5 minutes per contest. Sumner was originally selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the 52nd overall pick in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft before being dealt to Indiana in a draft-night trade.

The Michigan native spent three collegiate seasons (2014-17) at Xavier University, appearing in 58 games (all starts) and averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 26.6 minutes per game. As a junior in 2015-16, Sumner was named Second Team All-Big East.

Raptors sign D.J. Wilson

The Toronto Raptors have signed forward D.J. Wilson to a multi-year contract.

Wilson, 6-foot-10, 230 pounds, signed three 10-day contracts with the Raptors last season. He averaged 7.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 13.5 minutes in four appearances. Wilson also played in 31 games (23 starts) with the Oklahoma City Blue in the NBA G League, averaging 17.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 27.8 minutes. He shot .528 (214-405) from the field, scored 20+ points 12 times and posted 17 double-doubles with the Blue. He recorded a season-high 37 points Jan. 29 at Agua Caliente and had 34 points and a season-best 17 rebounds Feb. 9 vs. Sioux Falls.

A native of Mount Shasta, California, Wilson was picked 17th overall by Milwaukee in the 2017 NBA Draft after three collegiate seasons at Michigan (2014-17). He holds career averages of 4.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 12.3 minutes in 146 games (six starts) with Milwaukee, Houston, and Toronto.

Nuggets re-sign Vlatko Cancar

The Denver Nuggets have signed forward Vlatko Cancar to a multiyear contract, General Manager Calvin Booth announced today.

Čančar, 6-8, 235, has appeared in 70 games (two starts) for Denver over the past three seasons, averaging 2.3 points and 1.3 rebounds in 7.2 minutes per game. Čančar dealt with injuries throughout the 2021-22 season, appearing in 15 games while averaging 4.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists on .583 shooting from three-point range.

Before originally signing with Denver in 2019, The 25-year-old native of Slovenia played for the San Pablo Burgos in the Spanish ACB league during the 2018-19 season. He appeared in 34 games (22 starts) and averaged 10.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 22.9 minutes per game. He was named to the Spanish ABC Best Young Team after his solid season which highlights the most promising young prospects in their league. Prior to his time with the San Pablo Burgos, Čančar played multiple seasons for KK Mega Bemax of the Adriatic League and was named the 2017-18 Round 18 MVP.

Čančar was originally selected by Denver with the 49th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Hawks trade Kevin Huerter to Kings for Maurice Harkless, Justin Holiday and draft pick

The Sacramento Kings yesterday acquired Kevin Huerter in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks for Maurice Harkless, Justin Holiday and a future first round pick, according to General Manager Monte McNair.

“The opportunity to acquire a player like Kevin is always exciting,” said Kings General Manager Monte McNair. “His ability to create shots and score will make him an instant asset to our team. We would also like to thank Maurice Harkless and Justin Holiday for their many contributions and wish them all the best in the future.”

Huerter, 23, played for Atlanta for the last four seasons (2018-22). During the 2021-22 campaign, Huerter averaged 12.1 points (.454 FG%, .389 3PT%, .808 FT%) 3.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals and 29.6 minutes per game through 74 games (60 starts).

“In acquiring Justin and Moe, we add two defensive-minded, quality veterans who can help our team on the court and in the locker room,” said Hawks President of Basketball Operations Travis Schlenk. “We would like to thank Kevin for his contributions, both on and off the court. He grew as a player and person in his four seasons with us and we wish him the best in Sacramento.”

Holiday, who was acquired by Sacramento on Feb. 8 in a trade with the Indiana Pacers, appeared in 74 total games during the 2021-22 season (65 starts), averaging 10.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 27.8 minutes (.394 FG%, .367 3FG%, .806 FT%). He put in 10-or-more points on 37 occasions this past season, including pouring in a season-high 27 points on 9-11 shooting from the field and a 6-8 mark from three-point territory in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Nov. 13. Holiday’s .818 field goal percentage in the victory marked a career-high clip from the floor (min. 10 FGA).

From the 2018-19 campaign through the 2020-21 season, the 6-6 guard saw action in every game (227 total games, 135 starts). Holiday brings nine years of NBA playing experience to the Hawks, having suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers (2012-13), Golden State Warriors (2014-15), Atlanta Hawks (2015-16), Chicago Bulls (2015-16, 2017-18), New York Knicks (2016-17), Memphis Grizzlies (2018-19), Indiana Pacers (2019-22) and Sacramento Kings (2021-22). He has appeared in 576 games (285 starts), tallying 8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 24.6 minutes (.398 FG%, .365 3FG%, .820 FT%). He has also seen action in nine postseason games (two starts), registering 3.6 points and 1.8 rebounds in 15.8 minutes (.478 FG%, .529 3FG%).

Holiday brings international playing experience to Atlanta, having played for Okapi Aalstar (2011-12, Belgium) and Szolnoki Olaj (2013-14, Hungary). The Chatsworth, California, native suited up for the Washington Huskies from 2007-11, earning a spot on the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team in 2010. Holiday’s younger brother, Aaron, was recently signed by the Atlanta Hawks, while his older brother, Jrue, is a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Harkless appeared in 47 games (24 starts) for the Kings during the 2021-22 season, notching 4.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in 18.4 minutes (.459 FG%, .307 3FG%, .714 FT%). He recorded a double-double in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Feb. 5, tallying a season-high tying 18 points on 7-14 shooting from the floor, including a 4-8 clip from the three-point line, and a season-high 11 rebounds in 38 minutes.

Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 15th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Harkless has appeared in 621 games (372 starts) over his 10-year career, averaging 6.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in 22.6 minutes (.474 FG%, .320 3FG%, .624 FT%). Acquired by the Orlando Magic as part of a four-team trade prior to the start of his rookie season, the 6-7 forward has played for the Magic (2012-15), Portland Trail Blazers (2015-19), LA Clippers (2019-20), New York Knicks (2019-20), Miami Heat (2020-21) and Sacramento Kings (2020-22). He has appeared in 33 postseason games (32 starts), owning averages of 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 steal in 24.6 minutes (.436 FG%, .289 3FG%, .609 FT%).

A native of Queens, New York, Harkless played collegiately at St. John’s for one season (2011-12) before entering the NBA Draft. In his sole season suiting up for the Red Storm, he was named the BIG EAST Rookie of the Year, as well as a member of the BIG EAST All-Rookie Team and an All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention.

Raptors sign Otto Porter Jr.

The Toronto Raptors announced yesterday they have signed forward Otto Porter Jr. to a multi-year contract.

Porter Jr., 6-foot-8, 198 pounds, averaged 8.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 22.2 minutes in 63 games (15 starts) with Golden State last season. He shot .464 (193-416) from the field, including .370 (80-216) from three-point range, scored in double figures 26 times, and recorded five double-doubles. In the playoffs, he helped the Warriors capture the NBA championship, averaging 5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 19.5 minutes in 19 games (three starts).

“As an organization that’s working toward our next title, we believe that Otto – who understands what it takes to be an NBA Champion – is a great addition to the Raptors. He has proven himself at the highest levels in our game,” General Manager Bobby Webster said. “He’s a versatile defender and high-level shooter who fits well with our team both on and off the court. We really value his high basketball IQ, his connections to our city, and we’re looking forward to getting started.”

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Porter Jr. has played nine seasons in the NBA after being selected third overall by Washington in the 2013 draft. He has appeared in 504 career games (316 starts), averaging 10.6 points (.477 field goal percentage, .398 three-point percentage, .794 free throw percentage), 5.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.13 steals in 26.0 minutes with Washington, Chicago, Orlando and Golden State. Porter Jr. has appeared in 50 career postseason contests (21 starts), averaging 8.2 points (.491 field goal percentage, .359 three-point percentage, .726 free throw percentage), 5.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.12 steals in 25.9 minutes. Prior to being drafted by the Wizards, Porter Jr. played two seasons at Georgetown (2011-13).