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San Antonio Spurs trade Dejounte Murray to Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks have acquired All-Star guard Dejounte Murray and center Jock Landale in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs. In exchange, the Spurs receive forward Danilo Gallinari, a conditional 2023 first round pick (from Charlotte via New York), Atlanta’s 2025 and 2027 first round picks and a 2026 first round pick swap.

“The opportunity to acquire a player of Dejounte’s caliber, just entering his prime, doesn’t come along too often,” said Hawks President of Basketball Operations Travis Schlenk. “He has developed into one of the elite two-way guards in the league and we’re thrilled to add him to our group. I’d also like to thank Gallo for his professionalism and his contributions to the Hawks over the last two seasons.”

Murray appeared in 68 games (all starts) during the 2021-22 season, averaging career bests in points per game (21.1), assists per game (9.2), rebounds per game (8.3) and steals per game (2.0) in a career-high 34.8 minutes of action (.462 FG%, .327 3FG%, .794 FT%). The 6-4 guard became the first player in NBA history to average at least 20.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 2.0 steals in a single season. Murray totaled 1,438 points, 563 rebounds, 627 assists and 138 steals, becoming just the eighth player since the 1973-74 season to tally at least 1,400 points, 600 assists, 500 rebounds and 130 steals in a single season.

A 2022 NBA All-Star, Murray led the league in steals per game (2.03), while finishing fourth in assists per game (9.2) this past season. Per Elias Sports, Murray and Hawks All-NBA guard Trae Young will be the first pair of teammates in NBA history who each averaged at least 20.0 points and 9.0 assists per game in the previous season.

The University of Washington product recorded 13 triple-doubles during the 2021-22 season, the second-most in the NBA. Per Elias Sports, Murray is one of only six guards in NBA history with 13-or-more triple-doubles in a single season within his first five NBA seasons, joining Oscar Robertson (five times), Magic Johnson (twice), Michael Jordan, Fat Lever and Luka Doncic. He owns 17 career triple-doubles, the most in Spurs history. Against Houston on January 12, 2022, the Seattle, Washington, native recorded a triple-double of 32 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and zero turnovers in 37 minutes. Murray became the only player in the NBA this past season to record a 30-point triple-double while registering zero turnovers and became one of just seven players in NBA history to do so.

Over his five-year career, Murray has appeared in 320 games (249 starts), owning averages of 12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals in 25.8 minutes (.455 FG%, .330 3FG%, .771 FT%). He became the youngest player to be named to an All-Defensive Team, after earning the nod in 2018.

Landale saw action in 54 games (one start) for San Antonio during his rookie season, chipping in 4.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10.9 minutes (.495 FG%, .326 3FG%, .829 FT%). The former Saint Mary Gaels center poured in 10-or-more points on 10 occasions during the 2021-22 season, including a career-high 26 points on 12-15 shooting from the field against the Indiana Pacers on March 12.

A native of Melbourne, Australia, Landale suited up for the Hawks during the 2018 Summer League in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. In nine total Summer League contests with Atlanta (six starts), he averaged 5.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in 18.3 minutes.

Acquired by Atlanta on November 24, 2020, Gallinari appeared in 117 regular season games (22 starts) with the Hawks over two seasons, averaging 12.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 24.7 minutes (.434 FG%, .392 3FG%, .915 FT%). The Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Italy, native also saw action in 23 postseason games with Atlanta (three starts), compiling 12.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 24.1 minutes of play (.420 FG%, .384 3FG%, .952 FT%).

San Antonio Spurs hire Brett Brown as assistant coach

The San Antonio Spurs have hired Brett Brown as an assistant coach.

Brown joins Mitch Johnson and Matt Nielsen on head coach Gregg Popovich’s staff.

“I’m thrilled to be able to hire such a good coach, human being and dinner partner,” said Popovich.

Brown most recently served as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers from 2013 through the 2019-20 season. With Brown at the helm, the 76ers posted three-straight 50-win seasons from 2017-20 and made three straight postseason appearances.

Prior to leading the 76ers, Brown served as assistant coach on Popovich’s staff in San Antonio for 11 seasons from 2002-13. He was a member of the Spurs organization for their first four championship seasons (1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007). He originally joined the Spurs as a member of their basketball operations department in 1998-99 but left after the season to become the Head Coach of the Sydney Kings of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). He rejoined the Spurs in July of 2002 as the team’s Assistant Coach/Director of Player Development and was moved to the bench as an assistant coach prior to the 2006-07 season.

In addition to his time with the Spurs, Brown has a wealth of coaching experience in Australia. He started as an assistant coach with the Melbourne Tigers before being named head coach of the North Melbourne Giants in 1993 and earned NBL Coach of the Year honors in 1994 after leading the Giants to the National Championship. Brown also served as head coach of the Australian National Team from 2009-2012, leading the Boomers during the 2012 Summer Olympics, and again from 2019-20.

Timberwolves exercise contract options on Jaylen Nowell and Naz Reid

The Minnesota Timberwolves have exercised team options on guard Jaylen Nowell and center Naz Reid.

Nowell, 22, enters his fourth season in the NBA after appearing in a career-high 62 games (one start) in 2021-22, averaging 8.5 points on a career-best 47.5% shooting from the field, 2.0 rebounds and a career-high 2.1 assists per game. In the Dec. 27 victory over the Boston Celtics, Nowell played a career-high 34:41 minutes off the bench, scoring a career-high 29 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including a career-high-tying 6-of-9 from three and grabbed a career-high-tying six rebounds. The Seattle native has appeared in 119 career games with the Timberwolves (one start), holding averages of 8.1 points on 44.6% shooting, 1.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

Reid, 22, wrapped up his third season in the NBA last year, appearing in a career-high 77 games (six starts) with averages of 8.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game. During the 2021-22 season, Reid recorded four double-doubles, including tallying his first career 20+ point/10+ rebound game on Jan. 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the way for the Wolves, scoring a season-high 23 points on 10-of-17 shooting while grabbing a season-high 11 rebounds, including a career-high-tying five offensive boards. The Asbury Park, N,J. native saw action in his first career playoff games last season, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in five contests against the Memphis Grizzlies. Reid has played in 177 career games (32 starts), while averaging 9.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.

Utah Jazz hire David Fizdale as associate general manager

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has hired David Fizdale as associate general manager. He joins the organization with 18 years of NBA coaching experience.

Fizdale most recently served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2021-22 season and previously served as head coach of the New York Knicks from 2018-20 and the Memphis Grizzlies from 2016-18.

Prior to joining the Grizzlies for his first NBA head coaching assignment, Fizdale spent eight seasons (2008-16) with the Miami Heat as an assistant coach, including the final two years as assistant head coach under Erik Spoelstra. During his tenure in Miami, the Heat won back-to-back NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013, and more playoff games (70) and series (15) than any other NBA team.

He also served as an assistant coach for one season in Golden State (2003-04) and for four seasons in Atlanta (2004-08).

Fizdale began his coaching career at the collegiate level, serving as an assistant coach at his alma mater, the University of San Diego (1998-02) and at Fresno State (2002-03). His first NBA job was as a member of the Heat’s video department in 1997-98.

He was a three-year starter at USD and was named to the All-West Coast Conference team as a senior in 1995-96 when he led the conference in assists with 7.0 per game.

The Los Angeles, Calif., native earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in sociology.

Utah Jazz name Will Hardy as new head coach

The Utah Jazz have named Will Hardy as their new head coach.

Hardy is the ninth head coach in Jazz history and sixth since the franchise’s relocation to Salt Lake City in 1979.

Hardy joins the Jazz from the Boston Celtics, where he spent one season as an assistant coach, helping guide the team to its first NBA Finals appearance since 2010. He was also a member of the USA men’s basketball coaching staff that won the gold medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Prior to the Celtics, Hardy spent 11 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach. He also served as the head coach of the Spurs entries in the Salt Lake City Summer League from 2015-18 and NBA Summer League in Las Vegas in 2017 and 2018.

“We could not be more excited to welcome Will Hardy as the next head coach of the Utah Jazz,” said Ryan Smith, NBA governor of the Utah Jazz. “He has incredible experience and we believe in his continued trajectory. Danny and Justin ran a comprehensive process and we are confident Will is the right head coach to lead us into the next chapter of the Utah Jazz. Ashley and I and the entire ownership group are grateful to welcome Will, his wife Spencer, and their family to Utah.”

“Will Hardy is one of the brightest young leaders in the NBA,” said Utah Jazz CEO of basketball operations Danny Ainge. “He understands the importance of setting a vision and creating a culture for players. He places great value on communication, player development and creating the most productive environment for players to succeed. His experience on coaching staffs that have made the NBA Finals and with USA Basketball are invaluable and have helped prepare him for this moment. We couldn’t be more excited for Will to lead the Jazz moving forward.”

“As our search committee went through this process, Will really separated himself among a group of extremely talented candidates,” said Jazz general manager Justin Zanik. “We’re eager to get to work with him as we continue our pursuit of bringing an NBA championship to Utah.”

Hardy began his career in San Antonio as a basketball operations intern in 2010 before being promoted to assistant video coordinator in 2011 and then video coordinator in 2013. He also served on the coaching staff for Team USA at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

“The Utah Jazz are one of the most respected and successful franchises in the NBA and the fan base here is legendary,” Hardy said. “This opportunity comes with tremendous responsibility. I’m grateful for the trust the Jazz have placed in me and I look forward to the work ahead.”

A native of Richmond, Va., Hardy graduated from Williams College where he played four collegiate seasons for the Ephs while earning an undergraduate degree in English.

2022-23 Portland Trail Blazers preseason schedule

The Portland Trail Blazers will tip-off their five-game 2022-23 preseason schedule with a matchup against the LA Clippers, who will host the Trail Blazers in Seattle, Wash. at Climate Pledge Arena on Monday, October 3.

Portland will open their preseason home slate with a contest against division rival Utah Jazz at Moda Center on Tuesday, October 4 and host international opponent, Maccabi Haifa on Thursday, October 6.

The Trail Blazers will complete the preseason with two Northern California road games; visiting Sacramento on Sunday, October 9 and then facing off with the 2022 NBA Champions, Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, October 11.

DATE OPPONENT TIME (PT) VENUE

October 3 @ LA Clippers 7:00 PM Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle, WA.)

October 4 vs. Utah 7:00 PM Moda Center

October 6 vs. Maccabi Haifa 7:00 PM Moda Center

October 9 @ Sacramento 6:00 PM Golden 1 Center

October 11 @ Golden State 7:30 PM Chase Center

Portland Trail Blazers extend qualifying offer to Anfernee Simons

The Portland Trail Blazers have extended a qualifying offer to guard Anfernee Simons, making him a restricted free agent, General Manager Joe Cronin announced today.

By extending a qualifying offer to Simons, Portland obtains the Right of First Refusal on any offer sheet he may sign with another team.

During the 2021-22 campaign, Simons averaged 17.3 points (44.3% FG, 40.5% 3-PT, 88.8% FT), 2.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 29.5 minutes per game in 57 games (30 starts). The 24th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft has also accrued career averages of 10.2 points (42.5% FG, 39.2% 3-PT, 83.3% FT), 2.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 20.7 minutes per game in 211 games (35 starts) for the Trail Blazers.

Lakers exercise team options on Wenyen Gabriel and Stanley Johnson

The Los Angeles Lakers have exercised their team options for the 2022-23 season on Wenyen Gabriel and Stanley Johnson, it was announced today by Vice President, Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka.

Gabriel appeared in 19 games (five starts) for Los Angeles last season, averaging 6.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in 16.4 minutes while shooting 50.5 percent from the field. Gabriel has played 77 career games, averaging 3.6 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10.8 minutes.

Johnson played 48 games (27 starts) for the Lakers last season and averaged 6.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 22.8 minutes per game. Across 419 career games, Johnson has averaged 6.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 20.1 minutes

Clippers agree to contract extension with Ivica Zubac

The LA Clippers have agreed to a contract extension with Ivica Zubac, President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank announced.

“For four seasons, Zu has been a pillar of our team, durable and dependable,” said Frank. “He does whatever is needed: setting screens, rolling to the rim, anchoring the interior of the defense. He is a reliable teammate and a consistent pro, just entering the prime of his career. We are excited to continue growing with him.”

Per the Los Angeles Times, the two sides “agreed to terms on a three-year, $33-million deal that has no options, according to people familiar with the negotiations but not authorized to speak publicly.”

Zubac, 25, started 76 games for the Clippers last season and averaged career-highs in points (10.3), rebounds (8.5), assists (1.6) and blocked shots (1.0). The 7-foot center also set a career-high with 25 double-doubles, the most for a Clipper since 2017-18.

More from the Times: “The team held an option that it declined so Zubac could be signed to a longer-term contract.”

Zubac has appeared in 360 games and owns career averages of 8.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 19.0 minutes during his six-year NBA career with the Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers. Selected 32nd overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, Zubac ranks fourth in the NBA in total games played (220) over the past three seasons.