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Rockets sign Khyri Thomas and Cam Reynolds

The Houston Rockets today signed guard Khyri Thomas (Ky-ree) to a multi-year contract, and signed forward Cam Reynolds to a 10-day contract using a hardship exception.

Thomas (6-3, 210) originally signed a 10-day contract with Houston on May 7 and averaged 20.3 points over his first three games, including a career-high 27 at Utah on May 8. He had a career-best 11 assists with just one turnover in the Rockets last game at the Los Angeles Lakers on May 12.

Through four games with Houston, Thomas has recorded 65 points, 20 assists, 15 rebounds, 9 steals and 3 blocks. Dating back to 1983-84, he is the second Rocket (James Harden in 2015-16) to have posted those numbers within a player’s first four games in a season.

Reynolds (6-8, 225) was eligible for the 2018 NBA Draft following his senior season at Tulane. After averaging 16.1 points and 4.6 rebounds for the Austin Spurs in the G League bubble this season, Reynolds signed a 10-day contract with San Antonio on March 26 and saw limited action in three games.

Last season, Reynolds was with Milwaukee as a two-way player and spent his time with their G league affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, while averaging 14.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. He began 2018-19 playing for the Stockton Kings in the G League before signing with Minnesota and shooting 41.2% from 3-point range in 19 games. Reynolds has averaged 2.6 3-pointers made on 37.2% shooting in his G League career.

If Donovan Mitchell makes All-NBA Team, Jazz contract goes way up

Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz are having a fantastic season. The team has their eye on the Finals, and it’s a realistic vision. In terms of what Mitchell’s personal success may mean to each side’s wallets, here’s the Salt Lake Tribune:

This week, the collective decisions of 100 NBA media members are worth $32 million to the Utah Jazz.

Let me explain. You’ll remember that Donovan Mitchell signed a maximum contract extension this summer, but the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement has a provision that says that Mitchell’s maximum can be for a higher percentage of the salary cap if he makes All-NBA in the season before his extension kicks in.

Mitchell’s contract is guaranteed for 5 years and $163 million — 25% of the Jazz’s salary cap. If he makes an All-NBA team, that contract would jump to $195.6 million — 30% of the Jazz’s salary cap.

Mitchell is currently injured, and will make his return to action in the postseason. Via the Deseret News:

He suffered the injury in a win over the Indiana Pacers and has since missed 13 consecutive contests. During that stretch, the Jazz have won eight games and lost five, most recently Monday night against the Golden State Warriors, all while trying to hold off the Phoenix Suns for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

Before sustaining the injury, Mitchell was in the midst of a career year, averaging new highs of 26.4 points, 5.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game.

Heat guard Victor Oladipo undergoes surgery

Miami Heat guard Victor Oladipo underwent surgery yesterday on his right quadriceps tendon. The surgery was performed by Dr. Jonathan Glashow at the NYU Medical Center.

Oladipo, who was acquired by the HEAT in a trade on March 25, appeared in 33 games (all starts) this season averaging 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.39 steals and 32.7 minutes. He appeared in four games with Miami averaging 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.75 steals and 27.8 minutes, helping the HEAT to a 3-1 record over that span.

here is no timetable for his return at this time.

Update on pending sale of the Timberwolves

Here’s the latest on the pending sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves, via the Star Tribune:

Glen Taylor has been close a few times to selling his stake of the Timberwolves, but no deal has crossed the finish line.

That appears to be changing.

Taylor, 80, has an agreement for the $1.5 billion sale of the Wolves and Lynx to former baseball star Alex Rodriguez and tech entrepreneur Marc Lore, a source confirmed.

The sides previously agreed to a 30-day exclusive negotiating window last month, but talks between the sides never ceased when that window expired nor were there any major stumbling blocks to getting a deal done. An announcement sealing the deal could come soon.

The next step in the process will be to have the NBA approve the sale, which is likely to take weeks.

The Timberwolves are 22-48 this season, though of course that has little bearing on a team’s value. NBA teams have massive and still-growing value, and the chance to own one is an incredible opportunity.

Celtics forward Jaylen Brown undergoes wrist surgery

Celtics forward Jaylen Brown yesterday underwent successful scapholunate (wrist) reconstruction surgery.

He is expected to return to basketball activities in approximately three months.

The Celtics are just 35-35 this season, which is the 7th best record in the Eastern conference.

Their leading scorers so far in 2020-21 are Jayson Tatum at 26.4 points per game, Brown at 24.7 ppg, Kemba Walker at 19.3 ppg in 43 games played, and Marcus Smart at 13.1 ppg.

Brown this season averaged 24.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 31.8 minutes per game.

Nets sign Mike James for remainder of season

The Brooklyn Nets have signed guard Mike James for the remainder of the 2020-21 season.

James (6’1”, 195) signed his first 10-day contract with Brooklyn on April 23, followed by a second 10-day contract on May 3. He has appeared in 11 games (one start) for the Nets, recording averages of 7.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 17.5 minutes per game. In 47 NBA games over two seasons with Brooklyn, New Orleans and Phoenix, he holds career averages of 8.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 18.7 minutes per contest.

James joined the Nets after playing nine professional seasons (2012-21) overseas in Croatia, Israel, Italy, Greece, Spain and Russia and in the NBA with Phoenix and New Orleans. In 36 games (10 starts) split between the Suns and Pelicans during the 2017-18 season, James recorded averages of 9.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 19.1 minutes per contest. The 30-year-old most recently spent two seasons (2019-21) with CSKA Moscow in Russia and appeared in 41 games (23 starts) during the 2020-21 season in VTB United League and EuroLeague play, recording averages of 17.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 27.5 minutes per game. James spent the 2018-19 season in Italy with Olimpia Milano, leading the team to the Italian SuperCup title and winning the Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy for averaging a league-best 19.8 points to go with 3.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists in 34.0 minutes per contest in Milan’s 30 EuroLeague games (all starts). He previously won consecutive Greek League titles in 2017 and 2018 and the 2017 Greek Cup title with Panathinaikos B.C. in Athens and helped lead Spain’s Baskonia to the EuroLeague Final Four in 2016.

The Portland, Ore., native played two collegiate seasons (2010-12) at Lamar University, appearing in 56 games and averaging 15.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 25.7 minutes per contest. As a senior in 2012, James earned First Team All-Southland honors and was named the Southland Conference Tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He also spent two seasons (2008-10) at Eastern Arizona College prior to transferring to Lamar.

Pistons and head coach Dwane Casey agree to a contract extension

The Detroit Pistons and head coach Dwane Casey have reached agreement on a contract extension through the 2023-24 NBA season.

“Dwane’s ability to adapt and lead us through a challenging but very exciting year of growth and development has further established his place as one of the most highly respected coaches in the NBA,” said Pistons owner Tom Gores. “He is fully committed to the restoration of the Pistons where his competitiveness, teaching ability and developmental acumen can be seen in the growth of our young players. I eagerly anticipate watching the future of this team and the upward trajectory of the franchise under his continued leadership as we strive to compete for championships.”

Casey, 64, was named head coach of the Pistons on June 11, 2018. During his first season with Detroit (2018-19), he led the team to a 41-41 record and a return to the playoffs after a two-year absence from postseason play. The 41 wins overall and 26 home victories marked the second-most by the franchise in a decade. Under Casey’s tutelage that season, the Pistons set a franchise record for 3-pointers made (993) and attempted (2,854) and Detroit averaged 107.0 points per game, the most by a Pistons team since 1987-88. Additionally, the Pistons’ defense ranked seventh in points allowed and ninth in 3-point field goal percentage (.345) in the NBA.

“Dwane’s leadership and experience is a perfect fit for where we are and where we’re headed as an organization,” said Troy Weaver, General Manager for the Detroit Pistons. “He has instilled a culture based on hard work and competitiveness, he’s an excellent teacher and communicator, and his offensive and defensive principles fit today’s NBA game. I’m excited to continue our process for restoring this franchise together.”

Casey joined the Pistons from Toronto where he spent seven seasons as head coach and led the Raptors to four Atlantic Division Championships, a franchise-record five consecutive postseason appearances from 2014-18 and the franchise’s first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2016. Under his leadership, Toronto recorded the franchise’s first 50-win season in 2015-16 and proceeded to amass three consecutive 50-win seasons, including a franchise-record 59 wins in 2017-18. Casey finished his tenure with the Raptors as the franchise’s all-time winningest coach with a 320-238 (.573) regular season record.

“I am truly excited for the continued opportunity to work for Tom, alongside Troy and Arn as we continue to build the Pistons franchise,” said Casey. “The young players that Troy has brought to the organization are solid pieces that we will build the foundation upon as the Pistons return to being legitimate contenders in the NBA for years to come. I feel both honored and blessed that Tom continues to entrust this team to my leadership.”

Casey was named the 2018 Coach of the Year by the National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA) and was also honored as the 2018 NBA Coach of the Year as voted upon by national media covering the NBA.

Heat guard Victor Oladipo to undergo season-ending surgery

Miami Heat guard Victor Oladipo has decided to undergo season-ending surgery on his right quadriceps tendon. The surgery will take place tomorrow, Thursday May 13, in New York. There is no timetable for his return at this time.

Oladipo, who was acquired by the HEAT in a trade on March 25, appeared in 33 games (all starts) this season averaging 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.39 steals and 32.7 minutes. He appeared in four games with Miami averaging 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.75 steals and 27.8 minutes, helping the HEAT to a 3-1 record over that span.

Pelicans missing four starters tonight against the Mavericks

The Pelicans will barely be the Pelicans tonight. Via the Times-Picayune:

The New Orleans Pelicans will be without four of their usual starters in a must-win situation against the Dallas Mavericks.

Starting guard Lonzo Ball will miss Wednesday’s game with a right thumb strain, the team announced. Ball, Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain), Zion Williamson (finger fracture) and Steven Adams (right MTP sprain) will all be sidelined while New Orleans fights to keep its play-in tournament hopes alive.

The Pelicans are 31-38, tying them with the Kings for the 11th best record in the Western conference.

Magic sign Ignas Brazdeikis for remainder of season

The Orlando Magic have signed forward Ignas Brazdeikis for the remainder of the season, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

Brazdeikis (6’6”, 221, 1/8/99) was originally signed to a 10-day contract by Orlando on May 2. He has played in five games with the Magic, averaging 10.0 ppg., 4.6 rpg. and 1.8 apg. in 28.3 minpg. Brazdeikis has appeared in 10 total games this season with New York, Philadelphia and Orlando, averaging 5.2 ppg., 2.7 rpg. and 1.0 apg. in 15.7 minpg. He played in four games with the Knicks, before being traded to Philadelphia as part of a three-team deal on Mar. 25. Brazdeikis appeared in one game with the Sixers, before being waived on Apr. 8.

Originally selected in the second round (47th overall) of the 2019 NBA Draft by Sacramento, Brazdeikis has played in 19 career NBA regular season games with New York, Philadelphia and Orlando, averaging 3.6 ppg. and 1.7 rpg. in 11.1 minpg.

Brazdeikis played and started in 37 games during his only season at the University of Michigan (2018-19), averaging 14.8 ppg. and 5.4 rpg. in 29.6 minpg., while shooting .392 (56-143) from three-point range. He led the Wolverines in scoring. Brazdeikis was named the 2018-19 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He was also named to the All-Big Ten Second Team, the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and the All-Big Ten Tournament Team. He was also an honorable mention All-American by Associated Press.

Brazdeikis wears #17 with the Orlando Magic.