Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

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).

Jazz trade Rudy Gobert to Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves yesterday acquired center Rudy Gobert in a trade with the Utah Jazz for guards Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley and forward Jarred Vanderbilt, along with guard Leandro Bolmaro, the draft rights to center Walker Kessler and Minnesota’s 2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029 first round picks and a 2026 first round pick swap.

Gobert, 30, has appeared in 611 regular season games (519 starts) in nine NBA seasons with the Jazz, averaging 12.4 points on 65.3% shooting, 11.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. The 7-1 center played in 66 games (all starts) last season, averaging 15.6 points on a career-high 71.3% shooting, a career-best 14.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. His 71.3% (362-of-508) from the field led the NBA during the 2021-22 season and per the Elias Sports Bureau, he joined Wilt Chamberlain (1972-73) and DeAndre Jordan (3x, MR: 2016-17) as the only players in NBA history to shoot 70% or better from the field on 500+ shots. In addition to leading the NBA last season in rebounding and shooting percentage, Gobert ranked second in double-doubles (53) and third in blocks (2.1). He’s seen action in 49 career playoff games (all starts) with averages of 13.4 points on 66.2% shooting, 11.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.

The Saint-Quentin, France native is a three-time All-NBA selection (Second Team in 2017, Third Team in 2019 and 2021), a three-time Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2018, 2019, 2021), a three-time NBA All-Star (2020, 2021, 2022) and a six-time All-Defensive First Team selection (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022). Gobert has played in the last two Olympics for France, leading the French National Team to a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. During the 2020 Olympics, he averaged 12.2 points on 63.6% shooting and 9.3 rebounds, earning him a spot on the Men’s Basketball All-Star Five.

Gobert was originally drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the 27th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

Acquired via trade from the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 25, 2021, Beverley appeared in 58 games (54 starts) for the Wolves last season, averaging 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. He holds career averages of 8.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 10 NBA seasons.

Acquired by the Timberwolves via a trade with the Nuggets on Feb. 5, 2020, Beasley appeared in 130 games (68 starts) for Minnesota over three seasons, averaging 15.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He holds career averages of 10.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists in seven NBA seasons.

Acquired by the Timberwolves via a trade with the Nuggets on Feb. 5, 2020, Vanderbilt appeared in 140 games (97 starts) for Minnesota over three seasons, averaging 6.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. He holds career averages of 5.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in five NBA seasons.

Bolmaro appeared in 35 games last season for Minnesota, averaging 1.4 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. He was originally acquired by the Timberwolves via a trade with the New York Knicks on Nov. 20, 2020.

Kessler averaged 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game as a sophomore at Auburn University. His draft rights were originally acquired via trade during the 2022 NBA Draft from the Grizzlies.

Sixers sign Danuel House Jr.

Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey announced yesterday that the team has signed Danuel House Jr.

“Danuel is a very talented two-way player who immediately bolsters our wing depth and strengthens our roster,” Morey said. “He is a willing shooter from outside who can space the floor and punish the opposition. On defense, his size, athleticism and ability to guard multiple positions make him a tough match-up, especially as we plan for a deep playoff run. I’m excited for Danuel’s future in Philadelphia.”

House Jr. played in 42 games in 2021-22 between Houston, New York, and Utah, averaging 5.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists. He shot .376 from beyond the arc, connecting on at least four three-pointers on three separate occasions.

House Jr. closed out the 2021-22 campaign with the Jazz, shooting 34-of-82 from beyond the arc (.415). He tallied 10-plus points on six occasions, including a season-high 21-point performance on 7-of-11 shooting (4-6 3FG) at Memphis on Jan. 28.

Signed as an undrafted free agent by Washington in 2016, House Jr. has produced 8.5 points (.427 FG, .366 3FG, .764 FT), 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 24.3 minutes in 204 total NBA games (98 starts) over six seasons with Washington, Phoenix, Houston, New York and Utah. His three-point percentage ranks ninth among players with at least 315 made triples and 5,000-or-fewer minutes since entering the league in 2016.

The Houston native also has NBA G League experience, recording career marks of 18.2 points (.450 FG, .368 3FG, .789 FT), 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 32.0 minutes in 60 games (42 starts) with Delaware (2016-17), Northern Arizona (2017-18), and Rio Grande Valley (2017-19). He played in seven games for the then-87ers – the 76ers’ G League affiliate – in 2016-17, scoring 10-plus points in five of those contests.

Prior to his professional career, House Jr. played four seasons collegiately between the University of Houston (2012-2014) and Texas A&M (2014-2016), averaging 14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. He earned Second Team All-SEC honors as a junior with the Aggies, before notching an All-SEC Tournament First Team nod as a senior. House Jr. finished in the top-12 in the Southeastern Conference in scoring in his junior (nine – 14.8 ppg) and senior (12th – 15.6 ppg) seasons.

Hornets re-sign Cody Martin

Charlotte Hornets President of Basketball Operations & General Manager Mitch Kupchak announced yesterday that the team has re-signed forward Cody Martin.

Martin, who appeared in 71 games during the 2021-22 season, averaged 7.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game, setting all new single-season career highs. In his third season out of Nevada, Martin connected on .482% of his field goal attempts and .384% from three-point range, which were both career highs. He ended last season ranked 26th in steals per contest among league leaders and was tied for 16th in the NBA in multi-steal games (28).

“Re-signing Cody was one of our offseason priorities, and we’re excited to have him return to the Hornets,” said Kupchak. “He is an exceptional defender, plays hard at both ends of the floor and has improved all aspects of his game since entering the NBA. Cody will continue to be a valuable member of our team as we move forward.”

Selected with the 36th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by Charlotte, Martin has made 171 career appearances, accruing averages of 5.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.0 steals in 21.2 minutes per outing.

Sixers sign P.J. Tucker

The Philadelphia 76ers yesterday signed forward P.J. Tucker.

“P.J. Tucker is one of the most respected and relentless competitors in our game and is the type of competitor our fans will love and embrace,” Morey said. “We’re excited to add his leadership, toughness, defensive versatility and championship pedigree to our roster. P.J. wants to deliver an NBA title to Philadelphia and his work ethic and mentality make him an impactful addition to our team and city.”

“This team is good enough to compete head-to-head with anybody in the league, and I’m going to come in here and do whatever I can to help get us to that next level,” Tucker said. “Philly fans demand greatness and it will be up to us to get to where we need to be in order to accomplish our goals. I’m excited to get to work.”

Tucker appeared in 71 games (70 starts) for Miami in 2021-22, averaging 7.6 points on .484 shooting, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 steals in 27.9 minutes. He shot a career-best .415 from beyond the arc this past season and was one of six NBA players with at least 70 corner three-point field goals on 40-percent shooting-or-better.

The North Carolina native reached the 20-point mark twice in 2021-22, including a season-high 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting (5-8 3FG) at Cleveland on Dec. 13.

Originally selected by Toronto in the second round (No. 35 overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft, Tucker has compiled career averages of 7.1 points (.425 FG, .364 3FG, .748 FT), 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 29.0 minutes in 777 career games (581 starts) with the Raptors, Suns, Rockets, Bucks, and Heat. He has appeared in at least 70 games nine times throughout his 11 NBA seasons, including three 82-game seasons (most recently in 2018-19).

Tucker has shot at least .330 from beyond the arc in each of his last nine NBA seasons from 2013-22, making him one of 11 NBA players to accomplish that feat (min. 115 3FGA). The 11-year veteran is one of 18 NBA players to tally at least 380 steals and 480 three-point field goals over the last five seasons.

Tucker has been a part of six playoff runs during his 11 NBA seasons, averaging 7.3 points (.439 FG, .407 3FG), 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals, and 31.3 minutes played across 91 career postseason contests (78 starts) with Toronto, Houston, Milwaukee, and Miami. He has appeared in 41 playoff games over the last two seasons, including a 2021 NBA Championship run with the Bucks in which he started 19 of the team’s 23 postseason games. During the title run, Tucker was one of four players to total at least 110 rebounds along with 20 steals in the postseason.

In addition to his 11 NBA seasons, Tucker spent two seasons playing internationally for Aris Thessaloniki, Aris, Fabi Shoes Montegranaro and Brose Baskets. During this time, he posted averages of 12.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals while shooting .400 from three.

Before turning pro, Tucker played collegiately at Texas from 2003-06. As a Longhorn, Tucker was named Big 12 Player of the Year in 2006 along with being selected to the All-Big 12 First Team, Big 12 All-Defensive Team, All-Big 12 Tournament First Team and being named to the 2006 NCAA Tournament All-Region team along with being named a Consensus Second Team All-American.

Following his three-year career, Tucker ranked 18th in program history in career scoring (1,169 points), eighth in career rebounds (714) and tied for fifth in career double-doubles (28).