Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Pelicans trade JJ Redick to Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have acquired guard JJ Redick and forward/center Nicolò Melli in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans for forward James Johnson, forward Wes Iwundu, the club’s 2021 second round pick and cash considerations.

Redick (6-3, 194) is a 15-season veteran with career averages of 12.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 25.7 minutes in 927 games (488 starts) with New Orleans, Philadelphia, L.A. Clippers, Milwaukee and Orlando. This season, Redick averages 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 18.6 minutes in 31 games off the bench.

A career 41.5% 3-point shooter, Redick ranked second in the NBA in 3-point percentage last season (.453, 180-397 3FG) and ranks 15th all-time in 3-pointers made (1,935). He is also a career 44.7% field goal and 89.2% free throw shooter.

Redick, 36, enjoyed his best statistical season in 2018-19 with Philadelphia when he averaged 18.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 31.3 minutes in 76 games (63 starts).

He reached the NBA playoffs in each of the first 13 seasons, averaging 10.9 points in 110 postseason games (70 starts) with Philadelphia, L.A. Clippers, Milwaukee and Orlando.

Melli (6-9, 236) holds averages of 5.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 15.6 minutes in 82 games (eight starts) over two NBA seasons with the Pelicans after being signed as a free agent in 2019.

A native of Reggio Emilia, Italy, Melli played nine seasons in Europe before starting his NBA career. He appeared in 207 EuroLeague games, averaging 7.4 points (.466% FG, .387% 3FG), 4.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists with Olimpia Milano (Italy), Brose Bamberg (Germany) and Fenerbahçe İstanbul (Turkey). Melli scored a game-high 28 points in Fenerbahçe’s 80-85 loss to Luka Dončić’s Real Madrid in the 2018 EuroLeague Finals.

He also represented the Italian National Team in two EuroBasket tournaments (2013, 2015).

Redick will wear No. 17 and Melli will wear No. 44.

Johnson, 6-7, 240, has appeared in 29 games this season with the Mavericks, averaging 5.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Selected 16th overall out of Wake Forest in the 2009 NBA Draft, Johnson has appeared in 663 career regular season games with Chicago, Toronto, Sacramento, Memphis, Miami, Minnesota and Dallas, posting averages of 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.9 blocks in 20.5 minutes per contest.

Iwundu, 6-6, 195, has appeared in 23 games for Dallas this season, averaging 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds. Selected 33rd overall out of Kansas State by Orlando in the 2017 NBA Draft, Iwundu has appeared in 205 career regular season games with the Magic and Mavericks, averaging 4.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists.

Johnson will wear #16 and Iwundu will wear #4 for New Orleans.

Magic trade Evan Fournier to Celtics for Jeff Teague and draft picks

The Orlando Magic have acquired guard Jeff Teague and two future second round draft picks in a trade with the Boston Celtics for guard Evan Fournier, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

The Magic say Teague will not be reporting to the team, which presumably means they plan to waive him.

As a result, Orlando has also acquired a $17 million trade exception.

“We want to thank Evan (Fournier) for all that he has done during the last seven years, both with the organization and in the community,” Weltman added. “Evan has been a true professional and we wish him and his family all the best moving forward.”

Fournier (6’7”, 205, 10/29/92) played and started in 26 games this season with Orlando, averaging 19.7 ppg., 3.7 apg., 2.9 rpg. and 1.04 stlpg. in 29.4 minpg., while shooting .388 (73-188) from three-point range. Originally selected in the first round (20th overall) of the 2012 NBA Draft by Denver, he has played in 549 career NBA regular season games (407 starts) with Denver and Orlando, averaging 14.4 ppg., 2.7 rpg. and 2.7 apg. in 28.5 minpg., while shooting .376 (1,006-2,673) from three-point range and .806 (1,217-1,510) from the free throw line.

Fournier was acquired by Orlando on June 26, 2014 in a trade with Denver. He has played in 435 regular season games (399 starts) with the Magic, averaging 16.2 ppg., 3.0 apg. and 2.9 rpg. in 31.5 minpg., while shooting .376 (895-2,382) from three-point range and .812 (1,094-1,348) from the free throw line.

Pistons trade Delon Wright to Kings for Cory Joseph and draft picks

The Sacramento Kings today acquired guard Delon Wright in a trade with the Detroit Pistons for guard Cory Joseph, a 2021 second-round draft selection and a 2024 second-round draft selection.

“We are excited to welcome Delon to the Kings family and to add his experience, defensive length, ability to create opportunities in the lane and capacity to finish strong to our backcourt,” said Kings General Manager Monte McNair. “At the same time, we thank Cory for his contributions to the team, veteran leadership and remarkable durability. A consummate professional and respected mentor, we wish Cory and his family all the best moving forward.”

During the 2020-21 season, Wright has averaged 10.4 points (.464 FG%, .348 3pt%, .789 FT%), 4.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 29.2 minutes per game in 36 games (31 starts).

Over six NBA seasons, the University of Utah product has garnered career averages of 7.6 points (.452 FG%, .343 3pt%, .790 FT%), 3.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 20.9 minutes per game in 307 games (54 starts) with the Toronto Raptors (2015-19), Memphis Grizzlies (2018-19), Dallas Mavericks (2019-20) and Detroit (2020-21).

Magic trade Aaron Gordon and Gary Clark to Nuggets for Gary Harris, R.J. Hampton and draft pick

The Orlando Magic have acquired guard Gary Harris, guard R.J. Hampton, and a future first round draft pick in a trade with the Denver Nuggets for forward Aaron Gordon and forward Gary Clark, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

“R.J. (Hampton) and Gary (Harris) will provide great depth to our backcourt,” said Weltman. “R.J. is a bright, young player that brings speed and athleticism, while Gary provides a solid veteran presence. We are happy to welcome R.J. and Gary to the Magic family.”

“We also want to thank Aaron (Gordon) for everything he has given to the organization during the last seven years, both on the court and in the community,” Weltman added. “We wish Aaron good luck as he continues his career.”

Hampton (6’6”, 176, 2/7/01) has played in 25 games this season with Denver, averaging 2.6 ppg. and 2.0 rpg. in 9.3 minpg. He was originally selected in the first round (24th overall) of the 2020 NBA Draft by Milwaukee, then acquired on draft night by Denver as part of a four-team trade for a conditional first round draft pick.

Hampton spent the 2019-20 season in Australia, playing with the New Zealand Breakers of the NBL. He played in 15 games, averaging 8.8 ppg., 3.8 rpg., 1.4 apg. and 1.18 stlpg. in 20.6 minpg. Hampton originally intended to play college basketball in 2019-20 after reclassifying into the 2019 high school recruiting class. He averaged 32.0 ppg., 9.7 rpg.. 6.4 apg. and 3.9 stlpg. at Little Elm High School in Little Elm, Texas. Hampton won gold medals with USA Basketball at the 2017 FIBA U-16 Americas Championship and the 2018 FIBA U-17 Basketball World Cup.

Hampton will wear #13 with the Orlando Magic.

Harris (6”4”, 205, 9/14/94) has played and started in 19 games this season with Denver, averaging 9.7 ppg., 2.5 rpg. and 1.7 apg. in 30.6 minpg. He has led (or tied) the Nuggets in scoring once and in assists once. Harris has scored in double figures 12 times and 20+ points once, including a season-high 21 points on Jan. 9 @ Philadelphia.

Originally selected in the first round (19th overall) of the 2014 NBA Draft by Chicago, Harris has appeared in 387 career NBA regular season games (325 starts), all with Denver, averaging 12.0 ppg., 2.6 rpg., 2.1 apg. and 1.23 stlpg. in 29.1 minpg., while shooting .801 (594-742) from the free throw line. He has also played in 28 career NBA playoff games (26 starts), averaging 10.8 ppg., 3.1 rpg., 2.0 apg. and 1.00 stlpg. in 32.0 minpg.

Harris will wear #14 with the Orlando Magic.

Gordon (6’9”, 235, 9/16/95) played and started in 25 games this season with Orlando, averaging 14.6 ppg., 6.6 rpg. and 4.2 apg. in 29.4 minpg., while shooting .375 (42-112) from three-point range. Originally selected in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2014 NBA Draft by Orlando, he has played in 428 career NBA regular season games (339 starts), all with the Magic, averaging 12.9 ppg., 6.4 rpg. and 2.5 apg. in 28.6 minpg.

Clark (6’6”, 225, 11/16/94) played in 35 games (11 starts) this season with Orlando, averaging 3.4 ppg. and 3.2 rpg. in 18.2 minpg. Undrafted by an NBA franchise, he has played in 128 career NBA regular season games (18 starts) with Houston and Orlando, averaging 3.3 ppg. and 2.6 rpg. in 14.4 minpg.

Warriors trade Marquese Chriss to Spurs

The Golden State Warriors have traded center Marquese Chriss and cash considerations to the San Antonio Spurs for the draft rights to center Cady Lalanne

Chriss, 23, appeared in two games with the Warriors this season, averaging 6.5 points and 6.5 rebounds before suffering a right syndesmosis ankle and fibular fracture injury on December 26. The 6’9” center appeared in 59 games with Golden State during the 2019-20 season, averaging career-high figures in scoring (9.3), rebounding (6.2) and blocked shots (1.05). A four-year NBA veteran, Chriss was originally selected by the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft (8th overall).

Lalanne, 28, was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft (55th overall). The 6’10” center played four seasons at the University of Massachusetts, earning Third Team All-Atlantic 10 honors as a senior.

The Spurs roster now stands at 16.

Warriors trade Brad Wanamaker to Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets today acquired guard Brad Wanamaker, Toronto’s 2022 second-round pick, which is top 54 protected, and cash considerations in a trade with the Golden State Warriors in for Charlotte’s 2025 second-round pick, which is top 55 protected.

In his third season, Wanamaker is averaging 4.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 16.0 minutes per game in 39 appearances. For his career, Wanamaker has appeared in 146 games, including one start, accruing averages of 5.6 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 16.0 minutes per game over three seasons with two teams, the Boston Celtics (2018-20) and Golden State Warriors (2020-21).

Wanamaker led the NBA in free throw percentage during the 2019-20 season, shooting .926% from the free throw line. He played four seasons collegiately for the Pittsburgh Panthers and spent seven seasons overseas in France, Italy, Germany and Turkey from 2011 to 2018.

Rockets trade Victor Oladipo to Heat for Avery Bradley and Kelly Olynyk

The Houston Rockets today traded guard Victor Oladipo to the Miami Heat for guard Avery Bradley and forward Kelly Olynyk.

The Rockets also receive the right to swap first round picks with Miami in 2022, using their own pick or the one owed to Houston by Brooklyn.

Oladipo, a two-time NBA All-Star, has appeared in 29 games (all starts) this season between the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers averaging 20.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.34 steals and 33.4 minutes while shooting 41.1 percent from the field, including 25.6 points on 43.3 percent from the field over his last eight games. He has recorded 18 20-point games this season, including six-straight from February 26 – March 16, tying the second-longest streak of his career, while adding three 30-point performances. He has connected on multiple three-point field goals 21 times this season and has currently hit at least one trey in 11-straight games. Additionally, Oladipo has been the only player in the NBA to average at least 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.90 steals over the last three combined seasons.

Olynyk (6-11, 240) was originally the 13th overall pick by Dallas in the 2013 NBA Draft before his rights were acquired by Boston. In 543 career games with 141 starts, Olynyk is averaging 9.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.

Dating back to 2017-18, Olynyk is the only player in the league to have averaged at least 10.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, and 1.5 3-pointers made in fewer than 28.0 mpg. He has the fourth-most 3-pointers made (645) of any player in NBA history listed 6’11” or taller.

Bradley (6-3, 190) was originally the 19th overall pick by Boston in the 2010 NBA Draft. In 581 career games with 494 starts, he is averaging 11.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.01 steals.

Last season, Bradley started 44 games for the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers prior to the NBA restart in Orlando. He earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors in 2015-16 and was a Second Team selection in 2012-13.

Raptors trade Terence Davis to Kings, who waive Mfiondu Kabengele

The Sacramento Kings have acquired guard Terence Davis in a trade with the Toronto Raptors for a 2021 second-round draft selection.

And in a subsequent roster move, the Kings have waived forward/center Mfiondu Kabengele.

“Terence is a talented young player that adds depth and scoring ability to our backcourt,” said General Manager Monte McNair. “We are excited to see what he brings to Sacramento.”

During the 2020-21 season, Davis has accrued averages of 6.9 points (.414 FG%, .361 3pt%, .889 FT%), 1.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 14.5 minutes per game in 34 games (4 starts). In two seasons for the Toronto Raptors (2019-21), the former Ole Miss alum has posted averages of 7.3 points (.443 FG%, .379 3pt%, .870 FT%), 2.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 16.1 minutes per game in 106 games (8 starts).

Hawks trade Rajon Rondo to Clippers for Lou Williams and draft picks

The Atlanta Hawks have acquired guard Lou Williams, along with two second-round picks (Portland 2023, LAC 2027) and cash considerations in a trade with the LA Clippers for guard Rajon Rondo.

“Lou is arguably the greatest sixth man to ever play the game, and he represented much more than that as a Clipper,” said Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank. “He is a leader and a connector, earning the highest level of respect from teammates and opponents alike. He lifted all of us. We will miss Lou and his family dearly.”

Williams, a native of Snellville, GA, previously played for the Hawks from 2012-14.

“Being able to acquire a respected veteran in Lou Williams, one of the best scorers and playmakers off the bench in league history, and two second-round picks accomplished a couple of the goals we had,” said Hawks President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Travis Schlenk. “We are excited to see what Lou can add to our second unit as we try to finish this season strong.”

Williams has appeared in 42 games (three starts) this season for the Clippers, averaging 12.1 points, 3.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 21.9 minutes (.421 FG%, .378 3FG%, .866 FT%). In 1,043 career games (121 starts) with Philadelphia, Atlanta, Toronto, the LA Lakers, Houston and the LA Clippers, the 15-year veteran has career averages of 14.4 points, 3.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 24.7 minutes (.420 FG%, .350 3FG%, .841 FT%).

Last season, he put in 18.2 points, 5.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 65 games, ranking fourth in the NBA in bench scoring (17.4 ppg), leading the league in most games with at least 20 points and five assists off the bench (18).

Originally selected in the second round (45th overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft by the 76ers, Williams is a three-time winner of the NBA’s Sixth Man Award (2015, 2018, 2019). Among all active players, he ranks 13th in points (15,000), seventh in games played (1,043), 17th in three-pointers made (1,396) and assists (3,603), ninth in free throws made (3,928) and 21st in free-throw percentage (.840). Williams is the only player since 1970-71 (when starters were first tracked) to have at least 15,000 career points with less than 400 games as a starter.

Rondo is a two-time NBA champion, four-time All-Star, and two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member. He has played with Boston, Dallas, Sacramento, Chicago, New Orleans, the Lakers, and Atlanta. In 900 regular-season games (731 starts), he’s averaged 10.0 points, 8.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 30.6 minutes. He has also led the league in assists three times and steals once. Among active players, Rondo ranks fourth in assists (7,310 at 15th overall in NBA history) and sixth in steals (1,470).

“We could not be more excited to welcome Rajon to the Clippers,” said Frank. “He is a proven winner, a relentless competitor, and one of the most skilled orchestrators of his era. We believe he will elevate our group and continue to propel us forward.”

Heat trade Moe Harkless and Chris Silva to Kings for Nemanja Bjelica; Kings waive Jabari Parker

The Miami Heat have acquired forward Nemanja Bjelica in a trade with the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Moe Harkless and Chris Silva.

And in a subsequent roster move, the Kings have waived forward Jabari Parker.

Bjelica, a six-year NBA vetreran, has appeared in 26 games (one start) with the Kings this season averaging 7.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 16.9 minutes while shooting 46 percent from the field. He has scored in double-figures eight times this season, including one 25-point performance. Bjelica holds a career 38.8 shooting percentage from three-point range, and has shot over 40 percent from downtown in each of his three previous seasons.

“We are pleased to add Maurice and Chris to the team and welcome them to Sacramento,” said Kings General Manager Monte McNair. “Each player brings depth, defensive presence and athleticism to the wing and frontcourt. We also thank Nemanja for his contributions to the team during his career in Sacramento. His veteran presence has been invaluable, and we wish the very best for him and his family.”

During the 2020-21 season, Harkless has averaged 1.4 points (.385 FG%, .455 3pt%), 1.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 11.3 minutes per game in 11 games (3 starts). Through his career, the former St. John’s player has accrued averages of 7.0 points (.478 FG%, .326 3pt%, .610 FT%), 3.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 22.8 minutes per game in 548 games (327 starts) across nine NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic (2012-15), Portland Trail Blazers (2015-19), LA Clippers (2019-20), New York Knicks (2019-20) and Heat (2020-21).

This season, Silva has averaged 2.7 points (.692 FG%, .733 FT%), 2.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 7.5 minutes per game in 11 games (0 starts). In two seasons with Miami, Silva’s career averages are 3.0 points (.626 FG%, .686 FT%), 2.7 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 7.8 minutes per game in 55 games (0 starts).”