Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Grizzlies re-sign Jontay Porter

The Memphis Grizzlies have re-signed forward/center Jontay Porter to a multi-year contract.

Per the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Porter “signed a three-year deal for $6 million.”

Originally signed with the Grizzlies on March 7, 2020 , Porter (6-10, 236) did not appear in a game last season while rehabbing a right ACL injury that sidelined him for his 2018-19 sophomore year at the University of Missouri.

As a freshman at Missouri, Porter was one of five Tigers to play all 33 games during the 2017-18 season and averaged 9.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.67 blocks in 24.5 minutes while shooting 43.7 percent from the field, 36.4 percent from 3-point range and 75.0 percent from the free throw line. A native of Columbia, Mo., the 21-year-old shared the 2017-18 Southeastern Conference Sixth Man of the Year award and was selected to the 2017-18 SEC All-Freshman Team.

Porter, the younger brother of Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Grizzlies re-sign De’Anthony Melton

The Memphis Grizzlies today announced that the team has re-signed guard De’Anthony Melton to a multi-year contract.

Per the Memphis Commercial Appeal, “a league source confirmed to The Commercial Appeal that Melton’s deal is worth $35 million over four years.”

Melton (6-2 ¼, 200) competed in 60 games (eight starts) last season, his second in the NBA, and averaged 7.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and a team-high 1.28 steals in 19.5 minutes for the Grizzlies, who acquired him from the Phoenix Suns via trade on July 7, 2019. Melton ranked 28th among NBA league leaders in steals per game and was the only player in the Top 30 to start fewer than 10 contests. In addition, the 22-year-old ranked third among qualifying NBA players in steals per 36 minutes (2.37) and sixth in the NBA in percentage of team’s steals (35.3).

The Grizzlies will return one of the team’s most impactful players from last season in terms of on-court net rating. Memphis outscored opponents by 5.1 points per 100 possessions with Melton on the court, the highest mark on the team among players with at least 15 appearances.

Selected by the Houston Rockets with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft, Melton has appeared in 110 games (39 starts) over his two-year NBA career with the Suns and Grizzlies and holds career averages of 6.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.32 steals in 19.5 minutes. The North Hollywood, Calif., native also has appeared in eight NBA G League games, including two last season with the Memphis Hustle.

Trail Blazers sign Derrick Jones Jr., who played for Heat last season

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed free agent forward Derrick Jones Jr.

“Derrick’s elite athleticism, defensive versatility and ability to rebound on both ends of the floor enable him to make an immediate impact in multiple areas of need,” said Olshey.

Per multiple reports, Jones’ contract is for two years, $19 million.

According to the Oregonian, “the deal likely was made by using the Blazers’ mid-level exception, which starts at $9.258 million in the first year.”

Jones, 23, averaged 8.5 points (52.7% FG, 28.0% 3-PT, 77.2% FT), 3.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.98 steals and 23.3 minutes in 59 games (16 starts) for the Miami Heat during the 2019-20 season. He averaged career highs in points, assists, steals and minutes last season and ranked third on the Heat in deflections. Jones shot 67.7% on two-point field goal attempts in 2019-20, good for the ninth-highest in the NBA among players with at least 100 attempts.

For his career, Jones (6-6, 210) owns averages of 6.7 points (51.1% FG, 28.2% 3-PT, 69.0% FT), 3.5 rebounds, 0.7 assists 0.71 steals and 19.4 minutes in 171 games (46 starts) with Phoenix and Miami.

A four-year NBA veteran, Jones signed with Phoenix in 2016 after going undrafted out of UNLV in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Jones will wear No. 55 for the Trail Blazers.

Jazz trade Tony Bradley and Saben Lee’s draft rights to Pistons

The Utah Jazz have traded center Tony Bradley and the draft rights to Saben Lee to the Detroit Pistons. In return, the Jazz receive cash considerations.

Bradley will reportedly make around $3.5 million in salary for the 2020-21 NBA season.

Lee was the 38th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Bradley (6-10, 248, North Carolina) appeared in 70 games (three starts) over three seasons with Utah, owning averages of 4.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game.

Trail Blazers re-sign Rodney Hood

The Portland Trail Blazers have re-signed guard/forward Rodney Hood.

Per multiple reports, it’s a two-year, partially-guaranteed deal for $21 million.

“Rodney played a critical role in our run to the Western Conference Finals in 2018-19 and was off to a great start last year prior to his season being cut short due to injury,” said Olshey. “Now fully healthy we expect him to make an immediate impact and are pleased he chose to stay in Portland.”

Per the Oregonian, “Hood earlier this week reportedly declined the $6 million option on the final year of his contract. Given that he is coming off of an Achilles injury that ended his season last December, many speculated that Hood had an agreement in place with Portland to return on a more lucrative deal.”

Hood, 28, averaged 11.0 points (50.6% FG, 49.3% 3-PT, 77.8% FT), 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 29.5 minutes in 21 games (all starts) for the Trail Blazers last season before suffering a torn left Achilles tendon on Dec. 6, 2019. At the time of his injury, Hood ranked third in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage and was shooting career-best marks from the field and from the three-point line.

Originally acquired by the Trail Blazers in a trade with Cleveland on Feb. 4, 2019, Hood was a key figure in Portland’s run to the 2019 Western Conference Finals. He was Portland’s third-leading scorer against Denver in the Western Conference Semifinals, averaging 14.7 points per game while shooting 57.6% from the field and 50.0% from the three-point line during the seven-game series.

In six NBA seasons with Utah, Cleveland and Portland, Hood holds career averages of 12.5 points (42.6% FG, 37.2% 3-PT, 83.9%FT), 2.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 27.3 minutes.

Hood was originally selected by Utah with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft out of Duke.

Heat re-sign Meyers Leonard

Meyers Leonard is back on the Miami Heat. The team officially re-signed the center today.

“It’s good to have him back,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “He is a prototypical center, a very good one. Meyers is strong on the interior of our defense and sets screens as well as anyone in the league to get our shooters and drivers open. He also shots over 40 percent from three-point range. He is one of the most positive attitude players we have in the locker room. A real team guy. We expect him to have a great season.”

Per the Miami Herald, “Leonard’s new contract with the Heat is a two-year, nearly $20 million deal with a team option in the second season, according to a league source.”

Leonard played in 51 games (49 starts) last season with the HEAT, helping the team to a 34-17 (.667) record over that span, and averaged 6.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 20.3 minutes while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three-point range. His 41.1 percent (53-of-128) from downtown was the highest percentage by any center in the NBA last season with at least 10 made. Leonard tied his career highs of nine field goals made vs. Houston on November 3, three blocks vs. Atlanta on October 29 and three steals vs. Sacramento on January 20. Additionally, he recorded season highs of 21 points vs. Houston and grabbed 14 rebounds while connecting on four three-point field goals at Orlando on February 1.

The eight-year NBA veteran has appeared in 444 career games (91 starts) and averaged 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 16.1 minutes of action while shooting 48.2 percent from the field, 39 percent from three-point range and 81.1 percent from the foul line. He has scored in double-figures 83 times, including four 20-point games, and has grabbed double-figure rebounds on 20 occasions and posted 13 double-doubles. He has also connected on multiple three-point field goals 83 times.

Knicks sign Alec Burks

The New York Knicks have signed guard Alec Burks.

Per the New York Post, the contract is “a one-year, $6 million deal, according to a source.”

Burks (6-6, 214-pounds), who is entering his 10th NBA season, averaged a career high 15.0 points to go along with 4.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists over 66 games (19 starts) with the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers last season. He’s connected on 38.5-percent of his three-point attempts and made a career best 116 three-pointers last season. Burks scored in double figures in 50 of his 66 games, including 16 20-point games and two 30-point performances. He finished 11th in the NBA in free-throw percentage, at 88.7 percent. Originally selected by Utah with the 12th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Burks holds career averages of 10.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 21.8 minutes over 495 games (86 starts) with Philadelphia, Golden State, Cleveland, Sacramento and Utah.

More from the Post: “The Knicks entered free agency trying to bolster their 3-point shooting and Burks helps — even if he comes off the bench.”

The Grandview, MO-native spent two collegiate seasons at Colorado University, where he earned significant recognition, including being named the 2009-10 Big 12 Rookie of the Year. Burks was also one of two unanimous selections for the first-team all-Big 12 for his 2010-11 sophomore season, during which he led his team in scoring at 20.5 points.

Grizzlies re-sign John Konchar

The Memphis Grizzlies have re-signed John Konchar, inking the guard to a multi-year contract.

The deal is reportedly for four years, $9 million.

Konchar, listed at 6-foot-4 ¾, 210 lbs, went undrafted in 2019, and then originally signed a two-way contract with the team on July 7, 2019. He played in 19 Grizzlies games last season. The rookie averaged 2.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 64.9 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from 3-point range.

The 24-year-old also started all 20 of his NBA G League appearances with the Memphis Hustle last season and averaged 12.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.75 steals in 29.1 minutes while shooting 56.5 percent from the field. He scored in double figures 14 times and scored an NBA G League career-high 33 points to go with 16 rebounds on Dec. 22 vs. Wisconsin. He also set NBA G League personal bests with 17 rebounds on Dec. 27 at Sioux Falls and 13 assists on Jan. 24 vs. Raptors 905.

A native of West Chicago, Ill., Konchar enjoyed a four-year collegiate career at Fort Wayne (2015-19), where he became the first player in conference history to be named to the All-Summit League First Team in all four seasons. He is the first player in NCAA Division I history to compile at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists and 200 steals.

Heat re-sign Goran Dragic

The Miami Heat have re-signed veteran guard Goran Dragić.

“It was essential for us to bring Goran back,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “He is part of our team, part of our culture and part of our family. He provides backcourt veteran leadership and can still play at a very high level. I’m glad to have him back in the fold.”

Per the Miami Herald, “according to a league source, the Heat signed Dragic to a two-year, $37.5 million deal that includes an $18 million salary this upcoming season and a $19.5 million team option for 2021-22. Under the structure of Dragic’s new contract, he’s not allowed to be traded without his approval this upcoming season.”

Dragić appeared in 59 games (three starts) last season with the HEAT and averaged 16.2 points, 5.1 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 28.2 minutes while shooting 44.1 percent from the field, 36.7 percent from three-point range and 77.6 percent from the foul line. He finished second on the team in scoring average and third in assists, three-point field goals made, free throws made and charges taken. He averaged 16.3 points and 5.1 assists off the bench, becoming just one of two players to post at least those averages in at least 55 games as a reserve last season. He dished out a team-tying record 13 assists off the bench on January 5 vs. Portland while scoring 29 points to become the oldest player to record those totals as a reserve since the NBA began tracking starters/reserves in 1970. Additionally, Dragić scored in double-figures in 24-straight games off the bench from January 15 – March 8, the longest streak by a reserve in HEAT franchise history.

In the postseason during Miami’s run to the NBA Finals, Dragić appeared in 17 games (16 starts) and averaged 19.1 points, 4.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 1.00 steals and 32.5 minutes while shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 80.3 percent from the foul line. He led the team in scoring average (22.8) in their first round sweep of the Pacers and paired with Jimmy Butler to score 67 points in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Milwaukee, tying the third-most by any duo in HEAT playoff history. Dragić capped the postseason recording 17 20-point postseason games as a member of the HEAT, tying Chris Bosh for the fourth-most in team history.

The 12-year NBA veteran has appeared in 817 career games (511 starts) and averaged 13.9 points, 4.8 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 28.0 minutes while shooting 46.4 percent from the field, 36.3 percent from three-point range and 76.4 percent from the foul line. He ranks among the HEAT’s all-time leaders in three-point field goals made (5th), assists (6th), scoring average (7th), points (10th), field goals made (10th), double-figure scoring games (10th), free throws made (11th), steals (12th), free throw percentage (13th), minutes (13th), field goal percentage (14th), starts (14th), games played (15th), defensive rebounds (18th), total rebounds (19th), double-doubles (21st) and three-point field goal percentage (26th).

Thunder trade Kelly Oubre Jr. to Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have acquired guard Kelly Oubre Jr. from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a trade for a conditional 2021 first round draft pick and a 2021 second round pick (via Denver), the team announced today.

Oubre Jr., 24, appeared in 56 games (55 starts) with the Phoenix Suns last season, averaging a career-high 18.7 points and 6.4 rebounds to go along with 1.5 assists and 1.27 steals in 34.5 minutes per game.

Originally selected with the pick 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Kansas product owns career averages of 10.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 24.1 minutes in 348 career games (99 starts) with the Washington Wizards and Suns.

The forward was originally traded to the Thunder on November 16, 2020.

The Warriors’ 2021 first round draft pick is top 20 protected. If that draft pick is not conveyed, Oklahoma City will receive an additional 2021 second round draft pick from Golden State (via Minnesota).