Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

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).

Lakers sign Wesley Matthews

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed guard Wesley Matthews, it was announced today by Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka.

Per the Los Angeles Times, the deal is for “the bi-annual exception, a one-year deal for $3.6 million.”

Matthews played and started in 67 games for Milwaukee last season, averaging 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 24.4 minutes per game. In 10 playoff games, Matthews notched 7.2 points (.421 FG%) and 1.8 rebounds in 24.6 minutes.

An 11-year NBA veteran, Matthews has played in 791 games (729 starts) for Utah, Portland, Dallas, New York, Indiana and Milwaukee, and owns career averages of 13.1 points (.423 FG%, .381 3FG%), 3.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.0 steal in 31.9 minutes. Ranking 25th on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers list (1,663), Matthews has made more three-pointers than any undrafted player in NBA history.

More from the Times: “Matthews is a versatile defender, able to defend point guards, shooting guards and small forwards.”

Pacers re-sign Justin Holiday

The Indiana Pacers have re-signed Justin Holiday to a contract.

According to the Indianapolis Star, the deal is “three years for $18.8 million — fully guaranteed.”

Holiday, a 6-6, 181 pound guard/forward, was the only Pacers player to appear in all 73 regular season games during the 2019-20 season and averaged 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and a team-best 1.2 steals per game in his first year in Indiana. He shot a career-best 40.5 percent from 3-point range and ranked 19th in the NBA in that category during the regular season.

“Re-signing Justin was one of our main priorities going into free agency,” said President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard. “His contributions last season were tremendous. He can play multiple positions and is extremely versatile. He also represents this franchise as a true professional, on and off the court.”

More from the Star: Holiday “made $4.76 million last season with the Pacers, who were expecting competition from the New York Knicks for his services.”

Holiday has averaged 8.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steal per game over seven NBA seasons with the Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers.

Blazers trade Trevor Ariza to Rockets for Robert Covington

The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired forward Robert Covington from the Houston Rockets in exchange for Trevor Ariza, the draft rights to Isaiah Stewart and a conditional future first round pick, it was announced today by president of basketball operations Neil Olshey.

“Robert is an elite defender and consummate professional that will make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor,” said Olshey. “His versatility enables him to play multiple positions and his character and professionalism will allow him to transition seamlessly into our culture.”

In 70 games (68 starts) with Houston and Minnesota during the 2019-20 season, Covington (6-7, 209) averaged 12.4 points (42.2% FG, 33.5% 3-PT, 79.8% FT), 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.64 steals and 1.33 blocks in 30.5 minutes per game. He finished the season ranked third in the NBA in total steals (115) and tied for 10th in total blocks (93), making him one of two players in the league to finish in the top-10 in both categories.

Covington, 29, holds career averages of 12.7 points (40.6% FG, 35.6% 3-PT, 81.1% FT), 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.66 steals and 0.89 blocks in 396 games (348 starts) with Houston, Minnesota and Philadelphia. In 2017-18, he earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors with the 76ers. A seven-year NBA veteran, Covington signed with Houston in 2013 after going undrafted out of Tennessee State in the 2013 NBA Draft. He is the only player in the NBA to average at least 12.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.00 steal and 1.00 block over the last three seasons while making at least two three-pointers per game.

Ariza played in 21 games (all starts) for the Trail Blazers during the 2019-20 season, posting averages of 11.0 points (49.1% FG, 40.0% 3-PT, 87.2% FT), 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.62 steals. He was acquired by Portland from Sacramento on Jan. 21, 2020.

Stewart was selected out of Washington with the 16th overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft.

Hawks free agent Jeff Teague will reportedly join Celtics

The Celtics have reportedly landed some proven veteran depth at the point guard spot, behind starter Kemba Walker. Via Boston.com:

Just moments after it was reported that Brad Wanamaker agreed to a deal with the Warriors, the Celtics came to terms on a one-year contract with veteran point guard Jeff Teague, The Boston Globe‘s Adam Himmelsbach reported. The exact amount Teague will make hasn’t been reported yet, but the Celtics do have the bi-annual exception (worth $3.6 million) available…

Teague started this past season with the Timberwolves before getting traded to the Hawks. He averaged 10.9 points and 5.2 assists in 24.8 minutes per game over the course of last season.

Raptors free agent Serge Ibaka will reportedly join Clippers

Raptors free agent Serge Ibaka will reportedly be leaving Toronto and heading to Los Angeles.

Per multiple reports, the 31-year-old power forward has agreed to sign with the L.A. Clippers, and will ink a two-year, $19 million deal, with the second year a player option.

Ibaka averaged 15.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game last season, shooting 51.2% from the field. He’ll be joining one of the best cores in the league and will play alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.