Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Lakers trade JaVale McGee, draft pick to Cavs for Jordan Bell and Alfonzo McKinnie

The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired center Jordan Bell and small forward Alfonzo McKinnie in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers for center JaVale McGee and a future second round draft pick.

Bell has played in 154 career games (16 starts) for Golden State, Minnesota and Memphis, averaging 3.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 12.0 minutes per game. McKinnie has appeared in 126 career games (six starts) for Toronto, Golden State and Cleveland, notching 4.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 13.1 minutes.

McGee (7-0, 270) has appeared in 701 games over 12 seasons with averages of 7.9 points on .575 shooting, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 17.3 minutes with Washington, Denver, Philadelphia, Dallas, Golden State and the Lakers. During the 2019-20 season, he appeared in 68 games, averaging 6.6 points on .637 shooting, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 16.6 minutes. McGee has appeared in 58 career playoff games, averaging 5.6 points on .612 shooting, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 12.9 minutes. Last season also marked McGee’s third NBA Championship after winning two titles with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018.

McKinnie (6-7, 215) played in 40 games for the Cavaliers last season, averaging 4.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in 14.8 minutes. Bell (6-8, 224), who the Cavaliers signed on June 30, 2020, played in 29 games for Minnesota and Memphis last season, averaging 3.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 8.8 minutes.

In a separate transaction with the Milwaukee Bucks on November 18th, the Cavaliers acquired the Bucks’ 2025 second round draft pick in exchange for the draft rights to Ilkan Karaman (originally drafted in 2012 by the Brooklyn Nets). The protections on the first round pick for the first allowable draft (2022) previously conveyed to the Cavaliers from Milwaukee in a trade on Dec. 7, 2018 have been removed, making it an unprotected first round pick.

Hawks sign Rajon Rondo

The Atlanta Hawks have signed free agent guard Rajon Rondo, the team announced today.

Rondo’s Hawks contract is reportedly a two-year, $15 million deal.

“Rajon is an intense competitor, a proven winner and a true student of the game,” said Hawks President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Travis Schlenk. “His resume and experience speak for themselves. We’re excited to add him to our group.”

Rondo, a two-time NBA champion (including in 2020 with the Lakers), four-time All-Star and two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member, has led the NBA in assists three times and in steals once.

Per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Rondo, 34, will bring a veteran presence and playoff experience to a young Hawks team trying to qualify for the postseason this year.”

In 873 career regular season games (729 starts) with Boston, Dallas, Sacramento, Chicago, New Orleans and the Los Angeles Lakers, he’s averaged 10.2 points, 8.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 31.0 minutes (.458 FG%, .316 3FG%, .606 FT%). The 6-foot-1 Rondo has 121 games of career postseason experience (105 starting assignments), averaging 13.3 points, 9.0 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 35.9 minutes (.444 FG%, .320 3FG%, .648 FT%).

Among active NBA players, Rondo ranks fourth in assists (7,215, 15th overall in NBA history) and sixth in steals (1,451).

The 21st overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft by Phoenix, Rondo was traded to the Celtics on draft night. He earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors in 2010 and 2011, All-Defensive Second Team in 2009 and 2012, Third Team All-NBA in 2012 and Second Team All-Rookie in 2007.

As a collegiate player at Kentucky, the Louisville native appeared in 68 games over two seasons, averaging 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.3 steals in 28.1 minutes (.493 FG%, .283 3FG%, .577 FT%).

More from the Journal-Constitution: “He also will fill a hole on the Hawks’ roster as a secondary playmaker and ballhandler behind Trae Young. That was one of three major problems the Hawks had to solve entering the 2020 season – improved 3-point percentage (which the Danilo Gallinari signing addresses), improved defense (which the Kris Dunn signing addresses) and preventing the offense from stalling when Young goes to the bench, something the Rondo signing can help with if he gives the second unit a boost.”

He will wear jersey No. 7.

Lakers re-sign Markieff Morris

The Los Angeles Lakers have re-signed forward Markieff Morris, it was announced today by Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka.

Per multiple reports, Morris’ contract is a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum.

Morris played in 14 games (one start) for the Lakers last season, averaging 5.3 points and 3.2 rebounds in 14.2 minutes. In 21 playoff games (two starts) for Los Angeles, Morris shot a team-high 42.0 percent from three-point range and notched 5.9 points (.449 FG%), 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist.

Morris has played in 637 career games (348 starts) for the Suns, Wizards, Thunder, Pistons and Lakers, with averages of 11.4 points (.448 FG%), 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 25.5 minutes.

Utah Jazz re-sign Jordan Clarkson

The Utah Jazz have re-signed guard Jordan Clarkson.

Clarkson’s contract is reportedly a four-year, $52 million deal, with the final season a player option.

“Jordan was an integral part of our team’s success last season,” said Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Dennis Lindsey. “He’s an aggressive, competitive talent that leads by example and provides a big scoring spark. He is a great fit with our roster and we’re excited to bring him back.”

Clarkson (6-5, 192, Missouri) was acquired by the Jazz via trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec. 24, 2019. In 41 games as a Jazzman, he averaged 15.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24.7 minutes off the bench, while shooting 46.2 percent from the field. Clarkson ranked sixth in the NBA in reserve scoring (15.2 points) and knocked down the fourth most three-point field goals (152) among reserves in 2019-20. The six-year pro totaled 19 games with 20-plus points and three games with 30-or-more last season.

Per the Salt Lake Tribune, “Clarkson was a huge midseason pickup for Utah this past season, sparking a previously flaccid second unit with his high-octane style, and earning rave reviews from teammates and for his patented “good vibes” persona that made him an instant locker room fit.”

The guard appeared in all seven 2020 postseason games for the Jazz, averaging 16.7 points on 46.4 percent shooting, to go with 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 28.6 minutes per game as a reserve.

Per the Deseret News: “When the Jazz made the move to bring Clarkson to Utah, they knew they needed a scoring boost on the bench and ended up with even more than they had bargained for with Clarkson sometimes taking over in games when the stars were having an off night.”

Drafted in the second round (46th overall) of the 2014 NBA Draft by Washington (traded to Lakers on draft night), the San Antonio, Texas native has appeared in 453 career games (140 starts) with the Lakers, Cavaliers and Jazz with career averages of 14.8 points on 44.6 percent shooting, 3.1 boards and 2.6 assists in 27.0 minutes per contest. Following his first season, he was named to the 2014-15 All-Rookie First Team.

Nets sign Jeff Green

The Brooklyn Nets have signed free agent forward Jeff Green.

Per multiple reports, Green’s contract is for one year, $2.56 million.

Green (6’8”, 235) has appeared in 908 career games (546 starts) across 12 NBA seasons with Houston (2020), Utah (2019), Washington (2018-19), Cleveland (2017-18), Orlando (2016-17), Los Angeles Clippers (2016), Memphis (2015-16), Boston (2011-15) and Oklahoma City/Seattle (2007-11), registering averages of 13.0 points on 44.2 percent shooting from the field, 33.4 percent from 3-point range and 80.5 percent from the free-throw line, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 29.5 minutes per game.

He split the 2019-20 season between the Jazz and Rockets, appearing in 48 games and averaging 9.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 20.0 minutes per game. Most recently, Green finished the 2019-20 campaign with Houston, recording averages of 12.2 points on 56.4 percent shooting from the field, 35.4 percent from 3-point range and 85.7 percent from the free-throw line, 2.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 22.6 minutes per contest in 18 games. The Maryland native has made seven playoff appearances in his career, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2018 with the Cavaliers, and has averaged 10.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 27.4 minutes per game in 72 playoff contests.

Per the New York Post, “finding a seasoned power forward backup for Durant and replacement for Wilson Chandler has been on general manager Sean Marks’ to-do list. He got a solid one on a team-friendly contract, using the lure of a star-laden contender to get the 34-year-old to take less for a chance at a championship.”

Green was originally selected with the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft by Boston before being traded on draft night to Seattle. In his rookie season with the SuperSonics, Green earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors after posting averages of 10.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 28.2 minutes per game in 80 games. The 34-year-old spent three years (2004-07) at Georgetown, garnering All-Big East honors twice and securing the Big East Player of the Year award in his third and final collegiate season.

Sixers trade Zhaire Smith to Pistons for Tony Bradley

The Philadelphia 76ers have acquired Tony Bradley in a trade with the Detroit Pistons for Zhaire Smith.

Bradley was originally selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, before his draft rights were traded to Utah. Over three seasons with Utah, Bradley has played in 70 games, averaging 4.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per contest. Between 2017-19, he also played for the Salt Lake City Stars, the Jazz’s G League affiliate, seeing action in 44 games (all starts) and posting 14.5 points and 8.8 rebounds in 27.7 minutes per game, while shooting .581 from the field.

Prior to the NBA, Bradley played one season at the University of North Carolina, where he helped the Tar Heels to the 2017 NCAA title. He appeared in 38 games as a reserve and notched 7.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest. A Florida native, Bradley was named a McDonald’s All-American following his senior season at Bartow High School.

Smith was originally selected by Phoenix with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, and his draft rights were acquired by Philadelphia. He’s played in 13 NBA games over the last two seasons with the 76ers. Smith has also seen action in 39 G League games for the Delaware Blue Coats, averaging 11.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 26.6 minutes per contest.

Bradley will wear No. 11 for the 76ers.

Heat sign forward Maurice Harkless

The Miami Heat have signed forward Maurice Harkless.

Per multiple reports, Harkless’ contract is for one year, $3.6 million.

“We have always liked what Moe Harkless brings to a team,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “We like his experience in knowing the role he will play for us real well. Moe can guard multiple positions, play above the rim, great shot blocker for his position and most importantly for our offense, space the floor with his three-point shooting. He is a player with great character and toughness.”

Harkless, an eight-year NBA veteran, split last season between the Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks appearing in 62 games (48 starts) averaging 5.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 23.0 minutes while shooting 50.2 percent from the field. He recorded 16 multi-steal games and nine multi-block games while scoring a season-high 17 points at Philadelphia on February 27 and grabbing a season-high 14 rebounds at Indiana on December 9.

Per the Miami Herald, “Harkless has never played in a game for the Heat before, but he was technically a member of the organization for a very short time last year. The Portland Trail Blazers dealt Harkless and Leonard to the Heat as part of the four-team Jimmy Butler trade in the 2019 offseason, but the Heat moved Harkless to the Clippers just hours later to help facilitate the deal.”

Harkless appeared in 50 games (38 starts) with the Clippers before being traded to the Knicks midseason, and averaged 5.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 22.8 minutes while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range. He scored in double-figures eight times as a member of the Clippers, helping them to a perfect 8-0 record over that span.

Knicks sign first round draft pick Obi Toppin

The New York Knicks have signed forward Obi Toppin, the team’s first-round 2020 NBA Draft selection, to his rookie contract.

Toppin, 22, was selected on November 18 by the Knicks with the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft out of the University of Dayton. At college, the 6-9, 220-pound forward averaged 20.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.23 blocks over 31.6 minutes in 31 games during his sophomore season en route to consensus All-America First Team honors and the 2019-20 Naismith Trophy, awarded to the National Player of the Year. Toppin was the first consensus All-American in Dayton’s history.

The Brooklyn, New York-native was the only player in the nation to average 20.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and shoot over 60% from the field. He had the best field goal percentage in the last five years of any Division I player who averaged at least 20.0 points per game. The 2019-20 John R. Wooden Award winner helped lead the University of Dayton to 29-wins in the regular season, the most in school history.

Miami Heat sign Avery Bradley

The Miami Heat have signed guard Avery Bradley.

According to the Miami Herald, “Bradley’s two-year contract is worth nearly $12 million and includes a team option for the second year. He will make about $6 million in the first year — the only guaranteed year — of the contract.”

“This is a great signing that can help us right away,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “Being able to add a two-time All-NBA Defensive Team selection who is also a great shooter and fits perfectly with our current philosophy as a multi-positional player. Avery will be a great addition to fortifying our backcourt.”

Bradley appeared in 49 games (44 starts) with the Los Angeles Lakers last season and averaged 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 24.2 minutes while shooting 44.4 percent from the field, 36.4 percent from three-point range and 83.3 percent from the foul line. He scored in double-figures 20 times, including a season-high 24 points on March 8 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

More from the Herald: “Heat president Pat Riley called Bradley on Friday night to pitch him on playing for the Heat if Miami failed to re-sign Jae Crowder, according to a source with direct knowledge. Riley then called him again on Saturday morning and told Bradley how much he and Erik Spoelstra would like to have him on the team and that they thought he perfectly fit the Heat’s culture.”

The 10-year NBA veteran has appeared in 571 career games (493 starts) and averaged 11.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.02 steals and 28.3 minutes while shooting 43.6 percent from the field, 36.4 percent from three-point range and 78 percent from the foul line.

Orlando Magic re-sign Gary Clark

The Orlando Magic have re-signed free agent forward Gary Clark, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

Clark reportedly signed a contract for two years, $4.1 million.

“Gary (Clark) showed that he has the ability to compete with anyone during the NBA restart,” Weltman said. “He can both make shots and provide great effort on the defensive end. We are happy to have Gary return to Orlando.”

Clark (6’6”, 225, 11/16/94) played in 42 games (five starts) last season with both Houston and Orlando, averaging 3.7 ppg. and 2.6 rpg. in 13.5 minpg. He signed his first 10-day contract with the Magic on Jan. 14, then his second 10-day contract on Jan. 29, before signing for the remainder of the regular season on Feb. 8. In 24 regular season games (five starts) with the Magic, Clark averaged 3.6 ppg. and 2.9 rpg. in 14.8 minpg. He scored in double figures five times (three times with Orlando), including a career-high 15 points on Aug. 9 @ Boston. Clark also played and started in all five playoff outings, averaging 7.4 ppg., 5.6 rpg., 1.4 apg. and 1.00 stlpg. in 28.7 minpg. He scored a career playoff-high 15 points in Game #1 on Aug. 18 @ Milwaukee.

Per the Orlando Sentinel, “Clark gave the Magic a three-and-D and rebounding presence after being signed in mid-January to a 10-day contract. He wound up being signed for the rest of the year and proceeded to give the Magic bench minutes. After an injury to Aaron Gordon, Clark moved into the starting lineup near the end of the restart, then started all five games of the team’s playoff series against the Bucks.”

Undrafted by an NBA franchise, Clark has appeared in 93 career NBA regular season games (seven starts) with Houston and Orlando, averaging 3.3 ppg. and 2.4 rpg. in 13.0 minpg. He has played in seven career playoff outings (five starts), averaging 5.3 ppg., 4.1 rpg. and 1.0 apg. in 21.1 minpg. Clark has also appeared and started in 11 career NBA G League games with Rio Grande Valley, averaging 14.9 ppg., 6.5 rpg., 2.6 apg., 1.55 stlpg. and 1.00 blkpg. in 32.6 minpg.

Clark appeared in 139 career games (137 starts) during four seasons at the University of Cincinnati (2014-18), averaging 10.5 ppg., 8.1 rpg., 2.0 apg., 1.29 blkpg. and 1.17 stlpg. in 28.8 minpg., while shooting .525 (542-1,033) from the floor and .383 (54-141) from three-point range. As a senior (2017-18), he averaged 12.9 ppg., 8.7 rpg., 2.1 apg., 1.42 stlpg. and 1.22 blkpg. in 28.5 minpg. Clark was named the 2017-18 American Athletic Conference Player of the Year and was a two-time American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year (2016-17, 2017-18).