Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Nets exercise contract options on Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen

The Brooklyn Nets have exercised the 2019-20 contract options for guard Caris LeVert and center Jarrett Allen.

The moves were expected, and likely a very easy decision for the Nets, as the two players are talented, still reaching their potential, and worth keeping around.

Allen appeared in 72 games (31 starts) in his rookie season, registering averages of 8.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 20.0 minutes per game. The 20-year-old was selected by Brooklyn with the 22nd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

LeVert has appeared in 128 games (36 starts) in his first two seasons with the Nets, recording averages of 10.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.0 steals in 24.2 minutes per contest. During the 2017-18 campaign, the 24-year-old recorded averages of 12.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 26.2 minutes per game. LeVert was originally selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers before being acquired by Brooklyn in a trade on July 7, 2016.

Warriors give Marcus Derrickson a two-way contract

The Golden State Warriors have exercised the two-way player conversion option on forward Marcus Derrickson.

Derrickson joins guard Damion Lee as the Warriors’ two-way players.

Derrickson, who originally signed with Golden State on September 20, appeared in five preseason games with the Warriors (four starts), averaging 14.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in 21.4 minutes per game.

Derrickson, 22, an undrafted early-entry candidate in 2018 Draft, averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 32.0 minutes in 29 games (all starts) during his junior season at Georgetown University. He was named to the All-Big East Second Team and ranked second in Big East Conference in three-point field goal percentage (.500 3FG%, 29-of-58 3FG).

Per NBA rules, teams are permitted to sign two players to two-way contracts in addition to the 15-man regular-season roster. Players signed to a two-way contract may accrue no more than 45 days of service with their respective NBA club during the regular season, spending the remainder of the season with the team’s G League affiliate. The Warriors’ two-way players will have the ability to spend time with both Golden State and the team’s G League affiliate in Santa Cruz.

Cavs waive Kobi Simmons, Bonzie Colson and Emanuel Terry

The Cleveland Cavaliers have waived guard Kobi Simmons and forwards Bonzie Colson and Emanuel Terry.

Colson (6-6, 225) appeared in three preseason games for Cleveland, averaging 3.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 9.7 minutes per game.

Simmons (6-4, 170) saw action in four preseason contests and averaged 4.0 points in 10.9 minutes per game.

Terry (6-9, 220) played in one preseason game for the Cavaliers.

Cleveland’s roster now stands at 17, including two Two-Way players.

Clippers waive Jamel Artis

The L.A. Clippers have waived guard Jamel Artis.

Artis, 25, spent last season on a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic, appearing in 15 games and averaging 5.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 18.6 minutes. The 6’7”, 213-pound guard appeared in 46 games (all starts) for the Lakeland Magic, averaging 19.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists, while shooting 46.3 percent from the field in 37.5 minutes. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Artis received an All-ACC honorable mention in his final collegiate season.

Kings waive Kalin Lucas and Cameron Reynolds

The Sacramento Kings have waived guards Kalin Lucas and Cameron Reynolds.

Reynolds appeared in four preseason contests for Sacramento, totaling 11 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal in 36 minutes. The Tulane product also spent the 2018 California Classic and Las Vegas Summer Leagues as a member of the Kings roster.

Lucas posted 3.0 points and 2.5 assists in 9.0 minutes per contest in four exhibition games with the Kings.

The Kings roster now stands at 16, including one two-way player.

Trail Blazers waive Gary Payton II, Cameron Oliver and Chinanu Onuaku

The Portland Trail Blazers have waived guard Gary Payton II, forward Cameron Oliver, center Chinanu Onuaku.

All three players were signed to training camp contracts last month.

Oliver, 22, averaged 1.0 point, 2.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 4.2 minutes in three games for the Trail Blazers this preseason.

Onuaku, 21, posted preseason averages of 3.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 5.2 minutes in three games.

Payton II, 25, finished the preseason averaging 4.0 points, 1.0 rebound, 1.3 assists and 8.1 minutes in three games.

Portland’s roster stands at 15 players entering the season opener on Oct. 18 vs. the L.A. Lakers at Moda Center.