NBA News Blog – Page 783 – NBA Blog

Orlando Magic, Channing Frye deal is now official

The Orlando Magic have signed free agent forward Channing Frye, General Manager Rob Hennigan announced today. This agreement has been known for some time, but is now official.

According to the Arizona Republic, it’s a four-year, $32 million contract.”

“We’re extremely excited to welcome Channing (Frye) and his family to Orlando,” said Hennigan. “Channing’s character, competiveness, veteran experience, and leadership ability are valuable additions to our developing team. His ability to stretch the floor and play sound team defense are also ways in which we envision Channing helping our team moving forward.”

According to the Orlando Sentinel blog, “team officials want Frye to stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting. If Frye can accomplish that, he should be able to open space and driving lanes for youngsters such as Victor Oladipo, Elfrid Payton and Maurice Harkless to attack the rim. The Magic also wanted the 31-year-old veteran because they believe he’ll provide veteran leadership. He’ll be expected to mentor young players.”

Frye (6’11”, 255, 5/17/83) played and started in all 82 games last season with Phoenix, averaging 11.1 ppg., 5.1 rpg. and 1.2 apg. in 28.2 minpg., while shooting .370 (160-432) from three-point range. He became the ninth player in Suns history to start all 82 games in a regular season. Frye led (or tied) the team in scoring five times and in rebounding six times. He scored in double figures 57 times and had 20+ points 11 times, including a season-high 30 points on Jan. 19 vs. Denver.

Originally selected by New York in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft, Frye has appeared in 582 career NBA regular season games (340 starts) during his eight-year career with New York, Portland and Phoenix, averaging 9.9 ppg., 5.2 rpg. and 1.0 apg. in 24.5 minpg., while shooting .385 (614-1,596) from three-point range. He also played in 20 career playoff games, averaging 7.2 ppg. and 4.7 rpg. in 23.5 minpg. Frye, who missed the entire 2012-13 campaign due to a dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart), was named to the 2005-06 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Detroit Pistons signing of Jodie Meeks becomes official

The Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Stan Van Gundy announced today that the club has signed free agent guard Jodie Meeks to a multi-year contract.

According to the Detroit Free Press, “Meeks, who signed a three-year deal worth around $19.5 million, comes to Detroit with a shooting arm locked and loaded.”

“We’re pleased to welcome Jodie Meeks to the Pistons organization,” said Jeff Bower, General Manager for the Detroit Pistons. “Jodie’s approach to the game fits the style of basketball we want to play and his ability to shoot the ball from the outside is a skill that will help our team moving forward.”

The 6-4, 208-pound guard has career averages of 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 24.3 minutes in 355 games (194 starts) with the L.A. Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks. He joins the Pistons after spending the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers where he averaged 11.8 points (.435 FG%, .381 3FG%, .867 FT%), 2.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 27.2 minutes.

The 26-year-old native of Nashville, TN, had a career-year with the Lakers last season, averaging career-highs in points (15.7 ppg), field goal percentage (.463 FG), 3-point field goal percentage (.401 3FG), rebounds (2.5 rpg), assists (1.8 apg) and minutes (33.2 mpg) in 77 games (70 starts). Meeks connected on a career-high 162 3-point field goals last season (T-17th in the NBA) and was one of 21 NBA players to shoot over 40% from 3-point range (40.1% – T-19th in the NBA). He scored a career-high 42 points (11-18 FG, 14-14 FT) in a 114-110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder (3/9).

Meeks, a second round draft selection of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2009, spent three years at the University of Kentucky where he averaged 15.4 points (.368 3FG), 3.0 rebounds and set a single-season school record for 3-point field goals made (117). He averaged 23.7 points and 40.6% from 3-point range as a junior while setting Wildcat records for most points in a single-game (career-high 54) and most 3-pointers made in a single-game (10) during a 90-72 win over Tennessee (1/13/09). Meeks recorded the nation’s top three college regular-season scoring efforts during the 2008-09 season (54, 46 and 45 points, respectively).

Miami Heat re-sign Mario Chalmers

The Miami Heat have LeBron James in free agency, but they did manage to keep Chris Bosh, and now the team today announced that they have re-signed guard Mario Chalmers.

“It’s great to have Mario back,” said Heat President Pat Riley. “We’re happy that he wants to continue his career in Miami, he’s one of our core players, and I believe he will have a great season.”

Chalmers, who has spent his entire six-year NBA career with the Heat, has appeared in 439 career games (346 starts) and has averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 assists, 2.4 rebounds, 1.51 steals and 27.5 minutes while shooting 42.7 percent from the field, 37.3 percent from three-point range and 77.5 percent from the foul line. He ranks among the Heat’s all-time leaders in steals (3rd), three-point field goals made (4th), three-point field goals attempted (4th), assists (5th), games played (8th), starts (9th), minutes played (9th), free throw percentage (11th), field goals attempted (13th), points scored (14th), field goals made (15th), double-figure scoring efforts (15th), three-point field goal percentage (15th) and defensive rebounds (15th). He also owns the Heat single-game record for steals (9 vs. Philadelphia on Nov. 5, 2008) and shares the franchise single-game record for three-point field goals made (10 at Sacramento on Jan. 12, 2013).

The 6’2”, 190-pound guard started each of the 73 games in which he appeared last season and averaged 9.8 points, 4.9 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 1.63 steals and 29.8 minutes while shooting 45.4 percent from the floor, 38.5 percent from three-point range and 74.2 percent from the free throw line. Chalmers, who set single-season career highs in field goal percentage, offensive rebounds and blocked shots during the 2013-14 season, ranked among the NBA leaders in steals per game (13th), assists per game (29th) and three-point field goal percentage (38th). He led the Heat in three-point field goal percentage and steals per game and ranked second on the team in assists and total steals.

Additionally, Chalmers has appeared in 99 postseason games (73 starts) for Miami and has averaged 8.8 points, 3.2 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 1.19 steals and 29.1 minutes while shooting 42.9 percent from the floor, 35.7 percent from three-point range and 74.2 percent from the foul line. He currently ranks among the Heat’s postseason all-time leaders in three-point field goals made (2nd), three-point field goals attempted (2nd), games played (3rd), assists (3rd), steals (3rd), minutes played (4th), field goals attempted (4th), points scored (5th), starts (5th), free throws made (6th), double-figure scoring games (tied-6th), field goals made (7th), free throws attempted (7th), defensive rebounds (7th) and total rebounds (8th).

Kings hire Tyrone Corbin as assistant coach

The Sacramento Kings today hired Tyrone Corbin as an assistant coach on Head Coach Michael Malone’s staff, according to Kings General Manager Pete D’Alessandro.

Corbin enjoyed two successful stints with the Kings in 1995-96 and 1999-00, teaming with current assistant coach Corliss Williamson during both seasons and played under Kings Assistant General Manager Mike Bratz, who served as an assistant coach during the 1995-96 season.

Before joining the Kings, Corbin served as head coach of the Utah Jazz for four seasons, compiling a 112-146 (.434) record. Named head coach on February 10, 2011 following Jerry Sloan’s resignation, Corbin guided the Jazz to a winning record in two of his three full seasons at the helm and a playoff appearance in 2011. Prior to his promotion to head coach, Corbin was an assistant coach for the Jazz under Sloan from 2004-2011. Corbin joined the Jazz after spending the 2003-04 season as manager of player development for the New York Knicks and two seasons as a player mentor for the North Charleston Lowgators of the NBA D-League.

A native of Columbia, S.C., Corbin played for nine NBA teams during a 16-year NBA career (1985-2001), averaging 9.2 points (.456 FG%, .299 3pt%, .791 FT%), 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 26.0 minutes per game in 1,065 career games, 458 of which he started. Originally drafted by San Antonio in the second round (35th pick overall) of the 1985 NBA Draft out of DePaul University, his career included stops with the Spurs, Cleveland, Phoenix, Minnesota, Utah, Atlanta, Sacramento, Miami and Toronto.

D-Wade comments on LeBron leaving Heat

Here’s ESPN.com reporting on Dwyane Wade, who is still a free agent, as former teammate LeBron James heads to Cleveland, while Chris Bosh is re-signing with the Heat:

Dwyane Wade wished LeBron James stayed in Miami.

And now he’s wishing him well regardless.

Wade released a statement Saturday calling James — who announced Friday he is leaving the Heat and returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers — “my brother,” and said he supports the four-time NBA MVP’s decision.

“As a friend and a teammate, I am sad to see my brother LeBron leave to begin a new journey,” Wade’s statement said. “In 2010, we decided to come together all for one goal — to win championships and we succeeded. We were friends when we first joined the league and created an unbreakable bond the past four years. Our collaboration will always be very special to me both personally and professionally.”

“We shared something unique and he will always be part of my family. LeBron made the right decision for himself and his family because home is where your heart is. I know this was not an easy decision to make and I support him in returning to his roots. As an organization, a community, and as individuals, we achieved the goals we set when we first signed on together. We are champions.”

LeBron James officially back with Cavs

The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed free agent forward LeBron James, Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin announced today.

According to ESPN.com, “James signed a two-year, $42.1 million deal with the goal of re-signing with the Cavs before the 2016-17 season when a new television deal is expected to create a large jump in value of the maximum contract.”

“We could not be happier to welcome LeBron James home. Yesterday, LeBron, through his essay, told us he wasn’t going anywhere except Cleveland and that ‘Cleveland is where he always believed he would finish his career.’ These words and commitment put all of us, including LeBron, in the best position to build our franchise the right way and achieve the kind of goals we all know are possible. Expectations will be at the highest levels but no one should expect immediate and automatic success,” said Griffin.

“LeBron’s motivation to return home is clearly fueled by the kind of emotions and ideals that we can and should embrace. The contract and those details are secondary to his commitment to Northeast Ohio and the Cavaliers. It extends well beyond the boundaries of basketball and speak to his love and passion for his family, home, and our fans. He communicated his role and growth as a husband, father, teammate, community leader, and business person. This resonated in a special and personal way for all of us. LeBron put it well when he stated; ‘In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned.’ We can’t wait to get started and look forward to his leadership, on and off the court, for many years to come.”

The Akron, Ohio native returns to the Cavaliers where he remains the franchise’s leader in points scored (15,251), scoring average (27.8 PPG) field goals made (5,415) and attempted (11,403), free throws made (3,650) and attempted (4,917), steals (955) and minutes played (22,119). He also ranks second in team history in three-pointers made (771), second in assists (3,810), third in defensive rebounds (3,183), fourth in blocks (482), fifth in total rebounds (3,861) and is tied for seventh in games played (548).

An advocate for change and community responsibility, James launched the LeBron James Family Foundation in 2004 with a mission to positively affect the lives of children and young adults through education and co-curricular educational initiatives. In 2011, in partnership with the Akron Public Schools, his foundation launched its pillar program, “Wheels for Education”, with its mission to improve graduation rates in Akron. In 2012, James pledged $1 million to renovate his old stomping grounds at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School as the completion of The LeBron James Arena had its ceremonial grand opening on December 14, 2013. He and his foundation also work regularly with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, renovating a local Boys and Girls Club in every All-Star host city each year, an initiative that began in 2008 in New Orleans.

James is a four-time MVP (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013), a two-time NBA champion (2012, 2013) and a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012). The 6-8 forward has also garnered other numerous achievements over his career including: Ten-time NBA All-Star (2005–2014), two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (2006, 2008), eight-time All-NBA First Team selection (2006, 2008–2014), two-time All-NBA Second Team selection (2005, 2007) and five-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection (2009–2013). James was originally drafted by the Cavs with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft and went on to earn the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award in 2003-04.

James has played in 842 games (841 starts) with career averages of 27.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.7 steals in 39.5 minutes per game with Cleveland and Miami. LeBron has the third highest scoring average in NBA history to go along with 37 career triple-doubles and 267 career double-doubles. He has scored in double figures on 834 occasions, including 701 games with at least 20 points, 339 games with 30-or-more points, 52 40-point performances and 10 50-plus efforts. James will begin the 2014-15 season having scored in double figures a career-high 572 consecutive games, a streak that began on Jan. 6, 2007. He has scored over 2,000 points in nine of the last 10 seasons and has averaged at least 20 points in all 11 of his NBA seasons.

This past year, James was selected to the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive Second Team after averaging 27.1 points (ranked third in NBA) on a career-best .567 shooting from the field (fourth in NBA), 6.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.6 steals in 37.7 minutes over 77 games (all starts). He was the only player in the league to average at least 20 points, six rebounds and six assists. The two-time NBA Finals MVP also led Miami to its fourth straight NBA Finals appearance during the 2013-14 season. For his postseason career, he has appeared in 158 playoff contests with averages of 28.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.7 steals in 42.5 minutes per game.

Kings sign Darren Collison

The Sacramento Kings today signed free agent point guard Darren Collison to a multi-year contract, according to Kings General Manager Pete D’Alessandro.

“Adding Darren provides veteran leadership in our backcourt,” said D’Alessandro. “His speed and quickness will undoubtedly increase our pace and he plays sound defense every night. We’re excited to have him join the team.”

Collison is entering his sixth NBA campaign after playing last season for the Los Angeles Clippers, where he averaged 11.4 points (.467 FG%, .376 3pt%, .857 FT%), 2.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 25.9 minutes per game in 80 games (started 35). He posted 13.3 points and 6.5 assists per contest during an 18-game stretch spelling an injured Chris Paul, helping the Clippers to a 12-6 mark during that span.

Originally selected by New Orleans with the 21st pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Collison has played five seasons with New Orleans (2009-10), Indiana (2010-11 – 2011-12), Dallas (2012-13) and Los Angeles. For his career, he is averaging 11.9 points (.464 FG%, .365 3pt%, .861 FT%), 2.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 28.7 minutes per game in 376 career contests.

Raptors re-sign Patrick Patterson

The Toronto Raptors announced Saturday they have re-signed restricted free-agent forward Patrick Patterson.

“We were very pleased with what Patrick brought to us both on the court and in the locker room last season,” said Raptors President and General Manager Masai Ujiri. “We are delighted that Patrick wanted to return to the Raptors and we look forward to his contributions as he helps us build a consistent winner in Toronto.”

Patterson averaged 9.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 23.3 minutes in 48 outings with the Raptors this past season. He shot .411 (46-112) from three-point range in a Toronto uniform. He scored in double figures on 20 occasions, including a season-high 22 points on seven-for-11 shooting from the field in his first start for the Raptors on February 10 versus New Orleans.

Patterson was acquired December 9, 2013 in a seven-player trade with Sacramento. He averaged 11.1 points and 5.4 rebounds during 16 games in January where he shot .514 (74-144) from the field and .452 (14-31) from three-point range.

In Toronto’s playoff series versus Brooklyn he upped his averages to 10.4 points, 6.7 rebounds (second on the team) and 28.5 minutes. He scored in double-digits three times and was a perfect five-for-five from the floor and six-for-six from the free throw line en route to 16 points in Game Seven.

The University of Kentucky product was selected in the first round by Houston in the 2010 NBA Draft. In 252 career games with Houston, Sacramento and Toronto, Patterson has averaged 8.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 22.5 minutes.

Hornets trade Brendan Haywood to Cavs

The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired center Brendan Haywood and the draft rights to forward Dwight Powell, the 45th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for guard Scotty Hopson and cash considerations, General Manager David Griffin announced today.

The 6-7 Hopson played in two games for the Cavaliers last season after signing with the team on March 31, 2014. Prior to that he played internationally in Greece (2011-12), Israel (2012-13) and Turkey (2013-14).

Haywood has played in 794 career NBA games (548 starts) over his 12-year career for Washington, Dallas and Charlotte with averages of 6.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 23.4 minutes. His career field goal percentage of .528 ranks ninth among active players. Haywood was a member of Dallas’ 2011 NBA Championship team, and has appeared in 53 career postseason games, averaging 6.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks, while shooting .564 from the field. The New York native played four seasons at the University of North Carolina before being selected by Cleveland with the 20th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft. His rights were traded on draft night to Orlando, who later traded him to Washington. The 7-0, 263-pound center missed the entire 2013-14 season due to a stress fracture in his left foot.

Powell played four years at Stanford, appearing in 136 games (105 starts) with averages of 10.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 26.2 minutes per game. The 6-11, 240-pound forward from Ontario, Canada is a two-time First Team All-Pac 12 selection. He averaged 14.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals during his senior season and was the Pac 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Powell also played for Canada in the World University Games in the summer of 2013.

Jazz match Hornets offer sheet, and keep Gordon Hayward

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has retained its right of first refusal and matched the offer sheet extended to guard/forward Gordon Hayward by the Charlotte Hornets. According to multiple reports, it is a four year deal for $63 million.

“As we have said since the start of last season, we have always seen Gordon Hayward as a significant part of the future of the Utah Jazz,” said Jazz General Manager Dennis Lindsey.

“Gordon is a young, multi-faceted player and a high-character individual who we are pleased will remain a member of the Jazz for many years to come.”

Hayward (6-8, 220, Butler) appeared in 77 games (all starts) for the Jazz in 2013-14, averaging career-highs of 16.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.4 steals in 36.4 minutes (10th in NBA) to become just the second player in Jazz history to average at least 16 points, with five-or-more rebounds and assists in a season (Pete Maravich in 1974-75 and 1976-77). He led the Jazz in scoring and minutes played, ranked second in assists and third in rebounds last season while posting career highs in nearly every major statistical category. Hayward registered nine double-doubles on the season (seven points/rebounds, two points/assists), tallying seven double-digit rebound performances, and six games with 10+ assists. He scored in double figures 63 times, reaching 20-plus points on 22 occasions. He also recorded single-game career highs of 37 points (Jan. 7 vs. Oklahoma City), 13 rebounds (Dec. 13 at Denver) and 12 assists (Nov. 25 vs. Chicago).

“Gordon is a foundational piece for the Utah Jazz and an important member of the Utah community,” said Jazz President Randy Rigby. “We have appreciated his commitment in the past and look forward to his continued growth both on and off the court.”

The 24-year-old career Jazzman was originally selected by Utah in the first round (ninth overall selection) of the 2010 NBA Draft, and has appeared in 287 career games (179 starts) and owns averages of 12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 28.4 minutes.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to coach Gordon,” said Head Coach Quin Snyder. “He is a talented and versatile player, and will play an integral role in our effort to build the Utah Jazz into a championship-caliber team. We look forward to seeing him continue to develop as a leader on our team.”