Category: NBA Teams

NBA teams blog

Rockets trade Bruno Fernando and Garrison Mathews to Hawks for Justin Holiday, Frank Kaminsky and draft picks

The Atlanta Hawks acquired center Bruno Fernando and guard Garrison Mathews in a trade with the Houston Rockets for Justin Holiday, Frank Kaminsky and 2024 and 2025 second round draft picks (Oklahoma City’s own).

Fernando has appeared in 31 games (four starts) with the Rockets this season, tallying 4.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.0 block in 11.7 minutes (.516 FG%, .682 FT%). The center from Luanda, Angola has rejected two-or-more shots in eight games this season, including two four-block outings.

Selected 34th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 NBA Draft, Fernando’s rights were traded to Atlanta on July 6, 2019. Over the course of his four-year career, Fernando has suited up for Atlanta (2019-21), Boston (2021-22) and Houston (2021-23). He owns career averages of 3.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 150 games (17 starts). Fernando was the first native of Angola ever drafted into the NBA.

Fernando played two years at Maryland (2017-19), seeing action in 64 games (53 starts), recording 12.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.6 blocks in 26.4 minutes of play (.595 FG%, .763 FT%). He left Maryland ranked second all-time in field goal percentage (.595 FG%), tied eighth in career blocked shots per game (1.6), tied ninth in career double-doubles (25) and 10th in rebounds per game (8.7).

Mathews, a career .366% three-point shooter, has appeared in 45 games for Houston this season, averaging 4.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in 13.4 minutes. During the 2021-22 campaign, the 6-5 guard averaged career bests of 10.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 assist, seeing action in a career-high 65 games, while making a career-high 33 starts.

Undrafted in 2019, Mathews signed a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards on July 3, 2019 and re-signed as a two-way player with Washington on Nov. 21, 2020. He signed a training camp contract with Boston in September 2021 and was claimed off waivers by the Rockets on Oct. 18, 2021 and signed to a two-way contract, which was converted to a standard NBA contract on Dec. 18, 2021. In his four NBA seasons, Mathews has appeared in 192 games (57 starts), notching 6.9 points and 1.9 rebounds in 18.6 minutes of play. He also saw action in three postseason games with the Wizards during the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

The Franklin, Tenn., native spent four seasons at Lipscomb (2015-19) and finished as the school’s all-time leading scorer in the Division I era with 2,478 points.

Holiday was acquired by Atlanta on July 6, 2022, via a trade with the Sacramento Kings. He has appeared in 28 games for the Hawks this season, averaging 4.5 points in 14.7 minutes of action. Kaminsky signed with the club as a free agent on July 12, 2022. In 26 games played this season, Kaminsky is averaging 2.7 points and 1.4 rebounds in 6.8 minutes.

Three-team trade sends D’Angelo Russell to Lakers, Russell Westbrook to Jazz

The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired via trade guard D’Angelo Russell from the Minnesota Timberwolves and guard Malik Beasley and forward Jarred Vanderbilt from the Utah Jazz, it was announced today by Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka.

In the trade, the Lakers sent guard Russell Westbrook, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, center Damian Jones and a protected first-round pick to Utah and a future second-round pick to Minnesota.

“We are thrilled to add D’Angelo, Malik and Jarred to our organization and are confident their talents will boost our ability to finish the season strongly,” said Pelinka. “In this trade, we’ve added switchable wing defending, perimeter shooting and rebounding depth. We welcome D’Angelo back to the Lakers family and look forward to him donning the purple and gold in front of our passionate fan base once again. We certainly want to thank Russell, Juan and Damian for their time here in Los Angeles and wish them and their families nothing but success moving forward.”

Russell (6’4”, 200) has appeared in 54 games (all starts) for Minnesota this season, averaging 17.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 32.9 minutes per game, shooting a career-best 39.1 percent from 3-point range. In 478 career NBA games (414 starts) across eight seasons with the Timberwolves (2019-23), Warriors (2019-20), Nets (2017-19) and Lakers (2015-17), the 2019 NBA All-Star has averaged 17.7 points (.360 3P%), 3.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.1 steals in 29.8 minutes. The 26-year-old has played in 11 career playoff games (all starts) with the Timberwolves (2021-22) and Nets (2018-19), averaging 15.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals in 31.3 minutes per game. Russell was drafted by the Lakers with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Ohio State and returns to Los Angeles after averaging 14.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.3 steals in 143 games (108 starts) from 2015-17.

Beasley (6’4”, 187) has played 55 games (13 starts) for Utah this season, averaging 13.4 points (.359 3P%), 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 26.8 minutes per game. In 391 career games (100 starts) across seven seasons with the Jazz (2022-23), Timberwolves (2019-22) and Nuggets (2016-20), Beasley has averaged 10.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 21.7 minutes, shooting 38.0 percent from beyond the arc. In 20 career playoff games for the Timberwolves (2021-22) and Nuggets (2018-19), the 26-year-old has averaged 8.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in 20.0 minutes per game. The Florida State alum leads all bench players with 129 3-pointers made this season, and his 169 total triples ranks seventh among all players.

Vanderbilt (6’8”, 214) has appeared in 52 games (41 starts) for Utah this season, averaging 8.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 steals in 24.1 minutes per game. In 218 career games (138 starts) across five seasons with the Jazz (2022-23), Timberwolves (2019-22) and Nuggets (2018-20), Vanderbilt has averaged 6.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals in 20.1 minutes, while shooting 58.0 percent from the field. The 23-year-old has played nine playoff games (six starts) with the Timberwolves (2021-22) and Nuggets (2018-19), averaging 3.7 points and 4.9 rebounds in 14.9 minutes.

In 52 games (three starts) for the Lakers this season, Westbrook averaged 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.0 steals in 28.7 minutes. Toscano-Anderson averaged 2.7 points and 2.0 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game in 30 contests (seven starts) for the Lakers this season. Jones suited up in 22 games (one start) for the purple and gold in 2022-23, averaging 2.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in 8.0 minutes per contest.

Raptors trade Khem Birch and draft picks to Spurs for Jakob Poeltl

The San Antonio Spurs have completed a trade with the Toronto Raptors, acquiring center Khem Birch, along with a 2024 first round draft pick and second round picks in 2023 and 2025, in exchange for center Jakob Poeltl.

Birch, 6-8/230, is in his sixth NBA season and holds career averages of 5.0 points and 4.4 rebounds while playing 17.1 minutes per game in 282 total appearances. After attending training camp with the Miami Heat in 2014, the Canadian center spent three years playing in the G League, Turkey and Greece. He made his NBA debut in 2017 with the Orlando Magic, where he spent his first three-plus seasons before joining the Raptors in 2021. Birch will wear No. 92 for the Silver and Black.

Poeltl was acquired by the Spurs in a trade with the Raptors on June 18, 2018. In four-plus seasons with the Silver and Black, Poeltl appeared in 326 games, averaging 8.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.40 blocks in 22.9 minutes while shooting .622 (1,267-2,037) from the field. In the last two seasons, Poeltl started all but one of his 114 appearances, averaging 12.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 27.8 minutes. The Austrian owns the Spurs franchise record for single-season field-goal percentage after shooting .645 (187-290) from the floor during the 2018-19 season.

Heat sign Jamaree Bouyea to 10-day contract

The Miami Heat have signed guard Jamaree Bouyea to a 10-day contract.

Bouyea has appeared in 16 games (all starts) with Miami’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, this season averaging 19.0 points, 5.8 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 1.31 steals, 1.00 blocks and 35.1 minutes while shooting 52.2 percent from the field. He leads the team in assists, steals, blocks and field goals made and is second in points, rebounds and free throws made. He also appeared in 16 Showcase Cup games with the Skyforce earlier this season and averaged 15.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.30 steals and 35.5 minutes. Bouyea, who originally signed with the HEAT on July 14, appeared in four preseason games with Miami and averaged 8.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.25 steals and 17.2 minutes.

Bouyea played his entire collegiate career at the University of San Francisco, appearing in 160 games (105 starts), finishing as the school’s all-time leader in games played and wins while finishing third in assists and steals and fifth in points and field goals made. In his final season, he started all 34 games and averaged 17.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.82 steals and 36.2 minutes. He earned All-WCC First Team honors and was named to the NABC All-District First Team. He ranked third in the conference in scoring and led the team in points, assists, steals, field goals made and free throws made. He scored in double-figures in all but five games, including a career-high 36 points in the final game against Murray State in the NCAA Tournament.

The Phoenix Suns officially have a new owner

Following NBA Board of Governors approval, Mat Ishbia has completed the acquisition of the controlling ownership interest in the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) franchises, the operating entity for Footprint Center and affiliated entities. With the transaction, Mat becomes Governor of the Suns and Mercury while Justin Ishbia, CEO and Founder of Shore Capital Partners, becomes the second largest shareholder and Alternate Governor.

“This is the culmination of a lifelong dream. I love the game of basketball deeply but it’s so much more than that for me.” Mat continued, “Throughout my life, basketball has given me a second family, an education, and so much joy. I am honored to be the next steward of this community’s franchises in the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury and am totally committed to building an incredible organization on and off the floor.”

Justin echoed Mat’s excitement stating, “We are thrilled about the opportunity to make a positive impact on the Phoenix sports ecosystem and community through a people-first, family approach. My brother and I look forward to bringing our passion for basketball and competitive spirit to The Valley.”

Nets trade Kessler Edwards to Kings for David Michineau

The Brooklyn Nets have acquired the draft rights to David Michineau in a trade with the Sacramento Kings for forward Kessler Edwards and cash considerations.

Michineau was originally drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in the second round (39th overall pick) of the 2016 NBA Draft. His rights were later acquired by the Los Angeles Clippers and then Sacramento via trade. The 28-year-old guard currently plays for Napoli Basket in Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A and previously played professionally in France.

Edwards was originally selected with the 44th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft by Brooklyn and signed a two-way contract with the team on Aug. 16, 2021. He then signed a standard NBA contract with the Nets on April 10, 2022, and re-signed with the team on July 6, 2022. In 14 games with Brooklyn this season, Edwards averaged 1.1 points and 1.0 rebounds in 5.7 minutes per contest.

Sale of Phoenix Suns team will soon be official

The NBA Board of Governors has approved the sale of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury to an ownership group led by Mat Ishbia, Chairman, President and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage. The transaction is expected to close this week.

Per ESPN.com, “Ishbia is buying a 57% controlling stake for $2.28 billion, sources said, with Robert Sarver selling his 37% stake for $1.48 billion. Even after taxes, Sarver is expected to clear nearly double the amount that he and a group paid for the team in 2004 — then a record-$401 million from former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo.”

Nets trade Kyrie Irving, Markieff Morris to Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and draft picks

The Dallas Mavericks have acquired eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving along with forward/center Markieff Morris in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets for guard Spencer Dinwiddie, forward Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick and two future second-round picks.

“We’re excited to add Spencer and Dorian to our roster, while also securing draft compensation that will increase our flexibility moving forward,” said Nets General Manager Sean Marks. “Spencer is a dynamic, multi-talented guard who we are very familiar with from his previous stint in Brooklyn. Dorian is an experienced wing who brings perimeter shooting and defensive versatility to our group. Together, the two players will fit seamlessly with our roster and provide the team with proven veteran talent.”

Irving (6-2, 191) holds career averages of 23.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 34.2 minutes in 651 games (all starts) with Cleveland, Boston and Brooklyn. He has shot 47.1% (5,582-11,853 FG) from the floor, 39.1% (1,501-3,835 3FG) from 3-point range and 88.2% (2,508-of-2,842) from the foul line for his career. Irving has appeared in 40 games (all starts) for the Nets this season and is averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 36.9 minutes.

Irving is one of seven players averaging 27.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game in 2022-23. Among 40 players using two-or-more iso possessions/game, Irving’s 1.28 points/possession lead the NBA and are the highest for any player (min. 2.0 iso possessions/game) since the statistic was first tracked in 2015-16.

Upon the conclusion of the 2020-21 regular season, Irving became the ninth player in NBA history to join the 50-40-90 club after shooting 50.6% from the field, 40.2% from 3-point range and 92.2% from the free throw line. Irving became only the fourth player to average over 25.0 points while making the 50-40-90 club, joining Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Larry Bird.

The 30-year-old is an eight-time All-Star, a three-time All-NBA selection and helped Cleveland to their lone NBA Championship in 2016. Selected as a starter for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Irving has been an All-Star starter in each of the last five All-Star games in which he has played (2017-19, 2021 and 2023) and was named the All-Star Game MVP in 2014.

Irving was selected by Cleveland with the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft after a season at Duke University, where he averaged 17.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game in 11 games. As a high school senior at St. Patrick High School (NJ) in 2010, Irving was named a McDonald’s All-American, was selected to the First Team All-America by Parade Magazine and USA Today, and was named a finalist for the Naismith High School Player of the Year.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, while his father was playing professional basketball for the Bulleen Boomers, Irving moved to the United States when he was two years old. He elected to represent the United States national team and helped the Americans win a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. With the win, Irving became just the fourth member of Team USA to capture the NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal in the same year, joining LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen.

Irving’s community work includes his KAI Family Enterprise, which seeks to uplift underrepresented entrepreneurs and businesses that do not have access to proper guidance in the business world. Amongst his philanthropic endeavors, Irving has donated $1.5 million to help cover the salaries of WNBA players who opted out of the 2020 season during the COVID-19 pandemic, paid off the tuition for nine students at HBCU Lincoln University, gave $323,000 to Feeding America during the COVID-19 pandemic, and partnered with City Harvest to donate 250,000 meals across the New York area.

Irving will wear No. 2 for the Mavericks.

Morris (6-9, 250) holds career averages of 10.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 24.3 minutes over 742 games (377 starts) with Phoenix, Washington, Oklahoma City, Detroit, the L.A. Lakers, Miami and Brooklyn. He has shot 44.6% (3,051-6,844 FG) from the field, 34.2% (627-1,831 3FG) from beyond the arc and 77.8% (1,189-1,528 FT) from the free throw line in his career. Morris appeared in 27 games for the Nets in 2022-23 and averaged 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10.6 minutes.

Selected 13th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Suns, the University of Kansas product won an NBA Championship in 2020 with the Lakers. He averaged 5.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 18.4 minutes per game in 21 games (2 starts) during the Lakers’ postseason run.

In the community, Markieff and his twin brother, Marcus, started the Family Over Everything Foundation to provide support and guidance that helps alleviate the burdens, financial and otherwise, faced by many single parents, families in underserved communities, and at-risk members of society.

Morris will wear No. 13 for the Mavericks.

Dinwiddie (6-5, 215) was acquired by Dallas along with Dāvis Bertāns from the Washington Wizards on Feb. 10, 2022, in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis and a protected second-round pick. Over his two partial seasons with the Mavericks, Dinwiddie averaged 17.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 32.3 minutes per game over 76 games (60 starts).

Finney-Smith (6-7, 220) went undrafted in 2016 but signed with Dallas as a free agent on July 8, 2016. He was re-signed in July 2019, and then signed a contract extension with the Mavericks on Feb. 12, 2022. During his seven seasons with Dallas, Finney-Smith averaged 8.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 27.8 minutes over 434 games (322 starts).