Giannis Antetokounmpo moved up from No. 91 to No. 90 in…
September 19, 2024 | 8:26 pm EDT Update
Magic sign Ethan Thompson, Javonte Smart and Mac McClung to Exhibit 10 contracts
Jason Beede: News: In addition to waiving Myron Gardner and Tre Scott, the #Magic have signed Ethan Thompson, Javonte Smart, and Mac McClung to Exhibit 10 deals.
Izaiah Brockington re-joins Pelicans for training camp
Andrew Lopez: Pelicans are also bringing in Izaiah Brockington in on a camp deal. Brockington played in one game with the Pelicans last season after spending the year with the Birmingham Squadron. He also played for Pels this year at summer league. Brockington is repped by @_tandemse.
Keshawn Justice to Utah
Tony Jones: The Utah Jazz are expected to sign small forward Keshawn Justice to an Exhibit 10 contract, league sources tell The Athletic. Justice has been a veteran of the SLC Stars organization and has played in summer league with the Jazz
September 19, 2024 | 7:29 pm EDT Update
Elfrid Payton to New Orleans
Andrew Lopez: Elfrid Payton has agreed to a training camp deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN. Payton, an Ehret graduate and Gretna native, last played in the NBA in 2022. The 30-year-old played one season with the Pelicans in 2018-19. Payton is represented by @_tandemse.
Amari Bailey joins Nets
Michael Scotto: The Brooklyn Nets have agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with Amari Bailey, his agent Kevin Bradbury (@KB_radbury) of @LIFTSPORTSMNGMT told @hoopshype. The 20-year-old guard was the 41st pick of the 2023 NBA Draft and played for the Charlotte Hornets last season.
Warriors add Blake Hinson to training camp roster
Michael Scotto: Golden State Warriors and Blake Hinson have agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Hinson, who was on a two-way deal with the Lakers, chose the Warriors over several teams. He averaged 18.5 points and shot 42.1% from 3-point range at Pittsburgh last season.
Ja Morant on his expectations for Zach Edey: Definitely rookie of the year
Ja Morant isn’t shying away from putting strong expectations on the 7-foot-4 center. He believes Zach Edey could be taking hardware home at the end of the season. “Definitely rookie of the year,” Morant said of his expectations. “I think easily, too.” He said he wasn’t surprised to see Edey perform well in workouts, but it was an encouraging sign. Morant prides himself on summer workouts that he refers to as “boot camp,” and Edey held his own.
In the eighth months since, other youthful NBA stars have risen in popularity due to strong regular-season play and postseason performances. It was something his agent, Mike Miller, noticed and questioned onlookers if they forgot what Morant brings to the table. Morant himself has noticed, too. “Aye, man, that’s what happens,” he said. “I love it. I don’t got no problem with it . . . I see all of it. I’m not worried. I like it even more. That’s just less pressure they’re trying to put on me. That makes it even more scarier.”
Morant returned to Streets Ministries, where a year ago he surprised a group of kids at a basketball camp in Graham Heights. This time, he was with the Grizzlies as part of their “meals of hope” community event. Grizzlies players, staff and new investing partner Robinhood helped package 60,000 meals. The event had a competitive spirit to it, too, with each table trying to box the most meals.
September 19, 2024 | 6:03 pm EDT Update
Sasha Vezenkov on leaving NBA for Europe: I prefer to be in a competitive environment
Sasha Vezenkov talked to Eurohoops about his decision to leave the NBA and return to the familiar environment of Europe. “These are nice dilemmas. I filter through all the possibilities. It gives you joy when you return to a familiar environment where you are loved. I prefer to be in a competitive environment, to fight for titles, and to feel important. I didn’t know if I would have an opportunity in the NBA like the one I gave myself. This is what I wanted to do, and I wanted to do it with Olympiacos. This is my home,” Vezenkov said.