Tue Apr 30 11:54am ET
Field Level Media
With multiple weeks to decide whether to stay in the draft or withdraw, a whopping 195 players filed as early entry candidates for the 2024 NBA Draft.
There are 60 total picks in the NBA draft and second-round selections sign non-guaranteed contracts.
The league announced a full list of players who have applied for early entry but maintain the right to withdraw from consideration no later than 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 16. Under NCAA rules, in order to retain college basketball eligibility, college players who have entered the draft face an earlier deadline of Wednesday, May 29.
Seniors are listed with "early entry" prospects because of the existing COVID-era eligibility rule granting players an additional season if they were enrolled during the pandemic.
It's not uncommon for large numbers of players to "test" the draft process with plans to return.
College basketball All-Americans in 2023-24 -- Zach Edey (Purdue), Terrence Shannon Jr. (Illinois), Kyle Filipowski (Duke) and Jamal Shead (Houston) -- were in the 2023 NBA Draft class one year ago, but all opted to return to school before the May deadline and helped their teams to the Sweet 16 in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
Shannon used his COVID year of eligibility last season and is not among the early entry prospects.
The first round of the draft is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
The league created a two-day event for the first time this year and will hold the second round on June 27 at ESPN's Seaport District Studios in New York.
A complete list of early entry and international prospects was sent to NBA teams this week and can be found below.
Player, Team, Height, Eligibility Status
Achor Achor, Samford, 6-9, Senior
Chibuzo Agbo, Boise State, 6-7, Senior
Abdullah Ahmed, Westchester Knicks (G League), 6-10, 2003 DOB
Jonas Aidoo, Tennessee, 6-11, Junior
Michael Ajayi, Pepperdine, 6-7, Junior
Posh Alexander, Butler, 6-0, Senior
Trey Alexander, Creighton, 6-4, Junior
Izan Almansa, G League Ignite, 6-10, 2005 DOB
Mark Armstrong, Villanova, 6-2, Sophomore
Adama Bal, Santa Clara, 6-6, Junior
Joe Bamisile, VCU, 6-4, Senior
Aziz Bandaogo, Cincinnati, 7-0, Senior
Brooks Barnhizer, Northwestern, 6-6, Junior
Reece Beekman, Virginia, 6-3, Senior
Jesse Bingham II, Indianapolis, 6-6, Senior
Jalen Blackmon, Stetson, 6-3, Junior
Adem Bona, UCLA, 6-10, Sophomore
Malik Bowman, Overtime Elite/Lusitania (Portugal) 6-8, 2004 DOB
Jaden Bradley, Arizona, 6-3, Sophomore
Trevon Brazile, Arkansas, 6-10, Sophomore
Koby Brea, Dayton, 6-6, Senior
Jack Brestel, Roanoke College, 6-5, Senior
Jalen Bridges, Baylor, 6-9, Senior
Dion Brown, UMBC, 6-3, Sophomore
Nimari Burnett, Michigan, 6-4, Junior
Markus Burton, Notre Dame, 5-11, Freshman
Lamont Butler Jr., San Diego State, 6-2, Senior
Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite, 6-10, 2004 DOB
Wesley Cardet Jr., Chicago State, 6-6, Junior
Andrew Carr, Wake Forest, 6-11, Senior
Carlton Carrington, Pittsburgh, 6-4, Freshman
Devin Carter, Providence, 6-3, Junior
Stephon Castle, Connecticut, 6-6, Freshman
Cam Christie, Minnesota, 6-6, Freshman
Nique Clifford, Colorado State, 6-6, Senior
Donovan Clingan, Connecticut, 7-2, Sophomore
Isaiah Collier, USC, 6-5, Freshman
Jalen Cook, LSU, 6-0, Senior
Cedric Coward, Eastern Washington, 6-6, Junior
Isaiah Crawford, Louisiana Tech, 6-6, Senior
Somto Cyril, Overtime Elite, 6-10, 2005 DOB
Thierry Darlan, G League Ignite, 6-8, 2004 DOB
Tristan Da Silva, Colorado, 6-9, Senior
DJ Davis, Butler, 6-1, Senior
Johnell Davis, Florida Atlantic, 6-4, Senior
Anthony Dell'Orso, Campbell, 6-6, Sophomore
Mohamed Diarra, NC State, 6-10, Junior
Rob Dillingham, Kentucky, 6-2, Freshman
Eric Dixon, Villanova, 6-8, Senior
Reynan Dos Santos, Overtime Elite, 6-5, 2004 DOB
Garwey Dual, Providence, 6-5, Freshman
Ryan Dunn, Virginia, 6-8, Sophomore
Xavier DuSell, Fresno State, 6-4, Senior
Zach Edey, Purdue, 7-4, Senior
Justin Edwards, Kentucky, 6-8, Freshman
Noah Farrakhan, West Virginia, 6-2, Senior
RJ Felton, East Carolina, 6-3, Junior
Frankie Fidler, Omaha, 6-7, Junior
Kyle Filipowski, Duke, 7-0, Sophomore
Rasheer Fleming, St. Joseph's, 6-9, Sophomore
Trentyn Flowers, Adelaide (Australia), 6-8, 2005 DOB
Johnny Furphy, Kansas, 6-9, Freshman
Eric Gaines, UAB, 6-2, Senior
Kyshawn George, Miami, 6-8, Freshman
Tyon Grant-Foster, Grand Canyon, 6-7, Senior
Keyshawn Hall, George Mason, 6-7, Sophomore
PJ Hall, Clemson, 6-10, Senior
Tyler Harris, Portland, 6-8, Freshman
Coleman Hawkins, Illinois, 6-10, Senior
A.J. Hoggard, Michigan State, 6-3, Senior
Ron Holland II, G League Ignite, 6-8, 2005 DOB
DaRon Holmes II, Dayton, 6-10, Junior
Ben Humrichous, Evansville, 6-9, Senior
Chase Hunter, Clemson, 6-4, Senior
CJ Huntley, Appalachian State, 6-10, Senior
Oso Ighodaro, Marquette, 6-9, Senior
Harrison Ingram, North Carolina, 6-8, Junior
Jahzare Jackson, Overtime Elite, 7-0, 2004 DOB
Andrej Jakimovski, Washington State, 6-8, Senior
Bronny James, USC, 6-4, Freshman
Sion James, Tulane, 6-5, Senior
AJ Johnson, Illawarra (Australia), 6-6, 2004 DOB
Meechie Johnson, South Carolina, 6-3, Senior
David Jones, Memphis, 6-6, Senior
Dillon Jones, Weber State, 6-6, Senior
Dordije Jovanovic, Ontario Clippers (G League) 6-7, 2003 DOB
Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton, 7-0, Senior
Arthur Kaluma, Kansas State, 6-7, Junior
Alex Karaban, Connecticut, 6-8, Sophomore
Miles Kelly, Georgia Tech, 6-4, Junior
Bobi Klintman, Cairns (Australia), 6-10, 2003 DOB
Tyler Kolek, Marquette, 6-3, Senior
Chaz Lanier, North Florida, 6-4, Senior
Pelle Larrson, Arizona, 6-5, Senior
Toibu Lawal, VCU, 6-8, Sophomore
Xaivian Lee, Princeton, 6-3, Sophomore
Jalen Lewis, Overtime Elite, 6-10, 2005 DOB
KJ Lewis, Arizona, 6-4, Freshman
Malique Lewis, Mexico City Capitanes (G League) 6-8, 2004 DOB
Kino Lilly Jr., Brown, 6-0, Junior
Jared McCain, Duke, 6-3, Freshman
Javian McCollum, Oklahoma, 6-2, Junior
Robert McCray V, Jacksonville, 6-4, Sophomore
Scotty Middleton, Ohio State, 6-6, Freshman
Igor Milicic Jr., Charlotte, 6-10, Junior
Baba Miller, Florida State, 6-11, Sophomore
Judah Mintz, Syracuse, 6-3, Sophomore
Yves Missi, Baylor, 7-0, Freshman
Ajay Mitchell, Santa Barbara, 6-4, Junior
Jonathan Mogbo, San Francisco, 6-8, Senior
Jalon Moore, Oklahoma, 6-6, Junior
Shahid Muhammad, Southern Idaho, 6-10, Sophomore
Matthew Murrell, Mississippi, 6-4, Senior
Baye Ndongo, Georgia Tech, 6-9, Freshman
Carlos Nichols, Southern Crescent Tech (GA) 6-5, Freshman
Zarique Nutter, Northern Illinois, 6-7, Senior
Toby Okani, UIC, 6-7, Senior
Norchad Omier, Miami, 6-7, Senior
Great Osobor, Utah State, 6-8, Junior
Wooga Poplar, Miami, 6-5, Junior
Kasean Pryor, South Florida, 6-9, Senior
Will Richard, Florida, 6-4, Junior
Jordan Riley, Temple, 6-4, Junior
Jeremy Roach, Duke, 6-2, Senior
Jaxson Robinson, BYU, 6-7, Senior
Payton Sandfort, Iowa, 6-7, Junior
Babacar Sane, G League Ignite, 6-8, 2003 DOB
Mark Sears, Alabama, 6-1, Senior
Jamal Shead, Houston, 6-1, Senior
Reed Sheppard, Kentucky, 6-3, Freshman
Max Shulga, VCU, 6-5, Senior
KJ Simpson, Colorado, 6-2, Junior
Tyler Smith, G League Ignite, 6-9, 2004 DOB
Jason Spurgin, Bowling Green, 6-11, Senior
A.J. Staton-McCray, Samford, 6-5, Junior
Jarin Stevenson, Alabama, 6-11, Freshman
AJ Storr, Wisconsin, 6-7, Sophomore
Jahmyl Telfort, Butler, 6-7, Senior
Saint Thomas, Northern Colorado, 6-7, Junior
JT Toppin, New Mexico, 6-9, Freshman
Yacine Toumi, Evansville, 6-9, Senior
Trey Townsend, Oakland, 6-6, Senior
Jaylon Tyson, California, 6-7, Junior
Milos Uzan, Oklahoma, 6-4, Sophomore
Ja'Kobe Walter, Baylor, , 6-5, Freshman
Jaykwon Walton, Memphis, 6-7, Senior
Kel'el Ware, Indiana, , 7-0, Sophomore
Bryson Warren, Sioux Falls Skyforce (G League) 6-2, 2004 DOB
Marques Warrick, Northern Kentucky, 6-2, Senior
Deshawndre Washington New Mexico State, 6-7, Junior
Jamir Watkins, Florida State, 6-7, Junior
Jaylen Wells, Washington State, 6-8, Junior
Amari Williams, Drexel, , 6-10, Senior
Cody Williams, Colorado, 6-8, Freshman
Terrance Williams II, Michigan, 6-7, Senior
Joseph Zaher, Bowling Green, 6-0, Sophomore
Below is the list of international players who have applied for early entry into NBA Draft 2024.
Player, Team/Country of Team, Height, Eligibility Status
Melvin Ajinca, Saint Quentin (France) 6-8, 2004 DOB
Miguel Allen, Joventut (Spain), 6-8, 2003 DOB
Roberts Blums, VEF Riga (Latvia), 6-4, 2005 DOB
Luka Bogavac, Derby Podgorica (Montenegro), 6-5, 2003 DOB
Gael Bonilla, Caceres (Spain), 6-9, 2003 DOB
Michael Caicedo, Girona (Spain), 6-6, 2003 DOB
Milhan Charles, BAL Weert (Holland), 6-7, 2004 DOB
Ulrich Chomche, NBA Academy (Africa) 6-11, 2005 DOB
Yongxi Cui, Guangzhou (China), 6-6, 2003 DOB
Pacome Dadiet, Ulm (Germany), 6-8, 2005 DOB
Thijs De Ridder, Bilbao (Spain), 6-8, 2003 DOB
Brice Dessert, Blois (France), 6-11, 2003 DOB
Mohamed Diawara, Poitiers (France), 6-8, 2005 DOB
Nikola Djurisic, Mega (Serbia), 6-8, 2004 DOB
Ruben Dominguez, Castello (Spain), 6-5, 2003 DOB
Ugo Doumbia, Chalons-Reims (France) 6-4, 2003 DOB
Lucas Dufeal, Vichy Clermont (France) 6-9, 2003 DOB
Quinn Ellis, Trento (Italy), 6-4, 2003 DOB
Mouhamed Faye, Reggio Emilia (Italy), 6-10, 2005 DOB
Andrija Jelavic, Mega (Serbia), 6-10, 2004 DOB
Ilias Kamardine, Vichy Clermont (France) 6-4, 2003 DOB
Gustav Knudsen, Bakken (Denmark), 6-8, 2003 DOB
Konstantin Kostadinov Alicante (Spain), 6-8, 2003 DOB
Liutauras Lelevicius, Lietkabelis (Lithuania) 6-7, 2003 DOB
Timotej Malovec, Mega (Serbia), 6-7, 2004 DOB
Bogoljub Markovic, Beograd (Serbia), 6-9, 2005 DOB
Eli John Ndiaye, Real Madrid (Spain), 6-8, 2004 DOB
Ousmane Ndiaye, Palencia (Spain), 6-11, 2004 DOB
Juan Nunez, Ulm (Germany), 6-4, 2004 DOB
Noah Penda, Vichy Clermont (France) 6-8, 2005 DOB
Zacharie Perrin, Antibes (France), 6-9, 2004 DOB
Zaccharie Risacher, Bourg (France), 6-9, 2005 DOB
Musa Sagnia, Manresa (Spain), 6-8, 2003 DOB
Tidjane Salaun, Cholet (France), 6-9, 2005 DOB
Alexandre Sarr, Perth (Australia), 7-0, 2005 DOB
Nikola Topic, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia) 6-6, 2005 DOB
Armel Traore, Blois (France), 6-9, 2003 DOB
Cezar Unitu, Constanta (Romania), 6-2, 2005 DOB
Fedor Zugic, Goettingen (Germany), 6-5, 2003 DOB
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Bruce Brown (knee) is set to miss the beginning of the NBA pre-season after undergoing an arthroscopic knee surgery this week. The veteran do-it-all role player won't be re-evaluated for another three weeks, but it doesn't seem like he's supposed to miss significant time. Brown was reportedly dealing with knee issues for a couple of months after he was traded to the Raptors in the deal that sent Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers. The Raptors begin training camp on October 1, and the team is hopeful that he'll be back on the court before the end of pre-season in time for their first game on October 23. Brown averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game across 34 appearances for Toronto last year.
Free agent guard Killian Hayes is on his way to Brooklyn after agreeing to an Exhibit 10 deal to try to find his way on the Nets' roster. The former seventh-overall pick has been looking for a new home after being waived by the Detroit Pistons. Hayes was still on his rookie deal and saw a decrease in stats across the board before he was let go. Through his first four seasons, Hayes averaged 8.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.0 turnovers per game with shooting splits of .382/.277/.775. If Hayes can't prove that he's grown in shooting efficiency and ball security, then he won't likely stick on an NBA roster. Brooklyn will be one of his best opportunities as they've started the rebuild after trading away Mikal Bridges this offseason.
Free-agent guards Mac McClung and Javonte Smart have signed training camp deals with the Orlando Magic, along with Ethan Thompson. In a corresponding move, the team waived Myron Gardner and Tre Scott. Smart has appeared in the most NBA games out of the three new signings with 18 appearances across two seasons with three different teams. He most recently played one game for the Philadelphia 76ers last season but averaged 8.9 points per game in 22 games for Crvena Zvezda in Serbia after being waived in December. McClung received MVP honors if the G League last season while playing with the Magic's G-League affiliate. He averaged 25.5 points, 6.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game across 27 games.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has officially agreed on a three-year extension that will keep him in Philadelphia through 2027-28 with a player's option for 2028-29. According to Adam Schefter, the three-year max extension is worth $192.9 million and it gives the 2023 MVP a total of $299.5 million in guaranteed money through the 2028-29 season. Since stepping on the floor for the Sixers in 2016, Embiid has been the key piece on both sides of the ball. Now that Daryl Morey and company have put a championship-or-bust roster around him, it's time for him to lead them to the promised land. As long as he's healthy, he should also remain one of the best fantasy basketball assets in the league. Last season, the big man averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game across 39 appearances.
According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid might agree to a new contract "in the near future." The 2023 Most Valuable Player became eligible for an extension worth nearly $200 million in July. While it's tough to say for certain how this situation will go, it may be in Embiid's best interest to sign on the dotted line, considering his injury history over the years. If both sides can't come to an agreement, talks will get put on hold until next offseason. The 2014 No. 3 pick averaged a career-high 34.7 points with 11.0 boards, 5.6 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals in 2023-24. Yet, he was limited to 39 games due to injury. Without a doubt, Embiid's consistent ailments will cause his fantasy stock to dip heading into the regular season. But he could be the top overall fantasy producer if he can figure out how to stay on the floor and off the injury report.
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Klay Thompson is ready to start another chapter after spending his entire career in Golden State. "I'm excited for a whole new chapter of my career that has a chance to be so special," said Thompson to The Dallas Morning News. "I know we can do something special." Thompson's resume includes four NBA championships and five All-Star selections. Unfortunately, he is coming off a down year, averaging 17.9 points and 38.7% shooting from behind the arc. The 34-year-old also spent time coming off the bench, which caused friction with his previous coach, Steve Kerr. But Thompson should remain in the starting lineup all year, so he could have a bounce-back year as long as he stays healthy.
Per The Athletic's Andrew Schlect, Oklahoma City Thunder forwardKenrich Williams(knee) had a successful arthroscopic debridement procedure on his right knee on Tuesday. Williams's knee will be reevaluated after the Thunder's preseason concludes. In 2023-24, the 29-year-old appeared in 69 regular-season contests and averaged 4.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Once healthy, Williams will likely not be much of a fantasy contributor.
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, center Boban Marjanovic landed a deal with EuroLeague team Fenerbahce on Tuesday. Majanovic's new deal was first reported on Eurohoops.net. The contract is a one-year deal with the option for both sides to opt out until January. He averaged 5.5 points and 3.6 boards in 8.7 minutes during his NBA career. He has been a fan favorite during his nine years in the NBA but rarely made an impact in fantasy basketball.
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (back) has recovered from surgery and is expected to "be ready to compete for minutes from the start" in 2024-25, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Hood-Schifino underwent lumbar microdiscectomy back surgery in March. He was limited to 21 appearances during his rookie campaign. The 21-year-old, who was the 17th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, mostly picked up action in garbage time and averaged only 5.2 minutes per game. He appears set for a more significant role in 2024-25, although there are quite a few bodies in front of Hood-Schifino on the depth chart, and it will be tough for him to get regular playing time.
Los Angeles Lakers small forward Cam Reddish has returned to full health ahead of the new campaign, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. An ankle injury limited Reddish to 48 appearances last season. He featured just 13 times after the All-Star break and didn't see any action in the playoffs. Reddish finished his debut campaign in L.A. with a 5.4-point scoring average and 2.1 rebounds. He saw big minutes early in the season as a starter, and that likely won't happen in 2024-25, although Reddish could have a chance to earn some extra minutes in the rotation due to injuries. Christian Wood (knee) has been ruled out for the start of the season, and Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) isn't at 100 percent.
Free-agent forward TJ Warren has a workout scheduled with the Sacramento Kings, sources have told The Athletic's Sam Amick. The 31-year-old spent the previous campaign in Minnesota, making 11 appearances with the Timberwolves. He was limited to 11.3 minutes a night, averaging 3.7 points. Warren was a 20-point scorer just a few campaigns ago, but health issues have badly derailed his career. The Kings are looking at multiple options at the forward position ahead of training camp, with workouts also planned for Jae Crowder and Nassir Little.
Miami Heat guard/forward Duncan Robinson has said that he's fully recovered from a back injury that limited him during the final stretch of 2023-24. Robinson was enjoying a strong bounce-back campaign before being struck by a left facet syndrome. He missed the final 14 regular-season games due to the issue. Robinson returned for the playoffs but clearly wasn't at 100 percent as he struggled badly. However, the 30-year-old sniper appears fully healthy now, telling reporters he is "not restricted in any way" and has "no limitations." Robinson sits among the best outside shooters in the Association and has also developed as a playmaker. He averaged a career-high 2.8 assists last season while posting 12.9 points in 28.0 minutes.
Veteran forward Marcus Morris Sr. has signed an Exhibit 9 contract with the New York Knicks. The 35-year-old will try to battle out a roster spot in training camp to extend his NBA career into a 14th year. Morris Sr. split last season between Philadelphia and Cleveland, averaging 6.4 points in 16.7 minutes. The Philadelphia native has remained a savvy scorer despite being on the wrong side of 30. However, if he makes the team, Morris Sr. will only be seen as a depth piece in New York and won't get enough action in normal circumstances to make an impact in fantasy basketball.
Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green is eligible for a contract extension. While there hasn't been an update regarding a potential deal, the 22-year-old doesn't seem too concerned. "My main focus is the season ahead of me with the players that we have," said Green in an interview. "Thats the main focus right now, and everything will work itself out." The 22-year-old has had his share of struggles since entering the league in 2021. However, he has still been productive for fantasy managers, most recently finishing the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 19.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Without question, he has All-Star potential, and his durability is a bonus for fantasy managers despite his underwhelming accuracy from behind the arc. Green and the Rockets have until October 21 to come to terms on a new deal. If that doesn't happen, the 2021 No. 2 overall pick will be a restricted free agent next offseason.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, free-agent center Christian Koloko agreed to an undisclosed contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 24-year-old was selected by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. He appeared in 58 games for the club, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks. Unfortunately, he began suffering from a blood-clotting issue, putting his career in jeopardy. But now that Koloko has a clean bill of health, he'll have a chance to earn a spot in the Lakers' rotation. While he's a long way away from being relevant from a fantasy standpoint, he's worth monitoring in case he earns routine minutes.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, free-agent guard Landry Shamet agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the New York Knicks. The 27-year-old has bounced around the National Basketball Association over the years, making stops in Philadelphia, Los Angeles (Clippers), Brooklyn, Phoenix, and most recently, Washington. He appeared in 348 regular-season games for those clubs, averaging 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. The Knicks' roster is loaded with talent, so Shamet will likely spend most of his time on the bench, assuming he makes the team. As a result, he won't find his way onto many fantasy rosters in any format ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, restricted free-agent forward Isaac Okoro agreed to a three-year, $38 million deal to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both sides have been at a stalemate regarding a new contract for months. However, things finally worked out, meaning the Cavs will retain a capable defender. Okoro has spent his entire four-year career in Cleveland. He's appeared in 279 regular-season contests for the club, averaging 8.5 points and 2.9 rebounds. With that in mind, the Cavs have Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen doing most of the heavy lifting offensively, so there's little room for anyone else to get involved. As a result, Okoro likely won't see much attention from fantasy managers heading into the 2024-25 campaign. On the other hand, there could be streaming potential at some point during the season.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler has been looking for an extension in Miami but hasn't received anything just yet. He's entering the final year of his deal this coming season but still has a player option that he could opt into for one more year. According to Sam Amick, the Golden State Warriors are looking at this scenario and they "have interest" in Butler after clearing a lot of cap space when they moved on from Klay Thompson and Chris Paul. After putting together a couple more contracts in a potential deal for Butler, they could remain in a favorable tax position. There have already been multiple reports about Butler interested in other teams or vice versa, so it remains to be seen if a team actually decides to pull the trigger on an offer.
Houston Rockets forward AJ Griffin is giving serious consideration to stepping away from the game of basketball altogether. According to Shams Charania and Kelly Iko, the former 16th overall pick is mulling the decision to move on from the game and focus on his life outside of the NBA. Griffin was traded to the Rockets this offseason from the Atlanta Hawks and the team is already preparing for Griffin to step away. The 21-year-old spent two seasons with the Hawks and averaged 7.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game while shooting .447/.372/.898. Nothing is set in stone at this time, so Griffin may still return or take a short leave. Either way, he's made it known that his mental health and life come first.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors and guard Moses Moody aren't close to agreeing on a contract extension. Like Jonathan Kuminga, an agreement on a new deal must be finalized by October 21. If talks aren't successful by then, Moody will hit restricted free agency next offseason. The 22-year-old averaged a career-high 8.1 points and 3.0 rebounds in 66 games last season. However, Moody will have a difficult time improving those numbers during the 2024-25 campaign, considering the Warriors have Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, and Andrew Wiggins on the roster. The team also added Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson this offseason.