NBA notebook: Cavs reportedly retain Donovan Mitchell
Wed Jul 3 1:01am ET
Field Level Media
Donovan Mitchell plans to sign a three-year, $150.3 million maximum-level contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to multiple media reports on Tuesday.
Mitchell's deal includes a player option for the third year (2027-28), providing the All-Star guard the potential to return to free agency when he's eligible for a five-year, $380 million extension.
Either way, Mitchell has the framework of a four-year contract -- including the final year of his previous deal -- worth $185 million. He confirmed he's staying with the Cavs in a social media post early Tuesday.
Mitchell, 27, averaged 26.6 points and a career-best 6.1 assists per game in 2023-24 but was limited to 55 regular-season games. He starred in the postseason before sustaining a groin injury.
--Four-time NBA All-Star point guard Kemba Walker announced his retirement, thanking basketball for the "amazing journey."
Walker was selected Most Outstanding Player of the 2011 NCAA Tournament won by UConn in 2011, months before Charlotte selected him with the No. 9 overall pick of the NBA draft.
He played eight seasons in Charlotte and subsequently played for the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks. Walker, 34, ends his NBA career with averages of 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists in 750 games (697 starts).
--Stephen Curry shared a public goodbye to "Splash Brothers" partner Klay Thompson, who is headed from the Golden State Warriors to the Dallas Mavericks in a reported sign-and-trade.
Curry posted a lengthy series of photos to his Instagram story, all of them featuring Thompson, his longtime backcourt mate with whom he won four NBA championships. The story concluded with a nod to the success of the unmatched shooting duo.
"Gonna miss you @klaythompson," Curry wrote on Instagram. "Even though we won't finish the journey together, what we did will never be done again. Couldn't have imagined a better run with you and (Draymond Green)."
--The Warriors will acquire forward Kyle Anderson from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a sign-and-trade agreement, according to multiple media reports.
The Warriors reportedly are giving Anderson a three-year, $27 million contract and sending the Wolves cash and a future second-round pick swap.
Anderson, 30, put up 6.4 points, 4.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game in 79 appearances (10 starts) last season for Minnesota. He has career averages of 6.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 653 games (304 starts).
--With LeBron James expected back for his 22nd season, the Los Angeles Lakers are breaking NBA norms by guaranteeing the rookie contract for second-round draft pick Bronny James.
Bronny James, LeBron's son who was drafted 55th overall, and first-round pick Dalton Knecht were introduced by the Lakers on Tuesday.
"Everything's just been surreal," Bronny James said at a press conference. "Just trying to take it all in by the days. ... I've been extremely excited to get to work."
--The Orlando Magic are bringing back center Moritz Wagner on a two-year, $22 million contract, ESPN reported.
The Magic had declined Wagner's $8 million team option, making him a free agent last weekend. Wagner, 27, has been teammates for three seasons in Orlando with his 22-year-old brother, forward Franz Wagner.
Moritz Wagner played in 80 games (one start) last season and averaged 10.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 17.7 minutes.
In six seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers (2018-19), Washington Wizards (2019-21), Boston Celtics (2021) and Magic (2021-present), Wagner is averaging 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 333 games (56 starts).
--The Indiana Pacers are signing former No. 2 overall draft pick James Wiseman to a two-year contract, ESPN reported.
The 23-year-old free agent center averaged 7.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 17.3 minutes in 63 games (six starts) last season with the Detroit Pistons.
Wiseman has career averages of 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in 147 games (55 starts) with the Golden State Warriors (2020-23) and Pistons.
- NBA roundup: Cavs edge Bucks, improve to 7-0
- Sixers star Joel Embiid shoves reporter
- NBA roundup: Anthony Edwards, Wolves edge Nuggets
- 76ers All-Stars Joel Embiid, Paul George practice, still not game-ready
- Pelicans' CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones nursing injuries
- NBA roundup: Spurs' Victor Wembanyama tallies 5x5 vs. Jazz
- Magic’s Paolo Banchero out indefinitely with oblique injury
- NBA roundup: Pascal Siakam's 3 pushes Pacers past Celtics in OT
- Lakers' LeBron James (illness) probable in return to Cleveland
- Raptors' Scottie Barnes has orbital bone fracture, out 3 weeks
- Bulls G Lonzo Ball (wrist) sidelined at least 10 days
- NBA roundup: Nuggets outlast Nets for 2nd straight OT win
- Jazz F Lauri Markkanen (back) listed as day-to-day
- Bulls G Lonzo Ball (wrist) out at least four games
- Hawks G Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) out at least a month
- Warriors F Andrew Wiggins (back) out vs. Pelicans
- 76ers fined $100k for misleading statements on Joel Embiid status
- Raptors exercise options for Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick
- Lakers C Christian Koloko cleared to return
- Rudy Gay retires after 17 seasons with five NBA teams
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (back) is available for Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons. The Nets continue to be cautious with Simmons, but he'll suit up for this game. However, he's unlikely to play on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Nets are holding Simmons out of back-to-back contests, so he shouldn't be available on Monday. Simmons is coming off his best performance of the season where he scored eight points with 11 rebounds, and two blocks against the Chicago Bulls. That was an encouraging statline from the oft-injured guard.
Bucks' G Damian Lillard scored 41 points on 13-of-24 shooting in a 113-114 loss to the Cavaliers on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Sacramento's F Domantas Sabonis recorded a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 10 assists and 20 rebounds in a 128-131 loss to Toronto on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) has yet to play this season. As a result, tensions have been high in recent interactions between the media and some members of the team. However, it reached a boiling point on Saturday after the Sixers loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, with ESPN's Shams Charania reporting that Embiid got into an "altercation" with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. The 2023 MVP confronted Hayes, reportedly taking issue with a recent column that made mention of Embiid's deceased brother while also referencing his son. As expected, it didn't sit well with Embiid, resulting a verbal confrontation followed by the multi-time All-Star allegedly "shoving" Hayes before both were eventually separated. The league has already launched an investigation, although it's unknown if Embiid will be punished for the incident.
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (knee) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. Carter is dealing with a knee issue, keeping him off the floor for Friday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Goga Bitadze (foot) also sidelined for that one, Moritz Wagner got the start, finishing with 14 points, five boards, and two steals. If Carter and Bitadze remain out on Sunday, Wagner will be worth streaming in all fantasy formats.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (ankle) was diagnosed with a sprained right ankle, an injury he sustained during the October 30 meeting with the Brooklyn Nets. He is considered "week-to-week." Smart is no stranger to injury, with the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year appearing in just 20 games in his first season with the Grizzlies in 2023-24. Of course, it's not an ideal scenario for the team, especially with Desmond Bane (oblique) also sidelined for the foreseeable future. But in the meantime, Jaylen Wells, Santi Aldama, and Scotty Pippen Jr. should continue to benefit from a production standpoint, so fantasy managers can consider each player for streaming purposes until Smart or Bane are back on the floor.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Desmond Bane (oblique) was diagnosed with a right oblique strain. He is considered "week-to-week." The 26-year-old has averaged 18.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 40.6% from behind the arc this season. Of course, this is a tough blow for the Grizzlies, although it is magnified, considering Bane hasn't played more than 58 games in each of the last two seasons. With Marcus Smart (ankle) sidelined as well moving forward, the team will turn to Jaylen Wells and Santi Aldama to fill the void, with the duo combining for 25 points and 18 rebounds in Saturday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Fantasy managers can look in their direction while Bane and Smart are on the shelf. The same can be said for Scotty Pippen Jr., who had 12 points and 13 assists off the bench on Saturday.
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (elbow) will play on Saturday versus the Portland Trail Blazers. He's missed the last two games because of a sprained right elbow. As a result, Ryan Dunn got the start, most recently scoring 16 points in Thursday's win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Fantasy managers can get Beal back in the starting lineup. However, Dunn's upside is capped with his return to the bench.
Brooklyn Nets utility man Ben Simmons (back) is questionable for Sunday's contest versus Detroit. It's the first of back-to-back outings for Brooklyn, so if Simmons plays against the Pistons, he likely won't be out there on Monday against the Grizzlies. The 28-year-old started in all five of his appearances this season. But he hasn't been productive, averaging 6.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 6.0 rebounds. With Nicolas Claxton returning to form after battling a hamstring injury to begin the year, Simmons will likely return to the bench. However, no matter his role, he hasn't been a reliable starting option for fantasy managers.
Indiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) is done for the season after suffering an injury during Friday's game. Jackson suffered a torn right Achilles tendon which was a non-contact play during Friday's loss. Fellow big man James Wiseman (Achilles) suffered a season-ending injury on Opening Night. The Pacers have now lost two big men what seems like only a handful of games. That leaves Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker as the primary big men behind Myles Turner. Toppin hasn't been great this season, but is worth looking at with the Pacers extremely shorthanded now. He's averaging 10.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 20 minutes per game and his playing time is only going to increase now.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (arm) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Simons fell on his arm during Friday's loss, but it seems like it was a minor issue. Simons appears to be fine and should play his normal workload on Saturday. He put together his worst performance of the season on Friday, but has been solid outside of that. Fantasy managers should go ahead and get him back in their lineups for this one.
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (back) is back in the starting five ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Wiggins will make his return to the court after missing each of the last two games due to a lower back strain. His return will push Lindy Waters III to the bench, which will certainly hurt his streaming value. The Warriors are without Stephen Curry (ankle) so Wiggins should be asked to do more on offense. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Wiggins active in their lineups on Saturday.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) has been cleared to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. As expected, Antetokounmpo will play despite dealing with a knee issue. The Bucks continue to list him as probable, but Antetokounmpo has suited up every game this season. He has finished with a double-double every game with over 22 points in each of the first six games. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Antetokounmpo active in their lineups.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. This doesn't come as much of a shock after Murray was forced to exit early during Friday's game. He's currently in the league's concussion protocol, which could mean he misses a few games. The Nuggets haven't named the replacement for Murray, but Russell Westbrook figures to be the most likely candidate. Westbrook is a hit-or-miss type of fantasy players, but fantasy managers in need of help should look his way on Saturday.
Sacramento Kings forward Doug McDermott will move into the starting five ahead of Saturday's game against the Toronto Raptors. The veteran forward will get the starting nod with Kevin Huerter (illness) unable to play. Keon Ellis figured to get the start, but the Kings decided to go with McDermott. Normally, McDermott isn't a great fantasy option off the bench, but he could be more effective with extended run. He should be able to provide reliable shooting from beyond the arc.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Caris LeVert (knee) won't play in Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. LeVert is dealing with knee soreness. However, it's more likely he's getting a night off, considering he logged 22 minutes on Friday against the Orlando Magic. The 30-year-old has averaged 12.0 points and 4.3 assists this season. He's also shot an impressive 52.4% from behind the arc. With Max Strus (ankle) on the shelf, LeVert has been a vital piece of the Cavs rotation. But without him, Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill could benefit the most versus Milwaukee.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) won't play in Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The former Knick is moving in the right direction, although he continues to deal with the residual effects of the hard fall he took in the opener. Davion Mitchell, averaging 9.0 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in five starts this season, will continue to fill the void in the starting lineup. Mitchell should remain a viable fantasy streaming option for Saturday night. That may extend to Monday if Quickley isn't ready to get back on the floor.
Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (illness) won't play on Saturday in Toronto. The 26-year-old struggled in Friday's win over the Hawks, amassing 10 points and shooting 2-for-8 from behind the arc. He's under the weather, so his next chance to get back on the floor will be on Monday in Miami. But until then, Keon Ellis will likely slide into the starting lineup. Ellis averaged 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 while shooting 40.4% from deep in 21 starts last season, giving him some upside for fantasy managers in need of a streaming option.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (ankle) remains out on Saturday versus the Houston Rockets. However, the multi-time All-Star is moving in the right direction. He participated in Saturday's shootaround, and the Warriors report he will be re-evaluated on Sunday. Curry has been out of the equation since suffering a sprained ankle in a recent matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers, keeping him off the floor for Golden State's previous two contests. It looks like Curry could be back soon. But until he returns, Brandin Podziemski, averaging 16.0 points, 6.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals in two appearances with the first five, is a must-start in all fantasy formats.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) won't play against the Nuggets on Saturday. The 27-year-old exited Tuesday's game versus the Kings and didn't suit up on Thursday against the visiting Spurs. He was listed as doubtful heading into this one. But now that Markkanen is officially sidelined, his next chance to suit up will be on Monday in Chicago. Kyle Filipowski, who got the start on Thursday, finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Yet, since Jordan Clarkson (foot) is also sidelined, Filipowski could see more chances on the offensive end. He may also get more minutes.
