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.
- Clippers, C Ivica Zubac agree on 3-year, $58.6M extension
- Grizzlies F GG Jackson II breaks foot, will undergo surgery
- Pacers G T.J. McConnell agrees to 4-year, $45M deal
- Warriors' Stephen Curry agrees to 1-year, $62.6M extension
- Celtics, G Lonnie Walker IV agree to 1-year deal
- Diamond Sports Group reaches NBA, NHL broadcast deals
- Pelicans set to waive F Matt Ryan
- Cavaliers founder Nick Mileti dies at 93
- Al Attles, former Warriors star, coach and GM, dies at 87
- Raptors sign free agent G Jared Rhoden
- 76ers sign French Olympian Guerschon Yabusele
- Bulls to sign F Kenneth Lofton Jr.
- NBA schedule release: Champion Celtics open vs. Knicks
- Joe Harris retires from NBA after 10 seasons
- Jazz sign G Patty Mills to 1-year, $3.3M deal
- Ex-NBA player Royce White wins GOP Senate primary
- Klay Thompson, Mavericks visit Warriors in NBA Cup opener
- F Svi Mykhailiuk agrees to 4-year contract with Jazz
- Celtics retain multiple firms to facilitate sale
- Jeremy Lamb announces retirement after 10 NBA seasons
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen is committed to staying healthy this season. While the former Duke Blue Devil logged 75 games during the regular season, he was limited in the playoffs due to injury. As a result, he hopes the time spent this offseason working on his body will allow him to remain on the floor. Allen, who signed a four-year, $70 million extension with the Suns in April, averaged 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists during the 2023-24 campaign. He also shot a career-high 46.1% from behind the arc. With Tyus Jones now on the roster, Allen may come off the bench. However, the Suns lack depth outside of the starting lineup, so the 28-year-old should continue to get enough minutes to remain relevant for fantasy managers.
Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II (foot) will undergo surgery after suffering a broken right foot during training. The 2023 No. 45 overall pick is coming off a quality season, averaging 14.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 48 games (20.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 18 starts). But he is now heading under the knife to repair the fifth metatarsal in his foot. While Jackson isn't expected to be a routine fantasy producer in 2024-25, he could draw streaming interest at some point. But first, he'll need to get healthy, although it's tough to tell how long he'll be on the shelf.
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell agreed to a four-year, $45 million contract extension with the club on Friday. Although the 32-year-old isn't a starter, he is one of the most essential players on the Pacers' roster. He finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging a career-high 10.2 points with 5.5 assists and 1.0 steals and was even more productive throughout the postseason. With that said, Tyrese Haliburton's health is seemingly always an issue, so fantasy managers should strongly consider adding McConnell for insurance purposes heading into opening night.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac agreed to a three-year, $58.6 million contract extension. The Clippers' roster will look different in 2024-25, with Paul George and Russell Westbrook no longer in Los Angeles. Of course, the club still has Kawhi Leonard (knee) and James Harden in the starting lineup. But the Clippers will also have Zubac, who ended the 2023-24 campaign by averaging a career-high 11.7 points with 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. Fantasy managers should continue to get consistent production from the 27-year-old, and his durability makes him a welcome addition to any fantasy roster.
Free agent guard Evan Fournier has struggled to get on the court over the last two seasons and he's now considering moving back to the EuroLeague. As reported by Michalis Stefanou, the 31-year-old veteran has received offers from EuroLeague teams and he's seriously considering leaving the NBA. Teams in Italy, Spain, and France have all either made an offer or expressed "formal interest" in signing the former sharpshooter. Last season, he began the year on the New York Knicks until he was traded to the Detroit Pistons where he appeared in 29 games. During that time, Fournier averaged 7.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting .373/.270/.794.
Free agent guard Lonnie Walker IV is still on the hunt for a new team after spending last season with the Brooklyn Nets. According to Shams Charania, the six-year veteran is signing an Exhibit 10 deal with the reigning NBA champ Boston Celtics. Earlier in the week, Walker was seen working out with players from the Sacramento Kings in an informal workout, and now he has a chance to get on the roster with the Celtics. Walker averaged 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting .423/.384/.763. He hasn't been an everyday starter at any point in his career so far, so if he makes the team he'd likely be a depth option.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry agreed to a one-year, $62.5 million extension on Thursday, keeping him under contract with the team until the 2026-27 season. The 2009 No. 7 overall pick is one of the best players in the history of the NBA. In 956 regular-season games with the Warriors, he's averaged 24.8 points, 6.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and shot 42.6% from behind the arc. His resume also includes numerous trips to the All-Star game, four rings, and two MVP awards. While Curry is nearing the end of his historic career, he should have at least a few more seasons of top-25 fantasy production. The 36-year-old also appeared in 74 games during the 2023-24 campaign, his most since 2016-17. With Klay Thompson now in Dallas, Golden State will need Curry healthy. If that happens, it's not unrealistic to believe he'll be mentioned in the MVP conversation at some point this season.
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski was a coveted name in trade talks this offseason. However, the Warriors made it known he wasn't on the block. According to Podziemski, Warriors governor Joe Lacob also informed him the same thing. "He told me, 'you don't have anything to worry about," said Podziemski during an interview. "You're a priority here." The 21-year-old appeared in 74 games in 2023-24, averaging 9.2 points and 5.8 rebounds. But it's a new era in Golden State, with Klay Thompson now in Dallas. While Stephen Curry is still the No. 1 scoring option, the door is open for anyone to absorb the surplus shots left by Thompson's departure, meaning Podziemski might at least double his scoring average in 2024-25.
According to Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue, forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) will be ready for training camp in October. "I speak to him all the time," Lue said during an interview with ESPN. "He's feeling good, and I know he'll be ready for training camp." Leonard finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals. He also made 41.7% of his tries from deep. However, although Leonard appeared in 68 games, his most since 2016-17, he suffered a knee injury late in the season, causing him to miss most of the playoffs and the 2024 Summer Olympics. With Paul George signing a deal with Philadelphia this offseason and Russell Westbrook now in Denver, the Clippers need Leonard to stay healthy. Unfortunately, that's been an issue for the 33-year-old throughout his career, something managers must strongly consider during fantasy drafts. But if Leonard can stay on the floor, he has MVP potential.
Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports that Brooklyn Nets forward Bojan Bogdanovic (foot, wrist)is scheduled to play in an exhibition game on September 5th in Zagreb, Croatia. It will be the first time Bogdanovic has been on the court since getting injured in the playoffs with the Knicks and after having foot and wrist surgery in April. News of the 35-year-old playing in the exhibition contest likely means he is healthy and will be ready for Nets training camp starting October 1st.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Memphis Grizzlies released power forward Mamadi Diakite on Tuesday. Memphis acquired Diakite in the off-season from the Nets for 22-year-old forward Ziaire Williams. Last season, Diakite suited up for six games for the Knicks and Spurs, averaging 2.0 points and 0.7 rebounds. The 27-year-old free agent will not factor into fantasy should he land another NBA contract going into training camp.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso is looking forward to working with Mark Daigneault again, who coached him in the G League at the start of his career. "We have a great relationship," Caruso said in an interview with TexAgs Radio. "I know what to expect out of him and he knows how to coach and push me. If there was one word to describe it, just excited." Caruso had a career year in Chicago last term. Working with a coach who "knows" how to push him puts the versatile guard in a good spot to improve further in 2024-25.
Free agent center Boban Marjanovic has told Meridian Sport in Serbia that he "expects" to land a new NBA deal. The seven-foot-four giant has spent the last two seasons with the Houston Rockets. "I expect the NBA, but if that doesn't happen, there's a lot on paper right now," Marjanovic said. The 36-year-old made 14 appearances last season, scoring 3.2 points and grabbing 2.3 rebounds in 5.1 minutes. He has averaged 5.5 points and 3.6 boards in 8.7 minutes for his NBA career. Marjanovic has been a fan favorite during his stay in the NBA, but he has offered very little to fantasy managers.
Free agent center Robin Lopez has not ruled out a move to Europe to extend his playing career. "I'd absolutely consider it; I know how passionate the fans are and how high the level of basketball is," Lopez told Eurohoops. The 16-year NBA veteran is without a contract for next season after spending the 2023-24 campaign in Milwaukee with his twin brother Brook. Lopez played a very limited role with the Bucks, averaging 4.0 minutes across 16 games. He will likely be at the end of the bench again if he lands on a new team for the upcoming NBA campaign, leaving him without any fantasy appeal.
Italian veteran Danilo Gallinari is without a contract for next season but still hopes to earn a new NBA deal. "A return to Italy? Not yet," he said in an interview with Italian news outlet La Repubblica. "There is still time for (me in) the market, anything can happen at any time. Miami? It's not my time yet, there are other free agents and we'll decide later. It could be anywhere, as long as it's a competitive franchise." Gallinari, who turned 36 at the start of August, spent the 2023-24 campaign with three teams. Following stints in Washington and Detroit, he finished the season with the Milwaukee Bucks. It looks like Gallinari wants to land on another contender. However, he will have zero fantasy value if that's the case. Last season, Gallinari posted only 2.8 points and 1.1 rebounds across 9.1 minutes in Milwaukee.
According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Brooklyn Nets forward Bojan Bogdanovic (foot, wrist) is expected to be ready for training camp on October 1. The 35-year-old began the 2023-24 campaign in Detroit, where he averaged 20.2 points and shot 41.5% from behind the arc. However, after being traded to the Knicks, his production declined significantly. Even worse, he suffered foot and wrist injuries, resulting in surgery. The Nets are a young, rebuilding team, and there's a chance the team isn't finished making moves ahead of the season. Yet, there's still room in the rotation for Bogdanovic, so there's reason to believe he'll turn things around this year. With that said, he'll need to prove he can remain on the floor, especially since he's missed time over the years because of various injuries.
The Pelicans waived forward Matt Ryan, the team announced. Since entering the league, he's played for the Celtics, Lakers, Timberwolves, and Pelicans. However, he hasn't done much to benefit fantasy managers, averaging just 4.4 points in 63 games. Ryan could find a new team relatively soon. Yet, he'll likely spend most of his time at the end of the bench, which isn't ideal for fantasy purposes.
Free agent guard Lonnie Walker IV was reportedly taking part in competitive workouts with players from the Sacramento Kings. He was among a group of four free agents looking to make their way onto an NBA roster this coming season. Walker was joined by Isaiah Thomas, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and Tony Bradley. Walker played in 58 games for the Brooklyn Nets last year and averaged 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 17.4 minutes per game. He also shot 42.3% from the floor and 38.4% from beyond the arc. The six-year veteran could help an NBA team as a depth option, but he's unlikely to be a viable fantasy option unless he finds his way on a tanking team.
Free agent forward Dylan Windler is heading to Australia after agreeing to a new deal with the Perth Wildcats on Thursday. The 27-year-old has played for four teams in four seasons throughout his NBA career. He was the 26th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers and then he went on to play for the Knicks, Lakers, and Hawks this past season. Windler averaged 3.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game across 101 appearances while shooting 42.5% from the floor, 34.7% from deep, and 80.0% from the free throw line.
Forward Keyontae Johnson has signed a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets. Johnson joins the Hornets organization following an underwhelming rookie year in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 24-year-old was limited to only nine appearances and 7.4 minutes per game. However, Johnson had a great spell in the G League, notching 19.4 points per game with 6.7 rebounds and helping the Oklahoma City Blue win the championship. Johnson should get more opportunities on a rebuilding team like the Hornets, but he remains off the fantasy radar for now.