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: Luka Doncic powers Mavs past Magic
- Paul George (knee) to make 76ers debut vs. Suns
- 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
Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (concussion) is listed as out for Monday night's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. Murray sustained a concussion in Friday night's playoff rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves and missed Saturday night's game against the Utah Jazz. With Murray going through concussion protocol, it wouldn't be surprising to see him miss more time to allow a proper amount of time to heal. In his absence, expect the Nuggets to start veteran Russell Westbrook in his place. Westbrook has gotten off to a rocky start with Denver, scoring more than six points just twice this season. Westbrook could be a decent fantasy option for those looking for help with assists, but in most formats he will not be a reliable option until proven otherwise.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday night's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. Gobert is dealing with a left-ankle sprain. The 32-year-old has yet to miss any action this season, averaging 10.8 points and 10.3 rebounds to start 2024. With a matchup against the Hornets on deck, it wouldn't be surprising if the Timberwolves gave Gobert a little extra time to heal his ankle if it's serious. Otherwise, fantasy managers should expect Gobert to get the start on Monday. If he is ruled out, though, expect Naz Reid to get the start at center. Reid is averaging 13.7 points and 6.2 rebounds off the bench and should be targeted in all fantasy formats, regardless of whether he's coming off the bench or not.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (elbow) is listed as questionable for Monday night's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Beal is dealing with a right elbow sprain that's kept him out of one game this season, though he was able to play in Phoenix's most recent game on Saturday. Given that he started in Saturday night's game it should be considered likely for Beal to play on Monday night even with the questionable tag. However, if the 31-year-old isn't able to play, expect Ryan Dunn to get the start. Dunn has averaged 7.8 PPG this season but has scored 13 points and 16 points in his two starts in Beal's place this season. Beal should be considered a must start in all fantasy formats if he gets the start. If Dunn gets another start he should be considered a solid option in all fantasy formats and would be a very sneaky play in DFS formats.
Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine (hip) is listed as questionable for Monday night's game against the Utah Jazz. LaVine is dealing with a right adductor strain. The 29-year-old has yet to miss any games this season, though he was listed as questionable going into Friday night's game against the Nets with a shoulder injury. LaVine has averaged 22.7 PPG to start the season and if he were to miss any time it'd be a big blow to the Bulls. If LaVine is ruled out on Monday then expect Ayo Dosunmu to get the start at guard. Dosunmu is already averaging over 26 minutes per game off the bench and has made quite a few spot starts for Chicago in the past. His production should rise, as should Coby White's numbers in LaVine's potential absence.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday night's game against the Washington Wizards. Curry has been dealing with an ankle sprain that has kept him out of the team's last three games. The questionable mark is a step in the right direction for the 36-year-old and the Warriors, who are off to a 5-1 start. With the lowly Wizards on deck, it may not be a shock to see the Warriors let Curry rest his ankle a little longer before their next game on Wednesday against the Boston Celtics. If he does start, he is obviously a must start in all formats. If not, expect Brandin Podziemski to get another start. Podziemski has put up 14.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 6.0 APG while starting in Curry's place. Podziemski should be on all fantasy managers' radars and would make a sneaky DFS play if he gets the start on Monday.
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (hip) is listed as active for the Lakers' matchup on Monday night against the Detroit Pistons. This is the second game that Davis has appeared on the Lakers' injury report this season but neither time has resulted in him missing any games. Lakers fans and fantasy managers alike have to be thrilled with his early season production, averaging 31.8 PPG and 12.0 RPG to start the season. AD will look to continue his hot start to the season against the Pistons, who are going to be at a rest disadvantage playing on the second leg of a back-to-back. Davis is a must start in all fantasy formats on Monday.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (hip) is listed as out for Monday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Brown has been dealing with a left hip flexor strain that caused him to miss Friday night's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Brown has averaged 25.7 PPG and 7.2 RPG to start the season so a bit of production will be left off the table with his absence. In Saturday night's game against the Charlotte Hornets the Celtics inserted Al Horford into the starting lineup. Expect Horford to get another start on Monday against his former team, who will be on a rest advantage on the second leg of a back-to-back. Horford has averaged 7.7 PPG to start the season and may not be a great fantasy option on Monday night as he didn't score in his spot start on Saturday.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is listed as out for Monday night's game against the Phoenix Suns. His status comes as no surprise given Philadelphia's extra-cautious approach with the 30-year-old's health. Embiid's recovery from a knee injury sustained in January 2024 has taken much longer than anticipated to fully recover from, leading to the extra cautious approach that resulted in a $100,000 fine for the organization. It's also led to intense criticism from the Philadelphia media which sparked an altercation between Embiid and a reporter in the locker room after Saturday night's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. While Embiid's timeline to the court has yet to be released, Philadelphia desperately needs the former MVP's dominating presence to return. Until then, fantasy managers should target Andre Drummond for a center who will bring tremendous value from a rebounding perspective.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (groin) is listed as questionable for Monday night's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Antetokounmpo is dealing with a right-adductor sprain that he appears to have sustained during Saturday's game against Cleveland. The Greek Freak has yet to miss any games this season while also dealing with other injuries, but fantasy managers will still want to monitor his status going into Monday night's game. Antetokounmpo has averaged 31.0 points, 12.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists this season and is a must-start in all formats if active. If he is out on Monday, expect Bobby Portis to pick up the extra minutes.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) is expected to play in Monday's meeting with the Phoenix Suns. The 34-year-old has yet to debut with his new club. Fortunately, George appears ready to get back on the floor. He averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists last season with the Clippers. Under normal circumstances, Paul would be considered a lock for fantasy lineups. While that is still true in most cases, he could see fewer minutes than usual versus the Suns. However, George should still get enough work to lower the ceiling of Caleb Martin.
Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (toe) has been added to the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. It's the first game of a back-to-back set, so the Hawks might decide to give Okongwu a rest night on Sunday. He has been quiet since his 28-point outing during the season opener. Since then, Okongwu is averaging 8.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks over his last four games. Larry Nance Jr. and Dominick Barlow figure to see extended playing time if Okongwu is unable to play on Sunday or Monday.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) is considered doubtful ahead of Monday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Quickley has been sidelined due to a right pelvic contusion that he suffered during the season opener. The Raptors continue to list him as doubtful, so it doesn't sound like he's close to a return. Davion Mitchell figures to continue starting and will have streaming appeal until Quickley is able to play again.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) was seen doing shooting drills during Sunday's practice. It sounds like Vanderbilt is making progress, but the team hasn't given a solid timetable for his return to the court. Vanderbilt has been out all season due while he recovers from foot surgery. Jaxson Hayes should continue seeing increased minutes with Vanderbilt sidelined. Once healthy, Vanderbilt should contribute off the bench, but it probably won't be enough to warrant rostering in fantasy formats.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (ankle) was able to suit up and participate during Sunday's practice. This news comes after Reaves went to the locker room during Friday's game due to an injury. Reaves was able to return to the contest, but appears to still be banged up. It seems like Reaves should be able to play during Monday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Max Christie and Gabe Vincent figure to see increased playing time if Reaves is unable to play.
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.
