NBA Central

Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton underwent a pair of "arthroscopic clean-up procedures" this offseason, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania and Eric Nehm.

Charania and Nehm reported the work addressed lingering issues in each of the veteran forward's ankles, and he's expected to be ready when the 2024-25 NBA season tips off.

The surgeries on their own aren't necessarily a cause for concern because Middleton's ankle trouble was already known. A sprained left ankle caused him to miss a little over a month in the regular season. Then he sprained his right ankle during Milwaukee's first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.

The concern for the Bucks is broader since this is the third successive offseason in which Middleton had offseason surgery.

The three-time All-Star missed the first 20 games of the 2022-23 campaign thanks to a torn ligament in his wrist. He went under the knife again in June 2023 because of knee soreness that had dogged him for months. Now, it's the ankles.

Middleton remained an effective secondary scorer this year. He averaged 15.1 points on 49.3 shooting, including 38.1 percent on three-pointers. His 5.3 assists per game were third on the team as well.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined against Indiana, the 32-year-old stepped up and nearly averaged a double-double (24.7 points and 9.2 rebounds), which wasn't enough to prevent the Bucks from losing in six games.

Middleton is a critical piece for Milwaukee, and much will be expected of him as the team looks to improve on its disappointing finish. The way in which his injuries are adding up will, however, raise some questions over whether his run of bad luck will continue.

Veteran guard Gary Trent Jr. is on the move after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported last week the Los Angeles Lakers had Trent on their radar but lacked the means to sign him absent some financial maneuvering.

Trent is coming off another solid season with the Toronto Raptors. He averaged 13.7 points and shot 39.3 percent from beyond the arc, the second-highest clip of his career. The 25-year-old hit 43.1 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes, per NBA.com, illustrating how effectively he operated in an off-ball role.

With their season spiraling, some were surprised when the Raptors didn't move Trent by the February trade deadline. Toronto didn't execute a full-scale rebuild, but dealing Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby pointed to an obvious reset.

Raptors general manager Bobby Webster made clear what was broadly obvious once Trent remained on the team through the deadline.

"Gary is 25 years old and a 40 percent 3-point shooter. So you can start there," Webster told reporters regarding the player's status in his long-term plans. "I think he probably would even admit he didn't get off to as good of a start as he would have wanted to, but he's settled in now and we're seeing it. So I think it's a little TBD on Gary, but I think we're watching him grow with this group.

"We're watching him pick and choose his spots offensively. I think you're seeing him be a bit more aggressive defensively, which we've seen over the years."

The organization's attitude toward Trent clearly changed, and it might be down partially to how badly he and his representatives failed to project his value on the open market.

TSN's Josh Lewenberg reported on July 8 the Raptors were prepared to offer him $15 million a year as the free agency moratorium window opened. His agents were instead looking for a number above his $18.6 million player option from last year.

"Something in the $25 million range was believed to be the ask, a misread of a market that hasn't been kind to players of Trent's ilk — a very good three-point shooter (38 percent as a Raptor) who has shown flashes in other areas but hasn't been able to sustain them, especially on defence," Lewenberg wrote.

"Now, with the market drying up, one league insider suggested Trent would be 'lucky' to get the mid-level exception, valued at $12.5 million. A few reports have linked him to the Lakers, where it's possible he could only earn half of that."

Lewenberg went on to report Toronto had withdrawn its initial offer.

Caleb Martin made a similar mistake as he turned down a contract from the Miami Heat and ultimately got less money from the Philadelphia 76ers.

For Trent, he'll approach the 2024-25 season with a lot to prove.

The Bucks, meanwhile, had great value fall into their laps.

Thanks to being in the second apron of the luxury tax, Milwaukee entered the summer with one hand tied behind its back. Even if ownership was committed to raising the payroll, the front office had limited means with which to improve the roster.

When the summer began, Trent was probably thought to be out of the Bucks' price range. Instead, they managed to get some sorely needed depth on the wing.

The Detroit Pistons reportedly view Tobias Harris very highly after signing the veteran in free agency this offseason.

Per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, the team believes Harris can be a "foundational leader" amid Detroit's rebuild.

While Harris has never been a team's first option, he will join the Pistons as one of the most experienced players and look to offer some wisdom from the perspective of a 13-year veteran.

Harris has been a reliable role player for much of the last decade. He's averaged 16.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists across his career and has had seasons where he hovered around the 20-point per-game mark. Last year, he put up 17.2 points per game while serving as the Philadelphia 76ers' third option behind Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

Harris was a member of the Pistons roster from 2015 to 2018, helping Detroit reach one of its only two playoff appearances of the last decade during the 2015-16 season. While it will take more than the addition of Harris for the Pistons to reach the playoffs this year, he could at least help them start moving in the right direction.

Detroit is coming off its worst season in franchise history, which saw it finish at the bottom of the league at 14-68. The Pistons consist mostly of young developing players, and they'll look to Harris to be a "foundational leader" for that group this year.

Chicago Bulls general manager Marc Eversley said he wishes DeMar DeRozan was still with the team but acknowledged it was time for both sides to move on.

"You know, the pivot away from him, I would love if he was still a Chicago Bull right now. But I think doing right by the organization and letting him explore that opportunity to go somewhere else and try to win, we were not positioned well enough to bring him back. And two, trying to help him chase that dream (of winning) as well," Eversley told reporters Sunday.

The Bulls agreed to a sign-and-trade deal earlier this month that sent DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings. The Kings traded Chris Duarte, two second-round picks and cash to Chicago, while Harrison Barnes and a 2031 pick swap were sent to the San Antonio Spurs.

DeRozan inked a three-year, $73.9 million deal with the Kings as part of the deal. Eversley said the Bulls will miss DeRozan's leadership ability in the locker room.

"I think he was an extension of (coach) Billy (Donovan) on the court and off the court. The three years he gave us were unbelievable, far exceeded my expectations," Eversley said.

Chicago is in the midst of what will likely be a multiyear rebuild. In addition to signing-and-trading DeRozan, the Bulls also sent veteran guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey.

The front office is expected to continue exploring trade avenues, with Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic being the most likely trade targets in the coming months.

Chicago Bulls executive vice president Artūras Karnišovas said he expects Zach LaVine to be with the team when training camp begins in September.

"We expect Zach being fully healthy. And he is healthy. I think he can help this group next year. He's been professional," Karnišovas told reporters Sunday. "Again, he's healthy. We expect him to be with us at the start of training camp."

The Bulls kicked off what will likely be a multiyear rebuilding process this summer, trading Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey and sending DeMar DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade.

LaVine and center Nikola Vucevic are the odd men out, aging veterans in a rotation that will almost exclusively include players under the age of 25.

Karnišovas would almost certainly love to find a taker for either veteran piece, but neither has much of a trade market at the moment. LaVine has three years and $138 million left on his max deal and is coming off a disappointing, injury-riddled campaign. He averaged just 19.5 points per game, his lowest since 2017-18, during a time when scoring is exploding across the NBA.

Given LaVine's main calling card is his scoring ability, his downturn last season isn't going to have teams lighting up Karnišovas' phone.

Vucevic only has $41.5 million remaining on his contract, which lasts through the 2025-26 season, but he turns 34 in October and has become a severely below-average defensive big. The Bulls can likely stomach keeping Vucevic on for the remainder of his contract, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he sees some interest once the season gets underway.

Former Toronto Raptors shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. has drawn interest from the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Charania noted on Monday that the Bucks are among "several contenders" pursuing Trent after the Raptors "never made an offer" for the sharpshooter to return following the 2023-24 season.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Thursday that the Los Angeles Lakers are "exploring pathways" to shed salary in trades and attempt to open up enough room to sign a player such as Trent.

The 25-year-old's production dipped last season as he started off as a reserve before moving into the starting lineup. He recorded 13.7 points per game in 71 appearances after averaging 17.1 points each night over the previous three seasons.

Still, Trent has proven himself as an efficient long-range shooter and connected on 39.3 percent of his triples last season. For his career, he's a 38.6 percent shooter from behind the arc.

When Gary got HOT and went for 31 PTS!🌟 pic.twitter.com/EffjJSfR6m

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) June 18, 2024

It may be difficult for the Bucks to land Trent without making other moves due to the team's financial restrictions, as Milwaukee is currently over the second luxury tax apron (via ESPN's Bobby Marks).

This could be an issue in free agency discussions, as Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports reported on Thursday that Trent would not accept a minimum contract to play with a team such as the Denver Nuggets.

Still, his three-point accuracy would fit extremely well next to Damian Lillard in the backcourt and give superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo more space to work with in the paint. The Bucks could also explore ways to open up more space to sign Trent, as Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer revealed that Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton have been mentioned as trade candidates.

As Milwaukee attempts to bounce back from a disappointing first-round playoff exit, Trent could provide some extra floor-spacing for the team's two stars.

Darius Garland is shutting down all trade rumors once and for all.

"I don't want to be traded," the Cleveland Cavaliers guard told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. "Those are just rumors."

There had been long-simmering rumors Garland could seek an exit this summer amid fit issues with Donovan Mitchell. The Cavs signed Mitchell to a three-year, $150.3 million extension this offseason, meaning Garland would have been the odd man out if there was going to be a split.

Garland pushed back on the notion of any unhappiness with Mitchell signing an extension.

"It's always good to see one of our guys get the money they deserve and know he's going to be back with us for a while," Garland said. "I was excited. I was excited for him."

An All-Star in 2022, Garland has taken a backseat offensively since the Cavs acquired Mitchell. He averaged 18.0 points, 6.5 assists and 2.7 rebound last season while shooting 44.6 percent from the floor, his worst mark since his rookie season. There is little question that Garland is more comfortable playing the lead guard role, but there is equally little question over who is the better player.

Mitchell is the superstar. He gets the first right of refusal on the ball. Garland is merely a star and one whose shine has dimmed over the last 24 months.

Even if Garland were to request a trade, it's fair to wonder how much the Cavs could get in return. Garland is due $163.2 million over the next four years and hasn't played up to max-player status. It's unlikely the Cavs would land a player of Garland's caliber in any trade, even if they wound up getting a better fit.

Cleveland seems determined to run things back with few changes to last season's roster. The biggest change made this offseason was the firing of coach J.B. Bickerstaff in favor of Kenny Atkinson. A coach change is not suddenly going to fix the obvious fit issues on the Cavs' roster, but Atkinson said he's excited to work with Garland to aid in his development.

"I can't wait to work with them," Atkinson said. "I was a point guard and that's the quarterback. Those guys are running the show and it's such a huge position in this league. I identity with them. Huge fan of Darius. Always been a fan. Underrated. Underrated passer. I don't think he gets enough credit for the feel. Then, Donovan we all know, he's the real deal. The great ones have a different type of work ethic. He's wired a little bit differently."

Perhaps Atkinson's developmental acumen will unlock part of Garland's game that makes him a better fit with Mitchell. Maybe not. Either way, trade talks will likely be revisited next summer if the Cavs don't make an improvement.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Evan Mobley haven't reached a contract extension yet, but a deal is reportedly expected "somewhat soon."

ESPN's Brian Windhorst said he believes the Cavs are willing to offer Mobley his five-year maximum on his next contract.

"I know that the two sides have talked. It's not like it's a giant impasse, I don't believe. I would expect the contract to be done somewhat soon," Windhorst noted on ESPN Cleveland (30-second mark). "I think the Cavs are willing to give him the max, and quite frankly, they don't have a leg to stand on now that the guys around him in their draft class with comparable statistics and comparable futures have gotten the max."

The Designated Player Extension would make Mobley eligible to earn up to $270 million if he makes an All-NBA team or wins Defensive Player of the Year or MVP next season. Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner, Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham all signed max extensions this offseason.

Should Mobley not qualify for Designated Player status, he would make an estimated $224 million over his five-year deal.

Mobley averaged 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game last season. While he has plateaued a bit from his stellar rookie season, that's partially a byproduct of Mobley playing next to another natural center in Jarrett Allen. Mobley and Allen are an imperfect basketball fit in the modern NBA, and they both would arguably benefit from a separation individually.

The Cavs' acquisition of Donovan Mitchell also limited the amount Mobley could hone his game by being more aggressive offensively. After averaging 12.0 shots per game his first two seasons, Mobley was down to a career-low 11.1 in 2023-24.

Despite the general plateau in counting stats, Mobley remains a skilled 23-year-old big with rim protection skills and efficient numbers across the board. The Cavs don't have much of a recourse to offer him anything besides his full max and hope he develops into an All-Star.

Newly-signed Sacramento King DeMar DeRozan says it was not a difficult choice to star in Kendrick Lamar "Not Like Us" music video amid the rapper's ongoing feud with Drake.

"Love Drake, always can play him (in Sacramento's Golden 1 Center)," DeRozan told Fox40's Sean Cunningham. "Kendrick's been a friend of mine, family. Damn near family, for a long time, for a while. We're from the same city, we're up down there in the same neighborhood.

"It's always been there. It hasn't always been publicized, but that's basically family."

Asked DeMar DeRozan about his appearance in Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" video and if that signaled the end of playing Drake inside Golden 1 Center. pic.twitter.com/0cRtBImfQm

— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) July 9, 2024

DeRozan appeared on stage alongside Russell Westbrook and Lamar during the first live performance of "Not Like Us" during the rappers' Juneteenth concert.

The NBA star then made a cameo in the music video for the Drake diss track released last week.

DeRozan, who spent his first nine NBA seasons playing for Drake's hometown Toronto Raptors, is shown in the video during the line "I'm glad DeRoz came home, y'all didn't deserve him neither."

DeMar DeRozan in Kendrick's "Not Like Us" video 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ku9dge2Vr2

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 4, 2024

Both DeRozan and Lamar are from Compton, California, where they attended high schools three miles apart.

"I knew Kendrick growing up," DeRozan told NBC Sports Chicago's K.C. Johnson in 2021. "It's a small city. You find motivation from whoever comes before you. And everybody always supports one another, the ones that are coming up.

"It's a crazy bond when you sit back and look at the ones who came through that city and are successful. I definitely have a great relationship with Kendrick."

Now that DeRozan has appeared in one of Lamar's music videos, the old friendship between the two Compton natives will be more well known. DeRozan was even introduced to the Kings home crowd Sunday with "Not Like Us" playing in the background at Golden 1.

The Detroit Pistons announced Tuesday that veteran center Paul Reed was claimed off waivers following his release from the Philadelphia 76ers.

Welcome to the squad, @Bball_paul!

OFFICIAL: The Detroit Pistons announced today that the team has claimed forward/center Paul Reed off waivers. pic.twitter.com/oRnHMpwwp3

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) July 9, 2024

He'll enter a bit of a logjam at the center position with Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart already in Detroit. The team's depth chart, at present, looks as follows:

• PG: Cade Cunningham / Marcus Sasser
• SG: Jaden Ivey / Malik Beasley 
• SF: Ausar Thompson / Tim Hardaway Jr. / Ron Holland II
• PF: Tobias Harris / Simone Fontecchio / Bobi Klintman
• C: Duren / Stewart / Reed

With Reed on a non-guaranteed $7.7 million contract this season, the Pistons now have $135.3 million in cap allocations for the 2024-25 season, according to Spotrac. Currently, that leaves them with $5.2 million in cap space.

The 25-year-old Reed is a bouncy, athletic big man best suited to playing center in smaller lineups. In the 2023-24 season he averaged career-highs in scoring (7.3 PPG), rebounding (6.0 RPG) and blocks (1.0 BPG), finally handed the primary backup center duties behind Joel Embiid.

Once the Sixers signed Andre Drummond and drafted Adem Bona in the second round, however, it was clear that Reed's time in Philly had come to a close. Releasing his non-guaranteed salary helped clear up space for other moves, including the signing of Caleb Martin, as the Sixers surrounded the big three of Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey with wings and shooting.

As for the Pistons, Reed's addition was the latest in what has been an... interesting offseason thus far.

The team surprised some draft pundits by taking a chance on Holland with the No. 5 overall pick after his struggles with the G League Ignite saw his draft stock take a hit. Holland was once a highly-coveted prospect, however, so Detroit taking a swing on his ceiling was defensible.

The team then made some surprising free agency decisions, none more so than signing the 32-year-old Harris to a two-year, $52 million deal. Harris steadily declined throughout his Philadelphia tenure and was virtually non-existent for the Sixers in last season's playoffs, averaging just nine points per game against the New York Knicks.

The Pistons then traded Quentin Grimes to Dallas for Hardaway Jr. and a trio of second-round picks, re-signed Fontecchio on a two-year, $16 million deal and signed Beasley to a one-year, $6 million contract. JB Bickerstaff was also hired as the team's next head coach after just one season under Monty Williams.

Some of those moves reflected solid value. Others, like the Harris and Hardaway additions, earned some raised eyebrows:

Cade watching Tim Hardaway and Tobias Harris both try to get their 20 every night. pic.twitter.com/UOEIAynQUM

— Josh Eberley 🇨🇦 (@JoshEberley) July 1, 2024

Tim Hardaway Jr. and Tobias Harris are the vets the Pistons have acquired to play next to their young guys this summer, while sending out Quentin Grimes. They really should have fired Troy Weaver by now.

— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) July 1, 2024

The Pistons did what?

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) July 1, 2024

The Pistons clearly prioritized adding veterans around the young core of Cunningham, Ivey, Thompson, Duren and Holland after last season's disastrous 14-68 campaign. It was clear the team needed a culture shift. Whether those assets were best allocated toward players like Harris and Hardaway is more questionable.

Either way, the future clearly revolves around Cunningham, who agreed to a five-year, $224 million max extension earlier on Tuesday. Whether the Pistons have added complementary young prospects and the right sort of veterans around him, however, remains to be seen.