With the 2017 NBA Draft and free agency in the rearview mirror, teams were busy making smaller moves in an effort to bolster their rosters this past week. No team in the association was busier than the Toronto Raptors, who were able to shed a massive contract that helped clear the way for the acquisition of a scoring winger that can spread the floor. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics added some depth with the acquisition of some help at center while the New York Knicks search for Phil Jackson’s replacement hit a speed bump. Here is a look at the news and notes from around the NBA this week.
Raptors Trade Carroll To Nets
The Raptors traded forward DeMarre Carroll to the Brooklyn Nets in a move to create some salary cap flexibility over the weekend. The move definitely came at a substantial price as Toronto also moved 2018 first round and second round picks along with Carroll. The move got rid of the $30 million the Raptors owed Carroll over the next two seasons. Carroll was a major disappointment the past two years as he battled injuries and inconsistent play after signing a four-year, $60-million deal with the club back in 2015. The Nets do not own their own first round pick for 2018. Carroll will likely start for Brooklyn next year while having the opportunity to mentor 2016 first round pick Caris LeVert.
Miles Acquired By Toronto
Toronto also reached an agreement with the Indiana Pacers on a sign-and-trade with the Indiana Pacers for C.J. Miles. The Raptors will move point guard Cory Joseph to the Pacers in exchange for the free agent forward. The deal will give Toronto the athletic scoring wing player that can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. Three-point shooting – or a lack thereof – had been one of Toronto’s biggest problems for the last couple of seasons. Joseph was a solid spark plug off the bench but the Raptors have DeLon Wright, who is expected to soak up those minutes.
The Raptors will likely start Miles while leaning on Norman Powell off the bench.
Celtics Sign Free Agent Baynes
The Boston Celtics will sign free agent center Aaron Baynes to a one-year, $4.3 million contract. The 6’10’’ Baynes averaged 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game for the Detroit Pistons last season. Baynes is expected to help provide some much-needed help on the defensive glass after he grabbed 21.6-percent of all defensive caroms when he was on the floor for Detroit last season.
The Celtics were thin up front following the recent departures of Kelly Olynyk and Amir Johnson. Baynes isn’t a stud by any means but he’s a solid plugger who will give them some depth in the front court.
Griffin Pulls Out Of Knicks GM Search
Former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin pulled his name from the New York Knicks front office search this past week. According to a league source, Griffin pulled out of consideration after the Knicks couldn’t agree on a role. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Griffin and the Knicks were at odds over Griffin not having full authority on basketball decisions and over Griffin’s desire to bring in his own staff. Of course, the Knicks don’t want to give up full control as owner James Dolan loves to meddle in all sorts of dealings.
The Knicks will continue their search for a replacement following Phil Jackson’s departure as president of basketball operations.
Spurs Reportedly Sign Lauvergne
The San Antonio Spurs are on the verge of signing Joffrey Lauvergne. The move became possible when the Chicago Bulls decided to pull their qualifying offer to Lauvergne, which made him an unrestricted free agent. As a result, the Spurs moved in and made a move to bolster their second unit.
He’s still just 25 years old and at times has been viewed as an up-and-coming riser. However, he hasn’t been able to get stead starts or minutes. That’s led him to post career averages of 6.1 points and 4.0 rebounds. Look for the Spurs to groom him into a reliable contributor.
The 2017 NBA futures are out. It’s been a wild offseason already, but keep an eye on the betting lines as they move around at Diamond Sportsbook! Get the latest NBA betting lines right here.
