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  • Hitting free agency
    The Hornets declined their $1.99 million team option on Thor's contract Friday, making him an unrestricted free agent, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

    Advice: Thor spent his first three professional seasons in Charlotte, but he never developed into a dependable rotation player after joining the club as a second-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He made 63 appearances (three starts) in 2023-24, averaging just 3.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 12.4 minutes while shooting 43.7 percent from the floor. The 21-year-old forward still has youth working in his favor, so it wouldn't be surprising if another organization looked to bring him aboard on a two-way deal or a non-guaranteed contract. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 2:25 pm
     
  • Hornets decline fourth-year option on JT Thor
    The Hornets have declined JT Thor’s fourth-year option, making him an unrestricted free agent.

    Advice: After three quiet seasons in Charlotte, Thor will get the chance to start fresh elsewhere. He played 12.4 minutes per game last season, so this won’t have a dramatic impact on their rotation, especially with Tidjane Salaun in the mix now. Rotoworld Yesterday, 2:08 pm
     
  • Cam Whitmore, AJ Griffin to play in Summer League
    Cam Whitmore and AJ Griffin will play in Summer League.

    Advice: Both wings will suit up for the Rockets this summer. Whitmore had a strong rookie season, but the extra reps will still help. Griffin barely suited up for Atlanta last season, so getting time on the court will be good for him as he adjusts to a new team. Alongside Reed Sheppard, they will have a talented squad in Vegas. Rotoworld Yesterday, 1:56 pm
     
  • Won't play for Canada at Olympics
    Wiggins won't play for Canada during the 2024 Paris Olympics, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star reports.

    Advice: Per Smith, the Warriors are actively trying to trade Wiggins to clear up cap room, presumably to acquire Paul George, and they don't want Wiggins to get hurt playing in the Olympics. John Hollinger of The Athletic relays there could also be an already existing injury for Wiggins, but nothing has been reported. Wiggins missed 11 games during the 2023-24 season, including back-to-back absences at the beginning of April due to a sprained ankle. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 1:08 pm
     
  • Jalen Smith to decline $5.4 million player option
    Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports that Jalen Smith will decline his $5.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season to enter free agency.

    Advice: Smith enjoyed career-highs in FG% (59.2) and three-point percentage (42.4) in his fourth NBA season, and he should have no shortage of suitors given his ability to space the floor and block shots. Rotoworld Yesterday, 12:27 pm
     
  • Declines player option
    Smith declined his $5.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season Friday and will become an unrestricted free agent, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

    Advice: Smith saw an inconsistent role for the Pacers in 2023-24, averaging 9.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 17.2 minutes across 61 appearances, including 14 starts. However, the 23-year-old big man was largely left out of the team's rotation in the playoffs. Smith will now look to join a new team in free agency. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 10:33 am
     
  • Report: Teams willing to give George 4-year deal
    According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, multiple teams are willing to give Paul George the four-year max deal he’s currently seeking.

    Advice: George has three days to decide whether or not to opt into the final season of his contract, which would be worth more than $48.8 million. While he and the Clippers have discussed a potential extension, they have not reached an agreement. George has been looking for a maximum contract of four years, but the Clippers have not gone that far. According to Windhorst, there are teams willing to take that step should PG become available via free agency or opt-in and trade. “I have been told that multiple teams out there are willing to trade for him and offer him the four-year max contract that he’s not currently being offered by the Clippers,” Windhorst said. “That means he’s got a set of options. But the question is, are the Clippers going to play ball with such a deal, or are they going to risk losing him for nothing if he can walk to a team like Philadelphia or Orlando?” Kawhi Leonard received his extension during the season, but it only runs three years in length. In addition to George, the Clippers will have to address James Harden’s status, as he will be an unrestricted free agent. Rotoworld Wednesday, 9:35 am
     
  • Paul George seeking four-year deal
    According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, Paul George is seeking a four-year deal in free agency.

    Advice: Stein reports that George would prefer to return to the Clippers, but the team is more inclined to offer a shorter-term deal. Wherever he lands, the veteran, 34-year-old star is in search of security. When available, he’s an elite, two-way talent, but availability has been a major concern since he arrived in LA. George is one of the most intriguing names to monitor in free agency. Rotoworld Tuesday, 10:49 am
     
  • Redick wants LeBron James to take more 3-pointers
    During his introductory press conference, Lakers coach JJ Redick said he wants LeBron James to attempt more 3-pointers next season.

    Advice: The Redick era in Los Angeles is underway, with the former NBA guard having his introductory press conference on Monday. One of the interesting tidbits was Redick stating a desire for James to take more 3-pointers next season. He shot a career-best 41.0% from deep in 2023-24, and the average of 5.1 attempts per game was LeBron’s lowest since the 2017-18 season as a member of the Cavaliers (5.0). He’ll clearly be a focal point for what Redick looks to do offensively...provided LeBron returns, regardless of what he decides with his player option. Rotoworld Monday, 2:07 pm