According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/turmoil-surrounding-kevin-durants-trade-request-to-nets-played-down-by-steve-nash-20220929-SPD-2865.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Bulls</a> are confident that guard <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-lakers-committed-to-helping-lebron-james-but-theres-a-catch-20220927-SPD-2849.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lonzo Ball</a> will be able to participate in at least some games throughout the course of this season. This is a piece of information that might be interpreted as a glimmer of hope about Ball’s status. 



On Wednesday, Ball had knee surgery for the second time in this calendar year; it is anticipated that he will be out of action for at least a few months as a result. When the Bulls announced a week ago that he will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, they also said that he would be re-evaluated four to six weeks after the procedure. 



He and the team will evaluate how he reacts to the procedure over the following two weeks, and his comeback date will depend on how well his rehabilitation goes. On Tuesday, Ball expressed concern that he was unable to run or leap without experiencing discomfort. Late in the month of January, he had surgery to repair a torn meniscus, and as a result, he was unable to play for Chicago in any of the team’s last 42 games of the regular season. 



<h2>Season not over for Lonzo Ball, but will miss few months after knee surgery</h2>



During that stretch of games, the Bulls had a record of 19-23, which contributed to their drop from first to sixth place in the Eastern Conference. He attempted to increase the amount of exercise he was doing and go back on the floor, but the discomfort in his knee continued.



The previous season was Ball’s best in terms of 3-point shooting percentage, as he hit a career-high 42.3 percent of his tries. He also helped Chicago’s transition game. However, his absence was felt more keenly on the defensive side of the ball.

Lonzo Ball of Bulls projected to make injury comeback this season

Lonzo Ball of Bulls projected to make injury comeback this season - thesportsdrops NEWS

miniaturas

The summer for the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-lakers-committed-to-helping-lebron-james-but-theres-a-catch-20220927-SPD-2849.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a> was nothing short of a roller coaster ride, but head coach <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/joe-mazzulla-promoted-as-temporary-celtics-head-coach-after-ime-udokas-suspension-20220924-SPD-2830.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steve Nash</a> feels that things have returned to normal in the borough, particularly with regard to his relationship with superstar player <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/cavaliers-and-dean-wade-agree-new-three-year-contract-extension-20220926-SPD-2836.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a>.



A year after extending his contract with Brooklyn by four years and submitting a request for trade on June 30, Durant informed the team of his desire to be sent somewhere. After speaking with Nash, Joe Tsai, Clara Wu Tsai, and Rich Kleiman in Los Angeles, the two-time NBA champion ultimately chose to withdraw his request and continue with the process. 



This took place during the end of the previous month. Following that conversation, Nash is now in a position where he considers the squad to be in “fine” shape going into the upcoming season.



<h2>Steve Nash addresses relationship with Kevin Durant</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We’re good. It’s been like nothing’s changed. I have a long history with Kevin [Durant]. I love the guy. Families have issues. We had a moment and it’s behind us. That’s what happens. It’s a common situation in the league. Knowing Kevin as long as I have, it didn’t really bother me the way maybe everyone would think. “That’s a part of being competitors. I wasn’t overly surprised and I wasn’t even overly concerned. It was something that I thought we would address in time, and we did. And here we are and we’re looking forward. It’s something else that we can grow from as well. I never thought that was 100 percent. It’s not black and white like that. There’s a lot of factors, a lot of things behind the scenes.”<cite>Steve Nash told ESPN</cite></blockquote>

Turmoil surrounding Kevin Durant's trade request to Nets played down by Steve Nash

Turmoil surrounding Kevin Durant's trade request to Nets played down by Steve Nash - thesportsdrops NEWS

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-russell-westbrook-willing-to-make-big-commitment-for-the-lakers-2693-20220906-SPD-2693.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> want to leave two <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/i-made-the-playoffs-last-year-they-didnt-patrick-beverley-pokes-fun-at-new-teammates-lebron-james-and-anthony-davis-2706-20220907-SPD-2706.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disappointing seasons</a> behind to get back to glory days. The team may have work to do to get there, but with LeBron James on their roster, they are allowed to dream.



After months of speculation, The King put pen to paper to a contract extension with the Purple and Gold. He may be 37, but he is not showing any signs of slowing down. Instead, it looks like he has a lot left in the tank.



James is also a true competitor, so the front office must play its part and surround him with the right tools. <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-how-patrick-beverley-trade-could-impact-future-of-russell-westbrook-at-lakers-2618-20220827-SPD-2618.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rob Pelinka</a> said the team will do an effort to put the best team possible around LeBron, but only if it’s a “smart” trade.



<h2>Rob Pelinka explains how Lakers plan to build around LeBron</h2>



“Let me abundantly clear: We have one of the great players in LeBron James to ever play the game on our team,” Pelinka said, via Fadeaway World. “He committed to us with a long-term contract, a three-year contract. So of course we will do everything we can, picks included, to make deals that give us a chance to help LeBron get to the end.



“He committed to our organization. That’s got to be a bilateral commitment, and it’s there. Again, as I started the question by saying, we are committed to doing everything we can to put the best team around LeBron as long as it’s a smart trade because of the limitations caused by the Stepien rule and the implications of that.”

NBA News: Lakers committed to helping LeBron James, but there's a catch

NBA News: Lakers committed to helping LeBron James, but there's a catch - thesportsdrops NEWS

Jordan Poole proved he may have what it takes to be the face of the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/warriors-set-to-re-sign-andre-iguodala-for-his-last-nba-season-2824-20220923-SPD-2824.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warriors</a> in the future. Last season, his contribution helped Golden State win an NBA championship for the first time since 2018.



The Dubs continue to savor that much anticipated title, but they have to get to work soon. Not only the 2022-23 NBA season is getting close, but they also have to take care of many <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-draymond-green-could-leave-warriors-if-no-offered-maximum-contract-extension-2393-20220728-SPD-2393.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contracts</a>, including Poole’s.



The Warriors have until October 17 to extend his rookie contract, if not, Poole could be on the market next year as a restricted free agent. This is a big talking point in the Bay area, but it doesn’t seem to distract him.



<h2>Jordan Poole addresses his contract with the Warriors</h2>



“We did what we needed to do last year,” Poole said, via Fadeaway World. “Got a championship as a team, and obviously, that’s something that’s out there, but I’m going to let my reps handle that. I have confidence that we’ll work something out.



“I’m just here to play basketball and excited to be back with the team. However, we go into the season is however we go in. I’m going to play my game, continue to be me, and put everything forth to help us win games, whatever the situation or circumstance is.”

NBA News: Warriors' Jordan Poole gets real on his contract situation

NBA News: Warriors' Jordan Poole gets real on his contract situation - thesportsdrops NEWS

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports that the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/bojan-bogdanovic-joins-pistons-from-jazz-2820-20220922-SPD-2820.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> and <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/warriors-set-to-re-sign-andre-iguodala-for-his-last-nba-season-2824-20220923-SPD-2824.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dean Wade</a> have reached an agreement to extend Wade’s current deal by three years and pay him an additional $18.5 million over the course of those years. Wade’s rise to prominence as a player in the NBA in recent years is one of the league’s most compelling success stories. 



The 25-year-old forward signed a two-way agreement with the Cavaliers in 2019 after graduating from Kansas State without being selected in the draft. He then demonstrated that he belongs in the NBA.



Over the course of the previous two years, he has developed into a reliable player for Cleveland at both forward positions, and he has started a total of 47 games for the Cavaliers. Given the composition of Cleveland’s roster at the moment, he should have a chance to move into a starting position that sees him play a regular role throughout this season.



<h2>Dean Wade to stay in Cleveland until 2025</h2>



Donovan Mitchell was acquired by Cleveland in a blockbuster transaction, which resulted in the trading of numerous role players. By doing so, they ensured that they would have a backcourt consisting of Mitchell and Darius Garland, with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen working together upfront. 



That one intermediate forward position between the two of them seems to be up for grabs. In order to get that position, Wade will need to fight against others like Isaac Okoro and Cedi Osman; nevertheless, the fact that he is tall and can shoot well should make him an appealing option.

Cavaliers and Dean Wade agree new three-year contract extension

Cavaliers and Dean Wade agree new three-year contract extension - thesportsdrops NEWS

Despite finding many infractions of club policy, owner Wyc Grousbeck stated Friday that the defending Eastern Conference champion <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/warriors-set-to-re-sign-andre-iguodala-for-his-last-nba-season-2824-20220923-SPD-2824.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Celtics</a> will not reinstate coach <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/warriors-set-to-re-sign-andre-iguodala-for-his-last-nba-season-2824-20220923-SPD-2824.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ime Udoka</a> following a months-long inquiry by an independent law firm.



The Celtics will be looking to a young, unproven leader as they navigate this difficult time. After Ime Udoka was suspended for the whole season, president of basketball operations&nbsp;Brad Stevens announced on Friday that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-kyrie-irving-opens-up-on-nets-brutal-loss-to-celtics-last-season-2794-20220920-SPD-2794.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joe Mazzulla</a> will serve as temporary head coach of the Celtics.



Stevens chose the 34-year-old as an assistant coach in 2019, despite his lack of previous experience, and the Celtics are highly sure that he is the ideal guy for a challenging task.



<h2>What Brad Stevens&nbsp;thinks of Joe Mazzulla</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“He is an exceptionally sharp and talented person. Joe’s the best choice to [take over] by a long shot. As you go through the whole process it all hits you, but we have the best people in place to do that, and Joe is the best person to do that in our organization.”</blockquote>



After two successful seasons as head coach of the Fairmont State men’s basketball team during which they went 43-17, Mazzulla joined the Celtics’ coaching staff in 2019 and has been there ever since. He had previously worked as an assistant at Glenville State. Along with his time spent coaching at the university level, Mazzulla also worked as an assistant with the Maine Red Claws, the Celtics’ G League side.

Joe Mazzulla promoted as temporary Celtics' head coach after Ime Udoka’s suspension - thesportsdrops NEWS

Joe Mazzulla promoted as temporary Celtics' head coach after Ime Udoka’s suspension

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-how-patrick-beverley-trade-could-impact-future-of-russell-westbrook-at-lakers-2618-20220827-SPD-2618.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andre Iguodala</a>, who will enter his 19th season in the NBA, has finally confirmed his return to the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/bojan-bogdanovic-joins-pistons-from-jazz-2820-20220922-SPD-2820.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> on Friday after much speculation. Iguodala broke the news to his listeners on a special edition of his “Point Forward” podcast, which he co-hosts with Evan Turner. The two will be recording fresh episodes of the program throughout the season.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I’m gonna blame a few people. Steph Curry is one person I’m gonna blame. As a group I’m blaming Draymond [Green], Steph and Klay [Thompson], [Warriors head coach] Steve Kerr a little bit and [Warriors GM] Bob Myers. They just really showed me a lot of love. They really helped me see my presence outside of physically playing basketball, but also Steve was a big culprit in terms of ‘listen we really need you on the court.’ “Draymond was big on that as well, we were texting. I came back last year to make sure we got it right, like ‘we not gonna waste Steph’s years.’ We won the chip and I was like ‘alright.’ And he was like ‘nope I need you back for another one.’ I’m letting you know right now, Steph, this is the last one.”</blockquote>



<h2>Andre Iguodala to retire in San Francisco</h2>



Iguodala has stated his intention to re-sign with the Golden State Warriors, albeit no official agreement has been made. For a reigning champion bringing back its top six players, this effectively ends the offseason’s greatest controversy. It also indicates that the Warriors’ roster may be complete.



As the Warriors’ best reserve, Iguodala was a crucial cog of the team’s dynasty, helping them win five Western Conference crowns and three NBA Championships over a six-year stretch (2013–19). Following two years with the Miami Heat, the forward returned to San Francisco last season.

Warriors set to re-sign Andre Iguodala for his last NBA season - thesportsdrops NEWS

Warriors set to re-sign Andre Iguodala for his last NBA season

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-kyrie-irving-opens-up-on-nets-brutal-loss-to-celtics-last-season-2794-20220920-SPD-2794.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bojan Bogdanovic</a> will be joining the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/we-have-been-overrated-celtics-owner-wyc-grousbeck-2788-20220919-SPD-2788.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Detroit Pistons</a> from the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/dennis-schroder-returns-to-lakers-after-rejecting-offers-from-raptors-and-suns-2783-20220917-SPD-2783.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah Jazz</a> in exchange for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee. It was generally assumed that the Jazz will move Bogdanovic before the start of the season since they have entered a full rebuilding mode.



The transaction does not include the exchange of draft picks. If this is the last substantial change the Pistons make this summer, they will have dramatically restructured the rotation. It’s mostly a move to improve the team’s skill level, but it also helps to keep the roster from being too unbalanced.



The acquisition of Bogdanovic by Detroit cost them cap space. As a result of being $5.6 million under the threshold, they had to pay Olynyk and Lee the difference between his $19.55 million salary and the cap limit. 



<h2>What Bogdanovic trade means for both Pistons from Jazz</h2>



They have 16 players under contract and are presently at or near the salary cap, with the mid-level exemption of $5.4 million to work with. Due to Olynyk’s release, the Pistons save $3 million on their 2022 salary cap and are still expected to produce approximately $70 million.



Meanwhile, after dealing away All-Stars like Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz are now in the midst of a fire sale in which they are offering up a slew of future draft selections and potential young players. In addition, Utah are attempting to trade Mike Conley, Malik Beasley, and Jordan Clarkson.

Bojan Bogdanovic joins Pistons from Jazz

Bojan Bogdanovic joins Pistons from Jazz - thesportsdrops NEWS

Last season was more complicated than predicted for the Nets. With <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-the-reason-why-nets-wouldnt-trade-kyrie-irving-to-lakers-2561-20220820-SPD-2561.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyrie Irving</a> out for months, the team struggled to get results. But even when he got back, Brooklyn had to go through the Play-In Tournament.



Though they managed to secure the seventh seed, it didn’t take long for the Nets’ aspirations to be over. Steve Nash‘s team was swept by the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/we-have-been-overrated-celtics-owner-wyc-grousbeck-2788-20220919-SPD-2788.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Celtics</a> in the first round, a defeat that continues to make noise in Brooklyn.



Since then, the team went through a lot of trouble – with Kevin Durant almost leaving the organization this offseason. However, Irving recently revealed that they could actually learn a lot from that elimination.



<h2>Kyrie Irving calls brutal loss to Celtics a ‘humbling experience’</h2>



(Via Fadeaway World)



“Since we got 4-0’d, my G, we got 4-0’d… It was meant to happen like that. Motivation, bro. We needed that humbling experience, especially going against the Celtics. You know, it was already built in to be that matchup,” Irving said. 



“We gonna see them again. We gonna have to. They gonna be where they gonna be but those youngins over there in Boston bro, I got to see them grow up. So to see them doing what they did last year, on the Finals stage, making it that far, I’m glad they had to go through us.”

NBA News: Kyrie Irving opens up on Nets' brutal loss to Celtics last season

NBA News: Kyrie Irving opens up on Nets' brutal loss to Celtics last season - thesportsdrops NEWS

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/celtics-new-signing-danilo-gallinari-tears-acl-on-international-duty-for-italy-2661-20220902-SPD-2661.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Celtics</a>‘ rise from last season’s worst team to the NBA’s best was one of the league’s most inspiring tales. The Celtics made it back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010 because of their oppressive defense and the play of rising players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.



Unfortunately, they were ultimately eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in six games. Many fans and analysts believe the Celtics will repeat as Eastern Conference winners and even go all the way to the NBA Finals because of the team’s second-half domination last year, the team’s relative youth, and the offseason signing of important player Malcolm Brogdon.



Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck, on the other hand, is not making any premature judgments. He told The Boston Globe‘s Adam Himmelsbach that he doesn’t believe the team should have sky-high expectations after last year’s triumph.



<h2>What Wyc Grousbeck said of Celtics’ recent success</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I loved being right there with them. It was thrilling. The other side of the coin is I think that we’ve now been overrated. I think that performance was a bit overrated in the public mind, or my own mind, because I’m the one saying it. </blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“[We were] a finalist and two wins away from winning it, but when you look back, Brooklyn was a tough series, and then we had to go seven games [against the Bucks and Heat]. Then we lost [to Golden State]. So, we’re not a hands-down team to repeat as Eastern Conference champions. I think we’re a quality team.”<cite>Grousbeck was quoted as saying by Boston.com</cite></blockquote>

"We have been overrated" &#8211; Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck

"We have been overrated" - Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck - thesportsdrops NEWS

"We have been overrated" – Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck

Following his excellent play for Germany at the 2022 EuroBasket, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/i-made-the-playoffs-last-year-they-didnt-patrick-beverley-pokes-fun-at-new-teammates-lebron-james-and-anthony-davis-2706-20220907-SPD-2706.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dennis Schroder</a> returns to the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/bill-russells-no-6-jersey-retired-by-nba-the-last-players-to-wear-no-6-for-each-team-2510-20220812-SPD-2510.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a>. After the playmaker departed the Lakers in 2021, everything went downhill for Schroder in the NBA. 



A few months before the 2022 NBA Finals between the Celtics and the Warriors, the guard signed with Boston but was moved to Houston midway through the season. However, Schroder’s performance for Germany in the EuroBasket has garnered him a lot of attention. 



The 29-year-old’s side advanced to the semi-finals because of his play, on average, of 21.6 points and 7.3 assists per game. When compared to the other four players who made it to the championship round, his point average was far and by the best.



<h2>Schroder opted for Lakers over Raptors and Suns</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">According to NBA source Shams Charania, who spoke with The Rally, Schroder chose the Lakers over the Toronto Raptors and the Phoenix Suns: “Dennis Schroder was deciding between a few teams, the Lakers, the Raptors as well as the Phoenix Suns, I’m told. But he decided to sign with the Lakers on a one-year, $2.6 million deal. A couple years ago, he played for the Lakers, he turned down a major extension. “But now he returns and he brings competitiveness, more depth in their backcourt — and this is a guy that played at a very high level just now for Germany in EuroBasket, led them to the semifinals. And this is a guy that’s going to come into camp. He’s been to the playoffs in seven of his nine NBA seasons. So this is a guy that’s battle-tested. The last time the Lakers made the playoffs in 2021, Dennis Schroder was their starting point guard.”</blockquote>



After signing with the Lakers, Schroder stated he was motivated to “put [explicit] right” and that it was a “honor” to represent Los Angeles in the NBA. Guard felt misunderstood and that “nobody truly knew the tale” about the strange circumstances surrounding his resignation from the Purple and Gold in 2021. The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly made an extension offer to Schroder worth up to $84 million for the 2020-21 season, but he turned it down.

Dennis Schroder returns to Lakers after rejecting offers from Raptors and Suns - thesportsdrops NEWS

Dennis Schroder returns to Lakers after rejecting offers from Raptors and Suns

It is not in <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/i-thought-for-sure-i-was-going-back-home-donovan-mitchell-on-his-failed-knicks-move-2756-20220914-SPD-2756.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a>‘s plans to leave the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-how-patrick-beverley-trade-could-impact-future-of-russell-westbrook-at-lakers-2618-20220827-SPD-2618.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a>, where he has played his entire professional basketball career. Lillard recently said on the Dave Pasch Podcast that he has no intentions to leave Portland anytime soon.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">To a question about whether or not he plans to play all his career with the Blazers, Lillard said, “I do. I do. I’ve had my share of people saying, ‘Man, you got to get out of there. You’ve got to do this, you’ve got to do that.’ But I’m the type of person that I’m never going to be marching to the beat of nobody else’s drum. I’m going to always do what I feel like is in my best interest and that I really feel in my heart.</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I want to win. I want to win in Portland. It would mean something to me to do it here. … This is me being loyal to who I am, and how I feel and what I want to see happen. I would love to finish my career here. That’s my plan, and that’s that.”</blockquote>



<h2>Damian Lillard plans to remain with Trail Blazers for life</h2>



Lillard was picked by the Trail Blazers in the sixth round of the 2012 NBA Draft. Only two other current players have been with the club that selected them longer than Lillard has now: Warriors guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Lillard places a high value on loyalty, and he believes that remaining with the Blazers and the Portland Trail Blazers organization is a way for him to honor both himself and the team.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I feel like we’ll have a chance to win. feel like that moment is going to come. I feel like that opportunity is going to come, and that’s that. As long as I feel that our organization is putting their best foot forward and we’re on the same page about doing everything that we can do to win, then I’m willing to go out swinging.”</blockquote>

Damian Lillard committed to Trail Blazers for rest of his career - thesportsdrops NEWS

Damian Lillard committed to Trail Blazers for rest of his career

On Wednesday, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/knicks-believed-jazz-were-trying-to-rip-someone-off-for-donovan-mitchell-charles-barkley-2728-20220911-SPD-2728.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donovan Mitchell</a> arrived in Cleveland for his new season with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/jazz-send-donovan-mitchell-to-cavaliers-in-complex-trade-for-collin-sexton-2658-20220901-SPD-2658.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cavaliers</a>, and plenty of fans waited at Burke Lakefront Airport to see him. Many of his teammates and scores of supporters welcomed him when he landed in Cleveland.



Following the historic transaction that brought Mitchell to the squad, the club finally unveiled him to the public on Wednesday afternoon. At the start of September, Cleveland officially finalized the contract with the 26-year-old.



Including unprotected first-round selections in 2025, 2027, and 2029, Cleveland gave guard Collin Sexton, forward Lauri Markkanen, and rookie guard Ochai Agbaji to Utah. Moreover, in 2026 and 2028, the clubs will exchange their picks in the first round of the draft.



<h2>Donovan Mitchell believed he would be traded to Knicks</h2>



In one response, Mitchell said that he was uncertain of his future destination after a trade but anticipated playing for the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-knicks-back-on-track-on-donovan-mitchell-pursuit-but-theyre-not-alone-2539-20220817-SPD-2539.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Knicks</a> instead of the Cavs.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Honestly I had no idea. My agent called me on a Wednesday and said ‘You’re going to Cleveland.’ Like I said my reaction was what it was. All summer I didn’t really say much, I kind of just let you guys do what you do to be honest. I thought for sure I was going back home, not gonna lie about that. “But when I found out where I was headed, who I was playing with, the group, the team, the coaching staff. I couldn’t be more happier to be here, to be a part of this organization, to be a part of this group, to join these phenomenal guys and add to it. That for me is what I’m truly excited about.”</blockquote>

"I thought for sure I was going back home" - Donovan Mitchell on his failed Knicks move - thesportsdrops NEWS

"I thought for sure I was going back home" – Donovan Mitchell on his failed Knicks move

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/manu-ginobili-and-tim-hardaway-among-13-inductees-in-2022-basketball-hall-of-fame-2732-20220912-SPD-2732.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heat</a> bounced back from a disappointing first-round exit in 2021 by making a deep run in the 2022 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/no-kobe-bryant-draymond-green-of-warriors-reveals-his-all-time-starting-five-2522-20220814-SPD-2522.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> playoffs. After securing the top seed in the East, Miami ended up being just one win away from the NBA Finals.



Though the defeat to the Celtics was certainly heartbreaking, the campaign was still too good for anyone to have any complaints. After all, the Heat laid a foundation on which to build.



Guard Gabe Vincent, for instance, proved to be an important contributor for a team with high aspirations. Miami is ready to run things back this <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-how-patrick-beverley-trade-could-impact-future-of-russell-westbrook-at-lakers-2618-20220827-SPD-2618.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">season</a>, which Vincent claims will see an ambitious Heat.



<h2>Gabe Vincent says it’s championship or bust for Heat in 2022-23</h2>



“I think we are in a very unique position,” Vincent said in an interview with Fastbreak on FanNation. “We brought a lot of guys back from this past season and I think our learning curve will be much less as a result. Already being comfortable and having the chemistry that we have with one another allows us to continue focusing on the bigger, championship-like goals that we have.



“We know what we are capable of and having that bad taste in our mouths from what happened this past postseason is just extra motivation. For us, our mentality this preseason is ‘championship or bust’ and we know that we have what it takes to get back to the NBA Finals.”

NBA News: Gabe Vincent reveals the Heat’s expectations for the 2022-23 season - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA News: Gabe Vincent reveals the Heat’s expectations for the 2022-23 season

The induction ceremony for the class of 2022 into the Basketball Hall of Fame took place on Saturday evening in Springfield, Massachusetts. There are a handful of former players and coaches who have assembled distinguished careers in order to merit induction into the Hall of Fame.



These individuals have earned this distinction by being selected as one of the 13 people to be inducted. The evening began with an homage to the late Bill Russell, who had gone away earlier this year. The induction ceremony and the remarks that followed immediately after the tribute. 



One of the sport’s all-time greats, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/steph-curry-singles-out-hornets-as-only-team-he-would-play-for-other-than-warriors-2672-20220904-SPD-2672.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Russell</a> led the Boston Celtics to 11 NBA titles and five Most Valuable Player honors during his playing career. In 1975, he was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame both as a player and as a coach (2021). After learning of his passing, the NBA stated that all teams would honor him by retiring his number six jersey.



<h2>Manu Ginobili and Tim Hardaway earn their spot in Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2022</h2>



<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-how-patrick-beverley-trade-could-impact-future-of-russell-westbrook-at-lakers-2618-20220827-SPD-2618.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ginobili</a> spent his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs, where he and teammates Tim Duncan and Tony Parker won four championships over the course of their time there. Ginobili was a fan favorite all across the NBA due to his flare and originality, earning him two All-Star nods, two All-NBA nods, and a place in the annals of NBA history as one of the finest Sixth Men ever.



On the other hand, one of the most talented guards of the decade of the 1990s, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/knicks-believed-jazz-were-trying-to-rip-someone-off-for-donovan-mitchell-charles-barkley-2728-20220911-SPD-2728.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hardaway</a> is the father of current Dallas Mavericks star Tim Hardaway Jr. During that decade, he was selected for participation in five All-Star Games as well as five All-NBA teams, including a spot on the First Team in 1997. 



In addition, he was a big part of Team USA’s success in the Olympics in Sydney, Australia, in the year 2000. Meanwhile, Swin Cash, Bob Huggins, Del Harris, Lindsay Whalen, Marianne Stanley, Theresa Shank Grentz, and George Karl make the remaining list of 11 who have been welcomed to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

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