After a violent fight with teammate <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-warriors-jordan-poole-gets-real-on-his-contract-situation-20220927-SPD-2840.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jordan Poole</a> during Wednesday’s practice, it’s evident that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/warriors-guard-klay-thompson-to-skip-pre-season-games-in-japan-20221002-SPD-2879.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> forward <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">Draymond Green</a> crossed the line. The 32-year-old Green is notorious among the Warriors for his fiery, passionate personality, which has resulted in multiple mid-game verbal spats with teammates that have been recorded on video. 



But on Wednesday, he went too far when things became violent, and now he has to pay the price. The forward officially apologized for hitting teammate Jordan Poole in the face on Wednesday at a news conference on Saturday afternoon. Green, who did not participate in Thursday or Friday’s team practices, apologized for his behavior, saying he “failed as a leader.”



After the event, Green also said that he would be taking some time away from the squad. On Thursday, Warriors general manager Bob Myers addressed the public about the incident, saying that disciplinary action against Green will be decided internally. Green’s choice to step away from basketball is mysterious since it’s not apparent whether he acted alone or if the team as a whole was on board with the concept.



<h2>Draymond Green on taking leave of absence</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I’m going to take a few days, or, I don’t know how many days. But just take some time to myself, allow our team to start their healing process, but take some time to myself, get deep in my thoughts and do things that I have to do to continue to work on me. “I’m going to continue to stay away, as I’ve been away. And, you know, continue to do work on myself, as I always like to do. But also just to give guys space. It’s a big deal. It’s not like you just kind of keep on pushing. The reality is there is no right or wrong time. … But in saying that, I do want to give my team their space, I want to give Jordan some space. But also just take a few days, or whatever that is, and just continue to work on myself and think about the things I need to think about, and really just take some time to let everything breathe.”</blockquote>

Draymond Green takes time off from Warriors after punching teammate Jordan Poole - thesportsdrops NEWS

Draymond Green takes time off from Warriors after punching teammate Jordan Poole

miniaturas

There is no question that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-the-russell-westbrook-trade-the-lakers-have-seriously-considered-20221004-SPD-2889.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> will eventually surpass <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-to-make-injury-comeback-to-clippers-lineup-in-pre-season-game-against-trail-blazers-20221002-SPD-2883.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a> as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Considering James is still playing at a high level and is coming off a year in which he averaged over 30 points per game, he should overtake the Los Angeles Lakers star and Hall of Famer at some point this season. 



Assuming he remains healthy, James has a shot at the record midway through the season if he scores around the same number of points for the Lakers as he did last year.



This is a big deal for the start of the season, but LeBron didn’t say much about his feelings toward or history with Abdul-Jabbar. LeBron James was questioned about the Lakers’ legendary former player and whether or not the two were related after Monday night’s pre-season opener.



<h2>LeBron James gives frigid answer on possibility of breaking Kareem’s record</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“No thoughts, and no relationship,” James said.</blockquote>



It was a very frigid comment about a real legend of the Lakers and the NBA, and someone with whom James will be associated for months. The veteran is now 1,325 points short of catching up to Abdul-all-time Jabbar’s record of 38,387 as the new year begins. He would need only 49 games to reach the mark if he kept up his career scoring average of 27.1 points per contest.

'No relationship' between LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

'No relationship' between LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - thesportsdrops NEWS

Following a poor <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">first season</a> with the Lakers, <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">Russell Westbrook</a>‘s days in Los Angeles looked numbered. For many, there was no way the team would keep him for the 2022-23 NBA season.



However, it turns out that the team may actually give it another shot with the former NBA MVP. Westbrook picked up his player option this offseason, and the team seems fine about <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">running things back</a> together.



Darvin Ham heaped praise on him from day one, Jeanie Buss also admired his availability last season, and even <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">LeBron James</a> supported Brodie. However, according to Shams Charania, the Lakers have seriously considered trading Westbrook to the Pacers.



<h2>NBA Rumors: Lakers considered sending Russell Westbrook to Indiana</h2>



(Via The Athletic)



“On the cusp of training camp, as media day neared and the topic of Westbrook’s uncertain future continued to dominate the conversation around the NBA, sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations say the Lakers’ key decision-makers spent several days engaged in deep conversations about the feasibility of a blockbuster trade with Indiana.



“Vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, owner Jeanie Buss and senior basketball adviser Kurt Rambis seriously considered sending Westbrook and unprotected first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to the Pacers for center Myles Turner and guard Buddy Hield, sources said.“

NBA Rumors: The Russell Westbrook trade the Lakers have seriously considered

NBA Rumors: The Russell Westbrook trade the Lakers have seriously considered - thesportsdrops NEWS

On schedule to play in Monday night’s pre-season game against the Portland Trail Blazers for the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/warriors-guard-klay-thompson-to-skip-pre-season-games-in-japan-20221002-SPD-2879.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a> is forward <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/lonzo-ball-of-bulls-projected-to-make-injury-comeback-this-season-20220930-SPD-2869.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kawhi Leonard</a>. Head coach Ty Lue said to the media, “Kawhi will play Monday,” as the Clippers prepared for their first preseason game on Friday in Seattle against the Israeli club Maccabi Ra’anana.



Leonard, who was sidelined along with a number of other players, has not played since Game 4 of the second round of the 2021 Playoffs when he tore his ACL against the Utah Jazz. A ruptured ACL was the latest in a string of problems for Leonard, who has not played in more than 60 games in a season since 2017.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“He [Leonard] looked really good. Went through everything, both practices, so it was good to see. We’ve got to be smart about the situation, about the process. We know he feels great, which is great news and great to hear. But we’ve got to listen to Kawhi’s body, be able to listen to the medical staff and make sure we’re doing the right thing for Kawhi,” Tyron Lue told the reporters.</blockquote>



<h2>Kawhi Leonard feeling stronger than before</h2>



The big issue now is whether or not he can return to his peak form after missing so much time. There is no doubt that he has taken advantage of the break by going to the gym. Leonard, who has been seen flaunting his ripped legs in social media posts, claims to be in better physical shape than ever before.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I feel stronger, yeah. I feel stronger for sure. It’s been, what, 14-15 months of no basketball. That whole 13-14 months process is just lifting, lifting weights, and getting stronger. But I definitely got a lot stronger,” said Leonard.</blockquote>

Kawhi Leonard to make injury comeback to Clippers' lineup in pre-season game against Trail Blazers

Kawhi Leonard to make injury comeback to Clippers' lineup in pre-season game against Trail Blazers - thesportsdrops NEWS

Friday night’s Warriors starting lineup was without a key player, but that shouldn’t cause any concern. When 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">Golden State Warriors</a> played their first pre-season game in Japan, head coach Steve Kerr informed the media that Jordan Poole would start in lieu of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/lonzo-ball-of-bulls-projected-to-make-injury-comeback-this-season-20220930-SPD-2869.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Klay Thompson</a>. The Warriors went on to win 96-87.



While Thompson is free of injury and ready to go for the 2022-23 NBA season, head coach Steve Kerr is taking it slow with the veteran guard in his first full season back from a two-year injury absence. This is especially true in light of the Warriors’ accelerated schedule, which has them playing in Japan so early in the preseason. 



When the team returns to the United States, Thompson’s role with the Warriors will be gradually increased. Meanwhile, Jordan Poole has been promoted to the starting lineup.



<h2>Steve Kerr explains why&nbsp;Klay Thompson is left off</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Klay won’t play in either game here in Japan. Just feel more comfortable giving him a little more of a ramp up,” Kerr said. “He’s just not quite ready to play at this point, just based on where — we’re so early in camp. We just want to be safe and make sure he gets a good ramp-up before he plays in games.”</blockquote>



After missing time with back-to-back injuries, Thompson returned to the floor on January 9 of last year and helped lead the Warriors to their fourth NBA title in eight years. The 32-year-old had been out of action since Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals. He scored 30 points against the Toronto Raptors and then tore his ACL and Achilles tendon, ruling him out for the entire 2020-21 NBA season.

Warriors guard Klay Thompson to skip pre-season games in Japan - thesportsdrops NEWS

Warriors guard Klay Thompson to skip pre-season games in Japan

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

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>

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