Former Blazers player Thomas Robinson signed with Puert…
September 20, 2024 | 7:31 pm EDT Update
Ben Simmons cleared to participate in training camp with no restrictions
Chris Haynes: Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons (recovered from a back procedure) will be a go to begin training camp on Oct. 1 with no restrictions, his agent Bernie Lee tells me: “Ben is fully cleared and is a full participant for the start of camp. He is excited to get started.”
Robert Baker signs with Orlando
Michael Scotto: The Orlando Magic have agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with Robert Baker II, agent Darrell Comer of @_tandemse told @hoopshype. Baker averaged 14.7 points and 6.3 rebounds for the College Park Skyhawks in the G League last season.
In a surprising turn of events with less than two weeks to go until training camps open around the NBA, 21-year-old Houston Rockets forward A.J. Griffin is stepping away from basketball. He will subsequently be waived by the franchise via contract buyout, giving up a significant portion of the $3.9 million he was owed for the upcoming 2024-25 season, per a team source.
Following the conclusion of summer league, Griffin and other teammates took part in voluntary workouts at the new practice facility, but as training camp edged closer, Griffin’s appearances — and communication with the organization — diminished. Griffin’s sudden decision is one that the Rockets didn’t anticipate upon trading for him, but understand that his personal life takes priority and have offered their support. As of now, the franchise has no immediate plans to fill the roster spot, a team source said.
Rick Carlisle is scheduled to perform a medley before performances by five other finalists, part of the 2025 American Piano Awards. It’s a free outdoor concert that’ll be hosted by Ryan Ahlwardt and Katasha S. Butler.
September 20, 2024 | 5:42 pm EDT Update
Rockets buy out AJ Griffin
The Rockets on Friday reached a buyout agreement with forward A.J. Griffin, allowing him to sit out the season while considering whether to continue his career, a person with knowledge of the agreement said.
The buyout was worth $250,000, according to the person familiar with the details.
AJ Griffin expected to step away from basketball
Shams Charania: Rockets are waiving AJ Griffin via contract buyout, as he is expected to step away from basketball at 21 years old after two NBA seasons, sources said.
Nate Darling joins Clippers
Law Murray: Per team source: LA Clippers have Kai Jones and Nate Darling on E10s, in addition to the 15 standard contracts and Jordan Miller and Trentyn Flowers on two-way contracts
Jayson Tatum’s first NBA championship will be with him — or on him — forever … ’cause it seems the Boston Celtics star just got a new tattoo … showing the NBA superstar kissing the Larry O’Brien trophy. Photos of the piece started circulating on social media this week … a large tattoo located on the back of the 5x NBA All-Star, next to other tats paying homage to his hometown, St. Louis.
