Hawks
Kristaps Porzingis says he’s in no rush to sign a new deal in Atlanta. The Hawks big man told The Athletic’s Fred Katz he wants to “see how the year goes” before talking extensions.
“I wanna show that I’m playing at a high level again, that I’m healthy, that I’m everything,” Porzingis said. “Then that kind of stuff will take care of itself.”
Porzingis, 30, is earning about $30.7 million in the final year of his two-year, $60 million extension signed with Boston in 2023. He was traded to Atlanta this summer but hasn’t pursued a post-trade deal — and neither has the team.
New GM Onsi Saleh seems content to evaluate this roster, including Trae Young, who could hit free agency in 2026 if he declines his player option.
Porzingis, meanwhile, said he’s feeling great after an offseason illness derailed his playoff run with the Celtics.
“I just didn’t have the engine I usually have,” he said, adding that time with the Latvian national team helped him reset.
Last season he averaged 19.5 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 41 percent from deep.
Suns
Jalen Green’s debut in Phoenix will have to wait. Head coach Jordan Ott told reporters the guard re-aggravated the hamstring injury that sidelined him early in camp, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. Green will be reevaluated in about 10 days.
The Suns expect him to miss the season opener against Sacramento but hope he can return for the following week’s back-to-back against the Clippers and Nuggets.
The former No. 2 pick arrived in Phoenix as part of the Kevin Durant trade and hasn’t missed a game since February 2023.
Ott said the team has been careful: “Thankfully we caught it early. It’s not that serious, but he wants to be out there.”
Center Mark Williams also sat out all four preseason games but has been practicing and should be ready for opening night.
Hornets
Charlotte signed rookie big man Jonas Aidoo to what’s expected to be an Exhibit 10 contract, per the team’s press release.
Aidoo, a Durham native, played last season at Arkansas after three years at Tennessee, averaging 6.9 points and 5.0 rebounds.
If waived before the season and he spends at least 60 days with the Greensboro Swarm, he’ll earn a bonus worth up to $85,000.
The Hornets recently waived Ibou Badji to make room for Aidoo, bringing their roster back to the preseason max of 21.
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