Kings
Despite the trade speculation surrounding Zach LaVine, new Kings general manager Scott Perry sounds fully committed to bringing him back.
Per Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee, Perry said that he’s remained in regular contact with LaVine since the season ended and expects the veteran guard to embrace a leadership role after exercising his $49 million player option.
“Zach is still an excellent basketball player,” Perry said. “He knows what’s expected of him coming back here this year.”
LaVine has frequently surfaced in trade rumors, but Perry indicated Sacramento hasn’t received an offer worth seriously considering.
Heat
Giannis Antetokounmpo is already making changes in Miami.
According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Giannis will wear No. 7 with the Heat instead of his longtime No. 34. The team initially began selling No. 34 jerseys after the trade became official before learning of the switch several hours later.
Fans who already purchased the wrong jersey will be able to exchange it.
Rookie Ryan Conwell, who had originally selected No. 7, gladly stepped aside.
“Giannis, he gets whatever he wants,” Conwell said. “I’m just now coming into the league.”
Jazz
Mo Bamba is sticking around in Utah.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Jazz have agreed to a two-year contract with the veteran center. Tony Jones of The Athletic reports the deal includes a partial guarantee for next season and a team option for 2027-28.
Bamba, the former No. 6 overall pick, appeared in just two NBA games with Utah last season after signing a pair of 10-day contracts, though he also played well with the Salt Lake City Stars in the G League.
With Walker Kessler now in Los Angeles, Bamba gives the Jazz another experienced option in a center rotation expected to include Jusuf Nurkic and former Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes.
MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position
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