76ers
Co-owner and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin is selling his 10 percent ownership stake in the Harris Blitzer Entertainment, which owns the 76ers, as to not interfere with the NBA’s rules on ownership and gambling. Fanatics is starting a gambling division, leading to the conflict.
“Given Michael’s tremendous success growing Fanatics into a global platform across every major sport, his decision doesn’t come as a surprise,” HBSE co-founder Josh Harris said, via Shams Charania of The Athletic. “I am so grateful for his years of partnership. His fierce passion, entrepreneurial mindset and steadfast commitment to doing the right thing have left an indelible mark on the Sixers organization.
“Michael will always be a member of our HBSE and Sixers family, continue to be a presence courtside and a key partner in our collective commitment to be a force for good in Philadelphia.”
- In case you missed it, the 76ers are among those with trade interest in Rockets guard Eric Gordon, as we relayed here. Gordon is said to be available and is also drawing interest from the Suns.
- Along with that, the Sixers are “in the mix” for veteran small forward P.J. Tucker, per Brian Windhorst of ESPN. Tucker has decided to opt out of his contract with the Heat.
- Meanwhile, the Sixers are shopping several players, including Danny Green and their No. 23 overall pick. The Rockets are said to be seeking a first-rounder in return for Gordon.
Warriors
- The Warriors are looking to trade their No. 28 overall pick and move out of the first round, per Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated. Instead of bringing in a rookie, the Warriors are focused on working the likes of James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody into the rotation next season, Woo added.
- Keeping the team together could cost Warriors owner Joe Lacob an unprecedented $500 million next season, per Sam Quinn of CBS Sports. The big reason, of course, is the NBA repeater tax penalty, and with the Warriors, it only continues to grow. Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins are all making max or near-max salaries.
- Wiseman has said he will most likely play for the Warriors’ summer league team. They tip off in Las Vegas on July 8 vs. the Knicks’ summer team.
Heat
- While Tucker declined his option, the Heat made Caleb Martin a restricted free agent by issuing him a qualifying offer, as we wrote about here. The Heat can afford to match any offers for Martin up to the full $10.3 million mid-level exception, per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
- Another member of the roster to keep an eye on is backup center Omer Yurtseven, who appeared n 56 games last season. But he could have a bigger role next year should Tucker depart, per Winderman.
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