NBA Notes: Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Heat, Hornets, Ibou Badji

Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says he won’t be chasing a farewell tour into his 40s.

In a GQ Sports cover story with Yang-Yi Goh, the reigning MVP made it clear that once he’s past his peak, he’s walking away.

“I definitely think I can,” he said. “I won’t, though. A hundred percent.”

Gilgeous-Alexander, who turned 27 in July, explained that family would be the deciding factor. “I won’t want to miss that much of my kid’s life,” he said. “Once I figure out the best version of me and start going down, then it’s like, what am I playing for now? As soon as that happens, I’ll be on the first ship out.”

For now, the Thunder star is in his prime and on top of the league, but he’s clearly thinking about life beyond basketball — something not many MVPs do this early.

Heat

The Heat have signed forward Steve Settle III and waived wing Gabe Madsen, per a team announcement.

Settle, an undrafted rookie out of Temple, averaged 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and shot 41.6 percent from three last season.

He also suited up for Miami in Summer League and will likely join the G League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce, where he can earn up to $85,300 in Exhibit 10 bonuses.

Madsen, who returned to the Heat last week on an Exhibit 9 deal, appeared in two preseason games. He averaged 4.5 points and 2.0 assists in limited minutes.

Hornets

Charlotte has waived center Ibou Badji, the team announced.

Badji, 23, appeared in one preseason game but made his name last year with the G League’s Wisconsin Herd, where he averaged six points, five rebounds, and a league-best 3.5 blocks.

The 7-footer from Senegal was also named to the NBAGL All-Defensive Team.

Badji’s G League rights were acquired by the Greensboro Swarm in August, which means he’s expected to land there if he clears waivers.

If he stays for 60 days, he’ll be eligible for an $85,300 bonus — not bad for one of the league’s best rim protectors.