Fanscout News

The Los Angeles Lakers have extended head coach J.J. Redick’s contract, ensuring his continued leadership despite an initial four-year deal. After guiding the team to a 50-32 record and a first-round playoff exit against Minnesota, Redick’s strategic focus will be on maximizing the talents of recent acquisition Luka Doncic, alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves. The terms of the extension have not been disclosed.

Nick Smith Jr., a former five-star prospect and first-round pick in 2023, has been waived by the Charlotte Hornets, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Despite demonstrating potential in his initial NBA seasons, Smith Jr. failed to establish a consistent role with the rebuilding team. As he navigates free agency, he faces the challenge of securing a meaningful role with a new team.

Mo Bamba has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Utah Jazz, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Previously on a 10-day contract with the Pelicans, Bamba is expected to sign a non-guaranteed deal. If Bamba makes the final roster, he will primarily serve as additional frontcourt depth behind Walker Kessler, Kyle Filipowski, and Jusuf Nurkic. The Jazz will likely evaluate his contributions during training camp before making a final decision.

Egor Dëmin will be a limited participant as the Brooklyn Nets begin training camp, recovering from a plantar fascia tear suffered during the Summer League. Nets GM Sean Marks anticipates the rookie guard will be ready by the season opener. Dëmin, selected eighth overall, has reportedly gained 11 pounds and demonstrated improved perimeter shooting, making him a strong consideration in dynasty league drafts despite his uncertain redraft value.

The Brooklyn Nets have decided not to sign Ricky Council IV, despite a previous agreement on a one-year, partially-guaranteed deal. The reasons behind this decision remain unclear, but Council had seemed poised to secure rotation minutes given the Nets’ youthful wing depth.

The Boston Celtics have signed Kendall Brown on an Exhibit 10 deal, giving him a chance to compete for a standard roster spot in training camp. Brown, a former second-round pick, spent his previous season in the G League but has two-way contract experience.

The Charlotte Hornets have waived Keyontae Johnson just a day after signing him to an Exhibit 10 contract, aiming to free up a roster spot for Brandon Slater. Johnson could still earn $85,300 if he stays with Charlotte’s G League affiliate for 60 days.

The Dallas Mavericks have signed forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to a training camp deal, as reported by NBA insider Marc Stein. Robinson-Earl, who played 66 games with the Pelicans last season, averaged 6.3 points and 4.8 rebounds but will need to impress to secure rotation minutes.

Tosan Evbuomwan has signed with the New York Knicks, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Evbuomwan, formerly with the Nets, has played 45 NBA games across two seasons and is likely on an Exhibit 10 deal, positioning him for a potential role with the Knicks’ G League affiliate.

The Charlotte Hornets have signed Keyontae Johnson to an Exhibit 10 contract, shortly after waiving DaQuan Jeffries. The move brings Johnson, the 50th pick in the 2023 draft with nine NBA games played, into training camp with a potential path through the Hornets’ G League affiliate.

Dennis Smith Jr. signs a one-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks, returning to the team where he started his NBA career. After a stint with Real Madrid, Smith will compete for a spot in the backcourt, potentially filling in while Kyrie Irving recovers from a torn ACL.