Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid healthy for Team USA training camp
Thu Jun 27 1:46pm ET
Field Level Media
Head coach Steve Kerr expects to have all hands on deck when Team USA begins training camp in Las Vegas, ramping up to the Olympics in Paris.
Kerr said three players with injuries at the end of the playoffs -- Kawhi Leonard (Clippers), Joel Embiid (76ers) and Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) -- would not be limited physically and are expected to be available to play the first exhibition July 10 against Canada.
"We've been in touch with everyone, not just those three guys," Kerr said on a conference call Thursday morning. "We've been in communication constantly, so we expect all 12 guys to be ready to roll."
Haliburton injured his hamstring in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Leonard told Kerr and Team USA general manager Grant Hill he has been working out for multiple weeks. He played only two of the Clippers' final 14 games because of inflammation in his right knee.
Haliburton said Thursday the 12 players announced in April remain motivated by claiming a gold medal in Paris. To date, Hill and Kerr haven't needed to replace anyone on the original roster.
That includes NBA champion Jayson Tatum of the Celtics, who said last week he's fully committed to being on the team. He'll wear the No. 10 jersey that Kobe Bryant chose with previous Olympic teams.
Haliburton was present for the press conference with Kerr and is already working out in Vegas.
"Hamstring feels good overall," Haliburton said. "Winning is the peak of the sport. Winning a gold medal is right at the top of it."
The first game of Olympic competition is a month away for the United States, which plays Serbia in Paris on July 28. The other known opponent in the group is South Sudan. A third and final team is to be determined next month in the qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico featuring the host country, Lithuania, Mexico, Italy, Bahrain and Ivory Coast.
Kevin Durant has the most Olympic hardware on the roster with three gold medals, but LeBron James also has two and numerous others have one.
"I think from the standpoint of career achievement, this team is probably as decorated as any since the 1992 Dream Team," Kerr said.
But Kerr cautioned that the challenge at the 2024 Games will be dramatically different than it was 32 years ago.
"The world of basketball has gotten so much better, so much stronger," he said. "This is an entirely different field we're facing. This will be not easy at all for Team USA. In 1992, (Dream Team head coach) Chuck Daly never had to call a timeout. I don't expect to do that."
- Pistons to hire J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach
- Bulls, Patrick Williams agree on 5-year, $90M deal
- Grizzlies decline SG Luke Kennard's $14.8 million option
- Clippers' Paul George declines option to become free agent
- Suns to re-sign F Royce O'Neale on 4-year deal
- LeBron James opting out to seek new deal with Lakers
- Russell Westbrook picking up $4M option with Clippers
- Heat's Kevin Love to decline $4M player option
- Magic to decline Joe Ingles' $11M contract option
- D'Angelo Russell to opt in, stay with Lakers
- Hawks deal G Dejounte Murray to Pelicans
- Youth highlights USA Select roster in advance of Olympics
- 2024 NBA Free Agency Primer
- Cavs announce Kenny Atkinson as new head coach
- Warriors, Chris Paul to push back $30M deadline
- Raptors G Immanuel Quickley signing $175M deal
- Mavs trading Tim Hardaway Jr. to Pistons
- Nuggets deal G Reggie Jackson to Hornets
- NBA draft Round 2 features Bronny James to Lakers, multiple trades
- Victor Wembanyama, France excited to face Team USA in Olympics
New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa won't be extended a qualifying offer by the organization. He'll become a free agent after averaging 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 24.2 minutes per game last season. Achiuwa was a reliable contributor but the Knicks appear to have other options. They've traded for Mikal Bridges and re-signed OG Anunoby, so we'll see if they attempt to bring back Achiuwa. He should be able to offer serviceable value to just about any team he joins this offseason.
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is reportedly headed to free agency this offseason. It sounds like the two sides weren't able to come to an agreement, which likely means the end of Thompson's tenure with the Warriors. Thompson has been with the Warriors since the beginning of the 2011-2012 season. His shooting percentage saw a decline last season, but Thompson is still a deadly option from beyond the arc. The Lakers, Clippers, and Mavericks are already reportedly interested in Thompson. He should have no shortage of suitors this offseason.
Detroit Pistons forward Chimezie Metu reportedly had his $2.65 player option declined on Saturday. This seems a little odd considering how well Metu played during his brief stint in Detroit. He averaged career highs with 10.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in 14 contests. Perhaps, the Pistons are already overcrowded with big men so they simply just didn't have room for Metu on their roster. His fantasy value is going to be dependent on where he lands in free agency.
Denver Nuggets center DeAndre Jordan is reportedly sticking around with the organization for at least one more season. The veteran big man has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal for the 2024-2025 season. Jordan should serve as the primary backup center to Nikola Jokic. However, that role usually doesn't come with a ton of playing time as long as Jokic is healthy. Jordan is a solid rebounder but he doesn't offer much fantasy value outside of that.
Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams reportedly intends to sign a massive extension with the organization. The Bulls extended a qualifying offer to Williams, but it sounds like the two sides have agreed on a new deal. Williams intends to sign a five-year, $90 million contract to remain in Chicago long term. The Bulls have high hopes for Williams despite him only playing 43 games last season due to injury. At the moment, it seems unlikely that the Bulls are going to bring back DeMar DeRozan which should mean an increased role for Williams next season.
The Memphis Grizzlies declined the $14.8 million option for guard Luke Kennard on Saturday. The 28-year-old appeared in only 39 games for Memphis last season, averaging 11.0 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds. He also shot 45.0% from behind the arc. Memphis hopes to work out a new agreement. But Kennard should draw plenty of interest on the open market for a team looking for a reliable depth piece.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Phoenix Suns forward/center Bol Bol plans to sign a one-year deal to return to the team. Bol finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 42.3% from behind the arc. The 24-year-old will provide much-needed bench depth for a team hoping to enter the championship conversation. However, Bol, who averaged 10.9 minutes per contest last season, isn't expected to be a reliable contributor for fantasy managers in 2024-25.
Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith declined his $5.4 million player option on Saturday. Smith, the 2020 No. 10 overall pick, appeared in 61 games for the Pacers last season, averaging 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds. The 24-year-old will now test the open market, where he should see interest from clubs around the National Basketball Association. With that in mind, Smith is a talented player, but he will need minutes before earning a spot on more fantasy rosters for the 2024-25 campaign.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Cam Reddish exercised his $2.5 million player option on Saturday. The former Duke Blue Devil had the worst year of his career in 2023-24, averaging 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. He was also limited to just 48 games due to injury. Whether Reddish remains in Los Angeles or finds himself on another team for the 2024-25 campaign, he must see the floor more before earning a spot on fantasy rosters.
Washington Wizards center Richaun Holmes declined his $12.8 million player option. However, he has agreed to a new two-year, $25.9 million contract to remain with the Wizards. The 30-year-old averaged double-digit scoring in three of his four seasons with the Sacramento Kings. Since then, he struggled to find a meaningful role in Dallas and Washington. Although Holmes adds depth to a rebuilding team, he will likely have issues getting on the floor moving ahead, which won't improve his fantasy value for the 2024-25 campaign.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, impending free agent forward LeBron James will "work" with the Los Angeles Lakers on his next contract "if it means adding an impact player." The 39-year-old declined his $51.4 million player option Saturday, although he's expected to remain with the Lakers. James finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. He also appeared in 71 games despite making routine appearances on the league's official injury report. However, if the Lakers enhance the roster, it could help James play fewer minutes and stay healthy during the year.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George declined his $48.7 million player option on Saturday. The veteran, who will officially enter unrestricted free agency, has meetings scheduled with teams with cap space. The Clippers will also be involved, although the team no longer has the option of an opt-in and trade scenario. The 34-year-old finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. He also shot a career-high 41.3% from behind the arc. Without a doubt, George is one of the top free agents available, so any team that adds him enhances their chances of winning an NBA title. Despite his age, George could remain a top-25 fantasy option for at least a few more seasons.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale plans to sign a four-year, $44 million contract to remain with the team. After being moved by the Brooklyn Nets ahead of the trade deadline last season, the 31-year-old appeared in 30 games for the Suns, averaging 8.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 37.6% from deep. Phoenix doesn't have much cap space to work with this offseason, so retaining O'Neale is a big move for a team hoping to enter the championship conversation. While he won't be a consistent starter, he should play enough to give him value for fantasy managers. O'Neale's shooting percentage from deep will make him even more coveted by category participants.
The Atlanta Hawks declined to extend a qualifying offer to forward Saddiq Bey, making him an unrestricted free agent. The former Villanova Wildcat averaged 13.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 2023-24. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL, limiting him to 63 games. Without a doubt, Bey will draw interest from teams around the National Basketball Association, especially from teams with cap space. While his fantasy outlook hinges on where he'll end up for the 2024-25 campaign, he should remain a relatively reliable producer for managers as long as he stays healthy.
Forward/center Kevin Love declined his $4 million player option with the Miami Heat on Saturday. The veteran finished last season by averaging 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. However, he appeared in just 55 games. Without question, Love's best days are behind him. While there's a chance he could return to Miami, it won't make him a consistent fantasy option, even though he should have a handful of productive showings during the 2024-25 campaign regardless of where he ends up.
Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell picked up his $18.7 million player option on Saturday. The 28-year-old had one of the best seasons of his career in 2023-24, finishing the campaign by averaging 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds while shooting a career-high 41.5% from behind the arc. Despite Russell's decade of service in the National Basketball Association, he's showing no signs of slowing down. He also played in 76 games last season, his most since 2018-19, so his fantasy worth may continue to climb if he continues to stay healthy moving ahead.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook exercised his $4 million player option with the team on Saturday. The 35-year-old has been one of the most productive players in the history of the National Basketball Association. However, he is coming off arguably the worst year of his career, finishing the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals. Westbrook likely will remain a bench option in 2024-25. Still, his fantasy outlook could improve if the Clippers can't bring back Paul George, who isn't a lock to remain in Los Angeles moving ahead.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, forward LeBron James declined his $51.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, while the multi-time All-Star is heading toward unrestricted free agency, he's expected to re-sign with the Lakers on a new deal. Despite his age, James is still one of the most potent players in the National Basketball Association, recently finishing the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. He battled nagging injuries all last season and was limited to 71 games. Still, fantasy managers should expect at least one more year of production from James in 2024-25, although he could have at least a few more solid seasons left in the tank.
The Pistons declined the team option on guard Evan Fournier. He is now heading toward unrestricted free agency. The 31-year-old began the 2023-24 campaign with the Knicks. However, he appeared in only three games for New York before being moved ahead of the trade deadline. Fournier suited up in 29 games for the Pistons, and he finished the year by averaging 7.2 points and 1.9 assists. He was due to make $19 million had Detroit kept him, so this move wasn't surprising. Still, Fournier will likely find work elsewhere in the National Basketball Association, although he probably won't see much action, considering his production has declined significantly over the last few seasons.
The Hawks acquired guard Dyson Daniels (along with Larry Nance Jr., EJ Liddell, and two first-round picks) from the Pelicans in exchange for Dejounte Murray. While the departure of Murray means Atlanta lost an All-Star-caliber superstar, the Hawks received an up-and-coming player in Daniels, who has shown flashes of promise since entering the league in 2022. He finished last season by averaging 5.8 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 steals. However, he was limited to 61 contests after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee, resulting in surgery. With that in mind, if Daniels gets consistent minutes and avoids the injury report, it's reasonable to assume he could at least double his scoring average from last season.