Veteran center Nikola Vucevic is expected to test free agency after a brief stint with the Boston Celtics, according to Marc Stein. The 35-year-old was traded from Chicago to Boston in February, then averaged 23.4 minutes through his first 11 appearances before a fractured finger sidelined him until the final week of the regular season. Over 16 regular-season games with Boston, he posted 9.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in 21.1 minutes while shooting 43.9% from the field and 34.0% from three, his lowest scoring and playing-time averages since his 2011/12 rookie campaign.
Shamet Generating Early Free-Agency Buzz
Stein also reports that rival teams are preparing bids for New York Knicks wing Landry Shamet. After signing minimum contracts in each of the past two years, Shamet is positioned for a raise following a regular season in which he hit 39.2% of his three-point attempts and contributed off the bench during the Knicks’ run to the NBA Finals. Though the guard was outside the rotation in Round 1, he has reached double figures in six of New York’s last nine playoff games. The Knicks hold his Early Bird rights, but bringing him back would increase their luxury-tax burden.
Nets Schedule Workout With Lottery Hopefuls
Mexican forward Karim Lopez and Tennessee’s Nate Ament are set to work out for the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports reports. Both are viewed as potential lottery selections, yet landing at Brooklyn’s No. 6 spot would be considered unlikely.
Raptors Stand Pat on Murray-Boyles
Despite speculation about possible roster changes in Toronto, veteran reporter Doug Smith writes that the Raptors have no intention of moving rookie Collin Murray-Boyles. The forward, chosen ninth overall last year, is considered virtually untouchable in trade talks.
Source: HoopsRumors
