Sacramento’s front office, Miami’s newest superstar and Utah’s center rotation all made headlines as NBA offseason moves continued to unfold.
Kings plan to bring LaVine back
New Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry said he is “fully committed” to guard Zach LaVine returning for the 2024-25 season. Perry told reporters he has remained in frequent contact with LaVine since the season ended and expects the 29-year-old to take on an expanded leadership role after opting in to his $49 million player option. While LaVine’s name has appeared in multiple trade rumors this summer, Perry noted the club has yet to receive an offer it deems worthwhile.
Antetokounmpo changes jersey number with Heat
Giannis Antetokounmpo will wear No. 7 for the Miami Heat instead of his longtime No. 34, according to the Miami Herald. The team initially placed No. 34 jerseys on sale following last week’s blockbuster trade but halted sales once the two-time MVP decided to switch numbers. Fans who already bought the wrong jersey may exchange it for the new version. Rookie guard Ryan Conwell, who had originally selected No. 7, agreed to relinquish the number, saying, “Giannis, he gets whatever he wants.”
Jazz re-sign Mo Bamba
Veteran center Mo Bamba is returning to the Utah Jazz on a two-year agreement, ESPN reported. The contract includes a partial guarantee for the upcoming season and a team option for 2027-28, The Athletic added. Bamba, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 draft, appeared in two NBA games with Utah last season on consecutive 10-day contracts and logged time with the G League’s Salt Lake City Stars. With Walker Kessler traded to Los Angeles, Bamba joins a center group that features Jusuf Nurkic and Jaxson Hayes.
Source: Hoops Wire
