LeVert’s Bickerstaff Ties Lead Him to Pistons; Brunson Navigates Faster Knicks Pace; Blazers Make G League–Focused Moves
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Pistons
Caris LeVert said Detroit’s decision to hire head coach J.B. Bickerstaff in June 2024 convinced him the franchise was “taking a strong step” toward a turnaround. LeVert played two-and-a-half seasons for Bickerstaff in Cleveland and credited the coach’s structure and professionalism for his interest in joining the Pistons.
The 29-year-old guard signed a two-year, $29 million contract in July. “Defensively, it’s almost exactly what we did in Cleveland, and a lot of the offensive concepts are the same,” LeVert said. Bickerstaff, who lost Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schröder in free agency, called LeVert “one of the best guys I’ve been around” and expects him to fill multiple roles.
Detroit also added forward Feron Hunt on an Exhibit 10 deal. Hunt averaged 15.9 points and 7.8 rebounds for the Cleveland Charge last season and is expected to report to the Motor City Cruise, where he can earn up to an $85,300 bonus if he stays 60 days.
Knicks
Point guard Jalen Brunson is adjusting to an uptempo system under new head coach Mike Brown. “We’re still adjusting, and that’s the process of this entire season,” Brunson told the New York Daily News. Brown said opponents who pressure Brunson in the open floor “run a pretty good chance of paying for it.”
The Athletic’s James Edwards III and Fred Katz reported that New York is unlikely to outbid teams such as Houston or San Antonio if the Bucks ever make Giannis Antetokounmpo available, citing the Knicks’ limited draft capital and young talent.
Trail Blazers
Portland signed guard Sean Pedulla to an Exhibit 10 contract for training camp and immediately waived him so he can join the Rip City Remix in the G League. Pedulla averaged 15.4 points and 3.8 assists at Ole Miss last season after transferring from Virginia Tech.
To create roster space, the Blazers waived MarJon Beauchamp, Andrew Carr and Liam Robbins. All three are candidates to land with the Remix when the G League season begins.
Source: Hoops Wire
