Sacramento, Memphis and Los Angeles generated separate headlines Monday as roster moves, rotation questions and a legal dispute involving an NBA owner surfaced around the league.
Kings Sign Precious Achiuwa
The Sacramento Kings have reached a one-year, veteran-minimum agreement with forward/center Precious Achiuwa, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. To create a roster spot, the club is expected to waive rookie big man Isaac Jones, whose 2024-25 salary is non-guaranteed, ESPN cap analyst Bobby Marks reported.
Achiuwa, 26, averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds last season while splitting time between the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks. With forward Keegan Murray sidelined because of a thumb injury, Sacramento has been relying on first-year players Nique Clifford and Dylan Cardwell for front-court minutes. The 6-foot-8 Achiuwa is expected to add size and defensive versatility.
Grizzlies’ Core Duo Seeks More Floor Time Together
ESPN’s Marc J. Spears reported that both Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are dissatisfied with coach Iisalo’s current rotation patterns in Memphis. Through eight games, the All-Star pair is averaging 14.6 shared minutes per contest, down from 21.4 a year ago. The Grizzlies are 3-5 to start the season.
Jackson told reporters that the roster has “plenty of talent” but needs to play with greater urgency as the team looks to regain last season’s rhythm.
Lawsuit Targets Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer
Eleven former investors in the financial-technology firm Aspiration have filed suit against Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, alleging he used the company to direct funds to star forward Kawhi Leonard in a manner that would violate NBA salary-cap rules. Investigative journalist Pablo Torre first detailed the accusation, which remains unproven.
Front Office Sports later reported that the NBA has retained a major law firm to review the matter. The complaint contains no documented evidence of wrongdoing, but depositions and records requests are expected as the case moves forward.
Source: Hoops Wire
