PHILADELPHIA — Newly hired president of basketball operations Mike Gansey wasted little time reshaping the 76ers, striking a blockbuster deal to acquire All-Star guard Jaylen Brown from Boston.
Gansey told the Philadelphia Inquirer he “never envisioned” such a major move happening so quickly. “Let’s check in with Boston and see if there’s anything there. Maybe there isn’t,” he recalled of his first call to the Celtics. “But you just make that call, and they don’t say no.”
The trade puts Brown alongside reigning MVP Joel Embiid and rising guard Tyrese Maxey as Philadelphia’s new core heading into next season. League sources cited by the team believe the franchise’s title hopes hinge on Embiid’s ability to stay healthy deep into the postseason.
Nuggets finalize one-year pact with Marvin Bagley III
DENVER — The Nuggets have officially signed former No. 2 overall pick Marvin Bagley III to a one-year contract, adding experienced size behind Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon.
Bagley split last season between Washington and Dallas, averaging 10.5 points and 6.1 rebounds while converting more than 64 percent of his two-point attempts. League reports indicated several clubs showed interest before the 25-year-old chose Denver, which has sought consistent front-court depth off the bench.
Rockets rookie Bruce Thornton turning heads in Summer League
LAS VEGAS — Point guard Bruce Thornton has emerged as one of Houston’s surprises in Las Vegas, prompting Summer League coach Will Dunn to joke he kept the rookie on the floor longer than planned because “we couldn’t afford to take him out,” according to The Athletic.
Houston’s backcourt already features new arrivals Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanović, setting up stiff competition for minutes. Thornton’s strong July, however, has some around the organization wondering if head coach Ime Udoka may face a similar minutes dilemma when the regular season tips off.
Source: Hoops Wire
