Dean Wade, who spent the past seven seasons doing the hard work for the Cleveland Cavaliers, expects to perform a similar role with the Philadelphia 76ers. The forward told the Philadelphia Inquirer he views himself as a natural complement to the Sixers’ high-scoring lineup because of his defensive versatility.
“I’ve got to play with that little chip on my shoulder,” Wade said. “You don’t want to let any of your teammates down. You know how important you are on the defensive end.”
Bucks Keep Trent Jr. on Four-Year Contract
Free-agent guard Gary Trent Jr. has reached a fully guaranteed four-year, $64 million agreement to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. League sources told HoopsHype the deal carries no player or team options.
Trent, 25, drew interest from several clubs in sign-and-trade scenarios before opting to stay in Milwaukee. He is coming off a down year, averaging 8.1 points while shooting below his career marks from the field and three-point range. The Athletic reported the new contract also acknowledges that Trent accepted below-market salaries over the previous two seasons to stay with the Bucks.
Raptors Unlikely to Pursue DeRozan or Valanciunas
The Toronto Raptors are not expected to chase reunions with former standouts DeMar DeRozan or Jonas Valanciunas, Sportsnet’s Michael Grange reported. Toronto’s cap outlook hinges on the pending trade that would send Kawhi Leonard to the Los Angeles Clippers. If the transaction is finalized as structured, the Raptors would sit just under the NBA’s first tax apron, leaving little room for any additional signings—even at the veteran minimum.
The organization’s priority remains completing the Leonard deal before considering further roster adjustments.
Source: Hoops Wire
