Western Conference Roundup: Jones Explains Offer Sheet, Cuban Invests in A’s, Sengun Dismisses Durant Rift, Suns Detail Draft Philosophy
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Jones on Nuggets’ Decision
Forward Spencer Jones used a LinkedIn post to discuss Denver’s move to match Oklahoma City’s two-year, $11.75 million offer sheet. Jones asked Nuggets fans not to fault him for signing with a division rival, calling free agency “a business” and noting both teams met his priorities of fit and championship culture. He highlighted that the contract represents the largest fully guaranteed offer sheet ever signed by an undrafted player who began on a two-way deal.
Cuban Shifts Focus to MLB Investment
Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban confirmed to The Dallas Morning News that a private-equity firm he is part of has purchased a minority stake in MLB’s Oakland Athletics. Cuban said he would have preferred greater involvement with the Mavericks but has been largely excluded from basketball operations since the hiring of top executive Masai Ujiri. Cuban described only brief phone and text exchanges with Ujiri and majority owner Patrick Dumont, adding, “The pivot away from the Mavs was not my choice.”
Sengun Refutes Reports of Durant Friction
Rockets center Alperen Sengun told Socrates Dergi, via Eurohoops.net, that he has never argued with teammate Kevin Durant. “We always talk after games, especially losses,” Sengun said, explaining the pair merely share a visible dislike of losing. Sengun also revealed a close relationship with coach Ime Udoka and said he deleted his Twitter account because of negative comments.
Suns Confident in Draft Strategy
The Suns continue to send more future draft picks out than they take in, but team officials believe their ability to uncover contributors late in the first round, in the second round, and among undrafted free agents will offset those losses, according to Gerald Bourguet of Sports360AZ.com. The front office maintains it is building a roster strong enough to make the traded selections “irrelevant.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
