NBA News and Notes:
- Bulls Sign Matt Thomas
- Portland Looking at Several Names
- Clippers Give Training Camp Deal
- Bulls Also Sign Pair of Johnsons
The NBA offseason is finally coming to a close, with preseason just under a month away now. Teams have continued to shore up their rosters, with a number of rumors continuing to fly around. And some, have just stood pat and watched other teams make transactions.
Let’s take a look at some recent signings, and a few rumors that are going around right now.
Bulls Sign Matt Thomas
Not that it’s a significant move, but the Bulls signed Matt Thomas on Tuesday. The terms were not released, but this could give them another shooter. He played limited minutes during a few seasons split between Toronto and Utah, but has a lot to offer.
Welcome to Chicago, @Theiceman_21! pic.twitter.com/Zv87IevIUg
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) September 8, 2021
He’s a tremendous shooter, and could challenge the rotational guys in practice. He has a chance to compete for a spot at the end of the rotation, perhaps. With Coby White missing the start of the year and Tomas Satoransky now in New Orleans, he could find some bench minutes with Alex Caruso.
Across 86 career appearances. Thomas has made over 41% of his attempts from beyond the arc. Anybody could use a guy like that on their second unit. Chicago may have a keeper.
Portland Looking at Several Names
Michael Beasley has been in and out of the NBA for the past several years, but we didn’t hear from him a season ago. He was supposed to play with the Nets in the bubble, but COVID complications arose. He was shining for the Knicks a few years back, but hasn’t been heard from since.
As soon as the Lakers traded him to the Clippers, he was out again. He could be a nice fit on the bench with Portland. As could Patrick Patterson, who the team is also looking at. He had some good years with the Raptors before heading to L.A. to serve as a mentor with the Clippers.
He’s a big man with a smooth outside touch. And Isaiah Hartenstein is coming off a great finish to last season with the Cavs. He could challenge Cody Zeller for bench minutes if he can just make the team. He’d also reunite with former Cavs teammate Larry Nance Jr.
The last name the Blazers are checking in on is James Ennis. He has bounced around in recent years, but had some strong showings in Orlando and on the bench in Philly. He’s good enough to be a spot starter for some teams, so he may have a shot to get on the roster.
They already signed Marquese Chriss, but depth is a good thing to have.
Clippers Give Training Camp Deal to Harry Giles III
Harry Giles has dealt with injuries since being selected in 2017. But, he has a lot of upside still. The Clippers didn’t guarantee anything, but he’d be a nice second-unit guy for them behind Ivica Zubac. They ran small-ball lineups throughout the playoffs with Serge Ibaka hurt, so it couldn’t hurt to add another versatile center.
Giles showed some promise during his final two years with the Kings before mostly riding the bench with the Blazers. If he can impress them, it would not be surprising to see them try and find a role for him. Just like new addition Justise Winslow, he’s a Duke guy.
Bulls Also Sign Pair of Johnsons
Before signing Matt Thomas, the Bulls signed Stanley Johnson and Alize Johnson. Each of them are young and extremely athletic. Both of them have played minimal roles during the past few seasons.
Stanley can play either forward spot, and showed some flashes with the Raptors a year ago. And for Alize, he had a couple of standout performances for the Nets, who cut him to make room for their new guys.
Alize’s deal was for two years, while Stanley’s was non-guaranteed. Watch for both of them to be aggressive in camp.
