C’s cut deal on Nader
Young forward traded to OKC instead of released
The Celtics traded forward Abdel Nader and cash considerations to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for guard Rodney Purvis yesterday.
The C’s originally planned to release Nader to free up cap space, until the club announced this mutually beneficial deal with a very active Thunder team.
Nader played in 48 games (one start) during his rookie season with the Celtics in 2017-18, averaging 3.0 points and 1.5 rebounds in 10.9 minutes.
Nader’s contract was partially guaranteed, according to a NESN report. If the Celtics released him, they would have been on the hook for $450,000 of Nader’s original deal.
The Celtics are expected to waive Purvis, whose contract is non-guaranteed.
This trade gives the C’s muchneeded financial space to keep them away from a luxury-tax situation.
Nader saw limited playing time as a rookie because of the depth of Celtics roster.
He spent the previous season with the Maine Red Claws of the G League, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors.
Nader has displayed an ability to shoot well from outside and finish strong at the rim as well as guard from the paint to the perimeter.
With the Thunder, he’ll get an opportunity to do that with a team that is looking to unload Carmelo Anthony and reportedly about to acquire guard Dennis Schroder from the Atlanta Hawks.
Nowitzki stays in Big D
Dirk Nowitzki is officially signed for a record 21st season with the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks announced they re-signed the 13-time All-Star. That was their plan when they declined a team option on Nowitzki’s contract at the start of free agency to create more room under the salary cap before signing DeAndre Jordan.
The Mavs also acquired the rights to forward Maarty Leunen and cash from the Los Angeles Clippers for two-way forward Johnathan Motley and the rights to guard Renaldas Seibutis . ...
The Miami Heat promoted Adam Simon to vice president of player personnel, where he will now oversee all aspects of the team’s scouting operation.
The Memphis Grizzlies have sent forward Jarell Martin and cash considerations to the Orlando Magic in exchange for center Dakari Johnson and the draft rights to Tyler Harvey. Orlando is trading Johnson just three days after acquiring him from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Michael Beasley to a oneyear contract, adding the veteran forward to their revamped core around LeBron James. Beasley averaged 13.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game last year in a productive season with the Knicks.