Kings and Nets ink players as NBA inches closer to restart
Despite recent concerns that have arisen (from players and partially due to COVID-19 statistics in the state of Florida), the NBA is still cautiously moving forward with their restart plan. The hope is that it will keep its players and staff safe and away from harm’s way via its bubble.
Teams began testing players Tuesday and the league’s transaction window was open too. For the first time in more than three months, we had NBA news that revolved around actual transactions and not around the global pandemic.
Inching towards the restart, the Sacramento Kings signed Corey Brewer for the stretch run shortly after the league’s transaction window opened.
Free agent Corey Brewer plans to sign a deal with the Sacramento Kings during NBA’s transaction window, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Brewer chose the Kings over multiple potential offers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2020
The Houston Rockets also made waves by signing David Nwaba, who is currently recovering from an Achilles injury. He won’t return for the restart but was a signing pointing in the future. Depending on how his rehab progresses, the Rockets will have the option to bring him back next season.
Nwaba will earn $900K-plus to finish the season, with team option for 2020-21, sources said. He will remain sidelined during the resumed season due to Achilles rehab. https://t.co/UvlDCZkkwQ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2020
The Brooklyn Nets also made headlines by adding depth to their backcourt in the way of Tyler Johnson. Johnson was waived by the Phoenix Suns earlier this season after a disappointing year. Though, Johnson has proven to be a dependable player in the past.
The Nets attempted to sign Johnson to an offer sheet during the summer of 2016, but the offer was matched by the Miami Heat. Miami then traded Johnson to the Suns last season.
The Nets will be entering the NBA’s restart with hopes of holding on to their playoff spot. Brooklyn will be 7th when the restart begins and will have eight games to hold off the Orlando Magic, who are just one-half game back.
If Johnson impresses during his time with the team, there’s a good chance that he could be re-signed during the offseason. Especially for a team that will likely need to find discounts moving forward.