Shaq's son signs six-figure contract, Kevin Durant trade rumors, Warriors' James Wiseman returning to action, Draymond Green Says 2017 Warriors Would Beat 1998 Bulls, and more NBA news.
Shaq's son Shareef O'Neal signs six-figure contract
Shareef O'Neal, son of NBA Hall of Fame legend Shaquille O'Neal, has signed a six-figure contract with G League Ignite next season. The 6-foot-10 Shareef was a highly sought-after recruit out of high school. He made an initial commitment to Arizona, but backed out of the deal and signed to play for UCLA.
Before he got a chance to play, he was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition during a physical and had to undergo open-heart surgery. After recovering, he was cleared to return to and played sparingly for one season at UCLA, then transferred to LSU. Foot and ankle injuries plagued him, and he saw limited action in two seasons. Against the wishes of his father, who wanted him to stay in school, Shareef declared for the draft but went undrafted. He played for the Lakers during the summer league.
G League Ignite is a developmental program that competes in the G League and was founded in 2020 as an alternative to college basketball. Players can earn six-figure salaries while training and playing in a professional environment, receiving high-level coaching, CBSSports reported.
Kevin Durant trade rumors: Deal with Celtics?
The latest in the Kevin Durant trade rumors, as a list of the star's preferred destinations has emerged, and the Celtics could be a possibility if they are willing to part with Jaylen Brown, and apparently, Boston is considering ideal.
CBSSports reported that the Celtics offered Brown, guard Derrick White and a draft pick to the Nets for Durant, according to sources, but that proposal was rejected. Reportedly, Brooklyn countered with a deal that includes Brown, Marcus Smart (defensive player of the year), draft picks and potentially one more rotation player.
Warriors' James Wiseman returning to action
Warriors center James Wiseman, the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NBA draft, Is speaking out about what his role will be with the warriors now that he is back on the court. In his first pro season, a torn meniscus stopped him after 39 games. Now as he enters his third year in the league, playing-wise it will be his second on the court as he sat out his actual year two.
"I'd say just playing my role, just keeping it simple," Wiseman told NBC Sports. "Just playing within the system and not trying to do too much. I really don't have to do as much. Just do the most important parts of my position and star in my role to the best of my ability."
"Rebounding, running the floor, blocking shots and protecting the rim," Wiseman added. "That's really it."
Draymond Green Says 2017 Warriors Would Beat 1998 Bulls
Draymond Green believes that the 2017 Warriors, a squad that featured Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and himself – would have beat the 1998 Bulls that included Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, Sports Illustrated reported.
"I’m watching the 98 Bulls vs Utah in the Finals…I can’t help but notice our 2017 team would’ve beaten these Bulls by a dub and these Jazz by 40 if they’re going to play these brands of basketball," Green tweeted. "And that’s why it’s dumb to compare Era’s."