The NBA’s pre-bubble transaction window has sparked movement from every corner of the league. The Lakers and Cavaliers made moves today, proving that the roster move during this period is not exclusive to teams heading to Orlando.
Following Avery Bradley’s decision to choose not to restart the NBA, the Lakers closed a deal with veteran guard JR Smith. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news of Smith’s impending signing Monday.
Free agent guard JR Smith and the Lakers are working on the final steps of a deal today and it will be added to the list for the Orlando restart, sources told ESPN.
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2020
Smith, who was selected at No. 18 in the 2004 NBA Draft, last appeared on the court with the Cavaliers for 11 games in the 2018-19 season.
The Cavaliers, who are not heading to Orlando, struck a deal with former Oregon Ducks big man Jordan Bell. Shams Charania of Athletic revealed that Bell agreed to a two-year contract with Cleveland. Along with Bell’s addition, the Cavs turned Dean Wade’s two-way contract into a multi-year deal. Wade started 123 games during his four-year career in the state of Kansas.
Outside of additions to the roster, forward Wilson Chandler informed the Nets that he will not travel with the team to Orlando for the restart. ESPN’s Malika Andrews broke the news about Chandler’s decision Sunday. Chandler, who signed with Brooklyn in the summer of 2019, appeared in just 35 games this season.
Armed with an open spot on the roster and the ability to replace Trevor Ariza, the Trail Blazers have a chance to add two players to their roster before the Orlando-based restart.
