The Bulls traded Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter as they look to rebuild their roster. Josh Giddey (hamstring) and Tre Jones (hamstring) wonтАЩt play against the Raptors, and most of the new players that the Bulls acquired wonтАЩt be ready to play yet. After losing each of their last two games by at least 16 points, I think the shorthanded Bulls get blown out again.
Sandro Mamukelashvili has scored at least 13 points in seven of his last 10 games. RJ Barrett (knee) wonтАЩt play Thursday, which could open up added minutes and shot attempts for Mamukelashvili. The Bulls have the sixth-worst defensive rating in the league and blew up their roster at the trade deadline, so the Raptors could easily turn this one into a laugher. Mamukelashvili could approach 30 minutes off the bench, which would put him in a great spot to hit this over.
Leonard and the Raptors have held advanced discussions and are nearing an agreement on a contract extension, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports.
The Clippers and Raptors both agreed Monday to complete the trade sending Leonard to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two second-rounders, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Leonard has been fined $700,000 in restitution for improper benefits due to his involvement in the Clippers' salary cap circumvention, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Barrett did not participate in Canada's latest FIBA World Cup qualifying window as he gears up for the 2026-27 NBA season.
Graves has an opportunity to battle for a reserve role during his rookie year with the Raptors.
Essengue enters his second NBA season after spending much of his rookie year recovering from shoulder surgery.
Okoro remains primarily a defense-first wing heading into his second season with Chicago.
According to Baxter Holmes of ESPN, the NBA's salary-cap circumvention investigation involving Leonard and the Clippers could extend into 2027 if the sides cannot agree on the findings or any proposed discipline.
Sharp recorded eight points (4-6 FG) 10 rebounds, three blocks, one steal and an assist in 25 minutes during Sunday's 96-89 Summer League loss to the Nuggets.
Burnett logged 15 points (4-10 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT) and nine rebounds in 20 minutes during Sunday's 96-89 Summer League loss to the Nuggets.
