NBA Rumors Roundup: Former MVP played a role in Harrell signing for 76ers, Mavs looking for a backup point guard, and more - September 7, 2022

Kevin Love’s expiring contract gives the Cleveland Cavaliers salary cap flexibility when Darius Garland’s extension starts

The blockbuster trade that sent All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz to the Cleveland Cavaliers is expected to make a huge impact. One such effect of the Mitchell trade is the downsizing of Cleveland’s salary cap.

Fortunately for them, they will have Kevin Love’s expiring contract after next season to give them some leeway. Darius Garland’s extension will take effect next summer, which should be fine as Love’s contract is already off the books.

Next season, Love will earn $28.9 million and then become an unrestricted free agent. If he chooses to re-sign with the Cavs, it will be under a significantly smaller deal as Garland’s extension gets a big chunk of the salary cap.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, following Garland’s rookie extension, will have one of the best backcourts in the NBA in the foreseeable future. Donovan Mitchell is still locked in until after the 2025-26 season.

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Potential top NBA draft prospects will face off in Las Vegas next month

Basketball fans will get a glimpse of the projected top picks of the 2023 NBA draft when Victor Wembanyana and Scoot Henderson face off. Wembanyana’s Metropolitans 92 will take on the G-League Ignite featuring Scoot Henderson on October 4 and 6, according to a report by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

The matchup will take place in Las Vegas in what is expected to be a top draw in Sin City. Wembanyana is the 18-year-old French phenom who plays with almost unbelievable skills for a player his size. He is 7’4 with a jaw-dropping 8-foot wingspan.

Wembanyana moves with astounding mobility that has often left opponents in disbelief. Almost every NBA scout has already tagged him as next year’s top pick.

Facing the French superstar across the court will be Scoot Henderson. The 6’3 Henderson is not the unicorn that Wembanyana is, but he is oozing with talent. His combination of speed, aggressiveness and spectacular athleticism has been fantasized by NBA scouts and executives since last year.

A sellout crowd is expected to witness two of the best talents the NBA will see in the future put on a show in Las Vegas.