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LA Lakers star forward LeBron James is set to be honored at this year’s NBA All-Star Game after breaking the NBA's all-time scoring record.
In other news, the Dallas Mavericks have signed 10-year veteran wing Justin Holiday to add some much-needed wing depth to their roster.
On that note, here is the latest news from around the NBA as of Feb. 16, 2023.
LeBron James to be honored during NBA All-Star Game following scoring record
LeBron James made NBA history last Tuesday by surpassing LA Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. James now sits at 38,4011 career points and counting.
The NBA already took a brief moment to honor James right after he broke the record, during an in-game intermission. This involved the Lakers superstar giving a speech to the team's fans and posing with Abdul-Jabbar at center court.
However, according to The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov, James will also be honored for his record at halftime of the 2023 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday. Vorkunov recently tweeted:
"Vin Diesel will do the player intros for the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, while Post Malone will perform before tip-off Sunday, a league source said. NBA will honor LeBron James at halftime for setting the scoring record, after a performance by Burna Boy, Tems, and Rema."
The game will mark LeBron James’ 19th career All-Star Game. James will once again be drafting his team as team captain after finishing as the leading vote-getter among fans.
It remains to be seen exactly what the league’s All-Star Game tribute to James will encompass.
Dallas Mavericks sign veteran wing Justin Holiday
The Dallas Mavericks (31-29, seventh in the West) signed Justin Holiday on Wednesday. Holiday, aged 33, was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Houston Rockets last week and subsequently bought out.
Holiday averaged 4.5 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.1 3-pointers per game while shooting 38.4% and 34.5% from three in 28 games with Atlanta this season. However, he has proven to be a valuable 3-and-D wing throughout his career.
Holiday has career averages of 8.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.9 SPG and 1.7-3PG while shooting 39.8% and 36.4% from three.
He is expected to provide Dallas with additional wing depth following their trade for All-Star guard Kyrie Irving last week.
Golden State Warriors "really wanted" Alex Caruso
The Golden State Warriors (29-29, ninth in the West) were involved in numerous trade rumors ahead of last Thursday’s trade deadline.
Golden State ultimately ended up reacquiring guard Gary Payton II in a four-team deal with the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers. However, according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, one of the Warriors’ top trade targets was Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso.
Lowe spoke about the reigning NBA champions' pursuit of Caruso during a recent episode of "The Lowe Post" podcast. However, he also noted that the Warriors didn’t come very close to landing the veteran guard.
"I know for sure the Warriors really wanted Alex Caruso and I don't think there was anything close to a deal there," Lowe said.
Alex Caruso is widely considered to be one of the best defensive role players in the NBA. Caruso is averaging 5.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.7 blocks per game on 44.2% shooting through 49 games for the Chicago Bulls this season.
Danny Green signs with Cleveland; promptly makes Cavaliers debut
The Cleveland Cavaliers (38-23, fourth in the East) signed veteran wing Danny Green on Wednesday. Green played three games for the Memphis Grizzlies this season before being traded to the Houston Rockets in a three-team deal last Thursday.
He was then bought out on Sunday. This will mark Green’s second stint with the Cavs after he was drafted No. 46 by the team in 2009.
Over the course of his 14-year NBA career, the veteran has averaged 8.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks and 1.9 3-pointers per game. He has also shot 42.1% and 39.9% from three.
On his season debut for the Cavaliers on Wednesday against his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, Green played 12 minutes off the bench. The three-time NBA champion finished with three points, one rebound and one steal on 25.0% shooting.
Russell Westbrook receiving limited interest from potential suitors
With many veteran players negotiating buyouts and signing with new teams, one player who has not yet been bought out is former MVP Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook was traded from the LA Lakers to the Utah Jazz last week in a three-team deal also involving the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was widely expected to negotiate a buyout with the Jazz.
However, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Westbrook has instead received permission from Utah to speak with potential suitors while remaining under contract. His options reportedly include the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat and the LA Clippers.
“I’m told Russell Westbrook has permission from the Jazz to go out and explore with potential buyout teams–a role elsewhere that might fit,” Wojnarowski reported on a recent episode of NBA countdown.
“He and his agent Jeff Schwartz have been spending this week doing that among other teams. They’ve communicated with the Bulls, the Clippers, the Wizards, the Miami Heat.”
However, The Athletic’s Shams Charania added that Westbrook is receiving limited interest around the league.
“When you look at teams around the league, there’s not a spot for Russell Westbrook. It’s a slow-moving market, and we’ll see if he'll be able to find a home,” Charania reported on FanDuel TV.
Westbrook, aged 34, averaged 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game on 41.7% shooting in 52 games with the LA Lakers this season. His output improved tremendously once he began coming off the bench for Darvin Ham's team after a poor start to the season.
However, with his erratic playing style and poor shooting, it appears he may have to wait a little while before finding his next team.
