The New York Knicks are a hot mess right now. After team president, Phil Jackson parted ways, Steve Mills has been running the show. However, it is likely that will not be permanent but the Knicks lost another contender for the job. David Griffin pulled his name out on a day that featured other minor NBA deals.
Griffin didn't like his role
Marc Spears of The Undefeated reported that Griffin pulled his name out of the potential candidates because the Knicks and Griffin could not agree on a role. The disagreement came over Griffin having full control over decisions and finding a role for Mills.
Griffin wanted to bring in his own staff, but the Knicks were not completely on board with that.
It is believed that Griffin will serve as a television analyst this upcoming season. Griffin spent the last three seasons working as the Cleveland Cavaliers general manager. Griffin was instrumental in bringing in pieces such as JR Smith, Iman Shumpert, and Kevin Love to help the Cavaliers win a championship in 2016. Griffin left the Cavaliers after his contract ran out, and both sides couldn't agree to an extension. The Cavaliers are still with a general manager.
Celtics sign Aron Baynes
Baynes and the Celtics agreed to a one-year deal worth $4.3 million. Baynes averaged 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds for the Detroit Pistons last season.
The Vertical reported the deal.
Baynes will serve as a backup to Al Horford. The Celtics lost Kelly Olynyk to the Miami Heat after renouncing his rights after signing Gordon Hayward to a max contract. The Celtics also lost Amir Johnson to the Philadelphia 76ers to Free Agency. Baynes can't officially sign with the team until Hayward is signed, and Avery Bradley is officially traded to the Pistons.
Pacers and Raptors swap players
The Toronto Raptors sent Cory Joseph to the Indiana Pacers for CJ Miles. Miles will sign a three-year deal worth $25 million with the team. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN first reported that particular deal. The deal is pending due to another trade the Raptors made with the Brooklyn Nets involving Demarre Carroll.
Joseph could pan out to be the Pacers starting point guard next season. The team has lost Paul George to trade and Jeff Teague to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Joseph is just 25-years-old and will fit right into the Pacers plan of rebuilding with younger talent. Miles will provide a shooter off the bench to backup Demar Derozan. Miles will be entering his 13th season.
