NBA News Today: Hornets guard arrested for DWI; Charles Barkley agrees new TNT deal, and more | October 18, 2022
Several current and former NBA players have been arrested this offseason, including Miles Bridges, Iman Shumpert and Montrezl Harrell. With the regular season about to start, another player was arrested on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Charles Barkley may not be retiring when his contract with TNT expires. That's because the Hall of Fame forward agreed a new deal that's reportedly worth more than $100 million. TNT also signed Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal to extensions.
On that note, here's the latest NBA news on October 18 brought to you by Sportskeeda.
Klay Thompson reacts to Ronnie 2K appearing on ESPN
Klay Thompson is still unhappy with Ronnie 2K, as he blasted ESPN for having 2K Sports' digital marketing director on NBA Today. Thompson is still unhappy with Ronnie 2K about his ratings for NBA 2K23.
"Y'all really interviewed this clown?" Thompson commented on Instagram. "I thought NBA on ESPN meant coverage of some of the best athletes in the world? No interviewing a promoter. … Do better ESPN."
Klay Thompson really hates Ronnie 2K 😅 https://t.co/7Qm4LB9qjd
Thompson was very unhappy with his 3-point rating for NBA 2K22 at 88. That's still the second-highest in the game behind Steph Curry. However, Thompson feels like he's a much better shooter than Kevin Durant, Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard, who also have an 88 3-point rating.
Miles Bridges of Charlotte Hornets arrested for DWI
It hasn't been a good offseason for the Charlotte Hornets in terms of players getting arrested. Miles Bridges is facing three felony domestic violence charges for allegedly hitting his wife in front of their son.
Montrezl Harrell, who played for the Hornets last season, was arrested and was charged with marijuana trafficking. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor. which led to a new contract from the Philadelphia 76ers. Another former Charlotte player, Ben Gordon, was arrested last week for hitting his son in an airport.
On Sunday, the Hornets' second-year guard James Bouknight was arrested for DWI. Kallie Cox of The Charlotte Observer reported that it was not Bouknight's first vehicular incident in the last year. Cox said that Bouknight has been cited for speeding three times.
"We are aware of the incident involving James Bouknight and are in the process of gathering additional information," the Hornets said in a statement. "We will have no further comment at this time."
James Bouknight was arrested on Oct. 16 for driving while impaired
He was most recently charged with reckless driving to endanger on Oct. 10, reckless driving-wanton disregard on Nov. 11, 2021, and again on Feb. 23, 2022, via wbtv.com https://t.co/8b13dRLpYw
Members of 2019 NBA draft class who signed rookie extensions
The deadline for rookie extensions was on Monday, Oct. 17. Ten players from the 2019 NBA draft have signed new deals, while a handful of notable players will enter restricted free agency next summer.
The first five picks of the draft agreed contract extensions. Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and Darius Garland signed rookie max contracts. The New York Knicks signed RJ Barrett to a four-year, $120 million deal, while the Atlanta Hawks inked DeAndre Hunter to a four-year, $95 million extension.
Jordan Poole and Tyler Herro also signed four-year deals worth more than $100 million. Brandon Clarke, Nassir Little and Kevin Porter Jr. also signed four-year extensions. Some notable restricted free agents next season include Coby White, PJ Washington, Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura, Matisse Thybulle and Cam Johnson.
Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole is finalizing a four-year, $140 million contract extension, his agents Drew Morrison and Austin Brown of CAA Sports tell ESPN. Sides are completing final details today and formal agreement expected soon. https://t.co/hIP8MaOhzp
Charles Barkley agrees new TNT deal worth over $100 million
Charles Barkley has been very candid about his future as an analyst for NBA on TNT. Barkley was convincing when he said that he will retire once his contract expires, which has around three years left.
However, the former MVP signed a new deal worth more than $100 million to stay with TNT. Barkley told Andrew Marchand of the New York Post that TNT's offer was difficult to turn down. He dipped his toes in the market by teasing a deal with LIV Golf before deciding to stay with TNT.
"We're all a big family — Ernie, Kenny and Shaquille are brothers to me," Barkley said. "And I wouldn't still be here if it wasn't for them and all the amazing people who work on our show. I'm not gonna lie, though, this is a life-altering deal. … And I'm blessed to be able to do live television for a living."
Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal also signed new contracts as announced by Warner Bros. Discovery on Monday. The "Inside the NBA" crew is expected to "stay together for many years to come."
THE FELLAS ARE BACK!
The #InsidetheNBA crew will stay together for many years to come after signing long-term contract extensions with WBD sports. https://t.co/X3l5oBuitc
Top NBA free agents for next summer
The 2022-23 NBA season is just about to start, but next year's free agent class might be one for the ages.
Several All-Stars have a player options they could exercise, while others are set to become unrestricted or restricted free agents. Here are some of the biggest names entering the free agent market, per HoopsHype.
Player Options
A handful of All-Stars might opt out of their contracts next summer, including James Harden, Khris Middleton, Fred VanVleet, Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis.
Harden could seek a max deal after taking a discount this summer, while Middleton and VanVleet could attract attention with a huge season. Green might be on his way out of Golden State, while Porzingis might earn a huge deal if he stays healthy this season.
Unrestricted Free Agents
Kyrie Irving heads the list of unrestricted free agents next summer. If Irving can play like an MVP this season, he will likely get a max deal. Wesbrook, Russell and Vucevic are all former All-Stars, while Myles Turner is one of the best shot blockers in the league.
Restricted Free Agents
Cam Johnson is set for a big year with the Phoenix Suns, while PJ Washington could finally have his breakout season.
Grant Williams and Matisse Thybulle are key role players who could help contenders get over the hump. With Lonzo Ball possibly out due to a knee injury, second-year guard Ayo Dosunmu might play his way to a huge payday.