Cameron Brink’s spot at the Paris Olympics will be filled by another Los Angeles Sparks player, Dearica Hamby. USA Basketball announced on Monday that Hamby will replace Brink on the women’s 3-on-3 basketball team for the upcoming Olympics. Hamby joins Cierra Burdick, Hailey Van Lith, and Rhyne Howard on the roster.
Hamby, a two-time WNBA All-Star and 2022 champion with the Las Vegas Aces, is expected to enhance the team with her size and defensive skills. Standing 6-foot-3, she also brings substantial 3-on-3 international experience, having led Team USA to gold at the 2023 FIBA AmeriCup, where she was named tournament MVP.
Brink, a promising rookie, was initially set to compete but suffered a torn ACL earlier this month. Despite the setback, Team USA has secured a capable replacement in Hamby.
New Orleans Pelicans Promote Swin Cash to Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations
The New Orleans Pelicans have promoted former WNBA star Swin Cash to Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations, making her one of the highest-ranking women in an NBA front office. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the promotion on Tuesday.
Cash, 44, enjoyed a distinguished WNBA career, earning four All-Star selections and winning three championships with the Detroit Shock and Seattle Storm. A former UConn champion, Cash joined the Pelicans’ front office in 2019 as vice president of basketball operations and team development.
This offseason, the Pelicans’ front office saw changes, with GM Trajan Langdon taking the lead executive position with the Detroit Pistons and executive Michael Blackstone following him to Detroit. The Pelicans promoted from within, naming assistant GM Bryson Graham as the new GM and elevating Cash. Cash had previously gained attention in her role with the Pelicans.
Paul George’s Contract Negotiations with Los Angeles Clippers
Paul George is reportedly seeking a more lucrative contract from the Los Angeles Clippers than the team is willing to offer, potentially leading to a trade request. According to multiple reports, George wants a four-year contract, but the Clippers have proposed a three-year, $152.4 million extension, similar to the deal Kawhi Leonard signed in January.
NBA reporter Marc Stein suggests there’s a growing likelihood that George might exercise his $48.8 million player option for the 2024-25 season to force a trade. Stein notes that “months of fruitless contract extension negotiations” have taken place between George and the Clippers. Rival teams are aware and have shown interest in a potential trade for George.
James Harden used a similar strategy with the Houston Rockets last year, exercising his player option to pressure a trade. Harden’s approach led him to the Clippers alongside George.
An Eastern Conference star recently expressed interest in teaming up with George, but the trade market for the 34-year-old remains uncertain. Although George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over 74 games this season, his extensive injury history and demand for a high salary might limit his suitors.
