LaVine, who was expected to be traded this summer along with DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, put the past aside. For two days, a team source said, LaVine played pick-up games and began the process of building chemistry in Florida before having to return to his home in California for personal reasons. One way the team banded together was seen in several veteran players picking up the expenses for their less-established teammates. The NBA prohibits clubs from paying for offseason team gatherings. If nothing else, players paying their own way for offsite team-wide activities showed an encouraging early commitment to this season. -via New York Times / September 23, 2024