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TOPBradley Beal absolutely screws the Suns on his way out
The Phoenix Suns have bought out Bradley Beal, removing him from their roster but creating significant long-term financial issues. To avoid the punitive second tax apron, the Suns were forced to waive-and-stretch Beal's contract. This results in $19.4 million of "dead money" counting against their salary cap annually for the next five seasons, a charge they cannot eliminate and must pay through the 2030 campaign. Despite Beal's solid on-court production last season (17 points per game on efficient shooting), his massive salary and no-trade clause eliminated any trade market. Beal had to approve any potential trade and was unwilling to leave Phoenix. This lack of options left the Suns facing only two choices: buy him out or keep paying the remaining $110.8 million over two years. The buyout was chosen. The Suns received nothing in return for Beal because he refused to waive his no-trade clause. While Beal did give back enough money to facilitate the contract stretching, this was the sole concession. Beal is now free to join a contender, specifically the LA Clippers, while still receiving substantial payments from the Suns. The Suns' acquisition of Beal is portrayed as a major mistake. They paid him star-level money (nearly $97 million) for what amounted to role player production over two seasons where he played only 53 games each year. The team failed to win any playoff games during his tenure, falling short of championship expectations. The financial burden continues as the $19.4 million cap hold prevents Phoenix from spending that money on players who could help them win for the next five years, hindering efforts to build around Devin Booker. Although the buyout saves the Suns $200 million this season, pushing them below the luxury tax line and aprons and providing some roster flexibility, it introduces a new set of problems lasting until 2030. Beal emerges as the clear winner, getting paid by Phoenix while freely joining his chosen team. The article concludes that while the buyout was necessary, the Suns will regret the original Beal trade and feel its painful financial consequences for years, serving as a lesson about the risks of star power and no-trade clauses.
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TOPMikal Bridges Traded To The Phoenix Suns
Mikal Bridges, who began his NBA career with the Phoenix Suns before moving to the Brooklyn Nets and then the New York Knicks, could potentially return to the Suns. Bridges is entering a "lame duck" season as he currently lacks a contract for the future. A proposed trade is outlined where the Phoenix Suns would acquire Bridges from the New York Knicks. In return, the Knicks would receive Suns guard Grayson Allen and the Suns' 2030 first-round draft pick. While Bridges has connections to the "Nova Boys" and the Knicks face high expectations creating a volatile situation, the article addresses potential skepticism from Suns fans about a Bridges return. It argues that a reunion is more plausible now due to changes in the Suns' ownership, general manager, and head coach since Bridges left. The article highlights Bridges' value, describing him as one of the NBA's most reliable players. It suggests his personality and skills would make him an excellent third option for the Suns, fitting well with a developing "scrappy" team mentality.
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Indiana Fever Reveal Caitlin Clark Injury Status for New York Liberty Game
Caitlin Clark suffered a groin injury in the final minute of the Indiana Fever's game against the Connecticut Sun on July 15th. This immediately cast doubt on her availability for the team's next game, a back-to-back against the New York Liberty on July 16th. Even without the injury, there was a significant chance Clark might not play against the Liberty. The Fever are cautious about easing her back after she recently missed five games with another groin injury. Furthermore, Clark being the main attraction for the upcoming WNBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis provided an additional reason for the team to be careful. The Fever officially confirmed Clark's status for the July 16th game via a social media injury report, listing her as "Questionable (right groin)". Despite the unlikelihood of her playing given the circumstances, the "Questionable" designation (as opposed to being ruled out) suggests her injury might not be severe. This status is based on assessments by doctors and the Fever's training staff, indicating Clark potentially avoided a serious injury during the July 15th game.
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Knicks Want LeBron — But Only on 2 Conditions: Report
The New York Knicks are exploring the possibility of acquiring LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers, but only under two specific conditions. First, James must be bought out by the Lakers before the start of the next NBA season, allowing him to enter the buyout market. Second, the Knicks can only offer him the veteran minimum salary due to their salary cap constraints, as they are currently above the league's apron threshold. Several teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks, are also monitoring James' situation for a potential discount if he becomes available via buyout. The Knicks' interest hinges on this pre-season buyout because their salary cap position prohibits them from signing any buyout market players during the season. This move could position the Knicks as an attractive destination for James to enhance his legacy by ending the franchise's 50-year championship drought. Relationships with Klutch Sports, James' agency led by Rich Paul, have improved recently, facilitating discussions. After resolving past conflicts, Klutch client Jordan Clarkson joined the Knicks, marking the agency's renewed presence in New York. Paul initiated contact with the Knicks, potentially paving the way for James to play at Madison Square Garden. Beyond a buyout, trade scenarios have been proposed by analysts. ESPN's Bobby Marks identified the Knicks as a realistic trade partner, suggesting a direct swap involving Karl-Anthony Towns if James requests a trade. The Ringer's Zach Lowe outlined a more complex deal that could include players like OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, or Mikal Bridges, which would help the Knicks manage future salary cap issues while acquiring James and providing the Lakers with a younger defensive wing. Financial considerations are a key factor, as the Knicks face upcoming contract extensions for Mikal Bridges and a supermax deal for Jalen Brunson in two years. Any trade or acquisition would need to align with their long-term cap strategy, potentially leveraging a short-term deal for James to create flexibility.
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2025 WNBA awards check in: Overseas opportunities benefitted the leading Sixth Player of the Year candidates
Several WNBA bench players are making strong cases for the Sixth Player of the Year award midway through the 2025 season. While no single player is definitively ahead, three standouts deserve recognition for their impactful performances. Jade Melbourne (Washington Mystics) is enjoying her best WNBA season after a stellar WNBL campaign with Canberra, where she averaged 15.7 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. Coming off the bench for Washington, she has started only four games but consistently displays her all-around game in 23 minutes per contest, averaging 6.2 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.2 rebounds while setting the pace for the Mystics' second unit. Naz Hillmon (Atlanta Dream) also benefited from significant WNBL playing time, averaging 19.5 points and 9.9 rebounds for the Southside Flyers. Back with Atlanta, she now plays 20 minutes per game off the bench, averaging 7.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Her improved numbers, despite moving from a starter last season, highlight her valuable contribution to the Dream's second unit. Jessica Shepard (Minnesota Lynx) demonstrated her capability as a focal point during EuroBasket Women, leading the competition in points (22.7) and rebounds (11.3) for Slovenia. Her return to the Lynx after a year away has been impactful; her season averages of 6.7 points and 6.4 rebounds surpass her career numbers. Shepard's strong play off the bench is a significant factor in the Lynx leading the league and being championship favorites.
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Isaiah Hartenstein Jokes About Return to Knicks
Despite Isaiah Hartenstein leaving the New York Knicks for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Knicks fans still show affection for him. Comedian Chris Distefano, filling in on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", expressed regret to Hartenstein that he won his first NBA championship with the Thunder instead of the Knicks. Distefano, a Knicks fan, asked Hartenstein what it would take for him to return to New York. Hartenstein jokingly demanded permanent access to Jimmy Kimmel's sidekick, Guillermo Rodriguez. Hartenstein played for the Knicks for two seasons before joining the Thunder, who offered him a larger contract than the Knicks could match due to financial restrictions in the collective bargaining agreement. He was a key contributor (averaging 11.2 points and 10.7 rebounds) to the Thunder's championship win, their first since moving to Oklahoma City. Although a potential Finals matchup between the Knicks and Thunder/Hartenstein didn't materialize because the Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the semifinals, Distefano claimed he would have struggled to choose sides. Hartenstein immediately playfully called him out on this, laughing and saying Distefano would have cursed at him during the game and urging him to be honest about rooting for the Knicks. The article notes that the Knicks managed Hartenstein's departure well, acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns and later welcoming back Mitchell Robinson. They further strengthened their frontcourt by adding Guerschon Yabusele from the Philadelphia 76ers in 2025.
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Angel Reese Sits Out With Injury, Chicago Sky Get Waxed By Atlanta Dream
Chicago Sky All-Star forward Angel Reese missed Wednesday afternoon's WNBA game against the Atlanta Dream due to a leg injury. In her absence, the Chicago Sky delivered an extremely poor performance, described as pathetic and completely lifeless. The Atlanta Dream dominated the game from start to finish, never trailing, leading by as many as 43 points, and securing an easy 86-49 victory. The Sky struggled offensively, scoring 13 points or fewer in each quarter and shooting only 25% from the field. The team's performance highlighted how much worse they looked without Reese, despite the game's unusual Wednesday afternoon scheduling just days before the All-Star break and the Sky's overall 7-15 record. Although listed with a leg injury, reports indicate Reese is expected to participate in the upcoming WNBA All-Star festivities, suggesting her absence was likely precautionary rest. The article notes Reese is a significant draw for the league. This precautionary approach was contrasted with the situation of Caitlin Clark, the league's biggest draw, who suffered an apparent injury the night before and is now in doubt for the All-Star Game, implying the league might have wanted to avoid a similar situation with Reese. The article questions the league's scheduling of the game and expresses concern that the league relies heavily on stars like Reese to draw audiences for marquee events, viewing this as potentially problematic.
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Questions about Connecticut Sun’s future loom large over sellout at Boston’s TD Garden
Connecticut Sun rookie guard Saniya Rivers expressed enthusiasm for Boston after trying her first lobster roll before the team's game against the Indiana Fever at TD Garden. Rivers, who spent most of her life in North Carolina, called the lobster roll "so fire" and joked she couldn't eat lobster in her home state anymore. Having only visited Massachusetts twice before recently, Rivers stated the city had grown on her quickly. Rivers openly advocated for the Sun franchise to relocate from Connecticut to Boston, stating, "If it was up to me, we’d probably relocate here." She argued that playing in Boston would generate more attention and support for women's basketball, offering better marketing opportunities than Connecticut, though she clarified she still loves Connecticut. Rivers' comments came amidst ongoing questions about the Sun's future. Team president Jennifer Rizzotti confirmed in May that the Mohegan Tribe ownership group is conducting a strategic review of its investment, including exploring a potential sale. The tribe has hired investment bank Allen & Company to facilitate this review. While there has been long-standing speculation about a Boston-based ownership group purchasing and relocating the Sun, recent reports suggest the tribe prefers a buyer who would keep the team in Connecticut. AJ Gerritson, spokesperson for Boston Women’s Basketball Partners, stated his group now intends to pursue bringing a team to Boston via WNBA expansion rather than relocating the Sun. Additionally, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont supports an investor group, reportedly including a former NBA owner, that aims to keep the Sun based in the state and have them play some games at Hartford’s PeoplesBank Arena.
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Connecticut Sun’s next young star may be hiding in plain sight already
The Connecticut Sun are undergoing a full rebuild after losing their entire starting lineup in the offseason, leaving them as the league's worst team with only three wins. Veterans Tina Charles and the injured Marina Mabrey provide experience but insufficient production to make the team competitive. The team's focus is therefore on developing young players for the future. Rookie Leila Lacan is highlighted as a potential future building block, having shown significant potential in her first five games despite needing time to adjust after arriving mid-season from her professional career in France and the French national team (including the 2024 Olympics and EuroBasket). Lacan demonstrated her capabilities in a breakout performance against the Indiana Fever, scoring a team-second-best 19 points on efficient 61.5% shooting, along with one rebound, one assist, and a career-high three steals, despite coming off the bench. This marked a significant improvement over her previous double-figure game (10 points against Seattle). The Sun lost the close game, even though Indiana didn't play its best. The Sun roster features several young players under 25: Lacan, Rayah Marshall, Aneesah Morrow, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Saniya Rivers, and Jacy Sheldon. Nelson-Ododa, Rivers, and Sheldon have been regular starters; Morrow and Lacan play meaningful minutes; Marshall has not been part of the regular rotation. These young players have shown great promise: Nelson-Ododa is having her best WNBA season, Sheldon is a gritty defender, Rivers is a defensive menace, Morrow has recorded two double-doubles, and Lacan arrived ready to make an immediate impact. Their performances help mitigate the loss of Veronica Burton in the expansion draft. Among the rookies, Lacan has looked the most comfortable and ready for a consistent role, earning high praise from veteran Tina Charles, who stated Lacan has a bright WNBA future.
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San Miguel ties it up against TNT in the Philippine Cup finals
The San Miguel Beermen defeated the TNT Tropang 5G 98-92 in Game 2 of the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup finals, leveling the series at 1-1. Building on their Game 1 comeback strategy, San Miguel aggressively attacked the paint through Chris Ross and CJ Perez while establishing twin post threats June Mar Fajardo and Mo Tautuaa. San Miguel initiated Game 2 by feeding Tautuaa in the post, easing defensive pressure on Fajardo and forcing TNT into defensive rotations. This approach generated high-percentage shots, resulting in dominant interior statistics: 64-24 points in the paint advantage and 18-4 edge in second-chance points. Tautuaa and Fajardo combined for 33 points and 13 rebounds on 50% shooting inside the arc. The focus on interior play created opportunities for role players. Jeron Teng scored 10 second-quarter points through effective screening and cutting, while Don Trollano led all scorers with 22 points and six rebounds on 76.2% true shooting. Defensively, San Miguel prioritized protecting Fajardo and Tautuaa in pick-and-roll situations, with Chris Ross anchoring perimeter pressure (7 points, 7 assists, 4 steals). TNT remained competitive despite trailing most of the game, but committed 17 turnovers and shot poorly from deep (29.7%). Calvin Oftana bounced back with 23 points, though RR Pogoy struggled offensively (6 points on 29.1% true shooting). TNT also suffered a significant setback as Poy Erram exited with a severe ankle sprain, compounding concerns about containing San Miguel's interior game despite solid contributions from Kelly Williams (11 points) and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser (10 points).
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Detroit Pistons Summer League star proves he can have even bigger role than $48m signing Duncan Robinson next season
The Detroit Pistons ended their six-year playoff drought, establishing Cade Cunningham as an All-Star leader of an exciting young team. However, the offseason saw them lose guard depth with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schroder departing, and Malik Beasley potentially leaving due to off-court issues. To address this, the Pistons made a significant free-agent move by signing sharpshooter Duncan Robinson to a $48 million contract. Despite the Robinson signing, the Pistons' NBA Summer League team features Ron Holland II, the #5 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who is showing star potential in the exact sharpshooter role. In his first three Summer League games, Holland scored 65 points and demonstrated significant improvement, hitting 7 of 15 three-point attempts while also excelling defensively with an average of 4.0 steals per game. Holland's Summer League performance suggests he could be a strong candidate to start at shooting guard alongside Cunningham. Crucially, unlike Robinson, Holland brings significant defensive strength, potentially forming a formidable defensive backcourt with Cunningham. While Summer League performance isn't a definitive indicator for the regular season, Holland's showing marks a stark improvement over his rookie year, where he shot only 23.8% from three-point range and averaged just over one steal every two games. His current sensational numbers suggest he might be poised for a significant leap forward. If Holland continues this trajectory, he could potentially challenge Robinson for the starting spot. Should Holland earn the starting role, the Pistons would benefit from bringing Robinson off the bench to provide valuable three-point shooting.
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HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 2 – San Miguel vs TNT
During Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, San Miguel player Jericho Cruz accidentally hit TNT's Simon Enciso early in the fourth quarter. The two players shared a sportsmanlike moment afterwards, with Cruz dapping up Enciso. A midweek crowd was present to watch Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. TNT player Poy Erram aggravated an injury to his right leg late in the third quarter. He required assistance and was escorted to the locker room, creating a concerning situation for TNT. At the time of his injury, with 2:45 remaining in the third quarter, TNT was trailing the San Miguel Beermen, 65-69.
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OKC reveals design for its $1 billion new NBA arena: Here's how social media reacted
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and architect David Manica unveiled conceptual images for the city's new $1 billion arena, the future home of the OKC Thunder. The design was revealed by Manica during the sold-out 2025 State of the City address held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center on Wednesday, July 16. The Convention Center location is just two blocks away from the planned arena site. Renderings presented at the event depict the arena's west-facing main entrance, aligned with the Myriad Gardens. The design also incorporates a long-planned "Thunder Alley," a fan activation zone integrated within the arena's footprint.
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Pistons Go All-In on Elite Young Defender With Latest Projected Trade
The Detroit Pistons face a challenging offseason following a gambling investigation involving Malik Beasley, which resulted in the loss of Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schroder. This significantly weakens their backcourt depth and talent compared to the previous season. While the return of Jaden Ivey and additions of Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson offer some backcourt improvement, the Pistons have a major weakness in the frontcourt. They currently lack any power forwards besides Tobias Harris, who is on an expiring contract and recently turned 33, necessitating a long-term solution for the position. One potential solution explored is a trade for Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara. Acquiring Camara, however, would likely be costly, requiring the Pistons to potentially give up two unprotected first-round picks and Marcus Sasser. Camara, entering his third NBA season, is recognized as one of the league's best and most versatile defenders, earning All-Defensive second-team honors last season. At 25 years old, he possesses good size, length, athleticism, and the potential for further development. He also offers significant financial value with two years remaining on his rookie deal, costing less than $5 million combined. This combination of elite defensive skill, potential upside, and cost control justifies the high price of at least two first-round picks. While trading unprotected future firsts is risky for a non-contender like the Pistons, it may be their only viable path to acquiring a starting-caliber, cost-controlled power forward aligned with their team timeline.
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Jalen Williams Posts Meme From 'The Office' After Thunder Agree to $822M in Contracts
Jalen Williams celebrated his new five-year, $287 million maximum contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder by sharing a meme from The Office humorously highlighting his excitement about the lucrative deal. This follows the Thunder's recent signings of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a four-year, $285 million contract and Chet Holmgren to a five-year deal worth up to $250 million, cumulatively valued at $822 million. The substantial financial commitments will impact the Thunder's future salary cap flexibility, with ESPN analyst Bobby Marks predicting the team will exceed the NBA's second luxury tax apron during the 2026-27 season. These contracts aim to retain the core trio that led Oklahoma City to its first NBA championship by defeating the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Finals. During the championship playoff run, Gilgeous-Alexander earned both regular-season and Finals MVP honors while averaging 29.9 points, 6.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Holmgren contributed 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest, while Williams averaged 21.4 points and 4.8 assists despite playing through a wrist injury requiring offseason surgery. Williams is expected to recover in time for the 2025-26 season opener. With Gilgeous-Alexander (26), Williams (24), and Holmgren (23) now secured through their mid-20s, the Thunder anticipate maintaining championship contention for several years by keeping this foundational young core intact.
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Joel Embiid Discusses His NBA Legacy, 'I Care About How I'm Going to be Remembered'
Joel Embiid expressed concern that his NBA legacy might be defined by injuries rather than his on-court performance. Speaking to ESPN, the Philadelphia 76ers star emphasized his desire to be remembered specifically for his basketball career, stating, "I care about how I'm going to be remembered when it comes to basketball, but not as a man." Embiid discussed the mental toll of his physical injuries, revealing he is a people-pleaser motivated by support from family, teammates, and fans. He admitted, "I have a hard time disappointing people... I like to please people." This tendency reportedly contributed to him playing through injury against the Golden State Warriors on January 30, 2024, resulting in a torn meniscus, as team sources felt external pressure influenced his decision. Frustration exists from Embiid himself (over missing prime playing time), the organization, and fans due to his persistent unreliability. His availability is highly uncertain after playing only 58 games combined over the last two seasons due to knee problems. While 76ers officials are reportedly optimistic about Embiid returning for the start of the 2025-26 season, questions remain about his ability to regain his MVP form. His performance last season (23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, career-low 44.4% shooting in 19 games) was below his peak, which saw him average more than one point per minute before the meniscus tear. The article concludes that the 76ers' potential as a top Eastern Conference team next season hinges critically on Embiid's health and his ability to play at least 65 games – a threshold he has only reached twice in the past nine seasons.
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Angel Reese sits out Chicago Sky loss with a leg injury. Will she be able to play in the All-Star Game?
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese sat out Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Dream due to a leg injury, marking her first absence of the season. The Sky lost 86-49 at Wintrust Arena, with Coach Tyler Marsh describing Reese's absence as precautionary but acknowledging uncertainty about her availability for Saturday's WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis. Marsh stated Reese is taking her recovery "day by day" and felt improved on Wednesday. Reese, a consecutive All-Star reserve selection, leads the league with 12.6 rebounds per game while averaging 14 points and playing 31.7 minutes nightly. Her injury adds to a growing list of All-Stars affected midseason: Atlanta's Rhyne Howard (knee) is sidelined through July, while Indiana's Caitlin Clark aggravated a groin injury Tuesday, potentially jeopardizing her participation in both the All-Star Game and 3-point contest. The Sky faced additional roster challenges with guard Ariel Atkins missing Wednesday's game after sustaining a noncontact calf injury during Monday's loss to Minnesota. Marsh confirmed the injury occurred in the first half but couldn't pinpoint the exact moment. After halftime evaluation, Atkins didn't return and remains "day to day," with reassessment planned after the All-Star break.
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Dream 86-49 Sky (Jul 16, 2025) Game Recap
The Atlanta Dream defeated the Chicago Sky 86-49 in a WNBA game on Wednesday. Brittney Griner led the Dream with 15 points, while Brionna Jones and Allisha Gray each contributed 14 points. Atlanta dominated the third quarter, opening with a 14-0 run and finishing the period with a commanding 74-36 lead. The Dream made 13 field goals in the third quarter alone, surpassing the Sky's total of 12 field goals through the first three quarters. The lead ballooned to 62-26 before Chicago managed its second field goal of the second half late in the third. Atlanta's largest lead reached 43 points in the fourth quarter. Both teams were missing key players. Chicago's Angel Reese missed her first game of the season due to a leg injury, and guard Ariel Atkins was out with a calf injury. Atlanta forward Rhyne Howard will be sidelined for the rest of July with a knee injury. For the Dream (13-9), rookie Te-Hina Paopao scored 13 points, Naz Hillmon added 10 points, and Jordin Canada recorded eight assists. Chicago (7-15) was led by Rebecca Allen, who scored all of her team-high nine points (including three 3-pointers) in the third quarter. Kamilla Cardoso contributed eight points and 11 rebounds. Chicago narrowly avoided setting a franchise record for its lowest scoring game when Moriah Jefferson made a jumper with 30.3 seconds remaining.
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Former Kansas Star Joel Embiid Opens up About Time With Jayhawks
Despite his NBA success, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has faced significant hardships since entering the league. An ESPN article detailed his personal journey, including his time at Kansas (KU). Embiid initially planned to redshirt and spend five years at KU but ended up as a one-and-done player. Having started basketball at age 16, Embiid didn't understand scouts' fascination with his physical abilities. He recalled intending to stay in college, feeling undeserving of NBA attention due to his modest 11-point average and limited understanding of the basketball system. Ultimately, he followed advice from his father and former NBA player Luc Mbah a Moute to leave KU early. Though typically quiet, KU coach Bill Self shared an anecdote about freshman Embiid telling students he killed a lion in Cameroon, which some believed. Self noted Embiid rarely expressed true feelings, making it surprising when the player later actively crafted a vibrant social media persona. Self admitted he initially questioned this approach, thinking "Jo, what are you doing? Would you just keep your mouth shut? Stay off social media." The article also highlighted Embiid's ongoing struggles with loneliness and grief, stemming from his injury history and the tragic death of his 13-year-old brother.
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Kevin Durant Responds to Kyrie Irving Saying He'll Address Nets Era on Live Stream
Kyrie Irving has indicated he will discuss his time with the Brooklyn Nets (2019-2023) in an upcoming Twitch stream, specifically addressing why things didn't work out as expected. This follows Kevin Durant's recent comments on a podcast. On the podcast with former Nets coach Steve Nash and LeBron James, Durant stated that the Nets "didn't get the full Steve Nash like I wanted" due to "too many distractions" within the organization that hindered Nash's coaching. Irving's announcement was a direct response to seeing a video of Durant's podcast appearance. Durant and Irving joined the Nets as free agents in summer 2019. Durant missed the entire first season recovering from an Achilles tear. Nash was unexpectedly hired as head coach in September 2020 despite no prior coaching experience. The team acquired James Harden in January 2021, forming a star trio. Initial success saw the Nets earn the No. 2 seed in the East during the 2020-21 season, nearly advancing to the Conference Finals after a close Game 7 loss to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Irving was deemed ineligible for home games at the start of the 2021-22 season due to his COVID-19 vaccine refusal, later returning only for certain road games. Harden grew frustrated and requested a trade, leading to his move to the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2022. After being swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2022 playoffs, further turmoil ensued. Irving faced controversy for posting links to an antisemitic film. Nash and the Nets mutually parted ways after a poor 2-5 start to the 2022-23 season. The Durant-Irving era officially ended in February 2023 when Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks and Durant was sent to the Phoenix Suns just three days later. During their time in Brooklyn, the Nets were swept in the playoffs twice and won only one playoff series, a significantly underwhelming outcome compared to the initial championship expectations surrounding the duo.
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Rockets' Kevin Durant Leads NBA in Jersey Sales
The trade sending Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets is already proving beneficial for the Rockets, even before Durant plays a game for the 2025-26 season, because he has instantly become the NBA's top jersey seller. According to Fanatics, Durant (Houston Rockets) leads the league in jersey sales. The top five sellers are: Durant at number one, followed by Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers). Durant will wear number seven for Houston. This represents a significant jump for Durant, who finished the 2024-25 season ranked 13th in jersey sales. The Rockets themselves had no players in the top 15 last season and finished outside the top 10 in team jersey sales. Durant is also a top shoe seller, with his KD 17 sneakers ranking 8th last season. The last Rockets player to crack the top 15 in jersey sales was Russell Westbrook during the 2019-20 season. Before Westbrook, James Harden was consistently among the league leaders, ranking sixth (2018-19), ninth (2017-18), 10th (2016-17), and 10th (2013-14). Yao Ming was also popular in the 2000s, ranking 17th (2002-03) and 15th (2004-05). Tracy McGrady achieved the highest top-10 finishes among Rockets players since 2000, ranking second (2004-05), seventh (2005-06), 11th (2006-07), and 13th (2007-08).
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Bucks GM Jon Horst Talks Turner, Rivers, Sims, More
The Milwaukee Bucks made two major moves on July 1st: agreeing to a four-year deal with free agent center Myles Turner and using the waive-and-stretch provision on Damian Lillard to create the necessary salary cap space for Turner's signing. Bucks General Manager Jon Horst explained that the front office viewed these moves as the best way to maximize the team's championship window around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Horst acknowledged the inherent risk and reward, emphasizing the opportunity to acquire Turner, an elite free agent in his prime who fits exceptionally well alongside Giannis, particularly for the next two seasons. He contrasted this with the alternative of having Lillard's full salary on the books. While the Bucks will carry approximately $22.5 million in annual "dead money" from Lillard's contract through 2029/30, Horst believes the short-term and long-term gains outweigh the compromised cap flexibility. He framed it as prioritizing the "now" – maximizing Giannis's prime and current championship opportunities – over future flexibility. Horst further justified the long-term cap hit by noting that Turner, signed for four years, will provide elite production for most of that period. He also suggested the move enabled other roster improvements that will offset the financial burden. Horst also expressed strong belief in head coach Doc Rivers, calling him a "championship-level coach" and the right person for the job despite two seasons filled with adversity. He pointed to the team's regular-season success (fifth and third seeds, near 50 wins) and the quality of opponents they lost to in the playoffs as context. Regarding the re-signing of Jericho Sims, Horst highlighted Sims' performance as one of the best switch defenders in the playoffs (albeit in a limited sample) and his elite rim protection, physicality, and athleticism. Horst believes Sims strengthens the Bucks' frontcourt core. Finally, Horst discussed the plan to utilize Giannis Antetokounmpo more extensively as a point forward. He explained the Bucks have historically sought guards who can both catch-and-shoot and initiate offense when needed, playing off Giannis. Horst stated the team doubled down on this approach in the offseason, aiming to build a roster that allows Giannis to further develop in that playmaking role.
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Knicks Reportedly Monitoring Giannis Trade Rumors, Delaying Bridges Contract Extension
Mikal Bridges is seeking a contract extension from the New York Knicks this offseason but faces potential delays. The Knicks are monitoring Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade situation with the Milwaukee Bucks, as extending Bridges would prevent them from trading him for six months. According to SNY's Ian Begley, the team may postpone Bridges' extension until Antetokounmpo's status is resolved, noting that all NBA teams are closely watching Milwaukee's developments. Antetokounmpo's future had been a major offseason uncertainty, with ESPN's Shams Charania reporting in May that he remained undecided about staying in Milwaukee. However, recent indicators suggest he will likely remain with the Bucks. ESPN's Brian Windhorst stated teams now believe Antetokounmpo doesn't want a trade, while the player himself publicly expressed love for Milwaukee and a probable continuation with the team. Bucks president Peter Feigin reinforced this stability, describing their relationship as positive and "business as usual." The Knicks' cautious approach stems from Antetokounmpo's potential availability, as acquiring him would instantly elevate New York to championship favorite status. Even if the move doesn't materialize, the Knicks remain well-positioned for contention. Bridges, who averaged 17.6 points as a key contributor alongside Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns last season, is entering the final year of his four-year, $90.9 million contract and is considered deserving of an extension despite the current holdup.
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How to Watch Indiana Fever vs New York Liberty: Live Stream WNBA, TV Channel
The Indiana Fever, led by Caitlin Clark, face the New York Liberty, led by Breanna Stewart, in a WNBA game on Wednesday night. The Fever have won three consecutive games since Clark returned to the lineup, improving their record to 12-10. This winning streak has moved them within three games of the first-place Liberty in the Eastern Conference standings. A victory tonight would narrow that gap to just two games. The Liberty started the season with nine straight wins before the Fever defeated them in June. Since that perfect start, New York has gone 5-6 and aims to regain their dominant form. Liberty player Sabrina Ionescu seeks to recover from a poor shooting performance where she made only 3 of 20 field goal attempts and missed all 7 three-point shots. This was unusual for the elite shooter, and she is expected to be ready for this matchup. The game is highlighted as a great WNBA matchup not to be missed.
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ASX 200 LIVE: ASX rallies to record high as CBA, banks pace gains
The Australian sharemarket reached a record closing high for the second time this week. This rise was driven by gains in bank stocks and rate-sensitive sectors. The increase followed an unexpected rise in the unemployment rate to 4.3%, which strengthened market expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will cut interest rates next month. Meanwhile, Car Group shares neared a one-month low following the announcement of its CEO's departure. Additionally, UBS has forecasted that the RBA will implement interest rate cuts in both August and November. In other market developments, S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed Meridian Energy's credit rating. ANZ Banking Group observed a softening in the labour market but noted no major alarm bells. However, Schroders cautioned that Australia's positive short-term economic performance masks underlying long-term risks.
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Clark out vs. Liberty; All-Star status uncertain
Caitlin Clark suffered a right groin injury during the final minute of Tuesday's victory over the Connecticut Sun, ruling her out of Wednesday's game against the New York Liberty. Her status for this weekend's All-Star festivities in Indianapolis—where she's slated for Friday's 3-point contest and as a captain in Saturday's All-Star Game—remains uncertain. Clark experienced the injury while making a bounce pass with 40 seconds left in Tuesday's game, immediately clutching her right thigh. She displayed visible frustration, banging her head against a stanchion and covering her head with a towel on the bench. Fever coach Stephanie White described Clark's emotional reaction as understandable given the recurring setbacks. Clark underwent imaging on Wednesday, with White characterizing the day-to-day diagnosis as "good news" from a layman's perspective. White emphasized she isn't involved in decisions about Clark's All-Star participation, stating those conversations will be between Clark and her personal team, though the organization will support any outcome. This marks Clark's 10th missed regular-season game this summer due to injuries, including prior issues with her left quad and groin. She hasn't played more than five consecutive games this season, with two separate two-week absences. White cited the physical toll of Clark's playstyle—frequent explosive movements under defensive pressure—as contributing factors to the injuries. White reiterated prioritizing Clark's long-term health over immediate returns, noting Indiana's 8-5 record with Clark versus 4-5 without her. The 2024 first-team all-WNBA selection averages 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds. The coach emphasized maintaining Clark's morale through these setbacks while focusing on gradual recovery.
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Bank executive charged with procuring under-age girls for sex found dead
Christopher James McCann, a Commonwealth Bank executive charged with procuring under-age girls for sex, has been found dead in the Gold Coast hinterland, as confirmed by police. His body was discovered in Springbrook National Park on Wednesday. McCann had recently been extradited from Sydney to face court in Queensland. He appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday regarding the charges against him. His arrest occurred last week in Sydney, where he appeared at Central Local Court. Detectives from Brisbane subsequently applied for and secured his extradition to Queensland. McCann faced a single charge: using the internet to procure a child under the age of 16 for sex. He was 50 years old at the time of his death.
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