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TOPJonquel Jones is on the cusp of her long-awaited Liberty return
Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello expressed satisfaction after hearing star center Jonquel Jones declare herself feeling "99.9999999999999999 percent" back to full health following a team practice at Barclays Center. Jones made this statement, humorously specifying 16 decimal places, ahead of her confirmed return for the Liberty's first game after the All-Star break on July 22nd against the Indiana Fever. Jones, the 2024 Finals MVP, participated in full five-on-five work for the first time on Saturday. She had been sidelined for eight games due to an aggravated right ankle injury suffered on June 19th against the Mercury. This was a recurrence of an initial ankle injury sustained on June 5th that caused her to miss two games. Doctors had given her a recovery timeline of four to six weeks. Her absence significantly impacted the Liberty, causing their defense to falter without her presence in the paint and depriving the team of an important offensive piece both inside and from three-point range. During the stretch without Jones, the Liberty went 4-4. Five of those games were also without starter Leonie Fiebich, who was competing in Eurobasket for Germany. Jones has only played in nine games this season, averaging 12.1 points and 9.6 rebounds. Despite the lengthy absence, Jones now reports feeling "great" and stated she doesn't feel her ankle during play. However, she noted that warming up remains "the hardest part" of her current routine.
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TOPNew York Liberty star Natasha Cloud handed fine warning by WNBA over her outfit - 'I don't understand why'
New York Liberty player Natasha Cloud received a WNBA fine warning concerning her outfit choice while sitting on the bench during a game against the Las Vegas Aces last Wednesday. She was ruled out due to injury but attended the game wearing a sweater vest, cargo pants, a black baseball cap, and Doc Martins. The specific issue was her cap, which surprised Cloud as the WNBA reportedly lacks a rule banning caps, though the NBA (the WNBA's owner) does have such a rule. Cloud expressed confusion and frustration about receiving the warning for wearing a hat while unable to play, stating, "I don't understand why I receive a fine warning for wearing a hat on the bench for a game I was unable to play in?" and adding, "I just feel like I wanna be left alone lolllzzz." Cloud also recently drew attention for supporting New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. When asked about Mamdani's win in the Democratic primary last month, Cloud used the opportunity to strongly criticize former President Donald Trump. She referred to Mamdani as "my boy!" and then addressed Trump, saying, "If Donny wants to come down here, if ICE wants to try and come down here, that's fine. But [they're] going to learn the hard way… New Yorkers really don't f*** around. They don't play about one another. They don't play about this city." She characterized Trump and his administration's actions as "reckless," but also saw it as "exciting" because it signaled that "we're getting to them," "creating change that they don't want," and "dismantling a system." Cloud urged New Yorkers to "continue to be on the right path to history," protect each other, and protect Mamdani and his goals.
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Isaiah Thomas gets 53 points for the Boston Celtics in an all-time performance
Boston Celtics fans hold Isaiah Thomas, nicknamed "The King in the Fourth," in exceptionally high regard due to his tremendous heart despite being an undersized guard. A defining moment occurred during the 2017 NBA Playoffs when Thomas scored 53 points against the Washington Wizards. This extraordinary performance came immediately after he underwent extensive dental work to repair teeth broken in Game 1 of the series and followed closely the tragic death of his sister, Chyna, in a car accident. The "NBC Sports Boston" YouTube channel compiled a clip of this historic Celtics moment. The article encourages viewers to watch it for nostalgia or first-time viewing, promising it will be particularly worthwhile. This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire.
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Celtics' Jayson Tatum Recruiting All-Star Free Agent Guard to Boston: Report
Jayson Tatum is actively recruiting free agent guard Damian Lillard to join the Boston Celtics, reigniting efforts he previously made during Lillard's 2023 trade request from Portland. Both players, currently sidelined for the upcoming season, share an established connection from teaming up at the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. Lillard's availability comes after being waived by Milwaukee, though signing him carries significant injury risks. He's recovering from an Achilles injury that could reduce his athleticism by 5-10%, particularly impacting his burst as a smaller, older guard reliant on explosiveness for separation. Any potential deal would require a minimum contract for the upcoming season, with long-term negotiations deferred until next offseason when Lillard heals. The Celtics must first shed additional salary to avoid the second apron luxury tax threshold before offering a substantial contract. While Boston doesn't have an immediate roster need for Lillard, the franchise may proceed with the signing regardless to maintain All-Star Jayson Tatum's satisfaction, treating it as a goodwill gesture toward their cornerstone player.
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Caitlin Clark Reveals Motivation Behind Joining WNBA CBA Meetings
The ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations between the WNBA and its players association are described as a pivotal development with significant implications for the league and women's sports broadly. The most urgent issue being addressed is player salaries, particularly as the current CBA expires after this season. WNBA players argue they deserve increased compensation because the league's overall revenue has substantially grown in recent years, warranting a larger share for athletes. Much of this revenue surge is attributed to the impact of generational superstar Caitlin Clark, making her participation in the negotiations particularly relevant. Clark confirmed she will attend the next round of CBA meetings in Indianapolis despite not being an official team representative or committee member. Speaking before the Indiana Fever's July 15 game, she emphasized the meetings' importance for the league's future growth, stating: "This is a very important time for our league... I'm certainly looking forward to those meetings and being in them." Clark added that all players are invested in advancing the talks, specifically noting the significance of the upcoming Thursday session.
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Warriors center Quinten Post details journey to becoming NBA chess champion
Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post, a 2023 second-round draft pick, transitioned from dominating the G League to making an immediate NBA impact late in his rookie season. After averaging 10.4 points on 39.3% three-point shooting in his first five meaningful games, he earned a starting role—including 14 regular-season starts and two playoff appearances—while matching up against stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Post recently shifted focus to chess at Las Vegas' Chesstival, a pro-am event co-hosted by Magnus Carlsen and Derrick Rose. Initially scheduled for NBA Summer League, he instead competed in the tournament's "head and hand" team format, partnering with Indian grandmaster Tania Sachdev. They reached the semifinals before losing to the duo of Tony Snell and Fabiano Caruana. In the subsequent singles blitz tournament for NBA players, Post exacted revenge by defeating Snell in the third round. He then clinched the championship by checkmating Harrison Ingram in the finals, securing the title of Chesstival's inaugural blitz tournament champion—a stark contrast to his high-pressure NBA experiences.
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Ranking men’s college basketball’s top 25 coaches of the 2000s: Bill Self, Roy Williams top list - The Athletic
The article presents a selection of the top men's college basketball coaches of the last 25 years, explaining that the evaluation criteria extend beyond just NCAA Tournament success. The author considered national titles, Final Fours, conference regular-season championships, conference tournament championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, total wins, longevity, and a degree of subjectivity. Bob Huggins (Cincinnati, Kansas State, West Virginia) is highlighted with 466 wins (20.9 per season), 1 Final Four, 3 conference regular-season titles, 3 conference tournament titles, and 16 NCAA Tournament appearances. Known for teams playing with max effort and player adoration, his prime was at Cincinnati. After a forced resignation there, he revived Kansas State and then spent 16 years at West Virginia, reaching another Final Four in 2011 and implementing the "Press Virginia" style. His career ended with another forced resignation in 2023 after a DUI. Sean Miller (Xavier, Arizona, Xavier, Texas) is noted as arguably the best coach without a Final Four appearance. He has 487 wins (24.4 per season), 8 conference regular-season titles, 4 conference tournament titles, and 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. He reached four Elite Eights and had a dominant stretch at Arizona, winning 30+ games four times in seven years. His Arizona tenure ended due to involvement in a federal corruption investigation. He rehabilitated his career back at Xavier and is now headed to Texas. Gary Williams (Maryland) is included with 244 wins (22.2 per season), 1 National Title (2002), 2 Final Fours, 2 conference regular-season titles, 1 conference tournament title, and 7 NCAA Tournament appearances. His prime extended into the early 2000s with back-to-back Final Fours and the 2002 championship. The 2002 team, featuring stars like Juan Dixon, is noted for beating a strong Duke team for the ACC title and a historically great Kansas team in the Final Four. Rick Barnes (Texas, Tennessee) is recognized with 591 wins (23.6 per season), 1 Final Four, 4 conference regular-season titles, 1 conference tournament title, and 21 NCAA Tournament appearances (trailing only Self, Few, and Izzo in the 2000s). He consistently fields comfortably seeded teams (12 top-four seeds). At Texas, his teams were offensively focused around stars like T.J. Ford and Kevin Durant. At Tennessee, he has built a top-five defense in each of the last five seasons.
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Real Madrid makes strong push for Vasilije Micic
Real Madrid has presented a lucrative two-year contract offer to former EuroLeague MVP Vasilije Micić, who is seriously considering signing with the Spanish club and returning to Europe, according to sources. Micić recently agreed to a buyout with the Milwaukee Bucks, returning $6.1 million of his $8.1 million contract for the 2025-26 season. The Bucks acquired him in the large seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston. With his NBA career nearing its end, Micić is focused on a European return. Fenerbahce, previously seen as a top contender to sign him, has reportedly withdrawn its offer. This leaves Real Madrid as the strong frontrunner to secure the two-time EuroLeague champion. However, one potential obstacle remains: Spain's complex taxation system, which could influence Micić's final decision.
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Lakers Trading LeBron James Now Probable, Says Insider
Bleacher Report NBA writer Greg Swartz believes a trade involving Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is not just possible but probable during the offseason. Swartz argues that while moving James's $52.6 million salary while keeping a championship-contending roster would be difficult for the Lakers, possibilities exist. He notes that any potential trade requires cooperation between James and the Lakers due to James's no-trade clause, and while a buyout would be ideal for James, it wouldn't make sense for the Lakers. Trade speculation intensified after James's agent, Rich Paul, released a statement to ESPN regarding James exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Paul stated that James wants to compete for a championship and values a realistic chance to win, acknowledging the Lakers are building for the future. Paul expressed appreciation for the partnership with the Lakers' ownership (Jeanie Buss) and management (Rob Pelinka), calling the team a critical part of James's career. He emphasized the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future and stated the need to evaluate what's best for James at this stage, wanting every remaining season to count, adding that the Lakers are supportive of this goal. However, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported conflicting information, stating that neither Paul nor James are actively seeking a trade from the Lakers. McMenamin clarified that Paul told him they never asked the Lakers for a contract extension beyond next season, countering speculation that this was the cause of the situation. Paul also explicitly told McMenamin that James has not requested a trade and that Paul hasn't even discussed the possibility of a future trade request with the Lakers. Due to these conflicting reports, James's future with the Lakers has become a major source of uncertainty and questions around the league, ensuring it will be one of the most prominent storylines for the remainder of the NBA offseason.
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Kelsey Plum took a risk — is it paying off?
Kelsey Plum made a significant decision to leave the Las Vegas Aces, where she had achieved considerable success including two WNBA championships, three All-Star selections, and a Sixth Player of the Year award, to join the Los Angeles Sparks via a three-team trade in the offseason. The Sparks, coming off a league-worst 8-12 season and missing out on the top draft pick, traded the No. 2 pick (which became Dominique Malonga) to acquire Plum, signaling a shift away from rebuilding. Plum's time with the Sparks has been a mix of highs and lows. While she is averaging a career-high 20.1 points per game, her shooting efficiency has declined significantly compared to her 2023 championship season with the Aces (down from 47.5% FG and 38.9% 3PT to 39.1% FG and 35% 3PT). She is also attempting more shots (15.1 FGA per game) and committing more turnovers (3.3 per game), reflecting her new role as the primary offensive focus instead of playing alongside stars like A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray. Despite the challenges, the Sparks have shown improvement (7-14 record so far) compared to last year's 8 wins, even with significant injuries like Cameron Brink (ACL, yet to debut) and Rae Burrell missing most of the season. Plum has delivered key performances in their wins, including a 37-point opening game and a recent 23-point game in a victory over the Connecticut Sun. Meanwhile, the Aces, whom Plum left, have struggled, holding a 10-11 record. Her replacement, Jewell Loyd (acquired in the same trade), has not matched Plum's previous production, averaging 10.1 points on 37.9% shooting. The article concludes that while the ultimate success of Plum's move is still uncertain, she is now the undisputed leader ("head of the snake") of the Sparks for the first time in her career. The Sparks show potential for improvement with Brink's impending return and players like Azurá Stevens and Rickea Jackson finding their rhythm, but their success hinges significantly on Plum's performance.
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Gary Washburn on Jayson Tatum recruiting Damian Lillard: They’re communicating
Kevon Looney expressed disappointment and questioned the Golden State Warriors' trust after being benched during the playoffs, stating "Y'all don't trust me? I thought y'all trusted me". Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier remains under federal investigation as part of an ongoing gambling probe. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James commented on the hypothetical pairing with Michael Jordan, suggesting their playing styles would have complemented each other effectively: "Our games would have complemented each other well".
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NBL Uganda, Next Media Reaffirm Purpose-Driven Partnership
Nile Breweries Limited (NBL Uganda) and Next Media reaffirmed their strategic partnership during a meeting at Next Media Park, aiming to collaboratively produce impactful stories that inspire Uganda’s national development and transformation. The session involved leadership from both organizations reviewing recent joint successes, including the State of Ugandan Sport Symposium, NBS Economic Forum, and extensive coverage of local rugby events. These initiatives were credited with elevating public discourse and enhancing community engagement on key national issues. Representatives from both entities emphasized the critical role of purpose-driven partnerships in shaping national conversations and creating shared value. They highlighted mutual goals centered on uplifting communities, celebrating Ugandan excellence, and amplifying local voices. Next Media’s platforms—including NBS TV, NBS Sport, and AfroMobile—were recognized for effectively amplifying NBL Uganda’s initiatives across traditional and digital media channels, ensuring wide visibility and audience reach. Both organizations expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations to further advance Uganda’s social, economic, and cultural landscape, underscoring a shared commitment to ongoing partnership-driven progress. The meeting concluded with a unified message: purposeful collaboration between media and industry catalyzes tangible national transformation.
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Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving reveals he almost punched Celtics star in 2024 Finals
Despite their promising run to the 2024 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks' future championship aspirations took an unexpected turn. Impatient with Luka Doncic's lingering calf injury, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison traded the five-time All-NBA First Teamer to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, Dallas acquired Anthony Davis, a 10-time All-Star but an older player considered an injury risk. Similarly, the Boston Celtics, who defeated Dallas in the 2024 Finals, faced significant challenges just two years later. With star Jayson Tatum potentially missing the entire 2025-26 season due to an Achilles tear, Celtics president Brad Stevens traded starters Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday primarily to reduce the team's luxury tax burden. New details have also emerged about the high tensions during the 2024 Finals series itself. Kyrie Irving admitted during a live stream with former teammate and Finals rival Jaylen Brown that he nearly fought Celtics reserve guard Payton Pritchard. Irving specifically recalled an incident at halftime where he "thought about swinging" at Pritchard, stating "He would not touch" and referencing an incident related to a half-court shot attempt.
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Watch: NBA champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander begins 2025 offseason workouts
Less than a month after winning the NBA championship and earning both the regular-season MVP and Finals MVP awards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has resumed offseason workouts. As the cornerstone of the Oklahoma City Thunder, his performance is critical to the team's pursuit of a rare repeat title. Over the past four years, Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified his status among the NBA's elite, achieving four consecutive 30-point seasons, three All-NBA selections, and MVP honors by age 27. Despite the Thunder's shortened offseason following their late-June championship victory, he has already transitioned into training mode for the 2025-26 season, acknowledging the heightened target on the defending champions. July has been particularly eventful: Gilgeous-Alexander signed a supermax contract extension securing his tenure with Oklahoma City through 2031, and promptly returned to training. He is working with longtime private trainer Nem Ilic, focusing heavily on lower-body exercises. Social media glimpses of these sessions underscore his legendary work ethic. His unconventional journey—from lottery pick to MVP—has been fueled by relentless offseason dedication. As the article notes, his commitment during the NBA's summer break has been instrumental in forging his path to superstardom and sustaining championship-level performance.
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Zach Lowe Reports Details on Chet Holmgren's Max Contract Extension
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured max contract extensions for their core trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren during the summer, aiming to build a championship dynasty. NBA Insider Zach Lowe reported on his podcast that Chet Holmgren's extension is a straightforward five-year deal taking up 25% of the salary cap, without any performance-based escalators. This contrasts with initial reports suggesting it could reach $250 million and means Jalen Williams' contract likely includes such escalators. Lowe cited sources who had seen Holmgren's contract directly. Lowe emphasized Holmgren's significant offensive potential, stating he is "just scratching the surface." He also highlighted the Thunder's exceptional positioning to manage the NBA's strict salary cap rules, specifically the second apron and repeater tax, calling them "the bar" for navigating these financial constraints. Because Holmgren's contract lacks escalators, its total value will be lower than the initially reported $250 million figure, saving the Thunder approximately $10.1 million.
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Warriors' Stephen Curry Drops Update About His NBA Future
Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors superstar point guard, remains a dominant face of the NBA, known for revolutionizing the game through his elite three-point shooting which significantly influenced the league and lower levels of basketball. Even at 37 years old, he continues to perform at a high level. Last season, Curry led the Warriors to the playoffs, orchestrating a first-round upset victory over the No. 2-seeded Houston Rockets. However, his postseason run was cut short when he suffered a hamstring injury during Game 1 of the second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Without Curry, the Warriors were quickly eliminated by the Timberwolves. Throughout the regular season, Curry appeared in 70 games, averaging 24.5 points, 6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. He shot 44.8% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range, demonstrating his continued status as one of the league's elite superstars. Regarding his NBA future, Curry recently addressed his career timeline, stating he doesn't know exactly how much longer he will play. He revealed he is approaching his career's end by focusing on his current contract, taking it "two years at a time." This suggests he intends to play for at least the next two seasons before reevaluating his options once his contract expires.
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Sixers soundbites: Tyrese Maxey on VJ Edgecombe, playing with childhood friend Trendon Watford and more
Tyrese Maxey and Trendon Watford, childhood friends now teammates on the Philadelphia 76ers, were observed watching the Summer Sixers play the Charlotte Hornets alongside head coach Nick Nurse. Both expressed excitement about finally playing together instead of against each other. A point of friendly disagreement persists between them regarding their first meeting at a youth basketball camp as teenagers. Maxey claims Watford and his friends didn't want to talk to him because he wasn't highly ranked at the time, a claim Watford repeatedly disputes. Maxey insists the media should trust his history of telling the truth over the past five years on this matter. During halftime, Maxey and Watford spoke to media about their enthusiasm for being teammates. Maxey also shared his early impressions of the Sixers' No. 3 overall draft pick, VJ Edgecombe, and discussed his plans for leading the team's young backcourt. The report includes specific soundbites from Maxey in Las Vegas covering: how he discovered Watford was joining the Sixers; what on-court contributions Watford can bring; and his initial thoughts on Edgecombe.
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Sixers’ Joel Embiid Makes Supportive Insta Post
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has significantly reduced his social media trolling, instead using his platform to support community causes. He recently attended an event organized by the NOMO Foundation (New Options, More Opportunities) in partnership with Rhymes with Reason and the Philly Goat Project. Embiid surprised attendees at a BBQ, expressing pride in the foundation's youth initiatives and emphasizing his commitment to giving back to the community. This appearance marked one of Embiid's rare offseason public engagements. Last year, he was preparing for the Paris Olympics with Team USA, where he won a gold medal. Currently, he is recovering from his second consecutive knee surgery after playing only 19 games during the 2023-2024 season. This followed a previous season where he managed just 39 games due to health issues. The 76ers hope Embiid will return by training camp. For now, he is prioritizing rest and recovery during his time off before gradually ramping up his training to return to playing shape.
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A’ja Wilson Sends 4-Word Message After Historic Game Against Valkyries
A'ja Wilson made a triumphant return from a wrist injury in the Las Vegas Aces' victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday. Wilson led the game in scoring and rebounds, but her efficiency was most notable. She became the first player in WNBA history to record 34 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks in a single game while shooting 70% from the field. This wrist injury wasn't her first setback this season, as she was also in concussion protocol in June. Despite these injuries, Wilson is thriving, currently ranking second in the league for points and rebounds per game, and leading the WNBA in blocks per game (2.4). Wilson appeared unbothered by her injury troubles. Following her return game, she posted the message "New Wrist, Who Dis?" on Instagram. The post included a pregame outfit inspired by former WNBA player Cynthia Cooper, along with several pictures documenting her wrist recovery process, including warm-ups and shooting sessions while wearing a brace. Wilson is described as the heart and soul of the Aces. While the typically dominant team has struggled somewhat in 2025 (currently 10-11 and third in the Western Conference), her historic return is expected to provide a significant boost.
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Lynx vs. Sky Prediction, Odds, Best WNBA Prop Bets for Monday, July 14
The Chicago Sky defeated the Minnesota Lynx by six points at home on Saturday, setting up a quick rematch on Monday. Key performances came from Angel Reese (19 points, 11 rebounds), Ariel Atkins (27 points), and Kamilla Cardoso (17 points, 15 rebounds) to overcome Napheesa Collier and the Lynx. This marked only Minnesota's fourth loss of the season. Despite a slow start and ranking 12th out of 13 teams in net rating, the Sky have improved slightly, moving to a 7-13 overall record. Minnesota remains the top team in the standings but has suffered recent losses, including the Commissioner’s Cup Final against Indiana and Saturday's game. Oddsmakers favor the Lynx by 10.5 points for Monday's game as they seek revenge. Betting odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook) including spread, moneyline, and total are provided for the rematch. Napheesa Collier, the MVP favorite averaging 23.6 points per game on 52.0% shooting, has scored 21 and 26 points in two meetings against Chicago this season. The analyst favors Collier for another big game, citing Chicago's weak defense (11th in defensive rating, allowing the third-most points per game at 86.1). Although the Lynx outperform the Sky in most key metrics, Chicago has competed well against them this season. They lost the first meeting by only five points in Minnesota before winning on Saturday. Chicago also holds a strong 12-8 record against the spread, demonstrating an ability to cover large point spreads as underdogs.
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Ja Morant's Blunt Message After Season-Ending Injury
The Memphis Grizzlies, who entered the All-Star break as the second seed in the Western Conference, experienced a significant drop in the standings. This decline led to the surprising firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins. Despite winning the final Play-In Tournament game to secure the eighth seed, the Grizzlies were swept in four games by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. During the playoff series against the Thunder, star player Ja Morant suffered a hip contusion. This injury severely limited his participation, restricting him to only 15 minutes in Game 3 and forcing him to miss Game 4 entirely. However, Morant recently stated at Summer League that he feels "good ready to go" and is "Already in the lab," indicating he is fully recovered. He also declared his intention to return to being the "Ja of old" next season. Morant averaged 23.2 points per game in the past season, though his scoring saw a major jump specifically *after* the All-Star break. Despite this, the article notes that his ranking among players has slipped, partly due to the success of rising stars like Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Haliburton. With the departure of Desmond Bane via trade, the offensive responsibility on Morant is expected to increase significantly for the upcoming season. While players such as Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson are anticipated to make offensive strides, the Grizzlies' success will largely depend on how far Morant can carry the team.
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Golden State Warriors handed tough group in 2025-26 NBA Cup
The Golden State Warriors have been placed in West Group C of the 2025-26 NBA Emirates Cup alongside the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and San Antonio Spurs. The NBA officially announced these groupings on July 9th. As part of the group stage schedule, the Warriors will host the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Conversely, they will travel to play road games against the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs. While the Warriors' ultimate goal is winning the NBA championship, the NBA Cup games (excluding the final) contribute to the regular-season standings. Consequently, strong performances are expected from Golden State despite the challenging group. The Warriors are considered to have a legitimate chance to advance deep into the tournament, provided the coaching staff prioritizes progress in the event. The Los Angeles Lakers won the inaugural cup in the 2023-24 season, followed by the Milwaukee Bucks in the most recent season. Matchups between the Warriors and fellow championship contenders like the Rockets and Nuggets are anticipated to be particularly exciting and competitive. These games will serve as an early test of how the Warriors handle pressure, offering insight into their potential performance later in the season.
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Former president of Denver Nuggets Timothy Leiweke indicted, accused of bid rigging by federal grand jury
Former Denver Nuggets president Timothy Leiweke has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bid rigging. The indictment accuses Leiweke, currently the CEO of Oak View Group (OVG), of orchestrating a conspiracy to rig the bidding process for a multi-purpose arena project on the campus of a public university in Austin, Texas. The Justice Department alleges that between approximately February 2018 and June 2024, Leiweke conspired with the CEO of a competitor. The scheme began when Leiweke learned a competitor was bidding against OVG for the project in September 2017. He expressed a desire to "get them some of the business" to make them "back down," explicitly stating he had "no interest in working with them if they intend on putting in a bid." In February 2018, Leiweke reached an agreement with the competitor's CEO: the competitor agreed not to submit a bid in exchange for receiving subcontracts on the Arena Project. As a result, OVG became the sole qualified bidder, won the contract, and the arena opened in April 2022, generating significant ongoing revenue for OVG. Justice Department officials condemned the alleged actions. Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater stated Leiweke "rigged a bidding process to benefit his own company and deprived a public university and taxpayers of the benefits of competitive bidding." FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia emphasized that public contracts require "an open and competitive bid process" and stated the FBI is determined to prevent benefits from rigged processes targeting public institutions. In connection with the conduct alleged in Leiweke's indictment, OVG and Legends Hospitality have agreed to pay penalties of $15 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Leiweke himself is charged with violating Section 1 of the Sherman Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine for individuals.
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Lakers expected to lose top free agent target to bitter rival
The Los Angeles Lakers have benefited from favorable free agency outcomes, including acquiring DeAndre Ayton at an advantageous price, and are now aiming to build a championship roster around LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Ricky O'Donnell of SBNation has published his predictions for the 2025 NBA free agency market, forecasting that the Lakers will lose out on a major target, Bradley Beal. O'Donnell specifically predicts that Bradley Beal will sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $6 million contract, driven by the Clippers' backcourt needs following a trade involving Norman Powell, Beal's anticipated buyout from the Phoenix Suns, and the appeal of playing alongside James Harden in a strong defensive system for career revival. This outcome would represent a setback for the Lakers, as landing Beal would have solidified their offseason success; although his loss might not derail their plans, being outbid by the crosstown rival Clippers adds an extra sting to the disappointment.
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Lakers Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends LeBron and Bronny James to West Rival
Trade rumors surrounding LeBron James have intensified following a statement released by his agent, Rich Paul, which hinted at James' dissatisfaction with the Lakers. James, openly pursuing a fifth championship to narrow the gap with Michael Jordan, possesses a no-trade clause, meaning the Lakers would only consider moving him if he requested a trade. A specific trade proposal from Bleacher Report suggests a potential deal where the Denver Nuggets would acquire LeBron James and his son Bronny James. In return, the Los Angeles Lakers would receive DaRon Holmes II, Jamal Murray, Peyton Watson, and a 2028 first-round pick swap. Jamal Murray is highlighted as the key asset for the Lakers, being the Nuggets' second-best player. However, the trade faces significant fit issues for the Lakers, as both Murray and existing Laker Luka Doncic are ball-dominant point guards who operate poorly off the ball. Acquiring Murray would create redundancy on the roster. For Denver, adding LeBron would pair him with Nikola Jokic, creating a superstar duo for a title run, making the trade highly appealing to the Nuggets if available. James would reportedly only approve a move to Denver if Jokic remains, explaining Murray's inclusion in the proposal since Jokic is considered untouchable. Conversely, the Lakers have little incentive to accept this deal, as better trade options likely exist that wouldn't duplicate existing skillsets. Ultimately, the Lakers are viewed as highly unlikely to trade James this season. His agent's statement is interpreted as leverage to pressure the Lakers into making offseason roster improvements. There is minimal indication James genuinely wants to leave Los Angeles, with expectations he will play a few more seasons before retiring as a Laker.
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Kiefer Ravena helps guide Rhenz Abando’s next chapter
San Miguel Beer defeated Barangay Ginebra in a thrilling Game 7 to win the PBA Finals. Star player June Mar Fajardo experienced hamstring tightness during the game but downplayed concerns. Chris Ross played a pivotal role in the victory, responding strongly after being challenged by LA Tenorio's performance in Game 6, effectively shutting down Ginebra's title hopes. Jericho Cruz, previously troubled by Tenorio's Game 6 showing, expressed relief after the win. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, part of the San Miguel championship team, is seeking his first PBA ring, aiming to join his siblings as a champion. In the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, De La Salle University (La Salle) remained unbeaten, securing the top seed after defeating University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Far Eastern University (FEU). La Salle also advanced to the quarterfinals and maintained their undefeated status heading into the semifinals. National University (NU) secured the final Filoil semifinals spot. NU also competed in the BLIA Cup, where Tin Cayabyab scored 31 points to lead them to the final. NU ultimately finished as runners-up in the tournament. University of the Philippines (UP) gained momentum heading into the Filoil quarterfinals. The NCAA is introducing significant format changes for Season 101, including group stages, play-in games, and an expanded playoff system. San Beda University won both General Championships as Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) concluded its hosting duties, passing the responsibility to Mapua University. An incident involving Mapua and a visiting Chinese university team resulted in a bench-clearing brawl.
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Tuesday night Aces-Liberty WNBA matchup ESPN's 'most-watched non-Indiana game' in 26 years
ESPN's broadcast of Tuesday night's WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty drew a significant audience, with the Liberty's win averaging 701,000 viewers and peaking at 813,000 viewers. According to reporter Madeline Kenney, this marked the most-watched non-Indiana Fever WNBA game broadcast on ESPN (E1) since 1999, a comparison she clarified applies to regular-season games. The report acknowledges that the Indiana Fever, featuring star Caitlin Clark, remain the WNBA's top ratings draw. Examples cited include an ESPN Fever preseason game drawing 1.3 million viewers in May and an Ion broadcast of a Fever game exceeding one million viewers even without Clark playing. Despite this, the Aces-Liberty matchup is highlighted as one of the league's premier contests. Both teams have won the last three WNBA championships (Aces in 2022 and 2023, Liberty in 2024) and currently hold the first and third-best records in the league this season. The strong viewership for Tuesday's game is therefore seen as a positive indicator for the WNBA.
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