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Restricted free agent Josh Giddey has been in Las Vegas but has not attended Chicago Bulls Summer League games. Despite this, there are no indications that contract negotiations between Giddey and the Bulls have become contentious. Giddey had lunch with Bulls head coach Billy Donovan in Las Vegas, and his agent was scheduled to meet with team executives during the week. Contract talks face a significant gap, with Giddey reportedly seeking around $30 million per year while the Bulls prefer a figure closer to $20 million per year. Although bridging this gap may take time, multiple sources anticipate that Giddey and the Bulls will eventually reach an agreement on a new contract. Additional NBA free agent notes include the possibility of a reunion between Cameron Payne and the Phoenix Suns. Unverified speculation also mentions a potential sign-and-trade scenario sending Giddey to the Memphis Grizzlies.
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The Milwaukee Bucks made a surprising and dramatic offseason move by waiving Damian Lillard, who is expected to miss much of the 2025-26 season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. To manage the nearly $113 million remaining on his contract, the team used the "waive-and-stretch" provision, spreading the cost over five seasons, resulting in roughly $22.5 million in "dead money" on their salary cap each year. This difficult decision was made to create sufficient cap space. This freed cap space enabled the Bucks to sign highly sought-after free agent Myles Turner to a four-year, $108.9 million contract. Bucks General Manager Jon Horst stated that the guiding principle behind this and all decisions is "maximizing Giannis’ prime, our opportunities to win," framing it as a "now versus future decision." Beyond the Lillard/Turner transaction, the rest of the Bucks' offseason involved adding three new players and re-signing six of their own free agents from the previous season. While less dramatic than the main move, this combination still resulted in one of the summer's most surprising roster shake-ups. The Athletic conducted an interview with Horst at NBA Summer League, discussing the offseason moves and the team's philosophy. Part 1 of the conversation focused on big-picture topics. Highlights included Horst explaining that improving the team immediately outweighed the future risk of dead money, stating they had a "big hurdle" to deal with now. He revealed acquiring Turner via waive-and-stretch was an avenue they were "always exploring" and that Turner was "always been a target." Horst also discussed plans to lean more into Giannis Antetokounmpo's playmaking, believing "He truly is becoming a real point guard," expressed strong confidence in coach Doc Rivers as a "championship-level coach" and "the right coach," and asserted that he has "done everything within my human possible power this offseason." Part 2 of the interview, focusing on specific moves and player impacts, is scheduled for release on Friday.
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During the second quarter of the Indiana Fever's 85-77 win over the Connecticut Sun at TD Garden in Boston on Tuesday night, a male courtside fan wearing a Caitlin Clark jersey was ejected from the arena. The incident occurred after the fan made an inappropriate comment directed at Sun guard Saniya Rivers as she prepared to inbound the ball following a timeout. Rivers immediately alerted the referees to the fan's comment. The officials then signaled for arena security, who approached the fan, informed him he was being removed, and escorted him up the stairs and out of the building. Fans seated nearby booed and waved goodbye as he left, causing a brief delay in the game noted by the ESPN broadcast. Initial reports suggesting the fan touched Rivers were incorrect. Both the Sun organization and Rivers herself confirmed to reporters that no physical contact occurred. Rivers stated that the fan's comment alone warranted the ejection under the WNBA Fan Code of Conduct, which prohibits disruptive behavior like foul or abusive language. Despite the incident, Rivers was reported to be in good spirits after the game, even joking that the fan wasted money on his expensive seat. The Sun have not provided specific details about what the fan said. In unrelated news, Fever star Caitlin Clark left the game after apparently re-aggravating a groin injury.
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New York Knicks guard/forward Mikal Bridges is eligible for a four-year, $156 million contract extension this summer but has not signed one over a month into the offseason, raising questions about the delay. The lack of an agreement suggests two possibilities: either Bridges and the Knicks are struggling to agree on extension terms, or the Knicks are deliberately holding off to preserve Bridges as a potential trade asset for a major move. Speculation centers on the Knicks' reported interest in acquiring Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo should he become available, despite no formal trade request. If Antetokounmpo hits the market, Bridges could be crucial to trade talks. The Knicks lack first-round picks to offer, and the Bucks would value players who help them remain competitive post-Giannis. Signing Bridges to an extension now would remove him as a trade piece for six months due to league rules. Bridges, acquired last offseason for five first-round picks, had an inconsistent first season with the Knicks, averaging 17.6 points on 50% shooting overall and 35.4% from three-point range. His defense dipped in the regular season but improved significantly during the playoffs, highlighted by key defensive plays in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics. A trade for Antetokounmpo would be extremely costly, requiring more than just Bridges and potentially involving players like Karl-Anthony Towns or OG Anunoby, while also depleting the Knicks' draft capital. However, acquiring the two-time MVP could transform the Knicks into title contenders and alter the Eastern Conference landscape, despite the significant risk. The Knicks have the entire offseason to negotiate an extension with Bridges, but a potential blockbuster trade for Antetokounmpo remains a possibility.
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The Atlanta Hawks are widely regarded as winners of the offseason due to General Manager Onsi Saleh's moves. Key acquisitions include Kristaps Porzingis, who addresses the team's biggest need by providing a legitimate second scoring option, Nickeil Alexander-Walker for elite perimeter defense and shooting, and Luke Kennard to significantly boost floor spacing. These additions dramatically improve the team's depth and versatility. Despite the successful moves, the Hawks still have offseason needs. They could pursue another big man, with Al Horford mentioned as a possibility, and require a veteran presence to back up point guard Trae Young, as 2023 first-round pick Kobe Bufkin isn't yet considered ready for the full-time backup role. The most significant remaining business involves contract extensions for Kristaps Porzingis, Dyson Daniels, and Trae Young. While the Hawks may want to evaluate Porzingis' fit and consider his injury history before a long-term deal, both Daniels and Young are viewed as core pieces the team likely wants to secure. Notably, despite Trae Young's visible commitment to the organization – including turning down a trip to support the Hawks' Summer League team – there have been no substantive contract negotiations between him and the Hawks. The lack of immediate movement on Young's extension isn't seen as a cause for concern. Saleh has been extremely busy reshaping the roster, clearly building a team that complements Young's strengths. Young, in turn, has embraced a more vocal leadership role. All indications point to alignment between the front office and their franchise player, making a future agreement that keeps Young in Atlanta long-term seem inevitable.
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Kyrie Irving's NBA legacy presents a complex mix of elite achievements and career volatility. He boasts nine All-Star selections, three All-NBA honors, the 2012 Rookie of the Year award, and an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers—highlighted by his iconic Game 7 shot in the 2016 Finals. However, his stints with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets ended tumultuously, initially branding him a "flight risk" before joining the Dallas Mavericks, where he excelled as a player and leader, propelling the team to the 2024 NBA Finals. Bleacher Report ranked Irving 69th on its all-time top 100 NBA players list, placing him above MVP winners Wes Unseld and Dave Cowens. The outlet praised his unparalleled fusion of "flash and substance," noting his playground-style creativity, elite ball-handling, and extraordinary finishing ability. While injuries limited his All-NBA appearances, his scoring prowess dominates discussions—though analysts argue his underrated passing and adaptability alongside ball-dominant stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Luka Doncic deserve more recognition. The article emphasizes Irving’s offensive scalability across partnerships and reiterates the magnitude of his 2016 championship-clinching shot during Cleveland’s historic 3-1 Finals comeback against Golden State. Irving is one of three current Mavericks and one of nine all-time players with Dallas ties featured on Bleacher Report’s list.
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WNBA guard Allisha Gray received more All-Star votes from both media and players than any other guard, an outcome she herself didn't anticipate. Gray, 30, is having a career-best season with the Atlanta Dream, averaging 18.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 44.3% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range. She credits her significant offensive improvement to head coach Karl Smesko's new system, which she describes as "thinkless basketball." This approach emphasizes intuitive decision-making and playing within the flow of the game rather than relying heavily on set plays. Fellow All-Star and teammate Rhyne Howard praised Gray's performance, stating she knew Gray had this level of play in her and that witnessing it firsthand has been great for everyone. Howard highlighted how Gray's elevation takes pressure off other players on the team, currently holding a 12-9 record (5th best in the WNBA). Howard also expressed happiness seeing Gray enjoy such success, especially as her best friend. While making the All-Star team was always Gray's goal, being named a starter was the "cherry on top." This recognition follows her historic performance at the previous All-Star weekend, where she became the first player in WNBA history to win both the Skills Challenge and the Three-Point Contest in the same year, earning over $115,000 in bonuses.
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The Seattle Storm (13-9) host the Golden State Valkyries (10-11) in a Western Conference matchup at Climate Pledge Arena on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 3:00 pm ET/12:00 pm PT. The Valkyries are trying to stabilize after losing four of their last five games, including a narrow 78-77 loss to Phoenix on Monday. They hold an eighth-place standing and struggle on the road with a 3-7 record this season. The Storm are coming off a 74-69 loss to Washington but remain in fourth place overall. They have a solid 7-4 home record and have won three of their last five games. The game will be broadcast live in the USA on ABC and the Fubo streaming platform. Fubo offers plans starting at $74.99/month. For Seattle, Skylar Diggins-Smith leads the team in scoring (17.9 PPG) and assists (5.8 APG), while Nneka Ogwumike is the top rebounder (7.7 RPG). The Storm rank eighth in scoring (81.6 PPG) but are efficient offensively (3rd in FG% at 45.2%, 3rd in 3P% at 34.6%). They are strong defensively, allowing the third-fewest points (79.0 PPG), though opponent shooting percentages are average. Golden State's offense struggles, ranking fourth-lowest in scoring (80.1 PPG) and near the bottom in FG% (40.6%) and 3P% (31.1%). However, their defense is elite, allowing the second-fewest points (78.6 PPG) and leading the league in opponent FG% defense (40.4%). Kayla Thornton leads them in scoring (14.5 PPG) and rebounding (7.1 RPG), while Veronica Burton averages 5.4 APG.
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The EuroCup Women lineup for the 2025-26 season has been adjusted following the withdrawal of French club LDLC Asvel Feminin after the initial announcement. This change affects both the Qualifiers and Regular Season. To maintain an even number of teams in the Qualifiers format, last season's runners-up, BAXI Ferrol, will now enter the Regular Season directly, based on EuroCup Women Regulations and the Club Competition Ranking. Consequently, the number of Qualifiers pairings is reduced from six to five, with Czech club SBS Ostrava now seeded. The winners of these five Qualifiers ties will advance to the Regular Season. The updated list of participating clubs includes teams in both the Regular Season and the Qualifiers. The Regular Season clubs listed are: Besiktas Boa (TUR), Emlak Konut (TUR), Villeneuve d’Ascq LM (FRA), Charnay Basket (FRA), BLMA (FRA), UFAB 49 (FRA), Perfumerías Avenida (ESP), Hozono Global Jairis (ESP), Movistar Estudiantes (ESP), BAXI Ferrol (ESP), Magnolia Basket Campobasso (ITA), GEAS Basket (ITA), KP Brno (CZE), Levhartice Chomutov (CZE), NKA Universitas Pecs (HUN), InvestInTheWest Enea Gorzow (POL), Sleza Wroclaw (POL), MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec (POL), Castors Braine (BEL), Kangoeroes Mechelen (BEL), Basket Namur Capitale (BEL), Athinaikos Qualco (GRE), Panathinaikos A.C. (GRE), CS Rapid Bucuresti (ROU), Elitzur Ramla (ISR), BC Neptunas-Amberton (LTU), SL Benfica (POR), Sportiva/AzorisHotels (POR), Rutronik Stars Keltern (GER), Saarlouis Royals (GER), Piestanske Cajky (SVK), TTT Riga (LAT), Nyon Basket Feminin (SUI), BCF Elfic Fribourg (SUI), ZKK Ragusa (CRO), KK Tresnjevka 2009 (CRO), BC Beroe Stara Zagora (BUL), and KBF Peja 03 (KOS). The Qualifiers clubs listed are: Lointek Gernika Bizkaia (ESP) - seeded, BDS Dinamo Sassari (ITA) - seeded, TARR KSC Szekszard (HUN) - seeded, Universitatea Cluj (ROU) - seeded, SBS Ostrava (CZE) - seeded, DSK Basketball Brandys (CZE), Panathlitikos Sykeon (GRE), Pas Giannina (GRE), BBC Troistorrents-Chablais (SUI), and UZKK Student Nis (SRB). The draws for both the Qualifiers and the Regular Season will take place on Wednesday, July 23, in Munich, Germany.
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The Los Angeles Lakers, prioritizing defense despite having stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić, are actively seeking affordable defensive role players within the NBA's restrictive second-apron rules. An opportunity emerged when the Charlotte Hornets waived forward Josh Okogie after failing to trade him before his contract guarantee deadline. Okogie is recognized as one of the league's top defensive guards but carries significant offensive limitations. His career shooting percentages—29.9% from three-point range and 40.6% overall—suppressed his market value. However, he showed recent improvement, hitting 34.8% from three last season and 38.1% in 25 games before joining Charlotte. For the Lakers, Okogie would primarily serve as a regular-season wing defender, playing 10-12 minutes per game to preserve starters' energy. While not a playoff difference-maker, he offers rotational flexibility: his presence could ease trading players like Jarred Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent by absorbing minutes, and he provides coach JJ Redick another situational option. Offensively, any contribution would be a bonus, especially with James and Dončić creating opportunities. Ultimately, signing Okogie is considered a low-risk move. If the Lakers view him as having more upside than current options like Shake Milton or Jordan Goodwin, acquiring him would be a straightforward decision given his defensive prowess and potential fit.
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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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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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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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Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin has publicly confirmed that star player Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be traded, dismissing speculation that arose following Damian Lillard's departure. Feigin stated that Antetokounmpo remains content in Milwaukee and is still viewed as the franchise cornerstone, emphasizing, "Giannis loves Milwaukee, Milwaukee loves Giannis." He described external trade rumors as "clickbait" and affirmed the organization's confidence in their relationship with the 30-year-old forward. Antetokounmpo finished third in the 2023-24 MVP voting, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists during the regular season. However, the Bucks suffered a first-round playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers after Lillard's injury. Notably, Milwaukee subsequently signed Pacers center Myles Turner, whom they reportedly admired during that series, to bolster frontcourt depth. Despite this acquisition, the team faces backcourt concerns after waiving Lillard, with Kevin Porter Jr. potentially becoming the starting point guard—a move some analysts believe may weaken their championship contention prospects. In a recent Twitch stream with influencer iShowSpeed, Antetokounmpo addressed persistent recruitment attempts from high-tax markets like Los Angeles and New York, but hinted at staying in Milwaukee when directly asked about his future plans.
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Adem Bona, the Philadelphia 76ers center, expressed his high expectations for his second NBA season during an interview in Las Vegas. He highlighted his naturally loud and vocal presence on the court, especially defensively, which he considers essential as the team's anchor and rim protector. He emphasized using his voice to direct teammates and ensure understanding of game plans, particularly during a recent Summer League game where he felt it was needed. Bona reflected on the unexpected opportunity his rookie season provided. When Joel Embiid was ruled out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season in late February, Bona received significant playing time on a struggling Sixers team (24-58 record). Both Bona and the organization viewed this extended run as massively advantageous for his development, accelerating his learning curve despite the team's poor performance. While possessing a relentless motor, stellar length, and rare athleticism for his size, Bona acknowledged needing to adjust mentally to the NBA game. His focus areas included refining decision-making and becoming a more disciplined rim protector. Sixers President Daryl Morey confirmed that Bona's increased minutes, unusual for a rookie on a contending team, were a rare positive outcome of the season, allowing Bona to gain valuable experience and earn the coaching staff's confidence. Bona made noticeable strides towards the end of his rookie year. His defensive discipline improved dramatically, reducing foul trouble. He also progressed in making reads during offensive plays, like handling 4-on-3 situations after setting screens. Crucially, he developed significant confidence, both in his individual skills and in his understanding of his specific role within the team structure. Bona identified "patience" as the biggest lesson learned during his rookie year. He stressed the importance of staying ready while waiting for his opportunity, which came later in the season. He felt he capitalized on that chance and successfully learned and defined his role on the team, citing these as his two major takeaways from the experience.
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Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody has been elected to the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Board of Directors. The announcement was made in Las Vegas, confirming the fourth-year pro and starter for the Warriors will join Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama on the board. The NBPA is the union representing NBA players. According to an NBPA press release, Moody and Aldama will join a panel responsible for deciding how to distribute philanthropic resources for both current and former NBA players. In a joint statement, Moody expressed their honor in joining the NBPA Foundation's Board of Directors, stating their goal is to support players and uplift communities. He emphasized that philanthropy and social responsibility are core to players and this role allows them to elevate their involvement in the Foundation's work. Moody, who averaged 9.8 points per game and was Golden State's top perimeter defender last season, has a background in philanthropy. He founded the Motivate One Foundation and has also served as a coach at a Basketball Without Borders camp in South Africa. Moody is currently recovering from thumb surgery performed on his dominant right hand in May. He is expected to be ready for the start of Warriors training camp in October.
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Long-time Ole Miss basketball staffer Win Case departed the program in the off-season to become the associate head coach at Southern Miss under Jay Ladner. Case had been with Ole Miss since 2018, serving as the lead assistant under former head coach Kermit Davis and acting as interim head coach for the final five games of the 2023 season after Davis's dismissal. Under current head coach Chris Beard, Case held an off-court role as a special assistant. Beard praised Case's "great" work at Ole Miss, expressing happiness for his opportunity to return to full-time on-court coaching at Southern Miss while acknowledging Case's significant contributions to the program. Meanwhile, Louisville transfer guard Koren Johnson is currently recovering from a labrum injury that limited him to just two games last season. Four weeks into Ole Miss's summer program, Johnson is working separately with trainers, estimated at around 80% health by both himself and Coach Beard. Beard emphasized a cautious rehab approach, stating Johnson's return is a matter of "when," not "if," and noting Johnson's positive progress, including weight loss and strength gains. Johnson is expected to be cleared for full contact in August and fully healthy by the season opener in November. Beard expressed strong optimism about Johnson's potential fit and impact. He described Johnson as a competitive combo guard with a point-guard mentality, capable of driving and passing, understanding ball movement, and scoring. Beard highlighted Johnson's untapped competitive drive and potential to become a "great defensive player" who takes being scored on personally. He sees significant upside if Johnson can reach his best form within the team system, embracing values like discipline and unselfishness. Johnson stated he was drawn to Ole Miss by Beard's plan to utilize him similarly to former standout guard Sean Pedulla.
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Malik Beasley is under investigation by the US District Attorney's office concerning irregular gambling during the 2023-24 NBA season, a significant offseason story with potential major ramifications for Beasley, the Detroit Pistons, and the NBA. Following the report, Beasley's attorney, Steve Haney, stated that "an investigation is not a charge," emphasizing the presumption of innocence. However, many fans on social media have presumed Beasley's guilt, citing his play with the Milwaukee Bucks and financial struggles. The investigation's timing is detrimental for Beasley and the Pistons, as they were likely to sign a new contract shortly after free agency began. This situation contrasts with Terry Rozier's case last season; Rozier continued playing because he wasn't charged and was eventually cleared, but he benefited from being under contract during his investigation. The investigation was reportedly sparked by unusual betting activity on Beasley's rebounding prop bet before a January 31st game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Milwaukee Bucks. A large, unexpected surge in bets predicted Beasley would grab fewer than 2.5 rebounds. However, Beasley secured 6 rebounds, causing those bettors to lose. Currently, the reported specifics involve unusual bettor behavior surrounding Beasley's games. There is no reported evidence of Beasley exhibiting strange on-court actions during these games, unlike the Jontay Porter case where Porter left a game early with an "injury" after heavy betting on his unders, leading to his league ban. The article concludes by urging fans to grant Beasley grace and presume innocence until the investigation concludes. It highlights how the legalization of sports gambling fosters an environment where players face suspicion about their integrity, suggesting Beasley might be a casualty of this trend and the NBA may need to take further steps to protect its reputation and players.
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The Boston Celtics have faced significant challenges this offseason, trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis due to salary cap constraints. Additionally, star player Jayson Tatum is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 NBA season after suffering a torn Achilles. Amidst this uncertainty, the Celtics have reportedly shown interest in star free agent point guard Damian Lillard, who was surprisingly waived by the Milwaukee Bucks to create cap space. Lillard, also recovering from a torn Achilles, has attracted attention from multiple contending teams. Boston's pursuit of Lillard is fueled in part by his close friendship with Tatum. Reports confirm that Tatum is actively recruiting Lillard to join the Celtics. Signing with Boston presents a logical scenario for Lillard, as the Celtics could offer him a two-year contract without immediate pressure to return in the first season. The team's strategy appears to focus on getting both Lillard and Tatum fully healthy simultaneously, potentially aligning their prime playing window for the 2026-27 season, even if they return partially during 2025-26. Acquiring Lillard would add a proven superstar to the Celtics' roster.
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During a New York Liberty WNBA game, Breanna Stewart used her significant wingspan to trap Atlanta Dream's Allisha Gray near the sideline. An off-balance Gray, unable to find a pass, stepped out of bounds, leading to her bouncing the ball in frustration and receiving a technical foul, which energized the Barclays Center crowd. The Liberty trailed by 11 points at halftime, appearing lethargic and disjointed in the first half. However, a significant third-quarter resurgence, fueled by Stewart's rebounding, defense, and scoring, alongside Leonie Fiebich's timely three-pointers and aggressive shot-hunting, propelled them to a 79-72 victory. Leonie Fiebich was crucial to the win. Responding to calls from coaches, players, and fans to shoot more, she drained back-to-back three-pointers in the third quarter to give the Liberty their first lead since the opening period. Fiebich finished with a regular-season career-high 21 points on highly efficient 8-of-9 shooting (4-for-5 from three-point range), adding four rebounds and four assists. Breanna Stewart, playing multiple positions, recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds. The team's second-half performance marked a complete turnaround from the first half, featuring improved communication on defense, aggressive rebounding, and better shot-making. Liberty coach Sandy Brondello expressed dissatisfaction with the first-half effort, citing a lack of grit and energy after four days off. She emphasized a halftime reset, demanding discipline in executing the game plan and relentless effort, confidently stating they would win the game. Player Sabrina Ionescu highlighted the importance of securing wins while awaiting Jonquel Jones' return.
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Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware delivered a standout performance in a 92-72 Las Vegas NBA Summer League loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night. Responding directly to coach Erik Spoelstra questioning his intensity and professionalism the day before, Ware scored 11 of the Heat's first 15 points, featuring dunks and a three-pointer. He maintained his high level of play, finishing the game with 21 points, nine rebounds, and three blocked shots, with his most inspired play occurring in the first half. Heat assistant coach Eric Glass, leading the summer roster, praised Ware's effort, stating, "That’s what we’ve been waiting for from him." Glass emphasized that Ware's focus and intensity allowed the rest of his game to flourish and expressed a desire to see him replicate the performance. Ware attributed his success to simply putting in the effort and playing hard, as Spoelstra had emphasized. This marked a significant improvement for Ware, who had previously underperformed in his first three summer league games. His effort against the Cavaliers mirrored the play that earned him a starting role late last season. Despite Ware's strong individual showing, the Heat's summer roster lost its second consecutive game (0-2), resulting in elimination from defending the Las Vegas Summer League championship they won last year.
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Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler attended the American Century Championship charity golf tournament to support teammate Steph Curry, who was competing after winning the event in 2023 and taking a year off. Butler joined the Warriors earlier in 2025 via a five-team trade that sent him to Golden State in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round draft pick. Butler's presence at the tournament, captured in a video shared by the Warriors' NBCS affiliate, showed him waiting on the course for Curry. Fans widely praised the gesture on social media, with many calling them the "best duo in the league" and celebrating their partnership after their first season together. Multiple supporters expressed confidence that the pairing could win an NBA championship with proper roster support, citing their combined 56-point performance in Game 1 of the playoffs against Houston. Despite the Warriors' elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals, Butler and Curry established themselves as a formidable duo during the playoff run, providing a foundation for future seasons. Additionally, Curry won the golf tournament with an eagle on the 18th hole.
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The Milwaukee Bucks (1-2) suffered their second consecutive loss, falling 106-91 to the Los Angeles Clippers (2-0), effectively ending their Summer League semifinal hopes. Chris Livingston led the Bucks with 21 points and 4 rebounds, supported by Pete Nance (18 points) and Bogoljub Marković (14 points). Patrick Baldwin Jr. topped the Clippers' scoring with 22 points. In the first quarter, undrafted free agent Cormac Ryan sparked the Bucks with the team's first seven points during a 7-2 run. The Clippers countered with an 8-0 surge to take the lead, though Andre Jackson Jr.'s late five-point contribution helped Milwaukee edge ahead 27-26 by quarter's end. The Clippers opened the second quarter with Patrick Baldwin Jr. hitting consecutive three-pointers for a 32-27 advantage. Milwaukee briefly regained the lead after a 6-2 run capped by Marković's dunk, but Zavier Simpson and Cam Christie quickly restored LA's lead. The Clippers entered halftime leading 51-47. Milwaukee mounted a third-quarter comeback fueled by Nance's five quick points and Tyler Smith's putback, narrowing the gap to one point. Jackson Jr. contributed key plays including an alley-oop dunk. Despite repeated Bucks efforts to tie or lead, Marković's three-pointer closed an 8-2 run, giving Milwaukee a 74-73 edge heading into the fourth. The final quarter began disastrously for the Bucks, as the Clippers unleashed a 15-0 run while Milwaukee missed their first ten shots. Livingston finally broke the drought with 5:16 remaining. A late 10-2 Bucks rally cut the deficit to 95-86, but their offense stalled again. The Clippers sealed victory with a 7-2 run after Ryan's flagrant-foul free throws. Andre Jackson Jr. showed improvement with 9 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block, though he committed 5 turnovers.
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The Philadelphia 76ers' decision to re-sign Kyle Lowry to a one-year deal is described as puzzling and disappointing to fans and analysts. Despite signs pointing to this move, the rationale for choosing Lowry over other available backcourt options, like De'Anthony Melton who was seen as having more to offer, remains unclear. The article questions the logic of relying on Lowry, a six-time All-Star whose recent performance was considered poor enough to warrant retirement, as the emergency playmaker off the bench. This decision had a direct negative consequence for Jared Butler. The 76ers declined Butler's team option specifically to create roster space for Lowry (and Eric Gordon). As a result, Butler, who would have been entering his fifth NBA season, is currently without a team. He is not even playing on a Summer League roster, and with most teams finalizing their rosters for the upcoming season, his chances of finding a new NBA team are seen as increasingly difficult. The article highlights that Butler showed promise during his brief time with the 76ers last season after arriving from Washington. Averaging 11.5 points and 4.9 assists in 24.4 minutes per game, with shooting percentages of nearly 43% from the field and 35.2% from three-point range, he presented a solid option as a third-string point guard. However, the front office prioritized veteran presence and locker room influence over Butler's on-court contributions. From a purely basketball perspective, the choice of Lowry over Butler is deemed illogical. While acknowledging Butler's inconsistency, the article argues he currently offers a more robust skill set than Lowry at this stage of their careers. The 76ers' choice is portrayed as potentially devastating for Butler, with his current unrostered status and the approaching 2025-26 season potentially signaling the end of his NBA career.
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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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Joel Embiid is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, performed in April. This marks his second operation on the same meniscus injury within the past year. The surgery was intended to ensure his readiness for the start of the 2025-26 season. Despite the team's optimism, specifically from President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey who states Embiid is "on track" for training camp, preseason, and the regular season, league sources report Embiid has not yet resumed on-court basketball activities. The injury initially occurred against the Golden State Warriors over a year and a half ago, significantly impacting his 2024-25 season. Embiid's recent seasons have been plagued by injuries, limiting him to 39 games in 2023-24 and only 19 games last season. His absence severely hampers the Philadelphia 76ers' championship aspirations, making his recovery crucial for the team, fans, and coaching staff. Recovery involves multiple hurdles: first returning to on-court activities, then rebuilding conditioning, and finally progressing to contact and live game situations. He is expected to need managed minutes initially and won't be at his peak for several months. Rushing his return risks re-aggravation of the injury. The decision for early surgery stemmed from a disagreement during the season. The Sixers front office believed Embiid needed to play to improve his conditioning, while Embiid felt surgery was necessary. This difference in approach reportedly caused tension between the player and the front office. With the surgery completed and recovery ongoing, the focus is now on Embiid showing positive recovery signs to be ready for the season opener. The pressure to return will mount, but adding load too quickly could force him to miss the start of the season.
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