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TOPMore annoying Bucks discourse could be on its way after Damian Lillard rumor
If Damian Lillard signs with the Boston Celtics, it would mark the second instance of a former Milwaukee Bucks All-Star point guard joining the team, echoing Jrue Holiday's move. This would likely spark renewed criticism of the Bucks' decisions, similar to the misguided discourse following Holiday's departure. The Bucks' trade of Holiday was difficult due to his significant contributions, including an NBA championship. However, the opportunity to acquire Damian Lillard, one of the league's top 75 players, justified the move—a decision many teams would replicate. Criticism of the Holiday trade overlooks key context: while Holiday won a title with Boston, he had a reduced role compared to his responsibilities in Milwaukee. Media and fans also ignore his underwhelming playoff performances for the Bucks in 2022 and 2023, which directly influenced the decision to pursue an upgrade like Lillard. Similarly, condemning the Lillard trade based solely on Holiday's success in Boston is flawed reasoning. Reports indicate a growing disconnect between Lillard and the Bucks even before his Achilles injury, with sources suggesting discussions about his future in Milwaukee were imminent had he stayed healthy. Moving on from Lillard allowed the Bucks to acquire Myles Turner, an ideal long-term replacement for Brook Lopez. The team prioritizes players fully committed to Milwaukee, a quality Turner embodies. Lillard's apparent eagerness for free agency further signals he wasn't a long-term fit. Should Lillard join Boston, it reflects the Celtics' effective recruitment, not a failure by the Bucks. Other teams had opportunities, but context is crucial: if Lillard desired to leave, allowing his departure is logical, even to a conference rival. Despite this, media narratives are expected to be misguided once again.
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TOPAbra ends Nueva Ecija’s streak, shares MPBL lead
San Miguel Beermen emphasized redemption over halting TNT's Grand Slam aspirations, while coach Chot Reyes dismissed external expectations by highlighting their six All-Filipino titles. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the league will maintain 12 teams for its 50th season despite Terrafirma's ownership uncertainty. San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo downplayed injury concerns after experiencing hamstring tightness during their Game 7 victory against Barangay Ginebra. Gilas Pilipinas faces significant fatigue challenges ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup, according to head coach Tim Cone. The national team's preparation is complicated by player exhaustion from recent professional league commitments. In collegiate action, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, and National University dominated NCAA teams during the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup quarterfinals. La Salle secured the tournament's top seed by defeating UST, while UP built momentum entering the knockout stage. La Salle maintained an undefeated record as NU completed the semifinal lineup. NU finished as runners-up in the BLIA Cup tournament, propelled by Tin Cayabyab's 31-point performance in the semifinals. Cayabyab's offensive outburst secured NU's place in the championship game. The NCAA unveiled sweeping format changes for its 101st season, introducing group stages, play-in tournaments, and expanded playoffs. San Beda University claimed multiple General Championships titles as hosting responsibilities transitioned from LPU to Mapua University. Mapua later became embroiled in a bench-clearing altercation during a game against a Chinese university team.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Traded To The Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls finished the 2024-2025 NBA season strong, winning 15 of their final 20 games. During this stretch, Coby White scored 30+ points in five games, and Josh Giddey recorded five triple-doubles, showcasing significant potential. However, this late-season success has not gained widespread recognition. Despite being a historically significant franchise, the Bulls face intense criticism from fans due to their lack of playoff series wins over the past decade. The article argues the organization needs to reassess its direction and urgently requires a star player to rejoin the league's elite, similar to how Tyrese Haliburton transformed the Indiana Pacers. The article proposes a specific trade to acquire that star: Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. The suggested deal sends forwards Matas Buzelis and Patrick Williams, center Nikola Vucevic, and the Bulls' 2026 and 2028 first-round draft picks to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo. The author justifies this move by referencing Antetokounmpo's 2022 statement expressing openness to playing for the Bulls, citing the team's championship legacy and Michael Jordan's association. Pairing Giannis with the existing young backcourt of Giddey and White (both 25 or younger) is presented as the core of a contender, potentially forming a top-five offensive backcourt in the NBA. While acknowledging that trading the promising prospect Matas Buzelis is a significant loss, the article contends that including him in the package could be crucial to getting the deal done and might allow the Bulls to offer fewer future first-round draft picks.
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Bucks Blockbuster Trade Idea Sends Giannis Antetokounmpo West in Franchise-Altering Move
Despite speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future, both he and the Milwaukee Bucks have consistently expressed mutual commitment to continue building together. Recent developments indicate he will likely enter his 13th season with Milwaukee, though early reports suggested he was "open-minded" to trades. However, NBA unpredictability means a trade remains possible if the Bucks receive an exceptional offer. A specific trade proposal by Bleacher Report's Dan Favale suggests sending Antetokounmpo to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for a substantial package. The deal would include Harrison Barnes, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and multiple draft picks: Atlanta's 2027 first-rounder, San Antonio's 2029 first-rounder, Sacramento's 2030 second-rounder, the most favorable 2031 first-round pick between San Antonio or Sacramento, and Sacramento's 2031 second-round pick. Negotiations could involve substituting players like Stephon Castle or Devin Vassell. The rationale centers on San Antonio's abundance of assets—draft capital and young talent—contrasting with Milwaukee's shortage in both areas. For the Spurs, pairing Antetokounmpo with Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox would create a formidable, championship-caliber core. Meanwhile, the trade would provide Milwaukee long-term rebuilding flexibility. Despite the theoretical fit, such a deal is considered unlikely. Both Antetokounmpo and the Bucks remain focused on their partnership, while the Spurs prioritize developing Wembanyama. Although losing the two-time MVP would challenge Milwaukee, the proposed return package offers significant future compensation.
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Hoop dreams: Sam Presti’s ride from CCHS to NBA crown
Following the Oklahoma City Thunder's NBA championship win, Sam Presti, the team's executive vice president and general manager, texted his former high school basketball coach, John McNamara. Presti expressed his gratitude for the role McNamara played in his life, which McNamara described as reflecting Presti's integrity and willingness to share success. Presti, a 1995 graduate of Concord-Carlisle High School (CCHS), attributes his success to his upbringing in Concord, Massachusetts. He stated he "never would have been" who he is today without those Concord influences and considers himself "a product of all those people" who helped him, feeling fortunate for the relationships and community he grew up in. Presti started playing basketball relatively late, having played baseball in his early years. His interest shifted to basketball during his sophomore year, spending much of his youth playing on various hidden courts around Concord. He described being captain of the CCHS Patriots team as "everything," emphasizing the importance of playing with friends and representing his town, which he took very seriously. Presti highlighted special education teacher Harriet Stevens as a major influence, calling her more than a teacher – an encourager and a source of confidence who "met me where I was and stayed with me." Stevens expressed feeling privileged to be Presti's friend and mentor, noting the unusual pleasure of seeing the results of her work and that it makes her very happy.
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Cleveland Cavaliers' Level of Interest in LeBron James Revealed
Rumors suggest the Cleveland Cavaliers are potentially interested in reuniting with LeBron James this offseason, amidst perceived tensions between James and the Los Angeles Lakers. A significant obstacle to a trade is James' $52.6 million salary for next season. Acquiring him via trade would require Cleveland to send substantial assets back to the Lakers, a move the Cavaliers reportedly are not interested in making. However, according to Ashish Mathur of Hoops Wire, the Cavaliers would have interest in James under one specific circumstance: if he became available via a buyout. Sources indicate Cleveland is only interested in this scenario, recognizing James' value as a recent All-NBA Second Team selection and sixth-place MVP finisher, while acknowledging a trade is unfeasible due to his salary. James has a history with the Cavaliers, playing his first seven NBA seasons there (2003-2010) and returning in 2014, leading the team to a championship in 2016. Now 40 years old, James is acknowledged to not be the same player he was a decade ago. Despite this, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game on efficient shooting splits (51.3%/37.6%/78.2%) for the Lakers last season. Questions remain about how James would fit alongside Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. However, on a potential one-year contract following a buyout, the Cavaliers might be willing to take that risk.
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South Carolina women's basketball: How to watch Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer at the FIBA U19 World Cup
Two South Carolina Gamecocks players, Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer, are set to compete in the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup beginning Saturday in Brno, Czechia. McDowell traveled directly to Czechia after winning a silver medal with Brazil's senior national team at the AmeriCup tournament in Chile. Despite being one of the youngest players at the senior AmeriCup, McDowell played sparingly, averaging 2.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in four games. She is expected to play a larger role at the U19 World Cup, building on her breakout performance at the 2023 U18 AmeriCup where she averaged 14.8 points and 7.7 rebounds. Agot Makeer, representing Canada, also made her mark at the 2023 U18 AmeriCup, earning a spot on the All-Star Five with averages of 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 4.0 steals, though she was not part of Canada's senior AmeriCup team. Canada is placed in Group B for the U19 World Cup alongside Nigeria, Portugal, and China. Brazil, featuring McDowell, is in Group C with Australia and France, after Mali withdrew due to visa issues. The United States is in Group A with Israel, Hungary, and Korea, while Group D consists of Spain, Czechia, Japan, and Argentina. For the knockout rounds, Groups A and B are paired, and Groups C and D are paired, meaning Canada and Brazil could only potentially meet in the medal round. The Team USA roster does not include any current Gamecocks players, though South Carolina is recruiting potential future players Saniyah Hall, Kate Harpring, and Sydney Douglas. In the 2023 tournament, then-future Gamecocks Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards played for Team USA; Edwards was named to the All-Star Five.
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NBA free agency 2025: Live updates, news, rumors as Thunder extend Jalen Williams, Devin Booker deal breaks record
NBA free agency continues with most top players signed, but key decisions remain for Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, and Quentin Grimes. Recent moves include the Oklahoma City Thunder securing Jalen Williams with a maximum extension potentially worth $287 million, following earlier deals with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren to maintain their championship core. The league set the 2025-26 salary cap at $154.647 million, a 10% increase from last season. Notable transactions include Jaren Jackson Jr.'s five-year, $240 million extension with Memphis, Denver trading Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith joining Houston, Ty Jerome signing a three-year deal with Memphis, and Dallas agreeing to a two-year contract with D’Angelo Russell. LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million option with the Lakers, aiming to compete for championships while the team builds for the future. James Harden re-signed with the Clippers, and Julius Randle stayed with Minnesota. These developments follow earlier major trades: Phoenix sent Kevin Durant to Houston for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the 10th draft pick, while Boston traded Jrue Holiday to Portland and Kristaps Porziņģis to Atlanta.
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First PBA Jr. Strikeforce All-Star Team Announced
The PBA Jr. program, in partnership with KR Strikeforce, has announced the first-ever PBA Jr. Strikeforce All-Star Teams. This announcement coincides with live streaming opportunities available on Saturdays and Sundays from May 31st to July 13th. Five boys and five girls were selected for the All-Star Teams based on their achievements in bowling and their academic merit. Each selected athlete will receive $1,000 in SMART scholarship funds. Additionally, they will receive merchandise from KR Strikeforce, which includes one pair of bowling shoes from The Perfection Collection. The announcement concludes with congratulations extended to each of the recipients. Separate Boys and Girls All-Star Teams were announced as part of this new program.
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Terrence Shannon Jr. shows his NBA chops in Minnesota Timberwolves Summer League
The NBA Summer League is underway in Las Vegas, providing an opportunity for franchises to evaluate their players. Among the participants is Terrence Shannon Jr. of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who played a prominent role in the opening game. Shannon enters the Summer League following a rookie season with limited playing time (32 games, 1 start), averaging 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while shooting 35.5% from three-point range. Despite showing potential, the Timberwolves' depth restricted his opportunities, leading many fans to advocate for more minutes. The article emphasizes that the 2025 Summer League represents a critical proving ground for Shannon. A strong performance is seen as essential for him to secure a consistent role in the Timberwolves' rotation and avoid assignment to the G-League. Shannon made a significant impact in the Timberwolves' opening Summer League victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. He scored 20 points, shooting 6-of-14 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. While his three-point shooting was lower (22.2%), his overall skill set impressed. The standout aspects of Shannon's game were his ability to create his own space using handles and quick moves, his scoring versatility (shooting from range or driving), and his playmaking. He effectively drew defenders and dished the ball to open teammates, demonstrating excellent court vision with cross-court passes. With minutes and production previously filled by players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker now available, the article positions Shannon as the leading candidate to claim that role based on his Summer League performance, suggesting he is proving he belongs at the NBA level.
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Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jeremiah Fears Get Chippy in NBA Summer League
Despite entering only his second NBA season, Terrence Shannon Jr. is considered the veteran presence for the Minnesota Timberwolves Summer League team due to his significant high-level experience, including playing in the 2025 Western Conference Finals. This role makes him the team's protector. During a Summer League game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears (a former Illinois commit) shoved Timberwolves first-round pick Joan Beringer. Shannon took exception to this action against his teammate. Shannon retaliated by forcefully shoving the significantly lighter and younger Fears (18 years old, 183 lbs) across the lane. This led to a brief altercation involving jawing between the two players, with teammates stepping in to hold them back. Both players eventually walked away from the incident. In a postgame interview, Shannon explained his actions, stating he had to defend Beringer because "Joan ain’t gonna say nothing back." He emphasized, "I gotta have my boy's back... If I see something I ain’t gonna let it slide." However, Shannon also clarified there was no lingering animosity, referring to Fears as "my boy."
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NBA Players React To Donovan Mitchell Personal News
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell, aged 28 and considered one of the NBA's best players currently in his prime, announced on Friday via Instagram that he is engaged to Coco Jones. The engagement announcement prompted congratulatory messages from numerous NBA players and entities, including Jaylen Brown ("Yessir my boy 🎉"), Kevin Love ("Congrats my brother ❤️🫶🏻💎"), Rudy Gay ("👏👏👏👏"), Grant Williams ("Congrats My Guy 🔥🎉"), Isaac Okoro ("Yesssir , congrats 🍾"), Tyrese Maxey ("Tough"), Adidas Basketball ("Congrats SPIDA 🥹❤️"), and Emoni Bates ("Congrats brudda"). Social media posts (Twitter and Instagram) documented the announcement and featured images of Mitchell and Jones.
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A'ja Wilson’s absence felt as Mystics steal late win from Aces
The Washington Mystics secured a narrow 70-68 victory over the Las Vegas Aces, largely due to a clutch basket scored by Shakira Austin in the final minute of the game. The Aces, who were playing without their injured star player A'ja Wilson, struggled significantly in the closing stages. The Mystics mounted a decisive comeback, outscoring the Aces 12-2 in the final 3 minutes and 45 seconds to clinch the win.
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WNBA CBA Tensions Rising Ahead of All-Star Break
A'ja Wilson, star of the Las Vegas Aces and three-time WNBA MVP, expressed significant frustration with the league's recent counter-proposal in collective bargaining negotiations, calling it an "eyebrow-raiser." She criticized the proposal for lacking the equitable revenue-sharing system the players' union seeks, especially given the league's economic growth. Wilson emphasized the union's determination to "call out the BS" and continue fighting for what players have earned. With less than four months until the current CBA expires, the league's counter-proposal has heightened tensions. According to a source, it maintains a similar revenue-sharing structure to the current CBA with a hard salary cap, which the union aims to soften for more flexibility. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike echoed Wilson's concerns, stating the league seemed to have "misinterpreted" the union's initial proposals and took too long to respond, though she didn't call the delay intentional. Ogwumike highlighted that disputes over revenue sharing are complicating negotiations on other key union goals, such as improved family planning and retirement benefits. She specifically questioned the league's unwillingness to share the $250 million expansion fee revenue with players during a period of growth, calling it illogical. The union hopes for clarity on this issue at upcoming meetings. WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson aimed for significant progress by the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis (starting July 18th), where league officials and union representatives plan to meet. An agreement must be reached by the October 31st deadline to avoid a work stoppage. However, union player representative Chelsea Gray stated they are "not as close as we thought," labeling the recent counter-proposal "terrible" and expressing surprise at the lack of significant improvement over the current incremental revenue-share model (players get 50% of revenue exceeding set targets). The WNBA's incremental revenue-share structure contrasts sharply with leagues like the NBA (players get 51% of Basketball Related Income) and the NFL (48% of league revenue). Other notable All-Stars on the WNBPA committee, including Breanna Stewart and Satou Sabally, have publicly voiced disappointment with the league's counter-proposal, with Sabally calling it a "slap in the face" and previously criticizing commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
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$822 Million Max Extensions Present Payroll Challenge For OKC Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder, after winning their first NBA championship, have committed to massive contract extensions for their core players this offseason. They agreed to a four-year, $285 million supermax extension with reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a five-year max extension worth up to $250 million with Chet Holmgren, and a five-year max extension with Jalen Williams that could reach $287 million based on performance achievements. These new deals for Williams and Holmgren begin in the 2026-27 season, while Gilgeous-Alexander's starts in 2027-28. Although the Thunder project to be slightly below the luxury-tax threshold ($187.9 million) for the upcoming season, significant financial constraints loom. Once the extensions take effect, their projected 2026-27 payroll of roughly $246 million would far exceed the NBA's luxury tax aprons ($209 million first apron, $222 million second apron), triggering severe team-building restrictions. The situation intensifies when Gilgeous-Alexander's supermax begins. Specifically, for the 2026-27 season, Williams and Holmgren are projected to earn over $41 million each, combining with Gilgeous-Alexander's $40.8 million (final year of current deal) for over $123 million just for the "Big Three." Adding guaranteed contracts for Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Jaylin Williams, and Thomas Sorber brings the total to about $176.3 million. Including team options on Cason Wallace and Nikola Topić would push it to $189.1 million, leaving minimal room below the tax line. The Thunder anticipated these extensions and planned accordingly in previous years, signing players like Lu Dort and Kenrich Williams to deals with team options for 2026-27, and Isaiah Hartenstein to a contract. However, exercising these options (Dort, Hartenstein, K. Williams totaling $53.9 million) is highly unlikely due to the massive tax penalties. This forces difficult choices, likely making Kenrich Williams (averaging 16.4 minutes) expendable, while losing Dort or Hartenstein would impact the rotation. This scenario positions the Thunder as the ultimate test case for whether building around three max players is sustainable long-term under the NBA's new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Their success or failure, despite significant assets and flexible structures, could prompt a major shift in team-building strategies across the league.
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2025 Sal’s NBL Awards Winners Unveiled
Josiah Allick of the Southland Sharks has been named the Most Valuable Player for the 2025 Sal's NBL season, following a standout performance where he averaged 18.9 points, 11.1 rebounds (including a league-leading 4.1 offensive rebounds), and 2.9 assists while shooting 58% from the field. His efforts, including 210 total rebounds, were pivotal in securing the Sharks' fourth-place finish and home court advantage for the Elimination round. The Sal's NBL All-Star Five includes Allick, alongside Wellington Saints guard Nick Marshall (19.9 points, 2.2 assists, 7.4 rebounds), Canterbury Rams playmaker Sean Macdonald (21.5 points, 5.6 assists, 3.6 three-pointers per game at 43% from deep), Taranaki Airs' Carlin Davison (18.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 2.1 steals), and Nelson Giants' Jeremy Combs (24.4 points per game, league-leading, and 9.2 rebounds over 13 games). Aaron Young of the Wellington Saints was awarded the Steve McKean Coach of the Year for guiding the team to the league's best regular season record, emphasizing balanced scoring and defense. This marks his second win in three seasons, having previously been honored with the Auckland Tuatara. Hyrum Harris, a forward for the Wellington Saints, was named Defensive Player of the Year, anchoring the league's top defense with 10.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. His versatility helped the Saints hold opponents to the fewest points per game and a league-low 41% shooting. Jackson Ball of the Hawke’s Bay Hawks received dual honors as Most Improved Player and Youth Player of the Year after a remarkable season where he averaged 19.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers per game. This represented a massive leap from his 2024 averages of 3.4 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist in limited minutes. In the Rapid League, Hayden Jones of the Nelson Giants was named MVP, averaging 10.8 points and 2.2 assists while contributing to the back-to-back championship team. He was also part of the Rapid League All-Star Five, which includes Kazlo Evans Jr (Wellington Saints, 3.2 assists per game), Tyson Thata-Paese (Manawatū Jets, 14.9 points per game and 2.6 threes), Lachlan Crate (Nelson Giants, 5.8 points, 2.4 rebounds), and Sam Dempster (Nelson Giants, 6.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 94% free throws).
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How to watch Dream at Fever: Can Caitlin Clark, Indiana get back on track?
The WNBA season has reached its halfway point, with teams starting to separate in the standings. The Indiana Fever find themselves in an interesting mid-tier group alongside teams like the Las Vegas Aces, Washington Mystics, and Golden State Valkyries. Notably, the Atlanta Dream (12-7) are not in this group and face the Fever on Friday. The Dream have won two of their three matchups against Indiana this season, setting up a potentially thrilling series finale in front of an eager Indiana crowd. The game details for Friday's matchup are: Venue - Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis; Time - 7:30 p.m. ET; TV Broadcast - ION and WNBA League Pass; Streaming - Fubo (free trial available). Tickets are available on StubHub for those attending in person. The Fever have shown inconsistency, resembling a title contender at their peak but struggling significantly at their lowest, as demonstrated by a recent 61- point loss to Golden State at home. In that game, Indiana shot only 30.9% from the field, with Kelsey Mitchell leading the team with 12 points. Caitlin Clark had an ineffective performance (10 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 turnovers). Clark's recent struggles are not isolated; battling injuries, she has shot 36% or lower from the field in 6 of her last 10 games and made only 3 of her last 28 three-point attempts. Turning things around will be difficult against the Dream, whose defense has been as suffocating as Golden State's, but with more offensive polish. Led by Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, Atlanta held Indiana to a season-low 58 points in their last meeting on June 10 (a game Clark missed).
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Kevin Durant Makes Viral Steph Curry Statement
Kevin Durant, known for his active social media presence, recently engaged in a viral online discussion regarding his former Golden State Warriors teammate Stephen Curry. A fan on X criticized Durant and LeBron James, claiming Durant only won NBA championships alongside the two-time MVP Curry, and highlighted James' 1-3 record against Curry in the NBA Finals. The fan accused both Durant and James of "hating" on Curry and Michael Jordan, suggesting their legacies were damaged by Curry. Durant directly responded to the fan's tweet. He corrected the fan's statement about Curry's height, stating "Steph is 6’3," and praised Curry as "an offensive savant." Durant dismissed the fan's criticism, asserting they couldn't "comprehend high level basketball talk" and labeling them as "glazers and haters." This exchange referenced Durant and Curry's successful partnership from 2016 to 2019, during which they won two championships together with Durant earning both Finals MVP awards.
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Chicago hosts Minnesota after Allen's 27-point game
The Minnesota Lynx (18-3 overall, 13-2 Western Conference) face the Chicago Sky (6-13 overall, 1-8 Eastern Conference) in Chicago on Saturday at 1 p.m. EDT. Chicago enters the game following a victory over the Dallas Wings where Rebecca Allen scored 27 points. At home, the Sky hold a 3-4 record. They allow an average of 86.3 points per game and are being outscored by 7.2 points on average overall. The Lynx have a 7-3 record on the road. They average 84.8 points per game and outscore their opponents by an average of 10.1 points. Offensively, Chicago averages 79.1 points per game, which is 4.4 points more than the 74.7 points Minnesota typically allows. Defensively, Minnesota makes an average of 9.1 three-pointers per game, which is 0.9 fewer than the average 10.0 three-pointers Chicago concedes per game. This is the second meeting between the teams this season. The Lynx won the first encounter 80-75 on July 6, with Courtney Williams scoring 25 points for Minnesota. For the Sky, Angel Reese averages 13.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals. Ariel Atkins is averaging 14.4 points over the last 10 games. For the Lynx, Napheesa Collier averages 23.5 points and 7.9 rebounds. Kayla McBride is averaging 2.0 made three-pointers over the last 10 games. In their last 10 games, the Sky are 4-6, averaging 82.4 points while shooting 44.6% from the field. Their opponents averaged 83.6 points during this stretch. The Lynx are 8-2 in their last 10 games, averaging 83.6 points while shooting 44.9% from the field. Their opponents averaged only 73.3 points. Both teams have significant injuries: Chicago's Courtney Vandersloot is out for the season (ACL), and Minnesota's Karlie Samuelson is out for the season (foot).
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Bucks Hit With Bad News on Potential Damian Lillard Replacement
The Milwaukee Bucks' dwindling hopes of acquiring Bradley Beal as a replacement for Damian Lillard appear unlikely, as the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Beal if he secures a buyout from the Phoenix Suns. According to The Athletic, the Clippers can offer up to $5.3 million in salary for the 2025-26 season and have an opening in their starting lineup after trading Norman Powell in a deal that brought John Collins. The Bucks are unable to compete financially with the Clippers' offer, especially after waiving Lillard and stretching his salary, and lack a clear backcourt vacancy. Beal is also considering other teams like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, but the Clippers lead the race. If he joins them, he would form a formidable starting unit alongside James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Collins, and Ivica Zubac. This interest follows past considerations: in 2023, Beal prioritized the Bucks and Miami Heat when the Washington Wizards shopped him, but Miami declined, and Milwaukee hesitated due to complications involving Khris Middleton's player option. Middleton was eventually traded to Washington in February for Kyle Kuzma, who has not performed well for the Bucks. Beal's subsequent two-year stint in Phoenix was disappointing, with no playoff wins, prompting the potential buyout. With Beal now a long shot for Milwaukee, the Bucks are exploring a reunion with former player Malcolm Brogdon. Multiple teams, including the Clippers, Suns, Lakers, Warriors, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Kings, and Bucks, have expressed interest in Brogdon, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. Brogdon, drafted by the Bucks in 2016 with the 36th overall pick, won Rookie of the Year that season by playing 75 games and averaging 10.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.1 steals. However, injuries later derailed his career, and after his third season, the Bucks opted not to match the Indiana Pacers' four-year, $85 million offer, instead trading him in a sign-and-trade for future draft picks.
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NCAA Vice President of Basketball Releases Statement on March Madness Expansion
The NCAA Basketball Tournament will remain at 68 teams for now, despite recent discussions about expanding it to 72 or 76 teams. NCAA senior vice president Dan Gavitt confirmed that while the possibility of expansion was discussed at length during meetings of the Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Committees this week, no decision or recommendation was made. Gavitt stated that viable options still include keeping the tournaments at 68 teams or expanding them to either 72 or 76 teams, potentially by the 2026 or 2027 championships. However, expansion for the 2026 tournament is considered unlikely due to the event being only eight months away, leaving limited time for necessary format changes. While not ruled out entirely, a final decision on potential expansion will be made at a later date. The tournament last expanded in 2011, moving from 65 to 68 teams, which introduced the current format including the First Four games.
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Rockets Hype Kevin Durant's Arrival in Trade, Resurface Star's Old Social Media Post
The Houston Rockets recently rediscovered a 2009 tweet from Kevin Durant expressing excitement about heading to Houston. They resurfaced this old post after acquiring the 36-year-old Durant in a blockbuster trade with the Phoenix Suns, sharing his youthful enthusiasm. Durant was traded to the Rockets on July 6 as part of a historic seven-team deal. This move came after the trio of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, assembled as a "Big Three" by Phoenix ahead of the 2023 season with high expectations, failed to meet hopes. The Suns lost in the first round of the playoffs in 2023 and then missed the playoffs entirely the following season, prompting the franchise to change direction. Now joining Houston, Durant brings his experience from previous stops in Seattle, Oklahoma City, Golden State, Brooklyn, and Phoenix. The Rockets, coming off a strong 52-30 season, have added Durant along with Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela in the offseason, positioning themselves as serious contenders in the Western Conference.
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Celtics Rumors: NBA Insider Provides Massive Update on Jaylen Brown Trade
The Boston Celtics have made significant offseason moves, including trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis primarily to reduce salary and avoid the second luxury tax apron. While losing Luke Kornet in free agency was a setback, the team also faces widespread trade inquiries about Jaylen Brown. These inquiries stem from Jayson Tatum's expected absence for most, if not all, of the upcoming season, leading other teams to speculate if the Celtics might rebuild around Tatum by trading Brown. However, Celtics President Brad Stevens has provided a major update, with reports indicating the team never seriously considered trading Jaylen Brown or Derrick White. The Celtics highly value Brown's importance to their plans, despite his large contract. They recognize his versatility, specifically his ability to guard multiple positions, create his own shot, and create opportunities for teammates. The franchise desires to keep him long-term. With Tatum sidelined, Brown will become the team's primary offensive option. This situation presents a significant opportunity for him to showcase his abilities and further develop his game, particularly in playmaking and ball-handling responsibilities. The Celtics would only consider trading Brown if offered an overwhelming return, acknowledging that such a move would likely weaken the team in the short term. Brown finds reassurance in the organization's commitment to him and their recognition of his value both on and off the court. He averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game last season.
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Warriors still have huge chance to complete what few think possible
The Golden State Warriors began free agency with only nine contracted players but have made no moves in over a week, causing fan frustration about their offseason prospects. However, the team still has opportunities to improve its roster despite the slow start, as several impactful free agents remain available. Financial constraints limit the Warriors' flexibility, with significant salary cap space tied to Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. Major roster changes were always unlikely, especially given the team's strong 23-7 record with Butler late last season. The only confirmed departure is Kevon Looney, who joined the Pelicans after receiving no offer from Golden State. Kevin Knox, Braxton Key, and Pat Spencer are unlikely to return, while Gary Payton II could re-sign on team-friendly terms. Jonathan Kuminga's restricted free agency situation is delaying other moves. The Warriors maintain control over negotiations in a weak market for restricted free agents and prioritize securing the right deal over rushing. Meanwhile, viable free-agent options persist that could bolster the roster. Golden State appears poised to sign veterans Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton, who would provide starter-level upgrades over departed role players. Remaining roster spots could target frontcourt spacing specialists like Chris Boucher or Trey Lyles. For higher-risk, high-reward moves, the Warriors might pursue Bradley Beal if he becomes a free agent via buyout, or consider Damian Lillard post-All-Star break following his Achilles recovery. Kuminga's resolution remains central—either through an immediate sign-and-trade or a contract facilitating a mid-season trade. These potential moves outline a clear pathway for Golden State to assemble a stronger roster than last season's second-round playoff exit team, though contention in the competitive Western Conference remains uncertain.
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Pacers Sign Rookie Kam Jones To Unique Four-Year Standard Contract
Kam Jones has signed his first professional contract, agreeing to a four-year deal with the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers acquired Jones through a draft trade with the San Antonio Spurs after selecting him 38th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Indiana targeted an early second-round pick due to lacking a first-round selection after a mid-June trade and seeking cost-effective roster contributors. Jones played four collegiate seasons at Marquette, demonstrating versatility by alternating between on-ball and off-ball guard roles. As a senior, he averaged 19.2 points and 5.9 assists per game. Pacers President Kevin Pritchard praised Jones' work ethic and positional flexibility, noting similarities in personality to All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton. Currently practicing with the Pacers ahead of summer league play, Jones will share significant ball-handling responsibilities with returning players RayJ Dennis and Quenton Jackson. His experience playing alongside NBA-caliber creators like New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek at Marquette prepared him for both off-ball and primary creator roles, with three-point shooting being a particular strength during those seasons. Summer league coach Isaac Yacob highlighted the value of Jones' adaptability, stating it "adds a layer to his game and to the team." Jones himself emphasized how his point guard experience expanded his skill set, making him comfortable in multiple backcourt positions. The Pacers signed Jones to a standard contract using the second-round pick exception. The deal guarantees just under $1.3 million in the first season at the NBA rookie minimum, with the second year at the lowest possible base salary. The third and fourth seasons carry standard values under the exception structure.
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NBA Insider Expects Al Horford to Land Warriors Contract, Leave Celtics in Free Agency
NBA free agent Al Horford is widely expected to sign with the Golden State Warriors, though his decision remains pending. NBA insiders Zach Lowe and Marc Stein both report that Horford appears "destined" for Golden State, with Lowe noting on his podcast that "something is delaying" the move despite strong indications of the outcome. This potential signing would represent another significant loss for the Boston Celtics this offseason, following the trades of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis. The situation is compounded by Jayson Tatum's anticipated absence during part of the 2025-26 season as he recovers from an Achilles injury sustained in the playoffs. Horford has been instrumental for Boston since 2021-22, serving as a veteran leader and helping secure the 2023-24 championship. While no longer a high-stat producer, the 39-year-old provides valuable floor spacing with his career 37.7% three-point shooting, solid rebounding, and effective interior defense when needed. The Warriors' championship-focused timeline with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler makes Horford an ideal fit. His extensive playoff experience (197 career postseason games) and perimeter shooting would enhance Golden State's offense, particularly in pick-and-pop situations with Curry, offering a more potent frontcourt threat than Green's 32% career three-point shooting. This acquisition could significantly strengthen the Warriors in the competitive Western Conference.
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One savvy lineup change may be all it takes for Dream to reach the next level
The Atlanta Dream is enjoying a strong season with a 12-7 record, having defeated top teams like the Fever, Storm, and Liberty. While the additions of Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner have significantly boosted Allisha Gray’s offensive impact, analysts suggest a lineup change could elevate the team further: starting Naz Hillmon over Brittney Griner. The current starting lineup (Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner) has logged over 100 minutes but produced only a 1.0 net rating. In contrast, the lineup featuring Hillmon instead of Griner—Gray, Jones, Canada, Howard, and Hillmon—achieved a 30.3 net rating over 64 minutes. Atlanta’s best-performing lineups consistently include the trio of Gray, Howard, and Jones, with Hillmon’s presence further enhancing production. Playing two traditional bigs like Jones and Griner is increasingly challenging in the modern WNBA due to limited floor spacing. Jones shoots just 21.4% from three on low volume, whereas Hillmon has transformed into a reliable perimeter threat, hitting 35.2% of her 2.8 three-point attempts per game. Hillmon’s spacing allows Jones more room to operate effectively in the paint. Though Griner and Jones offer a size advantage against specific opponents, Hillmon’s versatility provides greater overall flexibility. Hillmon already leads all reserves in fourth-quarter minutes and often closes games, indicating coach Karl Smesko’s trust. Promoting her to the starting lineup is framed as a strategic adjustment to maximize the team’s potential, emphasizing the limitations of dual-big lineups rather than a critique of Griner individually.
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