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TOPJalen Green risks upsetting Suns' fans with comments on Houston Rockets
The Phoenix Suns have undergone significant roster changes with at least nine new players added this offseason, potentially including more moves. The acquisition of Jalen Green from the Houston Rockets in the Kevin Durant trade is a key development, though questions remain about how his skills will fit alongside Devin Booker, particularly given their overlapping roles. A recent secret workout involving Green added further intrigue. Green expressed sadness about leaving Houston, calling it "home" where he started his NBA career and built connections, acknowledging the trade was a business decision. While not explicitly stating regret, the report suggests he felt "blind-sided" by the move. Optimistically, this could motivate Green to have his best season yet with Phoenix, though integrating him with Booker presents a challenge. Green emphasized a lesson learned in Houston: becoming a great player requires being an excellent defender, not just a scorer – a sentiment welcomed by Suns fans. However, concerns exist that if Houston becomes a contender led by Durant, Green might look back and wish he was still there. His trade value around the league was reportedly lower than Phoenix anticipated before acquiring him. The Suns prioritize players committed to Phoenix, exemplified by Devin Booker's lucrative extension and positive statements from other recent additions like rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro. Green's comments expressing attachment to Houston stand in contrast to this desired mindset. The report stresses that for both Green and the Suns to succeed, he needs to focus forward, not dwell on Houston. His potential to become an All-Star depends on this forward-looking attitude, as lingering thoughts could negatively impact the team's positive momentum.
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TOPHouston Rockets 2025 NBA free agency grade for every signing
The Houston Rockets aggressively pursued championship contention in the 2025 NBA offseason, signaling a "win-now" approach by upgrading key positions without sacrificing their young core. Houston addressed three critical needs: a dominant perimeter scorer, a reliable 3-and-D wing, and playoff-tested center depth. The defining move was acquiring future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, replacing Jalen Green. Durant significantly raises the offensive ceiling and brings playoff pedigree, despite risks associated with age and injury history. His fit with Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. creates a legitimate "Big 3". Dorian Finney-Smith was brought in to replace Dillon Brooks. Finney-Smith offers more efficient shooting and a better contract than Brooks, fitting well into switch-heavy defenses without needing the ball. To bolster the frontcourt, Clint Capela replaces Jock Landale. Capela adds playoff experience, rim protection, rebounding, and stability, easing the load on Steven Adams and Sengun. These major additions cost the Rockets Cam Whitmore and the No. 10 draft pick, but the core of Thompson, Smith, Sengun, and Reed Sheppard remains intact. The Rockets' summer is viewed as impressive due to this balance between going all-in and maintaining future assets. The individual signings received the following grades: Clint Capela's acquisition was seen as a low-risk, high-floor move providing valuable playoff experience and rim protection as a backup or spot-starter. Dorian Finney-Smith's signing was graded as a smart, underrated pickup, offering defensive versatility and better spacing than Brooks, making him a valuable role player for playoff success.
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Is Ant-Man a Top 10 Pick? Timberwolves Fantasy Outlook 2025-26
The Minnesota Timberwolves, having reached the Western Conference Finals in consecutive seasons, aim to build on their success for the 2025-26 season. Key players Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert are central to their prospects. Anthony Edwards has ascended to become one of the NBA's best players, improving his game yearly. Last season saw significant gains in his three-point shooting (39.5%) and scoring (27.6 ppg). To elevate his fantasy value further and solidify a top-five player status, improving his playmaking (currently averaging 4.5 assists) is crucial. Despite being ranked as the 8th best fantasy player, he is projected as the top shooting guard in fantasy basketball. Rudy Gobert is viewed as a solid fantasy option, offering consistent double-double potential and shot-blocking, providing a safe floor. However, due to limited upside and center position depth, his ranking as the 65th overall and 16th center is appropriate, and drafting him higher isn't advised. Julius Randle presents better fantasy value than Gobert, ranked 76th overall. He delivers above-average production across categories (18.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 33.1 fantasy points last season) and offers more upside, making him a strong draft choice at his current value. With minimal free agency moves, the Timberwolves expect younger players to step up. Nickeil Alexander-Walker's departure creates opportunities for Terrance Shannon Jr. and rookie Rob Dillingham to emerge as potential fantasy sleepers. Jaden McDaniels is also anticipated to take on a larger offensive role. Overall, the Timberwolves are expected to offer significant fantasy value, led by Edwards (top SG), with Randle seen as a better draft value than Gobert, alongside McDaniels and the potential sleepers Shannon Jr. and Dillingham.
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USA beats China 122-57 in FIBA U19 World Cup as Maddyn Greenway dishes out nine assists
The USA U19 basketball team defeated China 122-57 in the FIBA U19 World Cup Round of 16, extending their undefeated tournament record to 4-0. This victory followed their 3-0 group stage performance, which included a 114-40 win over Israel. The game was relatively close after the first quarter, with the USA holding only a 10-point lead. However, the USA asserted dominance with an explosive 40-point second quarter, setting the tone for the remainder of the lopsided contest. Despite struggling with her shooting (1-5 from the field for 4 points), USA point guard Maddyn Greenway contributed significantly by dishing out a team-high nine assists during her 20 minutes of play. Sienna Betts led the USA scoring with 21 points against China. She was supported by Saniyah Hall (19 points) and Jazzy Davidson (18 points). The USA team will next face France in the Quarterfinals on Friday.
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Sabrina Ionescu to Compete in 2025 WNBA Starry® 3-Point Contest; Natasha Cloud to Make Kia WNBA Skills Challenge Debut
Sabrina Ionescu and her New York Liberty teammate Natasha Cloud have been selected to participate in two premier events during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Weekend. This selection marks Sabrina Ionescu's return to the WNBA contest events, following her record-breaking performance in the 2023 contest. The events will take place on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Steph Curry’s Unexpected Interaction With Fans Stirred Instant Reactions
Steph Curry's unexpected encounter with fans during the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, generated immediate reactions. The Golden State Warriors All-Star guard's significant impact on the Bay Area sports scene, including helping create an atmosphere that aided the Golden State Valkyries' WNBA debut and making his jersey the league's second-most sold, was highlighted. During the event, Curry interacted with a fan who had a large tattoo on his back depicting Curry performing his signature "Night Night" celebration. Curry appeared genuinely surprised and impressed by the tattoo. The fan expressed his admiration, telling Curry, "We love you, man," while shaking hands and posing for a photo. Another fan watching the interaction commented, "I love that." The moment gained traction on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where fans reacted enthusiastically. Comments included "🤝🔥," "Good glaze," and "Steph is goated," reflecting the positive fan response to the interaction.
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Wizards have gifted Cam Whitmore what the Rockets refused to give him
The Washington Wizards, despite winning only 33 games over two seasons, are optimistic about their rebuild against conventional odds, largely due to acquiring Cam Whitmore in a trade that sent Jordan Poole away after two polarizing seasons. The 21-year-old Whitmore, who averaged just 17.4 minutes per game in his career, now shoulders significant scoring responsibility for Washington—a risky move mitigated by veteran presences like C.J. McCollum and Khris Middleton, alongside draft pick Tre Johnson. Whitmore's limited playing time in Houston stemmed from the Rockets' deep roster, not his abilities. With Poole gone and veterans potentially traded, Washington offers him consistent minutes he never received. His career averages—10.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 threes per game on .449/.357/.707 shooting—translate to star-level per-36-minute production: 22.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 threes, signaling untapped potential. A physically imposing wing (6'7", 230 lbs) with a 6'8.5" wingspan, Whitmore excels at all three scoring levels. He showcased near-star efficiency in limited minutes, hitting 38.1% of pull-up threes in 2024-25 and 42.8% of catch-and-shoot threes in 2023-24. His versatility as both an on-ball and off-ball threat, combined with transition explosiveness and rim-finishing, positions him for a breakout if he maintains shooting consistency and leverages increased opportunity. Mentorship from Khris Middleton—a three-time All-Star and NBA champion with a similar skill set—further accelerates Whitmore's development. With expanded playing time, reduced pressure, and Middleton's guidance, Whitmore is poised to thrive in a role Houston couldn't provide, potentially defining Washington's unconventional rebuild.
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Rockets kick off their Summer League slate against Clippers
The Houston Rockets Summer League opener will feature rookie Reed Sheppard leading their starting lineup against the LA Clippers. The game takes place at Cox Pavillion in Las Vegas, NV. Broadcast options for the game include NBA TV and ESPN+ for television, SportsTalk790 for radio, and the Rockets App for online viewing. The Rockets starting lineup includes Reed Sheppard, Nate Williams, Jermaine Samuels Jr., N’Faly Dante, and Moses Brown. The Clippers starters are Zavier Simpson, Cam Christie, Kobe Brown, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and Yanic Niederhauser. Viewers are encouraged to watch the game via The Dream Shake’s official Playback stream and to sign up with push notifications activated to receive alerts for the live stream. Additionally, the announcer will join the Playback stream live from the arena during halftime.
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Drake covers up LeBron James tattoo with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander art
At the Twenty Years of Wireless festival in London, Drake replaced his tattoo of LeBron James' St. Vincent/St. Mary's jersey and No. 23 on his left arm with a new tattoo featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's No. 2 Oklahoma City Thunder jersey and the word "Thunder" arched above it, during his headlining performances over the three-day event. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a Toronto native like Drake, is the 2024-25 NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP, who led the Thunder to their first NBA championship by defeating the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game series. Previously, in March, Gilgeous-Alexander was featured in Drake's "NOKIA" music video, wearing multiple versions of his signature Converse sneaker around his neck. Drake's tension with LeBron James has been escalating, as evidenced by his newly released single "What Did I Miss?" where he appears to call out James for attending Kendrick Lamar's "The Pop Out: Ken & Friends" concert on Juneteenth in 2024, following a feud involving nine diss tracks between Lamar and Drake. Drake also released the single "Fighting Irish Freestyle" in January, which seemed to target James and DeMar DeRozan for being at Lamar's concert, and he altered lyrics during a February performance in Perth, changing his song "Nonstop" from "How I go from six to 23 like I'm LeBron?" to "How I go from six to 23 but not LeBron, man." In the 2024-25 NBA season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged a league-high 32.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, while James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists for the Los Angeles Lakers.
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"Only two guys on that team could fight" - Charles Barkley says "Bad Boy" label for Detroit was highly exaggerated
Charles Barkley has stated that the "Bad Boy" label associated with the late 1980s and early 1990s Detroit Pistons championship teams was significantly exaggerated. Having played against them frequently during their peak years, Barkley acknowledged their physical style of play but challenged the perception that the entire roster was composed of tough fighters. He specifically claimed that only two players on the team could actually fight: Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars. Barkley explicitly named several prominent Pistons players who, in his view, could not fight: Dennis Rodman, John Salley, Rick Mahorn, and Bill Laimbeer. Despite the team's reputation for bullying opponents like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson, Barkley characterized the "Bad Boys" ferocity as more of a manufactured cultural identity and branding exercise than a reflection of the actual fighting abilities of most players in the locker room. Barkley based his assessment on his firsthand experience playing against the Pistons in high-stakes games, where he endured hits from Mahorn, wrestled with Laimbeer, and observed Thomas and Dumars' on-court demeanor. While acknowledging the Pistons' aggressive tactics, such as leading the league in personal fouls and employing gang-tackle-like defensive traps, his comments challenge the nostalgic narrative that paints every member of that squad as a battle-hardened brawler, suggesting the truth about their toughness was more selective.
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Surprise West Team Linked to Damian Lillard in Free Agency: Report
Despite many top NBA free agents already being signed, several solid players remain available, including star point guard Damian Lillard. The Milwaukee Bucks surprisingly waived Lillard earlier this summer to facilitate signing Myles Turner, a move that shocked the league. Although Lillard is expected to miss most or all of next season recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in last season's playoffs, he remains one of the premier free agents on the market. Multiple teams have shown interest in Lillard, including his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers. However, a new unexpected Western Conference contender—the Golden State Warriors—has emerged as a potential destination. According to a report by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Warriors are among the teams atop Lillard’s list of preferences, partly due to his Oakland roots. While the pairing raises questions about his fit alongside Stephen Curry, it presents intriguing possibilities. Should Lillard join Golden State, a backcourt partnership with Curry would form one of the NBA’s most potent offensive duos upon his return from injury. The 34-year-old is coming off a strong season, averaging 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.02 steals per game while shooting 44.8% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range.
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Nuggets’ DaRon Holmes II returns from torn Achilles at scene of the crime after resilient year: ‘This is Round 2’
DaRon Holmes II adopted a goldendoodle puppy named Red Velvet, inspired by his mother Tomika Holmes' red velvet cakes. Tomika, a culinary arts teacher and baker, created a fondness for the dessert in her son, who humorously admitted he lacks her baking skills but named the dog as a nod to his upbringing. Holmes intended Red Velvet as a therapy dog to help with mental challenges, but he found the puppy overwhelming and unhelpful, comparing the experience to raising a child. Despite the difficulties, he expressed deep gratitude and love for the now fully grown dog, which he adopted during a period when his basketball career was stalled. His NBA journey faced a major setback on July 12, 2024, when he tore his right Achilles tendon late in a Summer League game, abruptly ending his rookie season. This injury occurred just two weeks after the Denver Nuggets drafted him 22nd overall, trading three second-round picks. Holmes recently made a triumphant return to basketball, playing his first game since the injury at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Cox Pavilion. He scored 15 points in this comeback, marking a significant step toward his proper rookie season. Throughout his rehabilitation from the injury, Holmes maintained an upbeat and unshaken mindset, reminiscent of his dog's demeanor. His business manager, Mitch Brown, praised his determination and optimism, noting the strength of his mentality at age 22. The injury was particularly devastating for Holmes, who had no history of major health issues—having only a minor high school fracture that didn't sideline him long—making the unfamiliar setback all the more gut-wrenching.
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Summer League Preview: Houston Rockets vs LA Clippers
The Houston Rockets and LA Clippers are preparing for their first games in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, set to face each other. While starting lineups are unconfirmed, the Rockets are expected to be led by second-year guard Reed Sheppard, who is using the Summer League to build towards an increased regular-season role. Their team is coached by Ime Udoka's assistant, Garrett Jackson, and features eight rookies plus returning players aiming for contracts. Key Rockets players include returning center N'Faly Dante, second-year guard Kevon Harris (on a two-way contract), and third-year wing Nate Williams. The Clippers' Summer League roster includes players like Kobe Brown, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Cam Christie, Trentyn Flowers, and Jordan Miller, coached by Jeremy Castleberry. All 30 NBA teams will play at least five games in Las Vegas. The top four teams advance to the playoffs, with semifinals on July 19th and the championship game on July 20th. The Rockets vs. Clippers game tips off at 7 PM in Las Vegas and will be televised on NBA TV.
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Despite injury, Kobe Brown showcases his potential for Clippers in Summer League win
The Clippers defeated the Houston Rockets 95-92 in an NBA Summer League game on Friday night at Cox Pavilion. Kobe Brown, aiming to secure a rotational role with the Clippers this season, suffered a right ankle injury in the third quarter after getting tangled with a Rockets defender who fell on his ankle. He left the game and did not return; the team diagnosed the injury as a right ankle contusion. Brown had started the game strongly, scoring 10 points in the first quarter (4-for-5 from the field, including 2-for-2 from three-point range) and showcasing his abilities, including a lob dunk after running the length of the court. He finished with 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 20 minutes before exiting. Clippers Summer League coach Jerry Castleberry praised Brown's performance, emphasizing his defense, decision-making, ability to draw defenders in the paint, and scoring effectively against mismatches. Regarding the injury, Castleberry stated it was "good" and "fine," calling his removal from the game precautionary and expressing confidence Brown would be okay. Brown, the 30th overall pick in the 2023 draft entering his third season, is slated to earn $2.65 million this season with a $4.7 million qualifying offer for next season. The Clippers added Jordan Miller to the Summer League roster after waiving him earlier, utilizing an available roster spot.
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Sandy Brondello Closing in on Liberty History
Sandy Brondello, head coach of the New York Liberty, moved into second place on the franchise's all-time coaching wins list after the team's 87-78 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday. This marked her 93rd win in her fourth season, breaking a tie with Bill Laimbeer (92 wins). Only Richie Adubato, with 100 wins during his tenure from 1999-2004, remains ahead of her. Brondello's success with the Liberty since joining in 2022 includes reaching the playoffs in each of her first three full seasons and leading the team to its first championship in franchise history by winning the 2024 WNBA Finals. This followed a Commissioner's Cup win the previous year. The 2024 Finals victory also made Brondello the Liberty's all-time winningest postseason coach, surpassing Adubato. Brondello attributed her success to her players, stating it's a credit to the team's quality and their collective goal of winning games, rather than a personal milestone she actively seeks. She is currently the second-longest tenured active head coach across New York's major sports teams (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL), behind only Yankees manager Aaron Boone. When Brondello secures her 100th win with the Liberty, she will become only the second WNBA head coach (alongside Mike Thibault) to reach 100 victories with two different franchises, having previously won 150 games with the Phoenix Mercury. Additionally, Brondello was recently named the head coach of one of the fantasy teams for the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game. The earliest Brondello can reach the 100-win milestone is at the start of next month when the Liberty begin a doubleheader against the Connecticut Sun. The Liberty have twelve games remaining on their home schedule, including a five-game homestand starting Sunday against the Atlanta Dream.
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‘Craziest Experience of My Life’ -- 3-Time NBA All-Star Tells Wild Story of Flying Private on Billionaire’s AAU Team at Age-11
The story of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle flying on a private jet for AAU basketball games at age 11 has resurfaced, highlighting extreme investments in youth sports amid ongoing scrutiny of team valuations. This follows a recent New York Times examination of youth sports economics. Randle detailed the experience during a November 2024 appearance on the "Pardon My Take" podcast, where hosts referenced his childhood team's private air travel. He clarified that the luxury stemmed not from team prowess but from billionaire Ken Troutt founding the Texas Titans AAU squad for his sons, with Randle joining as a teammate. The Texas Titans, established by Excel Communications founder Troutt, gained notoriety for operating "like an NBA team" according to former Spurs player Avery Johnson, whose son also played for them. Troutt’s investment covered all expenses—including using the Dallas Mavericks' private plane—eliminating costs for players and families. Randle emphasized this support’s profound impact, noting his single mother struggled with typical AAU fees. The fully funded travel, hotels, and parental accommodations allowed him to "dominate" his age group unburdened, calling it "the craziest experience" of his life. The article concludes by contextualizing Randle’s current NBA performance, citing his 18.7-point average and seven rebounds per game for Minnesota last season. He and Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals before falling to the champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Minnesota Lynx vs. Chicago Sky: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch
The Minnesota Lynx (18-3) will face the Chicago Sky (6-13) on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN+. Viewers can watch the WNBA throughout the season via Fubo, and select games are available on Prime Video. Officially licensed WNBA merchandise for both teams is available for purchase through Fanatics. Injury updates include Minnesota's Karlie Samuelson being out for the season with a foot injury, while Chicago's Courtney Vandersloot is also out for the season due to an ACL injury.
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Nuggets Trade Proposal Lands Lakers’ LeBron James and Bronny James
Following Rich Paul's recent remarks, speculation emerged about the Los Angeles Lakers potentially parting ways with LeBron James, though this would likely only occur if James requested a trade. Despite James being 40, his focus remains on winning, and while the Luka Doncic situation impacts the Lakers, James isn't overly concerned. He desires the Lakers to fully commit to contending while he remains on the roster. Bleacher Report proposed a trade scenario where the Denver Nuggets would acquire LeBron James and Bronny James. In return, the Los Angeles Lakers would receive Jamal Murray, DaRon Holmes II, Peyton Watson, and a 2028 first-round pick swap. The rationale suggests LeBron would value teaming with Nikola Jokić, and the Nuggets could absorb the loss of Murray and Watson due to recent additions like Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. Trading Holmes is seen as manageable unless Jonas Valančiūnas leaves. The trade represents Denver swapping youth for the 41-year-old James. The Nuggets might prefer this path because Murray is starting a large four-year extension ($207.8 million) and Watson is extension-eligible; acquiring LeBron's expiring contract offers long-term financial flexibility, especially with Christian Braun needing a new deal. While some Nuggets fans may oppose losing Murray, the opportunity to add James, including his off-court value, is significant. However, any trade hinges on James requesting a move or the Lakers making him available. An anonymous scout emphatically dismissed this possibility, stating there is "zero percent chance" the Lakers trade LeBron James, even if he demanded it, calling the idea "silliness." The scout guaranteed James will play for the Lakers next season, fully committed, as it aligns strongly with his best interests both on and off the court. Ultimately, while James seeks to win and the Nuggets arguably offer a better current chance than the Lakers, the scout's assessment strongly indicates James will remain with Los Angeles.
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Storm host the Mystics in out-of-conference matchup
The Washington Mystics (10-10, 6-5 Eastern Conference) face the Seattle Storm (13-8, 8-5 Western Conference) in a non-conference game at Seattle on Sunday at 6 p.m. EDT. The Storm hold a 7-3 home record and rank third in the Western Conference, averaging 82.1 points per game with a 45.6% field goal percentage. The Mystics are 3-7 on the road, rank fifth in the Eastern Conference, and average 78.6 points per game while shooting 43.0% from the field. Seattle's 45.6% field goal shooting is 3.5 percentage points higher than the 42.1% Washington typically allows opponents. Conversely, Washington's average of 78.6 points per game is 0.6 points less than the 79.2 points Seattle usually gives up. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams this season. For the Storm, Nneka Ogwumike averages 17.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Skylar Diggins-Smith is averaging 18.4 points and 5.7 assists over the last 10 games. For the Mystics, Sonia Citron averages 14.3 points and 5.1 rebounds, while Shakira Austin is averaging 15.8 points over the past 10 games. In their last 10 games, the Storm are 7-3, averaging 83.8 points, 30.7 rebounds, 21.3 assists, 9.8 steals, and 4.9 blocks while shooting 44.5% from the field, with opponents averaging 79.5 points. The Mystics are 6-4 over their last 10, averaging 77.6 points, 34.1 rebounds, 18.3 assists, 7.2 steals, and 2.7 blocks while shooting 42.1% from the field, with opponents averaging 80.6 points. Key injuries include Katie Lou Samuelson (Storm, out for season - knee) and Georgia Amoore (Mystics, out for season - ACL).
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Rockets Can Still Sign Low-Cost Free Agent Legend for Reunion
The Houston Rockets, having already made a major splash by acquiring NBA Champion Kevin Durant, are reportedly considering further moves to bolster their roster. One potential target is veteran point guard Chris Paul, a familiar name to Rockets fans, who is currently a free agent. Despite showing he can still control an offense in limited minutes during his season with the young San Antonio Spurs, Paul is clearly past his elite prime. However, his experience and leadership are seen as valuable assets for the still-developing Rockets, who aim to compete in the tough Western Conference. Adding a player like Paul could provide crucial depth and unexpected contributions needed to challenge top teams. Paul's future is uncertain as he has yet to sign and may be considering retirement despite still being impactful. Clear signs of aging have been evident over the last two seasons, and he might choose to retire while playing at a relatively high level. Nevertheless, the Rockets are viewed as a team that should pursue him to add veteran presence and bench depth. While Paul is not an elite defender, the Rockets possess a core of long, switchable defenders who could compensate for his defensive limitations, making his addition seem like a logical fit for the team's structure. Signing Paul would continue the Rockets' strong offseason, adding another notable piece that commands league attention. Although the Rockets have an exciting young core, the focus often remains on established stars like LeBron James, Durant, and Stephen Curry. While Paul is a tier below those superstars, he remains a significant household name. Bringing him in alongside Durant is presented as a move that makes considerable sense for the Rockets to explore before the season begins.
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Warriors land in ‘Group of Death’ for upcoming NBA In-Season Tournament
The Golden State Warriors have been placed in a challenging "Group of Death" for the NBA Cup's group stage, alongside the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trail Blazers. This draw is particularly difficult because the Rockets and Nuggets are considered two of the top Western Conference contenders behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets, who finished the season with the conference's second-best record and defeated the Warriors in the playoffs, strengthened their roster this offseason by adding Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela without losing core players. The Nuggets, who pushed the Thunder to seven games in the Western Conference Semifinals, improved their depth with additions like Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valančiūnas. Furthermore, the group includes two potential Western Conference sleepers: the Spurs and the Trail Blazers. The Spurs are optimistic about the development of their young core, including Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and Devin Vassell. The Trail Blazers focused on bolstering their emerging defense by acquiring veteran point guard Jrue Holiday this offseason. While the Warriors' ultimate goals for the 2025-26 season extend far beyond winning the in-season tournament, the NBA Cup provides early high-intensity competition. Being in this tough group offers the Warriors opportunities to gauge themselves against key Western Conference rivals early in the regular season. A strong performance could boost their confidence, while struggles might prompt General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. to pursue more aggressive trades before the deadline.
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Sparks go quietly in loud loss to first-place Lynx
The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 91-82 at Crypto.com Arena on Kids Day, creating an exceptionally loud atmosphere dominated by children's screams. Despite the Sparks riding the loud support to an early 16-0 run in the first quarter, they trailed by 21 points by the end of the third quarter. A subsequent 17-0 Sparks run wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. A key factor in the loss was the Sparks committing 22 turnovers compared to the Lynx's 10, leading to 23 points off turnovers and 22 more shot attempts for Minnesota. Combined with the Lynx's top-rated defense under Coach Cheryl Reeve, this proved insurmountable for the Sparks. Sparks coach Lynne Roberts praised Minnesota as a disciplined "machine" and Reeve as the league's "matriarch," while guard Kelsey Plum acknowledged the difficulty of giving the best team easy scoring opportunities. Lynx star Napheesa Collier, the WNBA's leading scorer (23.9 ppg) whose team leads the league at 18-3, led her team onto the court following her All-Star selection (she and teammate Courtney Williams will participate). However, guard Natisha Hiedeman powered the Lynx in the first half, scoring 16 of her 18 points. Hiedeman benefited from the Sparks double- and triple-teaming Collier in the paint, hitting two first-quarter 3-pointers on kick-out passes.
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Brooklyn Nets rookies compared to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams by NBA coach
Brooklyn Nets Assistant Coach Steve Hetzel compared the team's rookie ball-handlers to NBA champions Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder following the Nets' Summer League opener loss. Hetzel defended the Nets' heavily criticized draft strategy of selecting five first-round picks, mostly ball-dominant playmakers with limited shooting, stating that the league now requires "multiple ball-handlers, multiple attackers." He specifically cited the Thunder's championship-winning duo as evidence that multiple players who can attack the paint and make plays can succeed together. However, the comparison faces skepticism. While acknowledging that top NBA teams like the Thunder, Celtics (with Tatum and Brown), and Lakers (with James and Doncic) have multiple stars, the article argues that balance is crucial. It points out that the Lakers' playoff loss exemplified how imbalance, despite playmaking talent, can be detrimental. The Thunder's success is attributed not just to their ball-handlers but also to complementary skills like Chet Holmgren's rim protection and Lu Dort's perimeter defense and shooting. The article contends that simply accumulating ball-handlers isn't a guaranteed recipe for success. The Nets' overall situation is portrayed negatively. Bill Simmons ranked them as having the second-worst outlook in the Eastern Conference. Despite entering the summer with roughly $55 million in cap space, the Nets traded for injured Michael Porter Jr. (sending out Cam Johnson) and Terrance Mann. Combining these acquisitions with five first-round rookies leads to predictions of a long season. Simmons further emphasized the lack of standout young talent, questioning who the Nets' definitive best asset or foundational player ("that's our guy") even is, hesitantly suggesting Nick Claxton.
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The NBA is closing in on its first $1 million per game player
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year supermax contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the final year of this deal (2030-31), he is projected to earn $79 million, amounting to over $963,000 per game, bringing him close to becoming the first NBA player with a million-dollar-per-game contract. This unprecedented salary level is driven by two key factors: the NBA's supermax extension (designated veteran extension) and a rapidly rising salary cap. The supermax, created in 2017, allows eligible players (7-8 years experience, same team, meeting awards criteria) to sign extensions starting at 35% of the salary cap. Gilgeous-Alexander is the 14th player to sign such a deal. "Basketball inflation" has significantly outpaced general inflation, causing the salary cap to surge. A decade ago, the cap was $63 million (approx. $85 million adjusted for inflation), but it reached $141 million for 2024-25. Salaries are set to rise even faster due to the NBA's new 11-year, $76 billion national TV deal ($7 billion per season), which is 2.6 times larger than the previous deal. This massive influx of TV money will profoundly impact the salary cap and supermax salaries. While the new CBA implemented "cap smoothing" to prevent a single massive spike (like the 34% jump that allowed Kevin Durant's signing), it allows for maximum annual cap increases of 10%. The cap is expected to increase by 10% next season, raising the supermax starting point by 10%, with a projected 7% increase in 2026-27. Compound increases could see the cap double from $150 million next season to over $300 million by 2033-34. The effect on supermax values is dramatic. Stephen Curry's first supermax started at $34.7 million (35% of a $99M cap) in 2017-18. It took 5 years for the supermax value to exceed $40 million, 3 more years to exceed $50 million, is projected to take 2 more years to reach $60 million, and only one additional projected year to surpass $70 million, showcasing the accelerating pace.
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Video: Gary Washburn: Is this New CBA Hurting the Kings and the NBA Offseason?
Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe discussed the impact of the new NBA collective bargaining agreement on the Sacramento Kings and the league, Joe Mazzulla's unconventional coaching style, and the potential ceiling for Mike Brown and the New York Knicks during an appearance on the Drive Guys show. Sacramento Kings Summer League head coach Dipesh Mistry addressed reporters after the team's 2025 debut game. He highlighted Maxime Raynaud's strong start, Nique Clifford's improved performance in the second half, and the team's defensive focus. Following the Kings' Las Vegas Summer League debut, rookie Maxime Raynaud spoke with reporters. He discussed making an early impact and emphasized the importance of being vocal on defense. Sacramento Kings rookie Nique Clifford also spoke with reporters after his Las Vegas Summer League debut. He discussed overcoming a slow start, shaking off first-game jitters, and his improved play.
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Lakers just made plans to go all-in on Giannis Antetokounmpo painfully obvious
Giannis Antetokounmpo has publicly indicated he will "probably" remain with the Milwaukee Bucks, expressing love for the city during a live stream with IShowSpeed. This statement potentially halts recent Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors, though the Lakers remain hopeful for future opportunities as Giannis could decline his $62.8 million player option for 2027-28 and enter free agency in 2027. The Lakers have prioritized financial flexibility this offseason, evidenced by Dorian Finney-Smith's departure to the Rockets. Both Los Angeles franchises are positioning themselves for major future acquisitions, targeting either Giannis or Nikola Jokic—who could become free agents in 2027 without contract extensions. Giannis is viewed as the more attainable target compared to Jokic, despite the latter delaying his extension with Denver. Lakers' strategic focus shifted significantly after acquiring 26-year-old Luka Dončić earlier this year without sacrificing future assets, moving attention away from 40-year-old LeBron James. While their offseason moves haven't aligned with typical contender behavior—potentially risking LeBron's departure—the organization believes securing another superstar like Giannis would justify the approach. Despite Giannis' affection for Milwaukee, his championship ambitions could drive a future exit. The Bucks, though in a weakened Eastern Conference, aren't currently positioned as title favorites, raising possibilities of Giannis requesting a midseason trade or becoming available next summer if no extension occurs. Lakers fans may endure short-term dissatisfaction, but landing Giannis would represent a transformative long-term victory.
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Sparks overwhelmed by league-best Lynx
The Los Angeles Sparks started strong against the Minnesota Lynx but ultimately lost 91-82 at home. Despite the Sparks' initial burst, the Lynx demonstrated their league-leading dominance. Individually, Sparks All-Star Kelsey Plum performed well, scoring 17 points on 4-7 shooting. New acquisition Julie Vanloo also had a notable game, hitting five 3-pointers for 15 points. However, the Lynx, featuring MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier (17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists), lived up to their top-record status. The game began with the Lynx taking a 7-2 lead. The Sparks responded with a surge of three-pointers from Rickea Jackson, Julie Allemand, and Plum, gaining a 13-7 edge and extending their lead to double figures after a Lynx timeout. The Lynx countered late in the quarter, with Collier dominating inside and Natisha Hiedeman scoring seven quick points to briefly regain the lead. A technical foul on Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve helped the Sparks end the first quarter ahead 26-22. The second quarter saw a dominant Lynx performance. They scored eight unanswered points until Vanloo hit a three. Minnesota continued to overwhelm the Sparks, forcing turnovers and scoring easily inside, outscoring LA 22-8 midway through the quarter. Exchanges of baskets gave the Lynx a 10-point halftime lead. The Sparks' struggles continued into the third quarter. An Azurá Stevens turnover led to a Lynx fastbreak, and Kayla McBride's three-pointer extended Minnesota's lead to 57-44.
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