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TOPMark Cuban makes surprising statement on Mavericks' GM Nico Harrison
The Dallas Mavericks have moved forward from the controversial Luka Dončić trade, facilitated by securing Duke standout Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall draft pick. Flagg joins Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, both recovering from injuries, bolstering the team’s core. Former majority owner Mark Cuban initially opposed trading Dončić in February 2023 after selling his stake, but has since shifted his perspective. In a SiriusXM NBA Radio interview, Cuban reflected on past unpopular decisions—notably letting Steve Nash leave without compensation—emphasizing the complexities of roster management under the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement and second-apron restrictions. Cuban praised General Manager Nico Harrison for proactively extending key players like Irving and Daniel Gafford before salary cap increases, citing Oklahoma City’s strategy of locking in contracts during a lower-cap period as a model. The Mavericks aim to secure similar deals with P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II, positioning themselves for future financial flexibility as the cap rises 10% annually. With the healing effect of time and the addition of the top draft pick, the Mavericks now find themselves in a significantly stronger position than months prior.
Views 5460Likes 2787
TOPLakers Fans Excited After Luka Doncic NBA Offseason Update
Luka Doncic has made a significant impact since joining the Los Angeles Lakers midway through the 2024-25 season via a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. In 28 regular-season games, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, helping the Lakers achieve 50 wins and secure the third seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers front office aims to secure Doncic as their long-term franchise cornerstone. He becomes eligible for a four-year, approximately $228 million extension on August 2nd, and the organization is actively working to finalize this deal to keep him with the team. During the offseason, Doncic has been spotted looking noticeably leaner, drawing praise from fans for his improved fitness and fueling optimism for an even stronger performance next season. He has also been seen interacting with fans in various parts of Europe. Recently, Doncic attended a private Jordan Brand event in Athens, Greece, hosted by Michael Jordan. He was joined by Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo. Videos circulated online showing the two players laughing, toasting drinks, and enjoying the party, with Adebayo calling Doncic "the MVP of the group". This sighting sparked enthusiastic reactions from Lakers fans on social media. Many fans humorously speculated about the possibility of Adebayo joining the Lakers, with comments ranging from imagining the pair on the same team to joking about potential trades or declaring "Bam to the Lakers confirmed."
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Why the Liberty must sign Emma Meesseman
The New York Liberty are exploring the potential signing of free agent Emma Meesseman while Jonquel Jones recovers from an ankle injury. Players and coaches acknowledge Meesseman could help the team, leveraging existing connections through head coach Sandy Brondello and star player Breanna Stewart. Both Brondello and Stewart share a history with Meesseman from their time at Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg. Brondello coached there from 2012-2017, Stewart played from 2020-2022, and Meesseman was a member from 2016-2022. When asked directly about pursuing Meesseman (who hasn't played in the WNBA since 2022), Brondello did not deny the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP would be beneficial. Brondello stated on July 8th that Meesseman is resting after Eurobasket and deciding her plans, adding "We would love to have her if that’s something she’s interested in. I think that would certainly help us," though she confirmed no direct conversation had occurred yet. Similarly, Stewart responded coyly with "Um, maybe" and a smile when questioned about contacting Meesseman, stating "But I don’t know what’s happening." The article notes that Meesseman's potential fit with the Liberty extends beyond merely covering for Jones' injury and includes her familiarity with key personnel.
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'I Was Shocked' -- Ja Morant Breaks Silence on Grizzlies' Desmond Bane Trade, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s $240,000,000 Extension
The Memphis Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four first-round draft picks (2025, 2026, 2028, 2030). Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant expressed shock upon learning of the trade, initially believing it was fake. He stated the move was best for both teams, believing Bane is the missing piece for the talented Orlando Magic and complements players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. CBS Sports ranked the Bane acquisition as the No. 2 move of the offseason, highlighting him as the perfect scoring and shooting threat Orlando needed, especially for kick-outs when Banchero and Wagner drive. While losing Bane, the Grizzlies secured a five-year maximum contract extension worth approximately $240 million (with a 2029-30 player option) for star player Jaren Jackson Jr. Morant strongly endorsed the extension, calling Jackson Jr. the heart of Memphis and the team, though he admitted he didn't understand the salary cap details and thought Jackson deserved even more. Morant also commented on the incoming players. He emphasized the importance of veteran presence Caldwell-Pope brings, particularly for his defensive prowess and mentorship value for the Grizzlies' young players. He noted that playing next to a playmaker like himself could help Caldwell-Pope return to his previous shooting form after a dip last season. The team also bought out Cole Anthony's contract to create additional salary cap space. Caldwell-Pope's potential role includes offering key leadership and possibly mentoring young player Jaylen Wells as Memphis develops its next generation of talent.
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3 takeaways from Bucks' reported signing of former Eastern Conference foe
Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers expressed his belief that Myles Turner's abilities would complement Giannis Antetokounmpo perfectly, though the context for this comment isn't elaborated in the provided text. Guard Cole Anthony is set to join the Milwaukee Bucks on a one-year deal. After spending his first five NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic, Anthony was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason but secured a buyout without playing for them. He is now expected to sign with Milwaukee. Anthony, who alternated between starting and bench roles in Orlando, contributed to the Magic's late-season push to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year following a three-year absence, including winning nine of their final twelve regular-season games in 2024-25. Anthony's signing addresses a need for guard depth on the Bucks roster created by the loss of star guard Damian Lillard, who was waived after suffering an Achilles tendon tear during the playoffs. The article highlights three key takeaways from Anthony's move to Milwaukee. Firstly, his offensive ability is considered his most important attribute. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over five seasons with Orlando, ranking him among the top three offensive bench players in the NBA according to ESPN. While his production dipped this past season to a career-low 9.4 points per game due to reduced minutes (18.4 per game) and starting only 22 of 67 games, alongside foot issues causing missed games, increased playing time and better health in Milwaukee could lead to improved output. Secondly, Anthony's scoring is needed. With Lillard out, the Bucks' backcourt lacks scoring punch. Gary Trent Jr. is currently the highest-scoring guard on the roster, averaging 11.7 points per game in the regular season. Anthony and Trent Jr. are likely to compete for minutes at the guard position. Thirdly, the Bucks need to replace Lillard's three-point shooting. Despite a first-round playoff exit and scoring inconsistencies, Milwaukee led the NBA in three-point shooting percentage during the regular season (38.7%). Lillard was a significant factor, leading the team with 3.4 made threes per game. His absence creates a void that needs filling to maintain their strong outside shooting.
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How Alyssa Thomas is following in Diana Taurasi’s trash-talking footsteps
Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury is being compared to her teammate Diana Taurasi as the heir apparent in trash-talking within the WNBA, despite playing different positions, due to their shared intense and ferocious on-court demeanor that gets under opponents' skin. This recognition stems from an anonymous poll conducted by The Athletic and reported by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman, where WNBA players voted Thomas as the league's top trash-talker with 13 votes, significantly ahead of Courtney Williams in second place with 5 votes, Marina Mabrey with 4 votes, and Skylar Diggins-Smith with 2 votes. Anonymous player quotes highlighted Thomas's distinctive and pervasive trash-talking style, describing her as smiling while engaging in "psycho stuff," with one noting her reputation is well-known across the league and another emphasizing she talks trash even to players not directly guarding her, always having "something" to say.
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Update: It turns out Lakers DID tell LeBron they were selling the team
An update clarifies that LeBron James was notified about the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers before the public announcement, correcting the original report. The original story examined the relationship between LeBron James and the Lakers. While evidence points to a positive relationship, including James opting into his contract for the 2025-26 season after seven years and a championship with the team, his agent Rich Paul made confusing comments about James prioritizing winning now over the future. This sparked speculation about a potential future trade request, which Paul explicitly denied. From the Lakers' perspective, they are not pursuing a dual timeline strategy like Golden State. However, the age difference between the 26-year-old Luka Dončić and the 40-year-old James suggests the franchise views Dončić as its long-term cornerstone. The report highlighted an example of this potential shift in priorities: ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that when the Buss family agreed to sell a majority stake in the Lakers on June 18th, Dončić was given advance notice and publicly congratulated the new ownership, while James reportedly found out when the public did and made no public acknowledgement. LeBron James has not yet commented on the matter. The story suggested that if accurate, not informing James about the sale beforehand could indicate he is no longer as central to the Lakers' inner circle as he once was, and that failing to extend him the same courtesy given to Dončić seemed like a petty action.
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NBA Fans Buzzing About Luka Doncic's Physical Appearance
The Los Angeles Lakers have decisively shifted their focus towards building their future around superstar Luka Doncic, moving away from an era centered on LeBron James. This strategic pivot was solidified by their blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks to acquire Doncic. James, entering the final year of his contract, has recently been the subject of significant trade rumors. Doncic is positioned as the long-term cornerstone of the Lakers franchise. While critiques about his conditioning from last season existed, he has been rigorously working throughout the NBA offseason. This effort became evident during a recent public appearance in Greece, where his noticeably slimmer physical appearance generated considerable buzz within the NBA community. The dramatic change in Doncic's physique quickly sparked reactions from fans online. Comments ranged from surprise that he hadn't achieved this peak shape earlier, to praise for Lakers GM Rob Pelinka for acquiring him, dubbing Doncic the "new slim reaper." Many fans expressed high expectations, declaring him the MVP and stating the league is unprepared for his impending dominance.
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NBA Fans React To Jimmy Butler's Appearance With Steph Curry
The Golden State Warriors face a shrinking championship window with their three star players all aged 35 or older, intensifying pressure on general manager Mike Dunleavy and the front office to make strategic roster additions. These moves are deemed essential for the team to compete against top contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets. During the offseason, Warriors veterans are focusing on personal downtime ahead of their expiring contracts. Draymond Green was spotted with LeBron James in Puerto Rico, while Jimmy Butler made an unexpected visit to Lake Tahoe. Butler specifically appeared to support teammate Steph Curry, who was participating in the American Century Championship golf tournament. Butler's appearance alongside Curry sparked enthusiastic fan reactions on social media. Supporters praised the duo with comments like "BEST DUO ITL" and expressed confidence they could win a championship with the right supporting pieces. While some fans noted the lack of offseason moves, the overall sentiment highlighted excitement about their partnership heading into the next season.
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Anthony Edwards' Exchange With Nuggets Fan Goes Viral
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards attended Saturday's NBA Summer League game in Las Vegas, where his team defeated the Denver Nuggets 94-83. While supporting his teammates, Edwards drew attention by signing an autograph for a young Nuggets fan wearing a Denver jersey. A viral video captured the moment when another spectator yelled that the child was a Nuggets fan, prompting Edwards to respond: "It’s all good. I be busting their a**." This remark referenced his dominant performances against Denver during the regular season, where he averaged 31.5 points per game across four victories. The context for Edwards' confident comment extends to the 2024 playoffs, where he led Minnesota to a seven-game series win over the defending champion Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite the playful jab at Denver, his autograph gesture toward the young fan was widely viewed as a positive interaction.
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Luka Doncic's Manager Opens Up On Relationship With LeBron James
Rumors suggest the Los Angeles Lakers may be shifting their focus towards building around Luka Doncic, potentially moving on from LeBron James, but Doncic himself reportedly values his partnership with James. His manager, Lara Beth Sager, emphasized Doncic's deep respect and admiration for the four-time NBA champion, stating Doncic loves playing with him and considers it an honor to be his teammate. Seager highlighted their shared championship goal and that Doncic has learned significantly from James. Initial concerns about the compatibility of two ball-dominant players arose, fueled by Doncic's performance in his first few Lakers games, casting doubt on their ability to coexist. However, Doncic soon returned to his usual high level of play, effectively silencing those doubts. With the Lakers seemingly preparing to center the team on Doncic, securing a contract extension is a priority. Seager clearly stated Doncic's current happiness with the Lakers organization, praising the leadership team for being incredibly welcoming and supportive since his arrival in Los Angeles. She noted they have spent significant time building a strong working relationship. While rumors about LeBron James' discontent are familiar, the report indicates that, barring unexpected events, Doncic and the future Hall of Famer James are expected to continue leading the Lakers together for at least another season.
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Luka Doncic And Bam Adebayo Spotted Partying With Michael Jordan At Exclusive Jordan Brand Event
Luka Doncic and Bam Adebayo were seen partying with Michael Jordan at an exclusive Jordan Brand dinner and afterparty in Athens, Greece, hosted by Jordan himself. The event gathered prominent Jordan Brand athletes and ambassadors, highlighting the brand's global reach. Luka Doncic was a central figure, joining other attendees including Bam Adebayo, Rui Hachimura, Quentin Richardson, NFL's Cam Jordan, model Jessica Sims, and Carmelo Anthony. A key activity was a creative design challenge. Doncic, Adebayo, Quentin Richardson, Jessica Sims, and Cam Jordan formed a team that won the competition. They received a trophy and a luxury bottle of Cincoro Tequila (co-founded by Jordan), with Richardson personally handing the tequila to Doncic and calling him the team "MVP". Following the competition, Doncic, Adebayo, and Richardson continued celebrating together in Athens nightlife, captured laughing and dancing in a viral photo shared by Richardson. Another photo showed Adebayo and Richardson posing with Michael Jordan. For Adebayo, the event reinforced his multi-year partnership with Jordan Brand (signed in 2019), showcasing his role as a versatile ambassador beyond his on-court play. Doncic's prominent role underscored his significant value to the Jordan Brand, especially following his contract extension through 2029. He remains the first European-born player to sign a signature shoe deal with Jordan.
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Daily Recap: All transfers in the EuroLeague (July, 12)
Basketball Sphere provides a daily recap of EuroLeague transfers, detailing all player movements from the previous day as clubs actively negotiate and finalize rosters for the 2025/2026 season. Teams are engaged in constant activity, including speculations, departures, and signings. The expanded 20-team EuroLeague format introduces new entrants Hapoel Tel Aviv and Dubai, while Valencia returns to the competition. Notably, Alba Berlin will be absent this season compared to the previous one. A specific transfer highlighted is ABA League MVP McKinley Wright officially signing with Dubai Basketball. The new EuroLeague season begins on September 30, with ongoing developments expected as teams complete their rosters before the start.
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New Tatt, Who Dis? Drake Pulls A Tattoo Switcheroo With LeBron James Ink, Covers It Up With SGA Tribute
Drake has covered his tattoo of LeBron James with a new tattoo depicting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a move that signals the permanent end of his friendship with the NBA superstar. This change was observed during Drake's performance at the Twenty Years of Wireless festival in London, where fans noticed his original LeBron tattoo—featuring James in his high school jersey—had been replaced with Gilgeous-Alexander's Oklahoma City Thunder jersey. The rift between Drake and LeBron stems from a deterioration in their once-close relationship, which had included frequent public appearances together at games and Drake's tribute tattoo. Tensions escalated last year during Drake's feud with rapper Kendrick Lamar, particularly after LeBron publicly supported Lamar. This included LeBron rapping lyrics from Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us" and attending Lamar's Juneteenth 2024 concert, where the song was prominently featured, actions Drake perceived as a betrayal. In response, Drake released lyrical disses aimed at LeBron, such as the January 2025 track "Fighting Irish Freestyle"—a reference to LeBron's high school—and calling out LeBron and DeMar DeRozan for their presence at Lamar's concert. He further intensified the feud in February 2025 by altering lyrics during a Perth concert performance of "Nonstop," changing "How I go from six to 23 like I’m LeBron?" to "How I go from six to 23 but not LeBron, man." Drake later addressed the fallout in his song "What Did I Miss?" with lines criticizing LeBron's actions. The choice to replace the tattoo with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is significant, as Gilgeous-Alexander shares Toronto roots with Drake and recently led the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA championship in the 2024-25 season, earning MVP and Finals MVP honors. His Canadian background and stellar performance, including appearing in Drake's "NOKIA" music video, make him a fitting symbol for Drake's new allegiance. While LeBron appeared unbothered—attending a Bad Bunny concert in Puerto Rico shortly after Drake's latest diss—Drake's tattoo alteration confirms the definitive end of their bromance.
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Jayson Tatum reportedly recruiting 7x All-NBA player to Boston Celtics
Despite suffering a torn Achilles tendon in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, which will likely cause him to miss the entire upcoming season, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is reportedly actively recruiting free agent point guard Damian Lillard to join the Celtics. Tatum has been reaching out to Lillard, a former Milwaukee Bucks player, according to reports. The two share a connection from playing together for Team USA and are now both recovering from the same serious injury (torn Achilles tendon). Lillard sustained his injury on April 27th, 15 days before Tatum's injury. Lillard is also expected to miss most or all of the next regular season due to his injury. However, after failing to achieve his goals with Milwaukee, he is reportedly prioritizing joining another contending team in free agency. The Celtics are seen as a strong potential fit for Lillard. They boast the All-NBA duo of Tatum and Jaylen Brown, presenting a contending opportunity. Furthermore, Boston lacks an established star point guard, meaning a starting role would be available for Lillard once he returns to full health.
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Lakers News: Luka Doncic Has ‘Utmost Respect’ & Loves Playing With LeBron James
The relationship between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers has become significantly strained, largely due to the team's acquisition of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers have firmly shifted their franchise direction towards Doncic, reportedly leaving James behind. This culminated in the Lakers not offering LeBron a contract extension while he weighed his player option, leaving him as an expiring contract for the first time in his career and raising questions about the dynamic between the established star and the new star. Despite the organizational tension, LeBron James and Luka Doncic maintain a strong personal relationship characterized by mutual respect and admiration. Doncic's agent confirmed that Luka loves playing with LeBron, has learned much from him, holds him in the utmost respect, and considers it an honor to be his teammate. This respect dates back years, and they enjoy playing together, boasting potentially the highest collective basketball IQ of any duo in NBA history. However, the timing is unfortunate, as James (entering his age-41 season) and the Lakers can no longer prioritize both timelines simultaneously, unlike if they had teamed up when James was younger. LeBron James' future with the Lakers is now a major question heading into the 2025-26 season. Rumors of a potential trade, including past inquiries from the Golden State Warriors, have resurfaced. This speculation intensified after LeBron picked up his player option, and his agent, Rich Paul, issued a statement emphasizing James' desire to win now while evaluating the Lakers' offseason moves. This opened the door to the possibility of James wanting to move on, leading to renewed trade interest, with the Warriors again reportedly considering making an offer.
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Luka Dončić's Dramatic Transformation Goes Viral As Lakers Superstar Dons Ultra-Lean Look
Luka Dončić's significant physical transformation, showcasing a leaner and more conditioned physique, has generated substantial buzz on social media and among Los Angeles Lakers fans. This change comes as he prepares for international competition in the Eurobasket tournament and follows intense workout regimens and a strict diet, directly addressing conditioning concerns raised after his blockbuster trade to the Lakers. Simultaneously, Dončić's status within the Lakers organization has been solidified. A meeting with GM Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick after the team's disappointing first-round playoff exit clearly signaled that Dončić is now the face of the franchise. Reports describe Pelinka presenting offseason plans and long-term strategies to Dončić at this meeting, a role previously filled by LeBron James, signifying a major organizational shift. This shift occurs amid uncertainty surrounding LeBron James' future with the Lakers. While James has not publicly requested a trade, speculation is widespread that he may either play the upcoming season or ask to be traded, fueled by reports of a potentially soured relationship with the team. Looking ahead to Dončić's first full season with the Lakers, the front office is actively building around him. Moves include pursuing DeAndre Ayton to address center needs and adding plug-and-play talent like Jake LaRavia. Despite the drama surrounding James, Dončić's determination to prove critics wrong, and roster adjustments, the championship-or-bust expectations for the Lakers remain, leaving their potential for a deep playoff run uncertain.
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Pacers Sign 23-Year-Old Center to $21 Million Contract to Address Glaring Need After Myles Turner’s Shocking Bucks Move
The Indiana Pacers have made a significant offseason move by re-signing center Isaiah Jackson to a three-year, $21 million contract, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania via the player's agents. This decision comes after the departure of franchise cornerstone Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks and with star guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season. Jackson's signing represents a major gamble for the Pacers, as the 23-year-old missed most of the 2024-25 season due to a torn Achilles tendon suffered in November 2024. Despite this injury history, the organization expressed confidence in Jackson's development and potential, viewing him as a young core member to build around. When healthy during the 2023-24 season, Jackson showed promise with averages of 6.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block in just 13 minutes per game. The center originally joined Indiana via a five-team trade after being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. Turner's departure ends a 10-year era with the Pacers that culminated in the franchise's first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. Reports indicate Turner left after rejecting what he perceived as a lowball offer of $23 million annually from Indiana, instead signing a four-year, $108.9 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. In an emotional farewell message, Turner reflected on his decade-long journey with the Pacers, noting they experienced "the highest of highs and some of the toughest lows" together, from lottery seasons to playoff battles and their recent finals run. He emphasized that these experiences shaped him and created lasting memories.
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How to Watch Minnesota Lynx vs Chicago Sky: Live Stream WNBA, TV Channel
The Chicago Sky (6-13) will host the league-leading Minnesota Lynx (18-3) on Saturday. The game will be available to watch on Fubo. The Minnesota Lynx enter the game after defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 91-82 in their last outing. Natisha Hiedeman led the team with 18 points off the bench, while Napheesa Collier contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. The Chicago Sky are coming off an 87-76 victory over the Dallas Wings. Rebecca Allen scored a game-high 27 points, along with six rebounds and three assists. Angel Reese recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, and Rachel Banham also scored in double figures. These teams previously met on July 6th, with the Minnesota Lynx winning a close contest 80-75. Courtney Williams led the Lynx in that game with 25 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Fubo provides live streaming access to watch the WNBA all season, including nationally televised games on ABC, ESPN, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ION, and NBA TV, featuring stars like A'ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, and Paige Bueckers. A free trial for Fubo is available to stream this game, though regional restrictions may apply. Newsweek may receive compensation for purchases or registrations made through links on their site.
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‘Watch the Whole Thing’ – Kyrie Irving Shuts Down Controversy After Viral Comment on Stephen A. Smith’s $100M ESPN Contract
NBA guard Kyrie Irving sparked controversy during a recent livestream by stating that ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith did not deserve his new five-year, $100 million contract. Irving specifically said, "I’m going to discuss Stephen A’s contract and I’mma say, I don’t think he’s worth it." Irving quickly attempted to clarify his comments, explaining that his remark was not a personal attack on Smith but rather intended to use Smith as a broader example in a discussion about how media figures are compensated. He anticipated his comments might be taken out of context, urging viewers to "watch the whole clip" because "somebody might try to clip it up." Despite Irving's clarification attempt, a clipped version of his comments went viral as he predicted. The timing of Irving's remarks is significant, coming just days after he signed a three-year, $119 million contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks, ending weeks of free agency speculation. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Stephen A. Smith had been one of Irving's most vocal defenders during those contract negotiations. On ESPN's "First Take," Smith had repeatedly argued that the Mavericks "low-balled" Irving, claiming the All-Star guard deserved more than the average of just under $40 million per year he received. Smith contended that Irving deserved at least $43 to $45 million annually, comparing his deal unfavorably to other star contracts in the league and expressing frustration that Irving didn't get the player option that would have paid him $43 million.
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Liberty get promising Jonquel Jones injury update with fellow stars back to face Dream
The New York Liberty received positive injury updates ahead of their game against the Atlanta Dream. Natasha Cloud (hip) and Isabelle Harrison (knee), who each missed one game, practiced fully on Saturday and are expected to play on Sunday. Significantly, 2024 WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones participated in five-on-five practice for the first time since re-injuring her right ankle on June 19. Head coach Sandy Brondello noted Jones's immediate positive impact on the team but emphasized the need to build her stamina before returning to game action. Jones originally suffered the ankle sprain and re-injured it during her second game back last month while landing awkwardly after a layup attempt, leading to an estimated 4-6 week recovery. Her absence has impacted the Liberty's defense around the paint and removed a consistent inside-outside scoring threat, as she was averaging 12.1 points and 9.6 rebounds prior to the injury. Jones is taking a cautious approach to her recovery, aiming to be as close to 100% as possible. Her rehabilitation progressed from individual shots and bike work to the five-on-five session on Saturday. Brondello stressed the importance of Cloud (averaging 10.1 points, 6.2 assists) and Harrison (a key bench piece in Jones's absence) returning for the physical matchup against Atlanta, citing the need for depth and different defensive looks. She also noted the team's defense has been "getting better," improving to the league's 5th-best defensive rating in early July after ranking 7th in June.
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Celtics have painfully obvious trade partner for a Anfernee Simons trade
The Boston Celtics face significant roster changes, losing key players Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Luke Kornet, leaving them with a major weakness at the center position. To address this, they are suggested to target Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. The Celtics possess a potential trade asset in guard Anfernee Simons, acquired from Portland in the Holiday deal. Simons is noted as a highly accurate high-volume three-point shooter. Conversely, Vucevic is coming off a strong season averaging 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and shooting 40.2% on three-pointers, making a potential swap logical. Boston's center depth is critically low after the departures, with only two (or potentially three) non-starting caliber centers on the roster, increasing the urgency to acquire someone like Vucevic. Despite Jayson Tatum's season-long absence potentially weakening them, the Celtics are still projected as a top-four Eastern Conference team, but resolving the center issue is seen as vital for a deep playoff run. While Simons' shooting fits Boston's style, the team already has solid guard depth (Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown), making him a luxury. Trading him for Vucevic would provide a much-needed starting center, upgrading their weakest position despite Vucevic's known defensive deficiencies. Vucevic, even at 34, is considered a viable starting center if he maintains production (e.g., 15 points, 10 rebounds, efficient high-volume three-point shooting) and represents the best available option without a burdensome long-term contract. For the Bulls, who are unlikely to re-sign Vucevic, acquiring Simons would add guard depth; he wouldn't start but could excel in a sixth-man role during his contract year. Overall, acquiring a starting center like Vucevic is viewed as a significant need for Boston after losing three big men. While uncertain, a Simons-for-Vucevic trade is presented as a deal that makes sense for both franchises.
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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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Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Sends Message Amid Trade Rumors
The Milwaukee Bucks have been active during the NBA offseason, though concrete reports about superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo's future remain absent. A major move involved signing former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner. To create the necessary salary cap space for this acquisition, the team waived and stretched the contract of point guard Damian Lillard, who is recovering from a torn Achilles, making his return uncertain. The Bucks also made several other roster adjustments, including re-signing Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, signing Gary Harris, and bringing back Taurean Prince and Jericho Sims. Significant questions linger about Giannis Antetokounmpo's long-term commitment to the franchise. Speculation centers on whether he will start the 2025-26 season with the Bucks and potentially demand a trade later if the team fails to make a deep playoff run. When asked about staying with the Bucks, Antetokounmpo provided an ambiguous response: "Probably. We'll see. I love Milwaukee." This suggests he plans to at least begin the next season in Milwaukee, but leaves his long-term intentions unclear and dependent on the team's future success. Antetokounmpo continued his dominant performance last season, playing in 67 games. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game, while shooting 60.1 percent from the field.
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Luka Doncic Could Wait Until Mid-September To Make Lakers Contract Decision
The content outlines the structure of a basketball forum, divided into two primary sections: Leagues and Wiretap. Under Leagues, the forums are organized into six NBA divisions: Atlantic Division, Central Division, and Southeast Division (representing the Eastern Conference); and Northwest Division, Pacific Division, and Southwest Division (representing the Western Conference). The Wiretap section similarly offers dedicated analysis content, also categorized under the same six divisions: Atlantic Division, Central Division, Southeast Division, Northwest Division, Pacific Division, and Southwest Division. This indicates the site provides both discussion forums and analytical content structured around the NBA's divisional alignment.
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Luka Doncic must make the Lakers grant his wish if he signs an extension
The Los Angeles Lakers intend to extend Luka Doncic when he becomes eligible in August, but the deal must include an immediate commitment to building a championship-caliber roster around him. The proven blueprint for success with Doncic—established during Dallas' NBA Finals run—requires a co-star, 3-and-D wings, and an athletic lob threat at center. Doncic should only agree to an extension if the Lakers commit to this model. Doncic qualifies for a four-year, $229 million extension starting August 2, but his optimal financial path is a three-year max contract. This shorter deal would enable him to re-enter free agency with ten years of service, qualifying for a 35% max contract, and significantly increase pressure on the Lakers to meet his roster demands. The urgency stems from Doncic's prime competitive window and the team's need to contend immediately. Recent Lakers moves, including acquiring Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, fail to address critical needs. Ayton isn't the rim-protecting lob threat Doncic thrives with, while LaRavia represents a downgrade from key role players like Dorian Finney-Smith—whom the Lakers wrongly allowed to leave for Houston. Franchise rumors about preserving cap space until 2027 are misguided, especially with LeBron James aging and Doncic already proving he can lead a Finals team. Delaying contention for hypothetical future stars is unacceptable. Doncic must leverage contract negotiations to demand immediate roster improvements, potentially signing a short-term deal like LeBron's to intensify pressure. Winning a championship now is essential for his legacy, and the Lakers must demonstrate equal commitment. This includes resolving Austin Reaves' future and aggressively acquiring specific role players to complement Doncic's strengths and mitigate weaknesses. As a top-five global player, Doncic's presence demands win-now urgency. The Lakers must "push their chips into the middle" immediately or risk a short-lived, contentious partnership. The franchise holds responsibility to build a contender around his prime—failure to act decisively could lead to a rapid, messy breakup.
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Rockets are blessed by Suns' massive Devin Booker blunder
The news argues that Houston Rockets fans should view Devin Booker's new contract with the Phoenix Suns as a positive development because it harms the Suns, which indirectly benefits the Rockets who own the Suns' 2027 and 2029 draft picks. Booker's two-year extension makes him the highest-paid player in NBA history with an average annual value of $72.5 million, nearly double Rockets player Alperen Şengün's salary. The article questions Booker's value relative to this historic contract, pointing out his underwhelming 2024-25 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) of 0.4, which was lower than both Şengün's (4.4) and fellow Rocket Jalen Green's (0.9) BPM. It suggests Booker has never had a season justifying the richest contract ever, despite being a talented player. The piece speculates that the Suns' motivation for the deal is avoiding a long-term rebuild and maintaining competitiveness, as they don't expect to get their draft picks back from Houston anyway. However, it expresses doubt about the Suns' competitiveness, noting the potentially awkward Booker-Green backcourt pairing and reliance on young players like Ryan Dunn and Khaman Maluach, whose defensive potential may take years to materialize. Ultimately, the news asserts that Booker's status as the Suns' cornerstone shouldn't concern the Rockets. It argues that Booker, despite his talent, cannot single-handedly guarantee winning seasons or prevent the team from landing in the draft lottery, as evidenced by the Suns' performance last year even with Kevin Durant.
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