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Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton attended an Indiana Fever game against the Atlanta Dream on July 11 and publicly called out his own team on social media. During the game, Haliburton posted a photo on X referencing a "Curds in the Third" promotion, where fans could win free medium-sized cheese curds from Culvers if the Fever outscored their opponents in any quarter, using a promo code. He tagged the Pacers with a message urging them to "lock in" and improve their promotional efforts. Haliburton, a 25-year-old guard, is a devoted Fever fan who frequently attends their games when possible. He is considered one of Indiana's biggest sports stars alongside Fever player Caitlin Clark, and the two are close friends, often seen supporting each other at events. Haliburton is currently recovering from a devastating torn Achilles injury sustained during Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He had been playing through a pre-existing calf injury in an attempt to help the Pacers win a title but collapsed in pain after starting strong with deep three-point shots. This injury will force him to miss the entire upcoming NBA season, with an expected return for the 2026-2027 season. His absence from basketball means Haliburton will have more time to attend Fever games over the next year, potentially allowing him to benefit from promotions like the free cheese curds himself.
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The adidas Anthony Edwards 1 Low basketball shoe is set to release in a new "Preloved Lime" colorway. This release follows the Minnesota Timberwolves' failure to reach the NBA Finals, meaning Anthony Edwards' second signature shoe (AE2) remains unrevealed for now. Inspired by Edwards' dedication and hard work, the "Preloved Lime" colorway features a vibrant Preloved Lime upper contrasted by Core Black elements on the TPU containment system, heels, and tongues, with Pure Teal branding accents. The Anthony Edwards 1 Low "Preloved Lime" will be available for purchase on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 3:00 a.m. EST. It will retail for $110 in adult sizes on adidas.com, select adidas stores, and select retailers. The shoe incorporates several performance technologies: a generative TPU support wing for stability and mid-foot breathability, new Light Boost cushioning for energy return without added weight, and an enlarged herringbone outsole for superior traction. While the eventual release of the adidas Anthony Edwards 2 is anticipated, the first signature model continues its successful run, inspiring self-belief and showcasing adidas Basketball's innovative design and technology.
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Despite no real rumors suggesting Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to leave the Milwaukee Bucks, his comment during a live stream with IShowSpeed about people wanting him to play for the New York Knicks has fueled speculation among Knicks fans. However, there is no evidence indicating he wants to leave Milwaukee, and it seems very unlikely he will play for another team soon. Despite the unlikelihood, analysis suggests the Knicks are reportedly still hoping to acquire Antetokounmpo if he becomes available. His recent noncommittal comments haven't dampened that hope. In such a scenario, Mikal Bridges could become a crucial part of trade talks because the Knicks currently lack first-round picks to offer, and the Bucks would likely prioritize players who keep them competitive post-Antetokounmpo. Signing Bridges to a new contract extension now would complicate matters, as players signing that type of extension cannot be traded for six months. The Mikal Bridges extension situation is therefore significant. While the Knicks have little reason *not* to extend him given what they traded to acquire him, if they genuinely believe they have a chance to land Antetokounmpo, there would be little reason to sign Bridges immediately. Doing so would render him untradeable for half a year, potentially hindering their ability to use him as a trade asset in an Antetokounmpo deal.
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The Milwaukee Bucks have opted to sign 25-year-old point guard Cole Anthony following his contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, abandoning earlier considerations of veteran Chris Paul. This decision aligns with the team's clear strategy to prioritize youth, evidenced by recent roster moves including trading Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton for Myles Turner and Gary Harris, while retaining young players Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., Jericho Sims, and Ryan Rollins. While Paul offers superior experience and playmaking, Anthony better fits Milwaukee's planned athletic, up-tempo style next season. His high-flying athleticism contrasts with the 40-year-old Paul's current limitations, making Anthony a more cohesive fit. The Bucks now feature a trio of young point guards—Anthony, Porter, and Rollins—collectively capable of facilitating, shooting, and impacting games, despite their relative inexperience. Milwaukee's youth-focused rebuild may continue, with rumors linking them to Thanasis Antetokounmpo or another athletic small forward. The likelihood of Paul joining was always uncertain, as reports indicated he wasn't seriously considering Eastern Conference teams. The Bucks proactively pursued Anthony rather than waiting on Paul's decision, reinforcing their commitment to this roster direction.
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LeBron James opted into his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his future with the team remains uncertain as the franchise shifts focus toward building around Luka Doncic rather than pursuing immediate championship contention. While a trade involving James is considered unlikely, rumors are circulating about potential moves, including one to the New York Knicks. A specific trade scenario proposed by Bleacher Report's Dan Favale suggests a 1-for-1 swap where James would be traded to the Knicks in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns. This deal would integrate James into a Knicks lineup featuring Mikal Bridges, Mitchell Robinson, Jalen Brunson, and OG Anunoby. For the Knicks, James' addition could significantly reduce pressure on Brunson by allowing him to play off the ball more often and rest during possessions, leveraging James' passing and scoring abilities. Defensively, pairing James with Robinson could enhance the team's overall performance. For the Lakers, acquiring Towns—a five-time All-Star and skilled offensive big man—could create a strong pairing with Doncic, as Towns' floor-spacing ability complements Doncic's playmaking. Towns is under contract until 2028-29, with a player option for $61 million in 2027-28, providing the Lakers with cost certainty through his prime years. However, potential downsides include the Knicks' motivation to offload Towns' hefty contract, which could total over $160 million in the next three seasons. Towns' defensive limitations against quicker players, combined with Doncic's own defensive struggles, might make this pairing risky for the Lakers in terms of cap management and team balance. Adding to the speculation, LeBron James has acknowledged considering a move to the Knicks earlier in his career, further fueling discussions about this possibility.
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The Minnesota Lynx waived 2024 first-round draft pick Alissa Pili on July 13, 2025, fewer than 500 days after selecting her with the eighth overall pick. This move came hours after the Chicago Sky defeated the Lynx 87-81, a game where Angel Reese—selected by Chicago with the seventh pick after Minnesota traded out of that draft position—scored 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Pili, a standout college player at Utah, struggled to secure playing time during her two seasons with the Lynx. She appeared in just 36 total games, averaging 6.1 minutes per contest, and surpassed 10 points only once in her WNBA career. Despite her release, the 24-year-old forward is considered likely to receive another opportunity in the league where she might secure a larger role. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on July 13, 2025.
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The Chicago Sky defeated the Minnesota Lynx by six points at home on Saturday, setting up a quick rematch on Monday. Key performances came from Angel Reese (19 points, 11 rebounds), Ariel Atkins (27 points), and Kamilla Cardoso (17 points, 15 rebounds) to overcome Napheesa Collier and the Lynx. This marked only Minnesota's fourth loss of the season. Despite a slow start and ranking 12th out of 13 teams in net rating, the Sky have improved slightly, moving to a 7-13 overall record. Minnesota remains the top team in the standings but has suffered recent losses, including the Commissioner’s Cup Final against Indiana and Saturday's game. Oddsmakers favor the Lynx by 10.5 points for Monday's game as they seek revenge. Betting odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook) including spread, moneyline, and total are provided for the rematch. Napheesa Collier, the MVP favorite averaging 23.6 points per game on 52.0% shooting, has scored 21 and 26 points in two meetings against Chicago this season. The analyst favors Collier for another big game, citing Chicago's weak defense (11th in defensive rating, allowing the third-most points per game at 86.1). Although the Lynx outperform the Sky in most key metrics, Chicago has competed well against them this season. They lost the first meeting by only five points in Minnesota before winning on Saturday. Chicago also holds a strong 12-8 record against the spread, demonstrating an ability to cover large point spreads as underdogs.
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New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu has confirmed her participation in the 2025 WNBA 3-Point Contest, scheduled for All-Star Weekend on Friday. She revealed this news to The New York Post. Ionescu initially sparked speculation about her involvement through a subtle Instagram post. The post featured a photo of her with Stephen Curry from last year's NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest, captioned only with several eyebrow-raising emojis. This marks Ionescu's second appearance in the WNBA 3-Point Contest. Her last participation was in 2023, where she delivered a record-breaking performance by scoring 37 points in the final round – the highest single-round score in both WNBA and NBA history. In 2024, Ionescu competed directly against Stephen Curry at the NBA 3-Point Contest, narrowly losing 29-26 to the Golden State Warriors star. Currently in her sixth WNBA season, Ionescu is averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.6 steals. While her three-point shooting percentage this season (32.4%) is a career low, she holds a career three-point percentage of 35.9%. So far, Ionescu and Washington Mystics rookie Sonia Citron are the only confirmed participants for this year's WNBA 3-Point Contest, which is set to take place in Indiana.
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The Chicago Sky, holding a 7-13 record, will host the Minnesota Lynx, who boast an 18-4 record, in an upcoming WNBA game. This matchup follows the Chicago Sky winning their last three consecutive games played at home.
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Kyrie Irving recently reflected positively on his initial time with the Boston Celtics during a Twitch stream with former teammate Jaylen Brown. He described feeling excitement upon joining the team in 2017, citing family connections to Boston—his father attended a nearby school and his mother graduated from Boston University. Irving emphasized that after his tenure in Cleveland, he "needed that change of pace" and appreciated being challenged daily by Boston's talented roster, calling the experience of wearing the Celtics uniform "crazy." Irving played for the Celtics from 2017 to 2019, averaging 24.1 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. However, his exit was highly contentious. He broke promises to re-sign with the team and infamously stomped on the Celtics logo after joining the Brooklyn Nets, making him deeply unpopular among Boston fans. This controversy made his recent fond recollections surprising. Post-Celtics, Irving faced his former team 28 times with the Cavaliers, Nets, and Mavericks, averaging 23.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds, with his teams going 13-15 against Boston. He left in 2019 primarily seeking a "change of scenery," personal reasons (including proximity to family in New Jersey), and a desire for more franchise control. Despite initially intending to stay, his tumultuous second season led him to depart, potentially costing the Celtics a dynasty alongside Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Irving’s history with Boston culminated in the 2024 NBA Finals, where his Mavericks lost 4-1 to the Celtics. Throughout the series, he endured intense jeering from Boston fans due to his acrimonious departure and subsequent actions against the franchise.
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Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka discussed his extensive history with Kevin Durant, spanning both their playing careers and coaching tenures. As an NBA player from 2003-2011, Udoka overlapped with Durant's rookie years (starting in 2007) for four seasons, facing him on the court. After retiring, Udoka transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant for the Spurs, 76ers, and Nets before becoming the Celtics' head coach in 2021. Throughout his coaching career, he consistently devised defensive strategies against Durant, including during Boston's 2022 playoff series against Brooklyn, and briefly coached him while with the Nets. During a Summer League interview with ESPN, Udoka was asked about defending Durant as a player. He emphatically dismissed any suggestion of having "locked up" the superstar, stating: "I’ve never locked up Kevin Durant. If he misses a shot, it probably has nothing to do with a 6'5" guy trying to guard him." This humble reflection underscores Udoka's respect for Durant's abilities. Looking ahead, the duo now shifts focus to collaboration in Houston. Udoka, entering his second season as Rockets head coach after revitalizing the team's playoff prospects, will now lead Durant directly. The organization views Durant's addition as pivotal to ending their championship drought dating back to 1995. With a significantly retooled roster this summer, the Rockets aim for a deep postseason run, hinging on Udoka's ability to effectively integrate and deploy the team's talent.
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The New York Liberty, led by Sabrina Ionescu and holding a 13-6 record, will host the Atlanta Dream, who have a 12-8 record, on Sunday, July 13th. The game will take place at Barclays Center with a tip-off scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. The article provides information on where to watch the matchup, specifically mentioning coverage on Peachtree TV, WWOR, and Liberty Live.
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The Indiana Pacers, despite low expectations after their Eastern Conference Finals appearance, surprisingly reached the NBA Finals in the 2024-25 season, their first since 2000. However, they failed to win the championship, with Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles tear cited as a major factor. In a significant roster move, star center Myles Turner departed in free agency, signing a four-year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Both Turner's decision to leave the Pacers and his choice of the Bucks as his destination were considered shocking within NBA circles. Speculation from an Eastern Conference scout and Clutch Points' Brett Siegel suggests potential internal friction within the Pacers organization might have contributed to Turner's departure. The decision not to retain Turner on a fair contract is viewed as potentially devastating for Indiana's future, especially with Haliburton confirmed to miss the entire upcoming 2025-26 regular season due to his Achilles rehab. With Haliburton sidelined, the Pacers are not expected to contend for another Finals appearance soon. The report concludes that while winning resolves issues, losing can create friction, making the Pacers a team to watch closely in the coming season.
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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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Raunak is a passionate WWE content writer who crafts engaging narratives that vividly bring the wrestling world to life. His writing focuses on capturing the inherent drama, excitement, and heroism of the ring, fueling the imagination of WWE fans. His goal is to make every match and storyline unforgettable for the audience. The provided content also lists several other headlines: Divyanka Tripathi showcasing ethnic elegance; a photo gallery of Varalaxmi Sarathkumar's stylish looks; baby names predicted to make a comeback in 2025; nine health benefits of consuming Torai (ridge gourd); eight health benefits of regularly drinking honey and cinnamon water; ten snake species commonly spotted in India during monsoon; Bollywood-inspired bridal aesthetics featuring styles from Alia Bhatt (chrome) and Anushka Sharma (pastels); Helly Shah displaying glamorous looks; powerful quotes by Marilyn Monroe relevant for women today; and nine plant species endemic to India.
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The Phoenix Mercury are positioned as strong title contenders this season, possessing the talent to challenge top teams like the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty. With a current record of 14-6, they are on pace to surpass last season's 19-win total and potentially finish as champions. The article highlights the franchise's history, noting periods of struggle where they became a lottery team, resulting in them receiving the No. 1 overall draft pick three times. The first pick in 2004 was used to select Diana Taurasi, who became the WNBA's all-time leading scorer and had an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year. Her selection marked the beginning of a legendary career and franchise success. In 2007, the Mercury again held the No. 1 pick, drafting Lindsey Harding. However, she was traded to Minnesota on draft day for Tangela Smith. Despite this trade, Phoenix won its first championship that same year. Harding later signed with the Mercury in 2016, playing 21 games. Following a poor 7-27 season in 2012, the Mercury secured another No. 1 pick, selecting Brittney Griner. Griner made a significant impact in her rookie season, and the Mercury won the championship the following year. Both Griner and Taurasi played pivotal roles in turning the franchise around. The article concludes by noting that while the Mercury may not need the top pick soon, any future player selected first overall would have substantial expectations to meet, given the legacy of previous top picks.
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Indiana Pacers President Kevin Pritchard announced that star guard Tyrese Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-2026 NBA season. Pritchard also stated he was very vocal about Haliburton playing through a strained calf during the NBA Finals and would not change that decision if given the chance again. This situation raises questions about the Pacers' outlook without Haliburton for the upcoming season. With Haliburton out and center Myles Turner departing in free agency, the Pacers have two significant openings in their starting lineup. The returning starters are Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith. The team acquired Jay Huff from the Timberwolves in an effort to help fill the void left by Turner's departure. The Pacers will rely on players like T.J. McConnell and Benedict Mathurin to take on expanded roles next season. The organization believes it made the correct decision to prioritize Haliburton's full recovery to return to his elite level, rather than rushing him back after a long layoff. They aim to take pressure off the upcoming season and focus on Haliburton's long-term health. The 2025-26 season is viewed as a period for developing younger talent and building team chemistry. The Pacers' front office is confident in their choice to allow Haliburton sufficient rehab time and is betting on the team's future success with him leading it upon his return. The organization anticipates Haliburton coming back stronger and the team being prepared for his return.
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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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The news reports on a physical altercation during the June 17th WNBA game between the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever. The incident began in the third quarter when Sun player Jacy Sheldon poked Fever star Caitlin Clark in the eye, leading to a brief shoving match between them. Sun player Marina Mabrey then intervened, shoving Clark to the ground. This action occurred during a dead ball and was widely criticized for not resulting in Mabrey's ejection. WNBA legend Tina Charles, playing for the Sun (#31), was also involved in the scuffle. During a July 11th appearance on the "Bird's Eye View" podcast with Sue Bird, Charles laughed about her role in the viral incident. She denied punching Clark, stating she was simply telling Clark to "chill out" and "watch yourself." Charles recounted saying things like "Yo, you got it" and "Chill out," and mentioned people joked she took Clark "back to Southside Jamaica, Queens." The clip of Charles discussing the incident went viral on social media. Many Indiana Fever fans expressed frustration at Charles's seemingly nonchalant attitude about a situation that could have resulted in injury. Despite the altercation, no players were injured. The news notes that the incident has heightened anticipation for the next game between the Fever and Sun scheduled for July 15th. The article concludes with a brief bio of the author, Grant Young, who covers Women’s Basketball, the Indiana Fever, and the New York Mets for Sports Illustrated's 'On SI' sites, mentioning his educational background and baseball experience.
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TNT center Poy Erram has undergone significant personal changes both on and off the basketball court. Ahead of the PBA Finals against San Miguel Beer, Erram revealed he improved his mental fortitude and found greater resolve through a spiritual transformation. He sought guidance from a mentor connected to teammate Roger Pogoy after the previous finals, opening up about his struggles. This led him to reflect on the source of his blessings, recognizing God as the provider and acknowledging he had sometimes forgotten this. This personal reflection was evident during TNT's Philippine Cup championship run. This marked a stark contrast to his behavior in the previous Commissioner's Cup, where he displayed immaturity. During that conference's semifinals, Erram lost his temper and engaged in a verbal spat with teammate Glenn Khobuntin. His ill-tempered episodes continued into the finals, involving a shouting match with coach Chot Reyes and causing damage to a locker room at Mall of Asia Arena out of frustration. However, Erram exhibited an almost entirely different personality in the subsequent all-Filipino conference. He credits his faith for this dramatic change. Erram stated that whenever he faces overwhelming problems or can't find answers, he turns to reading the Bible, believing that Jesus Christ provides him with the answers he seeks.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder are retaining most of their NBA championship roster but face a potential decision regarding forward Ousmane Dieng. Dieng, entering the final season of his rookie contract, has primarily been a development project for the team over the past three years. While he has excelled in the G League, he has only shown occasional flashes of being an NBA contributor and currently holds a standard roster spot. Following the trade of Dillon Jones to Washington to create a spot for Thomas Sorber, Dieng initially appeared safe. However, the article states that if the Thunder seek to make any further roster additions this offseason, Dieng is the most likely candidate to be cut to clear a spot. Oklahoma City's current situation makes additional moves seem unlikely, giving Dieng a good chance to start next season with the team. Despite this, it wouldn't be surprising if the Thunder parted ways with Dieng to gain roster flexibility, a strategy they employed early last season. Furthermore, if a player on a two-way contract (like Branden Carlson or Brooks Barnhizer) performs exceptionally well at the start of next season, Dieng's roster position could become vulnerable. The article notes that Thunder GM Sam Presti has a history of retaining draft picks until their final contract year to fully evaluate them, as seen with players like Darius Bazley and Aleksej Pokusevski. Therefore, keeping Dieng for next season wouldn't necessarily indicate confidence or a desire to retain him beyond 2026, but rather that the organization believes he deserves a final chance to showcase his skills and prove he belongs. Ultimately, while Dieng still possesses potential to succeed in the NBA and could land elsewhere, the upcoming season represents a critical, and potentially final, opportunity for him to make a significant impact with the Thunder. If he remains on the roster, breaking through will be a significant challenge.
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As the NBA anticipates Bradley Beal's likely contract buyout by the Phoenix Suns, the Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly among the teams interested in signing him once he becomes a free agent. NBA insider Marc Stein identified the Timberwolves as one of five teams with "confirmed interest," joining the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Milwaukee Bucks. Stein noted the Clippers are widely seen as a particularly strong contender for the 33-year-old former All-Star, adding the Warriors to his previously mentioned list of "confirmed suitors." The Suns are expected to buy out Beal, who still has two years and nearly $111 million remaining on his contract. Questions arise about how Beal would fit with the Timberwolves, both financially and on the basketball court. If bought out, he might accept a lower contract knowing the Suns still owe him money. On-court, his fit alongside Anthony Edwards, who plays the same position, is uncertain; he could potentially provide scoring off the bench, replacing players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, though Minnesota already has depth in that role with Donte DiVincenzo and Terrence Shannon Jr. Despite these questions, Stein's report highlights the Timberwolves' alleged interest in Beal as noteworthy.
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Draymond Green expressed frustration about the stagnant NBA free agency market through multiple Threads posts, criticizing the league's new Collective Bargaining Agreement rules for negatively impacting player movement. The Warriors forward highlighted players' lack of understanding about the business aspects of the NBA, observing that many "overplay the market" without grasping contract complexities. Green revealed his concern about "the staggering percentage of guys that has no idea of THE BUSINESS they are a part of," noting as a veteran he witnesses players mismanage careers until they face limited options. While acknowledging league partnerships, he suggested his unique perspective—forged through relationships with general managers, owners, and early mentorship by Joe Dumars—makes him better suited for the NBPA presidency than current president CJ McCollum. The four-time champion contemplated sharing deeper analysis through "a long piece or podcast," humorously concluding "I should've been the Players Association president lol. I could've helped a lot." He ended his social media commentary emphasizing one unresolved point without elaboration.
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Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green contends that many NBA players haven't adequately adjusted to the league's current financial landscape under the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). He asserts that the "second apron" luxury tax penalty is drastically reducing team spending, effectively ending free agency as it previously existed. Green observes numerous players overvaluing their market worth without grasping the constraints imposed by these new rules, clarifying that his comments are not specifically about his unsigned, restricted free-agent teammate, Jonathan Kuminga. Green isn't alone in criticizing the CBA's impact on free agency. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported a "high-ranking NBA figure" stating that "free agency is bad," arguing this negatively affects the league because offseason moves generate significant attention. This outcome was anticipated once the CBA details emerged, as the rules were designed to create greater financial parity and hinder the formation of superteams. The CBA's effect is exemplified by the Warriors' changed approach. Previously, owner Joe Lacob readily paid high luxury taxes to pursue championships with stars like Green, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson. Under the current CBA, the team now prioritizes avoiding the tax. This financial pressure potentially contributed to Thompson's departure to the Dallas Mavericks last summer. No immediate solution exists for players or fans dissatisfied with this new reality. The current CBA runs through the 2029-30 season, with June 2029 being the earliest either the players' union or league owners can opt out. When negotiations eventually reopen, the players' focus on modifying the second apron rules will be a key area to watch.
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The Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, facing elimination down 0-1 in the MPBL North Division Finals best-of-three series, are determined to force a decisive Game 3 against rivals San Juan. Game 2 will be played at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City. Despite leading by as many as 14 points and holding a 12-point halftime advantage in Game 1, Nueva Ecija faltered late and lost 86-82. Coach Jerson Cabiltes expressed confidence, stating "Pinahaba lang namin iyung series. Bawian natin," and emphasizing his team's experience and poise for a comeback. Nueva Ecija, the reigning champion and No. 2 seed, must now win two consecutive games to defend their title. They have overcome this exact scenario before against San Juan; last season in the North Division finals, they lost Game 1 (72-79) but won the next two games (89-83, 84-68) to advance and eventually win the national championship against Zamboanga (3-1). Facing the odds, the Bong Cuevas-owned Rice Vanguards aim to repeat history with key players Chris Bitoon, Michael Mabulac, Bryon Villarias, Renz Palma, Will McAloney, and Michael Juico leading the charge.
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The controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark's omission from the 2024 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team is reignited by a detail in Christine Brennan's new book. The book reports that one of the 12 roster spots was essentially guaranteed to Diana Taurasi as a "farewell present" by USA Basketball, meaning only 11 spots were truly competitive. Taurasi, 42 during the Games, was considered a lock regardless of minor injuries, though she was benched later in the tournament and didn't play in the gold medal game. Clark, a rookie WNBA phenom averaging 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists at the time of selection, was passed over for one of the remaining spots. This decision sparked significant controversy, with fans and pundits suggesting established players were jealous of Clark's popularity. Brennan's book further claims the selection committee feared negative reactions on social media if Clark received limited playing time in Paris and "didn't want to deal" with that. Selection committee chair Jen Rizzotti stated the decision was based on "basketball criteria," evaluating players against specific boxes related to position, style of play for the coach, and committee votes, asserting other players were harder to cut. Clark was offered a spot on the 3x3 national team but declined it. The U.S. team, featuring players like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, ultimately won the gold medal.
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Caitlin Clark has made history again with a starring role in a Nike advertisement. A massive poster featuring Clark adorns the 30-story JW Marriott in downtown Indiana, showing her throwing a basketball alongside the text "from downtown in my town." According to the Daily Mail, this is the largest sports graphic ever installed on the building, covering nearly all 30 floors. Despite being named the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, Clark missed another game this week due to injury. Her absence didn't hinder her Indiana Fever team, however, as they secured an 81-54 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday. This win marked their third consecutive victory. Clark also missed Tuesday's WNBA Commissioner's Cup championship game. Nonetheless, the Fever won that game too, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 74-59 to claim the trophy. The win over the Aces improved Indiana's season record to 9-8. The team's record stands at 5-4 when Clark has been injured and unavailable, and 4-4 when she has played. The news underscores Clark's significant value to the WNBA and women's basketball. Her rise in college basketball captured widespread attention and resulted in record viewership for the NCAA Final Four. Since she turned professional, both television ratings and ticket sales have increased.
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