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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Friday, September 12, 2025

Lauri Markkanen's EuroBasket Hopes Dashed as Germany's Defense Stifles Finland

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Utah Jazz big man Lauri Markkanen saw his EuroBasket campaign end on Friday, September 12, 2025, as Germany defeated Finland in the semifinals. Despite being recognized as one of the tournament's top players and igniting a basketball frenzy in Finland, Markkanen faced a formidable German defense that proved to be the decisive factor. He was limited to 16 points on 6-of-17 shooting, a performance below his usual high standards. Germany's strong defensive effort on Markkanen ultimately prevented Finland from advancing, as Germany secured their spot in the EuroBasket final against Turkiye.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's EuroBasket Run Ends as Triple-Teams Stifle Greece in Semifinal Loss

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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo's EuroBasket journey concluded on Friday, September 12, 2025, as Turkiye's defense effectively shut down Greece in the semifinals, leading to a decisive 94-68 defeat. Despite being one of the tournament's prominent figures, Antetokounmpo was heavily targeted by Turkiye's triple-teams on his drives, severely limiting his offensive impact. He was held to just 12 points on 13 shots for the game, with a particularly tough first half where he managed only 4 points on 2-of-7 shooting, alongside 8 rebounds and 3 turnovers. Without Antetokounmpo's usual spark, Greece struggled to compete, ultimately falling by 26 points and failing to advance to the EuroBasket final.

Landry Shamet Re-Signs with Knicks, Faces Roster Competition Amidst Crunch

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Landry Shamet has agreed to terms to re-sign with the New York Knicks, a development reported around September 12, 2025. Shamet, like fellow veteran Malcolm Brogdon, will receive strong consideration for a roster spot with the team. However, the Knicks are facing a roster crunch, and to keep both Shamet and Brogdon, they may need to execute a trade involving one of their current players. The team currently has sufficient room under the second apron to accommodate a veteran free agent like Shamet, indicating their interest in his potential contribution to the squad.

Malcolm Brogdon Joins Knicks on Non-Guaranteed Deal, Faces Roster Competition

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Veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon has signed a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the New York Knicks, as reported on September 12, 2025. This move provides the Knicks with potential depth at point guard, a role they were actively seeking to fill. Brogdon will receive strong consideration for a roster spot, though his signing, alongside Landry Shamet's re-signing, creates a roster crunch that may necessitate a trade for the Knicks to retain both players. Last season with the Wizards, Brogdon averaged 12.7 points and 4.1 assists in 24 games (13 starts) but was limited by injury. Over his nine-year career, which includes stints with the Bucks, Pacers, Celtics, and Trail Blazers, he holds career averages of 15.3 points and 3.6 assists.

Bilal Coulibaly Undergoes Thumb Surgery, Expected to Miss Wizards' Season Start

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Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly has undergone surgery in New York City to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. The injury was sustained while playing for the French National Team during FIBA EuroBasket. This surgical procedure means Coulibaly is expected to miss the start of the NBA regular season and will likely be out for training camp, a significant blow for the developing young player and the Wizards' efforts to solidify their core. Last season, Coulibaly averaged 12.3 points and five rebounds, showcasing defense and playmaking, though his three-point shooting efficiency was a concern at 28.1%. Despite the setback, Coulibaly is anticipated to receive ample opportunity upon his healthy return to the court.

Luka Dončić's Dominant 39-Point Effort Not Enough as Slovenia Exits EuroBasket

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On September 12, 2025, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić delivered a remarkable performance for Slovenia in a thrilling EuroBasket quarterfinal. Dončić scored an impressive 39 points, showcasing his offensive prowess on the international stage. However, his significant individual effort ultimately proved insufficient, as Slovenia was defeated 99-91 by Germany, leading to their elimination from the tournament. This outcome highlights Dončić's ability to dominate scoring, even in a losing effort, as his national team's EuroBasket journey concluded.

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Malik Beasley Remains Subject of NBA and Federal Gambling Probes, Free Agency Status Uncertain

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Malik Beasley is currently a subject in both an ongoing federal gambling investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York and a separate probe by the NBA, as confirmed by Commissioner Adam Silver on September 11, 2025. While no longer the central target, the investigation, which includes scrutiny of prop bets on games he played with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024, has significantly impacted his free agency. Beasley, who averaged 16.3 points and shot 41.6% from three-point range for the Pistons last season and finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting, was reportedly in discussions for a three-year, $42 million deal with Detroit before the news broke. Now, despite being a top free agent, teams are keeping their distance, and Detroit has since signed Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson. Beasley is cooperating with the investigations, but his market remains frozen until the matters are resolved.

Landry Shamet Agrees to One-Year Deal, Prioritizing Continuity with New York Knicks

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Landry Shamet has reportedly agreed to a one-year veteran minimum contract, returning to the New York Knicks. The deal, initially broken by Shams Charania and confirmed by Ian Begley, sees Shamet prioritize continuity and a familiar locker room, aiming to help the Knicks compete for a title. Despite having other offers, Shamet chose to rejoin New York, where he averaged 5.7 points across 50 games last season, shooting an efficient 39.7% from beyond the arc. His floor-spacing shooting is a valuable asset for the team. Under new coach Mike Brown, Shamet will contend for minutes in a deep guard rotation alongside starters Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, and bench players Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson, and Tyler Kolek.

Kawhi Leonard's Overdue Payment Linked to Clippers Partner Amid NBA Salary Cap Investigation

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Kawhi Leonard's $1.75 million quarterly payment from Aspiration, initially missed in September 2022, was reportedly received on December 15, 2022, following a crucial investment. Nine days prior, on December 6, Los Angeles Clippers vice chairman Dennis J. Wong invested $1.99 million into the struggling Aspiration, a company that had a $28 million endorsement deal with Leonard. This 2021 deal is under scrutiny as a "no-show" job, with employees reportedly told it was to help the Clippers circumvent the salary cap. While the Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer claim no knowledge of Leonard's deal specifics, the timing of Wong's investment and Leonard's subsequent payment has intensified the NBA's ongoing investigation into potential impropriety.

Tyrese Maxey Enhances Basketball IQ Through Strategic NBA 2K Gameplay

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Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, as reported on September 11, 2025, is actively leveraging the video game 'NBA 2K' as a sophisticated tool to elevate his basketball IQ. Maxey, identified as one of the league's promising young stars alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Paige Bueckers, emphasizes that his engagement with the game transcends mere entertainment. He strategically employs 'NBA 2K' to foster a deeper understanding of both his teammates and opposing players, aiming to refine his on-court decision-making and overall strategic awareness. This innovative approach showcases a modern method for professional athletes to sharpen their skills off the court.

Tyrese Haliburton Leverages NBA 2K to Sharpen Basketball IQ and Understand Opponents

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Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, as reported on September 11, 2025, is actively utilizing the video game 'NBA 2K' as a tool to enhance his basketball IQ. Alongside fellow young talents Tyrese Maxey and Paige Bueckers, Haliburton emphasizes that his engagement with the game extends beyond mere entertainment. He strategically employs 'NBA 2K' to gain a deeper understanding of both his teammates and opposing players, aiming to improve his on-court performance and strategic awareness. This approach highlights a modern method for professional athletes to refine their game off the court.

Miami Heat Guard Terry Rozier Under Federal Investigation, Hornets Cancel Promotion

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Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is currently under federal investigation regarding his actions during a 2022-23 NBA season game while he was a member of the Charlotte Hornets. The probe, reportedly linked to the Jontay Porter gambling scandal, aims to determine if Rozier "manipulated his performance as part of an illegal sports betting scheme." Documents indicate that prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans that season, a bettor placed nearly $14,000 on unders involving Rozier's statistics. Rozier subsequently left the game after just nine minutes due to a foot injury, causing all the under bets to win. While the investigation is ongoing, Rozier has not been linked to placing bets, nor has he been charged or accused of any wrongdoing. The Charlotte Hornets recently canceled a planned Sports Betting theme night, originally scheduled for March 17, the day Rozier and the Heat were in town, stating only that the event was "no longer happening."

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Terry Rozier's Gambling Probe Link Prompts Hornets to Cancel Theme Night

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Terry Rozier is currently linked to a federal gambling probe, which has prompted the Charlotte Hornets to cancel their planned 'Sports Betting' theme night. The theme night was scheduled for a March 17 game against the Miami Heat. This particular date holds additional significance as it also marks Rozier's birthday. The decision to scrub the event underscores the seriousness of the ongoing investigation involving the player, as reported on September 11, 2025.

Kawhi Leonard Under NBA Investigation for Alleged Salary Cap Circumvention with Clippers Sponsor

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Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is currently under NBA investigation concerning his relationship with team owner Steve Ballmer and now-bankrupt company Aspiration. The probe, initiated by the league, focuses on a three-way financial arrangement where Aspiration paid both the Clippers and Leonard, with Ballmer also an investor in the company. A report by podcaster Pablo Torre alleged Leonard received a four-year, $28 million deal from Aspiration with minimal deliverables, purportedly to augment his NBA salary. While the Clippers and Ballmer deny any wrongdoing, Commissioner Adam Silver stated on September 10, 2025, that such team-sponsor-player deals aren't inherently conflicted, yet acknowledged the need for increased scrutiny given rising stakes. Silver emphasized the NBA bears the burden of proof to establish any salary cap circumvention.

Free Agent Malik Beasley Under NBA Investigation for Gambling Allegations

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Free-agent guard Malik Beasley is currently under investigation by the NBA for gambling allegations, stemming from suspicions of betting on NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-24 season while he was with the Milwaukee Bucks. His attorney, Steve Haney, has confirmed that Beasley is "fully cooperating" with the league's inquiry, which is reportedly in its final stages. Federal authorities have also investigated these allegations, though reports conflict on whether Beasley has been cleared. This development, reported on September 10, 2025, highlights the league's ongoing efforts to address gambling integrity, following similar incidents like the lifetime ban of Jontay Porter.

Luka Dončić and Slovenia Eliminated from EuroBasket 2025 by Germany

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Luka Dončić, a prominent player for the Los Angeles Lakers, experienced an early exit from the EuroBasket 2025 tournament. His national team, Slovenia, was knocked out of the competition by Germany, preventing them from advancing to the final four. This development, reported on September 10, 2025, means that Slovenia will not compete in the championship game, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday in Latvia. The tournament's final four are now set, with Germany progressing after defeating Dončić's Slovenian squad.

Trey Lyles Departs NBA, Signs One-Year Deal with EuroLeague Powerhouse Real Madrid

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Veteran forward Trey Lyles, who has spent a decade in the NBA, has officially signed a one-year deal with Real Madrid, a prominent club that competes in both Spain and the EuroLeague. The agreement was finalized on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, marking Lyles' departure from the NBA. This significant move sees the experienced player transitioning his career to international basketball, joining one of Europe's top professional teams. His decision to leave the NBA for Real Madrid signifies a new chapter, bringing his extensive experience to the competitive European stage.

Josh Giddey Re-Signs with Chicago Bulls on Multi-Year Contract

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Josh Giddey has reportedly re-signed with the Chicago Bulls, securing a multi-year contract with the team. This significant development for the Bulls was highlighted during a discussion on free agency news by Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine, who also reviewed their free agency predictions. The agreement solidifies Giddey's future with the Bulls, making him a key part of their roster moving forward as the team continues to shape its lineup. The news was part of a broader segment covering various NBA free agency decisions and Hall of Fame debates.

Spurs Star Victor Wembanyama Brings Euro Fan Culture to NBA with New Section

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San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama is pioneering an innovative "supporter section" for the 2025-26 NBA season, drawing inspiration from European soccer and basketball. This new fan group aims to bring an atmosphere of "nonstop chants, drums, flags, and passion" to Frost Bank Center. Wembanyama will be present at tryouts for the section, which seeks passionate, high-energy fans committed to attending at least 75 percent of home games. Membership will cost $999, and the group will vote on its name. Wembanyama believes this initiative will provide crucial energy in the fourth quarter, helping the team secure wins. This development follows his decision to skip the EuroBasket tournament to recover from a blood clot that prematurely ended his 2024-25 season after 46 games.

LeBron James Reportedly Did Not Author Article in State-Run Chinese Publication

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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who recently completed his 15th shoe tour in China, reportedly did not write or submit an essay attributed to him in the state-controlled People's Daily. Despite his name appearing as the author of a piece complimentary of China, sources close to James confirmed to The Athletic that he was not the author. Instead, comments made by James during group interviews in Shanghai and Chengdu were published, with the article referring to him as the "author" while also stating he was interviewed and the piece edited by a reporter. James' remarks, which focused on basketball as a bridge between countries, were consistent with a seasoned professional on a promotional tour. This marked his first trip to China since 2019, following a period of strained NBA-China relations.