Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
The Dallas Mavericks are waiving and stretching 2023 first-round pick Olivier-Maxence Prosper to clear necessary cap space. This move will allow the team to re-sign free agent guard Dante Exum, with Prosper's $3 million contract being spread over three seasons. Prosper will now become a free agent and is expected to attract interest from other NBA teams.
Alperen Sengun delivered a stellar performance for Türkiye in their EuroBasket win against the Czech Republic, scoring 23 points on efficient 8-of-9 shooting, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. His strong play is a key factor in Türkiye's impressive showing in the tournament. Sengun plays for the Houston Rockets in the NBA.
Lauri Markkanen led Finland to a EuroBasket group stage win over Great Britain with an impressive 43 points, including seven three-pointers, and an efficiency rating of 38. This marks his second career 40-point game, contributing to Finland's 2-0 record in group play where he's averaging 35.5 points per game. His strong performance has garnered attention from NBA teams, including his own, the Utah Jazz.
Veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon, a former Sixth Man of the Year, is drawing interest from the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves as a free agent. His signing remains contingent on other team situations, including Jonathan Kuminga's free agency for the Warriors and the federal gambling investigation involving Malik Beasley for the Knicks and Timberwolves. Brogdon's market value has been affected by recent injuries, but he is seen as a low-risk acquisition expected to sign for the veteran minimum.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado was stretchered off the court during a FIBA AmeriCup game in a scary moment, after landing hard on his back battling for a rebound. Alvarado had scored 25 points for Puerto Rico, leading them to overtime against Argentina before the incident. He later reassured fans on Instagram, posting 'your boy good,' suggesting the injury may not be severe, easing concerns for the Pelicans.
Jordan Loyd delivered a career-best performance, scoring 32 points with seven 3-pointers, to power Poland to a 105-95 upset win against Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025. The former G Leaguer and 2019 NBA champion, recently granted Polish citizenship, showcased exceptional shot-making against a Slovenian team that featured Luka Dončić. Loyd's impactful play, including 7 of 8 from behind the arc, secured a significant victory for his national team.
Malik Beasley is reportedly drawing interest from the Knicks, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Pistons as he navigates a federal gambling investigation. Previously expected to re-sign with Detroit after averaging 16.3 points and 41.6% from three, his potential contract is now complicated, with the Pistons able to offer $7.2 million and other teams limited to veteran minimums. Beasley is actively seeking a deal above the veteran minimum.
Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst, coach Doc Rivers, and assistant Darvin Ham were present at Giannis Antetokounmpo's EuroBasket opener in Cyprus, demonstrating the team's visible support for their star. This show of solidarity comes amidst ongoing speculation about Antetokounmpo's long-term future with the Bucks, particularly after another early playoff exit and the team's significant roster changes, including waiving Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner. The franchise is actively working to appease Giannis and hopes to secure a contract extension from him next offseason, despite his recent non-committal statements.
NBA analysts predict that by 2050, Victor Wembanyama will be considered the greatest player in NBA history, surpassing the figurative dominance of stars like LeBron James and Michael Jordan. James, along with Jordan, represented the best versions of established player archetypes in their eras, but Wembanyama is viewed as the next evolutionary stage in basketball, poised to accumulate a greater collection of trophies and redefine the sport.
LeBron James' three impactful free agent signings with the Miami Heat (2010), Cleveland Cavaliers (2014), and Los Angeles Lakers (2018) each resulted in at least one championship for those franchises. His initial move to Miami is recognized as a pivotal moment for star empowerment in the NBA. James' return to Cleveland fulfilled a long-held promise by bringing a championship, and his arrival in Los Angeles secured another title for the Lakers.
Brandin Podziemski offered insights into the Golden State Warriors' locker room sentiment regarding teammate Jonathan Kuminga's contract impasse, emphasizing that players recognize media efforts to create division. Podziemski clarified that regardless of how the situation is resolved, it does not alter their perception of Kuminga, whom they all want to remain with the team. He also stated his personal focus is on his own performance in his upcoming third year, controlling what he can.
Jonathan Kuminga's ongoing contract negotiations with the Golden State Warriors are a primary focus this offseason, with the team reportedly at an impasse with the forward. The situation is influencing the Warriors' other potential offseason transactions. Teammate Brandin Podziemski affirmed that the locker room fully supports Kuminga as both a player and a person, hoping he remains with the team.
During a podcast segment, Stephen Curry's career future was analyzed, with a 'Better Odds' debate weighing the likelihood of him playing for another NBA team against winning a fifth championship ring. The discussion underscored the potential pivotal decisions ahead for the Golden State Warriors star.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun showcased an impressive outing for Turkiye in their EuroBasket opening game, recording 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. His significant contributions were crucial in leading Turkiye to a decisive 93-73 victory over Latvia, establishing them as a formidable contender in the tournament.
Pistons president Trajan Langdon stated the organization's intent to stick with its young core, including Ausar Thompson, to allow them to develop. Thompson is considered a quality player within the group, and the team is committed to understanding the full potential of its current roster. This approach emphasizes player growth over immediate consolidation trades.
The Detroit Pistons' front office, led by Trajan Langdon, is committed to nurturing its young core, which features Jaden Ivey. Ivey was experiencing a breakout season, averaging 17.6 points per game, before a broken left fibula ended his season prematurely on January 1. The Pistons are focused on allowing players like Ivey to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
Detroit Pistons president Trajan Langdon confirmed the team's strategy to prioritize the development of its young core, which includes Jalen Duren. Duren is identified as a potential All-Star big man, and the organization is focused on helping him and other young talents grow and reach their full potential. The team is being patient, not rushing into consolidation trades.
Pistons president Trajan Langdon affirmed the team's commitment to its young core, spearheaded by All-NBA player Cade Cunningham. Langdon emphasized patience in developing players like Cunningham, who had a breakout season, to reach their full potential before considering further consolidation trades. The team aims to understand the ceiling of its current roster, with Cunningham central to their future plans.
Boston Celtics big man Neemias Queta delivered a dominant performance in his EuroBasket debut for Portugal, recording 23 points, 18 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals in a 62-50 win. Notably, Queta showcased a new element to his game by hitting a three-pointer, a shot he has yet to attempt in his NBA career. This development could be significant for the Celtics, especially with Jayson Tatum injured, as they seek increased spacing and ball movement.
Jimmy Butler's arrival with the Golden State Warriors on February 6th dramatically improved the team's performance, leading to a 23-8 record over the final 31 regular-season games and a 13-2 run during Jonathan Kuminga's absence. His integration alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green provided the crucial boost the Warriors sought, effectively making a starting position for Kuminga untenable. Butler's high-level play has firmly established him as a cornerstone for the team's immediate success, despite his move impacting other players.
