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NBA News

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

Friday, August 22, 2025

Malik Beasley Cleared in Gambling Probe, Re-enters Free Agency with Multiple Teams Eyeing Sharpshooter

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Free agent guard Malik Beasley has been officially cleared as a target in a federal gambling investigation, a development that reopens his free agency after the probe reportedly cost him a potential three-year, $42 million contract with the Detroit Pistons. Having averaged 16.3 points per game last season while shooting over 41 percent from three-point range, Beasley is now drawing considerable interest from various teams across the league. Potential landing spots include the Detroit Pistons on a non-Bird rights deal, the Brooklyn Nets utilizing their cap space, and mid-level exception teams like the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls. Additional teams such as the Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, and Dallas Mavericks are also exploring options to acquire the sharpshooter.

Cody Martin Drawing Interest from Warriors and Other Playoff Teams in Free Agency

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Free agent wing Cody Martin is reportedly a target for the Golden State Warriors as they look to add bench depth. Martin, who averaged 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over nearly six seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, struggled after a trade to the Suns and has been hampered by injuries, playing only 93 games in his last three campaigns. Despite his recent struggles, he has attracted interest from several playoff teams and is currently weighing his options, including a potential opportunity with Golden State.

Warriors Show Strong Interest in Trey Murphy, Pelicans Resist Trade Talks

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The Golden State Warriors have reportedly expressed a strong interest in acquiring New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy, making outreach as recently as this summer. However, the Pelicans have firmly rejected these trade inquiries, signaling their high valuation of the 25-year-old two-way forward. Murphy, who is set to play on a $25 million contract in 2025-26, averaged 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists last season, making him an appealing target for his defensive prowess and 38% career three-point shooting.

Damian Lillard's Clutch Play Featured in Iconic Shots List

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Damian Lillard is celebrated for two of the NBA's most iconic clutch shots in a recent retrospective. His 30-foot shot in 2014 secured a series victory for the Trail Blazers against the Rockets. Lillard's memorable 38-foot buzzer-beater against the Thunder in 2019, which he punctuated with a wave to their bench, is also highlighted as a legendary series-ending moment.

Jayson Tatum Continues Achilles Rehab, Celtics Undecided on Return Timeline

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Jayson Tatum is currently undergoing rehabilitation following Achilles surgery, with the Boston Celtics remaining non-committal on a specific timeline for his return or ruling him out for the 2025-26 season. Team President Rich Gotham stated that Tatum is dedicated to his rehab, aiming to progress to a point where the team can make an informed decision regarding his availability. The team has opted against imposing any limitations on his recovery process.

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Malik Beasley No Longer Target in Federal Gambling Probe, Remains Free Agent

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NBA player Malik Beasley is no longer a target in a federal gambling investigation by the Eastern District of New York, his attorneys confirmed to ESPN. This development comes months after the probe began in June, which involved allegations of betting on NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-24 season. Despite being cleared, the 28-year-old guard remains an NBA free agent, though he previously had significant contract discussions with the Detroit Pistons for a three-year, $42-million deal before the investigation became public. Several teams are reportedly maintaining contact with Beasley's representation as he seeks a new contract.

Jaylen Brown's Father Faces Attempted Murder Charges; Celtics Star's Relationship and Career Noted

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Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown's father, Quenton Marcelles Brown, has been charged with attempted murder in Las Vegas following an alleged stabbing incident during a parking lot confrontation that left a man in critical condition. While representatives stated Jaylen Brown was unaware of the arrest and does not have a close relationship with his father, the All-Star guard's NBA achievements include averaging 22.2 points last season and earning the 2024 NBA Finals MVP award. Separately, former teammate Jrue Holiday also noted Brown as an All-Star practice opponent, though he found Payton Pritchard a more challenging matchup.

Cam Thomas Weighs Nets' Two-Year, $28 Million Offer Against Qualifying Option

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Restricted free agent Cam Thomas is reportedly weighing a two-year, $28 million offer from the Brooklyn Nets against playing on his $5.9 million qualifying offer for next season. The Nets' proposal features a $14.1 million average annual value with a team option for the second year, giving them leverage in negotiations. Thomas, who averaged 24 points and 3.8 assists last season, has until October 1 to decide if he will bet on himself to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

Al Horford's Free Agency with Warriors Hinges on Kuminga's Contract

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Free agent Al Horford is currently in a holding pattern, as his anticipated signing with the Golden State Warriors depends on the resolution of Jonathan Kuminga's restricted free agency. Horford is expected to sign for at least the taxpayer midlevel exception, with discussions also including a potential two-year deal featuring a player option. NBA insider Jake Fischer reports that the Warriors remain "very confident" in signing Horford, which would bring their guaranteed contracts for next season to ten.

Jrue Holiday Reveals Payton Pritchard as Toughest Celtics Teammate, Settles with Trail Blazers

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Jrue Holiday, now with the Portland Trail Blazers, disclosed that Payton Pritchard, not Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, was the most challenging Boston Celtics teammate to guard in practice. Holiday, a renowned guard defender, specifically highlighted Pritchard's speed, handling, low-to-the-ground play, ability to stop on a dime, and shooting prowess as reasons for his difficulty. This insight was shared during an appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back.”

Jayson Tatum Progressing in Achilles Rehab, Out of Walking Boot; Mentioned by Jrue Holiday

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Boston Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum is making significant strides in his recovery from a ruptured Achilles suffered in mid-May, now reportedly out of his walking boot and undergoing a "tedious" six-day-a-week rehabilitation process. While scouts have noted he "looks great," Tatum remains far from returning to the court and is anticipated to miss the entire 2025-26 season. Separately, former teammate Jrue Holiday mentioned Tatum in a discussion about challenging practice opponents, though he identified Payton Pritchard as the toughest to guard.

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

John Wall Announces Retirement, Joins NBA on Prime Broadcasting Team

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John Wall has officially announced his retirement from the NBA after an 11-season career. He will be joining the NBA on Prime broadcasting team for their inaugural season coverage. Wall, a five-time All-Star who averaged 18.7 points and 8.9 assists per game, expressed his deep affection for the game, even stating he would trade his earnings to play without injuries.

Dwight Howard to be Presented by Shaquille O'Neal at Hall of Fame Induction

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Dwight Howard is slated to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, with Shaquille O'Neal confirmed as one of his presenters. This development is notable given their well-documented public feud that spanned over 17 years. Despite their past tensions, both centers share a significant history, having been No. 1 overall picks for the Orlando Magic and leading the franchise to the NBA Finals.

LeBron James' Future and Lakers' 2025-26 Season Outlook Under Scrutiny in West Predictions

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NBA summer predictions for the 2025-26 season highlight significant concerns regarding LeBron James' future and his impact on the Los Angeles Lakers' standing. Experts anticipate the Lakers could experience a notable drop in the Western Conference standings, partly due to James turning 41 years old and perceived unhappiness with his organizational status. Bold predictions suggest James might not complete the season with the Lakers, with some analysts forecasting he could waive his no-trade clause for a potential move to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Additionally, the Lakers' defense, particularly when James shares the court with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, was identified as a league-worst caliber according to one assessment.

Draymond Green Responds to Alperen Şengün's Comments on Warriors-Rockets Playoff Series

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Draymond Green has publicly responded to comments made by Alperen Şengün regarding the playoff series between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. Şengün had commented that the Warriors fouled a lot and complained about uncalled fouls, but Green countered that such remarks are only valid after a win. Green also noted that the Rockets had fewer fouls called against them throughout the series.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

LeBron James' Finals Jersey at Center of Theft Case; Nears Multiple Career Milestones

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A LeBron James jersey, worn during the Miami Heat's 2013 NBA Finals Game 7 victory, was central to a recent guilty plea by a former Heat security guard involved in a multi-million dollar memorabilia theft. The stolen jersey, originally sold for $100,000, later commanded $3.7 million at auction. Separately, James was recognized as the 21st century's Most Valuable Player and is on the verge of surpassing significant NBA career milestones in the upcoming 2025-26 season, including records for made field goals, 3-pointers, games played, and assists.

Josh Giddey's Contract Standoff with Bulls Continues

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Josh Giddey's contract negotiations with the Chicago Bulls have seen little new movement, with the Bulls' standing offer remaining around $20 million annually over four years. Giddey, however, is seeking a salary closer to $30 million per season, citing his strong post-All-Star break performance last season where he averaged 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists. Despite his offensive production, Giddey is perceived around the league as an '82-game player' due to defensive shortcomings and inconsistent shooting, which he will need to address to secure his desired contract.

Jonathan Kuminga's Contract Talks with Warriors Renewed Amidst Disagreements

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Contract discussions between Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors have reportedly resumed, though the Warriors' offer of a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option and a demand to waive his no-trade clause remains unchanged. Kuminga is unwilling to forgo his leverage, preferring a three-year commitment or a player option, and is signaling a willingness to accept the qualifying offer to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. He is reportedly frustrated with his usage by coach Steve Kerr and is considered the most likely among remaining restricted free agents to play out the season on a qualifying offer.

John Wall Announces NBA Retirement After 11-Season Career

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Five-time NBA All-Star John Wall officially announced his retirement from the league on Tuesday after an 11-season career. The former No. 1 overall pick, who spent 10 seasons with the Washington Wizards, ranks among the franchise's all-time leaders in points, assists, and steals. Wall's career included All-NBA and All-Defensive honors, and he last played in the 2022-23 season for the LA Clippers, receiving congratulations from former teammates and fellow players upon his announcement.

Jalen Brunson Stars Alongside Natalia Bryant in New Nike Kobe Sneaker Ad

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New York Knicks star and two-time NBA All-Star Jalen Brunson is featured in a new Nike Kobe 3 Protro advertisement, appearing alongside Natalia Bryant, daughter of the late Kobe Bryant. The ad shows Brunson playfully interacting with Bryant over the reissued sneakers, which feature diamond shapes as a tribute to Natalia's middle name. An avid wearer of Kobe sneakers, Brunson's appearance highlights the release of the all-white Kobe 3 Protro this Saturday, coinciding with Kobe Bryant's 47th birthday.