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NBA News

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

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Larry Nance Jr. launches new digital show on NBA players' soccer fandom

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Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. has teamed up with the Men in Blazers Media Network to launch "Switch the Play," a new weekly digital program. The show will feature NBA players discussing their love for international soccer, with its inaugural episode set to feature Alex Caruso. Nance, who played soccer until age 16 and holds a part-ownership stake in Premier League club Leeds United, is entering his 11th NBA season after rejoining the Cavaliers as a free agent in July.

Nikola Jokic Nears Second All-Time in Triple-Doubles for Upcoming Season

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Three-time MVP Nikola Joki is on the verge of making more NBA history, needing just 18 triple-doubles to surpass Oscar Robertson for second place on the all-time list. After leading the league with 34 triple-doubles last season, the Denver Nuggets star could potentially become only the second player in NBA history to reach 200 career triple-doubles.

Monday, August 18, 2025

N'Faly Dante Signs Two-Year Deal with Atlanta Hawks

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Restricted free agent center N'Faly Dante has signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks, as the Houston Rockets were unable to match the offer. Dante previously showcased his potential in the G-League, averaging 15.1 points and 9.8 rebounds for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. This signing presents a significant opportunity for the undrafted big man, although he will compete for minutes in a crowded Hawks frontcourt.

Marco Belinelli Announces Retirement After 13-Year NBA Career

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Veteran guard Marco Belinelli has officially announced his retirement from basketball at age 39, concluding a 13-season NBA career. Belinelli was a key contributor for the 2014 San Antonio Spurs championship team, where he averaged 11.4 points off the bench. Drafted 18th overall in 2007 by the Golden State Warriors, he finished his NBA tenure with career averages of 9.7 points per game and 37.6% shooting from three-point range across multiple franchises.

Rudy Gobert Considered for NBA All-Quarter Century Defensive Teams

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Rudy Gobert was among the top defensive centers evaluated for the NBA's All-Quarter Century Defensive Teams. Despite his strong defensive capabilities, including his often-underrated perimeter defense, he ultimately missed out on a spot to Dwight Howard. The article notes concerns regarding Gobert's postseason performances, citing a specific playoff matchup where he was reportedly 'torched' by Nikola Jokić.

Utah Jazz Rookie Ace Bailey Focused on Building Routine for NBA Season

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Ace Bailey, the No. 5 overall pick, had an up-and-down Summer League showing due to a hip injury but improved in his second game, tallying 18 points and 7 rebounds in one contest. Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy stated that developing a consistent routine will be crucial for Bailey's success and growth during his rookie season, highlighting the demanding nature of the NBA. Bailey is expected to receive ample opportunities with the Jazz this season, with veterans like Georges Niang and Lauri Markkanen providing mentorship as he looks to establish himself as a key player.

Haywood Highsmith Traded from Miami Heat to Brooklyn Nets

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Haywood Highsmith was recently traded from the Miami Heat to the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. The trade involved Highsmith and a 2032 second-round pick going to the Nets in exchange for a protected 2026 second-round pick. Highsmith, who averaged 6.5 points per game and 24.6 minutes last season with the Heat, was previously considered a key young asset that Miami was unwilling to include in trade offers for Kevin Durant.

Draymond Green Sparks Social Media Dialogue Over Haywood Highsmith Trade

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green initiated a social media exchange with Jimmy Butler concerning the Miami Heat's recent trade of Haywood Highsmith. Green reportedly expressed skepticism about the prior praise for Highsmith, prompting Butler's playful response. The dialogue highlighted the recent transaction that sent Highsmith to the Brooklyn Nets.

Jimmy Butler Reacts to Draymond Green's Comments on Haywood Highsmith Trade

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Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler responded to Draymond Green's social media comments regarding the Haywood Highsmith trade, humorously channeling Will Ferrell. Butler, who was traded to the Warriors from the Heat on February 5, appears much more comfortable with his current team. He averaged 17.5 points per game last season.

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Dru Smith Re-Signs with Miami Heat on Three-Year Deal, Optimistic for Season Return

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Guard Dru Smith has re-signed with the Miami Heat on a three-year contract, with only the first year fully guaranteed at the league minimum. Smith, who tore his Achilles last December, is reportedly recovering well and there is optimism he will be ready for the start of the NBA season. He previously impressed the Heat in 14 games last season, averaging 6.2 points as a three-point shooter and strong on-ball defender.

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Anfernee Simons Expected to Come Off Bench as Celtics' Sixth Man

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Anfernee Simons is reportedly set to come off the bench as the sixth man for the Boston Celtics after Jrue Holiday's trade. He is expected to thrive in this scoring role, following a season where he averaged 19.3 points and 4.8 assists. This is a contract year for Simons, who is on an expiring $27.7 million deal, and he will be looking to boost his value for his next contract.

Payton Pritchard Projected to Start for Boston Celtics

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Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard is reportedly set to take over the starting guard spot for the Boston Celtics, succeeding Jrue Holiday. The Celtics believe Pritchard has earned this opportunity due to his steady development and readiness for expanded responsibilities. Last season, Pritchard averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, with his numbers significantly increasing to 21.7 points and 7.3 assists in games he started.

Friday, August 15, 2025

Haywood Highsmith Traded to Nets in Salary Dump, Undergoes Knee Surgery

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Forward Haywood Highsmith has been officially traded from the Miami Heat to the Brooklyn Nets in a move allowing Miami to shed salary and get under the luxury tax line. Brooklyn acquired Highsmith and the Heat's 2032 second-round pick in exchange for a top-55 protected 2026 second-round pick, absorbing Highsmith's $5.6 million expiring contract. Highsmith recently underwent knee surgery for a meniscus issue, with an 8-10 week recovery timeline that could make him available for the start of the regular season. Last season with Miami, he averaged 6.5 points and 3.4 rebounds across 72 games, starting 42, and shot 38.2% from beyond the arc.

Jonathan Kuminga Seeks Long-Term Security with Warriors Amidst Contract Stalemate

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Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors have resumed contract negotiations, though an impasse remains as Kuminga seeks a player-friendly deal that signals his role as a core building block rather than a trade asset. He reportedly does not want to sign a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option, preferring a three-year commitment or an agreement with a player option. Kuminga is reportedly willing to accept the qualifying offer if a suitable long-term deal is not reached, with neither side currently budging in negotiations.

Jayson Tatum's Achilles Recovery: Scalabrine Voices Concerns Over Early Return

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Jayson Tatum is aggressively rehabbing from a ruptured Achilles suffered in mid-May, prompting discussions about a potential return to the Celtics later in the 2025-26 season. However, former Celtic Brian Scalabrine expressed skepticism regarding a February or March comeback, citing the high intensity of meaningful games and the challenge for a superstar to ease back into play. Scalabrine emphasized the need for a gradual build-up, warning that throwing Tatum into high-stakes contests after a severe injury could be too demanding for his body.

Celtics Reportedly Sign Rookie Amari Williams to Two-Way Contract

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Rookie big man Amari Williams has reportedly signed a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics, as reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. This signing, which came after the Celtics waived Miles Norris to free up a two-way roster spot, completes Boston's two-way slots and brings clarity to their roster. Williams, a 2025 second-round pick (46th overall), is noted for his impressive court vision and provides additional frontcourt depth for the team.

Cooper Flagg Favored for Rookie of the Year After Mavericks Draft

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Dallas Mavericks' No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg, is the heavy favorite (-190 odds) to win the Rookie of the Year award, joining a competitive team where he won't be expected to carry the full load as a rookie. Historically, similar highly-touted prospects like Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis have fallen short of this award. Flagg's situation is seen as optimal for his rookie season.

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Amir Coffey Signs Training Camp Deal with Milwaukee Bucks Amidst Roster Battle

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Free agent Amir Coffey has signed a training camp-only contract with the Milwaukee Bucks after a career season with the Clippers, where he averaged 9.7 points and shot 40.9% from three. This deal presents a challenge as the Bucks currently have the maximum 15 players under contract, putting Coffey in a battle for a final roster spot potentially against Andre Jackson Jr. and Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Coffey's reunion with his former coach Doc Rivers is expected to add valuable depth at the small forward position for Milwaukee.

Ivica Zubac Set to Anchor Clippers for 2025-26 Season

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Ivica Zubac is poised to be a prominent figure for the Los Angeles Clippers as they navigate their 2025-26 NBA season. The team's schedule indicates an opening road game and a conclusion featuring four of their last six games at the Intuit Dome, with Zubac providing a strong presence for the Clippers.

Chris Paul Among Leaders for Clippers' 2025-26 Season

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Chris Paul is listed among the players who will lead the Los Angeles Clippers through their 2025-26 NBA season, according to the recently released schedule. The Clippers are set to begin their season with road games, culminating in four home contests out of their last six at the Intuit Dome, with Paul playing a significant role.