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NBA News

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

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Jonathan Kuminga's Restricted Free Agency Standoff with Warriors

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Jonathan Kuminga remains in restricted free agency limbo, with a sign-and-trade deal from the Golden State Warriors still unmaterialized despite both sides reportedly being ready to part ways. While Sacramento, the Bulls, and the Suns have shown interest, no trade has gained traction, primarily because the Warriors are seeking a first-round pick in any deal involving Kuminga. Kuminga is seeking a four-year, $120 million contract (averaging $30 million per season), while the Warriors are offering a shorter, more tradable three-year deal around $20 million annually. Last season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds, shooting 30.5% from 3-point range.

Damian Lillard Finalizes Three-Year Contract to Return to Portland Trail Blazers

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Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to rejoin the Portland Trail Blazers, marking a return to the team where he spent his first 11 NBA seasons and established himself as the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 19,376 points. This move follows his two-season tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.6 rebounds after being traded by Portland before the 2023-24 season. Lillard's time with the Bucks ended after he tore his Achilles during the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, leading Milwaukee to waive him earlier in July and stretch his remaining deal to facilitate the signing of Myles Turner.

Steph Curry Identifies Ja Morant as NBA's Most Athletic Player

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Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant has been lauded by Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry as the NBA's most athletic player, with Curry specifically calling him "pound for pound" the most athletic. Morant's dynamic play, marked by his electric dunks, scoring prowess, speed, handles, and clutch shooting, has earned him significant accolades including the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year, 2021-22 Most Improved Player, and two All-Star selections. While Morant has reportedly decreased his frequency of dunks to prioritize his health, he continues to be recognized for his exceptional athleticism, and he and Curry share a mutual respect from their high-profile matchups, including one where Morant played through an ankle injury.

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Marcus Smart Finalizes Wizards Buyout, Expected to Sign Two-Year Deal with Lakers

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Marcus Smart has officially agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and is anticipated to sign a two-year, $10.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, which includes a player option for the second year. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year is expected to bolster the Lakers' perimeter defense and provide secondary shot creation, a needed addition after Dorian Finney-Smith's departure. Despite being limited by injuries to 34 games last season, the 31-year-old guard was personally recruited by Luka Doncic, as the Lakers are banking on him to return to his previous form.

LeBron James to Benefit from Marcus Smart's Defensive Prowess in Lakers Lineup

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Marcus Smart's defensive capabilities are expected to mesh well with LeBron James in the Los Angeles Lakers' lineup. The veteran guard's arrival provides the Lakers with a player who can rotate onto the best opposing perimeter player, enhancing the team's overall defensive strategy alongside James and Luka Dončić.

Luka Dončić Eagerly Welcomes Marcus Smart to Lakers, Addressing Backcourt Defense and Offensive Spacing

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All-NBA star Luka Dončić personally reached out to Marcus Smart to express his strong desire to play with the veteran defender, who is now signing a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Smart's arrival is expected to significantly bolster the Lakers' point-of-attack defense, an area of need for the team's backcourt, which includes Dončić and Austin Reaves. While Smart's defensive fit with Dončić and LeBron James is anticipated to mesh well, questions remain regarding offensive spacing, particularly if Dončić plays a significant portion of his minutes alongside Smart.

Clippers Strongly Considering Reunion with Free Agent Chris Paul

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The Los Angeles Clippers are "strongly considering" a reunion with 20-year veteran point guard Chris Paul, as confirmed by President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank. Frank lauded Paul as a "great player" and "great Clipper," noting that he possesses the ballhandling and playmaking qualities the team aims to add. Paul, who previously spent six seasons with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017 during the "Lob City" era, played all 82 games last season with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 28.0 minutes. If signed, the 40-year-old Paul would likely take on a reserve role, contributing alongside James Harden and Kris Dunn to bolster the team's guard depth and alleviate pressure on Harden.

Bradley Beal Finalizes Clippers Deal After Suns Buyout

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Bradley Beal has officially signed a two-year, $11 million contract with a player option to join the Los Angeles Clippers, following a buyout with the Phoenix Suns. Clippers president Lawrence Frank confirmed the team's successful third attempt to acquire Beal, who is expected to start at shooting guard and fill the scoring void left by Norman Powell. Beal, who averaged 17 points last season (a career low since 2014-15) and saw reduced minutes due to injuries, is anticipated to thrive alongside James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, leveraging his career averages of 21.5 points and his ability to alleviate ballhandling duties. Harden reportedly played a role in recruiting Beal, who the Clippers believe will be a better fit given his past success with high-level playmakers and the team's floor spacing and centers.

Cam Thomas Addresses 'Empty Calories Ball Hog' Label and Contract Stalemate with Nets

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Brooklyn Nets restricted free agent Cam Thomas recently expressed significant frustration on social media regarding the perception of him as an "empty calories ball hog," a label reportedly prevalent among NBA front offices and publicized by insider Zach Lowe. Thomas vehemently denied this characterization, defending his offensive game by highlighting his role as the Nets' second-leading assist provider (excluding traded point guards) and attributing past team performance issues to injuries, including his own hamstring setback in mid-March, and front office decisions. Last season, Thomas averaged 24 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds over 25 games with a .575 true shooting percentage, and played 66 games the season prior. He is currently in a contract stalemate with the Nets, reportedly seeking around $30 million annually, while the team is negotiating for a significantly lower figure amidst a soft market for his services, indicating a potentially slow resolution before training camp.

Draymond Green Questions Rookie Load Management After Cooper Flagg's Summer League Shutdown

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Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green recently voiced his skepticism on social media regarding the double standard of 'load management,' questioning why rookies like Cooper Flagg are being shut down early from Summer League while established players face criticism for resting. Green's comments came after top draft pick Cooper Flagg was sent home by the Dallas Mavericks after just two Summer League games, despite an impressive 31-point performance in his second start. Green previously highlighted Flagg's unique position, noting he joins established stars Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, alleviating the typical pressure for a top pick to immediately be a franchise savior. He finds it "fascinating" that teams are embracing rest for first-year players, while veteran 'load management' remains a contentious topic for the league.

Terry Rozier Not Target of Betting Investigation Linked to 2023 Prop Bets

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Terry Rozier is not the target of a federal investigation into unusual betting activity on his prop bet unders from a March 23, 2023 game against the Pelicans. A bettor reportedly placed 30 wagers on his unders for that game, which Rozier left early due to a foot injury, finishing with stats well below his averages. Rozier's attorney confirmed he met with NBA and FBI officials in 2023, and the initial NBA investigation concluded he had done nothing wrong, despite the betting activity being linked to accounts involved in the Jontay Porter scandal.

Ben Simmons Linked to New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings in Free Agency Amid Ongoing Injury Concerns

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Ben Simmons, an unrestricted free agent, is reportedly a target for the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings as he looks for a new team ahead of the 2025-26 season. The three-time All-Star's availability has been significantly impacted by persistent back issues since leaving the 76ers after the 2021 season, playing only 90 games over three seasons with the Brooklyn Nets. Despite undergoing a microscopic partial discectomy last March, Simmons appeared in just 33 games last season, where he averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. Given these injury concerns, teams pursuing Simmons would be taking a chance on his health, hoping the two-time All-Defensive selection and 2016 Rookie of the Year can provide quality minutes as a cost-effective depth option.

Kevon Looney Deemed Irreplaceable by Former Teammate Moses Moody After Pelicans Move

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Kevon Looney, who recently signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, is considered irreplaceable by his former Golden State Warriors teammate Moses Moody. After a decade with the Warriors, Looney's departure leaves a significant void, with Moody praising him as an 'Iron Man' who was dependable, reliable, and consistently positive. Moody also shared how Looney fostered their bond through non-basketball activities like yoga and faith, even paying for Moody's yoga in his first year, underscoring Looney's profound influence on and off the court.

Moses Moody Reflects on Kevon Looney's Irreplaceable Impact After Warriors Departure

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Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody expressed his strong belief that former teammate Kevon Looney is irreplaceable following Looney's departure from the team. Speaking on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs,” Moody highlighted Looney's immeasurable personal impact, noting their four seasons as teammates and shared bonds over activities like yoga and faith. Moody recounted how Looney looked out for him, made yoga accessible, and even paid for his sessions in his rookie year, aspiring to continue Looney's legacy with new teammates.

Friday, July 18, 2025

Terry Rozier Remains Under Federal Investigation For Betting Activity

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Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is still subject to a federal investigation regarding unusual betting activity from a March 23, 2023 game, despite being cleared by the NBA's internal probe. Records show 30 wagers totaling over $13,759 were placed on the unders for Rozier's points, rebounds, and assists within 46 minutes, all of which won after he exited the game due to a foot injury. While Rozier's attorney stated he is no longer part of the ongoing federal probe, the U.S. Attorney's Office has not confirmed this. The investigation is reportedly connected to other NBA players, including Jontay Porter and Malik Beasley.

Bradley Beal Officially Signs Two-Year Deal with Clippers

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Bradley Beal has officially signed a two-year, $11-million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, featuring a player option for the 2026-27 season, following his buyout from the Phoenix Suns. The 32-year-old three-time All-Star, who averaged 17 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds last season with the Suns, joins the Clippers to complement Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue highlighted Beal's rare caliber as a player, praising his versatile scoring and playmaking abilities, expecting him to make a significant impact.

Damian Lillard Finalizes Three-Year Return to Portland Trail Blazers Amidst Injury and Free Agency Offers

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Damian Lillard has officially finalized a three-year deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, the team where he spent his first 11 seasons. This new agreement includes a full no-trade clause and a player option for the 2027-28 season, allowing him to secure $141 million over the next two seasons by utilizing Portland's $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, following his recent waiver by the Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard, who ruptured his Achilles in April during the Bucks' playoff series and could potentially miss the entire 2025-26 season, is currently rehabilitating the injury and is expected to be ready for the 2026-27 season, with his return to Portland enabling him to recover at home in a city where he is considered a franchise legend. Despite his decision to rejoin the Blazers, teams like the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves, along with dozens of others, reportedly made minimum and mid-level exception offers to the unrestricted free agent, who averaged 24.9 points per game for the Bucks last season, with his return also positioning him as a crucial mentor for young players like Scoot Henderson.

Jonathan Kuminga's Representation Explored Trade to Bulls Amid Warriors' Offseason Standstill

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Jonathan Kuminga's representation reportedly explored potential sign-and-trade scenarios that would have sent the Golden State Warriors wing to the Chicago Bulls, a move that would have also allowed Chicago to retain restricted free agent Josh Giddey. NBA Insider Jake Fischer indicated that a deal might have been more favorable for Golden State if Lonzo Ball was included, though Ball has since been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors are also reportedly hesitant about acquiring veteran big man Nikola Vučević, and their ongoing lack of free agency moves, with no players added or re-signed, is directly tied to the unresolved Kuminga situation, putting their offseason plans on hold.

Ben Simmons Drawing Free Agency Interest from Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks

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Free-agent guard Ben Simmons, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, is reportedly drawing interest from the Sacramento Kings, with the New York Knicks also mentioned as a potential suitor. NBA insider Jake Fischer confirmed the Kings and Knicks as potential targets, while sources also suggest the Kings are considering other veteran guards like Russell Westbrook and Malcolm Brogdon. Despite struggling with a disk injury that has limited his play and production in recent seasons, Simmons, who averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 51 games last season for the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets, is seen as a valuable option by Kings general manager Scott Perry to provide solid ball movement and steady defense within Sacramento’s lineup.

Scoot Henderson's Trail Blazers Future Under Scrutiny with Damian Lillard's Return

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Scoot Henderson's development with the Portland Trail Blazers is now "on the clock" following Damian Lillard's return, as Lillard's presence could see him potentially succeed Henderson as the starting point guard if Henderson fails to make a "proverbial leap" in his third season. Despite being initially heralded as Lillard's successor, Henderson has not taken meaningful steps in his first two seasons, though he remains a highly touted 21-year-old elite athlete. This year presents a "golden opportunity" for Henderson to fulfill his potential, with the Blazers having invested in his growth by trading Anfernee Simons to free up minutes and touches for him. Henderson, expected to start in a bench role behind Jrue Holiday and Shaedon Sharpe, must demonstrate improved consistency and shooting to secure his future with the team and avoid facing difficult questions regarding his rookie extension and restricted free agency eligibility.