Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Paul George's latest injury has sparked serious concern and trade speculation regarding his future with the Philadelphia 76ers, especially following what was described as a "disaster" debut season with the team. Discussions suggest the 76ers might consider trading George, potentially alongside Joel Embiid, to embrace a youth movement focused on players like Maxey and Edgecombe.
Malik Beasley is reportedly the subject of a bizarre and in-depth investigation, with further details expected to be revealed by reporter Tom Haberstroh. This story involves "Moose NBA" and has reportedly generated significant online discussion and sleuthing.
Joel Embiid is undertaking what he describes as his 'most important' offseason, focusing on recovery from a meniscus tear and Bell's palsy, and is committed to therapy to return to an elite level. The All-Star center has expressed deep frustration and broken trust regarding a leaked closed-door Philadelphia 76ers team meeting from last season, vowing not to participate in any future team meetings as he knows the identity of the leaker. Furthermore, Embiid revealed that his relationship with former teammate James Harden has fractured, with Harden reportedly no longer speaking to him due to a belief that Embiid influenced his trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, a claim Embiid vehemently denies, expressing hurt over the strained friendship.
New York Knicks wing Josh Hart has successfully undergone a procedure on his right ring finger, an injury sustained during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. The 30-year-old guard, who dislocated the finger, is expected to make a full recovery and resume basketball activities later this summer. Last season, Hart averaged a career-high 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals in a league-leading 37.6 minutes across 77 regular-season starts, showcasing career-best shooting percentages (58.6% from the field, 52% from beyond the arc). Despite his strong performance, he is anticipated to continue his crucial 'glue guy' role for the Knicks, likely contributing significantly from the bench as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Kyle Filipowski has been shut down for the remainder of the Las Vegas Summer League for rest purposes, following a dominant performance that included a 35-point, 11-rebound double-double in an overtime loss to the Spurs. The 2024 second-round pick had a solid rookie season, averaging 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds on 50.2 percent shooting in 21.1 minutes across 72 regular-season games. Filipowski, who signed a three-year, $9 million contract with the Jazz, is anticipated to see a larger role in his second year after the departure of John Collins, despite the team adding Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love to their frontcourt depth this offseason. His strong college career at Duke showcased above-average passing and an ability to stretch the floor, with potential comparisons to Lauri Markkanen, though he needs to improve defensively and from the free-throw line.
James Harden's relationship with former Philadelphia 76ers teammate Joel Embiid has fractured, with Embiid stating that Harden is no longer speaking to him. Harden reportedly believes Embiid holds him responsible for his trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, a claim Embiid insists is untrue, stating he had no influence on personnel decisions. This strained friendship occurs as Harden is set to be joined by Bradley Beal on the Clippers, where he is expected to be a key player.
LeBron James is anticipated to report to Los Angeles Lakers training camp this fall, despite recent trade and buyout speculation. While James picked up his $52.6 million player option, no discussions about trade or buyout scenarios have occurred between him and the Lakers, according to The Athletic. His agent, Rich Paul, stated that James wants to compete for a championship and his camp will monitor the Lakers' offseason moves, but both sides expect him to fulfill his current contract. James is entering his eighth season with the Lakers, his longest tenure with a single franchise, as the team focuses on contending with players like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton, alongside his son Bronny James.
Veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas is 'absolutely' expected to play for the Denver Nuggets this season, despite reported interest from Greek powerhouse club Panathinaikos. The Nuggets, who officially acquired Valančiūnas from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Saric, confirmed they will not release him from his two-year, $20 million NBA contract, even though the European club was prepared to offer a more lucrative deal. Nuggets executive Ben Tenzer stated the team was never worried about Valančiūnas not honoring his contract, as he is under NBA contract. Valančiūnas, who also played for the Washington Wizards, is anticipated to anchor Denver's second unit behind Nikola Jokić as the team pursues another championship.
Jonathan Kuminga's uncertain future with the Golden State Warriors is a critical factor in the franchise's long-term outlook, which NBA analyst Zach Lowe describes as 'incredibly bleak' for the post-Stephen Curry era. Kuminga, a restricted free agent, averaged 15.3 points per game last season despite missing 31 games due to a sprained right ankle. Lowe does not anticipate Kuminga re-signing as a breakout star and instead expects a potentially 'underwhelming' sign-and-trade, suggesting that the decision regarding Kuminga could profoundly shape the Warriors for years to come.
Kawhi Leonard is set to welcome new teammate Bradley Beal to the Los Angeles Clippers, following Beal's agreement to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns and subsequent signing of a two-year deal with the Clippers. The 13-year veteran, Beal, is reportedly expected to join Leonard and James Harden in Los Angeles, playing a significant role for the team in the upcoming season.
Veteran forward Al Horford is reportedly expected to sign with the Golden State Warriors in free agency, a move aimed at bolstering their roster. This potential signing has drawn varying opinions, with former Boston Celtics center Udonis Haslem questioning if Horford is the right fit for the Warriors' needs. However, ESPN insider Marc Spears notes that Stephen Curry's presence could humorously influence Horford's decision and his son's view on joining the team, highlighting a key factor in his anticipated arrival.
NBA insider Marc Stein reports that De'Anthony Melton is expected to be signed by the Golden State Warriors in free agency. This acquisition is anticipated to strengthen the Warriors' lineup as they prepare for the next season, providing additional depth and talent.
Discussions have surfaced regarding the strong potential for Seth Curry to join the Golden State Warriors. While his pairing with his brother Steph Curry has often been considered a fantasy, the feasibility and strategic advantages of Seth Curry playing for the Warriors are now being seriously considered, suggesting it would be a sensible move for the team.
Tyler Kolek delivered a standout performance for the Knicks in their Las Vegas Summer League opener, successfully drilling five three-pointers. His contribution was key in securing the Knicks' first win of the tournament, a 97-93 victory over their crosstown rival Brooklyn Nets.
Bronny James has demonstrated significant improvement and increased confidence in this year's Las Vegas Summer League compared to his debut last year. Continuing his development journey with the Los Angeles Lakers, James is showcasing greater poise and maturity on the court.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II has undergone successful surgery on his right foot to clean up bone spurs, a procedure intended to resolve chronic foot issues that caused him to miss significant time, including more than half of the 2024-25 season due to injuries like a stress fracture in his right ankle. Although his foot was placed in a walking boot post-surgery, the 21-year-old big man is expected to be fully recovered and ready for the start of training camp in September, aiming for a larger and healthier role in the team's frontcourt rotation.
Kyrie Irving is reportedly among the players sidelined this offseason. This update aligns with news that teammate Anthony Davis is also out, as Dallas Mavericks' center Derek Lively recently underwent foot surgery.
Anthony Davis is among the players reported to be sidelined this offseason. The report notes that he, along with Kyrie Irving, is currently out, following news of Dallas Mavericks' center Derek Lively also undergoing foot surgery.
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, entering his third NBA season, has publicly stated his desire to spend his entire career with a single franchise, specifically in San Antonio. The young All-Star expressed this dream in an interview with French publication L'Équipe. Additionally, Wembanyama has been medically cleared to resume basketball activities after being sidelined since February due to a blood clot in his right shoulder, which he sustained after the All-Star Weekend.
Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post showcased his intellectual prowess by winning big at the inaugural Chesstival in Las Vegas. His victory included a face-off against chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, cementing his status as the NBA's chess champion.
