Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

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

Sunday, July 13, 2025

Damian Lillard Open to Celtics Move Following Bucks Release and Achilles Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Damian Lillard, recently waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, is reportedly considering signing with the Boston Celtics, who are actively recruiting him through Jayson Tatum. Lillard, like Tatum, is recovering from a serious Achilles injury that is expected to keep him out for the entire 2025-26 season. The nine-time All-Star, who turns 35 this month, averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists for the Bucks last season before his release, which allowed Milwaukee to sign Myles Turner; Lillard may opt to sit out the upcoming season to fully recover before deciding his next career move.

Jayson Tatum Actively Recruits Damian Lillard to Celtics Amidst Shared Achilles Injury Recovery

AutoDraft Pro AI

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is reportedly actively recruiting Damian Lillard as an unrestricted free agent, with Boston being a top potential landing spot for Lillard. Both players are currently recovering from significant Achilles injuries that are expected to sideline them for the entire 2025-26 NBA season. Despite recent cost-cutting measures by the Celtics, Tatum's recruitment efforts signal a strong intent to potentially form a formidable trio with Jaylen Brown and Lillard in the 2026 season once they are both healthy.

Cole Anthony to Join Milwaukee Bucks After Grizzlies Buyout

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cole Anthony, the 25-year-old former No. 15 overall pick, has finalized a contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and is reportedly set to sign a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks after clearing waivers. Anthony is expected to join the Bucks' bench, providing scoring depth for a team that recently waived Damian Lillard to facilitate the signing of Myles Turner, addressing a significant backcourt need. Over five seasons with the Orlando Magic, Anthony averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, though his minutes dwindled in recent years; his acquisition by the Grizzlies was part of a multi-player swap for Desmond Bane, a move that also created financial flexibility for Memphis.

Yuki Kawamura Becomes Summer League Fan Favorite with Electrifying Play for Bulls

AutoDraft Pro AI

Standing at 5'8", Japanese star Yuki Kawamura has emerged as a fan favorite at the NBA Summer League, delivering electrifying plays for the Chicago Bulls that have captivated the crowd. Last season, he was the shortest player with an NBA contract, appearing in 22 games for the Grizzlies on a two-way deal. Kawamura, who previously averaged 20.3 points and 7.7 assists for Japan in the Paris Olympics, is actively showcasing his skills and playing with high intensity in Las Vegas, aiming to secure another opportunity in the NBA.

Bronny James Shows Significant Summer League Progress Under LeBron James' Courtside Mentorship

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bronny James has demonstrated considerable improvement during the NBA Summer League, displaying a stronger handle, enhanced court vision, and better decision-making in half-court situations. Despite a modest 4-of-18 three-point shooting performance, he contributed solid play, including 14 points, three assists, and two steals against the Pelicans while battling a sore hip, and hit a crucial three-pointer. His development in on-ball decisions was noted by Lakers Summer League coach Lindsey Harding, and his performance was notably influenced by real-time courtside instructions from his father, LeBron James, who encouraged him on shot selection and driving downhill.

Jimmy Butler Attends ACC Tournament to Support Steph Curry

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jimmy Butler was seen in South Lake Tahoe on Sunday, demonstrating support for his Golden State Warriors teammate, Steph Curry. Butler attended the American Century Championship to cheer on Curry during the tournament.

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Bronny James Posts 14 Points with Courtside Guidance from LeBron in Summer League Victory

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bronny James contributed 14 points on five-for-11 shooting, including one three-pointer, along with three assists and two steals, during the Lakers' 94-81 Summer League win against the New Orleans Pelicans. He received active coaching from his father, LeBron James, courtside, who encouraged specific plays that led to successful baskets. Despite nursing a sore hip from an earlier fall, James maintained a solid defensive presence and was noted by coach Lindsey Harding for his on-ball decision-making.

LeBron James Coaches Bronny Courtside During Lakers Summer League Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

LeBron James attended the Lakers' Summer League game against the New Orleans Pelicans, actively offering advice and encouragement to his son, Bronny James, from courtside. He provided specific instructions, such as urging Bronny to "get downhill more" and to "knock it down" on a three-point attempt, which Bronny successfully executed. James departed with about five minutes remaining after guiding his son's performance.

Cole Anthony Agrees to Buyout with Grizzlies

AutoDraft Pro AI

Guard Cole Anthony has reached a contract buyout agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies, making him a free agent. The 25-year-old, who averaged 12.5 points and 4.3 assists over five seasons with the Orlando Magic, is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks once he clears waivers. This move allows the Grizzlies to create cap space for other roster adjustments.

Fred VanVleet Elected President of National Basketball Players Association

AutoDraft Pro AI

Fred VanVleet, fresh off signing a two-year, $50 million contract with the Houston Rockets, has been elected as the new president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). VanVleet, recognized as a respected and level-headed veteran, expressed honor and commitment to advocating for all players, acknowledging the challenges they face. He takes over the leadership role from CJ McCollum, who previously steered the union through the last Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.

CJ McCollum Concludes Tenure as National Basketball Players Association President

AutoDraft Pro AI

CJ McCollum has concluded his term as president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), with Fred VanVleet elected as his successor. During his tenure, McCollum played a crucial role in guiding the players' union through the complexities of the most recent Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations with the league, successfully representing the interests of NBA players.

Myles Turner Explains Bucks Move: Prioritizing Competitiveness and Fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo

AutoDraft Pro AI

Center Myles Turner has revealed his primary motivation for signing with the Milwaukee Bucks on a four-year, $107-108.9 million contract, citing the desire to "stay competitive" after the Indiana Pacers' recent deep playoff runs. Turner's surprising move came after the Pacers reportedly lowballed him on a new deal, prompting the Bucks to aggressively pursue him, even waiving Damian Lillard to create cap space. Turner, who averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and two blocks per game last season while shooting 39.6% from three, expressed excitement about playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, anticipating a "seamless fit" that will modernize the Bucks' offense and maximize Antetokounmpo's playmaking skills.

Draymond Green Appears with LeBron James on Stage at Bad Bunny Concert

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green joined LeBron James on stage during a Bad Bunny concert in Puerto Rico on Friday night. This public appearance highlighted the NBA stars' off-court activities and their engagement with popular culture.

Reed Sheppard Dominates Summer League Day 2, Showcases Expanded Role Potential for Rockets

AutoDraft Pro AI

Reed Sheppard delivered a standout performance on Day 2 of the NBA Summer League, showcasing his readiness for an increased role with the Houston Rockets next season. In a loss to the Clippers, Sheppard recorded 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists, four steals, three blocks, and six three-pointers, including a 15-point third quarter. Operating primarily as the lead ball handler, he demonstrated strong facilitation skills and defensive activity, totaling seven defensive stats. Sheppard stated his offseason focus is on gaining strength and improving his defensive physicality, which was evident in his play, suggesting he will contribute positively to Houston's strong defensive rating.

Friday, July 11, 2025

Kobe Brown Shows Promising Potential for Clippers in Summer League Despite Ankle Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Clippers forward Kobe Brown showcased significant potential in his NBA Summer League game against the Houston Rockets, despite exiting the game early in the third quarter with a right ankle contusion. Before his departure, Brown scored 14 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out four assists in just 20 minutes, including a dominant 10-point first quarter where he was 4-of-5 from the field and made both of his three-point attempts. Clippers assistant coach Jerry Castleberry stated the ankle injury was precautionary and that Brown is "fine," emphasizing his strong defensive play and ability to score efficiently against mismatches.

Ron Holland Shines in Summer League, Poised for Breakout Sophomore Season with Pistons

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Pistons forward Ron Holland delivered a standout performance in Day 2 of the NBA Las Vegas Summer League, recording a double-double with 28 points and 11 rebounds, alongside three steals. Holland showcased significant improvement in his shooting by converting four of his five three-point attempts, a notable development given his previous collegiate and G League shooting percentages. The former No. 5 overall pick, recognized for his elite athleticism, high motor, and defensive prowess, appears poised for a breakout sophomore campaign, already demonstrating a level of play beyond typical summer league competition.

Bronny James' Summer League Debut Draws Significant Viewership

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bronny James' Summer League debut alongside Cooper Flagg garnered substantial attention, contributing to ESPN's fourth-most watched Summer League game ever with 955,000 viewers. Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, James contributed eight points in the game, though he went scoreless in the second half. The game peaked at 1.12 million viewers, reflecting considerable interest in his performance.

Pacome Dadiet Leads Knicks in Summer League Opener Amidst Team Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pacome Dadiet led the New York Knicks in their 2025 Las Vegas Summer League debut, despite the team suffering a 104-86 blowout loss to the Detroit Pistons. Dadiet's performance provided a bright spot for the Knicks in an otherwise challenging opening game.

Myles Turner Joins Milwaukee Bucks, Citing 'Alignment Issues' with Pacers and Desire to Compete with Giannis Antetokounmpo

AutoDraft Pro AI

Myles Turner has made a surprising move to the Milwaukee Bucks, explaining his departure from the Indiana Pacers due to 'alignment issues' and a strong desire to 'stay competitive' in the wake of Tyrese Haliburton's season-ending injury. Turner expressed significant excitement about the opportunity to play alongside 'generational player' Giannis Antetokounmpo, noting his fatigue from previously competing against him. Bucks coach Doc Rivers is equally thrilled, viewing Turner as a 'perfect fit' alongside Antetokounmpo, expected to bolster rim protection and enhance floor spacing for the team.

Bucks Strategic Shift: Myles Turner Acquisition Aims to Enhance Giannis Antetokounmpo's Development and Team Play

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Milwaukee Bucks' acquisition of center Myles Turner on a four-year, $108.9 million deal is a strategic move aimed at enhancing Giannis Antetokounmpo's development and retooling the team's playing style. General manager Jon Horst and coach Doc Rivers emphasized that Turner is an ideal fit to modernize their offense and maximize Antetokounmpo's skillset as a playmaker. New teammate Myles Turner expressed excitement about playing alongside the two-time MVP, anticipating a "seamless fit," while Rivers confirmed continuous communication with Giannis throughout the offseason, stating that "Giannis loves Milwaukee" and remains committed to the team's winning vision.