Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner has been found guilty on Russian drug charges and sentenced to nine years in Russian prison. Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia since February after she was discovered to be in possession of cannabis oil, which Griner insists she accidentally packed in her luggage before departing
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Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison — but this was expected. Here’s what could happen next for the WNBA star. “Daunting but expected sentence.” This is how ESPN investigative reporter T.J. Quinn described Brittney Griner’s nine-year Russian prison sentence, which was announced on Aug. 4. BREAKING: Brittney Griner sentenced to 9
Right after WNBA star Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison, NFL reporters Ian Rapoport and James Palmer make light of her verdict. Even though NFL training camps are in full swing, the on-air talent still felt they needed to fill space with their off-the-air conversations. Soon enough, NFL reporters Ian Rapoport,
With just one week left of the 2022 WNBA regular season, here’s an idea of who will, who won’t, and who could make the WNBA playoffs this year. Don’t blink, because if you do, you might miss the end of the WNBA season. That’s right. We’re just a little over a week away from the
10:48 PM ET William E. Ricks Few pro-am basketball organizations carry the level of star power as the Drew League. The Los Angeles-based summer hoops league features high-level competition from a collection of professional and amateur players. The circuit has seen plenty of big-name NBA ballers since its establishment in 1973. 1 Related Brooklyn Nets
Skylar Diggins-Smith discussed what it was like for the Phoenix Mercury to play the same day that Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison. On Thursday, the sports world was shaken to its core following the latest update regarding Brittney Griner. The WNBA star has been detained in Russia since Feb. 17
Mike James — yes that Mike James — threw some hate at Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry. Everyone’s gotta stay relevant. James currently plays in the EuroLeague, so it’s fair to question how much room he has to judge. However, James’ critiques are pointed, rather than just your average, general hate. By calling Curry
Donovan Mitchell was made available by the Utah Jazz a month ago. With little movement, every trade rumor is worth reporting. Forget a trade rumor — what about a three-team trade rumor? The Knicks, Jazz and Lakers have provided us with that juicy gossip. Per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the following trade involving the
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is working through an extension with the Lakers on his own time — and so far, it’s reportedly going well. LeBron James is halfway through a two-year, $85 million contract with the Lakers, yet James and his camp have their eyes set on the future. Even though James
12:39 PM ET The Oklahoma City Thunder have re-signed forward/center Mike Muscala, the team announced Thursday. Muscala had a team option for 2022-23 that Oklahoma City had previously declined. Terms of the signing were not released by the team. Muscala, 30, quietly had another excellent year as a sharpshooting big man for the rebuilding Thunder
In the summer of 2016, Draymond Green recruited Kevin Durant to the Warriors. In the summer of 2022, he’s doing the opposite. Green and Durant didn’t always get along, but those Golden State teams were arguably some of the best in NBA history. Four future Hall of Famers on the floor at the same time
6:37 PM ET LOS ANGELES — LeBron James and the Lakers had a “productive” discussion about their future together on Thursday, Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports Group, told ESPN. No new deal has been agreed upon yet, however, sources said. James and Paul met with Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager
The Utah Jazz continue to shop Donovan Mitchell, but the New York Knicks are far from the only trade suitor for the All-Star guard. Donovan Mitchell remains an elite scoring guard, but he’s unlikely to be the best player on a championship team. This is something the Knicks — among other teams in the Association
11:38 AM ET Associated Press DALLAS — Former NBA player Iman Shumpert was arrested at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Saturday for allegedly trying to bring 6 ounces of cannabis through security. The police report from the DFW Airport Department of Public Safety shows police were called to a TSA checkpoint at about
6:31 PM ET Brianna Williams LeBron James‘ offseason was perhaps highlighted by his surprise showing in the Drew League, where he took the floor with Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan on the MMV Cheaters. It was the Los Angeles Lakers star’s first appearance at the L.A.-based pro-am summer basketball league in over a decade and
Aug 1, 2022 Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook has signed with agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports for his representation, Westbrook told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday afternoon. Last month, Westbrook’s former longtime agent, Thad Foucher of Wasserman, said he and Westbrook parted ways. Foucher cited “irreconcilable differences” in a statement and suggested that
Aug 1, 2022 Kendra AndrewsESPN SAN FRANCISCO — JaMychal Green was in a plunge pool in Jamaica on vacation when his phone started to ring. He decided to pick up because, why not? On the other end of the call was Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “He told me that [the Warriors] were interested,
Stay Connected Download our mobile apps Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. © 2022 Minute Media – All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute
8:00 AM ET If the theme for the Los Angeles Lakers‘ free agency direction last summer was established and familiar, then the profile of L.A.’s signing haul this offseason can best be described as fresh and emerging. “I think we’ve gotten younger, I think we’ve gotten faster, I think we’ve gotten hungrier,” new Lakers coach
8:04 PM ET NBA Insiders Bill Russell lived an unparalleled life. From his accomplishments on the basketball court to his far more meaningful contributions to society, Russell was a truly remarkable man who left an indelible impact on the NBA and beyond. He is the greatest winner in American professional sports history. He was a
9:16 PM ET We live in a debate culture, inherently reductive to this or that, to who was best, most, least, greatest. Television, social media or online, ours is a culture of decibels, where people do not often learn as an element of their entertainment. Ears aren’t for listening. They are for glasses. Within this
12:05 PM ET The NBA is investigating possible tampering charges involving the New York Knicks‘ free agent pursuit and signing of former Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson, sources confirmed to ESPN. Teams weren’t allowed to make contact with an agent or a player to discuss a deal prior to 6 p.m. ET on June 30,
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) Sylvester Stallone film, Samaritan, and its boxing ties by Jeremy Herriges Seahawks extend DK Metcalf with historic deal by Alicia de Artola Warriors star Steph Curry is an undeniably talented athlete on the court but when you put him at the plate it’s clear he
The Knicks remain focused on a Donovan Mitchell trade but, if that deal happens, New York could quickly make another trade involving the Lakers. It’s probably the NBA’s worst-kept secret right now that the New York Knicks want to be the team that wins the Donovan Mitchell trade sweepstakes. The organization has not hidden its
Muggsy Bogues offers insight into his inner life in “Muggsy,” while Grant Hill contemplates what his NBA life could have been in “Game.” Muggsy Bogues is best known for being the shortest player in NBA history at just 5’3”. But that factoid has too often overshadowed everything else about his fascinating life. From his childhood
The NBA world lost a legend, as Bill Russell passed away on Sunday at the age of 88. Bill Russell, the legendary player and coach for the Boston Celtics, passed away peacefully on Sunday at the age of 88. Russell is known for being one of more prolific winners in all of professional sports. He
1:19 PM ET Bill Russell, the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty that won eight straight titles and 11 overall during his career, died Sunday. The Hall of Famer was 88. Russell died “peacefully” with his wife, Jeannine, at his side, a statement posted on social media read. Arrangements for his memorial service will be
Former NBA star Dwight Howard took part in a WWE tryout in Nashville, Tenn. for SummerSlam weekend. WWE is in Nashville, Tenn. this week for SummerSlam, which takes place on Saturday, July 30. In the days ahead of the premium live event, WWE hosted tryouts for athletes interested in making the jump into the professional
Kevin Durant’s departure from OKC ended an era for the Thunder, but it also began one where young players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took center stage. In the summer of 2019, Sam Presti decided to tear everything down. In the three seasons since Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City for the Bay, the Thunder had remained competitive
With the mega-trade market quiet, here’s a glimpse at what the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors can expect. At this point in the NBA offseason, there are not likely to be a ton of surprises. Barring a massive trade involving Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving — which seems less likely each
With Liz Cambage’s sudden departure from the Los Angeles Sparks comes an examination of her play versus what Chiney Ogwumike brings to the court. Welcome back to Above The Break, FanSided’s weekly look around the WNBA. Usually, this column highlights three things happening in the W, but this was a weirdweek. We had the Commissioner’s Cup
10:01 AM ET Charles Barkley says he’s sticking to the NBA, turning away from any further overtures to join LIV Golf as a broadcaster. “I want to thank Greg Norman and LIV for their interest in me,” Barkley told the New York Post. “I wish those guys great success and nothing but the best. But,
Charles Barkley had openly been flirting with a move to LIV Golf but the former NBA star has decided against the move and will stay in his current role. Despite the rampant criticism of Greg Normand and the LIV Golf Invitational Series, the Saudi-backed golf startup continues to poach big names from the PGA Tour,
8:11 PM ET The NBA has opened an investigation into the Philadelphia 76ers for possible tampering and early contact centered on the franchise’s summer free agency class of James Harden, P.J. Tucker and Danuel House, sources told ESPN on Friday. One of the central elements of the league’s probe includes questions on Harden’s decision to
New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has plenty of incentives in his new extension deal — but there’s also “de-escalators” tied to his conditioning. Zion Williamson celebrated his 22nd birthday unlike anyone else, signing a five-year, $193 million extension with the New Orleans Pelicans on July 6th. After he finishes his rookie season, the guaranteed
10:01 AM ET Paolo Banchero has had an aiding and abetting DWI charge against him dropped after Michael Savarino, his former Duke teammate and the grandson of retired Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski, pleaded guilty to DWI on Wednesday. Orange County (N.C.) assistant district attorney Maren Hardin told The Raleigh News & Observer via email
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 15: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the third quarter in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using
2:13 PM ET John BarrESPN.com Close Joined ESPN in June 2003 Winner: 2013 Peabody Award; 2011 Edward R. Murrow Award/Video Investigative Reporting Covers breaking news, investigative pieces and human interest features BEDMINSTER, N.J. — Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, who has enjoyed tremendous popularity in his post-playing days through his work as an analyst
Boston Celtics fans brought showed their support for Jaylen Brown at Fenway Park in favor of keeping him in Boston. Boston Celtics fans showed their support for Jaylen Brown at Fenway Park during a Red Sox game with a sign in the crowd that read “Don’t trade Jaylen.” Boston fans are clearly passionate about their
Jul 27, 2022 A year after a freak fall at the Tokyo Olympics left him hospitalized for months and derailed his career, NBA veteran center Aron Baynes has agreed to return to basketball with the Brisbane Bullets, agent Daniel Moldovan told ESPN. It’s a two-year deal to join the NBL side but has a provision
WNBA star Brittney Griner revealed new concerning details about her arrest and detainment while testifying in Russian court. More than five months since her arrest, Brittney Griner got to tell her side of the story to a Russian court on Wednesday. Griner has pleaded guilty to drug smuggling, a charge that could result in up
7:32 AM ET Dan Hajducky Close ESPN Hajducky is a reporter/researcher for ESPN. He has an MFA in creative writing from Fairfield University and played on the men’s soccer teams at Fordham and Southern Connecticut State universities. Tom VanHaaren Close ESPN Staff Writer ESPN staff writer Joined ESPN in 2011 Graduated from Central Michigan It’s
Jayson Tatum says he loves the Boston Celtics team as is amid Kevin Durant trade rumors. There was not much news on the Kevin Durant trade front in recent weeks, but there was news that dropped earlier this week, courtesy of ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. While the NBA insider noted that the Celtics were not closer
10:28 AM ET The Oklahoma City Thunder are hiring Chip Engelland, considered the NBA’s preeminent shooting teacher, as an assistant coach, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. Engelland comes to the Thunder after 17 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, where he had been significantly credited with the shooting development of young players like Kawhi Leonard,
WNBA star Brittney Griner could be involved in a prisoner swap for a Russian arms dealer. What does the offer from the Biden administration mean? Brittney Griner remains in the middle of a trial in Russia over drug charges that could land her a prison term of up to 10 years. Now, the Biden administration
6:03 PM ET ESPN News Services PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers officially announced on Wednesday their new deal with veteran James Harden. The club didn’t reveal terms in a release, but Harden’s contract is for two years and $68.6 million, and it includes a player option for the 2023-24 season, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski
As Kevin Durant rumors keep rolling, Brian Windhorst once again enlightened the NBA world about the reality around talks between the Nets and Celtics. There are so many reports and rumors concerning Kevin Durant trade possibilities that even new reports turn out to be old news. Brian Windhorst of ESPN made that clear during an
8:00 AM ET NBA insiders The NBA offseason has been a busy one featuring blockbuster trades, max contract extensions and under-the-radar signings. There are also several marquee players who have still yet to be signed. The Utah Jazz traded two-time defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a bevy of
The brother of Celtics star Al Horford spoke for Boston fans when he called a report linking Jaylen Brown to a trade offer for Kevin Durant. Josh Horford, the brother of Al Horford, is not buying the idea that the Celtics included Jaylen Brown in a bid for Nets superstar Kevin Durant. “Y’all are confidently
12:08 AM ET NEW YORK — As speculation surrounding Kevin Durant‘s future continues to hover over the NBA, Boston Celtics star swingman Jayson Tatum made it clear that as much as he respects Durant’s game, he is happy with how his team stands now. “I played with [Durant] during the Olympics,” Tatum said Tuesday night
Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder wants to run it back with his old team, so he asked LeBron James on Instagram. Schroder infamously turned down a four-year, $83 million deal in 2021, betting on himself to put up big numbers in a Lakers playoff run. Yet, neither of those things happened, and Schroder
Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Cowboys: Predicting when Jerry Jones will change his mind about Mike McCarthy by John Buhler The Pacers may be the perfect trade partner for the Lakers as they look to get rid of Russell Westbrook but Indiana wants more than LA has offered so
The Boston Celtics offered the Brooklyn Nets Jaylen Brown in a deal to acquire Kevin Durant. Kevin Durant could be going to a division rival, as the Boston Celtics offered Jaylen Brown in a huge trade proposal for the Brooklyn Nets star. News of this massive trade offer first broke overnight in the early hours
4:00 PM ET Associated Press NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Pelicans second-round draft choice E.J. Liddell has had surgery to repair torn knee ligaments, the team said Tuesday. The injury to the 6-foot-6 forward from Ohio State occurred during a Summer League game on July 11 against the Atlanta Hawks in Las Vegas. The Pelicans
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown tweeted out his reaction to the Kevin Durant trade rumors, and it wasn’t a positive one. Brown is tired of being mentioned in trade rumors, especially after he helped will his Celtics team to the NBA Finals this past season. That was seen as a major step by many around
8:00 AM ET LAS VEGAS — PAOLO BANCHERO was the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA draft for exactly this type of moment. And most of his new Orlando Magic teammates are standing courtside to watch. It’s July 9, three days into Las Vegas Summer League, and the Magic, who were up by 18
The Los Angeles Lakers have three potential trade partners for Russell Westbrook. While it probably serves Russell Westbrook to play out the final year of his contract, the Los Angeles Lakers do have three suitors for the former NBA MVP point guard in an offseason trade. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported on Monday morning that
Kevin Durant trolls Steve Kerr in 2017 Golden State Warriors-1998 Chicago Bulls comparisons. While Kevin Durant may not know how the 2017 Golden State Warriors would have stacked up with the 1998 Chicago Bulls, he knows exactly what coach Steve Kerr would do to player Steve Kerr in the hypothetical basketball matchup. As the Brooklyn Nets
12:57 AM ET Eric WoodyardESPN DETROIT — Teal is making its return to the Motor City after being gone for more than two decades. The Detroit Pistons‘ nostalgic uniforms were reintroduced on Monday night among a select group of partners, influencers and season-ticket holders as the official Classic Edition jerseys for the upcoming 2022-23 season.
NBA rumors have linked the Miami Heat to Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell but teams don’t sound enthusiastic about trades involving Tyler Herro. This NBA offseason remains all about trade speculation surrounding Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell. And those two names aren’t mentioned often without the Miami Heat being brought up as a potential destination.
8:14 PM ET Jamal CollierESPN The Wisconsin Herd, the G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, acquired Alex Antetokounmpo via trade on Monday, putting the youngest Antetokounmpo brother in the same organization as brothers Giannis and Thanasis. Alex Antetokounmpo appeared in 15 games for the Toronto Raptors‘ G League affiliate in 2021-22, averaging 2.6 points
Golden State Warriors star Andrew Wiggins enjoyed nothing more than dunking on Luka Doncic during his championship run with the eventual 2022 NBA champions. Andrew Wiggins has had quite the year, and it almost didn’t even happen: Wiggins says that he wishes he didn’t get the COVID-19 vaccine, but he’s glad he did because he
Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) Juan Soto rumors: Team viewed by rivals as potential frontrunners for Nationals outfielder by Scott Rogust NBA rumors: Heat’s trade chip not moving needle for Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell by Alicia de Artola Golden State Warriors star and NBA champion Klay Thompson was having the
Brooklyn Nets guard Seth Curry explains why teaming up with his brother Steph is not his preferred choice. There have been instances where siblings have teamed up together in the NBA. Brook and Robin Lopez. Marcus and Markieff Morris. Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Just to name a few. During an interview with Monte Poole of
8:00 AM ET NBA Insiders The 2021-22 NBA season felt more normal than the previous two seasons, but the sport was without some of its biggest stars. LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray and Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons all missed last season because of
2:28 AM ET As Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant‘s trade request approaches a fourth week, the Boston Celtics have emerged among teams engaged in talks on a possible deal, sources told ESPN. The Celtics appear no closer to acquiring Durant than others in discussions with the Nets, but Boston’s ability to include All-Star forward Jaylen
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 10: Kelsey Plum #10 of Team Wilson is presented with the MVP trophy during the 2022 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at the Wintrust Arena on July 10, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Shohei Ohtani rumors: Are Angels making a big mistake? by John Buhler Cubs sign first-round
3:39 PM ET Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Former Los Angeles Lakers player Slava Medvedenko is selling his two NBA championship rings to raise money for his native Ukraine. Medvedenko, 43, was a power forward on the Lakers’ championship teams in 2001 and ’02, playing alongside Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. SCP Auctions is donating
Apr 25, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts during the second quarter of game four of the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports Cubs sign first-round draft pick to ‘steal’ of contract by Scott Rogust
9:46 PM ET William E. Ricks Few pro-am basketball organizations carry the level of star power as the Drew League. The Los Angeles-based summer hoops league features high-level competition from a collection of professional and amateur players. The circuit has seen plenty of big-name NBA ballers since its establishment in 1973. 1 Related Brooklyn Nets
Check out the new uniforms the Cleveland Cavaliers will be wearing beginning this NBA season. With the Cleveland Cavaliers on the precipice of something special on the hardwood, the Northeast Ohio professional basketball franchise now has some awesome new uniforms. The Cavs unveiled new logos ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season earlier this summer. While it is
This week, Above The Break surveys WNBA teams vying for playoffs: a faltering Liberty unit, Chiney Ogwumike as a Sparks plug, and a surviving Mercury. As we start to approach the end of this WNBA season, which is just about threeweeks away now, we’re starting to see the playoff picture solidify. New York is now3.5 games
12:28 PM ET Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant is extremely active on social media … and now he’s added a new platform to his repertoire. Durant joined TikTok on Friday as “2way3level” — amassing 67,000 followers by Saturday morning. The username is likely a reference to a particular kind of build in the video game
Zach LaVine will likely command a max contract as soon as NBA free agency opens. Digging into his offensive production shows he’s worth every penny. According to recent reports, unrestricted free agent Zach LaVine will command a max contract tomorrow the moment the clock strikes 6:00 p.m. on the East Coast. This makes sense because,
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 11: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic reacts after scoring a three-point basket in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Amway Center on March 11, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting
WNBA legends Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird meet on the court for the final time as the 17-9 Seattle Storm plays the 11-16 Phoenix Mercury on July 22. Thirty-seven years. That’s close to the age of 40-year-old Phoenix Mercury point guard Diana Taurasi, and it’s nearly the age of 41-year-old Seattle Storm point guard Sue
12:00 PM ET The Phoenix Suns and Monty Williams, the NBA’s reigning coach of the year, have agreed on a long-term contract extension, sources told ESPN on Saturday. Williams, who was voted the National Basketball Coach’s Association’s coach of the year in consecutive seasons, had two years left on his original five-year deal, and now
James Harden’s new two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers greatly helped the team add other players this offseason. The Philadelphia 76ers‘ goal this offseason was to improve the team after they were eliminated in the second-round of the second-year in a row. They were able to get one of the more coveted players in free
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says that Kevin Durant has not been in communication with not just the Brooklyn Nets, but also the entire NBA. Kevin Durant sent shockwaves throughout the NBA hours before the start of free agency after reports indicated that he requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. Even though the former two-time NBA
Steph Curry and Megan Rapinoe join WNBA stars Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith in calling for continued efforts to bring home Brittney Griner. The entire sports world tuned in for a night of the biggest names in the game at the 2022 ESPYS. And with that searing spotlight fixed on athletic icons, several took the stage
Jul 21, 2022 Andre SnellingsESPN The NBA 2K23 Summer League showcases the first professional experience for many of this year’s draft picks, giving us a glimpse at what they may look like on the big stage in the fall. It’s also its own environment, so there’s not a direct 1-to-1 correlation between being productive in
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. As Summer League winds down and the NBA offseason questions funnel to Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and, maybe, Donovan Mitchell, it’s time to step back and assess. As rosters
Grant Williams expressed his belief that the Boston Celtics were a better team than the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals. It has been one month since the conclusion of the 2022 NBA Finals, which saw the Golden State Warriors reclaim their crown as league champions. For the first time since 2019, the
The Wolves’ acquisition of Rudy Gobert shifted the NBA landscape in a way no modern NBA team ever has, but is he worth the price Minnesota paid for him? As the rest of the NBA world waited for the summer’s biggest shoe to drop, the Minnesota Timberwolves aggressively proceeded according to plan by shifting the
10:39 AM ET LOS ANGELES — Lakers guard Austin Reaves is open to a new nickname. During a surprisingly successful rookie season in which Reaves went from being an undrafted prospect to a two-way designation to signing a two-year contract and becoming a starter, he picked up a couple of monikers from the Lakers faithful:
Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports) With a deal for Kyrie Irving far from certain, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers can still grab one of three stars to strengthen the team this offseason. It’s pretty clear LeBron James wants the Lakers to bring Kyrie Irving to Los Angeles this offseason. It’s also
8:00 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN Throughout every iteration of the NBA, some of its best and most iconic players — from Wilt Chamberlain to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Shaquille O’Neal — have been traded during their pro careers. Soon, the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant could become the latest all-time-great player on that list. As the basketball
Feb 27, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers speaks with Dallas Mavericks majority owner Mark Cuban before the game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports Yankees killer walks them off: Best memes and tweets from Astros fans by Scott Rogust Golden State Warriors fans should
Jul 20, 2022 The NBA fined Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob $500,000 for violating the league’s policy on publicly discussing collective bargaining talks, which included Lacob describing the luxury tax system as “very unfair” on a recent podcast, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. The comments, aired on the Point Forward Podcast hosted by Andre
Utah sports radio host Patrick Kinahan claims that a Donovan Mitchell trade is near completion. Just when we thought the NBA offseason could not get any crazier than the Utah Jazz trading Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Kevin Durant wanting off the Brooklyn Nets, more news broke out of the Beehive State. Reports
2:29 PM ET Charles Barkley has acknowledged meeting with LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman about a possible broadcasting role while pushing back at what he called “selective outrage” toward the Saudi-funded series. Barkley could receive a LIV offer from Norman after they met in Atlanta on Wednesday, but the Basketball Hall of Famer told the
Steph Curry was ruthless while hosting the ESPYs, using the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl success to take a shot at the “old” Lakers. Warriors star Steph Curry had the eyes of the sports world on him on Wednesday while hosting the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles. So of course he used the opportunity to
5:56 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN The Philadelphia 76ers are creating a new development company that will spearhead a $1.3 billion project to build a privately funded arena in the city’s downtown, the team announced Thursday morning. While the 76ers don’t plan to be in the arena until the 2031-32 season — the season after the
DALLAS, TEXAS – MAY 22: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Three of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at American Airlines Center on May 22, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees
7:10 PM ET Philadelphia 76ers free agent star James Harden is returning to the franchise on a new two-year, $68.6 million contract, including a player option for the 2023-24 season, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. The deal guarantees Harden $33 million for next season and the opportunity to decline his $35.6 million player option and
Detroit Pistons rookie Jaden Ivey is already energizing the city with praise for Cade Cunningham and a team that’s “Detroit to the core.” Detroit to the core. Pistons rookie Jaden Ivey may have used this phrase to describe his teammates, but it’s a phrase that also describes Ivey himself. One of the biggest storylines out
2:04 PM ET LOS ANGELES — Charlotte Hornets restricted free agent Miles Bridges pleaded not guilty to three felony domestic violence charges during his arraignment Wednesday morning in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Bridges has been accused of assaulting his girlfriend in front of their two children last month, and the three felony charges were
The Los Angeles Lakers want to make a big splash this offseason. While Kyrie Irving is available, he’s not the only guard they’re looking at. Irving has become hard to attain, especially for a team so limited in assets and cap space like the Lakers. The Nets have no use for Russell Westbrook, and Rob
8:00 AM ET Jamal CollierESPN LAS VEGAS — IT’S the final game of opening night at the Thomas & Mack Center, and the crowd — some Detroit Pistons fans, some Portland Trail Blazers fans and the rest just folks itching for some sports action in the middle of the offseason — arises in jubilation on
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant’s trade request may have had more to do with Kyrie Irving. Another interesting wrinkle has developed in the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving drama-filled saga for the Brooklyn Nets. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin was on The Lowe Post Monday, giving a greater sense of clarity to the chaotic mess that is Brooklyn.
With or without DeAndre Ayton under contract, the Phoenix Suns will have a tough time trading for Kevin Durant this summer. Ayton signed a record offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers, which the Suns seem inclined to match, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. While that may seem like good news initially, as Phoenix will avoid
The Phoenix Suns had no choice but to pay DeAndre Ayton in the end, especially after he took an offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers tried to make Ayton a rich man in Indianapolis. Instead, the Suns made sure he stayed put in Phoenix. Ayton sweated it out for over two weeks while
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 10: Robin Roberts speaks onstage during the 2021 ESPY Awards at Rooftop At Pier 17 on July 10, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images) Cardinals: Insane Albert Pujols graphic shows just how incredible he’s been by Mark Powell ESPN criticized after several nominated female athletes
8:58 PM ET ESPN News Services LOS ANGELES — Charlotte Hornets restricted free agent Miles Bridges is facing three felony domestic violence charges after being accused of assaulting his girlfriend in front of their two children last month, the Los Angeles County district attorney said Tuesday. District Attorney George Gascon said his office filed one
James Harden declined his player option to take less money to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers. When it came to James Harden opting out of his $47.4 million player option to take less money from the Philadelphia 76ers, it was all about allocating the financial resources to be in a better position to acquire more quality
Andrew Wiggins is finally an NBA champion in his eighth year in the NBA. But he thinks he could have won a title with LeBron if the Cavs hadn’t traded him. Andrew Wiggins won 16 games his rookie season with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2015. Wiggins played all 82 games, and averaged 16.9 points per
4:35 PM ET Andrew Wiggins made his first All-Star team this year and was a crucial part of the Golden State Warriors‘ run to the NBA title, but he still regrets one thing he did this season. “I still wish I didn’t get [vaccinated], to be honest with you,” Wiggins told FanSided. At the start
Impending climate chaos is going to dictate a new reality, defined by events we’ve never seen before. Just like the trend of NBA mega-trades. “The trend is there and it is real.” So said James Kossin, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researcher, regarding satellite data that shows warming ocean temperatures have helped increase the
4:30 PM ET Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams has agreed on a four-year, $27.2 million contract extension, sources told ESPN on Monday. The deal, negotiated by Pensack Sports, is a remarkable punctuation for an undrafted player who had no Division I scholarship offers out of high school. Williams has often told people that he
Kyrie Irving seems to have accepted the fact he is likely playing for the Brooklyn Nets this year. In what has been a tumultuous offseason for the Brooklyn Nets, they might actually be able to count on one thing: Kyrie Irving is probably coming back to the team. Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report said on his podcast
The Portland Trail Blazers won the NBA Summer League championship on Sunday, and players actually received rings. The NBA Summer League has concluded, as all teams got a look at the prospects they selected in the draft, as well as some undrafted free agents. The final game was for the Summer League Championship, with the
10:48 PM ET Marc J. Spears Deandre Ayton says he gained generational wealth that can help his family and many others after signing a four-year, $133 million maximum contract extension to return to the Phoenix Suns on Monday. But there was also a business lesson involved, too, for the young center as the contract initially
The New York Knicks are reportedly in discussions over a trade with Utah for Donovan Mitchell, but the cost could be a huge mistake. The moment reports emerged that the Jazz would be listening to trade calls for Donovan Mitchell, the Knicks looked like the team that could most likely get the deal done. New
The Knicks and Jazz are discussing a Donovan Mitchell trade but so far New York’s asking price has been way too high. Since the news broke that the Jazz were willing to listen trade offers for Donovan Mitchell, rumors have swirled around the New York Knicks. They were rumored to be the frontrunners but their
If the New York Knicks can successfully acquire Donovan Mitchell, a trade for Russell Westbrook could be in the cards. The Utah Jazz have let everyone know that they were open for business following the trade of Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Shortly thereafter, reports indicated that the Jazz would listen to offers for
12:12 PM ET James Harden isn’t playing hardball in contract talks with the Philadelphia 76ers; he just wants “whatever is left over.” “I had conversations with [team president] Daryl [Morey], and it was explained how we could get better and what the market value was for certain players. I told Daryl to improve the roster,
9:28 AM ET San Antonio Spurs rookie Jeremy Sochan said he was “not intending on being disrespectful” to Russell Westbrook when he associated the word “bricks” with the Los Angeles Lakers star. In a social media video that went viral over the weekend, Sochan and fellow Spurs rookie Malaki Branham are shown participating in a
4:31 PM ET The Utah Jazz have agreed to a two-year, $6.25 million guaranteed deal with Italian forward Simone Fontecchio, his agent, Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports, told ESPN on Sunday. Fontecchio, 26, is considered the best available international small forward prospect. He averaged 11.9 points for Baskonia of the Spanish ACB last season and
Kyrie Irving didn’t play in the Drew League on Saturday, which disappointed some fans. But he had a damn good reason that Lakers supporters will love. On Saturday, July 16, NBA fans were excited to hear that players like Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was set to participate in some Drew League action. Another
5:27 PM ET Associated Press LAS VEGAS — Brandon Williams scored 22 points to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to an 85-77 victory over the New York Knicks in the NBA summer league championship on Sunday. It marked the third time Portland played in the championship game since 2017, and its second title since. The
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell. (Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports) Now that the Utah Jazz appear open to the idea of trading Donovan Mitchell, these three teams should get on the phone to offer a deal. The Utah Jazz are reportedly taking calls for All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell. That should get several NBA teams to perk
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: NBA player LeBron James attends Super Bowl LVI between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) Home Run Derby rules, explained by Noah Yingling Yankees demolish Red Sox: 3 things you missed in Saturday
8:00 AM ET Andrew LopezESPN After 10 days of play in the desert, the NBA 2K23 Summer League championship game will take place Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas (3 p.m. ET on ESPN). This year saw the debut of several lottery picks for the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets, and the return of the Golden
The New York Knicks are reportedly ahead of the field to trade for Donovan Mitchell. But they’re trying to pull it off without moving their best young player — R.J. Barrett. The Utah Jazz changed course this week and admitted that they’re open to hearing trade proposals for Donovan Mitchell. The Heat and Knicks were
May 9, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) sits on the bench against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter of game four of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Tyler O’Neill gives Cardinals some much-needed good injury
Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images Cubs: David Ross gets ejected for arguing Mets pitcher balked by John Buhler The Miami Heat have been linked in trade rumors to Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell. But would they settle for Kyrie Irving instead? The Miami Heat are watching and waiting, hoping for a chance to add Kevin
10:52 PM ET LOS ANGELES — LeBron James scored 42 points in a successful return to the Drew League while teaming up with DeMar DeRozan for a 104-102 win in L.A.’s famed pro-am basketball league Saturday. Longtime Drew League commissioner Dino Smiley told ESPN he expected Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving to play in the
LeBron James pulled up to the Drew League on Saturday afternoon, and the result was absolute chaos — for the opposing team, that is. The end result of a pro-am tournament is just that — a mix of professional basketball players and amateurs who, despite their best efforts, have no place in a league featuring
Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook and his long-time former agent Thad Foucher are going their separate ways after working closely together over the last 14 NBA seasons. It is over between Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook and his long-timer former agent, Thad Foucher. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the news on Friday night that Foucher
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images The Suns decided to keep DeAndre Ayton, derailing the plans of the Pacers. If that ruffled the feathers of Myles Turner, Indiana may have to make a trade. In what was a surprisingly fast-paced process with the NBA frozen from Kevin Durant/Kyrie Irving/Donovan Mitchell trade anxiety, the DeAndre Ayton free
1:25 PM ET LOS ANGELES — Kyrie Irving is expected to play in Los Angeles’ famed Drew League on Saturday, the commissioner of the pro-am basketball league, Dino Smiley, told ESPN. However, he is not scheduled to play at the same time as LeBron James, according to Smiley. Irving is scheduled to play at 11
The Miami Heat will need to get a third team involved if they want to be the franchise that ends up dealing for Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell in a blockbuster trade. Even if the Miami Heat are interested in acquiring Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz, they do not have the assets presently to orchestrate
1:31 AM ET The San Antonio Spurs and forward Keldon Johnson have agreed to a four-year, $80 million extension, his representative Klutch Sports Agency announced Friday night. Johnson, 22, started 74 games for the Spurs in his third season, averaging a career-high 17.1 points while shooting 39.8 percent from 3-point range. Friday’s agreement comes two
The Brooklyn Nets would prefer to keep Kevin Durant as opposed to trading him at this point. While it has been a few weeks since Kevin Durant requested a trade, it is the Brooklyn Nets‘ preference to keep the disgruntled superstar as opposed to dealing him for less than market value. NBA insider Brian Windhorst
The New Orleans Pelicans took a shot at LeBron James and Russell Westbrook on Twitter. While the New Orleans Pelicans players seem to like each other, the same thing cannot be said for Los Angeles Lakers teammates LeBron James and Russell Westbrook. An NBA fan took a screenshot of the Lakers’ Twitter header and compared it
10:25 PM ET Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook and his longtime agent, Thad Foucher of Wasserman, have parted ways, Foucher told ESPN on Friday night. In a statement to ESPN, Foucher, one of the league’s prominent player representatives, cited “irreconcilable differences” and suggested that there was no longer full alignment with Westbrook about whether
The NBA may look to institute an in-season tournament as early as during the 2023-24 season. On Tuesday, the NBA Board of Governors met to discuss a plethora of topics, including the feasibility of implementing an in-season tournament, potentially as soon as 2023-24. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported on Tuesday night all
10:00 PM ET Free agent guard Austin Rivers has agreed on a one-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, his agents, Dave Spahn and Aaron Mintz of CAA Sports, told ESPN on Thursday. Rivers joins the Timberwolves after playing 67 games for the Denver Nuggets a season ago. New Minnesota president of basketball operations Tim Connelly
Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob wouldn’t name Kevin Durant directly, but the team is trying to upgrade, potentially via trade. With the mad rush of the opening days of NBA free agency behind us, the likes of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant remain on the trade block. Brooklyn wants nothing to do with Irving,
As the Kevin Durant trade market continues to perplex, Warriors star Steph Curry is reportedly trying to orchestrate a reunion with rings in mind. Most things regarding the Kevin Durant trade request and the resulting fervor have been less than tame. It felt like a mad dash among NBA Twitter and fans, as well as
Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports 2022 MLB Draft live stream reddit: How to watch the baseball draft by Alicia de Artola The Jazz changed course, saying they were willing to listen to trade offers on Donovan Mitchell. The Heat didn’t waste time throwing their hat in the ring. After trading Rudy Gobert, the Utah Jazz seemed
8:00 AM ET NBA insiders The 2022 Las Vegas summer league has officially been underway for a week, with plenty of highlights. Several members of the 2022 rookie class debuted in the desert, including No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero and No. 3 overall pick Jabari Smith Jr. The top picks have battled it out,
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports) MLB All-Star Game: 5 biggest snubs after complete rosters released by John Buhler The Pistons got quite the scare when rookie Jaden Ivey went down with injury during a Summer League game but the guard says he’s okay. Jaden Ivey has had the city of
The Phoenix Suns matched DeAndre Ayton’s offer sheet ‘the minute they received it’, per Adrian Wojnarowski. What this means for Kevin Durant and more: The Suns have matched Ayton’s four-year, $133 million offer sheet, per reports. The Pacers tried to sign Ayton in restricted free agency, but Phoenix will keep his rights, and cannot trade
Deandre Ayton has signed the largest offer sheet in NBA history, courtesy of the Indiana Pacers. The Phoenix Suns have 48 hours to decide whether they’ll match. Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Indiana Pacers signed Deandre Ayton for four years and $133 million. It is the largest offer sheet ever signed by an NBA restricted
8:31 PM ET The Phoenix Suns matched the Indiana Pacers‘ four-year, $133 million offer sheet for restricted free agent center Deandre Ayton, clearing the way for him to return to the franchise, his agents Bill Duffy and Nima Namakian told ESPN on Thursday night. The Suns had until 11:59 p.m. ET on Saturday to match
Jul 2, 2022; San Francisco, CA, USA; Miami Heat guard Mychal Mulder (12) dribbles against Los Angeles Lakers guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) after a screen by center Orlando Robinson (59) during the third quarter at the California Summer League at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports The Heat front office may be
2:57 PM ET Phoenix Suns restricted free agent center Deandre Ayton is signing a four-year, $133 million maximum contract offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers, his agents, Bill Duffy and Nima Namakian, told ESPN on Thursday. The Suns have two days to match the largest offer sheet in NBA history and keep Ayton — or
With news that the Jazz are willing to trade Donovan Mitchell a world of trade possibilities have opened, including a hypothetical Collin Sexton deal. In the immediate aftermath of the Rudy Gobert trade, the Utah Jazz were reported to be standing pat and preparing to build around Donovan Mitchell. However, Adrian Wojnarowski’s reporting earlier this
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has made his feeling known about Kevin Durant’s trade request off the Brooklyn Nets. Just before the start of the free agency period, Kevin Durant sent shockwaves throughout the NBA after he requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. The decision comes as he enters the first season of his four-year,
5:31 PM ET Associated Press LAS VEGAS — Alex Rodriguez was standing near his courtside seat, oblivious to a few fans who were snapping a quick photo of him as they walked by. He was watching the Minnesota Timberwolves warm up instead. Rodriguez — currently part of the Timberwolves’ ownership group, with plans in place
Apr 22, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) looks on during the second half of game three of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports Three new baseball biographies capture the men behind the accomplishments by Micah
Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls, Charles Outlaw, Orlando Magic. (Photo by TONY RANZE/AFP via Getty Images) Red Sox call on top pitching prospect to help curb injury woes by John Buhler Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan will be the cover athlete on NBA 2K23. It is only fitting that Michael Jordan will appear on the cover of NBA
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images Charlie Montoyo fired: 3 managers who are next on the chopping block by Eric Treuden After his comments on Brittney Griner drew some criticism, LeBron James went back to social media to explain what he was really trying to say. Athletes around the sports world have been working to keep
10:21 PM ET Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has agreed on a two-year, $30 million extension, his agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, told ESPN on Wednesday night. The deal, which starts with the 2023-24 season, includes a player option, Paul said. Caldwell-Pope had been entering the final year of his contract, which will pay
Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images LeBron James defends his comments on Brittney Griner after social media backlash by Ian Levy The Lakers are reportedly still exploring a trade for Kyrie Irving but having to give up multiple first-round picks may be a sticking point. For the past few days, it’s become increasingly clear that the
9:09 PM ET Associated Press LAS VEGAS — The NBA has completed the process of changing the transition take foul rule, ending years of discussion about what to do with the long-maligned tactic. And, also as expected, the play-in tournament is going to be around for the foreseeable future. The league’s board of governors finalized
The Brooklyn Nets are having a tough time trading Kevin Durant for two reasons — his contract and the return they seek. The only thing more difficult than trading for Kevin Durant appears to be trading Kevin Durant in the first place. The Nets chose to give in to KD’s wishes when he requested a
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The shadow of a Kevin Durant trade still looms over the NBA offseason and Adrian Wojnarowski added an extra dose of chaos last night with a report that the
The Utah Jazz are reportedly taking calls on a possible Donovan Mitchell trade after turning down the idea of shipping out their star. Are the Jazz ready to completely blow things up and start over? They’ve already traded Rudy Gobert to the Timberwolves. Donovan Mitchell may be next. Jazz manager Justin Zanik has told reporters
5:16 PM ET As Brittney Griner’s wrongful detention in Russia has galvanized the sports world in support of the WNBA star’s return to the United States, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James questioned why Griner would want to return to a country that has taken so much time to aid in a resolution for her.
Apr 23, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) knocks the ball away from Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports NBA Mock Draft 2023: A way-too-early look at what’s coming next by Ian Levy Boston Celtics wing Jaylen
Jaylen Brown made it abundantly clear over how he feels about some Boston Celtics fans. After getting his team to the NBA Finals, Jaylen Brown does not feel he is getting the respect he deserves by some members of the Boston Celtics fanbase. Brown liked a tweet citing “Jaylen Brown is so disrespected by Celtics fans.”
Kelsey Plum and her Las Vegas Aces teammates made light of the WNBA All-Star trophy disparity compared to what Steph Curry won, but it’s a weighted topic. During the NBA Finals, Malika Andrews asked Steph Curry how he felt about comparisons to his hypothetical detainment in Russia to the reality of what WNBA star Brittney
5:48 PM ET After shutting down inquiries about All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, rival teams say the Utah Jazz are now showing a willingness to listen on possible trade scenarios, sources tell ESPN on Tuesday. The asking price appears to be steep, but in the wake of Utah’s recent Rudy Gobert blockbuster deal to Minnesota, the
The Atlanta Hawks of the late 1990s were incredibly unique, loaded with talent and depth but overshadowed by better teams around them. None of the starting five that included Dikembe Mutombo, Christian Laettner, Tyrone Corbin, Steve Smith, and Mookie Blaylock was drafted by the organization. Their talents were all imported from other cities to a
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James used his platform to amplify the plight of Brittney Griner, criticizing the United States on the handling of her case. It’s been 145 days since Brittney Griner was first detained in Russian custody for what Griner claims was an unintentional possession of vape cartridges in a Moscow airport, and
3:40 PM ET Associated Press LAS VEGAS — Golden State Warriors assistant coach Ron Adams is the winner of this year’s Tex Winter Assistant Coach Lifetime Impact Award, presented by the National Basketball Coaches Association. Adams has spent more than 50 years in coaching and is entering his 30th year in the NBA. He is
The audacious Ja Morant recently told Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report that he would have “cooked” Michael Jordan if they played 1 on 1. He’s right — in his own mind. And that’s what matters most. Why do sports fans get so riled up when a player says that he (or she) would be able
7:31 PM ET ESPN News Services LAS VEGAS — Paolo Banchero showed the Orlando Magic plenty in his two Summer League contests. And the Magic decided that was enough. The No. 1 pick is getting the rest of summer league off, after averaging 20 points, six assists and five rebounds in his two games in
May 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; ESPN television personality Stephen A. Smith (left) and sportswriter Brian Windhorst (right) prior to game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports Miles Bridges’ wife details horrific domestic abuse
Jul 2, 2022; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Mac McClung (55) dribbles against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at the California Summer League at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports Golden State needs to find young talent to fill the bottom of its rotation. These three players from
5:03 PM ET LAS VEGAS — The NBA board of governors is expected on Tuesday to approve the play-in tournament as a regular part of future league seasons, sources told ESPN. The NBA had been voting on the play-in’s inclusion on a year-to-year basis for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons, but the support exists ahead
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant is on the open market. With several potential suitors in play, Durant is open to a surprise trade destination in the Raptors. The Nets are going to take the best trade package for Kevin Durant. It sounds simple, but despite what some players around the league might say and/or think,
Otto Porter Jr. celebrates from a double decker bus during the Golden State Warriors NBA Championship victory parade along Market Street on June 20, 2022 in San Francisco, California. – Tens of thousands of fans poured onto the streets of San Francisco on Monday to salute the victorious Golden State Warriors as the team celebrated
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports NBA Summer League success doesn’t always to future stardom. But the best summer league players of all time is still a fascinating list. The NBA Summer League is a very weird event because so many factors come into play. First is the inevitable overreaction from every single fan base. I was
11:27 PM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN LAS VEGAS — As Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga started to attack the hoop, he hooked the ball over his head to find a cutting James Wiseman. In one motion, Wiseman caught the ball in mid-air and threw down a dunk. It was the first possession of the Warriors’
8:00 AM ET NBA insiders The first weekend of Las Vegas Summer League is in the books, and the NBA hasn’t disappointed. Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith Jr. kicked things off with a highly anticipated meeting between the lottery draft picks. No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren carried his momentum from Utah into Saturday’s 90-88
5:39 PM ET After clearing waivers, free-agent forward Danilo Gallinari has agreed to a two-year, $13.3 million deal with the Boston Celtics, his agent, Michael Tellem of Excel Sports, told ESPN on Sunday. Gallinari’s deal includes a player option on the second year and will be fully guaranteed, Tellem told ESPN. Gallinari, who’ll join an
Damian Lillard made a comment over loyalty, possibly throwing shade Kevin Durant’s way. With Damian Lillard’s comment hinting about being loyal to one franchise, he may have thrown some shade at Kevin Durant and other NBA superstars who have regularly switched allegiances. Lillard has spent his entire professional career with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was
TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 11: Scotty Pippen Jr. #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores looks on during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats in the Quarterfinal game of the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on March 11, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt 77-71. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) No one on
12:53 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN LAS VEGAS — Oklahoma City Thunder forward-center Chet Holmgren and Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. didn’t put on much of an offensive display Saturday night, but both showed the all-around games that made them such attractive choices at the top of last month’s draft. In one of the most
The Phoenix Suns have signed star Devin Booker on a supermax contract. Now, will the team land Kevin Durant to play alongside him? Hours before the start of NBA free agency at 6:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 30, a bombshell report dropped that revealed Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. One
LeBron James brought his own snacks to the Los Angeles Lakers’ Summer League game on July 8. Plenty of the NBA’s biggest stars have showed up to Las Vegas, Nev. to take in some Summer League action. Kyrie Irving, Draymond Green, and Ben Simmons are some of the names in attendance. Perhaps the biggest name
LAS VEGAS — Set to play alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George next season, John Wall said he is delighted to be joining a loaded LA Clippers team that won’t need him to be “Batman every night for us to win.” In his first comments since officially signing a two-year, $13.2 million deal with LA,
This week on Above the Break, we’re looking at WNBA Playoffs odds, the best teams in the league, Skylar Diggins-Smith trade rumors and more. The WNBA All-Star break is here, which is a good time to stop and reflect on where this season has gone…and where it’s headed. As we head into the break, we
11:02 PM ET LAS VEGAS — Damian Lillard has made it clear over the years that he wants to stay with the Portland Trail Blazers throughout his career and will live with it if the organization can’t win a title during his playing career. Lillard, speaking Saturday at a news conference announcing his two-year extension
Steph Curry wasted no time roasting Charles Barkley during an interview, which is hilarious. While Charles Barkley has improved his golf swing, it hasn’t improved enough for Steph Curry to give him his due. This week celebrities of all kinds are competing at the American Century Championship, and Barkley bet on himself to finish in
8:00 AM ET NBA 2K23 Summer League kicked off Thursday night with a matchup between Orlando’s Paolo Banchero and Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr., the No. 1 and No. 3 picks, respectively, in last month’s NBA draft. The Magic won 91-77 in the first meeting between two of the NBA’s most anticipated rookies, with Banchero notching
Most Lakers fans have been looking for ways to move on from Russell Westbrook but new head coach Darvin Ham sounds quite optimistic about the veteran guard. For much of the offseason already, talk around the Los Angeles Lakers has focused on two things: How to reunite Kyrie Irving and LeBron James and how the
3:33 AM ET LAS VEGAS — Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham knows that the team he has now could look significantly different by the time he is coaching games that count in the fall, but he is embracing his current group just the same. “We love everyone on our roster,” Ham told reporters Friday
Apr 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving (11) dribbles the ball against New York Knicks power forward Jericho Sims (45) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports A report indicates that Kyrie Irving could be on the outs with the Brooklyn
The Knicks disappointed fans in New York by missing the playoffs last season. Here’s how they hope to strengthen their roster heading into next year. Tom Thibodeau piloted the New York Knicks to a surprising fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference two years ago. That made last season’s 11th-place finish a massive disappointment for fans
The new documentary Unfinished Business uses the New Liberty as a lens to explore the evolution of the WNBA and the work that’s still left to do. At halftime of their game against the Washington Mystics on September 17, 2021, the New York Liberty led 46-29. It was a must-win for the team if it
5:32 PM ET Star point guard Damian Lillard has agreed to a two-year, $122 million contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers that will tie him to the franchise through the 2026-27 season, sources told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears and ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Lillard is expected to sign his deal Saturday in Las Vegas, a
New Orleans Pelicans star and former No. 1 draft pick Zion Williamson signed his rookie extension to stay with the team through the 2027-28 season, per reports. The move came after some uncertainty as to New Orleans’ long-term commitment to Zion — and his commitment to them. Williamson hasn’t played in an NBA game since
This week marked the three-year anniversary of the Anthony Davis trade. With the benefit of hindsight, who made out better in this deal — the Lakers or the Pelicans? The Anthony Davis trade saga is one of the messiest in recent NBA memory. In January of 2019, his agent told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that he
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. Several NBA rookies have already debuted in the smaller Summer Leagues run in Sacramento and Utah. But with the Las Vegas Summer League kicking off last night, we’re about
1:53 PM ET Marc J. Spears Former long-time NBA referee Hugh Evans, a member of the 2022 Class of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, passed away on Friday morning his wife, Cathy, told ESPN’s Andscape. Evans was officially named to the Hoop Hall on April 2, on his third try. He was an
Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Watch: Joey Votto makes young Cubs fan happier than hometown team ever could by Mark Powell Anthony Edwards could steal Kirk Cousins’ job as the Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback. Omar coming. Nah. Tuck coming. Nah. Ant-Man coming! While Mel Tucker does amazing things at Kirk Cousins’ alma mater,
According to Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill, the Brooklyn Nets wanted big names from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Kevin Durant. The Brooklyn Nets are no strangers to big-name trades, evidenced most recently this past season by becoming the team that eventually traded James Harden for Ben Simmons. The Harden situation became untenable for the
Chet Holmgren has been impressive in his first few NBA Summer League games. Even Kevin Durant has noticed. Oklahoma City Thunder fans couldn’t be more excited about Chet Holmgren and they didn’t have to wait long to get a glimpse of just how high his ceiling could be. In his NBA Summer League debut, Holmgren
1:44 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN LAS VEGAS — Before his lone season at Duke, Paolo Banchero tattooed a message to himself on his left forearm: “No pressure.” Naturally, the No. 1 pick in last month’s NBA draft said that while he was excited for his first game in an NBA uniform Thursday night, in a
The Brooklyn Nets are likely sorting through plenty of trade offers for Kevin Durant. But a new rumor reveals what they’re really looking for. The Brooklyn Nets had to be salivating looking at the deal that sent Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Jazz wound up with four first-round picks, a 2026 first-round pick
5:55 PM ET Aron Baynes, who suffered a spinal cord injury after a freak fall while playing for the Australian national team in the Tokyo Olympics last summer, has resumed his career and will be working out for NBA teams Friday in Las Vegas. Baynes was in hospitals in Tokyo and Brisbane for nearly two
Aug 3, 2021; Saitama, Japan; USA player Devin Booker (15) and USA player Kevin Durant (7) congratulate each other after USA beat Spain during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports A bombshell report dropped out of Brooklyn, as Kevin Durant requested a trade off of
WNBA superstar Brittney Griner has plead guilty to drug charges that could imprison her for up to 10 years. Here’s what that means for Griner and her cause. After 140 days of detainment in a Russian prison, Brittney Griner plead guilty to smuggling and drug possession charges. The AP offered more insight into how Griner
12:57 PM ET Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar — once armed with a single scholarship offer and ultimately undrafted out of Purdue-Fort Wayne — has agreed to a three-year, $19 million contract extension, his agent, George Langberg, told ESPN on Thursday. The extension takes Konchar, who has two seasons left on his contract, through the
Nov 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Kevin Durant (35) watch on during foul shots against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports The Whiteboard: NBA Power Rankings, mid-offseason edition by Ian Levy Baker Mayfield rumors: Panthers
7:42 PM ET ESPN News Services Rudy Gobert reads Twitter comments, so he’s aware that Minnesota fans didn’t like him very much during his first nine NBA seasons. And he also heard Timberwolves coach Chris Finch complain regularly about the way he sets screens. Those perspectives are probably going to change. “Now we’re on the
NBA insider Shams Charania clarified that there is “no traction on any type of a Lakers deal for Kyrie Irving” despite rumors on the topic. Kyrie Irving may have made his short-term commitment to the Brooklyn Nets clear in the most Kyrie way possible, but that hasn’t stopped other teams from wanting him. ESPN’s Adrian
While rumors about Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have swirled, the Los Angeles Lakers have quietly done a lot with limited resources in NBA free agency. The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t found a way to land Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant. They haven’t found a way to turn Russell Westbrook into a piece that fits
NBA 2K23 joke reminds Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook that his stock has fallen considerably throughout the league after the 2021-22 season. Russell Westbrook has been doing his best to live his best life, showcasing his apparel brand Honor The Gift at Paris Fashion Week in late June. But the NBA world refuses
6:57 PM ET Andrew LopezESPN NEW ORLEANS — What a difference a year makes. Last year on July 6, his 21st birthday, Zion Williamson found out he had suffered a broken right foot, an injury that ended up costing him the 2021-22 season. This year on July 6, his 22nd birthday, the New Orleans Pelicans‘
After being bought out by the Houston Rockets, John Wall is reportedly going to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. Can the Lakers find a way to sign him? On Monday, June 26, Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reported that John Wall and the Houston Rockets reached an agreement on a contract buyout, making the guard
Despite going undrafted, Yeshiva’s Ryan Turell still hopes to break barriers for Orthodox Jewish basketball players in the NBA and beyond. At the 68th annual Portsmouth Invitational in Virginia, college seniors with professional basketball dreams competed for the four-day tournament in front of NBA and international scouts. This year’s rosters included college stars like guard
8:00 AM ET IT WAS AUG. 11, 2021, and inside the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, what appeared to be an ordinary NBA summer league game between the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies was anything but. This was sudden death, after the NBA had seven years prior changed the rules for summer league games that
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton. (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports) Ryan Garcia targeting Gervonta Davis after Javier Fortuna bout by Jeremy Herriges Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton is still sorting out his future in free agency but NBA rumors suggest the Pacers and the Raptors are hovering. While Kevin Durant rumors dominate NBA circles, the
11:42 PM ET ESPN News Services SALT LAKE CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren shined in his professional debut, scoring 23 points and setting a Summer League record for blocks and 3s in a game. The No. 2 pick in the draft also had seven rebounds, four assists and six blocks in 24
Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) White Sox: 3 players who won’t be on the roster past the trade deadline by Noah Yingling The Brooklyn Nets are taking their sweet time for the trade market to develop for Kevin Durant. Though Kevin Durant wants out of there, do not expect the Brooklyn Nets
Skip Bayless can’t be trusted to share reasonable opinions on LeBron James but his most recent assertion is the most insane of all. Ridiculous hypotheticals are a favorite talking point on sports debate shows, especially during the offseason. Sometimes, they can spark interesting conversations. More often, they’re simply a vehicle for sharing the most outrageous
4:16 PM ET Brady HendersonESPN SEATTLE — Jody Allen, the de facto owner of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, said in a statement Tuesday that the teams are not currently for sale but eventually will be. Allen’s statement comes on the heels of last month’s report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that
Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, and the Golden State Warriors may have played a role in his fate. Whether or not he wants to admit it is one thing — but the Warriors still hold a special place in Kevin Durant’s headspace. Like every NBA player and basketball fan, KD surely
Kevin Durant is reportedly in talks with Golden State Warriors star, but will the team actually pursue a trade for him? Hours ahead the start of NBA free agency on July 1, reports circulated that Kevin Durant had requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. Now, the NBA world waits to see which team will
TOPSHOT – US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a
10:16 AM ET After missing most of the past two seasons with a stress fracture in his left foot, free agent forward T.J. Warren has agreed to a one-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Warren played four games in 2020-21, and missed the entirety of the 2021 season with consecutive
Things couldn’t have gone better for the Detroit Pistons on NBA Draft night. Now they may not be so desperate to pursue their biggest free agency targets. The Pistons hit paydirt during Thursday’s NBA Draft when Jaden Ivey fell to them at No. 5 and then they successfully maneuvered to land Jalen Duren as well.
Apr 17, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) on the court against the Boston Celtics in the second half during game one of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports White Sox closer Liam Hendriks calls for stricter gun control
The 76ers and Nuggets have each shaken up their guard rotations on the trade market. Will De’Anthony Melton and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope unlock better versions of their new teams? NBA Draft night featured almost no player movement on the trade market, but the 76ers’ acquisition of De’Anthony Melton was the kind of marginal addition that could
The Suns and Heat were quick landing spots to emerge amid Kevin Durant trade rumors but a dark horse team keeps popping up in a big way. Though we’re still in the thralls of the early stages of NBA free agency, the one story that remains at the forefront is Kevin Durant‘s trade request and
9:39 PM ET Associated Press HAVANA — There were some cheers for “The Star-Spangled Banner” before USA Basketball’s game in Cuba on Independence Day. And then the Americans celebrated the holiday with a big win. Xavier Munford scored 24 points and the U.S. defeated Cuba 87-64 on Monday night to close the first round of
A new book by German novelist Thomas Pletzinger offers an insider’s view of NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki, giving fans more access to the Hall of Famer than ever before. In the spring of 2012, a German writer named Thomas Pletzinger flew to the United States to write a piece on one of his nation’s most
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports John Deere Classic picks: Expert picks, best bets for PGA Tour golf this week by Cody Williams Luka Doncic’s conditioning was a constant conversation last season. He’s only a few weeks into the offseason but his body already looks different. Luka Doncic finished his season unbelievably strongly — averaging 32.0 points,
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly among the teams interested in trading for Kevin Durant. Could a reunion be in store? Marc Spears, a Senior NBA Writer for ESPN, hinted on a radio spot Sunday morning that the Dubs could be in play for KD. Durant requested a trade out of Brooklyn earlier this week,
10:26 AM ET ESPN.com Facebook Twitter Facebook Messenger Pinterest Email print The NBA trade deadline saw a bombshell deal between the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons and James Harden. But trades had been on hiatus since then. Four months later, big deals are back on the menu in the NBA draft and
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly interested in a reunion with Ricky Rubio, after trading him away to the Indiana Pacers last season. Just four months after trading him to the Pacers for Caris LeVert, the Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly interested in bringing back Ricky Rubio, who is set to hit free agency in the coming days.
The NBA has had its fair share of terrible owners, but only one has ever had a rule named after them — Ted Stepien of the Cavaliers. Soon after Ted Stepien purchased the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1980, Akron Beacon-Journal reporter Sheldon Ocker introduced himself to the new owner and asked if he could spend time
The Brooklyn Nets are beyond repair, as Kevin Durant wants to be out of there yesterday. Kevin Durant’s relationship with the Brooklyn Nets supposedly fell apart for these two reasons. Howard Beck of Sports Illustrated tried to make sense of all the nonsense regarding the Brooklyn basketball franchise. After gathering intel on the totally toxic situation,
1:55 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN The Boston Celtics landed a playmaking point guard, acquiring Malcolm Brogdon in a trade with the Indiana Pacers on Friday, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Pacers are getting a 2023 first-round pick and five players from the Celtics in return, including center Daniel Theis and 2021 first-round pick Aaron
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst predicted Kevin Durant would request a trade well before it happened. Brian Windhorst is not only having the week of his life, but the ESPN NBA insider may have predicted Kevin Durant would request a trade away from the Brooklyn Nets weeks beforehand. Windhorst appeared on Get Up shortly after the 2022
Mo Bamba reportedly wants to play for the Chicago Bulls, and they should prioritize trying to sign him at the start of free agency. The Chicago Bulls made it to the playoffs for the first time in five years this past season, but it did not result in a deep run. Rather, they were sent
Veteran point guard Goran Dragic is the latest free-agent signing made by the Chicago Bulls. After a frustrating last season split between the Toronto Raptors and the Brooklyn Nets, longtime Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic will now play for the Chicago Bulls. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported on Sunday afternoon that Dragic was
3:44 PM ET The Chicago Bulls have agreed to a one-year contract with veteran point guard Goran Dragic, sources confirmed to ESPN on Sunday. The Brooklyn Nets won the Dragic sweepstakes last season, beating out the Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks to sign the guard after his contract
Mar 8, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) looks to pass as he is defended by Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports Big Ten targeting white whale as next addition alongside USC, UCLA by Alicia de
[TRIGGER WARNING: This post DOES NOT contain images but DOES include details about incidents of extreme domestic violence] Miles Bridges went into this summer as one of the most sought-after NBA free agents. The details of his recent arrest for domestic violence have changed the conversation. Earlier this week, TMZ reported that Miles Bridges had
3:04 PM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN SAN FRANCISCO — Free-agent center Kevon Looney has agreed to stay with the Golden State Warriors on a three-year, $25.5 million deal, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Friday. Looney, 27, is coming off a breakout year with the 2022 NBA champion Warriors, who drafted him in the first round
The Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat are Kevin Durant’s preferred trade destinations. But the Brooklyn Nets would want these specific stars in return. Kevin Durant officially overshadowed the start of NBA free agency, as he reportedly informed Brooklyn Nets governor Joe Tsai that he wants a trade from the team. Shortly afterward, multiple reports indicated
The Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are reportedly discussing a trade centered around Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook. It has been quite the week for the Brooklyn Nets. Days after Kyrie Irving announced he was exercising his player option for next season, Kevin Durant requested a trade from the team. Once that bombshell dropped,
The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off the blockbuster trade for Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert. He may have an awkward interaction with Anthony Edwards. There was a huge trade in the NBA on Friday, July 1, and it did not have to do with Kevin Durant. Instead, the trade featured center Rudy Gobert getting traded by
2:17 PM ET Associated Press DETROIT — The Pistons have signed former Syracuse guard Buddy Boeheim to a two-way contract, the team announced Saturday Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Boeheim led the ACC in scoring during the 2021-22 season, averaging 19.2 points, and ranked second in the conference in 3-pointers made per game
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports UFC 276 Dricus Du Plessis looks to remind everyone who he is (Video) by Thomas Albano Kevin Durant has officially requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets and the Miami Heat roster has the pieces to get a deal done. Things have rapidly disintegrated in Brooklyn, with Kyrie Irving loudly exploring
Malcolm Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) NBA insider: Warriors played a role in Kevin Durant’s trade request by Mark Powell Steelers’ starting quarterback decision may already be made by John Buhler The Boston Celtics wanted another playmaking guard in the mix. They received just that in the Malcolm Brogdon
Juan Soto, Washington Nationals. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) Astros hot streak continues: Cristian Javier makes MLB history by John Buhler Boston Red Sox fans are freaking out that Juan Soto has an affinity for one of their city’s teams. Washington Nationals star Juan Soto may not be hitting unrestricted free agency for few more years, but
The Golden State Warriors are bringing in a former NBA champion to fill the void left by Gary Payton II and Otto Porter. The Golden State Warriors won their fourth NBA title in eight years after defeating the Boston Celtics in six games. With that, those that wer on the team that were impending free
4:53 PM ET Andrew LopezESPN New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has agreed on a five-year, $193 million designated maximum rookie extension that could earn him as much as $231 million, CAA Sports’ co-head of Basketball Austin Brown told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. If Williamson makes the All-NBA team, wins MVP or Defensive Player of the
The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly close on acquiring Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs. The Atlanta Hawks made it to the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, but were eliminated in the first round by the Miami Heat. With the East only getting tougher, the Hawks are reportedly on the verge
The Atlanta Hawks have traded Kevin Huerter to the Sacramento Kings, suggesting a bigger move is on the horizon for this contending franchise. While the Sacramento Kings have traded for wing Kevin Huerter, the Atlanta Hawks could be up to something once again in the early stages of NBA free agency. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday
Before trading for Rudy Gobert, the Minnesota Timberwolves were trying to break the NBA with a Kevin Durant deal. Let’s spare hyperbole, this isn’t the same old Minnesota Timberwolves. With the exception of a few seasons — an amount that could be counted on one hand — the last three decades of Wolves basketball has
12:35 PM ET Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard Darius Garland has agreed to a five-year, $193 million designated maximum rookie contract extension that could be worth as much as $231 million, his agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, told ESPN on Saturday. Garland’s deal is the richest in Cavaliers history and comes after a breakout third
Kyrie Irving decided to send a message amid Kevin Durant’s trade rumors, but what does it even mean? Nothing is off the table, and everything is on it for Kyrie Irving. After the cryptic message he sent off his Twitter, it’s pure chaos, yet it also says plenty. He didn’t write anything. Irving didn’t put
8:23 PM ET Free-agent center Jalen Smith has agreed to a two-year, $9.6 million deal to return to the Indiana Pacers, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Friday. A former top-10 pick in the 2020 NBA draft by the Suns, Smith’s career in Phoenix ended after just one full season as he was traded to
The Chicago Bulls have held on to Zach LaVine. But their work isn’t done and there are plenty more holes to fill on this roster. The Chicago Bulls landed the biggest prize of the offseason so far, retaining Zach LaVine to a five-year deal worth $215.2 million. LaVine is coming off a season in which
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports Notre Dame has other schools in holding pattern with Big Ten decision by John Buhler Rudy Gobert trade details: Jazz send 3-time Defensive Player of the Year to Timberwolves by Mark Powell The Minnesota Timberwolves went big, literally, pulling off a trade for Rudy Gobert. The social media comedians used it
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – APRIL 23: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the first half of Game Four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 23, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and
The Phoenix Suns are considered one of the favorites for a Kevin Durant trade but what is the trade package the team could send to the Nets in a deal? Upon the breaking news that Kevin Durant has requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, the superstar’s list of preferred landing spots was also reported.
3:45 PM ET The Utah Jazz agreed to trade center Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster deal that will pair him with fellow All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Timberwolves will send Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, No. 22 overall pick Walker Kessler and four first-round
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal. (Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports) Devin Booker lands supermax with Suns: Teaming up with Kevin Durant next? by Scott Rogust Nikola Jokic inks richest deal in NBA history with Nuggets: NBA Twitter applauds by Cody Williams The Wizards locked in Bradley Beal to a giant new supermax deal with $251 million
12:10 PM ET The Chicago Bulls and Zach LaVine have agreed to a five-year, $215M max contract extension, Klutch Sports announced Friday. LaVine, 27, has blossomed into a two-time All-Star in Chicago, where he arrived in the trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017, and — along with DeMar DeRozan —
Feb 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) shoots over Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter (12) in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports UFC 276: Sean O’Malley says he feels like the ‘main event’ every time he fights (Video) by Raphael Garcia Dejounte
San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray. (Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports) Who is Jaylen Watson? 7th-round pick will be best story in Chiefs camp for a reason by Alicia de Artola Dejounte Murray is heading to the Atlanta Hawks via a trade, but he was sure to give San Antonio major love on Twitter before he
Apr 21, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors during game three of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports Bradley Beal signs supermax with Wizards: Will he finish out deal in
5:58 PM ET Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic has agreed to the largest contract in NBA history — a five-year, $270 million supermax extension, his agents Jeff Schwartz and Mike Lindeman of Excel Sports told ESPN on Thursday night. Jokic, the two-time reigning Most Valuable Player, is now secured to the Nuggets for a total
COMMERCE CITY, CO – JUNE 25: Taylor Kornieck #20 of the United States celebrates scoring with Megan Rapinoe #15 during a game between Colombia and USWNT at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on June 25, 2022 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images) As Pride Month comes to a close, FanSided celebrates LGBTQ+
3:00 PM ET Franchise star Kevin Durant has requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Nets general manager Sean Marks is working with Durant and his business manager Rich Kleiman on finding a trade, Kleiman told ESPN. As the Nets prepare to move one of the most valuable
Caleb Swanigan, Purdue Boilermakers. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Blue Jays: 3 left-handed bats that Toronto should trade for by Eric Treuden Former Purdue basketball star Caleb Swanigan has sadly passed away at the young age of 25. Purdue basketball fans are in mourning, as former Boilermakers standout Caleb Swanigan passed away at the age of
Damian Lillard and other Trail Blazers seemed to shoot their shot with Kevin Durant amid trade rumors but KD’s brother was quick to pour some cold water. Another Brooklyn Nets shakeup seems almost inevitable at this point. After the team sent James Harden away in a trade for Ben Simmons ahead of the deadline this
Apr 25, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts during the second quarter of game four of the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports Mo Bamba should be the Chicago Bulls dark horse free agency target
8:00 AM ET Walk into an NBA front office in 2022, and you won’t have to go far before you spot a treatise on management theory resting on a bookshelf. Concepts like organizational culture and asset management have taken hold. League executives devote a lot of thought into forming an identity for their basketball operations
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges. (Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports) Phillies: Mark Appel makes MLB debut almost written for Hollywood by Cody Williams Charlotte Hornets star Miles Bridges, who is expected to be a major free agency target this summer, was arrested on felony domestic violence charges in Los Angeles. Miles Bridges’ summer was supposed to
5:12 PM ET Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden has declined his $47.3 million option and become a free agent, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Wednesday. Harden keeps real the possibility of negotiating a new deal that would deliver the Sixers roster-building flexibility in free agency — including use of the full $10.5 million exception.
New reports indicate that the Philadelphia 76ers are willing to give up Matisse Thybulle and the No. 23 pick for Miami Heat forward P.J. Tucker. When the Philadelphia 76ers lost out to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Jimmy Butler made sure to remind Philadelphia of what they were missing. “Tobias Harris over
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young. (Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports) MLB rumors: Freddie Freeman was duped by agent to leave Braves by Savannah Leigh Atlanta star Trae Young tweeted his reaction to playing ball with Dejounte Murray after the Hawks traded for the Spurs guard. Trae Young has a new backcourt partner in Atlanta and
5:26 PM ET The Atlanta Hawks are trading Danilo Gallinari and three first-round picks to the San Antonio Spurs for All-Star guard Dejounte Murray, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Hawks are sending a 2023 first-round pick via the Charlotte Hornets, and their own 2025 and 2027 first-round picks to the Spurs in the deal,
Paolo Banchero reportedly loves his new NBA team. He also expressed deep admiration for some of the greatest players to ever suit up for the Lakers. Paolo Banchero was a surprise pick at No. 1 for the Orlando Magic in this year’s draft, not because of his talent but because rumors had so loudly connected
The Bulls were a solid Eastern Conference Playoff team last season, but they need to shake things up in the offseason if they have bigger dreams. Chicago’s front office has done a nice job of accumulating the talent required to make the Chicago Bulls an immediate playoff team in the East. The real challenge facing
10:36 AM ET The Washington Wizards are finalizing a deal to acquire Denver Nuggets guards Will Barton and Monte Morris in return for guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Wednesday. The trade is getting final approvals now, and expected to be completed soon, sources said. Barton started all 71
NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins called out Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green in a now-deleted tweet — but the receipts are still available. Draymond Green isn’t quite finished with his victory lap after Golden State won the NBA Finals. Long after the Warriors parade is all wrapped up, Green is now checking off every media
9:50 PM ET LOS ANGELES — LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer raised his hands up and began rocking back and forth as he began to think about the idea of a healthy Kawhi Leonard returning this upcoming season. After not having Leonard all of last season while he recovered from a torn right ACL, Ballmer
New York Knicks guard Kemba Walker. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) Nets executive sends message to Kyrie Irving with recent Twitter activity by Scott Rogust The New York Knicks were active on NBA Draft night but they left pretty much everyone confused with their moves surrounding Jalen Duren and others. What the heck just happened? Knicks
Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson is reportedly expected to leave in free agency and sign with the New York Knicks for huge money. The New York Knicks were the focus of the 2022 NBA Draft after they made three trades in the first round. They managed to dump Kemba Walker’s contract off to the Detroit
According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, the Golden State Warriors are prioritizing bringing Kevon Looney and Gary Paton II back to Chase Center. The Golden State Warriors won another championship for revered veterans such as Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. But the team’s younger players — Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney and Gary Payton
6:14 PM ET The New York Knicks are considered strong favorites to sign Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson in free agency, sources told ESPN. It’s widely anticipated that Brunson will agree to a four-year deal in excess of $100 million to sign with the Knicks soon after free agency opens on Thursday evening, league sources
It’s one of the biggest hypotheticals in NBA Draft history — What if Kevin Durant and Greg Oden had been selected in a different order? The 15th anniversary of the 2007 NBA Draft is here. Sorry, Blazers fans. Let’s get this over with and delve into the latest “What If,” courtesy of Strat-O-Matic, the Market Leader
10:55 AM ET Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook is planning to exercise his $47.1 million option for the 2022-23 season to return to the franchise, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Westbrook’s agent Thad Foucher is planning to file the paperwork Tuesday, sources said. Westbrook has a Wednesday deadline on his option. Westbrook, an eight-time
Auburn Tigers forward Jabari Smith speak during a press conference before the second round of the 2022 NCAA tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Arch Manning chooses Texas over Ole Miss, Alabama and others by Matt Verderame Twitter goes wild over Arch Manning to Texas Longhorns by
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Kyrie Irving has exercised his $36.5 million player option for the 2022-23 season and will stay with the Brooklyn Nets. Throughout the offseason, NBA fans were following the Kyrie Irving-Brooklyn Nets situation, as reports indicated that contract discussions between both sides were going nowhere. Things only escalated when Irving provided
9:49 PM ET Adrian Wojnarowski Close Senior NBA Insider Host of The Woj Pod Joined ESPN in 2017 Tim MacMahon Close ESPN Staff Writer Joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009 Covers the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks Appears regularly on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM After agreeing to a buyout with the Houston Rockets, guard John Wall
Oklahoma City Thunder rookies Jaylen Williams and Jaylin Williams recreated the Spider Man pointing meme when taking photos with the team. The Oklahoma City Thunder had an eventful NBA Draft night. Not only did they select Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren with the second-overall pick, but they drafted three other players on the night. Two of those
6:48 PM ET Kyrie Irving is opting into his $36.5 million option with the Brooklyn Nets for next season, he told The Athletic on Monday. “Normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow,” Irving told The Athletic. “I’ve made my decision to opt in. See you
MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 05: A detail of Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat shoes prior to the game against the Charlotte Hornets at FTX Arena on April 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the
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