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Caitlin Clark suffered a groin injury in the final minute of the Indiana Fever's game against the Connecticut Sun on July 15th. This immediately cast doubt on her availability for the team's next game, a back-to-back against the New York Liberty on July 16th. Even without the injury, there was a significant chance Clark might not play against the Liberty. The Fever are cautious about easing her back after she recently missed five games with another groin injury. Furthermore, Clark being the main attraction for the upcoming WNBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis provided an additional reason for the team to be careful. The Fever officially confirmed Clark's status for the July 16th game via a social media injury report, listing her as "Questionable (right groin)". Despite the unlikelihood of her playing given the circumstances, the "Questionable" designation (as opposed to being ruled out) suggests her injury might not be severe. This status is based on assessments by doctors and the Fever's training staff, indicating Clark potentially avoided a serious injury during the July 15th game.
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Despite Isaiah Hartenstein leaving the New York Knicks for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Knicks fans still show affection for him. Comedian Chris Distefano, filling in on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", expressed regret to Hartenstein that he won his first NBA championship with the Thunder instead of the Knicks. Distefano, a Knicks fan, asked Hartenstein what it would take for him to return to New York. Hartenstein jokingly demanded permanent access to Jimmy Kimmel's sidekick, Guillermo Rodriguez. Hartenstein played for the Knicks for two seasons before joining the Thunder, who offered him a larger contract than the Knicks could match due to financial restrictions in the collective bargaining agreement. He was a key contributor (averaging 11.2 points and 10.7 rebounds) to the Thunder's championship win, their first since moving to Oklahoma City. Although a potential Finals matchup between the Knicks and Thunder/Hartenstein didn't materialize because the Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the semifinals, Distefano claimed he would have struggled to choose sides. Hartenstein immediately playfully called him out on this, laughing and saying Distefano would have cursed at him during the game and urging him to be honest about rooting for the Knicks. The article notes that the Knicks managed Hartenstein's departure well, acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns and later welcoming back Mitchell Robinson. They further strengthened their frontcourt by adding Guerschon Yabusele from the Philadelphia 76ers in 2025.
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The Milwaukee Bucks have officially signed free agent guard Cole Anthony, as announced by the team in a press release. This move was anticipated after Anthony reached a buyout agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies, who waived him over the weekend. Anthony, 25, played his first five NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic, appearing in 320 regular season games (125 starts). His role significantly decreased in the 2024/25 season, resulting in career lows of 9.4 points and 18.4 minutes per game. Before that season, his career averages were 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 26.5 minutes per game, shooting .418/.343/.851. The Magic traded Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Grizzlies last month in exchange for Desmond Bane. However, Anthony was not part of Memphis's plans following their agreement to sign Ty Jerome in free agency. Anthony's buyout, where he gave up $2 million of his $13.1 million expiring contract, enabled the Grizzlies to create the necessary salary cap space to renegotiate Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract. Anthony is expected to have an opportunity to earn rotation minutes in the Bucks' backcourt, which no longer features Damian Lillard. His primary competition for playing time at point guard will be Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins. While reports indicate Anthony signed a one-year deal with the Bucks, the exact financial terms are unclear. It is unknown if he signed for the minimum salary or received the remainder of the Bucks' room exception (approximately $3.65 million was reportedly left after re-signing Porter).
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The Athletic is ranking the top 25 men's college basketball teams from the first 25 years of the 2000s. Selection involved crowd-sourcing and applying five main criteria: Overall record (only one team lost more than five games); KenPom net rating (most teams exceeded the elite threshold of +30, with only two narrowly below); Conference championships (regular season and/or tournament); National championships (acknowledged as a marker of greatness despite the single-elimination format); and Historical relevance (a more subjective measure). The process resulted in seven national champions being excluded and seven non-champions included, with some seasons having multiple teams on the list. The article begins the rankings with the 2019-20 Kansas Jayhawks at #25. Key players included Devon Dotson, Udoka Azubuike, Ochai Agbaji, and Marcus Garrett. Their season ended without an NCAA Tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With a KenPom rating of 30.23, they were considered the favorites before the shutdown. The team featured a potent duo in Dotson and Azubuike, plus key role players who later formed the core of Kansas's 2022 championship team. Their three losses were extremely close (two by a combined three points, one to fellow top seed Baylor). While their 3-point shooting was questioned, their championship potential remains unknown. Ranked at #24 is the 2022-23 Purdue Boilermakers. Their top talents were Zach Edey, Braden Smith, and Fletcher Loyer. They reached the national championship game but lost to UConn 75-60. They achieved a KenPom efficiency rating of 30.62.
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Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell has proposed to recording artist Coco Jones. Jones announced their engagement on Instagram Friday, sharing a sweet photo taken after Mitchell's sunset proposal at a resort. The announcement post quickly received congratulatory messages from numerous athletes and celebrities, including Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown, Chicago Sky's Angel Reese, singer Ciara, and rapper Lady London. Fans expressed excitement about this next step in their relationship, which reportedly began two years ago; one fan's tweet praising Jones' appearance prompted a brief "I swear" response from Mitchell. Mitchell, 28, and Jones, 27, had largely kept their romance private before the engagement. Earlier this year, the Grammy Award-winning Jones emphasized valuing her privacy on the "Club Shay Shay" podcast, stating she uses music to tell her stories but keeps some personal aspects private to protect herself, her family, and loved ones. The coming months will be busy for Mitchell, coinciding with the new NBA season, as he helps his fiancée with wedding preparations. The article suggests Mitchell will likely play "even more inspired basketball" in the upcoming campaign as the Cavaliers aim to recover from their previous playoff exit. Paolo Mariano is an Associate Editor at Cavs Nation and ClutchPoints.
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The content begins with a description of Raunak, a passionate WWE content writer who crafts engaging narratives to bring the thrilling world of wrestling to life. His work focuses on capturing the drama, excitement, and heroism of the ring, fueling the imagination of WWE fans and making every match and storyline unforgettable. Following this, the content lists several article headlines covering diverse topics: lifestyle tips such as how Manisha Koirala maintains fitness through mindfulness, fashion advice like styling hacks for Indian girls, motivational content including Steve Jobs quotes for students, practical student guides on beating stress, baby name suggestions for boys meaning 'special one', inspirational lines from the Mahabharata, and style features showcasing celebrities like Pavani Reddy, Rashmika Mandanna, and Keerthy Suresh. It also highlights the achievements of Indian cricketers who succeeded without attending college.
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An insider has made a bold prediction regarding the Boston Celtics' upcoming 2025-26 season, described as tumultuous with significant ongoing roster movement expected to continue throughout the offseason. Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens provided a major update on superstar Jayson Tatum, confirming the 27-year-old is likely to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming campaign. Despite this, the Celtics organization and fans are confident Tatum is doing everything possible to return. Amid the unpredictable roster changes, a major free agent acquisition discussed his decision to sign with Boston, indicating that the opportunities presented by the Celtics' new-look roster were unique and not available elsewhere. In other news, Celtics player Jaylen Brown stated that he believes he hasn't yet shown his best in the NBA. Twitter updates included: Jordan Walsh being ejected after a scuffle with Pelle Larsson; Walsh subsequently apologizing to Brad Stevens and the front office for the incident, noting it was out of character, while coach Joe Mazzulla expressed his approval; and former Celtics forward Drew Peterson agreeing to a two-way NBA deal with the Charlotte Hornets, reuniting him with coach Charles Lee.
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Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks expresses an unconventional perspective on technical fouls, viewing them as a deliberate strategy to energize the home crowd rather than a source of frustration. He stated, "No bullshit. I don't back down from anybody or anything," embracing his role as an intense and often controversial player ("the villain") who thrives on emotion. Brooks believes this approach can provide the Suns with a necessary competitive edge, framing the team's potential identity as "the villains." Brooks also described his arrival in Phoenix as feeling "written in stone," referencing a previous trade "miscommunication" that didn't materialize when he was with the Memphis Grizzlies. He and teammate Jalen Green share a history, having both been surprisingly traded away by the Houston Rockets despite the team's second-place finish in the Western Conference last season. This experience has left both players with significant motivation and "a chip on their shoulders." This shared motivation was highlighted when Jalen Green interrupted Brooks' Suns interview. When Brooks commented positively on the trade bringing them to Phoenix as "an opportunity," Green emphatically interjected twice with the word "Motivation," clearly signaling their driven mindset stemming from being moved by the Rockets.
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Veteran point guard Vasilije Micic, recently waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, has secured a new professional basketball opportunity overseas in the EuroLeague. Micic, 31, was acquired by the Bucks primarily as part of a transaction to move off Pat Connaughton's contract and future draft picks. The Bucks negotiated a buyout of Micic's $8.1 million expiring contract for 2025-26, with Micic returning $6 million. Milwaukee will stretch and waive the remaining $2 million over the next three seasons. After the Bucks' move, a post-NBA contract offer from Turkish EuroLeague champion Fenerbahce was rescinded. However, Micic quickly found a new team, agreeing to a deal with Spanish EuroLeague powerhouse Real Madrid. Other clubs like Olympiacos and Hapoel Tel Aviv were also reportedly interested. According to reports, Micic signed a two-season contract with Real Madrid worth €8.5 million. Last NBA season, split between the Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns, the 6-foot-5 guard averaged 6.6 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.2 rebounds across 41 games (16 starts). He was traded multiple times: from Phoenix back to Charlotte on draft night (involving draft rights and Mark Williams), and then subsequently to Milwaukee before being waived. Micic has only two NBA seasons under his belt, playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2023-24 and the Hornets/Suns in 2024-25. Before joining the NBA, he had a decorated career in Europe, playing in Serbia, Germany, Turkey, and Lithuania. His most notable achievements include winning two EuroLeague championships (2021, 2022) with Turkish club Anadolu Efes, where he was also named EuroLeague MVP in 2021 and earned All-EuroLeague Team honors three times during his five-year tenure.
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The Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by trading Luka Dončić before last year's deadline and selected former Duke star Cooper Flagg. Flagg is anticipated to accelerate the franchise's transition from the Dončić era, possessing comparable elite potential despite Dončić's established NBA stardom. Entering his rookie season, Flagg faces significant expectations for immediate impact. Analysts have drawn parallels between his playing style and NBA legends, including Kevin Garnett, Larry Bird, and Kawhi Leonard, though differences in skill sets are noted. If Flagg approaches their caliber, Dallas would solidify its new franchise cornerstone. NBA analyst Chris Broussard recently claimed on "First Things First" that Flagg will surpass Garnett offensively, citing a superior scoring arsenal. Broussard emphasized, "I think he'll be a better scorer than Kevin Garnett... His offensive package is way better." Garnett averaged 17.8 points per game during his career. Flagg validated his hype at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to the NCAA Final Four before losing to Houston. Across 37 games, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals while shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.
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Grammy-winning R&B singer Coco Jones and Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Donovan Mitchell have announced their engagement after maintaining a private relationship for two years. Their romance has now become highly publicized. Mitchell proposed in a cinematic setting captured by drone footage, featuring a luxurious tropical backdrop and a five-carat cushion-cut diamond engagement ring. The couple's partnership is described as being built on respect, mutual achievement, and shared aspirations. Coco Jones, born Courtney Michaela Ann Jones in South Carolina, first gained fame on Disney platforms like Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing and Let It Shine. She transitioned from a tween star to a successful artist, signing with Def Jam in 2022 and releasing the project "What I Didn’t Tell You". Her single "ICU" achieved platinum status and won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance. Jones also stars in the Peacock drama series "Bel-Air". Donovan Mitchell, nicknamed "Spida", is the Cleveland Cavaliers' electrifying shooting guard.
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The content lists various entertainment and lifestyle topics: a description of WWE content writer Raunak and his work crafting engaging narratives for wrestling fans; a headline about Anju Kurian's stylish appearance; a headline highlighting Anjali Arora's best ethnic and casual fashion moments; a headline about famous Hollywood plots being retold in Bollywood; a health alert headline about 10 foods potentially causing inflammation; a headline about Helly Shah exuding cool, classy, and colourful vibes; a headline listing 6 science-backed methods for students to calm their minds before exams; a headline suggesting 10 baby girl names meaning 'sparkle'; a headline listing 9 unforgettable Mr. Bean moments to help students through tough days; a headline showcasing Chiranjeevi's most charismatic pictures; and a headline featuring 10 stunning ethnic looks of Riythvika.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers appear mostly inactive in free agency, but their roster is not yet complete. They currently have only 13 players signed for next season, including rookie Tyrese Proctor, which is one short of the mandatory 14 players required before the season starts. They also have an unused two-way contract slot available, which would provide valuable depth without impacting the salary cap. To fill the mandatory 14th roster spot, the Cavaliers have several options. They could pursue veteran free agents like Chris Paul, Al Horford, or Kevin Love, sign a less prominent player to a minimum contract, or target a newly available backup center option. The Washington Wizards recently waived center Richaun Holmes. Once he clears waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent, making him available for the Cavaliers to sign. Holmes is described as a 6'10" rim-running center. While not an elite shot-blocker or offensive player, he is a solid positional defender, uses his frame effectively to set screens and take up space, and has been a high-level finisher throughout his career. The article suggests Holmes could thrive in Cleveland. Playing alongside playmakers like Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell could unlock a new level of production. Despite being buried in the rotation on a tanking Wizards team for the past two seasons, Holmes still averaged 6.0 points and 5.1 rebounds on 60% shooting in just 15 minutes per game. He could benefit significantly from playing competitive basketball.
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NBA player Donovan Mitchell and singer-actress Coco Jones are engaged. Jones announced the engagement on Instagram on Friday, July 11th, sharing a photo of the couple kissing at sunset, showcasing her engagement ring. Mitchell, 28, also posted a video of the proposal, captured from an aerial view, showing him proposing on one knee during a tropical poolside vacation. The couple's representatives confirmed the engagement to People magazine, stating that Mitchell and Jones, 27, took the vacation to recharge after his NBA season and her sold-out tour, which turned into the engagement. Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson revealed his involvement in orchestrating the proposal. In a congratulatory post on his Instagram Stories addressed to the "love birds," Wilson wrote that he and his wife Ciara were "so happy" for them and added, "Thanks for allowing us to plan this with you Spida [Mitchell's nickname] with [WEST2EASTLUXURY]." WEST2EASTLUXURY is described as a luxury tourism brand specializing in unique experiences bridging Western and Eastern cultures. Wilson's revelation caused significant online buzz, with many noting this appears to be a pattern for the Wilsons. The couple, who recently celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary, were also responsible for introducing singer Normani to her fiancé, NFL player DK Metcalf, three years prior. Ciara Wilson referenced this prior matchmaking in a March TikTok congratulating Normani and Metcalf.
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Singer-actress Coco Jones and NBA star Donovan Mitchell announced their engagement on Friday, July 14, 2025. They shared the news on social media, posting photos and videos that captured the moment Mitchell proposed by getting down on one knee. The engagement occurred at a tropical resort setting, characterized by palm trees, a lavish pool, and ocean views. This revelation surprised many fans, as Jones and Mitchell had previously kept the details of their relationship private and away from public scrutiny. A representative for the couple confirmed to PEOPLE that Mitchell proposed to Jones during a vacation, following two years of dating. The announcement was highlighted in a social media post by Mitchell.
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The Denver Nuggets have started their Summer League 0-2, which is attributed to a lack of young talent on their summer roster. Only two official roster players, DaRon Holmes II (returning from a season-long Achilles tear) and Hunter Tyson, are participating, one of the lowest totals in the NBA. Two two-way players, Spencer Jones and Tamar Bates, are also present but still developing their playmaking. The team heavily relies on guards Reece Beekman, Curtis Jones, and Boo Buie to facilitate, with mixed results. DaRon Holmes II has made a positive impression in his return, showing an improved jump shot (5-of-10 from three-point range), occasional perimeter drives, and defensive flashes. He averaged 11.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 1.0 steals+blocks in about 25 minutes per game. However, his physicality and athleticism, especially against true centers, need improvement as he appeared overwhelmed at times. Developing his ability to handle physical defensive assignments and improving reaction time near the baseline are critical next steps for his role in Denver's system. Hunter Tyson, the veteran leader, has averaged 12.5 points and 9.0 rebounds but struggled against more athletic perimeter wings. He faded offensively in the second half against Milwaukee and couldn't create separation against Minnesota's defenders. His shooting has been poor (32.1% FG, 27.3% 3PT), partly due to a lack of setup help and individual pressure to create shots he won't face in the NBA. Spencer Jones stood out defensively, being Denver's best defender despite fouling too much. Offensively, he improved significantly from zero points in Game 1 to 19 points (8/12 FG, 3/6 3PT) in Game 2. His activity on the glass and strength around the rim were notable. While playmaking is minimal, his progression as a defensive-minded role player depends on improving his offensive versatility and shotmaking. Tamar Bates has been solid finishing around the rim (8/16 from two) but struggled with perimeter shooting (1/9 from three). His slashing ability is promising, and the focus for Nuggets fans should be on him displaying a quicker trigger and making enough shots to force defensive overreactions.
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Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee after sustaining an injury during a workout, the team announced on Monday. ESPN's Shams Charania was the first to report the news. The Sixers confirmed the surgery in their press release, stating it was performed by Dr. Jonathan Glashow. Dr. Glashow previously performed a similar arthroscopic procedure on teammate Joel Embiid's left knee in October. This adds to George's injury struggles during his first season with the Sixers. The 35-year-old played only 41 games, hampered by two separate knee injuries (one in the preseason delaying his debut, and another shortly after he returned), as well as finger and groin issues. The team confirmed that George will be re-evaluated before the start of training camp.
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Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin has publicly confirmed that star player Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be traded, dismissing speculation that arose following Damian Lillard's departure. Feigin stated that Antetokounmpo remains content in Milwaukee and is still viewed as the franchise cornerstone, emphasizing, "Giannis loves Milwaukee, Milwaukee loves Giannis." He described external trade rumors as "clickbait" and affirmed the organization's confidence in their relationship with the 30-year-old forward. Antetokounmpo finished third in the 2023-24 MVP voting, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists during the regular season. However, the Bucks suffered a first-round playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers after Lillard's injury. Notably, Milwaukee subsequently signed Pacers center Myles Turner, whom they reportedly admired during that series, to bolster frontcourt depth. Despite this acquisition, the team faces backcourt concerns after waiving Lillard, with Kevin Porter Jr. potentially becoming the starting point guard—a move some analysts believe may weaken their championship contention prospects. In a recent Twitch stream with influencer iShowSpeed, Antetokounmpo addressed persistent recruitment attempts from high-tax markets like Los Angeles and New York, but hinted at staying in Milwaukee when directly asked about his future plans.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder have committed to significant offseason spending, totaling $877.21 million in new contracts, with the majority ($822 million+) going to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. While max extensions for Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams were widely expected, Holmgren's max deal ($250 million) faced skepticism from some due to his injury history and recent playoff shooting struggles. Fox Sports' Craig Carton strongly criticized Holmgren's contract during a discussion on "Breakfast Ball," labeling it potentially "the dumbest contract ever signed in the history of the NBA" and asserting Holmgren is not a "$50 million a year player." Carton implied Holmgren rode his teammates' coattails to the 2025 NBA Championship. However, the article counters Carton's view by detailing Holmgren's pivotal role in the Thunder's championship victory. Despite poor shooting in the Finals (12.3 PPG, 39.5% FG, 15.8% 3PT), Holmgren led the series in rebounding (8.9 RPG) and played exceptional defense, notably holding Myles Turner to 37.7% shooting and a negative plus-minus. He anchored the Thunder's historic defense, led the entire NBA playoffs in plus-minus (+169), and set a Game 7 Finals record with five blocks. Furthermore, Holmgren achieved this after returning from a four-month injury absence just two months before the playoffs, requiring him to shake off rust during the high-pressure title run. The article argues that even if this playoff run was Holmgren's career-worst performance, he was still a key reason for the championship. It concludes that signing Holmgren to the max extension was the right move for OKC, emphasizing his value extends far beyond offensive statistics, which Carton seemingly ignored.
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Steph Curry reunited with former Golden State Warriors teammate Kent Bazemore during the American Century Golf Championship tournament, sparking nostalgia among fans. Bazemore shared a photo of the pair on social media with the caption, "always nice to reconnect. Iron sharpening iron. Callused minds. Young leaders. Purpose work." Curry responded by resharing the photo and captioning it, "My guy." The article highlights that Bazemore played a key, though often forgotten, role in igniting the famous Warriors-Clippers rivalry starting in 2013. He was responsible for an incident where the Warriors bench, led by Bazemore, laughed at Blake Griffin missing a shot badly off the side of the backboard, which fueled the rivalry. This intensity continued later when the Clippers refused to allow the Warriors to share chapel before a game. The piece concludes by noting that Steph Curry, now 37 years old, remains as impactful as he was at the peak of his career.
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Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors superstar point guard, remains a dominant face of the NBA, known for revolutionizing the game through his elite three-point shooting which significantly influenced the league and lower levels of basketball. Even at 37 years old, he continues to perform at a high level. Last season, Curry led the Warriors to the playoffs, orchestrating a first-round upset victory over the No. 2-seeded Houston Rockets. However, his postseason run was cut short when he suffered a hamstring injury during Game 1 of the second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Without Curry, the Warriors were quickly eliminated by the Timberwolves. Throughout the regular season, Curry appeared in 70 games, averaging 24.5 points, 6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. He shot 44.8% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range, demonstrating his continued status as one of the league's elite superstars. Regarding his NBA future, Curry recently addressed his career timeline, stating he doesn't know exactly how much longer he will play. He revealed he is approaching his career's end by focusing on his current contract, taking it "two years at a time." This suggests he intends to play for at least the next two seasons before reevaluating his options once his contract expires.
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Pistons center Jalen Duren's offseason workout videos, showcasing him taking midrange and three-point jump shots in various scenarios (spot up, off screens, off the dribble), have gone viral among fans, sparking excitement about a potentially expanded offensive role for him. While some fans are optimistic, others dismiss the clips as insignificant summer hype, comparing them to past videos of non-shooters like Ben Simmons or Andre Drummond attempting to expand their range. However, observers note Duren's shot appears more fluid than those other big men. Evidence suggests this development isn't entirely new, as beat reporter Eric Vincent confirmed Duren consistently worked on midrange shots during warmups last season. Duren also occasionally handled the ball in transition against weaker defenders, making these new clips seem like a progression. Duren was already a potent force in the pick-and-roll with Cade Cunningham, forming a top-ten assist duo and finishing alley-oops. However, his offensive game was limited last season, with nearly all his field goals coming in the paint and 62% being assisted. The recent postseason highlighted the value of versatile big men like Myles Turner and Karl-Anthony Towns, who combine outside shooting with inside finishing. Even centers with more limited offensive games, like Isaiah Hartenstein, added valuable wrinkles. Expanding his shooting range and improving his ball-handling could make Duren a greater threat in isolation or the post, but more crucially, enhance the flow of the Pistons' team offense. He is expected to develop a two-man game with new addition Duncan Robinson, similar to Robinson's previous success with Bam Adebayo via dribble hand-offs. Improved skills would allow Duren to leverage Robinson's shooting gravity effectively. While Duren's defensive improvement is seen as crucial, a more complete offensive arsenal could significantly uplift the team. Fans hope to see the offseason shooting development translate to the NBA court next season, though expectations are for gradual integration, not a high volume of three-point attempts.
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Malik Beasley is under investigation by the US District Attorney's office concerning irregular gambling during the 2023-24 NBA season, a significant offseason story with potential major ramifications for Beasley, the Detroit Pistons, and the NBA. Following the report, Beasley's attorney, Steve Haney, stated that "an investigation is not a charge," emphasizing the presumption of innocence. However, many fans on social media have presumed Beasley's guilt, citing his play with the Milwaukee Bucks and financial struggles. The investigation's timing is detrimental for Beasley and the Pistons, as they were likely to sign a new contract shortly after free agency began. This situation contrasts with Terry Rozier's case last season; Rozier continued playing because he wasn't charged and was eventually cleared, but he benefited from being under contract during his investigation. The investigation was reportedly sparked by unusual betting activity on Beasley's rebounding prop bet before a January 31st game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Milwaukee Bucks. A large, unexpected surge in bets predicted Beasley would grab fewer than 2.5 rebounds. However, Beasley secured 6 rebounds, causing those bettors to lose. Currently, the reported specifics involve unusual bettor behavior surrounding Beasley's games. There is no reported evidence of Beasley exhibiting strange on-court actions during these games, unlike the Jontay Porter case where Porter left a game early with an "injury" after heavy betting on his unders, leading to his league ban. The article concludes by urging fans to grant Beasley grace and presume innocence until the investigation concludes. It highlights how the legalization of sports gambling fosters an environment where players face suspicion about their integrity, suggesting Beasley might be a casualty of this trend and the NBA may need to take further steps to protect its reputation and players.
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Singer-actress Coco Jones and NBA star Donovan Mitchell are engaged. The couple announced their engagement on social media on Friday, sharing photos and videos from the proposal moment. Mitchell was captured getting down on one knee at a tropical resort location featuring palm trees, a pool, and ocean views. The engagement news surprised many fans due to the couple's history of keeping their relationship private. A representative confirmed to PEOPLE that Mitchell proposed while the couple was on vacation, after two years of dating. Mitchell shared a photo of the couple together and a video of the proposal on his social media, featuring Jones's song "You." Jones also posted a photo of the couple on her account. They received congratulations from numerous figures, including WNBA legend Candace Parker and R&B singer Ella Mai. Jones had confirmed in February that she and Mitchell were dating. Rumors about their relationship began circulating in September 2024 after they were seen holding hands at an Usher concert in Las Vegas, which Jones later acknowledged playfully, saying the internet had "clocked my tea." Mitchell recently completed the NBA season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, helping them achieve the Eastern Conference's best record (64-18) while averaging 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. After the Cavaliers were eliminated from the playoffs, Mitchell mentioned taking time off and "going on tour" with "good music," potentially hinting at joining Jones on tour for her debut studio album.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a key free-agent move by re-signing sharpshooter Sam Merrill to a four-year, $38 million contract. Merrill, a career 38.6% three-point shooter, was instrumental in the team's bench success last season, appearing in 71 games (starting only four) while averaging 7.2 points and shooting 37.2% from deep over a career-high 19.7 minutes per game. Teammate Donovan Mitchell personally congratulated Merrill after the signing, praising his development and hard work. Mitchell humorously suggested the Mormon athlete celebrate with an alcoholic shot despite religious prohibitions. Merrill's journey to this contract involved overcoming early career challenges—as the 60th overall 2020 draft pick, he played just 41 games total in his first three NBA seasons before solidifying his role. This extension follows Merrill's consecutive impactful seasons as a reserve, potentially cementing his long-term future with the Cavaliers. His retention gains added importance after Cleveland lost elite bench scorer Ty Jerome—a recent Sixth Man of the Year finalist—to the Memphis Grizzlies in free agency. Fans hope Merrill's floor-spacing abilities can offset Jerome's departure and that he'll achieve a career-best year in his sixth NBA season. The deal raises questions about Merrill's motivation to further develop his game now that financial security is established, adding intrigue to his upcoming performance.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are pursuing low-cost roster improvements to preserve cap space for major 2026 and 2027 offseason moves centered around acquiring Luka Dončić. After missing out on centers Clint Capela (Houston Rockets) and Brook Lopez (LA Clippers), they secured Deandre Ayton via buyout following his departure from the Portland Trail Blazers. The LA Clippers, having signed Lopez, are now frontrunners to acquire shooting guard Bradley Beal from the Phoenix Suns. Insiders predict Phoenix will waive Beal and stretch his remaining $110 million contract across multiple years, making him a free agent. ESPN’s Zach Lowe stated on July 10 that Beal will likely be waived imminently and sign with the Clippers. Beal has drawn interest from multiple teams including the Lakers, Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. His projected $5.3 million salary for 2025-26—a result of the contract-stretch provision—makes him highly valuable in the current market, particularly to the Clippers who retain $14.1 million in mid-level exception funds after signing Lopez. For Phoenix to stretch Beal’s contract, he must forfeit at least $13.8 million in a buyout agreement. Recognizing limited free-agency money, Beal is expected to seek a two-year deal with a player option for the second season, enabling him to re-enter the market in 2026 for a more lucrative contract.
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The Chicago Sky defeated the Minnesota Lynx by six points at home on Saturday, setting up a quick rematch on Monday. Key performances came from Angel Reese (19 points, 11 rebounds), Ariel Atkins (27 points), and Kamilla Cardoso (17 points, 15 rebounds) to overcome Napheesa Collier and the Lynx. This marked only Minnesota's fourth loss of the season. Despite a slow start and ranking 12th out of 13 teams in net rating, the Sky have improved slightly, moving to a 7-13 overall record. Minnesota remains the top team in the standings but has suffered recent losses, including the Commissioner’s Cup Final against Indiana and Saturday's game. Oddsmakers favor the Lynx by 10.5 points for Monday's game as they seek revenge. Betting odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook) including spread, moneyline, and total are provided for the rematch. Napheesa Collier, the MVP favorite averaging 23.6 points per game on 52.0% shooting, has scored 21 and 26 points in two meetings against Chicago this season. The analyst favors Collier for another big game, citing Chicago's weak defense (11th in defensive rating, allowing the third-most points per game at 86.1). Although the Lynx outperform the Sky in most key metrics, Chicago has competed well against them this season. They lost the first meeting by only five points in Minnesota before winning on Saturday. Chicago also holds a strong 12-8 record against the spread, demonstrating an ability to cover large point spreads as underdogs.
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