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TOPBradley Beal absolutely screws the Suns on his way out
The Phoenix Suns have bought out Bradley Beal, removing him from their roster but creating significant long-term financial issues. To avoid the punitive second tax apron, the Suns were forced to waive-and-stretch Beal's contract. This results in $19.4 million of "dead money" counting against their salary cap annually for the next five seasons, a charge they cannot eliminate and must pay through the 2030 campaign. Despite Beal's solid on-court production last season (17 points per game on efficient shooting), his massive salary and no-trade clause eliminated any trade market. Beal had to approve any potential trade and was unwilling to leave Phoenix. This lack of options left the Suns facing only two choices: buy him out or keep paying the remaining $110.8 million over two years. The buyout was chosen. The Suns received nothing in return for Beal because he refused to waive his no-trade clause. While Beal did give back enough money to facilitate the contract stretching, this was the sole concession. Beal is now free to join a contender, specifically the LA Clippers, while still receiving substantial payments from the Suns. The Suns' acquisition of Beal is portrayed as a major mistake. They paid him star-level money (nearly $97 million) for what amounted to role player production over two seasons where he played only 53 games each year. The team failed to win any playoff games during his tenure, falling short of championship expectations. The financial burden continues as the $19.4 million cap hold prevents Phoenix from spending that money on players who could help them win for the next five years, hindering efforts to build around Devin Booker. Although the buyout saves the Suns $200 million this season, pushing them below the luxury tax line and aprons and providing some roster flexibility, it introduces a new set of problems lasting until 2030. Beal emerges as the clear winner, getting paid by Phoenix while freely joining his chosen team. The article concludes that while the buyout was necessary, the Suns will regret the original Beal trade and feel its painful financial consequences for years, serving as a lesson about the risks of star power and no-trade clauses.
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TOPMikal Bridges Traded To The Phoenix Suns
Mikal Bridges, who began his NBA career with the Phoenix Suns before moving to the Brooklyn Nets and then the New York Knicks, could potentially return to the Suns. Bridges is entering a "lame duck" season as he currently lacks a contract for the future. A proposed trade is outlined where the Phoenix Suns would acquire Bridges from the New York Knicks. In return, the Knicks would receive Suns guard Grayson Allen and the Suns' 2030 first-round draft pick. While Bridges has connections to the "Nova Boys" and the Knicks face high expectations creating a volatile situation, the article addresses potential skepticism from Suns fans about a Bridges return. It argues that a reunion is more plausible now due to changes in the Suns' ownership, general manager, and head coach since Bridges left. The article highlights Bridges' value, describing him as one of the NBA's most reliable players. It suggests his personality and skills would make him an excellent third option for the Suns, fitting well with a developing "scrappy" team mentality.
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Bank executive charged with procuring under-age girls for sex found dead
Christopher James McCann, a Commonwealth Bank executive charged with procuring under-age girls for sex, has been found dead in the Gold Coast hinterland, as confirmed by police. His body was discovered in Springbrook National Park on Wednesday. McCann had recently been extradited from Sydney to face court in Queensland. He appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday regarding the charges against him. His arrest occurred last week in Sydney, where he appeared at Central Local Court. Detectives from Brisbane subsequently applied for and secured his extradition to Queensland. McCann faced a single charge: using the internet to procure a child under the age of 16 for sex. He was 50 years old at the time of his death.
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Vlatko Cancar says goodbye to Nuggets Nation in heartfelt Instagram post
Vlatko Čančar, drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2017, joined the team in 2019 after transitioning from overseas basketball to the NBA. He became a fan favorite during his time in Denver, known for on-court moments and off-court humor, and was one of the team's longest-tenured players until this offseason. However, Čančar's tenure with the Nuggets officially ended earlier in the offseason when it was announced he would not return for the 2025-26 season. Reports indicate he is in advanced discussions to join a team in the EuroLeague. During his five active seasons with the Nuggets (he missed the 2023-24 season due to an ACL tear), the 6-foot-8 small forward averaged 3.4 points per game. His best seasons were in 2022 (amidst team injuries) and 2023, where he played a career-high 60 games as a depth player on the championship-winning squad. He was also part of the notable "the seven" group that won a game in Utah in 2020 despite severe roster limitations.
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Jalen Duren training clips show how he can unlock the Pistons’ offense
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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Knicks’ Josh Hart has wild reaction to Karl-Anthony Towns’ shoe size
During a New York Knicks Summer League game against the Detroit Pistons, Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride, and Mikal Bridges were in attendance. Teammate Josh Hart humorously commented on Towns' large sneakers in a photo shared by the NBA's social media, noting "Kat got them size 48s on." The Knicks are coming off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance but replaced head coach Tom Thibodeau this offseason. They hired former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown, a two-time Coach of the Year who was fired midseason by the Kings. Brown aims to build accountability and a championship culture in New York. Hart, Towns, and Bridges were key players in last season's playoff run and remain central to the team's future alongside Jalen Brunson. The Knicks bolstered their bench with offseason signings of Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz) and Guerschon Yabusele (Philadelphia 76ers). It remains uncertain whether Summer League participants like Tyler Kolek, Mohamad Diawara, or Ariel Hukporti will contribute significantly during the regular season.
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Southwest Notes: Flagg, Harper, Morant, Murphy, Peavy
Top NBA draft picks Cooper Flagg (Mavericks) and Dylan Harper (Spurs) showcased their talents in a Summer League matchup in Las Vegas. Flagg impressed the crowd with highlight dunks on his way to scoring 31 points. Harper, making his Summer League debut after recovering from a minor groin injury, countered with 16 points. Harper expressed excitement about returning for such an electrifying game, stating both players had good games and demonstrated what they bring to the NBA world. He acknowledged Flagg's performance positively. The matchup is seen as the start of a long rivalry between Flagg and Harper, widely considered the top two prospects in their draft class. They joined the Mavericks and Spurs, respectively, after both teams defied lottery odds. As division opponents, they are scheduled to face each other four times annually, with potential future playoff matchups. Harper emphasized their competitive nature, stating, "We're going to go out and compete," and looking forward to great future battles.
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Caitlin Clark Gets Double-Double in 1st WNBA Game vs. Paige Bueckers, Fever Beat Wings
In the first professional matchup between top draft picks Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, Clark and the Indiana Fever secured a decisive victory over Bueckers and the Dallas Wings, winning 102-83. Clark led the Fever with a strong all-around performance, contributing 14 points, 13 assists, and five steals. Teammates Kelsey Mitchell (20 points) and Natasha Howard (18 points, two steals) also delivered significant performances. Despite the loss, Paige Bueckers played well for the Wings, scoring 21 points along with four rebounds and four assists, continuing her standout Rookie of the Year campaign. However, her effort wasn't sufficient to counter the Fever, who improved their season record to 11-10. The loss dropped the Wings to a 6-16 record. The article notes that while this initial chapter in the anticipated Clark-Bueckers rivalry was somewhat one-sided, future matchups promise more excitement. It highlights the differing team contexts: the Fever spent the offseason building a contending roster around Clark, while the Wings are just starting their rebuild around Bueckers, a difference evident in Sunday's game. Despite the anticlimactic start, both players are recognized as young stars poised to lead the WNBA forward.
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New York Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu Celebrates Chicago Sky's Angel Reese's Accomplishments
WNBA star Angel Reese has been named the cover athlete for the NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition video game and simultaneously previewed her first signature shoe, the Reebok Angel Reese 1, on the cover. The reveal occurred on July 9th. Sabrina Ionescu, the New York Liberty guard who was the cover athlete for the 2024 WNBA edition of NBA 2K, publicly praised Reese for these honors. Ionescu emphasized the global significance and anticipation surrounding the 2K cover, stating she was "really happy" for Reese to "get her flowers so early on in her career." She recalled how meaningful her own cover moment was. Reese's cover image features her driving to the basket wearing her signature shoes. Reebok had announced her multi-year shoe deal extension in October 2024. On July 9th, Reebok also unveiled the "Diamond Dust" colorway of the Angel Reese 1, though an official release date is not yet set. Ionescu called the dual announcement "iconic," describing it as "knocking two birds with one stone" to showcase the shoe Reese worked on for a long time. She expressed enthusiasm about seeing more WNBA players receive signature shoes, affirming Reese is "well deserved" of the honor. The article notes this trend, mentioning Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson (Nike), Ionescu's Liberty teammate Breanna Stewart (Puma), and Ionescu herself, who is releasing her third Nike signature shoe (Sabrina 3s) on July 24th. Ionescu is recognized for consistently praising the new generation of WNBA players, including Caitlin Clark and Sonia Citron. This is highlighted as the upcoming July 19th WNBA All-Star Game will feature three rookies for the first time since 2011. Ionescu will play alongside Citron and Kiki Iriafen on Team Clark, while Reese (a second-year player) and Paige Bueckers will play for Team Collier. The summary concludes by noting Ionescu, the 2020 WNBA Draft's first overall pick, is entering her prime at 27 years old. Coming off her first WNBA Championship in 2024 and career highs in points and steals, she has secured a starting spot in the All-Star Game.
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What is the backstory behind Kyrie Irving's beef with fans of the Boston Celtics?
For newer Boston Celtics fans, the intense animosity toward Kyrie Irving may seem perplexing, but it originates from his 2017-2019 tenure with the team. Irving, once considered the franchise's cornerstone, publicly pledged to re-sign if fans embraced him—only to depart in free agency shortly after, a move widely perceived as a betrayal by the fanbase. While some observers contextualized his exit as understandable given team dynamics, the broken promise deeply wounded Celtics supporters who had invested emotionally in his leadership. This legacy of perceived disloyalty fuels ongoing hostility, contrasting sharply with his earlier celebrated status within the organization. The YouTube channel "Secret Base" has produced a retrospective video dissecting this turbulent era, analyzing Irving's polarizing impact on the Celtics and the lingering resentment it ignited among fans.
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Rockets HC Ime Udoka gets 100% real about defensive history with Kevin Durant
Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka discussed his extensive history with Kevin Durant, spanning both their playing careers and coaching tenures. As an NBA player from 2003-2011, Udoka overlapped with Durant's rookie years (starting in 2007) for four seasons, facing him on the court. After retiring, Udoka transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant for the Spurs, 76ers, and Nets before becoming the Celtics' head coach in 2021. Throughout his coaching career, he consistently devised defensive strategies against Durant, including during Boston's 2022 playoff series against Brooklyn, and briefly coached him while with the Nets. During a Summer League interview with ESPN, Udoka was asked about defending Durant as a player. He emphatically dismissed any suggestion of having "locked up" the superstar, stating: "I’ve never locked up Kevin Durant. If he misses a shot, it probably has nothing to do with a 6'5" guy trying to guard him." This humble reflection underscores Udoka's respect for Durant's abilities. Looking ahead, the duo now shifts focus to collaboration in Houston. Udoka, entering his second season as Rockets head coach after revitalizing the team's playoff prospects, will now lead Durant directly. The organization views Durant's addition as pivotal to ending their championship drought dating back to 1995. With a significantly retooled roster this summer, the Rockets aim for a deep postseason run, hinging on Udoka's ability to effectively integrate and deploy the team's talent.
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Kevin Durant’s 2-word reaction to Klay Thompson’s Megan Thee Stallion post
Klay Thompson appeared to publicly confirm his relationship with Megan Thee Stallion by sharing a photo with the rapper on his Instagram account over the weekend. This followed fan speculation about their romance after Thompson was spotted in the background of Megan Thee Stallion's Instagram post earlier in the week. Thompson's relationship reveal attracted significant social media attention, including responses from fellow NBA players Dwight Howard and Nate Robinson. Robinson humorously commented on the post, joking that Thompson should change his Instagram handle to Kevin Durant's "@easymoneysniper" moniker due to his "accuracy" in dating. The article clarifies that an initial claim about Durant commenting was incorrect—it originated from a verified fan account—and has been corrected to focus on other reactions. The post also revisits Thompson's history with Durant, noting they won two championships together during three seasons with the Golden State Warriors. Both now play in the NBA's Western Conference—Thompson with the Dallas Mavericks and Durant with the Houston Rockets—setting up potential competitive matchups. The Mavericks secured top draft pick Cooper Flagg, while the Rockets improved with Durant's addition, potentially positioning both teams as playoff contenders who might face each other in postseason play.
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Cleveland Cavaliers Not Named Suitor for Bradley Beal
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal, a former All-Star with a substantial contract ($53 million this season and $57 million player option for next season), is reportedly nearing a contract buyout. This move would make him a free agent, allowing him to sign with any interested team during the NBA offseason. Despite the buyout possibility, the Cleveland Cavaliers are not considered a likely destination for Beal. According to a report from The Stein Line, multiple teams have expressed interest—including the Clippers, Lakers, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Bucks—but the Cavaliers were not named among potential suitors. The Clippers are viewed as particularly strong contenders to sign the 33-year-old guard. The Cavaliers have already reshaped their guard rotation this summer, adding Lonzo Ball and opting not to re-sign Ty Jerome, focusing on depth behind Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. These moves do not align with pursuing Beal, making Cleveland an improbable fit. While NBA scenarios remain fluid, Beal is more likely to join a West Coast team like the Lakers or Clippers than the Cavaliers.
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‘When will it stop?’: Billionaire basketball dust-up goes to email
The National Basketball League (NBL) has chosen a new headquarters owned by billionaire Larry Kestelman, but the selection process has faced sharp criticism. The pitch for Kestelman's property has been denounced as a "contrived" charade, implying the decision lacked authenticity. The article frames this development as a high-stakes dispute among wealthy figures, characterizing the NBL's headquarters selection as one of the decade's most notable "bun fights" in sports. It suggests such intense contention was inevitable given the involvement of competing billionaires.
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Abra ends Nueva Ecija’s streak, shares MPBL lead
San Miguel Beermen emphasized redemption over halting TNT's Grand Slam aspirations, while coach Chot Reyes dismissed external expectations by highlighting their six All-Filipino titles. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the league will maintain 12 teams for its 50th season despite Terrafirma's ownership uncertainty. San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo downplayed injury concerns after experiencing hamstring tightness during their Game 7 victory against Barangay Ginebra. Gilas Pilipinas faces significant fatigue challenges ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup, according to head coach Tim Cone. The national team's preparation is complicated by player exhaustion from recent professional league commitments. In collegiate action, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, and National University dominated NCAA teams during the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup quarterfinals. La Salle secured the tournament's top seed by defeating UST, while UP built momentum entering the knockout stage. La Salle maintained an undefeated record as NU completed the semifinal lineup. NU finished as runners-up in the BLIA Cup tournament, propelled by Tin Cayabyab's 31-point performance in the semifinals. Cayabyab's offensive outburst secured NU's place in the championship game. The NCAA unveiled sweeping format changes for its 101st season, introducing group stages, play-in tournaments, and expanded playoffs. San Beda University claimed multiple General Championships titles as hosting responsibilities transitioned from LPU to Mapua University. Mapua later became embroiled in a bench-clearing altercation during a game against a Chinese university team.
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‘It Hurts’ – Jalen Green Breaks Silence on Shocking Trade From Rockets to Suns in a Move That Involved Kevin Durant
On June 22, just hours before Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Kevin Durant was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round picks. Jalen Green expressed deep emotions about leaving Houston during his first media appearance at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He stated, "It hurts. Houston is home to me and forever will be home to me," acknowledging his NBA career beginnings there while recognizing the trade as a business reality. Green's departure followed a 2024-25 regular season where he averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, but his playoff performance dipped significantly to 13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, potentially influencing Houston's decision to trade him. Despite sadness over leaving Houston, Green conveyed strong enthusiasm about joining the Suns, calling them a "great organization" with "great people." He predicted the team would "surprise a lot of people and make a lot of noise" in the 2025-26 season, emphasizing excitement about playing "winning basketball" for a playoff-caliber team. Green specifically highlighted his anticipated backcourt partnership with Devin Booker, declaring they would form a "deadly scoring duo." He elaborated that both players attract double teams and complement each other's scoring abilities, forcing defenses to choose which star to prioritize stopping. The Suns' commitment to Booker includes a record two-year, $145 million extension through 2029-30. Green enters the first year of a three-year, $105.3 million contract with Phoenix, solidifying the team's investment in the new backcourt pairing.
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6 Kevin Durant decisions that tarnished his legacy, ranked
Kevin Durant, despite being a future Hall of Famer, has made several decisions that have negatively impacted his legacy. His recent headline-making move to the Houston Rockets via a historic seven-team trade is viewed as another setback in his pursuit of a championship outside Golden State, further tarnishing his decorated career. One damaging incident involved Durant using anti-gay slurs in a private social media exchange with comedian Michael Rapaport while Durant was recovering from injury with the Brooklyn Nets. The public revelation of this exchange led to significant consequences: Durant received a $50,000 fine, discussions with coach Steve Nash and franchise officials, and a public apology to NBA fans, exposing an ugly side of the interaction for both parties. Following his first NBA title win, Durant faced backlash for controversial comments about India during a visit where he coached at the NBA Academy India (which set a world record for the largest basketball clinic). In an interview with The Athletic, Durant stated India was "behind" in basketball knowledge and experience and highlighted underprivileged citizens wanting to play. This drew offense from some fans, prompting Durant to apologize on social media, claiming his comments were taken out of context. Durant also shocked fans by revealing he used burner social media accounts to defend himself against critics, breaking an NBA superstar norm. This practice became particularly embarrassing in 2017 when Durant forgot to switch to a burner account while responding to a fan. His reply included criticisms of his former Oklahoma City Thunder team's roster and coach Billy Donovan, unintentionally exposing his insecurity and sensitivity. Durant admits he still responds to critics. His tenure with the Brooklyn Nets proved highly disappointing. Expected to form a dominant duo with Kyrie Irving after recovering from an Achilles tear, the partnership yielded no success. The Nets were plagued by injuries and off-court drama, including issues related to the COVID-19 vaccine and antisemitism, despite having significant star power. The team failed to achieve postseason success, whether with James Harden or Ben Simmons, culminating in a playoff sweep by the Boston Celtics. Durant was eventually traded to the Phoenix Suns at the 2023 deadline, beginning a championship drought that continues.
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The $150M decision that could reveal Heat’s Giannis plans
Tyler Herro becomes eligible for a three-year, $149.7 million extension starting October 1st. However, if the Miami Heat are seriously pursuing a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, they should avoid extending Herro. Signing the extension would impose a six-month trade restriction on Herro, meaning he couldn't be traded until after the February 2026 deadline. The Heat's hesitation isn't solely about the contract cost but centers on preserving trade flexibility. While Miami could theoretically build a trade package for Giannis without Herro, it doesn't make strategic sense to remove such a significant potential asset from their options, especially without knowing precisely what the Milwaukee Bucks would prioritize in any trade talks. Although recent Bucks moves (waiving/stretching Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner) are interpreted by many as a sign Giannis won't request a trade soon, his own recent comments about his future were noncommittal. As long as the possibility of a trade request exists, teams like the Heat, who previously saved assets for a Giannis pursuit instead of chasing Kevin Durant, will remain cautious about committing long-term to other players. Extending Herro directly conflicts with the Heat's strategy of being ready to acquire Giannis. While a Giannis trade might occur in an offseason, the trend of stars being moved midseason (like Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, De’Aaron Fox, James Harden, and Kevin Durant) means Miami must maintain maximum flexibility. Herro is likely a crucial piece for any potential Bucks trade. Milwaukee lacks control of its own first-round picks until 2031 and has no incentive to tank completely without Giannis. Herro offers a valuable "dual-timeline" asset: he helps the Bucks stay competitive immediately at age 25 (turning 26 in January) and holds significant trade value for the future due to his youth. This contrasts sharply with older players like Andrew Wiggins (31) or Norman Powell (32). Therefore, while Miami could build a Giannis package without Herro, their strongest possible offer almost certainly includes him. Consequently, unless Giannis definitively commits to staying in Milwaukee before October 1st, the Heat should pass on offering Herro a new contract extension to keep their best trade asset available.
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Drake Seemingly Tattoos Over LeBron James Tribute With Ne...
Drake has apparently covered up his tattoo of LeBron James' St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish high school jersey with a new tattoo honoring basketball player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA). The original tattoo symbolized Drake's fandom for James and their close friendship. A recent close-up photo from Drake's performance at Wireless Festival in London revealed that the Fighting Irish jersey tattoo has been replaced with one depicting SGA's Oklahoma City Thunder jersey. The homage to SGA is logical as he, like Drake, is a Toronto native. Their relationship is evident through SGA's appearance in Drake's "NOKIA" music video and their interactions at games. Drake also publicly acknowledged SGA in June after winning a large bet on the Thunder. The cover-up coincides with a reported rift between Drake and LeBron James, stemming from James attending Kendrick Lamar's "Pop Out" concert. In January, a leaked Drake song titled "Fighting Irish" featured lyrics seemingly criticizing James, calling him fake despite past exchanges of gifts and personal concern. Drake explicitly stated in the song that their once family-like relationship is over, denying they were ever like brothers and accusing James of prioritizing his public image.
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OKC Commits To Future With Chet Holmgren And Jalen Williams Deals
The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured long-term extensions for their three core players following their NBA Championship win. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander previously signed a record-breaking deal, and now Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams have also agreed to max extensions. Collectively, the Thunder have committed over $800 million in future salary to this trio. Williams and Holmgren both signed rookie max extensions starting at 25% of the salary cap, though their potential total earnings differ due to incentives. Williams' contract could be worth up to $287 million over five years, while Holmgren's could reach approximately $250 million. These figures reflect the rising salary cap, as the deals are structured as a percentage of the cap, similar to past max extensions. These extensions mean Williams, Holmgren, and Gilgeous-Alexander will consume between 85% and 95% of the Thunder's salary cap starting after the 2025-26 season. Despite this significant financial commitment, the Thunder remain well-positioned for sustained championship contention. The team can utilize its draft capital and make strategic trades, such as potentially moving players like Isaiah Hartenstein before costly extension talks, to maintain a competitive supporting cast around their core three, even under the new CBA rules. Oklahoma City is still favored to win the 2025-26 championship, and locking in their three best players for at least five more seasons solidifies their long-term future. While the roster is becoming more expensive, ownership has shown willingness to pay the luxury tax for competitive teams, especially with a new arena planned and the importance of continued success. The Thunder's recent championship is viewed as just the beginning of their potential dynasty.
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Kevin Durant's situation takes major turn after Devin Booker's record deal
Devin Booker's recent two-year, $145 million max extension with the Phoenix Suns has shifted attention to Kevin Durant's contract situation with the Houston Rockets. As a 36-year-old future Hall of Famer, Durant now holds significant leverage in negotiations, with Booker's deal setting a new benchmark for elite wing players on short-term contracts. Durant's performance remains elite—averaging 26.6 points on 52.7% shooting last season while maintaining status as one of the league's most efficient isolation scorers. The Rockets initially acquired him to accelerate their timeline and mentor young talent, implying a long-term commitment. However, this necessitates offering Durant a substantial extension comparable to Booker's deal to retain him beyond his 2026 free agency. Houston faces considerable risk if they hesitate to meet Durant's expectations. Should the Rockets balk at a similar contract, Durant could leave in 2026 despite being 37, as multiple teams would likely pursue his elite scoring and veteran leadership. This potential disconnect threatens to shorten Durant's tenure in Houston, undermining their original vision for his role in their championship contention plans.
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LeBron James, Kevin Durant send message to new Mavericks coach
The Dallas Mavericks intend to hire Phil Handy as an assistant coach. Handy has extensive NBA experience as both an on-bench assistant and a player development coach. Notably, he contributed to championship wins with three different teams: the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, the 2019 Toronto Raptors, and the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his career, Handy has coached numerous high-profile players, including LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Davis. His move to Dallas will reunite him with Irving and Davis. Handy announced his decision to join the Mavericks via an Instagram post on Thursday. In the post, he stated that his year off was "needed on many levels," allowed him to learn about himself and become a better coach, and expressed gratitude for the support. He also conveyed feeling "honored to be part of a great organization in a great city with great coaches and players," tagging the Mavericks. Many former players, including future Hall of Famers LeBron James (who commented "Congrats my guy!! Welcome back") and Kevin Durant (who commented "Welcome back"), responded positively to the announcement. Handy was last employed in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2019 to 2024. He primarily took the last year off, during which he served as head coach for Mist BC in the women's Unrivaled League for a brief season lasting about a month. His hiring by the Mavericks marks his full return to the NBA.
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‘First-ever successful arrest’ in Australian basketball over alleged racial abuse
A man has been charged by Victoria Police for allegedly racially abusing NBL star Montrezl Harrell through social media, according to a statement from Basketball Australia. The arrest occurred last week, with the accused identified as a 37-year-old man from the Melbourne suburb of Huntingdale. Basketball Australia stated that the accused individual is scheduled to appear at the Moorabbin Magistrates' Court on August 15 to face the charges. This development follows Harrell's revelation in October that he had received racially abusive messages sent directly to him via social media.
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Kevin Durant Makes Viral Steph Curry Statement
Kevin Durant, known for his active social media presence, recently engaged in a viral online discussion regarding his former Golden State Warriors teammate Stephen Curry. A fan on X criticized Durant and LeBron James, claiming Durant only won NBA championships alongside the two-time MVP Curry, and highlighted James' 1-3 record against Curry in the NBA Finals. The fan accused both Durant and James of "hating" on Curry and Michael Jordan, suggesting their legacies were damaged by Curry. Durant directly responded to the fan's tweet. He corrected the fan's statement about Curry's height, stating "Steph is 6’3," and praised Curry as "an offensive savant." Durant dismissed the fan's criticism, asserting they couldn't "comprehend high level basketball talk" and labeling them as "glazers and haters." This exchange referenced Durant and Curry's successful partnership from 2016 to 2019, during which they won two championships together with Durant earning both Finals MVP awards.
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Kevin Durant: ‘MJ retired three times. It’s okay to call that out’
Kevin Durant addressed the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, specifically commenting on Michael Jordan's career by stating, "MJ retired three times. It’s okay to call that out." In other news, the Sacramento Kings are reportedly showing interest in acquiring veteran point guard Russell Westbrook. Phoenix Suns General Manager Brian Gregory publicly discussed Devin Booker's contract extension, declaring, "He is the embodiment of the Phoenix Suns."
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Sparks overwhelmed by league-best Lynx
The Los Angeles Sparks started strong against the Minnesota Lynx but ultimately lost 91-82 at home. Despite the Sparks' initial burst, the Lynx demonstrated their league-leading dominance. Individually, Sparks All-Star Kelsey Plum performed well, scoring 17 points on 4-7 shooting. New acquisition Julie Vanloo also had a notable game, hitting five 3-pointers for 15 points. However, the Lynx, featuring MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier (17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists), lived up to their top-record status. The game began with the Lynx taking a 7-2 lead. The Sparks responded with a surge of three-pointers from Rickea Jackson, Julie Allemand, and Plum, gaining a 13-7 edge and extending their lead to double figures after a Lynx timeout. The Lynx countered late in the quarter, with Collier dominating inside and Natisha Hiedeman scoring seven quick points to briefly regain the lead. A technical foul on Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve helped the Sparks end the first quarter ahead 26-22. The second quarter saw a dominant Lynx performance. They scored eight unanswered points until Vanloo hit a three. Minnesota continued to overwhelm the Sparks, forcing turnovers and scoring easily inside, outscoring LA 22-8 midway through the quarter. Exchanges of baskets gave the Lynx a 10-point halftime lead. The Sparks' struggles continued into the third quarter. An Azurá Stevens turnover led to a Lynx fastbreak, and Kayla McBride's three-pointer extended Minnesota's lead to 57-44.
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OKC Thunder Rookie Offers High Praise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander achieved a historic season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading the league in scoring and winning NBA MVP honors after a 68-win campaign. He secured additional MVP awards in both the Western Conference Finals and NBA Finals, claiming his first championship trophy. The superstar further solidified his status by signing the NBA's largest annual contract, appearing on the NBA 2K cover, and launching his debut signature shoe line during the season. Rookie Nikola Topic, selected 12th in the 2024 NBA Draft, observed Gilgeous-Alexander's dominance firsthand while rehabbing an ACL injury that sidelined him all season. Topic described the experience as "amazing," emphasizing that witnessing Gilgeous-Alexander's daily work ethic demonstrated why his excellence was no accident. The guard specifically highlighted the value of watching the MVP-caliber player from the bench during games and workouts. After 14 months of ACL recovery dating to just before his draft selection, Topic recently participated in four Summer League games for the Thunder. His rookie season will be closely scrutinized, with Oklahoma City viewing him as a long-term developmental prospect capable of providing bench playmaking. Though immediate impact isn't prioritized, his growth trajectory remains highly promising to the franchise.
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