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The Australian sharemarket reached a record closing high for the second time this week. This rise was driven by gains in bank stocks and rate-sensitive sectors. The increase followed an unexpected rise in the unemployment rate to 4.3%, which strengthened market expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will cut interest rates next month. Meanwhile, Car Group shares neared a one-month low following the announcement of its CEO's departure. Additionally, UBS has forecasted that the RBA will implement interest rate cuts in both August and November. In other market developments, S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed Meridian Energy's credit rating. ANZ Banking Group observed a softening in the labour market but noted no major alarm bells. However, Schroders cautioned that Australia's positive short-term economic performance masks underlying long-term risks.
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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 Milwaukee Bucks still need a starting-caliber small forward or a reliable wing defender, but the article argues they should avoid signing recently waived Charlotte Hornets player Josh Okogie. While Okogie, a seven-year veteran known for his on-ball defense despite being undersized for a wing at 6-foot-4, is available for the veteran's minimum, he is deemed a poor fit for the Bucks. The article outlines several reasons against signing Okogie. Firstly, the Bucks already possess multiple guards and forwards around his height (like Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., Andre Jackson Jr.) who can defend shooting guards or smaller small forwards, but lack true wing-sized players beyond Jackson and Trent. Okogie himself is considered closer to a shooting guard than a small forward. Secondly, Okogie is described as a "terrible shooter," citing inconsistent performance and a career three-point percentage of 29.9%, which would exacerbate the Bucks' existing offensive limitations with players like Andre Jackson. Thirdly, he offers little facilitation ability. Signing the 27-year-old Okogie would likely require cutting another player, probably Jackson, who has a similar defensive profile but is younger. Despite Okogie's potential availability and defensive reputation fitting a surface need, the article concludes that his specific shortcomings in size, shooting, and offensive versatility give the Bucks no good reason to pursue him, advising Milwaukee to steer clear.
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The Milwaukee Bucks face the Chicago Bulls in their final Summer League round-robin game this afternoon. Both teams hold a 1-2 record and have been eliminated from the four-team playoff this weekend, meaning nothing tangible is at stake, making their approach interesting. The Bucks' performance has declined significantly since their opening win against Denver, suffering two disappointing losses. They were outplayed by Cleveland, losing the rebounding and free throw battles decisively. Against the Clippers, they struggled offensively without Jamaree Bouyea, missing their first ten field goals in the fourth quarter to lose a competitive game. Key players Tyler Smith (shooting 5.6% from three) and Andre Jackson Jr. (5.7 points, 3.3 turnovers per game) have performed poorly. The Bulls enter the game after a quality win against Indiana, recovering from two blowout losses. Their recent lottery picks, Matas Buzelis (28 points, 5 rebounds) and Noa Essengue (21 points, three 3-pointers), had standout performances against the Pacers, though Essengue was famously posterized. Injury concerns exist for both teams. The Bucks' Mark Sears (calf strain) hasn't debuted, and Jamaree Bouyea (thigh contusion) missed the last game. Chicago is currently healthy, but Buzelis might be rested soon to preserve him for the regular season. Availability will be confirmed at game time due to the lack of official injury reports in Vegas. Bucks player Bogoljub Markovic has shown improvement each game. Facing a smaller Chicago roster compared to previous opponents offers him a chance to avoid being physically dominated and make a positive final impression before likely being stashed next season. The game will be broadcast on ESPN 2 and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 4:30 p.m. CDT. Viewers are directed to the Brew Hoop Playback stream to watch with the site. The article includes multiple links for support, streaming services (BreakingT, ESPN+, fuboTV, Disney+), and extensive gambling problem helplines and disclaimers for various states.
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Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray has been struggling with her 3-point shot recently, making only 2 of 13 attempts in her last two games, falling below her season average of 2.3 made threes per game at a 39% success rate. However, a matchup against the Chicago Sky presents a strong opportunity for Gray to bounce back. The Sky allow an average of 10 made three-pointers on 27 attempts per game and are further weakened defensively by the absence of guard Ariel Atkins, a key perimeter defender. Given Chicago's poor switching, thin backcourt, and Atkins' injury, Gray is expected to receive ample open looks during her anticipated 30+ minutes of play. This situation creates favorable conditions for her to exceed her recent performance. The article specifically recommends betting on Allisha Gray to make Over 2.5 three-pointers in the game, citing strong value at even money (+100). Additional predictions include Jordin Canada making Over 1.5 threes and the Atlanta Dream winning the game (moneyline), suggesting a three-leg same-game parlay combining these outcomes.
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The Milwaukee Bucks made a surprising and dramatic offseason move by waiving Damian Lillard, who is expected to miss much of the 2025-26 season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. To manage the nearly $113 million remaining on his contract, the team used the "waive-and-stretch" provision, spreading the cost over five seasons, resulting in roughly $22.5 million in "dead money" on their salary cap each year. This difficult decision was made to create sufficient cap space. This freed cap space enabled the Bucks to sign highly sought-after free agent Myles Turner to a four-year, $108.9 million contract. Bucks General Manager Jon Horst stated that the guiding principle behind this and all decisions is "maximizing Giannis’ prime, our opportunities to win," framing it as a "now versus future decision." Beyond the Lillard/Turner transaction, the rest of the Bucks' offseason involved adding three new players and re-signing six of their own free agents from the previous season. While less dramatic than the main move, this combination still resulted in one of the summer's most surprising roster shake-ups. The Athletic conducted an interview with Horst at NBA Summer League, discussing the offseason moves and the team's philosophy. Part 1 of the conversation focused on big-picture topics. Highlights included Horst explaining that improving the team immediately outweighed the future risk of dead money, stating they had a "big hurdle" to deal with now. He revealed acquiring Turner via waive-and-stretch was an avenue they were "always exploring" and that Turner was "always been a target." Horst also discussed plans to lean more into Giannis Antetokounmpo's playmaking, believing "He truly is becoming a real point guard," expressed strong confidence in coach Doc Rivers as a "championship-level coach" and "the right coach," and asserted that he has "done everything within my human possible power this offseason." Part 2 of the interview, focusing on specific moves and player impacts, is scheduled for release on Friday.
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Former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, considered one of college basketball's greatest coaches, stated that freshman Cooper Flagg is "definitely the best freshman that has ever played" at Duke, placing him among the program's elite players like Grant Hill and Christian Laettner. This prompted an analysis to determine where Flagg ranks on Duke's all-time roster after just one season. Compiling the roster proved complex, focusing strictly on collegiate accomplishments and evaluating 53 first-round NBA draft picks since 1985-86, plus other elite players who warranted acknowledgment despite limited playing time (like Kyrie Irving, whose potential was hampered by injury). Player polls, statistical impact, national-level performance, and sheer dominance were considered, with positions ignored to reflect today's game. The goal was a balanced roster, acknowledging the difficulty of comparing multi-year players from older eras to potential one-and-done stars like Flagg or Zion Williamson. Flagg emerged as the most polarizing candidate. Some former Duke players, including ESPN analyst Jay Bilas, argued one season was insufficient for all-time top-five consideration, regardless of talent. A member of the 1994 runner-up team and a star from the 1991/92 championship teams explicitly stated Flagg wouldn't make their all-time starting five, citing the lack of a national championship ring and the accomplishments of others like Grant Hill. They placed Flagg in a category similar to Kyrie Irving. Conversely, others, including a key member of the 2001 championship team, believed an argument could be made for Flagg at power forward, especially considering the modern style of play.
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Caitlin Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, is facing a difficult 2025 season with the Indiana Fever, having already missed 10 games due to two separate injuries. She openly described the season as "hard" and "difficult," emphasizing the mental challenge of preparing for games while knowing she cannot play and dealing with the stop-start nature of her recovery. Clark stated her focus is on getting her body healthy and maintaining confidence. Clark's on-court performance has suffered significantly this season. Her shooting percentages are down across the board: she's hitting just over 37% from the field, a low 28.9% from three-point range, and under 82% from the free-throw line, marking a notable decline from her rookie year stats. As Clark works to return to form, her pre-game outfit before the Fever's matchup against the Connecticut Sun drew considerable attention on social media. While many fans expressed strong positive reactions to her look, calling it "🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥" and "😍😮💨," others criticized it, with some comments suggesting she needs a new stylist. The game between the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever is available to watch on ESPN.
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The Oklahoman's end-of-season player evaluation series focuses on Thunder center Jaylin Williams. While acknowledging his memorable championship parade moment, the report highlights his emergence as a valuable player beyond his charismatic personality. Williams averaged career highs in rebounds (5.6 per game), assists (2.6 per game), blocks (0.6 per game), and field goal percentage (43.9%), while tying his career high in points (5.9 per game). These are considered solid contributions for a third-team center. Thunder general manager Sam Presti emphasized Williams' unique role as an energy source for the team. Presti shared an anecdote from a frigid, early morning shootaround in Philadelphia, where Williams actively lifted team spirits amidst challenging conditions. While other players struggled to get going, Williams was "yelling everyone's names out and making jokes," keeping everyone loose and redirecting energy away from the harsh elements, thereby maintaining a positive team mood.
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The New York Knicks continue their search for an associate head coach without securing a hire as the NBA summer league enters its second week, facing complications including an issue involving Darvin Ham. The Knicks expressed interest in Ham, the former head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. However, according to The Post, Ham's current team, the Milwaukee Bucks, informed him that he could not join the Knicks because the move would be considered lateral. A person involved in the process described the decision as standard procedure, stating, "It’s just the way it’s done."
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The Milwaukee Bucks hold a 1-2 record in the NBA Summer League, providing significant playing time to their young players. Guard Jamaree Bouyea has performed impressively, capturing the attention of coach Doc Rivers for potential backcourt contributions. Another focus is second-round draft pick (47th overall in 2025) Bogoljub Markovic. While showcasing good performances, a former Bucks player expressed reservations. The former player, Johnson, commented that Markovic did "some OK things, some good things," but also things needing work, which is expected for a young player. Johnson acknowledged Markovic's talent and "tremendous upside" but suggested it might be better for the rookie to gain more seasoning if the Bucks don't urgently need him this season. Markovic scored 0 points in his first Summer League game but improved to 5 and 14 points in the subsequent two games. The article also notes broader team context. Despite the Bucks president addressing Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, uncertainty about the star's future lingers. The team made significant roster moves by signing Myles Turner and waiving Damian Lillard, but the roster is still considered too light to be a championship contender. Bradley Beal, linked to the Bucks previously, is mentioned as a potential target as his time in Phoenix ends. The Bucks are actively trying to build a competitive roster around Antetokounmpo as he desired.
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Jayson Tatum is actively recruiting free agent guard Damian Lillard to join the Boston Celtics, reigniting efforts he previously made during Lillard's 2023 trade request from Portland. Both players, currently sidelined for the upcoming season, share an established connection from teaming up at the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. Lillard's availability comes after being waived by Milwaukee, though signing him carries significant injury risks. He's recovering from an Achilles injury that could reduce his athleticism by 5-10%, particularly impacting his burst as a smaller, older guard reliant on explosiveness for separation. Any potential deal would require a minimum contract for the upcoming season, with long-term negotiations deferred until next offseason when Lillard heals. The Celtics must first shed additional salary to avoid the second apron luxury tax threshold before offering a substantial contract. While Boston doesn't have an immediate roster need for Lillard, the franchise may proceed with the signing regardless to maintain All-Star Jayson Tatum's satisfaction, treating it as a goodwill gesture toward their cornerstone player.
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The ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations between the WNBA and its players association are described as a pivotal development with significant implications for the league and women's sports broadly. The most urgent issue being addressed is player salaries, particularly as the current CBA expires after this season. WNBA players argue they deserve increased compensation because the league's overall revenue has substantially grown in recent years, warranting a larger share for athletes. Much of this revenue surge is attributed to the impact of generational superstar Caitlin Clark, making her participation in the negotiations particularly relevant. Clark confirmed she will attend the next round of CBA meetings in Indianapolis despite not being an official team representative or committee member. Speaking before the Indiana Fever's July 15 game, she emphasized the meetings' importance for the league's future growth, stating: "This is a very important time for our league... I'm certainly looking forward to those meetings and being in them." Clark added that all players are invested in advancing the talks, specifically noting the significance of the upcoming Thursday session.
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The WNBA players union and league officials are preparing for their first in-person collective bargaining agreement negotiations since December, scheduled for Thursday in Indianapolis ahead of All-Star weekend. Both sides have exchanged initial proposals but remain significantly apart in early discussions. Phoenix Mercury forward and union representative Satou Sabally characterized the league's proposal as "a slap in the face." Key negotiation points include demands for increased salaries, revenue sharing, and expanded roster sizes. The current CBA expires after this season, with nearly all non-rookie scale players becoming free agents seeking substantial pay raises. Union president Nneka Ogwumike expressed optimism that the face-to-face meeting with the full players' executive council would facilitate progress, noting in-person discussions often prove more efficient than remote communications. The negotiations occur amid unprecedented WNBA growth, including rising attendance, viewership, and a new $2.2 billion media rights deal starting next season. The league also plans expansion to 18 teams by 2030, with each new franchise paying a $250 million entry fee. Ogwumike criticized the league's resistance to sharing expansion fee revenue with players, stating: "It doesn't make a lot of sense." She revealed the union submitted its proposal in February but didn't receive the league's counter until last month—a delay she found surprising, suggesting the league misunderstood the players' initial offer. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledged at April's draft that the union's proposal lacked comprehensiveness but projected confidence in reaching a "transformational" agreement, emphasizing such negotiations "take time."
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The Denver Nuggets' selection of Nikola Jokic with the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft fundamentally transformed the franchise, rescuing it from irrelevance and delivering its first NBA championship. Jokic, widely regarded as the best basketball player on Earth, has won three of the last five MVP awards, with a strong argument he deserved five consecutive MVPs. His era represents an unprecedented and unrepeatable run of success for the Nuggets. Jokic cemented his legacy by carrying the team to the 2023 NBA championship and Finals MVP, defying expectations in a league not originally built for teams like Denver to win. However, the past two seasons ended in frustrating back-to-back Game 7 losses in the second round, leaving even Jokic perplexed and marking the first perceived cracks in his Nuggets era. These losses cast doubt on the previously assumed certainty that Jokic, seemingly always content in Denver, would spend his entire career with the team. This uncertainty was amplified when owner Josh Kroenke made a concerning comment about the "doomsday scenario" of trading Jokic. Combined with the anonymity of the new front office leadership (Ben Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace), these developments have understandably caused significant nervousness among the fanbase.
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The Golden State Warriors are considered the frontrunners to sign veteran center Al Horford if he decides not to retire. However, ESPN's Marc J. Spears reports that several Eastern Conference teams, specifically the Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, and Los Angeles Lakers, have also shown interest in the free agent. Atlanta holds potential appeal for Horford as he maintains a home there. Spears noted that while the Warriors anticipated Horford signing last week, the deal did not materialize. He emphasized that Horford is still contemplating retirement, is in no rush to decide, and values proximity to family during the offseason. This factor could disadvantage West Coast teams like the Warriors and Lakers. Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens previously stated it's "unlikely" Horford returns to Boston, though the team did make him an offer. Milwaukee's interest is viewed as surprising given their recent acquisition of Myles Turner and re-signing of big men Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims. Conversely, Atlanta's pursuit aligns with their need for frontcourt depth following Clint Capela's departure, as they lack experienced bench options beyond rookies Asa Newell and Mouhamed Gueye.
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The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly showing interest in veteran center Al Horford to potentially fill one of their final roster spots. This interest comes despite the Bucks having recently re-signed Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims, and acquiring Myles Turner, which initially seemed to solidify their frontcourt. Horford, a 39-year-old center previously with the Boston Celtics, is unsigned and potentially seeking a new team or considering retirement. While the Warriors, Lakers, and Nuggets were earlier favorites, the Bucks and Hawks are now also rumored suitors. Signing Horford on a veteran's minimum contract is seen as an intriguing possibility for the Bucks. Offensively, his role would be limited to setting effective screens and making open three-point shots, skills he still possesses despite his age. Defensively, while showing some decline guarding the perimeter, he remains a solid interior defender and rim protector. Within the Bucks' rotation, Horford would not start and Bobby Portis would likely remain the first big man off the bench. His addition wouldn't completely eliminate opportunities for Jericho Sims, especially as Horford typically avoids playing both nights of back-to-backs. Horford would allow Portis to play primarily power forward off the bench. Horford and Sims would offer different options at backup center – Horford providing floor spacing and Sims providing athleticism and rim threat, depending on matchups. Overall, Horford's catch-and-shoot ability and still-serviceable defense are viewed as a good fit for Milwaukee. However, the report suggests it seems unlikely he ultimately becomes a Buck. The Bucks' interest in another big man as they finalize their roster is noted as interesting, but the outcome remains uncertain.
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Adem Bona, the Philadelphia 76ers center, expressed his high expectations for his second NBA season during an interview in Las Vegas. He highlighted his naturally loud and vocal presence on the court, especially defensively, which he considers essential as the team's anchor and rim protector. He emphasized using his voice to direct teammates and ensure understanding of game plans, particularly during a recent Summer League game where he felt it was needed. Bona reflected on the unexpected opportunity his rookie season provided. When Joel Embiid was ruled out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season in late February, Bona received significant playing time on a struggling Sixers team (24-58 record). Both Bona and the organization viewed this extended run as massively advantageous for his development, accelerating his learning curve despite the team's poor performance. While possessing a relentless motor, stellar length, and rare athleticism for his size, Bona acknowledged needing to adjust mentally to the NBA game. His focus areas included refining decision-making and becoming a more disciplined rim protector. Sixers President Daryl Morey confirmed that Bona's increased minutes, unusual for a rookie on a contending team, were a rare positive outcome of the season, allowing Bona to gain valuable experience and earn the coaching staff's confidence. Bona made noticeable strides towards the end of his rookie year. His defensive discipline improved dramatically, reducing foul trouble. He also progressed in making reads during offensive plays, like handling 4-on-3 situations after setting screens. Crucially, he developed significant confidence, both in his individual skills and in his understanding of his specific role within the team structure. Bona identified "patience" as the biggest lesson learned during his rookie year. He stressed the importance of staying ready while waiting for his opportunity, which came later in the season. He felt he capitalized on that chance and successfully learned and defined his role on the team, citing these as his two major takeaways from the experience.
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Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after sustaining an injury during a recent offseason workout. Sources described the procedure as a "clean-up" that did not involve major ligaments. George will now begin a rehabilitation plan and is scheduled to be re-evaluated before the start of training camp. This injury occurred in the same knee George hyper-extended twice during the previous season, raising immediate concerns about his durability. The timing is particularly troubling as George entered the previous season healthy but was subsequently hampered by multiple injuries that limited his effectiveness, leading to him being shut down after the All-Star break alongside Joel Embiid. While hopes were high for a bounce-back season, this new injury casts doubt on that possibility. The fact that George sustained an injury requiring surgery during an offseason workout is alarming, especially considering he turned 35 in May. He is entering the second year of a four-year, $212 million contract, set to earn $51.7 million in the 2025-26 season. The article expresses concern that if George continues to suffer injuries at this rate, his contract could become one of the worst in the NBA in the coming years. While George could potentially recover fully by October, the risk of recurring nagging injuries due to age and wear-and-tear remains significant. The article emphasizes a key lesson for the 76ers from last season: they must prioritize George's health and allow him ample time to recover fully, even if it means missing games early in the season, rather than rushing him back prematurely. The article concludes with a satirical suggestion that Dr. Jonathan Glashow, who performed the same surgery on both George and Embiid within four months, should ring the bell for Philadelphia's home-opening game.
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The New York Liberty faced a significant challenge against the Atlanta Dream, trailing by 11 points at halftime amid a substantial free-throw disparity (28 attempts for Atlanta versus 11 for New York). Early struggles included Sabrina Ionescu’s 1-of-11 shooting, though Leonie Fiebich’s efforts provided critical support. This officiating imbalance is familiar to the Liberty, who have won three games over the past two seasons when opponents attempted at least 16 more free throws—triple the combined total of the entire league in that period. Ionescu acknowledged the pattern with disbelief, joking about hoping to avoid such situations, but emphasized her team’s resilience: "We never let [officiating] be the reason we’re talking about refs—it’s about us." Despite questionable calls, the Liberty focused on self-improvement, playing through the discrepancy to mount a second-half comeback. Ionescu reiterated postgame that the team prioritizes controlling their performance over blaming referees, underscoring their determination to "find a way to play through it." Entering their final pre-All-Star game against the Indiana Fever, the defending champions hold title-contention potential despite recent inconsistency. After a 9-0 season start, they have won only three of their last nine games. A victory against the Fever would secure a three-game winning streak heading into the break.
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Myles Turner has left the Indiana Pacers after a decade with the team, signing a four-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. As a homegrown talent and the longest-tenured Pacer, he was a foundational player who helped lead the team, alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, to the NBA Finals last season. The departure occurred because the Pacers and Turner could not reach an agreement on a new contract, leading him to seek his perceived market value elsewhere. Speaking during a Summer League broadcast in Las Vegas, Turner commented on the likely reception he'll receive from Pacers fans when he returns. He anticipates a mixed reaction, remarking that some fans who previously wanted him off the team for years are now complaining about his departure despite getting their wish: "I think it's gonna be half-and-half... there was a lot of people that wanted me off the team and they got what they wanted and now they're complaining still." Since Turner remains in the Central Division with the Bucks, the Pacers will face him frequently. The significant change is that he will now share the frontcourt with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Turner faces significant pressure to make an immediate impact in Milwaukee. His arrival comes amid persistent offseason speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially leaving the Bucks. As the franchise's major offseason addition, Turner is tasked with helping keep the Bucks competitive in the Eastern Conference, partly to help ensure Giannis remains satisfied and stays with the team.
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After concluding his tenure with the Miami Heat, Duncan Robinson has officially joined the Detroit Pistons. He was introduced to local media during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas on Sunday, coinciding with the Pistons' second Summer League matchup. Robinson expressed his enthusiasm via social media, posting: "What up, Doe! It’s Duncan here. I’m out here Vegas Summer League watching these young guys compete. I’m super excited to be joining the Pistons. I can’t wait to get to Detroit and get this thing rolling. Go Pistons!" The move followed Robinson's early exit from his Heat contract this offseason. Though he considered re-signing with Miami under different terms, he ultimately agreed to a deal with Detroit via a sign-and-trade. The transaction involved the Pistons sending veteran Simone Fontecchio to the Heat in exchange for Robinson. Robinson brings significant shooting prowess to Detroit, having averaged 11 points with a 40% three-point accuracy across 420+ career games. While he won't immediately play for the Pistons, his six years of playoff experience is expected to provide valuable depth once NBA training camps begin.
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Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers expressed his belief that Myles Turner's abilities would complement Giannis Antetokounmpo perfectly, though the context for this comment isn't elaborated in the provided text. Guard Cole Anthony is set to join the Milwaukee Bucks on a one-year deal. After spending his first five NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic, Anthony was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason but secured a buyout without playing for them. He is now expected to sign with Milwaukee. Anthony, who alternated between starting and bench roles in Orlando, contributed to the Magic's late-season push to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year following a three-year absence, including winning nine of their final twelve regular-season games in 2024-25. Anthony's signing addresses a need for guard depth on the Bucks roster created by the loss of star guard Damian Lillard, who was waived after suffering an Achilles tendon tear during the playoffs. The article highlights three key takeaways from Anthony's move to Milwaukee. Firstly, his offensive ability is considered his most important attribute. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over five seasons with Orlando, ranking him among the top three offensive bench players in the NBA according to ESPN. While his production dipped this past season to a career-low 9.4 points per game due to reduced minutes (18.4 per game) and starting only 22 of 67 games, alongside foot issues causing missed games, increased playing time and better health in Milwaukee could lead to improved output. Secondly, Anthony's scoring is needed. With Lillard out, the Bucks' backcourt lacks scoring punch. Gary Trent Jr. is currently the highest-scoring guard on the roster, averaging 11.7 points per game in the regular season. Anthony and Trent Jr. are likely to compete for minutes at the guard position. Thirdly, the Bucks need to replace Lillard's three-point shooting. Despite a first-round playoff exit and scoring inconsistencies, Milwaukee led the NBA in three-point shooting percentage during the regular season (38.7%). Lillard was a significant factor, leading the team with 3.4 made threes per game. His absence creates a void that needs filling to maintain their strong outside shooting.
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The Milwaukee Bucks have opted to sign 25-year-old point guard Cole Anthony following his contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, abandoning earlier considerations of veteran Chris Paul. This decision aligns with the team's clear strategy to prioritize youth, evidenced by recent roster moves including trading Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton for Myles Turner and Gary Harris, while retaining young players Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., Jericho Sims, and Ryan Rollins. While Paul offers superior experience and playmaking, Anthony better fits Milwaukee's planned athletic, up-tempo style next season. His high-flying athleticism contrasts with the 40-year-old Paul's current limitations, making Anthony a more cohesive fit. The Bucks now feature a trio of young point guards—Anthony, Porter, and Rollins—collectively capable of facilitating, shooting, and impacting games, despite their relative inexperience. Milwaukee's youth-focused rebuild may continue, with rumors linking them to Thanasis Antetokounmpo or another athletic small forward. The likelihood of Paul joining was always uncertain, as reports indicated he wasn't seriously considering Eastern Conference teams. The Bucks proactively pursued Anthony rather than waiting on Paul's decision, reinforcing their commitment to this roster direction.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder officially announced Chet Holmgren's contract extension on July 13th. This follows the July 9th report by Shams Charania that Holmgren agreed to a fully-guaranteed, five-year maximum rookie contract extension. According to Bobby Marks, the deal starts at 25% of the projected 2026/27 salary cap, estimated to be worth $240 million over five years. Holmgren, the second overall pick in the 2022 draft, overcame significant early career injuries. He missed the entire 2022/23 season with a foot injury. In the 2023/24 season, he started all games, averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks. A pelvic fracture limited him to 32 games in the following regular season (15.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.2 BPG), but he started all 23 playoff games (15.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.9 BPG), helping the Thunder win their first championship since relocating. Holmgren joins MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as Thunder players receiving max extensions. The team is also expected to pursue a max extension for forward Jalen Williams this offseason. Initial reports suggest Holmgren's deal likely does not include the "Rose Rule" language that could increase its value based on individual accolades. While Charania mentioned a potential value reaching $250 million, exceeding even the maximum projected cap increase scenario ($246.6M), this higher figure may be an approximation.
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Orlando Magic fans recently celebrated acquiring Desmond Bane, viewing him as the perfect complement to their young core and a move propelling them into championship contention. However, this acquisition came at the cost of trading Cole Anthony to the Memphis Grizzlies, a move understood as necessary but emotionally difficult despite Anthony's recent on-court struggles. Anthony's future quickly became uncertain, with reports indicating the Grizzlies planned to either trade him again or buy out his contract. An agreement was reached for Anthony to leave Memphis and sign with the Milwaukee Bucks, a key Eastern Conference rival of the Magic. Adding to the connection, the Bucks also signed Gary Harris to a short-term contract. This means Milwaukee now employs both Cole Anthony and Gary Harris, Orlando's primary backup backcourt duo from last season. Both players were effectively discarded by the Magic this offseason after struggling to provide offensive production as the team ascended into Playoff contention, receiving criticism for failing to deliver needed scoring boosts. The article highlights the curious nature of Milwaukee's decision to acquire this specific backcourt pairing that Orlando felt compelled to move on from to reach championship level. Anthony's struggles last season were noted, averaging a career-low 9.4 points per game on 42.4% shooting, partly due to reduced minutes as Orlando prioritized defensive size with other guards. While he had some standout performances (like 35 points against Miami, a game-winner against Brooklyn, and 22 points/9 assists against Milwaukee in March), he faltered badly in the Playoffs against Boston, scoring only 11 points total in 5 games. Over the last two Playoffs, he averaged just 3.9 points per game on 30.6% shooting. Gary Harris also produced minimally, facing constant criticism for lack of statistical contribution. He averaged a career-low 3.0 points per game last season and shot 35.6% from three (his worst in five Magic seasons). While he retained a role due to solid defense, even taking minutes from others, his offensive output remained low in the 2024 season (6.9 points per game on 5.5 field goal attempts per game, compared to only 2.8 attempts per game the previous year).
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The Milwaukee Bucks have an open roster spot that could soon be filled by forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo. His potential return to the team is directly tied to whether his brother, superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, remains with the Bucks. Giannis is reportedly considering his future in Milwaukee after consecutive first-round playoff exits, weighing if he wants to spend his prime with a team perceived to have limited assets and paths for improvement. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Bucks are expected to re-sign Thanasis Antetokounmpo only if Giannis stays with the team. Stein also noted that the Bucks continue to seek backcourt help. Thanasis missed the entire previous season due to a torn Achilles tendon injury sustained during a workout, which took him 13 months to recover from; he declared his return in May. Thanasis, who is set to turn 33 soon and is nearing the end of his NBA career, has spent the past five seasons with the Bucks. During that time, he averaged 2.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game, typically appearing in around 40 games per season for an average of 7.7 minutes. He is primarily considered an end-of-the-bench player who provides energy and a positive locker room presence. After his NBA career concludes, he is expected to have opportunities to play overseas again.
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