The Oklahoma City Thunder have fortified their championship core this week by finalizing massive extensions for both Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, first reported by ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
This ensures their &ldquo;Big Three&rdquo; remains intact alongside MVP Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander after winning the 2025 NBA title.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chet Holmgren, 23, has agreed to a fully guaranteed five-year deal worth up to $250 million, rewarding his dominant playoff presence &ndash; including a Finals Game 7 record of five blocks and averaging 15.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG and 1.9 BPG in 23 postseason games.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jalen Williams, 24, is finalizing a five-year, rookie-scale supermax extension up to $287 million, following a breakout All-Star campaign in which he averaged 21.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.8 APG in the playoffs (despite a torn wrist tendon) and posted 23.6 PPG in the Finals.</li>
</ul>
Combined with SGA&rsquo;s supermax deal (four years, $285M), the total commitment to the trio reaches an unprecedented $822 million &ndash; a historic investment signaling OKC&rsquo;s intention to ride this championship window through the decade.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: This wave of extensions locks the Thunder's foundational players in place, ensuring that their core trio remains under contract through 2030-31. It underscores GM Sam Presti&rsquo;s strategy of sustaining championship contention by investing heavily in homegrown talent.
However, the financial implications are significant. Projected to exceed the second salary-cap apron, OKC may face luxury tax penalties and might have to part with role players in the coming years.
However, with Gilgeous‑Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams signed long-term, the Thunder now boast one of the most stable young cores in pro basketball. Despite looming cap constraints, their roster remains flush with draft assets and non-guaranteed deals &ndash; tools key to maintaining depth and flexibility moving forward.&nbsp;
Oklahoma City has gone all-in, financially and strategically. These extensions mark a bold push to build a sustained dynasty &ndash; a gamble requiring careful balance between elite talent retention and navigating future cap pressures.

The Thunder have fortified their championship core by finalizing massive extensions for both Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.

OKC Thunder commit to future with Holmgren & Williams’ extensions

The NBA has officially unveiled the groups for the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup, its in-season tournament spanning all 30 teams. Group stage play will run from October 31 to November 28, with knockout rounds &ndash; including quarterfinals, semifinals (December 13), and the championship (December 16) &ndash; scheduled in Las Vegas.
<h3>Western Conference Groups</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Group A: Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Group B: Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Group C: Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs</li>
</ul>
<h3>Eastern Conference Groups</h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Group A: Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Group B: Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Group C: New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets</li>
</ul>
Each team will play four group games &ndash; two home, two away &ndash; on &ldquo;Cup Nights.&rdquo; The six group winners plus one wild-card per conference (top second-place team) advance to the quarterfinals.&nbsp;
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Star-heavy Group C in the West promises high-stakes matchups and early tests for contenders like Houston, Denver, and Golden State.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eastern intrigue lies in Group A, where Cleveland and Indiana&rsquo;s clash may set an early tone for the East.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prime Video broadcasting expands the Cup's reach, spotlighting the tournament&rsquo;s peak during December&rsquo;s Vegas knockout stages.</li>
</ul>
The Emirates NBA Cup offers midseason intensity, rewarding early cohesion and depth. With fierce competition and championship aspirations on the line, group dynamics will test contenders early and provide compelling basketball through the end of the year.
Full group breakdown sets the stage for a high-impact tournament &ndash; expect fierce battles starting October 31.

The NBA has officially unveiled the groups for the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup, its in-season tournament spanning all 30 teams.

2025 Emirates NBA Cup: Group stage draw revealed

Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier, captains of their respective squads, have officially drafted the final rosters for the 2025 AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis on July 19 &ndash; live on WNBA Countdown and reported via ESPN and WNBA.com.
Using Clark&rsquo;s top fan vote privilege, she selected Aliyah Boston first, followed by Collier with Breanna Stewart, per WNBA.com&rsquo;s official draft log. The remaining starters in order were Clark&rsquo;s team: Sabrina Ionescu, A&rsquo;ja Wilson, Satou Sabally and Collier&rsquo;s team: Allisha Gray, Nneka Ogwumike, Paige Bueckers.
In round two, Collier picked first &ndash; key selections included Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Angel Reese, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Plum, Courtney Williams, and Kayla Thornton spread across both teams.
Team compositions stayed true to captain loyalties: Clark opted for her Indiana Fever teammates (Boston, Mitchell) and sharpshooters, while Collier leaned on UConn alumni (Stewart, Bueckers) and seasoned vets like Ogwumike and Reese.
In a first-ever twist, Clark and Collier swapped head coaches post-draft &ndash; Sandy Brondello will lead Team Clark and Cheryl Reeve directs Team Collier, aligning each coach with her respective players.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: Clark prioritized team chemistry, selecting Boston and Mitchell early, staying loyal to her Fever core. Collier showcased UConn pride with Stewart and Bueckers, reflecting her college and pro affiliations. The coach swap sent a strategic and symbolic signal, ensuring coherence between captains, coaches, and rosters.
With star-studded rosters and innovative storytelling ahead, WNBA fans can expect a fiercely competitive All-Star week. Tip-off from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on July 19, airing on ABC, Disney+, and ESPN+.

Captains Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier have officially drafted the final rosters for the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game.

Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier finalize 2025 WNBA All-Star rosters

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander continues his meteoric rise this summer&mdash;securing a league-record four-year, $285.4 million supermax extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder and earning the coveted spot as the standard‑edition cover athlete for NBA 2K26, both first reported by Shams Charania and confirmed by multiple outlets.
SGA&rsquo;s supermax deal, the largest average annual value in NBA history at approximately $71.35 million per year, slots him in OKC through the 2030&ndash;31 season. It comes on the heels of a historic 2024-25 campaign: he won NBA MVP, Finals MVP, the scoring title (32.7 PPG), and led OKC to its first NBA championship &ndash; a rare trifecta achieved by only three players in history .
Simultaneously, 2K Games officially selected SGA as the NBA 2K26 standard edition cover star, releasing the news via Shams Charania on X. The announcement highlighted his on-court dominance and off-court appeal, with the game&rsquo;s SVP praising SGA&rsquo;s &ldquo;elite IQ, ice‑cold composure and street style&rdquo;. The game, set for release on September 5, 2025, will also feature Angel Reese and Carmelo Anthony on other editions, with all three appearing on the deluxe Leave No Doubt edition.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: This is a huge move for the franchise stability of OKC, as they have now locked in its best player for half a decade, ensuring consistency around their young core and championship expectations. Moreover, being a primary NBA 2K cover athlete is a rare distinction &ndash; SGA joins the ranks of NBA icons and becomes the first Thunder player to earn a solo standard-edition cover since Kevin Durant. The partnership with 2K extends beyond the cover &ndash; SGA helped shape on-game aesthetics like playlists and introduction outfits. It's a marketing win for both the superstar and the NBA brand.&nbsp;
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander&rsquo;s summer moves are more than ceremonial &ndash; this is a franchise-defining era. From signing the richest deal in league history to gracing the cover of the most iconic basketball video game, he's cementing his legacy on and off the court. Oklahoma City&rsquo;s future will be measured by how well it builds around its undisputed leader.

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander continues his meteoric rise this summer with his supermax extension and being the NBA 2K26 cover.

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander cements elite year with historic extension and NBA 2K26 cover

The San Antonio Spurs have bolstered their frontcourt by acquiring veteran center/forward Kelly Olynyk from the Washington Wizards. In exchange, San Antonio sent young guards Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley, along with a 2026 second-round draft pick, to Washington, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Olynyk, a 12-year NBA veteran known for his floor-spacing skill set, shot a career-best 41.8% from deep last season while averaging 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across the Raptors and Pelicans. He joins a revamped Spurs frontcourt alongside Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet, offering both versatility and experience.
Branham and Wesley, both 22-year-old first-round picks struggling for rotation time in San Antonio, head to Washington as part of the Wizards' youth rebuild; the swap also grants them the least favorable of the 2026 second-round picks held by Dallas, Philadelphia, or Oklahoma City.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: For the Spurs, Olynyk adds a veteran shooting big to complement Wembanyama&rsquo;s inside presence. His ability to stretch the floor helps modernize the offense, and his contract is expiring, giving the Spurs valuable financial flexibility while reinforcing their depth.&nbsp;
For the Wizards, trading Olynyk opens an opportunity for younger players and clears space as the Wizards focus on developing their core. Branham and Wesley both offer upside and draft capital to accelerate the rebuild.&nbsp;
The Spurs continue their quiet, strategic offseason, prioritizing veteran depth without compromising cap control or long-term assets. Meanwhile, Washington gains future-oriented pieces in line with their youth-driven philosophy.

The San Antonio Spurs have bolstered their frontcourt by acquiring veteran center/forward Kelly Olynyk from the Washington Wizards.

Spurs add veteran stretch big Kelly Olynyk in trade with Wizards

The Miami Heat have landed veteran wing Norman Powell in a three‑team deal involving the Clippers and Jazz, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Aiming to reignite their playoff push after a first‑round exit, the Heat have acquired Powell, who is coming off a career‑high 21.8 points per game across 60 games with the Clippers, including shooting 41.8% from three. Powell brings proven scoring and toughness to Miami&rsquo;s rotation and will be ready to contribute immediately.
In return, John Collins is headed to L.A. from Utah, while the Heat sent veterans Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson, plus a 2027 second‑round pick, to the Jazz. This low‑cost explosion reflects Miami president Pat Riley&rsquo;s focus on high‑value upgrades.&nbsp;
Powell, 32, reacted emotionally to the trade: &ldquo;Thinking back to my childhood, being a big fan of Dwyane Wade&hellip; full circle moment,&rdquo; he said, embracing the franchise&rsquo;s culture and intentions. He joins a Heat squad led by Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, offering added firepower and spacing for Miami&rsquo;s revamped offense.
For Miami, Powell fulfills multiple needs: proven leadership, wing defense, and instant scoring in contract year form. Clippers gain athleticism with Collins, and Jazz bolster their rebuild with salary relief and future assets.
For LA, they add a legitimate lob threat for James Harden and a position of need at the 4
ANALYSIS: This move signals the Heat&rsquo;s &ldquo;win‑now&rdquo; approach &ndash; a low-risk, high-reward strategy to push for contention by sending out their veterans. With Powell in tow, Miami&rsquo;s bench enters the season with renewed depth and purpose.

The Miami Heat have landed veteran wing Norman Powell in a three‑team deal involving the Clippers and Jazz.

Heat acquire Norman Powell in three‑team trade with Jazz and Clippers

The Indiana Pacers have filled the void left by Myles Turner&rsquo;s departure to Milwaukee by trading for 7‑foot‑1 stretch center Jay Huff, who was dealt to Indiana by Memphis for a pair of second-round picks and a pick swap, first reported by Shams Charania via ESPN.&nbsp;
Huff, known for his 40.5% shooting from deep last season, immediately brings the spacing and rim protection the Pacers need.
In limited minutes with Memphis, Huff averaged 6.9 points, 2 rebounds, and nearly 1 block in just under 12 minutes per game. Indiana views him as a low-risk, high-upside addition with three years remaining on his $8 million contract. He&rsquo;s expected to slot into the rotation immediately as their new primary center, as he plays similarly to Turner.
This move arrives on the heels of Turner signing a four-year, $107 million deal with Milwaukee, leaving the Pacers scrambling to reconstruct their frontcourt. While Huff won&rsquo;t directly replicate Turner&rsquo;s production, analysts regard the trade as a smart pivot &ndash; a cost-effective way to keep the roster balanced while maintaining cap flexibility, as well as Huff&rsquo;s skillset directly correlates with that of Turner&rsquo;s.
Indiana is also expected to target additional frontcourt support, with restricted free agent Isaiah Jackson recovering from an Achilles injury. For now, Huff provides a much-needed bridge in the post-platform, giving the team a modern big man who can stretch, rebound, and protect the rim.

The Indiana Pacers have filled the void left by Myles Turner’s departure to Milwaukee by trading for 7‑foot‑1 center Jay Huff.

Pacers find Turner's replacement, land stretch big Jay Huff

In a move first reported by Shams Charania, the Washington Wizards landed promising young forward Cam Whitmore from the Houston Rockets in exchange for two future second-round draft picks.
The picks are reportedly a 2026 pick via Chicago and a 2029 pick from Sacramento. The trade, finalized July 6, was part of a larger three-team deal involving CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk joining Washington from New Orleans, according to ESPN.
A Maryland native who grew up cheering for the Wizards, the 20-year-old Whitmore will return home as he enters his age-21 season, aiming to earn consistent rotation minutes. After averaging 9.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 16.2 minutes over 51 games last season &ndash; and flashing potential with a season-high 34-point outing &ndash; Whitmore was lost in Houston&rsquo;s packed wing rotation, and now most especially after the latest additions of Kevin Durant and Dorian Finney-Smith.
For Washington, this is a low-cost, high-upside gamble. With a youthful core of recently drafted rookie Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, and others, the Wizards are stacking talent early in developmental windows. Whitmore has previously ranked among the top 10 in draft prospect analytics, and he could emerge as a future starter if nurtured properly.
Meanwhile, Houston adds draft capital, potentially valuable late second-rounders, as part of their shift from a youth-first experiment to a win-now strategy led by stars like Kevin Durant. Rockets GM Rafael Stone emphasized they are no longer in developmental mode and are focused on veteran consistency, signaling that Whitmore&rsquo;s next opportunity would be in a system built for contention.
ANALYSIS: This would be an inexpensive investment for the Wizards as they get a high-upside wing in Whitmore, with potential to develop into a rotation contributor. For the Rockets, this could maximize their current postseason window, freeing minutes and cap space while securing future draft depth. For Whitmore he enters an ideal environment to grow under less pressure and with more opportunity.
This trade marks a defining moment for both franchises &ndash; one leaning into youth and upside, the other into veteran readiness and competitiveness.

The Wizards have landed promising young forward Cam Whitmore from the Rockets in exchange for two future second-round picks.

Wizards acquire Cam Whitmore in trade with Rockets

Fresh off a contract buyout with Portland, free-agent center Deandre Ayton has agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, which includes a player option for the second season, sources reported via Shams Charania and ESPN.
Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks over 40 games last season with Portland, shooting 56.6% from the field. Between his remaining Blazers salary and the Lakers' deal, Ayton will earn roughly $34 million for the upcoming season. He provides Los Angeles with a much-needed lob threat and inside presence to support the Luka Doncic-LeBron James tandem.
Lakers president Rob Pelinka and Ayton&rsquo;s representatives, Nima Namakian and Bill Duffy, finalized the contract quickly once Ayton cleared waivers &ndash; the Lakers had been heavily linked to him amid interest from teams like Indiana and Milwaukee. Analysts noted L.A. used their full mid-level exception (~$16.6M total) to secure him, capping the roster near the second luxury-tax apron.
Despite his efficient play over seven NBA seasons &ndash; averaging 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds &ndash; Ayton's tenure in Portland was marred by locker room concerns, including tardiness, missed flights, and occasional outbursts. The Blazers opted to part ways amid a crowded frontcourt and behavioral red flags.
ANALYSIS: Ayton replaces a glaring weakness at center and gives the Lakers an interior boost, enhancing rim protection and pick-and-roll depth. The contract maximizes available cap space, but will limit further moves due to luxury tax constraints. While Ayton adds size, some analysts question his intensity and consistency in LeBron-anchored rotations. But still, Ayton will be relied upon heavily as a starting center in the league.&nbsp;
This move gives the Lakers the center they desperately needed, and may cap off their offseason priorities, but the true impact will hinge on Ayton&rsquo;s fit, effort, and chemistry next to L.A.'s stars.

Fresh off a contract buyout with Portland, free-agent center Deandre Ayton has agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lakers land Deandre Ayton in two-year deal after Blazers buyout

The Milwaukee Bucks have made headlines in this year&rsquo;s NBA free agency after signing center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.&nbsp;
Turner will be filling the void left by Brook Lopez (after Lopez signed with the Clippers) to strengthen the Bucks&rsquo; frontcourt presence. To accommodate the move, the Bucks made the surprising decision to waive nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, stretching his remaining $112.6 million over five years under the NBA&rsquo;s stretch provision.
Turner, who averaged 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and two blocks per game last year with the Pacers, brings both shot-blocking and floor-spacing to Milwaukee. The deal includes a player option in the final season, offering flexibility to both parties.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Portland&rsquo;s loss of its franchise guard marks a major salary-cap shift for the Bucks, positioning Turner as a focal point for their postseason core.
Waiving Lillard, who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles, frees up immediate cap space and salary flexibility.
ANALYSIS: Milwaukee has started retooling once again around their superstar, and adding Turner enhances interior defense and shooting. This is an ideal complement to Antetokounmpo&rsquo;s skill set. For Lillard&rsquo;s future, now being a free agent amidst recovery, he will receive his full salary over five years, but remains searchable by contenders once healthy.
The Bucks have clearly recalibrated, reshaping their roster with swift and bold moves. While laying groundwork for continued contention, these decisions also signal a high-stakes gamble on internal cohesion and strategic direction moving forward.

The Bucks have made headlines in this year’s NBA free agency after signing center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal.

Bucks sign Myles Turner, waive Damian Lillard in bold offseason moves

The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their franchise cornerstone by signing reigning MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander to a four-year, $285.4 million supermax extension, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
This new supermax is the largest annual NBA contract in history at approximately $71.35 million per season. The deal runs through the 2030-31 season, anchoring Oklahoma City&rsquo;s title-contending core.
SGA&rsquo;s 2024&ndash;25 campaign was historic. He led the league with 32.7 points per game, added 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals, earning both regular-season and Finals MVP honors while guiding the Thunder to their first NBA championship in Oklahoma City. In the Finals, he averaged nearly 30 points per game, solidifying his ascent into elite league company alongside legends like Jordan, O&rsquo;Neal, and Abdul‑Jabbar.
Thunder GM Sam Presti called the move a decisive step in sustaining the franchise's momentum: &ldquo;He&rsquo;s gotten better every single year,&rdquo; Presti said, acknowledging the player&rsquo;s cultural and competitive impact. The structure allows OKC to retain financial flexibility, keeping SGA locked in at historic value while preserving space to build a supporting cast around him.
ANALYSIS: This historical precedent allows SGA to join an exclusive group with Michael Jordan, Shaquille O&rsquo;Neal, and Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar as the only players to win MVP, Finals MVP, and a scoring title in a single season. With this extension, the Thunder secure their generational talent at least through his age-33 season, ensuring continuity after their breakthrough title run. Despite the record-setting deal, OKC remains positioned to leverage its youth, draft assets, and cap flexibility for future moves. 
This supermax extension solidifies Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander&rsquo;s status as the face of the Thunder for the next half-decade. At the peak of his powers, he ensures Oklahoma City&rsquo;s championship aspirations remain front-and-center &ndash; and the Thunder&rsquo;s window for dominance stays wide open.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their franchise cornerstone by signing reigning MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander to a four-year, $285.4 million supermax extension, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
This new supermax is the largest annual NBA contract in history at approximately $71.35 million per season. The deal runs through the 2030-31 season, anchoring Oklahoma City&rsquo;s title-contending core.
SGA&rsquo;s 2024&ndash;25 campaign was historic. He led the league with 32.7 points per game, added 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals, earning both regular-season and Finals MVP honors while guiding the Thunder to their first NBA championship in Oklahoma City. In the Finals, he averaged nearly 30 points per game, solidifying his ascent into elite league company alongside legends like Jordan, O&rsquo;Neal, and Abdul‑Jabbar.
Thunder GM Sam Presti called the move a decisive step in sustaining the franchise's momentum: &ldquo;He&rsquo;s gotten better every single year,&rdquo; Presti said, acknowledging the player&rsquo;s cultural and competitive impact. The structure allows OKC to retain financial flexibility, keeping SGA locked in at historic value while preserving space to build a supporting cast around him.
ANALYSIS: This historical precedent allows SGA to join an exclusive group with Michael Jordan, Shaquille O&rsquo;Neal, and Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar as the only players to win MVP, Finals MVP, and a scoring title in a single season. With this extension, the Thunder secure their generational talent at least through his age-33 season, ensuring continuity after their breakthrough title run. Despite the record-setting deal, OKC remains positioned to leverage its youth, draft assets, and cap flexibility for future moves. 
This supermax extension solidifies Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander&rsquo;s status as the face of the Thunder for the next half-decade. At the peak of his powers, he ensures Oklahoma City&rsquo;s championship aspirations remain front-and-center &ndash; and the Thunder&rsquo;s window for dominance stays wide open.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their franchise cornerstone SGAto a four-year, $285.4 million supermax extension.

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander seals future with OKC after record $285M supermax

The New York Knicks took an early and strategic step in free agency by signing Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, as reported by ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.&nbsp;
The Knicks aim to strengthen a bench that was a liability during their Eastern Conference Finals run. Clarkson, a 2021 Sixth Man of the Year, is set to join on a veteran's minimum contract once his Jazz buyout clears. Known for delivering instant scoring off the bench, Clarkson gives the Knicks a trusted offensive spark when Jalen Brunson rests or the offense stalls.
On the frontcourt side, New York inked Guerschon Yabusele to a two-year, $12 million deal using their taxpayer mid-level exception. The 6'8" versatile forward averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 38% from deep for Philadelphia last year, revitalizing his NBA career after a standout summer with Team France at the Olympics. Yabusele brings physicality, floor-spacing, and grit &ndash; areas the Knicks sorely needed to reinforce.
ANALYSIS: These additions immediately address New York's most significant roster gaps: bench scoring and depth in their rotation. Clarkson and Yabusele slot into a blossoming rotation alongside established pieces like Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride, giving the Knicks a stronger nine-man core.&nbsp;
However, the signings push the Knicks up to the &ldquo;second apron&rdquo; of the salary cap, potentially necessitating subtle moves to maintain flexibility.
Moving forward, the Knicks are expected to evaluate minor trades or minimum-aiming signings to solidify their roster while avoiding harsh financial limits. Meanwhile, the head coach hunt continues, although the front office has made it clear they&rsquo;re building a deeper, more reliable team around Brunson, Towns, and company.

The New York Knicks took an early and strategic step in free agency by signing Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, as reported by ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.&nbsp;
The Knicks aim to strengthen a bench that was a liability during their Eastern Conference Finals run. Clarkson, a 2021 Sixth Man of the Year, is set to join on a veteran's minimum contract once his Jazz buyout clears. Known for delivering instant scoring off the bench, Clarkson gives the Knicks a trusted offensive spark when Jalen Brunson rests or the offense stalls.
On the frontcourt side, New York inked Guerschon Yabusele to a two-year, $12 million deal using their taxpayer mid-level exception. The 6'8" versatile forward averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 38% from deep for Philadelphia last year, revitalizing his NBA career after a standout summer with Team France at the Olympics. Yabusele brings physicality, floor-spacing, and grit &ndash; areas the Knicks sorely needed to reinforce.
ANALYSIS: These additions immediately address New York's most significant roster gaps: bench scoring and depth in their rotation. Clarkson and Yabusele slot into a blossoming rotation alongside established pieces like Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride, giving the Knicks a stronger nine-man core.&nbsp;
However, the signings push the Knicks up to the &ldquo;second apron&rdquo; of the salary cap, potentially necessitating subtle moves to maintain flexibility.
Moving forward, the Knicks are expected to evaluate minor trades or minimum-aiming signings to solidify their roster while avoiding harsh financial limits. Meanwhile, the head coach hunt continues, although the front office has made it clear they&rsquo;re building a deeper, more reliable team around Brunson, Towns, and company.

The New York Knicks took an early and strategic step in free agency by signing Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.

Knicks sign Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele to bolster bench

Mon Anthony Valmoria is the lead NBA writer for BasketballNews.com.&nbsp;