The Los Angeles Clippers have signed 12-time All-Star Chris Paul, marking a storied return to the franchise where he solidified the &ldquo;Lob City&rdquo; era. According to Shams Charania and ESPN, Paul &ndash; now 40 &ndash; has agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal for what is expected to be his 21st and likely final NBA season.
Paul spent six impactful seasons in L.A. from 2011&ndash;2017, earning five All-Star nods and cementing his legacy as the franchise&rsquo;s all-time leader in assists (4,023). He returns to a revamped roster featuring stars such as Bradley Beal, John Collins, Brook Lopez, James Harden, and Kawhi Leonard, aimed at contending in a crowded Western Conference.
Reflecting on the move, Clippers president Lawrence Frank said, &ldquo;Chris is one of the most impactful players ever to wear a Clippers uniform,&rdquo; adding that Paul will supply veteran leadership and steady playmaking off the bench. Paul himself expressed excitement to &ldquo;finish this chapter&rdquo; in the city where he peaked.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: This move has the Clippers&rsquo; bench depth &amp; mentorship in full display, with Paul&rsquo;s arrival providing quality backup minutes and invaluable mentorship towards his teammates. This addition follows smart cap maneuvering that allows the Clippers to invest in veterans while preserving flexibility. The Clippers are also capitalizing on history, as Paul's return offers a narrative boost, reconnecting fans with the Lob City era and hoping to spark another deep playoff run.
Despite this being a farewell tour, the Clippers are deep enough to consider Paul a meaningful contributor in a leadership role. He joins the bench rotation behind Harden, while Bradley Beal respectfully gives up his No. 3 jersey as a gesture to honor CP3&rsquo;s legacy.&nbsp;
Chris Paul&rsquo;s return to the Clippers is both nostalgic and strategic. His scoring, court vision, and leadership will support a veteran-heavy cast aiming to push deeper into the postseason. And if this truly is his last season, he&rsquo;ll have the perfect stage &ndash; a homecoming to the city where he spent his best years in.

The Los Angeles Clippers have signed 12-time All-Star Chris Paul, marking a storied return to the franchise.

Clippers bring back CP3 for final season: Veteran returns home

The Los Angeles Lakers have bolstered their defensive identity by signing veteran guard Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million contract &ndash; including a player option for 2026-27 &ndash; after his buyout from the Wizards, first reported by Shams Charania and confirmed by ESPN and NBA.com.
Smart, the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Defensive First Team selection, played just 15 games with Washington last season due to injuries but brings championship-level tenacity. At his introductory press conference, he credited Luka Doncic for recruiting him to L.A., saying, &ldquo;For him to say that he can really use my help, that meant a lot.&rdquo;
Lakers President Rob Pelinka highlighted Smart&rsquo;s fit: &ldquo;He epitomizes what it means to prioritize winning above all else,&rdquo; a reflection of Los Angeles&rsquo;s new two-way emphasis. The move fortifies perimeter defense alongside additions like De&rsquo;Andre Ayton and versatile two-way wing Jake LaRavia, solidifying a rotation built around LeBron James, Doncic, and Austin Reaves.&nbsp;
With Smart&rsquo;s arrival also came two-way signings of Christian Koloko and Chris Manon, deepening roster development.
However, the contract pushes the Lakers to the first apron of the luxury tax. To accommodate Smart under the hard cap, the team waived Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin &ndash; moves that squeeze every dollar of their non-taxpayer mid-level exception.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: This is a defensive upgrade for the Lakers as Smart is arguably one of the best on-ball perimeter defenders in the league, a major asset for guarding elite wings. Moreover, Smart&rsquo;s playoff readiness, leadership, and championship mindset provide a polished voice in big-game rotations. Now the Lakers have maxed out their non-taxpayer exception just to fit Smart, limiting their flexibility without further salary relief.&nbsp;
Adding Marcus Smart addresses one of the Lakers&rsquo; offseason priorities &ndash; elite perimeter defense and gritty leadership. With Doncic and James anchoring the offense, Smart&rsquo;s arrival completes a stronger, deeper core poised for a serious title run. Cap-wise, it&rsquo;s a tight squeeze &ndash; but one that signals L.A. is all-in on contending now.

The Los Angeles Lakers have bolstered their defensive identity by signing veteran guard Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million deal.

Lakers add defensive anchor Marcus Smart

Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers&rsquo; longtime franchise icon, is officially heading home. The nine-time All-Star has agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract to re-sign with Portland, ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania reports.&nbsp;
The deal includes a player option for 2027&ndash;28 and a full no-trade clause, underscoring Lillard&rsquo;s control and commitment to finish his career where it began.
Portland will serve as a recovery platform for Lillard, who is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season while rehabbing a torn Achilles sustained during the playoffs with the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite his injury, Lillard chose the Trail Blazers over other contenders &ndash; including Boston, Golden State, and the Lakers &ndash; citing family reasons and a sentimental return to "Rip City".
This move reunites Lillard with a roster that now includes fellow veteran Jrue Holiday and emerging talents such as Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Robert Williams III, and Deni Avdija. Portland also holds multiple draft assets, including an unprotected 2029 first-round pick and two Bucks pick swaps, providing flexibility to support Lillard&rsquo;s return.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS:&nbsp; This homecoming narrative is surreal for Lillard as he returns as the franchise&rsquo;s all-time leading scorer (19,376 points) and seven-time All-NBA selection, reigniting hope for fans and restoring the city&rsquo;s emotional bond. This strategic positioning also allows a player option and a no-trade clause to give Lillard autonomy while allowing Portland to recalibrate based on roster progress through 2026-27. However, there will be some kind of development dilemma brewing even as Lillard offers veteran leadership. His return poses challenges for rising guards like Scoot Henderson, creating a balance between mentorship and developmental opportunities. 
Portland&rsquo;s decision to bring back Lillard signals a blend of heart and strategic intent. He&rsquo;ll spend the upcoming season rehabbing and building chemistry, but when he returns, he&rsquo;ll lead a young core and experienced vets in a storybook chapter dedicated to "Dame Time."

Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers&rsquo; longtime franchise icon, is officially heading home. The nine-time All-Star has agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract to re-sign with Portland, ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania reports.&nbsp;
The deal includes a player option for 2027&ndash;28 and a full no-trade clause, underscoring Lillard&rsquo;s control and commitment to finish his career where it began.
Portland will serve as a recovery platform for Lillard, who is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season while rehabbing a torn Achilles sustained during the playoffs with the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite his injury, Lillard chose the Trail Blazers over other contenders &ndash; including Boston, Golden State, and the Lakers &ndash; citing family reasons and a sentimental return to "Rip City".
This move reunites Lillard with a roster that now includes fellow veteran Jrue Holiday and emerging talents such as Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Robert Williams III, and Deni Avdija. Portland also holds multiple draft assets, including an unprotected 2029 first-round pick and two Bucks pick swaps, providing flexibility to support Lillard&rsquo;s return.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS:&nbsp; This homecoming narrative is surreal for Lillard as he returns as the franchise&rsquo;s all-time leading scorer (19,376 points) and seven-time All-NBA selection, reigniting hope for fans and restoring the city&rsquo;s emotional bond. This strategic positioning also allows a player option and a no-trade clause to give Lillard autonomy while allowing Portland to recalibrate based on roster progress through 2026-27. 
However, there will be some kind of development dilemma brewing even as Lillard offers veteran leadership. His return poses challenges for rising guards like Scoot Henderson, creating a balance between mentorship and developmental opportunities. 
Portland&rsquo;s decision to bring back Lillard signals a blend of heart and strategic intent. He&rsquo;ll spend the upcoming season rehabbing and building chemistry, but when he returns, he&rsquo;ll lead a young core and experienced vets in a storybook chapter dedicated to "Dame Time."

Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers’ longtime franchise icon, is officially heading home.

Dame Time returns: Lillard signs 3-year deal to rejoin Trail Blazers

The Phoenix Suns have agreed to a buyout with three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, clearing the way for him to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania first reported.&nbsp;
In the buyout, Beal will give up approximately $13.8 million, surrendering part of his remaining $110.8 million salary, allowing Phoenix to stretch the balance over five years and clear significant cap space for future roster moves.
Once he clears waivers, Beal is expected to ink a two-year, $11 million contract with the Clippers, including a player option for the 2026&ndash;27 season.&nbsp;
The deal will offer Beal a chance to contribute with veteran leadership and scoring alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden in a revamped Los Angeles rotation. The Clippers&rsquo; projected starting five is now with Harden, Beal, Leonard, recently-acquired John Collins, and all-defensive teamer Ivica Zubac.
Beal&rsquo;s stint in Phoenix never met expectations. Initially envisioned as part of a super‑team with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the trio never reached cohesion. Over two seasons, Beal appeared in just 106 games &ndash; averaging 17.6 PPG &ndash; while the Suns failed to win a single playoff game. The buyout marks the end of one of the NBA&rsquo;s most high‑profile big‑money gambles.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: For Phoenix, stretching Beal&rsquo;s contract clears both cap space and roster flexibility &ndash; resetting after a costly era built around star acquisition. For Beal, this move offers a chance to revive his career in a familiar city with a contending team, while retaining a role and income via his player option. For the Clippers, adding Beal gives L.A. a high-caliber scorer beside Harden and Leonard &ndash; striking a balance between immediate impact and salary caution.&nbsp;
Beal&rsquo;s buyout and subsequent Clippers deal close a tumultuous chapter in Phoenix while setting up a fresh opportunity for the guard. The Suns pivot from a failed super-team experiment, and the Clippers gain veteran depth as they chase title aspirations.

The Phoenix Suns have agreed to a buyout with three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, clearing the way for him to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania first reported.&nbsp;
In the buyout, Beal will give up approximately $13.8 million, surrendering part of his remaining $110.8 million salary, allowing Phoenix to stretch the balance over five years and clear significant cap space for future roster moves.
Once he clears waivers, Beal is expected to ink a two-year, $11 million contract with the Clippers, including a player option for the 2026&ndash;27 season.&nbsp;
The deal will offer Beal a chance to contribute with veteran leadership and scoring alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden in a revamped Los Angeles rotation. The Clippers&rsquo; projected starting five is now with Harden, Beal, Leonard, recently-acquired John Collins, and all-defensive teamer Ivica Zubac.
Beal&rsquo;s stint in Phoenix never met expectations. Initially envisioned as part of a super‑team with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the trio never reached cohesion. Over two seasons, Beal appeared in just 106 games &ndash; averaging 17.6 PPG &ndash; while the Suns failed to win a single playoff game. The buyout marks the end of one of the NBA&rsquo;s most high‑profile big‑money gambles.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: For Phoenix, stretching Beal&rsquo;s contract clears both cap space and roster flexibility &ndash; resetting after a costly era built around star acquisition. For Beal, this move offers a chance to revive his career in a familiar city with a contending team, while retaining a role and income via his player option. For the Clippers, adding Beal gives L.A. a high-caliber scorer beside Harden and Leonard &ndash; striking a balance between immediate impact and salary caution.&nbsp;
Beal&rsquo;s buyout and subsequent Clippers deal close a tumultuous chapter in Phoenix while setting up a fresh opportunity for the guard. The Suns pivot from a failed super-team experiment, and the Clippers gain veteran depth as they chase title aspirations.

The Suns have agreed to a buyout with three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, clearing the way for him to sign with the Clippers.

Bradley Beal to join Clippers after completing buyout with Suns

Philadelphia 76ers star wing Paul George has undergone a successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on July 14 following an offseason workout injury, ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania reports, and the team confirmed.&nbsp;
Dr. Jonathan Glashow of NYU Langone performed the procedure, which did not involve any major ligament damage, according to Sixers medical reports.
George is expected to begin his rehabilitation immediately and will be re-evaluated before the start of training camp. His recovery timeline will be closely monitored, with his availability for the season opener still uncertain. Given his history &ndash; this year marked the fifth time in six seasons he has appeared in under 60 games &ndash; Philadelphia faces another injury-laden spring.
This offseason surgery complicates the planned return of the team&rsquo;s star trio &ndash; George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey &ndash; who played just 15 total games together last season. Embiid also missed time recovering from a knee procedure himself, and now George enters training camp under a cloud of uncertainty.
ANALYSIS: The Sixers&rsquo; team cohesion might be at risk here. A healthy roster at camp was critical for coach Nick Nurse to implement his system. George, starting the season on the mend, disrupts valuable team-building time. Meanwhile, this raises another cause of concern for Philadelphia, as both George and Embiid have undergone similar surgeries within months. This raises red flags about the durability of the Sixers' core. 
Even after all that, the upside remains for the Sixers and their title aspirations this year. While his 41 games last year were his lowest since 2014-15, George remains a nine-time All-Star capable of impactful two-way play when healthy, and key in a bounce-back season that saw the Sixers go 24-58.
Paul George's surgery delivers a setback to Philadelphia&rsquo;s long-awaited &ldquo;big three&rdquo; revitalization. His rehabilitation and any lingering impacts on availability will be closely watched as the Sixers aim for a turnaround in 2025-26.

76ers star wing Paul George has undergone a successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on July 14.

Paul George undergoes another knee surgery, raises Sixers’ 2025 prep concerns

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

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