Tribe

<div>The Indiana Pacers medical team decided to clear Tyrese Haliburton to play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals despite an existing calf strain and that blunder resulted in a torn Achilles tendon. While understandable given the gravity of the situation, that decision proved to be very costly for not only the organization as a whole but more importantly to Tyrese Haliburton as it was just announced that he would miss the entire 2025/2026 season due to a torn achilles.&nbsp;</div>
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-1_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
<div>In contrast, this past summer, my daughter Imani Thomas class of 2026 was faced with a very difficult decision to play through an injury at Nationals and risk further more severe injury.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Here&rsquo;s the story: &nbsp;</div>
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<div>Imani had played through shin splints for the entire travel season with her team Maryland Juniors. These shin splints actually developed during her junior year high school season with Bishop McNamara, but she is a soldier and she pushed through like all athletes do.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>However, toward the end of her travel season, the shin splints continued to get worse. She did constant treatment and even started over compensating to protect her shin splints until one practice she could barely move. The assistant coach (Coach Ashley Williams) came up to me and said,&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;Imani is a beast, and she is not going to stop playing no matter what I tell her. But you need to get this checked out because it&rsquo;s visibly getting worse&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
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<div>So me and my wife Nichole took her to get X Rays and a MRI and it was discovered that her shin splints had turned into a stress fracture.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>She was devastated. Nationals were coming up and like any athlete she contemplated just sucking it up and playing through the pain.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>The doctor was honest with us. He explained to us that if Imani was playing soccer, he would definitely not clear her to play because the likelihood of her getting kicked in her stress fracture was relatively high. If she played football or rugby or any contact sport, he would also not clear her. But she plays volleyball, and the likelihood of her getting kicked in her stress fracture was very low.&nbsp;</div>
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<div><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-6_690w.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
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<div>However, if she landed wrong, the impact could be just as severe as if she got kicked. Then he asked how her mechanics were and I told him that she had been over compensating for quite some time. She&rsquo;s been pushing through and getting a lot of treatment but she has been in pain for a long time. And the doctor said honestly, it&rsquo;s a decision you have to make for her. She is going to want to risk it all and play. That&rsquo;s how athletes are.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>So we talked to Imani, explained the risks, and together we came to the decision that it would be best to sit out.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>And it was a very difficult process for her as it would be for any athlete but long term over short term was what was important.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Now, back to Tyrese Haliburton.</div>
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<div>NBA fans across the world witnessed what would have been a story of triumph. One for the archives of NBA history. The storyline would&rsquo;ve been.... Facing elimination in the NBA playoffs in a pivotal Game 7, Tyrese Haliburton battles through injury with superhuman perseverance and in heroic fashion to save the Pacers and propel them into victory solidifying this as one of the greatest finals performances in the history of the NBA. They probably would&rsquo;ve had a picture of Haliburton with a Superman emblem on his chest and a cape under his Warriors uniform. Would&rsquo;ve had his dad holding the same Pacers towel he waved in front of Giannis next to his son with the trophy. Would&rsquo;ve been a sportswriters dream as so many angles could&rsquo;ve been covered and explored.</div>
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People love stories of heroics. Isiah Thomas hobbling around on one foot in game 6 of the 1988 NBA Finals against the Lakers and scoring 25 points in the 3rd quarter. Or Willis Reed walking out of the tunnel for the New York Knicks on his bum ankle in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals. Everything was set up for Haliburton to be added to that list.
High school, college and professional coaches across the country were just salivating to be able to use this as an example to their players to enforce the philosophy that &ldquo;pain is weakness leaving your body&rdquo;. They would&rsquo;ve used Haliburton as an example to young athletes that the game (not your health) is what matters most. And a real &ldquo;team player&rdquo; would sacrifice a &ldquo;little discomfort&rdquo; for their team.
I have seen this all before. During my tenure with the Washington Wizards, I witnessed team trainer Eric Waters misdiagnose player after player because what was best for the Wizards organization was for that player to play.
I saw Richard Hamilton go off on the entire training staff after he learned that&nbsp;he had been playing through a torn groin, only disclosed to him after the team was out of playoff contention. He had been complaining about his groin for weeks and the trainers were giving him treatment two and three times a day all the while knowing his groin was torn, but they wanted to push for the playoffs so they didn&rsquo;t tell him.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-3_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
I saw them tell Jarvis Hayes that he simply had a case of &ldquo;tendinitis&rdquo; in his knee and had him playing through the pain. Turned out he had a broken knee cap and ruined his entire career.&nbsp;
I saw them tell Kwame Brown that he was just experiencing a &ldquo;little discomfort&rdquo; in his leg and that he needed to play through the pain to show everyone that he was worthy of being the number 1 pick. Turned out later, he actually had a torn hamstring.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-4_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
I saw Eric Waters tell Deshawn Stevenson there was nothing seriously wrong with his back and had him getting ice and stem and playing through the pain. After the season, upon further review by an outside doctor it was discovered that he actually had an Inflamed L5 Nerve that was stuck underneath a disc that required not one but two back surgeries to repair.&nbsp;
My point in saying all of this is not to simply blast Eric Waters, I am showing that this happens all the time in professional sports. With team doctors and trainers, there is a conflict of interest and the sworn medical oath becomes blurred and effects their diagnoses. They are hired by the teams and are in essence employees of the organization not employees of the players. So they don&rsquo;t have the players best interest in mind, typically, they only have the organization&rsquo;s.
The Indiana Pacers medical staff basically RG3&rsquo;d Haliburton. They &ldquo;Any Given Sunday&rsquo;d&rdquo; him. They Eric Waters&rsquo;d him.
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-5_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
He shouldn&rsquo;t have been playing period.
The risks outweighed the rewards. Even from a team standpoint. This is your franchise player. This is a player who has the capability of single handedly turning an entire NBA championship finals series around. This is a player that you should&rsquo;ve done everything in your power to convey to him how important he is long term for them and how much they value his health and are looking out for his best interest etc etc. However, what they showed was the exact opposite.&nbsp;
It doesn&rsquo;t matter if Haliburton insisted on playing in Game 7, just like it didn&rsquo;t matter if Imani insisted on playing in Nationals.&nbsp;Sometimes, when it comes to their health, athletes need people to make the decision for them. That&rsquo;s our job as parents and we did that. That was also the job of the Pacers medical team, and they did not have the medical integrity to do that.&nbsp;
Imani had her boot off now and is starting rehab and will be back full strength in a few weeks. Haliburton&rsquo;s calf strain turned into a ruptured Achilles and he will have to sit out the entire 2025/2026 season.&nbsp;
In explaining the difference in how me and my wife Nichole handled her injury vs how the Pacers medical staff handled his, I started singing, &ldquo;They Not Like Us&rdquo; A Dad joke that fell flat with Imani but I don&rsquo;t care it was a good joke.&nbsp;
But in all seriousness, I hope all young players see this and learn that no matter what the circumstances or how big the game is, your health always comes first, and you ALWAYS get a 2nd opinion from your own doctors that have nothing to do with the organization like Kawhi Leonard did in San Antonio his last season there.&nbsp;
Let me refresh everyone&rsquo;s memory.
Everyone with a microphone dogged Kawhi that season. Skip Bayless was still going on his hateful rants and baseless criticisms of Kawhi even after the Raptors beat the 76ers in the playoffs.
Skip Bayless tweeted out
&ldquo;Well, I guess it worked for No. 2 to quit on the Spurs last season complaining of what Spurs doctors decided was no more than a thigh bruise. He wound up in the East, playing against a hobbled, sick Embiid and an overrated Giannis. "Crime" pays.&rdquo;
Kawhi delt with Coach Popovich taking shots at him, his teammates taking shots at him, the team questioning his injury because their &ldquo;team doctors&rdquo; said he was fine. But he got a 2nd opinion and was told otherwise and did what was in his best interest. Danny Green was reportedly playing through a torn groin after being misdiagnosed by the same team doctors that misdiagnosed Kawhi.
And the Spurs are one of the most respected organizations in the NBA with one of the most respected coaches in the NBA. But, the bottom line is, any organization will throw you out there in a heartbeat injured if they feel it is best for the organization. They will publicly criticize you if you don&rsquo;t play and if you play and re-injure yourself worst or just don&rsquo;t play up to their expectations (as if they don&rsquo;t know your playing injured) they will get rid of you in a New York minute just like The Washington Commanders did RG3 and just like the Washington Wizards did with Jarvis Hayes.
I remember watching Grant Hill. He was about to literally take over the league.
People were calling him out for not playing hurt. Said he was soft, overrated etc etc just like they were saying about Haliburton before he shut them all up this playoff series.
The Orlando medical staff derailed Grant&rsquo;s entire career.&nbsp;
Another example is the young Isiah Thomas. He shouldn&rsquo;t have been playing in Boston in the playoffs but he played, ended up hurting himself more, ended up needing surgery, cost himself 100 million dollars came back and played after losing his sister and they traded him that summer because they knew about his injury and knew that he needed surgery.
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-8_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
Kyrie Irving goes and gets a 2nd opinion and they say you need surgery, the Celtics doctors didn&rsquo;t tell him he needed surgery, so he had his surgery and came back the next year strong. There is a reoccurring theme here.
I immediately called my son Malcolm who is working hard at The University Of Dayton right now as I write this article I hope he learned the lesson in what just happened to Haliburton. Told my daughter Baby Sierra and Imani the entire way to school yesterday, like literally the whole entire way I was going on an endless rant.
Told them stories of Eric Waters and Ernie Grunfeld trying to get me to take a cortisone shot in my pubic bone and go out an play when I was suffering an abdominal strain that kept me sidelined for an extended period of time. But also how the 2nd opinion I received from my doctor was that if I did that, I would almost certainly hurt myself worse because the Cortisone show wouldn&rsquo;t exceed the healing process, it was just make it so I didn't feel the pain.&nbsp;
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But just think of it logically, your body sends pain signals to you when something is hurting to let you know to stop doing that. If you block that signal, you won&rsquo;t feel the warning you&rsquo;re supposed to feel. Made perfect sense to me so I told them no. And sure they tried to put pressure on me and have a beat writer pressure me through the power of the pin in a few articles (no I didn&rsquo;t have any actual proof of this but the timing and coincidence was way too convenient so I&rsquo;ll say &ldquo;allegedly&rdquo; had a beat writer pressure me through the media). But the end result was me standing firm and telling them no, I can&rsquo;t go.
However, the onus shouldn&rsquo;t be placed on the athlete&rsquo;s shoulders. Of course athletes are going to want to play but it shouldn&rsquo;t be up to them. A solution to this league wide issue was suggested to me by a lawyer by the name of Marlon Amprey. He explained that the Players Association should assemble a group of outside doctors/specialists (or specific doctors/specialists the player suggests) that have no connection to the team whatsoever.
That will provide 2nd &amp; 3rd opinions and give players detailed reports on their health and risk of injury. All doctors&rsquo; reports given by teams that drastically differ should go under review and there should be repercussions for team doctors and trainers who medically clear players who shouldn&rsquo;t be medically cleared to play.
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The Indiana Pacers medical team decided to clear Tyrese Haliburton to play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals despite an existing calf strain.

The Indiana Pacers RG3’d Tyrese Haliburton

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

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 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

The WNBA has unveiled the ten starters for the highly anticipated 2025 AT&amp;T WNBA All‑Star Game, set for July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Veterans Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) and Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) have already been confirmed as captains, earning the most fan votes &ndash; 1,293,526 for Clark and 1,176,020 for Collier.
Joining Clark and Collier in the backcourt are Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings), Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream), and Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty). Bueckers, the No. 1 overall rookie, leads her class in scoring and assists and becomes the first Wings rookie starter. Gray notches her third straight All‑Star nod, while Ionescu secures her fourth.
The frontcourt lineup showcases elite talent: Aliyah Boston (Fever), A&rsquo;ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Breanna Stewart(New York Liberty), Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle Storm), and Satou Sabally (Phoenix Mercury). Wilson and Stewart each earn their seventh All‑Star selection, while Ogwumike makes history with her 10th &ndash; a milestone tying legends like Tamika Catchings. Boston, in just her third pro season, maintains dominance with 15.9 PPG and 8.2 RPG. Sabally rounds out the frontcourt with her third nod.
The selection process combined fan (50%), player (25%), and media (25%) votes. Clark led guards in fan voting, while Wilson topped frontcourt tallies in player and media polls. Though star power in the voting was clear, several players, like Angel Reese, who are huge fan favorites, were snubbed, underscoring the high level of competition.
Looking ahead, All-Star reserves will be chosen by head coaches and announced on July 6, with team rosters revealed via a draft on July 8. The matchup kicks off All‑Star Weekend, spotlighting the WNBA&rsquo;s elite and celebrating its growing influence in women&rsquo;s sports.

The WNBA has unveiled the ten starters for the highly anticipated 2025 AT&T WNBA All‑Star Game, set for July 19.

Stars align: 2025 WNBA All‑Star Starters announced

Three contending NBA teams for next season &ndash; the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Atlanta Hawks &ndash; have each made significant roster moves this offseason.
In separate deals reported by ESPN&rsquo;s NBA insider Shams Charania, all three teams are signaling aggressive shifts in direction ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
The Houston Rockets are going all‑in this summer. After acquiring Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade with the Suns, Houston shored up its core by re-signing Fred VanVleet on a 2‑year, $50M deal (with a player option), extending Steven Adams, and re-upping coach Ime Udoka. Now in free agency, they have landed veteran 3‑and‑D forward Dorian Finney‑Smith (4 years, $53M) to improve perimeter defense along with his reliable floor-spacing skills. Then they signed Clint Capela for more depth at their center position, and with $14M in cap space remaining, Houston is finalizing its championship roster.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets addressed frontcourt depth by trading for center Jonas Valančiūnas from Sacramento in a straight-up swap for Dario Saric. Valančiūnas, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds last season, will provide Nikola Jokić steady backup minutes and additional interior toughness. Despite moving Saric&rsquo;s cap hit, Denver stays under the first tax apron, preserving financial flexibility.
However, the biggest story of Denver&rsquo;s offseason has been acquiring Cam Johnson, who was traded in for Michael Porter Jr. and a future first-round pick. Moreover, the Nuggets have brought back former Nugget champion in 2023, Bruce Brown, on a minimum deal.
The Atlanta Hawks focused on spacing and backcourt versatility. They completed a sign‑and‑trade for wing Nickeil Alexander‑Walker (4 years, $62M, with player options and Trae Young playing a recruit role), and signed sharpshooter Luke Kennard to a 1‑year, $11M deal to boost 3‑point range off the bench. These moves aim to complement Trae Young while improving perimeter defense and shooting.
ANALYSIS: For the Rockets, they have dramatically elevated their ceiling, as Durant adds star power, VanVleet brings court leadership, and Finney-Smith and Capela shore up their defense. The franchise is firmly in win-now mode. The Nuggets have secured Valančiūnas to add size behind Jokić, and then Johnson and Brown are strengthening their bench rotation and sustaining their championship window. For the Hawks, these perimeter additions in Alexander-Walker and Kennard mean they prioritize spacing and two-way flexibility after also trading for Kristaps Porzingis days earlier. This is signaling readiness to support Young in a deeper push.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
These strategic moves reflect each team&rsquo;s goals: Houston&rsquo;s aggressive contender build, Denver&rsquo;s championship continuity, and Atlanta&rsquo;s roster refinement. The summer&rsquo;s first wave sets a sharp tone &ndash; expect these teams to command attention come next season.

Three contending NBA teams for next season – the Rockets, Nuggets, and Hawks – have each made significant roster moves.

Rockets, Nuggets, Hawks retool rosters with major offseason shakeups

The WNBA is making a bold move by expanding to 18 teams over the next five years, adding franchises in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030), following the recent additions of Toronto and Portland over the next two years and Golden State (Bay Area, San Francisco) this year.
New Markets, New Beginnings
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cleveland &ndash; Returning to the WNBA, the Cavaliers-backed team will play at Rocket Arena starting in 2028. Ownership by Dan Gilbert&rsquo;s Rock Entertainment Group signals strong institutional support.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Detroit &ndash; Reviving the league's presence in the city with the Shock&rsquo;s former ownership under Tom Gores, alongside Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and Jared Goff. The team will debut in Little Caesars Arena in 2029.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Philadelphia &ndash; A brand-new franchise entering a passionate basketball market in 2030, backed by Harris Blitzer Sports &amp; Entertainment (76ers ownership), and boasting plans for a downtown arena and strong community ties.</li>
</ul>
Each expansion group paid a record $250 million expansion fee, reflecting the league's surging valuation and revenue potential.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: What's driving the growth of women&rsquo;s basketball? It can be attributed to the culture and economic boom following Caitlin Clark&rsquo;s arrival in the WNBA, which sparked a fan and financial surge &ndash; league values are up 180%, averaging $269 million, driven partly by Clark&rsquo;s massive influence. With the NBA&rsquo;s infrastructure, all new teams are NBA-affiliated, ensuring strong operational support and facilities. Detroit and Cleveland will utilize existing NBA arenas, while Philadelphia is developing new infrastructure. Finally, the league&rsquo;s strategic momentum has these expansions aligning with a historic $2.2 billion media rights deal, a pending player-friendly CBA, and anticipated record-breaking free agency in 2026.
The WNBA is transforming from a 12-team league into a true coast-to-coast heavyweight by 2030. With franchises in key markets across the Midwest and East Coast, the league is poised to enhance rivalries, grow its fan base, and attract international attention.

The WNBA is making a bold move by expanding to 18 teams over the next five years - in Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia.

WNBA announces 3 new expansion teams: Cleveland, Detroit & Philadelphia

Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier have been named the captains for the 2025 AT&amp;T WNBA All‑Star Game, scheduled for July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.&nbsp;
Their leadership roles stem from a historic surge in fan voting &ndash; Clark tallied 1,293,526 votes, the most ever cast for a WNBA player, while Collier followed closely with 1,176,020 votes.
This marks Clark&rsquo;s second consecutive All‑Star selection and her first time as captain, while Collier earns her fifth All‑Star nod and first appearance as a captain. Their dominance in fan voting underscores their massive appeal:
Clark&rsquo;s vote total surpassed the entire 2023 All‑Star roster combined &ndash; 1.29 million vs. 1.17 million &ndash;&nbsp; which is a testament to her meteoric rise in the league.
Collier continues to solidify her superstar status, leading the WNBA in scoring (24.5 PPG) and anchoring Minnesota to the league&rsquo;s best record.
What&rsquo;s Next?
On July 8, Team Clark and Team Collier will draft their rosters on ESPN&rsquo;s WNBA Countdown, selecting from eight All‑Star starters and 12 reserves. On July 19, the All‑Star Game tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET, airing on ABC, Disney+, and ESPN+.
The event kicks off a weekend of festivities, with Skills Challenge and 3‑Point Contest on July 18 &ndash; celebrating two of the sport&rsquo;s brightest talents and acknowledging the tremendous fan engagement they've driven this season.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier&rsquo;s captaincies highlight the WNBA&rsquo;s growing cultural imprint. Clark&rsquo;s unprecedented fan support and Collier&rsquo;s elite performance underscore both players&rsquo; influence on and off the court. Their pairing as captains for this year's All‑Star Game truly reflects the evolving landscape of women&rsquo;s basketball.

Caitlin Clark of the Fever and Lynx forward Napheesa Collier have been named the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game captains.

Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier named 2025 WNBA All‑Star captains

The Portland Trail Blazers and center Deandre Ayton have agreed to a contract buyout, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.&nbsp;
This paves the way for Ayton to enter free agency as the veteran center, who held one year and $35.6 million on his deal, will waive that salary to pursue a fresh opportunity elsewhere.
At 26, Ayton averaged a robust 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block over 40 games last season before a left calf injury ended his year early. A former No. 1 overall pick and member of the NBA All-Rookie First Team, he's maintained double-double averages across seven seasons, distinguishing himself among active centers.
Portland, fresh off adding young big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen through the 2024 and 2025 drafts, as well as carrying Robert Williams III and Duop Reath, had limited space for Ayton&rsquo;s minutes. Unable to find a suitable trade, the buyout became the most viable exit strategy.&nbsp;
After clearing waivers (expected by Wednesday evening), Ayton can sign with any NBA team &ndash; even those over the second apron &ndash; providing flexibility in his next move.
Portland retains Ayton on its cap until his new contract begins, potentially stretching the buyout over multiple seasons to maximize cap flexibility.
However, the move aligns with their development-first vision, granting floor time to Clingan, Hansen, and Williams without drafting another center-heavy rotation. 
The Blazers have offloaded a big salary to prioritize young frontcourt talent and cap health. For Ayton, this marks a fresh start, as he should draw interest from contenders seeking size and rebounding at a modest cost.

The Portland Trail Blazers and center Deandre Ayton have agreed to a contract buyout, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Trail Blazers agree to buy out Deandre Ayton

LeBron James has exercised his $52.6 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025&ndash;26 season, as reported by ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
This solidifies James&rsquo; place as the first player in NBA history to enter a 23rd season, breaking a tie with Vince Carter for most all-time.
At 40 years old, James remains at the top of his game, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists over 70 games in 2024&ndash;25. While this move guarantees a place in the record books, he's quick to clarify that his goal goes beyond longevity: &ldquo;LeBron wants to compete for a championship,&rdquo; his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports told ESPN and Charania.
Despite the Lakers emerging from a blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to LA, James is waiting to see how the front office shapes the roster. He remains optimistic about contending while acknowledging the team's trajectory: &ldquo;He knows the Lakers are building for the future&hellip; but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.&rdquo;
Financially, the Lakers will carry James&rsquo;s $52.6 million into the books, pushing them approximately $21 million above the salary cap &ndash; but still below the luxury-tax apron, preserving valuable negotiating and cap flexibility. Rob Pelinka and ownership now face the task of leveraging this space to strengthen the roster around James and Doncic.
ANALYSIS: With his 23rd season incoming, James will surpass Carter&rsquo;s record and inch closer to Robert Parish's games-played mark. His decision underscores a final push for another title, not merely a ceremonial farewell. With this strategic implication, the Lakers must address roster holes before camp, and James's return raises expectations for a possible title run next season.
Looking ahead, James aims to manage his recovery, recently spraining a knee ligament, but has committed to returning healthy for training camp this fall. His final decision on whether to play or not beyond 2025-26 will likely depend on how competitive the Lakers shape up this year.&nbsp;
LeBron&rsquo;s choice ensures one more season of greatness and ignites a defining offseason for Los Angeles, whether they build around his enduring greatness or begin planning for a post-LeBron era.

LeBron James has exercised his $52.6 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025–26 season.

LeBron James opts in on contract with Lakers for record-breaking 23rd NBA season

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Hornets made waves with two notable offseason moves: Cleveland acquired Lonzo Ball, while Charlotte landed Collin Sexton, both swaps addressing team needs and future direction. Both deals were reported separately by ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Cavaliers land Lonzo Ball
Cleveland secured Ball from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Isaac Okoro, aiming to boost their backcourt creativity. Ball, a former No. 2 overall pick, averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over 35 games last season after returning from extensive knee surgeries. His career averages &ndash; 11.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.8 apg &ndash; highlight his value as a versatile facilitator and defensive prowess.
Cleveland is taking a calculated risk on Ball&rsquo;s health, but his size, playmaking, and defensive upside fit neatly behind Darius Garland as a backup PG. Meanwhile, Okoro brings defensive energy and youth to the Bulls, who are currently rebuilding and are collecting young talent.
Sexton finds new home in Charlotte
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets have added veteran guard Collin Sexton from the Utah Jazz, sending Jusuf Nurkićand a 2030 second-round pick to Utah. Sexton averaged 18.4 points, 4.2 assists, and shot 40.6% from beyond the arc in 63 games, bringing proven scoring punch and his signature defensive, hustling game to a guard-heavy Hornets rotation.
The trade bolsters Charlotte&rsquo;s bench depth but tightens competition at guard, potentially impacting players they drafted in the recent draft, including Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley.
<h3>Trade Implications</h3>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Team
</td>
<td>
Gain
</td>
<td>
Loss
</td>
<td>
Key Impact
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Cavs
</td>
<td>
Lonzo Ball (playmaking)
</td>
<td>
Isaac Okoro (defense)
</td>
<td>
Enhanced ball-handling; health remains a concern
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Bulls
</td>
<td>
Isaac Okoro (young wing)
</td>
<td>
Lonzo Ball (injury-prone)
</td>
<td>
Youthful defense, salary matching
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Hornets
</td>
<td>
Collin Sexton (scoring)
</td>
<td>
Jusuf Nurkić + 2nd-round pick
</td>
<td>
Bench scoring boost, backcourt crowding
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Jazz
</td>
<td>
Jusuf Nurkić (frontcourt)
</td>
<td>
Collin Sexton + pick
</td>
<td>
More size inside, relief for guard development
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
ANALYSIS: Both moves reflect strategic recalibration: Cleveland boosts its offensive engine, Charlotte injects bench scoring, Utah shores up its frontcourt, and Chicago focuses on youth. These trades set the stage for a season defined by fit, health, and long-term planning.

The Cavaliers and Hornets made waves with two notable offseason moves, acquiring Lonzo Ball and Collin Sexton respectively.

NBA offseason moves: Lonzo Ball to the Cavaliers; Collin Sexton to the Hornets

Minnesota has taken decisive steps into the offseason, re-signing both Julius Randle and Naz Reid, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Randle and Reid have both been key cogs in their back-to-back Western Conference Finals runs, with Randle playing perhaps the best basketball of his life in the Wolves&rsquo; recent playoff run.
Julius Randle resigns for 3 Years, $100M Three-time All-Star Julius Randle has agreed to a three-year, $100 million deal with the Wolves, including a player option in 2027&ndash;28. Randle averaged 18.7 ppg and 7.1 rpg in his first season in Minnesota, elevating to 21.7 ppg on over 50% shooting during the playoffs. With this deal, Minnesota retains its versatile forward, officially securing its secondary scoring option around Anthony Edwards.
Fan favorite Naz Reid secures 5 Years for $125M Rising off his Sixth Man of the Year performance from two seasons ago and an integral part of the Wolves&rsquo; current young core, Naz Reid has inked a five-year, $125 million extension with the Wolves. Reid, 25, averaged 14.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, and showcased 37.9% from deep, solidifying his role as a modern stretch big and a viable scoring option for Minnesota.
ANALYSIS: These moves by the Wolves signify their intention to maintain roster continuity, as both signings reinforce the Wolves&rsquo; rotation and ensure consistency following their recent deep playoff runs. Although Minnesota stays below the second luxury-tax apron, this likely means key free agent Nickeil Alexander‑Walker might walk away in free agency.&nbsp;
Securing Randle and Reid ensures Minnesota heads into 2025&ndash;26 with its championship core intact. With Randle&rsquo;s scoring and Reid's bench punch, the Wolves boast a three-man core that provides balance, floor spacing, and defensive reliability along with superstar Anthony Edwards. All in all, the Wolves are poised to build on their momentum and chase that elusive first-ever NBA Finals appearance.

Minnesota has taken decisive steps into the offseason, re-signing both Julius Randle and Naz Reid, according to Shams Charania.

Timberwolves lock in core; resign Julius Randle and Naz Reid

It is official: Cooper Flagg has been selected by the Dallas Mavericks as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, June 25, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.&nbsp;
Flagg, a 6-foot-9 wing out of Duke University from the US State of Maine, has been the consensus top overall pick for over a year, and he finally gets to hear his name called officially at the draft.
Flagg had a one-of-a-kind college freshman season at Duke, leading the team in every category (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks). He also won the National Player of the Year award and led Duke to the Final Four in the NCAA tournament.
ANALYSIS: The Mavericks have lucked out on the chance to select Flagg after they had only just the 11th-best odds in the draft lottery. This also seems to be a blessing in disguise for Dallas after the fans&rsquo; outrage in February after GM Nico Harrison traded away franchise player and superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
Now, Flagg lands in Dallas, bringing his winning mentality and the factor that stood out to most coaches and scouts: defense. This has been Harrison&rsquo;s blueprint for building a team around Davis, and Flagg immediately blends in with the team, complementing his versatile skillset on offense.

It is official: Cooper Flagg has been selected by the Dallas Mavericks as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night.

Dallas Mavericks snag Cooper Flagg as first overall pick in 2025 NBA Draft

The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft has been completed, and the second round will tip off on Thursday, June 26 (8 ET, ESPN) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. This will be the second time in NBA history that the draft will be held over two days, following its introduction over a year ago.
Here are all the first-round selections courtesy of the NBA: (article to be updated with the second-round picks)
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/cooper-flagg">Cooper Flagg</a> (Duke) to the Dallas Mavericks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/dylan-harper">Dylan Harper</a> (Rutgers) to the San Antonio Spurs</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/vj-edgecombe">VJ Edgecombe</a> (Baylor) to the Philadelphia 76ers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/kon-knueppel">Kon Knueppel</a> (Duke) to the Charlotte Hornets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/ace-bailey">Ace Bailey</a> (Rutgers) to the Utah Jazz</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/tre-johnson">Tre Johnson</a> (Texas) to the Washington Wizards</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/jeremiah-fears">Jeremiah Fears</a> (Oklahoma) to the New Orleans Pelicans</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/egor-demin">Egor Demin</a> (BYU) to the Brooklyn Nets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/collin-murray-boyles">Collin Murray-Boyles</a> (South Carolina) to the Toronto Raptors</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/khaman-maluach">Khaman Maluach</a> (Duke) to the Houston Rockets &ndash; <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/suns-rockets-trade-kevin-durant">Traded to Suns</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/cedric-coward">Cedric Coward</a> (Washington State) to the Portland Trail Blazers &ndash; <a href="https://x.com/memgrizz/status/1938089198935834700">Traded to Grizzlies</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/noa-essengue">Noa Essengue</a> (Ratiopharm Ulm) to the Chicago Bulls</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/derik-queen">Derik Queen</a> (Maryland) to the Atlanta Hawks &ndash; <a href="https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/derik-queen-nba-draft-trade-forward-center-maryland-new-orleans-pelicans-atlanta-hawks-first-round-draft-pick-13">Traded to Pelicans</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/carter-bryant">Carter Bryant</a> (Arizona) to the San Antonio Spurs</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/thomas-sorber">Thomas Sorber</a> (Georgetown) to the Oklahoma City Thunder</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/hansen-yang">Yang Hansen</a> (Qingdao) to the Memphis Grizzlies &ndash; <a href="https://www.nba.com/blazers/news/trail-blazers-acquire-draft-rights-to-yang-hansen">Traded to Trail Blazers</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/joan-beringer">Joan Beringer</a> (Cedevita Olimpija) to the Minnesota Timberwolves</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/walter-clayton-jr">Walter Clayton Jr.</a> (Florida) to the Washington Wizards &ndash; <a href="https://x.com/utahjazz/status/1938070621159616606">Traded to Jazz</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/nolan-traore">Nolan Traor&eacute;</a> (Saint-Quentin BB) to the Brooklyn Nets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/kasparas-jakucionis">Kasparas Jakučionis</a> (Illinois) to the Miami Heat</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/will-riley">Will Riley</a> (Illinois) to the Utah Jazz &ndash; <a href="https://x.com/WashWizards/status/1938082193785397462">Traded to Wizards</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/drake-powell">Drake Powell</a> (North Carolina) to the Atlanta Hawks &ndash; <a href="https://x.com/BrooklynNets/status/1938071333008482655">Traded to Nets</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/asa-newell">Asa Newell</a> (Georgia) to the New Orleans Pelicans &ndash; <a href="https://www.nba.com/hawks/news/atlanta-hawks-acquire-the-draft-rights-of-asa-newell-the-no-23-pick-in-the-2025-nba-draft">Traded to Hawks</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/nique-clifford">Nique Clifford</a> (Colorado State) to the Oklahoma City Thunder &ndash; <a href="https://www.nba.com/kings/news/kings-acquire-draft-rights-to-nique-clifford">Traded to Kings</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/jase-richardson">Jase Richardson</a> (Michigan State) to the Orlando Magic</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/ben-saraf">Ben Saraf</a> (Ratiopharm Ulm) to the Brooklyn Nets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/danny-wolf">Danny Wolf</a> (Michigan) to the Brooklyn Nets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/hugo-gonzalez">Hugo Gonz&aacute;lez</a> (Real Madrid) to the Boston Celtics</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/liam-mcneeley">Liam McNeeley</a> (Connecticut) to the Phoenix Suns &ndash; <a href="https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/charlotte-hornets-agree-in-principle-to-acquire-the-draft-rights-to-liam-mcneeley">Traded to Hornets</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/yanic-konan-niederhauser">Yanic Konan Niederhauser</a> (Penn State) to the Los Angeles Clippers</li>
</ol>

The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft has been completed, and the second round will tip off on Thursday, June 26, still in Brooklyn.

2025 NBA Draft: Full results

Nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving has opted out of his $43 million player option and agreed to a three-year, $119 million extension with the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
The deal, which includes a player option for the 2027&ndash;28 season, comes as Irving recovers from a torn ACL sustained in March and underscores a mutual commitment to anchor Dallas&rsquo;s core alongside Anthony Davis and presumed incoming rookie to be drafted no.1 overall in this year&rsquo;s draft Cooper Flagg.
Last season, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists over 50 games. Playing all 22 playoff games, he averaged 22.1 points and 5.1 assists while leading the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals. With the extension, Dallas lowers his annual cap hit and drops below the luxury-tax second apron &ndash; freeing up the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception for potential offseason moves.
Irving, 33, spoke briefly on the decision: he and team officials are united in building a legacy in Dallas, with eyes on a championship window. Returning from ACL surgery as early as January, he signals his readiness to help the Mavericks contend at the highest level.
ANALYSIS: This move marks the roster continuity for Dallas, as Irving solidifies their core alongside Davis and Flagg, signaling intent for long-term competitiveness. By opting out and thus lowering the cap burden, the Mavericks restored mid-level exception with its cap strategy and it gives their front office flexibility to make more moves in the future.&nbsp;
Although injured, Irving&rsquo;s contract shows faith in his return and his role as team leader. Dallas positions itself to build around Irving, Davis, and Flagg &ndash; balancing short-term title ambitions with sustainable growth. This deal not only secures their veteran playmaker but also opens room to add supporting pieces needed to compete next season.

Nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving has opted out of his $43 million player option and agreed to a three-year, $119 million extension.

Kyrie Irving resigns three-year, $119 million contract extension with Mavericks

The Houston Rockets have re-signed veteran point guard Fred VanVleet to a two-year, $50 million contract that includes a player option for the 2026&ndash;27 season, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
The new deal replaces his prior $44.9 million team option, giving VanVleet increased security while providing Houston with cap relief and flexibility&mdash;a strategic move amid a flurry of offseason transactions.
After declining his previous option, the Rockets negotiated a shorter-term extension that maintains VanVleet's veteran leadership without hampering the team's financial structure. By lowering his annual hit, the Rockets dropped comfortably below the first luxury-tax apron and unlocked the $14.1 million mid-level exception, enabling future roster moves without overcommitting financially.
ANALYSIS: VanVleet has been instrumental in Houston&rsquo;s rapid ascent over the past two seasons, helping the team evolve from a rebuilding project into a 52-win playoff contender. Last season, he averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals in 60 games, then elevated his performance to 18.7 points per game during their seven-game first-round series against Golden State. His vocal presence and savvy playmaking remain vital to Houston&rsquo;s championship aspirations, now bolstered by the arrival of Kevin Durant and continuity under coach Ime Udoka.
By balancing financial prudence with roster stability, the Rockets demonstrate a clear blueprint for sustained growth. VanVleet remains a cornerstone of that vision &ndash; a stabilizing force leading a core aiming for deeper postseason success.

The Houston Rockets have re-signed veteran point guard Fred VanVleet to a two-year, $50 million contract.

Fred VanVleet resigns with Rockets on two-year, $50M deal

In a major three-team transaction, the Boston Celtics have sent 7-foot-2 former All‑Star Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
It is a three-team trade and the Brooklyn Nets are also involved. This move underscores Boston's aggressive salary-shedding strategy following key injuries and a recent Finals win in 2024.
Porzingis, 29, averaged 19.5 pts, 6.8 reb, 1.5 blk in just 42 games last season and holds the potential to stretch the floor and protect the rim. With him, the Hawks acquire size and shooting necessary for their roster to flourish. Atlanta also adds a second-rounder and addresses its need for a frontcourt upgrade alongside Trae Young and Onyeka Okongwu.
In return, Boston receives Georges Niang and a second-round pick, as the Celtics reduce tax burden clearing approximately $180 million in luxury-tax liabilities and dropping below the second salary-cap apron &ndash; a rapid teardown post-Tatum injury, who suffered a tear to his right achilles in their second-round loss to New York.
Brooklyn lands guard/forward Terance Mann and the Hawks' No. 22 pick, boosting their 2025 draft assets to five first-round selections and utilizing cap space for maximum flexibility. The Nets cashed in draft capital with this trade as they now own 5 first round picks in this year&rsquo;s draft.
The deal is expected to become official on July 6 due to salary-cap timing rules.
ANALYSIS: For the Hawks, this is a high-risk, high-reward move as Porzingis brings elite shooting and defense, though his health remains a concern. For the Celtics, the franchise gains cap flexibility to rebuild or pursue new core pieces after losing both Holiday and Porzingis. For the Nets, they continue accumulating draft picks and cap space, emphasizing long-term strategic positioning.
Atlanta is betting big on Porzingis upside to elevate its playoff prospects; Boston is resetting financially; and Brooklyn is poised for a draft-fueled offseason build. This is a monumental three-team shift that's reshaping Eastern Conference power dynamics.

In a major three-team transaction, the Boston Celtics have sent 7-foot-2 former All‑Star Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks.

Ben