Basketball news

• Can the 2026-27 Raptors handle load management?

  17-08-2026 14:54 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Inglewood, CA - March 25: LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Intuit Dome on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 in Inglewood, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) While Kawhi Leonard was the driving force behind the Toronto Raptors’ first-ever NBA title in 2019, there was an entire operation behind him, constantly scheming to put the superstar in a position to succeed.
  
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• Buss family selling remaining 17.8% ownership stake in Lakers to new majority owners Josh Kushner and Bob Iger

  17-08-2026 21:37 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  After nearly 50 years, the Buss family will no longer be part of the Lakers’ ownership group. In a statement to ESPN, the family announced that it has chosen to sell its remaining 17.8% ownership stake in the Lakers to the new majority ownership group led by Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, according to multiple reports.Iger and Kushner purchased the controlling stake in the Lakers last week for a record-breaking $12.5 billion."We have decided as a family to sell the remaining Buss Family Trust
  
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• NBA blasts ESPN for ‘inaccuracies’ in report on Kawhi Leonard-Clippers investigation

  17-08-2026 21:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Kawhi Leonard is a seven-time All-Star.Photograph: Matt Slocum/APThe NBA has disputed an ESPN report on the league’s investigation into possible salary cap circumvention by the Los Angeles Clippers.On Monday, ESPN reported that, after an 11-month investigation, the NBA was not able to show proof that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi Leonard via team sponsorships to bypass the salary cap. The outlet also said the two sides have been “negotiating a resolution to the
  
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• Clippers investigation gets even messier + talking Bulls, Grizzlies, Magic & Hawks with Trey Kerby

  17-08-2026 21:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Subscribe to The Kevin O'Connor ShowApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeKevin O'Connor reacts to the latest developments in the investigation into whether the Clippers organization circumvented the NBA's salary cap. ESPN reported that the NBA found no evidence against Steve Ballmer and the Clippers, but the league quickly responded that the report contained "significant inaccuracies." Which party is leaking this information and does anyone know the truth?KOC also discusses the Cavaliers trading Sc
  
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• NBA reportedly 'found no evidence' Clippers, Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi Leonard

  17-08-2026 21:29 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The investigation into whether the LA Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer circumvented the NBA salary cap using sponsors to funnel money to Kawhi Leonard "found no evidence" to prove the allegations, according to a new report at ESPN. The league office quickly pushed back hard on that report.The investigation and report from the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz are essentially done, both the Clippers and the league office have them, and the sides had started settlement talks, a league so
  
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• NBA reportedly 'found no evidence Clippers, Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi Leonard, settlement talks started

  17-08-2026 21:29 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The investigation into whether the LA Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer circumvented the NBA salary cap using sponsors to funnel money to Kawhi Leonard "found no evidence" to prove the allegations, according to a new report at ESPN. The league office quickly pushed back hard on that report.The investigation and report from the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz are essentially done, both the Clippers and the league office have them, and the sides had started settlement talks, a league so
  
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• Cavs Reacts Survey: Win total prediction

  17-08-2026 21:04 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 31: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 31, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Image
  
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• Kawhi Leonard investigation: NBA lacks evidence Steve Ballmer funneled money for cap circumvention, per report

  17-08-2026 20:54 via cbssports.com
  
  The NBA, however, said that a report that came out on Monday contained 'numerous and significant inaccuracies'
  
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• NBA disputes key details in ESPN report on Kawhi Leonard investigation

  17-08-2026 20:19 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  As the Kawhi Leonard saga drags on, now approaching a full year, a new wrinkle sheds light on where the investigation stands. A new report has drawn pushback from the NBA on what it alleges are "significant inaccuracies."According to ESPN, the NBA has found no evidence linking Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer to an alleged scheme to funnel money to Leonard during the franchise’s courtship of the star forward during the 2019 offseason.ESPN also reported that the league’s
  
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• Russell Westbrook reportedly had two-year deal on table from Wizards, chose to retire

  17-08-2026 19:21 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Russell Westbrook is rightfully proud following an 18-season Hall of Fame career during which he was an MVP, two-time scoring champion and nine-time All-NBA. He earned the right to walk away on his terms.Westbrook was offered a two-year contract by the Washington Wizards this summer but chose to turn it down and retire, Marc Stein of the Stein Line.It's understandable that Westbrook, 37, decided to walk away. First, this was very likely a minimum contract, and odds are the second year was not fu
  
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• P.J. Washington dismisses trade rumors, confident he’ll be a Maverick opening night

  17-08-2026 19:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 18: P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at American Airlines Center on March 18, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images In an exclusive interview with Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washingt
  
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• NBA Survey: Which Number Should Be Retired Next?

  17-08-2026 19:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 7: An overall view of the court after the Minnesota Timberwolves unveil new logo, uniforms and court on June 7, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images Welcome
  
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• Haywood Highsmith cleared waivers and found his way back to Phoenix

  17-08-2026 19:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Mar 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Haywood Highsmith (19) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Well, that didn’t take long, did it?Less than a week after waiving Haywood Highsmith, the Phoenix Suns have re-signed him, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.Free agent F Haywood Highsmith has agreed to a one-year deal to r
  
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• NBA reportedly has no evidence Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled payments to Kawhi Leonard

  17-08-2026 18:48 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  After investigating Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for months, the NBA has reportedly not found evidence Ballmer funneled payments to star Kawhi Leonard through team sponsors, per ESPN.The league, however, is still exploring whether the Clippers violated NBA rules by introducing Leonard to team sponsors. The NBA is also reportedly looking into whether the team failed to supervise its employees.Ballmer and the Clippers were originally accused of using team sponsor Aspiration as a way to
  
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• Brad Stevens praises Paul George's basketball IQ, fit with Celtics

  17-08-2026 17:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Brad Stevens praises Paul George's basketball IQ, fit with Celtics originally appeared on NBC Sports BostonOne of the biggest X-factors for the Boston Celtics in the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season will be Paul George.The veteran forward was acquired by the Celtics as part of the controversial Jaylen Brown trade with the Philadelphia 76ers back in July.George is older and not as talented as Brown, but he should still be a productive player for the C’s. In the latest episode of team-produced sh
  
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• Trendon Watford signs one-year minimum deal to join New Orleans

  17-08-2026 17:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Well, you can't say New Orleans did absolutely nothing this offseason.The Pelicans are signing 6'8" power forward Trendon Watford to a one-year, $2.9 million minimum contract, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania. This will be the former LSU star's sixth NBA season, bringing the Pelicans roster to a full 15 contracts.Watford was at the end of the rotation in Philadelphia last season, getting into 53 games and averaging 6.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per night when he did. He's not a floor spacer, ta
  
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• 2025-26 Spurs Player Reviews: De’Aaron Fox

  17-08-2026 17:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 13: De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a three point basket during the game against the New York Knicks during Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Jesse D. Gar
  
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• Report: Trendon Watford to sign one-year deal with Pelicans

  17-08-2026 17:24 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 15: Trendon Watford #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 15, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty
  
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• Knicks’ 2026 preseason schedule emerges amid NBA offseason

  17-08-2026 17:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 10: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers wrestle for a loose ball during the second quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 10, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agr
  
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• Former LSU Forward Trendon Watford signs with the Pelicans

  17-08-2026 16:32 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 8: Trendon Watford #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Pho
  
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• The Knicks are becoming their own company

  17-08-2026 15:58 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 18: Owner James Dolan looks on during the New York Knicks Championship ticker tape parade and victory rally celebrating winning the 2026 NBA Finals on June 18, 2026 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win their first NBA Championship in 53 years. (Photo by Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images) | Getty Images For most of their history, the Knicks and Rangers have been cozy bedfellows, with a shared owner, arena, training facili
  
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• Report: Cavaliers actively searching to move key contributor

  17-08-2026 15:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 20: Jarrett Allen #31 and Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five during the game against the Toronto Raptors during round one Game two of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff
  
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• LeBron James solves the 76ers’ biggest offensive problem

  17-08-2026 15:39 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | G
  
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• Bucks Reacts Survey: How many ex-Heat players should the Bucks start?

  17-08-2026 15:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (L) and Kel'el Ware of the Milwaukee Bucks pose for photos as they sit courtside in the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game between the Bucks and the Miami Heat at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/G
  
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• LeBron’s arrival echoes that of Dr. J; now comes the hard part

  17-08-2026 14:46 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - CIRCA 1977: Julius Erving #6 of the Philadelphia 76ers tries for a scoop-type layup over Johnny Davis #16 of the Portland Trailblazers during the NBA finals, May 22-June 3, 1977, at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Blazers defeated the Sixers in six games to win their first NBA Championship. (Photo by James Drake/Getty Images) | Getty Images Ken Burns, the brilliant documentarian, is fond of repeating a quote attributed to Mark Twain: “History do
  
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• Warriors' Yaxel Lendeborg had emotional moment before first summer league game

  17-08-2026 14:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Warriors' Yaxel Lendeborg had emotional moment before first summer league game  originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay AreaHelping the Michigan Wolverines win only their second ever NCAA title, Yaxel Lendeborg already is having a year to remember. And now, the newest Warrior is gearing up to be a key player for the franchise from the jump, ready to prove that his older age for a rookie (soon to be 24 years old) will come in handy. Golden State’s rookie spoke exclusively to The Athletic
  
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• Why Pat Spencer could be the Suns’ latest surprise contributor

  17-08-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 10: Pat Spencer #61 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 10, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images The Phoeni
  
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• How much will change from Mitchell Robinson to Andre Drummond affect Knicks' championship hopes?

  17-08-2026 13:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  After winning a championship for the first time in 53 years, the Knicks kept much of their roster intact for the 2026-27 NBA season. The only big change from the offseason could have ramifications for the team’s hopes of producing similar results.The Knicks let center Mitchell Robinson walk in free agency. Robinson signed a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the Atlantic Division rival Boston Celtics.To shore up the backup five spot, New York signed veteran center Andre Drummond to a
  
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• NetsDaily Off-Season Report – No. 18

  17-08-2026 13:43 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Apr 13, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets owner Joseph Tsai (center) sits curtsied during the first half of the game between the Nets and the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The 2026-27 schedule is out and it shows the Brooklyn Nets, generally seen as having one of the worst rosters in the NBA this season, will open the season October 21 vs. the Charlotte Hornets, just as they did last season, onl
  
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• Banner Years commentary: Respecting the Russell-era Celtics

  17-08-2026 13:11 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  An overall view of the Boston Celtics championship banners during the 2024 NBA Playoffs Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images During the CelticsBlog History Month, I ‘ve had the enjoyable assignment of writing about the 11 NBA championships won by Boston during Bill Russell’s career. The Celtics of 1957-69 achieved so much, set unbreakable records, and overcame obstacles time after time, yet they are often underappreciated by toda
  
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