Basketball news

• NBA Draft grades: 8 ‘A’ picks from 2026 first-round

  24-06-2026 20:49 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: Cameron Boozer poses for a photo during the 2026 NBA Draft (Photo by Melanie Fidler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft is in the books, and SB Nation draft expert Ricky O’Donnell graded every pick from the first round. A total of eight teams managed to nail the first round in his eyes, earning an A-grade or higher for their selections. Grading was a blend of two factors: Where the player was on the NBA big board ahea
  
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• NBA free agency: Suns C Mark Williams agrees to 3-year, $38 million deal to stay in Phoenix

  26-06-2026 02:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Mark Williams isn't going anywhere.The Phoenix Suns starting center, a restricted free agent, plans to sign a three-year, $38 million contract to return to the team, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.Williams, a former 15th overall pick for the Charlotte Hornets, joined the Suns last offseason via a draft night trade. He quickly developed into a quality starter for the Suns, who reached the playoffs via the NBA play-in tournament and got swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.Wil
  
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• How the LaMelo Ball era in Charlotte came to its sudden end

  26-06-2026 02:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Two weeks ago, as NBA teams ramped up their draft preparation efforts — scheduling workouts, finalizing big boards and, more importantly, gathering intel on potential trades — one Eastern Conference name, sources say, continued to permeate conversations.  It wasn't Giannis Antetokounmpo. And it wasn't Jaylen Brown. It was Hornets forward Miles Bridges. At a glance, Charlotte actively shopping Bridges made sense. A team quietly being reshaped around a young head coach a
  
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• LeBron James, Lakers go quiet as free agency nears: Where things stand, what's next

  26-06-2026 02:04 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers may be at an impasse early during the free agency period.ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that there “hasn’t been much communication” between the two parties recently.The franchise must develop a winning strategy during the offseason to take another step forward on the path to a championship with Luka Doncic as the focal point.James has won four NBA championships during his career, bringing at least one to every team he's played for (
  
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• Micah Nori takes over as Trail Blazers head coach, says Portland will play hard, smart and together

  26-06-2026 01:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  TUALATIN, Ore. (AP) — Micah Nori was told by several NBA teams that he was their No. 2 choice to be head coach before the Portland Trail Blazers finally gave him his chance at No. 1.A 28-year journey in the NBA culminated in Nori joining general manager Joe Cronin on Thursday at the Blazers' practice facility for his introductory news conference.“I think for five of the interviews they said, ‘Micah you are our No. 2,’” Nori said, citing his recent experience intervi
  
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• Lamelo Ball trade winners and losers: Minnesota Timberwolves get star running mate for Anthony Edwards

  26-06-2026 01:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  This was no Giannis Antetokounmpo "let's drag this out over months and years" situation — discussions of LaMelo Ball being available in a trade popped up after the second round of the NBA Draft Wednesday night, and by Thursday morning, the deal was done. It's a big swing by both teams, but who were the winners and losers from this massive trade? Let's break it down, but first is a reminder of exactly what this trade looks like:Minnesota receives: LaMelo Ball, Josh Green
  Charlotte receives:
  
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• Golden State Warriors' new patch deal reportedly largest in North American sports

  26-06-2026 00:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Golden State Warriors have joined forces with IREN Limited on a multi-year sponsorship deal.The AI Cloud provider will be featured on the team’s jersey with a sponsor patch, starting with the 2026-27 season.It is expected to be the richest sponsorship in the history of North American team sports at an average of more than $50 million per year, according to Sportico. The Warriors are owned by Joe Lacob, who purchased the team in 2010 for $450 million. The team brought in $877 million in
  
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• Kawhi Leonard trade rumors: Would it be possible for the Spurs or Raptors to bring back the Clippers star?

  26-06-2026 00:28 via cbssports.com
  
  Leonard is reportedly open to a contract extension if he's traded from the Clippers to one of his two former teams
  
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• Loaded NBA draft class continues successful year for Big Ten men's basketball

  26-06-2026 00:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  It’s been nothing short of a banner year for Big Ten men’s basketball.In April, Michigan became the first Big Ten men’s basketball champion in 26 years. In the same tournament, Illinois appeared in its first Final Four since 2005, No. 8 seed Iowa upset the reigning champion Florida Gators en route to the Elite Eight, and six teams from the conference made the Sweet Sixteen.The Big Ten carried the momentum forward this week in the 2026 NBA Draft with 11 selections. Such a big cl
  
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• Michigan president sounds off after Dusty May leaves for NBA

  26-06-2026 00:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Dusty May said it "wasn't an easy decision" to leave Michigan basketball for the Dallas Mavericks. According to his former boss, U-M interim president Domenico Grasso, the current landscape of college sports played a role in May's decision to leave for the pro ranks. "Our current system is in dire need of clarity and equitable reform," Grasso said at a June 25 regents meeting, according to the Detroit Free Press. "Coach May told me that among his reasons for leaving were uncertainties and pressu
  
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• Is LaMelo Ball a winning player? The Timberwolves are betting yes, and it's a risk they had to take

  26-06-2026 00:00 via cbssports.com
  
  The Wolves had hit a ceiling that Ball has the potential to push them through
  
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• Cavs fill two-way spot with undrafted big

  26-06-2026 00:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 07: Ernest Udeh Jr. #8 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts during the second half of the basketball game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum on January 07, 2026 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cleveland Cavaliers are rounding out the roster after selecting Meleek Thomas 34th overall in the NBA Draft on Thursday. They’ve signed several undrafted players
  
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• Will Kawhi Leonard come back to the Toronto Raptors?

  25-06-2026 23:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Jun 13, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) speaks to the media after game six of the 2019 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit:Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images The Toronto Raptors are looking down the barrel of a decision they already made in 2018, one that brought them their first and only championship.Yes. Kawhi Leonard could become available for the Toronto Raptors, yet again.As per Jake Fischer, while Kawhi wants to stay in California with the Clippers, the
  
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• Kawhi Leonard: No extension if traded to Pistons

  25-06-2026 23:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 10: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 10, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Detroit Pistons have broadcast thei
  
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• Breaking down the blockbuster Giannis trade + Does LaMelo solve the Timberwolves' issues?

  25-06-2026 23:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Subscribe to The Big NumberApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeTom Haberstroh & Dan Devine get to the nitty gritty of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade to the Miami. What can the Heat expect from the big man in his thirties? And how should Miami use their remaining cap space? Plus, the guys react to LaMelo Ball’s trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves.(1:36) The Big Number: Giannis’ expected remaining All-NBA seasons(21:49) Little Numbers: Miami’s 3-point shooting(26:51) Littl
  
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• Boston Celtics Daily Links 6/25/26

  25-06-2026 22:54 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  BOSTON, MA - APRIL 12: The sneakers worn by Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic during the game against the Boston Celtics on April 12, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images Herald
  
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• Bucks banking on lottery picks Burries and Ament to spark their post-Antetokounmpo rebuild

  25-06-2026 22:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks lottery picks Brayden Burries and Nate Ament got their first bit of tough love from their new coach well before discovering they’d be playing for him.During their introductory news conference Thursday, Ament discussed a predraft meeting with Taylor Jenkins in which the new Bucks coach went over the Tennessee forward’s five worst plays in college.“He did the same thing with me,” said Burries, a 6-foot-4 guard from Arizona.Burries and
  
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• Chase Ross Agrees To Go To Summer League & Training Camp With The Lakers

  25-06-2026 22:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  With the NBA Draft receding into the rear view mirror, it’s time to find out who is going to get Summer League and training camp invitations.As you might expect with the California and Salt Lake City minor summer league events coming up about a week from now, the teams involved with those might be a little bit quicker on the uptake on that issue, and so:According to DraftExpress, the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to Exhibit 10 contract terms with former Marquette guard Chase Ross.NEWS: Ma
  
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• Suns sign undrafted free agent Corey Camper Jr.

  25-06-2026 22:19 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  RENO, NV - MARCH 18: Nevada Guard Corey Camper Jr. (4) looks on during a break in the action late in the game during a first round NIT Tournament college basketball game between the Murray State Racers and the Nevada Wolf Pack on March 18, 2026, at the Lawlor Events Center in Reno, NV. (Photo by Greg Ashman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Phoenix Suns have agreed to a deal with undrafted free agent Corey Camper Jr. out of Nevada, per One Time Agency Group
  
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• Top draft pick AJ Dybantsa arrives in Washington, ready to work on turning the Wizards around

  25-06-2026 22:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Before basketball became such a big part of AJ Dybantsa's life, he was like any other kid — growing up as a fan of a fictional superhero.When he was about five, his father bought him a Spider-Man basketball hoop that went on the back of his door.“I loved Spider-Man growing up. So I just started shooting from my bed, started shooting from my bed with this miniature ball. Then I started playing in the YMCA leagues ... ended up falling in love with the game," Dyb
  
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• Why the Hornets were right to move on from LaMelo Ball as the Wolves roll the dice

  25-06-2026 22:12 via cbssports.com
  
  Ball has tantalizing talent, but he also has a long history of reckless play and limited availability
  
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• The Knicks hold draft rights to 17 players. Meet the Stash Squad!

  25-06-2026 22:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Rokas Jokubaitis #32 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game on July 16, 2024 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images You might or mig
  
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• How realistic is a LeBron James-Jarrett Allen sign-and-trade for the Lakers?

  25-06-2026 21:41 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Rumors about LeBron James potentially returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a farewell tour this offseason have been flying around for months. Brian Windhorst of ESPN added fuel to that fire on Wednesday during a radio interview on ESPN Cleveland."I think if the Cavs were willing to do that, they could have LeBron, obviously LeBron would have to want to sign with the Cavs," – @WindhorstESPN says the Lakers would KILL to get Jarrett Allen in a trade for LeBron. pic.twitter.com/WiFmIABUiE
  
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• Lawal aims for NBA greatness after Briton is drafted

  25-06-2026 21:29 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Tobi Lawal has followed Jeremy Sochan and Amari Williams in going from the UK Under-19 development league to the NBA [Getty Images]Britain's Tobi Lawal says he is going to "live" in the gym as he bids to establish himself as an NBA player after being selected in the NBA Draft.The 23-year-old was picked 48th overall by the Dallas Mavericks after two years as a starter in the college game at Virginia Tech.The 6ft 8in forward only began playing competitive basketball when he was 16 and developed hi
  
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• Jericho Sims picks up player option, will return to Bucks

  25-06-2026 21:23 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 12: Jericho Sims #00 of the Milwaukee Bucks reaches for the ball against Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 12, 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 Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images With free agen
  
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• Faith in the front office: Raptors HQ staff assign draft grades

  25-06-2026 21:18 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 29: General Manager Bobby Webster of the Toronto Raptors listens in to press conferences during the Toronto Raptors' media day at Hotel X on September 29, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images The 2026 NBA Draft is over. We let our im
  
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• The Lakers were negotiating hard with Austin Reaves on his new deal

  25-06-2026 21:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 25: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on January 25, 2024 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Get
  
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• Lakers sign beloved college star Robbie Avila after 2026 NBA Draft

  25-06-2026 21:14 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  While the 2026 NBA Draft is now in the rearview mirror, the Lakers are still making roster moves. A move they made June 25 is sure to bring a lot of smiles to basketball fans.Jon Chepkevich ofDraft Express broke news on Thursday that the Lakers have signed Robbie Avila to an Exhibit 10 contract after Avila wasn’t drafted. This contract means that Avila has agreed to a one-year, nonguaranteed deal for the league minimum salary with the Lakers.Former Saint Louis forward Robbie Avila (right)
  
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• International men of mystery: Inside the Knicks' collection of international draft rights

  25-06-2026 21:03 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  As the night closed on the second round of the NBA Draft, the New York Knicks, fresh off their NBA Championship, finally made (and retained) two draft picks. However, that's a story for another time. The real story is that, during the NBA Draft, the Knicks acquired the draft rights to three international players, which means that the Knicks now hold the draft rights to 19 different international players. Yes, you read that right. The Knicks hold the draft rights to 19 different international pla
  
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• Warriors sign Wisconsin’s leading scorer Nick Boyd to Exhibit 10 contract

  25-06-2026 21:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: Nick Boyd #2 of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts while playing the High Point Panthers during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Golden State Warriors have signed undrafted free agent guard Nick Boyd out of Wisconsin to an Exhibit 10 contract, per ProMondo Sports (presumably his agency). Boyd was actually ranked higher in
  
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