Category: Basketball

Draymond Green Declines $27.7 Million Player Option as Warriors Chase LeBron James and Anthony Davis

Brandon King

The Golden State Warriors have officially taken the first major step toward what could become the most stunning offseason makeover in recent NBA history. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, veteran forward Draymond Green is declining his $27.7 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent. While Green is still expected to remain with Golden State, the move gives the organization significantly more financial flexibility as it pursues an ambitious roster overhaul.   ESPN reports the Warriors intend to aggressively pursue LeBron James in free agency while simultaneously exploring a…

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James Harden declines player option, heads to free agency with new deal expected

Brandon King

James Harden is officially headed to free agency after declining his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season. While the move makes Harden an unrestricted free agent, there is little expectation around the league that he’ll be changing teams. Instead, the decision is widely viewed as a financial maneuver that allows him and the Cleveland Cavaliers to negotiate a new multi-year contract. A restructured deal would provide Cleveland with greater salary cap flexibility while allowing the franchise to keep one of its biggest stars in place as it continues…

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Report: Jalen Duren Seeking Nearly $40 Million Per Year on Next Contract

Brandon King

Jalen Duren could be in line for a massive payday as he enters extension negotiations with the Detroit Pistons. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, there is a belief around the league that Duren is seeking a contract worth close to $40 million annually, which would represent roughly 25% of the NBA salary cap. Scotto also reported that while Duren’s asking price is high, several NBA executives expect both sides to ultimately reach an agreement in the mid-$30 million per year range, with the expectation that the 22-year-old center remains…

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Mavericks, Clippers Discuss Potential Blockbuster Deal Centered on Kawhi Leonard

Brandon King

The Dallas Mavericks are exploring the possibility of bringing Kawhi Leonard back to Texas. According to multiple league sources cited by The Athletic, Mavericks president Masai Ujiri has interest in reuniting with Leonard. The two previously enjoyed tremendous success together with the Toronto Raptors, culminating in the franchise’s first NBA championship in 2019. League sources say the Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers have discussed a trade framework that would send Leonard to Dallas. In return, the Clippers would receive a package centered around P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and draft-pick…

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Marcus Smart reportedly considering free agency; Rockets expected to pursue reunion with Ime Udoka

Brandon King

The Los Angeles Lakers could be in danger of losing one of their veteran leaders this offseason. According to Marc Stein, Marcus Smart is seriously considering declining his $5.4 million player option and entering unrestricted free agency. If he reaches the open market, the Houston Rockets are expected to express interest in bringing the veteran guard aboard for a reunion with head coach Ime Udoka. Smart and Udoka enjoyed success together during their time with the Boston Celtics, where Smart developed into one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders under…

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Hornets Trade Miles Bridges to Suns in Multi-Player Deal

Brandon King

The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to trade forward Miles Bridges, along with a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick, to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and a 2033 first-round pick, according to ESPN. The move signals another major roster shakeup for Charlotte as the franchise continues to reshape its future. By acquiring Allen and O’Neale, the Hornets add two experienced veterans known for their perimeter shooting and defensive versatility while also adding a future first-round selection. For Phoenix, the acquisition of Bridges provides…

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Deandre Ayton Expected to Exercise Player Option, Return to Lakers

Brandon King

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to have Deandre Ayton back for the 2026-27 season. According to Basketball Talk’s Kurt Helin, Ayton is expected to exercise his player option, keeping him with the Lakers for at least one more year. The move provides Los Angeles with continuity in the frontcourt as the franchise continues shaping its roster for another playoff push. Ayton joined the Lakers looking to provide size, rebounding, and interior scoring, and his return gives the team an experienced presence in the paint. While exercising his option keeps…

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Nikola Jokić Reportedly Considering Waiting on Nuggets Extension, Could Set Up Massive 2027 Payday

Brandon King

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde) The future of Nikola Jokić in Denver remains a major talking point around the league. According to veteran NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, Jokić is considering waiting before signing a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets this offseason. The decision is reportedly tied to the financial advantage of delaying a new deal rather than any desire to leave the…

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Orlando Magic waive Jonathan Isaac, veteran forward heads to free agency

Brandon King

Image via The Orlando Sentinel The Orlando Magic have waived veteran forward Jonathan Isaac, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, ending an eight-year run with the franchise that selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.   Isaac, 28, flashed elite defensive potential throughout his career, but repeated injuries prevented him from becoming a consistent contributor. A torn ACL suffered in the 2020 NBA Bubble sidelined him for more than two seasons, and additional lower-body injuries limited his availability after his return.   Despite the health…

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Michigan star Syla Swords signs NIL deal with Nike

Brandon King

Michigan star guard Syla Swords has added another major achievement to her rapidly growing résumé, signing a name, image and likeness (NIL) shoe deal with Nike. The partnership makes Swords the first basketball player to join Nike Canada’s NIL roster, marking another milestone for one of the brightest young stars in women’s college basketball. “Nike is always at the forefront of every podium, medal and championship,” Swords said in a statement. “I cannot wait to join a family of winners and role models while I continue to write my story!”…

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