Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
March 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted OKC’s improvement from last season, emphasizing that clinching earlier than in 2024 reflects their growth.
The Thunder, the second team to secure a playoff spot this season, have steadily improved, showing resilience against top teams like the Celtics and Nuggets.
Stephen Curry, James Harden, Damian Lillard, NBA Players
March 2025
Curry’s historic milestone drew admiration from Doug Christie, Chauncey Billups, and Steve Kerr, who joked that Curry might aim for 8,000 threes.
James Harden (3,127 threes) and Damian Lillard (2,794 threes) are the closest to joining Curry in the 4,000 club, but Curry’s influence on the game remains unparalleled.
Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets
March 2025
Thomas is set to become a free agent this offseason, adding uncertainty to his future with the Nets after an injury-plagued season.
Despite being limited to 25 appearances, he led Brooklyn with six 30-point games, including a season-high 43 points against the Knicks. His injury status may impact his market value in free agency.
Steve Kerr, Draymond Green, Stephen Curry
March 2025
Kerr received high praise from his players after surpassing Al Attles for the most wins in Warriors history, with Draymond Green and Stephen Curry acknowledging his impact.
Green credited Kerr for “changing everything” in the Warriors’ culture, while Curry reflected on how fate kept them together in Golden State. Kerr’s leadership helped the team win four championships, and his influence extends beyond basketball, as he has also used his platform to speak on social issues.
Michael Malone, Calvin Booth, Josh Kroenke (Denver Nuggets)
April 2025
Nuggets vice chairman Josh Kroenke fired head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth last week, citing internal dysfunction and a need to “rejuvenate” the team’s energy ahead of the playoffs—despite their recent success and 2023 championship.
Kroenke said long-standing disagreements between Malone and Booth created a toxic environment. He made the move after an eight-game win streak masked deeper issues. Ben Tenzer has been named interim GM as Denver begins its playoff run as the 4th seed.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
May 2025
Giannis Antetokounmpo is open-minded about leaving Milwaukee for the first time in his career following the Bucks’ third straight first-round playoff exit. League sources say teams will intensify inquiries about his availability during this week’s NBA Draft Combine.
Despite being under contract through 2027-28, Antetokounmpo’s concerns over Milwaukee’s limited title window and depleted assets are fueling speculation. While the Bucks have a few free agency tools and draft options, roster-building flexibility is minimal. Internal meetings with Giannis’ camp are expected this summer.
Mitchell Robinson (New York Knicks)
September 2025
Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson is eligible for a veteran extension as his four-year, $60m contract enters its final season. Despite injuries limiting his minutes, his dominant postseason defense elevated his value as New York eyes its championship window.
Robinson missed much of last year but proved decisive in the playoffs, shoring up defense while Karl-Anthony Towns handled scoring. Knicks insider James L. Edwards III claims Robinson is “an All-Defense candidate” worth keeping, with the front office weighing long-term security despite durability concerns.
Jason Kidd (Dallas Mavericks)
October 2025
Dallas signed Kidd to a multiyear extension after fending off Knicks interest and stabilising the bench through roster turbulence. The franchise pivots to a youth centric core led by top pick Cooper Flagg.
Continuity is the priority after a volatile cycle. With Kyrie Irving returning from injury and depth upgraded, Dallas backs Kidd’s defensive structure and development track to re enter contention around their new cornerstone.
Dillon Brooks (Phoenix Suns)
November 2025
Dillon Brooks (Phoenix Suns) has been fined 25,000 dollars by the league for making a lewd gesture late in the second quarter of Phoenix’s 133-98 win over the Indiana Pacers, adding another disciplinary note to the forward’s already controversial on-court reputation. The punishment, announced by NBA executive James Jones, underlines the league’s stance on player behaviour and continues Brooks’s pattern of drawing attention for antics as much as defence, reminding Phoenix that his edge occasionally brings unwanted scrutiny alongside his competitive intensity.
Jalen Green
December 2025
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green was fined $25,000 for using profanity while interrupting a teammate’s live on-court television interview after a win over the Washington Wizards. The league cited the interruption and language used during the postgame broadcast moment at Capital One Arena, occurring after Phoenix’s 115-101 victory.
