Off-Court & Press

Draymond Green Fined $50K for Referencing Game 3 Point Spread

Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025

Green was fined $50,000 for making a comment referencing the 5.5-point spread during Game 3 vs. the Timberwolves, which the NBA deemed as questioning officiating integrity.
After fouling out late in the game, Green was seen mouthing “5.5” on camera as the Wolves led by eight. The game ended 102-97, narrowly within the spread. This adds to Green’s record $992,000 in career fines.

Nike’s Phil Knight Rules Out Buying Trail Blazers Amid Sale Process

Portland Trail Blazers
May 2025

Nike co-founder Phil Knight has officially ruled out buying the Portland Trail Blazers, stating age and reduced interest as reasons, despite past efforts. The team is now formally up for sale per the late Paul Allen’s will.
Allen’s estate has engaged Allen & Company and Hogan Lovells to oversee the sale, aiming to fulfill the directive to channel proceeds into philanthropy. NBA and Oregon officials are urging the franchise remain in Portland.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Open to Considering Future Outside Milwaukee

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.

Pat Riley Reflects on Jimmy Butler’s Exit and Miami’s Future

Pat Riley (Miami Heat), Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025

Pat Riley spoke for the first time since Jimmy Butler’s trade to Golden State, acknowledging Butler’s impact, the strained relationship, and Miami’s decision not to extend his contract. Riley emphasized the need for offseason changes.
Riley cited last year’s contract standoff and Butler’s public remarks as turning points. He took responsibility for the outcome, declined to apologize for rejecting the extension, and confirmed Miami will pursue roster changes after a disappointing playoff sweep.

Draymond Green Addresses ‘Angry Black Man’ Label After Game 2 Tech

Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025

After receiving his fifth technical foul of the playoffs, Draymond Green condemned an alleged media “agenda” painting him as an “angry Black man” and expressed frustration over biased narratives affecting how he’s officiated.
Green flailed his arm after being fouled by Naz Reid and was given a technical upon review. He also encountered a racial slur from a fan, prompting an ejection. Teammates and coaches emphasized composure, citing his value and past suspensions.

Timberwolves, Warriors Both Voice Frustrations Over Officiating After Game 1

Chris Finch (Timberwolves), Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors)
After Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals (May 2025)

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said the team submitted clips to the NBA showing Rudy Gobert being “tackled” during defensive rebounding with no foul calls. Meanwhile, Steve Kerr also complained about the lack of fouls called when Steph Curry was grabbed off-ball before exiting with a hamstring injury.
Finch called out what he described as excessive physicality allowed against Gobert, while Kerr pointed to playoff leniency by referees as a consistent issue, especially in defending off-ball motion. Both sides acknowledged the playoff environment as physical but felt the officiating lacked consistency.

Mavericks Overhaul Health Staff Again After Injury-Riddled Season

Dionne Calhoun, Keith Belton (Dallas Mavericks)
May 2025 (following 2024–25 season)

The Dallas Mavericks dismissed head athletic trainer Dionne Calhoun and performance director Keith Belton after a season plagued by injuries and internal conflicts. Calhoun had been with the franchise for 21 years, while Belton was under scrutiny for lacking required NBA certifications.
The firings followed a season of medical mismanagement, including a key incident involving Dereck Lively II’s stress fracture. An internal HR investigation was triggered by a heated dispute between Belton and health director Johann Bilsborough, who remains with the team. This marks the third straight offseason of major performance staff changes.

Kings Hire Mike Woodson as Associate Head Coach Under Doug Christie

Mike Woodson (Sacramento Kings)
Announced following the end of the 2024–25 season

Mike Woodson, former Indiana Hoosiers head coach and longtime NBA figure, has agreed to join the Sacramento Kings as associate head coach under newly appointed head coach Doug Christie.
Woodson returns to the NBA after leaving Indiana, where he coached for four seasons. He brings over 25 years of coaching experience and previously served as an assistant with the Knicks. He becomes the first major hire under Christie’s offseason staff restructure.

Thunder’s Sam Presti Wins NBA Executive of the Year

Sam Presti (Oklahoma City Thunder)
May 7, 2025

Sam Presti was named NBA Executive of the Year after building the Thunder into a 68-win powerhouse, earning 10 first-place votes from 30 team executives. It’s his first time receiving the award.
Presti credited the Thunder’s player commitment and long-tenured support staff. His win marks the franchise’s first since 1994, when it was the Seattle SuperSonics. Cleveland’s Koby Altman and Detroit’s Trajan Langdon finished second and third.

Rockets Reflect, Ready to Build After Playoff Exit

Houston Rockets
May 2025

The Rockets’ first playoff run in five years ended with a Game 7 loss to the Warriors, but coaches and management remain optimistic about the team’s growth and committed to building a championship-caliber roster.
Coach Udoka and GM Stone highlighted team consistency, praised young stars like Jalen Green and Amen Thompson, and hinted at continuity and potential veteran additions this offseason to boost shooting and defense.

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