NBA

Billy Donovan Signs Multiyear Extension With Bulls

Billy Donovan (Chicago Bulls)
July 2025

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has signed a multiyear contract extension, the team announced Sunday. While financial and term details remain undisclosed, the extension secures Donovan’s future as he enters his sixth season in charge during 2025–26.
Donovan had one year left on his original deal and was pursued by the New York Knicks before recommitting to Chicago. Despite three straight play-in exits, Bulls management values Donovan’s leadership. He’ll be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in September.

Kuminga Standoff Freezes Warriors’ Offseason

Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)
July 2025

Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga has rejected Golden State’s latest contract offer, prolonging a tense standoff. He’s exploring sign-and-trade options while keeping Golden State’s $7.9M qualifying offer open as leverage for long-term control and starter guarantees.
Kuminga seeks a featured role, which Phoenix and Sacramento have pitched. The Warriors demand a young player and a first-round pick—terms Phoenix can’t match. Golden State’s offseason plans, including targets like Al Horford and Seth Curry, remain stalled until the situation resolves.

Haliburton Opens Up on Achilles Injury and Recovery

Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
July 2025

Tyrese Haliburton believes there’s no clear cause behind the NBA’s rise in Achilles injuries, calling it “just bad luck.” The Pacers star suffered his own tear in Game 7 of the Finals, despite feeling fully fit after passing stress tests post-calf strain.
Now ruled out for 2025–26, Haliburton plans to grow his basketball IQ by sitting in on Pacers coaches’ meetings and aiding teammates from the bench. He’s spoken with Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum—both Achilles victims—and aims to return stronger in 2026–27.

McDermott Returns to Kings on $3.6M Deal

Doug McDermott (Sacramento Kings)
July 2025

Doug McDermott has agreed to a guaranteed one-year, $3.6 million deal to return to the Sacramento Kings. Entering his 12th NBA season, the sharpshooter rejoins after shooting nearly 44% from three across 42 games with the Kings last season. This marks his second stint with the franchise.
McDermott’s return was confirmed by Priority Sports agents Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman. Known for his elite 3-point shooting (career 41.1%), he provides reliable perimeter depth. Sacramento valued his floor spacing and experience after using him on a similar one-year deal last season. This will be his eighth NBA team.

Lakers to Sign Marcus Smart After Wizards Buyout

Marcus Smart (Washington Wizards > Los Angeles Lakers)
July 2025

Marcus Smart has agreed to a buyout with the Wizards and will sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers, including a 2026 player option. He rejoins a playoff-caliber roster after two injury-hit seasons.
Luka Doncic personally recruited Smart to the Lakers, who prioritized a defensive guard after losing Dorian Finney-Smith. The Lakers will waive Shake Milton to open a roster spot for Smart, filling a critical defensive gap.

Pelicans Rookie Derik Queen to Miss Start of Camp After Wrist Surgery

Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans)
July 2025

Rookie forward Derik Queen will miss the start of training camp after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist, sustained during Summer League action. He’ll be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.
Queen tore his scapholunate ligament during Tuesday’s game and underwent surgery on Friday, performed by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles. Drafted 13th by Atlanta, his rights were acquired by the Pelicans via trade.

Lillard Set for Emotional Return to Trail Blazers on $42M Deal

Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks > Portland Trail Blazers)
July 2025

Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to rejoin the Portland Trail Blazers, which includes a no-trade clause and a player option for 2027-28. The reunion comes after his short stint with the Bucks.
Lillard became a surprise free agent after being waived by Milwaukee on July 7. Despite a torn Achilles set to sideline him next season, Portland moved quickly to bring back their franchise icon for his 14th NBA year.

Bradley Beal Joins Clippers After Suns Buyout

Bradley Beal (Phoenix Suns > LA Clippers)
July 2025

Three-time All-Star Bradley Beal has agreed to a buyout with the Suns and will join the Clippers on a two-year, $11 million deal with a 2026–27 player option, pending waivers clearance.
Beal gave back $13.9M of his contract to leave Phoenix and chose LA for basketball fit and contender status. He’ll replace Norman Powell and join Kawhi Leonard and James Harden in the Clippers’ new core.

Dereck Lively Undergoes Foot Surgery, Set for Camp Return

Dereck Lively II (Dallas Mavericks)
July 2025

Mavericks center Dereck Lively II has undergone surgery to clean up bone spurs in his right foot. He is expected to be fully healthy and available for training camp in September.
Lively missed significant time last season with a stress fracture in the same ankle. Despite early injury struggles, he remains a core piece in a frontcourt featuring Anthony Davis and No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.

Wembanyama Cleared for Full Return After DVT Recovery

Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
July 2025

Victor Wembanyama has been officially cleared to return after recovering from deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, which cut his 2024–25 season short. The Spurs’ medical team gave the green light on Friday.
The 21-year-old Frenchman recovered ahead of schedule and credited recent Shaolin temple training for boosting his mental and physical focus. He led the NBA in blocks last season despite playing just 46 games.