NBA

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.

Sixers’ Paul George Undergoes Knee Procedure, Out Until Camp

Paul George (Philadelphia 76ers)
July 2025

Paul George has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after suffering an injury during a workout. He will begin rehabilitation and be re-evaluated before the start of training camp.
George, 35, continues to battle injuries after a limited 41-game campaign last season. This is his latest setback since signing a four-year, $212M deal with Philadelphia. He averaged 16.2 points in 2024–25.

Mavericks Shut Down No. 1 Pick Cooper Flagg for Summer League

Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
July 2025

The Dallas Mavericks have decided to shut down No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg for the remainder of the NBA Summer League after two games, highlighted by a 31-point performance against San Antonio.
Flagg rebounded from a tough debut with a standout showing against Dylan Harper’s Spurs. The Mavs opted to limit his exposure, prioritizing development and preserving the rookie after his strong response in Game 2.

Isaiah Jackson Re-Signs with Pacers on 3-Year, $21M Deal

Isaiah Jackson (Indiana Pacers)
July 2025

Free agent center Isaiah Jackson has agreed to a three-year, $21 million contract to return to the Indiana Pacers, adding frontcourt depth after the offseason exit of longtime starter Myles Turner.
Jackson missed most of last season with an Achilles tear but impressed in 2023–24 with solid rim protection and rebounding. Indiana is investing in his development alongside Wiseman and Jay Huff.

Brandon Ingram Cleared for Contact in Raptors Return Push

Brandon Ingram (Toronto Raptors)
July 2025

Raptors forward Brandon Ingram has been cleared for contact and is expected to participate in upcoming team scrimmages as he recovers from the ankle injury that sidelined him since December 2024.
Ingram, acquired from the Pelicans in February, has been pain-free and showing strong progress, according to coach Rajakovic. The 27-year-old has yet to debut for Toronto after signing a $120M extension post-trade.

Chet Holmgren Signs $250M Max Deal After Title-Winning Season

Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
July 2025

Chet Holmgren has signed a fully guaranteed five-year rookie max extension with the Thunder worth up to $250 million. The 2025 NBA champion and defensive anchor is now locked in long-term with OKC’s core.
Despite a mid-season hip injury, Holmgren returned in February to lead the Thunder to their first NBA title. He starred defensively in the playoffs and joins Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in OKC’s long-term plans with no options included.

Anthony Davis Undergoes Eye Surgery, Will Be Ready for Mavs Camp

Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks)
July 2025

Mavericks All-Star Anthony Davis underwent surgery to repair a detached retina suffered last season. He is expected to recover in time for training camp ahead of his first full season in Dallas.
Davis joined the Mavericks in the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade and impressed in limited games. With Kyrie Irving out long-term, Davis will lead a revamped team that includes No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.