Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
June 2025
Tyrese Haliburton aggravated a strained right calf in Game 5 of the NBA Finals and will undergo an MRI to assess the severity, but says he intends to play in Game 6.
Haliburton returned with his calf wrapped and played 34 minutes but failed to score a field goal, finishing with just 4 points. Despite ankle and calf issues, he insists he’ll fight through for the elimination game.
LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
June 2025
LeBron James is prioritizing recovery from a left knee sprain ahead of his 23rd NBA season, with plans to return fully fit for training camp in September.
After averaging 24.4 points last season and making All-NBA, LeBron remains committed to playing, driven by his family and the chance to share the court with Bronny. He has no set retirement timeline and holds a $56.2M player option.
Scott Foster, Rick Carlisle (Indiana Pacers)
June 2025
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle strongly defended referee Scott Foster following criticism of his officiating in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, calling the scrutiny “unfair and stupid.”
Despite 71 free throws and 53 fouls in a physical matchup, Carlisle praised Foster’s professionalism. A controversial no-call involving MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander late in the game fueled fan outrage as OKC tied the series 2-2.
Steven Adams (Houston Rockets)
June 2025
Steven Adams has signed a fully guaranteed three-year, $39 million extension with the Rockets, keeping him under contract through 2028 and removing him from the free agency pool.
Adams, a key leader in Houston’s playoff return, was a priority for the franchise after contributing on both ends post-injury. He excelled in zone defense and led the league in offensive rebounding percentage.
Russell Westbrook (Denver Nuggets)
June 2025
Russell Westbrook has declined his $3.4 million player option for the 2025–26 season, making him an unrestricted free agent when the market opens on June 30.
After averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 75 games for Denver, Westbrook opted out despite recent hand surgery. The 36-year-old veteran remains determined to chase an NBA title and resume training this offseason.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
June 2025
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was limited to 3 points in the fourth quarter of Game 3, as Indiana’s aggressive defense helped the Pacers complete another comeback and reduce their NBA Finals series deficit to 2-1.
SGA was pressured 65.5 feet from the basket and blitzed 12 times—both playoff career highs—while also logging intense defensive duties. Despite fatigue signs, the MVP rejected excuses, vowing to improve with a maximum of four games left.
Dorian Finney-Smith (Los Angeles Lakers)
June 2025
Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith has undergone left ankle surgery and is expected to return fully fit for 2025-26 training camp. The injury had hampered him for multiple seasons despite strong performances after his midseason arrival from Brooklyn.
After battling chronic ankle pain, Finney-Smith opted for surgery to resolve lingering issues. The Lakers value him highly, and his recovery timeline aligns with extension eligibility. He has until June 29 to decide on his $15.4M player option.
Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
June 2025
Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns are working together to find a trade partner, with interest from multiple NBA teams. Durant’s future hinges on a suitable fit and his potential long-term contract extension, with talks expected to escalate.
Durant’s camp and Suns management have met several times in recent days, exploring destinations like Houston, San Antonio, and New York. His $54.7M salary and extension eligibility post-trade make this a calculated negotiation amid Phoenix’s recent front-office overhaul.
New York Knicks
June 2025
The Knicks have been denied permission to interview Jason Kidd by the Mavericks, joining other NBA teams like the Rockets, Timberwolves, Hawks, and Villanova’s Jay Wright in rejecting New York’s head coaching approach after Tom Thibodeau’s dismissal.
Dallas firmly rejected the Knicks’ request on Wednesday, with sources confirming similar refusals from Houston (Ime Udoka), Minnesota (Chris Finch), and Atlanta (Quin Snyder). New York continues to struggle in identifying a successor after a surprising playoff run under Thibodeau.
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
Ahead of Game 3, June 2025
Haliburton confirmed he’ll play in Game 3 despite visible limping and ankle taping, insisting his “lower leg thing” won’t limit him against the Thunder.
Coach Carlisle said Haliburton isn’t restricted and is improving daily. The guard emphasized reviewing film to fix early-game struggles after two slow first halves.
