NBA

Nuggets Owner Explains Shocking Firings of Malone & Booth

Michael Malone, Calvin Booth, Josh Kroenke (Denver Nuggets)
April 15, 2025

Nuggets vice chairman Josh Kroenke revealed he fired head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth due to internal discord despite the team’s playoff position and recent success, citing deteriorating behind-the-scenes dynamics.
Kroenke delayed the decision multiple times but said clashes over roster direction created a toxic atmosphere. Despite their roles in delivering Denver’s only NBA title, both were dismissed to “rejuvenate” the team. Interim coach David Adelman is 3-0.

Suns Fire Budenholzer After Historic Collapse, Eye Roster Overhaul

Mike Budenholzer (Phoenix Suns)
April 15, 2025

The Phoenix Suns have fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after finishing 36–46 and missing both the playoffs and play-in tournament, despite holding the largest payroll in NBA history.
Budenholzer reportedly struggled to connect with the locker room, including franchise cornerstone Devin Booker. Phoenix is expected to explore trades for Kevin Durant and evaluate Bradley Beal’s future as owner Mat Ishbia prepares a major offseason reset.

Pelicans Fire David Griffin After Injury-Riddled, 21-Win Season

David Griffin (New Orleans Pelicans)
April 15, 2025

The Pelicans have fired executive VP of basketball operations David Griffin after a disappointing 21–61 season — the franchise’s second-worst since relocating to New Orleans — plagued by major injuries and missed playoff expectations.
Despite assembling a talented roster, Griffin never saw his core play together consistently due to injuries to Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Brandon Ingram, and others. Griffin exits with a 209–263 record and only two playoff appearances in six years.

Wembanyama Optimistic After DVT Recovery, Eyes Big Future in San Antonio

Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
April 2025

Victor Wembanyama says he’s moved past the blood clot issue in his right shoulder that ended his season early, and while not yet cleared for contact, he has resumed training and vows to be ready for next year’s camp.
Wembanyama avoided specifics but credited the Spurs’ medical staff for elite care. Despite missing 36 games, he led the NBA in blocks (176) and voiced excitement for a new Big Three with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.

Cavs Expect Donovan Mitchell Ready for Playoff Opener

Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
April 2025

Despite missing the final four regular-season games with a sprained ankle, All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell is expected to return for the Cavaliers’ playoff opener as the East’s top seed.
Mitchell has resumed full on-court workouts and will join team scrimmages this week. Coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized balancing rehab with conditioning ahead of Cleveland’s playoff run, which begins April 20.

Trail Blazers Extend Chauncey Billups Amid Defensive Surge

Chauncey Billups (Portland Trail Blazers)
April 2025

Portland Trail Blazers have signed head coach Chauncey Billups to a multiyear contract extension as he wraps up the final year of his original deal. GM Joe Cronin also received an extension to solidify the franchise’s leadership.
Despite missing the playoffs, Portland posted a 22–18 record since Jan. 19, ranking top 5 in NBA defense. Billups has been praised for culture-building and player development across one of the league’s youngest rosters.

76ers Promise Roster Rebuild After Injury-Ravaged Season Ends

Daryl Morey, Nick Nurse (Philadelphia 76ers)
April 2025

After finishing 24–58, 76ers president Daryl Morey confirmed both he and coach Nick Nurse will return next season. The front office plans a roster overhaul built around a younger, more dynamic core to support Embiid, Maxey, and George.
Key stars missed most of the season due to injuries, playing just 15 games together. With Embiid recovering from knee surgery and a top-five draft pick likely secured, Philly will focus on health, depth, and youth in their rebuild efforts.

Jaylen Brown Receives Knee Treatment Ahead of Playoffs

Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
April 2025

Celtics forward Jaylen Brown received pain management injections in his right knee to aid recovery before the team begins its playoff run. He is expected to be ready for the first-round series starting April 19 or 20.
Brown has been managing a bone bruise for some time, but recent pain led to reduced minutes and sitting out a key game. Teammates, including Kristaps Porzingis, encouraged him to prioritize recovery for the postseason.

Celtics Reward G League MVP JD Davison with NBA Deal

JD Davison (Boston Celtics)
April 13, 2025

The Celtics are converting G League MVP JD Davison’s contract into a standard two-year NBA deal, securing their final roster spot ahead of the playoffs.
Davison averaged 25.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds for G League Maine. Despite limited NBA minutes (1.7 PPG across 34 games), Boston sees potential value as they gear up for postseason action.

Grizzlies Rookie Jaylen Wells Out for Season After Scary Fall

Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
April 2025

Jaylen Wells is out for the remainder of the season with a broken wrist, concussion, and facial laceration following a midair collision against Charlotte. He had been averaging 10.4 points and was the team’s top perimeter defender.
Wells was undercut by KJ Simpson while attempting a dunk and suffered a heavy fall. He was stretchered off after being attended to for eight minutes and is expected to make a full recovery.