Kevin Durant Deal Could Come Sooner Rather Than Later
Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat. The insider said that there is traction towards getting a deal done soon, and that the deal could get done ahead of the NBA Draft in a few weeks. Durant is on an expiring contract and could either be viewed as a one-year "rental" player or be given a longer-term deal. If he is traded, Durant will be eligible to sign a two-year, $112 million extension with his new team in July. Knicks' and Spurs' reporters have downplayed the likelihood of Durant landing with those teams, but the Heat seem to be legitimately interested, according to Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel.Source: Shams Charania
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Phoenix Suns are focused on trading forward Dorian Finney-Smith Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Dorian
Finney-Smith
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underwent
surgery
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The
veteran
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"lingeringread more...
According
to
ESPN's
Dave
McMenamin,
Los
Angeles
Lakers
forward
Jalen Williams Leads Thunder in Scoring Wednesday
Jalen Williams was the team's top scorer in Wednesday's 116-107 Game 3 loss to the Indiana Pacers, notching 26 points on 9-for-18 shooting from the field. He was 7-for-11 at the free-throw line and nailed one attempt from deep with two shots, scoring two more points than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As always, Williams also made contributions in several other areas, recording six rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Although Williams has shot only 39.2 percent from the field in the Finals, he has still averaged 20.7 points per game. Furthermore, he has registered 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.0 steals. The first-year All-Star has been productive against Indiana, but it seems the Thunder need even more from Williams, considering that the team has fallen behind 2-1 in the series.Source: ESPN
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Settles for 24 Points in Game 3 Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was limited to 24 points in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers, shooting 9-for-20 from the field and 5-for-6 at the line in a 116-107 defeat. After allowing Gilgeous-Alexander to open the Finals with back-to-back 30-point efforts, the Pacers did a remarkable job against him defensively, limiting his scoring opportunities and forcing the 2024-25 MVP to commit a game-high six turnovers. Gilgeous-Alexander wrapped up his line with eight rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. While every other player would likely be satisfied with Gilgeous-Alexander's output on Wednesday, he has set incredibly high standards for himself and must be eager to bounce back in Game 4 on Friday night.Source: ESPN
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Pascal Siakam Does Everything for Pacers Wednesday Night
Pascal Siakam had his best Finals performance in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, racking up 21 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block in a 116-107 victory. Siakam missed both of his attempts from downtown but shot a solid 8-for-14 overall and finished 5-for-6 at the free-throw line. The Cameroon star had previously struggled with his shooting in the series, producing only 10 total makes over the first two clashes against the Thunder. Nevertheless, Siakam has still provided good production for DFS teams in the matchup, averaging 18.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks.Source: ESPN
Indiana Pacers forward/center Tyrese Haliburton Gets Close to Triple-Double in Game 3 Win
Tyrese Haliburton filled the stat sheet and just missed a triple-double in Wednesday's 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. He finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists, two steals, and one block. Indiana's leading man shot 4-for-8 from downtown and 9-for-17 overall from the field during a busy night. Haliburton has been inconsistent in the postseason, but he has averaged a solid stat line for the Finals. Over three games, Haliburton has notched 17.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks. He is dealing with a lower-body ailment, but it certainly didn't hinder the two-time All-Star on Wednesday night.Source: ESPN
Indiana Pacers point guard Bennedict Mathurin Leads All Scorers with 27 Points Wednesday
Bennedict Mathurin was the standout performer in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night, putting up a game-high 27 points on 9-for-12 shooting in a 116-107 win. He became the third player this century to put up 25-plus points off the bench in a Finals game, joining Jason Terry and Manu Ginobili. Mathurin, who went 2-for-3 with the three-ball and 7-for-8 at the charity stripe, did his damage in just 22 minutes. He also grabbed four rebounds and registered one assist with one block. The Pacers saw Mathurin produce only five points in the Finals opener, but he has since averaged 20.5 points over the last two games, giving the team a valuable boost off the bench.Source: ESPN
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Brandin Podziemski Has Second Offseason Surgery
Brandin Podziemski (wrist) has undergone his second offseason surgery. After having left wrist debridement surgery on May 27, Podziemski had a procedure on June 10 to repair a core muscle injury. He is expected to be fully ready for the start of training camp in the fall. The 22-year-old has enjoyed two solid seasons in the Association and will aim to take another leap in 2025-26. This season, Podziemski averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in 26.8 minutes, starting 33 of 64 contests. In a starting role, Podziemski boosted his scoring output to 14.9 points per game, and his fantasy stock would certainly rise if he can cement a spot in the first unit.Source: ESPN
Golden State Warriors guard Jaylen Brown Undergoes Successful Knee Procedure
Jaylen Brown (knee) underwent a right-knee arthroscopic debridement procedure on Wednesday. The procedure was successful, with the team reporting he is "expected to participate in training camp without limitation." It will be an interesting offseason in Boston, especially with the franchise potentially looking to move Kristaps Porzingis, Sam Hauser, and Jrue Holiday. Brown's name has also been thrown around in trade rumblings, although it's unknown if the Celtics will seriously entertain any offers. The 28-year-old is coming off another solid season, averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. With Jayson Tatum (Achilles) not expected back on the court anytime soon, Brown's statistical contributions could increase during the 2025-26 campaign. However, he's played fewer than 70 games in five of his previous six seasons, and his career-low 32.4% shooting from behind the arc in 2024-25 is something that will negatively impact his fantasy value for category managers.Source: Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Porter Jr. Likely to Decline Player Option
Kevin Porter Jr. is expected to decline his $2.55 million player option. The 25-year-old began the 2024-25 campaign with the Clippers before being moved to the Bucks ahead of the trade deadline. He played well in Milwaukee, averaging 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting a career-high 40.8% from behind the arc. The franchise is hoping to retain him, considering Damian Lillard (Achilles) isn't expected to return anytime soon. If Porter stays in Milwaukee, he will have a good chance to handle things as a starter. If anything, he should have a routine role in head coach Doc Rivers' rotation.Source: Michael Scotto
According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, Milwaukee Bucks guard Knicks Not Looking to Trade for Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant. A report from ESPN's Shams Charania linked Durant to several teams, including the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Knicks. However, it appears the Knicks aren't interested, especially since making a swap for the multi-time All-Star could mean players like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, among others, would need to be involved. Durant, who is eligible to sign a two-year extension on July 6, averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 62 games for the Suns last season. He also shot an impressive 43.0% from behind the arc. The 36-year-old should remain a top-25 fantasy option in preseason fantasy rankings, regardless of format, although that could change based on where he ends up.Source: Stefan Bondy
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, the New York Knicks will not pursue a trade involving Phoenix Suns forward Kings Targeting Darius Garland
Darius Garland (toe) may begin the 2025-26 NBA campaign with a different team. Sources have told Grant Afseth of RG that the Sacramento Kings are interested in acquiring Garland. The Kings are looking to bring in another point guard after trading De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in February. Afseth also mentions Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks as a potential option for the Kings, but trade negotiations surrounding him have "stalled." Garland was also linked with an exit from Cleveland last offseason. After remaining with the team, Garland enjoyed a fine season, averaging 20.6 points and 6.7 assists while earning his second All-Star selection.Source: Grant Afseth
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kevin Durant Expected to Be Moved Soon
Kevin Durant will likely be a member of a new team soon. Speaking on ESPN's Get Up, NBA insider Brian Windhorst said he believes that Durant will be traded "in the coming weeks." There are reportedly a "handful of teams" interested in trading for the veteran superstar, including the New York Knicks. Durant, who has one year remaining on his contract, has played only two full seasons with the Suns and is poised to join his third team since the 2022-23 campaign. Despite approaching 37 soon, Durant continues to be highly productive on the court and should still be one of the top options for fantasy teams next season.Source: Brian Windhorst
Phoenix Suns forward Giannis Antetokounmpo Reportedly Has "No Trade Market"
Giannis Antetokounmpo appears set to stay put for another offseason. According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, there is currently "no trade market" for Antetokounmpo because he has not asked for a move and the Bucks are "not looking" to trade him. The two-time MVP has been linked with a move elsewhere after the Bucks suffered a third consecutive first-round exit in the playoffs. It was reported that he's "open-minded" about leaving the team. Several teams, including the Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks, have been seen as potential suitors for Antetokounmpo. However, it looks like his future lies in Milwaukee, at least for now.Source: The Dunk Central
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Jarace Walker Remains Out Wednesday
Jarace Walker (ankle) will continue to sit on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 21-year-old was initially ruled out for the first two games of the Finals, but Walker is not ready to return for Wednesday's Game 3, as he needs more time to recover from a right ankle sprain. Ahead of Sunday's Game 2, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters that Walker is "not close" to returning, making it uncertain when he will be available for selection. Walker has averaged 3.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in 9.8 minutes this postseason. While his absence isn't a big loss for the Pacers, Walker would be an additional frontcourt option on the bench for Carlisle if he were healthy.Source: NBA Injury Report
Indiana Pacers power forward