Team sources say LeBron James and the Lakers did not discuss deals that would have added years to his Lakers tenure that began in 2018, either by way of extension or with him opting out and signing a new deal. Conversely, James and his camp signaled months ago that there would be no discounts offered … Read more
Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources told ESPN. Ayton, who turns 27 next month, had $35.6 million left on his contract, which was set to expire next summer. He is now free to sign with any team, including those in both aprons, despite … Read more
Getty Images The Utah Jazz have traded guard Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for big man Jusuf Nurkić, the teams announced Sunday. Sexton has spent the last three seasons in Utah and will play for his third NBA team next season. Sexton, 26, averaged 18.4 points, 4.2 assists and … Read more
Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey has been one of the biggest talking points of the offseason because of the drama in the days leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft. With Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper locks to go No. 1 and No. 2 on draft night, all eyes were on Bailey, who had canceled a workout with the … Read more
Getty Images The Houston Rockets have struck a deal with Jabari Smith on a five-year, $122 million extension that is fully guaranteed and locks him in through the 2030-31 season, according to ESPN. The former Auburn star averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game last season in 57 games played, and was set to enter … Read more
Jun 29, 2025, 08:22 PM ET Ace Bailey indicated Sunday that he never thought about holding out or forcing a trade after the Utah Jazz drafted him No. 5 overall. Bailey reported to Utah after he was criticized for his approach to the pre-draft process, during which he refused to work out for teams interested … Read more
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. intends to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension, sources told ESPN. Rockets officials and Smith’s agent, Wallace Prather of LIFT Sports Management, negotiated the fully guaranteed deal through 2030-31 season. The Rockets have held significant belief in Smith, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA … Read more
Getty Images Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden is remaining in Los Angeles. ESPN reports that the 11-time NBA All-Star is declining his player option and plans to sign a new two-year, $81.5 million deal to return to the Clippers. The second year of this new contract reportedly has a player option and is partially … Read more
LeBron James declared one aim above all others when he returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014. “My goal is still to win as many titles as possible, no question,” he explained in his now famous Sports Illustrated letter proclaiming his homecoming. “But what’s most important for me is bringing one trophy back to Northeast Ohio.” When he accomplished that … Read more
Ohm YoungmisukJun 29, 2025, 05:59 PM ET Close Ohm Youngmisuk has covered the Giants, Jets and the NFL since 2006. Prior to that, he covered the Nets, Knicks and the NBA for nearly a decade. He joined ESPNNewYork.com after working at the New York Daily News for almost 12 years and is a graduate of … Read more
Getty Images The reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder struck deals with two role players on Sunday. Center Jaylin Williams has agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $24 million, while guard Ajay Mitchell is signing a new three-year contract worth nearly $9 million, both per ESPN. Getting Williams a solid extension is another step towards securing the team’s … Read more
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto Sources: The Memphis Grizzlies have tendered Santi Aldama his one-year, $5.94 million qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent. Aldama averaged career-highs in points (12.5), field goal % (.483), 3-point % (.368), rebound (6.4) and assists (2.9) for the Grizzlies. pic.x.com/QF0fkKPyWy – 6:06 PM