Guard Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and plans to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers, sources told ESPN on Saturday. Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Defense first-team member, will have a player option on … Read more
Los Angeles Clippers general manager Lawrence Frank said Saturday his franchise is “strongly, strongly considering” the signing of free agent guard Chris Paul, who hinted last month that he wanted to return to Los Angeles. Paul has played for five different teams since leaving the Clippers in 2017, but his family still resides on the … Read more
The Dallas Mavericks made the not-so-surprising decision to shut down Cooper Flagg earlier this month following his second game of NBA Las Vegas Summer League. Two starts was more than enough for management to see that Flagg is ready to go as a rookie and projected impact player in the Mavericks’ lineup. Outspoken Golden State Warriors … Read more
Getty Images Unrestricted free agent Ben Simmons continues to look for a new home ahead of the 2025-26 season, with the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings emerging as potential landing spots for the three-time All-Star. According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Kings have a backcourt need while the Knicks are still adding personnel … Read more
Getty Images Brooklyn Nets restricted free agent guard Cam Thomas went on a social media barrage this week after a not-so-glowing opinion surfaced about his game at the offensive end of the floor, sparking a reaction that included a not-so-subtle jab at GM Sean Andrew Marks. The Nets have extended a qualifying offer to Thomas, … Read more
Jul 18, 2025, 06:59 PM ET DENVER — A backup plan to bring in a backup center to spell Nikola Jokic no longer appears necessary. The Denver Nuggets expect Jonas Valanciunas to be with the team when the season starts amid speculation over his NBA future. Denver’s trade with Sacramento to acquire the 6-foot-11 Valanciunas … Read more
Jul 18, 2025, 06:44 PM ET Bradley Beal has officially signed with the LA Clippers, the team announced Friday, after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns. Beal’s deal with the Clippers is for two years and $11 million with a player option, his agent Mark Bartelstein told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday. … Read more
Jul 18, 2025, 05:22 PM ET NEW ORLEANS — Pelicans rookie Derik Queen is likely to miss at least the start of training camp after having surgery Friday to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist. Queen was hurt Tuesday while playing in an NBA Summer League game. The Pelicans said he would be … Read more
Getty Images New Orleans Pelicans first-round pick Derik Queen underwent surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks, the team announced on Friday. Queen, the No. 13 overall pick out of Maryland in last month’s NBA Draft, suffered the injury against the Portland Trail Blazers … Read more
David PurdumJul 18, 2025, 03:33 PM ET Close Joined ESPN in 2014 Journalist covering gambling industry since 2008 A professional bettor placed 30 wagers in 46 minutes, all involving Terry Rozier in a 2023 NBA game, according to documents obtained by ESPN that reveal new details about the suspicious betting under scrutiny by federal investigators. … Read more
There are still a few more moves to come (can the Warriors figure out Jonathan Kuminga and sign Al Horford already?), but for the most part, the 2025 NBA offseason has entered the dead zone — which is to say the time when we all spend the next few months cooking up mock LeBron trades. … Read more
The Eastern Conference is going to be as open as its ever been next season. With the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers both dealing with significant injuries — Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Halliburton tore their Achilles in the playoffs — it’s going to completely reset the East for next season, giving several teams a legitimate chance … Read more