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USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Damian Lillard's Portland return has everyone mistaking 1 key detail
Damian Lillard will return to the Portland Trail Blazers, which is wonderful news for the NBA star. But fans keep getting something very wrong. Lillard, a nine-time NBA All-Star who played nine seasons for the Trail Blazers, will sign with Portland after his contract was waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks. The 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year will recover from a torn Achilles tendon during his first year back with the team that drafted him. He is expected to miss the entirety of the campaign. Any basketball fan from the past decade or so will remember all of the tremendous success that Lillard enjoyed in the Pacific Northwest before he was eventually traded to Milwaukee. Ironically, he was traded for two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday, who two years later is now also on the Trail Blazers. Here is how Shams Charania described the situation on social media: "Portland traded Damian Lillard for Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, assets in 2023 – then Holiday to Boston for Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, assets (one led to Deni Avdija). Now, Blazers have Lillard and Holiday, plus Avdija, Williams, Camara, a 2029 first, two MIL swaps." ESPN's digital version of the story also states that "Portland traded Lillard to the Bucks for Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, and assets" in 2023. Others on social media have echoed similarly misinformed sentiments. Those are fun summaries, of course, except that it mistakes a few crucial details. Let's review. Indeed, the Trail Blazers got several assets back in exchange for Lillard. But it's worth emphasizing that Camara (who immediately looked like a steal for Portland) was actually acquired in a separate trade involving Jusuf Nurkić and Grayson Allen. This independent transaction perhaps could have happened even if Lillard was never traded, especially considering Portland and Phoenix reportedly had mutual interest in an Ayton-Nurkić swap. Trail Blazers executive Joe Cronin had been "insisting" that Camara was included in the transaction, per The Athletic. So below is a more accurate description of the initial deal: Original deal in 2023 — Portland sent: Original deal in 2023 — Portland received: One year later, the Trail Blazers acquired Avdija for Brogdon as well as the 2024 first-rounder pick, a 2029 first-round pick, and two second-round picks. So now, the trade expanded to look a bit more like this: Update from 2024 — Portland sent: Update from 2024 — Portland received: As mentioned earlier, Portland's front office recently made a move to acquire Holiday. So when including the free agency deals for Lillard and Ayton (who now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers), here is an updated reflection of what happened. Update from 2025 — Portland sent out: Update in 2025 — Portland received: So let's spell that out as plainly as possible. They essentially had two seasons without Lillard on loan and will get him back three years later when he is 36 years old coming back from a torn Achilles. They also sent out Simons, Nurkić, Johnson, Little, two-first round picks, and two-second round picks. The Trail Blazers received two years of renting Ayton while also netting Holiday (who is now 35 years old), Williams, Camara, Avdija, a first-round pick, and two additional potential first-round pick swaps with Milwaukee. The two years without Lillard also made Portland a lottery team, so they had better draft odds and came away with some exciting young players in Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen. They may also have another lottery pick in 2026 considering how competitive it is in the Western Conference. All things considered, this looks like some savvy maneuvering by Portland's front office. But it's important to get it all accurate.
Boston Globe
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Report: Damian Lillard to sign three-year deal with Trail Blazers
Lillard won the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year, and helped the Trail Blazers to the playoffs eight times, including the 2019 Western Conference final. He ranks first in Blazers history in points and 3-pointers, and second in assists. Advertisement Lillard had spent the past two seasons in Milwaukee. He suffered his injury during Game 4 of the Bucks' first-round playoff series with against the Pacers in April, and underwent surgery in early May. The Bucks waived Lillard earlier this month, and stretched out the remaining $113 million on his contract so they could sign free-agent center Myles Turner. In 58 games for the Bucks last season, Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game, and was named to his ninth All-Star team. For his career, Lillard has averaged 25.1 points, 6.7 assists and, 4.3 rebounds per game. According to reports, Lillard will use the 2025-26 season to recover from his surgery, returning for the 2026-27 season in the city where his family and children still reside. He reportedly also had multiple mid-level exception and minimum offers from NBA contenders. Advertisement
GMA Network
14-07-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
NBA: Spurs' Victor Wembanyama cleared to return —report
Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts after a three point shot call by referee Scott Twardoski (52) against the Utah Jazz on Nov. 26, 2024. Photo: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images/REUTERS San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has recovered from the blood clot issue that prematurely ended his 2024-25 season, the French newspaper L'Equipe reported Monday. "I'm officially cleared to return," Wembanyama told the publication. "It just happened -- I got the green light from the Spurs' medical staff. ... I'll finally be able to play a bit of basketball again." Wembanyama underwent surgery in March after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. ESPN reported in May that Wembanyama was expected to be back on the court by the start of training camp and a full-go in time for the regular season. The 21-year-old Frenchman averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and an NBA-leading 3.8 blocked shots in 46 starts in 2024-25. Named the unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year in 2023-24, the 7-foot-3 Wembanyama competed in his first All-Star Game in 2024-25. The Spurs selected Wembanyama first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. In parts of two seasons, he is averaging 22.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.7 blocked shots in 117 games (all starts). He also has made 270 3-pointers. —Field Level Media/Reuters
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jalen Williams agrees to 5-year max rookie contract extension with Thunder, deal could reach $287 million
After this past season, Jalen Williams is a household name. The first-time All-Star and NBA champion has the contract extension to show for it now. Williams agreed to a five-year maximum rookie contract extension that could reach $287 million with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Advertisement The 24-year-old, two-way wing is coming off a breakout season, in which he averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game for a 68-win Thunder squad that won it all. Williams further established himself as Oklahoma City's No. 2 option behind this year's league MVP, scoring champ and Finals MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As Williams made his mark on the Thunder's championship run, Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen remarked that he sees a lot of himself in the league's newest sidekick sensation. Like Pippen, Williams was an unheralded high school prospect who came into his own at a mid-major while growing, both figuratively and literally, into a first-round NBA Draft selection. Pippen and Michael Jordan won six championships with the Bulls in the '90s. Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander, along with 23-year-old center Chet Holmgren, have a runway to create their own dynasty in Oklahoma City. Advertisement Gilgeous-Alexander is the headliner, but the Thunder's youthful roster is comprised of a collection of players who have bought into their roles, including Williams. "It's very easy when you have a team that likes to do their role," Williams said earlier this month, via ESPN. "And I'm not saying that guys can't branch out, but just when everybody kind of accepts that role for the better of their team ... I know mine. "When you just have guys that are willing to do that, it allows everybody to grow and get better." The Thunder took the now-6-foot-6 Williams with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 draft, just 10 picks after they grabbed Holmgren. Advertisement Williams was runner-up for NBA Rookie of the Year in 2023, finishing second to Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero. The Santa Clara product has upped his scoring average each season of his young, three-year NBA career. Williams already has two seasons with at least 100 3s and is a 38.2% career 3-point shooter. Also a member of the 2025 NBA All-Defensive Second Team, Williams has averaged at least 1.1 steals per game all three seasons since he was drafted. His length and active hands played a big part in the Thunder finishing the 2024-25 regular season with, by far, the league's best defensive rating (106.6). Williams' career-high 1.61 steals per game were the seventh most of any player this past season — and Oklahoma City, as a whole, tallied 10.2 steals per 100 possessions, the highest rate for any team in the last 12 seasons. Advertisement Williams has maintained his playmaking skills that he fostered when he was shorter, allowing him to run point for the Thunder in pivotal situations. But his creative, three-level shotmaking ability stole the show during the postseason. During the Thunder's 23-game march to NBA supremacy, Willams averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists, plus 1.4 steals, per game. While he shot only 30.4% from deep in the playoffs, he had 12 games with at least two 3s, including a 34-point clinic in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals when he made 6 of 9 from long range against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williams topped that scoring performance in the NBA Finals. He went for a team-high 40 points in a series-tilting Game 5 win over the Indiana Pacers. A rising all-around star with a ring, Williams is now equipped with a well-earned max extension.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Rookie of the Year 2025-26: Cooper Flagg becomes early frontrunner
Last season's NBA Rookie of the Year race was wide open thanks to the lack of a clear superstar. Meanwhile, this time things are much different with Cooper Flagg arriving as the first overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks. There's no debate over who the NBA Rookie of the Year frontrunner is entering the 2025-26 season, but who are some of the other candidates? Here's our list of potential Rookie of the Year winners ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. Advertisement Related: NBA schedule 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year odds Before we discuss the list of candidates, let's consider who sportsbooks consider the best odds to win NBA Rookie of the Year. Here are the players with the best odds to win NBA ROTY in 2026: Player NBA ROY odds Cooper Flagg -185 Dylan Harper +900 Ace Bailey +950 VJ Edgecombe +1200 Tre Johnson +1200 Kon Knueppel +4000 Jeremiah Fears +4000 Egor Demin +4000 Kasparas Jakucionis +5000 Derik Queen +5000 Khaman Maluach +7500 Walter Clayton Jr. +8000 Below is Sportsnaut's list of NBA Rookie of the Year candidates for the 2025-26 season. Related: Highest-paid WNBA players in 2025 1. Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images As the consensus choice for the No. 1 overall pick, seeing Cooper Flagg favored to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award should come as no surprise. As a do-it-all talent, Flagg will fit in seamlessly next to Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Advertisement Related: 10 worst NBA free agent contracts ever, including Gilbert Arenas 2. Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images The Utah Jazz's rotation is wide open, which could lead to immediate production from Ace Bailey. Of course, there could be growing pains for the former Rutgers star, but the potential to win the ROY award is certainly there. Related: 10 shortest NBA players ever, including the shortest basketball player in the league today 3. Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images While Victor Wembanyama is still the unquestioned leader of the San Antonio Spurs, the arrival of Dylan Harper will make things easier on the freakishly long center. Harper's ability to score with ease while still offering help as a distributor could make him a top ROTY contender, even with the presence of Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox. Advertisement 4. VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images The only reason why VJ Edgecombe isn't higher is because of the presence of Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, plus Paul George. Otherwise, as a pure prospect, Edgecombe's ceiling is that of a potential superstar; we're just not sure he'll get enough minutes right away. 5. Tre Johnson, Washington Wizards Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images With minutes wide open on the Washington Wizards, there is no reason why Tre Johnson can't capitalize on his opportunity. While Johnny Davis wasn't able to fill Bradley Beal's footsteps as the next great shooting guard in Washington, Johnson is a deadeye who should get plenty of shots up for the Wizards as a rookie. Advertisement Related: Who is the oldest NBA player? (All-time and active) 6. Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Always in the hunt for more shooters, the Charlotte Hornets may have gotten the best one in the draft with Kon Knueppel. Even if his shot somehow doesn't fall right away, Knueppel's added ability to draw fouls and pick up more points from the free throw line should offer steady production. 7. Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans Pelicans Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Jeremiah Fears may run into accuracy issues in his rookie season, but he should get more than enough opportunities to either fail or succeed with DeJounte Murray set to miss a large chunk of the season. Plus, Fears' quickness may be able to lead to some easy buckets each game. Advertisement 8. Khaman Maluach, Phoenix Suns Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images As one of two centers set to receive major minutes in Phoenix, Khaman Maluach's role could quickly grow as a rookie. Maluach's 7-foot-2 frame offers immediate potential to be a top rim protector on top of being a true lob threat for Devin Booker. 9. Egor Demin, Washington Wizards Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Egor Demin's size alone makes him an intriguing talent for any NBA team. Like many other prospects on this list, Demin has a huge opportunity ahead on a Brooklyn Nets team that traded Cam Johnson. Of course, there could be a long learning curve for the Russian native as he acclimates to playing in the NBA, but previous stints with Real Madrid and even attending BYU could speed things up. Advertisement Related: NBA Power Rankings: Evaluating every team 10. Kasparas Jakucionis, Miami Heat Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images The Miami Heat are well-known for developing talent, yet Erik Spoelstra doesn't care whether you were a first-round pick or an undrafted tryout; the best players see the floor. If Jakucionis can quickly prove he belongs, the Heat could have a valued first-round rookie contributor for the second year in a row. Who won the 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year? After leading all first-year players by averaging 14.7 PPG, Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs won the 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year award. Castle became the second consecutive Spurs first-round pick to win ROTY, and now Dylan Harper aims to become the third. Advertisement Has anyone won MVP and Rookie of the Year NBA? Both Wilt Chamberlain and Wes Unseld have won MVP and Rookie of the Year in the NBA in the same season. A total of 16 players have won both throughout their careers. But doing so in the same year hasn't been done since Unseld in 1969. Related: Top-selling NBA jerseys: See the best-sellers for all 30 NBA teams Related Headlines
