The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

Instead of sharing a major trade or transaction, the famed NBA reporter announced his retirement from ESPN.

“I grew up the son of a factory worker two miles from ESPN’s campus and only ever dreamed of making a living as a sportswriter,” Wojnarowski wrote in a social media statement. “Thirty-seven years ago, the Hartford Courant gave me my first byline and I never stopped chasing the thrill of it.

“This craft transformed my live, but I’ve decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry. I understand the commitment required in my role and it’s an investment that I’m no longer driven to make. Time isn’t in endless supply and I want to spend mine in ways that are more personally meaningful.

“I leave with overwhelming gratitude for countless mentors and colleagues, subjects and stories, readers and viewers. No one has benefitted more than me from the belief, trust and generosity of others.

“The past sever years at ESPN have been a particular privilege. I’m appreciative of the company’s leadership — especially Jimmy Pitaro and Cristina Daglas — for the understanding and acceptance of my decision to make a lift change.

“After all these years reporting on everyone’s teams, I’m headed back to my own.

“-30-“

Wojnarowski, 55, spent the last seven years at ESPN after previous stints at Yahoo Sports and The Record of Bergen County.

Wojnarowski will return to his alma mater, St. Bonaventure, to become the men’s basketball program’s general manager. His role will include name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities, transfer portal management, professional player programs and more.

“I’m thrilled and humbled to return to St. Bonaventure with an opportunity to serve the university, Coach Mark Schmidt and our elite Atlantic 10 men’s basketball program,” the 1991 St. Bonaventure graduate said in a university press release. “In these changing times of college sports, I’m eager to join a championship program that combines high-level basketball, national television exposure, pro preparation and NIL opportunities with an intimate, supportive educational environment.” 

The league’s Board of Governors approved the move at its meeting in New York, after it was unanimously recommended by the league’s competition committee last week. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was scheduled to speak about the meeting later Tuesday. The change will take effect this season.

The review change could have come into play at least once in last season’s playoffs, when Dallas’ Kyrie Irving fouled Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels and the ball went out of bounds. No foul was called on the play, and even though the review clearly showed Irving hitting McDaniels’ arm the ball was awarded to Dallas because it went out off of McDaniels.

When such out-of-bounds plays have reviews triggered by coaches challenging now, on-court officials and the NBA Replay Center “will be able to review the video to determine whether a foul proximate to the violation should have been called,” the league said, providing that certain criteria are met.

Those criteria: whether the players involved in the uncalled foul are the same or different players than the ones involved in the out-of-bounds violation under review, and how much time has elapsed between the uncalled foul and the violation.

The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

More than a month after Gov. Phil Murphy announced New Jersey officials were speaking with the Philadelphia 76ers about potentially moving the team to Camden, a new letter to the Sixers highlights the possibility of up to $400 million in tax incentives should the move take place.

“We believe the Aspire program, a critical component of the ERA toolkit, could support two awards of up to $400 million of tax credits: one to support an arena and ancillary infrastructure (parking, open space etc.) and one to support significant residential, retail and office development as part of a broader mixed use neighborhood development strategy with potential to transform the surrounding areas of the City,” Tim Sullivan, the CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, wrote in a letter to Tad Brown, the CEO of Sixers owner Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE). “An Aspire award supporting development of arena would be subject to a standard Net Benefit Test, ensuring that New Jersey taxpayers are more than paid back for their investment via incremental state, county and local tax revenues.”

Gov. Murphy confirmed in July that New Jersey officials were speaking with Sixers leadership about possibly relocating the team to Camden before their lease agreement expires with the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia in 2031.

In the letter, which was released on Monday, Sullivan wrote they envisioned a “multi-billion dollar privately-led comprehensive mixed-used development north of the Ben Franklin Bridge.”

“Anchored by a world-class arena, we believe that this project will enable development of significant residential, commercial, and retail offerings within the City of Camden,” Sullivan wrote.

The Sixers currently have a practice facility in Camden which opened in 2016. Sullivan touted New Jersey’s current relationship with the team’s ownership and the state’s multiple development projects as part of his pitch.

“The results of our focus on economic growth are clear: New Jersey has added more than 200,000 new jobs since 2018, (leading the Northeast in private sector job creation since 2020) and New Jersey now ranks third among American states for venture capital investment,” Sullivan wrote.

On Tuesday, Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen released a statement supporting New Jersey’s efforts to relocate the Sixers.

“Thank you to Governor Phil Murphy and his team at NJEDA for promoting Camden, NJ as the prime location for a new sports and entertainment arena.  This type of large scale redevelopment would be a game-changer,” Carstarphen wrote. “This project would be a catalyst for additional development, attracting new residential and commercial investment, not to mention transforming the adjacent North Camden waterfront and neighborhood.”

Carstarphen described Sullivan’s proposed incentives as “attractive” and the offer “compelling.” He also described the proposed site in Camden.

“The parcel is owned by the state, shovel ready, and a prime location,” he wrote. “We are talking about taking vacant land which was a former prison site and turning it into a world-class sports and entertainment venue.”

NBC10 reached out to the city of Philadelphia for a response to the letter. A city spokesperson said Tuesday they had “no statement tonight.”

The talks with New Jersey come after the Sixers announced plans to build a new $1.3 billion arena in Center City titled “76 Place.” The proposal has sparked resistance and protests from leadership in the city’s Chinatown community. Members of the community have said that the proposed arena could cause street parking to disappear as well as a rise in traffic. They also said it could be harder to hold festivals.

The Sixers called New Jersey’s offer “thoughtful and compelling,” though the team is still talking to Philadelphia leaders about a new arena in the city.

“The reality is we are running out of time to reach an agreement that will allow the 76ers to open our new home in time for the 2031-32 NBA season,” team spokesperson Molly Mita McEndy wrote in an email. “As a result, we must take all potential options seriously, including this one.”

At an unrelated event in suburban Philadelphia on Tuesday, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said the team wants to remain in Philadelphia and that he hasn’t been asked for tax incentives or offered any.

“I love the Sixers,” he said. “They belong in Philadelphia.”

In August, the City of Philadelphia released four reports analyzing the potential impact of the Sixers proposed arena in Center City.

According to the study, the impact on Market East is “inconclusive” and with or without the arena, the area will still face challenges in terms of development. However, the report also notes the development could help reinvigorate the neighborhood if it can resolve transportation and safety issues.

As for Chinatown, the report says 1 in 5 small businesses in the neighborhood could benefit. Those businesses are mainly in entertainment, food and hospitality.

On the other hand, half of the small businesses in Chinatown would not benefit or see a negative impact, according to the report.

The report also says there will be no direct housing displacement, but there is evidence for indirect displacement of small businesses, through gentrification.

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The veteran guard agreed to a one-year, $62.6 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported, citing Curry’s agent, Jeff Austin.

Curry originally was under contract with the Warriors through the 2025-26 NBA season and was set to make approximately $55.7 million this season and $59.6 million in the final year of his deal. Now his new contract will take him through the 2026-27 season alongside longtime teammate Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr, whose contracts also will expire that summer.

The 36-year-old, coming off a 2023-24 season in which he averaged 26.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game on 45-percent shooting from the field and 40.8 percent from 3-point range, originally was set to be the NBA’s highest-paid player over the next two seasons and now is the first player in league history to earn over $60 million in a season.

The 15-year veteran, four-time NBA champion, two-time league MVP and 10-time All-Star isn’t going anywhere for the next two seasons, and it appears even more likely he will finish his illustrious career with Golden State.

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Netflix gave a first glimpse at its “Starting 5” sports series, which will offer an all-access look at five premier players during the 2023-24 season.

The company announced the title of the series on Wednesday, along with an Oct. 9 premiere date, in a teaser video starring the docuseries’ five subjects: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler and Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis.

Netflix announced that “Starting 5” will an “intense, behind-the-scenes look at five of the league’s best players” across 10 45-minute episodes. The series was produced by UNITERRUPTED in association with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, as well as Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions.

Tatum ended the 2023-24 season on top, as the Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. Along with an NBA championship, Tatum earned first-team All-NBA honors for the third straight season and was later named the cover athlete for the “NBA 2K25” video game.

James completed his 21st NBA season in 2023-24 and joined Sabonis on the All-NBA third team. Edwards, meanwhile, was on the All-NBA second team and helped the Timberwolves reach the Western Conference finals.

Butler’s season came to a disappointing end when he suffered an MCL injury in the Heat’s play-in loss against the Philadelphia 76ers. Miami went on to fall to Boston in the first round of the playoffs.

Three of the stars not only teamed up for the Netflix show, but also the Olympics. James, Tatum and Edwards won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in Paris this summer.

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Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards recently spoke on the quality of players in the 1990s in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, saying he didn’t think anyone had skill back then.

“I didn’t watch it back in the day so I can’t speak on it,” Edwards said. “They say it was tougher back then than it is now, but I don’t think anybody had skill back then. [Michael Jordan] was the only one that really had skill, you know what I mean? So that’s why when they saw Kobe [Bryant], they were like, ‘Oh, my God.’ But now everybody has skill.”

Johnson, the Los Angeles Lakers icon, recently responded to Edwards’ thoughts on noleash.tv, blasting the 23-year-old for his lack of rings across basketball.

“I never respond to a guy who’s never won a championship,” Johnson said. “…He didn’t win a college championship, I don’t even know if he won a high school championship.”

Edwards, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, just led the Timberwolves to their best postseason run since 2003-04.

Minnesota reached the conference finals, but fell 4-1 to the Dallas Mavericks.

Edwards did recently claim his first Olympic gold in Paris where he played a key bench role, though he’s still awaiting his first NBA ring.

The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the upcoming season will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 22, with two marquee showdowns: Knicks–Celtics and Timberwolves-Lakers.

The Celtics, the defending NBA champions, reportedly will have their “ring night” against their revamped conference rivals before Anthony Edwards faces off against two of his fellow Team USA gold medalists in LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The second day of the NBA season also features some spectacular matchups. Charania reports that the Milwaukee Bucks will visit the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers will open their new arena, Intuit Dome, against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Charania also reported the two dates for the Celtics’ Finals rematches against the Dallas Mavericks. The two sides reportedly will meet in Dallas on Jan. 25 before they face off again in Boston on Feb. 6.

Speaking of the Mavericks, Charania reports that Klay Thompson will make his first return to the Bay when the Mavs take on the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Nov. 12.

Charania previously reported the five games on the NBA’s Christmas Day schedule: Spurs-Knicks, Timberwolves-Mavericks, Sixers-Celtics, Lakers-Warriors and Nuggets-Suns.

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The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

Warner Bros. Discovery informed the league Monday that it will match the $1.8 billion per year offer by Amazon Prime Video. Turner has had an NBA package since 1984 and games have been on TNT since the network launched in 1988.

“We have reviewed the offers and matched one of them. This will allow fans to keep enjoying our unparalleled coverage, including the best live game productions in the industry and our iconic studio shows and talent, while building on our proven 40-year commitment for many more years,” WBD said in a statement. “Our matching paperwork was submitted to the league today. We look forward to the NBA executing our new contract.”

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The NBA’s Board of Governors approved the league’s 11-year media rights deals with Disney, NBC and Amazon Prime Video at its meeting in Las Vegas last Tuesday. WBD received all three contracts on Wednesday, which started the five-day clock for whether it wanted to match.

The new deals — colleectively worth $76 billion — will begin with the 2025-26 season, and include a game being aired or streamed nationally every night during the second half of the season.

The Prime Video package would have had games on Thursday night after it is done carrying NFL games. Its other nights were Friday and Saturday.

TNT would likely carry games on Thursday with the other nights being streamed on Max.

The 2017 NBA MVP reportedly was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Kris Dunn.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Jazz will buy out Westbrook’s contract, and he is then expected to sign with the Denver Nuggets as a free agent.

Westbrook — who turns 36 in November — joined the Clippers in February of 2023 after the Jazz, coincidentally, bought out his contract following a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers.

The nine-time NBA All-Star averaged a career-low 11.1 points over 68 games for the Clippers last season. In 16 seasons, Westbrook holds career averages of 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game.

The Nuggets will be Westbrook’s sixth team after stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-19), Houston Rockets (2019-20), Washington Wizards (2020-21), Lakers (2021-23) and Clippers (2023-24).

Denver should have playing time to offer after losing guards Reggie Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope this offseason. Westbrook is still seeking his first career title as the Nuggets, who won the 2023 NBA Finals, look to recapture the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

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Porter, in a letter sent by attorney Jeff Jensen, is asking that some conditions of his bond be modified so that he can get his U.S. passport back, be allowed to travel in Europe and to reside in Patras, Greece. Jensen told the court that Porter would play for the Greek club Promitheas BC.

Prosecutors have no opposition to the request, Jensen wrote.

“The proposed modification would allow Mr. Porter to pursue a very fortunate — and quickly diminishing — opportunity to earn income through his primary skillset,” Jensen wrote. “Mr. Porter, and more importantly his agent, believe such an opportunity is unlikely to arise again. … Since being banned from the NBA there have been no other opportunities available to continue his basketball career. Mr. Porter has a limited window to earn an income through professional basketball during his prime earning years as a professional athlete.”

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Porter, 24, pleaded guilty last month to a federal conspiracy crime in the scandal that got him banned from the league. He is free on $250,000 bond while awaiting sentencing set on Dec. 18 and prosecutors have estimated that he could be facing a range from just under three and a half years in prison to a little over four years.

Jensen has said Porter “was in over his head due to a gambling addiction.” Porter told the court he has undergone inpatient rehab for a gambling problem and remains in therapy, which is being done virtually and wouldn’t be affected by a move to Greece, Jensen said. The Greek club has also arranged in-person counseling for Porter, and plans call for his mother and mother-in-law to regularly be with Porter and his wife in Greece to provide additional family support. Porter’s wife is also expecting a baby, Jensen said.

Porter averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 26 games, including five starts for Toronto this past season. He also played in 11 games for Memphis in the 2020-21 season.

Porter was banned by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in April after a league probe found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors and wagered on games.

Harding, who is coming off a G League Coach of the Year award in her first season with the Stockton Kings, has agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant coach on JJ Redick’s staff, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday, citing sources.

Harding, 40, has ties with Redick from their days with the Philadelphia 76ers and at Duke University. Redick, a first-time head coach, has a staff that is headlined by former NBA head coaches, such as Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks and Greg St. Jean.

The Charlotte Hornets had been granted permission to interview Harding for their head-coaching vacancy in April, but eventually opted for Charles Lee from the Boston Celtics.

In Harding’s inaugural campaign, Stockton finished the regular season with the best record in the league at 24-10. The Kings also clinched the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed to make its third playoff appearance in Stockton history, but fell to the Oklahoma City Blue in the semifinals.

Harding, a Duke product, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft and played in the league for nine seasons — including time overseas — before retiring from playing in 2017.

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She spent four seasons as an assistant coach with Sacramento before she was selected to become Stockton’s head coach in the summer of 2023.

Since 2021, Harding has also held head-coaching roles with the South Sudan national women’s team and the Mexican national women’s team.

Harding would be the latest coach from either Sacramento or Stockton to land a major role elsewhere.

Former Stockton head coach Bobby Jackson became an assistant on the 76ers in 2023, while the Brooklyn Nets made Sacramento assistant Jordi Fernandez their next head coach in mid-April.

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A cause of death has not been confirmed.

Bryant was born in Philadelphia on Oct. 19, 1954. He played for two years for the La Salle men’s basketball team from 1973 to 1974 and averaged 20.3 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

Bryant then joined the NBA and played for his hometown Philadelphia 76ers from 1975 through 1979. He was a member of the 1976-77 Sixers team that won the Eastern Conference title.

Bryant played for the San Diego Clippers from 1979 to 1982 before spending one season with the Houston Rockets. During his NBA career, Bryant, a 6-foot-9 forward, averaged 8.7 points and four rebounds per game. He went on to play in Italy and France from 1982 to 1992.

Bryant and his family, including future Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, then moved to Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, where he coached the women’s varsity basketball team at Akiba Hebrew Academy from 1992 to 1993.

Bryant served as an assistant basketball coach at his alma mater from 1993 to 1996, the year his son Kobe entered the NBA draft after playing for Lower Merion High School.

The elder Bryant remained active in basketball from 2003 to 2015, coaching teams in various leagues, including the WNBA, SlamBall and the BJ League in Japan.

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The NBA’s 11-year, $76 billion contract package, as reported by The Associated Press, would kick in with the 2025-26 season. The deal is for the same number of years as the NFL’s most recent agreement, which began with the 2023 season.

The deals with ESPN/ABC, NBC and Amazon Prime Video will average $6.9 billion per season. The NFL averages $10 billion per year, but that is with five networks. Depending on how things fare with TNT Sports, the NBA could cross the $7 billion threshold.

The NFL remains the top attraction because of its ratings and advertising prowess. The NBA is a firm second and can command top dollar due to its younger viewers as well as having a ton of content.

When does this become final?

At least not for a couple of weeks. The NBA has a board of governors meeting in Las Vegas next week and could approve the deal there. Once the league sends the finished contracts to TNT Sports, it would have five days to match one of the deals.

Why is the deal so long?

Leagues want economic certainty. For the networks and media companies that hold the rights, live sports continue to be prime real estate for advertisers.

How will this benefit the fan?

You may need to go to your channel guide often, but during the last three months of the regular season there will be a national NBA telecast every night on either ABC, ESPN, NBC, Peacock or Prime Video.

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Who has the top package?

ESPN and ABC will continue to be home to the league’s marquee matchups, as well as the NBA Finals.

Even though the NBA will have two broadcast partners for the first time, the Walt Disney Company was adamant about not sharing the Finals. It will cost Disney $2.6 billion per year, which is just shy of the $2.7 billion per season it pays to the NFL for Monday Night Football, two playoff games and the Super Bowl in 2027 and 2031.

Under the current nine-year deal which expires next season, ESPN/ABC pay $1.4 billion per year.

NBC, the network that carried all six of Michael Jordan’s title runs with the Chicago Bulls and the first three of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, returns after carrying NBA games from 1990 through 2002.

NBC’s deal with the league reportedly averages $2.5 billion per season, which is more than the $2 billion it reportedly gives to the NFL for Sunday Night Football.

With that price tag comes a Sunday night package of games once the NFL regular season is over, as well as NBA All-Star Weekend. Reports indicate NBC’s deal also includes regularly aired games on Tuesday nights and a package of Monday games streaming on Peacock.

Dose this mean ‘Roundball Rock’ is coming back?

Yes. You don’t have to wait until the fall of 2025 to hear “Roundball Rock,” though, because NBC licenses it for its basketball coverage during the Olympics.

Is the NBA entering the streaming world?

Yes, with Prime Video. It will carry games on Thursday night after the NFL regular season ends, along with games on Friday and Saturday.

Prime Video will also be the main network for the NBA In-Season Tournament. It will average paying $1.8 billion per season (its deal with the NFL averages $1.1 billion per year).

Because ABC has the NBA Finals, who gets the rest of the playoffs?

All the networks will have games during the first two rounds. When it comes to the conference finals, ESPN/ABC has one series each season while NBC and Amazon Prime Video will alternate who carries the other one.

What does this mean for the NBA?

Labor peace was achieved with a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The media rights are about to be done. That puts expansion by at least two teams to 32 on deck. The expansion fees will also carry a nice financial windfall for teams.

For players, it means the league’s salary cap will see an annual 10% increase. Get ready for the possibility that the top players may be earning somewhere near $100 million per season by the mid-2030s.

Is the WNBA part of this rights deal?

Yes. All three partners will carry games. ESPN/ABC and Prime Video already have games while NBC will return to carrying the WNBA after doing the first six seasons (1997 through 2002). It is possible the WNBA could still add more partners like it has in recent seasons.

The former Toronto Raptors center entered the plea at his arraignment in a New York federal court and was set to be released on bond of $250,000.

His lawyer had previously said that Porter was cooperating with authorities while being treated for a gambling addiction.

Court papers showed the case against Porter is related to an ongoing prosecution of four other men. The four have been arraigned on a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud but haven’t yet entered any pleas.

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Those men are charged with scheming to profit off tips from an NBA player that he was going to exit two games early. They or their relatives used the knowledge to place big-winning bets that the athlete would do poorly in those games, according to a court complaint filed when they were charged in June.

The complaint didn’t name the player, but details matched up with an NBA investigation that spurred Porter’s banishment from the league this spring. The league found that he gambled on NBA games and gave bettors confidential information about his health.

In court Wednesday, Porter said he agreed to withdraw early from games to get out from under large gambling debts so he and co-conspirators could win bets on his performance. “I know what I did was wrong, unlawful, and I am deeply sorry,” he said.

Porter is set to be sentenced Dec. 18. He could face from just under three and a half years in prison to a little over four years. He’s also likely to be assessed hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution, plus potential fines.

According to the complaint, one of the four men pressed the player to clear up gambling debts by prematurely pulling out of games so that bets on him underperforming would pay off.

In a message responding to the man’s instructions, the player wrote that if he didn’t carry out the plan, “u hate me and if I don’t get u 8k by Friday you’re coming to Toronto to beat me up.”

After tipping off some of the men, the player claimed injury or illness and withdrew from Jan. 26 and March 20 games after only minutes on the court, the complaint said.

Porter played only briefly on those dates before complaining he was hurt or sick and exiting the games. His points, rebounds and assists in both games fell below sportsbooks’ expectations.

After the NBA and others began investigating, the player messaged some of the men that they “might just get hit w a rico,” an apparent reference to the common acronym for a federal racketeering charge, according to the complaint against them. It said the player also asked the men whether they had deleted “all the stuff” from their phones.

The NBA’s probe found that Porter not only exited at least one game for gamblers’ sake but also wagered on NBA games in which he didn’t play. He once bet against his own team, the league said.

Porter averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 26 games this season, including five starts. He also played in 11 games for the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2020-21 season.

The 24-year-old’s NBA salary was about $410,000.

He helped lead the C’s to a 2024 NBA Finals triumph over the Dallas Mavericks for his first career championship. He scored 31 points with 11 assists and eight rebounds in the title-clinching Game 5 at TD Garden.

A few weeks later, he signed the richest contract in NBA history worth up to $315 million over five years. Tatum is also currently playing for the United States men’s Olympic basketball team, which is favored to win the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris next month.

But that’s not all for the 26-year-old.

NBA 2K announced Wednesday that Tatum is the cover athlete for the standard edition of its “NBA 2K25” video game. The 2K franchise is the most popular basketball video game on a yearly basis.

“It’s an honor to be named a cover athlete for NBA 2K25,” Tatum said in a press release, via Celtics Wire. “I’ve been playing NBA 2K since I was a kid, and it’s been a dream to one day be on the cover. Even after coming off an NBA Championship, it’s humbling to see this come to life.”

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson is the cover athlete for the WNBA version of “NBA 2K25,” while Basketball Hall of Famer Vince Carter is on the cover of the Hall of Fame edition of the video game.

Tatum is the fourth Celtics player to grace the cover of a 2K basketball game, joining Kyrie Irving (“NBA 2K18”), Larry Bird (“NBA 2K12”) and Kevin Garnett (“NBA 2K9”). Bird was one of a few legends, including Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, to have their own special “2K12” covers.

Other former Celtics to be on the cover of basketball video games include Paul Pierce (“NBA Inside Drive 2003”) and Antoine Walker (“NBA Live 99”).

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The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

Jayson Tatum is the latest superstar to cash in. Fresh off his first NBA championship, the All-NBA forward inked a record-setting, supermax contract extension with the Boston Celtics that includes $314 million over five years starting with the 2025-26 season.

Tatum is now the owner of the NBA’s most lucrative contract, taking the title from Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown, who signed a record-breaking contract in the 2023 offseason before going on to earn NBA Finals MVP honors.

Still, Tatum and Brown will not be the highest-paid players in 2024-25 as they attempt to defend their NBA title, and other rising superstars like Luka Doncic and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander are expected to surpass their total contract values as soon as next summer.

For now, here are the NBA’s highest-paid players based on 2024-25 salary, 2025-26 salary, annual value and total contract value, as of Sept. 20, 2024. Annual value and total contract value take into account the contracts the players are playing under for the 2024-25 season, so Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Bam Adebayo, Joel Embiid and others who signed extensions this offseason are not featured as they continue to finish out their previous deals.

NBA’s highest-paid players: 2024-25 season

1. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors: $55,761,216
T-2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers: $51,415,938
T-2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: $51,415,938
4. Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns: $50,203,930
5. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns: $49,856,021
T-6. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns: $49,205,800
T-6. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics: $49,205,800
T-6. Karl-Anthony-Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves: $49,205,800
T-6. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers: $49,205,800
T-6. Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers: $49,205,800

NBA’s highest-paid players: 2025-26 season

1. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors: $59,606,817
T-2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers: $55,224,526
T-2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: $55,224,526
4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: $54,126,450
T-5. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers: $54,126,380
T-5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: $54,126,380
T-5. Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks: $54,126,380
8. Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns: $53,666,270
9. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns: $53,282,608
T-10. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns: $53,142,264
T-10. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics: $53,142,264
T-10. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves: $53,142,264

NBA’s highest-paid players: Annual value

1. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics: $57,078,728
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: $55,224,526
T-3. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns: $55,110,496
T-3. Karl-Anthony-Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves: $55,110,496
5. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors: $53,838,416
6. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers: $53,320,232
7. Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers: $52,896,235
8. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers: $51,987,227
9. Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns: $50,203,930
10. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers: $49,835,267

NBA’s highest-paid players: Total contract value

1. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics: $285,393,640
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: $276,122,630
3. Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns: $251,019,650
T-4. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves: $244,623,120
T-4. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers: $244,623,120
6. Giannis Antetokounmpo: $228,200,420
T-7. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns: $220,441,984
T-7. Karl-Anthony-Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves: $220,441,984
9. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors: $215,353,664
T-10. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks: $215,159,700
T-10. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks: $215,159,700
T-10. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls: $215,159,700

The All-Star guard agreed to a three-year, $150.3 million maximum extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Tuesday.

Mitchell was under contract for the 2024-25 season at $35.4 million and had a $37 million player option for the 2025-26 season. With his new extension, Mitchell will have a player option in 2027-28, according to Wojnarowski, and is locked in for four years at $185 million.

There had been speculation about Mitchell’s future in Cleveland beyond 2025, but Wojnarowski reported that Mitchell was sold on helping turn the Cavaliers into a championship contender.

The Cavaliers acquired Mitchell in a blockbuster trade with the Jazz in 2022, sending Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, three first-round picks and two pick swaps to Utah.

Mitchell has led the team to back-to-back playoff appearances, snapping a playoff drought that dated back to 2017-18, LeBron James’ last season with the team. Cleveland reached the second round of the 2024 playoffs, but they were ousted by the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics in a gentleman’s sweep as Mitchell missed the final two games of the series due to a calf strain.

The 27-year-old guard made his fifth straight All-Star appearance in 2023-24, averaging career-highs of 6.1 assists and 1.8 steals to go along with 26.6 points per game across 55 regular season contests.

Looking ahead, Mitchell has a chance to reach the NBA’s 10-year service criteria and pursue a potential five-year, $380-plus million extension in 2027.

Of course, Skip Bayless was among those to share his thoughts, claiming the Mavericks would have beaten the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals if Thompson had been on Dallas’ roster.

Bayless noted that Thompson would have been a significant upgrade over Dallas guard Tim Hardaway Jr., who averaged just 12 minutes over four Finals games and went scoreless in three of them.

In comparison, Thompson is a 39.8-percent 3-point shooter over 33 career games in the NBA Finals, never going scoreless in a playoff game, much less in the Finals. Thompson did struggle in the Warriors’ Western Conference play-in game last season against the Kings, though his regular-season totals from 2023-24 also easily eclipsed those of Hardaway.

It is still tough to say whether or not the Splash Brother would have been enough to reverse a 4-1 series win by the Celtics, but he almost certainly would have improved upon the Mavericks’ abysmal 31.6-percent shooting from behind the arc in the Finals.

Of course, Bayless also had to fire a shot at Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to end the post. The 49ers will have to hope that the Bay Area-to-Dallas pipeline doesn’t become a thing across multiple sports.

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After 13 NBA seasons and four championships, Klay Thompson’s Golden State Warriors career is over.

Thompson has agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday, citing sources.

Wojnarowski also reported that Thompson had four-year offers for more money on the table, but decided to take less to pursue a fifth championship with Dallas, who represented the Western Conference in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics this summer.

The Warriors still are working through sign-and-trade details with the Mavericks and a Thompson deal is “not close,” TNT’s Chris Haynes reported shortly after.

Thompson and the Warriors reportedly began negotiating a contract extension almost one year ago, and after a potentially uncomfortable standoff, it appears the five-time All-Star will take his talents elsewhere.

After missing both the 2019-2020 and 2020-21 seasons with consecutive leg injuries, Thompson triumphantly returned to the court in 2022, where he helped the Warriors secure their fourth championship in eight years.

Thompson then led the NBA in 3-pointers during an up-and-down 2022-23 season before his inconsistencies persisted throughout the 2023-24 season.

In 77 games (63 starts) last season, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 43.2-percent shooting from the field and 38.7 percent from 3-point range for the Warriors in a season that saw him come off the bench for the first time in his career.

Both Thompson and the Warriors were vocal about their desire to work out a deal and for the Splash Brother to finish his illustrious NBA career with Golden State, but it appears Thompson’s asking price was too high for the Warriors.

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The news from Boston Basketball Partners LLC comes within weeks of the Celtics’ championship parade through Boston to celebrate the franchise’s record-setting 18th title.

The sale is expected to begin later this year or early next year, with owner Wyc Grousbeck ending his term as governor when the sale closes in 2028.

The Celtics were valued at $4.7 billion — the fourth highest in the NBA — in the latest Forbes ranking.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the news, citing sources, that the majority ownership group was planning to make the Celtics available to be sold.

Adam Himmelsbach, of The Boston Globe, then reported that Wyc Grousbeck specifically was looking to put his stake in the team up for sale, citing a league source. He added that “this potential sale is not expected to include the entire investment group that purchased the team in 2002.”

The Grousbeck-led ownership group has won two titles since buying the Celtics in 2002. There are four managers of Boston Basketball Partners, LLC: Grousbeck; his father, H. Irving Grousbeck; Steve Pagliuca; and Robert Epstein.

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After declining his Clippers player option, Paul George has agreed to sign a four-year, $212 million contract with the Sixers, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Philadelphia early Monday morning.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the news.

George is a native of Palmdale, California, and played the past five seasons in Los Angeles. However, he’s set to join the Eastern Conference for the first time since his final Pacers season in 2016-17. 

The Clippers reportedly remained unwilling to offer the four-year contract George wanted. The team released a statement Sunday night acknowledging there was a “significant” gap between the sides in negotiations. That left the door open for the Sixers and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, who intentionally entered this offseason with close to zero roster certainty and sizable cap space.

Last season, George made his ninth career All-Star Game. Joel Embiid reached his seventh and Most Improved Player Tyrese Maxey earned his first selection.

“I would say the biggest need is not at (Embiid or Maxey’s) position — someone at the wing who can play and deliver at a high level in the playoffs,” Morey said in May at his end-of-season press conference. 

The Sixers will be optimistic about George’s specific skills coming to Philadelphia. He averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game last year, and he shot 41.3 percent from 3-point range on 7.9 attempts per game. George has proven capable of meshing alongside fellow stars, playing a larger role when injuries arise, and effectively defending top wings and forwards.

Like the Sixers, George’s 2023-24 season ended with a first-round playoff exit. He’s never been to the NBA Finals and the Sixers haven’t been past the second round of the playoffs since 2001.

Now, both parties will hope George’s dramatic move East results in a big breakthrough. 

The Sixers have also agreed to re-sign Kelly Oubre Jr. and to add Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon. As they build around the new trio of Embiid, Maxey and George, there’s plenty more free-agent action on deck.

However, fans hoping for a flurry of moves right when the period opened at 6 p.m. ET were left rather disappointed.

Some popular names reportedly shifted teams, but it wasn’t the opening day experience of years prior.

Let’s analyze the first day of free agency with five winners and losers:

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WINNER: Victor Wembanyama

All the discourse about the San Antonio Spurs last season focused on a lack of a needle-moving point guard. That hole seems to be addressed for now, with Chris Paul set to join the team following his release from the Golden State Warriors at the start of free agency.

A few hours after the waive, Paul reportedly agreed to a one-year, $11 million contract with San Antonio, where he’s presumably going to start alongside Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama already showed plenty of potential in his debut season, but playing next to a playmaker of Paul’s caliber can help him reach new levels.

Paul may no longer be in contention to win his first ever ring, but he’ll still have a significant role to play in Texas.

LOSER: Los Angeles Clippers’ starpower

The Clippers‘ marriage with Paul George is all but over. The star wing is set to explore interest from other teams, with the Philadelphia 76ers reportedly high in the mix.

Los Angeles’ Sunday saw it reportedly extend James Harden to a two-year, $70 million deal while also agreeing to terms with Kevin Porter Jr. on a two-year deal (with a player option) and Derrick Jones Jr. to a three-year deal worth $30 million.

It all but ends the George-Kawhi Leonard tandem in Hollywood, which resulted in constant disappointments and no NBA Finals appearances. Unless the Clippers somehow manage to land another star, they won’t be as strong next season.

WINNER: Orlando Magic’s defense

A rather surprising first-day splash saw the Magic agree terms with wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The deal reportedly is worth $66 million over three years, which does seem like a overpay. But quality 3-and-D wings are extremely scarce in the NBA, and Caldwell-Pope brings experience to the table as a two-time champion.

His fit is pretty clear with Orlando: He’ll be the 2 guard with Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. also in the lineup. Orlando deployed the third-best defense in the league last season, so head coach Jamahl Mosley has another quality player at his disposal to rise a few levels.

The reported move is also a huge blow for the Denver Nuggets, who most likely will have to replace Caldwell-Pope’s impact internally. If so, they’ll also trend a few steps down in overall depth, which hurt them at times this past season.

LOSER: Silence

A lack of moves arguably was the biggest headliner of the day. After the news of Paul’s waiving and Harden’s new deal with the Clippers, the next move was the Boston Celtics retaining backup big man Luke Kornet.

Other reported moves involved the Dallas Mavericks agreeing to a three-year, $27 million deal with wing Naji Marshall, Andre Drummond planning a return to Philly and Jonas Valanciunas intending to join the Washington Wizards on a three-year, $30 million deal.

Names with uncertain futures still on the market include George, Klay Thompson, Tobias Harris, DeMar DeRozan, Isaiah Hartenstein, Gary Trent Jr. and Buddy Hield, among others.

WINNER: Philadelphia 76ers’ activity

One of the primary weaknesses for the Sixers last season included a lack of quality depth. They addressed some of that early on the first day, with the Drummond move and agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran shooting guard Eric Gordon.

Drummond’s role as primarily a rebounding big has revitalized his worth, while Gordon averaged 11 points per game as a Phoenix Sun last season on a 44/38/80 shooting split.

They also reportedly agreed to re-sign Kelly Oubre Jr. to a two-year, $16.3 million deal after a solid first season with the franchise.

But there’s still more to do, as Hield, Harris, Nicolas Batum, Kyle Lowry, Robert Covington, De’Anthony Melton and Cam Payne all hit the open market.

And landing George to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey would certainly be significant, so they’re on the right track.

The former Warriors point guard, whom Golden State waived Sunday, agreed to a one-year, $11 million-plus contract with the San Antonio Spurs just three hours later, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported, citing sources.

Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report was first to report that Paul intended to sign with the Spurs, noting Sunday that the 12-time All-Star point guard and Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had a “great” conversation.

Paul’s reported agreement with San Antonio is $19 million less than he would have been paid by Golden State for the 2024-25 NBA season.

Paul should provide a young San Antonio team with a proven facilitator after he served a key role on the Warriors’ bench last season. “The Point God” averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists per game in 58 appearances with Golden State, and now he’ll likely start alongside second-year San Antonio phenom Victor Wembanyama.

Free agency is well underway, and while the Warriors opted not to pay Paul the $30 million he was due in 2024-25, it’s clear one of their Western Conference opponents sees value in the

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Golden State is waiving the 39-year-old point guard Sunday and he will enter NBA free agency, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported, citing sources.

The Warriors’ original deadline to determine whether they would pick up Paul’s $30 million team option for the 2024-25 NBA season was Friday, June 28, but both parties agreed to push it back to Sunday as Golden State tried to work on trade packages including Paul.

In his first season with the team in 2023-24, Paul, 39, was a key part of the Warriors’ bench, averaging 9.2 points and 6.8 assists per game in 58 appearances. But $30 million is a lot to pay for a backup, even one of Paul’s caliber.

Now it appears the Warriors are ready to move on from the future Hall of Famer — and will clear up plenty of cap space in doing so.

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ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Sunday that the franchise has tabbed former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff as their next lead man. The deal reportedly is for five years.

Bickerstaff spent parts of five seasons in Cleveland before getting fired in May. The Cavs made the postseason in each of the last two seasons, reaching the second round in 2024 before losing in five games to the eventual champion Boston Celtics.

The Pistons, meanwhile, fired Monty Williams earlier this month despite signing him to a six-year deal last offseason. Williams, who led Detroit to a 14-68 record in his only season as head coach, still had five years and $65 million remaining on his contract.

Bickerstaff, 45, has compiled a 255-290 record in parts of eight seasons as a head coach with the Houston Rockets (2015-16), Memphis Grizzlies (2017-19) and Cavaliers (2020-24).

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It will be a tall task for Bickerstaff to turn the Pistons around after the club missed the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season. Detroit hasn’t won a postseason series since 2008, when its streak of six straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances ended.

The Pistons’ young core is led by Cade Cunningham, but they have several other recent lottery picks to build around. Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duran, Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland (drafted No. 5 overall last week) will be relied upon to turn the franchise around.

Bickerstaff has filled the sixth and final head coaching vacancy of the 2024 NBA offseason after the Brooklyn Nets hired Jordi Fernández, the Phoenix Suns hired Mike Budenholzer, the Washington Wizards hired Brian Keefe, the Los Angeles Lakers hired J.J. Redick and the Cavaliers hired Kenny Atkinson.

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The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

Every year, a handful of teenagers enter the NBA. Years before they are allowed to have a legal drink in the U.S., those young players are thrown into the spotlight in front of full arenas and a national audience.

Of all the players in the league this season, which one was the youngest? And how does his age compare to the youngest player to ever debut in the NBA?

Here’s a look at the youngest players from this season and league history:

Who is the youngest current player in the NBA?

Ulrich Chomche is the youngest player in the NBA after the Toronto Raptors selected him with the 57th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Born on Dec. 30, 2005, the Cameroonian big man will not turn 19 years old until well into the 2024 NBA season.

Here is a look at the 10 youngest players in the NBA following the 2024 NBA Draft, listed by their birthdates:

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Who is the youngest player in NBA history?

Andrew Bynum is the youngest player to ever check into an NBA game. He made his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 2, 2005, just six days after his 18th birthday.

Two Hall of Famers are among the 10 youngest players in league history. Here they are listed by their age when they made their debuts:

In 2022, Jonathan Kuminga made history in the Warriors’ second-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies. At 19 years, 213 days old, the Golden State forward became the youngest player since 1971 to start a postseason game. He also joined Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker as the only teenagers to score 18-plus points in a playoff game.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article was published in September 2022.

NBA Summer League is upon us as teams will get a chance to see their picks in action. All 30 NBA teams will convene in Las Vegas for a week-plus of games as up-and-coming players take the floor with their new teammates.

No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher will suit up for the Atlanta Hawks for the first time, while No. 2 selection Alex Sarr will do so for the Washington Wizards. Summer League will also feature a group of former UConn Huskies, led by No. 4 overall pick Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs and No. 7 overall pick Donovan Clingan of the Portland Trail Blazers.

While top picks will be in the spotlight, all eyes will be on one of the final selections from the 2024 draft. Bronny James went to the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 55, pairing him with his father, LeBron James, and taking the NBA world by storm.

Here is a look at when players from the 2024 draft class will have their first chance to play in NBA Summer League.

When does NBA Summer League begin in 2024?

Las Vegas Summer League will tip-off on Friday, July 12, and run through Monday, July 22.

Some teams will get a few extra games in before the action begins in Sin City, though. The California Classic in Sacramento and San Francisco will go from July 6-10 and the Salt Lake Summer League will go from July 8-10.

Here is the full list of 2024 Summer League dates:

• California Classic Summer League (Sacramento): July 6-7 and 9
• California Classic Summer League (San Francisco): July 6-7 and 10
• Salt Lake City Summer League: July 8-10
• NBA Summer League (Las Vegas): July 12-22

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2024 NBA Summer League schedule

The NBA announced the full Las Vegas Summer League schedule one day after the 2024 draft concluded.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic will play in the first Summer League game of 2024 with tipoff at 4 p.m. ET on July 12. The opening day also features the Lakers’ first Summer League game against the Houston Rockets and a potential matchup of the top-two picks when Risacher and the Hawks battle Sarr and the Wizards.

Other notable matchups include a potential UConn battle between Castle’s Spurs and Clingan’s Blazers on July 13 and a Celtics-Lakers showdown on July 15.

The Summer League championship game will be broadcasted on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET on July 22.

Check out the full 2024 Las Vegas Summer League schedule here.

Where is NBA Summer League?

NBA Summer League games will be played at the Thomas & Mack Center and the Pavilion in Las Vegas.

California Classic Summer League games in Sacramento will be played at the Kings’ home arena, Golden 1 Center. California Classic contests in San Francisco will be played at the Warriors’ home arena, Chase Center.

The Utah Jazz’s arena, Delta Center, will host Salt Lake City Summer League games.

NBA Summer League teams

All 30 NBA teams participate in Summer League in Las Vegas.

The California Classic features four teams at each location. The Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Charlotte Hornets and Chinese National Team will play in Sacramento, while the Warriors, Lakers, Miami Heat and another Kings team will play in San Francisco.

Salt Lake City Summer League will feature the home team Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies.

Zaccharie Risacher, a 6-foot-8 French forward, went No. 1 overall to the Atlanta Hawks in a class that didn’t have many consensus top prospects.

But the 2025 NBA Draft has some more intrigue at the top, even though players still have time to develop more and improve their stocks.

So, which prospects could make the most noise going into next year’s draft? Keep an eye on these five players:

Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

Flagg started making noise in 2023 as a 16-year-old, and his time in the NBA could start very soon. The Maine product was playing at Montverde Academy in Montverde, Fla. when players like LeBron James took notice of his talents, and it’s pretty clear why that’s the case.

At a growing 6-foot-9 with an unofficial wingspan over seven feet, Flagg is incredibly mobile and shines on both ends of the floor. He can create his own off the dribble and find teammates while being a fast lateral defender who rebounds at efficient rates.

He committed to Duke in October of 2023, so it’ll be interesting to see how he lines up against the next tier of athletes.

His projection in the NBA is to likely play at either small forward or power forward, though he won’t be a typical 4 because of his on-the-ball abilities.

Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers

Airious “Ace” Bailey is the next highest prospect expected to be available in 2025. Listed at 6-foot-10 and 200 pounds, Bailey committed to Rutgers after also having an offer from Kentucky.

Similar to Flagg, Bailey is a talented athlete who can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket, though his handle needs more tightening. He has excellent athleticism and explosion for his size, which will help him on both ends of the floor.

It’ll be intriguing to see how his defense will fare against shiftier guards should he be matched onto them, as well as how his 3-point shot translates. His slashing to the basket should be one of his go-to strengths.

Also like Flagg, he looks like the profile of a 3 or 4 in the NBA due to his size, athleticism and on-the-ball potential, so how he does at Rutgers could sway whether he’s No. 1 overall pick material or if he’ll drop a few spots.

Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers

Speaking of Rutgers, another top prospect that could stem out of the school is guard Harper. At 6-foot-6 with an unofficial 6-foot-10 wingspan, Harper is a combo guard who can either play the 1 or the 2, though his ceiling in the NBA would have to be as a lead guard.

What stands out most about the left-handed guard is his ability to score from all levels. He isn’t blessed with elite athleticism but has the size and power to get to his spots and knock down shots. That allows him to draw fouls and also absorb contact at solid rates.

He’ll still have room to grow in terms of more consistent 3-point shooting as well as seeing how he guards faster players, but Harper, son of former NBA player Ron Harper, has a knack for the big moments and doesn’t shy away from wanting to take over a game. Those traits are highly valuable.

Nolan Traore, G, France

Following Victor Wembanyama in 2023 and Risacher in 2024, Traore could be the next headliner for French basketball.

Traore measured at 6-foot-5 in shoes with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, a strong base for a lead point guard. His speed is one of his main strengths, as is his ability to score off the balance, find teammates and make something out of nothing.

The right-handed guard has the size, speed and instincts to guard multiple positions on the other end and his floater game has drawn significant praise early on, too.

If it pans out, he could end up being a taller, faster version of Tony Parker, who was also French. Traore’s stock is continuously growing the more he plays, and that may only continue during this cycle.

Khaman Maluach, C, Duke

Potentially the next closest thing to a Wembanyama-like prospect is Khaman Maluach, who has been with the NBA Academy Africa but committed to Duke in March.

Maluach is 7-foot-2 and can do many special things at his size: shoot 3-pointers, dribble between legs, block shots, move quickly and more. Most of that sounds like Wembanyama, though Maluach is more unproven at this stage and will have a crucial year ahead as a Blue Devil.

Out of South Sudan, Maluach has drawn some inspiration from Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who also took a few years in the NBA to become the “Greek Freak” he is today.

If his floor spacing and defense is the real thing in college, it wouldn’t be surprising if he starts getting No. 1 overall pick buzz due to his unique profile.

Honorable mentions

V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor: Explosive and wiry two-way wing who, at around 6-foot-5, gets it done on both levels of the floor. Will need to improve as a lead playmaker but has the tools to be a viable starting 2-guard in the NBA.

Egor Demin, G/F, Real Madrid B: A 6-foot-9 jumbo point guard who can also play the 2 or 3, Demin could be Real Madrid’s next main product, similar to Hugo Gonzalez. But Demin’s size and position makes him unique, as well as his ability to lead an offense and dominate players in his position. But he’ll need time to develop his shot and find his footing to reach what could be tantalizing potential.

That’s been evident throughout NBA history, with plenty of families dominating different eras of the sport.

Some fathers and sons played with a similar style, like the jump-shooting Currys and the high-flying Nances. Other duos have been vastly different on the court, like the Waltons and the Thompsons.

The latest duo to enter the league is Bronny and LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers drafted the former with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 draft, making them the first ever father-son duo to play simultaneously — and as teammates.

As the James’ prepare for their first season together, here’s a look at some of the most memorable father-son duos to play in the NBA:

Dell Curry and Steph Curry/Seth Curry

Three of the best shooters in NBA history have the same last name. Dell started it all when he was drafted No. 15 overall in 1986. He played 16 NBA seasons, averaging 11.7 points and shooting 40.2% from deep in 1,083 career games. Known largely for his years with the Charlotte Hornets, he also played for the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors.

Dell’s two sons — Stephen and Seth — have only added to the family legacy. Steph is widely considered the greatest shooter in NBA history, shooting over 43% from deep and 90% from the line in his career. He’s also a four-time NBA champion, a two-time MVP and a two-time scoring champ with the Golden State Warriors.

Seth has had a different career arc. He played just four games total for three teams in his first two NBA seasons, but he’s developed into an above-average role player who can shoot at a high level. He’s now with the Charlotte Hornets.

Joe Bryant and Kobe Bryant

“Jellybean” Joe Bryant is probably better known for his fantastic nickname and his son rather than his own on-court accomplishments. He played eight seasons in the NBA with the Sixers, San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets. Mostly a role player, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 8.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in 606 career games.

Jellybean’s son — appropriately named Kobe Bean Bryant — was one of the best players in NBA history. Five championships, 18 All-Star appearances and a first-ballot Hall of Famer, the Black Mamba was known as a ruthless competitor. He averaged 25 points per game in his 20-year career with the Lakers, and his legacy continues to live on after his tragic death in 2020.

Mychal Thompson and Klay Thompson

Selected No. 1 overall in 1978, Mychal Thompson replaced reigning MVP Bill Walton in the Portland Trail Blazers’ lineup. The big man averaged 16.7 points and 8.9 rebounds in seven seasons for the Blazers before playing half a season with the San Antonio Spurs and finishing his career with the Lakers. Thompson won two championships with Magic Johnson and the Showtime Lakers, serving as a key piece off the bench in 1987 and 1988.

Mychal had two sons make the NBA — Klay and Mychel — but Mychel only played five games. Klay, on the other hand, developed into one of the game’s best shooters. In 11 seasons with the Warriors, he’s averaged 19.6 points per game on 41.3% shooting from 3. Klay is a four-time champion and five-time All-Star.

Rick Barry and Brent Barry/Jon Barry/Drew Barry

Led by Rick, the Barry family revolutionized free throw shooting with the underhand shot. Even though that might be Rick’s lasting memory today, he should also be remembered as an all-time great player. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987, Barry was an All-Star 12 times, All-NBA First Team five times and the 1975 NBA Finals MVP. He had the highest career free throw percentage (.900) in league history when he retired in 1980, and he was named to the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.

Three of Barry’s sons made it to the NBA — Jon, Brent and Drew. None reached the heights that their father did. Jon played 14 seasons with eight different teams, perennially serving as a reserve spot-up shooter. Brent had the best career of the three, also playing 14 seasons but winning two titles with the Spurs (2005, 2007) and taking home the 1996 Slam Dunk Contest crown. Drew played just 60 games across three seasons with the Warriors, Atlanta Hawks and Seattle Supersonics.

Bill Walton and Luke Walton

Younger fans may only know Bill Walton as the crazy college basketball announcer who wears tie-dye shirts. Let’s not forget how incredible his playing career was, though. After winning two national championships for John Wooden at UCLA, Walton was drafted first overall by the Blazers in 1974. He led the franchise to its first and only title in 1977, winning Finals MVP and then regular season MVP the following year, before foot injuries derailed his career. Walton later resurfaced as the Sixth Man of the Year for the championship-winning 1986 Boston Celtics.

Luke Walton, a former Sacramento Kings’ head coach, played 10 NBA seasons with the Lakers and Cavaliers. He was a backup wing for most of his career, starting just 138 of 564 games while averaging 4.7 points per contest. Walton matched his father’s two championships, winning with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010.

Tim Hardaway and Tim Hardaway Jr.

Even though both of the Hardways played guard, they were vastly different players. Tim Sr. was a point guard for the Warriors and Miami Heat throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. He was a five-time All-Star, finishing his career in 2003 at 17.7 points and 8.2 assists per game.

Tim Jr. just finished his 11th NBA season after being drafted No. 24 overall in 2013. He’s played for the New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks, often providing instant offense from the shooting guard position. Like his father, the 6-foot-5 Hardaway was named to the All-Rookie First Team following his first season.

Arvydas Sabonis and Domantas Sabonis

Drafted No. 24 overall by the Blazers in 1986, Arvydas Sabonis didn’t make his way to the U.S. to play in the NBA until 1995. At age 31, the 7-foot-3 Lithuanian big man stepped right in and made the All-Rookie First Team for Portland. He played seven NBA seasons and averaged 12.0 points and 7.3 rebounds, but he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011 largely due to his dominant career overseas.

Domantas, 28, has already made three All-Star teams for two different franchises. The 6-foot-11 big man is a skilled rebounder and passer, putting up 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game this past season for Sacramento. He’s a cornerstone player for the Kings after arriving via a trade from the Indiana Pacers.

Gary Payton and Gary Payton II

Nicknamed “The Glove,” Gary Payton is known as one of the best perimeter defenders ever and a tenacious trash-talker. The 6-foot-4 point guard was a nine-time All-Star and First-Team All-Defense selection. Most of his career was played with the Sonics — Seattle drafted him No. 2 overall in 1990 — but he later suited up for the Bucks, Lakers, Celtics and Heat. GP won his only championship with the Heat in 2006 before retiring a year later.

The second coming of Gary Payton has grinded to become an NBA role player with the Warriors this season. He was undrafted in 2016, then played just 71 games total in his first five seasons for the Bucks, Lakers, Wizards and Warriors. He played a key role in helping Golden State win the 2022 title and is still on the roster.

Larry Nance and Larry Nance Jr.

The elder Nance played 13 respectable seasons in the league with the Suns and Cavaliers. He averaged 17.1 points and 8.0 rebounds while making three All-Star teams and winning the first ever Slam Dunk Contest in 1984. Nance’s No. 22 was retired by the Cavs before they allowed his son to wear it.

Larry Jr. is a similar high-flying forward, but he hasn’t yet been as successful as his father. In his first six seasons with the Lakers and Cavs, Nance Jr. averaged 8.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He was traded to the Blazers in 2021 before moving to the New Orleans Pelicans that same year. He’s known as a solid rotational forward who can defend, stretch the floor and jump out of the gym.

Doc Rivers and Austin Rivers

Now coaching the Sixers, Doc Rivers was once a solid NBA point guard. The Hawks selected him No. 31 overall in 1983 and he delivered as a starter alongside Dominique Wilkins. In eight years with Atlanta, Rivers averaged 13.0 points, 6.8 assists and 2.1 steals per game while making the 1988 All-Star team. Doc’s final five seasons were spent as a bench player with the Clippers, Knicks and Spurs.

Austin Rivers is the same height as his father (6-foot-4), but that’s where their similarities end as players. The younger Rivers was a highly touted prospect coming out of Duke and he just hasn’t delivered in the NBA. He’s bounced around, playing for six teams since New Orleans drafted him 10th overall in 2012. Most notably, Austin played for his father with the Clippers from 2015 to 2018, averaging a career-high 15.1 points per game in 2017-18. He’s now an analyst.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article was published in November 2021.

The Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday drafted James with the No. 55 overall pick during the second round, teaming him up with his father, LeBron.

LeBron and Bronny will become the first ever father-son NBA duo to be playing simultaneously, and they’ll be doing so under the lights in Hollywood.

While there was buzz that Bronny could be picked in the first round, the USC product ended up going deep into the second after Los Angeles picked Tennessee wing Dalton Knecht at No. 17 overall Wednesday.

Knecht and Bronny is a solid haul as both can play off of James and Anthony Davis with J.J. Redick taking over as a first-time head coach, but all the headlines will focus on the latest father-son duo to enter the league.

Here’s how social media reacted to the moment:

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The adage applied in Westeros, and it has also wrung true in the NBA. Going up against some of the tallest people on the planet, short players have cemented a legacy in the league.

Calvin Murphy is the shortest player in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame at 5-foot-9. Allen Iverson, who is 6-foot even, is the shortest player to be named league MVP. Isiah Thomas led the Detroit Pistons to back-to-back NBA titles at 6-foot-1, while the 5-foot-9 Isaiah Thomas took the league by storm in 2016-17 with the Boston Celtics, earning his “King in the Fourth” moniker and placing fifth in the MVP race.

A few small players have become some of the NBA’s most famous high-flyers. Nate Robinson won three NBA Dunk Contests — and jumped over Dwight Howard — at 5-foot-9. Spud Webb is remembered as one of the game’s shortest players and most electrifying dunkers. He took home the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest title at 5-foot-6 and played 12 NBA seasons. Only two players in NBA history have measured shorter than Webb.

Here’s a look at the shortest players in the league all-time and the present day.

Who is the shortest NBA player ever?

There have been nine players in NBA history who stood at 5-foot-7 or shorter, led by the 5-foot-3 Muggsy Bogues.

Bogues’ height was put into a mind-blowing perspective in a famous photo with teammate Manute Bol, who shares the title of tallest player in league history with Gheorghe Muresan at 7-foot-7.

Hirsh played just 13 games for the Celtics early in the 1946-47 season and held the title of shortest NBA player ever for almost 40 years until Bogues was drafted by the Washington Bullets with the 12th overall pick in 1987.

Wisaka made history in 1948 by breaking basketball’s color barrier, becoming the first non-white player in the NBA (then known as the Basketball Association of America). He played three BAA games and scored seven career points.

Who is the shortest player in the NBA right now?

Jacob Gilyard holds the title of the shortest player in the NBA right now. The 5-foot-8 guard appeared in 41 games in 2023-24: 37 with the Memphis Grizzlies and four with the Brooklyn Nets.

Isaiah Thomas, who last played for the Phoenix Suns in 2023-24, is next on the list at 5-foot-9.

Shortest player on each NBA team

There are team leaders across the league who also stand the shortest on their squads. Trae Young, Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry are among the marquee players with the smallest heights on their teams.

Here is a list of each team’s shortest player according to their listed heights on NBA.com:

• Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young – 6-foot-1
• Boston Celtics: Payton Pritchard and JD Davison – 6-foot-1
• Brooklyn Nets: Jacob Gilyard – 5-foot-8
• Charlotte Hornets: KJ Simpson– 6-foot-0
• Chicago Bulls: Jevon Carter – 6-foot-1
• Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland and Craig Porter Jr. – 6-foot-1
• Dallas Mavericks: Brandon Williams – 6-foot-1
• Denver Nuggets: Collin Gillespie – 6-foot-1
• Detroit Pistons: Malachi Flynn – 6-foot-1
• Golden State Warriors: Chris Paul – 6-foot-0
• Houston Rockets: Fred VanVleet and Aaron Holiday – 6-foot-0
• Indiana Pacers: T.J. McConnell – 6-foot-1
• Los Angeles Clippers: Xavier Moon – 6-foot-0
• Los Angeles Lakers: Gabe Vincent – 6-foot-2
• Memphis Grizzlies: Scotty Pippen Jr. – 6-foot-1
• Miami Heat: Terry Rozier – 6-foot-1
• Milwaukee Bucks: Damian Lillard and Patrick Beverley – 6-foot-2
• Minnesota Timberwolves: Mike Conley and Jordan McLaughlin – 6-foot-0
• New Orleans Pelicans: Jose Alvarado – 6-foot-0
• New York Knicks: Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek – 6-foot-1
• Oklahoma City Thunder: Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe and Adam Flagler – 6-foot-3
• Orlando Magic: Cole Anthony – 6-foot-2
• Philadelphia 76ers: Kyle Lowry – 6-foot-0
• Phoenix Suns: Isaiah Thomas – 5-foot-9
• Portland Trail Blazers: Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson and Ashton Hagans – 6-foot-3
• Sacramento Kings: Jordan Ford – 6-foot-1
• San Antonio Spurs: Tre Jones and Devonte’ Graham – 6-foot-1
• Toronto Raptors: Jamal Shead – 6-foot-0
• Utah Jazz: Kira Lewis Jr. – 6-foot-1
• Washington Wizards:: Tyus Jones – 6-foot-1

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article was published in September 2022.

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The 7-footer with a 7-5 wingspan has the length and game to have an immediate impact in the NBA.

Ware quickly moved up NBA draft boards during team workouts and is a strong rim protector.

He’s also excellent on lobs and shot 43% from 3 last season, making him the type of stretch big man NBA teams covet.

Ware, who was selected to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team, started all 30 games for Indiana last season. He led the team in scoring average, rebounds per game, blocks per game, field goal percentage and double-doubles, averaging 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.87 blocks, 1.5 assists and 32.1 minutes while shooting 58.6 percent from the field, 42.5 percent from three-point range and 63.4 percent from the foul line.

He was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team by the media and to the All-Big Ten Third Team by the coaches.

Ware also will immediately benefit from playing alongside Heat captain Adebayo, who could get more minutes at power forward if Ware can take center minutes.

It was reported earlier Wednesday that Adebayo intends to sign a three-year, $166 million extension with the Heat when the league’s offseason moratorium on such moves is lifted next month.

The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

Both athletes are from St. Louis and are Chaminade College Preparatory School alumni.

Last Monday, Tatum hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy when his Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals to secure their 18th championship in franchise history.

Exactly one week later, Tkachuk hoisted the Stanley Cup when his Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final to win their first championship in franchise history.

Old home videos that have resurfaced show young Tkachuk and Tatum participating in group projects during their time at Chaminade College Preparatory School.

Another shot shows the young friends sitting next to each other on a bus.

After Tatum won the NBA Championships, the Celtics star put the ball in Tkachuk’s court to win another championship for St. Louis.

After winning the Stanley Cup on Monday night, Tkachuk not only thanked Tatum for his support but the whole Chaminade community.

“Hey, two champs from St. Louis, are you kidding me right now? You kidding me?” Tkachuk told the “What Chaos!” show. “Chaminade, everybody there, all the teachers, classmates, you guys should all be very proud. Two champs, baby.”

Tatum and Tkachuk indeed made St. Louis proud, as both players are stars on their respective teams who helped their franchises get over the hump after recent losses in the championship round — Boston in the 2022 NBA Finals and Florida in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final.

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The Rockets reportedly want to trade for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday, citing sources.

Shortly after the report, though, Wojnarowski added that the Suns don’t want to part ways with Durant as they want to give their core another year after a first-round playoff exit as a No. 6 seed.

Still, the Rockets want a “major upgrade” to the roster, with Wojnarowski mentioning they’re in prime position to push for fellow Phoenix star Devin Booker.

Houston’s ambitions became known after it reportedly traded picks with the Brooklyn Nets, which saw the franchise land selections that have ties to Phoenix.

Once the deals become official, Houston will possess a pick swap with Suns in 2025, the Suns’ 2027 first-rounder and could also own Phoenix’s pick in 2029 based on contingencies.

Should the Suns opt out of the Durant, Booker and Bradley Beal experiment early, Houston would have the capacity to help Phoenix recoup its barren draft picks cabinet.

Houston is led by youngsters Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., with Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson also rising.

Veterans Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams and Jeff Green have significant salaries to use in trades, even if it doesn’t involve a Phoenix star coming the other way.

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New York on Tuesday acquired star forward Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported, citing sources.

The Knicks reportedly will send Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027, 2029, 2031), a 2025 protected Milwaukee Bucks first-rounder, a 2028 unprotected pick swap and a 2025 second-round pick.

Along with Bridges, Brooklyn reportedly will receive a 2026 second-rounder.

Bridges, the No. 10 overall pick in 2018 out of Villanova, is coming off a season in which he averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals on a 44/37/81 shooting split.

Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo are also former Villanova products now a Knick. Brunson reacted to the news on X, with Hart having an NSFW reaction of his own.

Bridges, who won the 2016 NCAA title with Brunson, DiVincenzo and Hart, also posted to X.

The 27-year-old Bridges was one of the best 3-and-D forwards seemingly available on the trade block after Brooklyn went 32-50 on the season, good for 11th in the Eastern Conference.

New York, on the other hand, finished 50-32 and claimed the conference’s No. 2 seed, but fell to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the playoffs following a spree of injuries to key players.

Acquiring Bridges could put OG Anunoby’s future as a Knick in question, but the franchise still has hopes of re-signing him in free agency, Wojnarowski added.

If the Knicks’ plan comes to fruition, they’ll have a core of Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, DiVincenzo, Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson that would challenge the Boston Celtics for the throne.

Alec Burks, Isaiah Hartenstein and Precious Achiuwa are among New York’s other key free agents.

For the Nets, they don’t have draft picks in 2024, with Nic Claxton and Lonnie Walker IV among their free agents. Cam Thomas, Ben Simmons, Dennis Schroder, Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith are the current headliners on the roster.

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The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.

The Boston Celtics star announced 741’s launch via Instagram and the brand’s official website, 741performance.com. According the press release, Brown “turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from other major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand.”

“The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes,” Brown said. “It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them.”

As for the “741” brand name, there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers.

“The name “741” itself comes with a deep personal connection, stating that the number 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently in his life and represent spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings. 741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 741 (@741performance)

Brown was influenced by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s desire to start his own sneaker brand before his untimely passing.

“Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” he said.

NBA fans will see Brown donning his new 741 sneakers throughout the upcoming season as he looks to lead the Celtics to their second consecutive title.

741 is available for pre-order at 741performance.com with products set to go live for sale on Oct. 22.