Hoops Wire

Category: Bucks

Latest Milwaukee Bucks Rumors and News.

  • Bucks Have No Plans To Fire Doc Rivers

    Bucks Have No Plans To Fire Doc Rivers

    Doc Rivers is 65-53 in the regular season and 3-8 in the playoffs with the Milwaukee Bucks, who have lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the postseason two years in a row. 

    Despite not having any playoff success with Rivers, the Bucks have no plans to fire the veteran coach. 

    “I’ve enjoyed my time with Doc immensely,” Bucks GM Jon Horst told The Athletic. “It’s one of the least established relationships I had prior to making a hire of anyone in my career so far, but he and I just continue to grow closer and closer each day.

    “He’s a big-time collaborator. He has the exact same views that I do on culture building and professionalism within the organization, how you treat people, how you communicate honestly. He is a great partner in that he’ll have any tough conversation that you need to have with a player or players, and I think that’s essential in this business. And it gives you a real chance to win when stuff gets tough.

    “He’s a great basketball guy. I learn from him every day. I love being around him. He’s very well-connected. So when it comes to recruiting and networking and just the different things that you can do with a roster that are necessary, he’s amazing at that as well. And so I’ve loved working with him, and he’s a basketball junkie. I’ve been amazed. No one takes more notes. I sit right behind him on the plane, and he’s watching film as soon as the game’s over. It’s the first thing he does. He’s got a video guy with him, and he just really grinds. He really works at it. He still loves the game at a high level, and he’s a champion.

    “I think the reason why I still love working with Doc and I’m excited to work with Doc is because I think we have a chance to win with Doc. I think he’s a championship-level coach. He’s the right coach to get us to where we want to go.

    “We haven’t had the results yet in our two years together that we wanted. But it’s been two of the most adversity-filled seasons that I’ve been part of. And we’ve had two really successful regular seasons. To go through the things that we went through, if people actually look at the facts of what we went through over two years — we still finished with a fifth seed and a third seed. Near 50 wins in both seasons. And then we lost to the team that lost in the conference finals two years ago and the team that lost in Game 7 of the finals this year. We lost to a really, really good Indiana Pacers organization that deserves everything that they’ve got. I mean, that team had an unbelievable two-year run and they beat everybody; they didn’t just beat us. 

    “So I’m really proud of the last two years with Doc, and I think we’ve learned a lot. And I think it’s going to help us get to where we want to get.”

  • Bucks President Peter Feigin: ‘Giannis Loves Milwaukee, Milwaukee Loves Giannis’

    Bucks President Peter Feigin: ‘Giannis Loves Milwaukee, Milwaukee Loves Giannis’

    Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks, NBA rumors
    File photo

    If there’s any internal panic in Milwaukee about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future, Bucks president Peter Feigin isn’t showing it.

    Appearing on NBA TV’s broadcast of the team’s Summer League matchup against the Clippers on Sunday, Feigin pushed back on the notion that the franchise’s relationship with its two-time MVP is in flux.

    “We kind of laugh internally, it’s where we’ve been for 10 years,” Feigin said, via Hoops Rumors. “Giannis loves Milwaukee, Milwaukee loves Giannis. We’re in a good place. We feel great about it. It’s business as usual.”

    It may not feel like “usual” to the rest of the NBA. Antetokounmpo’s future has been a source of constant speculation, especially after the Bucks suffered another first-round exit. The outside noise has grown louder, but according to Feigin, it’s just that — noise.

    “I think we get kind of a fun little joy in everybody else thinking they know what’s going on and what the clickbait is,” Feigin said. “But for us, we’re in a good spot. Giannis is in a good place. He’s enjoying the summer, and we’re looking forward to next season.”

    While rival teams are keeping a close eye on the situation, Milwaukee has moved as if Giannis isn’t going anywhere. Despite losing Brook Lopez to the Clippers, the Bucks have been aggressive in their offseason efforts. They retained Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., and Taurean Prince, while adding veterans Gary Harris and Cole Anthony.

    Their biggest swing? Luring former Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner with a four-year, $109 million contract, while parting ways with Damian Lillard. It was arguably the most surprising move of free agency.

    Antetokounmpo hasn’t offered total clarity on his plans, though he recently said he’ll “probably” remain in Milwaukee going forward. That’s hardly a firm commitment, but it doesn’t scream exit strategy either.

    For now, Feigin’s words serve as the organization’s clearest public stance: They’re not worried. And if they are, they’re not letting on.

  • Myles Turner Explains Why He Left Pacers for Bucks: It’s About Staying Competitive

    Myles Turner Explains Why He Left Pacers for Bucks: It’s About Staying Competitive

    Myles Turner, Pacers, Bucks, NBA
    File photo

    Myles Turner has officially closed the chapter on his time with the Indiana Pacers and opened a new one with the Milwaukee Bucks. And the expectations are clear — win now.

    The veteran center posted a heartfelt letter on social media Thursday addressing his departure from the Pacers. On Friday, he spoke publicly for the first time since signing with the Bucks, sitting alongside coach Doc Rivers and general manager Jon Horst at NBA Summer League.

    “For me, ultimately it was about just staying competitive,” Turner said, via Michael C. Wright of ESPN. “Two years ago, we got to the conference finals. Last year we got to the Finals. Being a big part of winning basketball just changed my entire perspective on this league. I saw a chance to remain competitive here.”

    Turner also cited the opportunity to team up with two-time MVP and 2021 NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks signed Turner to a four-year, $108.9 million deal that includes a player option for the 2028-29 season. To make the move possible, Milwaukee waived nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard and stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract.

    Turner, 29, was the longest-tenured player in Indiana after spending 10 seasons with the Pacers. This past year, he shot a career-best 39.6 percent from three-point range and averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.

    “We had multiple paths throughout the course of the offseason,” Horst said. “All our offseason planning before acquiring Myles was centered around how we could take this team to the next level. Myles was sitting there as the best free agent on the market.”

    Horst said the front office explored ways to modernize the team’s style, better complement Antetokounmpo, and address areas exposed in the postseason. Turner, he added, fit all of those needs.

    “These are big decisions with major financial and roster implications,” Horst said. “But you get comfortable making them when you have the chance to bring in a player like this. You watch him next to Giannis and you can see the potential with the rest of our core, which is already built to maximize Giannis.”

    It remains unclear how involved Antetokounmpo was in the decision to bring Turner in or to move on from Lillard. Horst and Rivers said the organization has remained in contact with Antetokounmpo throughout the summer. Turner said he and Giannis have exchanged brief messages but have not had in-depth conversations yet.

    “I was tired of taking damned shoulders and elbows to the chest all the time,” Turner joked about his years of defending Antetokounmpo. “It’s rare to get to play with a guy like him. He’s a generational player, arguably one of the greatest to ever play this game.”

    Turner said he is familiar with Antetokounmpo’s style and sees a strong on-court fit.

    “He can push the ball, create for others, get out in transition. He’s even developed a jumper. Defensively, his intangibles are all there,” Turner said. “From my perspective, it should be a very cohesive fit.”

    The Bucks have been active on the market, signing veterans Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince and Ryan Rollins, and re-signing Bobby Portis. Turner said that level of activity speaks volumes about the organization’s mindset.

    “There’s a reason those guys signed here. Everybody sees the vision,” Turner said. “They didn’t sign just to do it. There’s a real belief in what’s being built. I’ve aligned myself with that.”

    Turner set a franchise playoff record with 46 blocks during Indiana’s Finals run and was viewed by Rivers and Horst as an ideal pairing with Antetokounmpo. They see him as a floor-spacing big man who can help drive the up-tempo style Milwaukee wants to play.

    “Giannis came to me the day after the season and we were already talking about next year,” Rivers said. “There’s a lot more speculation outside of Milwaukee than there is inside. Giannis loves being here. We love having him. It has been a great relationship.”

    That relationship now includes a new frontcourt partner with a proven track record and the scars to prove it. Turner is done trying to stop Giannis. Now he is joining him in the hunt for a championship.

  • NBA Notes: Pacers, Isaiah Jackson, Wizards, Marvin Bagley, Bucks

    NBA Notes: Pacers, Isaiah Jackson, Wizards, Marvin Bagley, Bucks

    Isaiah Jackson, Pacers, NBA
    File photo

    The Pacers are showing real faith in Isaiah Jackson’s future. The 6-foot-10 center has officially re-signed with Indiana on a three-year, $21 million contract, the team announced.

    Jackson, 22, suffered a torn right Achilles early last season, appearing in only six games. Despite the setback and a frontcourt that now includes James Wiseman, Tony Bradley and Jay Huff, Indiana extended him a $6.4 million qualifying offer last month and followed that with a long-term deal.

    The move suggests the Pacers believe Jackson can still develop into a valuable rotation piece. With Myles Turner now in Milwaukee, Jackson will have an opportunity in training camp to carve out a role. He has averaged 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks across 163 career games in Indiana.

    Wizards Guarantee Bagley’s Contract, Creating Logjam

    Marvin Bagley III’s one-year contract with the Wizards is fully guaranteed, according to Hoops Rumors. That brings Washington to 16 guaranteed contracts, in addition to Richaun Holmes and Justin Champagnie, who are on non-guaranteed deals. The Wizards will need to make roster decisions before opening night, but they are not required to act until the final cutdown date.

    Bucks Postpone Final Decision on Jackson Jr.

    Milwaukee has given Andre Jackson Jr. an $800,000 partial guarantee on his 2025-26 salary and moved his full guarantee date to the day before the regular season, according to Spotrac’s Keith Smith. Jackson is set to earn $2.22 million if he makes the roster, but the Bucks will now have the full offseason to evaluate his fit before making that commitment.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo Says He’s ‘Probably’ Staying With Bucks

    Giannis Antetokounmpo Says He’s ‘Probably’ Staying With Bucks

    NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo says he’s “probably” staying with the Milwaukee Bucks. 

    There have been rumors that Antetokounmpo could request a trade from the Bucks this offseason, but it appears the future Hall of Famer will begin next season with Milwaukee. 

    Antetokounmpo has spent his entire career with the Bucks. He was the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. 

    Milwaukee reached the mountain top in 2021, winning the championship against the Phoenix Suns. However, the franchise has won just one postseason series since then. 

    The Bucks lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2022 playoffs, the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 playoffs and the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2024 and 2025 playoffs. 

    Milwaukee waived and stretched Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner. The organization re-signed Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince and Jericho Sims and signed Gary Harris. 

    The Bucks did lose Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers. Pat Connaughton was also traded to the Charlotte Hornets. 

    Antetokounmpo made the All-NBA First Team last season. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks while shooting 60.1% from the field. 

    One of the greatest players in NBA history, Antetokounmpo will make $54.1 million next season. The Bucks signed the forward to a three-year, $175 million extension in October 2023.

    A top 75 player of all time, Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP, a one-time Finals MVP, a one-time Defensive Player of the Year and a nine-time All-Star. He has career averages of 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks with the Bucks. 

    Antetokounmpo has been linked to the Heat, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets in trade rumors. The Bucks will not trade Antetokounmpo unless he requests a trade. 

  • Sources: Spurs Saving Assets To Pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo, Were Never That Interested In Kevin Durant

    Sources: Spurs Saving Assets To Pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo, Were Never That Interested In Kevin Durant

    NBA legend Kevin Durant wanted to get traded to the San Antonio Spurs this offseason. The Phoenix Suns knew that and tried to help Durant land with the Spurs, who also knew that Durant wanted to play for them. 

    However, the Spurs “were never that interested” in Durant, sources told Hoops Wire. San Antonio, sources said, never made a trade offer to Phoenix for Durant, who wound up getting traded to the Houston Rockets. 

    Why would the Spurs not want to trade for Durant? Well, for starters, he turns 37 next season. Secondly, the future Hall of Famer hasn’t had any postseason success since leaving the Golden State Warriors in 2019. 

    Durant won one postseason series with the Brooklyn Nets and one playoff series with the Suns. He’s been swept in the first round of the playoffs twice since leaving the Warriors, who won the 2022 title without Durant. 

    The Spurs are content with the roster they have going into next season. The team is headlined by Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson, Luke Kornet and rookie Dylan Harper, the second pick in this year’s NBA Draft. 

    San Antonio is saving all of its assets for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, sources said. Antetokounmpo remains open-minded about leaving the Milwaukee Bucks, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN. 

    “Giannis Antetokounmpo is open-minded and considering other options outside of Milwaukee,” Charania said on the Stephen A. Smith Show. “He has not requested a trade yet, but he remains open-minded, from my understanding. 

    “One thing about Giannis is that he always plays things close to the vest. The moment he feels like in Milwaukee they’re not competing for a championship, he’s going to look around. He has said that on the record.”

    If Antetokounmpo ever requests a trade from the Bucks — whether it’s this offseason, next season or next offseason — the Spurs have a bevy of draft picks they can offer to Milwaukee, plus salary filler such as Harper, Johnson, Harrison Barnes and Jeremy Sochan.

  • NBA Trade Ideas Sending Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo To Hawks, Spurs

    NBA Trade Ideas Sending Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo To Hawks, Spurs

    If — and it’s a big if — Giannis Antetokounmpo requests a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason, one NBA analyst believes the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs have the assets needed to trade for the all-world talent. 

    Dan Favale of Bleacher Report came up with two Antetokounmpo trade ideas involving the Hawks and Spurs. 

    Trade 1 

    Atlanta Hawks Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

    Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Kobe Bufkin, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, 2026 first-round swap (most favorable of Milwaukee’s own and New Orleans), 2027 first-round pick (least favorable of Milwaukee and New Orleans), 2028 first-round swap (most favorable from Atlanta’s own and least favorable of Cleveland and Utah), 2030 second-round pick

    Trade 2 

    San Antonio Spurs Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

    Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Harrison Barnes, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, 2027 first-round pick (via ATL), 2029 first-round pick, Sacramento’s 2030 second-round pick, 2031 first-round pick (most favorable of SAS or SAC), Sacramento’s 2031 second-round pick

    Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks has been a hot topic ever since NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN reported that The Greek Freak is open-minded about leaving Milwaukee this offseason. 

    Since winning the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns, the Bucks have won just one postseason series. Milwaukee lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2022 playoffs, the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 playoffs and the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2024 and 2025 playoffs. 

    Milwaukee made two huge moves this offseason, waiving Damian Lillard and signing Myles Turner away from the Pacers. Antetokounmpo recruited Turner to the Bucks, who will be paying Lillard $113 million over the next five seasons.

    Let’s say Antetokounmpo does request a trade from the Bucks. These trade ideas from Favale are getting Milwaukee huge returns for Antetokounmpo, who doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. 

    If the Hawks get Antetokounmpo, they will have a “Big 3” of Antetokounmpo, Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis. 

    Meanwhile, if the Spurs get Antetokounmpo, they will have a “Big 3” of Antetokounmpo, De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama.

  • Rumor: Bucks Could Be Interested In Russell Westbrook

    Rumor: Bucks Could Be Interested In Russell Westbrook

    According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Milwaukee Bucks could be interested in Russell Westbrook. 

    Westbrook is an unrestricted free agent. He declined his 2025-26 player option with the Denver Nuggets. 

    Along with the Bucks, Westbrook has been linked to the Sacramento Kings. 

    “Westbrook was linked to the Kings and New York Knicks early in the free agency market, yet the Knicks opted to sign Jordan Clarkson, and they hold no interest in pursuing the former league MVP, sources said,” Siegel wrote. “That leaves the Kings as the only team with known interest in the nine-time All-Star, but they just signed Dennis Schroder. Would Sacramento also want to add Westbrook to the mix? The answer to this is unknown.

    “In recent days, another team has suddenly emerged as a possible suitor for Westbrook: the Milwaukee Bucks.”

    A nine-time All-Star, Westbrook appeared in 75 games last season for Denver. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting 44.9% from the field, 32.3% from beyond the arc and 66.1% from the free-throw line. 

    A future Hall of Famer, Westbrook has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Nuggets. He turns 37 in November. 

    Westbrook has the most triple-doubles in NBA history. He has career averages of 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists in 1,237 NBA games. 

    The Bucks waived and stretched Damian Lillard, so they need a point guard now. 

    Milwaukee already made a huge splash this offseason, signing Myles Turner away from the Indiana Pacers. 

  • Pacers’ Kevin Pritchard Says He Was ‘Shocked’ When Myles Turner Left For Bucks

    Pacers’ Kevin Pritchard Says He Was ‘Shocked’ When Myles Turner Left For Bucks

    Myles Turner, Pacers, Thunder, NBA Finals, Bucks
    Associated Press

    Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard said the team believed it was in serious negotiations to retain free agent center Myles Turner until the very moment Turner accepted a four-year, $109 million offer from the Milwaukee Bucks.

    Speaking to reporters Monday, Pritchard said Indiana had been in “good-faith” talks with Turner’s camp and believed it was nearing a deal.

    “I felt like we were working towards a deal,” Pritchard said, via The Athletic and the Indianapolis Star. “But when you’re unrestricted, as soon as you hear a number that you feel like is good for you, then I think he felt like he had to take that.”

    Reports suggested Indiana was offering Turner a three-year deal worth approximately $22 to $23 million annually. While Pritchard wouldn’t confirm those numbers, he emphasized that ownership had been ready to spend.

    “We weren’t trickling into the tax,” Pritchard said. “We were over a second threshold.”

    While the Pacers never crossed the second tax apron, Pritchard’s comments suggest they were prepared to enter deeper luxury tax territory, a rare move for the franchise. Still, the final decision was Turner’s, and he found Milwaukee’s pitch too good to pass up.

    “It’s his opportunity, it’s his right to say, ‘Hey, that’s it and I’m going in a different direction,’” Pritchard said. “It was never acrimonious. It was always pleasant going back and forth. I think that there was a number he was trying to hit. I think we were in the ballpark. But that’s my opinion. It must not have been for him.”

    In fact, Pritchard didn’t learn about Turner’s decision from the player or his representatives.

    “I saw Shams (Chjarania) tweet it, and that’s how I knew that Myles was taking (the Bucks’ offer),” he said. “I was shocked, if I’m being perfectly honest.”

    Pritchard said Indiana would have been open to working with Milwaukee on a sign-and-trade, but the conversation never got that far. The Bucks cleared the cap space to sign Turner outright by waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $112.6 million on his contract.

    “We always say in our conference room, there’s cap teams that have cap space and there’s shadow teams that have cap space,” Pritchard said. “You can go get it, but it becomes very challenging by buying out (players) or making trades. Hat tip to Milwaukee to do that. I can’t tell you that we were fully expecting that.”

    Turner, 28, had spent all nine of his NBA seasons with Indiana. Now, he’s a central piece for the Bucks, who appear to be reshaping their roster around younger legs and more frontcourt versatility.

    As for the Pacers, they are moving on with optimism, but not without surprise.

  • Bucks Officially Waive Damian Lillard, Vasilije Micic Amid Roster Reshuffle

    Bucks Officially Waive Damian Lillard, Vasilije Micic Amid Roster Reshuffle

    Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA
    File photo

    The Milwaukee Bucks have officially waived veteran point guards Damian Lillard and Vasilije Micic, according to the NBA’s transaction log, clearing the way to finalize a four-year, $107 million deal with ex-Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner.

    Lillard and Micic will officially enter free agency after clearing waivers on Wednesday.

    The moves had been expected for several days as Milwaukee worked to create the necessary cap flexibility. Lillard’s remaining $112.6 million salary will be spread over five seasons using the stretch provision, creating immediate financial relief for a Bucks team reshaping its roster.

    Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, is recovering from a torn Achilles sustained during the first round of the playoffs in April and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025–26 season. Despite the injury, he has already drawn interest from several teams, though he is not in a rush to sign a new deal, according to reports.

    Micic was acquired last month from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that sent Pat Connaughton and two second-round picks the other way. His release was widely anticipated, with both sides reportedly agreeing to a buyout that helped the Bucks gain additional cap space. The exact terms of that agreement have not yet been disclosed.

    After a decorated career in Europe, Micic has struggled to carve out a significant role in the NBA. In 101 games over the past two seasons with Oklahoma City, Charlotte, and Phoenix, the Serbian guard averaged 6.8 points and 3.9 assists in 19.4 minutes per game.

    Recent rumors have linked Micic to multiple EuroLeague clubs, and all signs point to a return overseas for the 31-year-old.

  • Clippers, Suns, Lakers, Warriors, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Kings, Bucks Interested In Malcolm Brogdon

    Clippers, Suns, Lakers, Warriors, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Kings, Bucks Interested In Malcolm Brogdon

    According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks are interested in Malcolm Brogdon.

    Brogdon is an unrestricted free agent. He played for the Washington Wizards last season. 

    “League sources say that the Wizards are open to sign-and-trade discussions to facilitate Brogdon’s exit and a slew of teams have registered varying levels of interest in the 32-year-old,” Fischer wrote. “That list includes the Clippers, Suns and Lakers as well as the Warriors, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Kings and Bucks.”

    Brogdon played in 24 games for the Wizards last season. He averaged 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 43.3% from the field, 28.6% from beyond the arc and 88.0% from the free-throw line. 

    Brogdon began his career with the Bucks. He won the 2017 Rookie of the Year Award with Milwaukee. 

    The 32-year-old Brogdon has played for the Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers and Wizards. He won the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year Award with the Celtics. 

    Brogdon has career averages of 15.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 463 NBA games. 

  • Bradley Beal Interested In Signing With Clippers, Warriors, Lakers, Bucks

    Bradley Beal Interested In Signing With Clippers, Warriors, Lakers, Bucks

    According to NBA insider Fred Katz of The Athletic, Bradley Beal is interested in signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers or Milwaukee Bucks. 

    Beal will get bought out by the Phoenix Suns soon. 

    “The Suns and Beal are increasingly optimistic that the two sides will agree to terms on a buyout, league sources tell The Athletic,” Katz wrote. “The move would make Beal an unrestricted free agent. … According to a league source, the list of teams Beal has thought about includes the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks.”

    Beal played in 53 games for the Suns last season. The 32-year-old averaged 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 49.7% from the field, 38.6% from beyond the arc and 80.3% from the free-throw line. 

    A three-time All-Star, Beal has appeared in 801 NBA games with the Washington Wizards and Suns. He has career averages of 21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 46.4% overall, 37.6% from 3 and 82.1% from the foul line.

    The Suns won zero playoff games in the Beal era. They were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2024 playoffs and missed the postseason last season. 

    The Clippers, Lakers and Bucks lost in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, while the Warriors lost in the conference semifinals. 

  • Clippers, Lakers, Bucks, Timberwolves Interested In Bradley Beal

    Clippers, Lakers, Bucks, Timberwolves Interested In Bradley Beal

    According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves are interested in Bradley Beal. 

    Beal and the Phoenix Suns are expected to reach a buyout agreement soon, which would make Beal an unrestricted free agent. 

    “Some confirmed suitors for Beal include the LA Clippers — fresh off agreeing to trade Norman Powell to Miami in a three-team deal that will bring back Utah’s John Collins — as well as the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee and Minnesota,” Fischer wrote. 

    Beal played in 53 games for the Suns last season. The veteran shooting guard averaged 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 49.7% from the field, 38.6% from beyond the arc and 80.3% from the free-throw line.

    Beal is 32 years old. He has career averages of 21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 801 NBA games with the Washington Wizards and Suns. 

    The Suns acquired Beal from the Wizards in 2023. Beal played in 106 games with Phoenix. He averaged 17.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists. 

    The Clippers lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in seven games, the Lakers lost to the Timberwolves in the first round in five games, the Bucks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round in five games and the Timberwolves lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference finals in five games. 

  • NBA Notes: Lakers, Deandre Ayton, Bucks, Ryan Rollins, Wizards

    NBA Notes: Lakers, Deandre Ayton, Bucks, Ryan Rollins, Wizards

    Deandre Ayton, NBA free agency, Lakers, Blazers
    File photo

    Lakers

    The Lakers officially announced the signing of center Deandre Ayton, formerly of the Trail Blazers and Suns.

    “Acquiring a starting-caliber center was the top priority for us this offseason, and we believe Deandre is an amazing solution to that objective and is an ideal player to add to our current core,” GM Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “Deandre’s size, mobility and athleticism will allow both paint scoring and paint protection.

    “Deandre’s playoff experience as a starter on an NBA Finals team also aligns well with our ultimate Lakers championship aspirations.”

    Ayton was reportedly “motivated” to team up with Luka Donic in Los Angeles. Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Donic was the No. 3 pick that same year.

    — Along with that, the Lakers officially announced the signing of forward Jake LaRavia, formerly of the Grizzlies and Kings. “Jake is a high IQ two-way player with ideal skills for a JJ Redick basketball system,” Pelinka said. “He’s a disruptive defender who uses his size and physicality to create turnovers. Offensively, he can score at all three levels and has a knack for creating space for himself and his teammates.”

    — L.A. also signed second-round pick Adou Thiero (No. 36) to a standard deal, the team said. Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the deal is for three years and $5.95 million, or the rookie minimum. The first two years are guaranteed with a team option on the third.

    Bucks

    Free agent guard Ryan Rollins is returning to the Bucks on a three-year, $12 million deal, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

    Rollins’ return adds depth to a Milwaukee backcourt that lost Damian Lillard to an Achilles tear, followed by Lillard being waived to make room for center Myles Turner.

    “Rollins, who just turned 23, carved out a role in Doc Rivers‘ rotation as a knockdown 3-point shooter; he averaged 6.2 points while shooting 40.8% from 3-point range in 56 games last season,” Charania wrote. “In his 19 starts in place of injured point guard Damian Lillard, Rollins’ numbers jumped to 10.2 points on 45.2% shooting from 3.”

    Wizards

    The Wizards have signed second-round pick Jamir Watkins to a two-way contract, according to the NBA’s official transaction log.

    Watkins, the 43rd overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, was acquired from the Jazz in a deal that also brought in fellow prospect Will Riley and two future second-round picks. In return, the Jazz received the draft rights to Walter Clayton Jr.

    A 6-foot-7 wing, Watkins began his college career with two seasons at VCU before transferring to Florida State, where he played his final two years. As a senior, he averaged 17.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game, while shooting 33 percent from beyond the arc.

    Watkins will split time between the Wizards and their G League affiliate under the terms of his two-way deal.