Hoops Wire

Tag: nba news

  • NBA planning major overhaul of local TV rights amid declining revenue

    NBA planning major overhaul of local TV rights amid declining revenue

    The NBA’s next major business move may have nothing to do with free agency or trades.

    According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, league officials are targeting 2027 as the year to consolidate most local television rights under a single media partner as regional sports network revenue continues to decline.

    Adam Silver, NBA, Clippers
    File photo

    The issue has become one of the league’s biggest financial concerns.

    Although the NBA’s salary cap increased this offseason, it rose by just 6.7% — well below the maximum 10% annual increase allowed under the league’s current collective bargaining agreement with the players’ union.

    A shorter postseason contributed to the smaller increase, but Windhorst reported that falling local television revenue remains the larger long-term factor.

    The NBA helped offset those losses by signing 11-year national media rights agreements worth more than $77 billion with ESPN, NBC and Amazon two years ago. Those deals dramatically increased national television revenue and prevented a more significant financial slowdown.

    Still, local TV money continues to shrink.

    According to ESPN, even the Knicks accepted a 28% reduction in payments from MSG Networks last year, resulting in roughly $41 million less annual local television revenue. Similar declines are taking place around the league.

    League officials reportedly believe the best long-term solution is to bundle most local media rights together once the majority of current agreements expire in 2027.

    “It’s one of the most significant financial things going on in the league right now,” one team president told ESPN. “It’s played at least some role in moving forward with expansion.”

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • NBA officially sets salary cap, tax aprons for 2026-27 season

    NBA officially sets salary cap, tax aprons for 2026-27 season

    The NBA has officially finalized its salary cap and tax thresholds for the 2026-27 season.

    The salary cap will be $164.96 million, just shy of the league’s eaarlier projection of $165 million. That’s up roughly 6.7 percent from last season’s $154.65 million cap.

    The luxury tax line has been set at $200.43 million, while the first and second tax aprons will come in at $209.02 million and $221.69 million, respectively.

    Here are some of the league’s key financial figures for the new season:

    • Salary cap: $164,961,000
    • Luxury tax: $200,428,000
    • First tax apron: $209,015,000
    • Second tax apron: $221,686,000
    • Salary floor: $148,465,000
    • Non-taxpayer mid-level exception: $15,044,000
    • Taxpayer mid-level exception: $6,064,000
    • Room exception: $9,366,000
    • Bi-annual exception: $5,477,000

    Maximum salaries have also been finalized:

    • 0-6 years of service: $41,240,250
    • 7-9 years: $49,488,300
    • 10 or more years: $57,736,350

    The numbers will immediately shape free agency across the league, determining everything from maximum contracts to the various exceptions teams can use to sign players.

    They’re especially significant for teams attempting to remain below one of the league’s two tax aprons, as crossing those thresholds triggers a variety of roster-building restrictions under the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement.

    For instance, teams operating above the first apron face limitations involving sign-and-trades and certain salary-cap exceptions, while clubs above the second apron encounter even stricter restrictions on trades, cash in deals and other roster moves.

    Meanwhile, according to The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov, the NBA is currently projecting the salary cap to increase another 5.5 percent for the 2027-28 season, which would push it to just over $174 million.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Celtics’ Jaylen Brown reportedly frustrated as trade rumors linger

    Celtics’ Jaylen Brown reportedly frustrated as trade rumors linger

    The Celtics continue to face questions about the future of star forward Jaylen Brown, and those questions don’t appear to be going away anytime soon.

    According to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, Brown has grown frustrated with how the organization has handled things after leading Boston to 56 wins while Jayson Tatum missed significant time recovering from a torn Achilles.

    The report comes as the Celtics continue to receive trade inquiries involving Brown ahead of Tuesday’s start of free agency.

    Jaylen Brown, Celtics, NBA, Bucks
    NBAE via Getty

    Brown’s name surfaced prominently last week when Boston attempted to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Bucks. That pursuit ultimately fell short, with Antetokounmpo landing with the Heat instead, but it did little to quiet speculation surrounding Brown’s long-term future.

    Adding to the uncertainty, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens stopped short last week of guaranteeing Brown would be on the roster next season.

    Whether Boston is actively shopping the 2024 NBA Finals MVP or simply listening to calls from interested teams remains unclear.

    According to Himmelsbach, one league source believes Brown could still return to the Celtics next season. But if that happens, it may require some candid conversations between the two sides after a rocky offseason.

    All of that said, Boston appears to be weighing its options.

    The Celtics missed on Antetokounmpo, and any trade involving Brown would likely leave the roster taking at least a short-term step backward unless Stevens can uncover another blockbuster opportunity.

    A move before free agency opens would provide greater roster clarity, though Himmelsbach reported there is no indication the Celtics feel pressured to complete a deal on that timetable.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • NBA Rumors: Jazz, Walker Kessler, Bulls, Norman Powell, Suns

    NBA Rumors: Jazz, Walker Kessler, Bulls, Norman Powell, Suns

    Jazz

    The Jazz are expected to have company in the pursuit of keeping restricted free agent center Walker Kessler.

    According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Kessler has meetings lined up with multiple teams once free agency opens Tuesday evening. Those discussions are expected to take place at CAA headquarters in Los Angeles.

    Utah officially tendered Kessler a qualifying offer Monday, giving the franchise the right to match any offer sheet he signs elsewhere.

    The two sides have been negotiating throughout the Jazz’s exclusive window, though reports indicated those talks have hit some bumps. Utah is believed to have offered a five-year contract worth roughly $140 million, but Kessler’s camp reportedly hasn’t been thrilled with how negotiations have unfolded.

    Even so, leaguewide expectation remains that Kessler ultimately stays put. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that several teams are expected to express interest, but the prevailing belief is that the 7-foot-2 center eventually re-signs with Utah.

    Meanwhile, the Jazz are also said to be searching for a veteran guard to complement their young backcourt.

    Bulls

    The Bulls continue to surface as a potential landing spot for veteran scorer Norman Powell.

    Michael Scotto of HoopsHype first reported Chicago among Powell’s possible suitors, with Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal hearing the same.

    Powell, however, is not expected to pursue sign-and-trade scenarios involving the Heat, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.

    The veteran wing is coming off the best season of his career, earning his first All-Star selection after averaging 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 47.0 percent from the field, 38.0 percent on 3-pointers and 82.7 percent from the foul line in 58 games.

    Suns

    The Suns remain focused on adding backcourt help with the taxpayer mid-level exception.

    John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 reported Phoenix has identified several veteran guards as potential targets.

    Two names on that list are already off the board, as Kevin Huerter is expected to remain with the Pistons and Landry Shamet is headed back to the Knicks.

    That leaves Luke Kennard, Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and De’Anthony Melton among the known possibilities as Phoenix continues searching for additional guard depth.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Jalen Duren lining up meetings with Kings, Lakers as Pistons talks remain stalled

    Jalen Duren lining up meetings with Kings, Lakers as Pistons talks remain stalled

    Jalen Duren isn’t waiting around.

    According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the restricted free agent center plans to meet with the Kings when free agency opens Tuesday.

    And per The Athletic’s Sam Amick, he has also scheduled a conversation with the Lakers later that evening, adding another wrinkle to his ongoing contract standoff with the Pistons.

    NBA, Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Pelicans, Jalen Duren, Kings
    Getty

    Detroit and Duren remain far apart in negotiations, with multiple reports indicating the 22-year-old is seeking a deal worth roughly $40 million annually — if not the full maximum salary.

    That doesn’t necessarily mean Duren is leaving.

    The Pistons have maintained throughout the process that they want to retain the All-Star center and can match any offer or negotiate a new deal of their own.

    Still, Duren appears intent on exploring every possible avenue.

    Because neither Sacramento nor the Lakers project to have the cap room needed to sign him outright, any move would almost certainly require a sign-and-trade.

    According to Amick, one potential framework involving the Kings could center on Domantas Sabonis, though there’s no indication such an arrangement is close.

    Duren, 22, averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while earning his first All-Star selection and All-NBA Third Team honors last season. His production dipped in the playoffs, however, fueling questions about what his next contract should look like.

  • Warriors’ pursuit of Anthony Davis, LeBron James still faces one major hurdle

    Warriors’ pursuit of Anthony Davis, LeBron James still faces one major hurdle

    The Warriors’ pursuit of Anthony Davis and perhaps even LeBron James has become the NBA’s biggest storyline entering free agency.

    But as of now, one significant obstacle remains.

    League sources continue to indicate the Wizards are willing to discuss Davis in the right deal. The problem, however, is Golden State’s most obvious trade chip.

    LeBron James, Lakers, Stephen Curry, Warriors, NBA
    USA Today

    According to Hoops Wire sources, Washington has little interest in taking back Jimmy Butler, whose $57 million salary would almost certainly be required to make the finances work in any Davis trade.

    That means if the Warriors hope to land Davis, a third team may need to become involved.

    The speculation only intensified Monday after Draymond Green declined his player option, while the Warriors later agreed to a new two-year contract with Kristaps Porzingis.

    Meanwhile, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that Golden State still believes LeBron James is likely to remain with the Lakers, though the Warriors view his contract situation as fluid enough to at least monitor closely.

    ESPN’s Shams Charania has also suggested Davis and James could effectively be a package deal, with the Warriors believing their chances of landing LeBron would increase dramatically if they first acquired Davis.

    Not everyone around the league is convinced the blockbuster scenario will actually materialize.

    ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said Monday that some executives believe all of the movement could ultimately lead to Davis remaining in Washington, James staying with the Lakers and Green signing a new contract with Golden State.

    Until then, though, the Warriors continue to be linked to perhaps the biggest stars still capable of shaking up the NBA offseason.

  • Warriors agree to new deal with Kristaps Porzingis

    Warriors agree to new deal with Kristaps Porzingis

    The Warriors got one of their biggest offseason priorities across the finish line.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Golden State and veteran big man Kristaps Porzingis have agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract that includes a player option for the second season.

    The agreement comes after weeks of reports linking the two sides to a new deal.

    Kristaps Porzingis, Warriors, NBA
    NBC Sports Bay Area

    As Hoops Wire relayed last week, ESPN’s Anthony Slater first described “growing momentum” toward a new contract, while Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints later reported that the Warriors and Porzingis remained actively engaged in negotiations.

    Golden State acquired Porzingis from the Hawks at the February trade deadline, hoping his combination of size, shooting and rim protection would complement a veteran core led by Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.

    When healthy, he did exactly that. The bigger issue was availability.

    Porzingis appeared in just 32 games last season while continuing to deal with injuries and the effects of POTS, a condition that has limited him over the past two years. Still, the 7-foot-2 forward-center remained an impact player whenever he was on the floor, capable of stretching defenses offensively while protecting the rim at the other end.

    The contract also represents a significant pay cut for Porzingis, who had earned at least $27 million in each of the previous seven seasons.

    But for both sides, the fit made sense.

    The Warriors were looking for a shorter-term commitment at a lower salary. Porzingis wanted another opportunity with a contender that already knew what he could provide when healthy.

    Now they’ll get another chance to find out together.

  • Cavs among potential landing spots for Jonathan Kuminga

    Cavs among potential landing spots for Jonathan Kuminga

    Jonathan Kuminga‘s return to free agency may not keep him unemployed for long.

    According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Cavaliers are among the teams viewed as potential landing spots for the former lottery pick after the Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option, making him an unrestricted free agent.

    The move gives Kuminga the opportunity to choose his next destination after spending the second half of last season in Atlanta following a trade from Golden State.

    Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga, NBA, Hawks
    AP

    At 23, Kuminga remains one of the more intriguing players on the market.

    He does have some ties to the area, as his agent, Aaron Turner, is from Orange, Ohio, outside of Cleveland — and Kuminga occasionally holds offseason workouts in Northeast Ohio.

    He averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 16 games with the Hawks while seeing his role increase during the playoffs. Though his career has featured flashes of high-end potential, he’s also struggled to establish consistent production or secure a long-term role.

    Whether the Cavs are in position to make a serious run at Kuminga remains to be seen.

    Cleveland enters free agency with limited financial flexibility and several roster questions still to answer. But the Cavs have been linked to athletic wing depth throughout the offseason, and Kuminga’s age and upside could make him an intriguing fit if the numbers work.

    At the very least, the Cavs are among the teams worth watching as one of free agency’s more fascinating young talents prepares to hit the open market.

    Along with Cleveland, Kuminga has been linked to the Kings and several others.

  • Hawks decline Jonathan Kuminga option, make him free agent

    Hawks decline Jonathan Kuminga option, make him free agent

    Jonathan Kuminga is headed back to free agency.

    The Hawks have declined the 23-year-old forward’s $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes, making Kuminga an unrestricted free agent.

    The move ends Atlanta’s team control over Kuminga after acquiring him from Golden State at the February trade deadline in the deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Warriors.

    Jonathan Kuminga, Hawks, NBA
    AP

    Kuminga averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 16 games with the Hawks, showing flashes of the athleticism and upside that made him the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. His role also expanded during Atlanta’s playoff series against the Knicks.

    The decision doesn’t necessarily close the door on a return.

    According to reports, the Hawks explored multiple trade scenarios involving Kuminga before Monday’s option deadline but ultimately chose not to exercise the option. Atlanta still holds his Non-Bird rights and could attempt to negotiate a new contract in free agency.

    The move also creates additional financial flexibility, giving the Hawks access to the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception as free agency begins.

    Meanwhile, the Kings are expected to revisit their interest in Kuminga after previously pursuing him, according to Marc J. Spears of Andscape. Sacramento, however, still has salary-cap hurdles to clear before making a serious run.

    For Kuminga, it marks another unexpected turn after spending much of last summer navigating restricted free agency before eventually landing a short-term deal with Golden State that ultimately led to his trade to Atlanta.

  • Cavs agree to one-year contract with Thomas Bryant

    Cavs agree to one-year contract with Thomas Bryant

    The Cavaliers’ first reported move of free agency is a familiar one, as veteran center Thomas Bryant has agreed to a one-year contract, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

    Bryant appeared in 60 games for the Cavs last season, averaging 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in 12.2 minutes while serving as the backup center behind Jarrett Allen. He had his moments, though is playing time was a little inconsistent (if not a lot).

    Thomas Bryant, Jaylon Tyson, Cavaliers, Cavs, NBA
    Imagn

    Bryant, 29, has played for the Lakers, Wizards, Nuggets, Heat, Pacers and Cavaliers during his NBA career. He won an NBA championship with Denver in 2023 and reached the NBA Finals with Indiana before signing with Cleveland last offseason.

    Whether Bryant ultimately remains on the roster into the regular season remains to be seen. For now, the Cavs have agreed to retain a veteran big man who already knows coach Kenny Atkinson’s system and the locker room.

    The move comes after the Cavs won 52 games before being swept by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals, leaving many fans hoping the front office will make a splash this offseason.

    There’s still time for that, of course, with free agency about to officially begin.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by team

  • NBA Rumors: Cavs, Meleek Thomas, Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Clippers

    NBA Rumors: Cavs, Meleek Thomas, Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Clippers

    Cavaliers

    The Cavaliers believe they may have landed another draft-day steal.

    According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Cleveland is expected to sign second-round pick Meleek Thomas to a standard NBA contract using the league’s second-round exception.

    The Cavs have been encouraged by Thomas’ scoring ability and believe he can eventually provide the type of offensive spark off the bench they’ve been seeking since Ty Jerome‘s departure last offseason.

    Thomas hit 20 points nine times at Arkansas while shooting 41.6 percent from three-point range. With the Cavs carrying one of the NBA’s most expensive rosters — particularly as the organization works toward a new contract with James Harden — developing young, cost-controlled contributors remains a priority.

    Nuggets

    Nikola Jokic‘s contract situation continues to draw attention around the league.

    While the three-time MVP has repeatedly said he wants to remain in Denver, multiple reports suggest there’s no urgency for him to sign an extension this summer, especially since waiting another year could make him eligible for an even larger deal.

    That decision, however, puts added focus on the Nuggets’ front office.

    According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Denver has explored the market for veterans Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray, even though neither player is considered to be actively available. The Nuggets are also expected to continue looking for ways to upgrade the roster around Jokic without making moves simply to cut payroll.

    Denver is also searching for an experienced assistant coach to join David Adelman’s staff, while free agent Tim Hardaway Jr. is viewed as unlikely to return unless he’s willing to accept a team-friendly contract.

    Clippers

    The Clippers continue listening. They’re just not hearing anything they like.

    According to Tomer Azarly and Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Los Angeles has received multiple trade inquiries for Kawhi Leonard but has been underwhelmed by every proposal to this point.

    The Raptors’ reported package centered around Brandon Ingram apparently didn’t gain much traction, while league sources told ClutchPoints a Mavericks offer would likely need to include young center Dereck Lively II before the Clippers would seriously consider it.

    All in all, Los Angeles continues to prefer keeping Leonard, though extension talks are said to be ongoing. According to Azarly and Siegel, the two sides remain far apart financially.

    Also, Michael Grange of Sportsnet reports Leonard is unlikely to sign an extension with the Clippers.

  • NBA Rumors: Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, Rockets, Marcus Smart, Kings, Magic

    NBA Rumors: Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, Rockets, Marcus Smart, Kings, Magic

    Clippers

    The Raptors continue to be the team most frequently linked to Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.

    According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Toronto remains a legitimate possibility if the Clippers ultimately decide to move the two-time Finals MVP. Dallas has also expressed interest, but the Mavericks aren’t currently viewed as a realistic landing spot.

    One reason the Raptors continue to surface is Leonard’s reported willingness to sign a contract extension there. Stein and Fischer add that Clippers officials are believed to have some interest in Brandon Ingram, who could help Los Angeles remain competitive while also getting younger.

    Elsewhere, the Clippers are still weighing multiple roster-building paths. League sources tell Stein and Fischer the team hasn’t ruled out operating with cap space this offseason and also remains open to bringing back free-agent forward John Collins.

    Rockets

    The Rockets’ pursuit of Marcus Smart appears to be gaining momentum.

    After first being linked to the former Defensive Player of the Year earlier this weekend, Stein and Fischer report Houston’s interest is “only sounding more serious.”

    The Athletic’s Dan Woike is hearing similar chatter, with the expectation that the Rockets could present Smart with a three-year contract after he declines his player option.

    Kings

    The Kings may be the latest team to enter the Mitchell Robinson sweepstakes.

    According to Stein and Fischer, Sacramento would like to pursue the veteran center alongside the Lakers and Nets, though creating enough financial flexibility remains the biggest hurdle.

    As things stand today, the Kings project to be above the first tax apron, meaning additional moves would likely be needed before they could make a competitive offer.

    Magic

    The Magic aren’t expected to move Goga Bitadze.

    While the Clippers reportedly checked in on the veteran center, Stein and Fischer report Orlando plans to keep him, largely because the organization is preparing for the possibility of losing Moritz Wagner in free agency.

    Wagner is expected to draw significant interest on the open market, making Bitadze an even more valuable piece of the Magic’s frontcourt depth.

  • Warriors pursuing Anthony Davis trade in hopes of bigger splash

    Warriors pursuing Anthony Davis trade in hopes of bigger splash

    The Warriors may have their eyes on more than one superstar.

    According to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, Golden State is exploring a trade for Wizards big man Anthony Davis as part of what could become an ambitious offseason.

    The report adds that the Warriors hope adding Davis would strengthen their chances of convincing LeBron James to join the franchise as a free agent.

    Anthony Davis, Mavericks, Wizards, NBA
    Monumental Sports Network/Screenshot

    Any trade for Davis would almost certainly require Golden State to include Jimmy Butler‘s expiring $57 million contract for salary-matching purposes, along with draft compensation. O’Connor also suggested a third team could become involved to help facilitate a deal, particularly if Washington prefers not to take back Butler, who is recovering from a torn ACL.

    The Wizards have publicly indicated they would like to keep Davis after acquiring him at last season’s trade deadline, making any deal far from certain.

    Davis, who turns 33 next season, is eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million contract extension beginning Aug. 6.

    Meanwhile, the Warriors continue to be linked to several other potential additions, including guards Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton, as well as veteran big man Jock Landale.

    But today, Davis appears to be among Golden State’s biggest targets as the Warriors continue searching for another championship-caliber core around Stephen Curry.

  • Mavericks among teams to explore Kawhi Leonard trade

    Mavericks among teams to explore Kawhi Leonard trade

    The Mavericks have reportedly entered the conversation for Kawhi Leonard.

    According to Christian Clark, Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Dallas and the Clippers have discussed a trade that would send the two-time NBA Finals MVP to the Mavericks.

    The reported framework would have sent P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and draft compensation to Los Angeles.

    Kawhi Leonard, Clippers, NBA
    Getty

    Whether those talks go anywhere remains to be seen.

    The Mavericks have limited draft capital to work with, and team president Masai Ujiri has repeatedly stressed the importance of building a sustainable contender around No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

    Still, a roster featuring Flagg, Leonard and Kyrie Irving would certainly be intriguing if Dallas can find a deal that doesn’t mortgage too much of its future.

    Leonard, who turns 35 this week, is coming off one of the strongest seasons of his career. He averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and appeared in 65 games, his highest total since the 2016-17 season.

    The Clippers have consistently maintained a preference to keep Leonard, though multiple teams — including the Raptors and now the Mavericks — have reportedly explored possible trade scenarios.

    RELATED | Raptors have talked Kawhi deal