Hoops Wire

Tag: NBA

  • NBA three-team trade proposal sends Jonathan Kuminga to Lakers

    NBA three-team trade proposal sends Jonathan Kuminga to Lakers

    The Lakers have been linked to Jonathan Kuminga for much of the summer.

    One hypothetical proposal offers a complicated way to finally get him to Los Angeles.

    Hawks reporter Rohan Roman recently floated a three-team trade involving the Lakers, Hawks and Trail Blazers that would send Kuminga to L.A. while moving several other players and future assets.

    Under the proposal:

    Lakers receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Mo Gueye

    Hawks receive: Dalton Knecht, Shaedon Sharpe, 2027 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick

    Trail Blazers receive: Buddy Hield, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2027 first-round pick swap from Atlanta, 2032 first-round pick swap from Los Angeles

    Again, this is merely a trade proposal, not something that has been reported as being discussed.

    Roman’s framework would have Kuminga signing a four-year, $64 million contract with a player option in the final season.

    That may be the biggest issue.

    Kuminga reportedly has been reluctant to lock himself into a longer-term deal at a lower salary, instead preferring the possibility of getting back to free agency sooner and pursuing a bigger contract.

    From the Lakers’ perspective, the attraction is obvious. Kuminga is 23, athletic, versatile and would give them another young forward with upside.

    Atlanta would receive the most intriguing individual asset in Shaedon Sharpe, along with Knecht and second-round compensation.

    Portland’s return would be built more around future flexibility, shooting from Hield and two first-round pick swaps.

    There are plenty of moving parts, and Kuminga’s contract preference alone could make the entire concept difficult.

    But as hypothetical three-team deals go, this one at least attempts to solve something for everybody.

  • NBA Notes: Mavericks, Klay Thompson, Kings, Zach LaVine, Pacers

    NBA Notes: Mavericks, Klay Thompson, Kings, Zach LaVine, Pacers

    Mavericks

    Klay Thompson‘s future in Dallas remains uncertain, but Dustin Lewis of Mavericks On SI writes that the team has little reason to rush into a buyout.

    The Mavericks currently have 16 players under contract and will eventually need to make another roster move. Thompson has been viewed as a possible buyout candidate, but Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report recently reported that Dallas has resisted going that route.

    Why give him away if somebody might offer something?

    The Lakers and Heat are among the teams that reportedly have interest in Thompson, potentially giving Dallas an opportunity to trade the veteran shooter instead. Fischer indicated the Mavericks would be more interested in draft compensation than adding another player.

    Thompson, 36, is entering the final year of his contract and already acknowledged after last season that things can change quickly in Dallas.

    His production declined last year as he moved primarily to a reserve role, though he still connected on 38.3 percent of his 3-pointers.

    Lewis’ argument is straightforward: With multiple teams interested, Dallas might as well wait and see if somebody is willing to give up an asset before considering a buyout.

    Kings

    The Kings may not have found a taker for Zach LaVine this summer, but Logan Struck of Kings On SI argues that’s hardly a disaster.

    LaVine exercised his $49 million player option after Sacramento reportedly explored sign-and-trade possibilities. He’s now entering the final year of his contract.

    Struck believes the best approach is simple: Play him.

    LaVine appeared in just 39 games during an uneven 2025-26 season, but he’s only a year removed from averaging 23.3 points while shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 44.6 percent from three.

    A healthy bounce-back season could help Sacramento in two ways.

    First, LaVine can still score. Second, playing well could rebuild his trade value ahead of February’s deadline.

    Kings insider James Ham has indicated LaVine hasn’t been promised playing time, but Struck argues burying him on the bench would only make him more difficult to trade.

    And if none of it works? His contract expires after the season anyway.

    That’s why Struck views LaVine less as a long-term problem and more as an expensive short-term situation the Kings can afford to ride out.

    Pacers

    Alex Golden of Pacers On SI believes Obi Toppin could be the team’s most important reserve next season.

    There’s certainly a case for T.J. McConnell, but Golden points to Toppin’s versatility as the separator.

    Toppin can provide instant offense, run the floor and stretch defenses from three. Perhaps more importantly, Indiana has shown a willingness to use him as a small-ball center.

    That could become particularly useful alongside traditional big man Ivica Zubac, who rarely ventures beyond the 3-point line.

    Golden also points to Toppin’s ability to fit alongside just about anyone in Indiana’s rotation. He can play with Pascal Siakam, run with Tyrese Haliburton and McConnell, or provide additional spacing in bigger lineups.

    Toppin missed much of last season with a stress fracture in his right foot but finished strongly after returning, scoring at least 20 points in three of his final five games.

    Golden’s argument isn’t necessarily that Toppin is Indiana’s best bench player.

    It’s that his particular combination of shooting, athleticism and positional flexibility gives coach Rick Carlisle options that few other Pacers reserves can provide.

    And for a team built largely around depth and versatility, that could make Toppin especially valuable.

  • NBA trade proposal sends Michael Porter Jr. to Warriors

    NBA trade proposal sends Michael Porter Jr. to Warriors

    The Warriors could use another proven scorer. The Nets could use more future flexibility.

    So naturally, somebody has connected the dots.

    Sai Mohan of Heavy floated a hypothetical trade proposal that would send Michael Porter Jr. and Terance Mann to Golden State in exchange for Jimmy Butler and a protected 2030 first-round pick.

    Under the proposal:

    Warriors receive: Michael Porter Jr., Terance Mann

    Nets receive: Jimmy Butler, 2030 first-round pick (top-20 protected)

    Again, this is merely a proposed deal, not one that has been reported as being discussed.

    For Golden State, the appeal would be obvious. Porter gives the Warriors another high-level perimeter scorer who can play without dominating the ball and stretch the floor alongside Stephen Curry.

    Brooklyn’s motivation would be considerably different.

    Butler will be 37 next season, is coming off a torn ACL and is owed more than $56 million. But he’s also entering the final year of his contract, meaning the Nets could clear significant money after the season while adding another future draft asset.

    Mohan’s proposal also has Brooklyn moving off Mann’s contract, which runs through 2027-28.

    The bigger question is whether that return would be enough for Porter.

    He was Brooklyn’s leading scorer last season and remains a highly efficient offensive player in his prime. If the Nets decide to move him, it’s reasonable to wonder whether another contender might offer stronger draft compensation.

    Still, the concept makes some sense.

    Golden State gets another scorer for its current window. Brooklyn sacrifices short-term talent for flexibility and another future pick.

    Whether either side would actually bite is another matter entirely.

  • NBA Notes: Cavs, Jonathan Kuminga, Suns, Dillon Brooks, Timberwolves

    NBA Notes: Cavs, Jonathan Kuminga, Suns, Dillon Brooks, Timberwolves

    Cavaliers

    The Cavaliers may have missed on LeBron James, but Chase Brownawell of Cavs On SI argues Jonathan Kuminga could still give the offseason a much-needed lift.

    Kuminga, a free agent who ended last season with the Hawks, remains one of the more intriguing young wings potentially available. Brownawell’s case centers largely on defense.

    The 23-year-old has already played five NBA seasons, owns championship experience from his Warriors days and showed in Atlanta that he can defend multiple positions. That’s especially appealing for a Cleveland team built around Donovan Mitchell and James Harden in the backcourt.

    Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen give the Cavs plenty of size inside. Brownawell argues Kuminga could give them somebody capable of taking tougher perimeter assignments.

    There would still be complications.

    Kuminga’s asking price remains significant, and a sign-and-trade with Atlanta would likely require Cleveland to send out players and draft compensation. Brownawell mentions Max Strus, Dennis Schroder and Sam Merrill as possibilities.

    Peyton Watson remains another option on Cleveland’s radar.

    The larger point: Kuminga may no longer be Plan A, but Brownawell believes he’d still fill an obvious need and qualify as a meaningful offseason addition.

    Suns

    Dillon Brooks isn’t being shy about what he wants from the Suns.

    “Championship is all on my mind,” Brooks told The Arizona Republic after signing a three-year, $73 million extension with Phoenix.

    Donnie Druin of Suns On SI writes that Brooks has quickly become an important part of the team’s identity.

    Brooks brought his usual defensive edge along with scoring last season and earned praise from coach Jordan Ott for the tone he sets behind the scenes.

    Ott specifically pointed to Brooks’ work habits, saying his willingness to consistently be in the gym has rubbed off on teammates.

    That helps explain why Phoenix was willing to make a significant commitment.

    Brooks is now under contract through 2028-29 and will remain part of a core that also features Devin Booker and Jalen Green.

    The Suns still have plenty to prove, but Brooks clearly doesn’t view simply making the playoffs as the goal.

    Timberwolves

    Tim Connelly has rarely been afraid to make a major move in Minnesota.

    Ben Beecken of Timberwolves On SI argues his latest pivot, acquiring LaMelo Ball to pair with Anthony Edwards, might eventually prove to be one of his best.

    Beecken traces Connelly’s tenure through several major roster changes, beginning with the blockbuster Rudy Gobert trade, followed by the Mike Conley acquisition, the Karl-Anthony Towns deal and now the move for Ball.

    His argument is essentially that Connelly has repeatedly accepted short-term risk in exchange for raising Minnesota’s ceiling or floor.

    The Ball trade is the latest example. When healthy, Ball has shown he can drive an elite offense. Beecken notes that Charlotte ranked first offensively from Jan. 1 through the end of last season, with Ball playing a central role.

    Pair that with Gobert’s defensive impact and Edwards’ star power, and Beecken sees the ingredients for one of the better teams in the league.

    There are obvious concerns. Minnesota sacrificed considerable depth in reshaping the roster, losing Julius Randle, Naz Reid and Conley, and there’s still a question at power forward.

    Still, Beecken points to Connelly’s broader track record. The Timberwolves have remained a playoff team through multiple major roster changes, including consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals before last season’s second-round exit. The gamble now is pretty straightforward.

    If Ball stays healthy, Minnesota may have enough offensive firepower to take another step. If he doesn’t, Connelly has far fewer assets available for another dramatic pivot.

  • NBA Notes: Jazz, Kevin Love, Cavs, offseason, Wizards

    NBA Notes: Jazz, Kevin Love, Cavs, offseason, Wizards

    Jazz

    Kevin Love’s future remains unsettled, and Jared Koch of Jazz On SI writes that Philadelphia’s interest only makes a return to Utah a little more complicated.

    Love remains a free agent after averaging 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in 37 appearances for the Jazz last season.

    ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Love’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, has been in contact with the 76ers since LeBron James chose Philadelphia. Love and James remain close and, naturally, the idea of another reunion has generated plenty of attention.

    Koch notes that Utah shouldn’t necessarily be ruled out, either.

    Love developed a strong relationship with Jazz coach Will Hardy and was viewed as a valuable veteran presence around the team’s younger players. Love has also indicated he’d be open to returning.

    The biggest issue for both teams is roster space.

    Utah already has 15 players on standard contracts, though Mo Bamba’s deal is only partially guaranteed. Philadelphia has its own roster and hard-cap issues to navigate.

    So Love apparently has two destinations that could make sense. Neither has an especially easy path to signing him at the moment.

    Cavaliers

    The Cavaliers didn’t land LeBron James and haven’t exactly dominated the NBA transaction wire this summer.

    Still, Zach Weiss of Cavs On SI argues there are reasons for fans not to view the offseason as a failure.

    At the top of his list is continuity. Donovan Mitchell signed a long-term extension, Evan Mobley remains in Cleveland despite trade speculation, and Jarrett Allen is still around. James Harden, acquired for Darius Garland during last season, is also expected to finalize a new deal.

    Weiss also points to second-round pick Meleek Thomas, who led Las Vegas Summer League in scoring at 27.3 points per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from three.

    And then there’s last season itself. Cleveland reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time without James in decades before losing to the Knicks.

    Weiss’ basic argument is that while the Cavs didn’t deliver a splashy offseason, they retained much of what made them successful and may still have another move coming.

    Whether that’s enough to keep pace in an improved East is the bigger question.

    Wizards

    Alondes Williams is back with the Wizards, though Henry Brown of Wizards On SI cautions against viewing the move as anything that changes the organization’s larger offseason plans.

    Washington agreed to a deal with Williams after he showed flashes during a brief stint with the team last season.

    Williams appeared in four games for the Wizards and had one especially memorable night, scoring 25 points on 9-of-11 shooting against the Pacers.

    His new deal is expected to give him another training-camp opportunity, but Brown notes that Williams isn’t necessarily being penciled into Washington’s regular-season rotation.

    The Wizards still have flexibility to add another player, and Brown mentions several veterans who could remain possibilities, including Anthony Gill, Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, Aaron Holiday and Gabe Vincent.

    Williams, meanwhile, gives Washington another familiar guard who can score and potentially provide depth if injuries hit.

    In other words, it’s a useful camp move. Probably not the final word on the Wizards’ offseason.

  • NBA Notes: Hornets, Coby White, Garrison Mathews, Knicks

    NBA Notes: Hornets, Coby White, Garrison Mathews, Knicks

    Hornets

    The Hornets traded LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges this offseason, but Coby White doesn’t sound like someone expecting a rebuilding year in Charlotte.

    “I think we’ve got a really, really good team,” White said, via Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. “We’ve got a lot of really, really good players.”

    White, acquired by Charlotte before last season’s trade deadline and re-signed this summer on a three-year, $74 million contract, said several Hornets players are already in Charlotte working out together.

    That includes newcomers Grayson Allen and Dorian Finney-Smith, along with the team’s rookies.

    “We’ve got a chance to be a really good team and surprise a lot of people, but we’ve got to put the work in,” White said.

    Charlotte has missed the playoffs in 10 straight seasons, the NBA’s longest active drought. But the Hornets did add considerable veteran help while moving on from Ball and Bridges, bringing back Naz Reid, Allen, Royce O’Neale and draft assets in those deals.

    White was particularly complimentary of Allen, pointing to his history of playing for winning teams while noting there’s more to his game than outside shooting.

    “The one thing I’ve always noticed about G.A. is his ability to impact winning,” White said.

    White added that Allen’s ability to handle the ball, create for others and finish around the basket tends to be overlooked.

    Free Agency

    Veteran guard Garrison Mathews is taking his game overseas.

    Mathews confirmed to Charles Pulliam of The Williamson Herald that he’s joining Olimpia Milano in Italy for the upcoming season.

    “I’m excited about the opportunity,” Mathews said. “I didn’t think I’d ever play (overseas), but I got a couple calls with some great offers that were too hard to pass up.”

    Mathews, 29, has appeared in 329 NBA games with the Wizards, Rockets, Hawks and Pacers, averaging 6.4 points while shooting 38.2 percent from three.

    His most recent NBA stint came with Indiana last season.

    Mathews isn’t necessarily closing the door on an NBA return, either.

    “My ultimate goal is to have a good year and then hopefully get an opportunity to come back to play,” he said.

    Knicks

    The Knicks continue to explore the market for a third center.

    New York has been in contact with several free-agent big men, according to Ian Begley of SNY, though there doesn’t appear to be an obvious favorite for the job.

    Begley noted that if the Knicks were ready to hand one of those players a guaranteed contract, they likely would have done so already.

    Instead, unless New York makes a trade or an unexpected option becomes available via waivers, the more likely scenario is bringing multiple centers to training camp on non-guaranteed deals and letting them compete for the final spot.

    In other words, the Knicks appear content to let this one play out.

  • Coroner: Grizzlies’ Brandon Clarke died of accidental overdose

    Coroner: Grizzlies’ Brandon Clarke died of accidental overdose

    Former Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died from an accidental overdose of heroin and cocaine, the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office announced Friday.

    The medical examiner also cited the combined effects of multiple prescription medications as a significant factor in Clarke’s death, according to Melody Gutierrez of The Athletic.

    Those medications were not identified in Friday’s report but are expected to be listed when the full autopsy report is released.

    Clarke was found unresponsive in his bedroom on May 11 following a 911 call and was pronounced dead by paramedics. He was 29.

    Drug paraphernalia was found at the home, and authorities had been investigating Clarke’s death as a possible overdose.

    Clarke spent his entire NBA career with Memphis after being selected with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 draft. The Vancouver native played collegiately at San Jose State and Gonzaga before entering the NBA.

    A 6-foot-8 forward known for his energy and efficiency off the bench, Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 60.5 percent from the field in 309 regular-season games.

    His career was slowed by injuries in recent years, including a torn Achilles suffered in March 2023. Knee and calf issues limited him to two appearances during the 2025-26 season.

    Clarke had also been arrested in Arkansas in April on multiple charges, including trafficking and possession of a controlled substance. Authorities reportedly found more than 230 grams of kratom in his possession following a police pursuit.

    Friday’s report did not indicate whether kratom was present in Clarke’s system when he died.

  • NBA Rumors: Pistons, Jalen Duren, Isaac Okoro, Hawks, Peyton Watson

    NBA Rumors: Pistons, Jalen Duren, Isaac Okoro, Hawks, Peyton Watson

    Pistons

    Restricted free agent Jalen Duren could always accept his $9.6 million qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he can’t reach a long-term agreement with the Pistons.

    But people around the NBA apparently don’t think that’s a particularly good idea.

    One Western Conference executive told Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints that taking the qualifying offer after an All-Star season would be “extremely reckless and foolish,” particularly given the injury risk and lack of long-term security.

    The problem is that Duren and Detroit still appear to be pretty far apart.

    The Pistons are hoping to pay the 22-year-old center somewhere in the neighborhood of $30 million to $35 million annually, while Duren is seeking a maximum-salary contract, per Siegel.

    Talks are currently paused but are expected to resume later this month and could stretch into September. 

    Pistons

    Detroit also checked in on Clippers restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin last month, but apparently has moved on.

    The Pistons are no longer pursuing Mathurin, sources told Siegel.

    Siegel indicated the Clippers could have interest in a package from the Bulls built around Isaac Okoro and second-round draft compensation, though it’s unclear whether Chicago would be willing to make such an offer.

    Mathurin remains one of the more notable restricted free agents still available as teams continue to sort through what’s left of the summer market.

    Hawks

    The Hawks have significantly backed off their pursuit of Watson, according to Siegel, with Atlanta reluctant to meet the asking price of both the player and Denver.

    There also reportedly continues to be considerable skepticism around the NBA that the Cavaliers will land Watson.

    Instead, the Clippers and Bucks are viewed as more realistic sign-and-trade possibilities.

    Los Angeles has indicated a willingness to include Derrick Jones Jr. in a potential deal, per Siegel, though Denver’s position above the second tax apron creates complications in constructing such a trade.

    Perhaps most interestingly, Watson’s camp reportedly has felt “disrespected” by Denver’s contract offers and could prefer a sign-and-trade.

    So while a return to the Nuggets certainly hasn’t been ruled out, this one doesn’t appear particularly close to a resolution.

  • NBA Moves: Wizards, Alondes Williams, Spurs, Taelon Peter, Hornets

    NBA Moves: Wizards, Alondes Williams, Spurs, Taelon Peter, Hornets

    Wizards

    The Wizards are bringing back guard Alondes Williams, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes, who reported that Williams has agreed to a deal with Washington.

    Terms weren’t disclosed, though it’s likely a non-guaranteed training camp contract.

    Williams, 26, spent time with the Wizards last season on a 10-day deal and made the most of it. He averaged 11.0 points in four appearances while shooting 61.5 percent from the field, including a 25-point, 10-rebound performance in a win over the Pacers.

    He was even better in the G League, averaging a career-high 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals in 35 games with the Capital City Go-Go.

    Washington currently has 14 players on standard contracts, so there is at least a potential path to an opening-night roster spot.

    Spurs

    The Spurs are giving Taelon Peter another opportunity after the second-year guard was waived by the Pacers last month.

    Peter has agreed to a deal with San Antonio and will attend training camp, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

    The 24-year-old was selected by Indiana with the No. 54 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and appeared in 38 games as a rookie, averaging 4.5 points in 12.9 minutes.

    Peter also played well at Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 10.4 points and shooting 50 percent from the field, but Indiana needed to clear a two-way spot and waived him.

    San Antonio already has all three of its two-way slots filled, so Peter may ultimately be headed for the G League’s Austin Spurs if he doesn’t make the NBA roster.

    Hornets

    The Hornets have agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with free agent wing Kobe Stewart, per Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer.

    Stewart, 23, went undrafted out of Presbyterian in 2025 and spent last season bouncing around the G League, appearing for the Austin Spurs, Memphis Hustle and Wisconsin Herd.

    The 6-foot-6 Stewart averaged 7.7 points and 3.2 rebounds in 46 G League games, shooting 45.5 percent from the field. He also appeared for the Bucks during Summer League last month.

    Boone reported that Charlotte’s plan is expected to be waiving Stewart before the season and eventually making him a returning-rights player for the Greensboro Swarm.

    That would allow Stewart to continue his development in the G League while putting him in position to earn the bonus attached to his Exhibit 10 deal.

  • Kawhi Leonard reportedly had another secret endorsement deal tied to Clippers

    Kawhi Leonard reportedly had another secret endorsement deal tied to Clippers

    As if the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers saga weren’t complicated enough, there’s another wrinkle worth catching up on.

    Leonard reportedly had a secret, multimillion-dollar endorsement agreement with Daktronics, the company that manufactured the massive “Halo Board” scoreboard at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome, according to Pablo Torre and Sam Koppelman of Hunterbrook Media.

    Perhaps more notable: Torre and Koppelman said they found no evidence Leonard actually performed endorsement work for the company.

    The deal is separate from Leonard’s previously reported agreement with now-defunct Aspiration, which prompted the NBA to investigate whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap by funneling additional money to Leonard outside his NBA contract.

    That investigation has now lasted nearly a year.

    According to Torre and Koppelman, the Daktronics arrangement wasn’t publicly disclosed but was known by some people involved with the Intuit Dome project. One source told them it was openly viewed internally as a means of circumventing the cap.

    The Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

    The NBA’s investigation has taken on even greater significance since Los Angeles agreed to trade Leonard back to the Raptors this offseason for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft assets.

    That deal remains on hold while Toronto waits to see whether Leonard could face discipline, potentially including a suspension or even the voiding of his contract.

    So yes, the Leonard story somehow keeps getting stranger. And until the NBA finishes its investigation, one of the summer’s biggest trades remains stuck in neutral.

  • Kevin Love’s agent has been in contact with Sixers about possible LeBron reunion

    Kevin Love’s agent has been in contact with Sixers about possible LeBron reunion

    Kevin Love and LeBron James together again? It’s at least been discussed.

    Love’s agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, has been in contact with the 76ers since James announced he was signing with Philadelphia, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

    Love and James, of course, spent four seasons together with the Cavaliers, reaching four straight NBA Finals and winning the 2016 championship. They’ve remained close since James left Cleveland and even vacationed together earlier this summer.

    Love would have interest in joining James in Philadelphia and chasing another championship, McMenamin reported.

    Actually making it happen could be a little more complicated.

    The Sixers are currently just $1.83 million below their first-apron hard cap and have 14 players on standard contracts. That leaves them without enough room to add Love on a veteran minimum deal before the season unless they make another roster move.

    Philadelphia could create room by waiving Jabari Walker, whose $2.58 million salary is only partially guaranteed. But the Sixers reportedly like Walker and would prefer to keep the 24-year-old forward.

    Love, who turns 38 in September, averaged 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in 37 appearances with the Jazz last season while shooting 37.3 percent from three.

    McMenamin added that Love also remains close with Utah coach Will Hardy and was considered a valuable veteran presence in the Jazz locker room.

    So a reunion with James is hardly imminent. But after four Finals trips, one championship and plenty of history together in Cleveland, Love apparently wouldn’t mind giving it another run.

  • James Harden’s misdemeanor gun charge dismissed in Texas

    James Harden’s misdemeanor gun charge dismissed in Texas

    A misdemeanor gun charge against James Harden has been dismissed.

    As relayed by John Hanna of The Associated Press, the Cavaliers guard avoided a criminal conviction after completing an alternative resolution program stemming from his June arrest in Houston.

    Harden was arrested June 13 after police discovered a handgun in his vehicle during a traffic stop. Under Texas law, carrying a gun in plain view inside a vehicle without a license can result in a misdemeanor charge.

    Court records show the case has now been dismissed.

    Alternative resolution programs can allow defendants to avoid convictions by completing requirements such as community service, though court documents did not disclose the specific terms of Harden’s agreement, per the AP.

    The charge was never viewed as an obstacle to Harden’s anticipated return to Cleveland.

    Harden declined his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season in June, but the Cavaliers and the former NBA MVP have continued working toward a new multiyear contract.

    The delay has been about roster flexibility, not Harden’s legal situation.

    Cleveland has been exploring additional moves this offseason, including a possible sign-and-trade for Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson. Harden has been willing to wait on finalizing his deal while the Cavs determine what else they can accomplish.

    With the Texas case resolved, one piece of Harden’s offseason business is officially behind him. The Cavs are still working on the other.

  • Sixers’ Mike Gansey: LeBron James will ‘elevate everyone in the whole building’

    Sixers’ Mike Gansey: LeBron James will ‘elevate everyone in the whole building’

    New 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey isn’t overly concerned about how LeBron James will fit alongside Philadelphia’s collection of stars.

    Gansey told ESPN that James’ ability to adapt has long been one of his greatest strengths.

    “LeBron’s a connector. That’s the one thing about him,” Gansey said. “He fits every role you possibly can. He’s gonna elevate everyone in the whole building.”

    That includes Joel Embiid, whose fit alongside James has been one of the bigger questions surrounding the Sixers since James signed with Philadelphia in free agency.

    Gansey said he went back and watched James and Embiid playing together with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics when Philadelphia emerged as a possible destination.

    “Those two played pretty well together,” Gansey said. “We have so many different options. Any given night anyone can be the guy. So I think once we get clicking and get gelling, it’s gonna be fun to watch.”

    Not everyone around the NBA is as convinced.

    An anonymous assistant coach recently told Mark Medina of Fadeaway World that the James-Embiid combination could be “unstoppable” or “hard to watch,” questioning whether their age and deliberate styles will mesh.

    The Sixers clearly see considerably more upside.

    Gansey has assembled a roster featuring James, Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe, giving Philadelphia no shortage of options as it enters the season clearly among the favorites in the Eastern Conference.

  • Cavs’ starting lineup ranked among NBA’s best, but one question remains

    Cavs’ starting lineup ranked among NBA’s best, but one question remains

    The Cavaliers aren’t exactly lacking star power. What they may still be lacking is a clear answer at small forward.

    Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report ranked Cleveland’s projected starting lineup seventh in the NBA, with James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen making up the expected first five.

    That assumes Harden returns, which remains the plan.

    “Four of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ starting positions are locked in, assuming Harden returns on a new contract,” Swartz wrote. “Strus and Jaylon Tyson could battle for the fifth spot.”

    Strus would appear to have the early advantage after coach Kenny Atkinson leaned heavily on him during last season’s playoff run. Tyson remains an option, particularly given his ability to defend and stretch the floor.

    But the roster may not be finished.

    Harden has yet to formally sign his new contract as the Cavs attempt to maintain enough financial flexibility to pursue another significant addition.

    Cleveland has been among the teams exploring a sign-and-trade for Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson and also has interest in Jonathan Kuminga.

    Either player could change the equation at small forward.

    The rest of the starting group isn’t much of a mystery. Harden, Mitchell, Mobley and Allen give the Cavs four players with All-Star credentials and helped lead them to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

    That run ended abruptly with a sweep at the hands of the Knicks, leaving Cleveland with the same basic question it carried into the offseason.

    Is this core good enough to win the East?

    The Cavs lost Dean Wade, Keon Ellis and Larry Nance Jr. this summer and added Mario Hezonja after LeBron James chose Philadelphia in free agency.

    Landing Watson or Kuminga would represent something considerably bigger.

    And if the Cavs can pull it off, that projected starting five could look different before anyone plays a game.