NBA rumors

The Denver Nuggets will exercise the third-year option on guard Christian Braun.

The Kansas product, who achieved both the NCAA and NBA titles consecutively, is coming off a season averaging 15.7 minutes per game and is expected to play a significant role coming off the bench.

As expected, the Denver Nuggets are picking up the third-year option on guard Christian Braun, sources tell ESPN. Braun — the fifth player to win back-to-back NCAA and NBA titles — is expected to assume a sixth man role this season.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 11, 2023

The Boston Celtics and point guard Payton Pritchard have agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $30 million. This deal represents a significant investment by the Celtics in the young talent, solidifying his role within the team for the coming years.

Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers are currently in discussions regarding a contract extension.

George expresses his desire to retire as a Clipper, citing his strong connection to the team and the organization’s commitment to winning.

The Fresno State product hopes to compete for multiple championships with the Clippers and make a significant impact in his hometown.

“It would be a dream if I can ride it out, be able to say I played at home and did something great at home. So yeah, that’s first on my agenda”.

The potential extension could be for up to four years and approximately $220 million.

At media day, Giannis Antetokounmpo discussed how the Milwaukee Bucks acquired Damian Lillard in response to his offseason statements, which reaffirmed their dedication to winning championships with him as their franchise player.

However, Antetokounmpo decided against signing a three-year, $169 million contract deal with the Bucks this summer and plans to do so next.

“Money is not important, but a lot of f—ing money is important,” Antetokounmpo said. “So I’m going to sign it next year. It doesn’t make sense right now. I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career — as long as we are winning. It’s as simple as that.”

Antetokounmpo could sign a four-year, $233 million extension instead.

Steve Kerr said that the Golden State Warriors will run plenty of pick and rolls this season because of Chris Paul.

Per The Athletic, “We’re going to run plenty of pick-and-roll because Chris [Paul] is one of the best pick-and-roll players in the world,” Kerr said. “But he’s also showing he’s very interested in incorporating some of the stuff we already do — our split cut game and our movement. He’s such a smart player that he’s already figured out ways to be effective. We’re going to lean into him and he’s going to lean into us, and we’ll meet halfway and the offense will form.”

James Harden wants to leave the Philadelphia 76ers and is trying to force a trade.

As reported by Adrian Wojnarowski,  James Harden is seeking a trade. He wants the 76ers to feel awkward. Because they feel so uncomfortable, they don’t believe they can exchange him for the finest terms.

The Houston Rockets have reached an agreement with Reggie Bullock, reports Shams Charania.

The UNC product spent two seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, the last one with 7.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.

Bullock was traded to the San Antonio Spurs during the offseason, and a few days ago agreed to a buyout.

Free agent Reggie Bullock plans to sign with the Houston Rockets after he clears waivers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Bullock – a 38.4% 3-point shooter over 10 NBA seasons – fielded interest from several teams following buyout and gives Houston a reliable 3&D wing. pic.twitter.com/S75ORwiBsX

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 3, 2023

The Portland Trail Blazers bring back Skylar Mays. The guard has signed a two-way contract. Last season, Mays averaged 15.3 points and 8.3 assists in the six games he played for Portland in March and April.

Mays averaged 15.3 points and 8.3 assists in six starts for the Blazers last season.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 1, 2023

Wenyen Gabriel has signed with the Boston Celtics.

The forward/center joins the team after averaging 5.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in his last season with the Lakers.

Free agent F/C Wenyen Gabriel is finalizing a deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Gabriel, who averaged 5.5 PPG and 4.2 RPG for Lakers last season, will compete for a reserve big man spot in Boston.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 1, 2023

Free agent guard Cam Payne has agreed on a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/va0ErtdVve

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 1, 2023

In exchange for Robert Williams, Malcolm Brogdon, a 2024 first-round selection from the Golden State Warriors, and a 2029 first-round pick that is not protected, the Boston Celtics have acquired Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers.

Holiday was acquired by the Blazers as part of the Damian Lillard deal. Portland presently intends to keep Williams, but given that they are dedicated to their current crop of young guards in Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe, they may attempt to trade for Brogdon in a separate deal.

In the 2022 summer, the Celtics acquired Brogdon from the Indiana Pacers, and they almost dealt him in the Kristap Porzingis trade in June.

The Charlotte Hornets will have 2021 first-round pick Kai Jones away from the team indefinitely and there’s no timetable for his return, sources tell The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Jones will miss training camp due to personal reasons, and team remains in constant communication with him.

The Milwaukee Bucks did not approach Giannis Antetokounmpo before they moved forward with their trade of Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Bucks believe their trade for Lillard improves their title odds, while also increasing the likelihood Antetokounmpo chooses to eventually sign an extension.

The NBA is likely to award the 2025 All-Star Game to the Golden State Warriors, reports The Athletic’s Shams Charania. 

Warriors last hosted the All-Star Game in 2000 when they had recently renovated Oracle Arena, and would host the event in San Francisco’s Chase Center.

The day has finally come for the long-awaited trade of Dame Lillard, who moves to the Milwaukee Bucks.

The point guard was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal that also includes the Phoenix Suns.

The details of the deal, from Adrian Wojnarowski: Lillard to the Bucks, while Portland gets Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, an unprotected pick, and two swap rights from Milwaukee.

The Suns improve the supporting cast around 3 stars with the arrivals of Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.

The Bucks send a loud and clear message to the rest of the league by forming the Lillard-Antetokounmpo super pair.

Lillard goes Milwaukee as part of a 3-team deal with Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 unprotected MIL 1st, and unprotected MIL swap rights in 2028 and 2030 to Blazers. Phoenix lands Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson. https://t.co/Ge0H91AiIA

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 27, 2023

Rudy Gay has reached an agreement with the Golden State Warriors on a one-year contract.

The veteran forward spent last year with the Utah Jazz (5.2 points, 2.9 rebounds per game), but during the offseason he was traded first to Atlanta and then to Oklahoma City, where he was released.

Gay will have the opportunity to earn a roster spot during training camp.

Free agent F Rudy Gay has agreed on a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, Sam Permut of @RocNationSports tells ESPN. Gay will compete for team’s open roster spot in camp. This will be his 18th NBA season.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 27, 2023

The New York Knicks promoted Gersson Rosas to Senior VP of Basketball Operations, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Rosas — who had been a team consultant for past year — will be among organization’s elder decision-makers now. He was previously Timberwolves’ president, Mavericks’ GM and a Rockets executive.

Free agent G/F Matt Ryan is signing a two-way NBA deal to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Ryan shot 38.1 percent from 3-point land across 34 games for the Lakers and T’Wolves last season.