NBA News

Raptors' Bruce Brown undergoes knee surgery

Raptors' Bruce Brown undergoes knee surgery

Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will be re-evaluated in three weeks, the team announced Friday.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Riley Williams on Thursday in New York.

Brown, 28, split last season between the Raptors and Pacers after he was acquired by Toronto on Jan. 17 as part of the trade that sent Pascal Siakam to Indiana.

In 34 games (11 starts) with the Raptors, he averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 26.0 minutes.

A second-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by Detroit, Brown has averages of 8.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 416 games (256 starts) with the Pistons (2018-20), Brooklyn Nets (2020-22), Denver Nuggets (2022-23), Pacers and Raptors.

Hawks sign G Kevon Harris, F Joey Hauser

Hawks sign G Kevon Harris, F Joey Hauser

The Atlanta Hawks signed free agent guard Kevon Harris and forward Joey Hauser, the team announced Friday.

Both players reportedly will play under one-year, minimum-salary contracts.

Harris, 27, played in 36 games for the Orlando Magic over the past two seasons on a two-way contract, averaging 4.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 12.9 minutes per game.

Over four seasons in the NBA G League, Harris averaged 15.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 28.0 minutes in 89 games (70 starts) for the Raptors 905 (2020-22), Lakeland Magic (2022-23) and Osceola Magic (2023-24).

Hauser, 25, played in 50 games (eight starts) last season for the Ontario Clippers of the G League. The younger brother of Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser, the 6-9 forward averaged 7.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 21.8 minutes.

76ers sign Joel Embiid to three-year, $193M extension

76ers sign Joel Embiid to three-year, $193M extension

Joel Embiid signed a max-level extension with the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.

Including the two remaining years on Embiid's existing contract and a three-year extension, the full value of the five-year agreement is $301 million, according to multiple reports.

The formal contract extension signing was shared by the team and Embiid on social media Friday morning. The team didn't announce the financials, but the deal is worth a reported $193 million over three seasons -- $64.3 million annually -- and ends the speculation Embiid could exit Philadelphia at the end of his existing deal.

Embiid, in a statement issued by the team, expressed his gratitude to the fans as well as the John Harris, the owner and managing partner, and to David Blitzer, co-managing partner.

"I started a Sixer and want to be right here for the rest of my career. I had no idea when I was drafted as a 20-year-old kid from Cameroon how lucky I was to be in Philadelphia," Embiid said in a statement issued by the team. "Through all the ups and downs, this city and the fans have been everything, and I am so grateful for how they've embraced me. I want to thank Josh, David, and the entire organization. Philadelphia is home and it's time to bring this community an NBA championship."

The Athletic and Yahoo Sports reported Embiid declined his $59 million player option for the 2026-27 season in favor of this new $193 million extension, which adds a player option for 2028-29.

The 76ers acquired marquee free agent Paul George in July to pair with Embiid and All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey, who signed a max extension in the offseason.

"Joel has cemented himself as one of the greatest Sixers of all time and is well on his way to being one of the best players to ever play the game. We're ecstatic that this extension keeps him and his family in Philadelphia for years to come," Harris said. "Joel is a great family man, leader, and person. He is an elite two-way player with a combination of size, strength, and athleticism that this league has rarely -- if ever -- seen. He is integral to this franchise's quest for another NBA Championship, and we are honored that he continues to choose this organization as his NBA home."

Embiid, 30, was hobbled by a knee injury last season that limited him to 39 games. He averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in the regular season. His production in 2023-24 was virtually peerless across NBA history. Only Wilt Chamberlain has averaged at least 34.0 points, 11.0 boards, and 5.0 assists over any 39-game span.

Drafted No. 3 overall in 2014, Embiid is a five-time All-NBA selection and has been chosen for seven consecutive All-Star teams (2018-2024). The 2022-23 league MVP posted back-to-back seasons as the NBA's scoring champion beginning with 2011-12.

In 433 games (all starts) with the franchise, Embiid has per-game averages of 27.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 blocked shots.

He ranks first in franchise history in points-per-game average and is seventh in total points (12,071), which includes eight 50-point games.

Nets to retire Vince Carter's No. 15 jersey on Jan. 25

Nets to retire Vince Carter's No. 15 jersey on Jan. 25

The Brooklyn Nets will retire the No. 15 jersey of Vince Carter prior to the team's home game against the Miami Heat on Jan. 25, 2025.

Carter's jersey will be the seventh retired by the franchise, joining Drazen Petrovic (No. 3), Jason Kidd (No. 5), John Williamson (No. 23), Bill Melchionni (No. 25), Julius Erving (No. 32) and Charles "Buck" Williams (No. 52).

"We are thrilled to honor former Nets player Vince Carter, who contributed so much to this organization both on and off the court," Nets governor Joe Tsai said. "He is an important part of the Nets franchise history and we look forward to welcoming him to Barclays Center this season to celebrate his legacy."

Carter, a member of the Hall of Fame's Class of 2024, averaged 23.6 points in four-plus seasons with the then-New Jersey Nets from 2004-09.

Carter, now 47, still holds the franchise's NBA-era single-season scoring record with 2,070 points in 2006-07.

An eight-time All-Star and the 1998-99 Rookie of the Year, Carter is the only player in NBA history to compete in four decades. The 1998 first-round pick retired after the 2019-20 season with 25,728 points in 1,541 games with eight NBA teams.

Bye-bye Boban: Marjanovic heading to EuroLeague

Bye-bye Boban: Marjanovic heading to EuroLeague

Veteran NBA center Boban Marjanovic has reached an agreement to join Turkish power Fenerbahce, multiple outlets reported.

The 7-foot-4 fan favorite played nine seasons with six NBA teams, averaging 5.5 points and 3.6 rebounds in 331 games (25 starts) with the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets.

Marjanovic, 36, averaged 3.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 5.1 minutes in 14 games off the Rockets' bench last season.

The Serbia native has previous EuroLeague experience, having played for Russia's CSKA Moscow, Lithuania's Zalgiris and Serbia's Crvena zvezda before joining the Spurs in 2015.

Reports: Lakers plan to sign C Christian Koloko

Reports: Lakers plan to sign C Christian Koloko

Center Christian Koloko, who missed all of last season because of a blood clot issue, has agreed to a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, The Athletic and the Los Angeles Times reported on Saturday.

The 7-footer missed the entire 2023-24 season with the Toronto Raptors, who waived him in January after he was placed in the league's Fitness-to-Play Panel because of health concerns.

A native of Cameroon, Koloko, 24, will have to be cleared to play by the Fitness-to-Play Panel before he can return to the court, though he is allowed to sign with a team before being cleared to play.

The Raptors selected Koloko in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2022 NBA Draft out of Arizona. He averaged 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 13.8 minutes in 58 games (19) starts his rookie season of 2022-23.

The Lakers are looking for help in the frontcourt beyond All-Star Anthony Davis. They have true center Jaxson Hayes, while Christian Wood recently had left knee surgery, Jarred Vanderbilt has a foot issue and Rui Hachimura sustained a calf strain during the Paris Olympics.

Cavs keep F Isaac Okoro with three-year, $38M deal

Cavs keep F Isaac Okoro with three-year, $38M deal

Forward Isaac Okoro agreed Saturday to a three-year deal to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers, ESPN reported, attributing the news to Okoro's agents.

Per the report, The contract is worth $38 million.

The fifth overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, Okoro, 23, has averaged 8.5 points and 2.9 rebounds in 279 games (216 starts) in four seasons with the Cavaliers.

The 6-foot-5 Atlanta-area native averaged 9.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 69 games (42 starts) this past season.

The signing comes on the heels of a busy offseason for the Cavaliers, who secured huge extensions for guard Donovan Mitchell, forward Evan Mobley and center Jarrett Allen, and hired new coach Kenny Atkinson away from the Golden State Warriors.

Report: G Landry Shamet agrees to 1-year deal with Knicks

Report: G Landry Shamet agrees to 1-year deal with Knicks

Free agent guard Landry Shamet agreed to a one-year deal with the New York Knicks, his agent told ESPN on Saturday.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the network after its exchange with GSL Sports Group, Shamet's representation.

Shamet, 27, averaged 7.1 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 46 games (five starts) last season with the Washington Wizards.

He has contributed 8.7 points and shot 38.4 percent from 3-point range in 348 career games (97 starts) with the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns and Wizards.

Reports: Junior Bridgeman buying 10 percent equity in Bucks

Reports: Junior Bridgeman buying 10 percent equity in Bucks

Junior Bridgeman, who played 10 of his 12 NBA seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, is acquiring a 10 percent ownership stake in the team, per multiple media reports on Thursday.

Bridgeman, who turns 71 on Tuesday, is reportedly buying the stake at a $3.4 billion valuation.

Dee and Jimmy Haslam bought a quarter of the Bucks in 2023 at a $3.2 billion valuation. Per Sportico, the average NBA franchise is worth $4 billion.

A first-round pick (No. 8 overall) in the 1975 draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Bridgeman was traded to the Bucks less than three weeks later in the mega deal for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Bridgeman began buying Wendy's franchises during his playing career, eventually owning 360 Wendy's and Chili's restaurants after retiring. In 2016, he sold them and took over a Coca-Cola bottling franchise. Per S&P Global Market Intelligence, Bridgeman is the sole owner of the bottle, which rakes in at least $350 million in revenue every year.

Bridgeman bought the publications Ebony and Jet in 2020 and owns Coca-Cola Bottling of Canada, which he acquired with Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in 2018.

CNBC was the first to report Bridgeman's deal with the Bucks.

Bridgeman was a stellar sixth man during his NBA career and averaged 13.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in 849 games (52 starts) with the Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers.

Dave Meyers, Elmore Smith and Brian Winters also went with Bridgeman in the deal for Abdul-Jabbar and Walt Wesley.

Lakers' Christian Wood (knee) out 8 weeks after setback

Lakers' Christian Wood (knee) out 8 weeks after setback

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Christian Wood will be re-evaluated in eight weeks following a second surgery on his troublesome left knee Monday.

Wood, 28, underwent an initial procedure in March and missed the last two months of the 2023-24 regular season.

He averaged 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 17.4 minutes in 50 games (one start) before the injury in his first season with Los Angeles.

"I was just feeling like my old self again and was in peak shape," Wood posted Monday on X. "Minor setback for a Major comeback, and to my fans, don't stop believing in me."

Wood has career averages of 13.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 339 games (140 starts) with eight teams in eight NBA seasons.

Longtime Rockets coach, GM Carroll Dawson dies

Longtime Rockets coach, GM Carroll Dawson dies

Carroll Dawson, who spent nearly three decades with the Houston Rockets' organization as an assistant coach and general manager, has died at the age of 86, the team announced Monday.

No other details of his death were given.

"The Rockets family mourns the loss of beloved former coach and general manager, Carroll Dawson, affectionately known as 'CD,'" the team said.

He was an assistant coach with Houston from 1980-97. The Rockets were 461-409 with six trips to the playoffs during his tenure as GM of the Rockets from 1996-2007.

"For nearly three decades, CD was a cornerstone of our organization, instrumental in shaping the careers of stars like Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. A proud Texas native, CD served as the only coach to be present for all four of Houston's NBA Finals appearances, including the back-to-back championship teams. As general manager, he brought iconic talents to Houston including Charles Barkley, Steve Francis, Yao Ming, and Tracy McGrady, while also assembling the four-time WNBA champion Houston Comets," the team said.

Dawson was the head coach at his alma mater Baylor from 1973-77, compiling a record of 44-51.

Nuggets, Jamal Murray agree to 4-year, $208M extension

Nuggets, Jamal Murray agree to 4-year, $208M extension

Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray agreed to a four-year, $208 million maximum contract extension, his representation told ESPN on Saturday.

The extension will begin in the 2025-26 season and keep Murray with the Nuggets through the 2028-29 campaign.

Murray, 27, matched a career-high average of 21.2 points while setting personal bests in assists (6.5) and 3-point percentage (42.5) in 59 games (all starts) last season.

The franchise's all-time leader in 3-pointers, Murray has averaged 17.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 469 career games (395 starts) with the Nuggets. He was selected by Denver with the seventh overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft.

Report: Cavs bringing back C Tristan Thompson

Report: Cavs bringing back C Tristan Thompson

The Cleveland Cavaliers are re-signing free agent center Tristan Thompson to a one-year deal, ESPN reported Friday.

Thompson, 33, averaged 3.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 11.2 minutes in 49 games off Cleveland's bench last season.

He has played 10 of his 13 seasons with the Cavaliers (2011-20, 2023-24), who drafted him fourth overall in 2011 out of Texas.

Thompson has career averages of 8.7 points and 8.1 rebounds in 779 games (478 starts) with the Cavaliers, Boston Celtics (2020-21), Sacramento Kings (2021-22), Indiana Pacers (2022) and Chicago Bulls (2022).

He made the All-Rookie second team in 2011-12 and helped the Cavaliers win the NBA championship in 2015-16. He ranks third in Cleveland history in rebounds (5,567) and fifth in blocks (461).

Grizzlies F GG Jackson II (foot) out at least 3 months

Grizzlies F GG Jackson II (foot) out at least 3 months

Memphis Grizzlies second-year forward GG Jackson II is expected to miss at least three months after undergoing surgery on Wednesday to repair a fracture in his right foot.

Jackson, 19, sustained the injury to his fifth metatarsal last week. The team said he's expected to make a full recovery.

"While playing basketball outside of Dallas on Aug. 27, after attempting a contested layup, Jackson II experienced an unstable landing on his right foot," the Grizzlies said in a statement Friday.

Jackson earned second-team honors on the NBA All-Rookie team after averaging 14.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 48 games (18 starts) for the Grizzlies in 2023-24. The 6-foot-9 Jackson played 25.7 minutes per game.

The Grizzlies selected Jackson in the second round of the 2023 draft.

Report: NBA veteran Evan Fournier to play in Europe

Report: NBA veteran Evan Fournier to play in Europe

Evan Fournier is continuing his pro basketball career in Europe after 12 NBA seasons.

The Athletic reported Monday that Fournier, 31, is signing a two-year, $4 million deal to play for Greece-based Olympiacos. It's a return to European soil for the guard, who played for his native France in the Paris Olympics. He averaged 9.8 points and 2.2 assists for the silver-medal winners.

The Nuggets selected Fournier with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, and he spent two seasons in Denver, followed by six-plus seasons with the Orlando Magic and stints with the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons.

He averaged 6.9 points in 32 games last season between the Knicks and Pistons.

Fournier has played in 704 career games (504 starts) and averaged 13.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

Report: Clippers, C Ivica Zubac agree on 3-year, $58.6M extension

Report: Clippers, C Ivica Zubac agree on 3-year, $58.6M extension

The Los Angeles Clippers and center Ivica Zubac agreed on a three-year, $58.6 million extension, ESPN reported Friday.

With the extension, Zubac is guaranteed $70 million over the next four years. The veteran big man scored a career-high 11.7 points on 64.9 percent shooting from the floor last season. He also averaged 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 68 games.

The Clippers, who will begin playing in the Intuit Dome -- their new arena -- this coming season, are in the midst of a makeover after nine-time All-Star guard Paul George joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212 million deal. Los Angeles also lost veteran guard Russell Westbrook, who was dealt to the Utah Jazz last month in a sign-and-trade agreement.

Zubac, 27, spent his first two-plus seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers after they selected him with the 32nd pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. The Lakers traded Zubac and forward Michael Beasley to the Clippers for center Mike Muscala in 2019.

Zubac, who is entering his ninth season, has averaged 9.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 504 games (371 starts).

Grizzlies F GG Jackson II breaks foot, will undergo surgery

Grizzlies F GG Jackson II breaks foot, will undergo surgery

Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II sustained a broken right foot earlier this week and will undergo surgery, the team announced Friday.

Jackson will have the surgery on Wednesday. The team said it will provide an update after the procedure.

"While playing basketball outside of Dallas on August 27, after attempting a contested layup, Jackson II experienced an unstable landing on his right foot," the Grizzlies said in a statement. "Subsequent imaging revealed a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot, which will require surgery to repair."

Jackson, 19, earned second-team honors on the NBA All-Rookie team after averaging 14.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 48 games (18 starts) last season. He made 102 3-pointers.

Jackson was a second-round pick (45th overall) in the 2023 NBA Draft. He played one college season at South Carolina.

Pacers G T.J. McConnell agrees to 4-year, $45M deal

Pacers G T.J. McConnell agrees to 4-year, $45M deal

Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell agreed to a four-year, $45 million contract extension through 2028-29, his representation Priority Sports told ESPN on Friday.

McConnell had been under contract for $9.3 million for the 2024-25 season. He is now linked to the Pacers for the next five seasons at $54 million.

McConnell, 32, recorded a career-best average with 10.2 points game last season. He also chipped in 5.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 71 games (four starts) in 2023-24.

He has averaged 7.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 627 career games (96 starts) with the Philadelphia 76ers (2015-19) and Pacers.

Report: Warriors' Stephen Curry agrees to 1-year, $62.6M extension

Report: Warriors' Stephen Curry agrees to 1-year, $62.6M extension

Warriors star Stephen Curry has agreed to a one-year, $62.6 million extension that keeps him with Golden State through the 2026-27 season.

ESPN reported Thursday that Curry's agent, Jeff Austin, had confirmed the numbers for the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player.

Curry, 36, had two years remaining on the four-year, $215.4 million deal he signed in August 2021. Based on the "over-38 rule" in the collective bargaining agreement, he was only eligible for a one-year extension this offseason because he will turn 38 during the life of the contract (March 14, 2026).

A 10-time All-Star, four-time NBA champion and two-time scoring king, Curry averaged 26.4 points, 5.1 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 74 games in his 15th season with Golden State in 2023-24.

Curry is the NBA's all-time leader in 3-point field goals (3,747) and the franchise's career leader in points (23,668), assists (6,119), steals (1,473) and games played (956).

Report: Celtics, G Lonnie Walker IV agree to 1-year deal

Report: Celtics, G Lonnie Walker IV agree to 1-year deal

The Boston Celtics and free agent guard Lonnie Walker IV agreed on a one-year contract, ESPN reported on Wednesday.

Walker, 25, will receive an Exhibit 10 training camp contract, per The Athletic. If Walker is waived after camp and plays for the team's G League affiliate in Maine, he would be eligible for a bonus worth up to $77,500.

Walker will be competing for the defending NBA champion Celtics' final roster spot.

In 58 games last season with the Brooklyn Nets, Walker averaged 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 17.4 minutes per game.

Selected in the first round (No. 18 overall) in the 2018 draft by the San Antonio Spurs, the six-year veteran has averaged 9.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 322 games (88 starts) with the Spurs (2018-22), Los Angeles Lakers (2022-23) and Nets.

Playlist