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RealGM Basketball Wiretap

RealGM Basketball Wiretap

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Ja Morant Promises To Show Portland 'A Different Ja'

Ja Morant Promises To Show Portland 'A Different Ja'

Ja Morant said Saturday his trade from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Portland Trail Blazers gives him a chance to reset his public image. Morant led the Grizzlies to the playoffs in four of his seven seasons with the franchise, though his tenure included two gun-related suspensions in 2023. What would I like cleared up? I think you know the answer to that. My image. [That] I'm a bad guy, said Morant. I'm Ja. I've done what I've done in the past, but it's been addressed and handled already. I don't see why, years later, that's still the topic when nothing's happened since. If I was that guy, y'all wouldn't be talking to me now. I wouldn't be here. Morant served an eight-game suspension in March 2023 and a 25-game suspension to open the 2023-24 season, both tied to incidents involving a firearm shown on an Instagram livestream. The Grizzlies also suspended him one game in November following a confrontation with coach Tuomas Iisalo. Portland acquired Morant in exchange for forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. He joins a guard-heavy Portland roster that includes Damian Lillard, Deni Avdija, Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Morant addressed reporters at the Las Vegas summer league wearing a Trail Blazers polo. New home. New team. New organization, said Morant. I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja. It's like starting all over again. ... Over the years, I've grown a lot and learned a lot. My mindset changed. I go into things differently now. I feel more mature, and I'm ready to work. Morant averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists last season but appeared in just 20 games due to injury. He said his body feels great after spending the past four months training. Morant expressed openness to any role in Portland's crowded backcourt and enthusiasm about playing alongside his new teammates. All those guys will most likely unlock new parts of my game, and I'll do the same for them, said Morant. I don't think it will be a problem having us on the floor or making sure minutes match or anything. We're all very unselfish. Morant said he holds no resentment toward Memphis, calling the city home and noting he remains close with several former teammates. [The reaction from Memphis] was all love, said Morant. It's some [fans] that might say bad things about me. I don't look at it like it's hate or anything. I just look at it as tough love from a family member. I love Memphis, I love the fans, I love my teammates.

3 hours ago
Brandon Miller, Hornets In Discussions On Extension

Brandon Miller, Hornets In Discussions On Extension

Charlotte Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson confirmed the team is engaged in extension talks with Brandon Miller. Peterson addressed Miller's future Saturday during a news conference at the Las Vegas summer league. I've had conversations with Brandon and his representation, said Peterson. They know that we want Brandon here for a very, very long time. Miller is represented by Gregory Genske, Edward Kim and Alan Vaynerchuck. Miller underwent surgery in early May to address left shoulder instability and remains out indefinitely. Peterson praised the third-year forward's approach to his recovery. I've been very, very pleased with the way he's attacking his rehab, said Peterson. He's in the gym constantly. He knows he has to continue to work on his body and get stronger and he's taken that to heart. Miller is set to become a focal point of Charlotte's roster going forward alongside Kon Knueppel, who led the league in three-pointers made as a rookie last season. That shift comes after the Hornets traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a four-team deal. Peterson said the front office remains committed to building around Miller and Knueppel as the roster's core pieces moving forward. Victor Wembanyama is the only member of the 2025 draft class to sign a rookie scale extension this offseason, signing a five-year, 252 million deal at 25 percent of the cap without the ability to increase it to 30 percent if he makes an All-NBA team.

3 hours ago
Hornets Felt LaMelo Ball Trade Achieve 'Multiple Goals In One Transaction'

Hornets Felt LaMelo Ball Trade Achieve 'Multiple Goals In One Transaction'

Charlotte Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson addressed their LaMelo Ball trade Saturday during a news conference at the Las Vegas summer league. The Hornets traded Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a four-team deal in June. Charlotte received Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three second-round picks and three first-round pick swaps. These decisions are challenging at times, but when you look at the totality of the season and everything of where we were, it's important to take an honest look in the mirror of where you guys are as a team, said Peterson. And that's what I had to do at the end of the season. And it just felt like the goal is never to compete for a play-in spot. The goal isn't to get to the play-in or even the playoffs for one year. I've said it plenty of times since I've been here in Charlotte: The goal is to get to the playoffs and stay there for a long time. And eventually contend to compete for championships. Getting Naz Reid when you can get a player of his caliber. And of course, the draft capital and the flexibility just felt like it was something that was able to achieve multiple goals in one transaction. The trade came together after last month's NBA draft and caught many by surprise given Charlotte's turnaround last season. The Hornets won 44 games after finishing with just 19 the previous year, posting the NBA's top-ranked offense and fifth-ranked defense from Jan. 1 onward. Charlotte beat Miami in the play-in tournament before losing to the Orlando Magic, extending the Hornets' playoff drought to nine seasons, the longest active streak in the league. Peterson explained why he chose not to simply run it back with Ball alongside Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. It's my job to not just look at half of last season or two-thirds of last season, said Peterson. I've been here for a little bit over two years now. So looking at the totality of the picture and also looking at trends along the league. LaMelo was tremendous in our run last year. He was extremely impactful and I know he's going to do great in Minnesota. But for the Charlotte Hornets, just felt like it was the right time to execute a trade of that magnitude. Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 36.8 percent from three-point range across 72 games last season. Injuries limited him to just 105 games combined from 2022-23 through 2024-25. Peterson acknowledged the emotional toll of trading a fan favorite. I do empathize with the fans and I understand just where they're coming from, said Peterson. I love LaMelo. He's a tremendous human being. Of course, he's an enormous talent. He and I have a great relationship. But I would hope that they understand that I have the best interest of the Hornets organization. Peterson confirmed Hornets owners Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall were fully informed throughout the process and said the move was not motivated by finances. Ball had three years remaining on his contract and was eligible for a two-year, 119.2 million extension. Charlotte has since signed Coby White to a three-year, 74 million deal to help fill the void at point guard.

3 hours ago

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Gary Trent Jr., Bucks Agree To Four-Year, $64M Deal

Gary Trent Jr., Bucks Agree To Four-Year, $64M Deal

Gary Trent Jr. and the Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to a four-year, 64 million deal. Trent will earn 15.2 million in Year 1 of the deal. Trent spent the past two seasons with the Bucks, which allowed him to sign for a larger contract with early Bird rights. Last season, Trent averaged 8.1 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 21.2 minutes in 65 games. Trent will be entering his age-27 season.

20 hours ago
Nets Waive Malachi Smith

Nets Waive Malachi Smith

Malachi Smith has been waived by the Brooklyn Nets. Smith signed a multi-year contract with the Nets in April and Brooklyn picked up their team option before the start of free agency. Smith appeared in 15 games last season, averaging 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 23.9 minutes. Smith went undrafted out of Gonzaga in 2023 and has accrued 127 total games in the G League over the past three seasons. In 2025-26, Smith averaged 14.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 28.7 minutes across 39 games with the Long Island Nets.

22 hours ago
Tyler Herro Was 'Anticipating' Trade By Heat This Offseason

Tyler Herro Was 'Anticipating' Trade By Heat This Offseason

Tyler Herro spoke positively about the Miami Heat and just minutes before news broke of his altercation with former teammate Bam Adebayo. Asked whether he holds any ill will toward the Heat after being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Herro was direct. Never, said Herro. They drafted me from Kentucky, and they gave me a platform. They gave me an opportunity. They believed in me, and it was a great seven years. Not many guys in my draft class are still on their teams or anything like that. So, again, I'm just excited and appreciative for everything that's kind of happened and transpired. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the altercation began when Adebayo confronted Herro over social media comments criticizing the center following the end of their seven-year run together in Miami. Screenshots of an Instagram direct message conversation, shared on X in recent days, appeared to show an account run by Herro expressing frustration with Adebayo's contract value. Why are Heat fans so worried about me and what I do? But I'm not the best player on the team right? the account wrote, according to the screenshots. I didn't say any names. I'm just saying, should an elite defender be making 60 million a year? Answer that. Adebayo was Miami's highest-paid player last season and is due 49.5 million this season. He has earned NBA All-Defensive honors in six different seasons. Herro also posted an Instagram graphic last week ranking the league's worst midrange shooters, which listed Giannis Antetokounmpo as the worst and Adebayo 10th-worst. Asked directly about the social media posts Friday, Herro offered little elaboration. You've seen it, said Herro. Herro also addressed the trade itself, saying he had anticipated the move to Milwaukee for some time. I saw it coming, said Herro. If any summer, it was going to be this summer, so I was anticipating this. And obviously not knowing Milwaukee, but I kind of figured I was going to get traded this summer. I'm excited and happy it's Milwaukee. Herro said he plans to keep his home base in Miami despite the trade, with his children remaining in the city for school. He did not have a visible mark on his face during Friday's summer league game, which he watched courtside without Adebayo in attendance.

22 hours ago
Mario Saint-Supery Leaves Gonzaga For Valencia

Mario Saint-Supery Leaves Gonzaga For Valencia

Gonzaga starting point guard Mario Saint-Supery is departing the program to sign with EuroLeague club Valencia. The Spanish squad announced the long-term deal Saturday. Saint-Supery earned all-West Coast Conference freshman honors last season, averaging 8.6 points per game in his lone year with the Bulldogs. Before arriving at Gonzaga, he had built a reputation in Spain's Liga ACB, earning the nickname El Principito, or The Little Prince. Valencia referenced that nickname in its announcement. The Little Prince will make the Roig Arena his new palace, Valencia said in a release, adding that Saint-Supery would continue his development at a high competitive level. The departure comes at a difficult time for coach Mark Few's roster, which is set to compete in the new Pac-12 during the 2026-27 season. With the transfer portal closed, Gonzaga has limited options to replace a starting point guard in July. Saint-Supery, a 6-foot-4 guard, shot 40 percent from three-point range last season and started Gonzaga's final eight games. That stretch included a 21-point performance against Santa Clara in the WCC tournament championship game, along with 13 assists and four turnovers across two NCAA tournament appearances. Saint-Supery had been expected to serve as Gonzaga's point guard alongside returning players Braden Huff and Davis Fogle and Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop as the Bulldogs prepare to compete outside the WCC for the first time since 1979. The move also reflects a broader shift in how international prospects approach college basketball. The NCAA's 5-for-5 rule now starts a player's academic clock upon enrollment or the academic year after turning 19, whichever comes first, reducing the window for older international players to compete at the Division I level.

22 hours ago
Clippers Believed NBA Investigation Wouldn't Impact Kawhi Leonard Trade

Clippers Believed NBA Investigation Wouldn't Impact Kawhi Leonard Trade

The Los Angeles Clippers operated under the belief that the NBA's ongoing investigation into alleged cap impropriety involving Kawhi Leonard and business sponsor Aspiration would not affect the completion of his trade. That impression shaped weeks of trade discussions before the Clippers agreed to terms with the Toronto Raptors. The league later informed the Raptors that any sanctions tied to Leonard personally would fall solely on them, separate from any penalties the Clippers may still face. Possible sanctions against Leonard could include a suspension or, in a worst-case scenario, voiding the remaining 50.3 million on his contract. One source briefed on the process said Toronto had an understanding of the potential risk attached to acquiring Leonard before trade terms were verbally agreed. Toronto declined to comment beyond its Thursday statement when asked to respond Friday. The proposed deal would send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft capital to the Clippers in exchange for Leonard. Leonard and the Raptors plan on signing an extension after the trade becomes official, which could now be several weeks away after the NBA's findings on Aspiration are finalized.

22 hours ago
Nuggets Have 'No Choice But Trust' Nikola Jokic On Re-Signing In 2027

Nuggets Have 'No Choice But Trust' Nikola Jokic On Re-Signing In 2027

Nikola Jokic plans to wait until unrestricted free agency in 2027 to resolve his contract status, leaving the Denver Nuggets to manage that uncertainty over the next year. Nuggets general manager Jon Wallace addressed the situation directly. We feel confident, said Wallace on ESPN's Summer League broadcast via Bennett Durando of the Denver Post. We trust him. We've got no choice but to. Jokic can sign a four-year, 278 million contract with Denver this offseason. Waiting until 2027 would make him eligible for a five-year, 359.5 million max contract that includes a no-trade clause. Jokic also holds a player option worth 62.8 million for the 2027-28 season. Jokic averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists in 34.8 minutes over 65 games in his age-30 season as he finished second in MVP voting. Jokic has finished first or second in MVP voting in six straight seasons dating back to 2021. The Nuggets haven't advanced out of the second round since winning the championship in 2023.

1 day ago
Bulls' Caleb Wilson Scores 35 In 'Emotional' Summer League Debut

Bulls' Caleb Wilson Scores 35 In 'Emotional' Summer League Debut

Caleb Wilson scored 35 points in his summer league debut Friday night, the second-highest total in a Las Vegas debut since the event started in 2004. The Chicago Bulls, who selected Wilson with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, loss 97-96 to the Memphis Grizzlies. It marked Wilson's first competitive game since Feb. 10, when his lone college season at North Carolina ended due to a broken wrist. He said he cried before tipoff given the emotional weight of returning to the court. It's been five months to the day since the last time I played, said Wilson. I've just been really emotional because I haven't been able to play. I felt terrible because my team lost in the [NCAA] tournament and my coach got fired. It just was a lot for me at that point. So, coming out today, it just felt like I've been waiting so long for this opportunity. I'm just glad I got to come out here and play. Wilson displayed a broad offensive game, knocking down seven 3-pointers, matching his total made threes across his entire 24-game college career. I've been working on it hard for a long time, said Wilson. I'm not shocked at all. I've been putting the work in. He also finished with three blocks, two steals and six rebounds, though six turnovers reflected an at-times erratic performance. Bulls coach Tiago Splitter said he welcomed the aggressive approach in Wilson's first outing. We're getting to know him, said Splitter. The first game, of course, he played extremely well shooting the ball and doing different things, but this is a long road. Repetition of everything. But I'm proud of the effort they put in. Boxing out, crashing every offense rebound. Wilson's 35 points trailed only Marco Belinelli's 37-point summer league debut in 2007. The performance came against fellow rookie standout Cam Boozer of the Grizzlies, who finished with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists. He's a great player, said Wilson of Boozer. One of the few guys I respect out of my class. He played a great game and he won. Boozer returned the compliment after the game. He's a great player. Great players make a lot of shots, said Boozer. It was something maybe he didn't showcase a lot in college, but he's a great player and he started getting hot.

1 day ago
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