Anthony Edwards fully burst onto the NBA scene while leading his Minnesota Timberwolves to the We...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> fully burst onto the NBA scene while leading his Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference final last season, but he had to take down a childhood idol to get there.</p><p>Speaking on a panel at Fanatics Fest with former pro Jalen Rose and Phoenix Suns superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a>, Edwards showed remorse about beating the latter, one of the game's greatest scorers.</p><p>"I'm not going to lie, I felt bad a little bit," Edwards said, according to <a href="https://x.com/AliyahFun/status/1824875176158523411">reporter Aliyah Funschelle</a>. "Only because he's my favorite player of all time, I didn't want to send him home like that."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Edwards' Timberwolves swept Durant's Suns in the first round of the playoffs. The 23-year-old caught fire in the matchup, scoring a series-high 31 points per game. Durant averaged 26.8.</p><p>Though beating his favorite player may have been bittersweet, it fueled Edwards to another strong series as Minnesota upset the reigning champion Denver Nuggets before falling just short of the NBA Finals with a series loss to the Dallas Mavericks.</p><p>Edwards and Durant reconciled with a gold medal this summer, as both were lead options for Team USA's bench unit, each averaging over 12 points per game.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN. - APRIL 2024: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacted after a non-call on Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) in the first quarter. The Minnesota Timberwolves faced the Phoenix Suns in an NBA basketball game Sunday afternoon, April 14, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis.

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Edwards 'felt bad' knocking favorite player Durant out of playoffs

The NBA announced its full regular-season schedule for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign Thursday.  T...

<p>The NBA announced its full regular-season schedule for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign Thursday.</p><p>The schedule can be found <a href="https://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2024/08/2024-25-NBA-Regular-Season-Schedule-By-Date.pdf">here</a>.</p><p>The campaign will kick off Oct. 22 with a pair of nationally televised matchups between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Each team only has 80 games scheduled, with two future games to be determined as part of the second round of the NBA Cup. Quarterfinal and semifinal contests will count as regular-season games, while eliminated teams will play against each other to fill the full 82 contests.</p><p>The NBA Cup will kick off Nov. 12, with the tournament finals coming Dec. 17. The championship game is the only NBA Cup contest that doesn't count toward the regular season.</p><p>Christmas Day will once again feature a full five-game slate of nationally televised action, with marquee matchups including the San Antonio Spurs against the Knicks, the Timberwolves versus the Dallas Mavericks, and the Philadelphia 76ers against the Celtics. The night caps off with games between the Lakers and Golden State Warriors and the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2024-25 NBA calendar" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-q6nz2" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/q6nz2/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="366" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Other notable games include a finals rematch between the Celtics and the Mavericks on Jan. 25, Mavericks guard Klay Thompson's return to Golden State against the Warriors on Nov. 12, and the new-look 76ers kicking off their season against the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 23.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives past Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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NBA reveals full schedule for 2024-25 season

NBA veteran Joe Harris is retiring from the NBA, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.  The...

<p>NBA veteran Joe Harris is retiring from the NBA, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1824120251438506335">The Athletic's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The sharpshooter boasts a 43.6% mark from beyond the arc on 2,354 attempts over 10 seasons. He led the league in 3-point percentage in 2018-19 and 2020-21, and he won the league's 3-point contest in 2019.</p><p>Harris was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the No. 33 pick of the 2014 NBA Draft out of Virginia. He averaged just 9.1 minutes per game across 56 contests in two seasons in Cleveland.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He was picked up by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2016 offseason and went on to spend seven seasons with the franchise. He posted a career-best 14.5 points per game in 2020-21 and shot at least 41.9% from deep in six of those campaigns.</p><p>Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons last offseason and struggled with the rebuilding franchise, scoring just 2.4 points per game on 33.3% shooting from deep across 16 appearances. He was waived by the team in February and never signed with a new squad.</p><p>The 32-year-old also suited up for Team USA in the 2019 World Cup alongside superstars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Donovan Mitchell. He shot 50% from deep as the team finished seventh.</p>

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 1: Joe Harris #31 of the Detroit Pistons runs up court during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 1, 2023 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE

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Report: Joe Harris retiring after 10-year NBA career

The Indiana Fever will host the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, the league announced Thursday.  The July...

<p>The Indiana Fever will host the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, the league announced Thursday.</p><p>The July 19 exhibition will represent the 21st midseason showcase in league history and the first time the Fever have played host.</p><p>"The city of Indianapolis and the entire state of Indiana have such an incredible and enduring passion for the game of basketball, making the region the perfect host to celebrate the WNBA and the game's greatest stars," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Fever have become the center of the WNBA landscape after selecting Caitlin Clark, college basketball's all-time leading scorer, No. 1 overall this year.</p><p>Indiana sits 11-15 and third in the Eastern Conference. Clark is 13th leaguewide in scoring at 17.1 points per game and first in assists at 8.2.</p><p>"We are in the middle of a pivotal, transformational moment in the history of the WNBA and women's basketball, and we are thrilled Indiana will be the center of it all with the game's biggest stars on display during next season's All-Star Game," said Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports &amp; Entertainment.</p><p>This season's All-Star Game was played in Phoenix. It featured a matchup between the USA women's Olympic squad and selected WNBA players.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 10: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) brings the ball up court against the Washington Mystics on July 10, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Fever hosting 2025 WNBA All-Star Game

The Utah Jazz are signing veteran point guard Patty Mills to a one-year, $3.3-million guaranteed ...

<p>The Utah Jazz are signing veteran point guard Patty Mills to a one-year, $3.3-million guaranteed contract, sources told <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1823721396905894371">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a> on Wednesday.</p><p>The 36-year-old is set to begin his 16th NBA season. He'll play for his sixth franchise after stints with the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat.</p><p>Mills put up his lowest scoring tally since his rookie season last year, averaging four points on 35.1% shooting from the field in 32 games split between the Hawks and the Heat.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>For his career, Mills is averaging 8.8 points per game on a 38.6% clip from beyond the arc.</p><p>Mills has also become a staple on the international stage with Australia. He averaged 16.5 points with the Boomers during their quarterfinal run in the 2024 Paris Olympics.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 10: Patty Mills #88 of the Miami Heat reacts during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Kaseya Center on April 10, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

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Report: Jazz sign Patty Mills to 1-year, $3.3M guaranteed deal

The NBA released the group-play schedule Tuesday for the second annual NBA Cup, which kicks off N...

<p>The NBA released the group-play schedule Tuesday for the second annual NBA Cup, which kicks off Nov. 12.</p><p>The league's in-season tournament will again consist of contests played on Tuesday and Friday in November and early December. All group-stage games will count toward a team's regular-season record, and only NBA Cup contests will be played on the designated days.</p><p>The tournament will also feature national-television games, starting with a playoff rematch between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks, along with a duel between the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A full day-by-day breakdown can be found <a href="https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2024/08/Emirates-NBA-Cup-2024-Group-Play-Schedule-as-of-8-13-24.pdf">here</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741007/Screen_Shot_2024-08-13_at_3.18.20_PM.jpg?ts=1723576735" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741007/Screen_Shot_2024-08-13_at_3.18.20_PM.jpg?ts=1723576735 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741007/Screen_Shot_2024-08-13_at_3.18.20_PM.jpg?ts=1723576735 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741007/Screen_Shot_2024-08-13_at_3.18.20_PM.jpg?ts=1723576735 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741007/Screen_Shot_2024-08-13_at_3.18.20_PM.jpg?ts=1723576735 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741007/Screen_Shot_2024-08-13_at_3.18.20_PM.jpg?ts=1723576735 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">East group play schedule <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741009/Screen_Shot_2024-08-13_at_3.20.24_PM.jpg?ts=1723576852" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741009/Screen_Shot_2024-08-13_at_3.20.24_PM.jpg?ts=1723576852 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741009/Screen_Shot_2024-08-13_at_3.20.24_PM.jpg?ts=1723576852 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741009/Screen_Shot_2024-08-13_at_3.20.24_PM.jpg?ts=1723576852 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741009/Screen_Shot_2024-08-13_at_3.20.24_PM.jpg?ts=1723576852 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741009/Screen_Shot_2024-08-13_at_3.20.24_PM.jpg?ts=1723576852 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">West group play schedule <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>The NBA revealed three groups of five teams in each conference in July. Each team plays its other group members once in the opening stage. Six group winners and two wild-card teams will advance to the quarterfinals in December.</p><p>The semifinals and final will once again take place at a neutral court in Las Vegas.</p><p>The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Cup final last season.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 9: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court during the game against the Indiana Pacers during the In-Season Tournament Championship game on December 9, 2023 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE

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Group-play schedule released for NBA Cup

Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum entered his summer with the U.S. men's basketball team comi...

<p>Boston Celtics superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> entered his summer with the U.S. men's basketball team coming off a memorable few months - and then played the second-fewest minutes of anyone on the roster.</p><p>The first-team All-NBA forward spoke candidly about his small role with the Olympic team, including being benched entirely in two games.</p><p>"I've sacrificed and put a lot into this game and work really, really hard. So in the moment, it is tough," Tatum told reporters including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/40813393/jayson-tatum-says-limited-role-paris-affect-28-decision">ESPN's Brian Windhorst</a> after his squad took home the gold medal with a 98-87 victory over France on Saturday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's definitely challenging and humbling at the same time," added Tatum.</p><p>Tatum is months removed from winning his first career NBA championship and was recently handed the largest contract in league history: a five-year, $314-million maximum extension.</p><p>Still, with so many legendary wings on the USA roster and only 40 minutes allocated per game, Tatum was often the odd man out. His lesser-used Celtics teammates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/383" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/383">Jrue Holiday</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/32925" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/32925">Derrick White</a> both saw more minutes.</p><p>For his part, Tatum also struggled in Paris. He had the team's worst field-goal percentage at 38.1%, and went 0-for-16 on jump shots across the Olympics and exhibition contests, <a href="https://x.com/_JasonLT/status/1822401003586736637">according to The Volume's Jason Timpf</a>, per Synergy Sports.</p><p>Despite being passed over for minutes on the world's biggest athletic stage, the now-two-time gold medalist isn't ready to rule out a return to Team USA in the 2028 Olympic Games taking place in Los Angeles.</p><p>"It was a tough personal experience on the court, but I'm not going to make any decision off emotions," Tatum said, per Windhorst. "If you asked me right now if I was going to play in 2028 - it is four years from now and I (would have) to take time and think about that. So I'm not going to make any decision based off how this experience was or how I felt individually."</p>

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 10: Jayson Tatum of United States looks on during Men's Gold Medal Game of the Basketball between France and United States on Bercy Arena during the Paris 2024 Olympics Games on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France.

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Tatum: Limited playing time with Team USA 'challenging and humbling'

After leading France to a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, San Antonio Spurs phenom Victo...

<p>After leading France to a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, San Antonio Spurs phenom <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> knows his arrow is only pointing upward.</p><p>"I'm learning, and I'm worried for the opponents in a couple years," Wembanyama told reporters, including <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-olympics-victor-wembanyama-france-1f9bf907c233b20fd3b68fe3f3c5683d">The Associated Press' Kyle Hightower</a>, after his team's 98-87 loss Saturday.</p><p>When asked to clarify whether he meant in the NBA or with his national team, the 20-year-old responded: "Everywhere."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Wembanyama was sensational on both ends of the floor for France, nearly doubling up second place on his team in efficiency rating. He led the squad in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and 3-pointers. </p><p>He saved his best performance for the gold-medal game, scoring a game-high 26 points on 11-of-19 shooting.</p><p>More importantly, after a shaky start, Wembanyama had his team within three points of a loaded American squad in the fourth quarter. The French team graciously took second place on home soil.</p><p>"I'm going to enjoy the moment," said Wembanyama, "I'm proud of my teammates. I'm proud of having what we've done here in France in front of our fans. I'm going to let it all soak in."</p><p>Back in America, Wembanyama and his Spurs are expected to take a leap forward after he took home the Rookie of the Year in his first season. The team added veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/314" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/314">Chris Paul</a> at point guard to help provide experience.</p>

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 10: Victor Wembanyama #32 of Team France reacts during the Men's Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France.

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Rising Wembanyama 'worried for the opponents in a couple years'

The Utah Jazz are extending All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen on a five-year, $238-million contrac...

<p>The Utah Jazz are extending All-Star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53404" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53404">Lauri Markkanen</a> on a five-year, $238-million contract, his agent told <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1821199386271273338">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a> on Wednesday.</p><p>After being embroiled in rumors throughout the summer, Markkanen will now be ineligible as a trade piece for the 2024-25 season.</p><p>The Finnish forward was linked to the Golden State Warriors, but the Jazz were reportedly set on acquiring sophomore forward Brandin Podziemski in the deal, and Golden State refused.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs were also apparently interested in Markkanen.</p><p>The 7-footer has flourished since being acquired by the Jazz from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2022. Markkanen won the league's Most Improved Player award in his first season in Utah, posting 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. His stats fell slightly in 2023-24, averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 boards.</p><p>Although the 27-year-old has put up gaudy numbers in Utah, the team has finished 12th in the loaded Western Conference in both of his campaigns with the squad.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 6: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 6, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Jazz extend Markkanen on 5-year, $238M deal

France held off a second-half surge from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Canada to earn an 82-73 vict...

<p>France held off a second-half surge from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> and Canada to earn an 82-73 victory in the quarterfinal of the Olympic men's basketball tournament on Tuesday.</p><p>The host country will play undefeated Germany in Thursday's semifinal.</p><p>France surged to begin the game, holding Canada to just 10 first-quarter points. The French extended that lead to 19 in the opening seconds of the third quarter.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Canada battled back to cut the deficit to five with 2:14 remaining in the contest, but France's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/24232" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/24232">Evan Fournier</a> scored five straight points to seal the contest in front of a packed house of home fans.</p><p>France's success came despite a poor offensive showing from superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a>, who contributed seven points on 2-of-10 shooting and 0-of-6 from deep. However, he grabbed 12 rebounds and added five assists, three steals, and a block.</p><p>In place of Wembanyama, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/52283" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/52283">Guerschon Yabusele</a> led France with 22 points, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/52291" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/52291">Isaia Cordinier</a> scored 20. Though both were drafted in the NBA, neither has played in the league since 2019.</p><p>France only got three minutes out of four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/30615" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/30615">Rudy Gobert</a>, who said he had surgery on his left ring finger on Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/JeffZillgitt/status/1820891976801431642">USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt</a>. French coach Vincent Collet had a different explanation for Gobert's diminished role, though:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">France coach Vincent Collet said Rudy Gobert did not undergo surgery on injured finger before win over Canada and lineup changes were based on matchups</p>— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenGolliver/status/1820895246609244205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Canada again was led by NBA Most Valuable Player runner-up Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored a game-high 27 points. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/69533" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/69533">RJ Barrett</a> was the only other Canadian to reach double figures, scoring 16 points.</p><p>"If you don't earn it, that's what happens: You lose," Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters postgame, including <a href="https://x.com/BenGolliver/status/1820888042699460749">The Washington Post's Ben Golliver</a>.</p><p>France's significant size advantage played a major role. Though Canada won the offensive rebounding and points-in-the-paint battles, the home team's physicality helped France get to the free-throw line 42 times compared to Canada's 25 attempts.</p><p>Because of the free-throw discrepancy, Canada took 18 more field goals than the French side but shot just 5-of-21 from 3-point range and had just 14 assists compared to 14 turnovers.</p><p>"Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball," Canada head coach Jordi Fernandez told reporters, including <a href="https://x.com/ArashMadani/status/1820892684770537843">Sportsnet's Arash Madani</a>.</p><p>Germany-France is a rematch from the group stage, where the Germans won 85-71 in a game they led by 24 in the second half. The other semifinal will feature Serbia against the winner of USA-Brazil.</p>

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Canada (C) in action with Victor Wembanyama of France (R) and Isaia Cordinier of France during the Men's Basketball Quarterfinal match between France and Canada on day eleven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 06, 2024 in Paris, France.

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Host nation France eliminates Canada in Olympic men's basketball

The Utah Jazz are expected to sign star forward Lauri Markkanen to a long-term extension, sources...

<p>The Utah Jazz are expected to sign star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53404" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53404">Lauri Markkanen</a> to a long-term extension, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1820847540876558639">The Athletic's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The deal is reportedly slated to be signed later this week, which would make Markkanen untradeable for the upcoming season. The Finnish forward had been the focus of trade speculation, notably involving the Golden State Warriors.</p><p>Markkanen's deal could reportedly be worth more than $200 million over five years.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 7-footer has become a top-tier scorer in his two seasons in Utah after coming over from the Cleveland Cavaliers. He averaged 25.6 points per game in a 2022-23 season where he won the league's Most Improved Player award and made his first All-Star team. He followed that up by averaging 23.2 points per game last year.</p><p>Despite Markkanen's emergence, the Jazz haven't been a factor in the Western Conference, finishing 12th in both seasons.</p><p>The Warriors, along with the San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings, showed the most interest in acquiring Markkanen.</p><p>Golden State was reportedly uninterested in including 2023 first-rounder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110258" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110258">Brandin Podziemski</a> in any potential deal for Markkanen, which stalled trade talks with the Jazz.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 30: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a basket against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter at Ball Arena on October 30, 2023 in Denver, Colorado.

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Report: Jazz expected to sign Markkanen to extension past trade date

The New York Knicks named point guard Jalen Brunson the 36th team captain in franchise history, t...

<p>The New York Knicks named point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> the 36th team captain in franchise history, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>The decision comes in the same offseason that Brunson left nearly $113 million on the table when signing a four-year, $156.5-million extension with the club to provide more financial flexibility for future roster additions.</p><p>Brunson becomes the first Knicks captain since Lance Thomas in the 2018-19 season. The campaign was Thomas' last full year in the NBA, and he averaged 4.5 points in 46 appearances.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Last season marked a superstar breakout for Brunson, who averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists for the Knicks. He made his first All-Star Game appearance, earned a spot on the All-NBA second team, and finished top-five in both Most Valuable Player and Most Improved Player voting.</p><p>Brunson's success coincided with the Knicks' first 50-win season since 2012-13 and a second-round playoff berth. New York has won more playoff series in Brunson's two campaigns since coming over from the Dallas Mavericks than in the 22 years prior.</p><p>The Knicks have had a notable offseason beyond Brunson in an effort to make a run at an NBA title. They signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46480" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46480">OG Anunoby</a> to a massive five-year, $212.5-million deal and traded five first-rounders for Brooklyn Nets wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37879">Mikal Bridges</a>.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 08: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts after a three point basket during the first quarter Indiana Pacers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 08, 2024 in New York City.

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Brunson named Knicks' team captain

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green said his head coach Steve Kerr and Team USA are "cra...

<p>Golden State Warriors forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a> said his head coach Steve Kerr and Team USA are "crazy" for benching <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> to open the Olympics.</p><p>"You just don't not play Jayson Tatum in Game 1 of the Olympics," Green said on his podcast, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6kg4leHuMM"><em>The Draymond Green Show</em></a>."</p><p>The Boston Celtics star, along with Indiana Pacers point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a>, sat in the United States' 110-84 victory over Serbia to open group play, with Kerr and Co. choosing to run with a 10-man rotation.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's been an eventful summer for the 26-year-old Tatum, who was rewarded with the biggest contract in NBA history after leading the Celtics to the NBA title, cashing in with a five-year, $314-million deal.</p><p>After sitting in Game 1, Tatum entered the starting lineup in the USA's second game against South Sudan, while Philadephia 76ers big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> took his spot on the bench. Celtics guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/383" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/383">Jrue Holiday</a> sat in Game 3 against Puerto Rico due to a minor ankle injury, with Embiid returning to the starting rotation.</p><p>The constant shuffling from the U.S. squad has raised eyebrows from Green, a two-time Olympian.</p><p>"Quite frankly, I don't like it," Green said. "Come out with a rotation and stick with it. These teams aren't good enough to where we're trying to match their lineup. They've got to match our lineup."</p><p>He added, "It just comes off as like a 'we made a mistake as a coaching staff' ... you now combat it with 'alright, now this guy isn't playing.'"</p><p>USA leads the men's basketball field with a plus-62 margin of victory across the group stage. It takes on Brazil in the quarterfinals on Tuesday and will meet the winner of Serbia and Australia with a victory.</p>

LILLE, FRANCE - AUGUST 2: Jayson Tatum #10 of Team USA handles the ball during the USA Men's National Team practice on August 2, 2024 at Palais des Sports Marcel-Cerdan in Paris, France. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Draymond: USA 'crazy' for benching Tatum to start Olympics

Following the end of the group phase, the men's basketball championship bracket is set at the 202...

<p>Following the end of the group phase, the men's basketball championship bracket is set at the 2024 Paris Olympics.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ROAD TO GOLD 🥇<br><br>Men’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Basketball</a> Quarter-Finals are here 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/rCdpqMzulb">pic.twitter.com/rCdpqMzulb</a></p>— FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1819852892016111932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Eight of the tournament's 12 teams advanced to the quarterfinals, which will all take place on Tuesday. Both sides of the bracket were also drawn to pre-determine potential semifinal contests.</p><h3>Side A</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
<th>Date/Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Germany</td>
<td>Greece</td>
<td>Aug. 6/5:00 a.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canada</td>
<td>France</td>
<td>Aug. 6/12:00 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Winner Game 1</td>
<td>Winner Game 2</td>
<td>Aug. 8/TBD</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Side B</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
<th>Date/Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Serbia</td>
<td>Australia</td>
<td>Aug. 6/8:30 a.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>United States</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
<td>Aug. 6/3:30 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Winner Game 1</td>
<td>Winner Game 2</td>
<td>Aug. 8/TBD</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The finals will be played on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 3:30 p.m. ET between the bracket winners. The bronze-medal game will take place at 5:30 a.m. ET.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The United States rolled through group play, winning all three games by a total of +64, the largest margin in the field. The squad, which is full of NBA roster players, will take on a Brazilian team whose only active NBA player is the Golden State Warriors' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/102773" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/102773">Gui Santos</a>. Brazil is tied for the fewest active NBA players in the entire field.</p><p>Canada also came out of its group undefeated, picking up three close wins. The undersized team awaits a jumbo France squad with two 7-footers, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/30615" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/30615">Rudy Gobert</a>, in its starting five. However, the host country struggled in the group stage, barely defeating now-eliminated Japan before getting blasted by Germany.</p><p>The Germans have been the most dominant team outside of the U.S., and they draw NBA superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> and Greece in the quarters. Meanwhile, Serbia and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> will be the slight favorite against a balanced Australia squad.</p>

USA's #06 LeBron James reacts in the men's preliminary round group C basketball match between Puerto Rico and USA during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on August 3, 2024.

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Canada-France, USA-Brazil highlight Olympic men's basketball bracket

Former All-Star and lottery pick Gordon Hayward is retiring from the NBA, he announced Thursday. ...

<p>Former All-Star and lottery pick Gordon Hayward is retiring from the NBA, he announced Thursday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you 🙏🏻 <a href="https://t.co/fqbw3WML0n">pic.twitter.com/fqbw3WML0n</a></p>— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) <a href="https://twitter.com/gordonhayward/status/1819010197857198161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Utah Jazz drafted Hayward ninth overall in 2010, and he played the first seven seasons of his career with the franchise. His final campaign in Utah was the best of his NBA tenure, averaging 21.9 points per game.</p><p>Following that year, Hayward signed with the Boston Celtics, though he suffered a season-ending leg injury five minutes into his first appearance with the team. He played two more years in Boston before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hayward started 167 of the 168 games he played in Charlotte from 2020-24 before being dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder at last year's trade deadline. The veteran was barely used in OKC, playing under seven minutes per game in the playoffs and going scoreless.</p><p>The 34-year-old is perhaps best known for his illustrious college career at Butler, where he and head coach Brad Stevens led the then-mid-major program to the national title game against Duke in 2010. Butler fell by just two points, and Hayward had one of the most famous missed shots of all time, a half-court prayer that nearly won it for the Bulldogs at the buzzer.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">On this day in 2010, Gordon Hayward and Butler (+7) almost made the buzzer beater against Duke in the National Championship 💔<br> <a href="https://t.co/UdYLVuwoVx">pic.twitter.com/UdYLVuwoVx</a></p>— SportsBettingDime (@SBD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBD/status/1776266228996186451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Hayward finishes his career with averages of 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 45.5% shooting and 37% from 3-point range across 649 regular-season appearances. He also suited up in 36 playoff games across five postseason runs.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 27: Gordon Hayward #33 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after scoring in the first half against the Houston Rockets at Paycom Center on March 27, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Former All-Star Gordon Hayward retires after 14 seasons

The Cleveland Cavaliers are extending center Jarrett Allen on a three-year, $91-million maximum d...

<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers are extending center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53393" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53393">Jarrett Allen</a> on a three-year, $91-million maximum deal, his agent told <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1818737314291478798">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.</p><p>Adding on to the end of his previous contract, Allen is set to receive $131 million over the next five seasons.</p><p>Allen has spent the last three-and-a-half seasons with Cleveland after spending his first three-plus years in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He scored a career-high 16.5 points per game last season, adding 10.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while sharing the frontcourt with rising star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a>. He also finished 10th in Defensive Player of the Year voting.</p><p>Allen is the third Cavaliers player to receive a major extension this summer, joining Mobley and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44998" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998">Donovan Mitchell</a>.</p><p>The Cavs are looking to build off a 48-34 campaign where they won a first playoff series since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/72">LeBron James</a> played for the franchise.</p>

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 25: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a free throw during the game against the Orlando Magic during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2024 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE

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Cavaliers hand Allen 3-year, $91M max extension

The Memphis Grizzlies are bringing back sharpshooter Luke Kennard on a one-year, $11-million cont...

<p>The Memphis Grizzlies are bringing back sharpshooter Luke Kennard on a one-year, $11-million contract, sources told <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1818691537183650192">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.</p><p>Kennard spent the last season and a half with the Grizzlies after three years with the Los Angeles Clippers. He's a career 43.9% 3-point shooter and has hit at least 44% of his threes in four straight seasons.</p><p>Like many of the Grizzlies' players last season, Kennard was hampered by injuries. He missed 43 games, largely due to a lingering knee issue.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Memphis acquired the guard to provide spacing alongside superstar point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62077" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62077">Ja Morant</a>. Kennard shot a scorching 54% from three in 24 regular-season games with Memphis in 2022-23.</p><p>The Grizzlies are looking to rebound from a slide in the standings last season. They trotted out 33 different players across the campaign as Morant, Kennard, and starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93901" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93901">Desmond Bane</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24740" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24740">Marcus Smart</a> each missed at least half the year.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 01: Luke Kennard #10 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts and smiles against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on April 01, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett led the way as Canada survived Giannis Antetokounmpo's mon...

<p>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett led the way as Canada survived Giannis Antetokounmpo's monster 34-point performance to win 86-79 over Greece on Saturday to open group play at the 2024 Paris Olympics.</p><p>The contest was Canada's first Olympic men's basketball game in 24 years.</p><p>The Canadians never trailed in the matchup but also didn't pull away on the scoreboard, and a lead that ballooned to 16 points in the third quarter was cut down to just two in the final minutes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, Gilgeous-Alexander's clutch bank shot with 42 seconds remaining sealed the deal for Canada.</p><p>The Oklahoma City Thunder star scored 21 points in the contest, adding five rebounds and seven assists. Still, Barrett paced the squad, with the Toronto Raptors forward recording 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting.</p><p>After missing last year's World Cup, Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray played 18 minutes off the bench for Canada but finished a team-worst minus-21 and scored just eight points.</p><p>The contest was filled with foul trouble, as each team took 32 free throws. Three starters fouled out for Canada, but the team's 88% clip from the charity stripe surpassed Greece's 75% mark.</p><p>Outside of Antetokounmpo's huge scoring performance on 11-of-17 shooting, Kostas Papanikolaou was the only other Greece player in double figures, tallying 17 points.</p><p>Canada takes on 1-0 Australia on Tuesday, while Greece plays against 0-1 Spain.</p>

Canada's #02 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (C) challenges Greece's #34 Giannis Antetokounmpo (L) and Greece's #0 Thomas Walkup in the men's preliminary round group A basketball match between Greece and Canada during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on July 27, 2024.

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Canada holds off Giannis, Greece to win Olympic opener

Five-star point guard Darius Acuff will join John Calipari and Arkansas ahead of the 2025-26 seas...

<p>Five-star point guard Darius Acuff will join John Calipari and Arkansas ahead of the 2025-26 season, he announced Friday, according to <a href="https://www.on3.com/college/arkansas-razorbacks/news/arkansas-john-calipari-commitment-darius-acuff-5-star-pg/">ON3's Joe Tipton</a>.</p><p>Acuff is listed as the No. 10 overall recruit and the No. 2 point guard on ESPN's 2025 prospect rankings. He's the first five-star player in his class to commit to a program.</p><p>The 6-foot-1 floor general out of IMG Academy chose the Razorbacks over Kansas and Michigan.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Acuff is Calipari's first 2025 recruit at Arkansas. This upcoming season will be the legendary coach's first in Fayetteville after bouncing over from SEC rival Kentucky.</p><p>Calipari has been responsible for helping develop successful point guards throughout his career, including Derrick Rose, John Wall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, Jamal Murray, and recent lottery picks Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham.</p>

SPRINGFIELD, MA - JANUARY 14: Darius Acuff Jr. of IMG (5) during the first half of the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between Sunrise Christian Academy and IMG Academy on January 14, 2024 at Blake Arena in Springfield, MA

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2025 5-star PG Acuff commits to Arkansas

The Brooklyn Nets are signing former Detroit Pistons lottery pick Killian Hayes to a one-year dea...

<p>The Brooklyn Nets are signing former Detroit Pistons lottery pick Killian Hayes to a one-year deal with a chance to make the roster in training camp, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1816583080590647387">The Athletic's Shams Charania</a> on Thursday.</p><p>Hayes was selected with the No. 7 pick in the the 2020 draft. The American-born French national was playing overseas ahead of his time in the NBA.</p><p>The 22-year-old struggled mightily in Detroit and was waived in February after three-and-a-half seasons with the Pistons. He remained unsigned for the rest of the campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hayes has career averages of 8.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game in 210 contests, including 145 starts. He's a career 38.2% shooter from the field and is 27.7% from beyond the arc.</p><p>Hayes' win shares (minus-0.5) are the fewest of anyone in the 2020 class.</p><p>The Nets are starting from scratch after trading away <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37879">Mikal Bridges</a> to the New York Knicks in the offseason. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96032" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96032">Cam Thomas</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11056" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11056">Bojan Bogdanovic</a>, who the team acquired in the Bridges trade, are the only two players on the roster who averaged at least 15 points per game last season.</p><p>Hayes will likely factor into the rotation as the team assesses its young talent.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 7: Killian Hayes #7 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 7, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Report: Nets sign Killian Hayes to 1-year deal

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