Giannis Antetokounmpo denied a recent report indicating that he discussed his long-term future wi...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> denied a recent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3417789" href="https://thescore.com/news/3417789">report</a> indicating that he discussed his long-term future with the Milwaukee Bucks."I personally have not had the conversation with the Bucks," Antetokounmpo told reporters Thursday, including <a href="https://x.com/eric_nehm/status/2001770821866737918?s=20">The Athletic's Eric Nehm</a>, in his first media availability since suffering a calf strain on Dec. 3. "I'm still locked in, locked in on my teammates. Most importantly, locked in on me getting back healthy."However, Antetokounmpo didn't dismiss the possibility that his agent, Alex Saratsis, spoke with Milwaukee or other teams.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"If my agent is talking to the Bucks about (my future), he is his own person," Antetokounmpo said. "He can have any conversation he wants about it. At the end of the day, I don't work for my agent. My agent works for me."And there's going to be conversations that are going to be made between him and the Bucks and him and his other players and him and other teams and others GMs, executives around the league. It's something that you can't control."Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee has been up in the air since the offseason. The Bucks reportedly engaged with the New York Knicks in August on a potential Antetokounmpo trade, but the two sides didn't strike a deal.New York is reportedly the two-time MVP's only desired trade destination if he were to leave the Bucks.Antetokounmpo voiced his frustrations in late November during a seven-game losing skid for the team, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3413124" href="https://thescore.com/news/3413124">saying</a> no Bucks player should have a "personal agenda."Milwaukee <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3428571" href="https://thescore.com/news/3428571">reportedly</a> intends to be buyers at the trade deadline even though it sits five games below .500 and 11th in the Eastern Conference.Antetokounmpo is halfway through the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3418524" href="https://thescore.com/news/3418524">reported</a> two-to-four week timeline for his calf strain. He's averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists across 17 appearances this season.Antetokounmpo has one season remaining on his contract plus a $62.8-million player option for 2027-28.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 11: Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks watches the action during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum on December 11, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33783883/related

Giannis denies speaking with Bucks about future: 'I'm still locked in'

Cooper Flagg was expected to run away with this season's Rookie of the Year award, but another Du...

Cooper Flagg was expected to run away with this season's Rookie of the Year award, but another Duke standout is staking his claim.Kon Knueppel, the Charlotte Hornets' fourth overall selection in June, began turning heads the following month in Las Vegas as he captured MVP honors while leading Charlotte to the Summer League championship.The 6-foot-6 wing's strong form carried into the opening month of the regular season. He became the first player in NBA history with 50 threes through their first 15 games and soon after surpassed Hall of Fame center Alonzo Mourning for the most points by a Hornets rookie through 25 appearances. The hot start earned him Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors for November and two nominations for the East's Player of the Week.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Knueppel leads all first-year players in scoring (19 points per game) and is tied for third league-wide in threes made (89) behind only Donovan Mitchell and Stephen Curry. The 20-year-old has shown the poise of a veteran during his brief time in the Association and is breathing new life into the Hornets' locker room."He truly has just a winning spirit to him. A winning mindset. Anything that he can do to help impact the game," Charlotte head coach Charles Lee told theScore prior to his team's clash with the Toronto Raptors on Dec. 5.Knueppel's versatility has bolstered a Hornets squad that finished 29th in offensive efficiency last season. The former Blue Devils star is first and foremost an elite 3-point marksman, knocking down 40.5% of his attempts. He's fourth in the NBA on catch-and-shoot triples (2.6 per contest) and is drilling 49.1% of his pull-up threes.Knueppel's off-ball movement, in particular, makes him a dangerous threat from beyond the arc. He excels at reading defenses and relocating to open spots. Lee frequently deploys Knueppel in handoffs and creates clean looks for him through off-ball screening actions.The Wisconsin native has also found a lot of success in pick-and-rolls. As a screener, he keeps the opposition off balance with his ability to pick-and-pop to the 3-point line or slip to the basket. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/roll-man?dir=D&amp;sort=PPP">only</a> player this season with more points per possession as a roll man than Knueppel.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kon Knueppel slipping, ghosting, popping <a href="https://t.co/mBRKhsWiWe">pic.twitter.com/mBRKhsWiWe</a>— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/UsherNBA/status/1986105569460068765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>And when he's handling the rock, Knueppel can pull up from distance when defenders go under screens, set up big men rolling to the basket, or create 3-point opportunities off the drive-and-kick.Lee is impressed with Knueppel's pick-and-roll growth, especially since it wasn't a huge part of his arsenal until he joined Duke. Charlotte needed his playmaking with Brandon Miller sidelined early on and LaMelo Ball back on the shelf."When Melo and Brandon are out there, it's good to have him as your second-side guy who's a great threat to either be able to catch-and-shoot or, if we don't have that initial action to score off, ... he can create one," Lee said. "I think with his ability to screen in a lot of different ways and then also to be able to handle it in the pick-and-roll, it gives us another person we can play through when one of those guys are out.Lee added: "I think that he's learning a ton. Our group is getting more and more comfortable with him as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, and I look forward to just seeing the evolution because I know he's just gonna keep getting better with more reps."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814081/cropped_GettyImages-2244183946.jpg?ts=1765841174" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814081/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244183946.jpg?ts=1765841174 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814081/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244183946.jpg?ts=1765841174 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814081/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244183946.jpg?ts=1765841174 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814081/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244183946.jpg?ts=1765841174 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814081/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244183946.jpg?ts=1765841174 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Furthermore, Knueppel is developing his passing skills as one of the Hornets' primary initiators.Knueppel's assists are up from his lone collegiate season, and his 15.4% assist percentage ranks in the 78th percentile among wing players, according to <a href="https://cleaningtheglass.com/stats/player/5497#tab-offensive_overview">Cleaning the Glass</a>. He's dropped at least five dimes on five occasions, including during a pair of nine-assist performances.However, Knueppel's ability to score and facilitate is drawing more attention from opposing coaches, which has partially contributed to a team-high 61 turnovers. As a result, he's slowly learning to take what defenses give him instead of forcing tough shots.Knueppel's seven-assist performance versus the Raptors is a great example of his progression as a decision-maker. He exercised patience when probing the lane, waiting until he drew a second defender before feeding teammates Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate for uncontested dunks.On a two-on-one break, Knueppel avoided an offensive foul in transition, stopping and making the simple pass to KJ Simpson instead of bowling over Raptors guard Jamal Shead. Throughout the game, he dumped off passes to the dunker's spot and repeatedly turned down good shots in favor of better ones for his teammates."He's getting a lot more rearview contests and got some of his jumpers in the paint blocked. Just going and watching some film with him, he's made that adjustment quickly," Lee said. "Some delayed reads to the bigs. Also kicking out for shooters. I give his teammates and him credit. We're doing a better job of finding those windows."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814080/cropped_GettyImages-2248640445.jpg?ts=1765840616" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814080/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248640445.jpg?ts=1765840616 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814080/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248640445.jpg?ts=1765840616 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814080/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248640445.jpg?ts=1765840616 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814080/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248640445.jpg?ts=1765840616 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814080/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248640445.jpg?ts=1765840616 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Knueppel's displayed the same savviness on the defensive end.He doesn't have the wingspan or stocks that are associated with a typical defensive stopper but makes up for it by constantly staying one step ahead of his counterparts.Lee says one of Knueppel's "greatest skills" is his physical frame, which allows him to absorb contact and prevent his man from penetrating the defense further. Opposing players simply can't brush him aside, and it's something he takes great pride in.Knueppel made several defensive plays in that mold against the Raptors. The rising star switched onto Collin Murray-Boyles and stopped the 245-pound forward in his tracks on a drive attempt. He forced Immanuel Quickley to settle for a fadeaway jumper at the third-quarter buzzer after thwarting a pair of attacks at the rim.During a transition sequence, Knueppel read Ja'Kobe Walter so well that the latter tripped over his own feet and traveled because the Hornets wing correctly anticipated the direction he was heading.And when Knueppel does get beaten off the bounce, he uses his body to make the shot as difficult as possible.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
These are 2 possessions that won't get talked about enough (if at all). Kon Knueppel's defense shows up on these plays even if he gets beaten initially off the bounce. He does a subtle job of applying contact to Quickley on these drives, forcing him wider than he wants. Angles! <a href="https://t.co/DUrgQkG2Ak">pic.twitter.com/DUrgQkG2Ak</a>— Richie (@richierandall) <a href="https://twitter.com/richierandall/status/1997124181146648663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Knueppel's combination of physicality and high basketball IQ has him atop the team leaderboard in deflections (50) and loose balls recovered (20). He's contested the fourth-most shots (131) as well."He's really locked in and focused on tendencies," Lee said. "So, where he may gave up some size or some athleticism, he's really smart and knows (driving) angles, tendencies, and how to beat you to a spot.Lee added: "He's just got great activity and instincts. He wants to be all over the place. He understands the importance of trying to disrupt the other team any way he possibly can."It's hard to imagine a better start to Knueppel's career.He's flirting with the 50/40/90 club, on pace to shatter Keegan Murray's single-season 3-point rookie record, and bringing a refreshing defensive approach to the Hornets.Charlotte's a long way from title contention, but Knueppel is the type of culture-changer every rebuilding team needs."He understands what he brings offensively, but he understands you've gotta be good on both ends of the floor in order to win games at any level, especially at the elite level of the NBA," Lee said.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33778740/related

Winning mindset: Knueppel drawing ROY buzz with 2-way play

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson was named MVP of the 2025 NBA Cup.  Brunson joins LeBron James...

New York Knicks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> was named MVP of the 2025 NBA Cup.Brunson joins <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> as the only winners of the award.The All-Star guard averaged 33.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds during the tournament.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jalen Brunson, the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup MVP ✨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAonPrime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAonPrime</a> <a href="https://t.co/sVW9X86a4y">pic.twitter.com/sVW9X86a4y</a>— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAonPrime/status/2001145326330053109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Brunson received 19 of 20 votes from a panel of media members, with teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46480" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46480">OG Anunoby</a> earning the other vote.The Villanova product also received two tallies from the fan vote, which counted for five votes.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jalen Brunson was named the <a href="https://twitter.com/emirates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@emirates</a> NBA Cup MVP based on his performance in both Group Play and the Knockout Rounds. Twenty media members were part of the voting panel. In addition, NBA fans counted for five votes by voting via the NBA App and <a href="https://t.co/RZc8nGJPtX">https://t.co/RZc8nGJPtX</a> with… <a href="https://t.co/oDgZpFvp2N">pic.twitter.com/oDgZpFvp2N</a>— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/2001146114444038243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Brunson tallied 25 points, eight assists, and four boards in Tuesday's championship match against the San Antonio Spurs. He scored six points in the fourth quarter to help the Knicks complete an 11-point comeback.

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 16: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks smiles after winning the 2025 Emirates Cup MVP Award during the Emirates NBA Cup Final game on December 16, 2025 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2025 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33766166/related

Brunson named NBA Cup MVP

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says he remains on good terms with Joe Lacob after a ...

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says he remains on good terms with Joe Lacob after a recently leaked email showed the team owner voicing frustration with the club's current state of affairs."We're all frustrated," Kerr told reporters Tuesday, including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47327941/steve-kerr-leaked-joe-lacob-email-all-frustrated">ESPN's Anthony Slater</a>. "Joe is frustrated. I'm frustrated. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Steph (Curry</a>) and (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a>), everybody's frustrated. This is kind of how the league works. I hate when people are going to post private emails. Imagine if everyone's emails were just publicly posted, how tough that would be to live our lives."Joe supports me 100 percent. I support him. We have a great connection. We've had so much continuity here. Our stable environment in our organization is one of our strengths."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Warriors fan Justin Dutari emailed Lacob following Sunday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers to criticize the team's use of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> as well as the roster's lack of size.Lacob promptly responded to Dutari, who then posted the brief exchange on Reddit.Golden State later confirmed that Lacob replied to Dutari's email.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A Warriors fan emailed owner Joe Lacob frustrated about the team and got a response 2 minutes later. "You can't be as frustrated as me. I am working on it." <a href="https://t.co/JO73g8bnfv">pic.twitter.com/JO73g8bnfv</a>— Front Office Sports (@FOS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOS/status/2001017968415924384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"Not a big deal," Kerr said of the email. "Not concerned about anything like that."The Warriors have lost four of their past six games, dropping to eighth in the Western Conference.Curry continues to play some of the best basketball of his career, averaging 29.6 points and shooting 41.2% from deep. However, his 48-point effort against the Blazers wasn't enough to avoid defeat.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Head coach Steve Kerr (L) and governor Joe Lacob of the Golden State Warriors look on during a game between the Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33761548/related

Kerr not concerned about Lacob's leaked email: 'We're all frustrated'

Cleveland Cavaliers star Evan Mobley is expected to miss two-to-four weeks due to a left calf str...

Cleveland Cavaliers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a> is expected to miss two-to-four weeks due to a left calf strain, the team announced Saturday.Mobley sustained the injury in the Cavaliers' 130-126 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday. Cleveland is already without starting center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53393" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53393">Jarrett Allen</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Mobley was averaging a career-high 19.1 points, 9.3 boards, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 blocks across 25 appearances this season.The USC product was coming off a strong 2024-25 campaign in which he captured his first Defensive Player of the Year award along with an All-Star nod and an All-NBA selection.The Cavs sit seventh in the East with a 15-11 record.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 30: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Arena on November 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 117-115.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33720392/related

Cavaliers' Mobley out 2-4 weeks due to calf strain

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot, th...

Dallas Mavericks center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110268" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110268">Dereck Lively II</a> will undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot, the team announced Wednesday.Lively is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of training camp.The big man sought a second and third opinion before deciding to have surgery, according to <a href="https://x.com/BannedMacMahon/status/1998800542227984630?s=20">ESPN's Tim MacMahon</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It's the same foot that Lively required a procedure on last summer."Dereck has handled every challenge of this season with professionalism and resilience," Mavericks co-interim general manager Matt Riccardi said in a statement obtained by NBA insider <a href="https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1998801516816113701?s=20">Marc Stein</a>."While this is a setback, we're confident in his long-term future and will support him fully through his recovery."The Duke product finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting two seasons ago but has struggled to stay healthy throughout his young career.Lively made just seven appearances this season, averaging 4.3 points, 5.3 boards, and 1.6 blocks.The Mavs are already without starting center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60087" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60087">Daniel Gafford</a>.

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 14: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during the first half of a 2025-26 Emirates NBA Cup game against the LA Clippers at American Airlines Center on November 14, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33677865/related

Mavs' Lively to undergo season-ending foot surgery

The Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a three-year, $69-million deal with three-time All-Star relieve...

The Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a three-year, $69-million deal with three-time All-Star reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/5384">Edwin Díaz</a>, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1998430952113230194?s=20">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.Díaz's contract establishes a new benchmark for relievers, setting a record for average annual value, adds Passan.The New York Mets offered Díaz a three-year contract worth $66 million with modest deferrals, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/1998445770035347861?s=20">Joel Sherman of The New York Post</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The former Mets closer also reportedly drew interest from the Toronto Blue Jays before coming to terms with the Dodgers.Díaz hit the open market this offseason after opting out of his five-year, $102-million contract.New York extended a one-year, $22.025-million qualifying offer to Díaz, which he rejected. With the 2018 AL saves leader reportedly set to join L.A., the Mets will receive a compensation pick after the fourth round.Díaz was the top reliever available on the market. He spent the last six seasons with the Mets, tallying 144 saves and 538 strikeouts.The 31-year-old posted a 6-3 record to go along with a 1.63 ERA during the 2025 campaign. His 28 saves ranked fifth in the National League, while his whiff rate (41.5%) and strikeout rate (38%) both ranked in the 99th percentile, according to <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/edwin-diaz-621242?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb">Baseball Savant</a>.The Puerto Rico native's strong performance earned him his third career Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award.Díaz solidifies the back end of the Dodgers' bullpen following Tanner Scott's struggles during his first year in Hollywood.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8784" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8784">Evan Phillips</a>, who closed games in 2023 and 2024, was recently non-tendered by Los Angeles.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 16: Edwin Díaz #39 of the New York Mets in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on May 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33666122/related

Report: Dodgers sign Díaz to 3-year, $69M deal

The Golden State Warriors will discuss trades for Jonathan Kuminga when he's eligible to be moved...

The Golden State Warriors will discuss trades for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96094" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96094">Jonathan Kuminga</a> when he's eligible to be moved on Jan. 15, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47245704/shams-pass-nba-trade-deadline-notes-news-buzz-anthony-davis-giannis-antetokounmpo-teams">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.The Warriors can't currently trade Kuminga, as they re-signed him to a two-year, $48.5-million contract last September.Kuminga was a restricted free agent during the summer and reportedly drew interest from the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings. However, Golden State was unable to strike a sign-and-trade deal with either club.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kuminga expressed a desire to stay in the Bay Area long term shortly after agreeing to his new deal with the Warriors. The 23-year-old started the first 12 games of the season before shifting to the bench and later missed seven straight contests with knee tendinitis.He returned to the lineup Nov. 29 and was moved back into Golden State's first five for last Saturday's clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. But head coach Steve Kerr opted not to play Kuminga for the Warriors' next game after he had a poor 1-of-10 shooting performance versus Cleveland.The Warriors drafted Kuminga with the No. 7 overall pick in 2021. He's averaging 12.4 points, 6.3 boards, and 2.6 assists over 17 appearances this season.

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 6: Jonathan Kuminga #1 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 6, 2025 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 2025 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33665968/related

Report: Warriors to discuss moving Kuminga when trade eligible 

The Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors are expected to be suitors for Dallas Mav...

The Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors are expected to be suitors for Dallas Mavericks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a>, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47245704/shams-pass-nba-trade-deadline-notes-news-buzz-anthony-davis-giannis-antetokounmpo-teams">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.The Mavs are open to exploring the trade market for Davis, as well as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60087" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60087">Daniel Gafford</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5334" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5334">Klay Thompson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37752" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37752">D'Angelo Russell</a>, adds Charania.Davis' agent, Rich Paul, met with Dallas interim co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi to seek clarity on the franchise's long-term plan with the 10-time All-Star, according to Charania.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Finley and Riccardi aren't ruling out an extension with Davis, but are keeping their options open as they gauge the team's play over the next few weeks, adds Charania.The Mavs acquired Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers last February as part of the stunning <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> trade.Davis has made just 19 appearances for Dallas, averaging 19.8 points, 10.2 boards, 3.8 assists, and 1.9 blocks. The 32-year-old will become eligible to sign a four-year, $275-million max contract extension on Aug. 6.Davis is under contract through at least 2026-27 and holds a $62.8-million player option for the following campaign.

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 6: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks smiles during the game against the Houston Rockets on December 6, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33665234/related

Report: Pistons, Hawks, Raptors expected to be suitors for AD

College Basketball Full-Court Press recaps the most important developments from the sport and exa...

College Basketball Full-Court Press recaps the most important developments from the sport and examines their significance moving forward. <h3>UConn's back in title conversation</h3>Dan Hurley's squad put the nation on notice with neutral-site wins over BYU and Illinois, as well as a true road victory at Allen Fieldhouse versus Kansas. UConn's lone loss came by four points to Arizona with star center Tarris Reed Jr. sidelined. The offense remains potent with Solo Ball and Alex Karaban spearheading the attack, but the team's return to form defensively has been more vital. Transfer guards Silas Demary Jr. and Malachi Smith are effective point-of-attack defenders, which the Huskies lacked last season following Tristen Newton's departure to the NBA. Demary's shot-creation and Smith's 3-point shooting have also been nice additions to UConn's arsenal.Reed's ankle injury has allowed freshman Eric Reibe to get valuable starting minutes at the five. The 7-foot-1 center has shown a soft touch around the basket, provided rim-protection, and even flashed the ability to step out from beyond the arc. UConn's last two national championship teams had a one-two punch at center, and this year's squad appears to have that formula once Reed gets healthy. Meanwhile, fellow frosh Braylon Mullins displayed his movement shooting prowess in a 17-point performance against the Jayhawks. Despite it being just Mullins' second appearance of his career, he delivered in one of the sport's most feared road environments.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>The kids are pretty good</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810635/cropped_GettyImages-2246588401.jpg?ts=1763576457" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810635/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246588401.jpg?ts=1763576457 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810635/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246588401.jpg?ts=1763576457 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810635/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246588401.jpg?ts=1763576457 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810635/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246588401.jpg?ts=1763576457 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810635/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246588401.jpg?ts=1763576457 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Boston Globe / Boston Globe / Getty</figcaption></figure>NBA teams aren't hesitating to tank with a whole crop of talented freshmen expected to headline next year's draft. The first-year players are somehow exceeding the hype that surrounded them heading into college, strengthening their cases as top picks with each standout performance.Duke's Cameron Boozer is an early front-runner for the Wooden Award. Demonstrating great footwork in the post, ball-handling skills, and 3-point range, the 6-foot-9 forward is the NCAA's third<a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/cameron-boozer-3.html">-</a>highest scorer (23 points per contest). AJ Dybantsa, this year's No. 1 overall recruit, is bringing national attention to BYU. The Cougars star provided a glimpse of his potential versus UConn, knocking down several contested shots during his second-half takeover. Caleb Wilson is leading the charge for North Carolina with his elite athleticism, high motor, and activity on the glass.Darryn Peterson showcased his two-way abilities in Kansas' first pair of games before injuring his hamstring. Although Kingston Flemings was the third-ranked prospect in Houston's 2025 recruiting class, he's easily been the most impactful. The guard has fit nicely alongside Milos Uzan in the Cougars' backcourt, displaying sound decision-making, perimeter efficiency, and explosiveness off the bounce. Tennessee's Nate Ament and Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr. have both teased promise amid some subpar shooting performances.<h3>What's wrong with Florida?</h3>Florida's title defense is off to a bumpy start. The Gators lost to Arizona on opening night, narrowly beat a Florida State team picked to finish 15th in the ACC preseason poll, and blew a 10-point second-half lead to TCU. Yet amid the early struggles, the team's frontcourt trio has been terrific. Thomas Haugh has made a significant leap as a full-time starter, Alex Condon continues to build on a solid sophomore year, and Rueben Chinyelu is among the NCAA's leading rebounders.The root of Florida's issues has been in the backcourt, with transfers Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland unable to replicate the production the program received a year ago from Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and Alijah Martin. Lee is only shooting 21.1% from deep and 24.7% overall. Meanwhile, Fland isn't a natural point guard but has been tabbed to be the lead facilitator. While Todd Golden can take solace in the fight his team showed down the stretch on the road against Duke, his players managed only four assists on 25 field goals in the contest. That isn't going to get the job done against anybody, let alone contenders. The Gators have another test Tuesday when they take on UConn in a rematch of last season's Round of 32 tilt.<h3>Transition three</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812704/cropped_GettyImages-2246216953.jpg?ts=1764968571" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812704/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246216953.jpg?ts=1764968571 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812704/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246216953.jpg?ts=1764968571 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812704/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246216953.jpg?ts=1764968571 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812704/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246216953.jpg?ts=1764968571 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812704/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246216953.jpg?ts=1764968571 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Arizona making early statement: Arizona might have the most impressive resume through the first month of the 2025-26 campaign. Tommy Lloyd's group opened the season by upsetting defending national champion Florida, then defeated UCLA on a neutral floor and UConn in its own building. The Wildcats are only the third team in AP Poll history to have multiple top-three wins within their first five contests. Senior guard Jaden Bradley has thrived as the team's closer, putting away the Gators, Bruins, and Huskies with a series of clutch baskets. Five-star freshman Koa Peat dropped 30 points in his debut versus Florida and dominated the paint in the school's victory against UConn. Junior forward Tobe Awaka continues to rebound at an elite level, even though he's now coming off the bench.Don't sleep on Iowa State: The Cyclones asserted themselves among the country's top programs with a dominant 23-point win Saturday over top-ranked Purdue. The result is the largest non-conference home loss by a No. 1 team in AP Poll history, according to <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/1997379489420972317?s=20">ESPN Research</a>. T.J. Otzelberger transformed Iowa State into a defensive juggernaut when he took over in 2021. His team's physicality and intensity kept the Boilermakers' top-ranked offense in check. Purdue's lethal 3-point attack was limited to a 22% clip, while All-American floor general Braden Smith committed a season-high six turnovers. It's no secret that the Cyclones' bread and butter is their defense, but a vastly improved attack gives them optimism when March rolls around. They're on pace to set a new single-season school record for scoring (94.6 points per contest) and boast four double-digit scorers. Iowa State also ranks third in the NCAA in 3-point percentage (43.8%), with Milan Momcilovic's 53.6% mark sitting eighth nationally.Simplify the Players Era Festival: The Players Era Festival was the highlight of Feast Week, as eight top-25 squads took part in the second edition of the multi-team event. While the tournament produced some great early-season basketball, its format confused fans and made it difficult for coaches to game plan for their final opponent. The Players Era Festival used point differential as a tiebreaker to decide the championship and third-place matchups. As a result, teams didn't know who they'd be facing until 12:30 a.m. EST on game day. March Madness has always been synonymous with a bracket, and it's something tournament organizers should consider for next year's event, when it expands to 32 schools.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33634472/related

CBB Full-Court Press: UConn, Florida heading in opposite directions

The Toronto Maple Leafs placed goaltender Joseph Woll on injured reserve, the team announced Satu...

The Toronto Maple Leafs placed goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> on injured reserve, the team announced Saturday.The move is retroactive to Dec. 4, when he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3419067" href="https://thescore.com/news/3419067">sustained</a> a lower-body injury against the Carolina Hurricanes and didn't return for the third period.Leafs head coach Craig Berube is optimistic Woll will miss just one week, he told reporters Saturday, including <a href="https://x.com/sunhornby/status/1997343812914425975">Postmedia's Lance Hornby</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9228" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9228">Artur Akhtyamov</a> was recalled from the AHL's Toronto Marlies and will back up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13814" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13814">Dennis Hildeby</a> for Saturday's matchup versus the Montreal Canadiens, according to <a href="https://x.com/DaveAMcCarthy/status/1997325621253304632">Dave McCarthy of NHL.com</a>.Woll has a 4-3-1 record to go along with a .923 save percentage this season. The 27-year-old missed the first month of the campaign for personal reasons.The Leafs have won three straight games and sit four points back of the East's second wild-card seed entering Saturday's play.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 04: Goaltender Joseph Woll #60 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates during a stoppage in play during the first period of a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on December 4, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33616027/related

Leafs place Woll on IR with lower-body injury

Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero is available to play Friday evening against the Miami Heat, the...

Orlando Magic star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102767" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102767">Paolo Banchero</a> is available to play Friday evening against the Miami Heat, the team announced.Banchero missed the Magic's last 10 games with a left groin strain. The team posted a 7-3 record during his absence.Banchero is optimistic about his conditioning level despite the extended layoff.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I'm sure I'll have a lot of adrenaline. But my legs feel very fresh," Banchero told reporters Friday, including <a href="https://x.com/therealBeede/status/1996984295257202892?s=20">Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel</a>. "It's not the same as it was last year where I missed 30-something games. ... I've done a ton of testing, running, jumping, and dunking - all the movements that I normally do in the game, I've been able to do without any pain or discomfort."The All-Star forward averaged 21.7 points, 8.7 boards, and 4.1 assists across 12 appearances prior to being sidelined. His 19.5% assist percentage ranks in the 87th percentile among forwards, per <a href="https://cleaningtheglass.com/stats/player/5090#tab-offensive_overview">Cleaning the Glass</a>.Banchero's return should bolster Orlando's ninth-ranked offense.The Magic are tied for fifth in the East with a 13-9 record entering Friday's play.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 10: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball up the court against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Kia Center on November 10, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33602984/related

Magic's Banchero available vs. Heat after missing last 10 games

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein is sidelined a minimum of 10-14 days with a right...

Oklahoma City Thunder center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60051" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60051">Isaiah Hartenstein</a> is sidelined a minimum of 10-14 days with a right soleus strain, the team announced Saturday.It's unclear when Hartenstein sustained the injury, but he was ruled out for Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns due to ankle soreness.Hartenstein will miss at least four more contests under the timeline provided by the Thunder.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Fourth-year big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102798" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102798">Jaylin Williams</a> is expected to fill Hartenstein's spot in the starting lineup.Oklahoma City signed Hartenstein to a three-year, $87-million contract in July 2024.The big man played a key role in last season's title run, averaging 8.1 points, 7.5 boards, and 2.2 assists across 23 playoff appearances.Hartenstein was off to a strong start to the 2025-26 campaign, averaging a career-high 12.2 points and ranking sixth in the NBA with 10.7 rebounds per game.

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 7: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings during the 2025-26 Emirates Cup on November 7, 2025 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 2025 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33525022/related

Thunder's Hartenstein out at least 10-14 days with calf strain

Toronto Raptors wing RJ Barrett will miss at least one week after medical imaging revealed a righ...

Toronto Raptors wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69533" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69533">RJ Barrett</a> will miss at least one week after medical imaging revealed a right knee sprain, the team announced Wednesday.Barrett suffered no structural damage, and the Raptors are expected to provide an update on his condition as warranted.The 25-year-old sat out Monday's victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers and is slated to miss at least four more games under the timeline provided by Toronto.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barrett sustained the injury during Sunday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets. He landed awkwardly after making a transition dunk and headed straight to the locker room.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
RJ Barrett leaves the game after landing awkwardly on a dunk. <a href="https://t.co/kM9XYqaBPv">pic.twitter.com/kM9XYqaBPv</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1992758145358442686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Barrett has been a key part of the Raptors' hot start, averaging 19.4 points, 4.8 boards, and 3.8 assists across 17 appearances this season. He's shooting a career-high 50.6% from the field, including a 35.6% clip from deep.Barrett has tallied 20-plus points in 10 games, and his 52% mark on mid-range attempts ranks in the 85th percentile among wings, per <a href="https://cleaningtheglass.com/stats/player/4574#tab-shooting_accuracy">Cleaning the Glass</a>.

TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 21: RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on November 21, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33472885/related

Raptors' Barrett out at least 1 week with knee sprain

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is expected to return Sunday against the Cleveland Cavali...

Los Angeles Clippers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a> is expected to return Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources told NBA insider <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1992272512957428052">Chris Haynes</a>.Leonard has missed 10 games since spraining his ankle Nov. 3 against the Miami Heat. The Clippers have gone 2-8 during the six-time All-Star's absence.He's has struggled to stay healthy throughout his time in Los Angeles. The two-time Finals MVP has never played more than 68 games in his previous six seasons with the franchise.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Leonard was off to a strong start prior to his latest injury, averaging 24.3 points, 5.7 boards, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals across six appearances.The Clippers are tied for 11th in the West with a 5-11 record following Saturday's victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 3: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers dribbles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on November 3, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33400421/related

Report: Kawhi expected to return Sunday vs. Cavs

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul will retire at the end of the season, his 21st in the NBA, ...

Los Angeles Clippers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/314" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/314">Chris Paul</a> will retire at the end of the season, his 21st in the NBA, sources told <a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1992271800353308988">Shams Charania of ESPN</a>.The 40-year-old appeared to hint this is his last season ahead of Saturday's homecoming game against the Charlotte Hornets.The North Carolina native released a video on social media featuring highlights from all his stops in the NBA with the caption:<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><blockquote>Back in NC!!! What a ride...Still so much left...GRATEFUL for this last one!!</blockquote><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Back in NC!!! What a ride…Still so much left…GRATEFUL for this last one!! 🤞🏾 <a href="https://t.co/1ZaJSqsWRD">pic.twitter.com/1ZaJSqsWRD</a>— Chris Paul (@CP3) <a href="https://twitter.com/CP3/status/1992232807511494812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Paul didn't speak about the video following Saturday's contest, according to <a href="https://x.com/SteveReedAP/status/1992332144191197626">Steve Reed of The Associated Press</a>.However, teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/351" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/351">James Harden</a> reflected on Paul's career, saying he's meant "a lot" to the NBA."Just being president of the players' association. On the court, having some really good runs with different teams," Harden <a href="http://x.com/SteveReedAP/status/1992338822781137258?s=20">said</a> postgame. "He was just a winning point guard. ... He's impacted the game and winning everywhere he went. I was fortunate enough to be his teammate."Paul returned to the Clippers this summer on a one-year, $3.6-million contract. The future Hall of Famer has played sparingly this season, averaging 2.5 points and 3.3 assists in 13.7 minutes across 10 appearances.He spent the peak of his career in Los Angeles, earning six NBA All-Defensive first-team selections, five All-Star nods, five All-NBA selections, and a pair of top-five MVP finishes during his initial stint with the franchise.The then-New Orleans Hornets selected Paul with the No. 4 overall pick in 2005. He won Rookie of the Year honors that same season and placed second in MVP voting in his third campaign in the Association.Paul also made stops with the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs.Paul helped the Rockets reach the 2018 West finals, where they fell in seven games to the Stephen Curry-led Warriors.Paul finally reached his first NBA Finals in 2021 as a member of the Suns. The 40-year-old was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team earlier that year. He trails only John Stockton in both regular-season assists and steals.Paul starred for Wake Forest before embarking on his two-decade career in the Association. He earned consensus All-American first-team honors as a sophomore and is one of 11 players in program history to have their number retired.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 20: Chris Paul #3 of the LA Clippers brings the ball up the floor in the second half during a gmae against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center on November 20, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33399798/related

Report: CP3 retiring at end of season

Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis will miss at least three-to-four weeks after an MRI reveal...

Sacramento Kings star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38429" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38429">Domantas Sabonis</a> will miss at least three-to-four weeks after an MRI revealed a partially torn meniscus in his left knee, the team announced Thursday.Sabonis experienced knee soreness following Sunday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs and then sat out Wednesday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.Sabonis has battled multiple injuries early in the campaign. The three-time All-Star injured his hamstring during the preseason and missed two games earlier in November with a rib cage contusion.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He's averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 11 appearances this season.Sacramento has dropped seven straight games and sits second-last in the Western Conference.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 14: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during an NBA Cup game at Target Center on November 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Kings 124-110.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33374358/related

Sabonis out at least 3-4 weeks with knee injury

LaMelo Ball has grown increasingly frustrated with the Charlotte Hornets and is open to being tra...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93879">LaMelo Ball</a> has grown increasingly frustrated with the Charlotte Hornets and is open to being traded, sources told <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/sources-lamelo-ball-open-to-a-trade-away-from-hornets-215320741.html">Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko</a>.The Hornets' front office is becoming more hesitant to cement Ball as a long-term piece and isn't opposed to moving him elsewhere, reports Iko.Ball later refuted Iko's report of his discontent on social media.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🤡 <a href="https://t.co/JFzW4alF0k">https://t.co/JFzW4alF0k</a>— Melo (@MELOD1P) <a href="https://twitter.com/MELOD1P/status/1991644767235764597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Charlotte drafted Ball with the No. 3 overall pick in 2020. The 6-foot-7 guard enjoyed early success, winning Rookie of the Year and earning his first All-Star nod a year later.However, Ball has continuously struggled to stay healthy, making just 114 appearances since his sophomore campaign.Ball is averaging 21.6 points and 9.6 assists this season but is shooting a career-low 38.5% from the field. He was benched for the final 4:32 of Wednesday's loss to the 2-13 Indiana Pacers.Ball is under contract through the 2028-29 season. He signed a five-year, $203.9-million deal in July 2023.The Hornets sit 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 4-11 record entering Thursday.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 19: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33374955/related

Report: Ball open to trade amid growing frustrations with Hornets

The Los Angeles Lakers dismissed Joey and Jesse Buss from their positions in the front office, ef...

The Los Angeles Lakers dismissed Joey and Jesse Buss from their positions in the front office, effective immediately, the brothers told <a href="https://espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47038460/lakers-fire-joey-buss-jesse-buss-front-office-positions">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Thursday.The Buss brothers served as scouts for the last decade, helping the team find players including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37799" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37799">Kyle Kuzma</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6245" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6245">Jordan Clarkson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102775" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102775">Max Christie</a>.Much of the Lakers' scouting staff was also relieved of their duties Thursday, sources told <a href="https://x.com/mcten/status/1991602055618916743">Dave McMenamin of ESPN</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We are extremely honored to have been part of this organization for the last 20 seasons," Joey and Jesse Buss said in a statement. "Thank you to Laker Nation for embracing our family every step of the way."We wish things could be different with the way our time ended with the team. At times like this, we wish we could ask our dad what he would think about it all."Their father, Jerry Buss, bought the Lakers, the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, and The Forum arena from Jack Kent Cooke in 1979 for $67.5 million.Joey and Jesse will keep their minority ownership shares in the Lakers.Billionaire Mark Walter, whose TWG Global investment group owns the Los Angeles Dodgers and the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3382580" href="https://thescore.com/news/3382580">finalized</a> his purchase of a majority stake in the Lakers in October. He's owned a minority portion of the NBA team since 2021.Jeanie Buss will remain Lakers governor for at least the next five years and oversee day-to-day operations "for the foreseeable future" as part of the sale to Walter.Jeanie assumed control of the NBA club in 2017 following a protracted ownership dispute with her brothers."Dr. Buss' idea was for Joey and I to run basketball operations one day," Jesse told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1991612789652353346">Charania</a> in a statement. "But Jeanie has effectively kept herself in place with her siblings fired."

El Segundo, CA - June 06: Siblings Joey and Jesse Buss (in black hat), from left, sitting in the front row during a press conferrence announcing new Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham, at the UCLA Health Training Center, in El Segundo, CA, Monday, June 6, 2022. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33373143/related

Lakers fire Joey, Jesse Buss from front office roles

Five-star recruit Babatunde Oladotun has committed to Maryland, he told ESPN's Paul Biancardi.  O...

Five-star recruit Babatunde Oladotun has committed to Maryland, he told <a href="https://x.com/SCNext/status/1991305620071346374">ESPN's Paul Biancardi</a>.Oladotun is the No. 8 overall recruit and third-ranked power forward on the <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/259940/babatunde-oladotun">ESPN 100</a> for 2026.The teenager chose his home state school over Georgetown and Arkansas.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Staying home just hits different," Oladotun told Biancardi, per <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/1991305910019313995">Jeff Borzello of ESPN</a>.Oladotun was the No. 1 overall prospect for 2027 before reclassifying to next year's class.The 6-foot-10 forward is a three-level scorer that boasts a 7-foot-1 wingspan.Oladotun joins a solid recruiting class that features four-star prospects Kaden House, Austin Brown, and Adama Tambedou.Maryland made its first Sweet 16 in nine years last season. The Terrapins are currently in their first season with Buzz Williams at the helm.

SILVER SPRING, MD- JANUARY 5, 2024: Blake player Babatunde Oladotun (left)shoots over Sherwood's Erin Thompson (right) during the Boys basketball game between Blake High School vs Sherwood High School at Blake High School in Silver Spring, MD on January 5, 2024.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33364484/related

Maryland lands 5-star recruit Oladotun

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/chicco-nacion/content_cards

Chicco Nacion

News Editor

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/matthew-washington/content_cards