Joe Mazzulla has a way with words.  The Boston Celtics bench boss has repeatedly flummoxed report...

<p>Joe Mazzulla has a way with words.</p><p>The Boston Celtics bench boss has repeatedly flummoxed reporters, fans, and even his own players with some of his quips, and he did it again recently, using nature's cruel circle of life as a metaphor to take issue with the idea of the Celtics having to simply "defend" their title.</p><p>"I think the word 'defend' is a very passive-aggressive term," he told <a href="https://youtu.be/s8hAEIHzBRE?t=839">John Karalis on the "Locked On Celtics"</a> podcast. "You go back to the animal kingdom, some of the strongest animals don't defend. They're the most aggressive, and they attack the most."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Erasure of herd mentality aside, it's another example of how Mazzulla makes it impossible to gauge how serious he is, thanks to his deadpan delivery. So, in no defined order, here are some of Mazzulla's other memorable lines that have left us equally baffled.</p><h3>Enjoying the boobirds</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744507/cropped_GettyImages-1253330379.jpg?ts=1725990207" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744507/w220xh124_GettyImages-1253330379.jpg?ts=1725990207 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744507/w320xh180_GettyImages-1253330379.jpg?ts=1725990207 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744507/w640xh360_GettyImages-1253330379.jpg?ts=1725990207 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744507/w768xh432_GettyImages-1253330379.jpg?ts=1725990207 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744507/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1253330379.jpg?ts=1725990207 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Boston Globe / Boston Globe / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>"I don't mind getting booed. It's good for ya."</em></p><p>After a Feb. 1 home loss to the rival Los Angeles Lakers this past year, Mazzulla was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntzS4UsPsNA&amp;t=179s">asked</a> about the Celtics' home crowd voicing its frustration with the team, and he couldn't even wait until the end of the question to tell you how much he basks in your disappointment.</p><h3>'Spider-Verse' Celtics</h3><p><em>"Have you ever seen 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'? There's like 20 different Spider-Mans? That's like our team."</em></p><p>The Celtics coach was <a href="https://x.com/NBCSCeltics/status/1756160041130815962">answering</a> a question about multiple players showing up in a February win over the Washington Wizards, but along with the unexpected cinema pull, he may have gotten the movie wrong. "Into the Spider-Verse" was five years old at the time and only featured six different Spider-Men in its main cast. However, its 2023 sequel, "Across the Spider-Verse," contained cameos by multiple heroes from the movie's 600-plus-member Spider-Society. Easy mistake, Joe.</p><h3>The other royal family</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744516/cropped_GettyImages-1245254648.jpg?ts=1725998576" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744516/w220xh124_GettyImages-1245254648.jpg?ts=1725998576 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744516/w320xh180_GettyImages-1245254648.jpg?ts=1725998576 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744516/w640xh360_GettyImages-1245254648.jpg?ts=1725998576 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744516/w768xh432_GettyImages-1245254648.jpg?ts=1725998576 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744516/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1245254648.jpg?ts=1725998576 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Boston Globe / Boston Globe / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>"Jesus, Mary, and Joseph? ... I'm only familiar with one royal family. I don't know too much about that one."</em></p><p>Mazzulla was only about two months into his role in November 2022 when the Celtics had the presumed honor of hosting monarchical duo Prince William and Kate Middleton courtside at TD Garden. However, when <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbjS4PC01bo">asked</a> what it was like to be in the royal family's presence, Mazzulla's mind was wholly elsewhere.</p><h3>Unprompted love for 'The Town'</h3><p><em>"Before I forget, no one's ever asked me what my favorite scene from 'The Town' was. I know you guys all know that's my favorite movie, but no one's ever been curious about what my favorite scene is? ... My favorite one is Doug MacRay is getting ready to leave town, and he skips by the FBI's car and leaves a nice, well-thought-out handwritten note underneath the antenna, and then gets out of town. That's my favorite scene."</em></p><p>It was Brian Scalabrine in 2023 who first revealed Mazzulla's apparent obsession with "The Town" - the favorably reviewed 2010 Boston bank-robbing thriller starring Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, and Jon Hamm - when he said the coach watches it four times a week. Though he didn't outright deny it, the extent of Mazzulla's fandom wasn't clear until a year later, when he held reporters back at the end of a presser to <a href="https://x.com/ByJayKing/status/1745212268269220087">drop</a> a lengthy tidbit that only adds to the probability that he's in the middle of a rewatch right now.</p><h3>Shutting down Wemby talk</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/626318/cropped_GettyImages-2149550473.jpg?ts=1714130685" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/626318/w220xh124_GettyImages-2149550473.jpg?ts=1714130685 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/626318/w320xh180_GettyImages-2149550473.jpg?ts=1714130685 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/626318/w640xh360_GettyImages-2149550473.jpg?ts=1714130685 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/626318/w768xh432_GettyImages-2149550473.jpg?ts=1714130685 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/626318/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2149550473.jpg?ts=1714130685 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Boston Globe / Boston Globe / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>"Do not ask me any Wembanyama questions. I don't care."</em></p><p>In Victor Wembanyama's only trip as a rookie to Boston, the Celtics walked away with a 19-point win despite a game-high 27 points from the heavily touted No. 1 pick. So, of course, Mazzulla <a href="https://x.com/NoaDalzell/status/1747815875577524515">walked</a> into the postgame media availability with one immediate rule: no discussing the 7-foot-4 phenom.</p><h3>A masochistic approach</h3><p><em>"I'm always up to get knocked out. I think that's important, too. ... If you can't go through the day hoping you get knocked out, I don't know what you're doing."</em></p><p>In March, TNT analyst Charles Barkley took such offense with Mazzulla trying to block Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale during a timeout that Barkley said he would've "knocked the hell out of him" if the coach tried it against him. In response, Mazzulla <a href="https://youtu.be/3TzSkeeJxWg?t=294">divulged</a> that it would have been his preferred outcome anyway.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics reacts during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 15, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28301094/related

'Jesus, Mary, and Joseph': Revisiting Mazzulla's oddest quotes

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese announced on social media that an injury has ended her season earl...

<p>Chicago Sky rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121629" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/121629">Angel Reese</a> announced on social media that an injury has ended her season early.</p><p>"All I have ever wanted was to come into the (WNBA) and make an impact," Reese said Saturday in a post on X. "I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so. I'm filled with emotions right now that I have a season-ending injury, but also filled with so much gratitude for what is next."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol🥲Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed.… <a href="https://t.co/re1X85mWR2">pic.twitter.com/re1X85mWR2</a></p>— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) <a href="https://twitter.com/Reese10Angel/status/1832586256003559577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The former LSU star didn't offer further details about the injury. However, the Sky later <a href="https://x.com/chicagosky/status/1832596293899669908">announced</a> a wrist issue was the cause, citing a medical evaluation after their win over the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday. Reese registered game highs in points (24) and rebounds (12) in that matchup, playing 32 minutes and shooting 9-of-15 from the field.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>She'd initially been listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dallas Wings because of the wrist injury.</p><p>In her first WNBA season, Reese, the seventh overall pick in the draft, shattered the league's all-time record for rebounds in a single season, finishing with 446 in 34 starts. She eclipsed Sylvia Fowles' 2018 mark of 404, though Las Vegas Aces star and MVP front-runner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/41039" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/41039">A'ja Wilson</a> is also now at 406 following her team's win over the Connecticut Sun Friday.</p><p>Reese concludes her rookie campaign with a double-double average of 13.6 points and a league-best 13.1 boards - the . She was also voted into July's WNBA All-Star Game, joining fellow rookie sensation <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121626" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/121626">Caitlin Clark</a> as the only first-year selections.</p><p>Chicago is 12-22 and locked in a multi-team battle for the league's eighth and final playoff seed, which they currently occupy. Of their six remaining regular-season opponents, only two (the Sun and the Minnesota Lynx) boast winning records. They did get a welcome boost in their win over L.A., with leading scorer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/62509" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/62509">Chennedy Carter</a> returning from a four-game absence due to health and safety protocols.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 30: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky reacts during the game against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena on August 30, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28277818/related

Angel Reese out rest of season with wrist injury

The Dallas Mavericks and forward Markieff Morris reached an agreement to return the veteran free ...

<p>The Dallas Mavericks and forward Markieff Morris reached an agreement to return the veteran free agent to Dallas, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1832524383803343038">The Athletic's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Morris made just 26 appearances, including one start, for the Mavericks last season, in which he averaged just 8.3 minutes. However, the team was reportedly interested in reuniting with the 6-foot-9 journeyman because of his leadership role in the team's locker room during its run to the Finals. With a crowded frontcourt in Dallas, he'll likely take up a similar role in 2024-25.</p><p>The 34-year-old became an NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and then had short stints with the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets before landing on the Mavericks midway through the 2022-23 campaign. He was a part of the same swap that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a> to Dallas.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In a combined 34 contests over one-and-a-half seasons with the Mavs, Morris is averaging three points and 1.5 rebounds. He's represented eight teams across 13 seasons since being taken 13th overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2011, putting up career averages of 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.</p>

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 17: Markieff Morris #88 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on before the game against the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 17, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28274008/related

Report: Mavs bring back vet Markieff Morris

Taylor Fritz will compete in his first career Grand Slam final after defeating fellow American Fr...

<p>Taylor Fritz will compete in his first career Grand Slam final after defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe in five sets, 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, in Friday's US Open semifinal.</p><p>He will face Italian and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Sunday. Sinner defeated Britain's Jack Draper earlier Friday in straight sets.</p><p>Tiafoe appeared to have the upper hand until fatigue seemed to set in approximately midway through the fourth set. At three games apiece, the 26-year-old could only watch as Fritz ripped a cross-court attempt to finish off a grueling 31-shot <a href="https://twitter.com/usopen/status/1832257977329328550">rally</a> to go up 40-15. Tiafoe responded with a vicious forehand return off Fritz's ensuing serve, but the latter delivered one of his 16 aces on the night to wrap up that seventh game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tiafoe then lost eight of the next 10 games, including six straight, while committing a combined 26 unforced errors in the final two sets.</p><p>"I thought I was the better player for sure tonight," Tiafoe said post-match, courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPost_Lewis/status/1832267976357159177">Brian Lewis of the New York Post</a>. "But then in the fourth, I had some cramps. My body just felt like it started shutting down.</p><p>"I don't know, it probably had a lot to do with nerves."</p><p>Fritz is the first American man to reach the US Open's championship match since Andy Roddick lost the 2006 title game to Roger Federer. No American man has won a Grand Slam tournament since Roddick captured the 2003 US Open.</p><p>"It's the reason why I do what I do. It's the reason why I work so hard," Fritz <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPost_Lewis/status/1832267976357159177">said</a> after the win while holding back tears during an on-court interview. "I mean, I'm in the finals of the US Open."</p><p>With Jessica Pegula advancing Thursday to set up a championship showdown against Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday on the women's side, it'll be the first time since 2002 that the Americans will boast a representative in both US Open finals.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 06: Taylor Fritz of the United States celebrates after defeating Frances Tiafoe of the United States in their Men's Singles Semifinal match on Day Twelve of the 2024 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 06, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28259923/related

Fritz outlasts Tiafoe in All-American US Open semifinal

Arike Ogunbowale set a WNBA All-Star Game record with 34 points as she led Team WNBA past the U.S...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/48510" href="https://www.thescore.com/wnba/players/48510">Arike Ogunbowale</a> set a WNBA All-Star Game record with 34 points as she led Team WNBA past the U.S. women's Olympic basketball squad Saturday, 117-109.</p><p>Ogunbowale was named All-Star Game MVP for her performance, shooting 8-of-13 from three and scoring all her points in the second half - 21 in the third quarter alone. The 27-year-old Dallas Wings guard drained back-to-back jumpers from distance with just over four minutes to play to effectively put away the U.S. for good, extending Team WNBA's lead to a game-high 20.</p><p>The result is Ogunbowale's second All-Star Game MVP. She also won the award in 2021 in another victory for the WNBA as Team USA prepared for the Tokyo Games. That year's national side still went a perfect 6-0 to stand on top of the Olympic podium, and the 2024 American squad is widely expected to win an eighth straight gold medal later this summer.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Star rookies <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121626" href="https://www.thescore.com/wnba/players/121626">Caitlin Clark</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121629" href="https://www.thescore.com/wnba/players/121629">Angel Reese</a> left their mark on the contest. The 2024 first overall pick finished with just four points and missed all seven of her attempts from deep but still dished out 10 assists, an All-Star Game record for a rookie. Reese came off the bench and secured a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.</p><p>Breanna Stewart led the Olympians with 31 points and added 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and a block.</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 20: Arike Ogunbowale #24 of Team WNBA smiles during the game against the USA Basketball Women's National Team during the 2024 WNBA All Star Game on July 20, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27812425/related

Team WNBA takes down Team USA at All-Star Game

The Cleveland Cavaliers and big man Evan Mobley agreed on a maximum rookie extension worth $224 m...

<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers and big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a> agreed on a maximum rookie extension worth $224 million over five seasons, Mobley's agents told <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1814840035352461537">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.</p><p>Mobley's new agreement could climb to $269 million if he satisfies certain criteria.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">PAY THE MAN‼️‼️ IM NOT PAYING FOR NOTHIN NO MORE😂😂😂 CONGRATS BROTHA <a href="https://twitter.com/evanmobley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@evanmobley</a> <a href="https://t.co/UOvnJ398LT">https://t.co/UOvnJ398LT</a></p>— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) <a href="https://twitter.com/spidadmitchell/status/1814842114347266396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Mobley, 23, tallied 15.7 points and 9.4 rebounds per game last season while also serving as a key interior defender alongside fellow starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53393" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/53393">Jarrett Allen</a>. The former USC standout missed nearly two months of the season during the winter due to an arthroscopic knee procedure but helped the Cavaliers win seven straight games upon his return, a run that helped the club touch second place in the East after spending much of December in seventh and eighth.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With the former third overall pick tied down long term, he'll feature prominently in Cleveland alongside five-time All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44998" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/44998">Donovan Mitchell</a>, who committed to the franchise with a three-year, $150.3-million extension of his own this summer. Mobley's new agreement will run through 2029-30, while Mitchell can elect to become a free agent after the 2026-27 season.</p><p>Fellow Cavaliers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> is also under contract through at least 2027-28, though the 24-year-old's name has swirled in trade rumors. His agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, reportedly said following the Cavs' playoff exit that he would explore trades for Garland if Mitchell were to sign long term. Garland, however, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2939955" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2939955">rebuffed</a> those rumors earlier this month, saying he didn't want to be traded.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 13: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on May 13, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27811949/related

Cavs sign Mobley to max rookie extension worth up to $269M

Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray doubled up on her All-Star silverware Friday, beating the New Yo...

<p>Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray doubled up on her All-Star silverware Friday, beating the New York Liberty's Jonquel Jones in the final to win the WNBA Three-Point Contest.</p><p>Gray won the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2940722" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2940722">Skills Challenge</a> earlier, making her the first player in history to win both events on the same day.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a night for Allisha Gray 👏<br><br>She wins both the 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/KiaUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kiausa</a> Skills Challenge and the 2024 WNBA STARRY 3-PT Contest!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KiaSkills?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KiaSkills</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/starrylemonlime?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@starrylemonlime</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Starry3PT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Starry3PT</a> <a href="https://t.co/kCm0evfD0a">pic.twitter.com/kCm0evfD0a</a></p>— WNBA (@WNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1814491940660077044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Dream guard's 22 points in the final were just enough to hold off Jones, who fell short by a single point. The Liberty forward advanced out of the first round with a 25-point performance, the best mark by anybody in Friday's field.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>R1</th>
<th>R2</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stefanie Dolson</td>
<td>Mystics</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Allisha Gray</td>
<td>Dream</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jonquel Jones</td>
<td>Liberty</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marina Mabrey</td>
<td>Sun</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kayla McBride</td>
<td>Lynx</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Last year's record-setting winner, Sabrina Ionescu, did not participate this year.</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 19: Allisha Gray #15 of the Atlanta Dream talks to the media after winning the Kia Skills Challenge and the Starry 3 Point Contest on July 19, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27805590/related

Allisha Gray wins Three-Point Contest, sweeps All-Star Friday Night

Allisha Gray of the Atlanta Dream defeated Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham in the final o...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/32607" href="https://www.thescore.com/wnba/players/32607">Allisha Gray</a> of the Atlanta Dream defeated Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham in the final of the Skills Challenge to win the first event of the WNBA's All-Star Weekend.</p><p>Cunningham, competing in front of many of her team's fans in Phoenix, opened the final with a 34.2-second time in the obstacle course before Gray completed it in 32.1 seconds. The Dream guard also had the fastest time of the night out of all five participants, posting a 31.2-second lap in the first round.</p><p>"I knew in the first round I had to at least match the time," Gray said after winning. "And I seen what time Sophie had, so I knew I had to go even faster."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's the first time the 2017 Rookie of the Year has won an All-Star Weekend event. Gray is also participating in Friday's Three-Point Contest.</p><p>The finalists were among four guards to compete in this year's Skills Challenge, joining new Connecticut Sun player Marina Mabrey and the Indiana Fever's Kelsey Mitchell, who had to replace teammate Erica Wheeler due to flight issues as a result of Friday's global tech outage. The hometown Mercury had a second participant in center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/16585" href="https://www.thescore.com/wnba/players/16585">Brittney Griner</a>, who opened the competition with a 46.3-second showing.</p>

SEATTLE, WA - JULY 14: Allisha Gray #15 of the Atlanta Dream goes to the basket during the game on July 14, 2024 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27805091/related

Dream's Gray beats Cunningham in final to win Skills Challenge

Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer isn't concerned about the state of the team as it prepar...

<p>Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer isn't concerned about the state of the team as it prepares to play out of the new Intuit Dome while adjusting to life without All-Star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a>.</p><p>"I think we're going to have a good team this year. We'll see how good we are," Ballmer said Friday at the organization's new arena, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/MarkG_Medina/status/1814413015070191740">Mark Medina of Sportskeeda</a>.</p><p>"I like our guys. I like how hard we're going to compete, and we'll see how far we go. I like where we are right now. Obviously, very different team. Changes in players. But I like where we are. And I like the team that's going to open this building for us."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>George left for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency earlier in July on a four-year max deal worth over $211 million. On a recent episode of his podcast, the 34-year-old <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CI28VTPFZ8">said</a> negotiations on a new contract with the Clippers hit an impasse, prompting him to explore outside interest.</p><p>Losing George wasn't the team's only notable roster turnover this summer. The club is set to be without L.A. native <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/347" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/347">Russell Westbrook</a>, who'll reportedly join the Denver Nuggets after being traded to and waived by the Utah Jazz. The Clippers also signed free agents <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/412" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/412">Nicolas Batum</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45396" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/45396">Derrick Jones Jr.</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70216" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/70216">Kevin Porter Jr.</a></p><p>However, Tyronn Lue's squad will still have some familiarity. The front office re-signed guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/351" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/351">James Harden</a> to a two-year, $70-million contract and has star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a> tied down through 2026-27 after he inked an extension last season.</p><p>Harden and Leonard are also from Los Angeles, which Ballmer said helps form a stronger connection between supporters at the new arena and the team.</p><p>The former Microsoft CEO also played a starring role Friday in unveiling a 360-degree video board at the Intuit Dome.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Clippers turn on their Halo Board at Intuit Dome for the first time <a href="https://t.co/PN7D6u0UxO">pic.twitter.com/PN7D6u0UxO</a></p>— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) <a href="https://twitter.com/joeylinn_/status/1814402634759188974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Clippers' 2024-25 home opener is reportedly scheduled for Oct. 23. Bruno Mars will open the arena with a concert on Aug. 15.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers is congratulated by owner owner Steve Ballmer after an overtime win over Boston Celtics, 107-104, at Staples Center on November 20, 2019 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.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27804323/related

Ballmer optimistic as Clippers adjust to new arena, no Paul George

Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob delivered a glowing assessment of Brandin Podziemski amid r...

<p>Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob delivered a glowing assessment of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110258" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/110258">Brandin Podziemski</a> amid <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2939971" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2939971">reported</a> trade talks involving the second-year guard and Utah Jazz star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53404" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/53404">Lauri Markkanen</a>.</p><p>"He does so many things well," Lacob told <a href="https://x.com/NBCSWarriors/status/1813776891767374240">NBC Sports</a> on Wednesday. "He's ultra-confident. He's got an NBA body. Can get wherever he wants. Obviously, he can shoot threes, he can drive, he can pass. I mean, what can't he do? We're really excited. We think we've got a future All-Star. We really do."</p><p>The Warriors are reportedly one of multiple teams vying for Markkanen, who averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and shot a hair under 40% from deep in 55 games last season for the rebuilding Jazz. Golden State presented an offer laden with draft-pick compensation plus swingman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96093" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/96093">Moses Moody</a> for the 27-year-old, according to The Athletic. However, the Jazz reportedly responded by also asking for forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96094" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/96094">Jonathan Kuminga</a> and Podziemski.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Drafted 19th overall last season out of Santa Clara, Podziemski impressed as a rookie in the Bay Area's high-pressure setting. The 21-year-old started 28 of 74 games while averaging 9.2 points (10th among rookies), 5.8 rebounds (second on last season's Warriors behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a>), and 3.7 assists. Though he shot 38.5% from deep on the season, he was much more efficient off the bench, hitting threes at a 42.3% clip as a reserve.</p><p>Markkanen is one of the more impactful names supposedly available on the trade market and would immediately bolster the team's hopes of contention alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> and Green. Due to his contract expiring after the season, Utah is likely to deal him elsewhere to avoid letting him walk for free next summer. However, the franchise's CEO, Danny Ainge, is likely to maintain a firm asking price for the forward; the executive developed a reputation as a tough negotiator during his 18-year stint as a top executive in the Boston Celtics' front office.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Phoenix Suns on July 13, 2024 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27793907/related

Warriors owner dubs Podziemski 'future All-Star' amid Markkanen trade rumors

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving underwent surgery recently after breaking his left hand while...

<p>Dallas Mavericks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a> underwent surgery recently after breaking his left hand while training earlier this month, the team announced, per <a href="https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1813365614851027278">insider Marc Stein</a>.</p><p>The Mavericks didn't provide an expected timetable for recovery but said that further updates on his status would be delivered when appropriate.</p><p>Irving averaged 25.6 points, 5.2 assists, and five rebounds in 58 games for Dallas last season. Alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>, he led the franchise to its first NBA Finals in 13 years.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 32-year-old missed some time during the regular season but due to unrelated ailments; a right heel contusion caused him to miss 12 consecutive contests in December before a thumb sprain on his right hand ruled him out for six straight games the following month.</p>

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 17: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 17, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27786284/related

Kyrie undergoes surgery after breaking hand

The New York Knicks and guard Jalen Brunson have agreed on a four-year, $156.5-million extension,...

<p>The New York Knicks and guard Jalen Brunson have agreed on a four-year, $156.5-million extension, his agent told <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1811867780884627697">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.</p><p>The deal is a significant discount for Brunson, who could've sought a five-year, $269-million contract as a free agent in 2025. It affords New York significantly more financial flexibility to continue to build its roster around the 27-year-old.</p><p>Brunson will own a player option worth $43 million for the final year of the extension in 2028-29, according to Wojnarowski. Had he waited until free agency to sign a max deal with the Knicks, that contract would've paid him over $61 million in its final year in 2029-30.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Villanova product scored a career-best 28.7 points per game last season in 77 starts and has emerged as the franchise's de facto captain since signing with the Knicks as a free agent in the summer of 2022. Along with earning his first All-Star nod, Brunson had a career night in late March when he scored 61 points in an overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs - one shy of Carmelo Anthony's franchise-record 62 from 2014.</p><p>Brunson registered his best performance in a Knicks win in December, when he dropped 50 points on 17-of-23 shooting, going a perfect 9-of-9 from distance, against the Phoenix Suns. He's also helped the Knicks reach the conference semifinals in both seasons with the club, including a run this past spring in which New York took the Indiana Pacers to seven games despite multiple injuries.</p><p>Friday was the earliest Brunson could've signed his new extension.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 14, 2024 in New York City.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27758008/related

Knicks' Brunson takes discount with $156.5M extension

Canada Basketball on Wednesday announced the 12 players it will take to the 2024 Paris Olympics l...

<p>Canada Basketball on Wednesday announced the 12 players it will take to the 2024 Paris Olympics later this month.</p><p>The finalized list includes multiple veterans with significant NBA experience, including star guards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> of the Oklahoma City Thunder and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a> of the Denver Nuggets.</p><p><strong>Canada's men's Olympics squad</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Nickeil Alexander-Walker</td>
<td>Timberwolves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RJ Barrett</td>
<td>Raptors</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Khem Birch</td>
<td>Basquet Girona (Spain)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dillon Brooks</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luguentz Dort</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melvin Ejim</td>
<td>Unicaja (Spain)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trey Lyles</td>
<td>Kings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamal Murray</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Nembhard</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kelly Olynyk</td>
<td>Raptors</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dwight Powell</td>
<td>Mavericks</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Canadians weren't able to include their entire NBA contingent, however. Memphis Grizzlies rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121683" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/121683">Zach Edey</a>, who was invited to Canada's training camp before the draft, withdrew from consideration to focus on his debut professional season. The Golden State Warriors also refused to allow experienced wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31937" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/31937">Andrew Wiggins</a> to participate in the camp due to medical concerns, according to <a href="https://x.com/michaelgrange/status/1806719831275634807">Sportsnet's Michael Grange</a>.</p><p>The Canadians, coached by Brooklyn Nets bench boss Jordi Fernandez, take on the United States in an exhibition contest Wednesday in Las Vegas. They'll then play Greece in each country's Group A opener at the Olympics on July 27. It will be Canada's first appearance in the men's Olympic basketball tournament since the 2000 Games in Sydney.</p>

TORONTO, ON- JULY 6 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander uses a little body English to help a shot into the basket as the Superfan Nav Bhatia hosts a send off for the Men's, Women's, and wheelchair basketball teams representing Canada at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games at Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport in Toronto. July 6, 2024. Steve Russell/Toronto Star (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27744003/related

SGA, Murray headline Canada's Olympic 12-man squad

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard won't be part of Team USA's Olympic squad after all.  The...

<p>Los Angeles Clippers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a> won't be part of Team USA's Olympic squad after all.</p><p>The 33-year-old appeared set to participate in his first Olympics this summer after being named in USA Basketball's 12-man roster for the Las Vegas camp. However, the organization released a statement Wednesday saying that the Clippers and the national program mutually decided to keep Leonard out.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">An update on Kawhi Leonard from the USA Basketball Men's National Team. <a href="https://t.co/84TjYpc90i">pic.twitter.com/84TjYpc90i</a></p>— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/usabasketball/status/1811049692345815332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Boston Celtics guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/32925" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/32925">Derrick White</a> is replacing Leonard on Team USA's roster.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to the 🇺🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USABMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USABMNT</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Dwhite921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dwhite921</a>! <a href="https://t.co/99n1S33ITO">pic.twitter.com/99n1S33ITO</a></p>— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/usabasketball/status/1811067990668104106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Leonard has been bothered by a sore and inflamed knee for months, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5629094/2024/07/10/kawhi-leonard-out-usa-olympics-team/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Joe Vardon and Charania</a>. Leonard's camp notified USA Basketball of concern surrounding his status earlier this week, a source told <a href="https://x.com/MarcJSpears/status/1811051000515678512">Spears</a>.</p><p>The two-time Defensive Player of the Year averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and shot 41.7% from deep for L.A. last season. He played in 68 games, his most in a single season since a 74-game campaign with the San Antonio Spurs in 2016-17; however, swelling in his right knee caused him to miss the Clippers' final eight regular-season contests and four of their six first-round games against the Dallas Mavericks.</p><p>White is coming off his first NBA title with the Celtics. The 30-year-old guard played a pivotal role in helping the franchise claim its 18th championship, posting 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 blocks while shooting 40.4% in 19 playoff games.</p><p>Team USA, which plays an exhibition game Wednesday against Canada, is also temporarily without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a>, who's battling a calf strain. The Americans are hoping to claim a fifth straight gold medal at the men's Summer Olympics tournament. They've failed to finish in first just once since 1992 - settling for bronze at the 2004 Summer Games in Athens.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: Kawhi Leonard #8 of the USA Basketball Men's Team looks on during USAB Men's Training Camp in Las Vegas on July 7, 2024 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 2024 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27742676/related

Kawhi out of Olympic squad, replaced by Derrick White

UConn announced Monday it agreed to a new six-year, $50-million contract with head coach Dan Hurl...

<p>UConn announced Monday it agreed to a new six-year, $50-million contract with head coach Dan Hurley that'll tie him to the school through 2029-30</p><p>Hurley signed a six-year extension with the school worth $32.1 million last year after winning the first of UConn's back-to-back national titles. His new contract overwrites the prior agreement, increasing his base salary to $400,000 annually and offering performance-based incentives.</p><p>The agreement between the sides caps off a whirlwind summer of negotiations for the back-to-back national champion bench boss, who turned down a lucrative offer in June to coach the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers reportedly entered a bid of around $70 million over six years to hire Hurley.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"On behalf of UConn Nation, we are thrilled that coach Hurley will continue to lead the men's basketball program for the foreseeable future," UConn's athletics director David Benedict said in a <a href="https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2024/7/8/mens-basketball-hurley-and-the-huskies-agree-to-new-contract.aspx">statement</a>.</p><p>"Dan and Andrea have poured themselves into the rebuilding of this program that culminated in the last two national championships. This contract is recognition for the immense amount of effort that went into producing those results and the dedication it will require to sustain a program that expects to compete for conference and national championships in the future."</p><p>Since taking over UConn's program in 2018, Hurley has spearheaded the team to a combined 141-58 record over six seasons, the last four spent in the Big East following its departure from the AAC. Along with leading them to consecutive national titles, Hurley managed the Huskies to a program-best 37-3 record last campaign and followed up their regular-season title by conquering the Big East Tournament.</p><p>"It's an honor to coach basketball at UConn and to represent this world-class institution and the great state of Connecticut," Hurley said.</p><p>"We are extremely proud of the championship program that we have rebuilt for our supporters and fans. We will continue to obsessively pursue championships and historic success while continuing to develop great young men."</p>

HARTFORD, CT - FEBRUARY 06: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley on the sidelines during the men's college basketball game between the Butler Bulldogs and UConn Huskies on February 6, 2024, at the XL Center in Hartford, CT.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27730066/related

UConn, Dan Hurley agree to new 6-year, $50M deal

At 35, Kevin Durant doesn't envision himself walking away from basketball any time soon.  "I just...

<p>At 35, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> doesn't envision himself walking away from basketball any time soon.</p><p>"I just love to play the game," Durant told <a href="https://youtu.be/VrzhOUVmgkE?t=591">Yahoo's Vincent Goodwill</a> recently at the USA Basketball Olympic camp in Las Vegas. "Like I said, if it's a good situation, if I'm still enjoying the game of basketball - my goal is, play this shit until the wheels fall off. Whatever role that is. So, we'll see."</p><p>Currently at camp with USA Basketball ahead of what will be his fourth Olympics appearance, the 2007 second overall pick is simultaneously preparing to play in what will be his 17th NBA campaign. However, Durant hasn't missed a beat in recent years, even after an Achilles tear in the 2019 Finals caused him to miss all of the following season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Since returning from that injury, Durant has averaged 28.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 212 combined games with the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns. In that time, he's also been less than a free-throw percentage away from 50/40/90 shooting splits.</p><p>The four-time gold medalist will likely play through the rest of his contract with Phoenix, which will pay him a remaining $100 million through the 2025-26 campaign. If he doesn't negotiate a new deal with the Suns before then, Durant will enter free agency in the summer of 2026 just months before an age-38 season.</p><p>When asked by Goodwill if he'd consider taking a step back into being more of a role player later in his career, the 14-time All-Star had a tongue-in-cheek response.</p><p>"I've always played a role," Durant <a href="https://youtu.be/VrzhOUVmgkE?t=563">said</a>." My whole career - that's why I'm so good at basketball. Because I know my role.</p><p>"Maybe they need me to do this one time, one possession they may need me to do that. I may need to bring the ball up, I may need to guard the best player, I might need to hit a three - so I can tap in a role any time. It's about how many minutes, how many shots I'm going to get. And I'm cool with it."</p>

DENVER, CO - MARCH 27: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns smiles during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 27, 2024 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27724889/related

Durant: Goal is to play until 'wheels fall off'

Buddy Hield is heading to the Bay.  The Golden State Warriors are acquiring the sharpshooting gua...

<p>Buddy Hield is heading to the Bay.</p><p>The Golden State Warriors are acquiring the sharpshooting guard from the Philadelphia 76ers through a sign-and-trade, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1808927751694659961">The Athletic's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Hield is signing a $21-million contract worth a fully guaranteed $18 million in the first two seasons, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1808932735819657226">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>. Since sign-and-trades must be completed with at least three-year terms, his deal also reportedly contains a partial guarantee of $3 million in Year 3, plus a player option for the non-guaranteed fourth and final year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The transaction will officially be reported to the league as part of a five-team trade including the already agreed-upon deals involving <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5334" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/5334">Klay Thompson</a> to the Dallas Mavericks and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24784" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/24784">Kyle Anderson</a> to the Warriors, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/1808936982850252878">Anthony Slater of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Golden State reportedly agreed to send Philadelphia the Mavericks' second-round pick in 2031 to complete Hield's acquisition.</p><p>The two teams were first <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2935159" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2935159">reported</a> to be in talks over the 31-year-old late Tuesday.</p><p>Hield scored 12.1 points per game last season, splitting time between the Indiana Pacers and the 76ers, who landed him in a three-team deal in February. He posted rounded shooting splits of 42/39/92 in 32 games with Philly, 14 of them starts.</p><p>The eight-year vet is likely to replace the outside shooting Golden State lost with Thompson's reported departure to the Mavericks. Hield, a career 40% 3-point shooter, shot 42.5% in a full season with the Pacers in 2022-23.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 23: Buddy Hield #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 23, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27706637/related

Report: Warriors complete sign-and-trade with 76ers for Hield

The Brooklyn Nets are acquiring guard Shake Milton from the New York Knicks via sign-and-trade as...

<p>The Brooklyn Nets are acquiring guard Shake Milton from the New York Knicks via sign-and-trade as part of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37879" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/37879">Mikal Bridges</a> trade, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1808896145818857848">The Athletic's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The arrangement will reportedly earn Milton a three-year, partially guaranteed deal with Brooklyn in which he'll earn slightly more than the minimum in Year 1, while Years 2 and 3 are non-guaranteed. Sign-and-trades require the player involved to sign a contract of at least three seasons.</p><p>Milton played in just six contests for the Knicks last season after agreeing to a buyout with the Detroit Pistons. He started the year in Minnesota after signing with the Timberwolves as a free agent before the team flipped him in February as part of a package for guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30665" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/30665">Monte Morris</a>. He broke out prior as a bench scorer with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he averaged 9.3 points over five seasons.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In return, the Knicks will add veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37750" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/37750">Keita Bates-Diop</a>. The 28-year-old played 53 games combined between the Phoenix Suns and Nets last season. However, only 14 of those came with Brooklyn before a tibia stress fracture ended his season three weeks early.</p><p>In order to stay underneath the CBA's first tax apron, New York is sending <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93977" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/93977">Mamadi Diakite</a> to the Nets, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/FredKatz/status/1808897218310484076">Fred Katz of The Athletic</a>. Diakite played just eight minutes total with the Knicks last season over three appearances.</p><p>Both franchises <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2931659" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2931659">reportedly</a> agreed in late June on the overall framework of a trade that would reunite Bridges with several of his former Villanova teammates with the Knicks in exchange for significant draft compensation to the Nets. Once finalized, it will be the first completed trade between the two teams since 1983.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Shake Milton #13 of the New York Knicks dribbles during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on May 14, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 121-91.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27705931/related

Report: Nets land Milton via sign-and-trade in Bridges deal with Knicks

Longtime NBA head coaches Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks are joining the Los Angeles Lakers as th...

<p>Longtime NBA head coaches Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks are joining the Los Angeles Lakers as the top assistants on JJ Redick's staff, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1808521192262729793">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.</p><p>The two veteran coaches have worked a combined 2,363 NBA games and are expected to support Redick in his first year as a bench boss.</p><p>McMillan was most recently in charge of the Atlanta Hawks in 2022-23. He replaced Lloyd Pierce midway through 2020-21 and went on to lead the club to the Eastern Conference finals that year. He went 99-80 in two-and-a-half seasons in Atlanta before the team fired him in February 2023. McMillan first worked behind the bench in the 1999-00 campaign as an assistant to Paul Westphal on the Seattle Supersonics.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Along with Seattle, he was also head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers for several seasons.</p><p>Brooks spent seven campaigns as head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, followed by five with the Washington Wizards. He made multiple postseason appearances with both, including a run to the Finals in 2012 with the Thunder and their then-star trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook. Brooks has also been an assistant on several coaching staffs, including this past season's Portland Trail Blazers alongside Chauncey Billups.</p><p>McMillan and Brooks have never previously worked together in the league. They also never served as head coaches for Redick, who played 15 NBA seasons on six different teams.</p>

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 03: Nate McMillan of the Indiana Pacers and Scott Brooks of the Washington Wizards shake hands after the game at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 03, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27699586/related

Report: Lakers hire McMillan, Brooks as Redick's top assistants

LeBron James is putting pen to paper.  The free-agent forward is returning to the Los Angeles Lak...

<p>LeBron James is putting pen to paper.</p><p>The free-agent forward is returning to the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $104-million max contract.</p><p>His new deal contains a no-trade clause, Wojnarowski <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1808477299269861401">adds</a>. It also reportedly includes a player option for 2025-26, potentially setting up James to enter free agency again next summer.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, James' agent, is <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1808483960168616410">reportedly</a> still discussing the possibility of the 39-year-old taking approximately $1 million less than his max salary. That would keep the Lakers below the new second apron in the CBA, allowing them to avoid strict roster-building restrictions for tax-paying teams, such as prohibiting combining multiple outgoing salaries in trades.</p><p>James was expected to recommit to L.A. after turning down a $51.4-million player option for this coming season. The four-time MVP is entering his 22nd NBA campaign but will have the unique opportunity to become the first player in history to play with his son, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121726" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/121726">Bronny James</a>, whom the Lakers selected 55th overall in this year's draft. He'll also play under longtime friend JJ Redick, who was hired to replace Darvin Ham as head coach in June.</p><p>James, who'll turn 40 this year, continues to be one of the most productive players on the Lakers. The 20-time All-Star led the franchise in scoring (25.7 points per game) and assists (8.3) last season while adding 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He helped L.A. advance past the play-in tournament to the first round, though the team fell in five games to the Denver Nuggets.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 4: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles during the game against the Washington Wizards on April 4, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27698417/related

LeBron signs 2-year, $104M max deal with Lakers

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/jonathan-soveta/content_cards