Articles from July 2025

Nets Executive Makes Bold Prediction About Michael Porter Jr.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 18: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets shoots the ball during the first half of game seven of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on May 18, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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.
(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets made a significant roster move by trading forward Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets. The deal also included an unprotected 2032 first-round pick heading to Brooklyn.

The Nets are entering a transitional phase but remain interested in adding offensive firepower.

Despite their rebuilding status, team executives believe Porter Jr. could make a major impact.

A Nets executive shared their optimism about the forward’s potential in his new environment.

“We’re transitioning our roster, of course. We’re going to play a lot of young players. But we need some vets to balance that. And, of course, we need to score some points. Porter will help us a ton there. I’m not saying he’ll win the scoring title, but I think it could be close,” the executive said.

Porter Jr. played a crucial role in Denver’s 2023 championship run and now finds himself on a team looking to rebuild while still competing.

The move gives Porter Jr. a fresh start with a franchise that lacks a definitive superstar but features promising young talent mixed with veteran experience.

Brooklyn plans to make the 27-year-old forward their primary offensive focus for the 2025-26 season.

Porter Jr. brings impressive credentials to his new team. Throughout his career, he has averaged 16.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 50.0% from the field.

His offensive versatility and proven track record make him an attractive centerpiece for the Nets’ retooling efforts.

The former lottery pick spent valuable years playing alongside two-time MVP Nikola Jokic in Denver.

That experience should serve him well as he transitions to a larger role in Brooklyn.

With fewer external expectations and more offensive freedom than he had with the Nuggets, Porter Jr. enters the prime of his career with an opportunity to showcase his full potential.

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Steph Curry Speaks Out About Retirement Rumors

Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Steph Curry has redefined basketball since entering the NBA, proving that dominance doesn’t require towering height.

The Golden State Warriors superstar has transformed how the game is played and viewed across the globe.

His impact extends far beyond statistics, creating a blueprint for smaller guards to thrive at the highest level.

As the Warriors begin their seventeenth season with their franchise cornerstone, questions about Curry’s longevity have become inevitable.

The two-time MVP recently addressed these concerns during an appearance on the Complex podcast with host Speedy Morman.

“I just want to be in a position where I’ve put myself in a position where I can say, ‘I’ve done everything I can to get everything out of this game,’” Curry said. “I’m not anywhere close to that, though.”

When Morman pressed him about having several years remaining in his career, Curry’s response was direct and confident: “For sure.”

Selected seventh overall by Golden State in 2009, Curry has shattered every projection made about his potential.

His career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable, consistently performing at an elite level well into his thirties.

Last season provided another example of his sustained excellence. Curry averaged 24.5 points, six assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while maintaining nearly 40% accuracy from three-point range.

The interview revealed one challenge Curry faces as he ages. While games themselves remain manageable, the recovery process between contests has become increasingly demanding on his body.

Warriors fans can breathe easier knowing their legendary guard has no immediate retirement plans.

Curry appears committed to extracting every ounce of greatness from his remaining years.

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2 Teams Have Made Trade Offers For Jonathan Kuminga

Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Jonathan Kuminga saga continues to unfold as the Golden State Warriors forward remains unsigned deep into restricted free agency.

Despite multiple contract discussions and interest from other franchises, no resolution has emerged between Kuminga and the Warriors front office.

The 22-year-old forward has turned down several offers from Golden State while exploring his options in what has become a prolonged negotiation process.

The situation gained clarity when ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed two Western Conference teams could emerge as serious suitors should negotiations stall further.

“I’m told the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings are two teams that have made concrete offers with the Warriors over the last week or so,” Charania said. “They’re two of the more aggressive teams with Kuminga.”

Kuminga entered free agency as a prime candidate for teams with cap space looking to pry away young talent from established franchises.

His athletic potential and upside have generated league-wide attention, though his reduced role under Steve Kerr last season raised questions about his immediate impact.

The former lottery pick joins Josh Giddey and Quentin Grimes as notable restricted free agents still seeking new deals.

Teams have shown reluctance to meet Golden State’s asking price in potential sign-and-trade scenarios, creating a standoff that benefits neither side.

While Kuminga demonstrated his scoring ability during playoff stretches when injuries sidelined key players, his leverage remains limited due to his restricted status.

The Warriors appear hesitant to move forward without receiving substantial value in return.

As free agency progresses, Kuminga may need to consider alternative paths, including a shorter-term prove-it deal or accepting a trade to a new environment where expanded opportunities await.

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Devin Booker Set To Make Big Position Change Next Season

Oklahoma City Thunder v Phoenix Suns
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Phoenix Suns made a few big changes to the roster this summer, but they will also make on-court adjustments in the season ahead.

According to John Gambadoro, via NBACentral, Devin Booker is “set to take over as the Suns’ full-time starting point guard next season.”

This is a pretty sizable change, and one that fans have been crying for for ages.

So, why are the Suns doing it now?

Booker has traditionally played the shooting guard role, posting shots instead of making plays and running the ball.

He can do those things, of course, but the coaching staff has kept him in his regular role for years.

But things have changed.

The Suns have attempted multiple players in the point guard role over the last several seasons, and it clearly hasn’t worked out.

They are ready for a change, and Booker seems to be on board with it.

Last season, he averaged 25.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.1 assists as the team’s shooting guard.

What will those numbers look like with this change?

He might gain more assists per game, and his point total could go down.

But this could open a pathway that wasn’t available for Phoenix before.

What can the Suns do in 2025-26?

Some fans are hoping they have a massive turnaround and are back in the playoffs next year, but others are most cautious and think they could be toward the bottom of the standings for the next few seasons.

They may be pointed in the right direction after shedding Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, but success might not be found quickly.

Booker and the Suns are changing things, and it could pay off, but will it pay off quickly?

The post Devin Booker Set To Make Big Position Change Next Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Suns Claim Former Lakers Guard Off Waivers

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball in game five of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 25, 2023 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.
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Phoenix Suns are obviously trying to turn a corner and start a new chapter, and they need a lot of help to make that happen.

They are officially in the post-Kevin Durant, post-Bradley Beal era, and they are looking to make the most of it.

On Wednesday, Shams Charania reported that the Suns had claimed former Lakers player Jordan Goodwin off of free agency waivers.

“Goodwin, waived by the Lakers to create roster space for Marcus Smart, is a gritty, upside pickup for the Suns backcourt,” Charania wrote.

Goodwin was in Phoenix before, averaging 5.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists during his 40 games with them in 2023-24.

Last season, he spent all his time with the Lakers, producing 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists with an average of 18.7 minutes on the court.

Goodwin didn’t do a lot, but fans liked what they saw from him.

They especially liked his attitude and drive, because Goodwin was a player always looking for a fight.

He was aggressive and pushed himself hard, which are characteristics the Suns want to see a lot more of in 2025-26.

Playing for the Suns could give Goodwin even more chances to show what he can do.

He was fighting for time when he was with the Lakers, and it’s hard to get a lot of minutes on the court when so much is devoted to stars like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves.

The Suns, on the other hand, are basically starting over.

They want to win a lot, of course, but they also want to give their stars room to grow and develop, especially now that they don’t have Durant and Beal.

If he handles his time in Phoenix well, Goodwin can flourish.

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Jalen Green Sends Message To Rockets Fans

Golden State Warriors v Houston Rockets - Game Two
(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Jalen Green has played his last game for the Houston Rockets.

He was sent to the Phoenix Suns as part of the big Kevin Durant deal that shook up the Western Conference just a few weeks ago.

Green sounds ready to move on and eager to make the Rockets regret parting ways with him.

According to a new quote, Green is going to be tough on Houston.

“If I bust y’all ass for 30 next season, just remember the good times,” Green said, via Bleacher Report.

Now every Rockets fan is excited to see their first game against the Suns.

Will Green be a man of his word and score 30 points and walk away with a win?

Last season, Green posted an average of 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 42.3 percent from the field.

Most of his numbers took a dip in the postseason, however, and he produced 13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.

That is when rumors of him being traded really heated up.

Some people said he didn’t have what it takes to lead the team, and it felt like the Rockets were starting to move beyond him.

Sure enough, he was sent packing to the Suns shortly thereafter.

This presents an opportunity for Green.

He can come to Phoenix and show that he won’t buckle under pressure and can do more than Rockets fans think.

And when the team finally meets up with Houston, Green can show what he is truly capable of.

It sounds like he holds a small grudge against his former team, which is understandable.

Green wants to make the Rockets regret letting him go, and he wants them to pay on the court.

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Damian Lillard Shares Hilarious Story About Jrue Holiday’s House

Boston Celtics v Milwaukee Bucks
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard both spent time with the Milwaukee Bucks, but now they have moved on.

They have a lot in common.

In fact, they actually shared the same house, although not at the same time.

Speaking to the press, Lillard revealed a funny story about Holiday’s old house, which he used for a period.

“When I lived in Milwaukee, I rented his house for two years so we talked a lot. Like, I was complaining to him about the wifi. There’s a clip online of like I shake his hand, we played them in Boston, we had an interaction and people were like what? And we were literally talking about his wifi at his house,” Lillard said, via Breanna Greene.

Complaining about Wi-Fi is a modern problem that many people can relate to.

It’s funny to see that even super successful basketball stars suffer from the same issues that common folks do.

Thankfully, Lillard surely got his internet problems figured out.

Lillard and Holiday may have a lot of time to talk more, about all sort of things.

They are currently both members of the Portland Trail Blazers, although it may not be that way for long.

Most reporting suggests that Holiday could be leaving the team soon, possibly heading to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, or another squad.

But if he does remain in Portland, he could really help Lillard push the team back into playoff contention.

The Blazers have been through a long rough patch, but are things turning around?

Lillard and Holiday clearly have a nice camaraderie, will they get to show it off on the court?

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Details Emerge About Luka Doncic’s Contract Extension

Los Angeles Lakers v Dallas Mavericks
(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers want to see more of Luka Doncic – a lot more.

And based on new reporting, it sounds like they will get their wish.

According to Luka Updates on X, Doncic will sign an extension with the Lakers around the start of next month.

“Coach of Slovenian national team confirmed that Luka will fly to USA to ‘Complete all obligations’ before joining the national team after August 4th,” the account wrote on Thursday morning.

Doncic is currently overseas, preparing to play with his Slovenian team, but he will take a break to come back to the US and sign his new contract with the Lakers.

This is, obviously, nothing but great news for Lakers fans, who loved what they saw from Doncic during his first few months in Los Angeles.

In his 28 games with the Lakers, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists.

More importantly, he looked happy playing with his Lakers teammates, and it seems like he wants to remain in Los Angeles.

When he came to LA, there were worries that he would not commit to the team for a long time.

After all, it wasn’t his choice to be moved from the Dallas Mavericks.

But Doncic had a smile on his face often and, in the offseason, he got to work behind the scenes.

He was apparently involved in the acquisitions of both Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, and that is a sign that he’s truly committed to what comes next.

Therefore, this news of him formally signing an extension isn’t shocking, but it is thrilling.

When it’s done, the Lakers will officially start the Doncic era and that is cause for celebration.

With him on board, the future is looking bright in Los Angeles.

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