Report: Jahlil Okafor Will Sign 10-Day Pacers Contract; Last Played in NBA in 2020-21
Feb 10, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 4: Jahill Okafor #15 of the Indiana Mad Ants shoots over Ulrich Chomche #22 of the Raptors 905 on February 4, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Jahlil Okafor, who has not played in the league since the 2020-21 season, will sign a 10-day contract with the Indiana Pacers, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Perseverance Update: Former lottery pick Jahlil Okafor — who hasn’t played in the NBA in nearly four years — will sign a 10-day contract with the Indiana Pacers, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/TuI74XMinH
Okafor, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers. During his three seasons in Philly, he averaged 14.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 51 percent from the field.
He finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting behind notable names like Devin Booker, Nikola Jokić, Kristaps Porziņģis and winner Karl-Anthony Towns.
The former Duke Blue Devil spent just one season in Durham before declaring for the NBA Draft.
Okafor started his career strong, averaging 26.2 minutes per game with the 76ers before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the middle of his third season. In Brooklyn, his playing time dropped to a career-low 12.6 minutes per game over 26 games.
Following his stint with the Nets, Okafor signed with the New Orleans Pelicans in free agency, where he played for two seasons and started 33 games. In 2020, he signed with the Detroit Pistons, who traded him back to the Nets the following year. However, Brooklyn waived him just five days later.
He was waived again by the Atlanta Hawks less than a month after signing with them in 2021.
In his final year with Detroit, he played in 27 games, shooting .618 from the field while averaging 5.4 points and 2.4 rebounds.
The 29-year-old has been playing for Indiana's G-League affiliate, the Mad Ants, where he was averaging 18.6 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.
Damian Lillard Thrills NBA Fans as Bucks Beat Joel Embiid, 76ers amid Giannis Injury
Feb 9, 2025
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 09: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on February 09, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sidelined for the next week with a "mild calf strain," which will include missing the All-Star Game next weekend, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
So Damian Lillard picked up the slack on Sunday.
The star guard was fantastic against the Philadelphia 76ers, putting up 43 points, eight assists and eight rebounds in a 135-127 Milwaukee win.
That spoiled strong performances from Joel Embiid (27 points, 12 rebounds, six assists) and Tyrese Maxey (39 points, five assists), though Paul George managed just 12 points.
Gary Trent Jr. chipped in with 23 points off the bench for the Bucks.
But Lillard was the story after he scorched the Sixers, and fans and pundits alike enjoyed the performance:
For the Bucks (28-23), it was a nice start to its week without the Greak Freak, with matchups against the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves remaining before the All-Star break.
For the Sixers (20-32), meanwhile, it was yet another disappointing performance in a season full of them. The optimism that followed the George signing over the summer has been completely extinguished by injuries, a lack of quality depth and the surprising struggles of George himself, who has never quite found his groove with the team.
The lone consolation for Sixers fans is that the real game of interest comes in a few hours, when the Eagles face the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. The Sixers were more of an appetizer on Sunday, and about as satisfying as a veggie platter with no dip.
Haynes: Bucks' Giannis Out 2-3 Weeks with Calf Injury; Will Miss NBA All-Star Game
Feb 9, 2025
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 28: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks controls the ball against Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at the TD Garden on October 28, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss two to three weeks due to a calf strain, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Beyond the implications on Milwaukee's season, Antetokounmpo will be sidelined for the league's All-Star festivities at Chase Center in San Francisco.
BREAKING: Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo to be sidelined weeks with calf strain, forcing him to sit out of the All-Star game next weekend. #haynesbriefspic.twitter.com/gajc4KYyKQ
Through 41 games this season, Antetokounmpo has been off to a strong start with 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.
Antetokounmpo is hoping to bounce back after his quest for a second career NBA championship last season was deterred by a calf injury he suffered late in the year. He had appeared in 73 games during the 2023-24 campaign, his most since 2018-19, and averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks while shooting 61.1 percent from the field.
The calf injury cost Antetokounmpo the entire postseason, and the Bucks were eliminated in the first round in six games against the Indiana Pacers.
Milwaukee's aspirations for another NBA title are on somewhat shaky ground despite the combined presence of Antetokounmpo and star point guard Damian Lillard. The floor general took some time to get acclimated in his first year with the Bucks but looks to be back to his old self this season with averages of 25.0 points and 7.5 assists per contest. He's also shooting 37.7 percent from beyond the arc..
With Antetokounmpo sidelined, Milwaukee will rely heavily on Lillard as the primary option on offense. Veteran forwards Bobby Portis and Taurean Prince will likely see more action in the frontcourt until the two-time NBA MVP is ready to return.
NBA News: Alex Len Reportedly Set to Sign Pacers Contract; Will Be Waived by Wizards
Feb 8, 2025
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Alex Len #25 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 18, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
Center Alex Len plans to sign with the Indiana Pacers after clearing waivers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Charania noted that the Washington Wizards, Len's current team, are expected to waive him.
The 31-year-old opened the 2024-25 season on the Sacramento Kings, but he was acquired by the Wizards as part of a three-team trade headlined by former Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart ending up in Washington.
This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.
Jalen Brunson, Lillard and All Contestants Revealed for 2025 NBA 3-Point Contest
Feb 7, 2025
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 10: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks celebrates a three point shot during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2025 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
Damian Lillard will get a shot at a third straight three-Point Contest title.
The Milwaukee Bucks star was one of eight contestants named to the 2025 edition of the All-Star Weekend competition Friday by the NBA.
The field is set for the STARRY 3-Point Contest at NBA All-Star 2025:
▪️ Jalen Brunson ▪️ Cade Cunningham ▪️ Darius Garland ▪️ Tyler Herro ▪️ Buddy Hield ▪️ Cam Johnson ▪️ Damian Lillard ▪️ Norman Powell
Lillard will be joined by the New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson, Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham, Cleveland Cavaliers' Darius Garland, Miami Heat's Tyler Herro, Golden State Warriors' Buddy Hield, Brooklyn Nets' Cam Johnson and Los Angeles Clippers' Norman Powell.
Lillard won his first 3-Point title by beating out Hield and Tyrese Haliburton in a three-contestant final round of the 2023 contest.
The following year, he became the first back-to-back winner since Jason Kapono in 2008 by beating out Trae Young and 2022 three-point champ Karl Anthony-Towns on a contest-winning final shot.
The 2024 All-Star event was a big weekend for Lillard, who put up 11 more three-pointers during the 2024 All-Star Game to earn All-Star MVP honors in the Eastern Conference win.
To defend his 3-Point title in 2024, Lillard will have to go up against some of the hottest shooters in the league next weekend in San Francisco.
Herro, who currently ranks third in the NBA in three-pointers made, is scoring on 39.3 percent of his career-high 9.7 three-point attempts per game through 48 contests this season.
Powell, who was not named to an All-Star roster despite averaging career-best 23.9 points per game so far this season, leads all 3-Point Contest competitors with a 43.1 percent success rate from deep.
Garland has meanwhile shot a career-best 42.9 percent from behind the arc so far this season, while Johnson is averaging a personal-best 19.3 points per game.
The NBA made the somewhat surprising decision to select Cunningham, who is shooting 35.4 percent from deep, over his Pistons teammate Malik Beasley, who trails only Anthony Edwards for the NBA lead in three-pointers made.
Hield, who won the event while representing the Sacramento Kings in 2020, is the only past winner to join Lillard in the competition. Brunson, meanwhile, heads into the contest looking for redemption after a first-round elimination from the 2024 event.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend is scheduled for Feb. 14-16 at the Warriors' Chase Center in San Francisco. The 2025 3-Point Contest will take place on Saturday, Feb. 15.
NBA Exec: De'Andre Hunter 'Could Be the Missing Piece' for Cavs After Hawks Trade
Feb 7, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 3: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 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 (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)
At least one rival NBA executive seems to believe De'Andre Hunter was just the addition the Cleveland Cavaliers need to go on a title run this spring.
"They've been hunting size on the wing to match up with the Celtics and OKC and [other contenders]," the anonymous Western Conference executive told ESPN's Tim Bontemps. "If he stays healthy, he could be the missing piece."
The Cavs acquired Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday in exchange for a package including draft capital and Caris LeVert.
The Cavaliers leaned heavily on injured forward Dean Wade throughout the first half of the season. More than half of the team's 10 losses this season have come without Wade in the lineup.
That may be part of the reason the Cavs, who headed into the trade deadline on top of the East with an NBA-high 41 wins, were looking to add size on the perimeter for the run-up to the playoffs.
The Athletic's Joe Vardon reported in mid-January that the Cavaliers were looking to address the issue, exposed by matchups with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, of "size and physicality on the perimeter."
As Vardon noted, the Cavaliers believed they could use additional size to add to a court staffed by 6-foot-2 Darius Garland and 6-foot-3 Darius Mitchell.
Hunter, 6-foot-8, averaged a career-high 19.0 points while shooting a personal-best 39.3 percent from deep through 37 games with the Hawks. He has also provided the kind of physical perimeter defense the Cavs have reportedly been looking for.
By swapping out LeVert for Hunter, the Cavs have addressed a roster weakness while potentially upping how much production they can get from their sixth man.
As the Western Conference executive told Bontemps, however, how much Hunter is able to impact the Cavaliers going forward will depend on his health and availability. Hunter has only played at least 60 games in a season twice in his six-year NBA career, and he's already missed time this season due to right knee injury management.
If he is able to stay in the lineup, however, Hunter could provide the Cavs with a boost off the bench as the team looks to finish the season on top of the conference standings.
Dennis Schröder Traded 3 Times in 24 Hours, Lands with Pistons at 2025 NBA Deadline
Feb 6, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: Dennis Schroder #71 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the Orlando Magic during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 03, 2025 in San Francisco, 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. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Dennis Schröder had an eventful 2025 NBA trade deadline.
Schröder initially opened the season with the Brooklyn Nets, but was traded to the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 14.
The point guard was then moved to the Utah Jazz as part of a multi-team trade headlined by Jimmy Butler becoming a member of the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. Finally, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Jazz were trading Schröder to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.
Dennis Schröder has been traded 3 times in the past 24 hours 😳
He's expected to remain with Detroit, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Schröder started his 2024-25 campaign with the Nets on a high note, averaging 18.4 points and 6.6 assists in 33.6 minutes per game on 45.2/38.7/88.9 shooting splits.
He struggled to adjust to a Warriors lineup in which he wasn't asked to do as much with the ball in his hands. In 24 games with Golden State, Schröder averaged just 10.6 points and 4.4 assists in 26.2 minutes each night while shooting 37.5 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from three-point territory.
He also owned a team-worst minus-9.6 net rating with the Warriors (via NBA.com).
Despite Golden State acquiring him from Brooklyn, another change of scenery didn't come as a large surprise. ESPN's Marc J. Spears reported Tuesday that Schröder was "available for trade."
The 31-year-old has been heavily involved on the trade market over the past few years. The Pistons are set to be the seventh team that Schröder will suit up for since the start of the 2020-21 season.
Now, he'll be expected to contribute on a Detroit squad that has exceeded expectations to begin its 2024-25 campaign and currently sits at No. 7 in the Eastern Conference standings with a 25-26 record.
Schröder's ball-handling and playmaking abilities should be useful on a Pistons bench averaging just 7.2 assists per game, which ranks No. 21 in the association.
After a busy trade deadline, the veteran guard will now help Detroit attempt to make its first playoff appearance since the 2018-19 season.
NBA Fans Question Kyle Kuzma's Fit with Bucks After Reported Khris Middleton Trade
Feb 5, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks needed to do something amid an uneven start to the 2024-25 NBA season, but fans aren't convinced acquiring Kyle Kuzma is the cure that ails the 2021 champions.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Milwaukee is sending forward Khris Middleton, guard A.J. Johnson and a pick swap to the Washington Wizards for Kuzma, forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. and a second-round pick.
While Middleton is having one of his worst year in a Bucks uniform, many are raising the question of whether Kuzma was the right piece to target:
I would’ve rather traded Middleton as a salary dump and picked up future picks or expiring contracts. Kuzma is a net negative player. He’s literally a second version of Bobby.
That is quite a vote of no-confidence in Middleton. A.J. Johnson yet another late 1st-round pick down the drain. It's hard, but just have to hit on more of those in MIL's position. MIL does gain some positional size/versatility on D. Current Giannis-at-C lineups were too small.
It sounds a bit reductive, but Kuzma hasn't been a winning player in a high-usage role. He has made the playoffs twice in his career and both came when he was a reserve for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 29-year-old put up solid numbers with the Wizards, averaging 19.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Washington was consistently a lottery team with him as one of its top scoring options, though.
Acquiring Kuzma right now is also a little surprising because he's shooting a career-worst 28.1 percent from beyond the arc to go along with what has consistently been his negligible impact on defense.
Maybe the 6'9" forward can thrive on a team that's significantly better than the Wizards and one on which he'll have Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard to occupy the defense's attention.
Still, this is a pretty big gamble for the Bucks given how much they have riding on this season.
The theory of Kuzma > What Kuzma has been for most of his career, by a pretty significant margin.
Bucks better hope that other guy is still in there, even though he's really only even been that guy for ~1.5 seasons of his career. https://t.co/gpWUEfNia7
Milwaukee knows full well that Antetokounmpo's patience isn't infinite and the fact he's signed through 2026-27 at a minimum is mostly irrelevant as it relates to his long-term future.
Should the Bucks suffer another early playoff exit, the rumblings about Giannis could grow to a fever pitch.
Swapping Middleton for Kuzma doesn't make Milwaukee that much worse, but it might not make the team that much better, either.
Report: Kyle Kuzma, Sims to Bucks; Wizards Land Middleton in 3-Team Trade with Knicks
Feb 5, 2025
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 28: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at Moda Center on January 28, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images)
In their desperate attempt to upgrade the roster before the trade deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks are acquiring Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards in a package for Khris Middleton.
Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Bucks will receive Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and a second-round draft pick from the Wizards for Middleton, AJ Johnson and a pick swap.
The Bucks will also acquire center Jericho Sims from the New York Knicks as part of the deal, according to Charania. The Knicks will receive Delon Wright and cash.
The Athletic's Josh Robbins and David Aldridge previously reported the two teams were engaged in talks about a Kuzma-Middleton swap.
Wizards plan, for now, is to hold on to Khris Middleton, who played with Malcolm Brogdon in Milwaukee. Move gives Washington a little financial flexibility and frees up even more playing time/responsibility for its young wings. Plus they can take a flyer on AJ Johnson.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, "a key element" of the deal involved "a large vote of support" from Giannis Antetokounmpo:
I’m told a key element of the trade talks that brought Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee in exchange for championship mainstay Khris Middleton: a large vote of support for Kuzma from one Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Fischer also noted the Bucks were talking to the Chicago Bulls about Zach LaVine before he wound up getting traded to the Sacramento Kings as part of the three-team deal that sent De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs.
Middleton's name had popped up in trade rumors in recent weeks as one of the few Bucks players with any real value who they might consider moving.
Even though it can be argued that Middleton is the best player being moved in this trade, there's a level of certainty that Kuzma offers the Bucks that they didn't have before.
Kuzma is four years younger than Middleton and doesn't have nearly as many injury concerns.
Middleton missed the first 21 games this season recovering from offseason surgery on both ankles. His minutes have been carefully monitored and he was held out of back-to-backs since returning, save for one time that didn't work out when he was scoreless on two field-goal attempts in 15 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 27.
The Bucks also get financial relief from this deal because Kuzma is making $8 million less than Middleton this season. He also has a descending contract that has two additional years beyond this season, with salaries of $21.5 million in 2025-26 and $19.4 million in 2026-27.
Middleton is making $31.7 million this season and has a $34 million player option for 2025-26. ESPN's Bobby Marks added that Kuzma agreed to reduce a portion of his trade bonus to keep the Bucks under the second apron.
To help Milwaukee build out their roster now and in the future, Kyle Kuzma is reducing a portion of the trade bonus in his contract, sources tell ESPN.
The reduced trade bonus allows Milwaukee to remain below the second apron.
While there was a time when Middleton was one of the better two-way wings in the NBA, age and injuries have made him a liability on defense.
Kuzma isn't anyone's idea of a defensive stopper, but he can be an effective offensive player in the right role. His numbers this season were the Wizards are dreadful, though that came in a situation with Jordan Poole as the primary ball-handler.
The 29-year-old Kuzma is averaging 15.2 points on 42.0 percent shooting (28.1 percent from three). Putting him in a situation where he only has to be the No. 3 scoring option and won't attract a lot of attention because defenses have to focus on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard should help improve those numbers.
This isn't a trade that vaults the Bucks into the top tier of Eastern Conference contenders, but given the limited resources they had available to move, it was probably the best deal they could make at this point while also getting a player who has multiple years left on his contract.
Lonzo Ball Trade Rumors: Bulls Not 'Eager' to Make Deal; Interested in New Contract
Feb 4, 2025
TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 31: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 31, 2025 at the Scotiabank Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls "have not been eager" to trade Lonzo Ball despite outside interest, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Stein also reported the team is open to re-signing Ball, who's in the last year of his $80 million contract.
The Bulls will still have options ahead of the deadline, with the Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves among teams interested in Ball, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Teams will also monitor the buyout market in case Ball becomes available.
The 27-year-old's comeback has been staggering. There was a point when it looked like his career might be in jeopardy as he battled persistent knee injuries that caused him to miss two full seasons.
Ball is not only playing again but also performing at a level pretty close to where he was before the injuries, albeit in a lesser role. The 6'6" guard is averaging 7.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals.
As a result of his resurgence, the Bulls have a possible trade asset if they want to use it. A lot of playoff contenders could benefit from Ball's two-way skill set, and his $21.4 million salary isn't much of a hindrance to any deal.
In the wake of the Zach LaVine trade, it's a little surprising that Chicago would want to keep Ball though the deadline and potentially extend his stay in the Windy City.
The Bulls aren't going anywhere in the short term. They're 21-29 and just lost their best player. In addition, they're incentivized to bottom out because of the protections on their 2025 first-round pick, which can end up in the San Antonio Spurs' hands.
Chicago's front office might as well take what it can get for Ball now.
Re-signing him would be equally puzzling because he no longer fits with the franchise's current timeline. And if the idea is tying him down for multiple years so that his trade value increases, then there's the risk that he suffers another knee injury down the road.
The Bulls waited too long to move on from both LaVine and DeMar DeRozan and got lackluster returns as a result. While the opportunity cost with Ball isn't as high as it was with those two, general manager Marc Eversley and executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas might be repeating the same mistake.
