Latest news with #PaulGeorge
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
GAME 7!!! Pacers blowout OKC, trade speculation, NBA expansion & KD confusion
KOC and Tom Haberstroh went LIVE to react to the Indiana Pacers destroying the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6. Is Indiana about to prove to the world on Sunday that they are a team of destiny? GAME 7!! Plus, all the latest NBA Trade and NBA Draft rumors! Kevin Durant, Paul George, Ace Bailey and tons of rumors — and of course the guys react to the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers AND the Seattle Supersonics potentially coming back with talks of "expansion" in the air. Advertisement (00:45) - Pacers blow out Thunder to force Game 7 (24:15) - Is Ace Bailey skipping Philadelphia 76ers visit cause for concern? (33:15) - Haliburton was right to play tonight (47:15) - League news: Lakers plan to sell + latest on NBA expansion & rule changes (56:40) - Latest on Cooper Flagg (1:01:10) - NBA trade tumors: Kevin Durant & Paul George INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 19: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 19, 2025 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. (Photo by) (Photo by) 🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
New York Times
a day ago
- Business
- New York Times
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder haven't let market size stunt their potential
INDIANAPOLIS — As the Oklahoma City Thunder sit one win away from their first NBA title, there is no shortage of reasons that serve as the backbone for their success. From the franchise-altering Paul George trade to the similarly significant 2022 NBA Draft, Sam Presti and the front office have nailed a lot of big decisions. Advertisement But there is one other thing that has helped the Thunder outrun the rest of the league: Oklahoma City, despite being in the third-smallest media market in the league, acts in many ways like a big-market team. The NBA's collective bargaining agreement sets a salary cap for all 30 teams and has made the new second apron, essentially, a de facto hard cap in the eyes of many executives and agents. That puts an opportunity cost to every dollar spent on player salary, but there is no such limitation to money spent on the rest of the organization. Team executives around the league believe the Thunder have one of the largest front offices in the NBA and are among the league's biggest spenders on its basketball operations staff. The Thunder have 88 employees in their basketball operations department, according to a publicly available media guide. As a comparison, the New York Knicks have 92. The Los Angeles Lakers have just 56. Oklahoma City also offers its top executives a kind of job security rarely seen around the league and is able to keep them for longer. That stability is a credit to the franchise's prosperous path over the last two decades but also to its ability to retain front-office talent. Thunder general manager Sam Presti has been in Oklahoma City for 18 years. Wynn Sullivan has spent 13 years with the team and Jesse Gould has been there for 16 years — both are now VPs of basketball operations. Rob Hennigan, another VP, is in his 12th season with the Thunder, bookending a stint as Orlando Magic general manager. Despite the team's success, only a few of its top front-office members have departed over the last decade. Hennigan left in 2012 and returned five years later. Troy Weaver had a 12-year run as a top Thunder executive before he left to be the Detroit Pistons GM in 2020. Michael Winger, now president of basketball for the parent group of the Washington Wizards and Mystics, spent eight seasons as Thunder assistant GM before he left for the LA Clippers in 2018. Wizards GM Will Dawkins spent 15 years in Oklahoma City, working his way up from intern to VP of basketball operations. Advertisement The organization isn't just about winning on the margins; it spends money when it needs to. The Thunder have paid $106.44 million in luxury tax since 2002, according to Spotrac, which is the 12th most among all teams in that time. By comparison, the Memphis Grizzlies, the NBA's smallest media market, have only paid the luxury tax in two seasons and not since 2005; the New Orleans Pelicans, the second-smallest market, have never paid the tax. San Antonio, the fifth-smallest market, has paid $17.51 million since 2002. The only outlier in that group that could compare is the Milwaukee Bucks, who are in the fourth-smallest NBA market and have paid $188.67 million in tax over the last four seasons. All of that spending was concentrated in a six-year period at the end of last decade, when the Thunder chased a championship during the end of the Kevin Durant era and during the last few seasons Russell Westbrook remained in Oklahoma City. When the Thunder paid $61.62 million in luxury tax during the 2018-19 season, it was the second most any team had ever been taxed up until that point. That willingness to spend big could soon become an issue as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren become extension-eligible this summer. How the Thunder navigate that may decide how long their reign could last. But if the past is any indicator, Oklahoma City won't be afraid to outspend its market size. What is the financial benefit of an NBA Finals appearance for a team? Look no further than Indianapolis last week, where the Pacers hosted a finals game for the first time in 25 years. There was plenty of energy for the team all across the city, with Pacers signage, shirts and fandom visible everywhere downtown. Maybe that's because the Pacers team store was doing such brisk business. The store had roughly $200,000 in sales on the day before Game 3, which is about 100 times the amount it usually has on a similar day in the calendar when the team is not in the finals. (Photo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Sam Presti celebrating after the Thunder won the Western Conference finals: David Sherman / NBAE via Getty Images)
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ace Bailey's draft odds take hit after mysterious report
The post Ace Bailey's draft odds take hit after mysterious report appeared first on ClutchPoints. The 2025 NBA Draft is two weeks away from this Thursday. With Cooper Flagg the assured No. 1 pick in the draft, and Dylan Harper likely going second overall, the third overall pick is what will really start things off. Advertisement The Philadelphia 76ers currently own the third overall pick. With Joel Embiid on the roster alongside Paul George in the frontcourt, taking a guard might benefit the team to pair next to Tyrese Maxey. Ace Bailey is 6-foot-10 and would give the Sixers a ton of size, moving George down to the small forward position. VJ Edgecombe is a guard from Baylor who could give the Sixers quickness. The Bahamas native is also the new betting favorite to be drafted by the 76ers over Bailey. On FanDuel, Bailey had been favored to go to Philly since the odds were released after the NBA Draft Lottery. Now, Edgecombe has jumped Bailey with -125 odds. Bailey is now +230 to be drafted third overall. These odds changes came from a report that Edgecombe had received a private workout with the 76ers ahead of Bailey. According to Jake Fischer, Bailey is now confirmed to agree to a private workout with Philadelphia. However, FanDuel assumes Edgecombe has the edge at the moment. In fact, VJ Edgecombe is also favored over Bailey at +175 to be drafted fourth overall, which is how the odds have always been since they were released. Advertisement The 76ers have a lot to consider in the next two weeks as they prepare to make a big decision for the future of the franchise. The 76ers are aiming to get back to the postseason, but need Embiid to be healthy in order for that to become a reality. The Sixers play in a difficult division with the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, who will be some of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference again next season. Related: Ace Bailey lands 76ers workout amid draft speculation Related: 76ers rumors: 'Prime candidate' emerges at No. 3 among 2 draft possibilities
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kevin Durant trade destinations: Which wild-card teams might want to roll the dice on a deal for KD?
Remember when the Raptors traded for Kawhi Leonard even though he wanted to go to the Lakers? One year. One title. Then he was gone. Worth every second. Or when the Thunder traded for Paul George even though he also wanted to land in Los Angeles? He liked it so much in OKC that he re-signed. Later, the Thunder flipped him for a war chest of picks and launched a new era. Advertisement Just like Leonard's Spurs and George's Pacers, the Suns don't owe Kevin Durant a damn thing. KD may want the Heat, Rockets, or Spurs, but Phoenix's only responsibility is to the present and future of its own franchise. And that's exactly how the Suns are operating. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported this week that they're 'unexcited' by what those preferred teams are offering. Shams Charania added that Durant has no interest in Minnesota, despite the Timberwolves being the most aggressive team so far in pursuit. Of course, Durant has some leverage. He has one year left on his deal. He'll be 37 next season. And even when things look good, he tends to find something to mope about. So teams are understandably cautious about bringing in someone who might not want to be there. Already, The Athletic reported Minnesota doesn't want to trade for Durant unless he says he wants to be there. (Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports Illustration) But as the Leonard and George trades prove: all it takes is one team willing to roll the dice. Advertisement Every time Charania talks about Durant, he mentions 'wild cards' and 'dark horses.' His colleague Marc Spears even said there's 'fear' from KD and his agent Rich Kleiman that teams won't 'respect' what Durant wants. Sure, everyone wants a say in where they live and work. But Durant's on a run of bad choices. First KD picked Brooklyn, and the Nets had to trade Jarrett Allen because KD and Kyrie Irving insisted on signing DeAndre Jordan. Disaster. Then he picked Phoenix. After one year, both he and Devin Booker wanted Deandre Ayton to get traded, which resulted in Jusuf Nurkic. And Durant admitted to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports that he pushed for the Bradley Beal acquisition. Another big mess. Maybe the best thing for Durant is not getting what he wants. In fact, Durant has already been denied by his top choices. There were rumblings at the trade deadline KD wanted to land with the Celtics or Knicks. New York's interest reportedly isn't mutual anymore. Boston's cap sheet and trajectory make that scenario highly unlikely. Plenty of other teams should still want him though. Yes, Durant is aging. And yes, he could bolt in a year. But he's still at best a top-10 player and at worst a top-25 player. If you think he's the guy who gets you to the Finals, you make the call. Even if you believe he puts you only one more piece away, he might be worth it. Advertisement What matters now isn't just Durant's list. It's which teams are bold enough to ignore it. So let's talk about those theoretical teams, based purely on hypothetical fit — not reporting — unless specifically noted. Orlando Magic What they could offer: Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, Jett Howard, Goga Bitadze, and the 25th pick Why they'd want KD: It's an all-in move to follow up on the Desmond Bane addition. With a top-seven rotation of Bane, Jalen Suggs, Kevin Durant, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Moe Wagner, and Tristan da Silva, the Magic would have length across positions, and a lot more shooting than ever before. Advertisement Why it works for KD even if he doesn't know it yet: The Magic have everything they need to win except shooting. Adding KD and Bane helps solve that in one summer. This would be his most complete team since the Warriors. Detroit Pistons What they could offer: Tobias Harris, Simone Fontecchio, and multiple picks (while also waiving all cap holds except for Malik Beasley to create cap space) Why they'd want KD: He's better than Harris in every conceivable way, and he would give Cade Cunningham a high-efficiency scorer and secondary playmaker to relieve pressure. Why it works for KD even if he doesn't know it yet: The Pistons would still need some internal progress to become contenders, from Cade included. But this team is close and would still have the pieces to make another move. Denver Nuggets What they could offer: Michael Porter Jr., Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, Hunter Tyson, and a 2031 first to Phoenix, Zeke Nnaji to a third team Durant to Denver? (Photo by) (Christian Petersen via Getty Images) Why they'd want KD: Because he's Kevin Durant. This deal guts the bench, but the upside is undeniable. KD, Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun could overwhelm anyone. They'd just have to have some solid plans to fill out the roster with league-minimum free agents. Advertisement Why it works for KD even if he doesn't know it yet: It's the chance to play next to a prime Jokić. This would be the most intelligent, unselfish and balanced team Durant has joined since the Warriors. LA Clippers What they could offer: Norm Powell, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Drew Eubanks, the 30th pick, and a 2031 first Why they'd want KD: Powell really folded in the playoffs. He looked more like an 82-game guy and less like a 16-game guy. This would be a quadruple down on the old-man core. Might as well go for it if you're not gonna go the other way. Why it works for KD even if he doesn't know it yet: Yeah, it's not ideal. But you get to live in Los Angeles and play on a talented roster. Kawhi Leonard and James Harden might be unreliable, but if it breaks right you're in the West finals with a chance to win it all. Philadelphia 76ers What they could offer: Paul George and three future firsts Advertisement Why they'd want KD: Durant is an obvious upgrade over George, who was a better podcaster than basketball player last season. With George's albatross contract, that's why an extra first needs to be added. And even if George were to come back strong, Durant is a far better fit with the remaining core. Why it works for KD even if he doesn't know it yet: Maybe Embiid stays healthy. Maybe you're the final piece that finally gets Philly over the hump. Maybe you become the hero the franchise needs. Toronto Raptors What they could offer: Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl, and multiple picks Why they'd want KD: Because Masai Ujiri is under intense pressure to improve the team before his contract expires next year. Advertisement Why it works for KD even if he doesn't know it yet: The Raptors would still have ammo for another star. Remember: Kevin Garnett didn't want to go to Boston until after the Ray Allen trade. KD could be the first domino — Giannis, the second? That makes six. And maybe KD wouldn't want any of them. After all, he doesn't want the Timberwolves, despite back-to-back trips to the West finals. But that's exactly why there's real concern from Durant and Kleiman about where he might land. Plenty of teams have the contracts and picks to build the best offer for Phoenix. Some are veteran contenders. Others are young and rising. Durant may not want to end up on one of them. But there's no guarantee the Heat, Rockets, or Spurs are willing to top those offers. All it takes is one wild-card team bold enough to ignore the list, bet on the talent, and live with the noise. History shows: sometimes, the gamble ends in a parade.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Montrezl Harrell says Clippers gave up too soon on Shai: "All you had to do is let the kid develop"
Montrezl Harrell says Clippers gave up too soon on Shai: "All you had to do is let the kid develop" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Not every young talent hits their stride right away; some need a better system, a clearer role, or simply more time to develop. And then there are those who turn into full-blown superstars the moment they're traded, making the team that gave up on them look flat-out stupid. That's exactly what happened with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Advertisement The Los Angeles Clippers shipped the then-20-year-old guard to Oklahoma City in 2019 as part of the blockbuster deal to land Paul George — a move that helped bring Kawhi Leonard to his hometown and launched a championship-or-bust era in Los Angeles. It made sense on paper, but in hindsight, it cost them a future MVP. For Montrezl Harrell, who shared the locker room with a young Shai during that lone season in LA, the signs of greatness were already there. "Hell yeah..." The 2020 Sixth Man of the Year said convincingly when asked if he saw the potential of young SGA during their time together with the Clippers. "He was a kid that came in ready to work, bro. Highly recruited out of Kentucky. He had all the intangibles to become a great player." And what stood out to Harrell had nothing to do with flashy stats or highlight plays — it was all about who Gilgeous-Alexander was behind the scenes. Advertisement "He was always the player that was ready to work and learn from the veterans ahead of him, listening to the things they had to say. The work ethic never lacked from that kid; he was in the gym 24/7," Harrell continued. Shai worked his tail off In a league that became obsessed with three-point math and pace-and-space offense, Shai never rushed to fit the mold. While everyone else was trying to emulate Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, stretching the floor and chucking threes, SGA kept it simple. He was trying to get to his spots in the mid-range, getting to the paint, or, something that many dislike about his game today, trying to get to the line. Yes, he added the three-ball over time to his offensive repertoire, but it was never who he truly was. To Harrell, that kind of approach just needed time. And had the Clippers shown a little more of it, who knows what could've been. Advertisement "I don't know if they (the Clippers) handled it the right way… All you had to do is let the kid develop, but I understand how the business goes. They was trying to win now," he added. The Clippers didn't just trade away Shai; they traded away their whole future. In exchange for George, they sent OKC five first-round picks, two pick swaps, Danilo Gallinari and Gilgeous-Alexander. It was the ultimate win-now move, made with the belief that pairing PG with Kawhi would deliver a championship to the "second team in LA." Six years later, the Clippers are still ringless, and Shai is one of the best players on the planet, two wins away from getting the ultimate prize. Related: "I can't get so close to it, too, because of my competitive nature" - Michael Jordan on why he can't get himself to be a fan of any one player in the NBA SGA is on his way to win the Thunder their first ring Today, Gilgeous-Alexander is not just a star, he's "the" guy. The face of a franchise, a two-way killer, and now, the 2025 NBA MVP. He also added the Western Conference Finals MVP to his growing resume this postseason after leading the Oklahoma City Thunder past everyone who stood in their way. Advertisement With OKC now in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, SGA is trying to do what even Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook never could — bring a title to Oklahoma. The Thunder are currently down all tied at 2-2 with the Indiana Pacers, but with Shai leading the charge, their odds of winning it all seem great. Harrell saw this coming long before the accolades and headlines. And while the Clippers bet big (and failed miserably) on a shortcut to a championship, the Thunder played the long game with a kid from Kentucky who just needed a chance to grow. And boy, grow he did. Related: Montrezl Harrell is still shocked after what happened to DeMarcus Cousins in Puerto Rico: "That sh*t was wild, but this is how their fans are" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
