Kentucky Wildcats News: More Injury Concerns for UK Basketball

Good morning, BBN!

One common theme across all of Coach Pope’s teams has been injuries.

According to KSR’s Jack Pilgrim, junior wing Trent Noah has re-aggravated the hamstring injury that bothered him earlier this summer.

Noah originally tweaked the hamstring in July, with Mark Pope calling it “a nothing” at the time, but he later missed UK’s final open practice of the summer.

Now, the latest setback is expected to keep Noah out during the preseason and could potentially linger into Kentucky’s exhibition schedule.

It’s another injury concern for a Wildcats roster that has already dealt with several this offseason and far too many under Pope.

Kam Williams missed summer practices after undergoing a second procedure on the foot he broke last season, though Pope has expressed confidence he’ll be available for the season.

Franck Kepnang was also limited for much of the summer as Kentucky carefully managed his return from previous leg injuries.

More recently, star transfer Milan Momcilovic suffered a jammed index finger on his shooting hand. While initial reports feared a break, further testing brought better news, and he is expected back around the start of fall practice, though he’s currently sidelined.

Kentucky still has time before the games count, but staying healthy is quickly becoming a recurring storyline in Lexington.

Tweet of the Day

This would be big time.

Headlines

Stein, Cats Must ‘Turn the Page’ – UK Athletics

100%

Ann Lemirisho Named SEC Women’s Runner of the Week – UK Athletics

Love to see it!

Protect College Sports Act moves closer to final Senate vote – ESPN

Rules are getting closer.

Clemson vs. UNC is shell of what should be marquee ACC showdown amid Dabo Swinney, Bill Belichick turmoil – CBS Sports

Sad to see two of the best coaches of all time like this.

PFT’s Week 2 2026 NFL power rankings – NBC Sports

Awesome Week 1.

Amid Kiffin buzz, Ole Miss stays ‘focused on the game plan’ – ESPN

Can’t wait for this game.

Adam Silver discusses Clippers punishment, NBA expansion, why Blazers leaving Portland would be ‘failure’ – CBS Sports

I think the NBA is finally ready for expansion.

Giants-Cowboys delivers 25.7 million viewers – NBC Sports

NFL is still king.

Day: Ohio State ‘to make some hard decisions’ after Texas collapse – ESPN

You just can’t blow a lead like that.

Chad Baker-Mazara files lawsuit against USC alleging missed NIL payments, Eric Musselman racist tirade – CBS Sports

Wild story.

YouTube Gold: Wes Unseld Was A Problem

WASHINGTON - UNDATED: Milwaukee Bucks' Kareem Abdul Jabbar #33 looks to shoot as he is guarded by Wes Unseld of the Washington Bullets at Capital Center circa the 1970's in Washington, D.C.. 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 Focus on Sport via Getty Images) | Focus on Sport via Getty Images

Wes Unseld is somewhat overlooked today, and that’s a shame. 

The Louisville native had a tremendous career at his hometown school, averaging 20.6 ppg and 18.9 rpg for his varsity career (freshmen were not eligible at the time) Drafted in 1968, he was brilliant in the NBA as well. 

In the NBA, despite being just 6-7, Unseld played center. With his immense strength, he managed to limit much taller players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 

He was also one of the greatest outlet passers of all time. In our opinion, that list includes Bill Russell, Bill Walton, Unseld’s godson Kevin Love, and probably Nikola Jokic (Maurice Stokes gets a special mention here). 

But when you get down to it, Unseld, who won both Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year in 1969, something only Wilt Chamberlain has ever done, succeeded largely through sheer strength and will. 

He was able to use his massively powerful body to push bigger men around, and nobody wanted to run into him as a screener, because Unseld left bruises. 

He was a highly unusual player, and someone who is not acknowledged nearly enough today as one of the greats of the game. 

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Paul George knows the optics behind his Celtics arrival and isn’t fazed: ‘It’s fair’

BRIGHTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 15: Paul George #13 of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media during a press conference on September 15, 2026 at The Auerbach Center in Brighton, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Paul George had zero control over his destiny this offseason.

It wasn’t until the Celtics began shopping Jaylen Brown on the trade market that wheels began to turn, ultimately leading to George’s unforeseen move from Philadelphia to Boston. Once the Celtics and Sixers shook hands and agreed to their Brown-George blockbuster on July 1, the 36-year-old’s situation changed dramatically.

He even admitted it was “a bit surprising” when he heard the news.

But George isn’t bothered by the change.

“I understand the circumstances,” George told reporters Tuesday at the Auerbach Center, per NBC Sports Boston.

“I didn’t take it personal, to be honest. They should have a relationship, emotionally, to that trade. But my job here is to come into a great opportunity for me.”

Instead of playing behind Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia, George carries the burden left by Brown’s exit, which now awaits him at his TD Garden locker in Boston. He isn’t playing third fiddle. As the second-highest-paid Celtic (earning $54.1 million), George is under immense pressure to begin harkening back to the impactful presence he once was, this time as Jayson Tatum’s new running mate.

BRIGHTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 15: Paul George #13 of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media during a press conference on September 15, 2026 at The Auerbach Center in Brighton, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

“Again, no personal feelings towards the initial — how it [was] received here in Boston. To be honest, it’s fair. One foot in front of the other. Hopefully, with how we start this year, they understand this is a new team and something they can be proud of.”

George spent the greater bulk of last season battling a left knee hyperextension which required surgery and sidelined him for 41 games. He rejoined the Sixers just in time to square off against the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, and delivered a performance that factored significantly into Boston squandering its 3-1 series lead.

During his postseason revival series versus the Celtics, George averaged 17.4 points, four rebounds and three assists while converting 55 percent of his 3-point attempts.

“It just felt like I was able to do things and, quite frankly, it might’ve caught Boston off guard,” George said with a smile while looking toward a stone-faced Mazzulla, “from an expectation that I could no longer move.”

George’s showing last postseason offers an avenue for optimism as Boston approaches a season that’ll need all the positivity it can collect.

The reality is the bright green-colored glasses Boston’s front office handed its fans three offseasons ago have turned dull. George is cognizant of the city-wide reception the Celtics triggered through trading Brown away in a decision that lead governor Bill Chisholm described as a decision “all about trying to win.”

That’s the bar Chisholm set alongside president of basketball operations Brad Stevens during their damage control presser back in July, and a standard George welcomes with open arms.

“I think we’ve got an unbelievable roster, an unbelievable coach, obviously, front office,” George said. “I’ve always admired everything Boston has done and stood for. So I think coming in with that attitude and that mindset to win, I’m all on. I’m happy to pull akong and do my part to try to lead this group back to where everybody here feels and wants.”

Stevens signed veteran guard Mike Conley and center Mitchell Robinson to help keep Boston in the running next season.

But all eyes will be drawn to George.

This upcoming season, much of Boston’s ability to compete in the long run will ride on George — his ability to perform like a No. 2 and stay healthy throughout an 82-game regular season and playoffs. The Celtics are counting on him to take the version of himself that had a hand in ending their season four months ago and maintain it.

“It’s fair to live with that emotion, given what JB stood for and what he brought, and the history,” George said. “He was a part of raising a banner and winning a championship here. That’s gonna forever stick.”

Coming into a situation with increased responsibility in the toughest market the NBA has to offer, George brings the level-headed mindset of a soon-to-be 17-year veteran.

“They’re getting someone that’s ready to not fill the shoes or fill the void of JB, but I think, from a personal standpoint, can still keep us in contention and give us a chance to win,” George added.

The message from Chisholm and Stevens is that the goalpost hasn’t shifted with Brown gone. George, who’s reached the conference finals just three times in his career, has already bought in.

Mike Conley and Payton Pritchard are already connecting on and off the court

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 06: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket while Mike Conley #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends in the fourth quarter at Target Center on November 06, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Celtics 114-109 in overtime. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Mike Conley and Payton Pritchard have made a connection this summer. Conley revealed at his introductory press conference on Tuesday that they have begun working out together, playing a lot of five-on-five and one-on-one.

“Me and Payton [Pritchard] work a lot,” Conley said. “One-on-one with our workouts. Before practice or before five-on-five, we play [or] hoop or whatever, and we’re talking the game all the time. Like, ‘I should shoot a floater, you should shoot a mid-range shot.’”

Conley was a free agent signing this summer by the Celtics after previously spending his 19-year career with the Grizzlies, the Jazz and, most recently, the Timberwolves. He is going to provide the Celtics veteran leadership and guard depth this season.

Conley also noted that he and Pritchard do different things on the court and it impacts on how he gives some tips to Pritchard.

“Different things that compliment his game, might not compliment mine,” he said. “I recognize that and you just gotta know who you’re talking to and their personality.”

Conley has one of the most effective floaters the NBA has seen. Conley, a lefty, has primarily used his right hand to shoot the floater.

Last season for the Timberwolves, Conley averaged 4.5 points and 2.9 assists per game in 54 games. He is going to have a role on the Celtics, even with the addition of Devin Carter, because Boston is a bit shorthanded at guard and will need Conley to play at certain points in the season.

Conley had his moments in the playoffs last season. His averages were relatively the same as they were in the regular season, but Minnesota lost a lot of their guards as the playoffs went on and they needed to insert Conley back into the starting lineup. He had 7 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in Minnesota’s close-out Game 6 win against the Denver Nuggets.

Playing with Pritchard should also help Conley. Payton is a really good player who is ultra-quick. That will help get Conley ready for the season when he has to go against fast guard on either side of the court. They can also learn how to play off one another for when they share the court this season.

NBA expansion teams heading to Las Vegas and Seattle likely to happen at record setting numbers

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Kris Brannon, a fan of the Seattle Supersonics, holds a

The possibility of the NBA adding two more expansion teams continues to gain steam, and it’s expected to happen at record numbers.

According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, the league is advancing into further stages that would grant Las Vegas and Seattle two expansion teams, at deals over $7 billion and $10 billion.

“The NBA and Adam Silver are in deeper and deeper stages of the expansion conversation, and I’m told specifically for Las Vegas, the next round of bids for an expansion team in Las Vegas are due on Thursday, and final bids expected to be some point shortly thereafter,” Charania said. “My understanding is proposals for that Vegas team is reaching and potentially exceeding $10 billion.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks about the league potentially expanding to Las Vegas and Seattle Markets. NBAE via Getty Images
City of Seattle could be awarde with NBA expansion franchise. Tommy – stock.adobe.com

Charania went on to say that the Vegas process has moved on with more pace than the Seattle, but still believes they will land the other team, that will cost future owners around $7 billion.

“Those Seattle conversations are continuing as well,” Charania said. “Remember, the league has been targeting as soon as the 2028-2029 season for the start of these expansion teams.”

Las Vegas could be rewarded with an NBA expansion franchise. Getty Images

Despite the potential Las Vegas expansion team having yet to play in an NBA game, the estimated cost to purchase it falls just $2.5 billion shy of what it cost Josh Kushner and Bob Iger to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter.

The last time the NBA expanded happened in 2004, when the league introduced the Charlotte Bobcats, which costed previous owner Robert L. Johnson $300 million in expansion fees to create.

With the NBA potentially adding two more teams, Charania said the NBA expects Las Vegas and Seattle to be in the top-10 in future revenue share.


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“Now Adam Silver is going to continue the bids process, and it’s unclear when a final vote will be,” Charania said. “I think over the next couple of months we’re going to get clarity on the final offers. …A potential vote to finalize the expansion to 32 teams.”

The possibility of Las Vegas and Seattle being awarded an NBA team should come as no surprise, as the league already has ties to both cities.

Seattle Sonics fans could potentially have their home team back as an NBA expansion franchise. REUTERS

From 1967-2008, Seattle was home to the Super Sonics, who won three Western Conference Titles and one NBA championship in 1979.

The team went on and relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Oklahoma City Thunder after the team was bought by its current owner, Clay Bennett, for $350 million.

Las Vegas’ ties to the NBA date back to 2004, when the league started hosting its annual Summer League there.

LeBron James brings back ‘Taco Tuesday’ post with help from San Diego’s Mike’s Red Taco

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows LeBron James shown eating Tacos on
LeBron James enjoys his "Taco Tuesday."

LeBron James appears to be enjoying his “Taco Tuesday.”

Seven years after James was denied in his attempt to trademark the term “Taco Tuesday,” he posted a video of himself scarfing down at least three plates of tacos.

The video began with James saying, “Hey, y’all I’m just chilling here, relaxing. And you know, I’m not really having a good day,” only to immediately respond by shouting the words “Sike!”

“You know what today is. It’s Taco Tuesday.”

James followed up his excitement by sharing a scream that echoed across Mike’s Red Taco — a San Diego Taco establishment that is gearing up to open it’s upcoming location in Pasadena.

The reason why James was denied in his trademark attempt was due to the term being considered “a commonplace term.”

According to ESPN, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office said: “The applied-for mark is a commonplace term, message, or expression widely used by a variety of sources that merely conveys an ordinary, familiar, well-recognized concept or sentiment message.”

USPTO went on to inform James’ trademark company that “Taco Tuesday” is a “widely used message used by various parties to express enthusiasm for tacos by promoting and celebrating them on a dedicated weekday.”

LeBron James appears to be enjoying his “Taco Tuesday.” AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, his application to trademark the term was to ensure he couldn’t be sued for any use of “Taco Tuesday.”

In the past, James used to share videos of himself and his family eating tacos on social media accounts.

“I love tacos, and I especially love how they bring people together to create traditions and share great moments around the table with family and friends,” James said in a statement released by Fox 5 in San Diego. “In addition to having an incredible taco, Mike’s Red Tacos bring those same values to life in a fresh, new way for consumers.”

Seven years after James was denied in his attempt to trademark the term “Taco Tuesday,” he posted a video of himself scarfing down at least three plates of tacos. Getty Images

While James has been enjoying his time on a fun trip down memory lane, it comes before new beginnings, as he is just two weeks away from joining his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers, for NBA training camp, after he signed with them this past July on a two-year, $8 million deal that includes a player option.

James spent the last eight years of his career with the Lakers, where he averaged 25.9 points, 7.9 assists, and 7.7 rebounds during his Los Angeles tenure.

During the 2019-2020 NBA season, James led the Lakers to their 17th title in franchise history, where he was crowned Finals MVP after averaging 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists.

Paul George has 'chip on my shoulder' as he joins Celtics after Jaylen Brown trade

Paul George is hoping to have the luck of the Irish.

The NBA veteran was introduced as a member of the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, Sept. 15 in a press conference with president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, head coach Joe Mazzulla and Mike Conley Jr., who also joined the team this offseason. Mitchell Robinson was supposed to be a part of the press conference, but had to tend to a "personal matter."

George was part of the blockbuster trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers and broke the heart of the Celtics faithful. Brown was the NBA Finals MVP in 2024 when Boston won its 18th championship.

"Listen, I understand the circumstances," George told the media. "I understand how huge JB was, not only for the organization, but here in the city. So I didn't take it personal. To be honest, they should have a relationship emotionally to that trade."

George, a nine-time All-Star, has been hindered by knee injuries the past two seasons with the Celtics' Atlantic Division rival. The 36-year-old said he feels "great" while reiterating that he has no hard feelings toward fans who aren't giving him a usual hero's welcome after the stunning trade even he admitted was "a bit surprising."

"I feel like I've turned that corner of dealing with injuries and now kinda reestablishing myself from a physical standpoint again and with that, I can carry it over to the court," he said. "So, again, no personal feelings ... just one foot in front of the other. Hopefully with how we start this year, they understand this is a new team and something that they can be proud of."

George, who helped oust the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs last season, said he's getting to know Jayson Tatum, Boston's six-time All-Star and face of the franchise, "organically."

"We have a superstar and that's JT," George said. "I'm not here to, not necessarily steal the shine or try to reinvent who I am. I'm here to help JT. He's the guy."

Mazzulla shared his thoughts on George and Conley joining the team.

"Just excited to be able to have two guys that have been in the league for a long time and learn from their experiences," he said. "Both guys are extremely experienced, have had great coaches, have had great teammates, have been through the wars of an NBA season, regular season and playoffs. Competing against both of them at different times during the season has taught me a lot, has taught my team a lot. ... It's a mutual relationship just based on their pedigree, who they are and what they've been able to accomplish in this league. I think they'll make us better, they'll make me better and hope we can do the same."

Conley gave his perspective on adjusting to Mazzulla's unconventional coaching style and dry personality.

"I thought he was crazy before," he laughed. "Nah, he's not crazy, no. My impressions have been everything that I expected. I think from hearing from some of the players who've played for him, just from around the league, his ideas, he's not afraid to push the envelope a little bit. To try things, to try different schemes and different reactions for players, different ways of getting things across. It's refreshing for me. ... The way he sees the game is a different lens, so I think it's a special thing."

The 38-year-old is entering his 20th season in the league. He was a rookie on the Memphis Grizzlies when Boston won the 2008 NBA Finals with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, so he has had a reverence for the Celtics his entire career.

"It was fairly quick, honestly," he said about his decision to join the Celtics as a free agent. "But the main reason, you know, you look around the league, there's very few organizations and teams that you look at that honestly are trying to win every year. The culture here in Boston speaks for itself. The championships, the banners, the fanbase, it encompasses all that. So looking around, I was like, 'Man, what opportunities are out there for me?' Boston was a real one and having the opportunity to play for such a storied franchise, Joe and Brad and all the team, the guys, the players to the staff, A1, top-notch."

George has played 16 seasons in the league and the farthest he's made it in the playoffs is the conference finals. He did so three times, twice with the Indiana Pacers and once with the Los Angeles Clippers. Being around the same age as superstars Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving, he agreed that the aura of the Celtics gives him motivation to prove himself.

"Winning culture, winning environment, winning fanbase, absolutely," he said. "I haven't won yet, so I'm on the other side of that. So the chip on my shoulder is, I believe I'm a winning player. I believe I'm all about winning, being a winning teammate, winning locker room guy. ... I'm a guy that when it's all said and done, where my legacy falls, being compared to guys in my category, I've yet to have something to show for it."

Conley has also yet to win a championship. He reflected on his own NBA journey and shared the hope that their hunger will fuel the team.

"At 20 years, honestly, you want to say like you feel the same as you did when you were a lot younger, but you grow as you get older," he said. "You understand what you can bring at different points in the year. I still got a lot left. I still can do it on the court, off the court. But leadership is one thing I know I can bring. And the urgency I think that even myself and Paul gotta bring for this team as two guys who haven't had a chance to win a championship yet. So it's that sense of urgency that maybe reignites that for the guys who've been on this team who've already won it to kinda continue to push them every day, continue to show them how bad we wanna win."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paul George has 'chip on my shoulder' as he joins Celtics after Jaylen Brown trade

Knicks sign John Konchar and Drew Eubanks to training camp deals

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 07: Drew Eubanks #14 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after dunking over Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies and John Konchar #46 during the game at Footprint Center on January 07, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 121-115. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In a league where everyone seems to have lost their minds, the Knicks have had a quiet offseason. I mean, after you win a championship, why be overtly active when you have everything you need to go back-to-back?

We haven’t heard of a real roster move since the attempt to sign Mavericks center Moussa Cisse to an offer sheet back on July 19, but as training camp approaches in the next few weeks, the Knicks need to figure out who’s filling the final roster spots.

Two of those names who will be competing for that spot will be former Grizzlies wing John Konchar and former Kings forward Drew Eubanks, who were both signed on Tuesday night.

Konchar, an undrafted free agent out of Purdue-Fort Wayne in 2019, grew from a little-used role player into a key contributor for several years in Memphis. He played just 62 games in his first two seasons, but began to become a serious member of the rotation in 2021-22.

Across the next three seasons, Konchar averaged 4.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists on 45.7% from the field and 35.5% from three in 199 games (53 starts) for a turbulent team that went from being one of the league’s youngest and brightest to most disappointing. He never played nor contributed much when the playoffs came around, but was soli regular season depth.

He began to be phased out of the rotation in 2024-25, playing just 46 games without any long-term injuries. A sharp regression from downtown (28.4% in 2025-26) made him expendable, leading to him being sent to Utah as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade as expiring salary, where he played out the rest of the season with a crummy, tanking Jazz team.

When things are going right for Konchar, the 6’5” wing plays a lot taller than his height, averaging 8.2 rebounds per 36 with two stocks (steals+blocks). He’s had stretches where he can be a real sniper, shooting over 37% from three on three different occasions, but is also extremely streaky, having shot sub-34% also in three different seasons.

As for Eubanks, affectionately nicknamed the “Michael Jordan of Troutdale, Oregon”, he signed as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon State in 2018 with the San Antonio Spurs, playing 3.5 years as a solid bench player for a transitional era in Spurs basketball before being traded to the Raptors at the 2022 trade deadline for Goran Dragic and a first-round pick, eventually being bought out.

Since then, he’s shuffled around the league. He played the best basketball of his career in 22 games as a starter for the Portland Trail Blazers in late 2022, averaging 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds, but reverted to the regular role player he’s always been the following year.

He’s played for four different teams over the last three years, making stops in Phoenix, LA (Clippers), Utah, and Sacramento, where he played 42 games last season. In his eight-year career, he’s averaged 5.6 points and 4.3 rebounds on 60.3% from the field.

Now, it’s extremely unlikely that these two players will both make the Opening Night roster, as the Knicks are currently unable to sign two players to standard contracts without exceeding the second apron. It seems like these two will be among the players competing for just one roster spot, with the 6’10” Eubanks likely being the favorite… or is he?

We haven’t gotten the financials, but Konchar is a guy who reportedly got interest from Miami, Orlando, and Toronto. As Ian Begley put it shortly after signing, he likely would not have signed here if he didn’t see a real path towards making the roster, something that the front office would have had to assure him of given the situation.

Could this be the precursor to a trade? Even if nothing is imminent, is this a sign that the Knicks are more willing to trade someone (Deuce McBride?) for a center during training camp?

The Knicks are currently at just 17 players on their training camp roster, with 13 standard deals, these two, Liam Robbins (signed to an Exhibit 10), and Tyler Nickel (likely to be signed to a two-way). They can sign four more.

Veteran guard John Konchar agrees to one-year deal with Knicks

The Knicks have one open roster spot left (that they can afford under the second apron), and it looks like they'll use it on guard depth.

Veteran guard John Konchar has agreed to a one-year deal with the Knicks, a story first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN and since confirmed by Konchar's agents.

This is likely a non-guaranteed contract, but Konchar had options and would not have signed somewhere he didn't believe he was likely to make the final roster. The Knicks also signed veteran big man Drew Eubanks to a training camp deal, and he is competing for a roster spot, reports the well-connected Ian Begley of SNY.TV.

Konchar is a reliable 6'5" guard who has been in the league for seven years. He plays smart basketball, is a solid rebounder who averaged 4.3 a game last season splitting time between Utah and Memphis, and he is a career 34.9% shooter from 3-point range. That said, he's not much of a scorer (4.3 points per game for his career).

The Knicks have 13 standard contracts on their roster and Konchar brings them to 14 and close to the second apron.

The reason Kawhi Leonard wanted to be traded to the Raptors over other championship contenders

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Clippers vs New York Knicks basketball game in action, Image 2 shows NBA player Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers scoring a basket during a game against the Brooklyn Nets
Kawhi Leonard.

Kawhi Leonard is about to begin his second run with the Toronto Raptors, and it appears to come with a good reason.

According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Leonard had other potential suitors who wanted to trade for him, but he ultimately chose the Toronto Raptors because of his legacy.

“There were teams — Detroit, Minnesota — others that had interest in trading for him, that wanted to trade for him, that wanted to give him an extension,” Charania said on TSN. “But he made a decision because he had one year left on his deal to essentially weed out where he wanted to play, where he wanted to be. And so this is a legacy play for Kawhi Leonard. There’s no doubt about it.”

Kawhi Leonard is about to begin his second run with the Toronto Raptors, and it appears to come with a good reason. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

On Monday, Leonard was officially traded by the Clippers to the Raptors in a deal that included Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks.

Originally, Leonard was supposed to be traded by the Clippers to the Raptors in July, but the deal was put on hold as the NBA investigated him, his uncle and former business partner Dennis Robertson, and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer — due to the team attempting to circumvent the NBA Salary Cap.

Two weeks ago, the NBA concluded its investigation and fined Leonard $700,000 while fining Ballmer $30 million and stripping the Clippers of five future first-round picks that will take place between 2029-2033.

On Tuesday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said, “The discipline is final,” after making his first public comments about the punishment.

With the Clippers left in despair, Leonard will be on to new beginnings by rejoining the Raptors, the same team he led to its first NBA Championship in franchise history, during the 2018-2019 season.

The Raptors knocked off the reigning back-to-back champions, the Golden State Warriors in six games, and Leonard was crowned the Finals MVP for the second time in his career after having a dominant series where he averaged 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2 blocks, and 1.2 steals.

The Raptors were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last year after losing in seven games to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Leonard was officially traded by the Clippers to the Raptors in a deal that included Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

It’s unknown what the offers were like from Detroit and Minnesota, but both teams are coming into the 2026 season as legitimate contenders to win the title this season.

The Timberwolves have been heavily active over the offseason, trading for LaMelo Ball and recently signing Jonathan Kuminga.

Kawhi Leonard in an NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets while playing with the Los Angeles Clippers. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

Detroit finished the regular season as the No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 60-22 record but suffered the same fate as the Raptors and were eliminated in the second round by the Cavaliers.

The general assumption for Detroit is that they needed a star to lead them in the playoffs — a role Leonard is familiar with. But he ultimately chose to return to Toronto.

Nets add two G League prospects in Sign-and-Waive moves

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 03: Isaiah Wong #21 of the Charlotte Hornets plays against the Washington Wizards during their game at Spectrum Center on February 03, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Dwight Murray Jr. and Isaiah Wong are officially joining the Brooklyn Nets organization. This morning, the team signed both players before waiving them shortly after. The Nets traded for Murray Jr.’s rights earlier this month and then Wong’s two days later.

What might seem like an odd transaction on the surface is actually a move commonly made by NBA teams ahead of training camp. When a team sign-and-waives a player, it secures that player’s G League rights and the opportunity to offer them a cash bonus of $91,000 on top of the G League max of $49,000. It’s highly likely that’s what Brooklyn is doing here to get Murray Jr. and Wong on the Long Island Nets roster. It’s also possible the two will be in Brooklyn for camp.

Murray Jr. has technically been a Net before. He played for Brooklyn in the Summer League this year, appearing in two games where he averaged 5.0 points, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 rebounds per game. He’s also played two seasons in the G-League already. There, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 23.5 minutes per game.

Wong, however, has more experience at the pro level. He’s appeared in 21 NBA games over the past two seasons, including 20 with the Charlotte Hornets during their 2024-25 campaign. He’s also spent time in the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers organizations. In the G-League, he’s played 59 games while averaging 16.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 28.9 minutes per game.

After Charlotte didn’t renew his deal last season, he went overseas, playing first in Lithuania with Zalgiris, a Euroleague team, then in Spain with Gran Canaria. Wong averaged 14.6 points a game along with two assists and two rebounds. Wong’s grandfather was Chinese.

After filling their final two-way slot almost two weeks ago via Grant Nelson, the Nets certainly appear focused on solidifying their G-League roster here in September. Brooklyn’s training camp opens on September 29. Long Island’s a month later. The NBA G-League regular season begins on November 6.

New York Knicks signing John Konchar to one-year deal

Free agent forward John Konchar has agreed to a one-year deal with the New York Knicks, his agent told ESPN.

At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, Konchar is bigger than most guards coach Mike Brown can put on the floor. He guards multiple positions and rebounds like a forward, not a backcourt piece.

The signing gets the defending champion Knicks to 14 players on standard contracts, with training camp opening Oct. 1 and roughly $3.2 million of room left below the second apron.

Konchar is entering his eighth NBA season. Though he plays different positions, he essentially replaces Mitchell Robinson, who left this offseason for a three-year, $47 million deal with the Celtics.

Last season, split between Memphis and Utah, Konchar averaged 4.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 56 games. He got more run in Utah and made it count, shooting 44.5% and posting a career-high 5.9 points a game.

According to reports, the Heat, Magic and Raptors were interested in him as well. The Knicks got him for the price of a roster spot, and got a body who can do a little of everything.

Konchar went undrafted out of Purdue-Fort Wayne in 2019, and he has had a long, winding road to Madison Square Garden. Memphis traded him to Utah in February. Utah traded him to Minnesota in August with Cody Williams for Josh Green and cash. Minnesota waived him the same day to free up the money to fit Jonathan Kuminga under the second apron.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New York Knicks signing John Konchar to one-year deal

Adam Silver: ' I would see it as a failure if we did not keep the team in Portland'

Since he bought the Portland Trail Blazers, Tom Dundon's script has looked very familiar to many in the Pacific Northwest. The complaints about the Moda Center and the lease with the city, plus the penny-pinching and apparent disregard for the fan base, feel a lot like what Clay Bennett and that ownership group did after buying the Seattle SuperSonics, a group that always had the intention of moving them to Oklahoma City.

Dundon and the Trail Blazers are negotiating with Portland City officials on a new lease to that would keep the team in the city to 2050, provide much-needed arena upgrades, plus the taxes on tickets and more, with a deadline at the end of the year (before some approved government funding goes away).

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was asked about the apparent lack of progress in those negotiations, following the league's Board of Governors meeting.

"I want to be very direct about it: I would see it as a failure if we did not keep the team in Portland," Silver said. "I've spent a lot of time in that community over the years. They've shown amazing support for the Trail Blazers. They're some of our best fans around the league.

"At the same time, now I speak for our WNBA team in the market as well, we need a state-of-the-art arena. I think by any objective measure now, the current building there is in the bottom measure of any arena in the league...

"It's my hope that we can lower the temperature honestly a bit in these negotiations."

The temperature has been high.

Negotiations should have started in earnest a couple of months ago, after the Portland City Council approved $120 million to pay for much-needed renovations to the Moda Center. Combine that with already approved state and county funds, and there is a pool of $586 million to update the arena — and Silver is right, it needs it.

The negotiations would include a new lease that would keep the Trail Blazers in Portland until 2050, an additional 20 years beyond the current lease.

The City Council also approved a terms sheet with that money, which Dundon and the Trail Blazers have said is a non-starter. That terms sheet includes a $3 million annual rent charge, on top of the fact that the city already gets a 6% tax on each ticket sold and every parking fee at the building. The Trail Blazers want all of that reduced and the new rent charge eliminated. The city's term sheet also calls for the Trail Blazers to hire union workers for the renovations and construction process, as well as for concession workers and others on game night. The Trail Blazers have asked for increased security around the game.

There's no real pressure on the negotiations yet, with the City Council's final vote on a term sheet currently set for Dec. 17. As we move closer to that date, we'll see if Dundon and the city can move toward a compromise, or if that was never Dundon's intention and he wanted to move the team from the start.

He also may have gotten a sense at the Board of Governors meeting whether the other owners would back him in such a move, especially considering the city and regional governments did step up with the needed money.

Knicks signing John Konchar, Drew Eubanks as roster battle gets underway

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows A Utah Jazz player in a white jersey with purple trim holding up three fingers, Image 2 shows A Sacramento Kings player dribbles the basketball during a game against the Charlotte Hornets
Knicks signings

The Knicks did some end-of-roster maneuvering Tuesday.

They signed guard John Konchar and center Drew Eubanks to one-year deals, The Post confirmed.

Eubanks’ deal is nonguaranteed. It was not immediately clear whether Konchar’s is guaranteed.

Both will battle for a roster spot.

John Konchar gestures after scoring during the Jazz’s blowout win over the Grizzlies on April 10, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Getty Images

If either makes the roster, it would bring the Knicks to the required minimum of 14 standard NBA contracts.

If it’s Konchar, though, it would leave them with only two true big men in Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond.

Teams are allowed up to 15 standard contracts, though the Knicks likely can’t reach that number and stay under the second apron.

Konchar, a 6-foot-5 defensive-minded guard, spent time with the Grizzlies and Jazz last year and averaged 4.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

For his career, the 30-year-old Konchar has shot 34.9 percent from 3-point range.

The 6-foot-10 Eubanks, 29, spent last year with the Kings, averaging 5.2 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.

Drew Eubanks dribbles the ball during the King’s loss to the Hornets on March 11, 2026, at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. Getty Images

The Knicks lost much of their frontcourt depth this offseason with Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti signing with the Celtics and 76ers, respectively.

Training camp is set to begin Sept. 28.


The Knicks also signed 7-foot center Liam Robbins, who showed promise with the team at Summer League, to an Exhibit 10 contract.

He will battle for a two-way deal at training camp — the Knicks still have all three of their two-way slots available.

They announced the signings of Jaden Akins, Igor Milicic Jr., Mitchell Mascari, Toby Okani, Nick Jourdain and Paul Zilinskas to Exhibit 10 deals.

They were all subsequently waived, meaning they are likely headed to the Westchester Knicks in the G-League if they clear waivers.

These roster gymnastics allow the players to make a little extra money.

Knicks signing forward John Konchar to one-year deal

The Knicks are rounding out their bench with a new signing.

New York is signing John Konchar, according to GSL Sports Group, which represents the forward. Konchar chose the defending-champion Knicks among a group of suitors, so he comes to New York with a legitimate chance to make the regular-season roster. Additionally, center Drew Eubanks is signing with New York on a camp deal and will be competing for a roster spot, per SNY sources.

Konchar spent his first seven seasons with the Grizzlies before landing with the Jazz in the middle of last season. With Memphis, he averaged 14.5 minutes, 3.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 30 games last season, but produced more with Utah. Across 26 games with the Jazz, Konchar averaged 26.2 minutes, 5.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and three assists per game.

Utah traded Konchar and Cody Williams to the Timberwolves in exchange for Josh Green and cash considerations this offseason. Minnesota then waived Konchar in late August. 

Eubanks’ 2025-26 season in Sacramento was cut short in March following surgery to repair a UCL tear in his left thumb. The veteran is expected to be fully healthy for training camp, which begins later this month. A strong presence around the basket, he will presumably compete for a role as New York’s third center. Across 42 games in Sacramento last season, Eubanks averaged 5.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 13 minutes.

Both Konchar and Eubanks are on one-year deals. ESPN first reported Konchar’s agreement with the Knicks.

If Konchar or Eubanks makes the roster, the Knicks will be right up against the second apron (unless they make a trade). Knicks owner James Dolan has said that he doesn’t want to exceed the second apron in team salary.

The Knicks also have three open two-way spots. One of those spots will presumably go to second-round pick Tyler Nickel. Big man Liam Robbins, who signed an Exhibit 10 deal on Tuesday, will presumably compete for another two-way spot. Who will get the third two-way spot? Former two-way player Kevin McCullar Jr. has been playing with some Knicks players in informal workouts this month. Other players the Knicks have been in touch with as training camp nears: big men Duop Reath and James Wiseman, per SNY sources.