TNT Sports Is Parting Ways With NBA TV

TNT Sports is walking away from NBA TV, as the Warner Bros. Discovery cable unit has elected to close out its oversight of the league-owned network this fall.

Talks that would have seen TNT retain its oversight of NBA TV operations, a role it had held down since the 2008-09 season, did not bear fruit. While financial considerations obviously played a key role in the split, the diminished number of games that will be carried on NBA TV under the league’s new 11-year rights package is said to have undermined TNT’s interest in maintaining the partnership.

The decision to end the alliance was announced Friday morning by TNT Sports Chair and CEO Luis Silberwasser in a memo to employees. In the note, Silberwasser characterized the split as a mutual parting of ways.

“We made several proposals to continue to provide services and operate the NBA TV network and related digital assets,” Silberwasser wrote. “However, we were unable to agree on a path forward that recognized the value of our expertise, quality content and operational excellence that our fans and partners have come to expect from TNT Sports.”

Silberwasser went on to note that day-to-day oversight of the network would revert to the NBA on Oct. 1.

While this marks the end of a 17-year arrangement that was originally brokered by former Turner Sports capo David Levy, TNT will continue to serve as a generator of digital content for the NBA via its Bleacher Report and House of Highlights properties.

TNT’s DNA will also persist care of its Inside the NBA studio show, for which Silberwasser licensed the rights to Disney’s ESPN and ABC. Under the terms of that side deal, the four leads (Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal) will remain locked in behind the desk and TNT will continue to have absolute editorial control of the show.

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Mike Dunleavy reveals specifics Warriors must address in 2025 NBA free agency

Mike Dunleavy reveals specifics Warriors must address in 2025 NBA free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The first part of the Warriors’ 2025 offseason has come and gone with the NBA draft in the rearview, and now the real fun begins.

While Jonathan Kuminga’s future will be a domino effect for the rest of Golden State’s free agency, which is set to begin Monday morning, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy spoke to Tim Kawakami on “The TK Show” about what their top priority is for the rest of the offseason regardless of how the Kuminga situation unfolds.

“Yeah, I think the biggest thing for us is knowing the guys that are going to be here, how do we complement them?” Dunleavy said. “How do we complement around Steph [Curry], Jimmy [Butler] and Draymond [Green]? [Brandin Podziemski], Moses [Moody], and going down the list. What do we need to add to that?

“I think there’s some specific skill sets that we can use on both sides of the ball, while also understanding what types of players work for us. What types of players can play for Steve [Kerr], in the system with Steph and dray and what they’ve done for many years here. It’s a tricky one. You got a little bit of a needle thread with it, but there are players out there that we can get that make us better.”

Since their 2024-25 NBA season came to a crushing end with Curry sidelined due to injury, the Warriors remain committed to their one-season quest to win it all with their superstar point guard — and his partners in crime.

So, what type of skill set is Dunleavy looking for specifically?

“The good thing is there’s a lot of players available, whether that’s in the free-agent market or we can make trades and put offers out on guys. So we’ll target some players that we think can fit well. You got to have that balance of playing with these guys offensively by making shots and being able to pass, handling the ball and reading the game. And defensively, you’ve got to be able to guard. You’ve got to be able to hold up. I can’t bring in a guy who’s a great shooter and, on the other end, defensively can’t do anything. It’s a problem.

“So we’re trying to look at guys that can make this team better. I think we’ve done a pretty good job in free agency, whether it’s minimums or exceptions. I have a good feel for our group and what we can do to get better. So we’ll see what we can do.”

Kuminga will be given a qualifying offer by Sunday’s 2 p.m. PT deadline, giving Golden State the chance to match any contract another team agrees to with him as a restricted free agent.

Teams officially can begin negotiating with players on Monday at 3 p.m. PT.

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Masai Ujiri ousted as president of the Toronto Raptors, executive led franchise to only title

Thirteen years ago, the Toronto Raptors were an afterthought, if they were thought of at all. The organization had missed the playoffs in nine of the previous 11 years. Then the franchise hired Masai Ujiri as its lead executive and things changed — the Raptors made smart decisions on players, built one of the best player development programs the league had seen, and turned itself into one of the top teams in the East led by beloved players such as Kyle Lowry, winning the franchise's only title in 2019. Ujiri was at the heart of turning the franchise around and he became one of the most respected executives in the NBA. The franchise has reportedly quadrupled in value since he was put in charge of basketball operations.

Ujiri is now out as Vice Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) announced Friday, the day after the NBA draft. Ujiri was about to enter the final year of his contract.

The rest of the front office staff, including general manager Bobby Webster, remain in place, and the team will begin a search for a new president. It will be interesting to see who Toronto can bring into a job where the GM is already in place and just extended his contract, combined with the fact that MLSE has shrunk its president role with other sports organizations it owns, such as the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, reports Josh Lewenberg of TSN.

Ujiri was born and raised in Nigeria and, with that, has been instrumental in the NBA's growth on that continent and internationally, at one point serving as the director of the NBA's Basketball Without Borders program. He has been actively involved in numerous charitable programs in Canada and internationally as well.

On the court, the Raptors struggled to a 30-52 record last season and have missed the playoffs three consecutive years. That said, they have rebuilt a roster that could well return the team to the postseason if healthy, led by Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and center Jakob Poeltl. Of that group, only Barrett played in 65+ games last season due to injuries.

If Ujiri wants to jump to another team immediately, there will be plenty of offers — teams have tried to poach him out of Toronto multiple times over the previous years, but he has remained loyal. Until the organization did not.

Mike Dunleavy reveals reason Warriors kept future first-round NBA draft picks

Mike Dunleavy reveals reason Warriors kept future first-round NBA draft picks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Steph Curry and Draymond Green aren’t going to play forever.

That was the main point Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy made on Friday’s episode of “The TK Show” with Tim Kawakami, which aired one day after the 2025 NBA Draft, when he discussed why the team is hesitant to let go of their future draft picks.

“We’re probably more protective of them than most teams,” Dunleavy told Kawakami. “Because not knowing after a few years what our roster is, the uncertainty of that, of putting those picks out in the future which, on the market makes them more valuable, but for us they’re a little bit more dangerous so we got to walk that line.”

And walk that line is what they’re doing. Curry and Green both will be unrestricted free agents heading into the 2027-28 NBA season – the four-time champs would be 39 and 37 years old, respectively.

Green also has a player option for 2026-27, but it’s unlikely he’d forego the $27 million he’s due that season.

Additionally, Jimmy Butler also will be a free agent in 2027, as the two-year, $112 million contract extension he signed with Golden State aligns with the two Warriors stalwarts.

“The good news is, you know, if there’s a player that you can call on or reach out, you know, is available, we’re going to be in the game,” Dunleavy added. “Because I think the rest of the league sees these picks way out as pretty valuable because, look, the reality is Steph and Draymond, Jimmy, those guys probably aren’t going to be playing for the Warriors in 2032.”

For now, the Warriors will keep the future draft picks close to the vest, but, if given the chance, it sounds like Dunleavy would be willing to pull the trigger for the right deal.

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Kings reportedly eyeing Russell Westbrook, Tyus Jones in NBA free agency

Kings reportedly eyeing Russell Westbrook, Tyus Jones in NBA free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Kings are on the hunt for a point guard.

After trading Davion Mitchelllast offseason and then trading De’Aaron Foxto the San Antonio Spurs this past season, Sacramento’s options at the ‘one’ have been limited.

After NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Tuesday that the Kings were in the market for 31-year-old Dennis Schröder, The Athletic’s Sam Amick followed on Wednesday night that the Kings could be in the market for another pair of NBA veterans, Tyus Jones and Russell Westbrook.

“The Kings indeed have serious interest in veteran Dennis Schröder,” Amick wrote. “That is, of course, if he doesn’t get something done with the Detroit Pistons first (league sources say he’s been in talks on that front this week). Fellow free agents Tyus Jones and Russell Westbrook are also known to be options that the Kings are considering.”

Westbrook declined his option with the Denver Nuggets and Jones entered free agency after one season with the Phoenix Suns.

Jones signed a one-year deal with the Suns in 2024 and averaged 10.2 points and 5.3 assists per game – both were less than his season prior, which he played with the Washington Wizards.

The 29-year-old likely would fit in better with Sacramento given his age and the fact that the Kings still are planning to build around center Domantas Sabonis and forward Keegan Murray.

As for the former MVP Westbrook, the 36-year-old had his ups and downs with the Nuggets and averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game with Denver.

Both players could give the Kings significant help at the point guard position, as Malik Monk struggled as the designated ball-handler during the second half of last season. He had issues keeping possession of the ball and averaged a career-high 2.4 turnovers per game on the season, but an even worse 3.1 turnovers per game following the Fox trade in February.

Sacramento’s free agency hunt for a point guard is sure to be a busy one and that officially will start on June 30.

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Drummond reportedly picking up his option to stay with Sixers

Drummond reportedly picking up his option to stay with Sixers  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

CAMDEN, N.J. — Andre Drummond’s mind didn’t change over the last couple of months.

The veteran center will exercise his $5 million player option for the 2025-26 season to stay with the Sixers, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported Friday.

Drummond indicated he’d likely return at his exit interview.

“There’s more work to do,” he said on April 13. “There’s stuff that’s missing that I haven’t completed here yet, which is winning at the highest level. And I still feel that way now. I think we still have the pieces to win at the highest level and think I can be a big part of that, too. 

“So my plan is to come back. Obviously, whatever happens in the offseason, happens. But my immediate plan is to be back here.”

The other two Sixers with player options are Kelly Oubre Jr. ($8.4 million) and Eric Gordon (veteran’s minimum, $3.5 million). On Wednesday night, No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe said that he’s “teammates now” with Gordon, who he’s played alongside on the Bahamian national team. 

Drummond’s 2024-25 season was disrupted by a nagging left big toe injury. The 31-year-old big man played in 40 games and averaged 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds.

Backup center has tended to be an important spot for the Sixers because of superstar Joel Embiid’s injury woes. Outside of Drummond, the Sixers are young at the position. Adem Bona will be entering his second NBA season next year and Johni Broome is now in the mix after going at No. 35 overall in the draft. 

Warriors, Kings 2025 NBA Summer League game dates, times, TV info released

Warriors, Kings 2025 NBA Summer League game dates, times, TV info released originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Following the conclusion of last night’s second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, basketball fans now can shift their focus to the NBA Summer League in the coming weeks.

The NBA released the Summer League schedule and TV broadcast information on Friday, which will take place from July 10-20 in Las Vegas.

While the Warriors will also compete in the seventh annual California Classic from July 5-8, Kings fans will have to wait until the Las Vegas event to watch new draft picks Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud take the floor in royal purple.

Golden State fans, on the other hand, will have plenty of opportunities to watch second-round draft picks Alex Toohey and Will Richard in action, though both the Warriors’ and Kings’ rosters are yet to be announced.

In addition to three California Classic matchups, the Warriors are set for the following matchups in Las Vegas:

  • Friday, July 11 vs. Portland Trail Blazers at 8 p.m. PST (airing on ESPN2)
  • Sunday, July 13 vs. Utah Jazz at 7 p.m. PST (ESPN2)
  • Tuesday, July 15 vs. Memphis Grizzlies at 7 p.m. PST (NBA TV)
  • Thursday, July 17 vs. Toronto Raptors at 7 p.m. PST (NBA TV)

Meanwhile, the Kings’ schedule is as follows:

  • Thursday, July 10 vs. Orlando Magic at 4:30 p.m. PST (NBA TV)
  • Saturday, July 12 vs. Chicago Bulls at 5 p.m. PST (NBA TV)
  • Monday, July 14 vs. Phoenix Suns at 7 p.m. PST (ESPNU)
  • Wednesday, July 16 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers at 12:30 p.m. PST (ESPN2)

Both Sacramento and Golden State will play at least one more game in Las Vegas between July 18-20, which will be determined based on their results in the four prior contests. If either team qualifies for the playoffs between the top four teams, their fifth game will be a semifinal on Saturday, July 19. A win there means a berth for an extra, sixth contest in the Summer League championship game on Sunday, July 20.

All games will take place at either the Thomas & Mack Center or Pavilion on the UNLV campus in Las Vegas.

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Assessing Warriors' roster position-by-position ahead of 2025 NBA free agency

Assessing Warriors' roster position-by-position ahead of 2025 NBA free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Wheels already are in motion. Texts are being sent, and calls are being answered. 

Even before the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft on Thursday night, offseason chaos already woke up from its year-long slumber. Everybody is looking up at the champion Oklahoma City Thunder, and for the Warriors, a handful of other teams are in their way. 

Their second star was added months ago in the form of Jimmy Butler. They also can’t run back the same exact roster and see themselves as immediate contenders. As the Warriors look to land on their final answer of what Jonathan Kuminga’s future is, only nine players from last season’s squad currently are under contract. 

Kuminga will be given a qualifying offer by Sunday’s 2 p.m. PT deadline, giving them the chance to match any contract another team agrees to with him as a restricted free agent. 

Teams officially can begin negotiating with players on Monday at 3 p.m. PT. Until then, here’s a look at the Warriors’ current roster days ahead of free agency.

Guards (3)

Shortly after Butler’s arrival, Brandin Podziemski settled into the starting lineup next to Steph Curry in the backcourt. Buddy Hield remained a Sixth Man, and then started the Warriors’ final nine games in the playoffs. That wasn’t as a Podziemski replacement, though. 

Those three are the only guards under contract for the Warriors. Moses Moody can play shooting guard depending on what the roster is as well. The most notable loss from last season’s roster would be Gary Payton II, who is an unrestricted free agent.

Pat Spencer is a restricted free agent and still is two-way eligible, even after being converted to a standard contract late last season. After being signed by the Warriors to a two-way contract in February out of Australia’s NBL, Taran Armstrong is a restricted free agent who will play summer league for Golden State.

Forwards (4)

As mentioned, Moody is listed as a forward for this exercise. The Warriors’ entire offseason could be dictated by his draft classmate Kuminga, whose fit in the frontcourt remains an oddity. 

Headliners here obviously are Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, the cerebral enforcers that make the Warriors’ new Big Three alongside Curry. The lone forward left is Gui Santos. The Warriors have a team option on Santos’ contract, but they will pick that up unless he’s part of a trade. 

Kevin Knox is a name to watch at the back end of the roster. He’s a restricted free agent the Warriors could re-sign on a cheap contract. His attitude and development earned praise from the staff and front office. Braxton Key was converted to a standard contract for the playoffs and remains two-way eligible, as does Jackson Rowe, who will play summer league for the Warriors. 

Centers (2) 

Yes, Green remains the best five-man on the roster. Yes, he still will see minutes there. No, the Warriors don’t want Draymond to be their starting center.

And all of this feels like the same track on a loop. 

Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quinten Post are the Warriors’ centers under contract, giving the position a giant question mark yet again. Going into Year 3 as a second-round pick, Jackson-Davis’ contract is non-guaranteed. Post has a team option entering his second season after being taken in the second round of last year’s draft that will be picked up.

Then there’s the possible reality of saying goodbye to one of the most respected Warriors in a long, long time. Kevon Looney always is a forever Warrior and fan favorite. Looney is an unrestricted free agent after a decade with the Warriors. 

Rookies (2)

One second-round pick became two for the Warriors when general manager Mike Dunleavy traded the No. 41 overall pick to the Phoenix Suns for No. 52 and No. 59. The Warriors landed on forward Alex Toohey from the NBL at 52, but Dunleavy wasn’t done making moves. He liked Florida shooting guard Will Richard enough to move up three spots, taking him at No. 56. 

Dunleavy after the draft said Toohey, 21, and Richard, 23 in December, could both possibly have roster spots at the start of the season. There’s always a strong chance one of the two is signed to a two-way deal, but having cheap contracts on your books from young players that can crack the rotation would be a draft dream for the Warriors.

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Assessing Warriors' roster position-by-position ahead of 2025 NBA free agency

Assessing Warriors' roster position-by-position ahead of 2025 NBA free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Wheels already are in motion. Texts are being sent, and calls are being answered. 

Even before the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft on Thursday night, offseason chaos already woke up from its year-long slumber. Everybody is looking up at the champion Oklahoma City Thunder, and for the Warriors, a handful of other teams are in their way. 

Their second star was added months ago in the form of Jimmy Butler. They also can’t run back the same exact roster and see themselves as immediate contenders. As the Warriors look to land on their final answer of what Jonathan Kuminga’s future is, only nine players from last season’s squad currently are under contract. 

Kuminga will be given a qualifying offer by Sunday’s 2 p.m. PT deadline, giving them the chance to match any contract another team agrees to with him as a restricted free agent. 

Teams officially can begin negotiating with players on Monday at 3 p.m. PT. Until then, here’s a look at the Warriors’ current roster days ahead of free agency.

Guards (3)

Shortly after Butler’s arrival, Brandin Podziemski settled into the starting lineup next to Steph Curry in the backcourt. Buddy Hield remained a Sixth Man, and then started the Warriors’ final nine games in the playoffs. That wasn’t as a Podziemski replacement, though. 

Those three are the only guards under contract for the Warriors. Moses Moody can play shooting guard depending on what the roster is as well. The most notable loss from last season’s roster would be Gary Payton II, who is an unrestricted free agent.

Pat Spencer is a restricted free agent and still is two-way eligible, even after being converted to a standard contract late last season. After being signed by the Warriors to a two-way contract in February out of Australia’s NBL, Taran Armstrong is a restricted free agent who will play summer league for Golden State.

Forwards (4)

As mentioned, Moody is listed as a forward for this exercise. The Warriors’ entire offseason could be dictated by his draft classmate Kuminga, whose fit in the frontcourt remains an oddity. 

Headliners here obviously are Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, the cerebral enforcers that make the Warriors’ new Big Three alongside Curry. The lone forward left is Gui Santos. The Warriors have a team option on Santos’ contract, but they will pick that up unless he’s part of a trade. 

Kevin Knox is a name to watch at the back end of the roster. He’s a restricted free agent the Warriors could re-sign on a cheap contract. His attitude and development earned praise from the staff and front office. Braxton Key was converted to a standard contract for the playoffs and remains two-way eligible, as does Jackson Rowe, who will play summer league for the Warriors. 

Centers (2) 

Yes, Green remains the best five-man on the roster. Yes, he still will see minutes there. No, the Warriors don’t want Draymond to be their starting center.

And all of this feels like the same track on a loop. 

Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quinten Post are the Warriors’ centers under contract, giving the position a giant question mark yet again. Going into Year 3 as a second-round pick, Jackson-Davis’ contract is non-guaranteed. Post has a team option entering his second season after being taken in the second round of last year’s draft that will be picked up.

Then there’s the possible reality of saying goodbye to one of the most respected Warriors in a long, long time. Kevon Looney always is a forever Warrior and fan favorite. Looney is an unrestricted free agent after a decade with the Warriors. 

Rookies (2)

One second-round pick became two for the Warriors when general manager Mike Dunleavy traded the No. 41 overall pick to the Phoenix Suns for No. 52 and No. 59. The Warriors landed on forward Alex Toohey from the NBL at 52, but Dunleavy wasn’t done making moves. He liked Florida shooting guard Will Richard enough to move up three spots, taking him at No. 56. 

Dunleavy after the draft said Toohey, 21, and Richard, 23 in December, could both possibly have roster spots at the start of the season. There’s always a strong chance one of the two is signed to a two-way deal, but having cheap contracts on your books from young players that can crack the rotation would be a draft dream for the Warriors.

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More moves coming? What's next for Celtics after roster-altering week

More moves coming? What's next for Celtics after roster-altering week originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics roster overhaul that many expected has begun in earnest. And it likely will continue.

The first dominoes fell earlier this week, when the Celtics parted with veterans Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis Porzingis in two reported trades that freed up roughly $27 million in cap space for next season and helped them dip under the second apron of the NBA’s luxury tax.

As of Friday, however, Boston sits just $4.5 million below the second apron and can’t go over that threshold for the remainder of the offseason and regular season. So, if the Celtics want to retain pending unrestricted free agents Al Horford and Luke Kornet — or make any notable roster moves, really — they need to trim even more salary.

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Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Boston is expected to “remain active in the trade market” going forward, as MassLive’s Brian Robb reported Friday.

So, when might these trades happen, and who might be involved? Let’s explore a timeline for possible deals, followed by three hypothetical scenarios for how the Celtics can “regain flexibility,” a phrase president of basketball operations Brad Stevens mentioned several times in his press conference following the 2025 NBA Draft.

Timeline for potential trades

NBA free agency unofficially begins Monday, June 30, when teams can begin negotiating with free agents from other clubs. If the Celtics have a strong desire to keep Horford and/or Kornet and believe there will be significant interest from other teams, they may be motivated to complete deals on or before next Monday to free up the cap space necessary to re-sign their veteran big men.

Another factor to note: The Holiday and Porzingis trades won’t become official until July 6, when the new league year officially begins. So, if the C’s want to move either Anfernee Simons (acquired in the Holiday trade) or Georges Niang (acquired in the Porzingis trade) before July 6, they could simply expand the existing framework of those deals to bring in additional teams.

Scenario 1: Trade Simons and/or Niang

As mentioned above, Boston can gain further cap savings if it finds a trade partner for either Simons or Niang.

The former is set to make $27.7 million in the final year of his contract and has value as a microwave scorer (20.7 points per game over his last three seasons), while the latter is on an $8.2 million expiring deal and could appeal to a contender looking for a versatile veteran with a strong 3-point shot (40.6 percent last season).

A deal involving Niang could be a straight salary dump, while a Simons trade likely would involve the Celtics taking back salary, since few teams can absorb a $27.7 million cap hit. The C’s need frontcourt depth after dealing Porzingis, so perhaps they’d look to bring back a big man in a Simons deal.

Scenario 2: Trade Sam Hauser

The trade market for Hauser reportedly was “robust” entering the draft, and while no deal materialized, there are plenty of teams that could benefit from a career 42 percent 3-point shooter who’s set to make $10 million in the first year of a four-year, $45 million contract extension.

With Jayson Tatum sidelined for most or all of the 2025-26 season, Hauser could provide plenty of value if he stays in Boston. But if the Celtics believe second-year wing Baylor Scheierman can give them some of that value at a lower cost ($2.6 million cap hit), then it makes sense to explore moving Hauser and saving up to $10 million against the cap.

Scenario 3: Multi-player trade

Now that the Celtics are under the second apron, they can aggregate contracts in trades, meaning they could deal both Hauser and Niang, for example, in a single trade to a team with $18 million in cap space.

Big man Xavier Tillman Sr. is another name to watch in this scenario. While he’s on a favorable deal ($2.5 million expiring contract), he averaged just 7.0 minutes per game last season as the odd man out in Boston’s frontcourt.

If the Celtics don’t plan on expanding Tillman’s role, perhaps they’d include him in a trade involving Simons, Niang or Hauser as an additional asset.

Masai Ujiri out as Raptors president and vice chairman after 13 years with team

Masai Ujiri out as Raptors president and vice chairman after 13 years with team originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Toronto Raptors had a major shakeup in their front office just one day after the 2025 NBA Draft concluded.

The franchise parted ways with president and vice chairman Masai Ujiri, who spent 13 years with the organization.

“During his 13 seasons with the Raptors, Masai has helped transform the organization on the court and has been an inspirational leader off it,” Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement. “He brought an NBA championship to Toronto and urged us to believe in this city, and ourselves. We are grateful for all he has done and wish him and his family the very best.”

Ujiri, 54, joined the Raptors in 2013 as executive vice president and general manager. He was promoted to team president in 2016 and surrendered his responsibilities as GM in 2017. He was entering the final year of his contract with the Raptors.

In his role, Ujiri helped guide the Raptors to their first championship in franchise history in 2019 by swinging a trade for Kawhi Leonard in July 2018.

While Leonard only stayed in Toronto for one season, he made it count. The Raptors made their first NBA Finals in 2018-19 and defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games to cement their first and only title.

The Raptors have only made the playoffs twice since Leonard left in July 2019 to join the LA Clippers in free agency. The team finished 30-52 in 2024-25, missing out on the NBA Play-In Tournament. It landed the No. 9 pick in the draft and used it on South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles.

The Raptors said their search for Ujiri’s replacement will begin immediately. Other key front office personnel will stay in place, with GM Bobby Webster getting a contract extension.

“We are confident that the Raptors organization, under the guidance of Bobby and his team, is in a great place,” Pelley said. “They have a plan in place for next season and beyond as the team continues its rebuild, and we have confidence in their ability to execute and ultimately, to excel.”

Masai Ujiri out as Raptors president and vice chairman after 13 years with team

Masai Ujiri out as Raptors president and vice chairman after 13 years with team originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Toronto Raptors had a major shakeup in their front office just one day after the 2025 NBA Draft concluded.

The franchise parted ways with president and vice chairman Masai Ujiri, who spent 13 years with the organization.

“During his 13 seasons with the Raptors, Masai has helped transform the organization on the court and has been an inspirational leader off it,” Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement. “He brought an NBA championship to Toronto and urged us to believe in this city, and ourselves. We are grateful for all he has done and wish him and his family the very best.”

Ujiri, 54, joined the Raptors in 2013 as executive vice president and general manager. He was promoted to team president in 2016 and surrendered his responsibilities as GM in 2017. He was entering the final year of his contract with the Raptors.

In his role, Ujiri helped guide the Raptors to their first championship in franchise history in 2019 by swinging a trade for Kawhi Leonard in July 2018.

While Leonard only stayed in Toronto for one season, he made it count. The Raptors made their first NBA Finals in 2018-19 and defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games to cement their first and only title.

The Raptors have only made the playoffs twice since Leonard left in July 2019 to join the LA Clippers in free agency. The team finished 30-52 in 2024-25, missing out on the NBA Play-In Tournament. It landed the No. 9 pick in the draft and used it on South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles.

The Raptors said their search for Ujiri’s replacement will begin immediately. Other key front office personnel will stay in place, with GM Bobby Webster getting a contract extension.

“We are confident that the Raptors organization, under the guidance of Bobby and his team, is in a great place,” Pelley said. “They have a plan in place for next season and beyond as the team continues its rebuild, and we have confidence in their ability to execute and ultimately, to excel.”

Britain's Williams drafted into NBA by Boston Celtics

Amari Williams celebrates while playing for Kentucky Wildcats
Williams grew up in Nottingham until the age of 18 [Getty Images]

Britain's Amari Williams has been drafted into the NBA by the Boston Celtics after being chosen as the 46th overall pick.

The 23-year-old becomes the third English-born active player in the NBA, joining Brooklyn Nets' forward Tosan Evbuomwan and OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks.

Born in Nottingham, Williams attended Myerscough College in Lancashire before moving to Drexel University and the University of Kentucky in the United States.

The 7ft centre spent the first four of his five-year college career with the Drexel Dragons, where he was named CAA Defensive Player of the Year three times.

He then transferred to Kentucky, averaging 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Wildcats last season.

The first British-born player to feature in the NBA was Chris Harris, who represented St. Louis Hawks and Rochester Royals in the 1955-56 season.

San Antonio Spurs' Jeremy Sochan also has British links, having been born in the United States but raised in England and played for multiple English sides, most notably Southampton-based Solent Kestrels.

Williams' arrival adds some much needed front-court depth to the Celtics, who are the most successful team in NBA history having won a record 18 championships.

He is the second player to join the team in the 2025 draft after Spanish wing Hugo Gonzalez, who was selected from Real Madrid as the number 28 pick in the first round on Wednesday.

Celtics' Summer League roster taking shape after three post-draft additions

Celtics' Summer League roster taking shape after three post-draft additions originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics have imported a handful of new faces over the last 48 hours.

The 2025 NBA Draft was Boston’s busiest since 2020, as the Celtics made three selections while swinging a second-round trade. The team selected Spanish guard Hugo Gonzalez in the first round at No. 28 overall, then dealt the No. 32 overall pick to the Orlando Magic for pick No. 46 (Kentucky big man Amari Williams) and pick No. 57 (VCU guard Max Shulga) in addition to two future second-rounders.

Whether Gonzalez will join the Celtics at the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas is unclear, as the 19-year-old is still playing overseas for Real Madrid in Spain. But according to multiple reports, Boston did sign a trio of undrafted rookies to participate on its Summer League squad: Penn State forward Zach Hicks, Gonzaga forward Ben Gregg and St. John’s guard Aaron Scott.

Here’s a bit more detail on those three players, followed by a projected look at the Celtics’ Summer League roster:

Zach Hicks, forward, Penn State

  • Age: 22
  • Height, Weight: 6-foot-8, 205 pounds
  • 2024-25 stats: 11.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 47.1 FG%, 41.3% 3PT

Hicks spent his first two college seasons at Temple before transferring to Penn State for his junior and senior years. He posted college career highs in several categories as a senior last season, surpassing the 40 percent 3-point threshold for the first time.

Ben Gregg, forward, Gonzaga

  • Age: 22
  • Height, Weight: 6-foot-10, 230 pounds
  • 2024-25 stats: 9.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 57.1 FG%, 27.1% 3PT

Gregg spent his entire five-season college career at Gonzaga and improved his field goal percentage in each of the last four seasons. Gregg’s 3-point rate dipped from 37.7 percent to 27.1 percent as a senior, however, and he played just 19.9 minutes per game in his final season.

Aaron Scott, guard, St. John’s

  • Age: 21
  • Height, Weight: 6-foot-7, 205 pounds
  • 2024-25 stats: 8.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.0 apg, 38.9 FG%, 29.3% 3PT

Scott spent the first three seasons of his college career at the University of North Texas before transferring to St. John’s prior to his senior year. The Texas native struggled with his shot during his final season with the Red Storm.

Projected Celtics Summer League roster

The team should finalize this roster in the coming days before the Summer League begins on July 10, but here’s our best guess for what the squad could look like, assuming Gonzalez joins them in Vegas at some point:

  • Baylor Scheierman
  • Jordan Walsh
  • Miles Norris (two-way contract)
  • Drew Peterson (two-way)
  • Hugo Gonzalez (rookie)
  • Amari Williams (rookie, two-way)
  • Max Shulga (rookie, two-way)
  • Zach Hicks (UDFA rookie)
  • Aaron Scott (UDFA rookie)
  • Ben Gregg (UDFA rookie)

Cooper Flagg Jolts Mavs’ Business Profile as Arena Talks Continue

A week before the Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in Wednesday’s NBA Draft, team officials, including head coach Jason Kidd and general manager Nico Harrison, hosted dinner for the former Duke sensation at Bob’s Steak and Chop House in Dallas.

Mavericks CEO Rick Welts, who was also in attendance, got Flagg’s thoughts on the team’s plans to open a new arena before its lease at the American Airlines Center expires in 2031.

“That’ll probably be [when he’s on] his second contract,” Welts said in a phone interview. “But he’s looking forward to being part of creating something special… Hopefully for the next 10-15 years, he’s a major part of what we’re doing here in Dallas. This 18-year-old is going to bring in the next generation of Mavericks fans that will be following his career for a long time.”

The Mavericks are rebuilding their reputation with not only their fanbase, but also the local business community after trading beloved star Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in February. Fans fumed about the decision to move on from Dončić, and Welts admits that there was a pause on corporate interest post-trade as brands hesitated to associate with the franchise. But he said that all changed on May 12.

The Mavericks won the draft lottery, and the right to draft Flagg, that day despite having just 1.8% odds. The team sold $8 million worth of tickets the following three days while it regained interest from a host of new corporate partners who have recently inked sponsor deals. The franchise landing one of the most sought-after players in years is quite the consolation after a tumultuous season driven by injuries and one of the biggest trades in NBA history.

“The clouds parted, and the basketball gods shined upon us,” Welts, a 47-year veteran in the NBA, said. “We got very lucky.”

The Mavs are hoping that luck carries over into their discussions with Dallas city officials as they look to build a basketball-only facility (the team currently shares the American Airlines Center with the NHL’s Dallas Stars). This has been a leading initiative since the Adelson and Dumont families bought controlling interest in the team from longtime owner Mark Cuban in 2023. It’s one of the reasons Welts was hired last year, as the former Golden State Warriors president oversaw the team’s move from Oakland into the Chase Center in San Francisco. He added Dallas city officials were in the Bay Area touring the six-year-old arena on Thursday.

The Mavericks, who have played at American Airlines Center since 2001, maintain that they will exhaust all opportunities to build a new arena within city limits before exploring elsewhere. The Adelson family owns 108 acres in nearby Irving, Texas, which has been rumored as a potential landing spot for a new facility. The Mavericks have time to determine their next move, as they’re committed to staying until the end of their current lease. With a raised profile, thanks to Flagg, the franchise is also hopeful to potentially pitch voters to assist with necessary public funding.

Welts says that, regardless of location, the new facility will be unique to any other team leaguewide, but he does view Chase Center as modeling a good “starting point” in terms of the fan experience and overall quality that team governor Patrick Dumont is seeking. The Adelsons also own a significant stake in the casino resort company Las Vegas Sands, and they could potentially include a designated casino within the arena as Sands and other companies lobby Texas lawmakers to approve casino gambling in the Lone Star State.

LeBron James said on his Mind the Game podcast earlier this week that he believes Flagg is stepping into an ideal situation competing alongside new teammates Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Both are fellow former No. 1 overall draft picks and could help Flagg make a smooth transition to becoming the team’s franchise player of the future. Flagg’s success could change the club’s trajectory similarly to the way Golden State transformed under sharpshooter Steph Curry, who captured four NBA titles and the attention of Gen Z basketball fans worldwide.

“I saw it unfold in Golden State,” Welts said. “[And] Steph Curry wasn’t 18 years old when I got there. The NBA has done an amazing job finding young audiences where they are, whatever medium to get their information. It’s why our players are so culturally relevant. … Cooper will have an immediate following, and he won’t be 19 [years old] until December.”

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