Category: NBA

Al Horford reveals why Warriors were only NBA team he would leave Celtics for originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Headlines the past few years in Boston belonged to Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. On the court and behind the scenes, Al Horford became a Bean Town legend in his own ways as an integral piece of a historic franchise that won an NBA championship with him two seasons ago and competed for a title in each of the seven years he spent with them.

Horford and his wife, Amelia, needed a number of walks together over the offseason to contemplate their future. They had dug roots into Boston, becoming a major part of the community outside of establishing a basketball legacy. 

Horford was born in the Dominican Republic. He went to high school in Michigan and played collegiately for the University of Florida before being in Atlanta the first nine years of his NBA career. There had been stops in Philadelphia and Oklahoma City, but Boston looked like his final destination. 

Instead, the Warriors signed the five-time NBA All-Star center on Wednesday after months of a handshake deal that was waiting to become official. 

“It was very difficult,” Horford said Wednesday at his Chase Center introductory press conference. “Boston became a second home for me. Just being that community and a part of that city was something very special for me and my family, so it wasn’t an easy decision for me.” 

There were rumors and speculation that the only obstacle getting in the way of Horford becoming a Warrior was the 39-year-old contemplating retirement. Horford immediately squelched any of those thoughts, saying he never entertained that idea. 

But there only was one team that Horford ever considered leaving the Celtics for: The Warriors. 

“It’s a great opportunity to compete and win at a high level,” Horford said. “When I think about the Warriors I think about Steph [Curry] and Draymond [Green] and Steve Kerr. Seeing Jimmy Butler here, what he did in that second half of the season last year after the trade and how they were playing. 

“For me, if there was one place I was going to leave, it was for this.” 

Over the course of Horford’s 18-year NBA career, almost all of his time has been in the Eastern Conference. The only experience he waded into the waters of the West were the 28 games he played for the Thunder in the 2020-21 season. Horford admitted he didn’t have prior relationships with players on the Warriors, including Curry and Green. 

His battles against the Heat when Butler was starring in Miami have been well documented. Horford also has been a problem for the Warriors in the handful of games he has gone against them. 

Horford averaged 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game against the Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals, shooting 60.5 percent from the field (26 of 43) and 62.5 percent on 3-pointers (15 of 24). He also has averaged 14.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game in 25 regular-season games against the Warriors for his career, both being career highs for him against one team. 

The veteran big man continues to be a versatile defender at the final stages of his career, as well as a near-perfect fit in Steve Kerr’s offense stretching the floor and distributing the ball out of the block. 

“It’s huge to have a space-5,” Kerr said of Horford’s addition. “But it’s not just any space-5 – it’s Al Horford. He rebounds, defends, he’s smart, good passer. Just watching him today, you can see the fit.

“He can play with Draymond and space the floor as a 5. You can play him with Trayce [Jackson-Davis]. Trayce can be the dive man. You can play two bigs with him. He can also play the 5 himself. We can have a 5-out lineup. Al’s versatility, and just the fact that he fits in any lineup, just makes him hugely invaluable.” 

He’s also now the oldest Warriors player that also features a 37-year-old Curry, 36-year-old Butler and 35-year-old Green. No team in NBA history has ever used four players 35 and up in their opening night starting lineup. Horford understands the doubters based on the Warriors’ historic ages, and he still has the utmost confidence this was the right team to help him compete for another ring. 

“It’s fair,” Horford admitted. “It is true, but we have a very solid team. It’s not only the four of us. We have a lot of depth in this group, and a lot of the young guys I feel are going to play a big role in it. For us, it’s staying the course. Obviously health plays a big part in it. The focus is on the season and getting better. 

“I’m excited. I know those guys take care of themselves. They’re going to do everything they need to be on the floor, and we have a lot of experience.”

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Report: Grimes accepting Sixers' qualifying offer, ending his restricted free agency  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

On the final day he could accept it, Quentin Grimes has reportedly decided to sign the Sixers’ qualifying offer and end his restricted free agency.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday afternoon that Grimes will return to the team for one season at the $8.7 million qualifying offer salary and with an inherent no-trade clause. Discussions between Grimes’ camp and the Sixers continued through training camp, but the two sides couldn’t find common ground on either a one-year “balloon” deal or a longer-term contract.

The Sixers’ qualifying offer would have expired Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET.

After acquiring the 25-year-old guard at last season’s trade deadline, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey was open about his plan to re-sign Grimes.

“We’re excited to bring him back,” Morey said at media day last week. “Quentin’s a big part of what we’re trying to do now and into the future, if we can get things resolved.”

With the Sixers dismally shorthanded and on their way to a 24-58 record, Grimes thrived in a high-usage, do-it-all role. When he joined the Sixers, Grimes believed he could do much more than a 3-and-D job. 

“I feel like this whole year in Dallas, I showed I’m capable of playing on the ball, off the ball, making a lot of plays with my teammates out,” he said on Feb. 7. “Luka (Doncic) out or Kyrie (Irving) out, I can step in and fill that role.

“I feel like I can do that here, just playing with the ball in my hands — making plays for Joel (Embiid) and (Paul George), getting guys involved, or getting myself involved off the dribble.” 

Over 28 games last year with the Sixers, Grimes averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He shot 46.9 percent from the floor, 37.3 percent from three-point range and 75.2 percent at the foul line. Highlights included a 44-point performance in a win over the Warriors and a career-high 46-point night in the Sixers’ double-overtime loss to the Rockets. 

The Sixers will hope Grimes is able to build chemistry this year with fellow guards Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe, although McCain is out after undergoing surgery to repair a UCL tear in his right thumb.

Grimes did not fly with the Sixers for their preseason trip to Abu Dhabi for games vs. the Knicks on Thursday and Saturday. The team’s regular-season opener is Oct. 22 against the Celtics.

This story will be updated.

Report: Grimes accepting Sixers' qualifying offer, ending his restricted free agency  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

On the final day he could accept it, Quentin Grimes has reportedly decided to sign the Sixers’ qualifying offer and end his restricted free agency.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday afternoon that Grimes will return to the team for one season at the $8.7 million qualifying offer salary and with an inherent no-trade clause. Discussions between Grimes’ camp and the Sixers continued through training camp, but the two sides couldn’t find common ground on either a one-year “balloon” deal or a longer-term contract.

The Sixers’ qualifying offer would have expired Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET. Grimes will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

After acquiring the 25-year-old guard at last season’s trade deadline, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey was open about his plan to re-sign Grimes.

“We’re excited to bring him back,” Morey said at media day last week. “Quentin’s a big part of what we’re trying to do now and into the future, if we can get things resolved.”

With the Sixers dismally shorthanded and on their way to a 24-58 record, Grimes thrived in a high-usage, do-it-all role during the second half of the 2024-25 season. When he joined the Sixers, Grimes believed he could do much more than a 3-and-D job. 

“I feel like this whole year in Dallas, I showed I’m capable of playing on the ball, off the ball, making a lot of plays with my teammates out,” he said on Feb. 7. “Luka (Doncic) out or Kyrie (Irving) out, I can step in and fill that role.

“I feel like I can do that here, just playing with the ball in my hands — making plays for Joel (Embiid) and (Paul George), getting guys involved, or getting myself involved off the dribble.” 

Over 28 games last year with the Sixers, Grimes averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He shot 46.9 percent from the floor, 37.3 percent from three-point range and 75.2 percent at the foul line. Highlights included a 44-point performance in a win over the Warriors and a career-high 46-point night in the Sixers’ double-overtime loss to the Rockets. 

The Sixers will presumably hope Grimes is able to build chemistry this year with fellow guards Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe, although McCain is out after undergoing surgery to repair a UCL tear in his right thumb.

Grimes did not fly with the Sixers for their preseason trip to Abu Dhabi for games vs. the Knicks on Thursday and Saturday. The team’s regular-season opener is Oct. 22 against the Celtics.

Signing Grimes will put the Sixers at 14 players on standard contracts, which is one under the maximum. They’ve used their three two way-contract slots on Dominick Barlow, Jabari Walker and Hunter Sallis.

Grimes accepts Sixers' qualifying offer, ending his restricted free agency  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

On the final day he could accept it, Quentin Grimes decided to sign the Sixers’ qualifying offer and end his restricted free agency.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday afternoon that Grimes will return to the team for one season at the $8.7 million qualifying offer salary and with an inherent no-trade clause. The Sixers announced that they re-signed Grimes hours later.

Discussions between Grimes’ camp and the Sixers continued through training camp, but the two sides couldn’t find common ground on either a one-year “balloon” deal or a longer-term contract.

The Sixers’ qualifying offer would have expired Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET. Grimes will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

After acquiring the 25-year-old guard at last season’s trade deadline, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey was open about his plan to re-sign Grimes.

“We’re excited to bring him back,” Morey said at media day last week. “Quentin’s a big part of what we’re trying to do now and into the future, if we can get things resolved.”

With the Sixers dismally shorthanded and on their way to a 24-58 record, Grimes thrived in a high-usage, do-it-all role during the second half of the 2024-25 season. When he joined the Sixers, Grimes believed he could do much more than a 3-and-D job. 

“I feel like this whole year in Dallas, I showed I’m capable of playing on the ball, off the ball, making a lot of plays with my teammates out,” he said on Feb. 7. “Luka (Doncic) out or Kyrie (Irving) out, I can step in and fill that role.

“I feel like I can do that here, just playing with the ball in my hands — making plays for Joel (Embiid) and (Paul George), getting guys involved, or getting myself involved off the dribble.” 

Over 28 games last year with the Sixers, Grimes averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He shot 46.9 percent from the floor, 37.3 percent from three-point range and 75.2 percent at the foul line. Highlights included a 44-point performance in a win over the Warriors and a career-high 46-point night in the Sixers’ double-overtime loss to the Rockets. 

The Sixers will presumably hope Grimes is able to build chemistry this year with fellow guards Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe, although McCain is out after undergoing surgery to repair a UCL tear in his right thumb.

Grimes did not fly with the Sixers for their preseason trip to Abu Dhabi for games vs. the Knicks on Thursday and Saturday. The team’s regular-season opener is Oct. 22 against the Celtics.

Signing Grimes puts the Sixers at 14 players on standard contracts, which is one under the maximum. They’ve used their three two-way contract slots on Dominick Barlow, Jabari Walker and Hunter Sallis.

Warriors' long, exhaustive NBA offseason journey ends with series of good moves originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – After addressing the assembled media for about 17 minutes on Monday, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy rose from his seat, strolled toward the exit and allowed himself an audible expression of delight.

Dunleavy started clapping his hands. Not because he survived a contentious news conference because it was anything but. More likely because he felt no need to conceal his sense of feeling victory at the finish line.

In the prolonged matter of the Golden State Warriors v. Jonathan Kuminga, Dunleavy and the Warriors prevailed. The process was long and fraught with angst within Dub Nation, but they achieved a desirable outcome.

“We’ve got everything signed, sealed, delivered roster-wise and (we’re) pretty excited about this group, about this season,” Dunleavy said in his opening statement. “(We) feel like we made some really good additions and obviously have some really good key returning players as well as some young guys that we think will be able to take a step.

“The main thing here is the team we put together, we feel like will be in the mix this season.”

Health permitting, the GM is correct. Golden State’s 2025-26 roster is, on paper, capable of a top-six finish in the Western Conference, bypassing the play-in tournament.

Dunleavy and his front office comrades entered the offseason exploring potential sign-and-trade deals in which they would replace Kuminga with someone more compatible with core players Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III. When nothing acceptable materialized, they entered negotiations with Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner.

In the end, with Kuminga signing on Tuesday, the Warriors made small compromises but no painful concessions. They won the four issues most relevant to the franchise now and in the years to come.

-They didn’t budge from their desire to have a team option, despite Turner and Kuminga pushing for a player option.

-They avoided $8 million qualifying offer that was on the table. Neither side really wanted to take that route, but it would have been particularly harmful to future team-building options.

-They got the sizable salary slot ($22.5 million in 2025-26) that can be used to balance a future transaction. They are in position to, one way or another, expect a return on their four-year-plus investment in Kuminga.

-They retained the flexibility to trade Kuminga. They can explore possibilities for a deal within the three-week window between Jan. 15 and the Feb. 5 trade deadline. If nothing materializes, they can revisit options next summer.

The process that began with Kuminga entering restricted free agency and ended with him re-signing with the Warriors stretched out over 92 days. It was at times grueling, and always required exercises in patience and restraint. The contract is worth $48.5 million over two seasons, with only the first guaranteed.

Dunleavy worked alongside Golden State CEO Joe Lacob, executive vice president Kirk Lacob and chief strategist Jon Phelps, who joined the franchise last summer after 10 seasons in the front office of the Detroit Pistons. As the resident “capologist,” Phelps’ advice is crucial to anything Dunleavy or the Lacobs wish to do regarding contracts and the salary cap.

“I don’t know what I’d do without Jon,” Dunleavy said. ‘I’m fortunate to work with a great group. He’s one of the guys in that group. I’ve got a great team, support staff.

“Jon and his group, they know their stuff in and out and really was a valuable resource for me to be able to rely on, ask questions, understand. And, frankly, after this summer I feel like I’m an expert on the cap and restricted free agency and aprons and all that stuff.”

In a 14-hour window between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, the Warriors signed Kuminga, followed by Al Horford, De’Anthony Meltonand Seth Curry. All three veterans bring something the team needs.

Horford, who projects as the starting center, is highly skilled with a 3-point shot so respected it spreads the floor. Once Melton is fully recovered from surgery on his left ACL – he’ll be reevaluated in four weeks – his two-way attributes will allow him to compete to be Stephen Curry’s partner in the starting lineup. Seth Curry, who last season led the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage, will be a sharpshooter off the bench once he is elevated to standard contract next month

The journey to this Warriors roster was long and at times dusty. There were peaks and valleys and, of course, Turner’s brazen late-September media campaign.

The destination, though, was satisfying for the Warriors. Patience was rewarded. Their fans can breathe and hope, sigh and anticipate, cross their fingers and squint. Some may be moved to cheer. Or even clap.

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How Jonathan Kuminga's contract compares to other restricted free agent deals originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Fifth-year veteran forward Jonathan Kuminga, who was a restricted free agent this offseason, received a bag from the Warriors.

After months of slow negotiations and offer refusals, Kuminga signed a two-year contract reportedly worth $48.5 million contract on Tuesday.

Compared to the rest of what was a somewhat calm 2025 NBA free agency period, the two parties were involved in one of the relatively pricier restricted free-agent deals of the offseason. Here’s how Kuminga and Golden State’s newfound partnership stacks up against other deals.

Jonathan Kuminga got the 2nd-highest AAV of any restricted free agent this summer, 5th-highest in the last 3 offseasons (Via Spotrac)

And he will re-enter free agency at 23 or 24 years old with roughly $49-million to $73 million in career earnings, getting out after 5 or 6 years…

— Jackson Lloyd (@JacksonLloyd952) September 30, 2025

Kuminga was rewarded with a new average annual value of $23.4 million, giving him the second-largest restricted free-agent deal of the offseason after Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey. Giddy signed a four-year, $100 million contract with Chicago early on Sept. 12, giving him an AAV of $25 million.

The difference between Kuminga’s and Giddey’s AAVs isn’t much in NBA terms — about $1.6 million. However, there’s a decent-sized gap after Kuminga. Grizzlies center Santi Aldama, with an AAV of $17.5 million, is third on the list after signing a three-year, $52.5 million contract with Memphis on June 30. 

And after Aldama, Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell is the last restricted free-agent signee on the list with a double-digit AAV ($12 million). Mitchell signed a two-year, $24 million contract with Miami on July 8.

When looking at previous classes, as Jackson Lloyd’s X post explains, Kuminga earned the fifth-highest AAV of any restricted free agent over the past three offseasons; quite impressive for a 22-year-old.

Golden State appears to have high expectations for Kuminga, the franchise’s choice with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. The Warriors certainly will pay the swingman — at least for one season — at a rate that rivals some of the league’s top up-and-comers.

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Doug Christie, Kings hope to see more aggressive Keegan Murray this NBA season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Kings are expecting big things from Keegan Murray as he enters his fourth season in the NBA, and that starts on the offensive side.

For first-year head coach Doug Christie, he understands all that Murray brings to the table, but he wants to see the 25-year-old be more aggressive.

“Part of things I talk to Keegan about is hunting shots. … Keegan has to learn that mentality and it’s a learned thing,” Christie told reporters Tuesday following the team’s first training camp practice. “It’s like whenever you catch it, I want him to catch it — not catch it and then think about shooting as he’s coming there.

“He needs to be already thinking about it. Matter of fact, when he’s in the corner he should be thinking ‘when I get up there, I’m going to shoot the basketball’ and that comes off to your defender and then it sprinkles through their team.”

Christie also said that when Murray doesn’t prove he’s willing to shoot the ball, it makes it easy for a team to take away the key, among other options.

“He needs to hunt shots and … for him, I think the number is around 10,” Christie added. “If he can get up 10 threes, that would be a beautiful, beautiful thing.”

Murray averaged just 5.9 3-point attempts last season after averaging 6.3 and 6.6 attempts in his rookie and sophomore seasons.

Last season, the Kings added DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, which likely had something to do with the limited attempts Murray was able to take.

However, LaVine says he wants to see the Iowa product looking for his shot, as well.

“I told him, ‘Look, when I throw you the ball up, don’t just catch and hold it and turn around and look for somebody. Go get it, this isn’t something that where you have to look over your shoulder or try to find somebody. Go try to find your buckets, go explore and then I’ll always be right here for you,’” LaVine said. “I think it’s an opportunity for him.

“Obviously, we have a lot of guys on the team that shoot the ball and do what they do out there … but you know in spots where he’s out there and he’s the second option or if he has it going we’re going to go to him or at least I am.”

The Kings have asked a lot of Murray since his historic first season, when he set the rookie record in 3-point makes; he also has become the team’s top defender and typically has taken on opposing teams’ star players over the past two seasons.

Now, they’re asking a little more of Murray and are hoping he can deliver.

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Sam Cassell: Celtics' goal is to be NBA's ‘hardest-playing team' originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics lost plenty of talent this offseason. But they have a plan to make up for it.

The Celtics held their first training camp practice Tuesday with an overhauled roster that lost four key members of its championship core — Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet — and will be without star player Jayson Tatum for most (or potentially all) of the 2025-26 season.

And to hear assistant coach Sam Cassell tell it, head coach Joe Mazzulla welcomed Boston’s newcomers by putting them to work.

“We want be the hardest-playing team in basketball, and that’s how our camp is going right now,” Cassell told 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand on Wednesday.

“We’re having a hard training camp. I’ve been in this business for 34 years, my 34th training camp, and this is the hardest training camp right now. It’s only one day, but it’s a lot. But our players are embracing it.”

That’s a bold statement from Cassell, who has played with or coached for nine different NBA teams over more than three decades in the league. So, what has made this Celtics training camp harder than the rest?

“We’re going three hours nonstop, and that’s just the practice time,” Cassell explained. “We’re going 30 for 30: 30 minutes of individual work, 30 minutes of just weight room work, then practice.”

The Celtics brought in several newcomers with high motors this offseason, from first-round pick Hugo Gonzalez to free agent acquisition Josh Minott, whose relentless energy earned him the nickname “The Lawnmower.”

That play style should appeal to Mazzulla, who wants Boston’s new group to crank up the effort even more this season, according to Cassell.

“Joe wants to push the envelope,” Cassell said. “He wants to force the issue. He wants to, not break them, but take them to a point where, ‘Man, this is hard,’ you know what I’m saying? And that’s how we’re going to have to play this year.

“We’re going to play this year balls-out. We’re gonna turn our hat backwards and get after it, and that’s Joe Mazzulla. We’re gonna turn our hat backwards and get after it.”

The Celtics will need more than just extra effort to win games this season, especially with so many unproven players thrust into the rotation. But don’t be surprised if Mazzulla’s club plays with an extra chip on its shoulder that could help this group exceed expectations.

Warriors reportedly anticipate De'Anthony Melton missing early portion of season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

It appears the Warriors will be without one of their offseason additions to begin the 2025-26 NBA season.

Golden State anticipates veteran guard De’Anthony Melton, who reportedly agreed to a contract with the Warriors on Sunday, missing the early portion of the season as he wraps up the final stages of his ACL rehab, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported Wednesday, citing sources.

De’Anthony Melton is still in the late stages of ACL rehab. The Warriors anticipate he will miss the early portion of the regular season, per sources. Melton had ACL surgery in early December, about 10 months ago. They like where he’s at but will take careful approach. https://t.co/QyzSw56Vrx

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 1, 2025

Melton signed with the Warriors last offseason and played six games with Golden State before tearing his ACL on Nov. 12 against the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center. The Warriors then traded Melton’s contract to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal on Dec. 15 that brought veteran guard Dennis Schröder to the Bay.

After missing the majority of the 2024-25 season, Melton will return to where his seventh NBA season began, but will be sidelined for the time being.

However, whenever he is ready to play, the 27-year-old should provide Warriors coach Steve Kerr reliable two-way depth at the guard position this season.

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McCain checks off successful surgery, will be re-evaluated in 1 month  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Jared McCain has checked off the successful surgery box.

The Sixers announced the McCain underwent surgery Tuesday to repair the UCL tear in his right thumb. Dr. Michelle Carson performed the procedure at the Hospital for Special Surgery. 

According to the Sixers’ statement, McCain will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks, which is the first timeline detail since he suffered the injury last Thursday.

That formalizes the fact McCain will miss the start of his second season and won’t be part of the Sixers’ planned guard-heavy attack to begin the year. His last NBA appearance came on Dec. 13 of his rookie year, when he suffered a season-ending left lateral meniscus tear.

“I feel for him, man,” Tyrese Maxey said of McCain at Sixers media day. “He’s coming back from his knee, the meniscus injury, and he’s worked his tail off to get where he is today. But the thing about Jared is he’s a positive person. He works extremely hard, so he’ll get back extremely soon and I know he’ll be 100 percent healthy. 

“The times I played with him in the backcourt, it was great. Jared does a lot of things that a lot of teams really would like. He shoots the ball well, he passes the ball pretty well, he competes on defense. He’s going to do all those different things, and he’s a great teammate. So we just want him to get back healthy and can’t wait to have him back out there.”

Steve Kerr gives honest answer on his Warriors future with contract expiring originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Very few things have truly fazed Steve Kerr over the course of his 12-season tenure as Warriors coach.

As Kerr tells it, entering the 2025-26 NBA season in the last year of his current contract is no different.

“I’m very comfortable just going into this season with a year left [on the deal],” Kerr told reporters on Tuesday after the team’s first training camp practice. “I’m so aligned with [GM] Mike [Dunleavy] and [owner] Joe [Lacob]. There’s no reason for discussion [or] concern. This is kind of a point in our relationship where it’s like, let’s just see how it is at the end of the year.”

Kerr is in the final year of a two-year, $35 million contract extension that he signed in February 2024. And while the four-time champion coach said he would love to stay with Golden State beyond this upcoming season, he acknowledged a lack of urgency to get a new deal done.

“I love my job,” Kerr said. “I love what I’m doing every day … hopefully I’m here for another few years. Hopefully we run it back and we keep going with this group. But I like the fact that we can just kind of do it how we want to do it.”

Kerr also expressed doubts that a new contract could come together over the next several months.

“I don’t anticipate any negotiation during the season,” Kerr said. “Who knows, maybe it all comes up at some point, they come to me, whatever. But I’m not the slightest bit concerned about it. I don’t think about it.”

However, when Kerr’s incredibly successful run as the Warriors’ leader comes to an end, he’s confident it will happen “in a really quality way.”

“If it’s meant to be for me to keep going, then I’m going to keep going,” Kerr said. “And if it’s meant to be for the team to move on to somebody else, there will be nothing but gratitude and appreciation. So, this makes it easy for everybody. Just, let’s see where we are at the end of the year.”

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Fantasy Basketball draft season is all about finding value, and considerable value often comes from players making a Year 2 jump. Here's a deep dive into 10 key sophomores preparing to shatter expectations and become must-have fantasy basketball assets.

NBA Sophomore Breakouts

Bub Carrington, Wizards

Carrington was one of the most predominant rookies last season, taking on a significant role almost immediately, including starting in his first game and a total of 57 on the season. He also appeared in all 82 games. He averaged 9.8 points per outing but struggled to be efficient, hitting just 40.1 percent from the field. Nonetheless, he showed well-rounded capability with 4.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 0.7 steals per game. He is expected to pick up where he left off as the starting point guard for the Wizards, but he should derive additional benefit from the presence of veteran additions to the lineup CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton. 

Stephon Castle, Spurs

Castle did not take long to earn himself a starting role last season. He went on to start in 47 of his 81 appearances, averaging 16.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 0.9 steals over those games and finishing it off with the Rookie of the Year Award. He is set to begin the new campaign as the starting shooting guard for the Spurs, alongside De'Aaron Fox in the backcourt. With a great lineup surrounding him and a clear-cut role, Castle has the path laid out for him to flourish in his second season. He is likely to have plenty of room to work on offense, as Victor Wembanyama's gravity and Fox's drive-and-kick ability should open up plenty of driving lanes and open shots. 

Matas Buzelis, Bulls

Buzelis got off to a modest start to his NBA career but showed flashes of what he could do. By the midpoint of the season, the forward earned himself a starting role. He went on to average 12.9 points on 47.2 percent shooting, including 34.6 percent from deep as a starter through the final 32 games of the campaign. With the Bulls' commitment towards building around their young core, Buzelis has the green light to keep exploring his game and pushing for his potential. With his diverse skillset and size, he will surely continue to fill the boxscore with high-efficiency play and a solid defensive presence.  

Donovan Clingan, Trail Blazers

Clingan began his rookie season on the bench but was able to make the most of a few opportunities due to injuries in the lineup. He made a big impression with a 17-point, 12-rebound, eight-block outing in early November. From there, he went back-and-forth from the bench to a starting role, also dealing with a period of injury trouble. However, after returning to action, he closed the season with an average of 8.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks over 27 consecutive starts. He is in line to begin his second season as the starting center for a young Trail Blazers lineup. Clingan should continue to rack up the stats thanks to his imposing size, finishing ability and defensive awareness in the paint. 

Alex Sarr, Wizards

Sarr was the second overall pick last season and was given the go-ahead from the Wizards to take on as much as he could handle through his rookie season. Although he struggled with his efficiency, shooting just 39.4 percent from the field and averaging 13.0 points per game, he showed multi-faceted offensive ability and a knack for blocking shots. Meanwhile, the addition of a couple veterans to the lineup should help promote structure in the offense and contribute to better efficiency in the big man's game. He will certainly remain a critical presence on both ends of the floor and has the opportunity to maximize his production. 

Kel'el Ware, Heat

Ware got off to a slow start in his rookie season, largely limited by injury trouble. However, he found his groove and earned a permanent starting spot by the midpoint of the campaign. He averaged 10.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks through his final 44 games, where he started all but two outings, including playoffs. He brings great athleticism to his position, and lined up alongside Bam Adebayo, he helps form what can be one of the league's most impenetrable frontcourts. With one year under his belt, he can be expected to come back stronger and more savvy, which should help him compete for rebounds at a top-tier level. He is also likely to build on his reputation as a notable shot-blocker.  

Reed Sheppard, Rockets

Sheppard was largely not utilized and unimpressive through his rookie season, averaging just 4.4 points on 35.1 percent shooting in 12.6 minutes per game over 52 appearances. However, he could be in line to handle a much more significant role after the Rockets' starting point guard, Fred VanVleet, suffered a torn ACL that could keep him out for the season. Sheppard came into the league known for his three-point shooting and playmaking, while also being a pesky defender. He has a great chance to settle into his game with more playing time, and he should also benefit from having a player like Kevin Durant in the lineup, who can divert a lot of defensive attention and open up the floor. 

Isaiah Collier, Jazz

Collier stepped up to shine as a facilitator for the Jazz, as they struggled with injury trouble and continuity in the lineup for most of last season. Amidst the instability in his surroundings, Collier stuck to the essentials and proved to be a hard-nosed competitor that can shine in his role as a playmaker, averaging 6.3 assists in 25.9 minutes per game. He is in place to carry on as the starting point guard. With good strength for the position, Collier should continue to set the tone by putting pressure on the opponent and facilitating for his bigs that can finish in the paint. 

Jaylen Wells, Grizzlies

Wellswas one of last season's most impressive rookies, seamlessly fitting his role to contribute to the Grizzlies' solid season despite constant lineup fluctuations. He excelled at the little things necessary for team success, showing discipline in rebounding, off-ball movement, and defense. Averaging 25.9 minutes per game, there's significant room to improve on his 10.4 points per game from last year. He should continue to thrive in this nuanced role, effectively filling gaps around the offensive talents of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson 

Zaccharie Risacher, Hawks

Risacher was last year's first overall draft pick, and the Hawks wasted no time in putting him to work. He came off the bench for just two games before starting for the rest of the season and averaged 12.6 points on 45.8 percent shooting in 24.6 minutes per game. He also logged eight games with at least 20 points, including a season high of 38. After handling such a significant amount of responsibility through his rookie season, he should feel the game slow down in year two and continue to emerge as a legitimate scoring threat from the wing. 

Honorable Mentions

Kyle Filipowski, Jazz

Ronald Holland, Pistons

Tristan da Silva, Magic

Ryan Dunn, Suns

Yves Missi, Pelicans

Jonathan Mogbo, Raptors

Kyshawn George, Wizards

Zach Edey, Grizzlies

Jared McCain, 76ers

Tidjane Salaun, Hornets

LeBron James did not participate in the Lakers' first day of training camp Tuesday because of “nerve irritation in the glute.”

James’ teammates Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent and Adou Thiero were “under either return to play protocols or modified protocols” during the team’s first sessions.

James is entering his NBA-record 23rd season and the goal is to ramp him up to be ready for the regular-season opener Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena.

“Yeah, I think it’s probably a little bit longer of a ramp-up leading into opening night for him just obviously in Year 23, it’s uncharted territory here,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “So, I felt, and in talking with performance and in talking with Mike (Mancias, James’ personal trainer) and LeBron, like probably did too much last year in camp, which was great for me as a first-year head coach to get buy-in from him.

“But it’ll be a slower process with him leading into the first game. He’s obviously got 22 years so far of wear and tear on the body and he’s dealing with a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute. So, we’re just playing the long game with LeBron.”

Redick said Vincent was “just modified” and the hope is that he’ll play in the preseason game Friday against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert.

“He should be good to go live by the end of the week and we expect him to be able to play Friday,” Redick said. “And that’s just, again, the management of, as we did last year as well.”

Smart could be seen shooting after practice, but the Lakers are taking it slow with him as well.

“Marcus, he’s dealing with a little bit of Achilles' tendinopathy,” Redick said. “He’s been in a slow ramp-up. He was a modified participant, nothing live today. He’s expected to be fine by the end of the week.”

Thiero said Monday that he still has some “swelling” in his left knee that kept him out playing in the summer league in Las Vegas and has slowed his time on the court since then.

Redick said Thiero was running, cutting and jumping with coaches, but that they will take it slow with him.

“It’s really about playing the long game with him,” Redick said. “We look at this year as a developmental year and there’s no reason for us to push his body and create a long-term problem. His knee is in a really good spot. We just want to be really careful.”

Redick said, “that’s the goal,” when asked if James will be ready to play in the season opener.

James, 40, has played 71,104 minutes over his career, including the playoffs.

“You’ll hear me use this a lot: it is unchartered territory,” Redick said. “I don’t think there’s a proven way to handle someone who has this much mileage, this many minutes, been asked to do so many things on both ends of the court. We asked a lot of him last year, we asked a lot of him to start the year in camp, so it’s just working as a partnership and trying to figure it out.”

Even with James not practicing, Austin Reaves said it won’t be a problem for the three leaders to find ways to make it smooth for their teammates.

Along with James and Luka Doncic, Reaves is viewed as one of the Lakers' stars and he says James always is engaged even when he doesn’t practice.

“Yeah, just communication,” Reaves said. “To have good dialogue back and forth, what everybody likes, what we can do to be successful. With him being one of the highest IQ guys to ever play the game, I think it’s not that hard to piece it in even if he’s not out there right now, He sees the game just as good as anybody that has ever played the game. So, like I said, it’s having conversations, dialogue back and forth what we feel like we can do to help our team be successful is going to be, I think, key.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.