Articles from July 2025

Knicks Sign 1 Star To Contract Extension

Indiana Pacers v New York Knicks - Game One
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks have secured another key piece of their potential championship puzzle.

Mikal Bridges reportedly has signed a lucrative deal that signals their commitment to the core group that reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

“New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension with the franchise, agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler of Excel Sports Management tell ESPN. The new deal includes a player option for 2029-30 and a trade kicker,” Shams Charania wrote on X.

Bridges joined the Knicks last offseason in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, with New York parting with five first-round picks.

He averaged 17.6 points, 3.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds this season while helping the team reach the conference finals for the first time since 2000.

Bridges has never missed a game in seven NBA seasons, providing the kind of reliability that championship teams require.

The extension keeps Bridges alongside Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart.

The core offers the Knicks a blend of scoring, defense and basketball IQ that few teams can match.

Bridges proved his value during the playoffs with clutch defensive stops and timely baskets against the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics.

Though he struggled at times during the series loss to the Indiana Pacers, his overall impact remained clear.

The contract came in slightly below the maximum available, which gives New York additional flexibility as it continues building around a promising foundation.

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1 NBA Team Is Bringing Back ‘Iconic’ Uniform

Portland Trail Blazers v Denver Nuggets
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Phoenix Suns are tapping into one of their most beloved uniform designs this season.

The franchise will bring back “The Valley” jerseys that became synonymous with their memorable run to the NBA Finals.

The uniforms with desert-inspired accents captured fans’ attention at their debut and now return as part of the team’s regular rotation.

“The Suns are bringing back their iconic ‘The Valley’ uniforms this season. Phoenix made their incredible run to the NBA Finals in 2021 wearing these as the primary uniform,” Evan Sidery of Forbes wrote on X.

The original jerseys debuted during the 2020-21 campaign and became the primary look as Phoenix surged through the playoffs and reached the Finals for the first time since 1993.

That postseason run reinvigorated the franchise and gave these uniforms lasting significance.

This season’s version keeps the core design elements while adding updated touches. The pixelated sunset gradient remains central to the look.

“The Valley” wordmark now features a western-inspired font that draws from the team’s 1970s uniforms.

The jerseys include tribal step patterns and orange star details. These elements honor the region’s cultural roots and reference the 1995 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix.

Fans will see the uniforms in at least 10 home games, starting Nov. 18 against the Orlando Magic.

The Suns also plan to introduce a black Statement Edition uniform later in the season, though design specifics remain under wraps.

The return of “The Valley” jerseys gives the Suns another way to connect with fans who remember that special playoff run.

The post 1 NBA Team Is Bringing Back ‘Iconic’ Uniform appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Luka Doncic Gives Honest Thoughts On LeBron James’ Future

Utah Jazz v Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Trade rumors have swirled around LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, but Luka Doncic wants that speculation to end.

Despite ongoing chatter about James potentially leaving following Doncic’s arrival, the younger superstar has made his position clear regarding where the NBA’s all-time leading scorer should finish his career.

“REPORT: Luka Doncic doesn’t want to push LeBron out of Los Angeles, and wants him to retire in LA, (via DallasHoopsJournal.com),” Legion Hoops wrote on X.

James opted into his contract for this season, which only added fuel to trade speculation.

The rumors gained more traction after James was spotted with Nikola Jokic’s agent recently. However, neither his representation nor the Lakers reportedly have engaged in any serious trade or buyout conversations.

Doncic remains unfazed by all the noise surrounding his iconic teammate.

He has long admired James and is eager to build chemistry with him during a full season.

As James approaches his 40th birthday, Doncic still sees him as the perfect running mate.

The Lakers suffered an early playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. However, that disappointment seemingly has not changed Doncic’s perspective on playing alongside James.

Team sources suggest Doncic is not just supporting James but actively working to recruit additional talent.

Meanwhile, James continues to show full commitment to the Lakers organization.

He has given no direct public indication of wanting out, instead displaying the same strategic patience that has marked his entire career.

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Anthony Davis Sends Cryptic Message On Social Media

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 18: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of the Play-In Tournament at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Dallas Mavericks fans are still reeling from the team’s decision to trade away Luka Doncic.

In many ways, Doncic was the heart and soul of the organization, a player that many believed would lead the Mavericks’ journey throughout his NBA career.

However, the NBA is a business, and the Mavericks’ front office seemed to believe that moving on from Doncic was their best path forward.

They did acquire Anthony Davis in the deal, an athlete who has been among the best in the league when healthy.

Davis’ potential long-term impact was felt when he stepped on the court for the Mavericks, stringing several strong performances together before he got injured.

He’s slated to be back and fully healthy in the 2025-2026 season, hoping to find success with No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg.

Fans have been talking about Davis’ recent Instagram post, which sent a cryptic message.

Davis mentions “not caring anymore” as a result of caring too much at one point, which could be a reference to his feelings about the Mavericks.

“A man who doesn’t care anymore was once a man who cared too much,” Davis’ story wrote.

Of course, this could be about something or someone else entirely, but fans tend to read into players’ social media accounts and potentially draw the wrong conclusions.

If Davis is unhappy with the team, it could lead to frustrations within the locker room, potentially resulting in another failed season for this franchise.

With any luck, this is about something in his personal life that resolves soon, and that he’ll start the season off on the right foot, ready to be a leader for this team.

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Chris Paul Reveals His Goal For Next Season

San Antonio Spurs v Atlanta Hawks
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The clock is ticking for Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers.

At 40 years old, there is no doubt that he is getting close to the end of his career, but he wants to make every second count.

Speaking with Malika Andrew on “SportsCenter,” Paul made it clear: he wants to win a championship with the Clippers, but it’s about more than just that.

“That’s the goal,” Paul said. “At the same time, I do understand that not everyone gets a chance to play this long. I’ll be taking every moment in this season and making sure that I’m doing whatever I can to help our team win.”

Paul isn’t thinking about only claiming a title; he has his mind on his legacy.

He is going to receive a lot of attention in the new season because he is nearing retirement and coming back to the team that made him such a huge star.

After spending his first six seasons in New Orleans, Paul came to the Clippers in 2011-12, and one of the most prosperous periods of his career began.

Paul was perhaps the most important part of that team.

He is now coming back to the Clippers after years of playing for the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs.

Paul is going to be a big help for the Clippers, but will it be enough?

The Western Conference is very tough, and Los Angeles will have to fight through a lot of competition if they wish to reach the Finals.

Paul wants a ring before he retires, but it still might be out of reach.

Thankfully, this upcoming, final run with the Clippers can still be worth it for him.

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