Articles by .

Jayson Tatum Could Make Early Return Next Season

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 10: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against the New York Knicks during the third quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 10, 2025 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images)

Disaster struck for the Boston Celtics when Jayson Tatum fell to the ground in agony during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The Celtics were already in trouble, as the New York Knicks had momentum in the game and control of the series, but it felt like things were finally shifting their way.

Tatum’s injury took the wind out of their sails, and they lost a lot of their mojo, falling earlier than expected in the playoffs.

This certainly wasn’t the result fans were expecting, especially since they won the title in the 2023-2024 season.

After it was announced that Tatum would miss significant time in the upcoming campaign, fans and analysts immediately started talking about a rebuild, believing the team needed him to make any noise in the East.

While that is likely true to a degree, the Celtics have acquired some serviceable players to help them build for the future.

And, according to a recent report from reporter Steve Bulpett, the Celtics might not be without Tatum as long as initially expected.

“He was in great shape and he had no trouble doing his part at the camp,” Bulpett said, adding, “I was kind of shocked to see how well he was moving.”

These comments are about Chris Paul’s basketball camp that Tatum attended.

It seems that he’s moving around well, and while his recovery is slated to take several more months, this is certainly a step in the right direction.

If Tatum somehow comes back before the end of the regular season and can help his team make a push for the playoffs, it would be a remarkable comeback.

Can his teammates stay relevant long enough and fight hard enough to have that opportunity?

The post Jayson Tatum Could Make Early Return Next Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.

LeBron James Posts Message With Clippers Logo

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers tosses the ball back during a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)

LeBron James’ decision to join the Los Angeles Lakers was met with a lot of fanfare.

Seeing how James is arguably among the best NBA athletes of all-time, it seemed fitting that he’d suit up for the Lakers at some point in his career.

His family has a lot of ties to the area and the team, and he was a noted friend of Kobe Bryant, someone who meant so much to this city and the team.

James has played for the Lakers for several years, winning one championship in the COVID-19 bubble, but there have been talks that he’s looking to play elsewhere to close out his career.

Even with Luka Doncic now on the roster, James could be in search of one final destination where he believes he could win one more ring.

Those rumors heated up after a recent Instagram post that NBA Central shared on X, which noted a background with a Los Angeles Clippers logo in it.

This could be nothing, of course, as this could be a coincidence, but it could also be the beginning of the end of James’ time with the Lakers.

The other Los Angeles team hasn’t been explicitly mentioned in any trade rumors or free-agent acquisitions, but they might start popping up shortly.

Being as massive a celebrity and athlete as he is, James’ social media activity tends to gain a lot of traction, and this post isn’t any different.

It’s only a matter of time before fans get an opportunity to see James around his Lakers teammates again and figure out how dedicated and excited he is to be with the organization for at least one more season.

The post LeBron James Posts Message With Clippers Logo appeared first on The Cold Wire.

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.

The post Knicks Sign 1 Star To Contract Extension appeared first on The Cold Wire.

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.

The post Luka Doncic Gives Honest Thoughts On LeBron James’ Future appeared first on The Cold Wire.