NBA

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.

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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.

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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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Kendrick Perkins Leaves Out Veteran PG From Top-10 List

2022 NBA All-Star - Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

When Kendrick Perkins shares his opinion about the NBA, millions of people listen.

And, sometimes, millions of people disagree.

Perkins’ latest statement with the “Road Trippin Show” will surely get people talking, because he spoke about the best point guards of all time and left off a very big name: Chris Paul.

“I do not have him [Chris Paul] in my top 10. I don’t have CP3 ranked above Russell Westbrook,” Perkins said, via NBACentral.

Make no mistake: Perkins thinks that Paul is one of the top 15 guards of all time.

He knows he is wickedly talented and also a future Hall of Famer, but he doesn’t view him as a top-10 point guard.

Why is that, and what does he lack that Westbrook has?

Both of these players have yet to win an NBA title, which is a common measurement that people use to judge greatness in the league.

Perkins is aware of that, but it’s not what is swaying his decision.

He does admit that Paul’s lack of a league MVP weighs on him.

Westbrook won that prize years ago, but Paul has not.

If Paul hears Perkins and his claim, it may affect how he performs next season for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Paul has a lot to prove, for a number of reasons.

He is coming back to the team where he once found great success, and he is definitely near the end of his career.

Paul wants to make an impact with the Clippers, and he wants to remind people why they call him the “Point God.”

Perkins doesn’t feel Paul is a top-10 guard, but he will be excited to be proven wrong.

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NBA Executive Raises Big Question About Quentin Grimes’ Market Value

Milwaukee Bucks v Philadelphia 76ers
(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Quentin Grimes remains a restricted free agent, and it’s not clear if the Philadelphia 76ers will sign him or let him go.

What is his value, and is he really worth a big contract?

Speaking with Fred Katz, an unnamed NBA exec seemed lukewarm about Grimes.

“Why would you spend $20 million on Quentin Grimes when you can get Gary Trent (Jr.) for a minimum?” The anonymous executive said, via NBACentral.

Grimes produced 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists for the 76ers in 2024-25.

He played in 28 games for them after the trade deadline and was with the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Dallas Mavericks before that.

He put up strong numbers in a short amount of time, but are the Sixers ready to commit to a long-term partnership with him?

That is a big question, one made larger when there are other free agents, like Trent, who could come in at a cheaper price point.

The 76ers need to be very careful with all of their contracts, and they should only sign people they truly believe in.

Last season proved that injuries can completely disrupt and change this team, and anyone on the roster needs to be able to suit up and perform well at all times.

If the 76ers are going to sign Grimes, they want to be sure that he can step up and provide a lot of assistance.

He needs to be worth every single penny, and the Sixers aren’t sure that he is.

Where will Grimes play and how much will he make?

This is just one of the many questions floating around the NBA as the offseason rolls on.

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Heat Reportedly ‘Explored’ Trade For Former Guard

Oklahoma City Thunder v Miami Heat
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

How much longer will Terry Rozier be with the Miami Heat?

That isn’t entirely clear, especially with a new report coming out of the team.

According to Marc Stein, the Heat recently looked at a potential trade featuring Rozier for Marcus Smart, then of the Washington Wizards.

In the end, they couldn’t decide if swapping out Smart for Rozier was a good enough upgrade.

“Sources say Miami has explored the feasibility of trading away veteran guard Terry Rozier this offseason. Jake says Miami weighed a Rozier-for-Smart swap but could not reach an organizational consensus on whether such a trade was a clear upgrade,” Stein said, via NBACentral.

Last season, Rozier posted 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists for the Heat, while Smart produced 9.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists for the Wizards.

It’s understandable that the Heat aren’t sure if Smart is a better fit for them, but will they make any move with Rozier?

His name has been tied to trade rumors for months, but the Heat haven’t made any progress.

In fact, Miami has once again been very still during the offseason.

This has been their regular routine for years now, and some fans are ready for something different.

If they wish to compete in the Eastern Conference in the new season, Miami may need to shake things up in a rather large way.

They have talent, but they remain a middling team, at best, and that might not change unless they get daring.

This news about Rozier shows that the Heat are still a very measured team that won’t move the needle quickly.

Will they end up regretting that?

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