The NBA offseason frenzy continues, bringing fresh developments and rumors surrounding key players and team decisions. From major free agency signings to intriguing injury updates and legal troubles, here’s a breakdown of the latest buzz dominating the league landscape as of early July 2025.
A significant focus remains on the center market and the surprising destination for Myles Turner. Reports had previously suggested the Indiana Pacers might have topped out their offer for Turner at around $60 million over three years. However, Gregg Doyel of The Indianapolis Star has presented a different account, stating the Pacers’ offer reached up to $95 million over four years before Turner ultimately signed a $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. This tidbit appeared within a column where Doyel defended the Pacers’ actions and criticized Turner’s representatives for reportedly citing Indiana’s “aversion to the tax” in media leaks. It is important to consider the context and perspective of this specific report given its clear pro-Pacers slant. Even if the $95 million offer was accurate, it still fell considerably short of the Milwaukee contract and, notably, trailed the recent market rate for productive starting centers. For context, Jarrett Allen recently secured $30 million annually, Jakob Poeltl signed for $28 million per year, and even reserve center Naz Reid commanded $25 million annually this offseason.
Beyond the contract figures, player recovery timelines are also making headlines. Star point guard Damian Lillard, who suffered an Achilles tear in late April, plans to rehab the injury in Portland. According to Marc J. Spears of Andscape on ESPN, Lillard’s decision is driven by his desire to remain close to his family, irrespective of his immediate team future. Spears also revealed that at least 10 NBA clubs have contacted Lillard since his release became public, including the Golden State Warriors. There is speculation, as reported by Spears, that the 34-year-old guard might aim for a return around the All-Star break. Given the severity and timing of an Achilles injury, this timeline seems ambitious, though it suggests Lillard hopes to play again before the end of the 2025-26 season.
The restricted free agency market for the 2025 class is notably tight on available funds this summer. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst commented on this situation during a recent appearance, suggesting it might be mutually beneficial for the Warriors and forward Jonathan Kuminga to reach a contract agreement now and potentially explore trade opportunities later on. Despite earlier rumors linking Kuminga to the Chicago Bulls via sign-and-trade, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network has stated he has heard no real “traction” regarding such a deal. The limited market could influence negotiation strategies for both the player and the team.
Veteran guard Jordan Clarkson’s situation with the Utah Jazz saw a resolution through a buyout. As first reported by Jake Fischer of The Stein Line and confirmed by Hoops Rumors, Clarkson agreed to forfeit the exact amount of his minimum salary, approximately $3.6 million. This specific buyout arrangement reduces Utah’s salary cap hit for Clarkson from about $14.3 million down to roughly $10.7 million. Clarkson is expected to recover the difference by signing a new contract with the New York Knicks, offering him a fresh start while providing the Jazz with some financial flexibility. Adding further context to Utah’s offseason, big man John Collins also recently picked up his $26.5 million player option, which, coupled with a perceived lack of market interest, suggests he is likely to remain with the Jazz entering next season. Collins averaged 19.0 points and 8.2 rebounds in 40 games last season before a left ankle sprain ended his year prematurely in March.
In concerning news, free agent sharpshooter Malik Beasley is reportedly under federal investigation related to gambling allegations. Robert Snell of The Detroit News has conducted a deep dive into court records, which reportedly paint a troubling picture of Beasley’s financial history in recent years. According to Snell’s reporting, court documents indicate Beasley owed money to multiple individuals, including his landlord, barber, and dentist. More critically, in August 2024, he allegedly pledged his current and future NBA contracts as collateral to secure a bridge loan from a firm based in Florida. This report highlights potential significant financial difficulties preceding the current investigation.
Beyond these specific player updates, other notable developments are shaping the Western Conference landscape. In Dallas, the Mavericks are reportedly expected to finalize a second contract extension for head coach Jason Kidd before the next season begins, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. This follows an earlier extension and General Manager Nico Harrison’s public commitment to Kidd remaining the coach. The Mavericks had previously denied the New York Knicks permission to speak with Kidd regarding their coaching vacancy amidst persistent speculation about his future in New York.
Rookie updates also surfaced regarding recent lottery picks. Ace Bailey, selected by the Utah Jazz, reportedly expressed surprise at being drafted by the team but affirmed his commitment, countering earlier speculation he preferred Washington. In a press conference quoted by Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune, Bailey dismissed notions of not reporting, stating he felt “blessed” to be with the team and looked forward to playing alongside his new teammates. Meanwhile, Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick heading to the San Antonio Spurs, is already projecting future success for his new team. Harper, who was Bailey’s teammate at Rutgers, boldly predicted the Spurs would reach the postseason next season, telling ESPN’s Michael C Wright that recent struggles would “change really quick” and calling the group “very exciting” with the “sky’s the limit.” Harper also acknowledged the potential to become the third consecutive Spurs player to win Rookie of the Year, calling it a personal “goal.”
Finally, a significant injury update emerged from Memphis. Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. underwent a procedure on July 2, 2025, to address a turf toe injury sustained during an offsite basketball run. The team announced the need for the procedure on July 1st, shortly after confirming Jackson had agreed to a reported five-year, $240 million contract extension. The Grizzlies plan to reevaluate Jackson in approximately 12 weeks, placing his next check-up just days before NBA training camps typically open. While the team hasn’t set a firm return date, recovery from turf toe surgery often takes several months; Ajay Mitchell of the Oklahoma City Thunder, for example, missed over three months after a similar procedure. Jackson’s health is critical for the Grizzlies’ 2025-26 aspirations, especially as he’s coming off his second All-Star season, averaging 22.2 points and earning All-Defensive Second Team honors. This injury is the second frontcourt blow for Memphis, as center Zach Edey is also expected to miss the start of the season following ankle surgery in June.
Frequently Asked Questions
What details emerged about the Pacers’ final offer to Myles Turner?
According to a report from Gregg Doyel of The Indianapolis Star, the Indiana Pacers reportedly increased their offer to Myles Turner up to $95 million over four years before he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks for $107 million. This contradicts earlier reporting suggesting Indiana’s offer didn’t exceed roughly $60 million over three years. Doyel’s report was part of a column defending the Pacers, suggesting it should be viewed with the author’s perspective in mind.
Beyond free agency decisions, what other significant Western Conference updates were reported?
Recent reports out of the Western Conference include news about coaching and player options. The Dallas Mavericks are expected to extend Head Coach Jason Kidd’s contract for a second time. In Utah, John Collins picked up his $26.5 million player option, likely keeping him with the Jazz. Rookies Ace Bailey (Jazz) and Dylan Harper (Spurs) expressed enthusiasm and high expectations for their new teams, with Harper predicting a playoff berth for San Antonio next season.
How does Jordan Clarkson’s buyout affect the Utah Jazz’s salary cap outlook?
Jordan Clarkson’s buyout agreement with the Utah Jazz involved him giving up approximately $3.6 million, which was the exact amount of his minimum salary. This specific buyout structure reduces the Jazz’s salary cap hit for Clarkson from roughly $14.3 million down to about $10.7 million, providing Utah with a cap savings of around $3.6 million. Clarkson will sign a new deal with the New York Knicks to recoup the difference.
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