'LEBRON PUT HIS MONEY WHES MOUTH IS' | SHAMS CHARANIA

 

RICH PAUL REVEALS HOW HE TOLD 76ERS LEBRON WILL SIGN THERE

 

OKC FORCE NUGGETS INTO MAJOR FINANCIAL TROUBLE

The Thunder forced Denver into a major financial bind by making the Nuggets match Spencer Jones' two-year, $12 million offer sheet, increasing their luxury-tax bill by $32 million and pushing them into the second apron.

Credit AP-SCANPIX

The Oklahoma City Thunder have pushed the Denver Nuggets into a significantly more expensive financial position despite failing to acquire Spencer Jones.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Denver matched Oklahoma City's two-year, $12 million offer sheet for Jones, retaining the restricted free-agent forward before Sunday night’s deadline.

The decision increases the Nuggets’ projected luxury-tax payment by approximately $32 million, from $36 million to $68 million, while pushing them into the NBA’s second apron. Denver are currently the league’s only team operating above that threshold.

Oklahoma City makes Denver pay to retain Jones

Although the Thunder did not land Jones, their offer sheet forced the Nuggets to make an expensive decision regarding one of their most valuable homegrown players.

Denver originally signed Jones after he went undrafted out of Stanford in 2024. He began his professional career on a two-way contract before earning a standard NBA deal in February following his emergence as a reliable rotation option.

Jones appeared in 64 games last season, including 37 starts, and averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 22.1 minutes. He shot 50.4% from the field and 39.6% from three-point range.

The 25-year-old also played an increased role during the playoffs, averaging 6.5 points in 24.2 minutes across six appearances while converting 69.2% of his three-point attempts.

Denver ultimately decided that retaining a young player developed within its system was worth the additional cost.

Credit Rio Giancarlo/

Nuggets become NBA's only second-apron team

Matching the offer sheet carries consequences beyond Jones’ $6 million annual salary.

Denver’s luxury-tax bill is projected to rise from approximately $36 million to $68 million, with the franchise also crossing into the second apron and triggering further roster-building restrictions.

The Nuggets could attempt to reduce their bill through trades during the season, but any salary-cutting move could require them to sacrifice depth or attach draft compensation.

Oklahoma City, meanwhile, created a difficult decision for a Western Conference rival without taking on any long-term financial commitment of its own after Denver matched the contract.

Peyton Watson becomes Denver's next challenge

The Nuggets must now resolve the future of another restricted free-agent forward, Peyton Watson.

According to Charania, the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers are all pursuing Watson, placing additional pressure on Denver after its expensive decision to retain Jones.

Keeping Watson could push the Nuggets even deeper into the tax, while allowing him to leave would cost them another important member of their wing rotation.

- BasketNews

THE 'REAL REASON' LEBRON JAMES JOINED THE PHILADELPHIA 76ERS HAS BEEN REVEALED

 

NBA superstar LeBron ‌James turned down four other teams before opting to join the Philadelphia 76ers for a record-extending 24th career season in the league - and the 'real reason' behind his decision has emerged.

From the moment the news broke on Friday, James made one thing abundantly clear in the fourth move of his NBA career. His switch to the 76ers was not about securing one final lucrative payday.

This was proven when details of his new salary were confirmed, with the 41-year-old set to earn far less than he did last season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Four Teams LeBron Rejected Before Signing With the 76ers

The 76ers beat out competition from the Miami Heat to land James, with many viewing a return to the franchise where he won his first two championships as a fairytale ending. Potential switches to the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and a third spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers were also firmly on the table.

Despite these four sides emerging as genuine contenders for James' signature, Philadelphia’s new-found championship credentials ultimately proved impossible to ignore for LBJ. The four-time NBA champion is prioritising one thing above all else: placing himself in the strongest possible position to compete for his fifth chip.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, that mindset ultimately separated the 76ers from a host of rival suitors. Speaking on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Charania explained James' pursuit of another ring and why it came before any financial consideration.

"LeBron James put his money where his mouth is because, from the outset of this process, he felt like he wanted happiness," Charania said.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea via Imagn Images

"So what did happiness justify for him? It meant going out somewhere where he can compete for a championship, be a part of a culture and an environment where he feels like he can stay competitive."

Charania added that after weighing up his options, Philadelphia offered the strongest championship chances.

"He felt out of the Cavs, the Heat, the Warriors, the Sixers had the best roster to win a championship, his potential fit championship," Charania said.

Why the 76ers Won the LeBron James Lottery

LeBron James via REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

"I still want to sacrifice," James said as he broke the news on his X account. "I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship."

Several key moments over the past few weeks ultimately led James to swap the Lakers for the 76ers.

The first came away from the court. 76ers president Mike Gansey played a pivotal role in negotiations. Gansey has known the 41-year-old since his high school days, giving Philadelphia an invaluable connection.

Both Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey also spoke to James during his free agency, playing agent for their side.

And Nick Nurse was the only head coach James held discussions with during his free agency, further underlining Philadelphia as his ideal destination.

"The only coach that LeBron James spoke to during this process over the last three and a half weeks, that's Nick Nurse with the Sixers," Charania said.

Yet despite all these factors, Jaylen Brown's trade to the 76ers proved the most decisive of them all.

His blockbuster move from rivals Boston Celtics, in what has become one of the most controversial trades of the 21st century, has transformed the 76ers from a seventh-seeded side into a genuine NBA Championship contender heading into the 2026/27 season.

James' arrival has only strengthened those credentials, with Philadelphia now boasting one of the most star-studded rosters in the NBA.

"The moment he got traded to the Sixers from Boston, a couple days into free agency, the Sixers came onto LeBron James' radar, came on the map," Charania said.

Brown's arrival in Philadelphia has made the 76ers one of the teams with the strongest cores in the league.

Faced with the choice of returning to Cleveland, reuniting with Miami alongside Giannis, linking up with Stephen Curry in Golden State or joining Anthony Edwards in Minnesota, James' decision may have come from left field, but it could also provide him with the strongest opportunity to end his career on the highest possible note by winning a fifth NBA championship.

- Joseph Ryan

AFTER WALKING OUT OF PRACTICE, ALL-STAR JIMMY BUTTLER IS SUSPENDED BY THE MIAMI HEAT FOR THIRD TIME THIS MONTH

(CNN) — The drama in South Beach continues as All-Star forward Jimmy Butler has been suspended by the Miami Heat for the third time this month, the team announced Monday.

Butler will miss at least five games without pay for “a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team,” including walking out of Monday’s shootaround.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Butler left practice after being told he would no longer be in the starting lineup going forward and that forward Haywood Highsmith would start in his place.

Before Monday’s home game against the Orlando Magic, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said he didn’t address the latest suspension with the team.

“We didn’t even talk about anything today other than preparing for the Magic,” Spoelstra told reporters. “I get it what you guys all want right now. I figured that is why this media room is full right now.

“We’re trying to quiet the noise and we’re just focusing on the task at hand.”

Butler took the latest suspension in stride, posting on Instagram, three short clips from the 1990’s sitcom show “Martin,” whose character, Tommy, was known by his friends for being consistently unemployed.

Butler was set to return to the lineup Monday after serving a two-game suspension when he missed the team’s flight to Milwaukee on Wednesday.

His first suspension occurred on January 3 for seven games after “multiple instances of conduct detrimental” to the team, according to the Heat.

In a statement, the team said: “Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”

That suspension came after Butler said he would like to be traded and wanted “to get my joy back.”

Butler is in his his sixth season with the franchise.

He has played and started in 25 games this season, averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game for the Heat, who have a 22-22 record and are currently eighth in the Eastern Conference standings.

- Wayne Sterling, CNN

JIMMY BUTTLER'S SUSPENSION AND POSSIBLE TRADE: WHAT WE KNOW AND DON'T KNOW

Jimmy Butler's six-season tenure with the Miami Heat appears to be nearing its end. Butler, who led Miami to the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023, was suspended by the team Friday for "conduct detrimental to the team," one day after indicating to the Heat that he would like to be traded.

Butler, who arrived at training camp this season with a declaration of "no shenanigans," had scored only 18 points combined in the past two games after sitting out the previous five because of an illness. ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Dec. 10 that the Heat were listening to offers on Butler and then on Dec. 25 that Butler preferred a trade out of Miami.

The situation escalated to a point that after Thursday's loss to the Indiana Pacers, Butler said he wanted to find his joy again on the court. When asked if he could do that in Miami, he answered "probably not."

ESPN insiders Tim Bontemps, Bobby Marks, Kevin Pelton and Brian Windhorst look at how the situation between the six-time All-Star and the franchise he has played for since 2019 got to this point, why a trade might not be as easy as it seems and what Butler could bring to a contender.

Butler's tactics to force Miami's hand and reverse its stance have appeared to work in the short term. The Heat didn't fully articulate all the components of what they felt was his "conduct detrimental" that led to the suspension, but Butler clearly wanted to be traded and took measures to get the Heat to come to the same conclusion. His lackluster play the past two games after sitting out five because an illness are probably on the list. In the short term, this play by Butler will cost him $2.35 million in salary but he could eventually win some or all of it back through a planned players' union grievance. -- Windhorst

How have Riley and the Heat handled similar situations in the past?

Riley has never been afraid to say no to star players or walk away from them when he doesn't want to pay them. Tim Hardaway, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade all left to sign elsewhere at various points. He traded Shaquille O'Neal and Shawn Marion, among others, when he wanted to pivot the franchise. Now Butler will be on that list. Riley has always been able to acquire major talents, and that reputation has always emboldened him to play hardball. -- Windhorst

This isn't the first time Butler's tenure with a team has ended poorly. What happened in Chicago, Minnesota and Philadelphia?

Each of those situations were different. Chicago refused to give Butler a max contract and traded him to Minnesota for a package of young players and draft picks.

The Minnesota situation was very similar to this one: Butler was unhappy with his contract and requested a trade. But there was one massive difference: Butler had just turned 29, not 35. He eventually was sent to the 76ers for Dario Saric, Robert Covington, Jerryd Bayless and a second-round pick.

Then, after one season in Philadelphia, the 76ers essentially chose to pay a combination of Tobias Harris, Josh Richardson and Al Horford over Butler and sent him to Miami in a sign-and-trade during the summer of 2019. -- Bontemps

The Miami Heat suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for "multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team." After scoring nine points in a loss to the Pacers on Thursday, Butler said he wanted "his joy back" and was unlikely to find it in Miami. Lynne Sladky/AP Photo

Can the 7-game suspension be extended? Have previous players been suspended this long for similar standoffs?

The suspension includes Saturday's home game against the Utah Jazz and the upcoming six-game trip. It's clear Riley is sending a message that he does not want Butler around the team right now. The unknown is what happens when the suspension ends ahead of Miami's Jan. 19 home game against the San Antonio Spurs.

Unless Butler is considered to violate the conduct detrimental policy in his contract from the time the suspension starts, Miami cannot extend the suspension to include more games. Because the suspension is by the team and not the NBA, the Heat will not receive luxury tax savings.

Butler is not the only player in the past three seasons to be suspended by his team. In November 2022, the Brooklyn Nets suspended guard Kyrie Irving eight games for being "unfit to be associated" with the team after the guard failed to say whether he held antisemitic beliefs. -- Marks

How much will Butler be fined and can a grievance be filed?

Butler is being fined $336,543 for each of the seven games missed. The amount equals 1/145 of his $48.8 million salary, totaling around $2.4 million. Butler has 30 days to file a grievance, and the amount fined will sit in an escrow account until the situation is resolved. The grievance process could take up to a year. The NBA Players Association issued a statement late Friday that the suspension was excessive and inappropriate.

Which teams could actually trade for him?

Butler asking to be traded and the Heat now listening to offers does not change the challenges of finding the former All-Star a new home. The combination of Butler's $48.8 million salary this season and nearly a third of teams not allowed to take back more salary in a trade makes any potential deal complicated.

Three out of the four teams on Butler's preferred list -- the Dallas Mavericks, the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns -- would need to trade a quarter of their roster. The Suns would need to have Bradley Beal waive his no-trade clause. Sources told ESPN, that the Heat have no desire to take back the $110 million owed to Beal and that Phoenix would need to find a third team. The Warriors and Mavericks probably would need to find a third or fourth team to reroute some of the contracts sent out.

The Heat also are not allowed to take back more salary because they are an apron team. -- Marks

Could Butler help a contender this season and in the future (if he were to re-sign with that team)?

That depends on how much Butler benefits from rediscovering the joy in basketball with another team. Butler's 17.6 scoring average is his lowest since 2013-14, the season before he won Most Improved Player and was voted an All-Star for the first time, but there's reason to believe Butler has more to give elsewhere.

Butler's 21% usage rate is down substantially from last season's 24%. At the same time, Butler is scoring more efficiently. His .648 true shooting percentage would be the best of his NBA career, narrowly ahead of 2023-24. And Butler's 58% 2-point shooting is easily a career high, suggesting his scoring downturn is more about being selective than an inability to create shots.

Not only do Butler's peripheral stats remain strong, we have ample evidence of "Playoff Jimmy" playing his best when the stakes are the highest. During Butler's four playoff runs in Miami -- before he sat out the Heat's 2024 first-round loss to the Boston Celtics because of an MCL sprain -- he led the NBA with 12.4 wins by my WARP (wins above replacement player) metric over that span.

During the regular season, Butler was just sixth in total WARP during the corresponding seasons. He produced 3.7 more WARP in the playoffs than we'd expect based on his regular-season performance. Only Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray was a greater playoff overperformer than Butler from 2020 through 2023.

At some point, Butler's age (35) will undoubtedly take a toll, explaining Miami's reluctance to offer him a max extension. Over the next three seasons, my SCHOENE projection system forecasts Butler to decline by about three wins in terms of regular-season value based on the development of similar players at the same age. Though Butler's 2025-26 projection still puts him in the NBA's top 20 players, by 2027-28 that forecast drops to 45th. -- Kevin Pelton

What kind of extension is Butler looking for? What's the most likely outcome ahead of the trade deadline?

Because of the league's Over-38 rule, the maximum extension Miami could sign Butler is for two years, $112.6 million. That would replace his $52.4 million player option for next season with a new salary starting at $54.1 million. The second year would pay Butler $58.5 million when he is 37.

If Butler were traded, he would be eligible to sign a two-year, $111 million extension with his new team.

A trade demand by Butler and now suspension does not mean the Heat are mandated to make a trade. If Miami does not receive an offer of its liking, it can either let Butler walk in free agency if he declines his player option -- or work together on a trade.

Butler, who will turn 36 in September, does not fit the roster timeline of the Brooklyn Nets, the only team that projects to have more than $40 million in cap space. -- Marks

Are we sure he'll be traded at all?

No. The way things played out with Paul George last season with the LA Clippers is a blueprint for how this situation could unwind over the next few months.

The longstanding paradigm in the NBA in these situations is that the team with a disgruntled player like Butler "has to get something" and trade him somewhere. But that was in a previous financial reality in which the league existed.

Under this far more restrictive collective bargaining agreement, the NBA is operating in what is much closer to a hard cap environment than it used to. So if the process of getting something in a deal requires a team to take back negative long-term salary, that can cause real problems for a club trying to pivot past such a deal in the future. That's doubly true for the Heat, who remain one of the league's most desirable destinations for players and want to have as much flexibility to acquire more high-end talent in the future.

That's one of several reasons why the Heat, according to sources, are reluctant to take back long-term money in a Butler trade. Coupled with the trade restrictions that have made it hard for any big salaries to be moved across the league, sources are far from convinced a deal is guaranteed to happen in the next month. -- Bontemps

- ESPN