Sam Amick
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Senior NBA Writer, The Athletic, via USA TODAY, Sports Illustrated, FanHouse, The Sacramento Bee; VP of @ProHoopsWriters. E-mail: samick@theathletic.com.
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Articles by Sam Amick
Brandin Podziemski, Warriors agree to five-year, $110 million extension
The Golden State Warriors and Brandin Podziemski have agreed to a five-year, $110 million extension. Bill Duffy, Podziemski’s agent, confirmed the news with The Athletic. The 23-year-old guard had a strong 2025-26 season, averaging 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in all 84 games, including two Play-In Tournament games. Podziemski earned Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s trust by playing hard and contributing on both ends of the floor.
The Athletic: JJ Redick believes the Lakers will be a ‘championship-level’ team. Is he right?
Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are the focal points of the Lakers’ new-look core. Editor’s Note: Read more NBA coverage from The Athletic here. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA or its teams. *** JJ Redick could have tempered expectations. After all, that’s what NBA head coaches typically do as a way of avoiding the unwanted scrutiny and, at times, the hot seat. Undersell and overdeliver.
JJ Redick believes the Lakers will be a ‘championship-level’ team. Is he right?
JJ Redick could have tempered expectations. After all, that’s what NBA head coaches typically do as a way of avoiding the unwanted scrutiny and, at times, the hot seat. Undersell and overdeliver. Especially when you’re working for a franchise that draws the brightest of all the lights in Laker Land. But when the third-year Los Angeles Lakers coach was asked to assess his revamped team’s title-contending chances during a Sept.
JJ Redick believes the Lakers will be a ‘championship-level’ team. Is he right?
JJ Redick could have tempered expectations. After all, that’s what NBA head coaches typically do as a way of avoiding the unwanted scrutiny and, at times, the hot seat. Undersell and overdeliver. Especially when you’re working for a franchise that draws the brightest of all the lights in Laker Land. But when the third-year Los Angeles Lakers coach was asked to assess his revamped team’s title-contending chances during a Sept.
Pistons and Jalen Duren came to terms. Now they need to repair the relationship
One might think $200 million is enough to soothe even the harshest feelings. But the summer-long stalemate between Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons was about more than the money, with the actions of both parties revealing much about the dysfunctional dynamic that made this all so messy.
Jalen Duren, Pistons agree to 5-year, $200M deal ending arduous offseason saga: Source Original
After a monthslong impasse, the Detroit Pistons and restricted free agent Jalen Duren agreed to terms on a five-year, $200 million contract on Thursday, according to a league source who spoke under the condition of anonymity because the deal was not finalized. Duren, 22, is coming off his first All-Star and All-NBA selections in the 2025-26 season. He averaged a career-high 19.5 points as the Pistons finished last season with 60 regular-season wins and the best record in the Eastern Conference.
Pistons Remove Weight Clause From Five-Year, $200M Offer To Jalen Duren
The weight clause initially floated as part of the Detroit Pistons' five-year, $200 million offer to Jalen Duren is no longer on the table ahead of Thursday's deadline. The offer, which Duren has not yet accepted, is fully guaranteed and contains no weight-related terms. Duren faces an 11:59 p.m. ET deadline Thursday in which he must accept the $200 million deal, or sign a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer, which would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Pistons remove weight clause from $200 million offer to Jalen Duren
As the summer-long standoff between Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons nears its likely end, one major obstacle to a possible deal has been removed. Per league sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity as negotiations continue, the weight clause initially proposed as part of the Pistons’ five-year, $200 million offer is no longer part of the talks. The clause was never put in writing.
NBA expansion to Las Vegas moves forward as 3 bidders emerge as finalists: Sources
The bid to bring an NBA franchise to Las Vegas is getting closer to completion. The league is nearing a resolution to the process, with three groups appearing to be in the running, according to league sources who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss ongoing deliberations. These are the groups, according to those sources: Nancy Laurie Walton and her husband, Bill Laurie. A group led by Bill Foley, the owner of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights.
Jalen Duren Expected To Skip Pistons Media Day Amid Contract Stalemate
Jalen Duren is expected to skip the Detroit Pistons' media day on Monday as he remains a restricted free agent. Duren has until Thursday to decide whether to accept the one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer from the Pistons or agree to a long-term contract extension. Duren has been away from Detroit for most of the offseason and missed multiple team summer activities. Sources said he considered visiting the facility to support his teammates.
Jalen Duren expected to miss Pistons media day amid contract dispute: Sources Original
The summer-long stalemate between restricted free agent Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons is expected to extend to the team’s media day on Monday, with league sources telling The Athletic that the All-NBA big man is planning on steering clear of the event because of unresolved contract negotiations. The sources were granted anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation.
Steph Curry agrees to 2-year, $116 million contract extension with Warriors: Sources Original
SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry isn’t going anywhere. The 38-year-old superstar reaffirmed his commitment to the only franchise he’s ever known Friday, agreeing to a contract extension with the Golden State Warriors, the team announced. The deal will be for two more years and $116 million, including a player option for the 2028-29 season, team and league sources told The Athletic on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss contract terms.
Jalen Duren's Camp Reacts To Report On Weight Concerns From Pistons
The Detroit Pistons privately raised concerns about Jalen Duren's weight following the team's Game 7 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs. The revelation adds new context to already tense contract negotiations between Duren and the team as they navigate his restricted free agency. The organization internally believed Duren's weight was partly to blame for his struggles during the 2026 postseason and wanted him to slim down at the time.
Kawhi Leonard to sign 2-year, $115 million contract extension with Raptors
By SAM AMICK and ERIC KOREEN The Athletic In 2019, a championship couldn’t convince Kawhi Leonard to stay with the Toronto Raptors. Seven years later, he didn’t even have to play a game with the team to decide to stay. Just eight days after returning to Toronto in a delayed trade from the LA Clippers, Leonard has agreed to a two-year extension worth a projected $115 million.
Kawhi Leonard to sign 2-year, $115 million contract extension with Raptors
In 2019, a championship couldn’t convince Kawhi Leonard to stay with the Toronto Raptors. Seven years later, he didn’t even have to play a game with the team to decide to stay. Just eight days after returning to Toronto in a delayed trade from the LA Clippers, Leonard has agreed to a two-year extension worth a projected $115 million. The deal, which includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, is about $11 million less than the maximum he could have received.
Pistons Offer Jalen Duren Five-Year, $200M Deal
The Detroit Pistons have offered Jalen Duren a five-year, $200 million deal, sources confirmed to The Athletic. The new offer is a $10 million increase from their previously reported offer of five years and $190 million. The deal also includes a weight clause. Duren, who has been looking for deals over $200 million, has so far rejected the Pistons' offer. The Kings have previously reported interest in Duren, with the Bucks and two other teams also looking to engage the center.
Is Jalen Duren closer to being a $200 million player? What we’re hearing on talks with Pistons
With training camp a week away, there is finally movement in the strained negotiation between restricted free-agent center Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons. Yet still, with the Eastern Conference contender showing renewed interest in getting a deal done and the 22-year-old, All-NBA center pushing for a bigger payday, the gap between the two sides remains.
Clippers name interim governor to lead team while Steve Ballmer serves suspension
The LA Clippers formally replaced suspended owner Steve Ballmer as the team’s top decision-maker Monday, naming John S. Gibson interim CEO and governor of the organization. Ballmer, who had served as the team’s governor since buying the Clippers in 2014, was suspended for one year as part of the NBA’s ruling in the Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention case earlier this month.
Blazers leaving Portland would be ‘a failure’ as Silver calls for state-of-the-art arena
NBA commissioner Adam Silver weighed in on the ongoing dispute between Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon and city officials about arena renovations on Tuesday, saying he strongly prefers an outcome that keeps the team in the city where the franchise was founded in 1970. “I want to be very direct about it: I would see it as a failure if we did not keep the team in Portland,” Silver told reporters during his Board of Governors news conference in New York.
Clippers, Raptors complete Kawhi Leonard trade after NBA doles out punishment Original
The LA Clippers and the Toronto Raptors have officially completed the blockbuster trade both two teams agreed to at the end of June, sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto and Brandon Ingram to LA, league and team sources told The Athletic. The sources were granted anonymity because the official trade call had not been completed.
Jalen Duren Seeking At Least $200M In Next Contract; Pistons Offering $190M
The gap appears to be closing between Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons in contract negotiations. However, the sides are still apart on total salary and options in the contract. Recent reporting was that Duren was seeking a deal worth more than $40 million per season, with the Pistons offering an average annual value of $35 million.
What we’re hearing on Jalen Duren and his stalemate with the Pistons
That’s how long Jalen Duren has to decide whether to take the most extreme route available in this stalemate with the Detroit Pistons: the $9.6 million qualifying offer that has a current deadline of Oct. 1 (more on that later).
What’s holding up the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard trade with the Toronto Raptors? Original
So … when will the LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard finally join the Toronto Raptors and put an end to his controversial Clippers tenure? With a week having passed since the NBA came down hard on the Clippers with its ruling in the historic salary-cap circumvention case centered on the 35-year-old small forward, that remains to be seen. But the reasons for the continued delay, it’s safe to say, have become a bit of a mystery to people involved in the process and around the league.
Why not punish Kawhi Leonard more? Why no arbitration? Answering key Clippers questions
The NBA announced crushing punishments for the LA Clippers, owner Steve Ballmer and two executives after a year-long investigation concluded they broke league rules by funneling millions to Kawhi Leonard through lucrative sponsorship deals. The Clippers lost five first-round draft picks, while Ballmer was suspended for a year and fined $30 million. Clippers president Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months, and president of business operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for one year.
Warriors, Knicks Also Had Interest In Signing Ben Simmons
The Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks had interest in signing Ben Simmons before he reached agreement on a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. Simmons also received interest from the Knicks during the 2025 offseason. Simmons has played in an NBA game since April 2025 when he was with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Kings also had interest in Russell Westbrook and Victor Oladipo before settling on Simmons.
Ben Simmons returns to NBA by agreeing to sign with Sacramento Kings
Ben Simmons, the 30-year-old, three-time All-Star who sat out all of last season while recovering from his longstanding back issues, has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings. The deal, according to team sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced, marks the return of a player whose lengthy injury history and unfulfilled promise have long been a topic of discussion in the NBA. ESPN was first to report the deal.
Amen Thompson agrees to 5-year rookie-scale extension with Rockets: Source
Amen Thompson has agreed to a five-year, $208 million rookie-scale contract extension with the Houston Rockets, a team source confirmed to The Athletic on Thursday. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal, which includes a 10 percent trade kicker, was not yet official. ESPN first reported the extension, which will kick in beginning with the 2027-28 season.
NBA punishment concludes Kawhi Leonard, Uncle Dennis saga that began in 2019
It was late winter 2019, some six months after Kawhi Leonard chose to sign with the Clippers and left the rival Lakers quite peeved in the process. The choice itself wasn’t the issue for the Lakers, who had hoped to pair him with LeBron James and Anthony Davis but saw him choose the other Los Angeles team instead.
Wolves Likley To Trade Josh Green After Signing Jonathan Kuminga
The Minnesota Timberwolves are expected to trade Josh Green following the signing of Jonathan Kuminga, sources told Jon Krawczynski and Sam Amick of The Athletic. With Kuminga signing a two-year, $13 million deal, the Wolves will need to shed $3 million in salary to stay under the second apron. Green, who is making $14.6 million next season, averaged 4.3 points and 1.8 rebounds last season. The Wolves could also waive and stretch Green's salary.
Jonathan Kuminga, Timberwolves agree to 2-year deal: Sources
Jonathan Kuminga’s next stop is Minnesota. The 23-year-old forward has agreed to a two-year deal to join the Timberwolves, team sources confirmed to The Athletic on Wednesday. The deal is for $12 million and includes a player option for Year 2, according to those sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal is not finalized. ESPN first reported Kuminga’s decision. Kuminga had been connected to both the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers at times during the offseason.
Jeanie Buss petitions court to block siblings from selling Lakers stake
The Buss family’s fight over the Lakers is back in court. Jeanie Buss has petitioned a Los Angeles Superior Court asking a judge to block her five siblings from selling the family’s remaining stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, while accusing them of secretly orchestrating a deal to try to remove her as the team’s governor. The petition, which was processed by the court on Wednesday, is the strongest sign yet that this feud won’t be ending anytime soon.
Bennedict Mathurin agrees to sign with Pelicans for 2 years, $16 million: Sources
Free agent shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin, who finished last season with the LA Clippers, has agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to a league source who was not authorized to speak publicly because the deal has not been finalized. The second year is a player option, according to a team source who was granted anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations.
Klay Thompson clears waivers, agrees to 2-year, $11.5 million contract with Heat: Source Original
Klay Thompson cleared waivers Sunday and agreed to sign a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Miami Heat, a league source told The Athletic. The source spoke anonymously because the deal had not yet been announced. The second year is a player option, and the deal also includes a 15 percent trade kicker. Thompson, 36, will join forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo as he enters his 14th season with the revamped Heat.
DeMar DeRozan, Nuggets agree to 1-year, $3.9 million deal: Sources
Veteran forward DeMar DeRozan agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Denver Nuggets on Friday, league sources confirmed to The Athletic. DeRozan spent the past two seasons with the Sacramento Kings. He had one year and $25.74 million left on a three-year deal that he signed in 2024, but the final season was only partially guaranteed. The Kings waived DeRozan on July 6 from a contract that was guaranteed for $10 million, saving the Kings about $15 million and making DeRozan a free agent.
Klay Thompson, Mavericks reach buyout agreement; veteran expected to join Heat: Source
Klay Thompson came to the Dallas Mavericks to compete for a fifth NBA championship, but in two seasons with the team, the future Hall of Famer never appeared in a playoff game. The 36-year-old Thompson played just 21 games alongside Luka Dončić and 45 games next to Kyrie Irving. Now, Thompson’s time in Dallas is over, as the Mavericks announced on Friday that they’ve reached a buyout agreement with Thompson.
James Harden to re-sign with Cavaliers for 3 years, $97 million: Sources
James Harden has agreed to re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers for three years and $97 million, including a player option for the third season, according to league sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is not finalized.
Jeanie Buss Open To Scenario Letting Siblings Sell While She Stays Lakers' Governor
Jeanie Buss may have a path to remain Los Angeles Lakers governor even if her siblings proceed with selling their shares, according to The Athletic. A league source indicated Buss would be open to exploring a scenario that lets her retain control of at least 15 percent ownership, the NBA's minimum threshold for team governors. The possibility emerges amid an escalating dispute between Buss and her five siblings, who voted through the Buss Family Trust to sell their shares in the franchise.
What we’re hearing about the Buss family battle and Jeanie’s Lakers future
If Mark Walter’s sale of the Los Angeles Lakers was the big surprise of this summer, what followed early this week was perhaps a little more predictable. The fight within the Buss family — specifically between current Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and her five siblings, who voted to sell the family’s shares in the team — is just beginning. And with it comes a lot of posturing and planning for a fight that will determine how things are run inside basketball’s longest-running soap opera.
Jeanie Buss’ lawyers deny Lakers ownership sale, demand family stake vote be halted
Jeanie Buss might not be done as the Los Angeles Lakers’ team governor. Not long after it was reported that the Buss family intended to sell its portion of the franchise — a move that would lead to Jeanie’s ouster as team governor — her lawyers deemed the reported vote void.
NBA disputes report detailing potential findings in Clippers’ cap circumvention probe Original
The NBA is disputing reporting by ESPN that detailed findings of the league’s investigation into possible salary-cap circumvention by the LA Clippers and subsequent settlement negotiations. “ESPN’s article regarding the LA Clippers investigation — for which the NBA declined to cooperate — contains numerous and significant inaccuracies,” the league statement read.
NBA disputes report detailing potential findings in Clippers' cap circumvention probe
The NBA is disputing an ESPN report that detailed findings of the league's investigation into possible salary-cap circumvention by the LA Clippers and subsequent settlement negotiations. "ESPN's article regarding the LA Clippers investigation -- for which the NBA declined to cooperate -- contains numerous and significant inaccuracies," the league statement read.
Cavaliers trade Dennis Schröder to Hornets for Tre Mann, cash: Sources
Dennis Schröder has found a new team — again. The Cleveland Cavaliers are trading the veteran point guard to the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann and cash, league sources told The Athletic on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized. It will be the 12th team Schröder has played for in his soon-to-be 14-year NBA career.
Veteran Bradley Beal returning to Clippers on 2-year deal: Agent
The LA Clippers and shooting guard Bradley Beal have agreed to a two-year deal worth $13.2 million, his agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed to The Athletic on Thursday. The second year of the deal is a player option partially guaranteed for $3 million, according to league sources speaking on the condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet finalized. NBA reporter Chris Haynes first reported Beal's agreement.
Veteran Bradley Beal returning to Clippers on 2-year deal: Agent
The LA Clippers and shooting guard Bradley Beal have agreed to a two-year deal worth $13.2 million, his agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed to The Athletic on Thursday. The second year of the deal is a player option partially guaranteed for $3 million, according to league sources speaking on the condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet finalized. NBA reporter Chris Haynes first reported Beal’s agreement.
Nuggets Offering Peyton Watson Four-Year, $70M Deal
The Denver Nuggets are offering Peyton Watson a four-year, $70 million contract, sources told Sam Amick of The Athletic. The deal includes a team option in the fourth year. Watson has reportedly been looking for a deal of more than $25 million per season. It was reported on Tuesday that the Cavs are a serious threat to land Peyton Watson in a sign-and-trade with the Nuggets. The Nuggets are currently the only team in the league in the second apron.
What we know so far about Lakers’ surprising sale to Joshua Kushner, Bob Iger
News that Mark Walter had agreed to sell the Los Angeles Lakers just over a year after buying a majority share from the Buss family was shocking, both because of the price — a $12.5 billion valuation — and the timing. One of the NBA’s most historic franchises now heads into a period of uncertainty with Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger, relative newcomers to sports ownership.
As Nuggets, Peyton Watson negotiate, will Cavaliers, Bucks, Clippers swoop in?
There is, at some point, a Peyton Watson plot twist yet to come. Maybe the Denver Nuggets’ restricted free-agent wing eventually gets the money and role he’s seeking by way of sign-and-trade, with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks and LA Clippers all remaining in the hunt for the 23-year-old.
What we know so far about Lakers' surprising sale to Joshua Kushner, Bob Iger
News that Mark Walter had agreed to sell the Los Angeles Lakers just over a year after buying a majority share from the Buss family was shocking, both because of the price -- a $12.5 billion valuation -- and the timing. One of the NBA's most historic franchises now heads into a period of uncertainty with Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger, relative newcomers to sports ownership.
As Nuggets, Peyton Watson negotiate, will Cavaliers, Bucks, Clippers swoop in?
There is, at some point, a Peyton Watson plot twist yet to come. Maybe the Denver Nuggets' restricted free-agent wing eventually gets the money and role he's seeking by way of sign-and-trade, with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks and LA Clippers all remaining in the hunt for the 23-year-old.
Don Nelson, 5-time NBA champion and pioneer of ‘Nellie Ball’ as coach, dies at 86 Original
Don Nelson, a five-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and one of the winningest coaches in league history, died Sunday at the age of 86, his family announced in a statement. A cause of death was not shared. “On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family,” the statement read.
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