Sam Amick
Verified
As seen in:
The Athletic,
Apple Podcasts,
MSN,
The New York Times,
The Washington Post,
USA Today,
CNBC,
NBA.com,
Stuff.co.nz,
Sydney Morning Herald,
The Toronto Star
and
Senior NBA Writer, The Athletic, via USA TODAY, Sports Illustrated, FanHouse, The Sacramento Bee; VP of @ProHoopsWriters. E-mail: samick@theathletic.com.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Sam Amick
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.
Dillon Brooks, Suns agree to 3-year, $73 million extension: Sources Original
The Phoenix Suns and Dillon Brooks have agreed on a three-year $73 million contract extension for the 30-year-old forward, team sources told The Athletic on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized. Brooks was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Suns ahead of the 2025-26 season in the package that sent Kevin Durant from Phoenix to the Rockets.
NBA ‘continuing to look into’ Bucks’ Gary Trent Jr. contract for possible cap circumvention Original
The NBA is reviewing the Milwaukee Bucks’ re-signing of shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. for possible salary cap circumvention, a league spokesperson told The Athletic. “The NBA is continuing to look into it,” the spokesperson said. Last weekend, the Bucks shocked the NBA world when they reached an agreement with Trent on a fully guaranteed four-year, $64 million contract.
Frank Vogel joins Steve Kerr’s staff as Warriors associate head coach: Source Original
Veteran NBA coach Frank Vogel has been named associate head coach for the Golden State Warriors, joining Steve Kerr’s staff, a team source confirmed to The Athletic, speaking anonymously because the deal is not official yet. ESPN was first to report the agreement. The 53-year-old Vogel spent last season with the Dallas Mavericks in the same role. Before that stint, he spent time as head coach of the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers.
Gary Trent Jr. agrees to four-year, $64 million contract with Milwaukee Bucks: Sources Original
The Milwaukee Bucks are signing Gary Trent Jr. to a four-year, $64 million contract, league sources confirmed to The Athletic. The contract is fully guaranteed with no options. ESPN was first to report the signing. Trent, 27, averaged 8.1 points per game last season, while playing only 21.2 minutes per game, in 65 appearances for the Bucks. It was the fewest points and minutes Trent averaged since his rookie season.
Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro involved in physical altercation in Las Vegas Original
Former Miami Heat teammates Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro were involved in a physical altercation in Las Vegas on Friday, the Heat confirmed to The Athletic. Adebayo and Herro played together for the Heat for seven seasons. Herro was part of the package Miami sent to the Milwaukee Bucks on July 6 in the deal that brought star Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami. Miami and Milwaukee played each other in Summer League action Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Miami won the game 119-86.
What we’re hearing about Kawhi Leonard and the state of the paused Raptors trade
LAS VEGAS — The Kawhi Leonard reunion in Toronto is on hold — for now. The agreed-upon trade between the Raptors and LA Clippers is now in limbo — and potentially in jeopardy — after the NBA paused it Thursday because of its ongoing Aspiration investigation into the Clippers.
What we're hearing about Kawhi Leonard and the state of the paused Raptors trade
LAS VEGAS -- The Kawhi Leonard reunion in Toronto is on hold -- for now. The agreed-upon trade between the Raptors and LA Clippers is now in limbo -- and potentially in jeopardy -- after the NBA paused it Thursday because of its ongoing Aspiration investigation into the Clippers.
Quinten Post to Grizzlies after Warriors don’t match 3-year, $30 million offer sheet: Sources Original
The Golden State Warriors have decided not to match unrestricted free agent Quinten Post’s three-year, $30 million offer sheet from the Memphis Grizzlies, allowing him to head to Memphis, team sources told The Athletic on Tuesday. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. The 26-year-old 7-footer spent the first two seasons of his career with Golden State, starting 49 of the 109 games he played. He averaged 7.8 points and 3.8 rebounds for the Warriors.
Kevon Looney agrees to sign 1-year, $3.9 million deal with Lakers: Source
Veteran center Kevon Looney has agreed to sign a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, Looney’s agent, Todd Ramasar, confirmed to The Athletic. Looney, 30, was an unrestricted free agent who last played for the New Orleans Pelicans. He is a three-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors (2017, 2018, 2022) who served as a key role player known for his rebounding. A former UCLA Bruin for one season, Looney was selected 30th in the 2015 NBA Draft.
LeBron James latest: What we know about his likely NBA free-agency options
LeBron James’ decision remains perhaps the biggest unresolved question of NBA free agency. Days after announcing he would leave the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer still hasn’t revealed where he’ll play his record 24th season. In the meantime, teams believed to be in the mix continue balancing patience with the reality that the rest of the offseason isn’t on hold. Some have preserved roster flexibility in hopes of landing James.
Kevon Looney agrees to sign 1-year, $3.9 million deal with Lakers
Veteran center Kevon Looney has agreed to sign a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, Looney's agent, Todd Ramasar, confirmed to The Athletic on Tuesday. Looney, 30, was an unrestricted free agent who last played for the New Orleans Pelicans. He is a three-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors (2017, 2018, 2022) who served as a key role player known for his rebounding. ESPN was first to report the news of his deal with the Lakers.
LeBron James latest: What we know about his likely NBA free-agency options
LeBron James' decision remains perhaps the biggest unresolved question of NBA free agency. Days after announcing he would leave the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons, the NBA's all-time leading scorer still hasn't revealed where he'll play his record 24th season. In the meantime, teams believed to be in the mix continue balancing patience with the reality that the rest of the offseason isn't on hold. Some have preserved roster flexibility in hopes of landing James.
Nikola Jokić explains decision to delay new contract with Nuggets Original
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić told reporters in Belgrade, Serbia, on Monday that he plans to re-sign next summer and still intends to spend his entire NBA career in the Mile High City.
Sacramento Kings to waive veteran forward DeMar DeRozan
The Sacramento Kings plan to waive 17-year NBA veteran DeMar DeRozan, according to a team source who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been completed. DeRozan had one year and $25.74 million left on a three-year contract he signed in 2024, but the final season was only partially guaranteed. The forward started 77 games for the Kings, averaging 18.4 points and 4.1 assists per game.
Former Gonzaga standout Rui Hachimura joining LA Clippers on 2-year deal: Source
Rui Hachimura, one of the NBA’s premier catch-and-shoot forwards, has agreed to a two-year deal with the LA Clippers, a league source confirmed to The Athletic on Monday. The deal is worth $28 million and includes a team option on the second season, according to a league source who was not permitted to speak publicly because the deal is not yet official. ESPN first reported the move.
Rui Hachimura joining LA Clippers on 2-year deal: Source
Rui Hachimura, one of the NBA’s premier catch-and-shoot forwards, has agreed to a two-year deal with the LA Clippers, a league source confirmed to The Athletic on Monday. The deal is worth $28 million and includes a team option on the second season, according to a league source who was not permitted to speak publicly because the deal is not yet official. ESPN first reported the move.
Sacramento Kings to waive veteran forward DeMar DeRozan
The Sacramento Kings plan to waive 17-year NBA veteran DeMar DeRozan, according to a team source who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been completed. DeRozan had one year and $25.74 million left on a three-year contract he signed in 2024, but the final season was only partially guaranteed. The forward started 77 games for the Kings, averaging 18.4 points and 4.1 assists per game.
Nuggets To Match Any Peyton Watson Offer Sheet, Open To Sign-And-Trade
The Denver Nuggets plan to match any offer sheet for restricted free agent Peyton Watson once the NBA's moratorium ends Monday, but they are open to sign-and-trade scenarios if a deal cannot be reached. Talks between Denver and Watson's representation, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, have stalled on a new contract. The recent Walker Kessler saga with the Utah Jazz offers a useful parallel.
Nuggets plan to match offers for Peyton Watson, but open to sign-and-trade: Sources Original
The Denver Nuggets intend to match any offers for restricted free agent Peyton Watson when the NBA’s moratorium lifts on Monday, said league sources who were granted anonymity to discuss the ongoing negotiations. Yet as the Nuggets and Watson’s agent, Rich Paul of the Klutch Sports Group, have continued to be apart in negotiations for a new contract, sources say Denver is also very open to the prospect of a sign-and-trade for the 23-year-old forward.
Inside Celtics’ Jaylen Brown trade: How differences in perspective drove stunning deal
BOSTON – On the day the Boston Celtics agreed to trade him, slamming the door on a beloved era in the organization’s rich history, Jaylen Brown walked through a crowd toward the court of a one-on-one basketball tournament in Orlando. Judging by his casual stride, one never would have guessed such a drastic shift in Brown’s life and career was underway.
Inside Celtics’ Jaylen Brown trade: How differences in perspective drove stunning deal
BOSTON — On the day the Celtics agreed to trade him, slamming the door on a beloved era in the organization’s rich history, Jaylen Brown walked through a crowd toward the court of a one-on-one basketball tournament in Orlando. Judging by his casual stride, one never would have guessed such a drastic shift in Brown’s life and career was underway.
Inside Celtics' Jaylen Brown trade: How differences in perspective drove stunning deal
BOSTON -- On the day the Celtics agreed to trade him, slamming the door on a beloved era in the organization's rich history, Jaylen Brown walked through a crowd toward the court of a one-on-one basketball tournament in Orlando. Judging by his casual stride, one never would have guessed such a drastic shift in Brown's life and career was underway.
Tari Eason agrees to 5-year, $81.5 million deal to stay with Rockets: Sources Original
Forward Tari Eason and the Houston Rockets agreed to a five-year, $81.5 million contract Thursday, according to league sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been completed. Eason’s deal is fully guaranteed. It includes a player option in the fifth year and a 10 percent trade kicker, those league sources told The Athletic. Eason entered the offseason as a restricted free agent and nailed down a deal that keeps the 25-year-old in Houston at a reasonable price.
Could LeBron James sign with Nuggets? Why Mile High City makes sense Original
Could LeBron James wind up in the Mile High City? It seems unlikely, if only because of the conventional wisdom surrounding his free agency situation, but that doesn’t mean the Denver Nuggets won’t try. A league source, who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect sensitive conversations, confirmed that the Nuggets have indeed reached out to James’ camp to formally register interest, as was first reported by The Denver Post’s Bennett Durando.
Jalen Duren Meets With Lakers, Kings; Set For More Talks On Wednesday
Jalen Duren had a productive meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday and is set to meet with the team again Wednesday morning as he pursues his restricted free agency market. The Lakers told Duren in the meeting that they view him as a maximum-salary caliber player, sources said. The Sacramento Kings delivered a similar message of strong interest after also meeting with the 22-year-old center on Tuesday, indicating they will continue exploring sign-and-trade scenarios to acquire him.
Lakers agree to sign Sandro Mamukelashvili to bolster frontcourt: Sources
The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal with power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, league sources with knowledge of the negotiations told reporters. The contract includes a player option for the fourth and final season. ESPN first reported the deal. Mamukelashvili, a 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward, spent the 2025-26 season with the Toronto Raptors. He is entering his sixth NBA season after being selected with the No. 54 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Seton Hall.
As Jalen Duren negotiations continue, Pistons risk losing Tobias Harris: Sources Original
The Detroit Pistons, in the wake of a 60-win regular season and second-round loss to Cleveland in the playoffs, might be the most interesting team in the Association at the moment. As free agency officially begins, they find themselves waiting for clarity from two of their most important players last season: Frontcourt mates Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris.
Clippers close to trading Kawhi Leonard back to Raptors: Sources Original
The Toronto Raptors are nearing a trade with the LA Clippers to acquire Kawhi Leonard, according to a team source who spoke on condition of anonymity so he wouldn’t jeopardize the deal. The deal to reunite the superstar with the franchise for which he won the 2019 NBA title, which has not been finalized, is expected to include Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and at least two first-round picks going to the Clippers.
Nets, Blazers, Nuggets Not Heavily Engaged With Celtics On Jaylen Brown Trade
The Boston Celtics may need to significantly lower their asking price for Jaylen Brown after several teams previously tied to the All-NBA wing have shown limited or no real engagement. Boston has been seeking up to four first-round picks in addition to players for Brown. The Portland Trail Blazers have been linked to Brown for some time, but their interest remains moderate at best and far below Boston's asking price.
Jaylen Brown’s trade market not as robust as Celtics hoped: Sources
A quick word on Jaylen Brown, as his sticky situation continues to loom so large over this offseason. Barring a drastic and unforeseen change in the market, the Boston Celtics will have to significantly lower their asking price if they plan on trading him anytime soon. As you’ve no doubt heard by now, they’ve been asking for up to four first-round picks (in addition to players) for a team to land the 29-year-old forward.
NBA free agency 2026 live updates: Kawhi Leonard nearing trade to Raptors; LeBron James to leave Lakers
|
NBA free agency 2026 live updates: Kawhi Leonard nearing trade to Raptors; LeBron James to leave Lakers As LeBron James' Lakers career ends, the Toronto Raptors are closing in on a reunion with the star of their 2019 championship. June 30, 2026 at 4:25 PM EDT Leonard and the Raptors appear headed for a reunion Sean M.
By Sam Amick Verified, Fred Katz Verified, John Hollinger Verified, Dan Woike Verified, Mike Prada, Joe Vardon Verified, Nick Friedell, Christian Clark, William Guillory, Austin Green
|
The New York Times
Verified
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Sam
Contact Sam, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack