Victor Wembanyama Extends Nike Deal With Signature Shoe
Victor Wembanyama has extended his contract with Nike, paving the way for a signature sneaker from the brand, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania Friday. Terms of the deal were not immediately available, though sources described it as long-term.
Wembanyama’s original Nike agreement was set to expire in October. The new deal comes shortly after he signed a five-year, $252 million maximum rookie-scale extension with the San Antonio Spurs, becoming eligible for that contract the day after San Antonio was eliminated in five games by the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.
Wembanyama also serves as a brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton, a partnership he has held since 2024.
Wembanyama became the youngest player to win NBA Defensive Player of the Year and the first to win the award unanimously, leading the league in blocks last season while earning First-Team All-NBA honors.
In his third NBA season, Wembanyama appeared in 64 games and posted career highs of 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, while leading the league with 3.08 blocks and adding 1.03 steals per contest. He became just the seventh player in NBA history to average at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in a single season, recording 42 games with 10 or more rebounds, 42 double-doubles and one triple-double.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 15: Kelsey Plum #10 of the Los Angeles Sparks dribbles against the Golden State Valkyries in the third quarter during a Commissioner’s Cup game at Chase Center on June 15, 2026 in San Francisco, 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 Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Los Angeles Sparks are 10-17, and as such, star guard Kelsey Plum could be on the move. LA Times reporter Marisa Ingemi reported on Wednesday that the Sparks will most likely trade Plum by Sunday’s WNBA midseason trade deadline — and that they’ve gotten interest from multiples teams across the league.
It’s a notable development, as the 31-year-old has established herself as one of the best guards in the league. Plum is in the middle of a career year in which she’s averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists, while shooting 52.7% from the field and 38.3% from three. At the same time, she’s had an injury-riddled campaign; she’s appeared in just 12 of 27 games due to multiple lower leg injuries.
While there hasn’t been much concrete reporting about where Plum could land, there are several destinations that could make a lot of sense. The Sparks have until Sunday at 2pm ET to make their decision.
Here’s where she might land.
The best fit: Golden State Valkyries
The Valkyries have lost back-to-back games (albeit one without Gabby Williams) but have otherwise been one of the season’s best storylines. They’re 19-9 and poised for a playoff run, but, despite their league-best defense could they be missing some star power? Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, and Janelle Salaun have all had big-time season, but none can create for themselves at such high volume the way Plum can.
Golden State could be making a move with the intention of winning a title now, and based on how they’ve performed this season, that’s certainly within the realm of possibility. But, if they can receive some assurance from Plum that she’d re-sign in the offseason — she’s currently on an expiring $999,999 contract — that’d make a trade all the more sensical.
Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase is very familiar with Plum, having coached her in Las Vegas, which could make the midseason transition even easier. Plum would be a great fit alongside Burton, Williams, and the rest of the Golden State cast.
Second-best option: Dallas Wings
The Wings could be going all-in ahead of the trade deadline. That’s what general manager Curt Miller indicated last week at All-Star weekend.
“You can’t be afraid to rip the Band-Aid off and make moves to try and go for it,” he said. “You’re not always in a championship window.”
Paige Bueckers and Jessica Shepard have both had big-time seasons this year, and Azzi Fudd is having an outstanding rookie campaign. But, could Dallas be interested in flipping Arike Ogunbowale, who is shooting just 37.8% from the field, for a more effective offensive player? Or, is there a way to offload Alanna Smith, who has struggled in a surprisingly limited role so far this season?
Plum will give them an undoubtable boost on the offensive end, and create a lethal backcourt trio alongside Bueckers and Fudd. But, some frontcourt defensive questions remain, even if Dallas pulls the trigger on this transaction.
Dark horse team: Washington Mystics
The Mystics are in the playoff hunt and have a very bright future, in large part due to a core led by Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron, and Shakira Austin. But, they’re probably not championship contenders, at least not right now. So, they’ll have to think twice before mortgaging their future for a player who may choose not to re-sign in the offseason.
Still, Washington has one of the league’s top defenses, meaning they could be a good landing spot for Plum, who at times has been a defensive liabiliy (Sydney Johnson’s system shoudl allow her to thrive). The Mystics have plenty of young players and draft assets they could move in a trade. The only question is whether it’s worth it to go all-in now, when they’re probably still a year or two away from being championship contenders.
Jamir Watkins underwent a successful reconstruction to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, which was sustained during Summer League. The procedure was performed by Dr. Riley Williams at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York.
Watkins previously suffered a torn ACL while at VCU.
Wakins was the 43rd overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft out of Florida State and was signed to a two-way by the Washington Wizards.
Trey Mullinax suspended 6 months for violating PGA Tour Anti-Doping policy
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 11: Trey Mullinax looks on from the 8th tee during the first round of PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry on the Dye’s Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass on December 11, 2025 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The PGA Tour announced on Wednesday that Trey Mullinax has been suspended for 6 months for violating the Tour’s Anti-Doping policy.
Here is their official statement.
The PGA TOUR announced today that Trey Mullinax has violated the PGA TOUR Anti-Doping Policy’s ban on the use of performance-enhancing substances for testing positive for a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). As a result, he is suspended for six months and eligible to return on January 16, 2027.
Mullinax has cooperated fully with the TOUR throughout the process and accepted his suspension.
Trey Mullinax released a statement of his own as well.
To my fans, I want to address the news regarding my failed anti-doping test and the suspension that followed. I take full responsibility for what happened. At the end of the day, it is my responsibility to understand and follow the PGA Tour’s Anti-Doping Policy and all of its rules and regulations. I failed to do that, and that is on me.
I recently used a medication to treat a condition I was originally diagnosed with in college without seeking approval under the Tour’s Anti-Doping Policy.
My lack of knowledge is not an excuse. It was my responsibility to know the rules before taking any medication and I failed to do so. I want to be absolutely clear – I have never taken any substance with the intention of gaining a competitive advantage. Anyone who knows me knows how much I respect this game and the values it represents.
I accept the consequences of my actions and will use this experience as a lesson. Golf has given me so much, and I never want one mistake to define the respect I have for the game or for the people who support me. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, and I look forward to competing again in 2027.
As noted Trey will be eligible to return early in the next calendar year.
Draymond Green Waived Implicit No Trade Clause In New Deal With Warriors
Draymond Green is waiving his implicit no trade clause and will receive a 15 percent trade kicker as part of his new one-year, $27.7 million contract with the Golden State Warriors. The contract will function the same as it did as if he never declined his option for the 2026-27 season.
Green became a free agent to give the Warriors the flexibility to sign LeBron James had he chosen the team. The Warriors intended to sign Green to a three-year, $60 million contract had they reached an agreement with James.
The Warriors have no intention to trade Green this season, but they maintain the ability to do so should they choose. Green was involved in trade rumors at the deadline when the Warriors pursued a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Green and James are both represented by Rich Paul. Green is the second longest tenured player in the NBA behind only teammate Stephen Curry.
Luka Doncic Hosting Four-Day Minicamp For Lakers In Slovenia
Luka Doncic is hosting the entire Los Angeles Lakers’ roster in Slovenia for a four-day minicamp in August. The Lakers will conduct workouts, golf and bonding in the Ljubljana area ahead of training camp in September.
Doncic, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Bronny James, Chris Manon, Dalton Knecht and Adou Thiero arÄ™ the only holdovers on the Lakers’ roster.
Draymond Green, Warriors Agree To One-Year, $27.7M Deal
Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors have agreed to a one-year, $27.7 million contract. The deal doesn’t contain a no-trade clause, but it will function as one because he is on a One-Year Bird, which gives him veto power.
Green turned down his $27.6 million player option with the Warriors for the 2026-27 season on the eve of free agency to give the team flexibility in case they could reach agreement with LeBron James. James decided last Friday to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, which paved the way for this agreement between Green and the Warriors to be reached.
Green’s future with the Warriors was uncertain in February amid trade conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Warriors didn’t circle back around to those talks this offseason.
Green has spent the past 14 seasons with the Warriors, which only trails teammate Stephen Curry for the longest active streak with one team in the NBA.
LeBron James Found Warriors ‘Appealing For A Time’ But Needed Anthony Davis Trade
LeBron James found the Golden State Warriors “appealing for a time” when he was considering his free agency options, but it was contingent on the team trading for Anthony Davis.
James would have had the opportunity to team up with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green with the Warriors after playing against those stars in four consecutive Finals between 2015 and 2018. James and Curry were also teammates for Team USA in 2024 and have developed a fondness for each other years after the peak of their rivalry.
The Washington Wizards have maintained a high asking price for Davis that the Warriors were not prepared to meet as they balance out the final seasons of Curry’s career along with the next chapter following his retirement. The Warriors also would have had to include the expiring contract of Jimmy Butler, who is recovering from a torn ACL.
James chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers last week where he gets to compete in the Eastern Conference alongside a trio of All-Stars in Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid, along with second-year guard VJ Edgecombe.
Stephen Curry On LeBron James’ Decision: ‘You Don’t Envision Anything Until It Happens’
Stephen Curry addressed LeBron James’ decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers rather than the Golden State Warriors, speaking Saturday from Moses Moody’s youth camp.
“That’s why you don’t envision anything until it happens,” said Curry. “There’s a lot of moving parts.”
Curry had hoped James would choose Golden State, believing the Warriors had a legitimate chance to land him. Once the decision went the other way, he quickly returned to the reality the team has faced for much of the past four seasons where they have been beyond the circle of realistic title contenders.
Curry pointed to the injuries suffered by Jimmy Butler and Moody as the real factor shaping the Warriors’ outlook, regardless of what happened with James.
“The through line,” said Curry, “which is hard on anybody in this situation, especially with us keeping this thing together, is knowing that when Jimmy got hurt and Moses got hurt, the whole calculus of everything changes. How do you get through their absence and still stay at a certain level? And then how that goes into this year. It’s the same deal. So, I’m a realist on that.”
Curry acknowledged the front office explored various options to build the best possible roster around him, but said those injuries ultimately reshaped what was realistic heading into the season.
“Sure,” said Curry, “I’m hopeful for all the creative ideas of getting the best team possible. We had those conversations. But when you have injuries at the top like that, it’s always gonna change.”
Mario Hezonja, Cavs Agree To One-Year, $2.8M Contact
The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a one-year deal with wing Mario Hezonja for $2.8 million. Hezonja returns to the NBA with Cleveland after spending the last six seasons playing for teams in Greece, Russia and Spain.
The 6-foot-8 last played in the NBA during the 2019-20 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. Hezonja started his NBA career with the Orlando Magic and also played for the New York Knicks.
Last season, Hezonja averaged 15 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists for Real Madrid. The 31-year-old helped Real Madrid to the EuroLeague championship game, where they fell to Olympiacos.
