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Denver Nuggets’ DaRon Holmes II, who missed the entire 2024-25 season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon during Summer League last July, delivered a dominant performance tonight: 19 points, 17 rebounds, and 5 assists on 8-of-16 shooting. Aaron Reilly Reggie B 📈

Iowa State....I own it Iowa State!

The best young reporter in the business Bennett Durando

This is nonsense. This isn’t a competition. Both Rich Paul and Bill Duffy are icons in this industry, agents who’ve empowered countless players, changed lives, and inspired generations. Elevating one doesn’t mean diminishing the other. That’s not how this business works.

The July 15 advance payment in Bradley Beal’s contract was unrelated to the timing of the buyout, league sources tell me. That portion was guaranteed and not contingent on when a separation occurred. Hopefully, this clears up any confusion.

Victor Oladipo showcased strong form during a heavily attended private workout in Las Vegas on Monday, drawing positive reviews from scouts and executives on hand, sources tell me. The Orlando Magic have emerged as a team worth keeping an eye on.

The Atlanta Hawks have signed Keaton Wallace to a two-way contract, team says.

Chris Paul plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. A formal agreement is expected later in free agency, but Paul has made his decision, a reunion long anticipated is on course to become reality. We’ve said it all along, he’s zeroed in on the Clippers.

Happy Birthday, Ramona Shelburne

James Harden was focal on getting Beal to LA, he had extensive conversations with Beal and his agent, Priority Sports CEO Mark Bartelstein.

And now, Lawrence Frank says Chris Paul is a player the LA Clippers are “strongly considering” as a free agent.

And FYI: it’s going to happen.

BREAKING: The Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies have engaged in trade discussions centered on Anfernee Simons, with a framework that would send Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and draft compensation to Boston, league sources tell me.

Yuki Kawamura has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Chicago Bulls, per source.

Mike Brown courtside

The Washington Wizards are finalizing a contract buyout with guard Blake Wesley, league sources say. His agents at CAA have already lined up a veteran minimum deal elsewhere. Wesley returned a portion of his salary in the agreement, sources said.

Interesting things happening in Lakerland…

The Los Angeles Lakers are working on a trade that’s expected to send out multiple players, and are actively evaluating options to clear cap space, league sources tell me. The move is aimed at creating room to sign Marcus Smart at his reported number.

The Washington Wizards have reached a buyout agreement with guard Blake Wesley.

An interesting wrinkle in the Lakers’ offseason: Los Angeles has expressed interest in free agent guard D’Anthony Melton. If a trade clears cap and roster flexibility, the Lakers could pursue Melton, though the presence of Marcus Smart may impact his interest.