Ace Bailey models game after Kevin Durant, Paul George and Jayson Tatum

“We’re really pleased to honor KD again,” said PBWA president Howard Beck. “Kevin has long been one of the NBA’s most thoughtful and accessible stars. He always makes time for reporters, whether for on-the-record interviews or just informal chit-chat, and he never shies away from any topic. He’s as eager to dive into the minutiae of a single play as he is to discuss broader issues facing the league. His passion for the game always comes through. Our members were also really appreciative of Kevin’s public advocacy for reopening locker rooms after the pandemic, recognizing how critical that access is for building trust and rapport between players and journalists.” -via Pro Basketball Writers / May 14, 2025

Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns has won the 2024-25 Magic Johnson Award, which honors the NBA player who best combines excellence on the court with cooperation and grace in dealing with the media and fans, the Professional Basketball Writers Association announced today. Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season and was named an All-Star for the 15th time. Off the court, Durant consistently fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect and openness with reporters who cover the NBA. This is his second time receiving the award, which he first earned in 2010-11. -via Pro Basketball Writers / May 14, 2025

Kevin Durant: Tanking must be really stressful on a organization. -via Twitter @KDTrey5 / May 12, 2025

Why did you sign Joel Embiid to the extension when he had years left on his contract? Daryl Morey: Yeah, I just think—if we’re winning the title, Joel Embiid’s on the team. I think it’s important how these top-top players—and Joel’s going to be one of the top players all time, regardless of how things get written from here—everyone knows how good he was in his MVP year and multiple years around that. When you go out and get a top free agent like we did with Paul [George]—obviously, people are questioning that—but we thought that was absolutely the best way to maximize the window with Joel. It’s pretty hard to do those kinds of moves and not have those players on similar timelines. If you have a Paul George on a longer timeline and Joel Embiid on a shorter timeline, that doesn’t work great. It was just a two-year extension. People talk about it being three—it was two years. -via YouTube / May 12, 2025

A team calls, asking about Joel or Paul George—for a trade. Like: “Here’s this expiring contract and a couple picks.” If that’s in the world—which maybe it isn’t, we’re not living in that world—but is that something the front office would consider? Moving on and refocusing on the next generation? Or are you committed to Joel and Paul? Daryl Morey: I mean, I guess that’s what I would say—we’re committed to Joel and Paul. -via YouTube / May 12, 2025

“I’m [in Philadelphia] for hopefully four years,” George said. “So with that, I definitely want to give back and be a little bit more involved in the communities there. My first impression from the fan base is that the passion is real. They really support their teams, they really love their sports, and it’s authentic. It’s not just, ‘I’m going to show up because it’s a basketball event’. They’re going to show up to really root on their team and give that competitive advantage.” -via The Sixers Sense / May 5, 2025

Adam Himmelsbach: Jayson Tatum checks in on Instagram. -via x.com / May 14, 2025

Bobby Manning: Jalen Brunson: “I feel for (Jayson Tatum), it’s an unfortunate situation for a player like him. The league needs Jayson Tatum. What he’s been able to do in his career is incredible … he still has a long time to make an impact … you see a player like that go down, it’s not good.” -via Twitter @RealBobManning / May 14, 2025

It would be sensible for the Celtics to consider getting younger to retool for when Tatum returns to the court. Al Horford, who will turn 39 next month, is an impending free agent. Jrue Holiday, who will turn 35 next month, will likely be 36 or very close to it by the time Tatum is healthy again. If the Celtics want to shed even more salary for next season, they could also explore the trade market for Brown, Porziņģis and Derrick White. -via New York Times / May 14, 2025