Monday marked media day for most NBA teams, traditionally signaling the unofficial start of a new season. Training camps commence this week, with the preseason schedule just around the corner.
Generally, media day is a rather routine exercise. However, several notable statements emerged. Below is a summary of the most significant details from Monday`s press conferences.
Kawhi Leonard Addresses the Press
One of the day`s surprises was that the Clippers allowed Kawhi Leonard to speak amidst allegations of salary-cap circumvention involving the now-bankrupt company Aspiration, which reportedly paid Leonard $28 million (plus an additional $20 million in stock) for a no-show job. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is under scrutiny due to this situation.
Leonard joined his owner in downplaying the allegations, stating he doesn`t “deal with the conspiracies or the clickbait analysts or journalism that`s going on,” and that he doesn`t believe it`s “accurate” that he didn`t perform any services for money he claims he never even fully received. While dismissing it as a conspiracy, he nonetheless confirmed many details of his Aspiration contract. His failure to provide any examples of work performed to justify the funds, despite denying a “no-show job,” was notable. The NBA`s investigation into Leonard continues.
“The NBA`s gonna do their job,” Leonard said regarding the ongoing investigation. “None of us did no wrongdoing… We invite the investigations.”
LeBron James` Cryptic Comments on His Future
A major question this season is whether it will be LeBron James` last – either with the Lakers or in the NBA entirely. A factor that might keep LeBron in the league longer is the potential draft eligibility of his son, Bryce, next summer. Having already engineered the opportunity to play with his eldest son, Bronny (whom the Lakers drafted in 2024), might LeBron stay for another season to possibly play with his youngest son?
“I`m not waiting on Bryce,” James stated. “I don`t know his timeline.”
What does this imply? Would LeBron wait if Bryce enters the draft next summer but not if he waits longer? Does this suggest LeBron isn`t planning to play beyond the 2026-27 season?
“However the journey lays out this year, I`m super invested,” LeBron commented. “I don`t know when the end is. But I know it`s a lot sooner rather than later.”
It seems unlikely he would plan to retire after this season without an announcement; he likely desires a formal farewell tour. Perhaps he`ll announce it before the season begins. Until then, everyone will be scrutinizing his every word regarding retirement, and LeBron appears to enjoy keeping everyone guessing.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Leaves Trade Rumor Door Open
Giannis did not attend the Bucks` media day as he was in Greece recovering from COVID. However, he spoke to reporters via Zoom, expressing confidence in himself and the “very dangerous” team Milwaukee has assembled.
Meanwhile, rumors about Giannis`s future with the Bucks persist. Bucks governor Wes Edens claimed Giannis was committed to Milwaukee even before recent trade dealings, stating, “I had a great conversation with Giannis back in June out here and he made it clear that he was very committed to Milwaukee. He likes being here, he likes his family being here…”
However, Giannis stated on Monday that he doesn`t recall such a conversation. This follows an August report indicating that nothing is “set in stone” regarding Giannis`s future in Milwaukee. Giannis acknowledged this report and did not deny it.
“Every summer there`s truth to every report,” Antetokounmpo said. “The same thing I`ve been saying my whole career: I want to be on a team that allows me and gives me a chance to win a championship and wants to compete at a high level. I think it`s a disservice to basketball, to the game, to not want to compete at a high level, to want your season to end in April. It`s pretty much the same.”
“I had the same thoughts last year, two years ago, five years ago. It`s never going to change. I want to be among the best, compete with the best, and win another championship. That`s it.”
If Giannis wanted to quash the rumors, he could have simply said, “I`m here and not going anywhere.” But he didn`t. His statement about wanting to compete for championships, coupled with the current state of Milwaukee, implies he might not achieve that there soon. In essence, Giannis did nothing to dismiss the clear writing on the wall.
Durant and Jokic Aim for Contract Extensions
Two players who did confirm their commitment to their current franchises on Monday were Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic. Durant, traded to the Rockets this summer, is in the final year of his contract and could become a free agent next summer. However, he highlighted the “quick progression of this franchise” and explicitly stated his desire to remain a part of it.
“I do see myself signing a contract extension,” Durant said. “I can`t tell you exactly when that will happen, but I do see it happening.”
Meanwhile, Jokic is set to become a free agent in the summer of 2027 if he doesn`t extend before then. Teams like the Warriors are reportedly planning as if he might actually reach that point without extending in Denver.
This remains a pipe dream for teams like the Warriors and Lakers. Jokic isn`t going anywhere; he made this clear on Monday by essentially telling everyone not to read too much into the fact that he hasn`t signed an extension yet (it`s a matter of timing to secure the maximum possible amount), stating his plan is to “be with the Nuggets forever.”
As noted earlier, if Giannis wanted to quell trade rumors, this is precisely how it`s done.
