Latest news with #Curry
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NBA Escrow System Slashes Player Salaries Nearly $500M for 2024-25
The NBA just wrapped its accounting on the 2024-25 season and pegged basketball-related income (BRI) at $10.25 billion, according to someone familiar with the accounting who was granted anonymity because the details are private. It's a key number for players, as it determines how much of their salary they get to keep from last season. The news is not great for players, as they will forgo more than $480 million from the escrow fund set aside to make the math work in the shared-revenue system laid out in the collective bargaining agreement between players and the league. Advertisement More from Stephen Curry gets dinged the most as the NBA's highest-paid last season at $55.8 million—he also made an estimated $100 million off the court. Curry will forgo $5.1 million, and other players taking big haircuts include Joel Embiid ($4.7 million), Nikola Jokic ($4.7 million), Bradley Beal ($4.6 million) and Kevin Durant ($4.5 million). The CBA calls for players to receive 51% of BRI. The NBA withheld 10% of player salaries last season to ensure that the revenue split was achieved. Overall revenue likely came in light due to some combination of the choppy local media environment and multiple small-market teams among the last ones standing in the playoffs, which dented postseason gate receipts. Players will ultimately retain 90.9% of their salaries for the 2024-25 season, as the 10% escrow was split 91% to teams and 9% back to players. A player with a $20 million salary would net $18.2 million before taxes and agent fees. Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus first posted about the escrow split on X. Advertisement The escrow system, implemented during the 1999 CBA, was traditionally set at between 8% and 10% of player compensation. Players and the league split the escrow for many seasons, but for three straight seasons beginning with 2014-15, 100% of the escrow was returned to players along with a supplemental check as revenues surged and produced an uneven split. When COVID-19 hit in March 2020, the league raised the escrow percentage late in the season to 25% to account for the shortfalls in arena revenue. The following season, a 'ten-and-spread' system was implemented to supplement the standard 10% withholding amortized over three years. There was still a carryover of around $130 million going into the 2022-23 season, but players received nearly 100% of their salaries that season when revenues jumped. The NHL has a similar escrow system that was often a major point of contention for players and agents, and the scales typically tipped towards the owners when final accounting was completed on hockey-related revenue. The escrow system cost NHL players at least 10% of their paychecks for six straight seasons leading into COVID, when the withholdings soared even higher. Yet, the hockey business is booming, and the league stopped withholding escrow payments for the 2024-25 season in January, with the expectation that the escrow fund would fully revert to players. The newfound harmony between the NHL and its PA was on display last week when it reached a new CBA a year ahead of the expiration of the current one. Advertisement NBA players should be clear to collect their full 2025-26 salaries. The salary cap, based on projected BRI, was set at $154.6 million, up by the maximum 10% allowable increase, per the CBA. The 10% bump was inevitable after the league signed new 11-year media agreements with NBC, ESPN/ABC and Amazon last July worth $77 billion, which is roughly 160% higher than the previous average annual value. Best of Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
Wexford District Court round-up: Drug driving, business failing to keep staff records and threats to kill among cases heard
Drug Driving and Possession of Drugs Timothy Curry (30) previously of 3 Aldercourt, Ferns, Wexford, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs and drug driving at Gorey District Court on June 26. The court heard that on March 24 2023 Garda McRory carried out a search warrant at the mobile home of Curry in Morristown, Kilmuckridge. Gardaí discovered cocaine to the value of €113, cannabis herb to the value of €140, and diazepam tablets to the value of €9. A search of the accused's apartment was then carried out where a further €80 of cannabis was discovered. Curry was also before the court in relation to no insurance and two instances of drug driving which Judge Kevin Staunton indicated 'speak for themselves' and Garda evidence was not given in relation to these matters. Donna Kelly BL told the court that in March 2023 the defendant's father had passed away and he was in a downward spiral at the time as it had a significant impact on him and his life. Ms. Kelly BL stated Curry works in construction and has a 13-year-old son and is aware that a driving disqualification will impact his day to day life. In circumstances where Curry has not come to Gardaí attention since Ms. Kelly BL asked the court to consider probation. Judge Kevin Staunton remarked that all of the drug possession charges relate to one specific date and noted that it was 'unsatisfactory' to be dealing with charges from March 2023 in June 2025. He applied the Probation Act in relation to the possession of cocaine and the possession of cannabis and diazepam were taken into consideration. Curry received a one-year ban for the drug driving incident of December 14 2021 and a two-year ban for drug driving on February 4 2023, a further two-year ban was then imposed for driving without insurance. Business Failed to Keep Time Records The court heard that a 'prep and go' meal company in Enniscorthy was not keeping correct time records of its employees. The owner of the company, Daniel Lane of Duffy Gate, Enniscorthy, Wexford, was not present in court for the hearing of the case. Evidence was given by a former workplace commissions inspector, Bernie Shelley, that on March 11 2023 she carried out an inspection of the sole trader where it was discovered that Lane had failed to keep records of the hours worked by the employees. There was no reply to the initial letter and reminder letters Ms. Shelley sent the accused instructing him to remedy the issue. The company came to her attention again on June 5 2024 when an employee submitted a complaint that they did not receive the correct annual leave. A further compliance notice issued for the employee to have their annual leave compensated which also went ignored. Judge Staunton ordered the accused pay a €2,500 fine with four months to pay. Road Traffic Matters A bench warrant was issued for Martin Patrick O'Brien (37) of 12 Nolan's Lawn, Enniscorthy, Wexford, for sentencing in relation to no insurance. O'Brien was driving on the Old Dublin Road on November 18 2024 when he was stopped by Garda Brophy for no insurance. The accused made admissions at the time and the vehicle was seized. Judge Staunton convicted O'Brien and issued a bench warrant for his sentencing. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more A Kildare woman plead guilty to drug driving. The court heard that Paloma Dos Santos Rodrigues (33) of 1 Abbey Court, Castledermot, Kildare, was stopped driving on the N80 Carrickduff on May 28 2024 where she carried out a fluid test that proved positive for cannabis. Garda Nolan confirmed Santos has no previous convictions. Judge Staunton stated that the accused 'made an error in judgement' and that people have not yet grasped the amount of time that drugs will stay in your system. The Judge imposed the minimum sentence of a one year disqualification. Bench Warrants A bench warrant was issued for Keith Hall (23) of 12 Kiezer House, High Street, Waterford, in relation to multiple road traffic matters including no NCT, no licence, no insurance, no L plates, and driving unaccompanied. There were also multiple bench warrants issued in the civil list under failure to comply: Shane Byrne of Inch, Blackwater, Enniscorthy, Wexford. John Travers of Ballinaslaney, Enniscorthy, Wexford. Sam Duggan of 48 Strandfield Manor, Spawell Road, Wexford. Anthony Dempsey of 26 Riverside, Ballinakill Downs, Waterford. Lisa Byrne of 52 Parnell Park, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. Road traffic matters There were three road traffic matters heard before Judge John King at Wexford District Court on June 16. A New Ross man was involved in a road traffic collision where he admitted to having no insurance. Raivis Komarovs (38) of Knockroe, New Ross, Wexford was involved in a car crash on January 4 2025 in New Ross where he admitted to not having insurance when Gardai attended, he was also charged with driving without L plates. Ravis was fined €500 with three months to pay and was also disqualified from driving for a period of two years. John Byrne (44) of Apartment 15, Millwood, Bunclody, Wexford, was charged with a speeding offence. On December 18 2024 Byrne was travelling 124km on the N25 to New Ross which is a 100km road. The court heard the accused has sixteen previous convictions, nine of which are road traffic related. Byrne was fined €400 with two months to pay. Edward Kehoe (63) of Fern Hallow, Clonleigh, Wexford, was before the court on speeding charges. Mr. Kehoe was travelling on the R731 on November 3 2024 at 91km when this is an 80km road. Kehoe has no previous convictions and was fined €200 with two months to pay. Public Order Shane Breen (38) of 3 Saint Joseph's Park, Marshalstown, Enniscorthy, was before Gorey District Court on June 18 on public order offences. Breen has 22 previous convictions, 19 of which are road traffic related. The court heard Breen was co-operative at the time of his arrest and Judge O'Connell fined €100 with three months to pay. An Enniscorthy man was charged with public order offences. Keith Murphy (33) of 10 Cluain Aiteann, Bree, Enniscorthy, Wexford, pleaded guilty to a public order offences on April 3 2025 where Murphy was alleged to be standing on a public road with no shirt on and shouting obscenities at Gardai. The court heard that on the day the accused was arguing with his partner and had drank too much. Murphy apologised for his actions. He has no previous convictions and in circumstances where Judge O'Connell remarked that his actions were 'very stupid' the accused was ordered to pay a €300 donation to Saint Vincent de Paul. The matter was adjourned to September 11 for payment to be made. Threat to Kill An Enniscorthy man was before the court to receive directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Pavlo Khlopov (32) of 4 Rectory Road, Enniscorthy, Wexford, was before the court on charges of a threat to kill. It was alleged that on January 1 2025 the Gardai were called to a house in Enniscorthy were the tenant was intoxicated. The court heard that an argument had broken out and Khlopov had pinned the tenant to a couch and held a knife to his face while making threats to kill him. The DPP directed summary disposal meaning the matter can be dealt with within the District Court and Judge O'Connell accepted jurisdiction. The matter has been adjourned to September 11 for the accused to plead guilty or to fix a date for hearing. Book of Evidence A book of evidence was served on co-accused Aivis Fadejevs (39) of 53 Bar an Ard, Coolcotts, Wexford, and Bobby Kelly (32) of Dooleys B&B, Barrick Street, Wexford when they appeared before Wexford District Court. Fadejevs has been charged with assault and the production of an article in the course of a dispute, whereas Kelly has been charged with assault. Both men were given an alibi warning by Judge Mark O'Connell and appeared at Wexford Circuit Court on June 18. Dog Attack on Neighbour's Cats A man was before Wexford District Court for charges under the control of dogs act. Patrick Murphy (64) of Bushpark, Pallas East, Enniscorthy, Wexford, was on his farm on November 3 2023 with his two German Shepard dogs. The court heard Murphy went to get something from his jeep and when he returned the two dogs were gone. Garda Behan gave evidence that on the day at 11am he received a report from the accused's neighbour that her cats were attacked on her property by the two dogs and one cat was killed. Gerry Flynn, solicitor for the accused, told the court that Murphy is a farmer in a rural area, one of the dogs involved is an older female which is licensed in the name of his son, and the younger male was licensed in his own name. On the morning when Murphy realised the dogs were missing he called the dog warden before finding them on his neighbour's property which is one mile from his own. The defendant apologised to the woman and waited for Gardaí to attend. Since the incident Murphy brought the dogs to the vets who recommended that the animals be split up. He subsequently sold the younger male to a suitable person in Limerick and still has the older female dog. Murphy is a man of no previous convictions and there was also no victim impact statement given to the court. In those circumstances, Judge Mark O'Connell ordered the defendant to pay €150 compensation to the injured party and the matter would then be struck out. Public Order A Dublin man was charged with a public order offence on Trinity Street, Wexford on February 15 2025. At a sitting of Wexford District Court, Garda Moran gave evidence that at approximately 5:45am he witnessed Karl McGurk (40) of 82 Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin, walking unsteady on his feet. Garda Moran told the court he was slurring his words and was highly intoxicated. McGurk has 55 previous convictions, the court was told. Judge O'Connell imposed a fine of €300 with two months to pay. Wayne O'Dwyer (36) of 14 Mountain View, Ballylynch, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary, was also before the court on public order charges. Garda Moran gave evidence that on February 21 2025 he discovered O'Dwyer asleep on South Main Street, Wexford, who was intoxicated at the time. The accused was said to have 29 previous convictions and was cooperative at the time of the arrest. Judge O'Connell imposed a fine of €200 with three months to pay. Road Traffic Matters A New Ross man alleged his wife was driving when his car was detected speeding. Wililam Connors of Stoneview House, New Ross, Wexford, was charged with driving 107km on the R731 Rathnew which is an 80km road. Connors told Wexford District Court that his wife was driving on the day in question and that he had emailed the Gardaí to tell them this. The original fine was €160 but increased as Connors was away on holidays when the original fixed penalty notice was issued. Judge O'Connell imposed the original fine of €160.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Quinten Post's bombshell triggers NBA debate over Stephen Curry's injury fallout
Quinten Post's bombshell triggers NBA debate over Stephen Curry's injury fallout (Image Source: Getty Images) A key voice from the Golden State Warriors is speaking out after their tough playoff exit. But he's not breaking down plays or stats, he's focused on something much bigger. He's talking about the man at the center - Stephen Curry. His recent injury in Game 3 had ripple effects no one expected. One teammate's comment has got fans thinking: was Curry really the difference maker that could have flipped the result? The answer might be closer than it seems. Quinten Post points to Stephen Curry's absence as turning point On June 27, Warriors forward Quinten Post shared his thoughts on X, reflecting on the Golden State Warriors playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He said, 'I think within the organization, there's a belief we would've won that series if Steph [Curry] stayed healthy. I mean, you can't deny his impact... He just has so much gravity.' Post emphasized Curry's game-changing presence. He noted that Stephen Curry doesn't just score, his movement, gravity, and chemistry with teammates pull defenses apart. Post insisted that without Curry's injury in Game 3, when Stephen Curry bruised his knee, the whole dynamic of the series would've stayed in Golden State Warriors' favor. Fans and media have taken note of his bold claim. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's The Price for a 1-Day Walk-in Shower In 2025 Homebuddy Learn More Undo Who is Quinten Post and why he's speaking up Quinten Post, 25, joined the Golden State Warriors earlier this season. He's worked alongside Curry during practice, games, and wear-and-tear routines. Since Curry's injury, Post has watched the team struggle - defenses collapsed without the constant threat Curry provides. Post knows firsthand how much defense shifts chasing Steph open up shots for everyone else. Post's comment picked up weight because Stephen Curry is a two-time MVP, a seven-time All-Star, and widely considered the franchise's heart. Curry missed Games 4 to 6 in that playoff round, and the Golden State Warriors lost 4–2 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Curry healthy, the team was up 2–1. Quinten Post pointed to that turning point as proof that Curry's presence was more than a boost; it was critical! Also Read: 'I lived off a generator for 7 years' - VJ Edgecombe gets emotional talking about his mom's sacrifice at NBA Draft Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Stephen Curry drops viral message to 2025 NBA Draft picks urging them to 'trust the journey'
Stephen Curry drops viral message to 2025 NBA Draft picks urging them to 'trust the journey' (Image Source: Getty Images) Stephen Curry recently wrapped up his 16th NBA season and marked the moment with a post on X (formerly Twitter). With the 2025 NBA Draft upon us, Curry had a brief but impactful message for the generation to come. Even as the post celebrated his rise from an undervalued rookie to worldwide icon, it delivered a pick-me-up to young hopefuls on one of the most important nights of their lives. Stephen Curry marks 16 years in NBA , inspires next generation On June 25, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry posted a message on his official X account. He began by reflecting on his long journey: '16 years in the league. Grateful for every moment.' That simple phrase carried weight. It reminded fans how it all started, drafted in 2009 as the seventh pick, when he once felt overlooked. — stephencurry30 (@stephencurry30) Curry then celebrated his rise: 'From being underrated to receiving accolades beyond my wildest dreams.' Then came the next part of his post, which was directed at the hopeful newcomers: 'To the next generation hearing their name called tonight: trust the journey.' He added one more nugget of advice: 'What feels uncertain now might be setting you up for something greater.' This wisdom landed just as the 2025 NBA Draft was unfolding, making it a motivational moment for new talent. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dễ dàng lắp đặt gạch lát sàn cao su – Làm mới ngôi nhà của bạn một cách dễ dàng! Gạch | Quảng cáo tìm kiếm Tìm Ngay Undo Stephen Curry's message sparks emotional fan reactions Curry's reflective post stirred an immediate response online. Many fans and NBA analysts shared the tweet, praising his humility and perseverance. Online, supporters returned to his classic highlights, 2009 Draft Day, clutch playoff shots, and MVP awards, all recalling Curry's journey from an 'underrated' point guard to superstar. Even though Curry did not list any of his wins, this message was deeply felt. When he wrote 'beyond my wildest dreams", fans took it as a quiet nod for all the hard work he did- his four NBA titles, two MVP Awards, and his place as one of the top three-point shooters in history. Stephen Curry's brief, honest words today show why he remains more than an athlete. He's a mentor and an inspiration for the next generation of NBA talent. Also Read: How NBA Draft prospect Ace Bailey became an ace in the court of basketball Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Fox Sports
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Were the Rockets the best spot for Kevin Durant? Evaluating 3 other options
Were the Houston Rockets really the best landing spot for Kevin Durant? Since leaving the Golden State Warriors in free agency in 2019, Durant hasn't made it past the second round of the playoffs during his stints with the Brooklyn Nets (2019-2023) or the Phoenix Suns (2023-2025) despite the former team having a stacked roster with Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden and the latter having Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The NBA is most fun when its biggest stars are playing meaningful basketball. Both LeBron James and Stephen Curry are now in situations where they could compete for a title, with James teaming up with Luka Doncic on a Los Angeles Lakers team that was eliminated in the first round of the 2025 playoffs and Curry now playing alongside Jimmy Butler on the Warriors, who advanced to the second round before their season ended amid a hamstring injury to Curry. Durant was the big domino that needed to fall. Most recently, his Suns finished 11th in the Western Conference, missing the playoffs altogether. On Sunday, Durant's future and the landscape of the NBA shifted when news broke that the superstar has been traded to the Houston Rockets, a move that usurped the news cycle hours before just the ninth Game 7 in Finals history since the NBA-ABA merger at the start of the 1976-77 season. Sure, the Rockets could be contenders next season with Durant joining a team that has Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr. The Rockets finished with the second-best record in the league last season before getting eliminated by Golden State in the first round of the playoffs. Having Durant on their roster will surely make them primed for a deeper postseason run next year. But was this really Durant's best option? Is this the aha moment we were hoping for? Does this feel right? Things could've looked very different for Durant. After all, he kaboshed a deal that would've sent him to Golden State at the trade deadline in February. And he reportedly didn't have much interest in joining the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were among his top pursuers. Durant was willing to go to Houston, San Antonio or Miami, but the latter two teams apparently didn't put together attractive enough trade packages for Phoenix. The 36-year-old Durant deserves to be playing for a contender. And we deserve to watch the 15-time All-Star, who is widely considered the greatest scorer of all-time, shine during the remaining time he has left in the league. Here's a look at a few what-if scenarios had things played out differently. Should Durant have re-joined Golden State? When Durant left Oklahoma City to join Golden State in free agency in 2016, he instantly became a villain. It's a title he never wanted. He has long scoffed at the fickle narratives surrounding superstars. If a player doesn't win a championship, his legacy is called into question. If a player joins a superteam, he's a bandwagoner who will forever have an asterisk next to any titles he wins. If a player leaves a superteam, he's dumb. There's no winning. Durant went from being a beloved darling of the league who won an MVP with the Thunder in 2014 and tugged at fans' heartstrings as he tearfully thanked his mother during his awards speech, to becoming someone who was ridiculed as traitorous for forming a superteam alongside Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. During his time with the Warriors, he became a two-time champion in 2017 and 2018 and was named the MVP of the Finals both years. But he grew wary of the questions over whether he could've won a title without Curry, his relationship with Green eventually soured and after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Game 5 of the 2019 Finals, he decided to leave Golden State in free agency to join Brooklyn. Since Durant left the Warriors, he has struggled. His Nets, who were expected to compete for a championship, are considered one of the most underperforming teams in NBA history. And the Suns were never able to figure things out despite their superstar-laden roster. Durant tried to tough things out with the Suns, hoping things would turn around. When pundits were speculating that he was unhappy in Phoenix in Jan. 2024, he set the record straight, telling me , "I don't want to get traded." But the Suns stunned him last February, when they negotiated a deal that would've sent him back to Golden State at the trade deadline. Durant vetoed it, wanting to finish out the season with the Suns before reevaluating his future. But was that the right call? Years had passed since all the Warriors drama and things could've been different this time around. At this stage in Durant's career, rejoining the Warriors would've been viewed more like poetic symmetry than treachery. And it could've worked. Durant, Curry and Green are more mature, and as they approach the sunset of their careers, they deeply understand how difficult it is to win a championship. Together, they could've put it all on the line for themselves — and each other. Curry, like Durant, hasn't slowed down despite being 37 years old. And Durant and Green have long buried the hatchet, with Durant even making an appearance on Green's podcast. The trio would've been much older, but they undeniably would've still been formidable. The thing is Durant never had any regrets over his decision to leave the Warriors, even after they won their fourth championship in eight years in 2022 while his Nets were swept out of the first round of the playoffs. "Hell, no," Durant told me in April 2023 . "I don't regret anything I do." And now, Durant clearly wanted to look forward instead of backwards. While Green jumped at the opportunity to have Durant rejoin the team, Durant claimed he vetoed the trade because of its timing rather than the destination, adding that he didn't want to leave the Suns midseason. Green wasn't surprised Durant squashed the trade. "No, not at all," he told me in February , "Makes all the sense in the world." Warriors coach Steve Kerr echoed that sentiment. "I don't blame Kevin one bit for not wanting to rerun things here," Kerr told ESPN. "He took so much s— for like, 'Oh, you're jumping on the bandwagon'. And then he's Finals MVP two years in a row. It's like he still gets criticized. ... So why would he want to face all that B.S. again?" While Durant's decision was understandable, it might be regrettable. It would've been really cool if Durant, Curry and Green finished their careers together. And the truth is, they could've been really good. Should Durant have considered joining the Timberwolves? The love and respect between Durant and Anthony Edwards is palpable. I recently asked Durant who brings out the best in him. "I'd say Ant," Durant told me in January . " Just because of his energy every day. The pace that he plays at. The pace that he works out at. The s--- that he talks. He gives everybody energy." When I asked Edwards if he was surprised that Durant named him instead of, say, James or Curry, the ever-confident 23-year-old didn't hesitate. "He telling the truth," Edwards told me. "That's like my big brother, man. I love KD. He's my favorite player of all time, so I appreciate that, for sure." Chemistry is so much of what makes a team great. So many superteams have failed, something Durant knows all too well. (Read: His stints in Brooklyn and Phoenix.) The X-factor is either there or it's not. With Durant and Edwards, it's hard to imagine the duo would've been anything but exceptional. They like each other. They push each other. Edwards deeply admires Durant. Durant feeds off of that love. Edwards even took issue with the narrative that Durant isn't a good leader, telling me, "I think it's bulls--t." This much is for sure: They'd be virtually unstoppable on the court, a prolific scoring duo that would've given defenses fits. Durant averaged at least 25 points, 50 field goal shooting and 40 percent on 3s in three straight seasons, the longest streak ever, according to ESPN Research. Edwards, a two-way star who is often likened to a young Michael Jordan, averaged career-highs in points (27.6) and 3-point percentage (39.5%) last season while carrying the Timberwolves to their second straight Western Conference Finals. The Timberwolves could've put together an attractive package to get Durant, including potentially dealing Rudy Gobert or Julius Randle. But Durant wasn't interested in going to Minnesota. Was that a mistake? What if Durant had landed in San Antonio? Now, a player can only control so much when it comes to a trade, including a player of Durant's caliber who commands a huge amount of respect and whose wish-list will be honored as much as possible. San Antonio was among Durant's top picks, a thrilling prospect for basketball fans who can only imagine how fun a team would've been with Durant, Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox. It's arguable that going to San Antonio would've given Durant his best-possible chance to win his third championship. The Spurs would've had elite ball-handling, scoring and rim protection. And if a deal had been made, it would've resuscitated not only Durant's career but also the Spurs, who have won five championships and made 22-straight playoff appearances before missing the postseason the last six seasons. But the Spurs apparently wanted to focus on building around Wembanyama and Fox using their current roster and their draft picks. San Antonio owns the No. 2 and No. 14 picks in Wednesday's NBA draft and they have the Rookie of the Year in Stephon Castle. Still, Durant, Wembanyama and Fox would've been a thrilling trio. But, alas, Durant landed in Houston, not Golden State, Minnesota or San Antonio. And now we must wait to see if he can transform what's seemingly a less enticing destination into a place that can regalvanize his career. Melissa Rohlin is an NBA writer for FOX Sports. She previously covered the league for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, the Bay Area News Group and the San Antonio Express-News. Follow her on Twitter @ melissarohlin . recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
