NBA continues tradition of Election Day pause
Wed Nov 6 12:13pm ET
Field Level Media
Observing Election Day with a clear schedule is a tradition the NBA plans to continue.
Commissioner Adam Silver was encouraged by multiple prominent coaches to avoid playing games on national Election Day every two years to allow employees, including league staff, team workers and coaches and players, to exercise their right to vote. Silver was a strong supporter of the approach and extended voter engagement efforts led by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.
"The scheduling decision came out of the NBA family's focus on promoting nonpartisan civic engagement and encouraging fans to make a plan to vote during midterm elections," the league said of the 2022 policy.
Bucks guard Damian Lillard advised voters to understand their responsibility goes beyond one day at the ballot box.
"Pay attention. Get informed," he said in a recorded interview aired by the NBA last week.
Spurs guard Chris Paul and Lakers forward LeBron James became vocal leaders in the league's outreach to voters in 2020 as part of the concerted effort to shed light on initiatives to address racial inequality. Paul said in a "Get Out the Vote" campaign ad running during NBA games the past two weeks: "Voting is a team sport. Take people with you."
Rockets forward Jeff Green said elections are important to him as a chance to "help put people who are less fortunate in a better position."
Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma said it's important for first-time voters to understand they "shape the future."
Only four games have been played on Election Day in November since 2018.
Kerr was a speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August. He said Monday that Election Day should be viewed as significant and important no matter which side of the political fence a voter stands on.
"Get out and vote tomorrow. Pick who you want to vote for," Kerr said. "But understand that these elections are legitimate. They're real. It's never been an issue, ever, in my lifetime, not a single instance of anybody even thinking that the elections weren't legitimate until the convicted felon who's running for office again decided to conjure up all this stuff to put fear in the air, which is a direct threat to our system and our democracy."
- Thunder F Jalen Williams undergoes wrist surgery, Nov. return expected
- Raptors C Jakob Poeltl agrees to 4-year, $104M deal
- Kings sign Dennis Schroder, deal Jonas Valanciunas to Denver
- Bucks waive Damian Lillard, sign Myles Turner
- Knicks signing Guerschon Yabusele to 2-year deal
- Thunder sign SGA to record 4-year, $285M extension
- Knicks set second interview with Mike Brown
- Knicks add veteran G Jordan Clarkson
- Bucks retain Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Tauren Prince
- Pistons reportedly land G Cavis LeVert for 2 years, $29M
- Veteran G Dennis Schroder agrees to deal with Kings
- Hawks, Nickeil Alexander-Walker agree to $62M deal
- Brook Lopez agrees to two-year deal with Clippers
- Dorian Finney-Smith to Rockets on 4-year, $53M deal
- Nuggets sending Michael Porter Jr. to Nets for Cam Johnson
- D’Angelo Russell gets two-year deal with Mavericks
- Jaren Jackson Jr. to receive $240M deal from Grizzlies
- Jazz, Jordan Clarkson near buyout deal
- Nic Batum back to Clippers on two-year deal
- Thunder GM lauds Jalen Williams' toughness with wrist surgery on deck
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl has agreed to a four-year, $104 million contract extension with the organization through the 2029-30 season, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Poeltl picked up his 2026-27 player option at $19.5M and adds three more years to his deal. The 29-year-old had an excellent 2024-25 regular season, registering career-highs with 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest in 57 games. He will likely continue to be a solid fantasy contributor going into the 2025-26 campaign.
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Charlotte Hornets have traded 31-year-old guard Vasilije Micic to the Milwaukee Bucks for guard/forwardPat Connaughton. Charlotte also receives two second picks in 2031 and 2032. Milwaukee has been very active this offseason, so it is unclear what the organization has planned for Micic. During the 2024-25 campaign, the 31-year-old veteran guard suited up for 36 games with the Hornets and five with the Suns, averaging 6.6 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per contest.
On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks traded guard/forwardPat Connaughton and two of their second-round picks in 2031 and 2032 to the Charlotte Hornets for guard Vasilije Micic, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Connaughton heads to the Hornets after exercising his $9.42 million player option for 2025-26. Last season, the 32-year-old averaged 5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 0.6 three-pointers in 14.7 minutes per game.
Shams Charania of ESPN reports that guardLuke Kennard has agreed to a one-year, $11 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks. Kennard lands in Atlanta after spending the past two-plus seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 three-pointers while shooting 43.3 percent from three-point range in 22.6 minutes per contest. The 29-year-old brings veteran leadership and depth to the Hawks on the wing.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Sacramento Kings have signed guard Dennis Schroder to a three-year, $45 million deal on Tuesday. After trading De'Aaron Fox, the Kings have added Schroder to provide depth and a veteran presence. The 31-year-old will backup starting point guard Malik Monk. During the 2024-25 regular season, Schroder played for three different teams, suiting up for the Nets, Warriors, and Pistons, while averaging 13.1 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game in 75 appearances.
The Denver Nuggets acquired frontcourt depth in the early days of free agency, trading forward Dario Saric to Sacramento for center Jonas Valanciunas. The 33-year-old played in 81 games last year for Washington and Sacramento, averaging 10.4 points, seven rebounds, and two assists per game. The former top-five pick has been a productive post scorer throughout his career, and should allow Denver to rest Nikola Jokic without the offense falling apart. The acquisition of Valanciunas is the latest move of Denver's offseason. They also traded Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson and brought back fan-favorite forward Bruce Brown Jr.
Former Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet is heading south to San Antonio. ESPN's Shams Charania reports Kornet and the Spurs have agreed to a four-year, $41 million contract. The deal reportedly includes a team option for the final season. Kornet, one of the league's best rim protectors last season, will serve as the backup to franchise cornerstone Victor Wembanyama. The pair could also see some spot minutes together. While the Spurs were in desperate need of a backup big man, the change of scenery doesn't move the needle for Kornet's fantasy basketball value. The 7-footer averaged a career-best 18.6 minutes per game last season. That number may stay consistent, barring an injury in San Antonio's frontcourt.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have agreed on a four-year, $285 million super max contract extension. That keeps the reigning NBA MVP under contract through the 2031 season. SGA now has the richest yearly salary in league history, a deserving accolade after becoming one of four players in NBA history to win the NBA MVP, Finals MVP, and scoring title. The Thunder's championship core remains intact and will be a strong contender to repeat in 2026. Gilgeous-Alexander will be a top-five pick in upcoming fantasy basketball drafts.
Free-agent center Guerschon Yabusele is moving from Philadelphia to New York, signing a two-year, $12 million contract with the Knicks. The forward returned to the NBA last year after five international seasons and averaged 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 50% shooting from the field. Yabusele brings lineup optionality to the Knicks. While a little undersized, he can play the 5 in a pinch, but he should also seamlessly fit alongside Karl-Anthony Towns or Mitchell Robinson. The fit makes more sense for real-life basketball than it does for fantasy basketball. The Knicks, in a wide-open Eastern Conference, are loading up on depth pieces (Yabusele and guard Jordan Clarkson) to try and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
Center Myles Turner, Indiana's longest-tenured player, will play for division rival Milwaukee in the 2025-26 season. The Bucks signed the 29-year-old to a four-year, $107 million deal to replace the outgoing Brook Lopez. ESPN's Shams Charania reports the contract has a player option for the final season and a full 15% trade kicker. Turner will start alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, with forward Bobby Portis being the primary big off the bench. Injured guard Damian Lillard will be waived for Milwaukee to afford the contract. It seemed like a foregone conclusion that Indiana, one win away from a championship, would bring Turner back. However, with Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury, the Pacers' brass seemed hesitant to enter the luxury tax, and they let Turner walk. Indiana is now in the market for a starting-level center.
The Milwaukee Bucks are waiving guard Damian Lillard and stretching the $113 million remaining on his contract, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. ESPN's Bobby Marks reports that it is the largest waive and stretch in NBA history. Lillard's tenure with the Bucks comes to a surprising end after two seasons. The All-NBA guard was set to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season after tearing his Achilles tendon in May. Because of his unlikely availability, the soon-to-be 35-year-old became a cap casualty with Milwaukee adding center Myles Turner and guard Gary Harris in free agency, while retaining forwards Bobby Portis and Taurean Prince, and guard Kevin Porter Jr. Lillard, who finished 10th in scoring (24.9) and assists (7.1) last season, will now be on the hunt for a new team.
Free-agent forward Trendon Watford signed a two-year deal worth $5.3 million with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Watford spent last season with the Nets, posting averages of 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.3 blocks in 20.8 minutes per contest across 44 outings. The 24-year-old could be a key piece in the 76ers rotation during the 2024-25 campaign and beyond.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, veteran guard Jordan Clarkson (foot) is expected to sign with the New York Knicks after he clears free agency waivers. Clarkson was able to lock down a deal within no time after being waived by the Jazz earlier on Monday. The 33-year-old is versatile on the floor as a point guard or a shooting guard. Last season, he was limited to just 37 appearances due to a left foot injury and averaged 16.2 points, 3.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.8 steals across 26.0 minutes per game.
The Memphis Grizzlies have reached a new deal with forward Santi Aldama on Monday. According to Shams Charania, Aldama has agreed to a three-year, $52.5 million deal with the Grizzlies. It appears the Grizzlies are using the offseason to re-sign their own players. Aldama posted a career-best 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 25.5 minutes per game across 65 games in Memphis last season. He spent most of his time as a reserve, but could move into the starting five with Zach Edey (ankle) unlikely to be ready to start the season. Aldama isn't an elite fantasy contributor, but could sneak his way onto rosters depending on the format.
The Los Angeles Clippers have added some depth in the front court with the addition of center Brook Lopez on Monday. According to Shams Charania, Lopez has agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal with the Clippers. The veteran center has decided to play elsewhere after spending each of the last seven seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. Last season, Lopez averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 31.8 minutes in 80 games with the Bucks. The Clippers already have Ivica Zubac, so Lopez seeing 30-plus minutes in the rotation is unlikely. He's probably more of a streaming option in fantasy formats but gives this roster solid depth.
The Atlanta Hawks have signed free-agent guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a massive deal on Monday. According to Shams Charania, Alexander-Walker is signing a four-year, $62 million deal with the Hawks. Alexander-Walker has spent each of the last two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, it seemed unlikely that they were going to bring him back after signing Naz Reid and Julius Randle to contract extensions. That being said, Alexander-Walker leaves and gets a nice payday with Atlanta. Last season, Alexander-Walker averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 25.3 minutes per game in 82 games. The 26-year-old is a solid two-way player that should help this Hawks unit that isn't known for their defense.
Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones is signing a new long term extension with the organization on Monday. According to Shams Charania, Jones has agreed to a three-year $24 million deal to remain in Chicago. The Bulls acquired Jones ahead of the trade deadline last season. He saw a fairly significant role in the rotation down the stretch of the season with the Bulls. Jones averaged 11.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 25.3 minutes per game in 18 contests with Chicago. His fantasy value will be dependent on what happens with Josh Giddey who is currently a restricted free agent. The departure of Giddey could create an opening for Jones to see significant playing time in the rotation.
The Houston Rockets fun offseason continues as they've added free-agent forward Dorian Finney-Smith on Monday. The two sides have agreed on a four-year, $53 million deal. A day after declining his player option with the Lakers, Finney-Smith scores a big payday with another organization. The veteran forward is a solid 3-and-D player that could be a reliable contributor on this roster. Last season, Finney-Smith averaged a career-high 41 percent from behind the three-point line. He split time between the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets last season, but found a long term home in Houston. This Rockets roster is stacked with talent, so it's unclear how much playing time Finney-Smith will see with his new team. That being said, his fantasy value will be dependent on his role in the rotation.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, free-agent guard Kevin Porter Jr. agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 25-year-old was at his best while a member of the Houston Rockets. However, he still played well after his arrival to the Bucks in a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers last season, averaging 11.7 points and 40.8% shooting from behind the arc. With Damian Lillard (Achilles) expected to miss the 2025 campaign, Porter could take over his spot in the rotation, potentially leading to one of his most productive seasons to date. His statistical contributions could increase even more if Giannis Antetokounmpo finds his way to another team.
The Detroit Pistons have reportedly signed free-agent guard/forward Caris LeVert on Monday. According to Shams Charania, LeVert has agreed to a two-year, $29 million deal with the Pistons. A good deal for the Pistons who could use another consistent scoring option. Last season, LeVert averaged 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 64 games between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks. LeVert isn't a superstar, but could offer help as a reliable reserve option. It's worth noting, Malik Beasley is currently in the middle of gambling allegations, so it's unclear what he'll be able to contribute right now. That being said, LeVert could have a larger role to start the season, assuming Beasley does get suspended. Regardless, LeVert probably won't land within the top 150 in nine-cat formats.
