Author: Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

It was tough not to be awed by Bill Russell because of who he is and what he represents – a team-first champion with a courageous social conscience.

The NBA has opened a tampering investigation into the Philadelphia 76ers’ signing of James Harden on a free-agent contract.

After hinting last year that a return could be close, LeBron James suited up at the Drew League on Saturday in front of a packed gym.

NBA commissioner Adam SIlver said again this week, “We don’t like to see players requesting trades.” But there’s not much the league can do about it.

With Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant potentially on their way out, Brooklyn is on the verge of an implosion that sets the franchise back five seasons.

Kevin Durant’s trade request comes days after Kyrie Irving picked up his player option to return to the Nets for the 2022-23 season.

Kyrie Irving won’t be a free agent, but that doesn’t mean the matter is totally settled. That’s not a shot at Irving. That’s just reality.

Brooklyn Nets star guard Kyrie Irving plans to exercise the player option on his contract for the 2022-23 NBA season that will pay him $36.5 million.

With the NBA draft just a day away, it’s still unclear who the Orlando Magic will take No. 1. Three players are in the mix.