Sure, here’s a paraphrase of the article, maintaining the core information and structure:
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<b>The Bounce Newsletter</b> <span class="c-emoji"><img loading="lazy" src="https://a.slack-edge.com/production-standard-emoji-assets/14.0/apple-medium/[email protected]" alt=":basketball:" width="20" height="20" aria-label="basketball emoji"/></span>
| This is <em>The Athletic’s</em> daily NBA newsletter. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/newsletters/the-bounce/?source=pulsenewsletter&campaign=9178780&userId=10748855" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sign up here</a> to get The Bounce straight to your inbox.
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The NBA is on the brink of a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/nba-free-agency-2025-offseason-trade-rumors-news/fnwUjcuMFEqi/lhPLsGU42tSk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">potential record-breaking seven-team trade</a> involving Kevin Durant moving to the Houston Rockets. If 528 people can break a record with an armwave, 30 general managers can certainly negotiate a trade.
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<h3>Tiers for Fears</h3>
<h3><strong>Lakers’ offseason shouldn’t overshadow Nuggets’</strong></h3>
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<p>The Lakers recently committed to signing the No. 1 overall pick from the 2018 draft. At first glance, that sounds promising, especially when you consider he’s averaged around 16 points, 10 rebounds, and one block per game with a strong shooting percentage. However, this player is Deandre Ayton, and those familiar with his career may have mixed feelings—particularly after the Blazers opted to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6463929/2025/06/30/deandre-ayton-portlant-trail-blazers-free-agency/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">buy him out</a> rather than wait for a trade.
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<p>Ayton has a lot of potential but carries with him a reputation for being somewhat disengaged, which will present a challenge for the spirited coach JJ Redick. While he’s certainly an upgrade over backup Jaxson Hayes, Ayton doesn’t fully address the Lakers’ issues in the big man department unless he takes his career more seriously. As the Lakers balance the need to compete now and in the future, their rival, the Nuggets, have made strategic moves to become competitive again.
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<p>Reflecting on past shortcomings, Nuggets coach Michael Malone would likely have wished for:
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<ul>
<li>Reliable backup center for non-Nikola Jokić minutes.</li>
<li>Consistent starter above Michael Porter Jr.</li>
<li>A veteran shooter for the bench.</li>
<li>To retain someone like Bruce Brown from the championship roster.</li>
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<p>It seems those wishes were granted with recent trades and signings, including acquiring Jonas Valanciunas and bringing in key players such as Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown. Even if Valanciunas chooses to play in Europe, the Nuggets have strengthened their depth significantly, positioning themselves as strong contenders—a contrast to the more sensational moves from the Lakers.
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<p>In the Western Conference, here are the current tiers:
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<strong>Tier 1: Championship Contenders<br/></strong>
<strong>Thunder 🏆</strong>, <strong>Nuggets<br/></strong>
<strong>Tier 2: Worthy Challengers<br/></strong>
<strong>Rockets</strong>, <strong>Timberwolves<br/></strong>
<strong>Tier 3: Potential Risks<br/></strong>
<strong>Warriors</strong>, <strong>Clippers<br/></strong>
<strong>Tier 4: Solid but Short<br/></strong>
<strong>Lakers</strong>, <strong>Mavericks</strong>, <strong>Grizzlies</strong>, <strong>Spurs<br/></strong>
<strong>Tier 5: Hoping for Magic<br/></strong>
<strong>Suns</strong>, <strong>Kings</strong>, <strong>Pelicans</strong>, <strong>Blazers<br/></strong>
<strong>Tier 6: Rebuilding Phase<br/></strong>
<strong>Utah Jazz<br/></strong>
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<h3>The Last 24</h3>
<p><strong>Bronny oblivious to LeBron trade rumors?</strong></p>
<p>🏀 <strong>What rumors? </strong>Bronny James claims he is unaware of any trade speculations regarding his father. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6470199/2025/07/02/bronny-james-lebron-contract-rumors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Does he really not know?</strong></a></p>
<p>🏀 <strong>Nostalgia hit. </strong>Kevin Garnett and friends reminisce about the early 2000s Houston Rockets. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLp_UDQylob/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><strong>That was enjoyable.</strong></p>
<p>🙏 <strong>Wishing well. </strong>Red Panda suffered a wrist injury during halftime. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6470285/2025/07/02/red-panda-wrist-fracture-wnba-commissioners-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Get well soon!</strong></p>
<p>💰 <strong>Question raised. </strong>Caitlin Clark is curious why the rewards for winning the Commissioner’s Cup outweigh those for the WNBA Finals. <strong><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6471877/2025/07/03/caitlin-clark-wnba-commissioner-salary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Can someone explain?</strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>🏀 Major changes are coming! </strong>Expected expansion in the WNBA could lead to significant shifts in the league. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6470548/2025/07/03/wnba-age-restriction-limit-expansion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Time to eliminate age restrictions.</strong></p>
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<h3>What the Buck?</h3>
<h3><strong>Bucks waive Lillard: A risky but necessary decision</strong></h3>
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<p>There's been a lot of speculation surrounding the Bucks’ decision to part ways with Damian Lillard while also acquiring Myles Turner, a move that raises financial eyebrows. Turner signed with Milwaukee for $107 million over four years. In order to comply with salary cap regulations, the Bucks had to let go of Lillard, almost 35, stretching his remaining $113 million contract over the next five seasons.
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<p>This approach, stretching the cap hit, allows them to manage their finances better, giving room to sign Turner. However, the backlash to this maneuver is straightforward: it locks the team into a long-term financial bind with ongoing cap issues over the next few years.
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<p>What's even more concerning is that the annual payout of about $27 million to Turner translates to roughly $49 million when factoring in the dead money created to facilitate his signing. Meanwhile, the Bucks dared to make this move to stay competitive in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
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<ol>
<li><strong>Keep Giannis satisfied and motivated to stay.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Believe he can lead the team to victory against anyone.</strong></li>
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<p>While both premises may seem ambitious, given Giannis will be 31 soon, he still remains one of the league's top players and requires support to thrive, as demonstrated in last season's series against Indiana.
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<p>Turner presents a different type of help; he provides defensive flexibility but may not be as effective on offense compared to Brook Lopez, who left for the Clippers. The Bucks need to see players like Kevin Porter Jr. and Kyle Kuzma step up significantly to have a viable shot in the competitive East.
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<p>The current status places Milwaukee behind teams like Cleveland, New York, and Orlando. They will likely be vying with a struggling Boston and a wildcard Atlanta. While this financial gamble carries risks, the aim remains to keep Giannis engaged long-term.
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<h3>I Looked It Up</h3>
<p><strong>The frequently traded Vince Carter draft pick</strong></p>
<p>Recently, I was revisiting the “30 for 30” documentary on Shaquille O’Neal and Anfernee Hardaway and became interested in the draft-night deal from 1993 that sent Chris Webber to the Warriors for Penny Hardaway and other first-round picks to Orlando.
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<p>To clear space for signing Horace Grant in 1994, the Magic traded Scott Skiles and the 1996 and 1998 picks to the Washington Bullets for a 1996 second and a 1998 first, assisting with cap management. Webber capitalized on a clause in his contract to leave the Warriors and ended up with the Bullets, further involving the same picks in his trade.
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<p>In 1996, the Warriors picked Todd Fuller with their selection, resulting in fewer productive years in the league for him. Then, during the 1998 draft, they sent Vince Carter to Toronto in another deal. This recap shows how interconnected trades can be across seasons.
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<p><strong>📬 Enjoying The Bounce? </strong><a href="https://links.e1.nytimes.com/s/c/QP3jMv7NUBh7LW7XrTQdf1X_Mi7IGBNhL6ZS5Mjrzulok8g8x9K7xiArtE7w0qaLk-DODVNOnUekKCHvo-zOs-FdPfdpBaT3iFWP-dv7s7iT-AeX95WErro9VVv32qaV1GqFqt7i09iFRqJQXvHTBs5dA6CKVXPCzvgYHEtfIhEFIsgnKwFEBj30JxihdR7f6CvY1OBL4ppnYC7gWNk0J8oq2205bPbE5EDXCDE0MXlnAAZ9SeMRJgc1Ly1MPfeFaIsbZrOx28ndAUWmLELCX7IvQ1BahN8gwaL6fvA7B1k2iFctHOI-3HLWKWhP1n22qM7ziKPMqN_KupidhIC2Zt-CZ4QqQfvQimp6N-SvUrYrIvret3cHB8TlCUo0h0t_TD7D4jupTBK8Gs4cIZkA_ZHPq2TRt1CnkQoDYiE7DGrq63EgM6nl-QybkhICClzQxPdYsra7c84TyEN85BmfOkUXHjoruLkD0B6y_NgvVUjI_Iq4z-bU3EWYUx36SnA-jAbGF0h5gcbBMQidHKAbQQH5A29vUsveSo0O3bB6XW9-faGudzr2esa8r5ew0_8u9vRb4YYwbYTFQ95WA9-hqAUyNgSHYl8Y8sJZqwpMRKy91miuE7lkJFXk0FT5cg7b5GwWT-MXlEUbkP_qg1KUQyrT8eGzkmCmWDeY-pRkRj3aenU4_uuc5HYo1GK0WqUZyZIFYMAvoapXqxU3fn-XLGEbMsGI4H8V51cXEKivXTT-QXO47omxQ8j3LGqWDFEC0bmFVU8jR9PDHFsDDNZxva70U0Sk4Y5UfZM7RauXaDYRJcCesbTwzHJobwdIeqMZmdnFpu3uiRKQMq-rkkXtqsIuzT4-k9LP5kSjmnDWu-ZbJR-TJ_8NMjfLPwuVLtByT45b4ypDCA4vimcCvysfQJtkbgWeNkvw-Mad7PPIIElMld7tGrIyLhpZ2Ua09HUoUtQuzyZpxiNHMP75mqMMzVhoajVaKS49Xcu9buLhBh3s-YvY4qz8Qz22XtoeGe9alUBY7TkEnGZxPUcOgZu4Vy5pLB5mg8FhIwBPEvOaqLjCkYJRcMgucPaO8g7wqFGFB5Nzcbcy2Ihw2p-7uV-i6NdxV5rZBcdKa8FZ8wAPN07Hw2lvF6wmmSRw4Xtme_wpfO5wK-DSf71sGBBja_qTiVNtdqToV1xaBjY111jTMHGHIpJdUw7zTXF82j0sVidJbzE-CJK8Q2MkReGrXt67BAGBHrPLadOtGqvBxXl0Js18Ba9yXrrR9PXOtDjcCAtN88h9g-E_-YurVBcS1y0CGmqNT0MxzbNj8VyErqiUB8IfFYmRh-Wuaot0yRjGcVEsYNmMkZMJNT0WCOd2zdlKGs2RL1t2JM33i5Fv2BW2ZPLVBDg0vrjmH6K-Z_Ugy3V_vghrk1uExuEfhUcd7ywN1Ux9vGgoemWARGgTSHS4w2ZFe3UdzuXIwZFYEzIBttlOZTyewQrnPolatXdtmj4IQ6IcFIpuhX957VAMrV4qua4VFdfOxAcR7QlhaYNPs3ac3vpGe81JhGGF9xh20bk1dS9O1jnTi4gHrdTACEbchhIJ6fOK0TDzOhMdeadWs2RFjARcJH_ph8Gp2GIWunQfbn7lAzUnmW8wmI9VFBYZGhZdWcRHj0d9ijRgDrNQrHs8DYzxMKDumnpro9yrjBJDmvGgnhOYXmI8njVWSUQ8jaNu7sTCJGLhOTntiA7G-4kxnXevQxjacS6EratCN3UAJtoAQw_m1xBVzrHmqUHpv8lM0lsroXfTxVlSVS5FU1PLUlW2XqPwxMusZYPeu6PV361YVE61tOsdqD7b23Xnmr8ukdqW3sZyAZx7QPLFbuDALHDbsX8wtAHHqr46HjV7ebb18sTjYFk8UEwpjDTZO6hPFnTRT2jDUka6mNCKYEISifKVs5LgVGkUDbV8h2qyVT3oNL7E6d9-E4xNZpOaB7-oNmHGXVntKcC3PbgzoHokD58-TBoWKGPCNPwyu2tMVwsfyomrTHFtObAYT8tGVqc_IrchLC7WHY7orVdSCKbHcnjWwGafz0L2HkjOwvZyeZJU5fd9nCv6bIGRkF2fPRtP7517dUkgexIEZl4wh2q3gShBvplGAp-NUERt089W9kaJjro3_MS7JrNncDGzhBzyn9umNRs2OZPMR3tupqR9We7cGCacDsy23tC2r_bbrdXtazgIJsfHPUcphm_z1I1HKVfEU2cV7xcRWYijHzgkjEQVN7d-m3K27wrum6o7E8v0O0zo4p0Z2wo6kcIgWBhQtyC_9Vfz_kbgxjc34vM5BIjaTKJ670v64jARjpzfd0PEZvSMiZzULH6boPdT0ztKNf2HGy9s9iAqx7VpEpGJE5e89O3LNSV5Ho3rYRQqSX5H09kZ8ZxKTb5b-k3O/hSGnQakbp0tJ2_mBUjaMNd8TVlDujDDJ/5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Explore more of <em>The Athletic’s</em> newsletters</a>.
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<i>(Photo: Sam Navarro / Imagn Images)</i>
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