NBA News
Heat's Butler to start, says of future, 'I'm back'
With his seven-game suspension over, Jimmy Butler returned to the Heat's starting lineup Friday night against the Nuggets and addressed his future plans with a short statement: "I'm back."
Injured Towns (thumb) sits vs. ex-team Wolves
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns sat out Friday night's matchup against his former team, the Timberwolves, marking his second straight missed game due to a bone chip and sprained thumb.
Holmgren progressing; next recheck in 3-5 weeks
The Oklahoma City Thunder said Friday that Chet Holmgren continues to make progress in his recovery from a pelvic fracture and will be reevaluated in three to five weeks.
Embiid to miss road trip as knee swelling returns
Joel Embiid will miss the Sixers' road trip with a recurrence of swelling in his left knee. The team said Embiid will be evaluated again in 7-10 days.
LeBron's manager leading upstart to rival NBA
Maverick Carter, LeBron James' business manager, has been enlisted as an adviser by a group of investors seeking to raise $5 billion to form an international basketball league that would serve as a rival to the NBA, sources confirmed to ESPN.
Clippers' Ballmer, wife donate $15M to fire aid
The Ballmer Group said the $15 million donation will go toward addressing immediate food and shelter needs in the community and supporting first responders.
Empire State Building to honor Carter on Jan. 25
The Empire State Building will be lit in red, white and blue, the Nets' former colors, when Brooklyn retires Vince Carter's No. 15 jersey on Jan. 25.
Sometimes, an NBA title hinges on a smart signing or a star taking a team-friendly deal. See which players made our 15-man All-Contract Team.