The Phoenix Suns have made significant changes this offseason following a disappointing 36-46 record that kept them out of the playoffs. After parting ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer, the franchise has shifted its focus on player evaluation, appointing Brian Gregory as the new general manager while James Jones moves into an advisory role. The Suns are not holding back in the roster shakeup, trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and more.

The Milwaukee Bucks have drawn attention by waiving star guard Damian Lillard, who will miss most of the season due to injury but is expected to be a hot free agent target. Speculation indicates Lillard might find a new home with the Suns, who are reportedly eager to explore this opportunity, particularly given his fondness for the Phoenix community and his admiration for Devin Booker.

The Phoenix Suns are on a transformative path following a lackluster 36-46 season. Owner Mat Ishbia took decisive action by firing head coach Mike Budenholzer, despite a hefty remaining contract. Ishbia then shifted James Jones to a new advisory role, appointing Brian Gregory as the new general manager. Gregory, who has history with Ishbia from their Michigan State days, wasted no time in reshaping the roster.

In a significant move, Gregory traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the No. 10 draft pick, which the Suns used to select center Khaman Maluach. The Suns also acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, adding depth to their center position. As the Western Conference intensifies, the combination of Devin Booker, Green, and Williams sets a new trajectory for the Suns.

Caitlin Clark, guard for the Indiana Fever, has emerged as a significant driving force for the WNBA, commanding extensive viewership and even prompting teams to relocate games to larger venues. Her popularity is estimated to be worth around $1 billion to the league, which contributed to a recent media rights deal valued at $2.2 billion. This surge in revenue could pave the way for increased player salaries, especially given that WNBA players are currently negotiating their next collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and have opted out of their existing deal, hoping for substantial increases by the end of the 2025 season.

Clark's current salary of $78,000 has drawn attention, especially when compared to NBA players like Mason Plumlee, who earns $3.6 million. Social media discussions highlight the disparity in pay and the ongoing debates regarding the economics of the WNBA, emphasizing that while the league has not yet turned a profit, its growth could enable players to secure a larger slice of future revenues. Her agent, Eric Kane, has expressed optimism for upcoming negotiations, indicating that the potential for better compensation remains a possibility.

The Houston Rockets made significant moves on the first day of free agency by signing Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela, along with trading for Kevin Durant. Fans are eager to see these new additions play as the team gears up for the upcoming NBA preseason, which kicks off with two home games against the Atlanta Hawks on October 6 and the Utah Jazz on October 8.

Following these games, the Rockets will travel to Birmingham, Alabama, to face the New Orleans Pelicans on October 14, participating in the Pelicans' initiative to showcase preseason games in G-League affiliate arenas. The preseason wraps up with a rematch against the Hawks in Atlanta on October 16, with tipoff times set at 7 p.m. for the first three games and 6:30 p.m. for the final game. With tickets already available, excitement is building for the revamped Rockets' roster.

Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Steve Nash recently shared their insights on the return of the midrange jumper in the NBA during a podcast discussion. While the conversation predated Durant's trade to the Houston Rockets, it offered valuable perspectives on how he might fit into Houston's gameplay, especially given their struggles with scoring efficiency last season. Durant emphasized that the midrange game is crucial, especially for star players who can create their own shots, directly challenging the analytics-driven approach that favors three-pointers above all else.

Durant recalled a specific game with the Phoenix Suns where he found success from midrange, highlighting the importance of allowing star players to play to their strengths rather than forcing a reliance on three-point shots. The trio collectively agreed that in clutch situations, the best players should be empowered to take midrange shots if necessary, rather than attempting low-percentage threes. With the Rockets' recent acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith, fans can expect a potential shift in their offensive strategy, integrating more midrange opportunities to complement Durant's scoring prowess.