Wed Jun 11 5:23pm ET
Field Level Media
Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins was suspended by a Puerto Rico basketball league and had his contract rescinded after igniting a brawl earlier this week.
The Baloncesto Superior Nacional League also fined Cousins $4,250, and he could be subject to another fine of $5,570, according to the league.
The incident occurred Monday when Cousins was playing on the road for the Guaynabo Mets.
"As an organization, we strongly condemn any form of violence or provocation, whether on or off the field. Safety, respect, and sportsmanship are non-negotiable values for this franchise," the Mets said in a news release.
The situation began with Cousins exchanging words with a fan before he grabbed his crotch while walking toward the courtside seats. Cousins then grabbed the fan's arm as things quickly escalated.
Teammates attempted to pull Cousins away and other fans began to hurl insults at Cousins. After being ejected, Cousins was doused by liquids as he left the floor. Security tackled him at one point to hold him back from trying to get into the stands.
Cousins, 34, was averaging 18.2 points and 9.0 rebounds while playing in the top pro basketball league in Puerto Rico for the second time. He also played in the league in 2023.
Cousins hasn't played in the NBA since the 2021-22 season. He was a four-time All-Star in 11 seasons but his career was derailed by two major injuries.
In January 2018, he sustained an Achilles tendon injury with the New Orleans Pelicans. After returning to play 30 games for the Golden State Warriors the next season, he tore the ACL in his left knee in August 2019 as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers and missed the entire season.
Cousins played for seven NBA teams with the best part of his career being his 6 1/2 seasons with the Sacramento Kings from 2010-17. He finished third in Rookie of the Year balloting in 2011 after being the fifth overall pick out of Kentucky.
Overall, Cousins averaged 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds in 654 games (561 starts).
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Jalen Williams was the team's top scorer in Wednesday's 116-107 Game 3 loss to the Indiana Pacers, notching 26 points on 9-for-18 shooting from the field. He was 7-for-11 at the free-throw line and nailed one attempt from deep with two shots, scoring two more points than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As always, Williams also made contributions in several other areas, recording six rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Although Williams has shot only 39.2 percent from the field in the Finals, he has still averaged 20.7 points per game. Furthermore, he has registered 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.0 steals. The first-year All-Star has been productive against Indiana, but it seems the Thunder need even more from Williams, considering that the team has fallen behind 2-1 in the series.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was limited to 24 points in Game of the NBA Finals on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers, shooting 9-for-20 from the field and 5-for-6 at the line in a 116-107 defeat. After allowing Gilgeous-Alexander to open the Finals with back-to-back 30-point efforts, the Pacers did a remarkable job against him defensively, limiting his scoring opportunities and forcing the 2024-25 MVP to commit a game-high six turnovers. Gilgeous-Alexander wrapped up his line with eight rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. While every other player would likely be satisfied with Gilgeous-Alexander's output on Wednesday, he has set incredibly high standards for himself and must be eager to bounce back in Game 4 on Friday night.
Indiana Pacers forward/center Pascal Siakam had his best Finals performance in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, racking up 21 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block in a 116-107 victory. Siakam missed both of his attempts from downtown but shot a solid 8-for-14 overall and finished 5-for-6 at the free-throw line. The Cameroon star had previously struggled with his shooting in the series, producing only 10 total makes over the first two clashes against the Thunder. Nevertheless, Siakam has still provided good production for DFS teams in the matchup, averaging 18.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks.
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin was the standout performer in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night, putting up a game-high 27 points on 9-for-12 shooting in a 116-107 win. He became the third player this century to put up 25-plus points off the bench in a Finals game, joining Jason Terry and Manu Ginobili. Mathurin, who went 2-for-3 with the three-ball and 7-for-8 at the charity stripe, did his damage in just 22 minutes. He also grabbed four rebounds and registered one assist with one block. The Pacers saw Mathurin produce only five points in the Finals opener, but he has since averaged 20.5 points over the last two games, giving the team a valuable boost off the bench.
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton filled the stat sheet and just missed a triple-double in Wednesday's 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. He finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists, two steals, and one block. Indiana's leading man shot 4-for-8 from downtown and 9-for-17 overall from the field during a busy night. Haliburton has been inconsistent in the postseason, but he has averaged a solid stat line for the Finals. Over three games, Haliburton has notched 17.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks. He is dealing with a lower-body ailment, but it certainly didn't hinder the two-time All-Star on Wednesday night.
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (wrist) has undergone his second offseason surgery. After having left wrist debridement surgery on May 27, Podziemski had a procedure on June 10 to repair a core muscle injury. He is expected to be fully ready for the start of training camp in the fall. The 22-year-old has enjoyed two solid seasons in the Association and will aim to take another leap in 2025-26. This season, Podziemski averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in 26.8 minutes, starting 33 of 64 contests. In a starting role, Podziemski boosted his scoring output to 14.9 points per game, and his fantasy stock would certainly rise if he can cement a spot in the first unit.
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (knee) underwent a right-knee arthroscopic debridement procedure on Wednesday. The procedure was successful, with the team reporting he is "expected to participate in training camp without limitation." It will be an interesting offseason in Boston, especially with the franchise potentially looking to move Kristaps Porzingis, Sam Hauser, and Jrue Holiday. Brown's name has also been thrown around in trade rumblings, although it's unknown if the Celtics will seriously entertain any offers. The 28-year-old is coming off another solid season, averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. With Jayson Tatum (Achilles) not expected back on the court anytime soon, Brown's statistical contributions could increase during the 2025-26 campaign. However, he's played fewer than 70 games in five of his previous six seasons, and his career-low 32.4% shooting from behind the arc in 2024-25 is something that will negatively impact his fantasy value for category managers.
According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. is expected to decline his $2.55 million player option. The 25-year-old began the 2024-25 campaign with the Clippers before being moved to the Bucks ahead of the trade deadline. He played well in Milwaukee, averaging 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting a career-high 40.8% from behind the arc. The franchise is hoping to retain him, considering Damian Lillard (Achilles) isn't expected to return anytime soon. If Porter stays in Milwaukee, he will have a good chance to handle things as a starter. If anything, he should have a routine role in head coach Doc Rivers' rotation.
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, the New York Knicks will not pursue a trade involving Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant. A report from ESPN's Shams Charania linked Durant to several teams, including the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Knicks. However, it appears the Knicks aren't interested, especially since making a swap for the multi-time All-Star could mean players like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, among others, would need to be involved. Durant, who is eligible to sign a two-year extension on July 6, averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 62 games for the Suns last season. He also shot an impressive 43.0% from behind the arc. The 36-year-old should remain a top-25 fantasy option in preseason fantasy rankings, regardless of format, although that could change based on where he ends up.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant will likely be a member of a new team soon. Speaking on ESPN's Get Up, NBA insider Brian Windhorst said he believes that Durant will be traded "in the coming weeks." There are reportedly a "handful of teams" interested in trading for the veteran superstar, including the New York Knicks. Durant, who has one year remaining on his contract, has played only two full seasons with the Suns and is poised to join his third team since the 2022-23 campaign. Despite approaching 37 soon, Durant continues to be highly productive on the court and should still be one of the top options for fantasy teams next season.
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland (toe) may begin the 2025-26 NBA campaign with a different team. Sources have told Grant Afseth of RG that the Sacramento Kings are interested in acquiring Garland. The Kings are looking to bring in another point guard after trading De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in February. Afseth also mentions Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks as a potential option for the Kings, but trade negotiations surrounding him have "stalled." Garland was also linked with an exit from Cleveland last offseason. After remaining with the team, Garland enjoyed a fine season, averaging 20.6 points and 6.7 assists while earning his second All-Star selection.
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo appears set to stay put for another offseason. According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, there is currently "no trade market" for Antetokounmpo because he has not asked for a move and the Bucks are "not looking" to trade him. The two-time MVP has been linked with a move elsewhere after the Bucks suffered a third consecutive first-round exit in the playoffs. It was reported that he's "open-minded" about leaving the team. Several teams, including the Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks, have been seen as potential suitors for Antetokounmpo. However, it looks like his future lies in Milwaukee, at least for now.
Indiana Pacers power forward Jarace Walker (ankle) will continue to sit on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 21-year-old was initially ruled out for the first two games of the Finals, but Walker is not ready to return for Wednesday's Game 3, as he needs more time to recover from a right ankle sprain. Ahead of Sunday's Game 2, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters that Walker is "not close" to returning, making it uncertain when he will be available for selection. Walker has averaged 3.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in 9.8 minutes this postseason. While his absence isn't a big loss for the Pacers, Walker would be an additional frontcourt option on the bench for Carlisle if he were healthy.
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton said he is dealing with "a lower leg thing" but is ready to go for Wednesday's Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. "I don't think there's anything more to elaborate," Haliburton said. "I feel fine and I'll be ready to go for Game 3." The Pacers star was seen limping after his postgame press conference following Game 2. On Tuesday, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged that Haliburton is experiencing "some discomfort," but it's improving daily. Given his importance to the team, Indiana will likely keep Haliburton in the lineup as long as he can move on the court. The two-time All-Star has averaged 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists over the first two games against the Thunder.
Phoenix Suns point guard Vasilije Micic seems to be on his way back to Europe. He has been linked to newly-crowned EuroLeague champions Fenerbahce, with sources informing EuroHoops that Micic's agent, Igor Crespo, was in Istanbul last week. Micic previously starred in Europe, leading Anadolu Efes to two EuroLeague championships, but his game didn't translate well to the NBA. In two seasons, the Serbian playmaker suited up for three different teams, averaging 6.8 points and 3.9 assists in 19.4 minutes. The Suns have an $8.81 million team option on Micic's contract for next season, but they are expected to decline it.
Dallas Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (wrist) is on track to be healthy for the start of the 2025-26 season. "Rehab is going great," Prosper told Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. "The process is where it's supposed to be, and I'll be back soon." The 22-year-old expects to be fully healthy by early July. His campaign in 2024-25 ended early in March due to surgery on his right wrist. He averaged 3.9 points and 2.4 rebounds in 11.2 minutes per game. While Prosper has been a non-factor in fantasy basketball during his first two years in the Association, he is still young enough to develop into a solid rotational piece for the Mavericks.
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner completes a two-year, $40.9 million contract this season and may suit up in a different uniform in 2025-26. According to reports, there is mutual interest between Turner and the Pacers to work out a new deal, but he will have a couple of interesting alternative options if things don't work out. Per Grant Afseth of RG, the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks are interested in landing Turner, who has so far spent his entire 10-year NBA career in Indianapolis. The 29-year-old big man shot a career-high 39.6 percent from three-point range this season, averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks. Turner has been a reliable fantasy producer for many years and should continue to be held in high regard even if he changes teams.
Philadelphia 76ers forward/center Guerschon Yabusele is looking forward to free agency and has his mind set on staying in the NBA. "Oh, no, 100 percent," Yabusele said in an interview with HoopsHype. "I made it clear. I really, really want to stay in the NBA, now that I have a real reason over there I want to do some more." As a youngster, Yabusele had an underwhelming stint with the Boston Celtics and left the Association in 2019. Following an impressive tournament at the Paris Olympics, he returned to the NBA for the 2024-25 season and played well. Yabusele averaged 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds in 27.1 minutes for the injury-plagued 76ers. The Frenchman was on a one-year, $2.1 million contract in 2024-25 and will surely seek a much better deal as a free agent this offseason.
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday could be moving on from Beantown this summer. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Celtics are "most definitely listening on calls for" Holiday, who has spent the last two seasons in Boston. Previously, Holiday has expressed a desire to remain with the Celtics. However, the veteran is on an expensive contract, and the Celtics are reportedly seeking a first-round draft pick for Holiday. The two-time NBA champion has just completed the first season of a four-year, $134.4 million contract. Holiday was plagued by health issues throughout the campaign, averaging 11.1 points and 3.9 assists, his worst numbers since his rookie year. Moving away from a stacked team like Boston may improve his fantasy outlook.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Cleveland Cavaliers guardDarius Garland (toe)is likely to miss the start of the 2025-26 regular season after undergoing surgery to repair a toe injury and will be sidelined for approximately four to five months. It was previously reported that the star guard would be good to go for the Cavaliers training camp in October. If Garland is unable to suit up to start the season, Ty Jerome will likely see an expanded role. Through 70 games during the 2024-25 campaign, Jerome averaged 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in 19.9 minutes per contest.
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