Latest Basketball News

📅December 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM
NBA expansion decision nears, Josh Giddey historic triple-double, trade/roster news, injuries and team struggles headline global basketball today.
1

NBA signals expansion decision coming in 2026; Las Vegas and Seattle front-runners

Commissioner Adam Silver said the league plans to decide on domestic expansion next year and is engaging interested bidders, with Las Vegas and Seattle viewed as top candidates for two new franchisesSource 2Source 3. Front Office Sports reports ownership sales and rising franchise valuations have complicated timing but 2026 appears likely for a final determinationSource 3.

2

Josh Giddey records franchise-first triple-double with five 3-pointers

Josh Giddey became the first player in Chicago Bulls history to post a triple-double that included five made three-pointers during the team's game on Dec. 17, 2025, according to NBA highlights and coverageSource 1. The performance marked a notable offensive milestone for Giddey and the Bulls' young coreSource 1.

3

Bucks stumble amid Giannis injury; Doc Rivers resists major changes

Milwaukee has struggled (11-16) during Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence with a calf strain, including a 45-point loss to Brooklyn, but coach Doc Rivers says he won't make sweeping roster or scheme changesSource 5. Rivers emphasized tweaks rather than an organizational overhaul while the team works to stabilize performance without its starSource 5.

4

Sportsbooks favor Las Vegas for next NBA franchise; expansion fee estimates rise

Sportsbooks and industry reports list Las Vegas as a favorite to land the next NBA expansion team, with some outlets estimating an expansion fee around $5.5 billion if the league moves forwardSource 7Source 3. Analysts cite Las Vegas' market growth and stable ownership interest as key factors in its favorSource 3Source 7.

5

NBA's expansion timeline tied to economics, media and rising franchise values

League executives say expansion discussions have been delayed by recent high-value team sales and the evolving media-rights landscape, which affect pricing and broadcast availability for new teamsSource 3. Adam Silver has asked prospective ownership groups to present financial plans as the league evaluates viability ahead of a 2026 decisionSource 3Source 2.

6

Trade and roster evaluations intensify leaguewide as season progresses

Analysts note teams are entering a ‘solution season’ where many offseason signings become trade-eligible, increasing pressure to address roster fit, move dead salary or acquire draft assetsSource 4. Bleacher Report highlights differing team-specific roster problems that could drive deadline moves and strategic adjustmentsSource 4.

7

Chris Paul's situation draws league attention amid Clippers developments

Adam Silver commented he was dismayed by events surrounding Chris Paul being sent home by the Los Angeles Clippers and expressed a desire to see Paul finish his announced final season on another teamSource 2. Silver said the league is monitoring the situation but did not indicate direct intervention with ownershipSource 2.

8

International basketball: global competitions and national team notes (ongoing coverage)

While today's headlines are NBA-focused, global basketball outlets continue to monitor national-team windows, FIBA qualification updates and player movement impacting international competitions, with federations publishing schedules and rosters in the lead-up to 2026 events (reporting and schedules vary by federation). (No single authoritative daily global bulletin; follow FIBA and national federations for episodic updates.)

9

Media and broadcast concerns remain a hurdle for expansion planning

Adam Silver previously cited the ‘broken model’ of regional sports networks and broadcast distribution as a reason to delay expansion, noting the league must ensure fans in new markets can reliably watch games before awarding franchisesSource 3. League officials are factoring viewing access into economic assessments for expansion bidsSource 3.

10

Team-by-team problem pieces shape trade deadline narratives

Coverage around the league is cataloging each team's biggest problem—ranging from aging cores, poor depth, to defensive issues—which frames potential trade-deadline strategies and front-office urgencySource 4. Analysts warn teams like Sacramento and certain contenders must decide whether to buy, sell, or stand pat based on these identified weaknessesSource 4.