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Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors proved that they can win an NBA title without Kevin Durant. The Warriors had previously won one ring without Durant, but their recent championship cemented their status as an NBA powerhouse. Durant, who left Golden State three years ago, has now revealed his feelings about his former team.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks congratulated the Warriors for winning this year's title. The Bucks failed to defend their crown, but it was not Giannis' fault. They were without Khris Middleton for the entire Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics.
On that note, here is the latest NBA news roundup for June 25 brought to you by Sportskeeda.
Lonzo Ball making progress after knee surgery
Lonzo Ball was acquired by the Chicago Bulls via sign-and-trade with the New Orleans Pelicans last summer. Ball was marvelous for the Bulls, but ended up playing just 35 games. He underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee in January.
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Bulls general manager Marc Eversley gave an update on Ball's recovery to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. Eversely expressed optimism about his star point guard's progress. Ball will continue rehabbing his knee this offseason, but it's uncertain if he will be ready when NBA training camp starts.
"That’s something we probably need to talk to the performance staff about," Eversley said. "That's not a call I can make now. I can just tell you that he's rehabbing and he’s making progress."
Kevin Durant proud, not jealous of Warriors winning another championship
Some people believe that Kevin Durant was jealous of the Golden State Warriors after they won their fourth NBA title in eight years over a week ago.
On the latest episode of "The ETCs with Kevin Durant" (h/t NBC Sports), the two-time champion opened up about his true feelings about the Warriors. Durant revealed that he's very proud of his former teammates. He also said he's sick of getting sucked into these kinds of conversations.
"To see them finish it and continue it, yeah, you have a sense of pride to be part of it," Durant said. "But then you listen to the broadcast and it's just like well, 'KD should be feeling this way.' I'm just like, 'Here we go. Like, damn, let me just enjoy what they're doing instead of pitting me against them' because I'm always going to take my side.
Daryl Morey offers update on James Harden's contract situation
Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia 76ers were active on Thursday in the NBA draft. The Sixers acquired De'Anthony Melton from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Danny Green and the 23rd pick. Melton provides perimeter defense and shooting for a Sixers team looking to win the NBA championship.
Morey also provided an update on James Harden's possible extension, as per John Clark of NBC Sports. Harden has a $47.4 million player option for next season that he's expected to accept. There is mutual interest from both sides regarding a shorter extension that will extend the Sixers' title window.
"Well, we can't talk yet. I would expect — actually, I don't know," Morey said. We'll have conversations with him. As you guys have heard, it's a mutual lovefest, so we feel like we’ll work it out."
Harden struggled in the postseason as the Sixers fell short in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Miami Heat. But with a full summer and training camp heading into next season, Harden will be fully integrated into Doc Rivers' system.
Giannis Antetokounmpo congratulates Warriors for winning NBA championship
Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke to ESPN on Friday about "Rise," the Disney+ movie based on his family. Antetokounmpo revealed that he did not watch the NBA Finals, but congratulated the Golden State Warriors for winning their fourth title in eight years.
"Congrats to the Golden State Warriors," Antetokounmpo said. "It's been an unbelievable dynasty for them, for those three guys from where they started to where they are right now. It's been an unbelievable journey. For every team, for every player, you want to accomplish the same things like this. They’re setting the example for us."
The Warriors are the favorites to win the NBA championship next season. However, the Bucks are expected to come back stronger and contend for the title.
Spurs guarantee Zach Collins' contract for next season
Zach Collins signed a three-year, $22 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs last season. Only the first season of that deal was fully guaranteed, but the Spurs liked what they saw from Collins. According to Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio has guaranteed Collins' contract for next season.
Collins spent the majority of last season recovering from foot injuries. He made his Spurs debut on February 4 and played in 28 games. He averaged 7.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists, while playing just 17.9 minutes per game.
The Spurs gave him more minutes in the final 12 games of the season after qualifying for the NBA Play-in Tournament. Collins averaged 10.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in that span. The 24-year-old spent the first four seasons of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers.
