NBA News Roundup: Warriors' blockbuster trade, NBA Cup champions, new All-Star Game format and more

A lot has happened this week surrounding the NBA. The NBA Cup final was in the hype for quite creating a wave of discussion among fans as the finalists went for a huge brawl with the Cup at stake. Milwaukee Bucks vs Oklahoma City Thunder was high octane but that was not the only major news from the league, with updates from Golden State Warriors, and the NBA’s new All-Star Game format, here is top news from the week rounded up to keep you updated.

Warriors acquired Brooklyn Nets’ Dennis SchroderThe Golden State Warriors have announced acquiring guard Dennis Schroder from the Brooklyn Nets in an official trade sealed on December 15, 2024. Schroder is averaging 11.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game this season. In the trade, the team parted ways with De'Anthony Melton, who is currently recovering from an ACL injury.

The Warriors star player Stephen Curry has welcomed Schroder to the team in his three-word message on Instagram writing, “Let’s get it.” Additionally, we have reported that the team’s head coach, Steve Kerr has big plans for the 31-year-old guard.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich’s health updateThe head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich is still receiving treatment for the stroke he experienced earlier this year. The 75-year-old is reportedly improving but a specific timeline regarding his return is still unclear.

However, recently Coach Pop shared a statement giving an update on his health. “This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,” Popovich said making his first statement since suffering the stroke on November 2nd at the team's arena.

“As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to share that the outpouring of support we’ve received during this time has truly been overwhelming in the best possible way. While I wish I could get back to every single one of you, for now, let me just say that my family and I are forever grateful. We’re thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization and our family and friends,” he added.

The coach further shared that he has been excited to make his return but he is still “less than coachable.”

NBA Cup championship game: Bucks defeated ThunderThe Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling match during the NBA Cup with 97-81. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 points,19 rebounds and 10 assists. Damian Lillard added 23 points.

Celebrating the victory Lillard praised the efforts of the team, “Everybody did their job. We defended. We played well from the start of the game all the way through the finish. I think it just showed what we’ve been building. I think it all came out in our biggest game to this point.”

“It’s great, it’s great for our team,” Bucks top scorer Antetokounmpo said. “We’re getting better. ... We know we’re leaving Vegas as a better team. I’m so proud of this group. Man, I’m so proud of this group,” he added.

While the Thunder attempted to remain in the game, the night was in Bucks’ favor which led them to a stunning victory to claim the championship.

The NBA announced new All-Star Game formatThe NBA and NBPA introduced a new format for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. The new format of the All-Star game will start on Sunday, February 16, at Chase Center in San Francisco. For the first time, the event will feature a mini-tournament with four teams competing in three games.

Each game will be played to 40 points, with the winners of two semifinals advancing to the championship. Teams will be drafted by TNT analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. The fourth team, Team Candace, will consist of the Castrol Rising Stars championship winner, selected by WNBA legend Candace Parker. The draft will take place live on February 6.

The Charlotte Hornets apologize after taking a PS5 from a 13-year-old fanDuring Monday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Spectrum Center, the Charlotte Hornets faced backlash over a halftime skit gone wrong. A 13-year-old fan was handed a PS5 by Hugo, the team’s mascot, while the moment played out on the jumbotron. However, once the cameras stopped rolling, the console was taken back and replaced with a jersey.

The incident, shared by user Adam Turner on X, quickly went viral, sparking criticism online. The Hornets have since apologized and pledged to make things right. “We turned the ball over and we apologize. We have reached out to the family and are committed to not only making it right but to exceeding expectations,” Hornets said in a statement following the controversy.

Joel Embiid’s return update following sinus fractureJoel Embiid’s recent injuries have been a concern for the Philadelphia 76ers. However, his teammate Andre Drummond provided a positive update. Drummond shared that Embiid has been practicing with the team for two days and is on track to return.

Embiid suffered the injury during the Sixers’ loss to the Pacers on Friday. Recently, his teammate Drummond commented the star center is recovering well and preparing to get back on the court. “He looked fine at practice the past two days. He’s a grown man, so whatever he decides to do is on him. I’m just saying he looks ready to play to me,” Drummond said of Embiid.

However, it is still unclear when the 30-year-old forward is scheduled to make his return to the court.