Oklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault, who guided the Thunder to the 2024/25 NBA championship, is being credited with establishing a sustainable, team-first environment that players readily embrace.
Daigneault joined the organization in 2014 as head coach of the G League’s Oklahoma City Blue, became a Thunder assistant in 2016, and was promoted to the top job for the 2020/21 season. After strategic rebuilding campaigns kept the club out of the playoffs from 2020–22, his squads went 40-42 in 2022/23, reached the play-in tournament, and then posted the Western Conference’s best record in each of the past two seasons. He captured NBA Coach of the Year honors in 2023/24 and finished 68-14 en route to the 2025 title.
Holmgren inks five-year rookie max
Center Chet Holmgren agreed to a five-year rookie-scale maximum extension projected at roughly $240 million. The 7’1” Gonzaga product missed the entire 2022/23 campaign with a foot injury and sat out 50 games last season because of a pelvic fracture. In 32 regular-season appearances in 2024/25, he averaged 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 2.0 assists and 0.7 steals.
Trail Blazers nearing sale
A consortium led by Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon has reached a tentative agreement to buy a controlling stake in the Portland Trail Blazers for $4.25 billion. The group aims to finalize terms with the Paul Allen estate in September. Dundon is expected to be the largest shareholder, joined by Blue Owl Capital co-president Marc Zahr and Collective Global Management CEO Sheel Tyle, who is based in Portland.
The report also notes that the Minnesota Timberwolves may explore bringing back free-agent shooter Malik Beasley.
Source: HoopsRumors
