Can Spurs avoid missing playoffs for first time since 1996-97?

Sam Amick of The Athletic discussed the Golden State Warriors on a recent episode of The TK Show. Amick noted that Warriors have interest in Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat.

“Jimmy Butler’s going to be a free agent next summer. Didn’t get an extension done. The Warriors have interest there, and probably made a couple calls this summer,” Amick said about Golden State and Butler.

Butler reportedly wanted an extension this summer from Miami. The veteran wing is on the Heat books for $48.8 million this season. Butler has a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season.

The Warriors shed significant salary when Klay Thompson and Chris Paul left the team this offseason. Golden State got themselves under the tax briefly this summer, and currently find themselves just shy of the first tax apron. The team projects to be in a similar situation next offseason. The Warriors have several contracts they could stack together in a potential trade for Butler.

Tyrese Maxey challenged Joel Embiid after the Philadelphia 76ers’ loss to the Miami Heat on Monday, reports Shams Charania.

Maxey called out Embiid about being late “for everything” and how it impacts the locker room. Maxey and Embiid have a close friendship and have a history of holding each other accountable.

“Tyrese loves Big Fella, but this is the elephant in the room,” a person involved in the meeting told ESPN.

Embiid accepted the message sent by Maxey, but said he is sometimes confused by what the Sixers are trying to execute on the court.

Players also told Nick Nurse they want to be coached harder. Coaches said they want players to practice with purpose and attention to detail.