President Joe Biden Steps Down; Hat Tip to Shams Charania? Mavs Tracker
JULY 21 BIDEN STEPS DOWN OK, so "The 75-Member Staff'' is a bit obsessed with the Dallas Mavs and the NBA. But we recognize there's a real world going on out there, too.
Sort of.
President Biden said in a Sunday statement on Twitter that he is voluntarily stepping down as a candidate in the 2024 election, adding that he will speak to the nation “later this week” about his decision.
Many Democrats have publicly urged the 81-year-old Biden - who recently received reelection support from the Mavs' Mark Cuban - to step aside after his wobbly debate performance last month against Republican challenger Donald Trump, 78.
But we did not see that tweet until later.
The first thing "The 75-Member Staff'' saw that informed us of the news?
A tweet from Shams Charania.
So, we're NBA dorks. Sue us!
JULY 20 CLASSY KLAY Klay Thompson is moving on ... but at least one old teammate in The Bay will testify that the new Dallas Mavs standout is moving with class.
Brandin Podziemski posted an solid rookie season for the Golden State Warriors. ... but right now, he's the one who is impressed.
The former Santa Clara star, who averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game this year, revealed from NBA Summer League in Las Vegas that he got a phone call from Klay Thompson as the icon was readying to sign with the Dallas Mavericks.
Said Podziemski: "Getting a call from him a couple days ago, and him telling me I'll always have a brother in him for life is pretty cool."
Podziemski was the 19th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, and he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. ... and will be a key helper with the Warriors in the wake of Klay's departure.
JULY 2 KEMBA WALKER OFFICIALLY HANGS UP SNEAKERS
After 12 seasons in the NBA, Kemba Walker officially retired from professional basketball. On Tuesday, Walker posted on social media, revealing the news. Before going overseas, Walker played nine games for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2022-2023 season. Walker made four All-Star teams and made one All-NBA team.
Before ending his NBA career with the Mavericks, the Charlotte Hornets and Boston Celtics made up most of Walker's time in the league. In his social media post, Walker immediately thanked God for his success. Walker ended the heartfelt X post (formerly known as Twitter) alluding to a basketball job following his playing career. "Basketball will forever be a part of my life, so this isn't goodbye. I'm excited for what's next," Walker said.
JULY 2 CURRY GOODBYE The "Splash Bros" era for the Golden State Warriors is over. And Steph Curry is saying goodbye.
Klay Thompson has agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract to move to the Dallas Mavericks. Curry is addressing the departure of Thompson.
"Gonna miss you @klaythompson," Curry wrote. "Even though we won't finish the journey together, what we did will never be done again. Couldn't have imagined a better run with you and @money23green. Changed the whole Bay Area. Changed the way the game is played. Killa Klay at the center of it all. Thank you for everything bro. Go enjoy playing basketball and doing what you do.
"Splash Bros 4 life my guy."
With those four titles? The Warriors numbers will go into the record books. But where is Klay going?
Klay Thompson is coming to Dallas.
JULY 1 CLIPPERS GET MO IN FREE AGENCY
After losing Mason Plumlee to the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Clippers replace him with free agent Mo Bamba, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Losing in the opening round to the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles desperately needed another big man to combat Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II.
How else will the Clippers rebuild their roster in light of losing Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers?
JULY 1 SHOW TATUM THE MONEY!
Less than a month away from winning the 2024 NBA championship over the Dallas Mavericks, Jayson Tatum went from seeing gold to green. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Tatum and the Celtics agreed to a $314 million extension. Despite not winning either the Eastern Conference finals MVP or Finals MVP, Tatum is now the holder of the largest contract in NBA history.
JULY 1 NO STATE TAXES FOR THE WIN
Despite the Dallas Mavericks being the betting favorites to land Klay Thompson, the Los Angeles Lakers did their best to complicate the transaction. Nevertheless, the Golden State Warriors opted to deal with the Mavericks over the LeBron James-led Lakers.
What happened for Thompson to turn down more money and the Warriors declining possibly a potential asset in return from the Lakers? Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes tells the story here.
JULY 1 MAXEY GETS MONEY!
Following the Philadelphia 76ers' success in signing Paul George, Daryl Morey flexed his basketball mind as Tyrese Maxey agreed to a five-year, $205 million contract extension.
The 76ers core of Joel Embiid, George, and Maxey look to make their first NBA Finals run. This probably means Maxey won't attend any Dallas Mavericks games as a fan anytime soon.
