Who’s Not Playing in the NBA Tonight?
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The NBA season is in full swing, but there are always a few players who are sidelined with injuries. Here’s a look at who’s not playing in the NBA tonight.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is one of the best basketball players in the world. He is currently not playing in the NBA. The reason why is because he got injured and is taking a leave of absence from the league.
Kyrie’s Health
Kyrie Irving is not playing in the NBA tonight because of his health. Kyrie has been battling a foot injury for most of the season, and it has caused him to miss several games. Kyrie is one of the best players in the NBA, and his absence will be felt by the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight.
Kyrie’s Contract
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Kyrie Irving has agreed to a four-year, $141 million contract extension with the Brooklyn Nets.
The deal, which includes a player option for the 2024-25 season, will keep Irving under contract through his age-32 campaign.
Irving had been set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason after just one year with the Nets.
Jimmy Butler
One of the NBA’s best players is not playing in any games tonight. Jimmy Butler, who was traded to the Miami Heat earlier this season, is not playing against his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, or any other team. So, why isn’t Butler playing?
Jimmy’s Health
Jimmy Butler is not playing in the NBA tonight because of an injured ankle. Jimmy has been bothered by his ankle for a few weeks now, and it looks like he will need some time to rest and recover. We hope to see Jimmy back on the court soon!
Jimmy’s Contract
After a lot of back-and-forth, Jimmy Butler is finally headed to the Miami Heat. The four-time All-Star agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers that will send him to Miami in exchange for a package that includes Meyers Leonard and Josh Richardson.
Butler will sign a four-year, $142 million contract with the Heat, league sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Sixers had been reluctant to include Richardson in any deal for Butler, but they ultimately relented after getting assurances from Butler that he would sign a long-term extension with Philadelphia, league sources said.
Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker is a 6’1″ guard from Bronx, New York. He played college basketball at the University of Connecticut, and was drafted ninth overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2011 NBA draft. Walker was named an NBA All-Star for the first time in 2019. He is currently signed with the Boston Celtics.
Kemba’s Health
Kemba Walker has been dealing with a lingering knee injury for most of the season. The point guard missed six straight games in December, and he’s been in and out of the lineup ever since. Walker underwent surgery on his left knee in May, and he’s still working his way back to full strength.
Kemba’s Contract
Kemba Walker will be a free agent this offseason, and he’s already said he’s open to taking less money to stay with the Hornets.
“I definitely would take less money to stay in Charlotte,” Walker told the Charlotte Observer’s Rick Bonnell. “I just want to win, man. I want to win. That’s all that matters to me is winning ballgames.”
Walker is averaging 25.2 points and 5.8 assists per game this season, and has been one of the few bright spots on a otherwise disappointing Hornets team. He’s eligible for a five-year, $189 million maximum contract extension this summer, but it seems unlikely that he’ll actually command that much on the open market.
Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson will not be playing in the NBA tonight as he is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. This is a huge blow to the Golden State Warriors as they were hoping to have him back for the playoffs.
Klay’s Health
Klay Thompson Achilles tear: Warriors star reportedly ruptures tendon in Game 6, will have surgery
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Warriors said Friday that an MRI on Thompson’s left leg revealed a torn Achilles tendon and that he will have surgery soon.
Klay’s Contract
Klay Thompson signed a multi-year contract with the Golden State Warriors on July 1, 2014. On October 30, 2015, he suffered a season-ending injury to his right Achilles tendon.
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard, who was traded to the Toronto Raptors last offseason, is not playing in the NBA tonight. This is because the Raptors are facing the Los Angeles Clippers, Leonard’s former team. Leonard is one of the best players in the NBA and is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He is also a two-time NBA champion, winning with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 and the Raptors in 2019.
Kawhi’s Health
Kawhi Leonard is not playing in the NBA tonight due to his health. Leonard has been battling with a quad injury for most of the season, and he has not been cleared to play by team doctors. This is disappointing news for fans of Leonard, as he is one of the best players in the league. However, his health is more important than anything else, and it is hopeful that he will be back on the court soon.
Kawhi’s Contract
Kawhi Leonard is not playing in the NBA tonight due to a dispute over his contract. Kawhi is currently in the second year of his five-year, $94 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs. However, Leonard is reportedly seeking a renegotiation of that contract, as well as a trade to another team.
Kawhi Leonard is one of the best players in the NBA, and was instrumental in leading the Spurs to the NBA Finals last year. However, Leonard missed most of this season with an injury, and only played nine games. This has led to some speculation that Kawhi’s camp is using his injury as leverage in contract negotiations.
Kawhi Leonard is a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 2016. He is also a two-time NBA All-Star, and was named Finals MVP when the Spurs won the NBA Championship in 2014.