The WNBA has announced its All-Star starters, with the Indiana Fever represented by Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in mid-July. Boston, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, has been a standout in her third season, averaging 15.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, securing her third consecutive All-Star selection. Her consistent performance and impact on both ends of the court have made her a pivotal player for the Fever.

In a show of support, Donovan Mitchell, the Cleveland Cavaliers guard, celebrated Boston's milestone on social media, posting three fire emojis in recognition of her achievements. Boston was previously named the WNBA Rookie of the Year and has maintained her All-Star status throughout her professional career, building upon her collegiate success at South Carolina where she was the Most Outstanding Player in the 2022 NCAA tournament. Mitchell, having moved to Cleveland after a successful stint with the Utah Jazz, continues to shine himself, averaging 28.3 points in the 2022-23 season and 24 points this season, despite the Cavaliers facing early playoff elimination against the Indiana Pacers.

The Boston Celtics are facing a challenging offseason, with veteran forward Al Horford drawing interest from several contenders, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Denver Nuggets. The recent loss of backup big man Luke Kornet to the San Antonio Spurs has left Boston's frontcourt depth in question, now relying on Luka Garza, Neemias Queta, and Xavier Tillman Sr. for experience. With the free agency period just underway, the Celtics face pressure to maintain competitiveness while addressing their thinning roster.

The recent trade between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers has sent shockwaves through the NBA, particularly with Luka Doncic heading to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. This trade significantly alters the landscape of the league, as the Lakers now focus on building a future team around Doncic and perhaps reevaluating the role of LeBron James, who may be looking for a more competitive environment than what the Lakers can currently offer.

James, having opted into his contract, faces an uncertain future. Speculation is rife that he could request a trade, with the Cleveland Cavaliers emerging as a potential destination. This would mark a return to his roots, having spent over a decade with the Cavs, where he not only started his career but also brought them their first championship. However, the financial implications and the Cavs’ commitment to their youthful roster complicate any potential deal.

The WNBA is set to expand to 18 teams by 2030, welcoming Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to its ranks. Cleveland will hit the court in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030, pending approval from governing bodies. The surge in demand for women's basketball is evident, with the league confirming that each new franchise will have an NBA ownership group, contributing a substantial $250 million expansion fee.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed excitement about the growth, highlighting the new teams' potential to enhance rivalries and the overall league competition. Historical ties to basketball in Detroit and Cleveland, combined with infrastructure from their previous WNBA franchises, position these cities to contribute meaningfully to the league's success.

The Cleveland Cavaliers made significant moves during the recent NBA Draft by selecting 6-foot-4 guard Tyrese Proctor from Duke with the 49th pick and 6-foot-8 wing Saliou Niang from Senegal with the 58th pick. Although the Cavaliers traded their first-round pick to acquire Donovan Mitchell, they believe Proctor can contribute quickly off the bench. General Manager Mike Gansey remarked on Proctor's elite passing ability and strong decision-making, citing his impressive assist-to-turnover ratio. However, concerns about Proctor's size and defensive capabilities linger. Meanwhile, Niang, who played in the Italian league, is seen as a raw talent with defensive upside but will likely develop overseas for at least a year.