The Milwaukee Bucks are making strides to enhance their roster for the 2025 NBA Summer League by signing Keita Bates-Diop, a versatile 6-foot-8 forward with six years of experience in the league. Bates-Diop, who previously played for the San Antonio Spurs, averaged 9.7 points while shooting 39.4% from beyond the arc last season. Although his fit with the Bucks is uncertain, the team is keen on integrating a wing player, a position they've notably struggled to fill since P.J. Tucker's departure.

Bucks fans have long expressed the need for a reliable wing, and Bates-Diop may provide that added depth. General Manager Jon Horst is exploring potential role players, and this could be a pivotal chance for Bates-Diop to prove his value in a regular season role. The Bucks still have open roster spots, making this a critical evaluation period.

The Brooklyn Nets have a storied history marked by a variety of jersey numbers worn by numerous players since their inception in 1967. With a total of 52 jersey numbers in circulation, number 13 has been donned by 18 players, including the recent addition of Keita Bates-Diop. A former Ohio State standout, Bates-Diop was selected 48th overall in the 2018 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has experienced a tumultuous career, playing for multiple teams before arriving at the Nets in 2024, where he was able to showcase his skills in just 14 games, averaging 1.6 points per game wearing the number 13.

The Golden State Warriors explored the possibility of acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves before his recent trade to the New York Knicks. After pursuing other All-Stars like Paul George and Lauri Markkanen, the Warriors were interested in adding size and shooting to their roster.

However, discussions with the Timberwolves did not progress as Minnesota sought a specific trade package that the Warriors could not provide. Ultimately, Towns was traded to New York in a deal that also involved the Charlotte Hornets.

The upcoming game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers marks an exciting season opener, featuring the unique father-son duo of LeBron and Bronny James.

As the Lakers prepare for the match, they will be without Jarred Vanderbilt due to foot surgeries. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are entering the game injury-free, with a focus on filling the backup point guard position behind Mike Conley through a committee approach.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have released Keita Bates-Diop shortly after acquiring him in a trade that involved Karl-Anthony Towns moving to the New York Knicks.

Bates-Diop, a former standout at Ohio State, had a promising college career but has struggled to make a significant impact in the NBA, averaging just six points and three rebounds per game. His most effective season was with the San Antonio Spurs in 2022-23, where he averaged 9.7 points and 3.7 rebounds.

Despite his release, Bates-Diop's versatility as a defender may attract interest from other teams in the league.