LeBron Returns to Cleveland? An Insider Claims the Decision Is Made

After confirming he had put an end to his career in the Los Angeles Lakers jersey, the biggest NBA star of today has a new destination - at least if NBA insider Bill Simmons is right. According to him, LeBron James is returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time in his career, and the matter is "done". Simmons claims Golden State thought all along they were getting the King, when in fact they were used merely as leverage in negotiations. James, in no hurry to retire even on the cusp of 42, once again has everyone on edge. If the news is confirmed, it would be one of the biggest homecomings in the league's history.

Giannis Stayed in Miami, and Jovic Breathed a Sigh of Relief: I Thought I Wasn't Here

Miami Heat aggressively chased a move for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and in that story Serbian international Nikola Jovic nearly lost his place. In the end both Giannis stayed and Jovic stayed - and that's exactly what pleased him most. "I thought I probably wouldn't be here, but I'm very happy", Jovic admitted. Besides sharing the court with the two-time MVP, the young Serb will also have the chance to learn from one of the best forwards in history. Sometimes the biggest signing for a young player isn't a new contract, but a locker room where there's someone to steal the trade from.

Panathinaikos Spends Without a Brake: Now Bonga Too in the Squad

The Greek giant Panathinaikos has officially signed German winger Isaac Bonga on a three-year contract worth 6.5 million euros. The former NBA player is just one more name in a string of big signings by the "greens", whose budget for next season reportedly reaches an incredible 60 million euros. After last season's disastrous failure despite huge investment, owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos is making it clear he has no intention of holding back. The question remains as old as basketball itself: do the millions buy trophies, or just a more expensive failure.

The Young Macedonians Opened the EuroBasket With a Win Over Slovakia

While the big stars spend millions, something priceless is being born at home: Macedonia's men's youth team (U20) started the European Championship in Division "B" in Bratislava with a win. Coach Nikola Velev's selection overcame hosts Slovakia by 71:63, securing an excellent start to the tournament. A win against the hosts, in front of their crowd, is no small thing for lads of that age. Their next opponent was Ireland - and tournaments like these are precisely where the future names of Macedonian basketball are forged.

Jokic in Athens? Panathinaikos's Owner Kicks Up Dust Again

The rumour market takes no break, not even in summer. Panathinaikos's owner, Dimitris Giannakopoulos, once again delighted the fans with a statement in which he mentioned perhaps the biggest name in world basketball - Nikola Jokic. "I don't know how Jokic would fit in next season", he said, vague enough to fire up the imagination, yet non-committal enough to promise nothing. Take it with a pinch of salt: club owners know that a single name thrown into the public fills the stands before any contract is even signed. If the Serb really were to play in Europe, that would be an earthquake - but until then, it's just a nice summer story.