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Junior Bridgeman buying 10 percent equity in Bucks

Thu Sep 12 9:19pm ET
Field Level Media

Junior Bridgeman, who played 10 of his 12 NBA seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, is acquiring a 10 percent ownership stake in the team, per multiple media reports on Thursday.

Bridgeman, who turns 71 on Tuesday, is reportedly buying the stake at a $3.4 billion valuation.

Dee and Jimmy Haslam bought a quarter of the Bucks in 2023 at a $3.2 billion valuation. Per Sportico, the average NBA franchise is worth $4 billion.

A first-round pick (No. 8 overall) in the 1975 draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Bridgeman was traded to the Bucks less than three weeks later in the mega deal for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.


Bridgeman began buying Wendy's franchises during his playing career, eventually owning 360 Wendy's and Chili's restaurants after retiring. In 2016, he sold them and took over a Coca-Cola bottling franchise. Per S&P Global Market Intelligence, Bridgeman is the sole owner of the bottle, which rakes in at least $350 million in revenue every year.

Bridgeman bought the publications Ebony and Jet in 2020 and owns Coca-Cola Bottling of Canada, which he acquired with Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in 2018.

CNBC was the first to report Bridgeman's deal with the Bucks.

Bridgeman was a stellar sixth man during his NBA career and averaged 13.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in 849 games (52 starts) with the Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers.

Dave Meyers, Elmore Smith and Brian Winters also went with Bridgeman in the deal for Abdul-Jabbar and Walt Wesley.

Player Notes
Moses Moody Thu Sep 12 9:50pm

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors and guard Moses Moody aren't close to agreeing on a contract extension. Like Jonathan Kuminga, an agreement on a new deal must be finalized by October 21. If talks aren't successful by then, Moody will hit restricted free agency next offseason. The 22-year-old averaged a career-high 8.1 points and 3.0 rebounds in 66 games last season. However, Moody will have a difficult time improving those numbers during the 2024-25 campaign, considering the Warriors have Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, and Andrew Wiggins on the roster. The team also added Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson this offseason.

Jonathan Kuminga Thu Sep 12 9:40pm

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, "significant progress" in contract talks between the Golden State Warriors and forward Jonathan Kuminga has not been made. The 2021 No. 7 overall pick is entering the final season of his rookie contract. While the Warriors dismissed trade inquiries this offseason from other teams, it doesn't appear both sides are close to securing an extension. Kuminga finished last season by averaging a career-high 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds. However, with Klay Thompson now in Dallas, the expectations are higher for the 21-year-old. His shooting percentage from deep needs to improve. But Kuminga will be a consistent member of the Warriors' rotation in 2024-25, giving him value in all fantasy setups. Both sides have until October 21 to agree on a new deal. If it isn't finalized by then, Kuminga will be a restricted free agent next summer.

Montrezl Harrell Wed Sep 11 8:40am

Forward/center Montrezl Harrell has agreed to join the Adelaide 36ers in Australia, according to ESPN sources. The 2020 NBA Sixth Man of the Year will initially be on a short-term deal as an injury replacement. This will mark Harrell's return to competitive action for the first time since 2022-23. He missed the 2023-24 NBA season after suffering an ACL and meniscus tear. The 30-year-old has been a solid producer throughout his career, averaging 12.1 points and 5.0 rebounds in 20.5 minutes across 515 NBA regular-season games. Before signing a deal with the 36ers, Harrell reportedly participated in NBA minicamps ahead of the new campaign.

Jae Crowder Wed Sep 11 8:30am

Free-agent forward Jae Crowder is scheduled to have a workout with the Sacramento Kings this week, per Sean Cunningham of Fox 40. The Kings have also recently worked out Isaiah Thomas, Tony Bradley, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and Lonnie Walker IV. Crowder is a free agent after playing out two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. As a veteran of over 800 regular-season games, he would bring a wealth of experience to a Kings team that's looking to become a contender in the West. But fantasy-wise, the best days are clearly behind Crowder. He posted 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 23.1 minutes last season.

Zach LaVine Wed Sep 11 8:20am

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Zach LaVine looks set to remain in the Windy City for the start of 2024-25 despite being one of the biggest names in trade rumors this offseason. No deal to move LaVine has materialized, and Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times has now reported that the Bulls are "working on mending their relationship" with LaVine. The two-time All-Star will look to produce a bounce-back campaign this season after averaging fewer than 20 points for the first time in six years last term. He looks well-placed to get back to his best, with DeMar DeRozan moving to Sacramento, which should allow LaVine to play a bigger role offensively.

Robert Williams Tue Sep 10 7:40pm

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) is "very tradable," according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. Portland has Deandre Ayton, who Windhorst implied isn't in high demand, while drafting UConn's Donovan Clingan during the 2024 NBA Draft. As a result, there's not much room for others. With teams around the National Basketball Association strapped for cash, William's $12.4 million price tag for the 2024-25 campaign makes him an ideal candidate to be moved. Without question, the 26-year-old has plenty of talent, averaging 7.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks throughout his career. Unfortunately, his history of bilateral knee surgeries has kept him from reaching his maximum potential. Williams' days as a starter are likely over. However, he has proven to be a reliable fantasy asset, even when coming off the bench.

Cedi Osman Tue Sep 10 9:50am

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Cedi Osman did not receive a training camp invite from the Los Angeles Lakers. The Turkish forward reportedly had an offer on the table from the Lakers before agreeing to a one-year deal with Greek team Panathinaikos. However, sources have told Stein that the Lakers didn't extend an offer to the 29-year-old, despite LeBron James' well-known fondness for Osman dating back to their days as teammates in Cleveland. Osman spent seven years in the NBA before moving to Greece for the upcoming campaign.

Cameron Johnson Tue Sep 10 9:40am

Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson has been in trade rumors all offseason, but the team has failed to find a deal to move him on because the Nets reportedly have high trade demands for Johnson. The 28-year-old has played out a couple of solid campaigns in Brooklyn, but he doesn't appear to fit the team's long-term plans. Last season, Johnson notched 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 27.6 minutes. Following Mikal Bridges' exit, Johnson could have a bigger part to play with the Nets if he remains with the team.

Christian Wood Tue Sep 10 9:30am

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Christian Wood (knee) will be unavailable for at least eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee. Wood missed the last two months of last season with a left knee injury, and unfortunately, he won't be available for the start of the new campaign either. The 28-year-old big man averaged 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 17.4 minutes with the Lakers last term. Wood is capable of putting up good numbers occasionally, but he doesn't see many minutes in Los Angeles, limiting his fantasy appeal.

Cedi Osman Mon Sep 9 7:50am

Veteran forward Cedi Osman reportedly had an offer on the table from the Los Angeles Lakers before inking a deal with reigning EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos. Osman has landed in Greece on a one-year contract despite previously being in advanced talks with Real Madrid. According to Eurohoops, the 29-year-old also had an opportunity to join the Lakers for training camp before opting to link up with Panathinaikos, which also brought in Omer Yurtseven from the NBA this offseason. Osman spent the 2023-24 campaign with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 6.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 17.6 minutes. He has posted 9.3 points and 3.0 rebounds for his entire 476-game NBA career.

Davis Bertans Mon Sep 9 7:40am

Free-agent forward Davis Bertans looks set to end his NBA stay after spending eight seasons in the league. Bertans appeared to be working towards earning a contract for a ninth campaign in the Association and was scheduled to have a workout with the Golden State Warriors, but he will now move to Dubai instead. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Bertans has received a multi-year offer from Dubai BC. His deal with the team reportedly includes an "out" clause, which allows Bertans to return to the NBA down the road. The 31-year-old Latvian has averaged 7.7 points and 2.4 rebounds with 39.6 percent three-point shooting for his 475-game NBA career.

Jarred Vanderbilt Mon Sep 9 7:20am

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) may not be ready to participate in training camp and preseason. The 25-year-old suffered a foot injury in February, and according to Spectrum's Mike Bresnahan, Vanderbilt continues to be troubled by it. "Vando is gonna be interesting," Bresnahan said on the Lakeshow podcast. "I'm not sure he'll be ready for training camp or even for the preseason games. It's a foot injury. He opted not to have a procedure in-season when he got hurt in February." Vanderbilt suited up for only 29 games last season, averaging 5.2 points and 4.8 rebounds in 20.0 minutes.

Tristan Thompson Mon Sep 9 7:10am

Veteran center Tristan Thompson will spend another campaign with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thompson, who won the NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016, returned to Cleveland last offseason, following short stints with five different teams. Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Thompson is now extending his stay for another year. The 33-year-old was a double-double machine during his heydays but has taken on more of a mentorship role on the current Cavaliers team. He posted 3.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 11.2 minutes last season, coming off the bench in 49 games. Thompson served a 25-game suspension in the middle of the campaign for violating the league's anti-drug program.

Markieff Morris Sat Sep 7 5:40pm

Free-agent forward Markieff Morris agreed to a new deal with the Mavericks. The veteran has been in Dallas since the Kyrie Irving in 2022-23. However, he hasn't done much from a production standpoint, most recently averaging 2.5 points during the 2023-24 campaign. Outside a leadership presence, Morris likely won't add much value to the Mavericks this season, keeping him irrelevant for fantasy purposes.

Jamal Murray Sat Sep 7 2:10pm

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray agreed to a four-year, $208 million contract extension. The talks between Murray and the Nuggets have been a hot topic, considering his health issues over the years. However, the 27-year-old has been instrumental to Denver's success, helping lead the club to an NBA championship in 2023. As far as Murray's statistical contributions, he finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging career-highs in points (21.2), assists (6.5), and three-point percentage (42.5%). Without question, he has top-25 fantasy potential in any format. But he'll need to remain on the floor, which has been a significant issue for fantasy managers.

Stephen Curry Thu Sep 5 7:50am

Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry enters his 16th NBA season with the aim of proving doubters wrong. "I love the fact that people don't think we can keep the pace with some of the other teams that they're picking in the West," the multi-time MVP said in an interview with People. "And I just love that challenge of stepping into a training camp and being able to create your own success -- that gets me going. And obviously coming off of this Olympic experience, I'm trying to channel that energy all year." Curry and the Warriors missed the playoffs for the third time in five years last season. We could see a huge campaign from him, as Curry will be tasked with lifting Golden State back among the Western contenders.

Troy Brown Jr. Thu Sep 5 7:40am

According to ESPN's Kendra Andrews, guard/forward Troy Brown Jr. will be working out for the Golden State Warriors this week. Brown Jr. is available as a free agent after splitting the 2023-24 campaign between Minnesota and Detroit. He averaged 4.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 14.0 minutes across the season. Despite being only 25, Brown Jr. boasts bags of experience, having made 356 appearances in the National Basketball Association. He had his best year as a sophomore with the Washington Wizards, posting 10.4 points with 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals. Brown Jr. hasn't gotten anywhere near these numbers in recent campaigns, but he could be a solid addition to the Warriors bench. Golden State is also looking at veteran sharpshooter Davis Bertans ahead of training camp.

Cedi Osman Thu Sep 5 7:40am

Veteran forward Cedi Osman is set to join Real Madrid for the 2024-25 campaign. According to Eurohoops, Osman is in "advanced talks" with the European powerhouse. Following a lengthy spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Osman was traded to the San Antonio Spurs last offseason. He was used as a bench piece throughout the campaign and posted 6.8 points with 2.5 rebounds. Despite shooting a career-high 38.9 percent from three-point range, Osman hasn't signed a new NBA deal for the upcoming season and now looks ready to return to Europe. Before joining the NBA in 2017, Osman played four EuroLeague seasons with Anadolu Efes of his native Turkey.

Mac McClung Thu Sep 5 7:20am

Two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung will once again attempt to nail down a spot in the National Basketball Association. The Athletic's Shams Charania reports that the high-flying guard has signed a partially guaranteed contract with the Orlando Magic ahead of training camp. Mac McClung also took part in the Magic's camp a year ago but didn't make the roster. He spent the season with the Magic's G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, winning MVP honors. The 25-year-old averaged 25.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists for the campaign. McClung has posted 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 16.5 minutes across four career NBA appearances.

Talen Horton-Tucker Thu Sep 5 7:10am

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, shooting guard Talen Horton-Tucker has signed a partially guaranteed deal with his hometown Chicago Bulls. The 23-year-old was available as a free agent after playing out a pair of campaigns in Utah. Horton-Tucker had a mixed season in 2023-24 and even spent some time out of the rotation, but he put up decent numbers while with the team. The former Laker posted 10.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 20.0 minutes across two seasons. However, Horton-Tucker shot below 40 percent from the field last term, and he certainly has to improve his efficiency to earn a team's trust.