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Mavrik Bourque Has Been Working Toward Opportunity With Nashville Predators

Mavrik Bourque's timeline in the NHL has moved at the same pace as a shooting star. 

It was just two seasons ago that he was dominating the AHL, putting up 77 points in 71 games with the Texas Stars, but earning just one call-up to Dallas. 

Now, upon his arrival in Nashville via a trade that sent Fedor Svechkov and Zach L'Heureux to Dallas, he is poised for a middle-six role and adds critical depth down the middle for the Predators. 

"I have to show up and be able to deliver (for the role I'm in)," Bourque said. "I think if I show what I've got and believe in what I can do, I'll have a chance to be in a good spot." 

At the beginning of the 2024-25 season, Bourque was called up as a full-timer in Dallas, playing in 73 games and scoring 25 points. This past season, he played in all 82 games, recording 41 points (20 goals and 21 assists). 

It's almost hard to believe that he was playing out of position during his time with the Stars. 

Media Availability: Mavrik Bourque | Nashville PredatorsMedia Availability: Mavrik Bourque | Nashville PredatorsMavrik Bourque speaks to the media after signing a six-year, $33 million contract with the Nashville Predators.

"I've played center my entire life except for last year, so I'm looking forward to having a shot down the middle and showing what I can do," Bourque said. "I believe I'm a better player down the middle and I know what I need to work on to be a good center in the NHL." 

Drafted 30th overall in the NHL Draft, Bourque returned to Shawinigan for two more seasons in juniors, showcasing his game and leading his team to a QMJHL championship. 

He'd join Texas the next season, which he wasn't unfamiliar with, having played six games there at the end of the 2020-21 season. From there, it became a process for Bourque to continue working his way up the lineup and amplifying his game. 

Each season offered something different, but that's exactly what Bourque wanted. 

Mar 8, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) skates against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Mar 8, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) skates against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

"I was playing mostly fourth Line in my first (NHL) season and playing on the PK," Bourque said.  I was coming from an offensive season (in the AHL) to the NHL, where I was playing mostly defensive minutes. In my second season, I played more offense and had a bigger role with some key guys leaving.

"I feel like I've been in a lot of situations in the NHL, even in 2 years." 

That experience made Bourque more attractive to the Predators and Chris MacFarland when they were in the market for another center. He brings a mix of youth and all-around experience that is hard to find in the league nowadays. 

"He's a smart, heady hockey player," MacFarland said about Bourque. "He's a good two-way guy that we think the arrow is still pointing up for. We intend to give him every shot at playing in the middle."  

Bourque is committed to Nashville, signing a six-year, $33 million contract and is eager to prove that every ounce of ink on that dotted line will be worth it. 

"I'm just excited and looking forward to showing them why they gave me that contract," Bourque said. 

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Massive NBA trade sees Pistons pick up Taurean Prince, Khris Middleton return to Wizards

It wouldn't be a proper NBA offseason without a convoluted, six-team trade that sends multiple players to new teams.

The Detroit Pistons continue to make roster moves to bolster their team after concluding the 2025-26 season with a seven-game series loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Their latest move has them parting ways with 10-year veteran guard Caris LeVert.

The Pistons traded LeVert and two second-round picks to the Milwaukee Bucks for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris, according to ESPN.

The deal allows Detroit to save money and creates a trade exception, while the Bucks will acquire LeVert and pick up additional assets.

Clutch Points insider Brett Siegel reported that the Pistons freed up roughly $7 million in extra funds needed to complete their recent transactions. The simple cost-cutting maneuver by the Pistons is expected to go toward signing restricted free agent Jalen Duren.

Detroit currently has $39 million in pending outgoing salaries between LeVert and Isaiah Stewart, who was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for three future second-round draft picks.

The Pistons have been making moves to clear cap space since the summer period began. The Stewart trade allowed Detroit to clear $30 million off its cap for free agency. In exchange, Memphis acquired a defensive-minded frontcourt piece. The big man plays physical, intimidating defense.

As for the Bucks' assets, they now own seven first-round picks and four second-round picks, as they continue to rebuild in the post-Giannis Antetokounmpo era.

Six-team trade to connect everything

The Bucks-Pistons trade was important for other teams and players involved. Ultimately, it connected one trade to another to make several transactions possible.

According to ESPN, free agent Khris Middleton agreed to a three-year, $17.6 million deal with the Washington Wizards. The deal is a sign-and-trade involving the Dallas Mavericks, who had acquired Middleton from the Wizards ahead of the trade deadline in February.

That's all part of a larger six-team deal.

The teams included are: the Mavericks, Wizards, Pistons, Bucks, Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers.

The Wizards are sending D'Angelo Russell, a future second-round pick and a future second-round pick swap to the Grizzlies, according to ESPN.

Nearly a week ago, the Pistons made a move to sign John Collins as a free agent on a three-year, $51 million contract. The six-team trade helps to solidify the move.

A look at the six-team trade

Here's where players went as a result of the six-team swap:

Dallas Mavericks

  • Receive: Santi Aldama
  • Lose: Khris Middleton

Detroit Pistons

  • Receive: John Collins, Gary Harris and Taurean Prince
  • Lose: Isaiah Stewart, Caris LeVert, two second-round picks

Los Angeles Clippers

  • Receive:Noplayers
  • Lose: John Collins

Milwaukee Bucks

  • Receive: Caris LeVert, two second-round picks
  • Lose: Taurean Prince and Gary Harris

Memphis Grizzlies

  • Receive: Isaiah Stewart, D'Angelo Russell, a future second-round pick, future second-round pick swap
  • Lose: Santi Aldama

Washington Wizards

  • Receive: Khris Middleton
  • Lose: D'Angelo Russell, a future second-round pick, future second-round pick swap

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Massive NBA trade sees Pistons pick up Taurean Prince, Khris Middleton return to Wizards

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Detroit reportedly trading Caris LeVert, picks to Bucks for Taurean Prince, Gary Harris

In a deal that saves the Pistons some money and gives them a trade exception to make a move later if they want, Detroit is trading Caris LeVert to Milwaukee, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN and confirmed by multiple reports.

The trade breaks down this way:

Detroit receives: Taurean Prince, Gary Harris
Milwaukee receives: Caris LeVert, two second-round picks

The Pistons will also generate a $15 million trade exception with this deal (which ultimately folds into a larger six-team trade).

For Detroit, this is about freeing up some cap space — they still have to re-sign restricted free-agent center Jalen Duren, and that is going to push them close to, or into, the luxury tax.

For Milwaukee, they get a player in LeVert who can play for them this season while freeing up some roster spots. In the wake of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, the Bucks have a lot of new faces and some redundancy on the roster and want to clean it all up.

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Is Cleveland frontrunner for LeBron James? Miami? Philadelphia?

LeBron James and his agent, Rich Paul, are very good at this: Keeping everyone guessing, including teams, what the legendary star's next move will be. They have practice doing it.

LeBron's next team is the biggest unknown left in free agency and he has kept things close to the vest, so much so that six teams think they are still in the running, reports Marc Stein of The Stein Line: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Miami Heat.

Cleveland may be in the lead. League sources speaking to NBC Sports said that it's always a bit of reading the tea leaves with LeBron (and Paul is the one in contact with teams, not LeBron himself), but that those leaves seem to point toward another reunion with the Cavaliers. Brian Windorst of ESPN put it this way on ESPN Cleveland:

"People in the league are thinking it's pointing toward Cleveland, but they are operating off vibes. If you ask me, 'Are the vibes pointing towards Cleveland?,' Yeah, the vibes are pointing towards Cleveland. But it's just vibes."

That said, three teams have emerged as frontrunners — Cleveland, Miami and Miami — ESPN’s Shams Charania on The Stephen A. Smith Show.

Both Donovan Mitchell — who just agreed to a max contract extension with the Cavaliers — and James Harden would be "all in" on LeBron in Cleveland, Charania reports. That said, Giannis Antetokounmpo also reportedly would welcome a LeBron reunion with the Miami Heat. Smith said on the show that he has heard executives say Miami is a better fit for him than Cleveland in terms of style of play.

It’s not about the money

The other thing that makes this a particularly difficult situation to predict is that this is not what we have seen from LeBron in the past.

Since taking slightly less than the max in Miami to bring that big three together, LeBron has always taken the most money he can in every contract. As was his right, and he was worth every penny.

Times and the situation have changed. There is no max for him, and if it were all about the money, he would have worked something out with the Lakers, who retain his Bird rights and can offer more than any other team if they wish. LeBron has told Los Angeles he is not returning, and the Lakers are good with that.

LeBron could end up playing for as little as the minimum ($3.9 million) in his 24th season, which opens up more options. Some teams have part of their mid-level exception left, but it's going to be a steep drop off from the $52 million he made last season.

Paul has said being able to play meaningful games and compete for a title are the most important factors, which is a good sign for Philly and Cleveland (the Cavs did reach the Eastern Conference Finals last season), and maybe Miami, although it has work to do to round out the roster around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

LeBron has to balance questions about the chances of that team conceding, his fit on that team, comfort with the organization and players on the team he joins. LeBron is hanging with the Warriors' Draymond Green this week, ESPN's Charania adds. That doesn't mean the Warriors are frontrunners, but in a world where everyone is trying to read the tea leaves, it's worth considering.

When will LeBron make his decision? From the start, it was clear LeBron was going to take his time, and he's never shied away from basking in the spotlight when it's on him. And it is on him right now.

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Jayson Tatum shares first reaction to Jaylen Brown trade

Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Jaylen Brown (7) celebrates with the Larry O’Brian Trophy after beating the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the 2024 NBA Finals to win the NBA Championship at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

NEWTON — The basketball world was largely stunned when Jaylen Brown was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers last week. Since the trade was first reported on Wednesday, Celtics fans have reflected on his longtime tenure coming to a sudden halt, and what that means for the team, both on and off the floor.

And Jayson Tatum, Brown’s co-star of almost a decade, is also processing it all.

“To be honest, weird. It’s weird,” Tatum said on Tuesday night. “You play on a team with a guy for 9 years. I was fortunate enough to go to the finals with him twice, and win a championship, and push each other to be the players that we are today.”

Tatum’s reflection came as part of an hour-long sit-down at the Newton Community Stage for a sit-down Q&A with longtime reporter Howard Bryant to promote his new book, “Baby Dunks-a-Lot: The Day the Basketballs Stopped Bouncing.” (The book, co-written with author Sam Apple, is currently available for purchase at The Silver Unicorn Bookstore as well as Newtonville Books).

At the event, Tatum spoke on several topics, including his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon, what it’s like balancing being a father and a pro athlete, and much more (a longer story on some of his reflections is to come).

Tatum both answered questions in a moderated panel with longtime reporter Howard Bryant and also took questions from the kids in attendance. 

Jayson Tatum reflected on ‘tough’ reality of Jaylen Brown trade

Bryant explicitly asked Tatum how he’s handling the reality that a new chapter is now beginning for him, the Celtics, and for Brown.

“The NBA is an incredible business; it’s an incredible job, but there are some downsides to the business and moments like this, where you just kind of feel like you’re going to be on the team with somebody, because that’s all you know,” he said. “And then it’s just like, one day you find out that they’re no longer on your team anymore. And, we’re all humans. We feel all those emotions. Going into the facility, and knowing that you have different teammates, and somebody that you’ve been to war with, essentially, is on a different team…”

Together, Tatum and Brown made five Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals.

In 2024, they won their first title as a duo.

“It’s tough. But it just makes you appreciate the moments and time that we had,” Tatum said. “Obviously, it came to an abrupt ending, but it doesn’t mean that it wasn’t super successful. Great years, obviously, that he gave to the city and to the organization.”

Brad Stevens, who addressed reporters in a press conference on Monday, said that Tatum did not have any input in the decision to trade Brown.

“I have a real hard-and-fast rule,” Stevens said. “I don’t ask guys about other guys.”

In lieu of Jaylen Brown (and Nikola Vucevic, who departed in free agency), Tatum now welcomes a slew of new teammates like Paul George, Mike Conley, and Mitchell Robinson, among others.

All three players were at the Auerbach Center this week and took photos with their brand-new Celtics jerseys.

“The tough part is you miss teammates, but then you have new teammates, and you want to welcome those guys and accept them and move forward with them,” Tatum said. “So there is a balance there.”

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What we learned from the Spurs Summer League loss to the Lakers

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 03: Tarris Reed Jr. #10 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass the ball against the Miami Heat during the second half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Chase Center on July 03, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Going 0-3 in the California Classic is not good… I wouldn’t necessarily call it bad either. Summer League isn’t about wins and losses. It’s about seeing if your contracted young players can stand out, or finding diamonds in the rough in the G League. In Monday’s 88-84 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the San Antonio Spurs got exactly what they needed from their new draftees.

Tarris Reed Jr. and Ja’Kobi Gillespie had their best games of the summer, nearly leading San Antonio to a comeback win. Reed Jr. got a low-post seal, turned his shoulder, and finished through the contact for an and-1 opportunity late in the game, but rimmed out the free throw that would have tied it. Gillespie hit some big threes down the stretch to put the Spurs within striking distance.

It was clear that both of those guys belong on an NBA court in some capacity. That’s about all you can ask from a Summer League squad. Now the team will head to Las Vegas, where Carter Bryant will join the team and almost certainly get to show the Spurs what he’s got in his offensive bag. With an NBA rotation player on his way, the team could find more success when they head to Sin City.

Takeaways:

  • Reed Jr. showed off the skills that made him a first-round pick. He played incredibly tough on the interior, making some contested shots through contact. He got a few opportunities to back a defender down in the post and use his size to seal defenders and create angles for himself. He made a nice pass to Gillespie on a backdoor cut for a bucket, flashing his playmaking upside. He had one good weakside block, but was overall a step slow rotating to play help defense. His role with the NBA team will likely be to set screens, rebound, and finish around the rim. He’s shown he can do that, finishing with 12 points and 12 rebounds in his second summer game.
  • Gillespie finally got his shots to fall. He was super active offensively, cutting and relocating all over the place to get open. He finished with 19 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals. What’s most important is that he knocked down 5 of his 9 three-pointers. If Gillespie gets playing time in the NBA this season, it will likely be as a combo guard who can handle, but typically plays off the ball. Hitting threes, as he did on Monday, will be important to providing value in that role.
  • Emmanuel Miller continues to show flashes, but forces it a bit too often. He had 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals in the loss.
  • Maliq Brown has been incredible defensively to start the Summer League. He may have one defensive flaw: he leaves his feet a bit too often, jumping for pump fakes.
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Cole Smith Is Eager To Get His Chicago Blackhawks Chapter Started

Cole Smith is an interesting signing for the Chicago Blackhawks. He is a forward who brings a physical presence that the Blackhawks have lacked during the Connor Bedard era. Their bottom six is starting to take shape with the addition of Smith. 

There are a lot of combinations that could work with a player like this added to the mix, but you'd think some trio including Smith and the newly acquired Jordan Greenway will make up the fourth line. 

On Tuesday, Smith met with the Chicago media for the first time, and he had some interesting things to say about his earliest days as a member of the organization. 

A lot of his early comments have to do with him coming off a trip to the Stanley Cup Final with the Vegas Golden Knights, and how he can use that experience to help his new young team. 

"Being so close, it really drives you. You want to get back there again really badly," Smith said. "I had a little bit of that taste of success in the playoffs. That's something that's going to keep driving me forward to want to get back there." 

Being a strong and physical player is what drew the Blackhawks to Smith. They have been easy to play against in recent years, and now they have a handful of players who can help change that narrative.

Smith was a big part of Vegas' fourth line for that reason, and they were a key contributor to the team's overall success. 

"There are a lot of good players in the NHL and AHL," Smith said. "Finding a part of your game that will make you stick is very important. I've been able to find that and stay consistent. "That's how I've been able to stick and sign contracts in the NHL." 

There was a bit of a personal touch to this conversation for Cole Smith, too, including a chat about his time with the Chicago Wolves. Besides playing against the Blackhawks at the United Center, however, he has never explored the city. He plans on doing that a lot more once he finds a house in town and arrives on a full-time basis. 

Smith has mostly signed short-term deals in the NHL up to this point. Three years isn't a huge contract by any means, but he is happy to settle down and have a bit of stability for a while.

In the middle of all this, before coming to Chicago to stay, he and his fiancée are going to get married in Nashville. That will be part of what Smith describes as a "busy" summer that will consist of packing up in both Minnesota and Nashville, along with the aforementioned wedding, before moving it all to Illinois. 

Landing an NHL free agent isn't just a team going out and signing a guy. The player has to agree to it. Smith saw things in the organization that helped him believe in the future of the club. 

"You can tell they have high-end offense," Smith said of the team on the ice. "They take little plays and put it in the back of the net. You can tell playing against them that they are a young team and susceptible to some things. That young offense is very striking. As far as wanting to sign there, what stood out to me is how much they wanted me to be a part of their group. They made me feel special. They really wanted to get me in on that third or fourth line."

At 30 years old, Cole Smith is far from being "old", but he is much older than most of the group he will share a locker room with. He believes in "leading by example" but admitted that he will say something if it needs to be said, which is exactly the type of veteran presence that the Blackhawks need right now. 

It sounds like, for a variety of reasons, Smith is eager to get to Chicago so he can help the Blackhawks take a step in their rebuild. They have sorely missed depth at forward for a long time, and now they have a little more. 

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Blackhawks Reveal Numbers For Their New Players

The Chicago Blackhawks have made multiple new additions to their roster this off-season. Now, they have revealed the numbers for their newcomers. 

Blackhawks' top off-season addition Bowen Byram will wear No. 24 for the Blackhawks. This is a change for the 25-year-old blueliner, as he wore No. 4 for both the Colorado Avalanche and Buffalo Sabres. The most recent Blackhawks player to wear No. 24 was Jaycob Megna during the 2023-24 season. 

Jordan Greenway, who was also acquired from the Sabres, will wear No. 12 for the Blackhawks. The 6-foot-6 winger wore No. 12 during his time with Buffalo. The most recent player to wear No. 12 for the Blackhawks was Sacha Boisvert, but he will now be switching to No. 90. 

Cole Smith will rock No. 22 for the Blackhawks, just like he did with the Vegas Golden Knights last season. Joey Anderson was the most recent player to wear No. 22 for Chicago, as he did during the 2024-25 season. 

As for Ian Cole, he will sport No. 28 for the Blackhawks. The last player to wear No. 28 for the Blackhawks was Andre Burakovsky, who was traded to the Ottawa Senators earlier this off-season.

As for exciting prospect Roman Kantserov, he will wear No. 80 for the Blackhawks. The 21-year-old rocked No. 8 for Metallurg Magnitogorsk last season, but that is currently taken on Chicago by Ryan Donato. He will be the second player in Blackhawks history to wear No. 80. The first was Antoine Vermette during the 2014-15 season.

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Happy Birthday Joe Sakic: Celebrating The Man Who Became The Colorado Avalanche

Some athletes are remembered for the numbers they put up. Others are remembered for the championships they helped deliver. Then there are players who become something bigger — the face of a franchise, the person whose story becomes inseparable from the team itself.

Joe Sakic is one of those players.

Born on July 7, 1969, in Burnaby, British Columbia, Sakic’s career was tied to one of the most important transformations in NHL history. From the Quebec Nordiques to the Colorado Avalanche, he experienced nearly every chapter a franchise can go through: the struggles, the relocation, the rise to dominance, and eventually the work of building it all over again as an executive. 

For the Avalanche, Sakic was never just a great player. He became the example of what the organization wanted to be. 

Selected 15th overall by the Nordiques in the 1987 NHL Draft, Sakic entered the league during a difficult period for the franchise. The Nordiques had endured years near the bottom of the standings, but they had found the player who would eventually become the centerpiece of their turnaround.

The growth didn’t happen overnight.

Sakic developed alongside the team, eventually taking over as captain in 1992 and helping change the culture around the organization. He wasn’t someone who needed to be the loudest person in the room. His leadership showed up in the details — the preparation, the consistency, and the standard he set for everyone around him.

The Nordiques weren’t just looking for wins. They were searching for an identity.

When the franchise moved to Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche, Sakic immediately proved why he was the player they had built around.

During the 1995-96 season, he recorded 120 points and helped lead Colorado to the first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. In the postseason, Sakic added 34 points and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

The Avalanche had arrived, and Sakic was the centerpiece of it.

Five years later, he reached another defining point in his career. During the 2000-01 season, Sakic recorded 118 points, won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, and once again helped guide Colorado to a Stanley Cup championship.

But the image that still stands out from that championship run came after the final victory.

When Sakic received the Stanley Cup, he immediately handed it to Ray Bourque, his teammate who had spent 22 seasons chasing the one championship that had always eluded him with the Boston Bruins. To this day, it probably stands as one of the most iconic, if not the most iconic Cup lifts in the history of the sport. 

Even as one of the greatest players of his generation, he understood that hockey was never about one person.

After retiring in 2009, Sakic’s connection to the Avalanche continued — only this time from behind the scenes and cleaner. No more smelly gear, but expensive suits. 

He transitioned into the front office and eventually became the architect of Colorado’s next championship team. As general manager, Sakic helped build the roster that captured the 2022 Stanley Cup, the third championship in franchise history.

The season was another historic achievement for Sakic. He was named the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year, recognizing his work in building a team that finally reached the top after years of patience and development.

Very few people in hockey history can claim what Sakic has accomplished. He won championships as a player and then helped construct another championship team as an executive with the same organization.

That is what makes Sakic’s career so special. He was part of every defining era of the franchise, helping establish the standard on the ice before later helping restore it from the front office.

From Quebec to Colorado, his impact has always extended beyond goals, assists, and trophies.

It was about loyalty. It was about leadership. It was about perseverance.

It was about doing things the right way.

Joe Sakic wasn’t just “Super Joe.”

Joe Sakic was the Colorado Avalanche.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Sakic.

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Hawks vs. Grizzlies, Summer League: start time, TV, streaming, radio, game thread

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 4: Jacob Toppin #15 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz during a 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League game on July 4, 2026 at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Hawks will be a bit shorthanded to take on Cam Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Please join in the comments below as you follow along.

Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen

Location: Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, UT

Start Time: 7:00 PM EDT

TV: ESPN U, NBA TV

Radio: N/A

Streaming: Prime, Fubo

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Why the NBA hasn’t finalized the Miles Bridges trade yet

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 07: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets posts up against Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of game at Spectrum Center on January 07, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s transaction day in the NBA, seeing as the new league year officially began yesterday. We’re seeing plenty of notifications and press releases about players re-signing with the Phoenix Suns, including Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, and Mark Williams. Things that were previously reported are now becoming official, which is all part of the process once the calendar turns.

But there is one thing we have not seen come through officially yet. The Miles Bridges trade. And per Espo of PHNX, we shouldn’t expect anything until at least July 9.

Why is this?

It has everything to do with how active the Charlotte Hornets have been during this offseason cycle. Not only did they deal Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns for Royce O’Neale, Grayson Allen, and a 2033 first-round pick, but they also traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Add in Minnesota trading Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets, and this could end up becoming a five- or six-team deal by the time everything is finalized. There are plenty of i’s and lowercase j’s to dot, and plenty of t’s to cross.

The biggest snag in this mega-trade from occurring is the contract of Mouhamadou Gueye, who is being traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a three-team Julius Randle-to-Brooklyn deal. Gueye is not eligible to be traded until July 9, seeing as he was signed on April 9.

So the reason we haven’t seen the Bridges trade officially go through yet is most likely because these transactions could be combined.

We could also see other things happen as a result. Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neale could potentially be rerouted to either Minnesota or Brooklyn, which means Phoenix’s final return might end up being more than Miles Bridges, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2029 first-round pick. If either player is rerouted, there’s a chance another second-round pick could come Phoenix’s way as part of the larger transaction.

It remains to be seen what the final verbiage of this deal will be, but I will say this. For those who believe the trade not being official yet means the organization could still rescind it due to any pushback surrounding Miles Bridges, that probably isn’t happening. That’s not why this trade is being held up. It’s being held up because there are multiple moving parts, tax implications, apron implications, and legal details that need to be properly addressed to make sure the trade is valid and executable.

What looks like a delay is really the NBA’s version of back-office work. Fans understandably want closure, especially with a trade this polarizing, but the league office is more concerned with making every cap sheet, exception, and transaction line up than satisfying the news cycle. Until every piece of the larger puzzle fits, the Bridges deal will remain in limbo on paper, even if its outcome has almost certainly already been decided. 

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LeBron James free agency roundup: Teams are still in the dark about James’s plans

Nov 25, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the rest of the basketball world are waiting to see what LeBron James does in free agency. As has been the case throughout the better part of the last several weeks, there hasn’t been too much noise from James’s camp. At this point, it’s anyone’s guess as to what he’s thinking. There is, however, some reporting out there that could give a hint as to what James is planning on doing.

The big news of the day for the Cavs was signing Donovan Mitchell to a four-year contract extension. That deal is guaranteed to keep him through the end of the 2029-30 season, and includes a player option for the season after.

Despite the potentially $273 million extension the Cavs gave out on Tuesday, the 41-year-old James is still Cleveland’s top priority, and that is something Mitchell is fully on board with, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Charania said that Mitchell has been an “active” and “significant part” of the Cavs conversations about improving the roster.

How much you want to read into this is up to you, but this is worth pointing out because of what James’s agent, Rich Paul, said earlier in the infamous whiteboard episode of the Game Over podcast. LeBron would need the blessing of the incumbent star before he signs somewhere. Presumably, he has that with Mitchell and with James Harden, considering he’s reportedly willing to make less money annually to open up room for James.

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Earlier on Tuesday, Marc Stein and Jake Fisher reaffirmed previous reports that James won’t be personally meeting with teams. They reached out to Rich Paul for a comment on where things stand, and were told, “There’s an argument for several teams but ultimately the decision will be LeBron’s and whatever he feels he [should] do.”

The Athletic published a lengthy piece Tuesday morning, going through the potential suitors for LeBron with several different contributors.

Joe Vardon wrote that the Cavs are in the dark about what James might do. The same is true for the others. The Golden State Warriors are losing optimism, according to Nick Friedell. The Miami Heat aren’t “one of the front-runners,” based on James Jackson. The Minnesota Timberwolves believe signing James is a “long shot,” wrote Jon Krawczynski. Tony Jones believes that the basketball fit is good with the Philadelphia 76ers, but not enough to make them the favorites.

The Denver Nuggets seem to be the lone exception to this feeling. Sam Amick reported that the Nuggets haven’t heard much from James or his camp, but the team believes they are “still in it.” Maybe they are. We’ll see.

Charania reported in a separate interview that his hierarchy of these teams based on who he’s talked to is “Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia and then some teams on the peripheral.”

Brian Windhorst said on his weekly YouTube video with ESPN Cleveland that the “vibes are pointing towards Cleveland” based on those he’s been talking with. However, he added that even those around LeBron don’t know what he’s going to do.

The lack of actual, concrete noise has left a vacuum. Much of the noise online is speculation. Some of it is informed, most of it isn’t.

We’ll keep waiting and see how this plays out. We know that the Cavs are interested in LeBron and that there’s plenty of reason to believe a farewell tour is how this ends. However, when and if that happens remains to be seen.