Steve Kerr thanks Kevon Looney for Warriors impact in heartfelt farewell video

Steve Kerr thanks Kevon Looney for Warriors impact in heartfelt farewell video originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Get your Kleenex because it’s about to get emotional.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr sent a message to Kevon Looney via the team’s ‘X’ account, expressing his gratitude to the big man after the center’s signing with the New Orleans Pelicans became official.

“Just want to say thank you,” Kerr started as he stood in front of greenery recording his farewell message to Looney. “This is a tough one. Ten years, it’s just been an amazing experience for me to coach you.

“Just your professionalism, your dignity, your class, the way you handled yourself, the way you mentor your young teammates and, of course, the championship contributions you made year after year.”

Looney spent 10 seasons with Golden State, playing in 599 regular-season games and 89 postseason contests with the team that selected him No. 30 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft.

The 29-year-old’s NBA career didn’t begin as planned, however, as he was limited to just five games his rookie season due to having surgery on both hips.

However, Looney made sure to change his narrative. He was able to play all 82 games for the 2021-22 season which earned him the nickname “Iron Man Loon.” He’d go on to play over 200 consecutive regular-season games for the team.

The former UCLA Bruin was a key cog with the Warriors in that 2021-22 season, playing more than 21 minutes per game and averaging over six points and seven rebounds per game, as they marched to their fourth NBA championship of the decade – Looney’s third as a member of the team.

“We can’t thank you enough, I can’t thank you enough,” Kerr added. “Thrilled for you for your opportunity in New Orleans but, wow, we are gonna miss you. So thank you for everything you have done for me, for our staff for The Bay. You are the absolute best, Loon.”

“LOON” definitely will be missed in the Bay Area.

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Spurs get full Kornet experience in ex-Celtic's press conference

Spurs get full Kornet experience in ex-Celtic's press conference originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics lost more than just frontcourt depth with Luke Kornet’s departure in free agency. They also lost one of their biggest personalities.

Kornet’s four-year, $41 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs was finalized on Monday. The 7-footer’s deal is fully guaranteed for the first two years, partially guaranteed for Year 3, and non-guaranteed for Year 4. Here’s the full breakdown, via Fred Katz of The Athletic:

  • 2025-26: $11 million
  • 2026-27: $10.45 million
  • 2027-28: $9.9 million ($2.55 million guaranteed)
  • 2028-29: $9.35 million (non-guaranteed)

Kornet’s comical interviews and one-of-a-kind celebrations made him a fan favorite in Boston, and judging by his introductory press conference with the Spurs, he’s off to a hot start in San Antonio.

According to Nate Ryan of KENS 5, Kornet told reporters he chose to wear No. 7 because he “hoped to be a third of the player” Spurs legend Tim Duncan (No. 21) was, and because he “loves multiples and factors.”

Spurs fans can count on many more incredible Kornet quotes where that came from over the next four years.

That said, Kornet is more than just an eccentric personality. The soon-to-be 30-year-old developed into a rock-solid backup big man over his last two seasons with the Celtics. He’s coming off a career season in which he averaged 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game off of Boston’s bench.

Kornet will serve as 7-foot-3 phenom Victor Wembanyama’s backup in San Antonio. He’ll be counted on to upgrade a Spurs defense that struggled without Wembanyama on the court last season.

Free agent Al Horford ‘assessing offers from multiple teams': Report

Free agent Al Horford ‘assessing offers from multiple teams': Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Most of the top NBA free agents have already signed new contracts, but one notable name still shows up on the “best available” list.

That’s Al Horford.

The Boston Celtics center is an unrestricted free agent after completing a two-year, $19.5 million contract. What’s the latest update on Horford’s status?

Here’s what The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach reported Monday:

“Horford’s future remains unclear. A league source said Monday that Horford is taking his time while assessing offers from multiple teams but added that the 39-year-old is considering retirement, too.”

The Golden State Warriors have been reported as a team with interest in Horford. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported on July 3 that the Warriors were “waiting” on Horford’s decision.

The veteran center would be a good fit in Golden State with his versatility defensively and ability to stretch the floor as a quality 3-point shooter. Horford made 40.9 percent of his 3-pointers over the last three seasons combined.

The Warriors lost longtime center Kevon Looney in free agency, so they need depth in the frontcourt.

The Celtics also have a lack of depth in the frontcourt. They have already lost centers Kristaps Porzingis (trade) and Luke Kornet (free agency) this offseason. If Horford doesn’t return, the C’s might have to start Xavier Tillman Sr. or Neemias Queta at center next season.

Horford spent the last four seasons in Boston — he also played for the Celtics from 2016-17 through 2018-19 — and played a key role in the franchise winning Banner 18 by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals.

Report: Norman Powell to Heat, John Collins to Clippers in three-team trade with Jazz

It may not be the blockbuster some in Miami were hoping for, but the Heat just got a big offseason win.

The Heat, Clippers and Jazz got together for a trade broken by Shams Charania of ESPN, that shakes out like this:

Miami receives: Norman Powell
LA Clippers receive: John Collins
Utah receives: Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, a 2027 Clippers second-round pick

Maybe it's not a home-run trade that vaults the Heat into contention, but this trade is at least a double down the line (that might stretch into a triple) because Powell's skill set is what's called for in Miami. The Heat needed to add more shooting and some shot creation on the wing. Enter Powell, who will start at the two and averaged 21.8 points a game for the Clippers last season, shooting 41.8% from beyond the arc, and he was a borderline All-Star. He can play off the ball (a 62% eFG% last season on spot-ups), he runs the floor and is excellent at offense early in the clock, and he can attack closeouts and be a secondary shot creator. Also, Powell is a plus defender on the other end of the court. He was a Clippers fan favorite and the Heat picked him up for two guys not in the heart of their rotation in Love and Anderson.

For the Clippers, part of this is financial (as Michael Scotto of Hoopshype notes). Powell is entering the final year of his contract at $20.5 million, and he has earned an extension. The Clippers want to keep their books clean starting in 2027 (when James Harden's and Kawhi Leonard's contracts are up) and didn't want to pay the years Powell rightfully seeks. Collins is in the final year of his contract as well, making $26.6 million this season.

With this trade, the Clippers have assembled a potentially threatening front line, with Kawhi Leonard now at the three and the lob threat that is Collins at the four, followed by Ivica Zubac at center. Collins averaged 19 points and 8.2 assists per game last season and can score inside (62% of his shot attempts last season came from within 10 feet), but can also space the floor, shooting 39.9% from 3-point range on 3.7 attempts per game. As long as James Harden and Leonard stay largely healthy this season, the Clippers' offense is going to make them a dangerous team (they won 50 games a season ago, the same number as the Lakers and Nuggets). Their defense may well be their undoing, they will miss Powell on the perimeter.

The Clippers still have their $5.1 million bi-annual exception to utilize and still need guard depth (hello Bradley Beal after a buyout?).

At first glance, this appears to be an underwhelming return for Utah for a key trade asset in Collins (although it's about what Atlanta received when it traded him). Utah does create a massive trade exception, and it will likely waive Love or flip him in another trade. Anderson likely sticks around as a veteran mentor on a young team, and the rebuilding Jazz get a pick.

Stevens addresses Holiday and Porzingis trades in statement

Stevens addresses Holiday and Porzingis trades in statement originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

On Monday, the Boston Celtics officially bid farewell to 2024 NBA champions Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.

Holiday was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons. Initial reports had Boston also acquiring two second-round draft picks in the deal, but according to The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress, the Blazers removed the picks from the trade after going over Holiday’s medical records.

The Celtics sent Porzingis and a 2026 second-rounder to the Atlanta Hawks for Georges Niang and a 2031 second-rounder. Boston made the franchise-altering moves as part of its effort to get under the second apron of the luxury tax.

As part of Monday’s announcement, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens released a statement on Holiday and Porzingis’ impact since joining the team in 2023.

“We are so thankful for KP and Jrue and the time we had together in Boston,” Stevens said. “They were great Celtics whose impact on our organization went well beyond the court. They were integral parts of two great teams, including one which brought us all a new banner. Their impact on this organization will last a long time, and we look forward to celebrating them when they return to the Garden this season.”

In his debut season with Boston, Holiday earned his sixth career All-Defensive nod while helping the C’s bring Banner 18 to TD Garden. The two-time NBA champion averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game over two seasons with the Celtics.

Porzingis battled injuries throughout his two-year Celtics tenure, but he played a critical role in the team’s success. “The Unicorn” averaged 19.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game in Boston, and he set the tone in the 2024 NBA Finals with a sensational Game 1 performance against the Dallas Mavericks.

Stevens also shared a brief statement on the Celtics’ acquisitions, Simons and Niang.

“Anfernee is a really good young player who has continuously improved in his seven years in the NBA,” Stevens said. “Georges is no stranger to Boston and has continuously been a winning player over the course of his career. We are excited to add both of them to the team,” said Stevens.

Simons averaged 19.3 points per game in 70 games for the Blazers last season and has shot 38.1 percent from beyond the 3-point arc for his career. Niang, a Massachusetts native, averaged 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game last season with the Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers.

With the Celtics still slightly above the second apron, more moves are likely to be made this summer. Simons and Niang are not locks to be on the 2025-26 roster with $27.7 million and $8.2 million salaries, respectively.

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Clippers trade Norman Powell to Miami Heat as part of three-team deal, net John Collins

Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell shoots a three point shot.
Clippers guard Norman Powell averaged a career-high 21.8 points per game last season, second-best on the team. (David Dermer / Associated Press)

The Clippers have traded guard Norman Powell to the Miami Heat and have acquired forward John Collins from the Utah Jazz in a three-team, multiplayer deal that also includes a draft pick, according to people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak on the matter.

The Clippers will send a 2027 second-round pick to the Jazz and the Heat will send Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love to the Jazz as part of the deal.

In Collins, the Clippers get some much-needed size for the frontcourt and youth.

Though Collins, 27, played just 40 games last season for the Jazz, including 31 starts, he averaged 19.0 points and 8.2 rebounds.

Read more:Clippers agree to two-year deal with Brook Lopez

A 6-foot-9, 226-pound power forward, Collins improved his outside shooting, making a career-best 39.9% of his three-pointers last season despite dealing with back and ankle injuries.

Over the course of his eight-year career, Collins has averaged 16.0 points, 8.1 rebounds and shot 54.6% from the field, 36.3% from three-point range and 79.2% from the free-throw line, including a career-best 84.8% last season.

Collins opted into his player option that pays him $26.5 million next season, his last year of that deal.

Powell, 32, was one of the Clippers' top performers last season, averaging a career-high 21.8 points per game, second-best on the team. He was in the final year of a contract that was to pay him $20.4 million next season and was seeking an extension.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Victor Wembanyama shares advice to Kings' Maxime Raynaud on draft night FaceTime

Victor Wembanyama shares advice to Kings' Maxime Raynaud on draft night FaceTime originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Victor Wembanyama had some words of wisdom for Kings’ second-round NBA draft pick Maxime Raynaud.

The two Frenchmen played together at a young age in France back in the day, and on draft night, Wembanyama FaceTimed Raynaud to share some advice with the No. 42 overall pick.

“We FaceTimed on draft night. I mean, he wanted to remind me that this is just a start,” Raynaud told NBC Sports California’s Morgan Ragan following his introductory press conference. “Like, you need to keep working, obviously. But then at the same time, he really told me to enjoy [it] because this is also my experience and my journey.

“And there’s no better way to find out how it goes than to be thrown into the fire, really. So, yeah, he was doing that. He’s a special guy.”

Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, surely knows how quickly life changes after the NBA draft.

Sacramento drafted Raynaud out of Stanford with the 12th pick of the second round, adding a 22-year-old Frenchman who is a skilled 7-foot shooter and can hold his own on the glass.

Raynaud was born and raised in Paris, France, before joining the Stanford men’s basketball program, where he earned Second-Team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 Most Improved Player honors as a junior. He was chosen to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team member during his final season at Stanford after averaging 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 blocks.

With Wembanyama as a trusted NBA mentor and friend, Raynaud already appears to be in good hands as he embarks on his new journey in Sacramento.

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Why Celtics won't receive Blazers' picks in Holiday trade: Report

Why Celtics won't receive Blazers' picks in Holiday trade: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Two weeks after it was initially reported, the Boston Celtics’ trade of Jrue Holiday is finally official.

But the terms of the deal have changed — and not in a way that benefits Boston.

The Portland Trail Blazers announced Monday they’ve acquired Holiday from the Celtics in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons. Initial reports had Boston receiving two second-round draft picks from Portland in addition to Simons, but the Celtics no longer will receive those selections. Instead, it’s a one-for-one player swap involving Holiday and Simons.

Why the altered deal? According to The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress, the Blazers removed the picks after going over Holiday’s medical records.

“A recent review of Holiday’s medicals revealed nothing substantial enough to warrant the trade being negated. However, there was enough there to lead the Blazers to alter the terms of the deal slightly,” Fentress wrote, citing a league source.

Holiday dealt with a handful of minor injuries last season, including a “mallet finger” injury on his right pinkie and a right hamstring strain that sidelined him for three games in the first round of the playoffs. But the 35-year-old is still “considered to be healthy” and expected to be a full participant at Blazers training camp this fall, per Fentress.

While losing out on a pair of second-round picks isn’t ideal for Boston, the team still accomplished its primary goal of moving Holiday’s contract to trim salary. The Celtics saved an initial $4.7 million for the 2025-26 season by swapping Holiday for Simons, and can further cut costs by flipping Simons’ $27.7 expiring contract in an additional deal.

Boston’s trade of Kristaps Porzingis also was made official Monday, with the big man heading to the Atlanta Hawks and veteran forward Georges Niang joining the Celtics as part of a three-team deal.

2025 Free Agency: Kevin Durant trade and other impactful fantasy moves

While free agency opened on the evening of June 30, deals did not become official until the moratorium ended on July 6. The trade headlined by Kevin Durant turned into a record-setting transaction involving seven teams, preceded by Orlando acquiring Desmond Bane from Memphis in an attempt to bolster their perimeter rotation. While there were some significant moves in free agency, the trade market may be more impactful concerning fantasy basketball next season. Let's look at ten transactions that fantasy managers will have to account for when setting their draft strategies for the 2025-26 season.

1. Kevin Durant traded to Houston

While multi-team trades aren't rare in today's NBA, we'll probably have to get used to larger deals, especially when superstars are on the move. That was the case for Durant, whose time in Phoenix ended after two seasons and zero playoff victories. The final "tally" for this trade is staggering, to say the least, even if Durant was clearly the highest-profile player who moved.

Durant entered last season with a Yahoo! ADP of 19, and he would finish ranked 11th in nine-cat formats according to Basketball Monster. He's only failed to provide first-round value in 12-team formats once, and that was during his rookie season (2007-08). Sure, Durant will turn 37 just before the start of training camp, but he's a safe bet to offer first-round value on a per-game basis. He appeared in 75 and 62 games during his two seasons with the Suns, so the availability concerns weren't what they were in Brooklyn (55 games or less in all three seasons with the Nets).

Durant provides Houston with the efficient shooting that last year's team lacked, not to mention the ability to be the team's "closer" in crunch time. The Rockets also acquired Clint Capela in this deal via sign-and-trade, and he'll provide additional depth at the center position alongside Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams. Capela finished last season ranked well outside the top-150, and the move to Houston gives him a low fantasy ceiling. However, this transaction is about having the options needed to compete with Oklahoma City's tandem of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, not boosting Capela's fantasy value.

2. Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson

The trade between Denver and Brooklyn was interesting in that Porter and Johnson posted similar scoring averages last season. Still, the latter may be a superior all-around fit for what the Nuggets need. Johnson averaged a career-high 18.8 points per game with the Nets, who were among the worst teams in the NBA in points per game and offensive rating. Joining a roster headlined by Nikola Jokić will likely result in cleaner looks for Johnson, and he brings a bit more to the table defensively than Porter. Ranked just outside the top-50 in per-game fantasy value, Johnson outperformed his ADP (121) by a significant margin, but he only appeared in 57 games. If availability is not an issue, he can provide excellent value to those who have him rostered.

As for Porter, he could explode offensively in Brooklyn next season. The Nets clearly need a No. 1 scoring option, even if they re-sign restricted free agent Cam Thomas. Porter has the potential to fill that void, and he will also offer solid value as a rebounder. However, he will need to bring a little more to the table outside of points, rebounds and percentages to make good on an ADP that is likely to spike due to the move east. A concern for later in the season is what happens if the Nets aren't contending for a playoff spot, especially with five first-round picks in last month's draft on the roster? Fantasy managers should not ding Porter for that, but it is something to consider in drafts this fall.

3. Orlando acquires Desmond Bane from Memphis

The Magic's acquisition of Bane on the same day as Game 7 of the NBA Finals is what kicked things off, and Orlando paid a hefty price tag. While the departures of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony won't impact fantasy basketball much, the Magic also relinquished five future draft picks. But they had a clear need to address, and sometimes that means paying a higher premium. Bane has been a third-round player in each of the last four seasons in terms of per-game value, and that's unlikely to change in Orlando. Adding him to the fold could boost the assist numbers of Orlando's other playmakers, especially Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. And having a respected shooter on the court also benefits the other players regarding how they get their points, as driving lanes can become a bit clearer.

4. Myles Turner signs four-year deal with Milwaukee

It was reported during the NBA Finals that Indiana would be willing to go into the luxury tax to keep Turner. However, when push came to shove, the Pacers took a different approach, which was likely impacted by Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles tendon rupture. So, Turner is headed to the other side of one of the NBA's more heated current rivalries, having agreed to a four-year deal with the Bucks. He'll slide into the spot left vacant by Brook Lopez, who agreed to a deal with the Clippers. Turner and Lopez finished last season as fifth-round players in nine-cat formats, so expecting the former to reach that level again in 2025-26 is not unrealistic.

However, while Turner will play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, there's no Haliburton-like point guard on the roster. How well will he and Kevin Porter Jr. mesh if KPJ is the starter? Or will Milwaukee look to put the ball in Giannis' hands even more? Again, Turner should not have much difficulty turning in a top-50 fantasy season, but his floor may be a bit lower than it was with the Pacers.

5. Atlanta acquires Kristaps Porzingis from the Celtics

The three-team deal between Boston, Brooklyn and Atlanta was headlined by Porzingis, who the Hawks acquired. He only appeared in 42 regular-season games in 2024-25, with his season debut being delayed due to offseason leg surgery. Also, Porzingis was limited by an illness during the latter stages of the season, which is a concern. When available, KP can be an excellent player to have rostered due to his productivity on both ends of the floor. From a per-game standpoint, Porzingis was a top-25 player last season.

The question regarding his fit in Atlanta: will the Hawks start him, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu together? Or will one have to come off the bench? The answers to those questions may hinge on Johnson's ability to defend small forwards, but he would likely start either way. Okongwu started a career-high 40 games in 2024-25 and enjoyed the most productive season of his career. The frontcourt question also impacts Zaccharie Risacher, whose play improved during the second half of his rookie campaign. If it's decided that Johnson, Porzingis and Okongwu can share the court, Risacher is the likely "odd man out."

6. Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks traded to Phoenix

Green and Brooks are headed to Phoenix as part of the Durant trade, and it will make for an interesting fit on a team that has a lot of wings and not many minutes available. Of the two, Green stands to be more impactful in fantasy basketball circles. Last season, he finished just outside the top-100 in eight-cat formats, but Green did play all 82 games. The ability to raise his fantasy ceiling in Phoenix next season likely depends on what happens with Bradley Beal. Beal holds one of two no-trade clauses in the NBA, and with his salary, a buyout may be a more realistic route for the Suns to take. However, they're limited in how much they can offer in a buyout due to previous waive-and-stretch transactions involving Nassir Little and E.J. Liddell. If Beal moves on, Green's ADP may be on par with his number before the 2024-25 season (90).

As for Brooks, while his fantasy value has not been great at any point in his career, he's coming off his best season as a three-point shooter. He finished the 2024-25 campaign with career-highs in three-pointers (2.5) and three-point percentage (39.7). The issues for Brooks from a fantasy standpoint are his low field-goal percentage, and his defensive prowess does not translate into steals and blocked shots. Of course, Devin Booker will be atop the pecking order on the perimeter. But the Suns also have Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and Ryan Dunn as wings who played rotation minutes last season. The additions of Green and Brooks will make for a crowded rotation, even if the Suns move on from Beal.

7. Deandre Ayton agrees to two-year deal with the Lakers

While the Trail Blazers held onto Ayton and Robert Williams III at the February trade deadline, the selection of Yang Hansen in last month's draft made it clear that one of the veterans had to go. Ayton's contract was bought out, and he agreed to a two-year deal with the Lakers. While he's averaged a double-double in each of his seven seasons, being in the same draft class as Luka Doncic has not done Ayton any favors from a perception standpoint. Now he'll be teammates with Doncic, and it's fair to wonder how that partnership will work, not to mention how he'll fit with LeBron James and Austin Reaves. While he finished last season as a top-100 player, Ayton was limited to 40 games due to injuries, and he hasn't reached 70 appearances since his rookie season. Having entered the 2024-25 season with a Yahoo! ADP of 62, Ayton will likely last a bit longer in drafts. That said, he should come off the board in the middle rounds of 12-team drafts.

8. Mavericks sign D'Angelo Russell to fill in for Kyrie Irving

Dallas will begin the season without Kyrie Irving, as he continues to recover from the torn ACL he suffered in early March. That injury made the point guard situation in Dallas one where the right replacement can flourish. Dallas signed Russell to a two-year deal to fill the void left by Irving, a move that raises D'Lo's ceiling considerably. Between the Lakers and Nets, he averaged 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.9 three-pointers per game last season. However, Russell recorded poor percentages from the field and from three while also experiencing decreases in points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers compared to 2023-24 with the Lakers.

Entering the season with a Yahoo! ADP of 75, Russell was a disappointment in fantasy circles, finishing outside the top-150. The bet for the Mavericks and fantasy managers is that reuniting with Anthony Davis will get Russell back on track. Add in Cooper Flagg and two lob threats at the center position in Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, and the talent is there to help Russell rebound from a subpar 2024-25 campaign.

9. Dennis Schröder agrees to three-year deal with Sacramento

Traded twice during the 2024-25 season, it was the second move that placed Schröder in a place where he could truly be successful. An excellent start to the season with the Nets led to the veteran point guard being traded to the Warriors in December, but that was a poor fit. While Schröder recorded similar numbers with the Pistons compared to his brief stint with Golden State, he was more impactful playing for a young team that needed a backup point guard. Now he's headed back to the West Coast, agreeing to a three-year deal with the Kings.

Sacramento urgently needed to address the point guard position after trading De'Aaron Fox, and Schröder will have every opportunity to fill the void. That alone will likely raise his ADP. However, with DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis all needing the basketball in their hands to varying degrees, this could be a more difficult spot for Schröder than some anticipate. Also, this could be another season in which Keegan Murray's fantasy ceiling is limited, but his floor should hold steady. Someone's usage will likely take a hit, and he drew the "short straw" last season as well.

10. Jordan Poole headed to New Orleans, which remains without Dejounte Murray

Ahead of the 2023-24 season, there was no shortage of fantasy managers who expected Poole to blow up in his first season with the Wizards based on his ADP (51). He disappointed, finishing ranked outside the top-100 in eight- and nine-cat formats. That negatively impacted Poole's ADP ahead of the 2024-25 season, but he would bounce back with a top-75 campaign. Appearing in 68 games, he averaged 20.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.5 three-pointers. Now, the "Poole party" has moved to New Orleans, with the Wizards sending the guard to New Orleans as part of a three-team deal that included the Rockets.

New Orleans will begin the season without Dejounte Murray as he continues to recover from the Achilles tendon rupture he suffered in late January. And with CJ McCollum headed to Washington, Poole will likely have to take on playmaking responsibilities on par with his 2024-25 season with the Wizards. However, New Orleans can put the ball in Zion Williamson's hands as a playmaker, and Jose Alvarado is also available. And then there's lottery pick Jeremiah Fears, whose progress is of high importance to New Orleans, with Jordan Hawkins having disappointed in his first two seasons. Should fantasy managers use a top-50 pick on Poole? No, but a top-75 pick would be within reason.

Honorable Mention:

Celtics acquire Anfernee Simons from Portland: There have been questions about whether Boston will move Simons elsewhere to save money. But he remains a Celtic for the time being, and the departures of Jrue Holiday (who was sent to Portland in this deal) and Kristaps Porzingis, and the absence of Jayson Tatum, mean this could be a big year for Simons and Payton Pritchard.

- Suns acquire Mark Williams from Charlotte: Williams has solid fantasy potential in Phoenix, but has yet to play 50 games in a season. Conversely, this trade may open things up for second-round pick Ryan Kalkbrenner, even with the Hornets signing Mason Plumlee.

- Wizards acquire Cam Whitmore from Houston: Things did not work out for Whitmore, who needs to make strides defensively. But in joining a rebuilding Wizards squad, there is an opportunity to earn significant minutes next season. That was not going to happen in Houston.

Warriors reportedly among teams Bradley Beal considering if bought out by Suns

Warriors reportedly among teams Bradley Beal considering if bought out by Suns originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors are casting a wide net in search of roster upgrades, and that includes some of the NBA’s most seasoned veterans.

While Golden State reportedly has interest in free agents Al Horford and Damian Lillard, it also could look to add Suns shooting guard Bradley Beal, who could be bought out by Phoenix soon and become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

If the Warriors are interested in signing the 32-year-old three-time NBA All-Star, it appears the interest will be mutual, as Golden State is one of the teams Beal has thought about joining after a potential buy-out with the Suns, The Athletic’s Fred Katz reported Monday, citing league sources.

“One week removed from the start of NBA free agency, most of the league is without cap space or the necessary exceptions it would take to give Beal that much money on a two-year contract,” Katz wrote. “Various organizations Beal could consider can’t give him that much, either. According to a league source, the list of teams Beal has thought about includes the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks.”

Katz also reported, citing league sources, that the Suns and Beal are “increasingly optimistic” that the sides will agree to the terms of a buyout, which makes Beal becoming an unrestricted free agent likely.

The Suns reportedly were interested in trading Beal leading up to the NBA’s Feb. 6 trade deadline during the 2024-25 season, but likely due to the two years and approximately $110 million potentially remaining on his contract — and his rare no-trade clause — were unable to move him and appeared stuck with a seemingly unhappy player with a massive contract.

Hence, the buyout.

After leading the NBA in scoring with 31.3 points per game as a member of the Washington Wizards during the 2020-21 season, Beal’s offensive output has decreased in the years since as he battled injuries with the Suns.

In 53 games (38 starts) with Phoenix last season, Beal averaged 17 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game on 49.7-percent shooting from the field and 38.6 percent from 3-point range.

It remains to be seen what Beal’s market would look like if he is bought out by the Suns, but he could be an intriguing low-cost, high-upside option for the Warriors if they chose to pursue him.

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What's the holdup? Lull in Celtics' offseason hints at additional moves

What's the holdup? Lull in Celtics' offseason hints at additional moves originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

According to the NBA’s list of official roster transactions, the Boston Celtics have made just one move since mid-April: signing 2025 first-round pick Hugo Gonzalez to his rookie-scale contract.

We know what you’re thinking: What about that Jrue Holiday trade with the Portland Trail Blazers? What about the three-team deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks? And what about the reported signings of Luka Garza and Josh Minott in free agency?

Those trades and signings were all agreed to, per multiple reports, but as of Monday, none of those transactions have been made official, despite teams being able to announce such moves beginning at noon ET on Sunday, July 6, when the NBA’s new league year officially began.

So, what’s the delay here? Why haven’t we gotten introductory press conferences for Anfernee Simons (acquired in the Holiday trade) or Georges Niang (acquired in the Porzingis trade) — or at least confirmation that these deals are complete?

The most likely explanation is that more moves are coming.

By agreeing to trade both Holiday and Porzingis — who are set to make a combined $63.1 million next season — and letting Luke Kornet join the San Antonio Spurs in free agency, the Celtics appeared to signal a mini roster reset, with the goal of getting under the second apron of the NBA’s luxury tax while superstar Jayson Tatum misses most or all of 2025-26 due to an Achilles injury.

But if you factor in the additions of Garza and Minott, the C’s technically would be over the second apron if they made all of their reported moves official, with $208.5 million committed in salary for 2025-26.

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Since it’s unlikely that Boston would enter next season as a second apron team without a legitimate shot at title contention, the Celtics need to make at least one more move to dip below that $207.8 million threshold.

And while the C’s technically could lop off less than $1 million to accomplish that goal, it’s possible they could make a more significant move to cut costs, either to get under the first apron ($195.9 million) or get out of the luxury tax entirely ($187.9 million).

Boston’s quickest pathway to cutting salary is rerouting Simons, who is set to make $27.7 million in 2025-26 on an expiring contract. The current construction of the Celtics-Blazers trade has Holiday going to Portland in return for Simons and two second-round picks, but since the deal hasn’t been announced yet, Boston could expand the trade to find a third team to take on Simons’ contract.

The same goes for Niang, who is set to make $8.2 million on an expiring contract but could be rerouted for additional savings as well.

Cost-cutting aside, the Celtics also have an unbalanced depth chart at the moment. Assuming Al Horford departs in free agency, Boston’s frontcourt will consist of Neemias Queta, Garza, Xavier Tillman Sr. and rookie Amari Williams. With Derrick White and Payton Pritchard holding down the backcourt, it would make sense for the C’s to flip Simons for a big man, or if they can’t find any takers for Simons, consider moving Niang or Sam Hauser for a low-cost center.

Between the Celtics’ current financial situation and their need for frontcourt help, all signs point to president of basketball operations Brad Stevens pushing over at least one more domino to set the wheels in motion on making the team’s pending moves official.

Eastern Conference reset: How Celtics' competitors fared in offseason moves

Eastern Conference reset: How Celtics' competitors fared in offseason moves originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Eastern Conference title race ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season is more wide open than it’s been in a long time.

That’s what happens when the best team — the Boston Celtics — loses its top player (Jayson Tatum) to a ruptured Achilles and has to trade away multiple starters due to the second apron of the luxury tax. The reigning East champion Indiana Pacers also lost their best player, Tyrese Haliburton, to a torn Achilles during the playoffs. You can take them out of the East title mix.

That leaves the Cavaliers, Magic, Knicks, Bucks, Hawks and maybe the 76ers as the top teams in the conference, and all of them have plenty of flaws and/or concerns.

Which East teams have fared the best in free agency and trades during the offseason to this point? Let’s rank the top 10 teams in the East based on betting odds to win the conference and analyze their moves.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Odds to win East: +245
  • Key additions: Lonzo Ball (trade)
  • Key departures: Ty Jerome (free agency), Isaac Okoro (trade)

Getting Ball from the Bulls was a nice addition for the Cavs. When healthy, Ball is a very good playmaker and can add some scoring off the bench. They’ll need that offense after Jerome departed in free agency following a career season in which he placed third in Sixth Man of the Year voting.

The Cavs also re-signed Sam Merrill to a four-year, $38 million contract, which is good value. Overall, Cleveland didn’t have a ton of options to bolster their roster as a second-apron team, but running it back with mostly the same roster isn’t a bad idea considering the Cavs won 64 games last season.

2. New York Knicks

  • Odds to win East: +290
  • Key additions: Jordan Clarkson (free agency), Guerschon Yabusele (free agency)
  • Key departures: None

The Knicks appear to be bringing back mostly the same roster that defeated the defending champion Boston Celtics in the second round and advanced to the conference finals for the first time since 2000.

The additions of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele give the Knicks some much-needed scoring depth off the bench.

Perhaps the most notable offseason move for the Knicks was firing head coach Tom Thibodeau and replacing him with Mike Brown.

3. Orlando Magic

  • Odds to win East: +550
  • Key additions: Desmond Bane (trade), Tyus Jones (free agency)
  • Key departures: Cole Anthony (trade), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (trade), Garry Harris (free agency).

When healthy, the Magic were a very good team last season thanks to their young core of Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner. Banchero, in particular, has superstar potential.

The Magic gave up a lot to get Desmond Bane from the Grizzlies, but his scoring and outside shooting should make him a perfect fit.

Orlando will be a trendy pick to win the East next season. Credit to the Magic front office for making a bold Bane trade and trying to take advantage of what could be a very wide open East in 2025-26.

Jayson Tatum and Paolo BancheroNathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Paolo Banchero is a rising star in Orlando.

4. Philadelphia 76ers

  • Odds to win East: +1000
  • Key additions: VJ Edgecombe (draft)
  • Key departures: Guerschon Yabusele (free agency)

The 76ers once again are among the favorites (based on conference title odds) to win the East.

On paper, the Sixers have a good roster. Joel Embiid is an MVP-caliber center and Paul George is a very good two-way wing. But how many games are these guys going to play? Embiid played just 19 games last season and 39 games in 2023-24 due to injuries. George was limited to 41 games last season. Banking on either player to be healthy for a full campaign would be a mistake.

The Sixers do have some impressive young talent. Tyrese Maxey is an All-Star caliber player. Quentin Grimes was a nice pickup from the Mavericks last February. Jared McCain made a nice impact offensively as a rookie. VJ Edgecombe, who Philly selected No. 3 overall in the 2025 draft, could be a very good player.

It’s easy to see why there’s some optimism surrounding this team. But again, the health of Embiid will ultimately make or break the Sixers’ season.

5. Milwaukee Bucks

  • Odds to win East: +1100
  • Key additions: Myles Turner (free agency), Gary Harris (free agency)
  • Key departures: Pat Connaughton (trade), Damian Lillard (waived), Brook Lopez (free agency)

The Bucks still have Giannis Antetokounmpo, and that by itself is a win for the franchise. But have they done enough this offseason to convince the superstar forward to stay in Milwaukee long-term?

Losing Brook Lopez and signing Myles Turner was an upgrade at center. Waiving Damian Lillard and tying up $20-plus million in cap space for the next five years as a result was a shocking and bold gamble, even though the star point guard could miss all of next season recovering from a torn Achilles.

And aside from the Turner addition, the Bucks have mostly brought the same team back, so are they really a contender in the East? Milwaukee re-signed Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Ryan Rollins and Gary Trent Jr.

The Bucks need an upgrade at point guard, but with Antetokounmpo still in the fold, they could maybe be a top-four team in a weak East next season.

6. Atlanta Hawks

  • Odds to win East: +1100
  • Key additions: Kristaps Porzingis (trade), Luke Kennard (free agency), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (sign-and-trade), Asa Newell (draft)
  • Key departures: Clint Capela (free agency), Caris LeVert (free agency) Georges Niang (trade), Terance Mann (trade)

The Hawks have been a huge winner of the offseason so far. They reportedly acquired Kristaps Porzingis for very little in a trade with the Celtics and Nets. They got rid of Terance Mann’s contract in the same deal. The Hawks also picked up an unprotected 2026 first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans in a draft day move, giving them one of the most prized assets in the league.

Atlanta could be a sneaky contender in the East next season, especially if All-Star caliber point guard Trae Young has another great campaign. And with one year left on his contract, he has plenty of motivation to take his game to a higher level.

7. Boston Celtics

  • Odds to win East: +1500
  • Key additions: Anfernee Simons (trade), Georges Niang (trade), Luke Garza (free agency), Josh Minott (free agency)
  • Key departures: Jrue Holiday (trade), Kristaps Porzingis (trade), Luke Kornet (free agency)

We all knew the Celtics were going to shed salary to get under the second apron, and that’s exactly what they looked to accomplish early in the offseason by reportedly trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.

Getting a young guard with high offensive potential in Anfernee Simons from the Trail Blazers as part of the Holiday trade was a nice pickup for the C’s. Simons’ defense is lackluster, but he can score 20 points per game and shoots 3-pointers at a high rate.

The C’s added a few end-of-the-rotation guys in Luke Garza and Josh Minott in free agency. It’s possible that with more playing time and an increased role, one or both players could see an uptick in performance.

Al Horford remains a free agent, and the latest reports suggest he could sign with the Golden State Warriors. Luke Kornet signed a four-year, $41 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs early in free agency. Losing both Horford and Kornet would be a tough blow to Boston’s frontcourt. The Celtics’ starting center right now is probably Xavier Tillman Sr. or Neemias Queta. That’s not an ideal scenario.

Of course, the one story hanging over the franchise is Jayson Tatum’s recovery from an Achilles injury suffered in mid-May. With Tatum potentially missing most or all of next season, it’s fair to wonder if the Celtics will try to get their salary structure/luxury tax situation in order this season to ensure they have the flexibility to make bold moves once Tatum is back to full strength.

8. Detroit Pistons

  • Odds to win East: +1700
  • Key additions: Caris LeVert (free agency), Duncan Robinson (sign-and-trade)
  • Key departures: Tim Hardaway Jr. (free agency), Dennis Schroder (free agency)

The Pistons took a huge step forward last season, improving their win total by 30 and making the playoffs for the first time since 2019. It hasn’t been a great offseason, though.

They lost plenty of scoring depth with the departures of Schroder and Hardaway. Malik Beasley’s future is uncertain, too, as the NBA investigates him for gambling allegations. If Beasley — who finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting — doesn’t go back to Detroit, replacing him with Duncan Robinson is a downgrade. LeVert is a nice player, but certainly not a difference-maker.

If the Pistons are going to be better next season, they’ll need their young players (Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, Ron Holland, etc.) to take another positive step in their development.

9. Indiana Pacers

  • Odds to win East: +3300
  • Key additions: Jay Huff (trade)
  • Key departures: Myles Turner (free agency)

Losing starting center Myles Turner wasn’t a complete shock, but it was pretty surprising to see him go to the Bucks after they created salary cap space by waiving Damian Lillard. A lot of the other good centers who were available this offseason have already found a new team, so the Pacers don’t have many viable options left to replace Turner.

Similar to the Celtics, the 2025-26 season likely will be one of transition for the Pacers. The loss of superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton to a torn Achilles during Game 7 of the NBA Finals has taken away Indiana’s ability to get back to the conference finals for the third straight year.

10. Miami Heat

  • Odds to win East: +6500
  • Key additions: Norman Powell (trade), Kasparas Jakucionis (draft)
  • Key departures: Duncan Robinson (free agency)

It’s been a mostly quiet offseason in Miami, except for Monday’s three-team trade with the Clippers and Jazz in which the Heat acquired Norman Powell.

Duncan Robinson was a good 3-point shooter but was also overpaid and a poor defensive player. Powell, who averaged 21.8 points and shot 41.8 percent from 3-point range for the Clippers last season, is a nice upgrade for Miami.

The Heat also re-signed Davion Mitchell to a two-year deal.

The Heat are not contenders and likely destined to be in the mix for a play-in spot yet again. That’s what happens when Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo are your best and most expensive players.

Kings first-round pick Nique Clifford details how he can contribute in Year 1

Kings first-round pick Nique Clifford details how he can contribute in Year 1 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Nique Clifford might be entering his rookie NBA season, but he’s ready to contribute right away.

The 23-year-old, whom the Kings traded up to select in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, sat down with NBC Sports California’s Morgan Ragan following his introductory press conference and broke down what he’ll bring to Sacramento during his rookie year.

“Just a level of energy every day. A level of positivity,” Clifford told Ragan. “I feel like I could bring that every single day to the people around me and help my teammates be better and just push everyone around me to be better and want to get better.

“And then on the court, versatility. Being able to go out there and defend, rebound, just play super hard. And then when I get my opportunity to knock down shots and make the right play offensively.”

Clifford’s versatility is what attracted the Kings to him, as he takes great pride in being a two-way player.

The former Colorado State standout told Ragan that mindset began at an early age.

“I think it goes back to how I was raised,” Clifford said. “My dad always taught me to play both ends of the floor. You have to take pride offensively just as much as you do defensively. Not wanting your man to score on you. I was just instilled with that at a young age.

“You see the great players, Michael Jordans, the Kobes, people like that, they played both sides of the floor. I feel like that’s true greatness.”

This fall, Clifford will have to back his words on the court.

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Kings first-round pick Nique Clifford details how he can contribute in Year 1

Kings first-round pick Nique Clifford details how he can contribute in Year 1 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Nique Clifford might be entering his rookie NBA season, but he’s ready to contribute right away.

The 23-year-old, whom the Kings traded up to select in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, sat down with NBC Sports California’s Morgan Ragan following his introductory press conference and broke down what he’ll bring to Sacramento during his rookie year.

“Just a level of energy every day. A level of positivity,” Clifford told Ragan. “I feel like I could bring that every single day to the people around me and help my teammates be better and just push everyone around me to be better and want to get better.

“And then on the court, versatility. Being able to go out there and defend, rebound, just play super hard. And then when I get my opportunity to knock down shots and make the right play offensively.”

Clifford’s versatility is what attracted the Kings to him, as he takes great pride in being a two-way player.

The former Colorado State standout told Ragan that mindset began at an early age.

“I think it goes back to how I was raised,” Clifford said. “My dad always taught me to play both ends of the floor. You have to take pride offensively just as much as you do defensively. Not wanting your man to score on you. I was just instilled with that at a young age.

“You see the great players, Michael Jordans, the Kobes, people like that, they played both sides of the floor. I feel like that’s true greatness.”

This fall, Clifford will have to back his words on the court.

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Heat acquire Norman Powell, Clippers get John Collins in three-team trade: Report

Heat acquire Norman Powell, Clippers get John Collins in three-team trade: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Miami Heat have reportedly added a dynamic scorer.

Norman Powell is headed to Miami, John Collins is off to the LA Clippers and Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson and a Clippers 2027 second-round pick are going to the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Monday.

The Heat get a skilled scorer in Powell, who averaged a career-high 21.8 points per game (24th in the NBA) with the Clippers last season while shooting 42% on 3-pointers. The 32-year-old guard spent three-plus seasons with the Clippers after being dealt from the Portland Trail Blazers in February 2022.

Miami is shipping out two veterans in Love and Anderson. Love, a five-time All-Star, averaged 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds across 23 games for Miami in 2024-25. Anderson, meanwhile, played just 25 games with the team and averaged 6.7 points per game after being traded from the Golden State Warriors.

The Clippers bring back Collins. The forward averaged 19.0 points (tied for the team lead) for the Jazz across 40 games last season. He spent two years in Utah after playing with the Atlanta Hawks for his first six NBA seasons.