This is essentially a salary dump for Philadelphia as it clears out roster space so that Kentavious Caldwell Pope can sign with them (expect that to become official in the next 24 hours), and it costs them a second-round pick.
Philadelphia is trading forward Johni Broome to the LA Clippers, along with a second-round pick (the most favorable of Philly's three 2027 second-rounders) to the LA Clippers, a trade broken by Shams Charania of ESPN and since confirmed by the teams. The 76ers also get $1 million in cash in the deal.
Philadelphia waived Dalen Terry (a non-guaranteed contract) and now traded Broome to create the roster space to sign LeBron James and KCP while staying under their first apron hard cap.
Broome, a 6'10" forward who was the No. 35 pick out of Auburn a year ago, played in 11 games for a total of 55 minutes in Philadelphia last season. Broome showed some potential at NBA Summer League, posting 19 points and 13 rebounds against Detroit, then following it up with 23 points and 11 boards against Indiana.
Broome is on a fully guaranteed $2.5 million contract this year, and the Clippers can take a look at him in training camp then decide what, if any, role he will have on the team.
Mavericks, Dereck Lively talk extension
New Dallas team president Masai Ujiri understands what he has in Cooper Flagg and what that means for roster building, something he talked about at his introductory press conference: "Every decision we are going to make here is going to be future-based. We have a 19-year-old generational player on our roster. We have to think that way."
Center Dereck Lively can be part of that future, and he and the Mavericks have started to talk contract extension, reports Marc Stein of The Stein Line. He added that the talks have just begun, the deadline to get a deal done is the start of the season in October.
Following a promising 55-game campaign as a rookie the year the Mavericks reached the NBA Finals behind Luka Doncic, Lively has struggled with foot issues that have led to two surgeries on his right foot. He played in just seven games last season. That will lead to an interesting negotiation about just what Lively expects and how much the Mavericks are willing to bet on his health. That said, the bouncy 22-year-old center fits the Flagg timeline.
Other NBA rumors
• Christian Koloko has signed a non-guaranteed contract with the New Orleans Pelicans and will head to camp to compete with Kobe Bufkin (and potentially others) for a roster spot, reports Michael Scotto of Hoopshype. The Pelicans currently have 14 guaranteed spots filled on the roster and are a little more than $8 million below the tax line, according to Spotac.
• Dwight Powell has been on the Mavericks bench — and a mainstay of the team's culture — for the past 12 years, but may be squeezed out of the roster as it moves towards youth. He and his representatives are staying in touch with the team and hoping something opens up, reports Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
• DeMar DeRozan — already known to be talking to Miami, Cleveland and Denver — has also had conversations with the Washington Wizards, reports ESPN’s Charania.
But either way, Shaquille O’Neal is all in on Joel Embiid this season, even with his extensive injury history.
On “The Stephen A. Smith” show, O’Neal said that it’s time for Embiid to “step up” but also predicted he’d stay healthy for the first time in a while.
“He better take some Tylenol, take some shots… I’ll tell you what. I’ll call it right now,” O’Neal said. “He’s going to be healthy this year.”
O’Neal didn’t just predict Embiid to be healthy. He predicted the center’s going to make a statement on a new-look 76ers squad.
“Joel Embiid is going to dominate this year. You heard it here first. Joel Embiid will be touted as the best big man in the league. He’s passing up the Joker [Nikola Jokic] this year. He’s going to work this year.”
O’Neal predicting Embiid to remain healthy is certainly a bold statement. Embiid has yet to play over 70 games in a season though he’s been in the NBA since 2014.
Embiid played in just 39 games in 2023-24, 19 in 2024-25 and 38 last season. It’s been three years since he’s played in more than 60 games.
Shaquille O’Neal on the Stephen A. Smith Show. Stephen A. Smith Show
The center has suffered just about any injury you can think of – from knee to oblique injuries – over his 12-year career.
When on the court, however, Embiid is a force.
Albeit in limited time, Embiid averaged over 30 points in a game in three straight seasons from 2021-24 and has kept the 76ers as a perennial playoff contender.
"Joel Embiid is gonna dominate this year. You heard it here first. Joel Embiid will be titled as the best big man in the league. He's passing up the Joker [Nikola Jokic] this year."
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid looks on. Getty Images
Embiid won MVP in 2022-23, is a seven-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion.
With James and Jaylen Brown joining the 76ers, increased pressure is on Embiid to stay healthy and regularly contribute to a team hungry for its first title in 44 years.
And if Embiid actually stays healthy, you can probably thank O’Neal.
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 2: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers is guarded by RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on February 2, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Raptors fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week’s survey puts every Toronto Raptors fan in the shoes of General Manager and Vice-President Bobby Webster.
Assuming the Kawhi Leonard and Aspiration controversy sorts itself out, there’s still plenty of work left to be done in terms of roster construction. With Leonard having turned 35-years-old back on June 29, there’s a small championship window Toronto must quickly take advantage of.
Instead of a specific player, what kind of role or archetype would best serve the Raptors’ ambitions of surrounding Leonard with the best possible team? This could be a late off-season move or an acquisition at the trade deadline.
Cast your vote, tell us in the comments, and we’ll be back soon with more Reacts.
Court records viewed by The California Post on Tuesday show Ball was sued Monday — just weeks after he was traded from the Hornets to the Timberwolves — over accusations he owes a North Carolina landlord more than $100,000 in missed rent checks.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) dribbles up court against the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
According to a copy of the lawsuit, Ball and Agape Property Management Group entered into an agreement in December 2020 for the NBA player to rent two swanky units in a fancy uptown Charlotte condominium complex.
LaMelo Ball #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves poses for a photo during a press conference on July 14, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NBAE via Getty Images
Agape Property Management Group, which is reportedly partly owned by Newton, alleged in the suit that while Ball lived in one of the residences, he subleased the other to his manager and mentor, former NBA player Jermaine Jackson.
The two lived in the units for years, and in May 2024, Ball agreed to buy his place. However, according to the suit, he continued to sublet the second place to Jackson.
Agape Property Management Group alleged in the lawsuit that in ensuing months, Ball and Jackson fell way behind on rent payments for the unit.
Minnesota Timberwolves newly-acquired point guard LaMelo Ball is introduced at a press conference at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Alex Kormann/Minnesota Star Tribune via AP
“As of July 1, 2026,” Agape Property Management Group wrote in its lawsuit, “the Defendants owed the Plaintiff rent exceeding $181,500.00.” The company also alleged the Ball and Jackson “accrued over $90,000.00 in unpaid HOA compliance fines.”
Agape Property Management Group previously sued Jackson over the matter, and according to The Charlotte Observer, Jackson and his attorney, Christi Hunoval, claimed at a hearing related to the case that the apartment “needed repairs and mold treatment,” and “that’s why he’s lagged in rent payments.”
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“The Defendants’ failure to pay rent while failing to leave the premises has caused the Plaintiff substantial and potentially long-lasting harm,” Agape Property Management Group wrote in the suit, “including HOA non-compliance fines, lost rental income, and other monetary damages.”
Attempts on Tuesday to reach representatives for parties involved in the case were not successful.
Ball was picked by the Hornets in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft. He went on to play for the team until he was jettisoned to Minnesota in a blockbuster trade that was agreed to on June 25.
Send in your questions now for this week’s episode of The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast to discuss everything Pistons. Submit your question in the comments section here or on Twitter to @TheRealWesD3 and/or @BobbyBuckets313. If you’re on BlueSky, you can also send to @bobbybuckets313.bksy.social.
Join us live later this week as we get through the dog days of summer together. What questions do you have for Wes and Robbie?
Plus, The Pindown has a phone line where you can leave a message and hear your voice on the show. Call (313) 355-2717 and leave us a voicemail with your question. Please try to keep the message around 45 seconds or less so we can fit everyone into the show.
The podcast will be uploaded to all audio platforms the following morning.
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 28: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers smiles during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during a 2025-26 Emirates Cup game on November 28, 2025 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers are officially sprinting to complete their offseason checklist now that LeBron James is off the board. A few things on their to-do list include signing Mario Hezonja, restructuring James Harden’s deal, and trading for Jonathan Kuminga.
The latter will require multiple moves to make possible.
Cleveland isn’t in a position to add Kuminga in a vacuum. They’re strapped for cash and would have to complete a sign-and-trade to acquire him from the Atlanta Hawks — who, according to Marc Stein, are showing interest in Jarrett Allen.
The Cavs, to this point, have refused to play ball in that regard.
“Sources say that the Hawks have indeed made their interest in Jarrett Allen known to Cleveland for some time, but I’m told that Cleveland still has not entertained moving its starting center,” said Stein on his Substack.
It’s unlikely the Cavs would deal Allen in exchange for Kuminga. This doesn’t align with how they’ve valued Allen, whose performances in consecutive Game 7s helped them reach the Eastern Conference Finals last season. The Cavs aren’t moving him for a player who hasn’t proven he can play winning basketball at the NBA level.
Kuminga has promise. His raw potential as an athletic, bruising forward is what is drawing interest from Cleveland. But there’s a reason why the market for Kuminga isn’t scorching hot. The Cavs have enough leverage here to keep Allen out of negotiations.
Instead, the Cavs are looking to trade Max Strus or Dennis Schroder. Either in a deal with Atlanta, or to another team in a salary dump that would clear enough space for them to sign Kuminga themselves. Both Schroder and Strus are helpful rotational players — but Cleveland has needed to tweak the roster and consolidate some of their talent in the backcourt for years. This could be their best chance to do so without a major shakeup of the roster.
Most fans would prefer to move Schroder over Strus. Though it’s unclear if either player will garner enough interest to make this possible. Cleveland does not have draft capital to use as a sweetener. Whoever takes the salary dump will have to like their coffee bitter.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 05: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Isaac Okoro #35 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on April 05, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jayden Mack/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Is it too soon to start talking about preseason basketball? Maybe. We’re still a little more than two months away from training camp and the preseason that follows. But it is out there on the horizon, just past the second start to the right and straight on ‘til morning.
We have a pretty good idea of who the Phoenix Suns will be. This isn’t a roster that’s still trying to fill out the fringes or waiting to make a decision on a free agent. The team is complete. So the conversation has shifted from what they’re going to be to who they’re going to be. The remaining question is when we’ll see them.
Today, we received another piece of that answer. The Chicago Bulls announced their preseason schedule, and first up is the Phoenix Suns.
Previously, Phoenix had announced a pair of preseason contests against the San Antonio Spurs on October 10 and October 14. Now the schedule includes a trip to the Windy City, and that comes with its own level of excitement.
The Bulls selected Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick out of North Carolina, making this one of our first opportunities to see the rookie in an NBA setting. Preseason minutes aren’t the same as regular-season minutes, but it’s still a chance to get an early look at one of the league’s newest young talents.
Of course, we still have more than two months before any of this actually happens. Or, as I like to say, a summer away. The games themselves are still a ways off, but every schedule release makes the season feel a little more tangible. The Suns have their roster, their direction, and now the beginnings of a roadmap to opening night. It may only be preseason, but after a long summer of transactions and speculation, seeing this group finally take the floor will be the next meaningful step.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 10: Johni Broome #22 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on October 10, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that the Sixers will be trading Johni Broome and a second-round pick to the LA Clippers for cash considerations. The team has since confirmed the trade.
The Philadelphia 76ers are trading C/F Johni Broome and a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for cash considerations, sources tell ESPN. The deal allows the 76ers to stay under both first and second aprons while signing LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Philadelphia is sending Los Angeles its second most favorable of the Sixers' three seconds in 2027, for the Clippers to absorb Johni Broome, per source.
This was one of two moves the Sixers needed to make in order to sign LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope while staying under the first apron. After waiving Dalen Terry a couple of days ago, the Sixers, roster appears to be now set at 14 players on standard deals.
Broome, the No. 35 overall pick back in 2026, wasn’t able to show much in limited opportunities during his rookie season. He played just 11 games in the NBA and tore his meniscus. In those few games he averaged 0.9 points and 1.5 rebounds in five minutes a game. He played three games in Summer League and averaged 14.6 points along with nine rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Instead of cutting Jabari Walker, whose contract is only partially guaranteed ($250k) until Jan. 10, the team opted to find a way to dump Broome before his second season in the league.
That should just about conclude the offseason for the Sixers. With 14 players reportedly signed to standard deals and two two-way slots filled, they have just one more available two-way spot.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: The sneakers worn by Allen Graves #22 of the Toronto Raptors during the game against the Houston Rockets during a 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 11, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Mike Brown of the Sacramento Kings reacts alongside De'Aaron Fox #5 during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on January 16, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Kings 119-117. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, folks. We’ve reached that part of the offseason.
Aside from looking for a third center and figuring out the two-ways, there’s basically nothing for the defending champions to do aside from polish their trophy until they head to training camp in September.
How do we fill this void? Personally, I like watching baseball over the summer, but I’d imagine a lot of you are Mets fans, and that might not be a positive experience. But on this site? Let’s get creative.
Welcome to Knicks Domino Effects, where we look at divergence points in the past that could’ve changed everything for the 2026 NBA champion New York Knicks.
Some of these will be extremely small moments you might not be familiar with. Others will be quite obvious, which you’ll see down the road.
Today, I’m starting this series niche. This video by well-known ex-SB Nation contributor Kofie Yeboah talks about a random 2024 game between the Kings and the Pistons that set off a pretty crazy domino effect in the NBA landscape. It’s a good watch, so I’ll link it below, but we’ll go into what it actually would’ve meant if it didn’t happen:
For those who want a TLDR, here’s what we’re going off of.
It’s December 26, 2024. The struggling Sacramento Kings lead the Pistons by three with 10 seconds left. Detroit has the ball and calls timeout.
Kings head coach Mike Brown, in the huddle, emphasizes one thing in particular: guard the perimeter. There shouldn’t be an opportunity for a hard closeout. The only thing that can beat you is a three. Get up on the three-point line and defend. If they’re gonna make a three, make them drain it in your face.
De’Aaron Fox apparently didn’t listen. He sagged off Jaden Ivey, realized too late, and fouled him. He made the shot. The Kings lost the game, falling to 13-18, on a play they entered up by three points on.
Mike Brown ribbed him after the game. It was deserved ribbing, and even though Fox has never had real issues with Brown, somehow this got blown out of proportion. The losing, coupled with some colorful press conferences, led to Brown’s dismissal the following day. The best coach that the Kings had in two decades was canned, a move that exemplifies why bad organizations stay bad.
Two years later, Brown is on top of the world as an NBA champion. The Kings are directionless.
Obviously, it’s a lot more complicated than saying one moment caused everything, but let’s have fun.
What if Fox listened to Brown in the huddle and this didn’t happen? Hell, let’s say that he just misses his assignment and allows the three, sending it to overtime, where the Kings would still have a chance to win.
How would things have changed?
SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 26: Head Coach Mike Brown of the Sacramento Kings coaches during the game against the Detroit Pistons on December 26, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
We start at this exact play. Malik Beasley swings it to Ivey, who takes advantage of a sagging Fox and buries a game-tying three. Instead of hitting Ivey, Fox flies by. Game tied, overtime.
The Kings were the better team for three quarters in this game, only getting blitzed in the fourth. It was a perfect duel between Fox and Cade Cunningham, but let’s say, for the purpose of this exercise, that Fox wins this duel in overtime, hitting a go-ahead 15-footer with 4.5 seconds left to get a much-needed win for the Kings. He and Brown embrace after the game. Monte McNair and company hold off on a coaching change.
The Kings aren’t good, so the seat never fully cools down, but they did play better over the course of the season under Doug Christie in real life. Let’s assume the front office backs off the nuclear option and instead decides to change personnel. They were reportedly interested in guys like Zach LaVine and Kyle Kuzma, but they won’t get either of those here.
Fox getting traded was an organizational shift by the Kings. He demanded a trade after extension talks fell apart and hitched a ride to San Antonio at the 2025 trade deadline. The timing of Brown’s firing makes you think that Fox didn’t like him, so keeping Coach Brown wouldn’t have changed things… right?
Wrong.
Every media report says that Fox had nothing to do with Brown’s firing. In fact, if Fox had been consulted about his coach during this rough stretch, he probably would’ve saved his job, but the delusions in Sacramento made both of them expendable.
If Brown stays, Fox likely does too. The Kings finish the 2024-25 season with a 37-45 record (slightly worse than IRL, to account for a potential post-firing jolt). They lose to the Mavericks in the 9-10 play-in game, but exit meetings go well, and they give Brown a short leash going into next season.
A month after the Kings decide to keep Brown for the 2025-26 season, the Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau. They begin a five-week hunt for their next head coach, sifting through candidates. In real life, they decided on Mike Brown.
In our scenario, Brown isn’t available. The Knicks call the Kings to request an interview and are denied. They are now deciding on a reduced field of candidates.
Your next head coach is either Wolves assistant Micah Nori, former Grizzlies’ head coach Taylor Jenkins, former Hornets’ head coach James Borrego, or… Dawn Staley?
Anyway, we have no idea who gets this job. No candidate reached a second interview except for Brown, who’s now unavailable, so let’s make an educated guess.
Welcome to the New York Knicks, Taylor Jenkins.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 27: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 27, 2025 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Grizzlies 143-106. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jenkins has playoff head coaching experience, something that the Knicks valued in Brown, and a defensive attitude that would help a team that struggled on that end against the Indiana Pacers. It’s a different stylistic coach than Brown, sure, but there’s no Brown Lite we can go off of.
So let’s head to the 2025-26 season. Pretty much everything stays the same.
The Knicks are good, but underwhelming. The Kings are bad. Brown’s seat is red-hot.
In mid-January, with the Kings sitting at 17-24 after a home loss to the Knicks, they fired Brown and installed Christie as interim head coach. They finished the season 10-31 and missed the play-in with just 27 wins.
The Knicks finish 52-30 and are the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. It is truly impossible to tell what would’ve changed with Jenkins instead of Brown, but I believe there was too much talent for things to get bad. The 2-9 stretch probably still happens, but who cares. Jenkins was dismissed in Memphis because he and Ja Morant had major issues. I doubt that happens in this locker room.
Does Jenkins make the necessary adjustments to truly turn this team into a juggernaut midway through that Hawks series? Tough to say, but I’m still projecting this team in the NBA Finals. Why? After scraping by the Hawks in seven games, they’re facing two teams that just aren’t as good as them. Philly pushes it to five, and the Cavs push it to six, but both of these series are relatively stress-free.
Meanwhile, in the West, the Spurs emerge after a tricky path. The Blazers give them real trouble in the first round, and they struggle to shake off an injured T-Wolves team. They still barely eke out the Thunder, although this is maybe the least confident I’ve been in this entire experiment.
So it’s Knicks-Spurs again. Boring, right?
Here’s the change.
Jenkins isn’t an offensive guru like Brown is, so this is a reality where the Knicks never changed their offensive philosophy mid-playoff run. The Spurs are even more focused on denying Jalen Brunson and forcing a less confident version of both Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns to make plays.
The Spurs don’t let go of the rope and win Game 1. After the Knicks turned around and won Game 2, they lost Game 3 as regularly scheduled, to go into that big Game 4, even more crucial this time.
It’s hard to tell if the Knicks ever go down by 30 as they did in Game 4, but let’s say they do. They trail by one with 20 seconds left when Brunson badly misses a floater, and the ball ricochets out to center court. We know what happened here; play the footage:
But instead of Fox grabbing that ball and allowing Anunoby to be the hero with the greatest two-way sequence in NBA history, it’s Dylan Harper, who allows himself to be fouled. Brunson misses the three on the other end, and with a three-point deficit instead of a one-point deficit, the focus is on a rebound and kickout, which doesn’t happen in time.
Why is Harper there instead of Fox? Quite simple.
Despite being on the court at the exact same time as Fox, he would be running point guard in our alternate scenario and be in his spot, while Keldon Johnson or Julian Champagnie spawn elsewhere on the court.
That’s because Fox is still in Sacramento.
If you remember from earlier, Fox wanted a trade because Mike Brown was fired. In this scenario, Brown keeps his job a year later, and Fox stays put, only throwing a fit and demanding a trade in January 2026 in the final year of his contract, but wherever he ended up, it wouldn’t have been the resurgent Spurs, who are more than happy to give the keys to Harper and Stephon Castle. Maybe he ends up in Chicago in a more direct version of the Zach LaVine trade.
With no Fox, the Spurs close out Game 4. His veteran presence stabilized them enough during the regular season, but he was an active detriment towards the end of their playoff run. Taking him away from San Antonio allows Harper to explode into stardom.
The Knicks barely won in real life in Game 5 with a Herculean Brunson effort, smelling blood in the water, and a stinker from Fox. Remove the last two? Knicks in 5 becomes Spurs in 5.
No Fox, no Brown, an entire series is flipped on its head.
And it all dates back to this one niche moment back in December 2024. What happens from here?
The Spurs are NBA champions and a dynasty in the making. The coronation of Victor Wembanyama is underway, so that NBA2k cover actually makes sense now.
For the Knicks? Everything changes. They retain Jenkins after a Finals run, but Leon Rose feels the pressure knowing there are two Western Conference juggernauts that are heads and shoulders above the rest of the NBA.
Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns are shipped to Milwaukee for Giannis Antetokounmpo in a desperation move. We’re so close, and these two haven’t fit in their two years here; let’s make a Big 3 for the ages. Remember, there were reports that the Bucks were hoping that the Knicks lost the Finals so that they’d get more aggressive in pursuing him.
REPORT: There’s “increasing belief” the Bucks could hold off on a Giannis trade until after the NBA Finals to see if the Knicks blow 2-0 lead.
“Might [New York] re-enter the sweepstakes in response to the disappointment?”
But it doesn’t end there. Remember the beginning of the LeBron saga when Rich Paul met with Max Kellerman to discuss the future of his client?
Rich Paul on LeBron James to the Knicks 😳
“If the Knicks hadn’t won, there would be no board. He’d be going to the Knicks…. Jalen Brunson would literally have to pick up the phone and say ‘hey man, there’s no issue with me.’ They (Knicks) have checked in.”
That’s right. After a three-week process, LeBron James signs with the New York Knicks, not the Philadelphia 76ers, teaming up with Brunson and Antetokounmpo to try and end a 54-year drought. It’s as all-in as a team has ever been in NBA history.
So that’s the landscape. The Spurs are champions. Fox is a Chicago Bull. Mike Brown might be working at ESPN or maybe take the head coaching job in Orlando to give life to that utterly horrid offense. The Knicks have a starting lineup of Brunson-LeBron-Anunoby-Giannis-Mitch, as James Dolan goes over the second apron for one year to pursue a championship. Maybe Jaden Ivey is still in the NBA somehow.
Crazy how something so little can lead to something so big.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 01: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket against Will Riley #27 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 1, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards have held “some conversations” with DeMar DeRozan, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday.
REPORT: The Wizards have held conversations with free agent DeMar DeRozan.
“You think about a team that’s clearly trying to compete around Anthony Davis, Trae Young and AJ Dybantsa.”
ESPN reported that DeRozan, who turns 37 in August, has drawn interest from the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency.
The six-time NBA All-Star forward averaged 18.4 points per game across 77 games with the Sacramento Kings last season. He spent his previous years with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls.
DeRozan is a savvy veteran known for his mid-range scoring prowess. His 26,711 career points rank 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
The Wizards have one remaining roster spot and roughly $11.5 million in luxury tax space. They also own the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is valued at roughly $15 million, to offer a free agent.
If Washington signs DeRozan, its already crowded rotation would welcome another proven veteran alongside Khris Middleton on the wing. Depth is a good problem to have, but it’s unclear whether DeRozan’s would immediately be part of the Wizards’ rotation.
Draymond Green was always returning to the Golden State Warriors. That was never in doubt, even after he opted out of his player option to give the Warriors the financial flexibility to chase LeBron James and other free agents.
Now Green is officially back, agreeing to a one-year, $27.7 million contract that is essentially the same one he opted out of, a story first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, who was informed by Green's agent, Rich Paul.
If the Warriors had been successful in landing LeBron, Green likely would have signed a multi-year contract at a lower first-year salary, reports Anthony Slater of ESPN. Now Green, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Brandin Podziemski will all be in the final year of their contracts. The Warriors can extend Curry starting Aug. 29, and give him up to two years, $135 million, if he wants it (he may choose to wait to re-sign, giving the team more financial freedom to add to the roster).
Green played in 68 games for the Warriors last season, averaging 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, shooting just 41.8% from the floor (32.6% from 3). However, Green's real value comes as a passer and secondary playmaker, plus the nine-time All-Defense forward is still a high-level defender.
The Warriors also are expected to make official soon the signing of De'Anthony Melton for two years, $11 million. That would leave the Warriors about $8.3 million below a hard cap at the second apron with 12 players on the roster. Expect them to sign two more players to minimum deals, leaving the 15th and final roster spot open heading into the season.
Real Madrid's Croatian forward #11 Mario Hezonja (C) aims a throw next to Valencia's US forward #07 Braxton Key during the EuroLeague "Final Four" semi-final basketball match between Valencia Basket Club and Real Madrid Baloncesto at the Telekom Center Athens in Athens on May 22, 2026. (Photo by Angelos Tzortzinis / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers formally agreed to a deal to sign forward Mario Hezonja earlier this week. If only it were that simple. Hezonja is currently having trouble being released from Real Madrid as the Spanish club argues that Hezonja missed his window to leave for the NBA.
Hezonja had an NBA out clause in his contract that was to be exercised by July 20. That has become a point of contention since he missed that window and did not secure an NBA deal until July 26.
“The Cavs and other teams have been pursuing Hezonja this offseason in hopes of capitalizing on a July 20 NBA out in his Real Madrid pact,” said Marc Stein. “The Spanish giants have reportedly pushed back on releasing the Croatian forward since he did not have his NBA team lined up until July 26.”
Cleveland has been linked to Hezonja since earlier in the summer, but, understandably, was holding out on making a move until LeBron James had announced his next decision. The Cavs were hoping to land a big fish. Instead, they chose the consolation prize of taking Hezonja on a minimum deal. That’s why this process didn’t advance until James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Does this mean the Cavs will miss out on Hezonja, too? Probably not.
Stein also reported this today:
“Cleveland has yet to formally sign Mario Hezonja but is “working through” the needed steps, one source close to the process tells @TheSteinLine, to make the deal official. Hezonja and the Cavaliers agreed to a one-year minimum deal Sunday after LeBron James chose Philadelphia.”
Real Madrid will argue that Hezonja did not notify them in time of his buyout window. How far they are willing to argue is undetermined. But one potentially simple solution would be paying a fine and sending money back to Real Madrid to settle everything.
The likely report this morning came from the idea if they won't let him leave for the NBA, Hezonja's side may argue then the clause lets him leave but the NBA may disallow it.
The other way to solve this is giving back more money to Real Madrid.
If you’re thinking this feels like a lot to deal with for a minimum player, you’re probably right. We’d all like this process to be simplified. Still, there’s a chance it’s all handled swiftly and over before we know it.
"It's funny to me that people that don't have rings and saying, 'He's a ring chaser,' No. He's continuing to chase," O'Neal told Smith. "He's chasing the chance to continue to be great, to continue to add legacy to his book. Listen, he knows, well he doesn't really know yet, but you know and I know when this thing is over, it's over. You can't come back. Once you retire, once your body says I can't go no more, it's over."
"This guy feels he has two, three more years left," O'Neal continued. "Why not try to get another championship? I did it. I did it with Boston. After I won three in a row and then won one in Miami, hey, towards the end of my career, let me go play with Paul and KG and be like the fourth guy and rebound and set picks and see if I can win one. And that's what he's doing."
O'Neal's one season with the Celtics became his 19th and final year as an NBA player. He played in just 37 games during the regular season and made just two playoff appearances due to injury.
O'Neal's run with the Celtics was preceded by a one-year stint as a teammate of James with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season. He won three NBA championships in a row with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000-02) and a fourth title with the Miami Heat in 2006.
Why Shaq feels 'sorry' for Tyrese Maxey
Though O'Neal made it a point to defend James in front of Smith, one of James' noted antagonists, the Hall of Fame center and 'Inside the NBA' host also expressed skepticism about how the Sixers' new starting lineup will fit together. He called the roster "fabulous" on paper, but singled out Tyrese Maxey as "the person I feel sorry for" with Jaylen Brown and James added this offseason.
"He came in a regular guy. Joel Embiid was hurt most of the year. Tyrese rose up like, 'Hey, I'm the star. This is my team,' " O'Neal said. "Now you bring Jaylen Brown in. Is he going to take a step back? Not only that, you bring LeBron in, is he going to take another step back? Now Joel comes in shape and he wants to play, (Maxey's) going to have to revert back to being a regular guy. And will that affect him?
"He was becoming a star," O'Neal added, "and sometimes somebody, one or two people on that team is going to have to defer. Defer to who, I don't know. Whether it's defer to Jaylen, defer to LeBron, defer to Embiid, I don't know. But four big-name guys, everybody can't get off every night."
In Philadelphia, James will attempt to become the first player in NBA history to win championships with four different teams.
Even with his concerns, O'Neal was unequivocal when discussing expectations: "It's championship-or-bust for LeBron and Jaylen."
The team and forward Draymond Green agreed Tuesday, July 28 to a one-year, $27.7 million contract, a person with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly disclose terms of the deal.
The contract is exactly the same amount Green would’ve earned in his player option, which he declined in late June. The arrangement suggests that Green opted out to offer financial flexibility for the Warriors to pursue other players, like James, in free agency and trades.
In fact, Golden State is the only team in the NBA to not add a player through a trade or free agency this offseason, which represents something of a failure for a team that did not qualify for the postseason.
The Warriors did select former Michigan standout Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick, but the Warriors will now try to straddle the line between building for the future — with Green at 36 years old, Stephen Curry at 38 and Jimmy Butler (who is coming off a torn ACL) at 36 — and competing right now.
Yet, as the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder remain poised to contend, and as teams like the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves remain steady, Golden State’s aging roster may find it difficult to match the play of those squads.
Draymond Green stats
A four-time All-Star and four-time NBA champ, Green averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists across 68 games this season for Golden State. Known for his defensive prowess, Green is a nine-time All-Defensive selection.
