Ariel Hukporti is leaving the Knicks to sign a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Hukporti's contract will pay him $3.4 million with the Knicks' Eastern Conference rivals.
Acquired in a draft night trade with the Mavericks in 2024, Hukporti played just 25 games as a rookie but saw his role expand in his second season, playing 54 games while averaging 2.2 points and 2.9 rebounds.
The 7-footer provided some quality depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, and also logged some key minutes during this year's championship run, averaging 10.8 minutes per game in the four-game sweep of the Sixers.
With Philadelphia, Hukporti will provide depth behind Joel Embiid and Adem Bona.
Fans celebrate outside of Wrigley Fieldin Chicago, on November 2, 2016. (Photo by Jim Vondruska/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
The City of Chicago holds deep pride in its sports teams. This is despite the fact that each franchise within the City has had a history of inconsistent success, at best.
However, if anyone has been paying attention recently, Chicago sports may be on the verge of a renaissance.
As we all know, the Chicago Bears have a talented young team that threatened an NFC Championship berth for the first time since 2010.
The Chicago Bulls have found an exciting Head Coach and General Manager combo to help lead a young/talented roster that recently added fourth overall pick, Caleb Wilson.
The Chicago Cubs are on track to make a second consecutive postseason, with one of the most electric young players in Pete Crow-Armstrong leading the charge.
The Chicago White Sox have surprised many by leading the AL Central 90 games into the season, sporting an exciting young core of Miguel Vargas, Colson Montgomery, and Munetaka Murakami.
The Chicago Blackhawks continue to stockpile talent, and have improved their record in each of the last two seasons and have playoff aspirations in 2026/27 during Connor Bedard’s age 21(!) season.
The Chicago Sky have been wheeling and dealing, turning over the roster dramatically after down years, and despite a poor record (and injuries) in 2026, a core of Kamilla Cardoso, Gabriela Jaquez, and Rickea Jackson looks promising.
The Chicago Fire sits third in the MLS standings through 14 contests, led by Hugo Cuypers’ 13 goals.
The Chicago Stars have had a difficult 2026 season after finishing last in the league in 2025. They currently have a 3-9 record.
Of the 8 professional sports teams in Chicago, an argument could be made for 7 of them having their arrow pointing up. Which got me thinking – could Chicago sports be a few years away from multiple championship contenders?
Which Chicago sports franchise will win a championship next?
This is a Chicago Bears blog, and I truly think that the Bears are poised to win a championship next among these teams. However, I am going to zag and make an argument for the….Chicago Bulls?
Look – I will take any and all grief thrown my way for choosing one of the two Jerry Reinsdorf franchises. Reinsdorf, the owner of the White Sox (until 2029-2033 when Justin Ishbia plans to take over) and Bulls, is not known for prioritizing winning, or more accurately put – spending.
With that said, his franchises have won in the past despite him, so while he may not be a reason they win, he is also not a complete roadblock either. As long as there are butts in seats…
My reason for choosing the Bulls is simple: the NBA is fully of parity at the moment. No other league can come close to sporting the distinction of 8 different teams in the last 8 years. The reason to me is clear – there aren’t any megastars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, or Michael Jordan to dominate the league, but an abundance of Stars to compete.
So the likes of Jalen Brunson, SGA, Jayson Tatum, Nikola Jokic, etc. are all excellent players, but they aren’t top 10 all time. This means that if the Bulls can find a “Star” level talent, they could quickly ascend to championship contention.
I think Caleb Wilson could be that “Star”.
Just a few weeks ago, Draymond Green (maybe not the most authoritative voice in the league) said Wilson’s floor is “Kevin Garnett”. We should all take this with a heaping pile of salt, but still, it shows what Wilson could be capable of. He’s young, motivated (I see you Dayo), has prototypical size, and is wildly talented. If he puts it all together, he could be a top-five player in the NBA before his third season. I am not going to bet against a highly drafted Tarheel in Chicago.
So, while my head says that the Bears are building a sustainable and competitive team that will absolutely compete for a Super Bowl, I think the Bulls could have a shortcut to the Larry O’Brien trophy on their team.
Let me know if I’m stupid, blind, ignorant, or otherwise in the comments, please.
Now it’s your turn! Who do you think will be the next Chicago franchise to win a championship? Sound off in the comments!
HOEDSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 13: A lion at a wildlife nature park on February 13, 2026 in Hoedspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been 12 hours since the start of free agency, and the biggest news is that a 41-year-old man will take his time to decide on where he plays next. I miss the good old days.
The Knicks’ offseason couldn’t have been calmer to date. New York stood pat to start free agency after inking three players to contract extensions, and that doesn’t look like it’s going to change all of a sudden, given the franchise’s self-imposed financial limitations and the impossibility of entering any sort of bidding war.
For those too young, this is what free agency felt like not very long ago.
If the Knicks want to create some flexibility, SNY’s Ian Begley (and everybody else) only sees one solution: trading Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, or Miles McBride, then make a competitive(r) offer to whoever. Even then, Robinson would still need to be the kindest soul on Earth to give New York the discount the franchise would need to bring him back, let alone after seeing the deals signed by other bigs elsewhere in the league (looking at you, Jock).
Speaking of financials, the Knicks appear to have a cost-cutting development plan in place for one of their youngest players. Auf Wiedersehen, sohn!
Given the rumors about a likely reunion between unrestricted free agent Jordan Clarkson and the Knicks, Sports Illustrated’s Steven Simineri questioned his fit with the Knicks after Jose Alvarado’s return. Simineri argues the Knicks may be better served using their remaining roster flexibility on frontcourt depth and wing shooting instead of adding another small guard to it. That’s right, but it’s also slim pickings in FA for the Dolan-led Knicks, so I wouldn’t oppose bringing Clarkson back, along with a big or two.
Coach Mike Brown dropped by the Roomates Show and revealed the most unexpected key contributor to the Knicks’ championship run. Here’s a spoiler-free tease. Can you guess him?
“Throughout the course of this run, I got help with the messaging from different people. I’m gonna tell you guys, you may know this or may not, [he] was fabulous.”
Remember when I told you to save $3 million for a basketball? Well, you can go burn that cash now.
Thanks to PW for letting me now about this, so I can ask you to ramp up your OG Anunoby fandom.
It’s been 23 years since he entered the L, but LeBron James remains as relevant as ever. Out of the blue, James’ future became the biggest story of free agency on Tuesday afternoon as the King declared himself available for all 29 franchises not named the Lakers, and announced his return for (at least) a 24th season in the Association. As much as you might love or hate the possibility of the Knicks landing James, it looks like New York is a mere spectator of the nth LBJ Sweepstakes.
The possibilities are endless this time, as James is seemingly chasing “happiness” over money, but the truth is we can narrow the field down to the Cavaliers (home, sweet home), Olden State (no typo), and Miami (#culture).
Newsday’s Steve Popper argued New York simply has no need to disrupt the championship core by signing LeBron. A sample:
“James deserves the farewell tour he wants. Maybe the Knicks’ biggest concern in this is that James takes his talents to someplace in the Western Conference rather than strengthening one of their competitors in the East. But the work for the Knicks as free agency was approaching Tuesday afternoon was on the fringes of the rotation. No need now to break up a group the rest of the league is chasing.”
If you ask me, and I stated it in yesterday’s post, I’d be down for it as long as he signs a vet-min deal and he’s willing to accept whatever Coach Brown — who he already played for during his first trip to the Finals in Cleveland nearly 20 years ago — demands from him, whether that’s a bench role or being on the court for 48 minutes a pop.
That won’t happen, though, so if you really ask me, then my ultimate flex move for LBJ to go for is signing with the Wizards and outdoing what Michael Jordan did there, which would be akin to a walk in the park for James and would smack the remaining GOAT-debate haters in the face, as meaningless as both MJ’s and LBJ’s time there was and would be.
For the record, the Wizards are my (hugely dark) dark horse to make the Eastern Conference Finals, as I said first when they grabbed AJ Dybantsa. Don’t come later saying I’m a bandwagoner when LeBron puts pen to the capital’s paper.
Now seriously, if you are a franchise owner or GM and you’re reading this and you want LBJ in your team, the very own Rich Paul publicly revealed the key to convince him.
Another blockbuster went down on Tuesday, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Clippers completed a deal to send Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto in exchange for a humongous and nonsensical package including Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, a pick swap, and two second-rounders. Add another contender to a long list of Eastern Conference candidates, and check Kento Kato’s breakdown later today to learn how the move impacts the Knicks.
With LeBron’s salary off the books and not planning to spend it on him again, the Lakers have ramped up their FA-market activity and are now linked to everybody and their mother. Marc Stein reported that OAKAAK Quentin Grimes has emerged as one of Los Angeles’ top free-agent targets alongside Sandro Mamukelashvili. Sister site Silver Screen and Roll considers the deals done.
Now, just hours after reports pointed to Detroit letting Jalen Duren go after his demands were considered outrageous, the Pistons are willing to match any and every offer sheet he gets, and they won’t even enter talks for potential sign-and-trade moves. Get your excrement together, folks.
Another former Knickerbocker, Tim Hardaway Jr., is heading to Miami on a $6.5 million deal in what could be the Heat’s biggest signing of the summer.
Shouts out to the Liberty sisters for beating Becky Hammon!
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 03: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 03, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Following a bounceback season in Los Angeles, Marcus Smart is set to earn a bit more money on his next contract. Unfortunately, it won’t be with the Lakers.
After opting out of his contract on Monday, Smart has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Houston Rockets, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Free agent guard Marcus Smart has agreed on a two-year, $13 million deal with the Houston Rockets, plus a player option for the second season, sources tell ESPN. The former Defensive Player of the Year reunites with Ime Udoka for significant opportunity in the Rockets backcourt. pic.twitter.com/NzfArD8zbF
The fairly modest value of this contract makes this a tough one to swallow for fans. Smart was a culture-setter for the team last season and losing him for just $13 million over two seasons feels like an insignificant amount in the NBA.
Perhaps the Lakers know more about his medicals than the fans do or perhaps they are just interested in a different or younger type of player next season. LA won in the long run last season after seeing a valued role player go to Houston and immediately become a bad contract, but this one doesn’t feel the same.
Smart worked his way into becoming one of the key pieces of the Lakers last season. After starting the year on the bench, Smart quickly moved his way into the starting lineup and became an integral part.
He ended up playing 62 games, more than he played in the last two seasons combined, and averaged 9.3 points and 3 assists per game. After battling injuries the last two years, Smart was more durable and showed up in the big moments.
Never was that more apparent than in the postseason. With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sidelined, Smart stepped up and played a huge part in the Lakers knocking off the Rockets in the first round. In 10 games, he averaged 12.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
In a bit of irony, it was the Rockets’ interest that first surfaced, making it clear he would opt out of his contract. It was a bit of a lose-lose situation for the Lakers with this contract as Smart would either play well and opt out or not play well and the team would be stuck with him in a second season.
LeBron James made 487 appearances during his eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers [Getty Images]
At the start of the 1997-98 season, then Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson told his players that it would be their last as the dynasty that dominated the NBA throughout their decade.
With NBA titles in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1997, Jackson set out to complete a second three-peat with a squad spearheaded by the trio of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.
Jackson labelled that season the Last Dance, which would later become the name of a popular Netflix documentary framed around that historic campaign.
The Bulls would win a sixth championship with Jackson, Jordan, Pippen and Rodman all then leaving Chicago.
Almost three decades later, and another of the NBA's all-time greats. LeBron James, is facing similar territory himself with his own last dance.
On Tuesday, the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player and 22-time All-Star announced he will be departing the Los Angeles Lakers after an eight-year stay.
At 41, James' next move is likely to be his NBA swansong but how did we get here and where could he next be playing?
LeBron's Lakers legacy
The first season of LeBron James and Anthony Davis together at the Los Angeles Lakers saw them end a 10-year wait to win the NBA Championship [Getty Images]
Between 2000 and 2010, the Lakers were one of the most dominant sides in the NBA. They won a three-peat between 2000 and 2002, finished runners up in 2004 and 2008 and then went back-to-back with titles in 2009 and 2010.
But by the time James had signed for them in 2018 following the end of his second spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Lakers had gone five straight years without reaching the play-offs.
The latter two of those were the first Lakers seasons since 1995-96 without legend Kobe Bryant, who had spent two decades and his entire NBA career in Los Angeles prior to his 2016 retirement.
There was a need for a talisman and a change of fortunes for the Lakers and in time, with James at the helm, they got exactly that.
Year one saw an improvement for the Lakers after a poor start to the season, but a groin injury sustained by James kept him sidelined for 17 matches. That run would prove costly as the Lakers fell 11 wins short of the play-offs.
The 2019-20 season would prove to be the turning point in a deeply emotional time for those connected to the Lakers on and off the court.
The arrival of centre Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans and a positional switch for James to make him full-time point guard would ultimately prove fruitful.
James pledged after Bryant's death to continue Kobe's legacy and months later, LeBron would do exactly that by delivering Los Angeles with its first NBA title in a decade.
James would be named the finals MVP for that series and in doing so, won over Lakers fans who had been longing for a hero following years of, at best, mediocrity.
While the Lakers have not won an NBA championship since, they have been a regular play-off side ever since and there was further success in the NBA Cup in 2023, during which James was named MVP.
He might not have left the trophy-laden success at the Lakers he will have wished for, but he departs having put the Los Angeles franchise back to where their reputation compels them to be.
Lakers exit inevitable but desire for more remains
Bronny James (left) has made 79 appearances for the Los Angeles Lakers since his 2024 arrival [Getty Images]
When James' contract with the Lakers was coming to an end in the summer of 2024, there was much speculation around whether he would stick with them and extend his stay, twist and move elsewhere, or stop playing altogether.
That summer did coincide with his son Bronny entering the NBA draft. The Lakers picked Bronny with one of the final selections of the second round.
Less than a fortnight later, James signed a two-year extension with the second year being optional.
The 2024-25 season led to not only LeBron and Bronny becoming the first father and son duo to play together in the NBA, but also the Lakers benefitting from one of the NBA's most surprising ever trade deals.
Both players were of stardust quality, but Doncic is six years younger and someone who the Lakers could pin their long-term future on, knowing James would inevitably depart at some stage.
Last season, the Lakers looked at their best for some time. Hopes of a deep run in the play-offs were dashed by a Doncic injury, but the Slovenian did finish as the regular season scoring champion for the second time in three years.
With James missing a quarter of the regular season, Doncic proved there could be life after LeBron. And therefore time now feels right for a James departure.
Where next for James?
Steph Curry and LeBron James were part of the United States team to win gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris [Getty Images]
Now to the fun part. What next for LeBron?
At 41, it would be surprising if this summer's switch is not the last of a career that started with the Cavaliers in 2003.
With career earnings from basketball alone thought be north of half a billion dollars, money may not necessarily be the motive for his next move.
A player of James' calibre, even at his age, rarely becomes available at what will be a likely affordable contract but the veteran, given his timeline, is surely going to want to move to a contending team to try and add to his four NBA titles.
Like the Cavs, another of James' former teams in the Miami Heat have also been suggested as a potential home.
A return to Florida would form a formidable starting five alongside fellow new signing and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and centre Bam Adebayo.
Given the Heat traded key members of their squad away to land Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee, a player of James' of calibre would add further scoring power and experience with Miami a team focused on a quick rebuild towards a title push.
Cleveland have been on an upwards trajectory with four straight visits to the play-offs, but have lacked the ability to go on a deep post-season run.
A move back to his home state of Ohio, should he play at forward, would form a strong starting line-up with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, one that would not lack talent or experience.
The Golden State Warriors are another team reportedly considering a move.
James and Steph Curry looked at home playing alongside one another during the United States' Olympic gold win in Paris two summers ago. They too are in need of a injection of quality after their worst season since 2019-20 last term.
Also linked are the Minnesota Timberwolves. They already have one of the league's new stars in Anthony Edwards who James also played with at the last Olympics.
They have reached the final four of the Western Conference in three straight seasons, but have never reached the NBA finals.
James remains a box office figure, on and off court. The coming weeks and months of deliberation over his future will cause considerable fanfare, let alone when he plays in new colours this autumn.
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round 1, Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 31, 2021 at Capital One Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards are moving beyond the “deconstruction” phase, and look poised to make moves toward a playoff run. And given the news about them not being willing to let Anthony Davis go in a trade? That tracks.
In addition, the Wizards are interested in acquiring former Washington star Russell Westbrook, according to Marc Stein. Westbrook is an unrestricted free agent. He last played for the Wizards in 2020-21, where he led Washington to their last playoff berth in 2021, averaging a triple double.
If Westbrook were to sign with the Wizards, he would likely be a backup to Trae Young. Still, Westbrook can score, rebound and assist like crazy. He averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game last season.
Would you like to see Westbrook back with the Wizards? Let us know in the comments below.
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 10: Kel'el Ware #7 of the Miami Heat greets Kevin Love #42 before the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 10, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Yesterday, you were asked a simple question, youth or experience? It’s an age-old debate, one that cuts to the core of your roster-building philosophy. But the answer is simple: it’s both.
Having hit the reset button by trading the best player in franchise history, the Milwaukee Bucks are no longer the veteran-heavy team that they once were. In addition to losing Giannis, the Bucks no longer have Bobby Portis, and the days of those two, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Jrue Holiday suddenly feel like eons ago. Yet, even amidst that version of the team, the Bucks brought in vet after vet—George Hill, Wes Matthews, Joe Ingles, and a million other pros, who helped set the tone and knew how to win. And while it’s somewhat refreshing to start a new chapter in Bucks’ history with an infusion of youth and potential, Taylor Jenkins and his staff can’t raise them alone. For that, Milwaukee needs vets too. The right ones.
While they didn’t capture ultimate glory, the Bucks should take a leaf out of the San Antonio Spurs’ book. Yes, it was their youth—Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper—who drove their success, but they were supported by carefully selected veteran leaders. In fact, Marc J. Spears recently penned a piece on Bismack Biyombo, dubbing him the “perfect mentor” for Wembanyama.
But it doesn’t stop there. 14-year pro Harrison Barnes—once himself the prized young stud on a championship-winning team—was also a guiding force, as were Kelly Olynyk, acquired in a trade that sent a pair of 22-year-olds and a second-round pick to the Washington Wizards last July, and Mason Plumlee, who the Spurs signed in February after waiving Jeremy Sochan. Barnes notwithstanding, these sorts of players typically don’t play much—if at all—but they are pivotal in the development of young players; there’s a distinct difference between coaching and mentoring. Young players need both.
As things stands, which may very well be different by the time you read this, the Bucks have just four players 30 years of age or older: Myles Turner (30), Kyle Kuzma (31), Taurean Prince (32)—who somewhat surprisingly opted into his player option after the Giannis trade—and Gary Harris—who picked his up before it. Of course, there’s no guarantee that any of these guys are around for the entirety of this season and at least a couple of them don’t fit the culture-setting archetype a rebuilding team needs (I’ll let you be the judge on who).
All that said, here are some veteran targets the Bucks should look at in free agency:
Bigs
Kevon Looney
With the New Orleans Pelicans expected to decline their team option on him, Looney could return to his birth city and provide invaluable leadership and championship habits. He certainly has the adoration of his former coach, Steve Kerr, who raved about Looney’s leadership back in 2022:
Loon is incredible. This guy has so much wisdom. He’s so quiet that if you don’t pay attention, you may not realize that he has become the moral compass of our team. He’s a special human being. Special. And he was a key instrument in everything that we’ve had going the last week to try to get things back on track. I’ll ride with Loon forever. This is a special man.
Kevin Love
A former All-Star and All NBA player, Love has embraced a role as a veteran leader, most recently with the Utah Jazz. Prior to this, he served as a mentor to none other than Milwaukee’s newest big, Kel’el Ware, for which he received high praise from coach Erik Spoelstra:
A lot of vets don’t really want to accept that kind of role and that kind of transition and he has been able to do that gracefully. Those kind of guys are really necessary in this league. I wish there were more vets that would embrace that because with a younger league I think you do need that kind of mentorship, guys that can still do it, that can still play but then have that emotional stability to also pave room for a guy like Ware and Jovic.
Andre Drummond
The NBA’s preeminent rebounder for the best part of his career—and, yes, he’s still that good on the boards—Drummond’s physicality and “impeccable vibes” would be a welcome addition to the Bucks’ frontcourt.
Forwards
Jeff Green
“Uncle Jeff” has been in the league so long he once played for the Seattle Supersonics. He’s spent the last three seasons with the Houston Rockets and is a committed veteran presence, telling Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson that “it’s my duty and my job now to pass those teachings along to the young guys.”
Nicholas Batum
With the Los Angeles Clippers declining their team option on Batum, he’s now an unrestricted free agent and would be a near-ideal mentor for fellow Frenchman and recently resigned Ousmane Dieng, who has long drawn comparisons to him.
Khris Middleton
Look, it won’t happen, but what a fitting way this would be to send Khash off into the sunset. Once a young wing with upside, Khris could come full-circle to guide Nate Ament and the Bucks into their next era of success. A bloke can dream, right?
Guards
Mike Conley
Conley would be the ultimate veteran at guard, a high-character leader who can still play important minutes—just look at how he contributed in the playoffs. Unfortunately, he’s far more likely to stay in Minnesota or go to a contender.
Jevon Carter
At just 30 years old, Carter is a young vet, but has experience in Milwaukee and plays the tough, gritty defence that Jenkins will want from all of his players. Carter’s efforts weren’t lost on Orlando Magic teammate Desmond Bane, who spoke highly about his winning habits:
He’s a hard worker and cares about winning. When you work hard, and the only thing on your mind is winning, it’s hard not to respect people like that. I think he has come in and given us exactly what we needed.
Garrett Temple
Despite only once averaging over more than 8.4 PPG, Temple has played 16 years in the NBA. That doesn’t happen by accident. In fact, seven years ago, Temple was being praised for his leadership, earning him the nickname “President” with the Brooklyn Nets. It’s a role he embraces too:
I’ve honestly kind of been that on every team I’ve been on since Sacramento. I take pride in that. The coaches let me know they want me to have that role, which is something I don’t take for granted. I want to make sure I go out there night-in and night-out and in practice and play the right way, try to be a pro. That’s the biggest thing is show these young guys how to be pros. Talent plus professionalism makes for great careers, makes for long careers.
Doesn’t he know it?
What do you think, Brew Hoopers, should the Bucks pursue one of these veteran leaders, or are their current veterans fit for the job? Check out the NBA’s Free Agent Tracker for other potential fits and share your thoughts in the comments.
Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) moves to the basket against Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Houston Rockets are wasting no time in 2026 NBA Free Agency. According to reports, they have signed away former Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart to a two-year, $13 million deal. Smart is already familiar with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka from their time together in Boston.
The 32-year-old Smart is coming off of a season in which he averaged 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3 assists for the Lakers, and he gave the Rockets absolute fits in their first round playoff series this past season. He was also the plus-minus leader for the Lakers on the year.
The 6’3″ guard won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and has long been thought of as one of the league’s premier defenders on the perimeter.
However, he’s not likely to do much for Houston’s need for shooting, averaging just 38.9 percent from the floor and 32.4 percent from deep for his career.
Smart will give Houston another guard off of the bench and for Fred VanVleet insurance, though Smart is hardly the floor general that VanVleet is. It also brings into question how many minutes Reed Sheppard will receive this upcoming season, with VanVleet back and now Smart in the fold. Udoka’s disdain for playing Sheppard is obvious, even though the Rockets were unequivocally better with him on the floor.
Smart hasn’t averaged over 30 minutes a night since 2023, so he’s not going to be taking a ton of minutes, but anything Smart plays will likely be taking away from Reed. Although I am curious to see what the Rockets look like with Smart and Sheppard playing together.
Anyway, with the Bogdan Bogdanovich signing and now Smart, the Rockets have added shooting (Bogdanovich) and now defense (Smart) to their guard rotation.
Tell what you think of these signings in the comments.
Inglewood, CA - April 12: LA Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (7) reacts to making a three point shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Intuit Dome on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Inglewood, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets are adding to their depth by assigning former Los Angeles Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovich. ESPN insider Shams Charania was the first to report the news.
“Free agent Bogdan Bogdanovic has agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN. Rockets executives recruited Bogdanovic tonight and now land an established, playoff-tested shooter for his 10th NBA season,” Charania tweeted.
Bogdanovic turns 34 in August, but he could still provide a spark off the bench for the Rockets. Bogdanovic only played in 23 games for the Clippers last season, averaging a career-low 7.4 points per game.
His best season came in the 2023-24 campaign, which was his fourth and final year with the Atlanta Hawks. He averaged 16.9 points per game while making 37.4 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. He finished fifth in the Sixth Man of the Year voting behind Norman Powell, Bobby Portis, Malik Monk, and Naz Reid.
Bogdanovic could possibly serve as a replacement for Josh Okogie or Jae’Sean Tate, who are both free agents this offseason. The Rockets could still bring back either Okogie or Tate, but this move suggests that one of them might not be coming back to the team next season.
TDS community, we want to hear your thoughts about Bogdanovic joining the Rockets. How do you think he’ll fit in with the squad? Was this a good move for the Rockets or another head-scratching move from the front office? Chime off in the comment section below.
James isn't the only one looking for a new team after making public his impending departure from the Lakers. The rumors, speculation and signings are heating up today now that several impactful trades happened even before free agency started this year.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, LaMelo Ball and Ja Morant will all be playing for new teams and now the rosters around the league's stars need to be filled in. The Lakers, meanwhile, have a bunch of salary cap space to spend with James headed elsewhere. It's shaping up to be another dramatic day in the NBA, with prominent restricted free agents like Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler being pursued by contenders.
USA TODAY Sports is tracking all of the latest news, signings, trades and rumors throughout July 1 with NBA free agency in full gear. Here's what's happening around the league at this moment:
Veteran point guard Mike Conley has agreed to a one-year contract with the Boston Celtics, according tomultiplereports. The 2026-27 season will be his 20th year in the NBA. He spent four seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves after being dealt by the Utah Jazz at the trade deadline in 2023.
Conley averaged 4.5 points and 2.9 assists in 54 games last season and started five games in the playoffs. The 38-year-old played the first 12 seasons of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies, who drafted him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft out of Ohio State.
Losing LeBron James also left the Los Angeles Lakers with about $52 million in cap space to work with and they're in pursuit of a new starting center to team with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves moving forward.
The Lakers have been linked to Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren and Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler, accordingtomultiplereports, though both players are restricted free agents. How much the Lakers are willing to offer is among the more intriguing subplots to play out in free agency in the coming hours and days.
The Pistons have indicated they plan to retain Duren, despite recent meetings with the Lakers and Sacramento Kings. Kessler and the Jazz have been in extended negotiations on a contract extension and the Jazz similarly intend to keep their young center.
One of the few players available who appeared in the NBA All-Star game last year has a new home. Norman Powell has agreed to a 2-year, $45-million contract with the Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN.
The 33-year-old shooting guard had the most productive seasons of his career the past two years and averaged 21.7 points per game while shooting 38% from 3-point range in 2025-26 with the Miami Heat. The Bulls are one of the few teams in the NBA operating with legitimate salary cap space this offseason.
The Detroit Pistons have bolstered their frontcourt with the addition of free agent forward John Collins, who played last season with the Los Angeles Clippers.
ESPN reports Collins, 28, has agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal with the Central Division champs.
A nine-year NBA veteran, Collins averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in his lone season with the Clippers.
Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Houston Rockets and Marcus Smart agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal.
The 12-year NBA veteran guard started 54 games for the Lakers last season, averaging 9.3 points, 3.0 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game. The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year links back up with Ime Udokoa, who coached Smart in Boston from 2021-23.
Free agent guard Marcus Smart has agreed on a two-year, $13 million deal with the Houston Rockets, plus a player option for the second season, sources tell ESPN. The former Defensive Player of the Year reunites with Ime Udoka for significant opportunity in the Rockets backcourt. pic.twitter.com/NzfArD8zbF
James will be the most coveted free agent on the market despite entering his record 24th NBA season, especially if he's willing to take a pay cut. So where are his most likely landing spots? The Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are the teams mentioned the most, but that doesn't mean there aren't others that would be extremely interested in the four-time NBA MVP.
Aside from LeBron James, there are a handful of other big-name free agents that could be on the move. Some might re-sign with their current teams, some might opt to take their talents to a championship contender, and others might be looking for a huge payday.
Among the biggest names to keep an eye on: James Harden, who declined his $42.3 million player option with the Cavaliers for 2026-27 but seems to want to return to Cleveland; Jalen Duren, who's a restricted free agent with the Pistons; and Rui Hachimura, who could see some big offers from teams that have more money under the salary cap.
The Boston Celtics have made an unexpected signing in NBA free agency with the addition of Mike Conley Jr.
The veteran guard has agreed to a one-year contract with the C’s, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Contracts can’t be signed until July 6. The deal is for the veteran minimum, per RealGM’s Keith Smith.
Love this move. Can never have enough good vets. Low usage, low turnover PG. Hope he finds his 3-point shot in limited reps. Still plays hard on defense. https://t.co/At6pxx6XVA
Conley is 38 years old, and the upcoming season will be his 20th as a pro. He’ll be just the 14th player to play 20-plus years in the NBA.
Conley averaged 4.5 points and 2.9 assists per game in 54 games (15 starts) for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. He’s still a capable ballhandler and doesn’t turn the ball over much. He’s also seen as a great locker room presence and a leader.
Conley likely will be the third point guard behind Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.
It’s a good low-cost move to add depth and experience.
Feb 12, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (10) dribbles as New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
As the annual NBA free agent and trade market heats up, two former Blue Devil teammates are on the move: Brandon Ingram has been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, while Luke Kennard has left the Los Angeles Lakers and signed with the Phoenix Suns as a free agent.
L.A. also got Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round swap, and two unidentified second-round picks.
Leonard is a wonderful player, but he’s 35 now and he’s missed significant parts of every season since 2022-23. Last year, he did play 65 games, but that means he still missed 17 games, and that was his best year in a while.
The odds of that improving a lot at 35 are not that great, and he’s on the back end of his career already, so in the long run, you’d have to think that the Clippers will come out ahead.
As for Kennard and the Suns, he will fill in nicely for the recently traded Grayson Allen. Kennard, Allen, and going forward, Kon Knueppel, are all tremendous three-point shooters. Basically, if you want a three-point ace, look to Duke.
The Sixers agreed to a deal with 24-year-old center Ariel Hukporti on the second day of free agency.
Hukporti and the team came to terms on a one-year, $3.4 million contract Wednesday morning, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Philadelphia. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news.
Hukporti is a 7-foot lefty fresh off of winning a championship with the Knicks. He spent his first two NBA seasons in New York after beginning his professional career in his home country of Germany.
The Knicks did not tender Hukporti a qualifying offer this offseason, which made him a restricted free agent. He appeared in 54 games last season and averaged 2.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 9.2 minutes per contest.
Over his first two years in the NBA, Hukporti’s athleticism and shot blocking were clear strengths. He had a 3.1 block percentage last season, which ranked in the 85th percentile for big men according to Cleaning the Glass. Hukporti has struggled at times with picking the right spots to be aggressive defensively and has fouled at a high rate.
The Sixers currently have two other young centers on their roster behind Joel Embiid in Adem Bona and Johni Broome, both of whom are 23 years old. Veteran Andre Drummond is a free agent.
Bona has some similar traits to Hukporti as a bouncy, defensively-oriented big man with shot blocking talent and fouling issues. Like Bona, Hukporti has yet to take outside jumpers on a remotely regular basis in the NBA. He did make 26 of 33 free throws last year (78.8 percent) and also let three-pointers fly in the G League, going 8 for 25 from long range (32 percent) across seven gamesfor the Westchester Knicks.
Jan 21, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Trent Noah (9) fives guard Denzel Aberdeen during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Looking at the roster for this Kentucky Basketball team, there are a lot of new faces in Lexington as well as some returning players. A lot of players are hyped up in the offseason, but oftentimes, a player will surprise fans and media members with the impact they make on the court.
Who could be that surprise for Kentucky this season? Well, Jon Rothstein recently asked Mark Pope about that on an episode of Inside College Basketball Now, and Pope indicated there are multiple players who could be a surprise this season.
Pope first pointed to Ousmane N’Diaye, the 6’11 Senegalese forward who most recently played in Italy. Pope pointed to N’Diaye’s length and shot-making ability as attributes that stood out and could really surprise people this season.
Pope also pointed to Justin McBride, a name we’ve heard mentioned quite a bit in practices. Pope pointed to McBride’s versatility and physicality, as well as his college experience, as attributes that could lead him to have a breakout season.
Franck Kepnang is another guy Pope mentioned, but noted that Kepnang’s health will be a key factor in how much impact he has.
However, Pope really keyed in on Trent Noah.
“Trent Noah is physical,” Pope told Rothstein. “And he can really shoot it. Part of the issue last year was when we lost our point guard, we lost a real creator vibe on our roster. You know, it hurt also guys like Trent who might not manufacture a lot of shots, but if shots can be manufactured for him, he’s going to make them all, it feels like.”
Pope also mentioned Braydon Hawthorne as a guy who has a high ceiling and a ton of potential.
You can check out this clip where Pope talks about the different players who could be surprises.
Stephen Curry and LeBron James have grown closer over the years. Photograph: Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images
It’s official: LeBron Jameswill not finish his career as a Los Angeles Laker. The talking heads are in a gnashing froth. ESPN’s Shams Charania has become the first human being in recorded history to somehow get less than zero sleep over a 24-hour period. Steph Curry is widening his eyes. Bronny James is secretly relishing the chance to forge his own identity as he says “I’ll miss you, Dad.” James hasn’t been the best player in the league for more than half a decade, but at 41 he remains the most decorated and the one who commands the most coverage. So let’s indulge in a time-honored tradition one last time: wild speculation over where the King will play next season.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors seem to be the odds-on favorite to land James, but it still feels silly typing this out. Picture Thanos joining the Avengers. Lionel Messi defecting to Portugal. Andy Murray coaching Novak Djokovic … well, that one did actually happen.
James waged an uphill war against Golden State for four straight years in the 2010s, trying to will his usually undermanned Cavaliers squad to an unlikely win over one of the finest teams ever assembled. His lone success on that mission came in 2016, and remains the crown jewel of his career. But there were more bad times than good: JR Smith’s tragicomic gaffe in the 2018 finals; what would have been an all-time carry job sputtering out of gas after taking a 2-1 lead in 2015; going up against Warriors teams in 2017 and 2018 who were essentially impossible for him to beat with the teammates he had. Clips of James blocking Curry’s layups and then jawing at him, or Draymond Green trying to swat the King out of the air, still inspire vivid emotions in plenty of fans. And now James would join ranks with his old enemy?
Well, yes. James and Curry (and even Green) have grown close over the years. They played together on Olympic squads and the synergy was beautiful. Alongside Curry, Green and potentially LeBron’s ex-Laker teammate Anthony Davis, the New Warriors would be the most feelgood team in recent memory. Besides, this move would be entirely in line with James’s history. He’s never been afraid of angering fans, maybe to a fault. (Recall those burned jerseys after The Decision.) He’s always zigged when fans wanted him to zag. While other players shamelessly imitated Michael Jordan, James charted his own path in his own style until fans accepted him as at least equally great. Why not join the team that tormented him for years?
This Unc-tastic crew would brew nostalgia by the gallon. The modern NBA is powered by youth and durability, and nobody should be under any illusions that this team would be headed towards a pasture remotely greener than “every crucial player gets injured within five games of the season starting”. Still, the vibes before that inevitable train wreck would be fabulous.
Likelihood: 55%
Cleveland Cavaliers
The lone option that could beat the Warriors for good feels. In his Sports Illustrated essay announcing his return to Cleveland in 2014, James wrote “I always believed that I’d return to Cleveland and finish my career there. I just didn’t know when.” Did that belief change when he left Cleveland for LA in 2018, or has a final stint with the Cavs been the plan all along? Dumped out of the Eastern Conference finals in four games by the Knicks, including an epic Game 1 collapse, the Cavaliers need all the help they can get. On the court, James may not get all that many touches – he’ll have to sneak them in between the twin suns of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden – but it’ll be worth it for the sheer energy of his first game back.
Cleveland is where LeBron began his career in 2003. It’s where he made his first finals. It’s the city that loathed him when he left and loved him when he returned. It’s the site of his greatest triumph and his greatest basketball (2018, as the man himself told it on the Mind the Gamepodcast.) So the team lacks a certain reliability and verve. But it’s the best story.
Likelihood: 25%
Miami Heat
The Heat have Bam Adebayo to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they traded away most of their other assets to get the Greek star. LeBron and Giannis would be an intriguing combination – there may not be enough three-point shooting there to power a fearsome offense, but they’d be a force in the paint, and Antetokounmpo’s dunks and drives could help James get some valuable rest. James spent just four seasons in Miami, but packed enough memories into that time to compete with his body of work anywhere else: four straight trips to the finals, two MVPs, two finals MVPs, his villain era and one oft-cited, poorly aged quote. Hey, going back to Miami is the only way to belatedly fulfill “not one, not two … not seven”.
Likelihood: 15%
Minnesota Timberwolves/San Antonio Spurs/Oklahoma City Thunder
If what James covets most isn’t money or fun but a ring, he won’t get what he wants on any of the above teams. These teams are genuine contenders, and James’s time on the Lakers – as well as his, oh, 23 years in the league – tell him exactly what that looks like: youth, generational stars, exceptional defense. James would be an instant upgrade on Julius Randle in Minnesota, further bolstering the offense alongside Anthony Edwards (imagine those alley-oops, in either configuration) and LaMelo Ball. He would be a sorely needed veteran on the Spurs, giving them an out in crunch time with touch shots off the glass or foul-drawing drives. Jordan and James never played each other in the NBA; imagine if James not only played alongside the next player with GOAT potential in Wemby but helped sharpen him.
And the Thunder? They probably have the least need for James out of any team in the league, but that’s exactly why he may feast there. With their endless bench of serviceable-to-very-good three-and-D players, James could play limited minutes with manageable intensity as the other starters carry the defensive burden. While James on the Cavs or Warriors is a lovely image, if anyone’s earned the right to chase a final ring on one of the best teams in the league, it’s him.
Likelihood: 5%
Memphis Grizzlies
What James said about Memphis in March was a masterstroke of misdirection disguising a secret and long-held love for the city. Also, he feels bad about how badly things went with Ja Morant.
Likelihood: LOL
Only the man himself knows what’s to come in the future. But if his choice is consistent with his on-court philosophy, though the team he picks may not be the most obvious or the most conducive to glory, it will be the correct one.
