The Suns are sending Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and a 2033 first-round pick to the Hornets for Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and 2027 second-round pick, the Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin has confirmed.
Bridges has spent the first eight seasons of his NBA career with Charlotte. He averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season.
Allen, also an eight-year NBA veteran, has spent the last three seasons in Phoenix. He led the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage in his first year with the Suns. This past season, he averaged a career-high 16.5 poitns per game.
O'Neale, a nine-year vet, scored a career-best 9.8 points per game last season with the Suns.
BOSTON - 1987: Alvan Adams #33 of the Phoenix Suns lookst to make a move against Larry Bird #33 of the Boston Celtics during a game played in 1987 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 1987 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome back to our series connecting the Phoenix Suns and the FIFA World Cup. Last time, we explored the franchise’s origins: from its first steps to its first moments of glory, and the players who laid the foundations of one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises. Today, we’re traveling back once again to dive into a pivotal decade in Suns history: The 1980s.
1982: A Franchise Stuck in Limbo
In 1982, the Suns were coming off a stretch where they had flirted with greatness without ever truly establishing themselves among the league’s elite. Their 46-36 record reflected a solid, competitive team that simply couldn’t take the next step. Phoenix was good — sometimes very good — but rarely spectacular. It was the story of the franchise at the time: three consecutive trips to the Conference Semifinals ended in three straight eliminations, despite posting the two best regular-season records in franchise history (55 and 57 wins).
On the floor, the team still revolved around its star duo: Dennis Johnson and Alvan Adams. Johnson remained Phoenix’s go-to scorer, an elegant, smooth offensive weapon capable of catching fire at any moment. Adams, meanwhile, continued to redefine the center position with his intelligence and creativity, orchestrating the offense from the high post. Averaging 4.5 assists per game as a center was almost unheard of at the time.
The Suns reached the playoffs once again but were swept out of the Conference Semifinals by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and the Lakers. Another frustrating ending, perfectly symbolizing a team trapped in basketball’s gray area: too good to collapse, not quite good enough to contend, yet consistently among the league’s strongest regular-season teams.
Meanwhile, the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain marked a turning point in football history. It was the first tournament to feature 24 teams, the first to introduce a second group stage, and one of the most emotionally memorable World Cups ever.
It featured Zico, Falcão, and Sócrates’ legendary Brazil side — widely regarded as one of the greatest teams never to win the World Cup. It also showcased Paolo Rossi’s Italy, which went from struggling in the group stage to lifting the trophy after an incredible run.
And then there was France – West Germany in Seville: a heartbreaking semifinal that became one of football’s greatest classics. France would have to wait two more years before winning its first major international trophy at Euro 1984.
The tournament was also remembered for one of football’s biggest scandals: West Germany vs. Austria. With the result benefiting both teams, they effectively eliminated Algeria despite Algeria’s remarkable campaign. The infamous “Disgrace of Gijón” remains one of the darkest moments in World Cup history.
1986: Rock Bottom
By 1986, the Suns were living through one of their darkest chapters in franchise history.
The decline had been gradual. Key veterans had left over the previous years (Robinson, Johnson), while Alvan Adams was no longer the player he once was. Head coach John MacLeod appeared to be losing control of the locker room, and Phoenix’s record kept getting worse season after season. After nearly a decade of consistent success, the Suns would miss the playoffs for three straight seasons.
Their 32-50 record summed up a miserable campaign that was plagued by injuries, internal tension, and a year later, the franchise would be shaken by a major scandal involving players connected to illegal drugs and sports gambling. It became one of the controversies that damaged the NBA’s reputation during the decade.
On the court, Walter Davis remained the face of the franchise, but he was largely on his own. Larry Nance was the other bright spot: an explosive power forward, elite defender, and one of the league’s most spectacular finishers above the rim. Around them, however, the roster lacked depth, stability, talent, and direction.
The Suns predictably missed the playoffs and entered a forced rebuilding phase. The organization needed to rebuild not only its roster, but also its identity and public image. Funny how, regardless of the era, history always seems to repeat itself in one way or another…
Meanwhile, the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico belonged to one man: Diego Maradona.
His tournament was nothing short of legendary. The Goal of the Century. The Hand of God. Complete domination from start to finish. Argentina captured its second World Cup title behind a player who transcended football itself to become one of the greatest sporting icons of all time.
A legendary World Cup. Maradona’s World Cup.
1990: The Rebirth Begins
1990 marked a turning point for the Suns. After years of struggling, Phoenix was finally back. Their 54-28 record reflected a team that had undergone a complete transformation over the previous two seasons — ambitious, exciting, and ready to become one of the Western Conference’s top contenders throughout the decade.
The reason? A brilliantly executed rebuild, a front office making all the right moves, and above all, the arrival of head coach Cotton Fitzsimmons, who completely changed the franchise’s trajectory.
On the court, Phoenix featured one of the league’s deepest and most balanced rosters with their backcourt, wing, and paint talent.
Kevin Johnson led the backcourt alongside the reliable Jeff Hornacek, while Dan Majerle provided a major spark off the bench. Johnson earned an All-Star selection, All-NBA Second Team honors, and posted the best playmaking season of his career: 11.4 assists per game, a 3.16 assist-to-turnover ratio, a 44% assist percentage, and just a 15.6% turnover rate. He also delivered several unforgettable performances, including games with over 20 assists, multiple 40-point outings, and two triple-doubles.
Off the bench, Eddie Johnson finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting after averaging 17 points and four rebounds per game, bringing instant scoring and physicality on the wing.
Then there was Tom Chambers, Phoenix’s undisputed star, entering the new decade. He averaged 27 points and seven rebounds per game, finished in the Top 10 of MVP voting, earned another All-Star selection, and was on the All-NBA Second Team. His explosiveness, elite finishing ability, and devastating transition game made him one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.
Meanwhile, the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy became one of the most defensive tournaments in football history. Only 115 goals in 52 matches, a cautious style of play that would force FIFA to change certain rules, including banning goalkeepers from picking up a deliberate back-pass from a teammate with their hands, in order to make the game more attacking.
Goals were scarce, tension was everywhere, but the tournament had a unique charm: unforgettable Italian atmospheres, iconic jerseys, and some of the game’s biggest stars.
Matthäus, Vollër and Kohler led West Germany to its third World Cup title, while a battered Diego Maradona somehow carried Argentina all the way back to the final.
A gritty, contrasting World Cup that helped shape modern football.
The decades keep passing, and yet the story often feels familiar. Phoenix is still a young franchise by NBA standards, but it continues to make a strong impression. The championship still isn’t there, but the level certainly is. The cycles come and go, and each rebuild is carefully managed, allowing the team to remain competitive year after year. The future looks bright…or does it? We’ll find out in Episode 3
EL SEGUNDO, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Chris Mañon #30 of the South Bay Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Stockton Kings on February 28, 2026 at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After a standout season in the G League, the Lakers have tendered a non-qualifying offer to two-way guard Chris Mañon, making him a restricted free agent.
Mañon earned G League First Team All-Defense honors with the South Bay Lakers last season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have tendered a two-way qualifying offer to Chris Manon, a league source told @spotrac.
Manon will now be a restricted free agent this summer.
In his rookie season, Mañon was effectively a non-factor with the parent Lakers after signing his two-way deal, scoring just seven points in nine games and never playing outside of garbage time. In total, he played just 46 minutes in the NBA last year.
However, in the G League, he saw far more time, playing in 46 games with South Bay. While he still had a limited offensive role, scoring 11.6 points per game but shooting 31.5% from the 3-point line, he made his name on the other end of the floor.
Mañon finished the year averaging 2.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game and earned the reputation as one of the best defenders in the G League. On top of his First Team All-Defense honors, he finished second in voting for G League Defensive Player of the Year.
The need for a reliable offensive game still trumps his defensive ability, no matter how great it is. However, his elite defense also makes him an intriguing two-way candidate. That being said, Mañon is 24 years old and while that’s certainly not a finished product, it’s also pretty late in a basketball career to suddenly find or develop offensive skills that haven’t existed before.
For the Lakers, it’s an easy move to tender the non-qualifying offer and make him a restricted free agent. They can always pull the offer at any time if a more intriguing two-way option becomes available.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the fifth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler after he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers. | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
In this episode of Oskee Talk I’m reunited with TCR’s Pleas Honeywood to break down:
Keaton Wagler going to L.A. (6:56)
Concerns about Wagler’s athleticism at the next level (11:12)
Wagler’s historic freshman season in Champaign (16:30)
Men’s basketball’s “recruiting sell” (23:06)
We also discuss:
Other notable picks from the NBA Draft (25:19)
Why the “new” draft format was terrible (38:08)
NBA futures for Kylan Boswell and Ben Humrichous (45:37)
The ripple effect of Dusty May’s departure and how the Illini can take advantage (56:42)
Illinois’ meeting with UNC (75:46)
Hoops’ non-conference schedule so far (89:55)
Click below to listen!
How do you think Keaton Wagler will fare in the NBA? Does the road to the B1G title run through Champaign?Join the conversation! Comment below and make sure to subscribe to Oskee Talk wherever you find your podcasts!
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 05: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum on April 05, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
But as Luka Dončić has reportedly communicated, not just any center would suffice, he wants the Lakers to acquire an “A-list” center this summer.
Although the duo of Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes did a serviceable job shoring up the position, the playoffs proved there is an echelon of big needed to succeed. Finding an upgrade, however, may prove more difficult than previously expected.
Multiple potential targets have already changed teams or agreed to stay with their current organization. And while there is still hope the Lakers can land one of Walker Kessler or Jalen Duren, there are serious hurdles standing in their way.
If the team strikes out on those big fish as well, the Lakers may find themselves back at a familiar name — Myles Turner.
Given how many times he’s been linked to Los Angeles over the years, Turner is essentially an honorary Laker at this point. But will this offseason finally be the time he officially wears purple and gold?
Let’s look at the pros and cons.
Pros
While Turner would not be any Lakers fans’ preferred outcome, there are potential positives in acquiring him worth examining.
Despite some slippage this past season, Turner still offers an intriguing skill set that may be even more desirable given who sits atop the Western Conference.
Turner remains one of the NBA’s premier floor-spacing bigs as more than half of his shots (54%) came from behind the arc last season. He not only converted them at a healthy rate (38%), but, compared to the Lakers’ roster last year, his 147 made 3’s would have finished second behind only Dončić.
Beyond adding a much-needed new element to the Lakers’ offense, the ability to proficiently play five-out could be critical in postseason matchups with the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder in particular, as it would force Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren away from the paint.
Although not the same defender as he was in Indiana, Turner could also still provide value for the Lakers on the other end as well.
Behind his steady block numbers (84th percentile) and timing, the Bucks allowed 7.2 points less on defense when Turner was on the floor compared to off. Opposing teams also attempted 3% less of their shots at the rim and shot 4% worse once there when the big man patrolled the paint. Turner’s ability to be a deterrent would be welcome for a Lakers team that allowed the second-highest field-goal percentage at the rim during the regular season.
There could also be unique off-court value to Turner compared to other options.
After dealing Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks will likely be open to trading the veteran center as they enter their rebuild, especially after acquiring Kel’el Ware. And given Turner’s contract (more on that later), the asking price would be far less than other starting fives on the market.
Adding Turner’s upcoming $26 millon to the books would take a large chunk out of the Lakers’ cap space this summer, but the team could alleviate the hit by shedding their own unwanted salaries in a potential deal.
For example, the Lakers could send roughly $16 million between Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht to Milwaukee in a Turner swap. That would be a much more palatable $10 million clip to their spending power. If they also want to part ways with Jake LaRavia, Turner would only be adding $4 million to their cap sheet this upcoming year. And if it’s Ayton instead of LaRavia, the cap hit would only be a negligible $2 million difference.
If any of these iterations actually occur, this would allow the Lakers enough money left over to address other needs on the roster. They can make a competitive offer to Peyton Watson. They can add more center depth by signing Mitchell Robinson or Robert Williams. They can split up that money and sign multiple players to fill out their bench. All options that would not be possible if they sign either Kessler or Duren to a max deal.
Cons
The downsides of trading for Turner are simple.
While his shooting would add an intriguing wrinkle to the Lakers’ offense, it may not jive with the Lakers’ pick-and-roll-heavy playcalling. Turner’s popping would be helpful, but Dončić has thrived playing with centers who could roll and finish over the top. He has also made his desire for a lob threat clear in the past. Turner is not that.
According to the league’s tracking data, Turner converted just 44.9% of his pick-and-roll chances with the Bucks. He also made a suboptimal 52.3% of his 2-point shots overall (22nd percentile among bigs). For comparison, Ayton finished 65.8% of his pick-and-roll looks and a tremendous 67.1% of his 2-point chances (88th percentile).
Turner has also notoriously been a below-average rebounder at his position. Couple that with taking a step back athletically, and adding him to a starting lineup with Dončić and Austin Reaves could put the Lakers at a severe speed disadvantage.
There is the possibility that Turner can turn back the clock and perform closer to the center who was in the Finals just two years ago by playing on a team with title aspirations. But expecting more gradual decline over the course of his contract is far more realistic. It is worth pointing out that at 30, Turner is six years older than Kessler and eight years older than Duren.
Speaking of his contract, when including this upcoming season, Turner still has roughly $82 million owed to him over the next three years.
That may not be an issue in the aforementioned short term, but once Reaves’ new deal kicks in next season, the Lakers will quickly find they have a lot invested in the trio. They could always reroute Turner when it becomes an issue, but that likely will cost valuable draft capital to do so.
Beyond the potential awkward on-court fit and future financial headache, the Lakers’ front office should also be wary of how Dončić would feel about Turner’s addition. He is in no way the “A-list” center or vertical threat he reportedly desires, nor would he put the Lakers in the same tier as either the Spurs or Thunder.
Dončić’s future with the team is not guaranteed, and the team must operate as such. After expressing to the star that this summer will be the time they make big moves, anything less could be viewed as a failure, or worse, a lie.
Even with draft picks and more cap space than any other team at their disposal, the Lakers’ fortunes will ultimately depend on who they employ as their starting center. If it’s Turner or someone else, they’d better deliver a roster that was worth the wait.
All stats courtesy of Cleaning the Glass unless otherwise stated. You can follow Alex on Bluesky at @alexregla.bsky.social.
INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 22, 2026: LA Clippers forward John Collins (20) dunks over Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) in the first half at the Intuit Dome on January 22, 2026 in Inglewood, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
At long last, we got a fresh heaping of Sixers slop on Saturday. Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade is “expected to draw interest from various playoff teams,” including the Sixers.
New Sixers president Mike Gansey was the Cavaliers’ general manager before coming to Philly, so it’s no surprise that the Sixers are being linked to Wade. What’s more surprising is their apparent willingness to spend the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Using the non-taxpayer MLE would hard-cap the Sixers at the first apron, which is projected to be around $209 million next season. Given their current cap sheet, it would be difficult for them to spend that and bring back either Kelly Oubre Jr. or Quentin Grimes, much less both.
So, the question isn’t just whether the Sixers can land any of these players for a starting salary no higher than roughly $15 million. It’s whether adding any of these players justifies costing them a realistic shot of re-signing Oubre or Grimes.
Based on the current $165 million projection for the 2026-27 salary cap, the non-taxpayer MLE is projected to start at $15.05 million. A three-year deal with 8% annual raises (the highest they can go) would top out at roughly $48.75 million, while a four-year contract could go as high as $67.4 million.
John Collins, PF
Five years ago, John Collins and Trae Young tormented the Sixers in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Fast-forward a half-decade and Young is on the Washington Wizards, Collins is finishing his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, and Ben Simmons just won a sportfishing championship.
It’s unclear what the Clippers have up their sleeves this offseason. Trade rumors about star forward Kawhi Leonard are beginning to bubble to the surface, while The Ringer’s Zach Lowe hinted that the Clippers could be a sneaky threat in free agency.
“I don’t know if this has been decided yet, but someone who would know told me [Wednesday] that the Clippers are telling or behaving I guess as though they’re going to have cap space in the offseason,” Lowe said on his podcast (via RealGM). “They can’t open much. They can open about $20 million but they have to cut some options and renounce some guys.”
One of those guys would be Collins, who averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in 27.1 minutes per game while shooting a career-best 40.6 percent from deep last season. He has a $39.9 million cap hold, so the Clippers will have to renounce him to have any chance of creating cap space (barring larger moves).
Collins is mostly a 4, but he can play the 5 at times. He isn’t a high-volume three-point shooter, but he’s gradually improved his efficiency from beyond the arc in recent years. And he’s still a solid rebounder and shot-blocker despite no longer being quite as springy as he was in his early 20s.
Tony Jones of The Athletic has been banging this particular drum for a minute now. If the Sixers could get Collins with the non-taxpayer MLE, he could fill a major void for them… provided that he doesn’t fall victim to the Philadelphia curse that robs players of their shooting ability as soon as they set foot in the city.
Much like the Clippers with Collins, getting to that level of cap space would require the Lakers to renounce their free-agent rights to LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, among others. Hachimura’s availability thus might come down to whether the Lakers are able to pull off a big splash this offseason.
If he does shake loose from Los Angeles, he’d be an incredible fit in Philly on the non-taxpayer MLE. Hachimura has shot above 41 percent from three-point range in each of the past three seasons, and he knocked down a thermonuclear 56.9 percent of his 5.8 attempts per game from deep during the playoffs. With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sidelined, he’s one of the main reasons why the Lakers were able to upset the Houston Rockets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
The 6’8″, 230-pound Hachimura can’t provide much rim protection whenever he moonlights as a small-ball 5, but his shooting ability opens the door to five-out lineups on offense. That’s a look the Sixers haven’t had at their disposal in recent years, with all due respect to Andre Drummond’s corner threes.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Hachimura ultimately winds up commanding more than the non-taxpayer MLE, which would likely take the Sixers out of the running for him. But if the market dries up on him, he should be a priority target.
Jusuf Nurkić, C
To be clear: The Sixers should not spend the full non-taxpayer MLE on a backup center. While they need reinforcements behind Joel Embiid, the opportunity cost of hard-capping themselves at the first apron—and creating a hole in their starting lineup with the likely departure of Oubre—is too great to ignore.
But if Jusuf Nurkić is willing to settle for only a portion of the non-taxpayer MLE, that’s a conversation worth having. He might be the Sixers’ best backup to Embiid since Al Horford in 2019.
Nurkić started 36 games for the Utah Jazz this past season and averaged 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and a career-high 4.8 assists in only 26.4 minutes per game. He’s been a starter for most of his 12-year NBA career and might not be ready to move into a backup role, although it’s possible that the market forces his hand given his age (turns 32 in August).
In Philly, the Sixers could more or less promise Nurkić at least 20 starts throughout the year in place of Embiid, and possibly far more. (Hopefully not.) Embiid also isn’t playing into the high-30s minutes-wise until the playoffs, so Nurkić would have a sizable role off the bench.
If Nurkić is offered a starting role elsewhere or commands the full non-taxpayer MLE, the Sixers shouldn’t try to compete with that. But if he’s willing to slide into a swing backup/starter role behind Embiid, the Sixers could also offer a legitimate chance to rebuild his market value in case he signs a short-term deal.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, PF/C
Stein and Fischer also reported Saturday that the Toronto Raptors “are bracing for big man Sandro Mamukelashvili to test the open market.” The Raptors are hoping to re-sign him, but he’s “expected to have multiple suitors at a sizable portion” of the non-taxpayer MLE, they added.
In other words: Casual NBA fans are going to lose their everloving minds when they see the terms of Mamukelashvili’s next contract.
True hoopers—or anyone sick enough to watch the Toronto Raptors last year—know the Mamu love is well-deserved. He set career-highs in points (11.2), rebounds (4.9), made three-pointers (1.4) and minutes played per game (21.9) while shooting 52.3 percent overall and 38.9 percent from deep.
Mamu could fill in as Embiid’s primary backup, but his floor-spacing ability also gives him the potential to slide in next to Embiid at the 4. The Sixers have long searched for a big man who can credibly play alongside Embiid at times, and Mamu may be their realistic best hope.
A sizable portion of the non-taxpayer MLE could still end up being an eight-figure annual salary. But if Mamu signs with the Sixers for less than the full thing, that might give them enough wiggle room under the first apron to re-sign Oubre or Grimes.
Robert Williams III, C
Robert Williams III falls into the same camp as Nurkić spending-wise. There’s an extra reason to be caution of him, too.
While Nurkić has missed time in recent years, it’s nothing compared to Williams. He’s played only 294 games across eight NBA seasons, and this past year was only the third time that he played more than 40 games.
The last thing that the Sixers need behind Embiid is another center with constant availability concerns. With that said, Williams’ talent is undeniable.
In only 17.1 minutes per game with the Portland Trail Blazers last year, he still managed to average 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. He has never averaged fewer than 1.2 blocks per game despite having played more than 25 minutes per game only once in eight seasons.
If Horford was enough when it comes to high-risk potential Celtics sleeper agents, that’s completely understandable. Williams could vastly outplay his contract if he stays healthy, but that is an enormous “if.”
Other players featured here are better fits, but we shouldn’t rule out Williams entirely if the Sixers to decide to move on from Oubre and Grimes.
Derrick Jones Jr., SF/PF
Up until now, the players mentioned here are set to become free agents in a few days’ time. We’ve now reached the one exception.
This latest collective bargaining agreement allows teams to use the non-taxpayer MLE as a trade exception as well as a mechanism to sign free agents. So, the Sixers could use it—or could have used it already—to facilitate a salary dump (say, Aaron Wiggins or Isaiah Joe).
They could also use it to absorb Derrick Jones Jr. or send back one of Oubre or Grimes in a sign-and-trade if the Los Angeles Clippers decide to continue their ongoing roster overhaul.
Beyond saying that the Clippers could be a cap-space team this offseason, ESPN’s Zach Lowe also mentioned them as a possible dark-horse landing spot for LeBron James, which might require them to open up even more financial flexibility. Jones is earning less than $10.5 million in the final year of his three-year, $30.0 million contract, so the Sixers could easily absorb him into the non-taxpayer MLE without sending out salary.
Jones isn’t a prolific three-point shooter, which could make him an awkward fit on the Sixers. He’s not much worse than Oubre in that department, and like Oubre, he’d otherwise fill the glue-guy role in the Sixers’ starting lineup.
A handful of second-round picks appears to have become the going rate for veterans on expiring contracts, so that’s all the Sixers should be willing to offer for Jones, especially if the Clippers’ primary motivation in making the trade is to free up financial flexibility. They should not under any circumstance offer the Clippers back their 2028 first-round pick or the 2029 first-round swap, especially given the new lottery system and the league’s cap-circumvention investigation still ongoing.
But if the Sixers get priced out on Oubre, Jones would be a solid replacement at a reasonable price.
BRONX, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 9: The Bronx Zoo transforms into a vibrant display of autumn colors as fall foliage surrounds its animal habitats in New York, United States on November 9, 2025. Visitors enjoy the mix of wildlife and seasonal scenery, with golden leaves creating picturesque views across one of New York City's most famous attractions. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images
Good morning to everybody brave enough to wake up at all on Sunday. Double shout-out to the tiny crop of nutsos reading this, y’all the real MVPs. Time for some links!
Mitchell Robinson continues to be the story of the Knicks’ offseason, even if math doesn’t add up. And now, we’ve heard from the country boy himself.
Touching on potential Knicks targets in case Robinson bolts out, the Magic might have to let UFA Moritz Wagner go amid strong links to multiple suitors. Totally opposite profile of player, but it’s not like New York had much room for operation.
Meanwhile, Marvin Bagley III expects to get at least the taxpayer MLE, which is set at round $6 million.
Speaking of Orlando, the Magic officially waived Jonathan Isaac before his salary guarantee kicked in. Mitchell Robinson is likely gone. Connect the dots. (I was an Isaac believer before his streak of injuries, but I’m not so sure I’d pay him more than the absolute minimum salary allowable at this point, as much promise as he still might hold. The alternative is signing Andre Drummond, though…).
The Jaylen Brown discourse somehow reached another level on Saturday night, and it’s fair to say the Jay has publicly and officially lost it.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks revealed that one “NBA analytics guy” views Brown as only the “seventh-best player” on any given team. Of course, streaming extraordinaire Brown lost no time in firing back on social media, later explaining that his game relies more on rhythm and feel than numbers.
“Analytics nowadays (are) used to discredit and control narratives. Roll the ball out, (and) none of these guys better than me on both ends. Who does he work for? Nobody has won more combined regular season and playoff games since I entered the league 10 years ago. Analytics have/are ruining the game we playing AI hoops.”
Meanwhile, Marc Stein and Jake Fischer report Denver has at least discussed whether it has enough assets to enter the Brown sweepstakes, although nothing appears close on that front. The Nuggets have plenty of other business to handle as well, including the future of Nikola Jokic. The Serbian and the Nuggets seem to be postponing any extension talks on purpose while the front office focuses on upgrading the roster. Jonas Valančiūnas and Tim Hardaway Jr. are both viewed as possible departures, while Aaron Gordon continues drawing trade interest.
Don’t rush to the trade machine, Jokic is staying put in Denver.
The Pistons and the Bulls are positioning themselves to take place in the Norman Powell sweepstakes, HoopsHype reports, in what is a nearly confirmed blow to the Miami Heat. After trading for Giannis and with Powell a UFA, there’s little financial room for maneuvering in South Beach, and all it will take for the Heat to lose Powell is a couple of external teams bidding for him and raising the bar. Well, there you have them, fellas.
Detroit might land Powell, but they might also land their own Heat-like blow in the process. According to HoopsHype, Jalen Duren is seeking a humongous $40-million deal in the open market, or 25% of whoever-signs-him’s cap. Sheesh…
Knicks champion Mikal Bridges is rooting for a Jalen Brunson sweep at the ESPYs.
Landry Shamet shared a behind-the-scenes story from the Finals during his appearance on The Old Man and the Three. Shamet described the infamous Game 3 at Madison Square Garden as an “anomaly,” explaining that the changes to the team’s routine completely disrupted the players’ normal schedules, from staying in hotels to airport-style security, causing some anxiety.
The Cavs didn’t invite Timofey Mozgov to their recent 10-year reunion. Do better, Cleveland.
The Spurs have four new draftees, three of whom are available to participate immediately in Summer League. The first stop for the Spurs is San Francisco where the Silver & Black join California Summer League. Over 4th of July weekend, the Spurs will face the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors. Their game schedule is below.
2026 #Spurs California Classic schedule (San Francisco):
After a few days in California, the Spurs head to Las Vegas where all thirty teams will showcase their newest acquisitions. Each team will have four games before knockout rounds begin.
Calendario de la Summer League
09/07 vs Hawks 11/07 vs Knicks 12/07 vs Bucks 15/07 vs Jazz
Seguramente veamos Reed y los dos picks de 2da ronda. Quedará por ver si Quaintance está recuperado (lo más probable es que no).
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Now that the NBA draft has passed, it's on to that dead-period before free agency officially begins. As teams negotiate potential deals and make calls about available players, there's naturally been a bunch of rumors going around.
Free agency begins on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, and any trades or deals can officially be consummated on July 6, when the league's moratorium ends.
The Los Angeles Lakers answered questions about Austin Reaves, rewarding him with the largest contract for an undrafted player – $185 million across four years. They're not done looking to build around Luka Doncic on their quest to bring an 18th championship to the franchise.
Stay locked with USA TODAY for all the latest NBA news and rumors:
The 2026 NBA Draft is behind us. Congratulations to all the fellas out living their dreams.
It's time to turn the attention to the start of free agency as trade rumors swirl and the official "tampering" period beginning on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET. Keep in mind, contracts can't actually be signed until July 6.
The Stein Line's Jake Fischer has stated that the Detroit Pistons are "determined" to re-sign veteran guard Tobias Harris before leaguewide free agency begins on Tuesday. Unfortunately, a deal has not been reached between both parties yet.
Should Harris reach the open market, he is expected to draw a lot of interest. Harris turns 34 next month, but is coming off a great postseason.
HoopsHype reports that the Portland Trail Blazers are actively pursuing Jaylen Brown, but if they cannot acquire Brown, they would be interested in trading for Aaron Gordon.
Earlier reports also hinted that the Miami Heat viewed Gordon as a fallback option as well if their deal for Antetokounmpo fell through.
ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks said on Sirius XM NBA Radio that teams have "mixed feelings" about Celtics star forward Jaylen Brown. It caused a stir over "eye test versus analytics," which agitated Brown enough to respond on X. Marks believes the Portland Trail Blazers could be a team that goes after the 2024 Finals MVP. However, according to ESPN, Boston did re-sign Ron Harper Jr. to a three-year $9 million deal.
Warriors to bring back Al Horford. Who else?
The Golden State Warriors are bringing back 40-year-old center Al Horford on a two-year, $14 million deal, first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. Horford averaged 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 45 games. Golden State just had a good showing in the NBA draft, but they need to figure which players – such as Kristaps Porzingis – they will bring back. It's assumed Draymond Green will opt in to his $27.7 million player option, the final year on his deal.
How will Lakers build around Luka Doncic? Will LeBron James return?
Luka Doncic is the main guy in L.A. The Lakers have to build around him. They resigned Austin Reaves but that won't be enough to contend in the West. Nobody truly knows what LeBron James will do, he's been linked to the Heat, Warriors and of course, remaining with the Lakers, which seems most likely.
Deandre Ayton will likely pick up his player option, although there are reports the Lakers are looking at Knicks center Mitchell Robinson. L.A. may offer Robinson a "long-term" deal at around the mid-level exception of $15.1 million, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. He also reported Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford could be in the mix.
Rui Hachimura had some of the best shooting performances in the playoffs and there are questions about his contract that need to be answered as he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. If he wants to be back in L.A., it's his choice. But will he like the price?
Memphis Grizzlies can't find trade partner for Ja Morant
ESPN insider Brian Windhorst said during NBA draft coverage on June 24 that Ja Morant is done in Memphis, however the Grizzlies are having a difficult time finding a trade partner for their 26-year-old, two-time All-Star.
"It's not really a question for the Grizzlies, they're going to really try to trade him," Windhorst said. "I think we've probably have seen the last moments of Ja Morant in a Grizzlies uniform. It just depends on of how it's going to play itself out. They are looking to totally reset their franchise and Boozer's selection at No. 3 is a part of that. They've had difficulty finding a trading partner for Ja Morant. There's not that many teams that need franchise point guards, quite frankly. A lot of them just drafted them last night that they want to develop."
New Orleans out on veteran center
According NBA insider Chris Haynes, the New Orleans Pelicans will not pick up the team option on veteran center Kevon Looney. Looney, 30, will be a free agent.
One of Ime Udoka’s former players from his time with the Celtics, Jaylen Brown, was thought to be of interest to the Rockets in a trade, but that seems to have vanished, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer:
“The word around the league is the Rockets haven’t been involved in the ongoing Jaylen Brown trade talks at all. Sources insist the Rockets have had no recent discussions with Boston about a Brown deal.”
Another former Celtic might be in Houston’s sights, as Marcus Smart considers his player option for the upcoming season. A Rockets team in need of more seasoned guards will undoubtedly seek Smart if he decides to become a free agent. According to Stein and Fischer:
“League sources say that Smart, who is expected to draw interest from Houston and possibly other teams in free agency, is very much giving consideration to declining his $5.4 million player option for next season with the Lakers before Monday’s deadline to do so and then proceed to the open market.”
Smart can still play a crucial role for a playoff team even though he isn’t the same player he was under Udoka in Boston. In their first-round series against the Lakers, Smart caused havoc on the youthful Rockets as an on-ball defender, and the Rockets learned that lesson the hard way. He helped hamper Houston’s offense and help the Lakers win the series in six games by averaging 2.4 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
However, it would be risky to depend on Smart to play significant minutes during his 32-year-old season. In many respects, it would be a continuation of the same strategy that led to the Rockets’ best point guard option being Fred VanVleet, who is about the same age. However, if Smart is used sparingly and in the appropriate circumstances, he may be a good pickup. A player like Smart shouldn’t be expected by the Rockets to play a lot of minutes or make significant offensive contributions. His shooting has drastically declined since leaving Boston; last season, he only made 39% of his field goals and 33% of his threes. Houston sorely needs a primary ball handler or playmaker, and Smart is far from that.
He is useful, though, as a hounding defender who occasionally makes a corner three. In order to give players like Amen Thompson a respite from their typical demanding defense, he might enter for brief bursts. Not to be overlooked is the fact that Smart and Udoka may have the best defensive synergy of any team, as demonstrated by Smart’s 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award. Nevertheless, this offseason, the Rockets should prioritize acquiring offensive support. Smart strengthens the team’s current advantages but doesn’t assist them in resolving their main shortcomings. The Rockets shouldn’t allow him to significantly interfere with their other offseason plans, even if he declines his player option and becomes a free agent.
Due to his often lackluster shooting and offensive decision-making at this point in his career, Smart’s total value for a deep playoff run is not as high as it once was. Even if their coach still has a soft spot for him, the Rockets shouldn’t become overly enamored with him as a free agent target.
With all that said, what do you all think? Do you like the idea of Marcus Smart on the Rockets? Why or why not? Let us know, and as always, be sure to check back at The Dream Shake for all your Houston Rockets news!
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 25: Zuby Ejiofor #20, Onsi Saleh, Kingston Flemings #4, and Henri Veesaar #13 of the Atlanta Hawks pose for a photo during the Atlanta Hawks New Draft Picks Press Conference and Portraits on June 25, 2026 at Atlanta Hawks Practice Facility 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Joe Boatman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Your Atlanta Hawks will be busy this offseason with exhibition basketball games. For one, in addition to their usual participation in the Las Vegas Summer League, they will also take part in a smaller, four-team Salt Lake City Summer League joining the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, and of course the Utah Jazz.
As an added bonus, the Hawks also announced their preseason schedule for the 2026-27 NBA season much earlier than usual this week. But, let’s break it down in chronological order.
2026 Salt Lake City Summer League (July 4 — July 7)
Atlanta will play three games in four days with a summer league roster that is expected to include draft picks Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor, Henri Veesaar, reported exhibit 10 signing Isaac McKneely and others. Likely opponents include number three overall pick Cameron Boozer of the Grizzlies, number 12 overall pick Aday Mara of the Thunder, and number two overall pick Darryn Peterson of the Jazz.
All games will be played at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City:
July 4 at 5:00 PM EST — Atlanta Hawks vs. Utah Jazz
July 6 at 7:00 PM EST — Atlanta Hawks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
July 7 at 7:00 PM EST — Atlanta Hawks vs. Memphis Grizzlies
2026 Las Vegas Summer League (July 9 — July 19)
As usual, all 30 teams will participate in the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League. Four games are scheduled for each team. The top four teams after those games will head to a single elimination bracket whereas the other 26 teams will play a fifth and final game to be announced later.
Games will be played at either the Thomas & Mack Center or the adjoining Cox Pavilion on the campus of UNLV. The Hawks will have a quick turnaround after Utah as part of the second game overall of the entire league in taking on the San Antonio Spurs:
July 9 at 4:30 PM EST — Atlanta Hawks vs. San Antonio Spurs (Thomas & Mack on ESPN 2)
July 11 at 8:00 PM EST — Atlanta Hawks vs. Brooklyn Nets (Thomas & Mack on ESPN)
July 13 at 6:00 PM EST — Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics (Cox on Prime)
July 16 at 8:00 PM EST — Atlanta Hawks vs. Memphis Grizzlies (Cox on Prime)
2026-27 Preseason Schedule (Oct. 5 — Oct. 16)
The broadcast (TV and radio) schedules and exact tip off times have yet to be announced. The Hawks will have five games with none at neutral site venues:
Oct. 5 — Atlanta Hawks vs. Memphis Grizzlies (State Farm Arena)
Oct. 8 — Atlanta Hawks at San Antonio Spurs (Frost Bank Center)
Oct. 10 — Atlanta Hawks at Indiana Pacers (Gainbridge Fieldhouse)
Oct. 12 — Atlanta Hawks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (State Farm Arena)
Oct. 16 — Atlanta Hawks at Dallas Mavericks (American Airlines Center)
The Warriors don’t have their hilarious in-house back-and-forth between Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield anymore, but a new frenemies situation might be developing in its place.
And it appears that college rivalry isn’t lost on these two new teammates, who already have an ongoing beef on social media.
Here’s how it started. During Lendeborg’s introductory press conference on Friday, the first-round pick was asked if he had already talked to Green and Steph Curry yet.
“Steph actually welcomed both of us in the group chat the night of the draft, so when [Lajae Jones] got drafted and I got drafted,” Lendeborg told reporters. “And I reached out to him yesterday. I asked one quick question, and then I reached out to Draymond as well. I haven’t got that response back yet from Draymond, but …”
Lendeborg laughed, while general manager Mike Dunleavy interjected to add, “Don’t worry, [Green] doesn’t respond to me, either.”
Yaxel said Steph Curry welcomed him and Lajae to the Warriors groupchat:
“Steph actually welcomed both of us in the groupchat the night of the drafts, when he (Lajae) got drafted, I got drafted. And I reached out to him yesterday I asked one quick question and then I reached out… pic.twitter.com/PiwaYs53oZ
However, Green then pulled out some receipts, posting a screenshot of texts between him and Lendeborg in an Instagram story. The four-time NBA champion also added some commentary of his own, saying “Rookie Hazing heating up for these lies Rook,” as well as a barb at Michigan.
Lendeborg then refuted Green’s attack in an IG story of his own; it seems to be all in good fun, though, based on the amount of laughing emojis from both sides.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' general manager and president of basketball operations, glances to his left during a news conference. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
If only. If Rob Pelinka could use the Dodgers’ blueprint to renovate, Lakers fans wouldn’t even be sweating this summer.
But, you know. Baseballs and basketballs, apples and oranges.
The windup and sales pitch are the same, though: Deliver a sustainable, high-rising, championship build. On time and … about that budget. One team has none. The other’s is tight.
In baseball, they wear caps. In the NBA, they’re compelled to stay under them.
In baseball, they can swing freely (for now). In basketball, they’re hamstrung by aprons.
Ned Colletti had it easier, and he lasted only two relatively successful seasons in his role as Dodgers general manager after Mark Walter’s Guggenheim Baseball Management group bought the ballclub in 2012.
Pelinka has it tougher as the Lakers’ general manager and president of basketball operations. But like Colletti before him, with Walter having purchased the majority stake in the Lakers, Pelinka is going to have to crash the hourglass and build a winner with haste. Er, the winner.
If the Lakers lay anything but an 18th brick on their championship foundation in the next couple seasons, Pelinka’s story probably is going to go a lot like Colletti’s.
When free agency opens Tuesday, Pelinka is just going to have to show us how creative he can be, how clever and cunning.
He already hit a grand slam with the Luka Doncic trade in 2025. In one of the NBA’s all-time heists, Pelinka brought the then-25-year-old Slovenian superstar to L.A. from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for essentially an aging and injury-prone Anthony Davis and just one first-round draft pick.
Before that, Pelinka hit another home run with Austin Reaves; a four-bagger so deep that Doncic’s undrafted backcourt-mate has now procured the proverbial bag. (Four years, $185 million worth of baggage to the Lakers.)
With those pillars cemented, Pelinka’s job is delivering the A-list center Doncic reportedly desires.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic. Can Pelinka build a winner around Doncic? (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)
Doesn’t matter that all the perceivable candidates — from the Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler to the New York Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson, the Milwaukee Bucks’ Myles Turner, the Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen, the Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford, even old friend A.D. — sit on a spectrum of unlikely to unwise.
Still, the best plan: Make Doncic happy; make a run at Kessler.
He’s a 24-year-old, defensively adept big man who would be a great pickup, just hard to get. But whether it’s overpaying in restricted free agency or working out a sign-and-trade deal, pry him away from the Jazz.
After nailing down a center, Pelinka also needs to really hit on the margins. Because in the modern NBA, the marginal is major.
The current contenders have depth borne of seasons spent tanking and loading up in the draft on athletic, affordable young talent or, in the case of the recently crowned Knicks, having a leading man take $113 million less than he was eligible for, as Jalen Brunson effectively did, to be able to play with his best buds.
In L.A., the Lakers don’t really have the first option and shouldn’t ever expect the second.
But Pelinka doesn’t have to swing for the fences every time; he doesn’t need to wow us now, he needs to have wowed us later. Take swings like he did trading for Rui Hachimura or netting sharpshooter Luke Kennard.
Former Laker Pau Gasol, right, speaks with GM Rob Pelinka during a Lakers practice in 2025. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
No one bats 1.000, of course, not even Andrew Friedman, the architect of the Dodgers’ three World Series titles since taking over as president of baseball operations in 2014.
But for the Lakers’ potential $51 million of cap space, for all of this summer’s much-hyped optionality, Pelinka’s competitive new boss isn’t the type to forgive errors that are forever front of mind for the Lakers’ faithful.
Pelinka can’t strike out on free agent signees like Gabe Vincent and Kendrick Nunn. Can’t let someone like Alex Caruso walk. Can’t whiff on draftees like Dalton Knecht or Jalen Hood-Schifino — and better hope he hasn’t on this year’s selection, Cameron Carr, who fell to the Lakers at No. 24.
The wrinkle, this offseason: Last year’s Lakers — 41-year-old LeBron James, Hachimura, Kennard and, if he opts out, Marcus Smart — will be among the most attractive free agents on the market, and they’re proven fits for a team that reached the second round of the playoffs.
But merely re-signing those guys won’t improve the Lakers’ odds of getting past the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs.
And simply outspending those teams isn’t an option, either. So Pelinka is going to have to go bargain hunting, he’s got to find some hidden gems, pull some tricks out of his sleeve. Surprise us, like great general managers are supposed to do.
This is Pelinka’s opportunity to show us his blueprint for bringing another title to Los Angeles, to build a case for himself.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 24: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks looks on during a break in the action during the first quarter of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2022 in 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After spending a week, if not two, celebrating the 2026 NBA championship nearly non-stop, the New York Knicks are back in business.
New York and Jose Alvarado pacted a delay to his player option, and on Friday, Alvarado finally rejected it only to, reportedly, sign a three-year deal. Up next, things will get a bit more serious as the Knicks will need to deal with the free agencies of many players, most importantly, sixth-man and backup center Mitchell Robinson.
The uncertainty about Mitch’s future in New York has grown in recent days, with the big man expected to depart and sign elsewhere once he becomes a free agent on June 30, if only because James Dolan wants it like that.
Now, we’ve heard from Robinson himself. In an interview with WGNO (h/t New York Basketball, Robinson was asked about the possibility of returning to New York and building on the franchise’s first title in 53 years.
“We can see what happens. It would be great, try to do it, try to run it back again, try to go back-to-back… Defending champs, so we’ll, that’s very a possibility.” — Mitchell Robinson.
Robinson’s comments arrive as multiple reports continued to emerge throughout Saturday, all of them doubting whether a reunion is financially realistic, and pointing toward the center’s days in New York being numbered.
WGNO "Free agency…Do you hope to be back with the Knicks…maybe build a dynasty in New York?"
Mitchell Robinson "We can see what happens. It would be great, try to do it, to run it back again, try to go back to back…defending champs, so we'll…that's…very a possibility" pic.twitter.com/AMiPn26k8F
According to the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy, Robinson is “unlikely to return to the Knicks next season,” with the decision tied directly to Dolan’s stance against crossing the NBA’s second apron.
That self-imposed restriction will inevitably shape the Knicks’ offseason approach and New York’s roster for the upcoming season. The front office already traded out of the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft to avoid adding guaranteed salary, signaling an obvious intent to preserve flexibility under the apron, and ended up taking a couple of second-round fliers.
Even with those moves, and following the Alvarado news, retaining Robinson remains complicated. Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, New York has only about $14 million to fill four roster spots before hitting the second apron, set at $222 million. For context, Robinson just completed a four-year, $60 million contract with an average annual salary of $15 million per year, already more than the Knicks can offer, let alone leaving room to fill the rest of the roster.
SNY’s Ian Begley was optimistic in writing that the Knicks may be able to keep one of Robinson or Landry Shamet, but “not both.” It’s actually going to be hard to even bring Shamet back at a reasonable price, given his market is expected to be good following his title run with the Knicks, and still have enough money to build a competitive bench.
At the same time, Robinson’s market appears strong. League-wide interest has already surfaced, with teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings linked as potential suitors.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst summarized the situation earlier this week, noting: “There is a real possibility that they won’t keep Mitch Robinson… I would say Mitch Robinson is 50/50… maybe 51/49 to come back.”
Front Office Sports later confirmed Bondy’s report and cited Robinson’s injury history and free-throw struggles as additional factors in New York’s reluctance to commit long-term money at a higher cost.
Fred Katz, meanwhile, wrote a story about the Knicks’ second-apron saga, revealing that New York’s front office, led by Leon Rose, wants to get into the second apron while Dolan is simply refusing to allow them to.
Despite all of the reports, rumors, and speculation, Robinson’s own stance suggests he has not closed the door to a return. The 28-year-old center, the longest-tenured Knick after being drafted in 2018, remains open to returning to the title-winning Knicks, as impossible as that looks from the outside.
Free agency is set to open on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 27: Assistant Coach Amile Jefferson and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics embrace after the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 27, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Things have seemed somewhat quiet lately for former Duke star and assistant coach Amile Jefferson since moving from Durham to Boston to be an assistant with the Celtics, but that’s from the outside.
He’s an assistant. By definition, he’s a background figure for the team, at least as far as the public is concerned. That will change soon, however.
Among other things, this will be their first time seeing draftee Chris Cenac on the court, and Jefferson might be the ideal guy to mentor him.
When he was a freshman at Duke, injuries forced him into action too soon, and he took his lumps.
After that, he bulked up, and emerged as a force for the Blue Devils, and was a key to Duke’s 2015 national championship. That should resonate with Cenac, who arrives after just one year at Houston.
It’s not clear who else will be on the roster yet, but if Cenac is smart, he’ll listen to Jefferson, because that guy can really help.
