Monday night's Game 3 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks was watched by almost 24 million people, the highest-rated NBA Finals Game 3 this century.
ABC and ESPN, which broadcast the game, say the 23.8 million people who tuned in to watch the game is the most for an NBA Finals Game 3 in 28 years. The last time the third game of the Finals had more viewers came in 1998 when Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were closing in on their second three-peat.
Game 3 of this year's NBA Finals is also the most-watched program on broadcast television since Super Bowl 60, when 125.6 million viewers watched the Seattle Seahawks defeat the New England Patriots.
San Antonio's 115-111 win, which cut New York's series lead to two games to one, peaked at 26.3 million viewers at 11:15 p.m. ET.
The highest-rated NBA Finals game of all-time remains Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, when Michael Jordan sank a game-winning jumper with 5.2 seconds left, giving the Bulls an 87–86 victory over the Utah Jazz for the franchise's sixth championship. That game on NBC was seen by 35.89 million viewers.
NEW YORK (AP) — Victor Wembanyama's 32-point performance in San Antonio's 115-111 win over the New York Knicks on Monday night was the most-watched NBA Finals Game 3 since 1998.
The game averaged 23.8 million viewers and peaked at 26.3 million late in the fourth quarter, according to data released by Nielsen on Wednesday. That's the largest television audience since Super Bowl 60 on Feb. 8.
The finals are averaging 19.1 million, the second most-watched since ABC and ESPN took over the broadcast in 2003. That represents a 114% increase over last year's series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers.
“NBA Finals All‑Access with The Pat McAfee Show” averaged 1.1 million on ESPN, making it the most-watched NBA alternate telecast on the network.
Victor Wembanyama did his best “Cloverfield” impersonation, storming the Big Apple to send New Yorkers cowering in fear — just like the 2008 monster movie.
This “alien” led the San Antonio Spurs to a win over the New York Knicks, tightening the series heading into Game 4.
My Spurs vs. Knicks predictions like New York to push back tonight, thanks to defense, offensive execution, and a monster of its own: Karl-Anthony Towns.
Here are my best NBA picks for Wednesday, June 10.
Our best Spurs vs Knicks SGP for Game 4
SGP leg #1: Knicks moneyline
The New York Knicks’ 13-game postseason streak came to an end, but that takes pressure off the team heading into Game 4. New York no longer has to be perfect and can clean up its sloppy play, which led to the San Antonio Spurs’ strong showing on Monday.
The Knicks coughed up the ball 13 times and awarded San Antonio 21 points off turnovers, which is just what the Spurs’ transition-heavy offense wants. New York gets back to business in Game 4, controlling pace, limiting miscues and putting themselves one win away from an NBA title.
SGP leg #2: Under 216.5
The Under has been the bet in the NBA Finals for the past 20 years, coming through at a 60% clip since 2005-06.
After the Under hit in the first two games of the finals, the Over landed in Game 3, thanks in part to the Spurs getting easier looks and scoring from the foul line.
With the Knicks refocused and not handing over extra possessions, Game 4 comes in short of the total.
SGP leg #3: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 32.5 points + rebounds + assists
Karl-Anthony Towns couldn’t get into rhythm in Game 3 and was passive in his offensive approach, especially compared to his overall work in the postseason.
New York needs to get KAT going early, and with San Antonio throwing smaller guards at him, expect the 7-footer to clean the offensive glass and distribute from the high post.
I have him pegged for a collective 35 PRA, while some bullish models are as high as 41+ for this combo prop.
Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Spurs vs. Knicks predictions for Game 4.
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New York Knicks owner James Dolan broke his public silence on June 10, engaging in a war of words with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. It ended up with the planned watch party outside of Madison Square Garden for Game 4 of the NBA Finals canceled hours before tipoff.
Mamdani officially announced the cancellation the afternoon of June 10, blaming Dolan in a post on X. Dolan's Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. fired back, saying in a statement the Knicks never agreed to what the city proposed, and that the party wasn't canceled in the traditional cense, but that city restrictions would prevent it from happening.
The finger-pointing was just part of the Knicks owner's busy afternoon.
Dolan also took to WFAN's Craig Carton Show to blast Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch for what he called a "police state" around the Garden. He said getting into MSG was harder than accessing Area 51 and accused city officials of trying to kill the fan celebration.
MSG Sports, the company led by Dolan that owns the Knicks and their arena, released a statement on June 10 calling the watch party permit granted by Mamdani's New York City administration "disingenuous at best" because of conditions that included not allowing more than 1,000 spectators and forcing attendees to have a ticket to enter.
"But more important is the Mayor's plan to freeze out fans from celebrating outside Madison Square Garden," the MSG Sports statement read, "which will turn the streets around MSG into a police state."
The NYPD said June 10 that MSG's permit application only requested an event for 500 to 1,000 people. The city granted the maximum that MSG asked for.
Dolan, Mamdami spar over extra security for NBA Finals Game 4
MSG accused Mamdani and Tisch of keeping the same frozen zone security from Game 3 in place for Game 4, which the organization said was "supposedly to thwart any threats related to" the Game 3 attendance of President Donald Trump.
"We now know these restrictions were never about the President," MSG's statement read.
Dolan personally invited Trump to Game 3. Like all presidential visits to Manhattan, Trump's arrival and the associated heightened security created massive inconveniences for people in the area.
It seemed like things could get back to normal after the presidential visit.
Mamdani announced via social media on June 9 that the city had approved "a ticketed MSG watch party for Game 4."
"As we prepare to watch together, let me be clear: this is a historic, joyful moment for our city," Mamdani wrote on his X account. "We will not allow it to be disrupted by violence. Be safe, take care, and celebrate responsibly. Knicks in 5."
Watch party arrests, disturbances central to war of words
The NBA Finals Game 3 watch party outside Madison Square Garden was canceled due to security protocols in place for Trump's attendance at the game. But a Game 3 watch party hosted by New York City at nearby Bryant Park ended with at least eight people arrested, according to multiplereports.
The NYPD announced June 10 that the same secure zone and security fencing around Madison Square Garden for Game 3 remains in place. It encouraged fans to arrive early and leave bags at home for Game 4.
"This is not about watch parties, it's about celebrating wins," MSG Sports said in its statement. "Issues that happened at the Mayor's Bryant Park watch party (a city-run watch party) are not related to blocks around MSG nor any other previously run MSG watch party."
Madison Square Garden Sports previously referred to Mamdani and NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch as "party poopers" in a June 9 press release blasting the decision to limit the number of fans that could attend the Game 4 watch party outside the Garden.
Mamdani and Tisch have emphasized the security protocols for Game 4 near the arena are in line with other major events like New Year's Eve and July 4. Mamdani attended Game 3 and told reporters he bought a ticket in the nosebleeds to the first NBA Finals game hosted by the Knicks since 1999 for nearly $1,000.
On June 10, the Knicks ownership group noted that Oklahoma City, Boston, Denver and Toronto have each successfully had major celebrations and NBA Finals watch parties around their arenas in recent years with only minor incidents.
"If the Mayor won't allow that, can he at least give Knicks fans an honest answer of why not?" the MSG Sports statement concluded. "He can't blame it on the President. He is not coming to Game 4 and there is no reason to create a police state around The Garden."
Asked about being called "party poopers" by MSG, Mamdani talked about the importance of safety and the city's economic boom from the Knicks run. Mamdani didn't address the president's visit.
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 8: The sneakers worn by Sam Hauser #30 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the New York Knicks on March 8, 2026 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Victor Wembanyama starred in Game 3, to the chagrin of New York Knicks fans and to the joy of folks who want to see a long series.
If the San Antonio Spurs are going to even the NBA Finals, they likely need more of the same from Wemby.
These Victor Wembanyama odds and NBA picks do not so much doubt Wembanyama’s offense as they expect his defense to be more necessary in Game 4 on Wednesday, June 10.
Victor Wembanyama prop pick for Game 4
Victor Wembanyama best bet: Under 27.5 points (-115 at bet365)
This is not meant as a knock on Victor Wembanyama’s offense. If anything, it is a knock on Karl-Anthony Towns’s offense in Game 3.
Towns was not aggressive in the first New York Knicks’ loss since April. He did not take a 3-pointer in the first three quarters, and removing that threat allowed Wembanyama to expend less energy defensively. No wonder he played his most efficient game of the NBA Finals thus far.
The Knicks coaching staff has undoubtedly pointed out to Towns the compound effect that comes with his offensive reluctance. If they want to put the San Antonio Spurs on the brink, then KAT needs to make Wembanyama stress on defense.
Doing so should cut into Wemby’s offensive output, a reward almost as helpful as every point Towns scores.
Victor Wembanyama same-game parlay
While Wembanyama went 2-for-4 from long range in Game 3 to help spur his 32 points, the most notable number should be that he attempted only four 3-pointers. He has always been more hesitant to shoot from deep when on the road.
He took just five 3-pointers per road game this season, compared to 5.9 per home game.
And that gap has furthered this postseason, Wembanyama now taking 6.4 threes per home game (excluding Game 2 of the first round, when a concussion sidelined him after just 12 minutes) compared to 4.25 per road game (excluding Game 4 of the second round, when an ejection sidelined him after just 12 minutes).
That reluctance should cost Wemby both from deep and in scoring overall.
And it should hold true even though Wembanyama should handle the ball even more. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox have been a bit too loose with the ball in this series, while the Spurs’ first win came in no small part because Wemby turned over the ball only once in nearly 39 minutes. That helped create six assists.
Putting the ball into Wembanyama’s hands more will help San Antonio in multiple ways, partly simply by protecting the ball.
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Draymond Green #23 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors after the Lakers defeated the Warriors 118-108 at Chase Center on January 25, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In today’s Dub Hub:
The Stein Line’s Marc Stein reports that the Warriors remain “legitimately interested” in adding LeBron James to a veteran core of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler.
Victor Wembanyama will not receive a retroactive flagrant foul for his uncalled hit on Jalen Brunson in Game 3, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
As the NBA Finals inch closer to an end, the NBA offseason is beginning to heat up, and rumors are already swirling around the league. The Golden State Warriors are among the teams consistently finding themselves in the middle of the speculation, particularly regarding their reported interest in Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Warriors remain “legitimately interested” in adding James to their veteran core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
Staying with the Lakers is widely believed to be his preferred choice because he is so entrenched in Los Angeles now after eight seasons with the purple and gold. Yet league sources maintain that Golden State remains legitimately interested in adding LeBron to their Stephen Curry/Jimmy Butler/Draymond Green core coached by Steve Kerr … with the pitch presumed to include the idea that LeBron could commute from Los Angeles to some TBD degree without having to move his family.
While James joining the Warriors may not carry quite the same weight it would have five or 10 years ago, there’s no denying that a Curry-James partnership would still captivate the basketball world. Warriors fans got a glimpse of that during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the two superstars thrived together under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr. The chemistry was undeniable, leaving many to wonder what it might look like over the course of an 82-game season.
Of course, adding James would do little to address the Warriors’ need to get younger. Even so, the 41-year-old remains one of the league’s most productive players, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists this past season in what some considered to be a reduced role with the Lakers. He also appeared in 60 regular-season games, and while his 33.2 minutes per game marked the lowest average of his career, his 1,989 total minutes played would have ranked second on the Warriors behind only Brandin Podziemski.
Add a 41-year-old to a roster that's desperate for dependability and durability?
LeBron James' 1,989 minutes this regular season were more than any other Warrior except Brandin Podziemski. https://t.co/vWo276b0Vu
Whether this latest report ultimately leads anywhere remains to be seen. But if Golden State is indeed entering the final chapter of Curry’s championship window, there may be no more fascinating way to end it than by pairing Curry with the very player who once stood as the dynasty’s greatest rival.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Wednesday, June 10th:
“If he wants to play for three million, he could do it, but until I hear from [James’ agent] Rich Paul that LeBron is ready to play for three million, I’m not going to believe it. But, I’d watch Golden State. He played with Steph Curry and Steve Kerr on the Olympic team. We know he’s close with Draymond Green. I still think it’s the Lakers. I say 51 percent Lakers, and then we’ll see.”
His influence transcends hoops: this year’s animated sports comedy GOAT, which was inspired by his story, made nearly $200 million worldwide; Curry, a producer on the film, made his voice-acting debut—as a giraffe. The foundation he started with his wife, Ayesha, has pledged $25 million to narrow the literacy gap in Oakland’s underserved communities.
I criticized Draymond Green this season and he clapped back at me, then had two of his best performances. So I had to ask if I actually motivated him. The answer surprised me. https://t.co/SMwWfBSlK0pic.twitter.com/Jkw4RmxOdS
Also: There is an increasing belief leaguewide that they would prefer to wait until after the NBA Finals before completing a deal to see if the Knicks end up squandering a 2-0 series lead. Might the Knicks then decide to re-enter the Giannis Trade Sweepstakes in response to the disappointment of letting the title slip away?
No flagrant upgrade on the uncalled foul of Spurs' Victor Wembanyama to Knicks' Jalen Brunson on Monday night, a league spokesperson tells ESPN. Wembanyama will stay at two flagrant points in postseason.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a dunk against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Chase Center on April 09, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It wouldn’t be a Lakers offseason if LeBron James’ name weren’t involved in a ton of rumors. The biggest difference is that this summer is the first time he’s entering the offseason as an unrestricted free agent since joining Los Angeles.
So, a decision by James will have to be made. He can either return to the Lakers, join another team, or retire.
We won’t know what he decides for a bit, and he’s made it clear he hasn’t made a choice. However, in Jake Fisher’s piece for The Stein Line, he mentioned that the most likely outcome is LeBron staying in LA. Although he did say other suitors are available, including the Golden State Warriors.
Staying with the Lakers is widely believed to be his preferred choice because he is so entrenched in Los Angeles now after eight seasons with the purple and gold. Yet league sources maintain that Golden State remains legitimately interested in adding LeBron to their Stephen Curry/Jimmy Butler/Draymond Green core coached by Steve Kerr … with the pitch presumed to include the idea that LeBron could commute from Los Angeles to some TBD degree without having to move his family.
As things currently stand, the Lakers make the most sense for being LeBron’s landing spot.
He is already entrenched here, and so is his family. Bronny also plays for the Lakers, and considering they’ve had back-to-back 50-win seasons, it makes basketball sense for him to remain and see if with a healthy Luka Dončić, they can make a run in the West.
The Warriors have reportedly had interest in LeBron for years, so the fact they’ll reach out again is far from a shock.
The basketball case for the Warriors being a better place for LeBron is much harder to make. Steph Curry is great, but old. Draymond Green is no spring chicken himself, and with Jimmy Butler likely out to start the year, they are currently primed to be a play-in team once again next season.
After these two teams, the next logical option for LeBron is Cleveland. But, with LeBron reportedly uninterested in taking a pay cut to return to the Cavs, it’s hard to imagine a better scenario for him than ending his career with the Lakers.
A lot can still change between now and the start of free agency, but as things currently stand, the Lakers are in a good spot if their goal is to bring back their All-Star and go on another run with their top three guys.
If you came to this page looking for our Spurs vs. Knicks predictions, you've gone the wrong way, my friend. Because you see this article is designed to answer the hard-hitting question... who will be at the Knicks game tonight?
Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals marked the first time a championship game was held in Madison Square Garden since 1999 — and boy, did the celebs show out.
You had Spike Lee looking to strangle the refs after they missed Wemby's murder attempt, Timothee Chalamet left his main boo, Kylie Jenner, at home so he could bro out with Ben Stiller, and even POTUS Donald Trump decided "The World's Most Famous Arena" made for the perfect napping spot.
We know Trump won't be in attendance for tonight's pivotal Game 4, but there are still plenty of stylin', profilin', limousine-riding, jet-flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin' n' dealin' son of a guns that could make an appearance, according to Kalshi — one of our best prediction market apps.
Who will attend Game 4?
The locks
Win probability
Spike Lee
-10000
99%
Timothee Chalamet
-5000
98%
Ben Stiller
-5000
98%
Jason Bateman
-3225
97%
Patrick Ewing
-2380
96%
Tracy Morgan
-2380
96%
Fat Joe
-1560
94%
Tina Fey
-900
90%
Death, taxes, and the people listed above being at an NBA Finals game hosted by the New York Knicks. The real question here is, will Timothee be able to top his iconic Game 3 fit?
Comedians/actors Chris Rock and Adam Sandler top this part of the odds, but Kylie Jenner at 77% catches my eye. The famous celeb has seemingly been attached at the hip to her man, Chalamet, during the Knicks' playoff run.
However, a brand-specific event had her on the beaches of Turks and Caicos instead of courtside for Game 3. Must be nice... Depending on her availability, expect to see Kylie and Timothee back together once more in Game 4.
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Will Taylor Swift be at the Knicks game tonight?
Reports today indicate that Taylor Swift will attend tonight's Game 4. That's right, baby, T-Swift is making an appearance at her (rumored) wedding venue to cheer on her favorite NBA team as they look to go up 3-1 over San Antonio.
Will Zohran Mamdani be at the Knicks Game tonight?
Kalshi currently sees a 4% probability of New York's mayor making an appearance (+2400). While there are no indications he will make an appearance for Game 4, Mamdani delivered good news to the city of New York on Tuesday — confirming watch parties will return outside MSG tonight.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Game 4 is here as the Spurs and Knicks continue this iconic series. San Antonio avoided a potential sweep with a 115-111 win in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. Victor Wembanyama scored a game-high 35 points, while Jalen Brunson poured in 32. That was the Knicks first loss in 46 days and the two had a short turnaround with one day off ahead of Game 4. Let's take a look at my best bets for Game 4 after going 5-1 in Game 3. Game odds are via DraftKings. Best of luck!
Spurs at Knicks (-2.5): O/U 216.5
This NBA Finals is living up to the hype as every game has came down to the wire with lead changes and comebacks throughout. One thing that we haven't had yet that the NBA has so often is a blowout. The Knicks won by 10 and 1 point, whereas the Spurs by 4. I think a blowout come be coming tonight, but by who?
I have no idea. I lean the Spurs and think they even the series up, but I'd rather get value. I went under win margins and played the Spurs to win by 21 or more points at +1800 odds and the Knicks at +800. I also sprinkled Knicks -9.5 (+225) and Spurs -9.5 (+370), which are the safer options.
The first quarter was my only loss in Game 3, going Under 56.5 points by finishing with 55. Not only did Brunson and Wembanyama have chances to cash the Over in the final minute, the only points that were scored in that span was a Mitchell Robinson free throw. Go figure.
I am running it back on the first quarter Over as the Knicks want to run and struggled a tad in the opening frame with 42.1% from the field (8/19) and 25% from three (2/8). The Spurs, offensively, looked the best they have in the series, especially in the first quarter of Game 3. I will go Over 55.5 first quarter points one more time up to 56.5.
Through three games, OG Anunoby has been incredible. Anunoby averages 20.3 points per game and hit the Over on his points prop in all three games with 17, 17, then a series-high 28 points in Game 3. Coming off 28 points, I will fade Anunoby and sell high by going Under his 16.5 points line.
Outside of Brunson and Anunoby, the Knicks went 20-of-50 from the field (40%) and 7-of-25 from three (28%) in Game 3. I'd not only expect the role players to be better, but Karl-Anthony Towns to have an improved Game 4 after going Under every single of his props in Game 3.
With Towns failing to score a single point in the fourth quarter through three games mixed with Brunson's takeover ability, I'd expect those two to account for a majority of the usage and scoring tonight, including the fourth quarter to avoid going back to San Antonio tied 2-2.
Anunoby has steadily shot between 10 and 13 shots in the series and 18 total free throws. That's good usage for the third scorer on the team, but any given night, Anunoby could become the fourth or fifth leading scorer on this Knicks team. I will go Under 16.5 points down to 15.5
Pick: OG Anunoby Under 16.5 Points (1 unit)
Jalen Brunson O/U 9.5 Rebounds + Assists vs Spurs
Brunson had his second 30-point game of the series dropping 32 in Game 3's loss. Brunson had 25 shot attempts for a second-straight game and averages 27.0 for the series. On the other hand, his rebounds and assists haven't been as glamorous.
In Games 2 and 3, Brunson went Over his combo prop of 9.5 rebounds and assists finishing with 11 and 10. In the last two games, Brunson has averaged 10.0 rebound chances and 9.0 potential assists per game, so he converted over 50% of both his total rebounds and assists. That cannot be relied on, especially at the high scoring clip he's holding, not to mention Brunson's taken 17 free throws.
After two straight Overs on his combo rebounds and assists prop, I will go Under 9.5 for Brunson in Game 4. I'd play this down to 8.5 for +100 or better.
Pick: Jalen Brunson Under 9.5 Rebounds + Assists (1 unit)
De’Aaron Fox O/U 5.5 Assists vs. Knicks
De'Aaron Fox led Game 3 in assists with eight and tied teammate Stephon Castle with 14 potential assists. Castle finished with five assists and Fox eight. Victor Wembanyama even poured in six assists on 11 potential assists. So in short, the Spurs were moving the ball well in Game 3 as they had 28 assists to the Knicks' 18.
The tempo of Game 3 picked up, so naturally, that fit Fox's play style. Whether or not Game 4 is similar reminds to be seen, but I'd expect Fox's assist numbers to decrease. Fox had five assists in each of the first two NBA Finals games and at least five in 16 out of 19 playoff games (84.2%). Fox totaled six or more in 10 out of 19 (52.6%), so a sharp contrast in 32.4% when you're getting 5.5 opposed to 4.5.
Five assists is the most common number Fox has landed on and he's posted at least five in 10 straight games. However, as the series goes on and Dylan Harper continues to turn heads — I'd say Fox is due for a stinker in the assists column and a good candidate to sell high on for Game 4. I like Fox Under 5.5 assists and would aim for +100 odds or better.
Pick: De'Aaron Fox Under 5.5 Assists (1 unit)
Season Record: 174-142-1 (55%) +21.07 units NBA Finals Game 1 Record: 3-1 +2.59 units NBA Finals Game 2 Record: 2-3 -1.44 units NBA Finals Game 3 Record: 5-1 +4.20 units NBA Finals Current Record: 10-5 (66.6%) +5.25 units NBA Finals Future Pick: Series Over 5.5 Games (2 units at -170 odds)
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Suns guards Royce O’Neale (00) and Grayson Allen (8) high-five after a scoring run against the Warriors during a game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on Feb. 5, 2026. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
From the dawn of time we came and now, after a season that raised as many questions as it answered, we are finally here. The time of the Gathering is upon us. Until now, Royce and Grayson have coexisted as key veteran contributors off the Suns’ bench, bombing three-pointers in volume and providing experience, leadership, and consistency. Yet in the Dead Money era of Suns basketball, uncomfortable decisions must be made, as the Suns desperately seek flexibility this offseason. In the end: There can only be one.
Like the hordes of feral pigs rolling Mad Max style over the plains of Texas, the Phoenix Suns’ guard population has overrun the ecosystem. There are not enough minutes to feed the stable of hungry guards, each possessing qualities that warrant playing time and limitations that made fielding balanced rotations difficult for first-year coach Jordan Ott, who relied on running small line-ups in an attempt to field his best five. Saddled with the remnants of Bradley Beal’s time in Phoenix and a draft cupboard full of cobwebs and the echoes of regret, Phoenix is going to have to move someone if they wish to make any substantial changes to its current roster.
And change they must.
Phoenix exceeded their expected win total by nine games, buoyed by oversized performances from key players on undersized contracts. Ishbia has consistently stated that he remains committed to winning. The consensus outside the organization, from the media and fan base, seems to be coalescing around setting the bar for success at a top-six finish in the Western Conference and a competitive first-round playoff matchup.
Can Ishbia bank on Dillon Brooks being one of the best iso scorers in the league again? Is Collin Gillespie going to chase Suns’ history a second year in a row? Jordan Goodwin hit over half of his career total in threes this last season…is that a blip in time or a sign of things to come? While the 2025-26 season may go down in fan lore as a cult classic, the sequel could very well bomb if the shots don’t fall.
While attractive trade-machine deals are scarce when the Suns lack the assets to acquire a name that would charge the fanbase up, Grayson and Royce are both players who can bring back legitimate trade value relative to their expected contributions.
You can never have too many shooters, unless all of them are short and at best kind of mid on defense. Grayson or Royce’s value might be higher on another team with a different roster construction, say Orlando or Detroit. But the Suns made their hay off the three-point shot. Can they really afford to give up both Royce and Grayson, who this past season combined to account for 29% of the Suns’ regular season three-point attempts and 30% of their made three-pointers? How about if I mentioned Devin Booker’s three-point attempts dropped from 551 in 2024-25 to 370 in 2025-26, and that the only member of last year’s squad ahead of Grayson and Royce in those categories was Career Year Collin Gillespie (CYCG).
Opinions may vary, but going forward, I’m operating on the assumption that the Suns will not, and can not afford to, move both Grayson and Royce unless it was in a package for a potential All-Star, and I’m not talking Cam Johnson or Dean Wade. Cough Ja Cough. Until that trade materializes, the Suns need to leverage at least one of their valuable trade pieces to rebalance the roster. So, who should the Suns trade and who should the Suns keep?
Royce is a rock in the grade 5 rapids that has been the Suns’ past two seasons. While the KD Suns swirled down the pipes of inevitability, Royce finished the season shooting 40.6% from three on 5.9 attempts per game and backed it up the very next year on a revamped roster by shooting 40.8% on 6.7 attempts per game; both career highs. Royce gives you proven solutions in uncertain times, and he’s thrived during his tenure in Phoenix.
Not to be forgotten in evaluating Royce’s value to the Suns is his availability. When you’re starting in a $23.2 million Bradley-Beal-in-street-clothes-shaped hole, spending your money on players that play games becomes vital. Over his 9-year career, Royce has played in 70+ games 8 times, and in the lone season he didn’t reach 70, he played 69. The Suns can not afford to undervalue availability in the Dead Money Era. When you’re down 0-2 in the count, you can’t take a cut at a wild pitch.
Quick to dead the bull like a matador, a phrase lifted from Miguel’s classic song, accurately describes Royce’s defensive journey last season. He olay’d far too many ball handlers into the lane, and I’m not entirely convinced that his time at the four wasn’t spurred by trying to match him up with players he had a chance to stay in front of, especially as the Suns tried to switch five with the Oso-anchored bench unit. The whole league got the tape on the Suns, and ball handlers julienned them on the dribble drive, as Oso tried to block shots just out of his reach.
In addition to his aged reflexes, playing Royce meant sacrificing size at the four. Royce’s production on the offensive end made it impossible for Jordan Ott to find minutes for our young, Stretch Armstrong fours, without sacrificing win totals. Taking Royce out of the equation frees up minutes for Fleming and Dunn, which addresses the Suns’ lack of size with players already on the roster who are both on value contracts.
What could we gain by trading Royce? The rumor mill has been working overtime, but as John Voita noted in the case for trading Royce O’Neale, the first benefit of trading Royce O’Neale is cap flexibility. Trading his $10.9 million contract to a team that can take on extra cap space could free up the money we need to resign Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, and Mark Williams. Three players whose signing is said to be at the top of the Suns’ offseason priority list.
Another angle is to trade Royce in order to move up in the draft.
Gregory has shown a willingness to work his way up the draft order if there’s a player he wants. In what’s predicted to be a deep but thinning draft, as players withdraw for a payday at the college level, the Suns have signaled interest in trading up to possibly secure a first-round pick. However, even the most optimistic returns for Royce don’t stretch far past the early second round or late first round picks. It’s unlikely the Suns will scoop a day one contributor that late into the draft, so replacing Royce’s three-point production would have to come from players currently on the roster.
What’s the likelihood that the Suns will be able to cobble together an additional 212 three-pointers and 520 three-point attempts? Booker can take more threes, but with teams likely riding with the “take away Book” game plan, too many of those threes are the walk-up off the dribble shots, and to be blunt, Book’s not good at those. Or maybe the young forwards will be able to pick up the slack on shooting. Suns fans cry out for Rasheer Fleming, who shot the three at 40% on 130 attempts, almost exclusively on catch-and-shoots. Can he shoot four times that amount with increased minutes and still put them through at a high percentage? Are we expecting that many open corner threes?
The hard truth of trading Royce, especially as a solo asset, is that it’s not a move that makes the Suns better. They gain the flexibility to sign other important players you might lose to free agency. They free up playing time for the Suns’ young core, which would allow the Suns to play more size and field a better defense. At the same time, they’re losing a sizable chunk of their shooting, and if they run this roster back mostly, it’s still the same roster Vegas predicted would miss the playoffs before the three-point shooting boom pushed us into the Play-In tournament.
Are the Suns still a playoff team if their three-point shooting regresses? I’m not sure. The margin for error is razor-thin, with Gregory forced to spend the next four years trying to make a dollar out of 15 cents.
So, should we trade Grayson?
“Not so fast,” I yell in my best Lee Corso voice as I put on the Grayson Allen mascot head.
This team needs Grayson Allen. He’s developed into far more than a three-point specialist and defensive irritant. The mob has decided we need a point guard to free up Book, but no one knows where to get one. A healthy Grayson Allen could be exactly what this team needs. He handles the ball, he runs pick and roll, and he’s improved his playmaking.
There aren’t a lot of potential playmakers on this roster to pick from, and Book and Grayson have an undeniable chemistry. If the goal is continuity, bringing back one of the longest tenured players aligns with that mission, and Grayson Allen brings so much to this offense when he’s on the court. It’s just that it’s been a couple of years since he’s been healthy.
Grayson’s availability has plummeted with no signs of it bottoming out. It’s been a parade of knee and soft tissue issues. He’s in, he’s out, he’s in, he’s out, and as a result, production has fallen along with his availability.
Since his inaugural year on the Suns, where Grayson played 75 games, and shot a blistering, league leading 46% from three-point range, he’s followed up with 64 games in 2024-25 and 51 games in 2025-26, a season in which we saw his three-point percentage drop to 34.9. So, which Grayson Allen can the Suns expect in the 2026-27 season? Can they afford to add another question mark, even if it’s a verified hooper like Grayson?
Despite the recent health issues, it seems safe to say that Grayson still has value on the trade market. His $18 million would match salaries with a different level of player than you could get for Royce, and you’d be hard-pressed to find many trade machine proposals involving the Suns that don’t include Grayson. One of the more intriguing options that has surfaced is trading Grayson for Cam Johnson.
On the surface, it makes a lot of sense. Cam is a forward and, as a career 39% three-point shooter, would provide spacing without sacrificing size or the minutes of other guards. But if we zoom in for a closer look, Cam has the same availability issues as Grayson and doesn’t bring any of the playmaking that could move Book off-ball. He also brings the burden of an additional salary that would have to be accounted for, either by not bringing back one of our free agents or by trading Royce for a cheaper contract. We all miss the energy of the Suns’ four finals run, but this isn’t a move that brings that back.
In the end, it’s all a balancing act. No team is interested in giving us a good deal; when you gain over here, you lose over there. Yet in the Dead Money era, there can only be one.
It all boils down to three questions: What did we get from these guys that we can’t win without? How well is our roster positioned to replace those things? What value could we gain from trading them?
There’s quite a bit of overlap when comparing the two. Both players have a proven track record of being high-percentage three-point shooters from all over the arc. Both of them are veterans and decision makers. Both guys are continuity pieces who have played multiple seasons for the Suns alongside Devin Booker. Neither of them is going to be a great defender or fix our rebounding concerns. Neither of them has a solution to replace their production on the roster, or a clear trade upgrade that would provide support in a significant area of need. Their trade value lies in gaining cap flexibility and balancing the roster size, which could address our perimeter defense, rebounding concerns, and clear minutes for our young players.
Grayson provides more versatility and could be the key to unlocking Booker’s scoring. Royce is Mr. Consistent. He’ll be available, he’ll work that pump fake, he’ll get up a ton of three pointers, and knock them down around 40 percent of the time. I think we need that.
So much about the upcoming season is up in the air. Are we going to get a second round of oversized performances from Brooks, Gillespie, and Goodwin? Do we know what we have with Jalen Green? Even Booker left last season with question marks about whether he could still wear the number one headband on a championship team and questions about whether he was even playing the right position. We need more players without question marks. Allen has question marks. If you bring back Allen, you’re rolling the dice on his health. The Suns have lost that gamble too many times to hit the atm for another 100 dollars. Not when they owe 23 million in Bradley Beal support, and their fanbase wants designer bags on a dollar tree budget.
If there can only be one. It has to be Royce.
The Quickening empowers me!
– Connor MacLeod
– Royce O’Neale
Welcome to Tom Mildenberger, who is our newest contributor at Bright Side of the Sun!
Whenever LeBron James is asked on the record about his legacy — and, more specifically, the GOAT debate between him and Michael Jordan — he tends to kind of brush it aside, while still sounding confident. He understands, ultimately it's an eye of the beholder discussion.
"I'm not taking nobody over me… There's no question. But I think Mike will say the same thing. Rest his soul, Kobe will say the same thing. Magic will say the same thing. Bird will say the same thing. Shaq could say the same thing. The late great Wilt. Kareem. I don't think none of us are going to take somebody else.
"If there's a general manager and he's eyeballing all of us on a baseline, with the No. 1 pick, it's gonna be hard not to take me, champ."
The challenge with the GOAT debate — aside from the issue that Jordan's career has become mythologized by things like "The Last Dance" documentary, and some fans treat him like a basketball deity — is that it's not just about statistics or skill sets or even championships. Influence on the perception of the game and on the global basketball market — shoe and apparel sales — all factor in.
LeBron gets that and understands Jordan's influence.
"You ask somebody that grew up in the Jordan era, they're gonna say Jordan… You ask somebody who grew up in the LeBron era… they're still gonna say Jordan… Listen, to each his own…
"I can tell you this. I never step my feet in another man's shoes, saying, 'OK, well, s***, I got to do better than him.' My journey is my journey. I do what I do. I know what I've brought to the table. From a basketball standpoint, an inspiring standpoint, an influential standpoint, I know I can walk in any room."
How much longer will LeBron play?
LeBron isn't hanging on NBA rosters to set records by playing in a 24th NBA season, during which he will turn 42 — he is still impacting winning. He was a deserving All-Star last season who averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 assists and 7.2 rebounds a game. In the playoffs, with the Lakers' Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out injured, LeBron took on the lead playmaker role again, averaging 23.2 points and 7.3 assists a game to lead the Lakers past the Rockets in the first round.
The expectation in league circles is that LeBron will return for at least one more season, but when TIME asked about it, you can hear a LeBron pulled in two different directions at this point in his career.
"I love being out there and competing at the highest level, which the postseason is… Playing the game that I love and having fun, enjoying the competition, was something that you always live for, no matter where you are in your career…
"I've spent a lot of time sacrificing… I spent a lot of time putting in the work of my own individual craft, and I've had to give up a lot of family time. So a big part of the next 10 years won't be me getting it back, because you can't get time back. But my daughter is 11 years old. I'm going to pour into her. I'm going to pour into my wife. Because I wanted to be the greatest that ever played this game, I've had to not be the complete husband and complete dad that I want to be."
Most likely LeBron remains with the Lakers "because he is so entrenched" with the organization (he's been there eight years) and with his family in Los Angeles, report Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Adding to his incentives to stay is the fact that his son, Bronny James, remains on the Lakers roster. However, the Warriors are "legitimately interested" in pairing LeBron with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and (once he's healed from his torn ACL) Jimmy Butler in the Bay Area, according to the report.
As it seemingly always does, it will come down to money — and specifically how big a haircut LeBron is willing to take from the $52 million he made last season. With some roster manipulation, the Warriors could offer LeBron the $15.1 million mid-level exception (but that would hard-cap the Warriors at the first tax apron, forcing them to round out the roster with minimum-salary contracts).
The Lakers have LeBron's Bird rights and can offer however much they want. However, the organization is prioritizing re-signing Austin Reaves (also a free agent) and retooling the roster with players who better fit around Luka Doncic and his skill set. That's all easier said than done — two-way wings like the Lakers seek are in high demand across the league. Lakers fans may want to prepare themselves for a more status quo offseason than they hope, league sources told NBC Sports.
Either way, it's easier to envision LeBron returning to the Lakers on something like a two-year, $50 million contract with a player option on the second year and a no-trade clause than it is picturing him going to Golden State (or returning home to Cleveland). Still, everything is on the table.
Jeremy Lin addresses past Kim Kardashian dating rumors.
Former Knicks guard Jeremy Lin said the team declined a request from Kim Kardashian for him to appear on reality television after “Linsanity” took over New York in 2012.
During a Tuesday appearance on the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast, Lin recalled Kardashian’s request when Torre asked him about rumors that they were dating during the “Linsanity” craze — when Lin led the Knicks to 10 wins in 13 games and averaged over 22 points and nine assists after he was called up during the 2011-12 season.
“I think basically, she at that time, was filming her show … I don’t know if it was ‘Keeping up With the Kardashians’ or whatever show was happening back then,” Lin said. “But I know that she was kind of looking for a New York athlete to kind of be on this show essentially.
During the Linsanity run, Kim Kardashian reportedly requested access to Jeremy Lin — but Lin now recalls the Knicks "immediately declined":
"She was looking for kind of, like, a New York athlete."
— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) June 10, 2026
“So this is what I’ve heard and I don’t know if it’s true or not … that request did come in to the Knicks and that is a real request.
“Again, I don’t know if this is true or not. This is what was told to me afterwards because the request came in to the Knicks and they immediately declined it without asking [me] because they were like, ‘We’re not allowing our young second-year player to go down this route right now.'”
Former Knicks guard Jeremy Lin during an appearance on the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast on June 9, 2026. YouTube
Torre aired a 2012 news headline by Syracuse.com that said: “Is Jeremy Lin Dating Kim Kardashian? ‘Linsanity’ Romance Rumors Fly.”
Lin — who is a guest analyst with ESPN for the 2026 NBA Finals between the Knicks and the Spurs — did not directly address the dating buzz.
Torre also showed a 2012 interview with former ESPN host Rachel Nichols, who asked Lin what the weirdest paparazzi moment he had during “Linsanity.”
The cast of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” in February 2012. E! Entertainment
“The stuff about me dating Kim Kardashian, I have no idea where that came from,” Lin said at the time, adding that he didn’t think he was her type.
Lin also turned down the cover of GQ magazine at the time.
“I just want to make sure that I’m not doing a disservice to my team by milking all of the attention because at the end of the day that’s not what I love. I love playing basketball,” Lin told Nichols.
Kim Kardashian during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on June 7, 2026 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. WireImage
Kardashian began dating her ex-husband, rapper Kanye West, in the spring of 2012. She married then Nets player Kris Humphries in 2011 for 72 days.
The Skims founder and West settled their divorce in 2022, and she is currently dating Formula One star, Lewis Hamilton.
Lin, who announced his retirement from professional basketball in an Instagram post last August, revealed in 2023 that he and his partner married “a couple years ago.”
They welcomed a son in 2024.
Knicks guard Jeremy Lin drives down court during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden on on March 20, 2012. Anthony J. Causi
Lin had stints with the Warriors, Rockets, Lakers, Hornets, Nets, Hawks and Raptors after going undrafted out of Harvard.
He was part of the 2019 Raptors team that won the franchise’s first championship.
Lin later went on to play for the Beijing Ducks.
He most recently played for the New Taipei Kings of the P. League+ in Taiwan, alongside his brother Joseph Lin.
Welcome to our annual Lakers season in review series, where we’ll look back at each player on the team’s roster this season and evaluate if they should be part of the future of the franchise. Today, we take a look at Deandre Ayton.
Deandre Ayton was easily considered the Lakers’ most intriguing signing last offseason. It was a bold move by Rob Pelinka to gamble on the center who had developed a notorious reputation for himself over the last few years. Pelinka and Luka Dončić — who recruited Ayton as well over the summer — felt that the big man was the missing piece in the Lakers’ rotation.
Coming into this season, there was a lot of pressure on Ayton to do well. That’s because his previous stints with the Suns and Blazers didn’t end in the best way possible and he hadn’t played more than 67 games since the 2022-2023 season. There was also a clear decrease in his production over the last two years, so the concerns as to why the Lakers signed him were valid.
But in fairness to the first overall pick in the 2018 draft, his first season with the Lakers turned out better than expected. Ayton played 72 games in the regular season, which was a career-high for him. He averaged 12.5 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block per game on 67.1% shooting and had his fair share of memorable games. He was reliable for most of the season but there were also times when he underperformed and was benched for it.
Ultimately, the 27-year-old veteran lived up to the expectations set for him, but there’s no certainty as to whether or not that’s enough to make him the Lakers’ starting center for years to come.
How did he play?
Ayton’s performance in the playoffs this season pretty much sums up his time as a Laker: Outstanding in the first round versus the Rockets and then disappointing en route to getting swept by the Thunder. Against Houston, he averaged 11.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game and even outplayed Alperen Şengün, but then he tallied just 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game against OKC.
While DA’s performance in the second round could’ve been better, what he proved in the regular season was that he definitely still has a place in this league. Although there were times when he made it known that he wasn’t thrilled with his role, the big man was still key in the team’s success this year. He found a way to fit alongside Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves by being a serviceable big man for most of those games.
Ayton’s role was simple: Be the team’s fourth scoring option while being a high-impact big in the paint. He isn’t a high-flying center like Hayes nor a bruiser. He had his own game, which was more post- and mid-range-oriented.
There were nights when Ayton just didn’t have the motor, which was why JJ Redick opted to play Jaxson Hayes over him. But that didn’t affect the relationship between the player and coach as the former was always vocal about how much of an honor it was to be coached by Redick and his staff. Redick also commended Ayton’s ability to adjust to his system so it seemed like they were often on the same page.
What is the contract situation moving forward?
Last summer, Ayton signed a two-year contract worth $16 million with a player option for the second season. So technically, he’s still under contract with the Lakers and the decision to stay will ultimately be his.
Should he be back?
If Ayton is still willing to buy into Redick’s system and the role that they want for him, then there’s certainly a place for him. His underwhelming performance in the second round series against the Thunder shouldn’t define who he is as a player. The Lakers, by now, know his strengths and weaknesses, which is why there’s no definite plan as to whether or not he’s going to remain as the team’s starting center next season.
But if DA feels that he deserves more than his current salary and wants the All-Star treatment in terms of priority on the rotation and touches, then perhaps he’d be better off on another team.
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 16: Trae Young #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Washington Wizards guard Trae Young has a decision to make.
The 27-year-old has a June 23 deadline to exercise his $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season, which is considered by many as an unlikely move.
Here are the options Young and the Wizards have if he declines his option:
What an extension looks like
If Young opts out, which multiple reports expect, he has until June 30 to sign an extension with Washington that holds a maximum value of three years and $156 million.
While a three-year extension makes sense, it will likely be for less money, with multiple reports projecting a $120 million deal that takes him through the 2028-29 campaign.
Wizards general manager Will Dawkins has extended two players during his tenure, both of which were rookie-scale extensions. He gave Deni Avdija $55 million and Corey Kispert $54 million over four years.
Both extensions were descending value, which means the cap hit started higher and ended lower than the contract’s average annual value (AAV). Considering Dawkins’ history, a potential Young extension would likely follow a similar structure.
Here’s what that cap hit would look like if Young signs a three-year, $120 million extension at descending value, as noted in an episode of the Third Apron podcast with Yossi Gozlan.
2026-27: $43,478,261
2027-28: $40,000,000
2028-29: $36,521,739
For reference, the Toronto Raptors gave Brandon Ingram a three-year, $120 million extension almost immediately after they acquired him via trade last season. After sitting the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, Ingram averaged 21.5 points as he led Toronto to the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference this season.
Young wants to be a Wizard
The Wizards acquired Young in a January trade that sent CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to the Atlanta Hawks.
On a recent podcast appearance on “The Pivot,” Young made clear his desire to get dealt to Washington — a place he believes is on the verge of something special.
“I wanted to go [to Washington]. It’s not like [Atlanta] just shipped me there. That wasn’t the case,” Young said. “… I know our team is gonna be ready. We have young guys that have been through the rebuilding stage. They went through a lot of losing the last few years and they’re tired of losing. I want to be there with them when we’re winning.”
Trae Young said he wanted to come to the Wizards when he discovered he would be traded last season.
“I wanted to go [to Washington]. It’s not like [Atlanta] just shipped me to Washington. Because that wasn’t the case.”
Young said he plans to bring several Wizards teammates to train with him this summer, which serves as another indicator of his offseason plans to remain in Washington.
A chip on his shoulder
It’s no secret many sold their Young stock after he played just 15 games last year amid a slew of injuries, which included a quad contusion, MCL sprain and back irritation.
But that’s only fueled Young’s motivation to prove those doubters wrong.
“This is the most slept on I’ve been in my whole life … Imagine the Wizards as the No. 1 team in the East next year. What [are] people gonna be saying?” Young said. “I haven’t played much in a year and a half, but trust me, I’m just entering my prime.”
Trae Young on doubters:
“This is the most slept on I’ve been in my whole life … Imagine the Wizards as the No. 1 team in the East next year. What people gonna be saying?
“I haven’t played much in a year and a half, but trust me, I’m just entering my prime.”
