BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Five of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2026 at TD 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Jaylen Brown — the Celtics’ 2024 Finals MVP and 5-time All-Star selection — has officially ended his tenure in Boston. Brown has been traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the picks are: a 2028 first-round pick that could convert from a first to a swap that is more favorable to Boston, a 2031 unprotected Philadelphia first, 2028 second round, most favorable of GSW/OKC/MIL, and 2030 second round, most favorable of WAS/PORT/PHX.
CLARIFICATION ON PICKS: According to MassLive’s Brian Robb, the 2028 first round pick is the better of the 76ers’ and Clippers’ picks and not a pick swap as previously reported.
BLOCKBUSTER: The Boston Celtics have agreed to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/xNcNlIV2mh
Brown is coming off the best season of his career, in which he averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, while shooting 47.7% from the field. He finished 6th in MVP voting and was named to the All-NBA Second Team for the second time in his career.
Paul George is coming off a season in which he appeared in 37 games and averaged 17.3 points and 3.6 assists, shooting 43.9% from the field and 39.2% from three. In the playoffs, he averaged 16.4 points per game, shooting 45.3% from the field and 49.3% from three.
This story will be updated as more information is available.
Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff at TD Garden on April 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
After lots of speculation, Jaylen Brown has been traded.
The Celtics deal the five-time All-Star to the 76ers for Paul George and two first-round picks and two second-round picks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday.
Brown is coming off his best season in the NBA, averaging 28.7 points per game, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists over 71 games, delivering as Boston’s top option while Jayson Tatum recovered from his Achilles tear for most of the season.
Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff at TD Garden on April 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. Getty Images
Despite the production this year, Brown has been rumored to be a part of multiple trade packages so far this offseason, with Charania reporting the Celtics were actively shopping him around during the NBA draft.
According to ESPN, the Celtics offered Brown and two unprotected first-round picks for Antetokounmpo.
“Jaylen Brown is a big part of us,” Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said in late June. “I’m never going to predict the future. Every indication, everything I think about, over the last few years, has been building around those guys.
“You never know. But at the same time, the one thing I want to make very clear is how valued he’s always been. He’s been amazing. He’s been an amazing teammate and a great person to be around.”
Shortly after Stevens left the door open for Brown’s exit, Brian Robb of MassLive reported that the Timberwolves had been in talks with the Celtics about the guard before acquiring LaMelo Ball.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George. Boston Globe via Getty Images
Brown was also shopped around by Boston in 2022, as the Celtics offered him in a package deal to the Nets for Kevin Durant.
He now joins his second NBA team after 10 years with the Celtics. The 76ers finished seventh in the Eastern Conference this past season but rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the first round of the playoffs to beat the Celtics. Philadelphia was then swept by the Knicks in the East semifinals.
The Worldwide Leader reported that while the Celtics shopped Brown, the star never requested a trade out of Beantown.
Brown has three seasons left on his five-year, $285,393,640 contract.
The Celtics get a nine-time All-Star in George, who has played in just 78 games the past two seasons combined, averaging 16.7 points and 5.3 rebounds. He has a $54 million cap hit this season and a $56 million hit in 2027-28 if he picks up his player option.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 26: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the second half against the Houston Rockets in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Utah Jazz signed Jaxson Hayes to a two-year $12 million deal, according to Tim MacMahon.
Source: The Jazz are signing former Lakers center Jaxson Hayes to a two-year, $12 million deal. The second season is a team option.
The second year is a team option, meaning Utah can release him after this upcoming season if they want.
The Hayes signing makes sense, as Utah now needs center depth after the Walker Kessler trade. Hayes played 66 games last season for the Lakers and started in 9 of them. He averaged 18 minutes per game while shooting 75% from the field, with 7.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks. As of now, Hayes likely becomes the backup center behind Jusuf Nurkic if the Jazz decide to start Nurkic. But Hayes feels like he’s more of a third center on a good team.
The off-court issues are the biggest concern with Hayes, who has had domestic violence allegations in the past. We haven’t heard from the Jazz front office about those issues, but the Lakers have discussed those issues before. You can read about that here.
We can only hope that those things are behind Hayes and that he has changed his life after some harrowing details of his past were revealed.
In terms of basketball alone, Utah now has a center who can fill the void left by Walker Kessler. Hayes gives the Jazz flexibility in potential future trades, especially with his team option on his second year, while also keeping the Jazz cap low as they prepare for a future contract for Keyone George.
This is also probably a reflection of the Ainge’s view of centers. They might not think putting money into the center position is worth it unless you have a franchise-caliber player. Utah obviously didn’t think Kessler was at that level and can now fill gaps with moves like this.
After failing to deal him during their foray into the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, the Boston Celtics have agreed to a blockbuster trade that ships star forward Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for veteran Paul George, two first-round draft picks and two second-round selections, a person with direct knowledge of the deal confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly comment on the matter.
The picks in the deal include a 2028 first rounder that would turn into a pick swap if that turns out to be more favorable for the Celtics and an unprotected first rounder in the 2031 draft. The second-round picks are in 2028 and 2030.
This is a clear signal that Philadelphia is looking to elevate itself into a championship contender in the East. The Sixers have made the playoffs eight of the last nine years but haven't advanced past the second round over that span. And with center Joel Embiid at 32 years old, Philadelphia’s window to win with the 2022-23 Most Valuable Player is winding down.
With Brown, the 76ers now have a three-headed force on offense with Embiid, Brown and two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey, whose 28.3 points per game last season ranked fifth in the league — just 0.4 points per game behind Brown.
The Sixers have seen other teams in the East beef up, including the Heat acquiring Antetokounmpo, so this trade indicates that they feel they are among the top teams in the conference. Philadelphia also signed free agent Dean Wade, and VJ Edgecombe shined in his rookie season.
George’s contract had been rather cumbersome and the Sixers are able to both offload it and bring back a younger, more talented player in Brown. George is due $54.1 million next season and has a $56.6 million player option for 2027-28.
The deal also breaks up the nine-year partnership of Brown and Jayson Tatum as the faces of the franchise and presents something of a new era in Boston. The Celtics appear to be building more toward the future, but with Tatum in his prime at 28 years old, the trade of Brown is dissonant with the timeline to win now.
Brown was stellar for Boston this season, most of which was played without fellow star Tatum, who missed the first five months of the campaign recovering from his ruptured Achilles tendon suffered deep in the 2025 playoffs.
Brown averaged career-highs in points (28.7) and assists (5.1), while tying his career mark in rebounds (6.9), as the Celtics exceeded external expectations en route to a 56-26 record and the No. 2 seed in the East.
Boston raced out to a 3-1 series lead in the first round of the playoffs against the 76ers but lost three consecutive games to crash out.
That early exit led to several weeks of angst and uncertainty as the franchise weighed its future and roster construction. Despite Boston being just two years removed from an NBA championship, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens clearly felt the team was not built to compete for another title.
The Celtics engaged with the Milwaukee Bucks for Antetokounmpo but lost out to the Heat, who offered a blend of young players and draft capital. Brown was a significant part of those discussions and was eventually dangled out in trade talks.
Later, Stevens had called Brown integral to the team’s identity and culture, but he stopped short of reaffirming his future with the franchise.
"Jaylen Brown is a big part of us," Stevens said on June 24. "I’m never going to predict the future. Every indication, everything I think about over the last few years, has been building around those guys. You never know.
"But at the same time, the one thing I want to make very clear is how valued he has always been. He has been amazing. He has been an amazing teammate and a great person to be around."
Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, is a five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection.
Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons brings the ball up court during the first half of Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on May 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Spurs are bolstering their depth on the wing.
San Antonio and forward Tobias Harris agreed to a two-year, $31 million contract on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, adding a veteran presence to its young roster after falling short in the NBA Finals.
Harris, who turns 34 later this month, served as a valuable role player for the Pistons over the last two seasons after coming over from the 76ers during the summer of 2024.
Last season, Harris averaged 13.3 points per game on 46.9 percent shooting and 36.8 percent from 3-point land for Detroit, which went 60-22 during the regular season before falling in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Cavaliers.
Tobias Harris of the Detroit Pistons celebrates during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Round 2 Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 13, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NBAE via Getty Images
Harris played some of his best basketball during the Pistons’ playoff run, scoring 20 points in eight straight games at one point, before losing minutes during Detroit’s final two games against Cleveland.
He joins a San Antonio frontline that, aside from Victor Wembanyama, looked small at times during the Finals against the Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby.
The Tennessee product’s ability to get hot from beyond the arc should also provide the Spurs, who were roughly average from deep last season, shooting 35.9 percent on 37.9 attempts per game, with some more offensive punch.
Harris will compete for minutes with wings Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes.
Tobias Harris of the Detroit Pistons brings the ball up court during the first half of Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on May 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Getty Images
The Harris addition is the first in what has been a relatively quiet offseason thus far for the Spurs.
Earlier this week, San Antonio brought back Barnes on a one-year deal for $8 million in one of their few moves to date this summer.
The Pistons’ loss of Harris adds to what has been an offseason of turnover for the franchise.
Detroit traded away big man Isaiah Stewart to Memphis while bringing in Isaiah Joe in a trade with the Thunder and signing John Collins in free agency.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 15: Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on November 15, 2025 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers’ two most recent draft picks highlight the team’s 2026 Summer League roster, announced by the team on Wednesday afternoon.
Both Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr will play in Summer League this season for the Lakers, which kicks off at the California Classic on Friday in before the team travels to Las Vegas starting on July 10.
Thiero had an injury-riddled rookie season in LA. He did not play in Summer League last year due to a knee injury, which cost him the start of the season as well. Thiero only played in 25 games, most of that action coming in injury time.
One of the most interesting names is Zhaire Smith. The former No. 16 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft saw his career derailed by a near-fatal allergic reaction that forced him to be hospitalized and resulted in him losing 60 pounds. Since then, Smith has bounced around the G League and various NBA teams.
Luka Doncic, Walker Kessler, Austin Reaves, Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith has entered the Lakers group chat — and, as usual, he did not come quietly.
After a busy offseason Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler are looking like the Lakers’ top core trio, Smith called out the obvious visual shift in typical Stephen A. fashion.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) and guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrate after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I’m saying it,” Smith said. “Your three best players are white dudes. This ain’t golf. And we got a whole bunch of brothers on Team USA. This is basketball, what y’all think this is?”
Subtle? It was not.
Stephen A. Smith questioned the Lakers’ much whiter roster after noting Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler headline their new core. NBAE via Getty Images
Smith was not alone, either. Bomani Jones joked that the Lakers “ain’t been this white since they left Minneapolis,” referencing the franchise’s George Mikan days and continued with, “if lakers-celtics became a nationwide thing again, me and the homies wouldn’t know who to root for.”
Online, fans quickly joined in with nicknames like “Snowtime Lakers,” “Tres Leches” and “Snowtown.”
The Lakers’ new core is an outlier in today’s NBA. In a league where roughly 70% to 78% of players are Black and only about 17% to 19% are white, a Lakers trio built around Dončić, Reaves and Kessler naturally stands out.
To Smith’s “this ain’t golf” point, the PGA Tour remains overwhelmingly white, with estimates around 80% of professional players identifying as Caucasian.
Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball during the first half of the Emirates NBA Cup game Getty Images
For a franchise long defined by icons like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and LeBron James, the Lakers’ new-look core is easy to notice.
But beneath the jokes is a real basketball question.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Detroit Pistons Getty Images
Former Laker Markieff Morris questioned not the race of the players but their toughness. While saying he liked the Lakers’ pickups, he warned that the team is “gonna be soft as hell” and said Dončić needs “a few dogs in that West.”
That may be the actual issue.
Dončić gives the Lakers an elite offensive engine. Reaves brings shot-making and secondary creation. Kessler adds size, rebounding and rim protection. Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton give Los Angeles more options.
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles upcourt against the Golden State Warriors IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
There is talent.
The question is whether there is enough toughness, athletic defense and edge to survive a Western Conference filled with teams that can punish weak links.
In many ways, the Lakers do look very different.
Now they have to prove they are just lighter in color, not lighter in the fight.
SACRAMENTO, CA — The Sacramento Kings were one of the biggest winners of the 2026 NBA Draft after drafting a Grade A group featuring Darius Acuff Jr., Emanuel Sharp and Alex Karaban.
Kings general manager Scott Perry introduced the 2026 draft class to Sacramento for the first time Monday as they got a taste of what it'll be like inside the Golden 1 Center.
It was a warm welcome for the players who were accompanied by family and supported by team members in attendance, including head coach Doug Christie and teammates Keegan Murray and Dylan Cardwell. It was all fun, but there was one point to drive home from the introduction: a new era is coming.
"As we approached this year's draft we had a clear vision of what we wanted to add to this organization," Perry said during his opening statement at the Kings' rookie introduction. "We prioritized talent, basketball IQ, competitiveness, character and the potential to make a long-term impact. Those are the traits that we believe are essential to building a long-term sustainable, winning organization. Equally important, we wanted to get players who we knew and believed fit our culture that we're establishing here in Sacramento. Darius, Alex and Emanuel all represent those values, and we're excited to welcome them to the Kings."
And each of those guys are excited to be in Sacramento. Of course, they get to see their NBA dreams fulfilled. But they understand and are bought into Perry's vision for winning basketball in Sacramento.
That's the focus going into the summer.
"Number one, winning. For sure, just trying to win every game. I think that's all of our goals," Acuff told USA TODAY Sports. "Just building that connection with them during this that we have in the summer."
It starts with the California Classic beginning July 4 through 6. Acuff told USA TODAY Sports that Kings fans deserve a winning culture and that's his goal.
"More than anything, I'm looking forward to playing in front of them," Acuff said. "It's a great atmosphere. The arena is amazing. Just like I said, playing in front of them, that's going to be the best part. You know, just winning for them. They deserve winning. These are great fans. They support. You can feel that energy and I'm looking to bring the same, for sure."
Acuff, 19, was a freshman standout at Arkansas under Hall of Fame head coach John Calipari. He averaged 23.5 points, 6.4 assists on 48.4% field goal shooting, including 44% on 3-point shots. He got buckets in styles, too. Inside, mid-range, from deep.
There's a shift in Kings basketball on the horizon.
Acuff, a Detroit native, told USA TODAY Sports that he planned to bring three attributes to Sacramento with him: swagger, winning and a new culture.
The Denver Nuggets have entered the LeBron James sweepstakes, and while they may not be the obvious favorite, they might be one of the most fascinating fits on the board.
According to The Denver Post, the Nuggets have reached out to James to express interest in bringing the 21-time All-NBA forward to Denver as he moves on from the Los Angeles Lakers. James is leaving Los Angeles after eight seasons, one championship, the NBA scoring record and another strong individual year at age 41.
Nuggets reportedly contacted LeBron James about a Denver move, testing whether Nikola Jokic, title hopes and winter golf can lure him. Denver Post via Getty Images
Los Angeles, CA LeBron James has officially announced that he is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons with the franchise. Best Image / BACKGRID
Rich Paul has made it clear this will not be a normal free agency decision, either. On a recent appearance, Paul said he has spoken with “about 12-14 teams,” which means nearly half the league has at least checked in on the idea of adding LeBron.
Paul also explained that James is not simply chasing the biggest contract.
“I think it’s more so having the ability to compete for the possibility to compete for winning a championship,” Paul said. “I think you can say being competitive. I think you can say having guys who understand how to play at a high level.”
That is where Denver becomes interesting.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets NBAE via Getty Images
The Nuggets cannot offer James the kind of money some other teams might without major roster gymnastics. Luckily, Paul also said maximizing money won’t be the deciding factor. If James is truly open to taking less for the right basketball situation, Denver has a real pitch: Nikola Jokic.
The basketball case is pretty easy to understand.
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James and Jokic would give Denver two elite passers who know how to make the game easier for everyone around them. Jokic would still be the center of the offense, but James could take pressure off him as another creator, especially in late-clock situations, transition chances and playoff matchups where Denver needs a different look.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Jamal Murray (27) USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
The fit would not be seamless automatically. Denver’s offense runs through Jokic, and changing that would present many dubious realities. James would have to be comfortable picking his spots, playing off the ball more often and acting as a secondary playmaker instead of controlling every possession.
At this stage, that might be a reasonable role and would in a sense mimic his role with the Lakers last season. James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists last season. But on a Nuggets team with Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon already in place, the appeal would be less about LeBron carrying the offense and more about giving Denver another high-level option in high leverage situations.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (R) watches as a hat flies through the air as Nuggets president Josh Kroenke (L) and owner Stan Kroenke USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
There is also history here. Nuggets president Josh Kroenke tried to recruit James in 2018 by sending him a throwback Denver jersey. James later called Kroenke a “very dear friend” and said the two had spent time together away from basketball.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has also called Denver a possible “outlier team” for James, especially if he is willing to take some kind of exception to play with Jokic.
Then there is, perhaps, the most important free agency factor of all: golf.
Allen and Company annual conference. 27th year. Sun Valley Club: pictured here: Lebron James Liz Sullivan
Paul joked that James would be fine as long as there is “indoor and outdoor golf.” Denver, somehow, checks that box.
Winter golf in Colorado is strange, weather-dependent and occasionally interrupted by snow, frost delays and frozen fairways that play like concrete. But between sunny winter days, year-round courses and indoor simulator spots around the city, LeBron’s golf requirement can technically survive the Rockies.
The Nuggets are still a long shot.
But they are not a joke.
If James wants a comfortable landing spot, title contenstion, and a chance to play beside Jokic, the Nuggets have a pitch worth listening to.
And apparently, they already have the communication lines open.
LeBron James won’t return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2026-27 season, but the cameras will still be on him.
On Tuesday, James notified the Lakers he is leaving the franchise after eight seasons under the bright lights of Hollywood. As he enters the next (and perhaps final) chapter of his career, James is reportedly in talks to document the entire upcoming NBA season through a documentary or episodic series.
NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor was first to report the news.
LeBron James informed the Lakers Tuesday that he would not return to the franchise for the 2026-27 season. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
James is in the midst of searching for what could be the final team of his storied NBA career. Rich Paul, his agent, revealed the 41-year-old is searching for happiness — not money — at this stage. James is reportedly willing to join a contender on a league minimum contract.
The Lakers have also moved on from their recent divorce from James as the team’s free agent signings were headlined by Jazz center Walker Kessler. While general manager Rob Pelinka has been aggressive this offseason, it’s unclear whether the Lakers have done enough to emerge as legitimate contenders during the 2026-27 season.
James is leaving Los Angeles, and the Lakers are ushering in a new era headlined by Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.
James could have ended his career with the Lakers but ultimately chose to leave the organization in a league-altering move. Now, the two parties will make do without the other.
The Lakers have kicked off a new era in Tinseltown with Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Kessler at the helm.
As for James, he’s clearly searching for a farewell title and the team that can give him his best chance at leaving the league as a champion.
Regardless of where James lands, NBA fans will surely be interested in watching a documented version of what could be the superstar’s final season.
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No typos here: The Sixers have traded for Jaylen Brown.
There’s a boatload of details to sift through, but the simple fact is staggering. Almost exactly two months after the Sixers stormed back for a seven-game first-round playoff series win over the Celtics, Brown’s on the other side of the rivalry. The Sixers are shipping Paul George, two first-round draft picks and two second-rounders up to Boston.
Beyond the allure of adding another star, is the move backed by sound logic?
It’s not hard to rattle off good reasons. Availability is a solid place to start. The Sixers’ peculiar brand of horrendous injury luck could always strike, but Brown appears to have a high chance of playing many games. He’ll turn 30 years old in October, logged 71 games last season, and averaged 67.4 over the past five years. The 36-year-old George had a variety of physical issues pop up over his two years as a Sixer and made candid comments about lingering injuries and lost explosiveness.
It’s so easy to picture how Brown could thrive for a Sixers team that vaults up to true contention status. He’s full of deep postseason experience and has an NBA Finals MVP on his résumé. Brown is comfortable taking the sort of self-created, tightly guarded jumpers that often decide playoff games. Defensively, Brown’s presence should expand Sixers head coach Nick Nurse’s options. Look at the list of players he’s defended and you’ll see guards, forwards and the occasional center.
As far as on-court fit, it’s fair to note Brown’s flaws and raise questions. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid are unique co-stars and everything won’t click from the jump.
Brown was fifth in the NBA last year in isolation possessions per game and averaged a career-high 28.7 points largely because the Celtics needed him to be their offensive hub with Jayson Tatum sidelined for most of the season by a ruptured Achilles tendon. He hasn’t historically been a great three-point shooter (34.7 percent last season, 35.8 percent for his career) or a brilliant passer. The Sixers will have to be smart about how they structure their offense and rotations. For instance, Brown and Joel Embiid both enjoy operating in the mid-range. Embiid ranked first in the NBA in shot attempts per game between 15 and 19 feet and Brown was right behind him.
Zooming out, the sheer boldness of Mike Gansey’s very first trade with the Sixers is worth highlighting. He was honest a mere three weeks ago about still wrapping his head around the tricky matters ahead as the organization’s president of basketball operations. With 20-year-old VJ Edgecombe, 25-year-old Maxey, 32-year-old Embiid and post-prime George on the roster, Gansey was asked about the Sixers’ timeline.
“My world’s spinning right now,” he said at his introductory press conference. “I just want to get to (the players) and see what they’re feeling, too. Get Coach’s input, get their input, and see if we can get this thing together. But I don’t just look at it as two timelines. They’re our four guys. They’re under contract. We’ve got to do our best to get them to their best selves. Every night at 7 o’clock, we’ve got to get them to their best to help us win.”
We’ll see how that plays out. Regardless, the Sixers will bank on a bright future via internal growth and try to win the Eastern Conference next season. If Embiid’s injury troubles subside — an enormous if — the idea doesn’t sound foolish at all.
“I’m as confident as I’ve ever been,” Embiid said at his exit interview in May. “Obviously, (the knee) was the biggest concern and I’m not thinking about it. As long as we keep doing what we’ve been doing, I won’t have to think about it anymore. I’m looking at next year, obviously being more available, and being more available might mean being a high seed as a team. The personal goals don’t matter.
“I know that if I’m available and I play as much as possible, everything else is going to follow. … I’ve accomplished everything else. I’m in a good mental place. It sucks losing, but I just know that moving forward, I’ll be better for my team.”
For one, James’ stature in the league is unprecedented, at least in the modern NBA. He’s the type of player who — thanks to his tenure and track record of excellence — is able to dictate the terms of essentially every facet of his employment. From nutrition and rest to coaching and personnel matters, James has earned the ability to curate his experience for what will presumably be the final stop of his record-shattering career.
Above all else, expect fit to be the deciding factor.
Here’s a look at four landing spots for LeBron James, ranked by best fit.
On one hand, the playoffs revealed just how badly the Nuggets need another play-maker and shot creator. On the other, the postseason also showed how old and slow the Nuggets suddenly looked. James would certainly solve the first issue, but at 42 next December, it’s undeniable that James has lost a step.
He nonetheless remains a player who would fit alongside Nikola Jokić — an excellent passer in his own right — and Jamal Murray. Still, James does not appear to have any tangible link to the Denver community and it’s unclear if he has much of a personal relationship with either of Denver’s stars.
This may be the most seamless fit on a personal level. Akron has always been home for the James family. He already had two separate stints with the Cavaliers and James’ ties to the area cannot be replicated. In a basketball sense, however, it appears to be a bit of an awkward fit.
Cleveland already has Donovan Mitchell and James Harden on the roster. Both are ball-dominant guards who thrive most when they’re the ones initiating the attack. James is built in the same mold. In fact, the more awkward moments with the Lakers this past season were when James was forced to defer substantially to Luka Dončić. This pairing would seemingly require James to sacrifice some key parts of his game. But it would be a storybook ending if James can elevate the Cavs, who were swept by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals, to another title.
This is all about James and his respect and admiration for Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. A long-time friend of both, James would provide a much-needed, play-making outlet to ease pressure off of Curry. One of the hardest-working players in the NBA, Curry is constantly on the move when off the ball in an attempt to create space. Yet, Golden State’s offense the past couple of seasons has lacked a true ball-handling point guard, so those duties have also often fallen to Curry.
James would instantly become a facilitating play-maker who would get even more out of Curry. The issue, however, would be that the Warriors would be pinning their hopes to aging stars. If Kristaps Porziņģis continues to have health issues, availability could be a problem for the Warriors.
James played arguably the best basketball of his career when he was in Miami from 2010-14. Coach Erik Spoelstra and the same crew in the front office, led by Pat Riley, remain. And while there was some tension between James and Heat executives late in his time with the Heat, all sides have seemingly reconciled and are on good terms. In February 2026, when the Lakers unveiled a statue of Riley, James met Riley pre-game and the two embraced.
James, who has been a fixture on Team USA, bonded with Spoelstra, who had been an assistant coach for the team, and Heat captain Bam Adebayo. The Heat, as currently constructed, lack a true play-making ball handler. And James, in the twilight of his career, has become more of a ball-dominant distributor than a pure scoring threat. Taking that a step further, Spoelstra has embraced quick, up-tempo play; Miami ranked first in the NBA in pace (104.22). And alongside new acquisition Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat would then hold the two top fastbreak threats in the NBA, as James led all players with 5.7 fastbreak points per game and Antetokounmpo tied for second (5.5).
Then there’s this: during a 2024 Instagram Live chat, a fan asked James if he missed Miami. Before he could respond, James’ wife, Savannah James, off camera, responded “Yes.” Then, when LeBron asked to clarify the question, Savannah James said, “I miss the city.”
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 19: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 19, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Celtics made a solid move by signing Mitchell Robinson to a three-year deal earlier in the day. As Charania reported Robinson’s signing on ESPN, he also broke down the Brown negotiations. The Celtics are reportedly seeking a package of players and picks, and have asked for as many as four future first-round picks in some discussions. Charania reports that Boston is talking to 8-10 teams right now. Watch the full clip here:
Reporting for NBA Today on championship center Mitchell Robinson leaving the Knicks to join Boston — and the bigger domino facing the Celtics: pic.twitter.com/QpT59VvaSn
I came up with Jaylen Brown fake trades last week. The best package feels like it could come from the Portland Trail Blazers or Houston Rockets. The Rockets could offer Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. if they want. The Blazers could potentially build a package around Donovan Clingan and Jrue Holiday. I listed the Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, and Washington Wizards as potential sleeper teams. Will a dark horse candidate emerge to trade for Brown?
The most surprising thing is that the Celtics are shopping Brown hard even though he hasn’t asked for a trade. Brown’s contract is the biggest hurdle for Boston or another suitor right now. He has three years and over $180 million left on his deal.
Where will Jaylen Brown land? Are the Celtics crazy for trying to trade him?
Mychal Thompson, a member of two of the Los Angeles Lakers' championship teams from the Showtime era, sounds mystified by a simmering debate, in the wake of LeBron James' decision to leave the Lakers.
Does LeBron James deserve a statue outside Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers?
“A statue? He deserves three statues, buddy,’’ Thompson told USA TODAY Sports. “Miami, Cleveland and L.A. That's how great he is.
"He's arguably the greatest player to ever play, along with Kareem and Michael Jordan. …He's delivered championships in three different places that he's played in. He deserves it. ...No doubt about it.’’
In addition to leading the Lakers to the title in 2020, James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first title in franchise history and won two titles with the Miami Heat.
Thompson won championship rings with the Lakers in 1987 and 1988. He played alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, two Laker legends who have bronze statues in Star Plaza.
Thompson, a radio color commentator for the Lakers, knows there’s a faction of fans who oppose James’ getting a statue.
“I just think that people are being narrow-minded and basically don't understand the game,’’ Thompson said. “That's what I think of when I hear people say he doesn't deserve a statue in front of Crypto.com. 'He isn't a Laker legend' (say the critics).
“Obviously, I don't think anybody will match Kareem and Magic and Kobe, those three and Jerry West. But LeBron is every bit as much as a legend as everybody else. A Laker legend.”
How LeBron James stacks up against statue honorees
Comparing Lakers who have been honored by statues helps establish the informal criteria.
Those greats didn’t just win titles; they played critical roles in leading the Lakers.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had six NBA championship rings, six NBA MVPs and two NBA Finals MVPs.
Magic Johnson had five NBA championships, three NBA MVPs and three NBA Finals MVPs.
Kobe Bryant had five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVPs and one NBA MVP.
Shaquille O’Neal had three NBA championships with the Lakers (and one with the Miami Heat), three NBA Finals MVPs with the Lakers.
James had one NBA championship with the Lakers and was voted NBA Finals MVP after Los Angeles beat the Heat four games to two.
Jerry West had only one as a player but six as the Lakers general manager.
Elgin Baylor did not win an NBA title during his 14-year NBA career, which he spent exclusively with the Lakers.
The non-players honored by statues are Pat Riley, who was the Lakers’ head coach during the Showtime era and helped guide the Lakers to four titles, and Chick Hearn, the late play-by-play announcer.
LeBron James impact beyond titles
James arrived with the task of restoring excellence to the foundering dynasty. The Lakers had failed to reach the playoffs for five straight seasons, and they missed them again during James’ first year with the team.
But over the next seven years, the Lakers made the playoffs six times and won the league title 2020 during the pandemic-shortened season. Los Angeles reached the Western Conference Finals once more during LeBron’s eight-year tenure.
While with the Lakers, James also surpassed Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and in 2024 he and his son Bronny became the first father and son to take the court together.
Those were memorable moments. Whether they’ll impact James’ chances to getting a statue with the Lakers remains to be seen.
Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) shoots in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed Meleek Thomas to a four-year, $9.3 million deal. Thomas was selected 34th overall by the Cavs last week in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Thomas played 37 games with Arkansas last year as a freshman. He averaged 15.7 points and 3.8 rebounds as a 6’3” sharpshooting combo-guard. The Cavs are excited to add an efficient shot-maker like Thomas to their roster.
“We were excited that he was available in the second round,” said POBO Koby Altman after selecting Thomas. “Usually, a guy of that caliber of scorer, that level of shot maker, his profile, you get a lot earlier.”
The first three years of the deal, worth $6.4 million, are guaranteed to Thomas.
Thomas shot above 40% from deep as a freshman. His marksmanship is one of the main reasons Cleveland targeted him in the draft despite him being a guard. The Cavs are loaded in the backcourt, but Thomas was too skilled for them to pass on.
Thomas doesn’t view the guards in front of him as obstacles, however. He plans on learning everything he can from Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.
“There’s a lot of great guards on the team ahead of me already, so just learning, pick their brain on what they did when they were rookies,” said Thomas. “Ultimately, all the knowledge that I gain from James, Donovan, any of the guards… me gaining knowledge from the ones that have been here, that’s gonna help me.”
The Cavs aren’t in a position to give Thomas many reps during his rookie season. This is a team that is ready to compete for a title and potentially even welcome home LeBron James (again). That means patience will be key in developing the 19-year-old rookie.
Adding to his 190-pound frame is one of his main goals.
“The Cavs have a great strength program going on, so my physicality… and just some of the high-level things that I might not know that rookies get adjusted to,” said Thomas on his focus for development.
Thomas shows promise as a three-point shooter who took steps forward as a defender last year. Those are two skills that every NBA team can use more of.
