It’s becoming increasingly likely that Giannis Antetokounmpo, a 10-time All-Star and two-time Most Valuable Player, will have a new home within a week, as the Bucks weigh his future in Milwaukee.
Though there still is the possibility the Bucks can somehow convince Antetokounmpo to commit to a long-term deal, the impression I‘ve gotten from conversations with several people on different sides of this is that both parties — if not the majority of power brokers across the league — expect Antetokounmpo to be traded before the NBA draft.
So, what’s the holdup?
For starters, moving Antetokounmpo is no easy task.
Despite his injuries this season, he remains an elite force in the NBA. He’s 6-foot-11 and wields a singular blend of strength and speed that makes him the league’s premier fast break weapon.
The Bucks grasp the magnitude of moving the greatest player in franchise history, one who ranks first in points (21,531), rebounds (8,882), assists (4,484), blocks (1,088), triple-doubles (56) and games played (895).
As awkward as the last season was, Milwaukee understands that its fans will be upset and question the move, even as it has become clear a fresh start is best for all parties. It makes sense, therefore, that the Bucks are remaining patient in negotiations, extracting as much value as they can. You happen to get lucky with a player like Antetokounmpo only once every couple of generations; if your hand is forced and you need to move him, you might as well make it worth your while.
But let’s get to the potential landing spots.
Consensus among those I polled was that it is coming down to the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. Other teams could always emerge and make a compelling offer. Still, it becomes harder to justify if Antetokounmpo and his representatives indicate they’re not willing to sign a long-term deal with those teams. In essence: why would a great team with plenty of assets - say the Thunder - give up valuable draft capital for a two-year loan?
Miami’s proposition is pretty clear, so we’ll get to that in a bit. The more interesting scenario is Boston.
The Celtics are notoriously guarded and do not like their business aired out this way. To that point, if you scan through the reports hinting at their potential interest in Antetokounmpo, it becomes clear it’s all coming from opposing front offices or people outside the Auerbach Center. Further to that point, when I tried to check in with some people in the building, I was shut down.
The Celtics, however, need to operate with precision and tact.
My sense is they would absolutely love to bring in Antetokounmpo, though they would want him to be one-third of a trio alongside both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. That would almost certainly force Boston to part with promising young players like Payton Pritchard and Hugo González, as well as a fan-favorite veteran like Derrick White. Draft considerations, of course, would also be part of that equation. That, however, won’t be enough to pry Antetokounmpo away, because Miami’s offer is already better.
Popular convention is that Brown would need to be part of the calculus. If that becomes clear to president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, exploring a potential trade would require a deft tightrope act of gauging interest from the Bucks and possible third teams while keeping one of the team’s stars happy. Because if Brown catches wind that the Celtics dangled him in a trade package, and if said package blows up and never materializes, Stevens would almost certainly face some internal discord. Brown could potentially sour entirely on the organization.
It’s a massive risk, considering the Celtics are two seasons removed from a championship and already have a talented core in place with Tatum and Brown, one that can compete in the East.
This caution and risk don’t exclude Boston from the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes; they only elevate the stakes. If the Celtics do decide to act, their options are to pass or go all in.
The Heat are in a different case. President Pat Riley has been trying to land a franchise-altering star for years, and he faces losing the fan base that may be wondering if it’s time for him to step down.
Miami’s offer is pretty clear-cut: Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware and other younger players combined with draft assets that include the No. 13 overall selection in this year’s draft. The Heat have been the most active and consistent team in Antetokounmpo talks, going back to the February trading deadline, if not years earlier.
The Heat try to be similarly secretive, but they’re operating from a position of less leverage than Boston; Miami has struggled to seriously compete since trading Jimmy Butler in February 2025 and it’s clear roster changes are necessary.
The Bucks may like parts of Miami’s package, but - once again - this is Antetokounmpo we’re talking about. So some of the holdup might be the Bucks telling Miami to source other teams to reroute Herro for additional draft capital.
Either way, the draft is the window. Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam already set that as a soft deadline. And just as in any industry, deadlines spur action.
Given that this draft is deep and loaded with talent, the Bucks presumably want to know exactly what kind of picks they will have at their disposal, especially if they want to package picks in a trade-up. Miami’s No. 13 selection becomes significantly appealing. But Milwaukee also doesn’t want to be scrambling with all this in the hours leading up to the draft, so look for talks to intensify before the weekend.
BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: The sneakers worn by Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 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
One week out from the NBA Draft, rumors around trades and free agency are coming fast. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the name most often discussed — get the latest on his potential trade here — but there is much more going on as well. Here are some of the latest news and notes.
Is Trae Young available?
All indications out of Washington have been that it plans to get Trae Young to reject his $49 million player option and get the All-Star point guard to sign a longer-term extension at a lower per-year number.
That said, teams are eying a potential Young trade, including the Miami Heat, who see him as a "big fish" backup if they strike out on landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, reports Jake Fischer at The Stein Line.
That all seems a little odd after there was virtually no market for Young at the trade deadline, and the Wizards got him for a song. Fischer notes that the changed lottery rules — where the teams with the three worst records have a worse chance of landing the No. 1 pick than seeds 4-10 — have increased the value of a floor-raiser like Young.
The key thing to watch: If Young picks up that $49 million player option — which he has to do by draft day next Tuesday — it's a sign he's about to be traded.
Miami also has its eye on Kawhi Leonard — if he becomes available, he is not currently — and Ja Morant as big swings if they miss out on Antetokounmpo.
Kessler, Jazz at “odds”
Being a restricted free agent sucks, especially if the team holding a player's rights makes it known they plan to match any offer.
Enter Walker Kessler. The Utah Jazz big man will be a restricted free agent (once the Jazz extend a $7.1 million qualifying offer), and a number of teams have interest in the 24-year-old. However, he is frustrated by the way the Jazz are handling the situation, reports Sam Amick at The Athletic.
Kessler... was already known to be frustrated by Utah's choice not to offer him an extension last summer. And now, with the Jazz choosing to leverage the realities of restricted free agency against him as a way to minimize his market, sources say he is strongly considering the prospect of a basketball future outside Utah. Yet, as is always the case with restricted free agents, it's never quite that simple. Kessler can either strike a deal with the Jazz, sign an offer sheet with another team (starting on July 1) that Utah could match, find a suitable sign-and-trade option for both parties or sign the qualifying offer (worth $14.6 million) for next season as a pathway to unrestricted free agency next summer. Whatever route he ultimately takes, this much is clear: Kessler is currently disenchanted with the Jazz franchise.
Welcome to Negotiations 101. Kessler and his agent want as big a deal as they can get from the Jazz, so the goal is to create leverage — and an unhappy player who might take an offer from another team, or hold a grudge long term, is some leverage. Will Kessler be able to get the size of offer he wants from a team with cap space, like the Lakers? Maybe, but those teams are not tying up their cap space for a couple of days unless they believe Utah will not match the offer. There is no reason to believe that.
Ultimately, Kessler and the Jazz will settle on a number and go from there. If Kessler can be the anchor at the five this team needs next to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen, then he will have a lot more leverage on a future contract.
Nuggets want to keep Gordon, trade Braun
There is going to be some re-shuffling in Denver this summer. Peyton Watson is a restricted free agent and his absence during the playoffs showed how vital it is for this team to re-sign him. With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray both making $50+ million next season, the Nuggets are already flirting with the second tax apron before re-signing Watson, which means shedding some salary.
I'm told Aaron Gordon, who turns 31 in September, is the Denver veteran drawing the strongest external trade interest. Next season will be the first on a three-year, $103.6 million contract extension ... League sources say that the Nuggets' preferred course for a roster shakeup is finding a trade market for Christian Braun rather than entertaining deals that involve Gordon or Jamal Murray after Murray's first All-Star season, but those efforts are rife with challenges.
A lot of teams would love to trade for Gordon for the same reason Denver can't afford to let him go — Gordon is the ultimate glue guy, a two-way four that was critical to their championship run. The market for Braun will not be as strong, but he is a plus defender on the perimeter who averaged 12 points a game last season and is a career 36.5% from 3-point range — he can help a lot of teams. He's also locked into a fully guaranteed contract with four years and $103.4 million remaining.
One way or another, Denver has to get under the second tax apron and create some flexibility.
Other trade notes:
• Cleveland, a team over the second apron last season, is looking to trim some salary and, with that, is seeing what the trade market looks for veteran guard Dennis Schroder, reports ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Schroder is set to make $14.8 million next season and $15.5 million the season after, but only $4.4 million of that second season is guaranteed.
• No, Oklahoma City is not trying to trade Chet Holmgren. It's not on the table. That was never logical or on the table, but when a few teams did call, they were shot down quickly, something Zach Lowe noted on his podcast.
• One trade the Thunder are looking to make is moving the No. 17 pick in this year's draft, with multiple reports that they are looking to move on from that selection. They likely keep the No. 12 pick.
• League sources keep telling NBC Sports to expect that the Lakers will re-sign Austin Reaves despite rumors of other teams expressing interest. The only question is the final number.
Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo watches during the first half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
TOC Nation, I know most of us are not pleased with the chain of events we have seen in East Lansing over the past few weeks. As Tom Izzo said yesterday in his brief comments to the media, it is up to all of the Spartan community to get things moving in the right direction. So in this week’s survey questions, I am asking a couple questions about the road ahead. First, I want to see if you believe we can get this thing turned around. And second, I want to see what you are looking for in the person to lead us there.
I look forward to seeing how you vote and reading your comments on these. And as always, sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Bill Simmons believes Jalen Brunson’s championship run has changed the way he should be viewed historically.
The Ringer founder said Brunson now belongs among the top 50 players in NBA history after leading the Knicks to their first championship since 1973, capped by a 45-point performance in New York’s Game 5 win over the Spurs.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks talks to the media after the game San Antonio Spurs during Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images
It is a major jump in reputation for Brunson, who arrived in New York as an undersized guard with playoff credibility but not the profile of a player expected to become the centerpiece of a championship team.
That changed during the Knicks’ run.
Brunson was repeatedly the player New York leaned on to create offense late in games, and his Game 5 performance helped close out a 94-90 win over San Antonio that delivered the franchise its first title in 53 years.
Simmons said that kind of run puts Brunson in a different category, especially when compared with other great guards whose teams never quite reached the same stage with them as the clear lead option.
“He did something a bunch of great guards were never able to do,” Simmons said.
Simmons pointed to James Harden, Steve Nash, Chris Paul and Jason Kidd while making the argument.
Harden reached the Finals early in his career with the Thunder, but never got there as the lead star of his own team. Nash won two MVP awards but never made the Finals. Paul reached the Finals with the Suns in 2021 but lost to the Bucks, while Kidd lost twice in the Finals with the Nets before later winning a championship with the Mavericks.
“What Brunson did was up there with Dwyane Wade in 2006,” Simmons said. “It was up there with Walton in ’77.”
Wade led the Heat to the 2006 title with a dominant Finals performance against the Mavericks, while Bill Walton carried the Trail Blazers to the 1977 championship.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson motions after a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in San Antonio. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
Simmons said Brunson’s case was built not only on production, but on how often he delivered under pressure.
“He was the guy over and over again who could create the best offense for them, and he got better when it mattered,” Simmons said.
“He never got tired,” Simmons said. “As a small guy, the stuff that he did was inconceivable.”
The performance that appeared to push Simmons over the edge was Game 5, when Brunson’s 45 points finished off the series and secured the title.
“The more I look at it and stare at it, I think it is one of the great Finals games,” Simmons said.
Simmons said he now has Brunson ranked No. 40 on his all-time list, placing him above several Hall of Fame-level names, including Nash, Kidd, Sam Jones and George Gervin.
He also acknowledged how unlikely that would have sounded earlier in Brunson’s career.
Brunson was a second-round pick, became a key piece with the Mavericks and then took another leap after signing with the Knicks. What once looked like a strong free-agent addition turned into the foundation of a championship team.
“He is somebody that I never in a million years would have thought would make the pyramid,” Simmons said.
After the Knicks’ title run, Simmons no longer sees that as a debate.
Brunson, in his view, has moved from star guard to all-time company.
When asked by Dan “Big Cat” Katz on Fox’s “Wake Up Barstool” whether he abstained for that long, the starring Knicks role player laughed and dodged the question.
“Did anyone on the team take James Dolan’s pleas to not have sex for the entire playoff run?” Katz asked.
“Oh man. Oh, man,” Alvarado said with a giant laugh.
Katz jokingly scolded Alvarado when it appeared that he couldn’t quite abide by Dolan’s request.
“Jose! The boss told you,” Katz added, while everyone laughed with him.
Jose Alvarado laughs when asked if he did or did not have sex. Barstool Sports
“He said 10 weeks. He said sacrifice. We all sacrificed,” Alvarado eventually responded.
Dolan met with his team on April 3 before a playoff run that turned into an incredibly dominant ride in which the Knicks lost only three games and won the NBA title.
James Dolan asks his team to not have sex for 10 weeks. Roomates Show
“I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks,” Dolan told the Knicks before the playoffs. “You don’t have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks, but like Spartans — do you know what Spartans are? — They denied themselves to gain an edge. Get the edge.”
Dolan’s joke was part of a 15-minute speech to the team about sacrifice.
“Go home, talk to your wives. Don’t tell them you’re not going to have sex, and don’t tell them it was my idea,” Dolan added. “But let them know what this is going to be like, what your commitment is going to be like.”
Whether the team actually abided by Dolan’s request will forever remain a mystery, but Alvarado’s response to the question is even more intriguing.
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 5: De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 8, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. 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
The NBA Finals are over. The Knicks have beaten the Spurs in five games. Every year, there are storylines that pervade the playoffs. Last season, it was Haliburton’s incredible run.
These playoffs, the storyline that stuck out to me more than any other was De’Aaron Fox’s fall from grace. Just a few seasons ago, he was the star of the Light The Beam Kings. He was an NBA media darling. Now, he’s a leper, and it isn’t hard to understand why. Take a look at his game log over the course of the NBA Finals:
Yikes. That is frighteningly low efficiency, especially for the volume of shots he was taking. That’s just his stats. There was also that layup attempt that the world has criticized him for.
Add an estimated salary next season of $49.5 million (which only escalates) and the fact that Dylan Harper looks ready to start next season, and you have a recipe for a player with negative value. The Spurs could look to dump Fox this offseason.
Can the Suns get involved? Should the Suns get involved?
What a trade would look like:
This is one option for what a De’Aaron Fox salary dump would look like. Right now, the calendar year hasn’t flipped over, and Fox’s on-paper salary is still $37 million. After the July 1 calendar change, the Suns are likely adding salary to this in the form of Grayson Allen.
In this deal, Jalen Green goes to the Pistons, who are in desperate need of buckets next to Cade Cunningham. In exchange, the Pistons send Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert to San Antonio and two firsts to Phoenix. Those two firsts are this year’s #21 and Detroit’s own first in 2028. If Grayson is added to this deal, he goes to Detroit as well. In fact, I think Detroit may demand Grayson as part of the deal if they are giving up two first-round picks.
The Spurs are getting off of Fox and adding two quality vets on short contracts. In return, the Spurs are sending Atlanta’s 2027 1st, Boston’s 2028 1st, and Dallas’ 2030 1st to Phoenix.
Why this deal makes sense for Detroit
Despite boasting the 8th-best offense in the NBA last season, Detroit was 17th in three-point percentage, 29th in three-pointers attempted, and 28th in three-pointers made. After Cade Cunningham’s 18.6 field goal attempts per game, their second highest was Jalen Duren at 11.5. What the Pistons need is volume scoring and three-point shooting.
Green gives you average three-point shooting and high-volume scoring. With Detroit’s third ranked defense, you can get the benefits of Jalen Green in a system built to support him. If you add Grayson to this deal as well, then you also get great three-point shooting to go along with him.
To add this, you lose two first-round picks, one at #21 and the other likely to be even later in the draft, and two veteran role players that you are already replacing with upgrades in this trade.
This has the potential to be a no-brainer for Detroit.
Why this deal makes sense for San Antonio
If the Suns and Pistons call San Antonio with this deal, the Spurs will say yes faster than you could believe. At the end of this deal, they get off of one of the worst contracts in the NBA, get two quality NBA veterans, and they still have all of their own draft picks. They go into next season with Harper and Castle as their starting backcourt, and they threaten to go on Finals run after Finals run for the next decade.
Is three first-round picks a lot to give up? Yes, it is. But does it open the door for their core to flourish? Yes, it does. They are going to have to dump Fox at some point in the next few years anyway in order to pay for that core. The second apron comes for all in the end.
For San Antonio, the price prevents this from being a no-brainer, but I don’t think it stops the deal from being done.
Why this deal makes sense for Phoenix
This deal does many great things for the Suns. To start, it rights a wrong done almost a decade ago. In the 2017 NBA draft, the Suns should have selected De’Aaron Fox, not Josh Jackson. Fox should have been the Suns’ point guard for the last nine years.
More importantly, this deal nets the Suns around five first-round picks. While yes, there are new lottery rules that make picks more valuable and less likely to be traded in large quantities, this trade involves exactly zero first-round picks that are projected to be lottery picks. The most likely lottery pick is the Dallas pick in 2030, and we might have a whole new lottery system for that season. The new lottery system that just got approved is set to expire in 2029.
This trade opens a whole new level of flexibility that the Suns haven’t had in years. This gives the Suns first-round picks in every draft moving forward except 2029 and two in 2028.
The biggest reason the Suns do this trade, though, is because you are buying as low as possible on a second star. One that fits next to Devin Booker.
Don’t let the Finals fool you, De’Aaron Fox is really good at basketball. He was an All-Star just this past season, averaging 18.6 points, 16.2 assists, and 1.2 steals. To top it off, he is just 28 years old.
De’Aaron Fox is not a washed-up has-been. Much like Jalen Green, he is wildly overpaid on a roster where he is redundant. In Phoenix, he could have a new life as the co-star that Devin Booker needs.
Is he perfect? No, of course not. But we as Suns fans need to get used to the fact that in the near future, Phoenix is shopping for stars in the bargain bin. This kind of deal, where the Suns would provide an opportunity for a redemption arc while collecting assets, is the kind Phoenix needs to take a chance on.
The original name for this article was “The buy-low option I want to love.” But the fact is that I do love it. This deal, even if it was just for Fox and four first-round picks, brings the Suns closer to a title than they have been in years and gives them the asset flexibility to get even better in the future.
What do you think, Suns fans? Are you ready for the De’Aaron Fox experience?
The possibility of LeBron James finishing his career alongside Stephen Curry continues to gain traction, and one prominent NBA voice believes the Golden State Warriors may now be the favorite to land the future Hall of Famer.
Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, Bill Simmons made a bold prediction about James’ future as the NBA offseason begins.
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers NBAE via Getty ImagesLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the court Corey Sipkin for NY Post
“Before we get to Giannis, LeBron, what happens with that is a good one,” Simmons said. “This one is a really fun one because the Warriors are really in play now, like for real. I really feel like if I had to bet my life on a team, I’d think I would bet on them.”
While Simmons offered no direct reporting, his comments echo a rumor that has lingered for years, fueled by repeated indications that Warriors owner Joe Lacob and the front office have explored the possibility of bringing James to the Bay Area.
The four-time NBA champion is entering free agency after completing his eighth season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although many around the league still expect James to either return to Los Angeles or potentially finish his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Warriors have emerged as a legitimate dark-horse contender.
James and Curry have developed a strong relationship through multiple All-Star appearances and their time together with Team USA, most recently helping lead the Americans to Olympic gold under the coaching of Warriors coach Steve Kerr
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently gave the Lakers a slight edge in the race to retain James, estimating a 51 percent chance he remains in Los Angeles. However, Windhorst also identified Golden State as the team to watch if James decides to leave.
“I’d watch Golden State,” Windhorst said on The Pat McAfee Show. “He played with Steph Curry and Steve Kerr in the Olympics. You know he’s close with Draymond Green.”
Bill Simmons believes the Warriors are a real contender to land LeBron James this offseason. Getty Images
The challenge, of course, is making the finances work.
Golden State already has significant money committed to Curry and Jimmy Butler, making it difficult to add another max-level contract without substantial roster changes. That reality may be that James would need to accept a significant pay cut if he hopes to join the Warriors.
No public indication has emerged from either James or his longtime representative Rich Paul regarding his offseason plans, but Windhorst reported that James is not expected to simply accept a discounted deal, with the Lakers needing to justify any offer below the maximum salary.
The Warriors may need to make a similar pitch to attract the 41 year old, where they have a big advantage While the Lakers have fully and publically turned their attention to building around Luka Doncic for the future, the Warriors are making a significant push to get Curry his fifth championship ring.
For now, a Curry-James partnership remains speculation. But with Simmons publicly predicting Golden State as the most likely destination, one of the NBA’s longest-running will-they-won’t-they continues to gain momentum.
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The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade situation appears to be moving slowly because the Bucks have not yet found an offer they are ready to accept.
Milwaukee has been in talks with the Heat for months, with Antetokounmpo open to signing a contract extension if he were traded to Miami, according to ESPN.
That has kept the Heat firmly in the mix, but it has not been enough to push a deal over the line.
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts on the court in the second half at Madison Square Garden in New York, Friday, November 28, 2025. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
The Bucks have reportedly continued to discuss possible packages with other teams as they weigh whether Miami’s offer is strong enough to move on from the face of the franchise.
Miami’s package has improved since the trade deadline and could be built around the No. 13 pick in next week’s NBA Draft, Tyler Herro, rotation players and prospects.
Herro would be one of the more notable pieces in a possible deal, not only because of his scoring ability but also because he is a Wisconsin native who would bring local ties to Milwaukee.
Still, the Bucks are not under pressure to take the first workable offer.
Any Antetokounmpo trade would likely reshape the team’s direction for years, and Milwaukee appears to be taking time to see whether a better package develops.
The Celtics are also viewed as a possible landing spot, with Antetokounmpo reportedly willing to sign an extension if he were moved to Boston.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 in a game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
But that route comes with complications.
Boston has typically preferred to keep major roster moves quiet and is not known for operating in trade situations where a player’s camp has a major role in the process.
Antetokounmpo and his representatives have reportedly tried to have some involvement in discussions, which could make a Celtics pursuit more difficult.
There is also the issue of what Boston would have to give up.
Adding Antetokounmpo would also likely force Boston to rethink parts of its playing style, given how different his game is from the perimeter-heavy structure the Celtics have relied on.
Another factor is the possible size of the deal.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro #14 drives to the basket as New York Knicks guard Miles McBride #2 defends during the first quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
If Milwaukee decides to trade Antetokounmpo, the Bucks may need a third or fourth team involved to help move players, redirect assets or manage salary. That kind of structure can make negotiations slower and harder to complete.
For Miami, the appeal is obvious. The Heat would get the superstar they have been chasing and could build around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
For Boston, the upside would be significant, but the cost and complications would be just as large.
Mitchell Robinson #23 of the Knicks defends against Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter.
Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
For Milwaukee, the decision is about more than choosing between two offers. The Bucks have to decide what kind of return would be enough to justify moving their franchise cornerstone — and whether they are ready to start the next phase without him.
That is why the talks have dragged.
Miami has a clearer path, Boston remains a major name to watch and Antetokounmpo’s willingness to extend in either place gives both teams reason to stay engaged.
But until the Bucks see an offer they believe matches the scale of the decision, the trade saga is likely to continue.
Jalen Brunson celebrating the Knicks championship with an officer nearby.
One uncomfortable moment involving Rick and Jalen Brunson and a Texas deputy sheriff after Game 5 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio has begun making the rounds on social media as the Knicks celebrate their historic championship.
In the video, Jalen greets and poses for a photo with a man as a Bexar County deputy sheriff approaches the scene behind them.
The deputy sheriff then appears to push Jalen, seemingly indicating to him that he must get out of the way.
Jalen Brunson #11 and Assistant Coach Rick Brunson smiles with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game 6 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
"Don't push him"
–– Rick Brunson after deputy sheriff pushes Jalen Brunson during Knicks celebration in San Antonio pic.twitter.com/BDEmD1CukM
Jalen turned to the deputy sheriff, appearing annoyed and responding before his father Rick — an assistant coach with the Knicks — came in and said, “Don’t push him.”
In the background of the video, viewers can see a woman respond to the deputy sheriff, seemingly saying “He’s the Finals MVP.”
The moment came amidst in-arena celebrations of the Knicks’ first championship in 53 years.
They clinched their third title in franchise history — and first in 53 years — on Saturday with a 94-90 win over the Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
Brunson received the Bill Russell Trophy for Finals MVP shortly after putting up 45 points in a heroic closeout game performance.
Jalen Brunson celebrating the Knicks championship with an officer nearby. NBA_NewYork/X
The win sent New York into a celebratory frenzy as the city watched the Knicks celebrate over a thousand miles away in Texas before flying back home late that night.
Rick Brunson, now an assistant coach with the Knicks, is a former player himself, having spent parts of three seasons in New York from 1999-2001.
The elder Brunson was a part of the last Knicks team to make the Finals in 1999. That year, coincidentally, the Spurs defeated the Knicks in five games for their first title in franchise history.
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; The 2025 NBA Draft class and NBA commissioner Adam Silver stand on stage before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The NBA draft is a week away and a new batch of mocks dropped following the conclusion of the Finals. Parsing through the different projections for the Sixers at pick 22 reveals new names compared to mock drafts after the combine.
With new president of basketball operations, Mike Gansey, in position to command the war room for the Sixers, the 22nd pick will be the first revelation as to his team-building strategy moving forward.
“With Cleveland I’ve always been pretty good with the draft, I think we’ve drafted well,” Gansey said last week on 97.5 The Fanatic. “We’ve been able to hit on some guys, you know, through the G-League, two-ways, you know Dean Wade, Sam Merrill. Those guys who helped us win playoff games this year we basically got for free.”
Confidence in his drafting ability is a major plus, however the limited time he has had between getting the role of president of basketball operations and the draft has presented a new challenge.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, “the 76ers are still relatively early in their decision-making process and will begin bringing in players for workouts this week.”
Better late than never, but the condensed timeline has drawn more uncertainty over the Sixers mindset heading into draft night. Below is who national draft experts have Gansey picking with just a week until the draft.
Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas
The 6’7” Swain put up a strong season at Texas, averaging 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He showcased his athleticism through savvy finishing at the rim, coast-to-coast decision making in transition, and opportunistic defense. He has a knack for picking off lazy passes and is a determinded rebounder on both ends.
The mark on Swain’s resume revolves around his three-point shooting. In two seasons with Xavier, Swain shot 20% on 54 attempts from deep. His improvement at Texas, 34% on 93 attempts, is a good sign, but the jumper will need to be sped up a few notches when facing NBA-level defense. Both Woo and SBNation’s Ricky O’Donnell have the Sixers picking Swain at 22 in their most recent mocks.
Woo said of Swain:
“There are still questions around his shooting, but teams view his ability to get downhill and solid defensive upside as worth the long-term investment.”
Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
USA Today’s Bryan Kalbrosky has the Sixers taking Iowa State senior Joshua Jefferson with the 22nd pick. The 6’9” forward put up 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game in 35 outings for the Cyclones. He used his larger frame to consistently create positioning in the post for easy finishes or passes to open teammates.
He showed a confidence to pull-up from three-point range and his shooting form appears sound and quick enough to transfer to the NBA level. His decision-making and passing prowess made him an offensive initiator for Iowa State, and saw the ball in his hands often to make the right play or take the open catch-and-shoot jumper with no hesitation. He shot 35% on 110 attempts from three last season.
Jefferson’s athleticism yields more towards power as opposed to speed, but he has room to grow displaying such on the defensive end and as a screener.
Kalbrosky on Jefferson:
“The All-Big 12 standout was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who got hurt during March Madness and otherwise could have come into the pre-draft process with even more hype and momentum due to his unique skill set.”
Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
Houston freshman Chris Cenac Jr. has become a popular choice for mock draft curators projecting the Sixers pick. The popularity stems from Cenac’s measurables as compared to his statistical output last season. He is 6’11” in shoes, has a 7’5” wingspan and 240-pound frame.
He averaged 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in 24.8 minutes per game. Cenac showed confidence with his jump shot even if it did not bear fruit, shooting 30% on 90 attempts. He shot 62% from the free throw line on 58 attempts, and registered only 1.3 “stocks” per game (steals plus blocks). He played intelligent off-ball offense on a team with a strong ball-handler in Kingston Flemings, utilizing backdoor cuts and crashing the offensive glass for easy opportunities with the defense out of position.
“Houston handed him a starting role with national title aspirations and trusted him with heavy minutes. But the Cougars fell short again, in part because Cenac struggled to stay out of foul trouble, couldn’t score efficiently, and was overeager to play on the perimeter despite having the body of a bruiser. He arrived in college with lottery expectations, and he still could become that player in the future. But the NBA team drafting him is taking a project.”
With this new slate of projections to work off of, let us know which prospect you would take at pick 22 for the Sixers in the comments.
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 26: Pacome DaDiet is drafted 25th overall by the New York Knicks during the 2024 NBA Draft - Round One on June 26, 2024 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks enter the 2026 NBA Draft with a luxury few championship teams enjoy: patience. The draft will be held June 23-24, and New York, fresh off a title run that ended a 53-year drought, is scheduled to make the 24th, 31st, and 55th selections.
The champsionship core is in place. The challenge now is finding affordable contributors who can strengthen the bench, fit the culture, and grow alongside the vets. Over the next week, Posting and Toasting will profile prospects who could hear their names called by the Knicks, breaking down the strengths, weaknesses, backgrounds, and potential fits. Bookmark this page to track who we profile, and if there’s someone you’d like us to spotlight, drop the name in the comments below.
Players Profiled
Isaiah Evans Evans, a 6’6” sophomore, emerged as one of college basketball’s top shooters last season, averaging 15 points per game while shooting 38% from three-point range and nearly 19 points per game during Duke’s NCAA Tournament run. His deep-range shooting, off-ball movement, and positional size makes him an intriguing fit for a championship roster that could benefit from offense off the bench.
Chris Cenac, Jr. Houston freshman Cenac is an intriguing big man who could be available at the 24th or 31st spots. Standing nearly 6’11” with a 7’5” wingspan, he combines elite physical tools, strong rebounding instincts, and emerging perimeter skills. He averaged 9.5 PPG and 7.9 RPG while leading Houston in rebounding as a freshman, showing the ability to finish at the rim, stretch the floor, and defend multiple actions. His offensive skills are raw and his playmaking and rim protection need development, but he profiles as a long-term frontcourt project behind Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
A 19-year-old combo guard from the University of Arkansas who projects as a mid-to-late first-round pick and could be available when the Knicks select at No. 24. Thomas averaged 15.6 points per game while shooting an impressive 42% from three-point range and 84% from the free-throw line, showcasing one of the best shooting profiles among guards in this draft class. Beyond his perimeter shooting, he offers secondary shot creation, strong defensive instincts, and a competitive edge on both ends of the floor. What’s not to like?
“BORD$ still values him as a high-end reserve, with his $9.4 million valuation falling well short of the contract dollars,” Hollinger wrote. “I could see the Hawks picking up the option to use his contract in a trade, but it’s more likely that they decline it and either re-up at a lower number or move on.”
BORD$ is Hollinger’s proprietary player valuation system, which factors in regular-season production, age, injury history and projected minutes to estimate what a player is actually worth on the open market.
Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from 3-point range across 36 games with the Hawks after being traded by the Warriors in February. The 23-year-old was selected No. 7 overall by Golden State in the 2021 NBA Draft, a pick the Warriors hoped would develop into a long-term frontcourt piece next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green before injuries and inconsistency stalled his rise.
The numbers tell only part of the story. Kuminga was in and out of Hawks coach Quin Snyder’s rotation for much of the season — a pattern not unlike his up-and-down role under Kerr in Golden State, where his minutes fluctuated wildly from game to game despite flashes of real talent.
The Hawks have until June 29 to make their decision. If they decline the option, Kuminga becomes an unrestricted free agent — though Hollinger’s valuation suggests his next contract may once again fall short of what he believes he’s worth.
Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts during the second half against the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The offseason is officially here, and for the Detroit Pistons, no decision is more consequential than the future of big man Jalen Duren. Duren bet on himself last offseason by not being willing to sign an extension in his first opportunity with the Pistons. That bet paid off to the tune of the best season of his career and All-NBA Third-Team honors.
The Pistons want to re-sign Duren to be the big man complement to star guard Cade Cunningham for the foreseeable future. He’s eligible to sign a five-year $287 million contract courtesy of making All-NBA. He won’t get that much money from Detroit or anyone else, but how much less will be a sticking point.
Duren had a great season, and showed his offensive game is not just limited to his already valuable rim pressure as a roll man alongside Cunningham. He can face up. He can use both power and touch near the rim. He can hit his free throws.
But he has limitations, and we certainly saw those limitations in a disappointing playoff run that cost him some money on his next deal. He’s not an offensive hub, he doesn’t stretch out to the perimeter, and he doesn’t play all-world defense.
There are questions about how much money is worth in today’s NBA if you’re serious about building a contending team. Well, when you’re 22 years old and maybe just scratching the surface like Duren seems like he might be, that number is going to be nine digits and probably start with a two.
In his valuation of Duren’s season, John Hollinger pegs Duren as worth approximately $44 million a year. Hollinger’s analysis is a mix of analytics, playing time data, and projection. Hollinger, being a human who saw said playoff struggles, gives Duren’s deal a bit of a haircut and lands on five years and approximately $200 million.
That is a lot of money. A lot, a lot. It would rank Duren behind only a handful of the centers in the NBA. In terms of age and percentage of the salary cap, it would be nearly identical to the deal Alperen Sengun signed with the Houston Rockets.
Whether Hollinger is correct in his valuation or not, the team must also be careful that Duren isn’t suddenly motivated to sign an offer sheet with another team. That’s a scenario Hollinger also calls out.
“On the other hand, Duren is only 22 and coming off an All-Star regular season, and cap-room teams like Brooklyn and Chicago will be circling with offer sheets if the Pistons get cold feet.”
If the Pistons draw a hard line at around the $200 million mark, then a team like Brooklyn and Chicago can come in and offer something closer to the $230 million that Duren would be eligible for on a typical post-rookie max deal. That would leave the Pistons with an extremely difficult choice between overpaying for a potential cornerstone player or losing them for nothing.
For a contending team like Detroit, it’s a decision that effectively dictates your path for the next several years. Choose correctly and you can reasonably fight for an NBA title. Choose wrong, and you’ve cemented your status as close but never was.
Regardless of the path chosen, the choices only get harder from here on out.
THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON -- Episode 2305 -- Pictured: New York Knicks Championship Team on Monday, June 15, 2026 -- (Photo by: Rosalind O'Connor/NBC via Getty Images)
The Knicks have scheduled their parade for Thursday at 10 a.m.
Mikal Bridges might not make it there.
See for yourself.
"Put your hands together For the Kings of the comeback A team of history A team of destiny Our dream team Please welcome The 2026 NBA Champions Your New York Knicks" pic.twitter.com/HRY8DEv6i2
“This stuff is harder than what you think, and … you have to have great assistants. You have to have great players. But I was gassed. I’ll never forget, in 2003, as an assistant (with the Spurs), and when we won the championship (against the New Jersey Nets) … I was on the other bench when the buzzer went off, (and) I was sitting on my chair. All I did was lean back in my chair and I sat there, I felt like, for 10 minutes. It was probably 30 seconds, but I just wanted to breathe. I wanted to breathe. And that’s what I wanted to do today. It was surreal. I was tired, and then I went to find my family. I went to find (his partner) Ro, my grandson, my son Elijah, my step-kid, my mom, my sisters, I went to find my family and enjoy it with them.”
On the Knicks’ coaching search:
“No. I mean, I’ve been around a long time. This business is just as crazy as any other business. I’m pretty good at trying to control what I can control. I had zero control over who else was interviewing, who was denied permission. I had zero control over that. I just did the best I could in the interview process. I went about my business and waited until it was either going to progress or end . . . I just let it unfold the way it unfolded.”
On James Dolan’s speech:
“It’s a pretty serious mood going into the playoffs. When he said that, I was like, ‘Mike, hold yourself together. Do not fall out. Focus on his words. Focus on his words. Try to keep this as serious as you can. And let’s see how it plays out with the players.’ But there was no way that I could get that done.”
On Dolan’s impact:
“His speech was effective ’cause it was powerful. It was impactful, and it added to what messaging we’ve been giving our guys from Day 1, from the Opening Night dinner going into training camp, it added to it.
“And it added to it on another level because now you have the top guy, the ultimate leader, the guy that owns the team, that writes the checks, saying how he feels in a deep-felt message.
“They took it very seriously. We had shirts made up with ‘2026 Playoffs,’ and on the back we had ‘10 Weeks.’ And we even had the slogan ‘10 Weeks’ on the wall in the locker room, and as time went on, guys would say, ‘Hey — we got three weeks left, three weeks, let’s lock in.’
“If you can break it down to where, ‘Hey, this is 10 weeks of your life. … 10 weeks of your life to reach the mountaintop.’ ”
On feeling supported by James Dolan:
“One hundred percent this man has my back and we’re aligned. And that’s what I needed to hear. Our business, it’s a tough business, there’s too many different opinions that everybody can see and feel that can create separation or divide amongst a group. And I felt when he said those words, especially about me, that our players and everybody that was around during that speech, knew that we were truly aligned, vertically and horizontally, and it was a strong bond.”
On Knicks fans after the championship:
“You can’t go anywhere without people hugging you and telling you how long they’ve been waiting. You see grandpas saying, ‘When I was 20-something years old that happened.’ Then you see parents saying, ‘When I was a little kid and my parents used to take me,’ then you see their kids saying, ‘This is great!’ They don’t understand how long 54 years is ’cause they’re 10 years old.
You can feel how passionate and how truthful and how much pain they had over this team not winning all those years.”
On having family around during the Finals:
“It’s awesome having family around. Look, I’m a big family guy. To be able to have that support, whether you’re at home or on the road, and that love for anybody, it can uplift them. Whether you win or you lose, they don’t care. They just want to be there for you, and they want to support you. It’s always good to have that around, especially being in San Antonio.”
On his father:
“He definitely has that Air Force background. I think that’s where I got my OCD [obsessive-compulsive disorder] from. Dad, sorry. He’s pretty meticulous with whatever he goes about in his business.”
On getting another NBA opportunity:
“I obviously interviewed a couple times [for other NBA jobs], didn’t get them. Then Sacramento came. That gave me an opportunity, which I appreciate.”
On traveling after being fired by Sacramento:
“After I got fired, I wasn’t thinking about it, because my wife and I were running all over the world. We were in Sydney, we were in New York, Mexico, St. Barts. Next thing I know, they’re asking me to interview here.”
On the origin of the ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’ chant:
“I was an assistant (coach) in San Antonio many moons ago, a reporter who asked me a question, he said, ‘What did you learn during your time here when you coached the seven-year-old Dogs Flying Football team?’ I said, ‘I learned the cheer.’
We used to have the parents all come in the huddle, all the kids come in the huddle before every game, we put our hands in, and I go, ‘Who let the dogs out?’”
og really taking this nation by storm thats my hearthrob right there everyone is inlove with him pic.twitter.com/CNRkzwLg0M
— sports live tweeter yadira (@jonmoxIeys) June 16, 2026
Karl-Anthony Towns
On his meesage to future generations of hoopers:
“As long as you believe in yourself and you are willing to put the work in—anyone, kids growing up in New York, kids growing up all around the world have the chance to be a New York Knick as long as they want to do it and they gotta be willing to put the work in.”
On Victor Wembanyama:
“I mean, he’s taller, but for sure, you know, he’s a great player. He’s a once-in-a-generation player, someone that the league is honored to have. And to be able to see that kind of size and skill is something that we haven’t been able to see in the game of basketball before.”
“Honestly, it was like a lifetime, honestly, that’s what it felt like. I knew I had to because I knew that face would look crazy on TV.”
On his teammates:
“I think the best part about it is that these guys have my back night in and night out. Made that moment 10 times more special.”
On Mikal Bridges’ Instagram Live:
“Someone take Mikal’s phone away.”
On Josh Hart’s missed layup in Game 4:
“A lot of great things happen there. When we’re down one, and you miss wide-open layups.”
On not retaliating against Victor Wembanyama:
“I think it starts, honestly, with my parents, how they raised me. I’ll start there. I wanted to [retaliate] but at the same time, I knew that being a leader, understanding the moment, understanding the situation, you have to keep your composure. No matter when it’s being too high or being too low, you gotta stay even-keeled. That’s something I had for a long time.”
On Josh Hart being only his work-best-friend:
“I was ready to admit it, but after hearing that. I’m good.”
On Mike Brown’s ‘Who Let The Dogs Out?’ chant:
“We’ve got to put that to bed.”
Everything Mikal said on his drunk IG live today 😂
• Shouted out Atlanta for pissing him off and turning him up
• Called Ariel Hukporti “35” and joked that he lied on his birth certificate
• Called Jalen Brunson the GOAT and said his big-ass head needs a statue.
“Just take over the Knicks and get a chip. That’s some savage talk.”
On James Dolan:
“He could be a bigger savage if he built a practice facility in the city. But he still a savage.”
On Brunson deserving a statue:
“JB. Baaaaa. Goat. Baaaaa. Build him a statue. Build that little big-headed a statue, bro.”
On Becky Hammon’s comments on Jalen Brunson:
“And about Becky. No disrespect for Becky, man. She’s a m—-rf—-r for real, and she’s a savage for sure… Becky’s a savage, too. I appreciate Becky [Hammon], no cap. The words she said about can’t win with JB being a ‘1A’, ‘1B’, ‘he too little’, all that did is fuel that n—- bro.”
On Jalen Brunson’s mentality:
“I don’t care what y’all say or what he says, but I know him. And he ain’t gonna tell y’all. He knows what she said. It fueled that n—- to go be him, go be f—ing great….. Don’t f—k with Becky, bro, don’t disrespect Becky. She’s the GOAT.”
On his goal for the championship parade:
“I just want to bring my dog on the float; that’s it.”
“For me, I just wanted to set up an epic last possession. We wouldn’t have that OG tip-in without that missed layup. I was willing to sacrifice that layup so OG could get the tip-in. I was trying to be a good teammate.”
On Mikal Bridges drinking at 9 a.m. on a Monday:
“At 9 o’clock? Call the hotline.”
On Jalen Brunson as a work-best-friend:
“Well, you always have, like, work best friends. You go to school, and you have a friend there, and when he’s not there, you’re like, ‘Dang, where is he at?’ But when you go home, you don’t think about him.”
On his first impression of Brunson after meeting him in Villanova:
“I thought he was an entitled, privileged five-star recruit, [and] I wasn’t really a fan.”
On Brunson’s personality:
“It’s kind of the same now. People think that I’m the childish one, but he is like the annoying friend… He is probably the most annoying person I know behind the cameras.”
Mitchell Robinson shares his mental health battles (and an adorable picture of himself a child) in an IG post this afternoon pic.twitter.com/Mmq846SVds
“I don’t even know where to begin the battles, the sacrifices, the mental breakdown, the disbelief in myself, the injuries, the surgeries, the mistakes and to be able to stay strong and bounce back from being in hell was all worth the ride I appreciate the fans and my friends and family for helping me get through all of that while fighting to get it done the sacrifices yall made for me throughout the years will never go unnoticed and unappreciated I can’t thank you all enough for everything y’ll got me through.”
On asking the Knicks to communicate their postseason commitment to their family:
“Go home, talk to your wives. Don’t tell them you’re not going to have sex, and don’t tell them it was my idea. But let them know what this is going to be like, what your commitment is going to be like.”
On what a championship would mean:
“I don’t know if you understand what it would mean to win the NBA championship. It would be life-changing. … It will stick with you the rest of your lives. And if you don’t win, you’ll be thinking about it the rest of your lives.”
On the Knicks’ legacy:
“You will forever be important to New York City. No matter where you go and what you do the rest of your lives, when people introduce you, even if you become the president of the United States, they’ll start off with ‘NBA champion, 2026.’ … That’s what’s at stake here.”
On the need for sacrifice:
“The big word is sacrifice. You’re going to have to sacrifice if you want to achieve this.”
On his belief in the Knicks:
“I know you can do it. You know you can do it. I believe you know you can do it.”
On accountability and preparation:
“At the end of these 10 weeks, what you achieve is what the public’s gonna think of you — not what you say in the press conferences, etc.”
On building daily habits from the get-go:
“You need to bump your practice. You need to pay more attention to your diet. You need to sleep better. You need to be ready for every game. … That’s not something you start on the first game of the playoffs. That is something you start right now, today!”
On his particular demand for sacrifice:
“I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks — you don’t have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks — BUT — like the Spartans, you know what Spartans are? They denied themselves, right? So that they can have an edge. Get the edge. Go home, talk to your wives and tell them — don’t tell them you’re not gonna have sex, don’t tell ’em it was my idea — but let them know what this is gonna be like, what your commitment is gonna be like, and how they’re gonna have to sacrifice too. Those concerns at home, they can’t come on the court. It’s not who we play, it’s how we play. Because I believe this team can beat ANYBODY in the NBA.”
On rewarding Knicks players’ families:
“When we win the championship, we will get rings. And when we get rings, so will they. I will buy a ring for each one of your significant others, because their contribution is gonna be very important to this team winning.”
On the areas to improve:
“The next 10 days, fix those three things as part of your focus, because those are our Achilles’ heels, and they’ll stop us in the playoffs.”
On demanding commitment from everybody:
“You gotta try like you’ve never tried before. It’s only 10 weeks, guys. You gotta go for it. You gotta leave nothing on the table. You must go for it. Do it. Commit to it. Go for it.”
On Mike Brown building a relationship with Jalen Brunson:
“The first thing he did was drive down to Jalen’s house and go to dinner with him in Jersey Shore. And I had told him, ‘Build a good relationship with Jalen, and he’ll run through a wall for you.’ That’s what they both did (this season). This is amazing, man. Mike’s been amazing. He gives way too much credit to everybody else. This is Mike Brown.”
On helping Jalen avoid his mistakes:
“You just take the experiences that you had, and the mistakes that you made, and try to instill them into your kids and make sure they don’t go down that same path.”
On his goals for Jalen:
“My only goal was that, ‘Hey, I wanna help my son reach his dream and play in the NBA.’ And our only goal was to get a guaranteed contract and be successful. It wasn’t to be this, you know? I’d be lying to tell you I knew it would come out to this. No way!”
On coaching Jalen in New York:
“I say this to him all the time, ‘Me coaching you the last four years, I never had a bad day. It’s going to work, looking at you, so I don’t expect you to have a bad day.’”
On lessons learned from his own career:
“I’ve been there not knowing if you’re gonna be there the next day. So I’ve always instilled that in him, and he took that… The credit goes to your children; they listen, they learn, and they want to be great.”
“When we first acquired him, I would’ve been happy with 20 points and six assists, because they talk about his height and having no speed. I thought in a playoff situation, opponents would put taller guys on Jalen and he would have trouble.”
On Brunson’s playoff success:
“But he found a way. In every series, he found a way. The Spurs have excellent defenders on the perimeter, and they were frustrated and devastated by Brunson. It’s a testament to his sagacity. His game is right between the ears.”
"I've never heard him talk about any other Knick team with the kind of reverence he talks about this team."
Mike Breen shares Clyde Frazier's thoughts of this Knicks championship team with @RichEisen 💪
On the origin of his ‘Go ahead and cry’ comment after the final buzzer:
“The cry line was from all the fans that I’ve talked to. It started the last three or four seasons when there was hope that this team might actually win a championship. They all said the same thing. ‘If that ever happens, I’m going to cry.’ They all said it. I figured that is a good time to let them know, ‘It’s OK to cry.’ That’s where it came from.”
On Leon Rose’s roster construction and long-term vision:
“It really starts with Leon [Rose]. I’m so impressed with his vision to put this together. I think the guys he went out and got, Karl-Anthony Towns and [OG] Anunoby, [Landry] Shamet — Mitchell Robinson fit in that way, even though he had him. He went out and got those kinds of guys like Josh, Mikal and Jalen that were about winning and about the team. It sounds simple, but that’s really hard to do today. All of those guys sacrificed parts of their games.
“It was specifically Leon’s plan to get those kinds of guys. It was a great vision and it took a lot of courage, because you know it was not something anyone else in the NBA had done. If it didn’t work, he would’ve been highly criticized.
It started with Jalen, and then bringing in Donte [DiVincenzo] and Mikal, the trade for Karl-Anthony Towns. He was doing it to get all the same type of character. He had a vision for that type of character and that type of player, that I don’t think anybody else has ever done in the NBA.”
On the Finals comeback and celebration:
“Thank God I didn’t leave. Being with 19,800 people, singing Frank Sinatra’s ‘New York, New York,’ Jay-Z’s ‘Empire State of Mind,’ being down on the court hugging Jalen, Mikal and Josh, and Spike Lee and Tim Thomas and [Stephon] Marbury, just being a part of that New York Knicks scene was one of my great memories all time in sports.”
On whether he also deserves a ring:
“I have been on such a great ride with these guys, that’s enough for me.”
“He did something that a bunch of great guards were never able to do, he did something that James Harden, as a starter on his own team, never even made the finals and fell short over and over again. Steve Nash, who was an unbelievable player, two-time MVP, through no fault of his own, could never quite get the team there. Chris Paul finally did it in the 2021 finals late in his career, but they lost. Jason Kidd; two straight finals, but he lost, and then finally gets one later as a role player starter in Dallas.”
On Brunson’s championship run:
“What Brunson did was up there with Dwayne Wade in 2006. It was up there with Walton in 1977. You can go on. through, but we’re just dragging a team to the finals, and he is somebody that I never in a million years would have thought would make the pyramid. He was the guy over and over again who could create the best offense for them, and he got better when it mattered…I have him at 40. I have him above Nash, Kidd, Sam Jones, Harden, George Gervin, and Luka Doncic.”
NEW: Today, Pope Leo XIV posed with the New York Knicks jersey.
After asking Leo for a miracle, Spike Lee credits the U.S.-born pontiff’s blessing over the team with helping them win their first NBA title since 1973. pic.twitter.com/1NsdBnzV8m
On Victor Wembanyama not shaking his hand with the Knicks:
“I think Wemby got exposed in a variety of ways here. I think he came off as petty. I think he came off occasionally as a guy who would give a cheap shot. I didn’t like sort of how he ended the series. Go find Jalen Brunson. I mean, Jalen Brunson was all class.”
On the Spurs’ lack of sportsmanship after the Finals loss:
“(Wembanyama,) look your killer in the face. Look your killer in the face. You got to look them in their face. By the way, if you leave the court and you don’t look me in my face and I just beat you, I actually know that I owned you forever because you couldn’t even look me in the face.
“And so to see them walk off the court, it was disheartening. And I blame it on youth. I blame it on lacking the leader to show them that, hey, this is what you do, not walk off. I blame it on that. I blame it on that.
“Lacking the leadership, the leader to show them that, no, no, no, there’s a way to win and there’s a way to lose. There’s a way to win and there’s a way to lose. And walking off the court, not looking your killer in his eyes, ain’t the way to lose.”
“You talk about Jalen Brunson and what he just accomplished, he cemented himself as the greatest Knicks ever. Jalen Brunson just cemented himself as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Jalen Brunson just cemented himself as one of the greatest winners in sports. Jalen Brunson just cemented himself a top 5 player in this league. Jalen Brunson just cemented himself as one of the greatest offensive players that this game has ever seen.”
On Brunson’s clutch performances:
“When you talk about coming up clutch, put him up there with the all-time greats. Averaging over 11 points in the fourth quarter. Averaging over 32 points in the NBA Finals. Magic Johnson didn’t do that. Steph Curry didn’t do that. Isiah Thomas didn’t do that. And I’m talking about point guards. Now, we’re talking about a man that is sitting at the table with Isaiah Thomas and Steph Curry, as far as guards that’s listed under 6’3 leading their team to an NBA championship, and a Finals MVP.”
“I can’t pick anyone out because everyone had a part in it. The coaching staff, everyone had a part in it, so I won’t do that. I won’t single anyone out, but Brunson [the team captain] is the King of New York right now. The people have spoken.”
On Brunson as a Ghostbuster:
“There’s something strange in your neighborhood. Who you gonna call? Jalen Brunson!”
On his emotions after the title:
“I broke down a lot. I wasn’t the only one. Everyone in there was. Fifty-three years [the last time the Knicks won the championship was in 1973], everyone let it all out, everyone felt joyful, they were tears of joy.”
On what the title means for New York:
“It means we’re over the hump. The curse is over, and this is the first time in a long time that I’ve really seen the city happy.”
On New York’s resilience:
“We’ve been through a lot, and we have something to really, really be proud of.”
