Category: NBA

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Celtics fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

With the draft in the rearview and the Celtics staring at the start of free agency and (hopefully) a conclusion to this Jaylen Brown trade saga, it’s been an eventful last two weeks in Boston. But for anybody who misses the squeaking of sneakers on the parquet, we’re also just a week away from actual basketball. The NBA Summer League starts on July 9th in Las Vegas with Boston playing on Friday and Sunday to kick off their exhibition schedule next week.

Frankly, it’ll be a nice break from all the drama.

At the draft, the Celtics selected Chris Cenac Jr. with the 27th pick in the first round and on Night 2, went with Dillon Mitchell at #40. Both will be at The Strip for their first NBA action. Tatum’s friend from their Duke days, Amile Jefferson, will be the head coach.

Cenac was the fifth ranked high school player in 2025 before being coached hard as a system player under Kelvin Sampson at The University of Houston. As CelticsBlog’s Rich Jensen writes:

Chris didn’t choose a school that would give him star treatment. He went with a coach who promised only that he would make him a better player. College was not a reward for being one of the best of the best, it was just another stop on the road.

Many draft experts love the kid’s potential and a standout performance from Cenac would be a great way to start off his career in Boston.

Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams are also expected to suit up for the Summer Celtics. Williams recently inked a new deal with the team to return on a two-way contract and Joe Mazzulla just spent some time in Spain with Gonzalez as he preps for FIBA play. For the sophomores, Summer League is a good proving ground to show that last season’s success wasn’t a fluke and what new things they’ve been working on since the season ended.

However, if a resolution hasn’t been reached, all eyes might be on Jaylen Brown and Brad Stevens. Traditionally, players, coaches, and front office staff also attend the Vegas proceedings to support the team, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be tension in Thomas & Mack or Cox Pavilion. Back in 2018, Marcus Smart and his agent attended a few games while he was still negotiating with Danny Ainge on a new deal, even going as far as talking with brass of other teams. Could there be an awkward or encouraging moment between Stevens and Brown amid all the drama? If there is, well, let’s just hope that whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

On Tuesday, as the NBA’s Free Agency period opened, the Minnesota Timberwolves wasted no time making a move to fill out their roster.

As reported by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Bones Hyland has agreed to return to the Timberwolves next season. The Wolves are signing Hyland to a one-year league minimum deal.

Hyland originally came to Minnesota in February of 2025, playing in just four games down the stretch of that season. Bones returned to the Wolves for the 2025-26 season, eventually earning a permanent rotation spot in December.

Following the promotion to the rotation, Hyland averaged 9.7 points per game across 57 games for the Timberwolves. Now, Hyland is set to return to Minnesota for his third different season with the organization

Bones has become a fan favorite in Minnesota, with his “skelly celly” celebration becoming a sensation at both Target Center and across the street at Target Field. Hyland has also flourished with newfound backcourt-mate Ayo Dosunmu, with the pairing being dubbed the Twin Turbos.

Hyland and Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly have an obvious affection for each other, as Connelly drafted Bones back with the Denver Nuggets in 2021 and has not kept him with the Timberwolves for the second straight offseason.

I’m very appreciative of them,” Hyland said of Timberwolves leadership back in May. “Tim [Connelly] drafted me in Denver. Him just coming to get me; we have that bond already. I’m close with the staff that he has had with Denver and this front office staff [in Minnesota].”

“Also, Finchy, man,” Hyland continued. “Just giving me the opportunity to come out and play has been big for me. Just the trust he has in me. It’s been everything, I ain’t gonna lie.”

At 6 p.m. ET on June 30, free agency in the NBA will officially begin.

For the Philadelphia 76ers, there are a number of moving parts in the mix already. The Sixers picked up Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. last week with the No. 22 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Earlier this week, we learned that the team is picking up their options for Dominick Barlow and Dalen Terry, but not for Trendon Watford. Now, Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes and Andre Drummond are all set to become unrestricted free agents as of 6 p.m. Tuesday.

And that’s not even mentioning the complications in the Sixers’ salary cap situation or the fact that they have a number of future second-round picks they could potentially use in trades.

So, there are a lot of questions. Let’s see if we get some answers in Mike Gansey’s first free agency as Sixers president of basketball operations.

Stay tuned here as we track all the signings, trades, rumors and exits for the Philadelphia 76ers as free agency gets underway!

Signings/trades

Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics) for Paul George, two firsts, two seconds

HOLY. MOLY. Genuine shock here.

The Sixers reportedly have traded Paul George, two first rounders and two seconds for Jaylen Brown.

There will be nothing by time to digest and unpack this, but WOW. Seismic move from Mike Gansey in his first month of being president of basketball operations.

Dean Wade, free agent forward (prev. Cleveland Cavaliers)

The Sixers have reportedly reached an agreement with free agent forward Dean Wade on a four-year, $39 million deal, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. It is Mike Gansey’s first signing as Sixers president of basketball operations.

Ariel Hukporti, free agent center (prev. New York Knicks)

The Sixers have reportedly agreed to terms on a one-year, $3.4 million deal with former Knicks reserve center Ariel Hukporti, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Sixers’ free agents

Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes, Andre Drummond

All three are set to become unrestricted free agents at 6 p.m. ET.

Kelly Oubre Jr.

Oubre will also be departing the Sixers, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The report is that he will sign a two, year $17 million dollar deal with the Indiana Pacers.

Quentin Grimes

Quentin Grimes’ time as a Sixer has officially come to an end as the free agent agrees to a four-year, $60 million deal to join the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Rumors

The Sixers haven’t been linked to many players ahead of free agency, but a couple familiar names could be candidates for the team to use a chunk — if not all — of its non-taxpayer mid-level exception on.

Dean Wade

There’s an obvious connection here as Mike Gansey was part of the Cavaliers’ front office when Cleveland signed Wade as an undrafted free agent back in 2019. The 6-foot-9 forward is considered one of the best and most versatile defenders on the market. While the Cavs are hoping to retain his services, Stein and Fischer have reported the Sixers have real interest.

John Collins

In the Sixers’ eternal quest for a starting-caliber four, they could turn to former Atlanta Hawk John Collins, who just finished his ninth NBA season with the LA Clippers. Collins could offer athleticism, rebounding and some shooting at a position of serious need. Stein and Fischer also linked Collins to the Sixers.

Team options

Dominick Barlow

The Sixers exercised their team option for Dominick Barlow, bringing him back for the 2026-27 season on a $3.4 million salary.

Dalen Terry

The Sixers exercised their team option for Dalen Terry, their two-way signing late last season, bringing him back for the 2026-27 season. However, it is important to note that Terry’s contract is fully non-guaranteed until January. This means the Sixers could feasibly waive Terry any time between now and January without taking a dead cap hit.

Trendon Watford

The Sixers declined to exercise their team option for Trendon Watford, who will now become an unrestricted free agent at 6 p.m.

Draymond Green didn’t hold back when exposing his newest teammate on his podcast “The Draymond Green Show” on Tuesday.

Yaxel Lendeborg said he didn’t hear from Green, after being selected as the No.11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Green publicly called him out on his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show,” and called him a “F— liar,” and went on to say, “It’s the Michigan way, of course it’s the Michigan way.”

On Saturday, Green pulled out the receipts and posted a screenshot of his conversation with Lendeborg to confirm he did welcome the rookie.

An outraged Green went to his podcast to call out his newest teammate and didn’t hold back.

“Yaxel’s been f—— lying,” Green said. “I was very happy to expose the rookie on the internet. This guy, texts me. I text back within 30 seconds. …It’s my responsibility as a veteran to help you be in the best position that you can be to be successful and take over this franchise.”

Green went on to say that he had to expose him a little bit and gave him a warning by informing him that his credibility is everything.

As Green continued to speak, he didn’t rule out the possibility of bringing back rookie hazing, as he said the Warriors aren’t a team that participates in those kinds of activities anymore, but could bring it back.

“We’ve just never been that team, pouring in on rookie hazing,” Green said. “But we can pick that back up. We can definitely make it a little more interesting.”

Green said he’s been a part of some rookie hazing before in the past, as it involved popcorn and some tires going missing.

The clip finished with Green telling Lendeborg to “tread lightly,” as he said his rookie duties could start to increase as the season goes on, and added that there could be a day when the rookie has to drive out to a particular Best Buy to purchase a PlayStation 5.

Since Lendeborg got selected by the Warriors a week ago, he’s been receptive to some criticism for saying he grew up hating Curry as a kid, because he grew up a fan of Kyrie Irving, and calling out his new head coach, Steve Kerr, for not playing rookies.

The Golden State Warriors’ dream of pairing LeBron James and Anthony Davis with Stephen Curry appears to be losing steam before free agency even fully takes shape.

After days of speculation that Golden State were attempting try to sign James and trade for Davis, the Washington Wizards are reportedly not interested in moving the star big man.

According to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Washington is not entertaining trade offers for Davis, with one NBA executive saying Wizards general manager Will Dawkins is a major admirer of the 10-time All-Star.

That stance deals a major blow to one of the wildest rumors of the offseason.

The idea gained traction after Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option, a move that opened the door for speculation about Golden State creating more flexibility.

The Warriors hoped to reunite James and Davis, who won a championship together with the Lakers in 2020, while keeping Curry and Green in place.

That would have required several moving pieces. Golden State likely would have needed to involve Jimmy Butler’s large expiring salary to make a Davis trade work.

Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, also pushed back on the idea that Golden State would move him for Davis, telling ESPN that the Warriors have been firm in their plan to help Butler rehab his ACL injury and return with the team.

And now the momentum has shifted.

Davis’ future with the Wizards had been unclear since Washington acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks in a February trade. His age, injury history and massive contract made him an obvious name to watch. Davis is set to earn $58.5 million in 2026-27 and holds a $62.8 million player option for the following season.

He has also played in just 243 of a possible 410 games over the past five seasons.

Still, Washington appears ready to keep him. When healthy, Davis remains one of the league’s best two-way big men. He averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks last season while shooting 50.6 percent from the field.

For the Wizards, the plan now appears to be building around Davis, Trae Young and No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa.

For the Warriors, the LeBron chase may continue. They are now the front runners according to betting markets.

But the Davis part of the dream looks finished.

The Lakers’ dreams of acquiring a Jalen Duren might already be coming to an end.

According to senior ESPN NBA writer Marc J. Spears, the Detroit Pistons have reportedly offered Duren the most lucrative contract possible and do not have an interest in any sign-and-trade deals that will match any potential offer he signs.

Duren is set to be a restricted free agent for Detroit.

On Monday, the Lakers were reportedly set to meet with Duren on Tuesday to work out a sign-and-trade deal.

But with Detroit apparently no longer looking to give Duren up so easily, the Lakers’ strategy might force them to pivot.

Last year, Duren was selected to his first NBA All-Star game last season after averaging 19.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, helping the Pistons snap an 18-year playoff drought as the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

With DeAndre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes listed as two centers on the Lakers roster, they will have to look elsewhere if they want to upgrade the position.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

Two weeks ago, Luka Dončić said he wanted the Lakers to acquire more shooters and wants the team to land an A-list center, to help him run the pick and roll, like he famously did with the Dallas Mavericks, when they went to the 2024 NBA Finals.

The Market at center is rather thin this offseason, as Ayton was considered the top player at the position before he opted in to his $8.1 million option on Monday.

According to the reports of Duren meeting with the Lakers, the Sacramento Kings were also scheduled to meet with him and were reportedly set to offer 30-year-old Domantas Sabonis in order to trade for Duren.

The team has also reportedly had interest in acquiring Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz, who would be a huge upgrade over Ayton.

The Wizards plan on holding on to one of their veteran stars amid trade rumors.

Washington is not interested in trading Anthony Davis and is not even listening to trade offers on him, a source told ESPN’s Marc J. Spears on Tuesday.

Another NBA team executive said Wizards general manager Will Dawkins is a big fan of Davis, per Spears.

The report comes as trade rumors have been circulating about Davis for several weeks.

Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports previously reported that the Warriors wanted to reunite Davis and LeBron James, putting them with Steph Curry. However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said Tuesday that there hadn’t been any progress in talks between Golden State and Washington.

Davis is eligible for an extension this offseason. In a thus-far active offseason, the Wizards have already extended Trae Young with a four-year, $212 million contract.

They also drafted AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick out of BYU. Dybantsa joins Washington’s young core that also includes Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George.

Davis has yet to appear in a game for Washington. He played only 20 games last season due to injuries, and after being traded to the Wizards from the Mavericks in February, the team shut him down so he could recover fully from his groin and hand injuries.

Davis, a 10-time All-Star, averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game for the Mavericks last season, shooting 50.6 percent from the field.

Should Davis remain with the Wizards, it would throw a wrench into the Warriors’ possible plans to build a superteam with Davis, James, and Curry, with Draymond Green potentially returning as well.

The clock has struck 5:00 p.m. CT which means that NBA free agency is now officially open!

Just when you thought some of the bigger dominos had already fallen (Giannis, LaMelo, Ja, Jaylen Clark), there was more breaking news today. A pair of first ballot Hall of Fame names popped up.

The NBA news cycle really doesn’t sleep. The biggest headline now is clearly the free agency of LeBron James. Many have speculated that the Golden State Warriors would be the leader for land the 41-year-old. He has publicly shared his enjoyment of playing with Stephen Curry during the Olympics. Draymond Green, a close friend of James’, also restructured his contract with the Warriors in order to make room for the pursuit of James.

Other options that have been commonly mentioned include a return to the Miami HEAT to join Giannis Antetokounmpo, or a final swan song with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. Are the Minnesota Timberwolves in the race for the four-time MVP? Some close to the team don’t seem to think so.

That said, Jon Krawcynski is also on record saying that the Timberwolves have interest in James, just like they have for any star player. Minnesota still has a glaring hole at the power forward spot, can provide him an opportunity to play for a contending team, and James hasn’t been shy about his adoration of Anthony Edwards either.

If James chooses a non-Wolves team, life must continue for President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly. It’s been rumored that Connelly is still working on transactions to upgrade the roster, specifically at the power forward spot. Who would fit Minnesota’s need while coming at an affordable price? There are plenty of options that will be available.

Lastly, it remains to be seen if Connelly will bring back the veteran presence of Mike Conley or Kyle Anderson. It’s been speculated that there is mutual interest between the Wolves and those two potential returners. Meanwhile, Connelly has already pulled the trigger to bring back half of the Twin Turbos.

What else would you like to see?

While reports on Monday emerged that the Golden State Warriors were preparing to pursue superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis this offseason, a report by Marc J. Spears of Andscape seems to downplay the possibility Golden State could reunite the former teammates together. Per Spears, the Washington Wizards have no interest in trading Davis this offseason.

“The Washington Wizards are not interested in trading 10-time NBA All-Star forward Anthony Davis and are not listening to trade offers for him, a source told @espn @andscape,” Spears wrote in a Tweet. “Another NBA team exec says Wizards GM Will Dawkins is a huge fan of AD.”

Of course, this would be far from the first time a front office publicly downplayed their interest in a trade to try and create leverage and receive a better offer. It sure seems like the rumors were largely fueled by James and Davis’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, who is consistently one of the best agents at pressuring teams into scenarios that are best for his clients. Paul is presumably leveraging the desire for Davis to want a trade to force the Wizards into a large extension, like they recently gave Trae Young. The Wizards appear to be calling that bluff since Davis is under contract for next season.

It’s important to note that even if Davis is off the table for the Warriors, which the decision to re-sign center Kristaps Porzingis seemingly signaled yesterday, that they have not been eliminated from the LeBron sweepstakes. Jake Fischer of The Steinline reported that the Warriors had not been given any mandate to acquire Davis if they wanted to sign James as a free agent.

The Milwaukee Bucks are keeping Ousmane Dieng around, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.

“Free agent forward Ousmane Dieng has agreed to a three-year, $17.5 million deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell ESPN. Dieng had a strong finish to last season after his trade from OKC, and now Bucks officials finalize the deal with agents Michael Tellem of Excel Sports Management and Marius Rutkauskas,” Charania tweeted.

Dieng, 23, won the NBA championship in 2025 with the Oklahoma City Thunder but was traded twice in February and eventually landed with the Bucks, where he was able to get more playing time.

The former 2022 lottery pick from France averaged 11 points per game in 30 appearances for the Bucs at the tail end of last season.

Dieng has a lot of potential, which was flexed at times with the Bucks last season. On Feb. 12 against his former team, the Thunder, Dieng scored 19 points while grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out six assists. He scored a career-high 36 points with 10 assists and seven rebounds in Milwaukee’s 119-113 loss to the Houston Rockets on Apr. 1.

Dieng will likely have an opportunity to earn some minutes now that Giannis Antetokounmpo has been traded to the Miami Heat. The Bucks will have him in the mix on a team-friendly deal as they figure out how to navigate the post-Giannis waters.

Brew Hoop community, how do you feel about Dieng’s return? Let us know in the comments section below.

When Dusty May left Michigan for the Dallas Mavericks just months removed from a national title, speculation grew about how the NIL and transfer portal era in college basketball impacted his decision. He previously made his concerns clear about the landscape.

Speaking with reporters Monday during his introductory press conference, May said the landscape was not a “big reason” for his move to the pros. But he admitted how much things have changed during his coaching career and that he can focus on Xs and Os in the NBA.

May spoke highly of the people in the Mavericks’ facility and said they helped seal his decision as he gets ready to take over the franchise. As he looks ahead to his next chapter, he made it clear his desire to keep his focus on the court rather than issues away from the hardwood.

“I wouldn’t say a big reason,” May said. “The big reason are the people in this facility, first and foremost. It’s much more complicated than it used to be. I love teaching, I love coaching, I love being a part of a team. In college basketball, you don’t get to do near as much of that as you used to. So there are some things that I’m not going to miss about college basketball. But I wouldn’t be here without our players, without our staff. Had an unbelievable 25 [or] 27 years, whatever it’s been, in college athletics.

[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]

“But excited for this opportunity and to do the things – I think we all know, as people, the things you love to do, you typically do them well. So I’m just excited to dive in, spending more time on the things that I enjoy doing every day, and work with passion on.”

Dusty May: ‘NIL era is a segue into the NBA’

By taking the Mavericks’ job, Dusty May became the first active college coach to leave for the NBA since John Beilein left Michigan for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019. As a result, he’s the first to do so in the NIL era.

But May argued the modern college landscape with NIL and the transfer portal can make for an easier transition. He also noted the similarities in playing style between the two and how that can set him up for success.

SUBSCRIBE to the On3 NIL and Sports Business Newsletter

“When I left FAU to go to Michigan, I felt like that changing landscape and the magnitude of our FAU program was a segue to Michigan,” May said. “And I feel like the last five years of the NIL era is a segue into the NBA where we weren’t coaching professional players, per se, where they’re under contract. But they were getting paid. The same problems – not at the same scale – but similar problems, similar issues, similar challenges. The game is closer than ever. College, NBA, the G-League. Stylistically, they all look very, very similar, if you’re playing modern basketball.

“And as far as all the other things, you’re never ready. It’s like being a parent. You’re never prepared, you’re never ready. But hopefully, you’ve prepared and done everything in your power to tackle all the challenges. The last five years, it’s been a very similar game on and off the court.”

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavaliers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been stuck between two timelines since the Donovan Mitchell trade back in 2022. They were a young team when that deal was made, but quickly grew into having expectations after acquiring a perennial All-Star talent.

That timeline was bumped up even more when they swapped out Darius Garland for a decade older James Harden. That move allowed the Cavs to advance to the conference finals for the first time since 2018, but also significantly impacted their runway for sustained success.

Even Mobley’s ascendance as a rookie is one of the contributing factors that led to the Cavs parting with their draft capital to land Mitchell. That said, he hasn’t grown into the player Cleveland has needed him to be to get through the Eastern Conference. There were many at the time who hoped Mobley would take the reins and become the best player on a contender.

Mobley has proven to be a great player at 25 years old. You don’t accidentally become a Defensive Player of the Year and an All-NBA Player without being great. However, it’s fair to wonder if Mobley is going to keep progressing into the superstar big that many hoped he would become as recently as a year ago. And if he doesn’t, can the Cavs become a championship-level team?

This week’s question is simple. Has Evan Mobley reached his ceiling as a player? Or can his game still reach another level?

Let us know in the survey below, and tell us why you voted how you did in the comments.

The 2026 NBA Draft is over, and free agency is underway. With all the comings and goings throughout the league overall, it can be hard to keep up with who is actually on the Philadelphia 76ers roster from day to day.

So, use our tracker below to help you stay up-to-date on the Sixers’ roster as free agency (and the offseason as a whole) continues!

Current Sixers’ standard roster (13 of 15 filled)

Updated 7/1/26 at 7 p.m. ET

Dominick Barlow, F

Adem Bona, C (fully non-guaranteed)

Johni Broome, C

Jaylen Brown, F

VJ Edgecombe, G

Justin Edwards, G

Joel Embiid, C

Ariel Hukporti, C

Tyrese Maxey, G

Labaron Philon Jr., G (No. 22 pick of 2026 NBA Draft)

Dalen Terry, G (fully non-guaranteed)

Dean Wade, F

Jabari Walker, F

Current Sixers’ two-way contracts (0 of 3 filled)