Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket during the second half against the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on March 12, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee.
A barber who cut Clarke’s hair on Friday in Los Angeles told TMZ that Clarke seemed perfectly content during the haircut and that they were even watching the NBA playoffs during the appointment.
Clarke was staying with a friend from college while he was in Southern California.
The barber said they were watching Spurs-Timberwolves Game 3 when Clarke was getting his haircut.
Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket during the second half against the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on March 12, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. Getty Images
NBC Los Angeles reported that the fire department received a 911 call shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday and that the Grizzlies player was pronounced dead at the scene.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league was “devastated” over Clarke’s death and called the player a “beloved teammate and leader” who “played the game with enormous passion and grit.”
The Grizzlies mourned Clarke with a statement of their own.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.
Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a free throw during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 14, 2025. NBAE via Getty Images
“We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Clarke was taken by the Grizzlies with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and played in 309 NBA games, averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds.
He spent all seven seasons of his NBA career in Memphis and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020.
Clarke appeared in two games this season due to a knee and calf injury.
Morant shared a series of posts to his Instagram stories on Tuesday, May 12 expressing his appreciation for Clarke, who spent all seven seasons of his NBA career in Memphis with Morant.
The first post was a media day photo of Morant laughing while reaching out for a high-five from Clarke with Jaren Jackson Jr. also grinning widely on Morant's other side.
The second picture showed Clarke hugging Morant from behind during a game.
"this hurt BC," Morant said with a broken heart emoji, "love you broski. gone way too soon." He added, "its' bigger than basketball."
The third Instagram story reshared a post from Devin Walker, the Grizzlies' social/digital coordinator, paying tribute to Clarke. Morant specifically shared a video of himself walking off the court after the 2019 Summer League championship with Clarke, holding a trophy. Clarke was the game's MVP after notching a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds as the Grizzlies beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 95-92 to win the championship.
"I'm walking with a GOAT right here," Morant said in the video.
"still our goat," he added in the Instagram story caption with a goat emoji. "BC15"
Both players were selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. Morant was taken No. 2 overall by the Grizzlies and Clarke was chosen at No. 21 by the Oklahoma City Thunder, who traded him to Memphis the same day.
By now, we’re all used to NBA stars muscling their way to the top of the hobby’s leaderboard, from the courtside-to-cardboard hype of Ant-Man, to record-shattering Goldin gavels for Victor Wembanyama’s Black Shimmer 1-of-1. Well, as of this month, Nikola Jokic can add another notch to his Mile High résumé: the three-time MVP’s 2015-16 Panini Immaculate Collection RPA Logoman just sold for just over $1 million in Goldin’s April Elite Auction, becoming the first Jokic card to crack seven figures.
While Joker, who might become the sixth four-time MVP when the award is announced over the coming weeks, isn’t the only recent MVP getting hobby love, not all most valuable players are, well, quite as valuable.
Here’s how the last five different winners of the Michael Jordan Trophy stack up.
Long before the Joker crossed the seven-figure threshold, the Greek Freak set the modern-day basketball card ceiling when his 2013-14 Panini National Treasures Logoman 1/1 hammered for $1,857,300 at Goldin in September 2021. Giannis briefly held the title of most expensive modern basketball card ever sold, knocking The King off his throne. Other cards have since Topp(sed) it, but the Antetokounmpo still owns the title of having the priciest public sale of any active MVP.
The MVP-podium fixture finally got a hobby valuation to match his trophy case. The original owner waited nearly a decade to cash in at auction, but now they must be feeling like the three-time MVP and NBA champion himself. Well, maybe not after the star center’s first round playoff exit, but you get the idea.
The reigning MVP is the fastest riser on this list. SGA’s 2019 Panini Flawless Logoman Autograph 1/1 sold for $577,300 at Goldin just last month, the first SGA card to ever clear half a million. If the Thunder PG wins back-to-back MVP awards later this month, that price might look like a steal.
The Process delivered a 2022-23 MVP, but the hobby never quite trusted his knees. Embiid’s high-water mark is a 2014-15 National Treasures Logoman, which sold for a paltry (lol) $144,000 in January. Given that he’s the only MVP to never reach the Conference Finals, and that the 6ers didn’t put up much of a fight against the Knicks with what might’ve been his best-ever running mates, we might not see Embiid’s cards come close to his MVPeers.
The Beard’s 2017-18 MVP campaign feels like a lifetime ago, and his cardboard footprint reflects it. The most expensive Harden card ever sold was his 2009-10 Panini National Treasures /99, which sold for nearly $69,000 in 2001. With the Cavs taking both games at home against the Pistons, those looking to collect Harden cards might see some serious movement over the coming weeks. Then again, it looks like nobody stands a chance against his debut team, so a first-ever championship still seems unlikely. Even still, prime Harden was electric.
It’s Not Just MVPs
The gap from Giannis to Harden is more than 20x—but maybe there’s more to it than the player himself. In this case, the throughline seems to be the Logoman. Four of these five MVPs have at least one Logoman patch card in circulation, and the four biggest sales on this list (Giannis, Jokic, SGA, and Embiid) are all Logoman 1/1s. Is Harden’s rookie Logoman still floating around—and, if so, what is the owner doing with it? Was one even made way back in 2009?
Either way, the evidence is clear: An MVP trophy carries you to the upper echelon of the Hobby, but a Logoman gets you to seven figures.
Does Joker have a chance at the MVP or is SGA a lock? Let us know on Mantel.
It’s rare that one moment in a game can end an entire season.
But for frustrated fans of Lakers Nation, they’re taking out their anger on head coach JJ Redick.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick is being questioned following a late-game decision that helped result in the Lakers season ending Monday night.NBAE via Getty Images Lakers head coach JJ Redick is being questioned following a late-game decision that helped result in the Lakers season ending Monday night.AP
With 12.2 seconds remaining in Game 4, the Lakers were trailing 113-110 when Redick called a timeout. As the Lakers broke the huddle, it made sense to see LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart take the court.
However, it was that fifth player that had everyone in the arena — including the announcers — questioning what was going on.
Maxi Kleber — the same Maxi Kleber who spent the previous 47 minutes and 48 seconds of game time sitting on the bench — took off his warmups and trotted out to take his place among the four others.
Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura — who 25 points on 4-of-8 from three, including a four-point play a minute earlier — took Kleber’s spot on the bench.
Rui Hachimura in 2026 playoffs:
33-58 3PT (56.9%)
Not on the floor for Lakers' possession needing a 3.
JJ Redick watched Rui Hachimura do this and sat him on the bench in the final seconds pic.twitter.com/tQsy00Cn0Y
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) May 12, 2026
In the end, Reaves got a good look at a deep three — off a screen by Kleber — that clanged off the rim and ended the Lakers season.
It’s understandable why fans are mad at Redick regarding the move, but in a way it make a lot of sense.
Realistically, the ball was going to be shot by either James or Reaves. Kennard, who led the league after knocking down 47.8% of his threes, had to be out there as a decoy at the very least. Smart has a knack for knocking down big shot so his spot made sense.
Leaving Rui Hachimura out of the game in this moment makes zero sense.
He was having a phenomenal night and completely earned the right to be on the floor—maybe even taking the last shot.
It then came down to Hachimura, who was going to be the fourth option at best, or Kleber, a much better screen-setter. Considering that role was going to be a screener at the most, Kleber made a lot of sense and Redick got it right.
It might not be what Lakers fans want to hear, but Redick has earned the benefit of the doubt after another impressive season.
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks sits by the court before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum on April 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The largest fish in the rumor sea has to be discussed, right? Well, that is what we will do today in this edition of Suns Trade Verdict. The noise has gotten too loud, not only from the Bucks but also from fans clamoring for this to be the time to strike for the superstar.
The trade timeline for Giannis has accelerated, and Phoenix could be a PRIME destination for the Greek Freak to land 👀
We're discussing what links the all-time great to the Suns, and what it would take to get him here ⬇️
So how does this even start? Well, for years, it felt like this saga had gone on, with Antetokounmpo potentially leaving, but it hasn’t been as clear as it is now. With the team failing to trade him in the offseason and making roster changes to persuade him to stay, it does not seem to be working.
Word from the Bucks is that they would like to get this deal done before the draft, and Shams Charania of ESPN has already got the ball rolling on that with his latest update.
The Milwaukee Bucks are open for business on trade calls and offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo entering the NBA combine and over six weeks away from the draft, sources told ESPN.
How can we get this done, and would Phoenix be interested in something like this? Let’s explore those thoughts.
How could this get done?
For Phoenix, getting to a max player contract is going to take a lot of guys going out. With the Suns not having much draft capital either (2027 first, the least of UTA/CLE/MIN, and their own 2033, which isn’t tradable until after the draft), they’re in a pickle. Especially if the other 28 franchises around the league also have offers lined up.
This leads me to believe it would take a massive haul to get it done. The Bucks had interest in Jalen Green around the trade deadline. Could they value him as a young piece for a retool/rebuild? The Suns also have the former lottery pick Khaman Malauch and the 31st pick, Rasheer Fleming. Could they be used as young assets to compensate for the limited draft capital the Suns have?
The Milwaukee Bucks continue to seek help on the offensive end and have shown interest in Jalen Green, per @BrettSiegelNBA
“…the Bucks recently made calls to the Phoenix Suns, checking in on the availability of Jalen Green, sources said. However, the Suns are not interested in… pic.twitter.com/0WqC6h2NYO
Those are the questions the Suns have to ask when evaluating a deal for Antetokounmpo. He is owed 121M over the next two years, with a near-$63 million player option next year, he would expect. The 31-year-old is also looking for a long-term extension and would need to be committed to the team before signing one.
To get this deal done, though, the Suns would have to send either Jalen Green with Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, or Dillon Brooks to make the money work. Then, with the addition of two young players like Ryan Dunn, Khaman Malauch, Rasheer Fleming, or Oso Ighodaro, it could be done. The Suns would have to take back the Anteokumpo bros, too, which is the price to pay.
Which would most likely get done?
Since the Suns want to extend Dillon Brooks, I think it is unlikely they move off of him in this trade. Therefore, it leaves either the deal involving Royce or Grayson to get this one across the finish line.
“You get what you deserve in life. Dillon deserves everything he’s gotten. He’s earned it.”
Mat Ishbia spoke glowingly of Dillon Brooks, his persona, and why he’s excited for him to continue to be a part of this franchise. pic.twitter.com/zsRcON7usC
In the deal with Royce, they are taking back more money, making it harder to resign the free agents that they would need to make this move worth it. The decision on this one needs to involve both Jalen Green and Grayson Allen.
Allen may not end up going back to Milwaukee, as this trade could expand, but for now, he goes back with the young talent the Suns have and all their draft capital. This would certainly push the Suns to go all-in on a Booker + Antetokounmpo duo, with supporting pieces in Gillespie, Goodwin, Brooks, and O’Neale to help as well. Even if that is the case, is it the best move?
Why does it not get done?
Suns
Given their situation, you would think maintaining this steady growth is the way for the Suns, but ownership may think otherwise. Even if he preached continuity at the end-of-year presser, we all know some change will come with Mat Ishbia at the helm. We also know he wants to capitalize on this Devin Booker window, stating he will bring a championship to the Valley. That says to me that if the right star is available and the Suns can acquire him, they will go after him, but is that Giannis?
Suns Owner Mat Ishbia on Devin Booker:
"I'll ride into a fire with Devin Booker and I'll do it proudly…Devin Booker is not getting traded. Devin Booker is our franchise player." ✊
The fit would be seamless, as he would fill the vacant power forward spot this team is searching for. Not to mention his fit alongside Booker in the pick-and-roll, with his physical presence in the paint, are all there. He would solve most of the issues this team ran into this season, and by giving up four players who barely played or were injured, you could see how this makes so much sense.
If you plug Giannis into last year’s team, where does that get them? Definitely a higher seed than seven and potentially even in an Eastern Conference finals. That is where the intrigue deeply vomes from, and I see that, but there are also some concerns.
He is 31 and has had some serious injuries as of late. Multiple calf injuries and having to be held out this season (even if he was healthy) prove there is some weirdness around it. He is not getting younger either, and even though Booker is around the same age and doing the same, I’d rather not sacrifice a 4-year window for a 2-year one.
Secondly, the extension is a big ask for this team. One that was just in cap hell and barely escaped by the skin of their teeth. They are still going to pay for the Bradley Beal stretch-and-waive until 2030, and that dead money will creep up on them. Building a roster with that dead money is already a hard obstacle, and it will only be more difficult with two max contracts on the books.
Lastly, and certainly not least, is the package the Suns have. With Giannis available, all 28 other franchises will also try to do this deal. Now, some will obviously bow out as Giannis will not want to go there, but that does not mean Milwaukee will accept a bad deal. It will have to be a happy mediuma nd Giannis has expressed wanting to stay out East as well.
This severely limits the Sun’s ability to pull off this deal if their trade package cannot compare, and they are not on his destinations list.
Many say the Suns will be on that list, but only time will tell.
I think the Bucks, in this situation, try to milk the Suns out of everything they have. Since other teams like Boston or Cleveland have better players to offer in Jaylen Brown or Evan Mobley, it will be hard for the Suns to match some of these offers. This leaves the Bucks looking at the Suns’ package and trying to force both young players, Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming.
The Boston Celtics are known to have interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo and could be a potential landing spot, per @sam_amick
“Even the Celtics, who have the ‘Two Jays’ back now and look fully capable of winning it all, are known to have interest and are discussed in league… pic.twitter.com/PaCqfidyPn
The Cavaliers reportedly contacted the Bucks about a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Milwaukee wanted Evan Mobley and all of their available first-round picks, per @JakeLFischer
“The Cavaliers, league sources say, contacted the Bucks about Giannis before the… pic.twitter.com/vk7cYhhcEw
It also depends on which path the Bucks see themselves taking in the future. Will they look to strip it down, fully rebuild, and invest in youth, or would they rather get a star to stay relevant? If they want to go with the Suns package, it becomes more appealing because it includes three players under 25 to build around, potentially.
That being said, I do not think the Bucks do this deal unless Giannis puts his foot down and says, “Trade me to Phoenix.” Even if Fleming, Maluach, and Green have the potential to be something, I do not know if it entices the Bucks enough.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, every day, my thoughts about the situation change as we learn more. Truly, the duo would be unstoppable and prove to be one of the best, but in a star-studded Western Conference, how far is that? Is that truly Finals runs, or is it Western Conference Finals runs? That is where I think patience is key, waiting for Fleming and Malauch to be ready to really commit to winning with this squad.
As many of you saw this weekend, John also discussed this situation. Here is his article, in case you missed it, with his thoughts.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against Caris LeVert #8 of the Detroit Pistons during the third quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been pointed out to me that you wild and crazy kids are using the MMB Lounge thread to also talk playoffs and perhaps we should have a distinct discussion post for that.
I couldn’t agree more.
So here we are. The Oklahoma City Thunder have advanced as of this writing, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 4-0. The San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves are tied 2-2. The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers are deadlocked at 2-2 as well. The Knicks swept the 76ers 4-0 in their match up.
I have no preference who wins either open series. I think the Spurs playing the Thunder would be better basketball, but also think the Spurs losing to the Wolves is funny. The East is ugly but if I had to choose a winner to advance, I’d go Pistons.
I am curious to read what you all have learned about how this season of basketball has played out and what Dallas needs to do next to get back into playoff contention.
His NBA career began as the No. 21 overall pick in 2019 out of Gonzaga. Clarke proved to be a strong rotation piece for the Grizzlies in his first three seasons until a series of injuries limited his on-court contributions.
Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 17, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NBAE via Getty Images
In October 2022, he inked a four-year, $52 million contract extension with Memphis, but his season ended early due to a torn left Achilles in March 2023.
That injury and a lengthy recovery process kept Clarke to just six games during the 2023-24 season.
In the following season, he played 64 games before sustaining a high-grade PCL injury in his right knee.
Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 17, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NBAE via Getty Images
As a result, Clarke missed the start of the 2025-26 season and returned for two games in December before a right calf injury put him on the shelf again.
“Just keep playing basketball,” Clarke said in December of his plans after coming back from his knee injury. “I’m kind of used to just expecting nothing else. I can jump higher than I did last year, according to the trainers. I’m feeling good. Just keep working and everything is going to come together nicely.”
Memphis announced on March 24 that the Vancouver native would not return for the remainder of the season.
He was facing charges of trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit and improper passing.
Per TMZ, the case was still open before his death on Monday.
Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies dives for a loose ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on January 30, 2025. NBAE via Getty Images
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement on Tuesday. “As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick talks with LeBron James along the sideline during Game 4 against the Thunder on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
There was a moment when the Lakers were humming along near the end of the NBA's regular season, when they went 16-2 in the month of March as Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James found their groove together as a dynamic threesome.
But on April 2 at Oklahoma City, Doncic (Grade 2 left hamstring strain) and Reaves (Grade 2 left oblique muscle strain) went down with injuries and it was left to James to lead the group.
James did, leading the Lakers past the Houston Rockets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Reaves joined James in Game 5 of that series and the two of them led the charge into the Western Conference semifinals against the Thunder, a series in which Los Angeles got swept, 4-0.
Through it all, Doncic was and still is the center of the Lakers’ universe.
So with James and Reaves looking at free agency, Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said Tuesday at the team’s exit interviews that the organization wants both players back to team up with Doncic.
James, 41 and in his 23rd season, made $52.6 million last season but will be a free agent this offseason, when he can retire, return to the Lakers or play for another team.
“I think in terms of LeBron, we probably haven't seen a player that has honored the game to the extent that he's honored the game. He's given so much to his teammates, to this organization,” Pelinka said. “And the thing we want to do more than anything else is honor him back. And I think the first order of business there is allowing him to spend the time he needs to decide what his next steps are.
"Does he want to play another year in the NBA? And that'll be, as he said to you guys last night, family time [and] I think time with his inner circle. And we just want to honor that for him. Of course, any team, including ours, would love to have LeBron James on their roster. That's a blessing in itself just with what he does.”
Reaves is expected to opt out of his contract that will pay him $14.8 million next season and become a free agent. The Lakers can pay Reaves the most, a maximum deal of $241 million over five years, with a starting salary of about $41.5 million next season. Reaves could sign with another team that has cap space, but that deal would be for four years and about $178 million.
"He started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker,” Pelinka said. “And we feel the same way. We want his odyssey to continue to unfold in the purple and gold. As you know, there's rules and timing to all of that, but I think both sides have made it abundantly clear that we want to work something out where he continues his prolific career here."
The Lakers have their star in Doncic and will collaborate with him going forward.
He led the NBA in scoring (33.5 points per game), was third in assists (8.3) and was a most valuable player candidate.
Doncic, who missed the last five regular-season games and all of the playoffs, signed a three-year extension last summer for $165 million.
The Lakers want to build on that.
“He's an incredible partner,” Pelinka said of Doncic. “His basketball IQ on the court is something we get to see as fans. [Lakers coach] JJ [Redick]) and I get to see his basketball knowledge in terms of other players in the league and the way he wants to play and who he wants to play with.
"His knowledge-base is vast and so those collaborations with him are really inspirational. He also does it in a way that he wants to do his job great, and he wants to let JJ do his job great and let me do my job great. So, they really are productive conversations through that lens.”
Several notable players, including former UConn star Tarris Reed Jr., will participate in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine five-on-five scrimmages.
While these scrimmages do not include big stars or players projected to hear their name called at the top of the draft next month at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, there is typically first-round talent broadcast on national TV for fans to watch and for front offices to evaluate.
The most interesting players are often the ones who declared as early entry candidates because if they perform well, they can skyrocket on draft boards (like Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams did in 2022) or return to college and make more money in the modern NIL era.
Here’s how the NBA draft combine scrimmage pool breaks down entering this week based on consensus rankings across major draft boards.
Early entry candidates with collegiate eligibility remaining
These players have the most on the line because they will use feedback to determine whether they return to school or stay in the draft. Kentucky big man Malachi Moreno, who is also an early entry candidate, was originally included on scrimmage rosters but opted not to participate.
Potential first round picks
Cameron Carr (Baylor)
Dailyn Swain (Texas)
Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt)
Potential early-to-mid second round picks
Rueben Chinyelu (Florida)
Flory Bidunga (Kansas → Louisville)
Billy Richmond III (Arkansas)
Potential mid-to-late second round picks
Matthew Able (NC State → North Carolina)
Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State)
John Blackwell (Wisconsin → Duke)
Jacob Cofie (USC)
Players who could play their way into guaranteed long-term deals
These players are ranked relatively near the first-round cutoff and can potentially move up with especially strong showings during scrimmage reps. They fall between No. 30 and No. 50 on the consensus rankings. Guaranteed contracts are signed if a player is picked in the first round and sometimes negotiated for early second-round picks, too.
Tarris Reed Jr. (UConn)
Ryan Conwell (Louisville)
Braden Smith (Purdue)
Trevon Brazile (Arkansas)
Jaden Bradley (Arizona)
Ugonna Onyenso (Virginia)
Baba Miller (Cincinnati)
Izaiyah Nelson (South Florida)
Notable second-round prospects to watch closely
These players have shown occasional NBA traits and are being evaluated on whether they can translate into consistent roles. They fall between No. 50 and No. 65 on the consensus rankings.
Otega Oweh (Kentucky)
Bruce Thornton (Ohio State)
Emanuel Sharp (Houston)
Ja'Kobi Gillespie (Tennessee)
Keyshawn Hall (Auburn)
Milos Uzan (Houston)
Maliq Brown (Duke)
Rafael Castro (George Washington)
Dillon Mitchell (Texas)
Tyler Nickel (Vanderbilt)
Under-the-radar names to know
These players are currently outside most consensus rankings but earned combine invites and could raise their profiles this week. These players rank beyond No. 65 on consensus rankings.
Nick Martinelli (Northwestern)
Tobi Lawal (Virginia Tech)
Kylan Boswell (Illinois)
Felix Okpara (Tennessee)
Trey Kaufman-Renn (Purdue)
Peter Suder (Miami Ohio)
Bryce Hopkins (St. John's)
Nick Boyd (Wisconsin)
Aaron Nkrumah (Tennessee State)
How to watch the NBA Draft Combine scrimmages
The 2026 NBA Draft Combine scrimmages are on Wednesday, May 13, at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and on Thursday, May 14, at 2 p.m. ET on NBA TV.
The Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs square off in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinals series. The Timberwolves won Game 4 114-109 to even the series 2-2 after Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was ejected. Wembanyama will be back for Game 5, but Spurs guards De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper are questionable.
How to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs
EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 12: President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to the media during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on May 12, 2026 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Considering how Mark Walter transformed the Dodgers when he took over, a similar evolution has been expected for the Lakers now that he is the majority owner.
While Walter has had only a few months to work on this, progress has already begun. The Lakers hired Lon Rosen as the new President of Business Operations and during his exit interview on Tuesday morning, Pelinka said they will also be hiring two assistant general managers.
“The two biggest positions is we will hire two assistant general managers,” Pelinka said. “That’s the plan. One of those general managers would oversee sort of player of player, draft and evaluation processes. That’s pro scouting, draft scouting, player development. The other [assistant general manager] would be more on the strategy side which is cap, analytics and data.
“Again, it’s not that we’ve had holes in those places. We have a great team of people that works incredible hard. It’s just we want to add more to that. For both those [assistant general manager] positions, we have started a wide search and have begun interviews but haven’t hired out either of those.”
While Pelinka won’t say that the team has been lacking in the front office, it’d be hard to find many fans or people around the league who thought Los Angeles had a jam-packed department.
These additions will be a huge step in the right direction. By bringing in two different assistants and having one focusing on player development and scouting, and the other on the salary cap, analytics, and data, it means the Lakers should be able to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.
Pelinka won’t be asked to do it all, and others won’t be stretching themselves thin trying to cover all the bases. He also mentioned during his exit interview that plenty of other roles around the team have been filled that the franchise never discloses.
“We don’t list and won’t start the precedent of listing of all the hires we do within data and strategy and analytics and scouting and medical scouting,” Pelinka said. “We’ve made numerous hires already that just aren’t one that we publicly disclose but there’s been a build-out going on.”
It’s safe to say change is already underway and will continue this summer.
Once we find out who the Lakers hire as assistants, we will have a better understanding of their vision and principles. For now, the good news is the front office will be growing, and there will be more brainpower at the table shaping the roster and the franchise moving forward.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Chase Center on January 07, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors are back — and this time, there appears to be real momentum behind them.
With the Milwaukee Bucks superstar entering the final year of his contract and the team potentially shifting toward a rebuild, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday that the organization is now “open for business” on trade discussions involving the former two-time MVP.
Reporting live from the NBA Draft Combine for @SportsCenter on Milwaukee fully open for business on trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo — and no further NBA discipline for San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama: pic.twitter.com/bIRYc0SeCc
Naturally, that immediately brings the Golden State Warriors into the conversation, as they have consistently been linked to Antetokounmpo in trade speculation over the last several years.
On paper, the fit is easy to understand. Pairing Antetokounmpo alongside Stephen Curry would instantly give the Warriors one of the most dangerous superstar duos in the NBA. Curry’s shooting gravity would create driving lanes and spacing unlike anything Antetokounmpo has experienced before. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo would immediately address several of Golden State’s biggest roster weaknesses — size, athleticism, youth, rim pressure, interior defense, scoring, rebounding, healthy talent, etc.
The more difficult question is whether the Warriors could realistically put together a package competitive enough to land him.
Golden State does have assets available. The franchise controls all of its future first-round picks, including the No. 11 overall selection in the upcoming NBA Draft. From a salary standpoint, Jimmy Butler’s contract could also serve as the primary salary-matching piece in a potential blockbuster deal.
Still, it remains unclear whether that would be enough to outbid other teams expected to pursue Antetokounmpo with stronger packages of young talent and draft capital.
That said, a lot could change if Antetokounmpo were to specifically request Golden State as his preferred destination, but until that happens, the idea of Antetokounmpo joining Curry and the Warriors remains far more hypothetical than reality.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Tuesday, May 12th:
Another reason to trust Kerr: If the Warriors do somehow get their hands on another star — and you can bet a Lacob-run franchise will try — then Golden State will require Kerr’s greatest strength of maximizing excellence.
In the alternate universe where the Warriors land Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kawhi Leonard or LeBron James, Kerr is the coach you’d want. Go watch “Court of Gold” on Netflix and see why.
Draymond on Wemby's ejection from Game 4 for elbowing Naz Reid
“I saw Mitch Johnson's press conference, I was like 'Woah'… Jaden McDaniels and Joker just got fined for much less, I would say to the Minnesota Timberwolves 'Hey guys, this is fair game, there's no suspension,… pic.twitter.com/z1QmiSK0nP
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) May 11, 2026
“I think you guys asked me about [retirement], and I’ve answered questions. I don’t think I’ve come out and been like, ‘Oh, retirement is coming,'” James said. “With my future, I don’t know, honestly. It’s, obviously it’s still fresh from, obviously losing [the series]. And I don’t know. I don’t know what the future holds for me.”
There will be no further discipline for Spurs star Victor Wembanyama after he was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid in Minnesota on Sunday night, sources tell ESPN. No suspension, no fine. Wembanyama will play in Game 5 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday night in San Antonio. pic.twitter.com/GOGCbIcbQP
Instead, the Warriors will stay in their place, and take a player with the No. 11 pick. And if you want reasons to feel optimistic, well … it’s the first time the Warriors have held the No. 11 pick since 2011, when they drafted Klay Thompson. Needless to say, a repeat of that outcome would be very welcome!
Follow@unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: The sneakers worn by Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 news broke on Tuesday, May 12, when the Grizzlies and Clarke's agency each made separate statements about his passing. He was remembered as a light in the community and for his passion on the court.
NBC4 Los Angeles reports that Clarke's death is being investigated as a possible overdose. Per NBC4, the Los Angeles Fire Department received a 911 call on the evening of Monday, May 11 to assist with a medial emergency in the San Fernando Valley. When authorities arrived on the scene, they found Clarke deceased. The outlet said that responders found evidence of drug usage on the scene and are investigating accordingly.
Clarke spent all seven seasons of his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he averaged 10.2 points per game. This season, he suffered a calf injury in December that sidelined him for the rest of the Grizzlies' campaign.
The Vancouver, Canada, native was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder as the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and was traded to Memphis that day. He was part of the All-Rookie team and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting after averaging 12.1 points per outing that season.
Brandon Clarke's college basketball career
Clarke played one season at Gonzaga, where he and Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura made it to the Elite Eight in 2019. In their second-round win over Baylor, Clarke had a school record 36 points, the most by a Bulldog in an NCAA Tournament contest.
He transferred to Gonzaga after playing two seasons at San Jose State.
Brandon Clarke was named in the NBA's All-Rookie First Team in 2020 [Getty Images]
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, the NBA team has confirmed.
The Canada-born player was a first-round draft pick in 2019 and had played only two games this season because of injuries.
The Grizzlies said they are "heartbroken" by the loss. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
"Brandon was an outstanding team-mate and an even better person whose impact on the organisation and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten," the team said in a statement.
Clarke played 309 NBA games, including 50 starts, and scored an average of 10.2 points per game.
He was arrested in Arkansas last month on charges that included speeding and possession of a controlled substance.
Clarke was born in Vancouver and was a dual citizen of Canada and the USA, having moved with his family to Phoenix when he was three.
After playing college basketball at San Jose State and then Gonzaga, he was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder and traded to the Grizzlies soon after.
"He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched," read a statement by his agency, Priority Sports.
"He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family."
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement: "As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved team-mate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit."
Brandon Clarke attended an NBA community event while in London in January [Getty Images]
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