He played in many high-profile games over five college seasons — three at North Carolina, two at Arizona. The 6-foot-3 Love is a confident scorer who posted at least 20 points on eight occasions last year. Love certainly has room to improve in the efficiency department; he shot 38.8 percent from the floor, 31.8 percent from three-point range and 73.5 percent at the foul line.
The Sixers’ list of guards is now Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Simons, rookie Labaron Philon Jr. and Love. The 27-year-old Simons is the oldest of the group.
A new era has arrived for Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. — and it begins with the Rangers.
MSG executive chairman and CEO James Dolan is handing over the day-to-day ownership responsibilities for the Blueshirts to his son Quentin, The Post has learned.
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This begins the process of passing the torch to his children, which Dolan has said he’s always hoped to execute.
Indeed, for the first time since assuming control of both the Knicks and the Rangers 27 years ago, Jim Dolan is scaling back his involvement with one of his teams.
It begins with the 32-year-old Quentin Dolan assuming the titles of Rangers president, chief operating officer and alternate governor. Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury will now report to him instead of James Dolan.
The hierarchical change does not impact Drury’s responsibilities in hockey operations. Drury will continue to lead all decision-making for the Rangers and work collaboratively with the fourth-oldest of the six Dolan sons.
“I think it’s something I’ve been building towards, and I’ll be working my hardest and probably proving to myself for a while that I’m ready,” Quentin Dolan told The Post from inside his office at 2 Penn Plaza in his first-ever interview.
“For me, the ultimate goal is winning a championship. It’s been a goal of mine to really continue my father’s and grandfather’s legacy, and that’s something that I understood about myself and wanted early on. This is a continuation of that and it feels right.”
Quentin Dolan, son of Knicks owner James Dolan, is set to take over the Rangers.
A source said Quentin Dolan’s promotion with the Rangers does not change anything for the Knicks. All is status quo for MSG’s NBA championship team, with Jim Dolan remaining in his executive chairman role.
Quentin Dolan’s most notable position was SVP of player performance and science for both the Rangers and Knicks, following various roles at MSG Sports and service on the MSG Sports board of directors since 2021.
His background as an adviser on several sports performance and biotech research and product development projects helped him build the infrastructure and lead the organization’s performance science and player development.
Part of his responsibilities included overseeing medical, strength and conditioning, nutrition, mental performance and performance data operations for both teams.
Prior to becoming SVP, Dolan also served as vice president, strategic adviser to the executive chairman and as investment director. He’s worked progressively closer with his dad over the years.
The elder Dolan’s passion for the job and insatiable work ethic are traits his son says he plans to carry with him into this new opportunity.
Knicks owner James Dolan celebrates after defeating the Spurs to win the NBA Championship. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“There’s a quote that I’m not sure if he knows that I even know, that the art of management is being able to control an outcome without being present,” Quentin said. “Of course, I will be far more present and operationally involved, but this role is much broader. I continue to work on my management skills and keep that in mind, that ultimately that’s the standard I have to strive for.”
Knicks head coach Mike Brown even gave him a shoutout during a press conference in March for his efforts in piecing together the plan that kept the oft-injured Mitchell Robinson healthy.
James Dolan and son Quentin watch the Rangers take on the Devils during a 2023 playoff game with Yankees’ Aaron Judge and his wife Samantha Bracksieck, Harrison Bader and Anthony Volpe. Paul J. Bereswill
And less than 12 hours after landing from a memorable night inside Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, where he was drenched in champagne while holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy, Dolan was already in a meeting to discuss Rangers strategy.
“That was the thought, you know, how do we get here with this franchise?” he said.
Dolan was at MSG Training Center in Tarrytown with Drury and the rest of the front office for what was a busy first day of free agency for the Rangers on Wednesday. Also peeking in at development camp, Dolan said he enjoyed being around while everything unfolded.
An NYU alum — who got his bachelor’s degree in sports and events management — Dolan already has a working relationship with Drury and Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan, which should help ease him into his new responsibilities.
Quentin Dolan celebrates with the Larry O’Brien trophy after the Knicks won the NBA championship. MSG Sports
Building relationships has been a priority for Dolan, who recognizes the importance of collaboration while instilling a winning culture.
Asked what he thinks will make him successful in this job, Dolan pointed to how much he cares.
“And I hope that comes through in time,” he said.
Coming off two down seasons with no playoffs, the Rangers are at a pivotal point in team history as their Stanley Cup drought has reached 32 years. Drury has operated under his retooling proclamation, making considerable changes and additions to the team since sending out a formal letter to fans Jan. 16.
It was the second message from the organization since 2018 informing the Blueshirts faithful of a new direction. Unlike the first, which came under Jeff Gorton’s regime, this one assured the plan was not to rebuild but to expect a restructuring “built around our core players and prospects.”
Quentin Dolan celebrates with the Larry O’Brien trophy after the Knicks won the NBA championship. MSG Sports
Dolan recognizes his increase in authority and reach over the franchise, but he knows exactly how he’ll approach the position.
“Same way I’ve been approaching it from the moment I got in the company, which is honestly keeping my head down, working the hardest, and for me, I have an extremely high bar for when I am working the hardest, and I’m tough on myself,” he said. “So I trust that I will continue to be hard on myself because that’s all I know how to do.”
In some ways, Dolan said he thinks he will be different from his father as he steps into this next chapter of his career.
The Rangers will be the first team to see how.
“The bigger the challenge, the better I get out of myself,” Dolan said. “I run toward those things. This is what I’m looking for.”
The New York Knicks keep looking for centers and big men in the free-agent and trade markets with no success to date.
New York’s pursuit of backups at both the center and power forward positions is starting to get concerning, and it only intensified after losing both sixth-man Mitchell Robinson and end-of-bench Ariel Hukporti in free agency.
Robinson agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal to start at center with the Boston Celtics, while Hukporti inked a one-year, $3.4 million deal to become Joel Embiid’s backup in Philly. Both moves, obviously, were influenced by the Knicks’ need to remain below the second apron, as irrationally mandated by James Dolan.
Those financial constraints will continue to shape the Knicks’ options this offseason, with the franchise having roughly $8.5 million remaining to fill at least three roster spots.
That restriction has narrowed the market significantly, if not entirely, to a bunch of lesser, mostly aging bodies still available in the wild out there: Andre Drummond, Kevon Looney, Dwight Powell, Bismack Biyombo, Mason Plumlee, and the likes…
And on Thursday, we learned that the Knicks have been repeatedly denied in the pursuit of one of the few young, high-upside bigs considered to be both cheap (in terms of his salary) and available (if only for the right price) in New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi.
Sources: New York Knicks have tried feverishly to trade for New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi after losing Mitchell Robinson, but offers have been rejected multiple times. Pelicans view Missi as a vital core figure and the message is that he’s unavailable. pic.twitter.com/EZYlzAEy1o
According to NBA reporter Chris Haynes, New York has “tried feverishly” to acquire Missi from the Pelicans, but multiple offers have been rejected of late. Haynes reported that New Orleans considers the third-year center a “core figure” and has made it clear he is not available.
“Sources: New York Knicks have tried feverishly to trade for New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi after losing Mitchell Robinson, but offers have been rejected multiple times. Pelicans view Missi as a vital core figure and the message is that he’s unavailable.”
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, who for some reason decided to wait more than a week to reveal the information he shared after Haynes’ report, perhaps to give us some false hope, New Orleans expressed a desire to keep Missi and allow him to develop under new head coach Jamahl Mosley all the way back to the NBA Draft, when the Knicks first asked about him.
“Around the NBA Draft, Pelicans signaled that Yves Missi would not be available via trade and will in New Orleans under new head coach Jamahl Mosely.”
Those two reports point to two rejections, but the Knicks’ interest in Missi predates the offseason, and that makes it three times the Pelicans have stiff-armed New York in its collective face.
The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy reported back in February that New York explored a deal for the center at last season’s trade deadline, when the Pelicans were seeking a first-round pick in return. The Knicks did not have that draft capital, and the Pels rejected all other packages offered by New York.
With Missi seemingly out of reach, what are the Knicks going to do to have some depth in the paint?
Well, for starters, it looks like New York was interested in signing Marvin Bagley III before he went to the Denver Nuggets, per HoopsHype. The same report points toward an interest in the aforementioned Drummond and Looney, as well as Chicago Bulls UFA Nick Richards
That said, Drummond himself opened up on free agency at the start of July and made it clear he is “not willing to play for less than my worth,” hinting at wanting more than a vet min deal.
“I did that once and then I got labeled as one of those guys, and I think it really killed my value in the NBA, because I’m still moving like I’m in my mid-20s. I still have a lot left in the tank. I think by taking that paycut—I feel like I’ve been climbing out of a hole for the last 4-5 years. It’s been hard.“
And regarding the widely-reported Looney pursuit, Bondy refuted the reports of the three-time champion being on the verge of signing with the Knicks.
For now, the Knicks’ preferred target (and that of most fans, too) is off the table, and the path to filling the frontcourt gap remains very, very unresolved.
Missi, meanwhile, reacted to all the whispers with a Druski meme. Trust him over sources.
The Celtics have agreed to sign Neemias Queta to a 4-year, $56 million extension that begins in the 2027-2028 season, ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported. Queta, who started 75 games for the Celtics last season, is coming off of a career year in which he established himself as Boston’s starting center.
Queta is already under contract for $2.7 million next season and will make an average of $14 million per year for the four seasons after.
Boston Celtics 7-footer Neemias Queta will sign a new four-year, $56 million extension with the franchise, his agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball tells ESPN. Queta has established himself as a critical Celtics piece – from two-way contracts to averaging 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds… pic.twitter.com/9cCvY5Lo2E
The extension announcement comes just a few days after the Celtics signed Mitchell Robinson to a 3-year, $47 million deal. Robinson is on the heels of a championship with the Knicks, and is known as the NBA’s best offensive rebounder.
It was a long journey from Neemias Queta to get here
Neemias Queta, who is 26, has had a circuitous journey to this point; he was the 39th overall pick in 2021 but was waived by the Sacramento Kings two years later. He joined the Celtics on a two-way contract shortly after and began his tenure with the organization in Maine in the 2023-2024 season. After the championship, he signed a 3-year, $7.2 million contract with the Celtics.
Queta was fourth in the team’s frontcourt depth chart during his first two seasons in Boston. But he became the starting center after the Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis and saw Al Horford and Luke Kornet walk away in free agency last offseason.
Last season, Queta averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, all career highs, while shooting 65.3% from the field. He averaged 25.3 minutes across 76 games, also both career highs.
But, playing postseason minutes for the first time, Queta struggled a bit. Due to foul trouble, he was limited to just 21.7 minutes per game. He put together his best performance in Game 7, tallying 17 points (on 7-8 FG) and 12 rebounds in 33 minutes, all playoff career highs.
Queta could be the team’s starting center next season, though Mitchell Robinson might also make a case for the role. Robinson averaged 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds in 19.6 minutes per game last season. The two seven-footers provide the Celtics more certainty in the frontcourt.
Several other Celtics extensions are looming
The Celtics are also eligible to sign Jordan Walsh to a long-term deal; Walsh has one year left on his contract after the team picked up his option on Monday. And, starting in October, they’ll be eligible to extend Payton Pritchard, who currently has two years on his deal.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 08: Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks tries to drive around Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on April 08, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For this week’s Reacts survey, we asked fans how much importance Jon Horst should place on injecting veteran influence into what has suddenly become quite a young team. This is always a catch-22: while it is important to have veterans around, unless they are totally fine with never stepping foot on the court, you run the risk of them blocking the young guys’ development to some degree. So, where do Bucks fans stand on the conundrum? Poll results show that they are all-in on the youth movement.
Of course, these results follow last week’s Reacts poll, where nearly three-quarters of respondents approved of the Giannis trade return. Obviously, all of the players the Bucks got back are young (to some extent), so this week’s poll result makes a tonne of sense.
Check out FanDuel, the official sportsbook of SB Nation.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: (L-R) Morez Johnson Jr., Aday Mara and Yaxel Lendeborg pose for a photo prior to Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After having three players selected in the NBA Draft lottery for the first time in school history, the Michigan Wolverines will be well represented in the 2026 NBA Summer League with five players set to make their professional debuts this month.
Here’s a breakdown of the former Michigan players taking the court in the NBA’s annual summer showcase.
Morez Johnson Jr. (Dallas Mavericks)
After being selected with the ninth pick by the Dallas Mavericks, Johnson reunited with former Michigan head coach Dusty May, who left Ann Arbor to take the reins in Dallas. Johnson averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds this past season, while shooting an efficient 62.3 percent from the field to help the Wolverines win the national championship. He will now try to make a positive impression in the Summer League and eventually secure a spot in the rotation as a rookie.
Debut: Thursday, July 9 at 7p.m. on ESPN
Yaxel Lendeborg (Golden State Warriors)
Drafted by the Warriors with the 11th pick, Lendeborg landed with one of the NBA’s most prestigious franchises and will now get a chance to play with Stephen Curry. Lendeborg capped his college career by posting a team-high 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, winning Big Ten Player of the Year and spearheading Michigan’s title run. There’s no doubt his versatile skillset translates to the next level, and he should shine as Golden State competes in San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Debut: Friday, July 3 at 10:30 p.m. on TBD network
Aday Mara (Oklahoma City Thunder)
There wasn’t a better landing spot for Mara than the Thunder, as he will immediately join a championship contender and provide an instant boost off the bench. He was drafted by Oklahoma City with the 12th overall pick, and the 7-foot-3 big man will bring elite rim protection and front court depth to the table. Mara broke a program-record with 103 blocks in his lone season in Ann Arbor and will now show off his unique skillset in the Summer League.
Debut: Saturday, July 4 at 3 p.m. on TBD network
Nimari Burnett (Toronto Raptors)
Despite not being selected in the draft, Burnett quickly signed an Exhibit-10 contract — a one-year, non-guaranteed deal — with the Toronto Raptors and will suit up in the Summer League. The former Wolverine shot an impressive 38.4 percent from three-point range in his time at Michigan, and he will aim to bring his sharpshooting ability to the pros. He will likely find himself in the G-League next season, but a strong showing this summer could earn him an invite to training camp.
Debut: Friday, July 10 at 9 p.m. on ESPN
Roddy Gayle Jr. (Detroit Pistons)
Getting a chance to stay local, Gayle agreed to a Summer League contract with the Pistons and will look to make an impact in the Las Vegas tournament. Famously dubbed “March Roddy” by fans and teammates, Gayle was an integral part of Michigan’s national championship run by averaging nine points per game in the NCAA Tournament. His aggressive perimeter defense and scoring prowess should stand out in the Summer League and could lead to a training camp invite if all goes well for him.
Debut: Thursday, July 9 at 5:30 p.m.on Amazon Prime Video
The NBA is hanging on The Decision 4.0 to find out where LeBron James will play for the 2026-27 season. James might turn 42 years old in December, but he still feels like a top-50 player in the world, and there are a ton of contenders who could use his services. James is believed to be choosing between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors for next season, but we now know he’s considering even more teams after his agent Rich Paul leaked a whiteboard detailing his “realistic” options.
Paul addressed James’ free agency on his Game Over Podcast with Max Kellerman, saying “outside of one organization, maybe two. I’ve heard from every team in the entire league.” What teams is James realistically considering? It’s all on this whiteboard:
Rich Paul made a whiteboard laying out LeBron’s “realistic” destinations
It’s fascinating to see it all laid out like this. James’ first option is the Philadelphia 76ers, where he would fit in between Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid. His next option is the Miami Heat, where he would start alongside Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bam Adebayo. The Cavs are there of course, too, which would put James in a lineup with Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Finally, there’s the Denver Nuggets, with Jamal Murray, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic.
The Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks are also on the board. On the Knicks, Paul said: “If the Knick hadn’t won, there would be no board. He’d be going to the Knicks.”
The Warriors still feel like the frontrunner to me. Golden State’s plan was put in motion when Draymond Green opted out of his player option, and remember, Green’s agent is also Paul. It feels like LeBron would love to play with Stephen Curry, but landing Davis could be the holdup. The Wizards suddenly have a lot of power after their buy-low trade for Davis at the deadline. Washington could leverage Golden State for a bunch of future assets, or watch their LeBron dreams fade away if he doesn’t think the team can actually contend without Davis.
LeBron has indicated that happiness — not money — will be the driving factor in his decision. It feels like that means a lot of teams have a realistic shot at him even if they don’t have cap space.
“LeBron’s No. 1 priority for this season is happiness. … It’s not gonna be necessarily who's got the most money to offer.”
Where would LeBron have the best chance to win his fifth ring? The Warriors wouldn’t rate too highly by that metric in my opinion with such an old team. I’d probably say Minnesota or Philadelphia. Maybe the Celtics even after trading Jaylen Brown?
LeBron’s decision is coming soon. It’s going to be fascinating to watch whatever team he chooses.
Jaylen Brown isn’t hiding what everyone already sensed.
Brown, a former NBA Finals MVP who was traded from the Celtics to the rival 76ers earlier this week, said he “wasn’t thrilled with the amount of respect I was shown during this process.”
Speaking on a livestream to say goodbye to Celtics fans, Brown reacted to being traded for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks.
Jaylen Brown went live to address Brad Stevens and being traded by the Boston Celtics for the first time:
“I’m still processing everything, so give me some time… But I will say, there was a message being sent and that message was received. I wasn't thrilled with the amount of… pic.twitter.com/nsAncwb42g
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) July 3, 2026
Brown initially was offered to the Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and it appears there was no putting the toothpaste back in the tube after it became public knowledge that the Celtics were willing to part with the player who carried the load while Jayson Tatum missed most of last season due to injury.
Antetokounmpo was ultimately traded to the Heat instead of the Celtics.
“I will say, there was a message being sent,” Brown said, “and that message was received.”
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has been getting pilloried for the perceived lopsided trade.
Jaylen Brown discussing “respect” on his live stream. @big_business_/X
Brown didn’t exactly take him off the hot seat, though he implied that other factors were at play.
“I think there was a bit of a lack of respect – I think it was fine at point – and then out of nowhere things kind of went left,” Brown said. “I think Brad is probably getting a lot of the criticism. I wasn’t thrilled the way he facilitated some of the conversations but there’s definitely more to it.”
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. Boston Globe via Getty Images
The Celtics and 76ers make strange bedfellows considering that Philadelphia just eliminated Boston from the playoffs by winning a Game 7 on the road, and now the hierarchy of the Eastern Conference behind the Knicks looks much different because Brown is teaming up with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecomb.
“There’s a bunch of excitement, disappointment, a bunch of emotions,” Brown said.
“I’m still processing everything, so give me some time. I’m also looking forward to what’s to come next.”
There’s no doubt the Sixers are on LeBron James’ radar.
On the latest “Game Over” podcast, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, James’ longtime agent, broke out a whiteboard with potential free-agent destinations for the 22-time All-Star. He named 10 teams and started by discussing the Sixers.
“Philadelphia, everything changed,” Paul said. “How could you not have (his) attention when you have (Tyrese) Maxey, (VJ) Edgecombe, Brown, (Joel) Embiid?”
“He loves Maxey, so we don’t even have to talk about that,” Paul said. “I think he (would) help VJ really understand how to play the game. Super talented and he plays both ends of the floor, plays hard every night. The benefit that (Edgecombe) gets, it would be ridiculous. Obviously, Jaylen Brown … (James) enhances everything. He unlocks everything there.”
“Let me give you an X-factor about the Sixers,” he said. “We forgot about something: Jameer Nelson is a part of the front office. Ex-player. You know Mike Gansey’s an Ohio guy, played against us in high school. There’s a picture floating around that Mike Gansey’s brother (Steve) put out of Mike Gansey and LeBron … they were part of the high school Ohio All-Americans for the season.”
Along with the Sixers, Paul highlighted the following teams:
Heat
Cavaliers
Nuggets
Timberwolves
Mavericks
Warriors
Celtics
Spurs
Knicks
“Outside of one organization, maybe two, I’ve heard from every organization in the league,” Paul said.
DALLAS, TEXAS - JUNE 25: Dallas Mavericks team president Masai Ujiri and new Mavericks player Morez Johnson Jr. hold a jersey during a press conference at American Airlines Center on June 25, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. Johnson was selected ninth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Earlier this week, we ran a poll looking back at the Dallas Mavericks draft. We asked you to grade it. Now, because of some technical limitations, I couldn’t do a normal letter-scale grade, so I went with the broader set of statements: Passing, failing, incomplete.
Here are the results of that poll.
The majority of fans gave the Mavericks a passing grade, with a fairly close split between the other two options. Personally, I went with incomplete.
The draft is but one tool for team improvement in the off-season but given the current CBA restrictions, the current contending teams have, by and large, shown the draft as the most direct way to rapid improvement. Trades still happen as do free agent signings, but they are more about rounding out your team. With that understanding, my grade came from the fact that the draft itself did little to address the specific team needs: playmaking.
Dallas fell to 9th due to a coinfip and a bad lottery draw and missed out on the top set of guards according to all draft experts. They went with Morez Johnson as a result. He’s a huge player and I look forward to seeing what he can do, but until the Mavericks make more roster changes, he’s part of a logjam. They really need him to work as this is the last time Dallas should draft in the lottery for some time.
Later in the draft the made a trade to secure Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea and he seems like a potential steal, but we’ll need to see how he plays. Later they selected Tobi Lawai and Vsevolod Ishchenko, a couple of long-term prospects who may never suit up for Dallas.
Simply put, Dallas has work to do before the regular season as the roster on paper right now doesn’t make a ton of sense. If you’re feeling frisky about the specifics of the Mavericks future, head over to FanDuel and take some futures bets on the Mavs. There are some fun ones around how many wins you think Dallas can secure next year.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 25: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Washington Wizards is helped up by Tyus Jones #5 during the game against the Utah Jazz on January 25, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Marvin Bagley’s NBA career probably hasn’t worked out quite like he and a lot of other people expected, but nonetheless after he left Duke, but he’s getting close to a decade in the NBA, and most players never get near that.
He spent last season with the Dallas Mavericks, but Denver has signed him to a one-year contract for next season. That should be interesting, because he’ll be playing with Nikola Jokic, who is a fascinating player and most likely a great teammate to have, and also fellow former Blue Devil Tyus Jones. The pair were also teammates with the Washington Wizards previously.
Denver has also opted to keep Jones on a one-year contract. He’s never had cutting-edge athleticism like a lot of NBA guards, but he remains one of the smartest players we’ve ever seen. Whenever his career ends, you’d think someone could find a use for that sort of intelligence, whether as a coach or in a front office.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics plays defense on Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game during Round One Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The past 24 hours have been a whirlwind following the Boston Celtics decision to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first round picks, and two second round picks.
If you know me, you know I love the Celtics, and I love Jaylen Brown. My world felt like it was turned upside down when I read the news. How could we send a homegrown franchise cornerstone to a rival?
It took a lot of time, a lot of angry messages, a lot of sad moments scrolling through tribute videos, and a lot of free-time with my thoughts to finally settle my mind. Here’s where I’ve landed:
Eye-test, JB is a really, really special player. He cares about hooping in its purest form, and plays hard on both ends of the court. He wants to see his team succeed, and he’s willing to do the work to make that happen. He can score with the best of them, is incredibly explosive and athletic, and he can really lock someone down on defense too.
I think when people say he wants to be the definitive #1, and that he won’t be happy otherwise, they are greatly discrediting him. I think he’s very competitive, and has worked very hard to get where he’s at, so just like any competitor, he wants to be the best version of himself. I think he’s more than willing to be the best version of himself within a specific role for the sake of the team, and that gets overlooked much too often.
Los Angeles, CA – February 22: Guard Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics talks with head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics in the second half of a NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 22, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
He does have his faults, though. He can get tunnel vision on offense, and can sometimes have poor shot selection because of his confidence in himself. He also gets lost off-ball on defense too often, even though he’s a great on-ball defender. Sometimes he feels like he needs to take over a game, whether that’s because the team is down and needs an energy shift, or if they’re blowing someone else out and he wants to cook. These can be very polarizing experiences. I’ve usually trusted him in these moments, but it wasn’t always the most popular sentiment amongst fans.
The analytics really don’t like him. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a bigger discrepancy between the eye-test and the analytics before. I tend to favor the eyes because of the success he’s had beyond the stats. I can’t lie and say how unfavorable the analytics were to him didn’t concern me, though. I also see why Boston was ready to try something new. The second apron sucks. Having two max contract players on your roster is really hard.
JB is genuinely a good dude, and I’ll die on that hill. He’s done more for Boston in 10 years than a lot of people could do in a lifetime, and that goes beyond the fact that he had the money and the means to do so. He cares. He wants to uplift his community. I’m sure he’ll still continue his philanthropic work in the city, but I would expect him to shift the majority of his focus to Philadelphia now, and they’re going to be incredibly lucky to have him.
Jaylen also cares about his individuality and his freedom. That doesn’t always jive in the sports world, especially when only one team gets to win every year, the contracts are that expensive, and every team becomes incredibly risk-averse when they see success. While he sees his streams and community outreach as authenticity, others often see it as a liability.
GUANGZHOU, CHINA – JUNE 05: NBA star Jaylen Brown interacts with students during a class at the Affiliated High School of South China Normal University on June 5, 2026 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China. (Photo by Chen Jimin/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
At this point, I think I’m mostly upset that Jaylen is in Philly. I don’t like seeing my favorite players play for rivals. I really want to root for him, and as an individual, I certainly will, but I don’t want Philly to see a crumb of success as a team.
I don’t hate Paul George. I think he’ll get a lot of unnecessary and unwarranted criticism from fans just because he was the returning player in the deal. I’m honestly a little excited to see what he can do next to Derrick and JT. I am very concerned about his health, though, and obviously the contract is ugly. It would be a lot easier to be hopeful if he was on a friendlier deal, but we’ll have to see how the front office navigates from here.
The return is what it is. I wasn’t in the rooms, so I don’t know if this was truly the best offer. Brad Stevens has proven to be pretty good in all other accounts, so I’m willing to believe that this was the best offer. I don’t think it needed to be done this quickly, but subduing the frenzy of JB trade chatter is a silver lining. I can see the flexibility it provides the team going forward. I’m not crazy about this long-term approach, but again, we’ll have to see how it plays out.
It’s gonna be really, really tough to see Jaylen in a Sixers jersey. That being said, I think I’m still going to have a lot of fun watching the Celtics next year. The team is still pretty great, although the ceiling definitely feels lower. Hopefully this opens up more opportunity for the young guys to shine. I’m willing to go into it with an open mind since I don’t want to be sad or mad anymore.
I have the utmost respect for Jaylen Brown, and he’ll be a Celtic for life. Now it’s time to turn the page to a new era of Celtics basketball. Here’s to better days ahead.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics plays defense on Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game during Round One Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Earlier this week, it was announced that after days of trade talks, the Boston Celtics were finally able to unload 2024 Finals MVP and five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown. He is being sent to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, a 2028 first-round pick (or more favorable pick swap), an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and two second-round picks (2028 and 2030).
George, originally drafted tenth overall in 2010 by the Indiana Pacers, has been now been traded three times.
In 2017, he was traded by the Pacers to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Domantas Sabonis and Victor Oladipo. In 2019, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round draft picks, and the rights to swap two other first-round picks. This week, he was moved to Boston in the aforementioned trade.
BREAKING:
The NBA has now traded Paul George for:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Jaylen Brown Domantas Sabonis Victor Oladipo Danilo Gallinari
And
7 1st round picks plus 4 pick swaps
Paul George is the Most Valuable Player in NBA history.
That’s quite a list of impressive players. NBA Champions, two Finals MVPs, four All-Stars, a Most Improved Player, steals leader, a two-time MVP, a scoring leader, a Clutch Player of the Year…and Danilo Gallinari.
Here’s how the 1st round picks conveyed:
2021- Tre Mann (18th pick) played three seasons was eventually packaged in a trade for Gordon Hayward.
2022- Jalen Williams (12th pick), the 2025 All-Star has been a major part of the team’s success.
2023- Picks did not convey.
2024- OKC traded this to Dallas for a 2028 first round pick swap.
2025- Thomas Sorber (15th pick) has yet to suit up as he tore his ACL before during an offseason workout and missed the entire season.
2026- Aday Mara (12th pick) was drafted as a direct response to facing Victor Wembanyama.
The dividends OKC received from the trade brought the franchise their first Oklahoma-based championship and continues to reflect well. Meanwhile, the Clippers never met their potential.
The 76ers signed PG13 after his stint with the Clippers. he played in only 78 games over two seasons. Riddled with injuries and a suspension for violating the league’s drug policies, George’s time in the City of Brotherly Love was mostly ineffective.
How will 36-year-old fare in Bean Town? Only time will tell.
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If Paul George is excited about going to Boston, then he’s keeping that emotion close to the vest at this point in time.
The 36-year-old nine-time All-Star posted his farewell to Philadelphia to his Instagram page on Thursday night, bidding adieu to his home for the past two seasons. The near-200-word message seemed genuine, as George clearly built a strong bond with the city of Philadelphia and its fans in a short time.
Noticeably absent from George’s message, though, was a single word about his new NBA home in Boston.
The closest George came to mentioning the Celtics came toward the end of his message, when he said, “:As I begin the next chapter of my career, I leave with nothing but gratitude, respect and memories that I’ll carry with me forever.”
Such a decision differed greatly from Jaylen Brown, who managed to work in some enthusiasm for joining the 76ers in the biggest trade of the NBA offseason.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the opportunity to join Philadelphia,” Brown wrote in his social media post. “Every city has its own identity, its own passion, and its own expectation. I respect that, and I’m looking forward to earning that respect the only way I know how — through the work.”
Brown closed his message — which was, largely, a farewell to Boston — by writing, “PHILLY #THROWTHEBALLUP LET’S GET IT!”
The reasons for George not mentioning Boston at all in his post could or could not be meaningful.
On the one hand, if George was excited to be joining a historic organization and teaming up with an All-NBA star in Jayson Tatum, one might reasonably assume he’d say as much in a post like that.
On the other hand, if George’s primary intention was to give a proper goodbye and message of thanks to the people of Philadelphia, then there would have been no need to send any message to Boston.
There’s also the reality that George, a veteran of 16 NBA seasons who’s played for four teams and has now been traded three times, understands how the NBA works. It’s possible — likely, even — that the Celtics intend to start George for every game he’s available in the 2026-27 season. It’s also possible that Brad Stevens spins another deal before training camp begins.
George has been through enough in his NBA career to know that it may be best to just let the dust settle and then have some conversations with his new bosses in Boston before getting too attached to the city and the franchise.
One of the many talking points of last offseason was Trent Noah and the shot-making ability he brought to the team through summer practices. Kentucky’s point guard at the time, Jaland Lowe, even went to the lengths of saying he was “the best shooter I’ve ever seen.”
But when it got to the season, people didn’t necessarily see it translate to actual gameplay. Noah finished the season averaging 3.0 points per game, on 36% from the field, and 33% from 3-point range for the Harlan County product.
Noah is a guy that Kentucky fans have appreciated sticking around. He wasn’t even recruited by the last set of coaches in Lexington, and then got pursued by Mark Pope as soon as he got the job two offseasons ago, flipped his commitment from South Carolina immediately, and hasn’t looked back. Noah has shown flashes at different points, including in the game against Tennessee his freshman year, when he finished with 11 points.
Heading into his third season, Kentucky fans have high hopes for Noah, hoping he can carve out a role and play significant minutes as he takes a leap. Mark Pope seems to be leading the pack of people who believe that will definitely happen.
In a recent interview with Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, Pope made sure to point out Noah as someone making noise in summer practices again.
“Probably the guy that’s getting talked about the least that is showing out right now is Trent Noah,” Pope stated. “He is physical, and he can really shoot it. Part of the issue last year was when we lost our point guard spot, and we lost a real creator vibe on our roster. It hurt guys like Trent, who might not manufacture a lot of shots.
“But if shots can be manufactured for him, he’s going to make them all it feels like.”
Who could be the surprise on Kentucky’s roster next year?
Trent Noah will now be moved to more of a shooting guard role, and it will benefit him and those around him tremendously. Kentucky certainly isn’t lacking in the wing/forward positions. Guys like Milan Momcilovic, Justin McBride, Ousmane N’Diaye, Kam Williams, and Braydon Hawthorne will all be fighting for minutes in those roles. Noah will be able to have opportunities to get shots off this year, playing in a backcourt with two elite creators and being a threat to space the floor.
Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins both did their fair share of creating for others last season. Diallo averaged 4.5 assists per game, and Wilkins averaged 4.7 assists per game. That’s not even mentioning a veteran guard in Jerone Morton, who will help with that, and the emerging freshman guard Mason Williams.
Mark Pope also said in the interview that Kentucky currently has six guys who are over 70% in all of their practice reps shooting the ball from the three-point line. Presumably, Trent Noah is one of those six guys, and he may be destined for that big-time leap we have all hoped for heading into year three.
(@big_business_) 
