Apr 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) is congratulated by guard Tyler Herro (14) after making a basket during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
The NBA Summer League is currently taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, where rookies and NBA stars are taking in the action around town. Former Kentucky Wildcats are sprinkled in the rosters, while some are in town for the weekend, and a couple of them got into an altercation.
According to ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro got into a physical altercation on Friday morning, during which Adebayo struck Herro.
The incident occurred on a practice court at a Las Vegas hotel this morning, beginning when Adebayo approached Herro about comments on social media in which the former Wildcats guard criticized Adebayo’s play.
The altercation occurred at a practice court in a Las Vegas hotel this morning, sources said — starting when Adebayo approached Herro about comments the guard made critiquing the center on social media after their seven-year run in Miami ended. https://t.co/0SZv8VT462
According to multiple sources who witnessed the incident and who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter, Adebayo walked onto the courts and Herro said something to him. Adebayo approached Herro and, without hesitation, punched him. Herro’s AAU coach confronted Adebayo, and Herro yelled at his former teammate while being escorted out by security personnel. Both players left the scene on their own.
The two former Wildcats and Heat teammates had a solid friendship and chemistry in Miami.
In a past interview, Herro asked Adebayo which teammate would always have his back in a fight, and his response was:
“I’m going to say Tyler (Herro) just because we got the longest relationship,” Adebayo said.
Here’s to hoping these former Cats can get back to being on good terms.
The Knicks played their 2026 NBA Summer League opener against the Nets on Friday night in Las Vegas, but aside from Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Nickel, many of New York's players did not play up to snuff.
Dadiet, who is entering his third year in the league, finished the night with 20 points on 6 of 16 shooting, seven rebounds and one steal in 21 minutes on the floor. But it was his first half performance that kept the score close. The Frenchman scored nine of his points on 3 of 7 shooting through the first two quarters.
As for Nickel, the forward scored nine points on 3 of 6 shooting in 12 minutes on the floor. He also came down with four rebounds in the first half. Nickel finished with 18 points on 6 of 11 shooting, including 6-for-10 from three.
Mohamed Diawara, the other notable Knick participating in this year’s summer league, and entering his second season with the Knicks, scored just five points on 1 of 7 shooting in his 13 minutes on the floor. He was a minus-19 at halftime, and it didn't get much better.
For the game, Diawara scored just seven points on 1 of 9 shooting with six rebounds. He was a minus-39 on the floor in his 23 minutes.
Liam Robbins (four points, four rebounds, one assist in 16 minutes), Dillon Jones (six points, three rebounds, four assists, three steals in 23 minutes) and Jaden Akins (two points, two assists in 21 minutes) round up what the starting five did on Friday.
On the Nets side, it was much better.
Brooklyn's star rookie from last season, Egor Demin, dominated the first half, scoring 15 points on 6 of 13 shooting. Danny Wolf, entering his second season, did not score a point, but came down with five rebounds in his 12 minutes on the floor, for a plus-12.
Nets 2026 first-round pick Mikel Brown Jr., scored four points on 1 of 4 shooting, but the No. 6 overall pick would have a monster second half. The rookie guard finished with 20 points on 6 of 12 shooting, three assists, one rebound, and two steals in his 22 minutes.
Demin finished with 20 points, thre rebounds, two assists in 22 minutes while Wolf (nine points, eight rebounds, three assists in 21 minutes), Chaney Johnson (11 points, nine rebounds, two assists, four steals in 23 minutes) and Drake Powell (one point, three rebounds in 21 minutes) round out Brooklyn's starting five.
LeBron James’ free agency may come down to something much simpler than cap math, roster gymnastics or the loudest recruiting pitch.
Familiarity.
LeBron James’ free agency may hinge on familiarity as Cavaliers and Heat lead Polymarket odds for his next team. Best Image / BACKGRID
According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, familiarity is expected to play a major role in James’ upcoming decision, with many around the league now viewing the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat as the two teams to watch.
That tracks with where the betting market’s are moving, too.
Basketball Player and Team AlUla Co-Owner, Lebron James looks on in the E1 Owners Suite during the E1 Series Dubrovnik GP Getty Images
At the time of this article’s publication, Polymarket’s latest list Cleveland as the favorite at 45%, with Miami right behind at 31%, surging12 points, Golden State has fallen to 15%, down 11 points, while Philadelphia has climbed to 11%. Minnesota sits well behind at 2%.
In other words, the LeBron sweepstakes may be turning into a race between the two places that know him best.
Cleveland is obvious. James could return home for a third stint with the Cavaliers, close his career where it all began and join a team where his history with the city, franchise and ownership still carries enormous weight. Donovan Mitchell’s presence also gives Cleveland a ready-made star, not just a nostalgia pitch.
Miami offers a different kind of familiarity. James won two championships with the Heat, has long praised the franchise’s structure and culture under Pat Riley. It is also reported that the Heat are willing to bring Bronny James into the picture on a two-way contract, which would add another layer to an already emotion-filled decision.
Miami Heat’s LeBron James holds the the Larry O’Brien NBA championship trophy after Game 7 of the NBA basketball finals against the San Antonio Spurs AP
James’s agent, Rich Paul framed the decision around “complete happiness,” not money, market size or even loyalty to Los Angeles.
That may explain why Cleveland and Miami appear to be separating from the pack.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James holds the the Larry OâBrien NBA Championship Trophy after defeating Golden State Warriors San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
And connections Curry and Green have developed into two important off-the-court relationships for James. The rumor mill was kicked into high gear when Green and James were seen golfing together this week
That is what makes this decision different from James’ earlier free agency choices.
This is not 2010, when he was chasing his first title. It is not 2014, when he was returning home to fulfill a promise. It is not 2018, when Los Angeles offered a blend of basketball, business and family life.
LeBron James acknowledges the crowd’s reaction as he takes the stage USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
This is Year 24.
James is 41, still productive and still capable of helping a contender, but the decision now seems less about conquering a new market and more about finding the right emotional landing spot.
That word was happiness.
Sidery’s report suggests familiarity may be how James defines it.
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Victor Wembanyama is the definition of a no-brainer max extension for the Spurs — and the two sides have agreed to just that, a five-year, $252 million extension, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
However, the key for the Spurs is that Wembanyama agreed to no escalators, Charania reports, and that could save the Spurs more than $50 million over the course of this deal. What the sides have agreed to is the 25% of the salary cap max. However, Wembanyama, a First-Team All-NBA selection and reigning unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, would very likely qualify for a Rose rule 30% max contract, estimated to start at $53.5 million and be worth more than $300 million over the course of the five-year contract.
Essentially, Wemby left $50 million on the table to help the Spurs build out the roster around him. Wembanyama hinted about this on social media.
The impact of the current CBA and the punitive tax apron system has become a hot topic around the NBA. The Knicks just won a title in part because Jalen Brunson took $113 million off the max he could have asked for, giving the Knicks' front office some room to bring in other players. Celtics president Brad Stevens said that trading away Jaylen Brown was, in part, because of the challenges of building out their roster with two supermax players (Brown and Jayson Tatum).
Wembanyama and the Spurs worked together to secure a healthy payday for Wembanyama, averaging a little more than $50 million per season, while retaining some flexibility, Charania reports.
Wembanyama averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocked shots a game last season, finished third in MVP voting and was unanimously voted the Defensive Player of the Year. It's become evident that very soon — maybe by next season — he will be the best player walking the face of the earth, and other teams have to plan how to handle him, not just in a specific game but for how they build their rosters.
Getting that player on any kind of discount is a steal for the Spurs and generous of Wembanyama.
Victor Wembanyama is staying in San Antonio, and he left money on the table to do it.
The Spurs announced Friday, July 10 that they signed the reigning Defensive Player of the Year to a multiyear contract extension. The team didn't disclose terms, but ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wembanyama chose the standard 25% maximum, projected at roughly $252 million over five years, and passed on supermax escalator language that would have pushed the deal to about $303 million had he made an All-NBA team or won MVP or Defensive Player of the Year next season.
He almost certainly would have.
According to Charania, the Spurs offered the full supermax and worked through multiple frameworks with Wembanyama's camp before he settled on the smaller structure, a sacrifice meant to give San Antonio room to build a sustained contender around him.
Wembanyama clearly learned something from the NBA Finals. Jalen Brunson, the Knicks star who beat the Spurs to win the 2026 NBA championship, has been celebrated for signing below his max in 2024. That allowed New York to keep a deep roster that went on to win the franchise's first title in 53 years.
A month later, Wembanyama followed the same game plan.
The 22-year old is coming off a season that made the supermax a formality had he wanted it. He became the youngest Defensive Player of the Year in NBA history and the first unanimous winner since the award began in 1982-83, made an All-NBA FIrst Team, and averaged career highs of 25 points and 11.5 rebounds with a league-leading 3.08 blocks. He led the league in blocks for a third straight season, something only two other players have done, and became the seventh player in league history to average at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.
During the postseason, he averaged 23.8 points, 10.9 rebounds and a playoff-best 3.55 blocks over 22 games. Only Elgin Baylor had previously reached the Finals in his first playoff appearance while earning first team All-NBA honors in the same season.
The top pick in the 2023 draft owns a career average of 23.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.46 blocks. He won a silver medal with France at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 28: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Six of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Frost Bank Center on May 28, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Spurs’ number one priority this summer was always going to be to tie down their franchise player for the foreseeable future, and as expected, they’re doing just that with Victor Wembanyama. After some extra time and rumors suggesting he was taking a discount, he is signing a maximum contract extension worth $252 million (25% of the salary cap) across five years. Where the discount comes in is he’s also waiving the escalators that would allow it to turn into a super max contract worth $303 million (30% of the salary cap) if he earns All-NBA honors or wins MVP or Defensive Player of the Year in the 2026-27 season.
The contract kicks in next summer and lasts through the 2031-32 season (which feels weird to type), with a player option for 2031-32.
BREAKING: San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama has signed a five-year, $252 million maximum rookie-scale contract extension, with a player option in the fifth season, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/NwbTiIkurd
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Spurs offered Wemby multiple scenarios and layouts, including the super max, but this discount was Wemby’s decision. The Tim Duncan-esque sacrifice allows the Spurs future flexibility, giving them better odds of keeping their young core together when it’s time for players like Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper to start looking at their extensions.
Wembanyama decided on the 25% maximum instead of the 30% supermax escalators to $303M, after he and the Spurs went through multiple frameworks. A major decision for the All-NBA star and Defensive Player of the Year entering his fourth season.
San Antonio worked in close partnership with Wembanyama and his representatives, offering the full super max and different variations of extensions. But Wembanyama ultimately chose a contract sacrifice rooted in giving him and the organization increased ability to build a sustained title contender around him.
The Spurs drafted Wembanyama after winning the ultimate lottery jackpot in 2023. He was only their third ever no. 1 pick, joining Spurs legends David Robinson and Duncan. He soon joined them as their third ever Rookie of the Year (with Castle joining the club a year later) after averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.6 blocks, making first team All-Defense and appearing in what is for now a career-high 71 games. Although his second season was cut short by deep vein thrombosis, he was still named an All-Star and led the league in blocks despite only appearing in 46 games. While the Spurs appeared on the way the play-in at worst before his diagnosis, they broke through in almost the biggest way imaginable in his third season.
They far exceeded expectations by winning 62 games and finishing second in the West. Wemby posted career highs in points (25), rebounds (11.5) and field goal percentage (51.2%) while making the All-Star team, winning Defensive Player of the Year, coming in third in MVP voting, making the All-NBA and All-Defense First Teams and again leading the league in blocks. But more importantly, they not only busted their six-year playoff drought, but they made it all the way to the Finals, including beating the defending champion Thunder in a dramatic seven-game series despite not having homecourt advantage in the Conference Finals, where Wemby was named MVP.
Although the Spurs ultimately fell short of a championship, blowing four double-digit leads to the well-rested Knicks while looking exhausted down the stretch of games, the season could only be considered a success. For his part, Wemby posted historical numbers while on the floor in the playoffs, including a plus/minus of +196 (+8.91 per game) while tying LeBron James (2009) and Kawhi Leonard (2017) for the highest Estimated Plus-Minus of a single playoff run with +9.4. (Whether or not those staggering numbers say more about the Wemby or the performance of the Spurs’ bench is debatable, but there’s no doubt his play on the court is what lifted them so high.)
Finally, he continued to show he will likely be the block king of the NBA before all is said and done. Not only did he set a single-game playoff record with 12 blocks in Game 1 of the second round against the Timberwolves (which he probably won’t try again since it sapped his energy on the other end and they ended up losing), but he surpassed Dikembe Mutombo’s record of 69 blocks in a player’s ever first playoff run, recording 78 by the end of the Finals for a whopping 3.5 per game.
The crazy thing is, after all that, he’s still just 22 years old and has plenty of room to grow and improve. Beyond just staying healthy — he missed 18 games this season, mostly due to a calf strain, and only met the 65-game minimum for awards thanks to the Spurs making the In-Season Tournament Finals — there’s still some areas he could be better, such as three-point shooting (he shot a league average of just under 35% on 5.5 attempts but was inconsistent), shot selection and overall decision making with the ball in his hands. (While his turnovers have gone down each season, 2.4 is still high for a non-point guard.)
The playoffs also showed he has a little more maturing to do, as he let his emotions get the better of him a few times over physical play, which led to him elbowing Naz Reid in the neck for a flagrant 2 and ejection in round 2. He only barely avoided suspension thanks to being a first-time offender. He also got a flagrant 1 in Game 4 of the Finals for elbowing Kart-Anthony Towns in the chin, and he could have been suspended had the Spurs forced a Game 6 after the refs missed a Zaza closeout on a Jalen Brunson three in Game 5. Had it been reviewed by the league and upgraded to a flagrant after the fact, it would have been his 4th flagrant point of the playoffs, which is an automatic suspension.
Finally, he (rightfully) faced backlash for retreating to the locker room and not shaking hands after the Finals were over, which was not a good look and set a poor example. Regardless, every young player has their growing pains that make them stronger, and this was certainly a learning experience for Wemby and the entirety of the Spurs’ young core that will hopefully pay off down the line. Today’s mindful sacrifice for the future of his team is certainly a big step.
Wemby isn’t the only current player the Spurs have business to attend to. They have until October 31 to exercise Castle’s 4th-year rookie option and Harper and Carter Bryant’s third-year options (but odds are slim they’ll take that long). Other in-house business the Spurs already took care of was re-signing Julian Champagnie and Harrison Barnes, as well as signing their first round picks (Jayden Quaintance and Tarris Reed) to standard contracts and second round picks (Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Maliq Brown) to two-ways. They also added veteran forward Tobias Harris, which leaves two roster spots left to be filled (but only one required).
Welcome to San Antonio for the extended future, Wemby! (And thanks for finally getting it done! I’ve only had this written and waiting in the wings since Monday morning when the moratorium period ended, although some unexpected edits were required.)
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama defends against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson #11 during the second quarter of NBA Finals Game 4 on June 10, 2026.
Victor Wembanyama is getting paid — but is helping out his team in a big way.
It is the third-highest rookie extension in NBA history, according to the Worldwide Leader.
However, he took the extension at 25 percent of the salary cap instead of 30 percent escalators, which could help San Antonio build around him.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama defends against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the second quarter of NBA Finals Game 4 on June 10, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
As ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted, Wembanyama will make $43.5 million in the first year instead of $52.5 million he could have with the 30 percent escalators.
Of note, Stephon Castle is eligible for an extension next summer.
The deal for Wembanyama comes after the big man recorded career highs in points (25) and rebounds (11.5) per game as the Spurs made a run into the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Knicks in five games.
For the third straight year, the 7-foot-4 Frenchman also led the league in blocks per game (3.1) and came away with the Defensive Player of the Year.
LAS VEGAS — Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo and his former teammate Tyler Herro — who was traded to Milwaukee in the Giannis Antetokounmpo deal — got into an altercation during a Summer League practice in Las Vegas, a story first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and later confirmed by NBC Sports.
The Miami Heat are aware of the incident but are not commenting, nor were the Bucks, team representatives told NBC Sports. The Heat and Bucks were in the midst of playing each other in a Summer League game when news of the incident began to break.
The incident reportedly happened at a hotel in Las Vegas during a morning practice. A number of teams in the city for Summer League set up full mini-facilities in ballrooms at the larger hotels, including bringing in full-size practice courts with baskets and setting them up, as well as training rooms, dining spaces, film rooms and more. Practices at a hotel are common.
Adebayo reportedly approached Herro about comments Herro allegedly made on an alternate Instagram account. Those comments reportedly included "You should get paid 60 million to be a top tier defender on some nights?"
Adebayo, a mainstay of the Heat franchise and team culture, averaged 20.1 points and 10 rebounds a game for Miami last season while being named to an All-Defensive team for the sixth time in his career.
Herro, a Milwaukee native, is headed back to Wisconsin once the Antetokounmpo trade becomes official. He averaged 20.5 points while shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc last season for the Heat.
Miami Heat captain Bam Adebayo reportedly got into a physical altercation with former teammate Tyler Herro in which Adebayo allegedly struck Herro.
According to ESPN, the incident took place at a practice court on Friday, July 10 in Las Vegas — the site of the NBA’s Summer League showcase — when Adebayo approached Herro about a critical social media post Herro recently made. Per the report, Adebayo struck Herro near the face.
A spokesperson for the Heat told USA TODAY Sports in a text message that the franchise is aware of the matter but is not commenting further.
Adebayo and Herro were teammates for all seven of Herro’s seasons in the NBA, each of which had been in Miami. Adebayo (2016-17) and Herro (2018-19) also each played one season of college basketball at Kentucky, though neither player overlapped in Lexington.
It is common for current players to gather in Las Vegas during Summer League, so that they can support the rookies and young players who are participating in the games but also get additional workouts on courts across the city.
A few days after the trade between Miami and Milwaukee was agreed to, screenshots of direct messages between a fan and Herro were leaked, showing Herro discussing the dynamics of the Heat. Although Herro did not name Adebayo, the posts clearly indicate Adebayo was the subject of some pointed criticism.
“You should get paid 60 million to be a top tier defender on some night?” Herro wrote in one of the direct messages. “I’m just wondering, since we talking.”
Adebayo’s average salary for his current contract is $53.4 million, but he is Miami’s top-paid player.
The player topping the list was Antetokounmpo, with a 26.8% mark, and Adebayo ranked 10th, at 35.9%.
Earlier in the day Friday, the Amazon Prime broadcast interviewed Herro and asked about his relationship with the Heat.
“It’s all love. It’s all love in Miami,” Herro said during the interview. “I’ve seen a couple of the guys and coaching staff, (assistant) Chris Quinn, (head coach Erik Spoelstra), front office guys — we’re all good in Miami. This is an opportunity for both sides to reset, get a fresh star and we’re both super happy for this.”
It’s unclear if this interview took place before or after the altercation.
Adebayo and Herro had a cordial and friendly relationship while both played in Miami. In fact, during a taped vodcast, Herro asked Adebayo who on the Heat would always have Adebayo’s back if a fight broke out.
“I mean I would hope all of y’all, considering I got all y’all back,” Adebayo began. “One person? Man, I’mma say T, just cause we got the longest relationship.”
In response to that, Herro said: “Yeah, I’m coming.”
Agents representing Adebayo and Herro each did not return requests for comment. Spokespersons for the Bucks also did not return requests for comment.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Meleek Thomas #15 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on July 10, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Indiana Pacers 99-93 in their first game of the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League.
Cleveland began the fourth quarter by outscoring Indiana 26-11, shooting 11-6 from the floor during their comeback run. It was too little too late, but it was fun to watch nonetheless.
Rookie Meleek Thomas scored 20 points and shot 7-14 from the floor. He found his groove late in the fourth quarter, coming to life and helping his team rally back from a big deficit. His shot-making, both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations, was a standout.
The Cavs are hoping the 34th pick can continue to develop as a scorer. Thomas showed promise as a freshman for Arkansas with a pure jumper and good feel for getting to his spots. He spent most of his time as a secondary option in college, but had a chance to be the lead ball handler today. Cleveland played Thomas at point guard, and it paid off.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin also looked strong. Tomlin began his career on a two-way deal with the Cavaliers but worked his way into a standard contract last season. He’s looking to graduate from Summer League by proving he’s too good to be included in this setting.
Tomlin had 20 points and 6 rebounds.
Ball handling and athleticism are two things the Cavs have been missing in their frontcourt. Tomlin has the raw potential to deliver both. He looked strong working off the dribble today and even buried two three-pointers. Tomlin was statistically one of the worst shooters in the NBA last season. Any improvement in that regard would be a nice addition to his game.
Malakai Branham scored 15 points, in addition to grabbing 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
Riley Minnix chipped in with 10 points and 5 rebounds. Ernest Udah Jr. added just 4 points and 2 rebounds in his 20 minutes. Tristan Enaruna, Cleveland’s third and final two-way player, scored 2 points on 1-7 shooting off the bench.
Cleveland plays the Milwaukee Bucks at 3:30 PM on Sunday.
Charles Barkley’s golf swing was not the only thing looking for help from above at Lake Tahoe.
Asked what the Sacramento Kings need to make the playoffs again, Barkley offered a diagnosis that was funny, brutal and probably painful for anyone in Sacramento.
Charles Barkley: ACC Celebrity Golf Championship Presented By American Century Investments Lu Chau/Photagonist/Shutterstock
“A miracle, the hand of God, the Pope coming to town before the Kings going to be any good,” Barkley said Thursday at the American Century Championship celebrity pro-am near Lake Tahoe. “Yeah, we got to get Pope Leo in town.”
Barkley did not stop there.
Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the LA Clippers NBAE via Getty Images
“The Kings are in bad shape right now, and it sucks because they have one of the best fan bases in the world,” he said. “I love Sacramento fans, but they need a miracle.”
That is harsh, but not exactly difficult to understand.
Sacramento is entering another reset after finishing near the bottom of the Western Conference. The franchise used the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Darius Acuff Jr., a talented young guard who has already given Kings fans something to talk themselves into after two strong showings at the California Classic.
Barkley likes the rookie, too.
“He’s a good young player,” Barkley said of Acuff. But added, “He’s got a very bright future, but you got a long way to go”
The problem is just about everything around him.
Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings steps over Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors Getty Images
The Kings are not just trying to add a point guard. They are trying to figure out what the next version of the franchise even looks like.
They missed out on Ja Morant. There have already been rumors about Zach LaVine’s contract potentially being bought out, while Domantas Sabonis’ future has also come into question. DeMar DeRozan is gone. De’Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter, all key pieces from Sacramento’s 2022-23 playoff team, are long gone as well.
That playoff appearance now feels like a different basketball lifetime.
The Kings broke through that season, won 48 games and pushed the Golden State Warriors to seven games in the first round. Mike Brown was the head coach then. Sacramento later fired him, and he went on to lead the New York Knicks to their first championship in 53 years.
The current path depends heavily on Acuff becoming the kind of foundational guard Sacramento can build around. His summer league numbers have been exciting, even if the shooting efficiency has been uneven.
But Barkley’s broader point is that one promising rookie does not fix a roster overnight.
Sacramento fans know that better than anyone. They have endured rebuilds, false starts and long stretches of irrelevance while still showing up with some of the loudest support in the league.
Barkley may have been joking from the golf course, but the message was clear.
The Kings have a young piece worth watching.
They also have a long way to go before anyone starts talking about the playoffs without invoking the Pope.
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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Nate Ament #15 of the Milwaukee Bucks stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Miami Heat during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks opened up their NBA Summer League campaign with a 119-86 loss to Miami. Nate Ament and Kasparas Jakučionis made their debuts in a Milwaukee jersey, while Bucks regulars Cormac Ryan and Pete Nance also logged appearances. Brayden Burries and Pete Nance led Milwaukee with 18 and 16 points, respectively. Jahmir Young and Ryan Conwell each poured in 19 points for Miami.
The Bucks trotted out a starting lineup of Burries, Jakučionis, Ament, Bogoljub Marković, and Nance. Miami started Tre Donaldson, Conwell, Trevor Keels, J’Vonne Hadley, and Vladislav Goldin.
Burries scored the Bucks’ first points of the game by knocking down a free throw; under the Summer League’s experimental rules, a free throw attempt now counts for the total number of points a shooting foul would have represented. After some back-and-forth play, Milwaukee quickly jumped out to a 7-0 run and held a multi-possession lead as the first quarter wore on. The Bucks’ defense looked enthusiastic, as they profited off a lot of Heat turnovers and stormed their way to some fast-break buckets. Despite a half-court Donaldson buzzer-beater, Milwaukee held onto a five-point lead going into the second frame, leading 31-26.
Miami and Milwaukee went back and forth, connecting on jumpers, floaters, and layups. Merely a minute into the second quarter, a Keels three-ball tied the game up at 35 apiece, and bench player Tre White’s fast-break jam gave Miami their first lead of the game. However, Burries quickly converted an and-one to give the Bucks back their lead. The second quarter was the Brayden Burries Show. He looked automatic from the midrange, and he looked every bit the dynamic scorer that his tape at Arizona suggested. Burries’ eight second-quarter points kept Milwaukee in the game. Milwaukee ended the first half tied with Miami, 56-56, after a quarter of hot shooting.
Miami began to heat up (ha ha) from long range, and grabbed a five-point lead coming out of halftime. Ryan Conwell, a former standout from Louisville, kept firing from deep, while the Heat backcourt connected from midrange to protect their lead. However, the newer Bucks continued to show their potential. Jakučionis looked very proficient as a playmaker and an offensive facilitator, and Ament looked pretty explosive going downhill. Yet, as a unit, Milwaukee struggled. Miami stretched their lead by picking off careless passes and shutting down Milwaukee’s offense. The Heat sprinted out to a 14-2 run to climb to a 15-point lead and kept scoring. By the end of the third quarter, Ian Schieffelin’s last-second floater pushed Miami up to a huge 22-point lead.
The Heat ran up the score, playing the gritty, committed defense that stymied Milwaukee in the third quarter while hitting the Bucks hard on the interior. Dunks from Goldin and three-pointers from Keels turned Miami’s lead from large to ugly, and the Bucks quickly found themselves staring down the barrel of a 32-point lead. Miami kept building on their lead to boost their point differential and give them a better chance of making the Summer League playoffs, and they looked invested as ever. The Bucks were consistently beaten to loose balls and offensive boards, and the Heat kept scoring from deep to push their lead even further.
Stat That Stood Out
The Bucks made just two field goals from outside the paint from twelve attempts in the third quarter. Their shooting dropped off a cliff in the second half, as Ament, Ryan, and Burries all struggled to connect from beyond the three-point line.
Adebayo struck Herro at least once during the encounter, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because neither player, nor their teams, revealed any details publicly.
The Heat said they were aware that an incident took place and declined further comment. Herro spoke briefly to The Miami Herald and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel after a summer game between the Bucks and Heat, saying “my only comment is no comment.” Herro attended that game; Adebayo was not present for the contest.
ESPN first reported details of the altercation.
The person who spoke with AP said one of the factors related to the altercation was that Herro had evidently made some critical comments about Adebayo — and the three-year, $166 million extension that Miami gave him in 2024. Herro is believed to have made those comments in direct messages to someone on social media, and screenshots of those conversations eventually went public.
Adebayo struck Herro at least once during the encounter, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because neither player, nor their teams, revealed any details publicly.
The Heat said they were aware that an incident took place and declined further comment. Herro spoke briefly to The Miami Herald and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel after a summer game between the Bucks and Heat, saying “my only comment is no comment.” Herro attended that game; Adebayo was not present for the contest.
ESPN first reported details of the altercation.
The person who spoke with AP said one of the factors related to the altercation was that Herro had evidently made some critical comments about Adebayo — and the three-year, $166 million extension that Miami gave him in 2024. Herro is believed to have made those comments in direct messages to someone on social media, and screenshots of those conversations eventually went public.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Ryan Nembhard #9 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When I arrived at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas for the Golden State Warriors’ Summer League opener with the Dallas Mavericks, the crowd was dominated by fans waiting for the Utah Jazz-Washington Wizards battle happening in the following game. By the time the game ended, I was convinced these plucky Summer Dubs had the ability to take home a Summer League title.
The Warriors haven’t always been the most exciting Summer League team to watch. When the biggest question to answer is if Jacob Evans can dribble without staring at the basketball or whether Alen Smailagic can tie his own shoes, there’s an absence of drama and competitiveness. This year, it’s a roster full of players who might very well play substantial minutes for the NBA team and a group of players competing for a limited number of two-way contracts.
All five of the Warriors starters in Thursday’s 101-90 win over the Dallas Mavericks could have roles for next year’s team. The standout was No. 11 pick Yaxel Lendeborg, who finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and a plus/minus of +26 in 28 minutes. From my position in the stands, his most impressive skill was his ball handling, both in bringing the ball up the court or driving to the hoop.
No. 11 overall pick Yaxel Lendeborg delivered a double-double in his NBA Summer League debut:
Lendeborg hit an important level Thursday: Too Good For Summer League. He was a defensive terror who got his 21 points in only 13 shots, though he did call for the ball in 95% of the Warriors’ offensive possessions. The Mavericks scored only 39 points in the first half and I would be highly surprised if Lendeborg played more than two Summer League games before the team shuts him down.
However, he’s one of only two Summer Dubs with job security. Will Richard felt so secure that he played like he would on the Regular Season Warriors, hustling, moving the ball, playing defense, and deferring to his teammates. He shot 3-for-5, had seven assists, got two steals and a blocked shot and also finished +26.
Golden State’s other three starters are all fighting for jobs. LJ Cryer made a strong case for a two-way deal by going 5-for-8 on three-pointers, scoring 25 points and adding four assists. He may not be a defensive stopper, but he certainly tries on that end. Plus, all evidence points to him being a legitimately excellent outside shooter, after making 39.4% of his threes in 18 games last season.
LJ Cryer showed out on Day 1 of NBA Summer League action 🙌
The other two starters were last year’s two-way forward Malevy Leons and undrafted Gonzaga center Graham Ike, the WCC Player of the Year. Leons had eight points and eight rebounds while playing a very team-focused game, not like a third-year NBA player striving to show off. Ike had trouble with the Mavericks’ Morez Johnson, Jr., the No. 9 pick, committing almost as many fouls (8) as he had points and rebounds (9 each). That being said, Lendeborg’s Michigan teammate Johnson is also Too Good For Summer League with 27 points, eight boards, three steals, and two blocks.
You get 10 fouls at Summer League so nobody fouls out (though I saw Marquese Chriss do it). So Ike’s excessive fouling was not that worrisome, because it’s a sign he’s playing hard, and the referees are at summer school just like the players. But the signing of Charles Bassey, a similarly tough-but-undersized center might make Ike’s two-way chances smaller, as did Johnson’s repeated denials of Ike’s post-up attempts — though Johnson committed seven fouls of his own containing Ike.
As does the presence of Lachlan Olbrich, a second-round pick in 2025 from Australia. He’s more of a shooter than Ike and he’s agile, drawing numerous shooting fouls off the bench and finishing with 12 points. But Olbrich looks too skinny to defend the post, despite having some nice moves inside.
Second-round pick Lajae Jones had his moments and looked bigger than his 6-foot-7 frame. He had 11 points and five rebounds. Jones also got a little too much dip on his chip after one successful layup. Brimming with confidence, Jones tried to go 1-on-3 on a break — and you know Yaxel was calling wildly for the ball — and promptly fell down. Could Jones be Taller Will Richard? It’s very possible, but it’s also good he has a foreign passport available to him this fall.
That’s why this Summer League team truly could go all the way. Maybe Lendeborg and Richard don’t play past this weekend, but that’s true of most top picks and second-year players who show out. What the Warriors have is a group of talented players competing for limited jobs, who also have a range of skillsets. Chance McMillian struggled Thursday, but he’s a serious scorer and wants Cryer’s job. Olbrich and Ike complement each other’s skills, while Leons remains intriguing, especially if he gets more touches.
We won’t see Alex Toohey, who is still rehabbing a knee injury and not necessarily out of the Warriors’ plans. Still, this is a deep and hungry Summer League team with the perfect level of talent. It’s enough to win a lot of exhibition games, but not so much that the players get shut down early. Let’s get that chip, Summer Dubs!
