DETROIT, MI - MAY 17: Marcus Sasser #25 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Round Two Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 17, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Marcus Sasser has seemingly spent his entire career as the odd man out in the Detroit Pistons rotation. As a scoring guard with a good floater game and a reliable three-point shot, he’s always been useful and performed well. However, because he’s a 6-foot-1 off-guard without the ability to orchestrate an offense, it’s always been tough to find him minutes on the floor.
Now, it looks like he might get a fresh start within a context where he more naturally fits, and he could be sent closer to home to boot.
“The Mavericks have emerged a leading suitor to acquire Detroit’s Marcus Sasser via trade, league sources tell @TheSteinLine,” Marc Stein wrote on social media.
The Mavericks have emerged a leading suitor to acquire Detroit's Marcus Sasser via trade, league sources tell @TheSteinLine.
Sasser averaged 5.2 points and 12 minutes per game across 38 games for the Pistons last season. He was often a healthy scratch as Detroit relied primarily on Cade Cunningham and Daniss Jenkins at point guard, and a mix of Duncan Robinson, Javonte Green, Jaden Ivey, and Caris LeVert at shooting guard last season.
When Sasser did get minutes, he shot reliably from three, hitting 41%. He also helped unstick a wobbly offense in the playoffs in the Cleveland Cavaliers series.
Any deal would be a pure financial play for the Pistons, freeing up his $5.2 million salary obligation. The Mavericks would be taking a low-cost flier on a player in the final season before restricted free agency with an eye toward having his rights in case he is worth investing in further.
Sasser is also a native of Red Oak, Texas, where he grew up and played high school ball. Red Oak is roughly 30 minutes south of Dallas. He also went on to be a four-year star player at the University of Houston.
Whether this deal remains small — you take my surplus player, you give me salary relief via a second-round pick — or a large deal — Dallas is thought to be willing to shop big men such as Daniel Gafford or PJ Washington, and Detroit is staring down big potential holes if one or both of Jalen Duren or Tobias Harris were to play elsewhere — remains to be seen.
Free agency begins today at 6 p.m., and I expect we’ll see some resolution on what the future of the Detroit Pistons looks like.
But it does look Sasser has likely played his final game for the team he’s play for his entire NBA career thus far.
In 2019, Kawhi Leonard wanted out of San Antonio, and Toronto stepped up and traded for him, knowing full well that he would not sign an extension to stay north of the border because he wanted to play in his native Southern California. Toronto got a ring out of taking that roll of the dice.
Now, Leonard is headed back to Toronto specifically because the Raptors are willing to offer him a massive extension.
The Clippers and Rockets are finalizing a trade that sends Leonard back to Toronto for a package centered around All-Star Brandon Ingram and picks, a story simultaneously broken by ESPN’s Shams Charania and basketball insider Chris Haynes.
The deal shakes out like this:
Toronto receives: Kawhi Leonard The LA Clippers receive: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, a pick swap, two second-rounder picks Note: The details of this trade are not finalized and things like the picks could change.
The Raptors and Leonard are reportedly talking about a two-year contract extension beyond this season. Leonard was available for a trade because he and the Clippers could not reach terms on an extension — Los Angeles would not give him the years or money he wanted. The Clippers were already pivoting to a new era and had traded away James Harden and Ivica Zubac.
This is a win-now move for Toronto — just like it was last time Toronto brought in Leonard (and it paid off then). Toronto now has a dominant forward lineup with All-Stars Scottie Barnes and Leonard, an elite combination if Leonard can stay healthy. Barnes is a big Leonard fan — when asked who he wanted most as a teammate, he said Leonard.
Let’s shoot the 3 with Scottie Barnes. Favorite pre-game music? Which NBA player would he pick as a teammate? Thoughts on Leonard Hamilton? Catch @ScottBarnes561 Thursday, 8pm ET on ESPNU. @tedemrichpic.twitter.com/0uRcYDxmAy
Toronto also has RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Collin Murray-Boyles and some depth. It's a roster that could do damage if they get the Leonard from last season, when he was largely healthy and averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game to go along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals a night.
The Clippers get their books cleaned up and have some flexibility in the future to rebuild their roster around Darius Garland and the just-drafted Keaton Wagner.
Most important to the Clippers are the draft picks, they now control six future first-round picks, whether they ultimately use them or trade them. There also is the looming Aspiration investigation into the Clippers allegedly circumventing the salary cap to pay Leonard. If found guilty, the Clippers will likely face punishment that includes losing their own picks, but the league cannot take away the picks they traded for. (Do not expect Leonard to face much punishment from the league, outside of maybe fines.)
Garland and Ingram give the Clippers plenty of shot creation next season as well — this is not a team bottoming out and tanking. The Clippers have cleared about $23 million in cap space and can make other moves.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 26: The Golden State Warriors 2026 first and second round draft picks Yaxel Lendeborg (L) and Lajae Jones (R) cheer court side during the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream WNBA game at Chase Center on June 26, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Golden State Warriors fans appear to be fully on board with the team’s decision to select Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
In the latest SB Nation Reacts Survey, 61% of voters gave the selection an “A” grade, while another 29% handed out a “B.” Altogether, 90% of respondents gave the pick a positive grade, with just 10% rating the selection as a “C” or worse.
Throughout the pre-draft process, Lendeborg steadily emerged as one of the prospects most frequently connected to the Warriors. By the time Golden State was on the clock, many analysts viewed the versatile forward as the best player available and a perfect fit for the team’s roster.
Lendeborg was one of the most accomplished players in college basketball last season, earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors while helping lead Michigan to a national championship. He averaged 15.1 points for the Wolverines along with 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, showcasing the all-around skill set that made him one of the most NBA-ready prospects in this year’s draft class.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have a clear need for young players who can contribute immediately. With Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody both expected to miss time next season while recovering from significant leg injuries, there is a clear pathway for the 6-foot-9 forward to earn meaningful minutes in head coach Steve Kerr’s rotation thanks to his versatility and NBA-ready size.
But the excitement surrounding Lendeborg extends beyond his on-court fit. The rookie has quickly become a fan and team favorite thanks to the personality he has shown since arriving in the Bay Area. Lendeborg has come across as someone who is authentic and open to saying whatever is on his mind. One minute he’s discussing his admiration for Stephen Curry; the next, he’s joking that he “used to hate” the Warriors superstar because he grew up rooting for Kyrie Irving. Not to mention, the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry has already sparked some playful trash talk between Lendeborg and former Spartans star Draymond Green.
The rookie’s fit becomes even more intriguing when considering the Warriors are not done making moves this offseason. Should Golden State find a way to add another marquee player through free agency (Perhaps a former four-time NBA champion and rival to the Bay Area), Lendeborg’s willingness to embrace an energy role and impact games without needing the ball could make him one of the most important complementary pieces on the roster.
For the latest Warriors odds and NBA futures, check out FanDuel Sportsbook.
CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 19: Anfernee Simons #22 of the Chicago Bulls shoots the ball over Immanuel Quickley #5 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half on February 19, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
With free agency just 4 days away, the Dallas Mavericks still have plenty of work to do, chief among them is acquiring more guard help. But who are some realistic options that the Mavericks should target?
Anfernee Simons
The first name on the list is Bulls guard Anfernee Simons. Simons played for the Celtics and Bulls last season and notched 14.3 points per game while shooting 38.5% from three. Simons would immediately add a spark of shooting and shot creation off the bench for a Mavericks team that desperately needs it. After being traded to the Bulls, he was stuck in a log-jam of guards, with a new organization looking to move in a new direction.
Simons will have plenty of suitors in free-agency, but could pursue a larger role in Dallas if he wants to improve his long-term value.
Acquiring Simons would probably entail offering him the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is about $16 million annually
His fit in Dallas would be clean, as he would either start alongside Kyrie Irving or come off the bench as a supercharged 6th man. Simons best skill is his ability to take a large volume of three-pointers with good efficiency, as he attempted 13.9 threes per 100 possessions, which ranks in the 97th percentile.
Shaedon Sharpe
One interesting name the Mavericks could target is current Portland guard Shaedon Sharpe, who shares a deep connection with current Mavericks G.M. Mike Schmitz.
Schmitz is the one who helped to select Sharpe 7th overall in the 2022 NBA draft, and was a vocal proponent of the Kentucky guard before he was hired to the Trailblazers. Sharpe’s availability is a question-mark, but after the addition of Ja Morant, the Blazers could be interested in moving the uber-athletic guard.
The Mavericks could acquire Sharpe in 2 ways: Either absorbing him into their traded-player exception, or sending back P.J. Washington.
Sharpe’s game is one of potential, as his combination of elite athleticism and shot making ability provide tantalizing upside. The challenge for Sharpe is to figure out how to impact the game at a high-level, but if he can, watch out.
Reed Sheppard
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 29: Reed Sheppard #15 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round One Game Five on April 29, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Everyone knows that the Mavericks desperately need more three-point shooting, so why not look to bring in one of the better shooters in the league.
Since being drafted 4th overall by the Rockets, Reed Sheppard has had a rocky 2-year career, with flashes of brilliant upside mixed with frustrating flaws.
Sheppard can shoot with the best of them, but struggles in almost every other aspect, specifically as an on-ball creator. Acquiring Sheppard would be very difficult, as the Rockets still have a need for his skill-set; but, there is one avenue to getting the young guard.
That avenue would be as a centerpiece in a Kyrie Irving trade. While the Mavericks have maintained a staunch stance on keeping Irving, it is not impossible that they receive an offer they simply cannot refuse.
Sheppard would immediately inject the Mavericks with a massive dose of spacing and shooting, as he’s capable of changing games with his shooting alone.
Jrue Holiday
Another Portland guard makes this list, this time being the uber-experienced Jrue Holiday.
Holiday is yet another player who could be a casualty of the Ja Morant trade. Unlike Sharpe, Holiday is on the decline as the enters next season at 36 years old.
Any Holiday trade would be an attempt for the Mavericks to win now, with a trade package being made up of P.J. Washington and Klay Thompson.
Holiday would be a perfect 2-guard next to Kyrie Irving, as while Holiday has slowed down, his defense still borders on elite. The issue is that he does not fit in the current timeline at all, as the Mavericks are rebuilding, not lookingto compete.
But there is a scenario where a Holiday trade makes sense; what if the Mavericks exceed expectations leading up to the trade-deadline. In this world it would make more sense to go “all-in” by adding a player who would fill a significant need as a point of attack defender.
Immanuel Quickley
TORONTO, CANADA – APRIL 9: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against the Miami Heat during the second half in their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 9, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Multiple players on this list have connections with Mike Schmitz, but what about Masai Ujiri. Ujiri acquired Immanuel Quickley from the New York Knicks in the OG Anunoby trade, and proceeded to give him a lucrative extension.
But now the Raptors are moving in a different direction, and with a Kawhi Leonard trade looming, Quickley could be moved to balance the roster. Quickley has had an up-and-down career in Toronto, as while his volume and role have increased, his efficiency and defense has declined.
The other issue is his massive contract, as he will earn $32.5 million of the next 3 years. Due to this, his cost wouldn’t be very high, and a package of Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford may be enough to pull him from the Raptors.
Quickley’s fit in Dallas would be simple: run the offense next to Cooper Flagg, and while his salary may be too much for the Raptors, it wouldn’t be a large issue in Dallas.
It’d be an understatement to say Landry Shamet is excited to be back with the Knicks.
Shamet posted a Knicks-themed video on his Instagram story to celebrate agreeing to a four-year, $24 million deal to return to the Knicks after helping them to their first title in 53 years,
Taken from the movie “The Wolf of Wall Street”, Shamet posted himself saying Jordan Belfort’s famous line — spoken by Leonardo DiCaprio — of “I’m not leaving. I’m not leaving. I’m not f–king leaving.”
Several Knicks appeared on faces in the background, with Jose Alvarado and Karl-Anthony Towns celebrating with Shamet.
“The show goes on. This is my home,” Shamet also said, pretending to be the disgraced stockbroker Belfort.
Landry Shamet doing an impression of Leonardo DiCaprio while celebrating his return to the Knicks.
@landryshamet on Instagram
“They gonna need a f–king wrecking ball to take me.”
Shamet quickly became a fan favorite in New York during the Knicks title run and was set to become an unrestricted free agent before the team retained him.
The guard reportedly turned down more money from other teams to stay with the Knicks and help them on their quest to repeat as champions.
Faces of Jose Alvarado and Karl-Anthony Towns in Landry Shamet’s return video.
@landryshamet on Instagram
Shamet’s contract will also allow the Knicks to stay below the second apron after the roster is filled out, following owner James Dolan’s recent statement about not going into the punitive salary cap bracket.
The 2018 first-round pick started his career with the 76ers before bouncing around between the Clippers, Suns, Nets and Wizards.
He spent the past two seasons with the Knicks, playing in 101 regular-season games and averaging 7.1 points per game in 19.1 minutes.
Landry Shamet poses with a trophy after winning the NBA title. NBAE via Getty Images
The 29-year-old was most lethal in the Eastern Conference finals against the Cavaliers in the Knicks sweep, where he shot 11-of-12 from 3 and hit a clutch shot in the team’s Game 1 comeback.
James will have no shortage of interest as he prepares to change teams for the first time since he initially signed with the Lakers in 2018.
And that will include suitors from outside of the NBA, as a couple of NFL teams proved with social media posts following news of James' imminent departure.
The Jacksonville Jaguars wasted little time throwing their hat into the mix for James. Their social media team posted a meme suggesting their interest in the 22-time All-Star less than two hours after ESPN's Shams Charania first reported that James was leaving the Lakers.
Of course, the Jaguars and Packers were merely joking, as each knows James, 41, won't be switching sports at this point in his storied career.
That said, their posts provide a reminder that James was once considered a potential football star. James was an All-State receiver during his sophomore and junior seasons at St. Vincent-St. Mary's High School before switching his focus to basketball full-time.
James flirted with the idea of playing football at times, even after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Notably, he received offers to work out for the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks during the 2011 NFL lockout, as he told The Athletic in 2021.
"I always think about it," James said regarding a potential career in football.
James – who was 26 at the time of the lockout – also opined he would have made either team had he gone through with the tryouts, which he ultimately decided against.
"I would have tried out, but I would have made the team," James said. "One thing about it, I don't mind working for something, so if I would have had to try out for the Cowboys or the Seahawks, or if I'd have stayed home and went back home to Cleveland, I'd have tried (out), but I would have made the team. I just know what I'm capable of doing on the football field. Especially at that age."
James' potential as a football star will remain a great "what if," but there's little doubt he made the right decision playing in the NBA
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: The sneakers worn by Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers 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
As LeBron James departs the Los Angeles Lakers, two of the franchise's key figures – Jeanie Buss and Magic Johnson – shared their thoughts on the impact he's had the club.
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,’’ wrote Buss, the team’s governor and controlling executive. “We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.’’
Magic Johnson also had a key role in the Lakers signing LeBron James in 2018.
"I want to thank LeBron James and his super agent Rich Paul for taking a meeting with me back in 2018 when I was President of the Lakers and deciding to sign with us,'' Johnson wrote. " He created a whole new era for the Lakers, including leading us to an NBA Championship in 2020 and all the milestones he surpassed in a Lakers jersey. I’ll always love and be grateful for him and wish him all the best in the next phase of his life, on and off the court!"
The Lakers had failed to make the playoffs for five straight seasons before James arrived. The Lakers ended that drought in James’ second season with the team and reached the postseason in seven of his last seasons with the Lakers.
Luka Doncic, who joined the Lakers midway through the 2024-25 season, posted a photo of himself and James hugging with the caption: “An honor to play with and learn from you @kingjames.”
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers controls the ball against Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at Intuit Dome on February 02, 2026 in Inglewood, 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Los Angeles Clippers are “nearing a deal” to send Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two second-rounders, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
That seems like a clear win not just for the Raptors, but the Sixers as well.
Thanks to the James Harden trade, the Sixers own the Clippers’ fully unprotected 2028 first-round pick along with a top-three-protected pick swap in 2029. Swapping out the oft-injured 35-year-old Leonard for the soon-to-be 29-year-old Ingram might give the Clippers a higher floor, but they now have a much lower ceiling.
That’s where the NBA’s new draft-lottery system could help the Sixers.
Under the former system, the lottery included the 14 teams that wound up missing the playoffs, and only the first four picks were drawn via lottery. In other words, the team with the worst record in the league couldn’t fall below the No. 5 pick, the second-worst record couldn’t fall below the No. 6 pick, etc. The lottery teams with the worst records also had higher odds of winning the No. 1 pick than those with better records.
For tanking teams, that floor was almost as important as the ceiling. Under the new lottery system, that floor is now gone.
The new lottery will include 16 teams—the 10 teams that miss the play-in tournament, the No. 9 and No. 10 seeds in each conference, and the loser of the No. 7 vs. No. 8 play-in games—and all 16 picks will be drawn via lottery. The new lottery flattened every team’s odds, too. The teams with the three worst records have only a 28 percent chance of landing a top-five pick and a 61 percent chance of getting a top-10 pick, while the other non-play-in teams have a 39 percent chance at a top-five pick and a 73 percent chance at a top-10 pick.
The NBA Board of Governors today approved a new NBA Draft Lottery system designed to eliminate incentives for teams to prioritize their position in the Draft over winning games.
In other words, the new system introduced far more variance into the lottery. That should make for thrilling television, but it’s now impossible to predict where any team will land.
In the wake of the Leonard trade, the Clippers are left to build around Ingram, Darius Garland and No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler. Beyond that, it’s unclear what else they have up their sleeves for now.
The Clippers do still have Derrick Jones Jr., Brook Lopez and Kris Dunn, but all three are on expiring contracts. Beyond that, they have Isaiah Jackson and Cam Christie signed for two more years, while Yanic Konan Niederhauser has three years left on his rookie-scale deal.
In an increasingly cutthroat Western Conference, where does that roster leave them? More importantly, how many West teams can you confidently say would be worse than the Clippers in 2027-28 and 2028-29?
The Sacramento Kings, for sure. The Memphis Grizzlies, maybe. The Dallas Mavericks? The New Orleans Pelicans? Beyond that, it’s already unclear.
Until the NBA announces the results of the cap-circumvention investigation into the Clippers, the Sixers should cling to the Clippers’ unprotected 2028 first-round pick and the top-three-protected 2029 first-round swap unless they’re blown away by an offer. Perhaps the Clippers get off scot-free… but what if they don’t? The NBA has the right to take away multiple draft picks and/or suspend the Clippers’ front office executives.
If the Denver Nuggets are amenable to swapping Nikola Jokić and Joel Embiid with those picks attached, that’s one thing. But short of Jokić, Luka Dončić or Victor Wembanyama becoming available, it’d be a tough sell to give up a fully unprotected pick of a team that could easily be in the lottery in 2028 and 2029.
At this point, it seems clear that the Sixers are mostly building with the Maxey-Edgecombe era in mind. Those Clippers picks could be the crown jewel of that effort. They should act accordingly with those, particularly with Leonard now set to leave L.A.
Let's begin with the obvious and recurring theme of every summer: The NBA offseason never disappoints.
The official word has come down from the camp of King James; LeBron will be continuing his basketball career somewhere other than the City of Angels…but where? Let's run through a few of the candidates and the odds courtesy of DraftKings. We are not considering salary caps or James' salary demands. Those issues quickly become non-issues once an NBA star's intentions become known.
LeBron James Next Team: Long Shots
Heat (+1000)
As desperate as Pat Riley may be to win another championship, it's a safe assumption LeBron's departure from South Beach burned a bridge that has yet to be repaired.
Mavericks (+3000)
A second act featuring LeBron and Kyrie is appetizing only because it worked once…a long time ago. Frankly, though, it feels like it would be way too much to put on first-year Head Coach Dusty May and even more importantly would set back the maturation of the cornerstone of this franchise's future, Cooper Flagg. Hard Pass.
Knicks (+3000)
There was a time not long ago that Knicks’ fans were begging LeBron to call Madison Square Garden home, but those days are ancient history now that Jalen Brunson has brought the Big Apple its first NBA Title since 1973.
Nets (+4000)
Rumors that Jaylen Brown winds up in Brooklyn. Believable. LeBron James to a team that is currently irrelevant in terms of winning a championship? Not a chance.
76ers (+5000)
Lebron James has played in 201 regular season games over the last three seasons. Joel Embiid has played in 96. Doubtful they could co-exist in the same locker room.
Clippers (+5000)
I like those odds better than the Nets but no way he goes from ShowTime to the other team in town. Just not his way.
LeBron James Next Team: Favorites
Cavaliers (+300)
Would be too good to have the King end his historic run with another championship in his hometown. Can that relationship work again, though? Like many a family, there were ups and downs during the first two marriages. Ohio is holding out hope the leaders in the clubhouse can’t find a way to put all the pieces together.
Warriors (-500)
A dream come true for Adam Silver, NBC, and all broadcasting partners of the Association. The rumor gaining traction by the moment has LeBron and Anthony Davis joining Draymond and Steph Curry for what would appear to be a final run. Yes, there will be aches and sore joints that will accompany what surely will be one of the oldest starting 5’s in the history of the NBA, but a tremendous opportunity for Advil, Motrin, Icy Hot or all of the above to tie their brand to what will be must watch TV all season.
Arguably the greatest of all time, James now has the entire league to pick from. Whether his motivation is another ring, happiness or elevating youth won’t be clear until he makes another decision.
But what is clear is that the league’s landscape is altering once again, as the Lakers have a hole to fill alongside Luka Doncic. And the franchise is capable of landing any name it desires.
So, where should James take his talents to next? These five teams make the most sense, though his profile fits with any franchise:
Golden State Warriors
Let’s start with the most controversial. The Warriors are expected to be in the mix for James as he could potentially team with Steph Curry and Draymond Green, once his biggest rivals in the mid 2010s. Golden State could also make a trade offer for Anthony Davis, though Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are two contracts that would need to move off the books. Would such a move ruin James’ legacy? Or would playing alongside Curry and Co. elevate it more? It’s tough to see a possible team have the legs for a long championship run, but the rumors are there for a reason.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Going back to where it all started makes perfect sense, especially for a Cleveland team that is competitive and needs a true level-raising forward. Donovan Mitchell needs a true partner come playoff time, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are capable of doing the dirty work down low (potentially trading one for a different forward profile also makes sense). James Harden reportedly is also willing to return on a cheaper deal to help contend. With better depth options, Cleveland wouldn’t be far off from the top of the East. And seeing James in Cleveland’s colors just feels right.
Miami Heat
Speaking of reunions, Miami could be a perfect spot, too. With Giannis Antetokounmpo coming to town, the Heat have a true superstar to go with Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and Norman Powell. Erik Spoelstra is still the head coach and hasn’t lost his reputation of developing hidden gems. Miami’s clear roster hole is a pass-first playmaker. That’s the hole that James could fill as his legs wear down — and the Heat would instantly be a bigger threat because of it.
San Antonio Spurs
If another ring is the primary goal, James takes a shot in Texas. The Spurs are loaded with young talents, led by Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox and more. What killed San Antonio in the NBA Finals’ loss was not having enough veteran presence in clutch moments. Turnovers, poor shot selections and rushed moments all saw the New York Knicks take advantage with a 4-1 gentlemen’s sweep. James alleviates that with the Spurs also needing better forwards this summer. They also have the fresh legs on both sides of the ball to make it work.
Minnesota Timberwolves
An underrated ring-seeking option could be with the Timberwolves. On paper, their starting lineup would arguably be among the best in the league: LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, James, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. There’s the right mix of defending and playmaking for James to fit into. The real question marks involve the depth beyond that, though. Naz Reid was traded for Ball while Donte DiVincenzo will be out most of the season with an Achilles tendon tear. Still, the he level of starting talent is something to consider.
Honorable mention
Sacramento Kings: Should “The King” close his story out with the Kings? After all, his first NBA game took place in Sacramento.
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 19: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors against the Orlando Magic during Game Three of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at the Amway Center on April 19, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. The Raptors defeated the Magic 98 to 93. 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 Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Kawhi Leonard led the Toronto Raptors to one of the most improbable championships in NBA history back in 2019 during his only season with the franchise. Leonard would leave for the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency weeks later, and ever since both parties have failed to recoup the same level of success they enjoyed together.
The idea of Leonard returning to Toronto felt like it was never going to happen, but things can change fast in the NBA. Six years after they teamed up on an unforgettable run to the Larry O’Brien Trophy, Kawhi and Raptors are together again.
Toronto acquired Leonard from the Clippers in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-round picks, according to Shams Charania. We’ll update this post when the exact details on the picks are announced.
The Raptors believe they can compete to win the East again with Leonard in tow. The Clippers are rebuilding. Let’s grade this trade for both sides.
Raptors grade for Kawhi Leonard deal
Toronto returned to the playoffs last year after three years in the wilderness, and pushing an eventual conference finalist in the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first-round. The Raptors mostly did it with defense, riding a top-5 unit to 46 wins while the offense was league-average. If Toronto wanted to improve this year, they had to boost the offense without sacrificing the defense, and they did exactly that by landing Leonard.
Kawhi immediately fixes a lot of Toronto’s biggest issues if he can stay healthy. He gives them half-court shot creation, three-point shooting, and another ferocious wing defender who can roam off the ball as his younger teammates take on tougher assignments. Leonard quietly had one of the best years of his career at 34 years old last season, putting up a career-best 43.3 points per 100 possessions while also rebounding the ball as well as ever. He graded out as the fifth-best player in the league last season by EPM, and finished even better than that in a lot of other all-in-one advanced metrics.
You don’t need a fancy algorithm to tell you Kawhi is really good at basketball when he’s on the floor. He’s a super efficient scorer from all three levels who doesn’t turn the ball over, rebounds well, and can still be a terror defensively. It’s pretty amazing that Toronto was able to land him without really giving up much value.
Ingram had a nice year last season, but he was absolutely not on a team-friendly contract with $82 million owed to him over the next two seasons. Dick has mostly been a bust. This is all about Toronto giving up two future first-round picks and a pick swap. You can argue the Raptors are mortgaging their future to chase a championship right now with Kawhi, but he’s worth it as long as he can stay on the floor. It’s wild that the Raptors gave up more draft capital to get Kawhi in 2026 than they did in 2018.
The only risk here for the Raptors comes with Kawhi’s looming contract extension. He’s 35, and obviously he has a long history of not being healthy before this past season. Judging this move in a vacuum, though, it’s a home run for Toronto. I don’t know why other possible contenders didn’t get in on the bidding.
Raptors grade: B+
Clippers grade for Kawhi Leonard deal
It’s understandable that the Clippers didn’t want to give Kawhi a contract extension, and that made trading him an easy choice. His value was never going to get higher than it is right now after a terrific season. I’m just not sure the Clippers got the best deal they could have.
The bidding for Kawhi seemed like it was a bit depressed because he indicated he was only willing to sign an extension with the Raptors or San Antonio Spurs. My response to that: who cares! Leonard is so good that other contenders should have been trying to trade for him. We’ve already seen him lead a championship run as a rental, and it might actually be a good thing for another team that he won’t take a contract extension right now if his body breaks down again. I think Denver, Boston, Detroit, Philly, and more should have gotten in on the bidding. The Raptors’ offer wasn’t that strong.
My guess is the Clippers flip Ingram either at the trade deadline or next summer as an expiring contract. The two first-round picks are the real prize here, and the Clippers did well to also get a future pick swap.
The Clippers’ future rests on the shoulders of No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler, with Darius Garland as a sub-headliner, and now they have more future assets to continue to build around them. LA has a lot of work to do, but getting out of the Kawhi business is a smart move because they couldn’t compete for a title with him. They did well in this trade for an expiring contract.
Leonard, 35, had expressed a desire to stay with the Clippers, with whom he first signed with as a free agent before the 2019-20 NBA season. However, the Clippers had been reluctant to make a long-term commitment to the seven-time All-Star.
Leonard averaged a career-high 27.4 points per game last season and finished seventh in the NBA MVP voting. However, the Clippers finished with a 42-40 record and lost to the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament.
This move reunites Leonard with the Raptors. Leonard played just one season in Toronto, but it was a memorable one.
After spending the first seven seasons of his pro career and winning a championship in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs, Leonard was traded to the Raptors in 2018. He led the team on a historic run to the franchise's first-ever NBA title, defeating the Warriors in six games in 2019.
Leonard was named the NBA Finals MVP for the second time in his career but left at the end of the season to sign with the Clippers.
Kawhi Leonard has played for three teams during his 15-year NBA career. He played seven seasons with the San Antonio Spurs to start his career and then spent the 2018-19 season with the Toronto Raptors. He has played for the Los Angeles Clippers since the 2019-20 season.
Leonard averaged a career-best 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists with the Clippers during the 2025-26 season.
Kawhi Leonard Aspiration scandal
Though Leonard is leaving the Clippers, his legacy will remain behind in the form of the NBA's pending investigation into the franchise's conduct related to an endorsement deal Leonard signed after joining the Clippers. Leonard and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer have reportedly been interviewed as part of the investigation.
Leonard is alleged to have sign a no-show endorsement deal with Aspiration, a company that sponsored the Clippers, as a way to circumvent the NBA's salary cap and collective bargaining agreement. Though Ballmer has admitted to introducing Leonard to Aspiration's leaders, the Clippers have denied any allegations of illegal behavior concerning the NBA's CBA.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said at the NBA Finals that the league is close to wrapping up its investigation into the matter.
DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 12: Ryan Nembhard #9 of the Dallas Mavericks walks backcourt during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center on April 12, 2026 in Dallas, 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 GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks will exercise point guard Ryan Nembhard’s $2.2 million team option for the 2026-27 season, according to Marc Stein.
In his rookie season, he averaged 6.6 points on a shooting split of 41.5 field goal percentage/35.6 three-point percentage/80.6 free throw percentage, 5.3 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in 19.5 minutes across 60 appearances. Nembhard set an NBA rookie record with 23 assists in Dallas’ 2025-26 season finale against the Chicago Bulls.
The floor leader will play for the Mavericks during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada, starting on July 9 against forward Graham Ike and the Golden State Warriors.
That wasn’t the only recent news regarding the Nembhard family. Both Ryan and Indiana Pacers combo guard Andrew Nembhard, plus Italy’s Reyer Venezia forward Kyle Witjer, were named to the Canadian Senior Men’s National Team’s 16-man training camp roster before the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Canada will host Puerto Rico on July 3 and Jamaica on Jul 6 at the TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario.
Canada basketball reveals its training camp roster for FIBA World Cup qualifiers in July.
Notable NBA guys: – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Dillon Brooks – Nickeil Alexander-Walker – Kyshawn George – Andrew Nembhard – Ryan Nembhard pic.twitter.com/Y8PWcq1Vv0
The four-time NBA champion first joined the Lakers in the summer of 2018. Eight summers later, James is hanging up his Laker jersey for a new basketball home in the twilight of his career.
The sports world reacted. Many were shocked. Some saw it coming. Others didn't think it would actually happen. Yet, here we are.
James responded on an X (formerly Twitter) post.
"No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the (purple and gold) while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint," James wrote back.
No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. 🙏🏾🫡👑 https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0
Heartfelt messages of gratitude have poured in on social media, thanking James for what he brought to the game, particularly for the Lakers. He received messages from Lakers legend Magic Johnson, now-former teammate Luka Doncic and team president Jeannie Buss.
Buss's message spanned across eight lines in a post describing what the four-time MVP has meant to the franchise since arriving in 2018.
"LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Laker family," Buss wrote.
James will continue to decipher what his next journey in the league will look like. The NBA free agency period opens June 30 at 6 p.m. ET.
