The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $60 million contract with a free agent who’s also a former teammate of their superstar guard.
The franchise will sign former 76ers guard Quentin Grimes, who was an unrestricted free agent after one-and-a-half seasons in Philadelphia.
The Lakers are signing Quentin Grimes to a four-year, $60 million contract in free agency. NBAE via Getty ImagesGrimes, 26, played with Lakers star guard Luka Dončić for a brief period to start the 2024-25 season in Dallas. NBAE via Getty Images
Grimes, 26, played with Lakers star guard Luka Dončić for a brief period to start the 2024-25 season in Dallas after being traded from the Detroit Pistons to the Dallas Mavericks during the 2024 offseason.
The 6-foot-4 guard out of Houston, who was the No. 25 pick in the 2021 draft, has averaged 11.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists during his NBA career.
Grimes is coming off of averaging 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 2025-26 with the 76ers.
He’s coming off a down shooting year, making a career-low 33.4% of his 3-pointers, but has been a reliable perimeter shooter for most of his career.
Grimes shot 37.5% on 3s during his first four seasons in the league. He’s shot at least 38% on catch-and-shoot 3s in four of his five seasons.
Grimes is also a reliable corner 3-point shooter.
Free agent guard Quentin Grimes has agreed to a four-year, $60 million to join the Los Angeles Lakers, with a player option, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/5mcp4pULuD
At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, Grimes has shown he can be a strong perimeter defender, especially off of the ball when he doesn’t have lapses.
After starting his career with the Knicks before being traded to the Pistons ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, Grimes hasn’t spent more than one-and-a-half seasons with a single team.
The Pistons traded him to the Mavericks during the 2024 offseason. And then the Mavericks traded Grimes to the 76ers ahead of the 2025 trade deadline.
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 15: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on December 15, 2025 in Miami, Florida. 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 Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As the Lakers look to find shooting to put around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, they turned to one of the better stretch bigs on the market.
Just in: Free agent F/C Sandro Mamukelashvili has agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal to sign with Los Angeles Lakers, with a player option for the fourth season, sources tell ESPN. Big fully guaranteed deal for George Roussakis and Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports. pic.twitter.com/dN7L6K7SQm
The Lakers adding a big, along with reports of Walker Kessler’s signing, means the frontcourt depth has improved. There are likely moves still to be made, but the Lakers have two new frontcourt pieces this season.
Mamukelashvili is a good player who is a capable rebounder and can certainly stretch the floor. Last year with the Raptors, he shot 38.9% from 3-point range. That’s his best shooting season from beyond the arc, and he did it while taking 3.7 3-point attempts per game.
Overall, Mamu had a breakout season with the Raptors last year, averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. His ability to space the floor means he can play as a four and potentially as a five in small ball lineups. With Mamu, the Lakers should be able to play more two-big lineups while still spacing the floor.
At 27 years old, he’s also on the same timeline as Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, another positive sign. One of the overall themes of the Lakers in free agency this year is that they got younger overall.
His signing, paired with the other flurry of moves by the Lakers, almost guarantees that Rui Hachimura will not be back next season, something that has been in the cards since free agency started. Barring some sort of dramatic change or an unexpected change, the Lakers simply won’t have space under the first apron to retain Hachimura.
It all happened quickly this summer, but the Lakers landed a solid big who can space the floor, something the roster did not have last season.
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 10: Collin Sexton #8 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 10, 2025 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After completing a trade for Walker Kessler, the Lakers followed with a flurry of moves.
In a sequence of moves announced nearly simultaneously, the Lakers agreed to deals with Sandro Mamukelashvili and Quentin Grimes, then finished with a two-year, $19 million deal for Collin Sexton.
Free agent Collin Sexton has agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/S2MBPxTSH4
This deal will be for the Room Exception, meaning the Lakers are now out of spending power. The only signings they can make now are veteran minimum deals.
Room mid-level exception for Collin Sexton over two years. Excellent value for him.
Lakers exhaust all their spending power.
They can now make trades with their players under contract to further increase their payroll and upgrade the roster. https://t.co/LavuSTsFwx
With both Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard leaving in free agency, the Lakers had a need for backup guards. Sexton is still just 27 years old, so the team is also getting younger.
Last season, Sexton split his season between the Hornets and Bulls, averaging 15.4 points and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 48.5% from the field and 40.1% from the 3-point line. For his career, he’s a 38.9% 3-point shooter, but has been north of 39% every season since the 2022-23 campaign.
Sexton also has a great ability to get to the rim. Last season, 27.5% of his shots came within three feet while he shot 64.7% on those attempts. The only non-bigs on the Lakers to have a percentage higher than that on the Lakers last season were Adou Thiero in limited minutes and LeBron James.
The Lakers relied heavily on Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to create rim pressure last season, so adding Sexton certainly fills a need in that regard.
Sexton did spend a couple of seasons in Utah playing alongside Kessler, so there will also be a bit of chemistry there as well.
It all happened very quickly, so it’ll take time to digest, but the Lakers quickly made moves to add younger, athletic guards to the roster and surround Luka and Austin with shooting and playmaking on the perimeter, two areas the team lacked last season.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yeah, that might be a bit rich for our blood.
ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that Quentin Grimes will be signing a four-year, $60 million dollar deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, ending his Sixers tenure after two seasons. The Lakers were one of two suitors rumored to be interested in Grimes, along with the Miami Heat. The night before he signed, Jake Fischer reported again he expected Grimes to LA.
Free agent guard Quentin Grimes has agreed to a four-year, $60 million to join the Los Angeles Lakers, with a player option, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/5mcp4pULuD
Grimes’ eventual departure to LA was reported before the Sixers made any moves, but using part of their mid-level exception to sign Dean Wade all but sealed Grimes’ fate. Whether they signed Wade or not, that was probably not a number the Sixers were ever going to match. The Lakers have been big spenders so far this summer, also handing out deals to Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton.
With Grimes gone and Wade signed, the quickest breakdown of the Sixers’ cap situation is that they have $16.3 million to spend before hitting the first apron where they’re hard capped, plus the ~$6 million they have left on their mid-level exception after the signings of Wade and center Ariel Hukporti. They could also access the bi-annual exception ($5.5 million).
Grimes arrived in Philadelphia at the trade deadline during the 2024-25 season, but didn’t really get to play with the real version of this team until 2025-26. Averaging 21.9 points per game for the hospital Sixers appeared to set up Grimes pretty well for restricted free agency, but not many offers came Grimes’ way and he came back to the Sixers on the qualifying offer.
Despite a pretty up-and-down season, mostly in a sixth man role, Grimes was the only playable guard off the bench for the Sixers in the playoffs. He was great down the stretch in Game 5 of round one against Boston, but couldn’t string it together consistently as he shot 39% from the field in the playoffs.
LA will certainly provide a bigger role for Grimes than coming back to play with a backcourt of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Labaron Philon Jr, but the Sixers will miss his two-way ability should they not be able to replace it.
The Lakers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $52 million contract with free agent big man Sandro Mamukelashvili.
The Lakers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $52 million contract with free agent big man Sandro Mamukelashvili.
The 6-foot-9, 240-pound Mamukelashvili is coming off of a career-year with the Raptors.
His scoring average (11.2 points), field goal percentage (52.3%), steals average (.8) and blocks average (.5) with Toronto in 2025-26 were all career-best marks.
The Lakers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $52 million contract with free agent big man Sandro Mamukelashvili. Getty Images
Just in: Free agent F/C Sandro Mamukelashvili has agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal to sign with Los Angeles Lakers, with a player option for the fourth season, sources tell ESPN. Big fully guaranteed deal for George Roussakis and Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports. pic.twitter.com/dN7L6K7SQm
Mamukelashvili, the No. 54 pick in the 2021 draft, has emerged as a reliable three-level scorer, good passer and strong rebounder after playing for the Bucks, Spurs and Raptors.
While there are defensive concerns, he’ll likely be a reliable bench option who’ll play at the 4 or 5.
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 31: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball during the first half of the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 31, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Jazz 118-96. 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 Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.
The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.
This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.
Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade
Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.
Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.
Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.
This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.
Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.
The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.
Grade: D
Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade
Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.
Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.
This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 13: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks looks on before the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics have signed Mitchell Robinson to a 3-year, $47.4 million deal, ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported. Robinson was a crucial part of the New York Knicks’ championship team, particularly as one of the NBA’s premier rebounders. Robinson reportedly has a player option in the third season of his contract.
Last year, the 28-year-old averaged 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds, shooting 72.3% from the field. In his 8 seasons with the Knicks, he averaged 7.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in just under 24 minutes a game.
Free agent center Mitchell Robinson has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal to sign with the Boston Celtics, with a player option in third season, sources tell ESPN. Robinson departs the Knicks after serving a key role on the historic championship team. pic.twitter.com/tl3R6nlU1m
Robinson was the Knicks’ longest-tenured player; he was drafted 36th overall in 2018 and has been a key rotation player since. He was one of just two Knicks rotation players on the title team that was drafted by the franchise.
In the playoffs, he averaged 4.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 13.9 minutes, and secured a key offensive rebound in the closing seconds of the Knicks’ Game 5 championship-clinching win.
Through his career, Robinson has dealt with a slew of injuries, but he appeared in 60 games last season. He appeared in just 48 games in his previous two combined seasons.
What Mitchell Robinson’s signing means for Boston
Mitchell Robinson immediately bolsters the Celtics’ frontcourt and will be the team’s premier big, alongside Neemias Queta. More than anything, he brings rebounding to a Celtics squad that has heavily valued that skill set. The Celtics now have Robinson, Queta, and Luka Garza all at the center position.
Robinson’s rebounding numbers are ridiculous; he averaged 16.1 boards per 36 minutes per game. Last year, with him on the floor, the Knicks had a 37.9% offensive rebounding percentage, which was in the 99th percentile, per The Ringer’s Brian Barrett.
Robinson’s biggest weakness is free-throw shooting; he shot just 40.8% from the free-throw line last season, a career low. Robinson is routinely and intentionally fouled, and the Celtics will undoubtedly work with him on free-throw shooting to ensure he can stay on the floor. But, he’s one of the NBA’s top rebounding bigs and a true seven-footer, someone who immediately gives the Celtics depth at the big position and becomes the team’s best rebounder.
San Antonio TX, - June 25, 2026: Tarris Reed Jr.Talks to the media during the San Antonio Spurs Rookie Press Conference on June 25, 2026 at Victory Capital Practice Center, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This year’s rookie class is quickly endearing itself to Spurs fans, and perhaps none more so than 26th overall pick Tarris Reed. He clearly has the most personality of the bunch and has already produced several memorable moments. For example, as someone who is a weather nerd, I’ve always enjoyed when rookies (or anyone, really) arrives in San Antonio in the summer and is surprised by the heat. It happened with DeJuan Blair back in the day, and it happened again with Reed, who is already overwhelmed by it and appeared exasperated when told it would only get worse.
Spurs rookie Tarris Reed Jr. is already bracing for the South Texas heat.
“The heat is different out here. That’s another heat; I don’t know if I can handle it.”
Sorry, Tarris, but it’s true: this is just the beginning. South Texas summers are notoriously long, hot and humid. The average high will go up another 4-5 degrees (Fahrenheit) across the next few months, and there won’t be any relief until October at the earliest. You may have experienced heat waves growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, but it didn’t have the humidity mixed in for high heat indexes, where 95 degrees can feel like 110. Down here, it’s just a way of life.
Another moment that went viral was on draft night was Reed happened to have a Spurs teddy bear with him, which he said he got when he was 8-years-old while on the phone with someone (presumably Brian Wright or Mitch Johnson).
Tarris Reed Jr had a Spurs teddy bear with him on the night he was drafted 🥹
It was a cute moment (plus the mix-up of hats was funny — I get that it was initially Denver that drafted him, but where did the Boston hat come from?), and he got a chance to elaborate on it his first informal media session following summer league practice yesterday.
He was at Disney World in Orlando with his family (although now he’s saying he was 12 or 13), and they visited some NBA-themed restaurant, where he played the claw machine game and just so happened to win a Spurs teddy bear. He loved it at the time since this was still during the Big Three+Kawhi era, and he happened to notice it in his room when he was preparing for pre-draft workouts a decade later. That made him think how cool playing for the Spurs would be (although he wasn’t counting on it), but his mom still brought the bear to his draft viewing party. Then, low and behold, the Spurs traded up for him. It was as if density had been telling him its plan all along.
Tarris Reed Jr talks about his Spurs teddy bear:
“We took a trip to Orlando, we went to Disney world. We stopped by a restaurant.. I ended up playing the claw machine, and somehow someway I won, I had the Spurs teddy bear.
Reed isn’t the only player who has had his Spurs moments already. Jayden Quaintance managed to inadvertently make the entire room laugh at his introductory press conference when he said Tim Duncan was his grandfather’s favorite player, making everyone feel old. He was also seen letting his nerdy side out by trying to get Reed hooked on anime. (From David Robinson, to Duncan, Victor Wembanyama and now Quaintance, the Spurs tradition of picking nerdy big men continues.)
Jayden Quaintance says “Death Note” is the anime that can turn Tarris Reed Jr. into an anime fan
With this being the first time the Spurs weren’t in the lottery since 2019, this class’s arrival and getting around San Antonio has been a bit more subdued compared to recent years. However, they have certainly been enjoying themselves, from meeting legends to seeing the practice facility, Frost Bank Center, River Walk and more. If you want a behind-the-scenes view of all their draft night experiences, arrival and tour of San Antonio, check out this video from the Spurs. It’s sure to warm the heart (and provide some entertainment while we wait through what is proving to be a pretty boring free agency period so far, presumably while everyone waits for LeBron James to make a move).
Ariel Hukporti is leaving the Knicks to sign a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Hukporti's contract will pay him $3.4 million with the Knicks' Eastern Conference rivals.
Acquired in a draft night trade with the Mavericks in 2024, Hukporti played just 25 games as a rookie but saw his role expand in his second season, playing 54 games while averaging 2.2 points and 2.9 rebounds.
The 7-footer provided some quality depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, and also logged some key minutes during this year's championship run, averaging 10.8 minutes per game in the four-game sweep of the Sixers.
With Philadelphia, Hukporti will provide depth behind Joel Embiid and Adem Bona.
Fans celebrate outside of Wrigley Fieldin Chicago, on November 2, 2016. (Photo by Jim Vondruska/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
The City of Chicago holds deep pride in its sports teams. This is despite the fact that each franchise within the City has had a history of inconsistent success, at best.
However, if anyone has been paying attention recently, Chicago sports may be on the verge of a renaissance.
As we all know, the Chicago Bears have a talented young team that threatened an NFC Championship berth for the first time since 2010.
The Chicago Bulls have found an exciting Head Coach and General Manager combo to help lead a young/talented roster that recently added fourth overall pick, Caleb Wilson.
The Chicago Cubs are on track to make a second consecutive postseason, with one of the most electric young players in Pete Crow-Armstrong leading the charge.
The Chicago White Sox have surprised many by leading the AL Central 90 games into the season, sporting an exciting young core of Miguel Vargas, Colson Montgomery, and Munetaka Murakami.
The Chicago Blackhawks continue to stockpile talent, and have improved their record in each of the last two seasons and have playoff aspirations in 2026/27 during Connor Bedard’s age 21(!) season.
The Chicago Sky have been wheeling and dealing, turning over the roster dramatically after down years, and despite a poor record (and injuries) in 2026, a core of Kamilla Cardoso, Gabriela Jaquez, and Rickea Jackson looks promising.
The Chicago Fire sits third in the MLS standings through 14 contests, led by Hugo Cuypers’ 13 goals.
The Chicago Stars have had a difficult 2026 season after finishing last in the league in 2025. They currently have a 3-9 record.
Of the 8 professional sports teams in Chicago, an argument could be made for 7 of them having their arrow pointing up. Which got me thinking – could Chicago sports be a few years away from multiple championship contenders?
Which Chicago sports franchise will win a championship next?
This is a Chicago Bears blog, and I truly think that the Bears are poised to win a championship next among these teams. However, I am going to zag and make an argument for the….Chicago Bulls?
Look – I will take any and all grief thrown my way for choosing one of the two Jerry Reinsdorf franchises. Reinsdorf, the owner of the White Sox (until 2029-2033 when Justin Ishbia plans to take over) and Bulls, is not known for prioritizing winning, or more accurately put – spending.
With that said, his franchises have won in the past despite him, so while he may not be a reason they win, he is also not a complete roadblock either. As long as there are butts in seats…
My reason for choosing the Bulls is simple: the NBA is fully of parity at the moment. No other league can come close to sporting the distinction of 8 different teams in the last 8 years. The reason to me is clear – there aren’t any megastars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, or Michael Jordan to dominate the league, but an abundance of Stars to compete.
So the likes of Jalen Brunson, SGA, Jayson Tatum, Nikola Jokic, etc. are all excellent players, but they aren’t top 10 all time. This means that if the Bulls can find a “Star” level talent, they could quickly ascend to championship contention.
I think Caleb Wilson could be that “Star”.
Just a few weeks ago, Draymond Green (maybe not the most authoritative voice in the league) said Wilson’s floor is “Kevin Garnett”. We should all take this with a heaping pile of salt, but still, it shows what Wilson could be capable of. He’s young, motivated (I see you Dayo), has prototypical size, and is wildly talented. If he puts it all together, he could be a top-five player in the NBA before his third season. I am not going to bet against a highly drafted Tarheel in Chicago.
So, while my head says that the Bears are building a sustainable and competitive team that will absolutely compete for a Super Bowl, I think the Bulls could have a shortcut to the Larry O’Brien trophy on their team.
Let me know if I’m stupid, blind, ignorant, or otherwise in the comments, please.
Now it’s your turn! Who do you think will be the next Chicago franchise to win a championship? Sound off in the comments!
HOEDSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 13: A lion at a wildlife nature park on February 13, 2026 in Hoedspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been 12 hours since the start of free agency, and the biggest news is that a 41-year-old man will take his time to decide on where he plays next. I miss the good old days.
The Knicks’ offseason couldn’t have been calmer to date. New York stood pat to start free agency after inking three players to contract extensions, and that doesn’t look like it’s going to change all of a sudden, given the franchise’s self-imposed financial limitations and the impossibility of entering any sort of bidding war.
For those too young, this is what free agency felt like not very long ago.
If the Knicks want to create some flexibility, SNY’s Ian Begley (and everybody else) only sees one solution: trading Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, or Miles McBride, then make a competitive(r) offer to whoever. Even then, Robinson would still need to be the kindest soul on Earth to give New York the discount the franchise would need to bring him back, let alone after seeing the deals signed by other bigs elsewhere in the league (looking at you, Jock).
Speaking of financials, the Knicks appear to have a cost-cutting development plan in place for one of their youngest players. Auf Wiedersehen, sohn!
Given the rumors about a likely reunion between unrestricted free agent Jordan Clarkson and the Knicks, Sports Illustrated’s Steven Simineri questioned his fit with the Knicks after Jose Alvarado’s return. Simineri argues the Knicks may be better served using their remaining roster flexibility on frontcourt depth and wing shooting instead of adding another small guard to it. That’s right, but it’s also slim pickings in FA for the Dolan-led Knicks, so I wouldn’t oppose bringing Clarkson back, along with a big or two.
Coach Mike Brown dropped by the Roomates Show and revealed the most unexpected key contributor to the Knicks’ championship run. Here’s a spoiler-free tease. Can you guess him?
“Throughout the course of this run, I got help with the messaging from different people. I’m gonna tell you guys, you may know this or may not, [he] was fabulous.”
Remember when I told you to save $3 million for a basketball? Well, you can go burn that cash now.
Thanks to PW for letting me now about this, so I can ask you to ramp up your OG Anunoby fandom.
It’s been 23 years since he entered the L, but LeBron James remains as relevant as ever. Out of the blue, James’ future became the biggest story of free agency on Tuesday afternoon as the King declared himself available for all 29 franchises not named the Lakers, and announced his return for (at least) a 24th season in the Association. As much as you might love or hate the possibility of the Knicks landing James, it looks like New York is a mere spectator of the nth LBJ Sweepstakes.
The possibilities are endless this time, as James is seemingly chasing “happiness” over money, but the truth is we can narrow the field down to the Cavaliers (home, sweet home), Olden State (no typo), and Miami (#culture).
Newsday’s Steve Popper argued New York simply has no need to disrupt the championship core by signing LeBron. A sample:
“James deserves the farewell tour he wants. Maybe the Knicks’ biggest concern in this is that James takes his talents to someplace in the Western Conference rather than strengthening one of their competitors in the East. But the work for the Knicks as free agency was approaching Tuesday afternoon was on the fringes of the rotation. No need now to break up a group the rest of the league is chasing.”
If you ask me, and I stated it in yesterday’s post, I’d be down for it as long as he signs a vet-min deal and he’s willing to accept whatever Coach Brown — who he already played for during his first trip to the Finals in Cleveland nearly 20 years ago — demands from him, whether that’s a bench role or being on the court for 48 minutes a pop.
That won’t happen, though, so if you really ask me, then my ultimate flex move for LBJ to go for is signing with the Wizards and outdoing what Michael Jordan did there, which would be akin to a walk in the park for James and would smack the remaining GOAT-debate haters in the face, as meaningless as both MJ’s and LBJ’s time there was and would be.
For the record, the Wizards are my (hugely dark) dark horse to make the Eastern Conference Finals, as I said first when they grabbed AJ Dybantsa. Don’t come later saying I’m a bandwagoner when LeBron puts pen to the capital’s paper.
Now seriously, if you are a franchise owner or GM and you’re reading this and you want LBJ in your team, the very own Rich Paul publicly revealed the key to convince him.
Another blockbuster went down on Tuesday, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Clippers completed a deal to send Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto in exchange for a humongous and nonsensical package including Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, a pick swap, and two second-rounders. Add another contender to a long list of Eastern Conference candidates, and check Kento Kato’s breakdown later today to learn how the move impacts the Knicks.
With LeBron’s salary off the books and not planning to spend it on him again, the Lakers have ramped up their FA-market activity and are now linked to everybody and their mother. Marc Stein reported that OAKAAK Quentin Grimes has emerged as one of Los Angeles’ top free-agent targets alongside Sandro Mamukelashvili. Sister site Silver Screen and Roll considers the deals done.
Now, just hours after reports pointed to Detroit letting Jalen Duren go after his demands were considered outrageous, the Pistons are willing to match any and every offer sheet he gets, and they won’t even enter talks for potential sign-and-trade moves. Get your excrement together, folks.
Another former Knickerbocker, Tim Hardaway Jr., is heading to Miami on a $6.5 million deal in what could be the Heat’s biggest signing of the summer.
Shouts out to the Liberty sisters for beating Becky Hammon!
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 03: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 03, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Following a bounceback season in Los Angeles, Marcus Smart is set to earn a bit more money on his next contract. Unfortunately, it won’t be with the Lakers.
After opting out of his contract on Monday, Smart has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Houston Rockets, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Free agent guard Marcus Smart has agreed on a two-year, $13 million deal with the Houston Rockets, plus a player option for the second season, sources tell ESPN. The former Defensive Player of the Year reunites with Ime Udoka for significant opportunity in the Rockets backcourt. pic.twitter.com/NzfArD8zbF
The fairly modest value of this contract makes this a tough one to swallow for fans. Smart was a culture-setter for the team last season and losing him for just $13 million over two seasons feels like an insignificant amount in the NBA.
Perhaps the Lakers know more about his medicals than the fans do or perhaps they are just interested in a different or younger type of player next season. LA won in the long run last season after seeing a valued role player go to Houston and immediately become a bad contract, but this one doesn’t feel the same.
Smart worked his way into becoming one of the key pieces of the Lakers last season. After starting the year on the bench, Smart quickly moved his way into the starting lineup and became an integral part.
He ended up playing 62 games, more than he played in the last two seasons combined, and averaged 9.3 points and 3 assists per game. After battling injuries the last two years, Smart was more durable and showed up in the big moments.
Never was that more apparent than in the postseason. With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sidelined, Smart stepped up and played a huge part in the Lakers knocking off the Rockets in the first round. In 10 games, he averaged 12.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
In a bit of irony, it was the Rockets’ interest that first surfaced, making it clear he would opt out of his contract. It was a bit of a lose-lose situation for the Lakers with this contract as Smart would either play well and opt out or not play well and the team would be stuck with him in a second season.
LeBron James made 487 appearances during his eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers [Getty Images]
At the start of the 1997-98 season, then Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson told his players that it would be their last as the dynasty that dominated the NBA throughout their decade.
With NBA titles in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1997, Jackson set out to complete a second three-peat with a squad spearheaded by the trio of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.
Jackson labelled that season the Last Dance, which would later become the name of a popular Netflix documentary framed around that historic campaign.
The Bulls would win a sixth championship with Jackson, Jordan, Pippen and Rodman all then leaving Chicago.
Almost three decades later, and another of the NBA's all-time greats. LeBron James, is facing similar territory himself with his own last dance.
On Tuesday, the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player and 22-time All-Star announced he will be departing the Los Angeles Lakers after an eight-year stay.
At 41, James' next move is likely to be his NBA swansong but how did we get here and where could he next be playing?
LeBron's Lakers legacy
The first season of LeBron James and Anthony Davis together at the Los Angeles Lakers saw them end a 10-year wait to win the NBA Championship [Getty Images]
Between 2000 and 2010, the Lakers were one of the most dominant sides in the NBA. They won a three-peat between 2000 and 2002, finished runners up in 2004 and 2008 and then went back-to-back with titles in 2009 and 2010.
But by the time James had signed for them in 2018 following the end of his second spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Lakers had gone five straight years without reaching the play-offs.
The latter two of those were the first Lakers seasons since 1995-96 without legend Kobe Bryant, who had spent two decades and his entire NBA career in Los Angeles prior to his 2016 retirement.
There was a need for a talisman and a change of fortunes for the Lakers and in time, with James at the helm, they got exactly that.
Year one saw an improvement for the Lakers after a poor start to the season, but a groin injury sustained by James kept him sidelined for 17 matches. That run would prove costly as the Lakers fell 11 wins short of the play-offs.
The 2019-20 season would prove to be the turning point in a deeply emotional time for those connected to the Lakers on and off the court.
The arrival of centre Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans and a positional switch for James to make him full-time point guard would ultimately prove fruitful.
James pledged after Bryant's death to continue Kobe's legacy and months later, LeBron would do exactly that by delivering Los Angeles with its first NBA title in a decade.
James would be named the finals MVP for that series and in doing so, won over Lakers fans who had been longing for a hero following years of, at best, mediocrity.
While the Lakers have not won an NBA championship since, they have been a regular play-off side ever since and there was further success in the NBA Cup in 2023, during which James was named MVP.
He might not have left the trophy-laden success at the Lakers he will have wished for, but he departs having put the Los Angeles franchise back to where their reputation compels them to be.
Lakers exit inevitable but desire for more remains
Bronny James (left) has made 79 appearances for the Los Angeles Lakers since his 2024 arrival [Getty Images]
When James' contract with the Lakers was coming to an end in the summer of 2024, there was much speculation around whether he would stick with them and extend his stay, twist and move elsewhere, or stop playing altogether.
That summer did coincide with his son Bronny entering the NBA draft. The Lakers picked Bronny with one of the final selections of the second round.
Less than a fortnight later, James signed a two-year extension with the second year being optional.
The 2024-25 season led to not only LeBron and Bronny becoming the first father and son duo to play together in the NBA, but also the Lakers benefitting from one of the NBA's most surprising ever trade deals.
Both players were of stardust quality, but Doncic is six years younger and someone who the Lakers could pin their long-term future on, knowing James would inevitably depart at some stage.
Last season, the Lakers looked at their best for some time. Hopes of a deep run in the play-offs were dashed by a Doncic injury, but the Slovenian did finish as the regular season scoring champion for the second time in three years.
With James missing a quarter of the regular season, Doncic proved there could be life after LeBron. And therefore time now feels right for a James departure.
Where next for James?
Steph Curry and LeBron James were part of the United States team to win gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris [Getty Images]
Now to the fun part. What next for LeBron?
At 41, it would be surprising if this summer's switch is not the last of a career that started with the Cavaliers in 2003.
With career earnings from basketball alone thought be north of half a billion dollars, money may not necessarily be the motive for his next move.
A player of James' calibre, even at his age, rarely becomes available at what will be a likely affordable contract but the veteran, given his timeline, is surely going to want to move to a contending team to try and add to his four NBA titles.
Like the Cavs, another of James' former teams in the Miami Heat have also been suggested as a potential home.
A return to Florida would form a formidable starting five alongside fellow new signing and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and centre Bam Adebayo.
Given the Heat traded key members of their squad away to land Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee, a player of James' of calibre would add further scoring power and experience with Miami a team focused on a quick rebuild towards a title push.
Cleveland have been on an upwards trajectory with four straight visits to the play-offs, but have lacked the ability to go on a deep post-season run.
A move back to his home state of Ohio, should he play at forward, would form a strong starting line-up with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, one that would not lack talent or experience.
The Golden State Warriors are another team reportedly considering a move.
James and Steph Curry looked at home playing alongside one another during the United States' Olympic gold win in Paris two summers ago. They too are in need of a injection of quality after their worst season since 2019-20 last term.
Also linked are the Minnesota Timberwolves. They already have one of the league's new stars in Anthony Edwards who James also played with at the last Olympics.
They have reached the final four of the Western Conference in three straight seasons, but have never reached the NBA finals.
James remains a box office figure, on and off court. The coming weeks and months of deliberation over his future will cause considerable fanfare, let alone when he plays in new colours this autumn.
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round 1, Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 31, 2021 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 2021 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards are moving beyond the “deconstruction” phase, and look poised to make moves toward a playoff run. And given the news about them not being willing to let Anthony Davis go in a trade? That tracks.
In addition, the Wizards are interested in acquiring former Washington star Russell Westbrook, according to Marc Stein. Westbrook is an unrestricted free agent. He last played for the Wizards in 2020-21, where he led Washington to their last playoff berth in 2021, averaging a triple double.
If Westbrook were to sign with the Wizards, he would likely be a backup to Trae Young. Still, Westbrook can score, rebound and assist like crazy. He averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game last season.
Would you like to see Westbrook back with the Wizards? Let us know in the comments below.
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 10: Kel'el Ware #7 of the Miami Heat greets Kevin Love #42 before the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 10, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Yesterday, you were asked a simple question, youth or experience? It’s an age-old debate, one that cuts to the core of your roster-building philosophy. But the answer is simple: it’s both.
Having hit the reset button by trading the best player in franchise history, the Milwaukee Bucks are no longer the veteran-heavy team that they once were. In addition to losing Giannis, the Bucks no longer have Bobby Portis, and the days of those two, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Jrue Holiday suddenly feel like eons ago. Yet, even amidst that version of the team, the Bucks brought in vet after vet—George Hill, Wes Matthews, Joe Ingles, and a million other pros, who helped set the tone and knew how to win. And while it’s somewhat refreshing to start a new chapter in Bucks’ history with an infusion of youth and potential, Taylor Jenkins and his staff can’t raise them alone. For that, Milwaukee needs vets too. The right ones.
While they didn’t capture ultimate glory, the Bucks should take a leaf out of the San Antonio Spurs’ book. Yes, it was their youth—Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper—who drove their success, but they were supported by carefully selected veteran leaders. In fact, Marc J. Spears recently penned a piece on Bismack Biyombo, dubbing him the “perfect mentor” for Wembanyama.
But it doesn’t stop there. 14-year pro Harrison Barnes—once himself the prized young stud on a championship-winning team—was also a guiding force, as were Kelly Olynyk, acquired in a trade that sent a pair of 22-year-olds and a second-round pick to the Washington Wizards last July, and Mason Plumlee, who the Spurs signed in February after waiving Jeremy Sochan. Barnes notwithstanding, these sorts of players typically don’t play much—if at all—but they are pivotal in the development of young players; there’s a distinct difference between coaching and mentoring. Young players need both.
As things stands, which may very well be different by the time you read this, the Bucks have just four players 30 years of age or older: Myles Turner (30), Kyle Kuzma (31), Taurean Prince (32)—who somewhat surprisingly opted into his player option after the Giannis trade—and Gary Harris—who picked his up before it. Of course, there’s no guarantee that any of these guys are around for the entirety of this season and at least a couple of them don’t fit the culture-setting archetype a rebuilding team needs (I’ll let you be the judge on who).
All that said, here are some veteran targets the Bucks should look at in free agency:
Bigs
Kevon Looney
With the New Orleans Pelicans expected to decline their team option on him, Looney could return to his birth city and provide invaluable leadership and championship habits. He certainly has the adoration of his former coach, Steve Kerr, who raved about Looney’s leadership back in 2022:
Loon is incredible. This guy has so much wisdom. He’s so quiet that if you don’t pay attention, you may not realize that he has become the moral compass of our team. He’s a special human being. Special. And he was a key instrument in everything that we’ve had going the last week to try to get things back on track. I’ll ride with Loon forever. This is a special man.
Kevin Love
A former All-Star and All NBA player, Love has embraced a role as a veteran leader, most recently with the Utah Jazz. Prior to this, he served as a mentor to none other than Milwaukee’s newest big, Kel’el Ware, for which he received high praise from coach Erik Spoelstra:
A lot of vets don’t really want to accept that kind of role and that kind of transition and he has been able to do that gracefully. Those kind of guys are really necessary in this league. I wish there were more vets that would embrace that because with a younger league I think you do need that kind of mentorship, guys that can still do it, that can still play but then have that emotional stability to also pave room for a guy like Ware and Jovic.
Andre Drummond
The NBA’s preeminent rebounder for the best part of his career—and, yes, he’s still that good on the boards—Drummond’s physicality and “impeccable vibes” would be a welcome addition to the Bucks’ frontcourt.
Forwards
Jeff Green
“Uncle Jeff” has been in the league so long he once played for the Seattle Supersonics. He’s spent the last three seasons with the Houston Rockets and is a committed veteran presence, telling Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson that “it’s my duty and my job now to pass those teachings along to the young guys.”
Nicholas Batum
With the Los Angeles Clippers declining their team option on Batum, he’s now an unrestricted free agent and would be a near-ideal mentor for fellow Frenchman and recently resigned Ousmane Dieng, who has long drawn comparisons to him.
Khris Middleton
Look, it won’t happen, but what a fitting way this would be to send Khash off into the sunset. Once a young wing with upside, Khris could come full-circle to guide Nate Ament and the Bucks into their next era of success. A bloke can dream, right?
Guards
Mike Conley
Conley would be the ultimate veteran at guard, a high-character leader who can still play important minutes—just look at how he contributed in the playoffs. Unfortunately, he’s far more likely to stay in Minnesota or go to a contender.
Jevon Carter
At just 30 years old, Carter is a young vet, but has experience in Milwaukee and plays the tough, gritty defence that Jenkins will want from all of his players. Carter’s efforts weren’t lost on Orlando Magic teammate Desmond Bane, who spoke highly about his winning habits:
He’s a hard worker and cares about winning. When you work hard, and the only thing on your mind is winning, it’s hard not to respect people like that. I think he has come in and given us exactly what we needed.
Garrett Temple
Despite only once averaging over more than 8.4 PPG, Temple has played 16 years in the NBA. That doesn’t happen by accident. In fact, seven years ago, Temple was being praised for his leadership, earning him the nickname “President” with the Brooklyn Nets. It’s a role he embraces too:
I’ve honestly kind of been that on every team I’ve been on since Sacramento. I take pride in that. The coaches let me know they want me to have that role, which is something I don’t take for granted. I want to make sure I go out there night-in and night-out and in practice and play the right way, try to be a pro. That’s the biggest thing is show these young guys how to be pros. Talent plus professionalism makes for great careers, makes for long careers.
Doesn’t he know it?
What do you think, Brew Hoopers, should the Bucks pursue one of these veteran leaders, or are their current veterans fit for the job? Check out the NBA’s Free Agent Tracker for other potential fits and share your thoughts in the comments.
