CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 14: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026 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. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, ladies and gentlemen, the Suns made their first move outside of re-signing their key free agents, trading for Miles Bridges to address a need. Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale were shipped out in the deal.
BREAKING: The Charlotte Hornets are trading Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and a 2033 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/vjcR7AdwSD
In this deal, the Suns also sent out their 2033 unprotected first-round pick, which just became trade-eligible this offseason. In return, they pick up a 2029 first that was originally sent via Phoenix for Mark Williams last year and a 2027 second that is either Boston’s or Orlando’s, balancing the cost of the move.
They traded their 2033 first for a pick they originally traded to Charlotte just last year to get Mark Williams….
The plan for Phoenix in this is to save money by trading both Allen and O’Neale’s deals while bringing in a power forward to fill a position of need and streamline the roster.
Suns go from about $5M under their second-apron hard cap to $11.3M under their second-apron hard cap by swapping Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale for Miles Bridges.
This is factoring in estimates for Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin and Mark Williams.
The Suns have also been linked to Bridges in the past, suggesting they still have interest. With Charlotte trading LaMelo Ball earlier this week, they are looking to shake things up, and Bridges was one of the other dominoes to fall.
The Suns nearly traded for Miles Bridges two seasons ago, before the 2024 trade deadline, when Bridges was on a one-year qualifying offer with Charlotte. Phoenix has coveted the Michigan State product for some time.
For the Suns, this will bring in someone with an expiring contract, allowing them to test out how Bridges fits in the system and evaluate whether he is a long-term fit. If he does not re-sign, they can then have some freed-up cap space to make more moves next offseason.
The discourse surrounding this trade will resonate with some of the off-court antics Bridges has had in the past. This has led many to oppose the trade, while still understanding it from a business perspective. Only time will tell if Bridges can work on his past off the court, and if he can do so while producing on the court, the Suns could very well benefit.
One thing is clear, though: trading Allen and O’Neale shows they believe in the young guys they have. Players like Rasheer Fleming, Koa Peat, and Ryan Dunn are expected to see increased run time with both veterans being shipped out, and that supports how the team looks to build for the future. With this move, the Suns also free up a roster spot, allowing them to look in free agency to make an addition on the edges.
It is sad to see both Allen and O’Neale go, as they truly gave it their all in Phoenix. They had delivered great moments to the fans and made memories we won’t forget. That being said, the NBA is a business, and sometimes that can be cold, especially in a moment like this. Best of luck to them both in Charlotte, and I cannot wait to see how they help out the Hornets.
The Suns are sending Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and a 2033 first-round pick to the Hornets for Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and 2027 second-round pick, the Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin has confirmed.
Bridges has spent the first eight seasons of his NBA career with Charlotte. He averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season.
Allen, also an eight-year NBA veteran, has spent the last three seasons in Phoenix. He led the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage in his first year with the Suns. This past season, he averaged a career-high 16.5 poitns per game.
O'Neale, a nine-year vet, scored a career-best 9.8 points per game last season with the Suns.
Hargitay, best known for her work in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” is acting in solo show “Every Brilliant Thing” through July 5.
Brunson and his wife, Ali Marks, attended the performance at Hudson Theatre, and the Knicks star reportedly got a standing ovation during one point in the show.
According to People, there is a part of the production in which Hargitay’s character looks through a box of items.
Jalen Brunson supported Mariska Hargitay at her new Broadway show “Every Brilliant Thing” on June 26, 2026. Bruce Glikas/WireImageJalen Brunson (l.) and wife Ali (second from r.) pose for a photo with Mariska Hargitay (second from l.) and her husband Peter Hermann (r.) on June 26, 2026. Bruce Glikas/WireImage
On Friday, that box included a Brunson Knicks jersey, leading the crowd to go wild for the point guard.
Brunson, who has spoken about his big “SVU” fandom, has developed a close friendship with Hargitay and visited her backstage after the show alongside Marks. Hargitay’s husband, Peter Hermann, was also present for the meet-up.
“It was so sweet,” a source told People. “He was congratulating her and telling her how much he loved the show. She was so thrilled he was there. You could see how much admiration they have for one another.”
Jalen (r.) and Rick Brunson (l.) celebrate with Mariska Hargitay (c.) on a float during the Knicks’ championship parade on June 18, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York PostHargitay, seen next to Taylor Swift, was an ever-present during the Knicks playoff run IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
While the Knicks’ Celebrity Row is always filled with A-listers, none of them seem to hold a candle to Hargitay when it comes to Brunson.
He previously admitted that he looks for her during every home game.
“Love her to death [and] she knows it,” he said on “The Richard Jefferson Show.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 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. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last summer, the Lakers’ acquisition of Marcus Smart wasn’t initially considered a home-run deal.
However, the Lakers believed he’d bounce back and be a winning player again in their environment. They were right.
Now, that deal he signed with the Lakers seems like a bargain, and Smart might think so as well.
In a recent report on The Stein Line, Marc Stein and Jake Fischer explained which team is likely to consider picking up Smart if he opts out of his deal.
The Rockets do, however, loom as a possible free agent destination for another one of Udoka’s former players in Boston: Marcus Smart.
League sources say that Smart, who is expected to draw interest from Houston and possibly other teams in free agency, is very much giving consideration to declining his $5.4 million player option for next season with the Lakers before Monday’s deadline to do so and then proceed to the open market.
This is a tough situation for the Lakers. Losing Smart to the Rockets, the team they eliminated from the playoffs, would be awful. From the Rockets’ perspective, they’d love Smart. They clearly lack dependable guard play, and Smart would enter right away and be one of their best backcourt players.
This move would make Houston better and LA worse, and replacing what Smart did at $5.1 million last year is next to impossible.
He played in 62 games for the Lakers last year. It was the most he’s played since the 2021-22 season when he was the Defensive Player of the Year. He also started in 51 games, making him one of the most important players on the roster.
It’s important to note that this report doesn’t say he will leave, just that he’s considering it. The Lakers reportedly want Smart back, and that could still happen whether he opts in or out.
Still, it’s not an ideal scenario for the Lakers, and they’ll have to see how it plays out. Hopefully, Smart stays one way or another. He was arguably LA’s third-best player last year, and losing him wouldn’t make the Lakers a better team.
Khalid Robinson couldn’t leave basketball. But he never knew coaching would be in his future.
When Robinson stepped foot on Fordham’s campus, his plan already was known. Robinson, a Political Science major, had his sights set on law school until he began studying for the LSATs.
“I just realized this is not what I’m passionate about,” Robinson said to NBC Sports Bay Area. “And I said, ‘What in life am I passionate about?’ It’s basketball. That’s kind of where and when I decided to make the shift to try and get into coaching.”
Robinson walked onto Fordham’s basketball team as a sophomore after taking one year off as a player. The New York native describes his old playing style as a “do-it-all, high energy player.” Willing to make the right play, do the dirty work, crash the glass and be a fierce defender, Robinson played 40 games in four years at Fordham and started six of them.
He scored a total of 13 points in his college career, yet earned the respect of teammates and coaches so much that Robinson was named a team captain in each of his last two seasons. Even then, all the traits of what it takes to be a great coach were clear.
Now as he enters his 11th season with the Warriors, Robinson is about to step into a new role as the team’s NBA Summer League head coach. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr met with Robinson after the season ended and told him the news, and that he thought manning the sidelines throughout summer league would be a great opportunity for Robinson’s personal and professional career development as the next challenge.
Naming Robinson as the Warriors’ summer league head coach falls in line with how Golden State has gone about business in getting coaches to the next step. Like the Warriors’ last three summer league head coaches, Jacob Rubin, Anthony Vereen and Lainn Wilson, Robinson has gone from being a video intern a decade ago, to one season as assistant video coordinator, six seasons as special assistant to the head coach and was promoted to assistant coach going into the 2024-25 NBA season.
As Robinson, 35, prepares for his first chance to be a head coach, he has picked the brains of Rubin, Vereen and Wilson about their experiences, including what they would have done differently after going through the process, along with communicating with Kerr about what he wants to get done in the summer to help get ready for next season. The best advice he has received is probably the most obvious.
“Keep it simple,” Robinson says. “It’s a new group that for the most part hasn’t played with each other, so simpler is better. Simple allows the guys to play harder with more focus. You just want the guys to be organized. If they’re organized, they can play harder and be more effective.”
All eyes will be on Warriors first-round 2026 NBA Draft pick Yaxel Lendeborg, who does plan on playing in summer league. Lendeborg went through an ankle sprain and left knee bone bruise during Michigan’s title run but says he’s fully healthy now after taking four weeks to heal.
Lendeborg is a seasoned 23-year-old who will turn 24 on Sept. 30. The challenges the Warriors are placing on him this summer aren’t so much about numbers. They aren’t interested in him taking a certain number of shots or scoring a certain number of points. The goal in getting him up to speed to play significant minutes early on is becoming a Warrior in every way possible.
“First, it’s just adapting to the concepts that we’re trying to teach this summer and the things we’re trying to get better at,” Robinson said. “And I think it’s also just challenging him to be an all-around great defender on the ball and off the ball. He has great instincts and great feel. … Offensively, just being who he is – getting to the rim, being aggressive taking and making open threes and using his playmaking.
“Yaxel has a lot of facets to his game that can help us, and we’re going to challenge him to bring that every day in practices and games, and to do it with consistency.”
Robinson wants his team to be a connected group that has great communication. He wants them to be very physical defensively to take away easy buckets and play fast in transition. What he really wants is for them to build an identity that represents the Warriors’ culture.
Summer league records aren’t indicative of a team’s success in the NBA season. Development is the main priority. Wins and losses can get thrown to the side, for the most part. Winning also can’t become an afterthought.
“It’s a mix of both,” Robinson says. “We want to develop our guys and help them get ready for preseason and next season, but we want to win. We want to establish this culture. We’re about winning here, and when these guys come in, we want them to know what we’re about. We’re going into this thing like we want to win. We want to develop and get these guys better on individual skills and team concepts.
“But we want to win games. Building these habits of consistent competition and playing to our identity is part of it.”
Does that sound like somebody who could have said goodbye to basketball when his playing days ended? That alternate reality still pops into Robinson’s head without a second of regret. Robinson isn’t someone who would thrive sitting at a desk all day. He needed to be around players and coaches. He needed the Warriors, like they’ve needed him more every year.
“Ron Adams always talks about coaches being teachers in a way,” Robison remembered. “It allows you to help teach people, and you learn from them in the process, you learn from players in the process. I ended up in the right place.”
Robinson’s head-coaching debut begins Friday night at Chase Center as the Warriors take on the Los Angeles Lakers in the California Classic.
In the blink of an eye, the Boston Celtics went from rumored “front runners” in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes to the unknown aftermath of tossing franchise star Jaylen Brown into the spotlight of trade rumors.
Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens was willing to part ways with Brown alongside two future first-round picks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, before the Miami Heat swooped in and landed the Greek Freak instead. Since then, Stevens expressed his empathy for Brown during his NBA Draft press conference on Tuesday, acknowledging the national attention the 2024 NBA Finals MVP has drawn in recent weeks.
It’s become a situation the organization itself created. Stevens did his due diligence as the front office’s head honcho by peeking into the cost of bringing Giannis to Boston. That’s fine. The issue is that the Celtics got so deep into the negotiations that they put themselves in a must-win race against Miami. Taking the possible ramifications into consideration should’ve been enough to ensure Antetokounmpo would become a Celtic this offseason.
Yet, while Giannis gets settled in South Beach with Pat Riley and Bam Adebayo, Stevens and the Celtics can only watch as Brown deals with the spotlight that remains on him. The optics of another Boston pursuit with a superstar, in which Brown is the centerpiece of a Celtics offer, don’t bode well for the franchise from an outside perspective.
Last season, Brown did his job — really, really well actually. Even without the assistance of Jayson Tatum for the first 62 games of the season, Brown turned doubt into fuel in two ways: first, by becoming a league MVP finalist and then by turning the unproven Celtics into a 56-win contender. Brown made the ultimate best of Boston’s yard sale last offseason, all without any complaints. He took the likes of Hugo González, Neemias Queta, and Jordan Walsh all under his wing and filled the entire locker room with confidence after their 0-3 start.
BOSTON, MA – MAY 2: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2026 at TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Brown led the Celtics to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, turning a roster viewed as a team built to tank into the NBA’s third-best.
At every turn imaginable, whatever the Celtics have needed from Brown, he’s delivered. From coming off the bench as a lottery selection his rookie year, to playing selfless basketball with Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday in exchange for a championship. Brown has always been a team player, despite his vented frustrations throughout the years.
Therefore, it’s time the Celtics do the same in the aftermath of their failed run at acquiring Giannis.
Brown hasn’t escaped the rumor mill. Each day, another report surfaces with all signs pointing toward the Celtics still fielding offers. According to HoopHype’s Michael Scotto, the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, and Los Angeles Clippers are among those interested in Brown. The New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, and Orlando Magic, too, had expressed previous interest but are no longer viewed as teams “in the mix.”
Stevens was already weighing enough risk in pursuing Giannis — like durability and committing to Boston — and that was for a two-time MVP. But of the six teams reportedly linked to Brown, including the three no longer viewed as suitors, none bring anything to the table like the Milwaukee Bucks did with Giannis. So realistically, any Brown swap would be a downgrade from what the Celtics could’ve had with Giannis, making the best route simple: clean up whatever feelings may or may not exist with Brown and stand pat.
Trading Brown for a Giannis-like haul headlined by future first-round picks doesn’t help the Celtics get the most out of Tatum’s prime or extend their title window. For the Bucks, it made sense. For the Celtics, it’s a head-scratcher. Boston and Milwaukee are, by no measure, in the same position this offseason. Therefore, the Celtics should operate accordingly.
If Brown is undervalued by the trade market, then there’s no point in parting ways for the sake of avoiding a difficult conversation. Brown has been a member of the Celtics and an invested fixture in Boston’s community for the past decade. Stevens coached him as a rookie and has been by Brown’s side every step of the way throughout his career. This isn’t a Kyrie Irving situation, as there’s a relationship worth going the extra mile to salvage.
Brown and Tatum — at the very least — keep the Celtics competitive when together. That’s the baseline. Depth and playstyle are adjustments that can be made without splitting the two up, so what’s the case for doing so? Unless Brown forces the situation similar to Antetokounmpo’s with Milwaukee, the Celtics are better off staying neutral and signing Brown to the two-year, $142 million extension he’s eligible to ink in July.
It’s up to Stevens to make sure that by the time the Celtics suit up and open the season in October, they do so better than they did last season. For the time being, nothing suggests that trading Brown leads the team to that destination.
BOSTON - 1987: Alvan Adams #33 of the Phoenix Suns lookst to make a move against Larry Bird #33 of the Boston Celtics during a game played in 1987 at the Boston Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1987 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome back to our series connecting the Phoenix Suns and the FIFA World Cup. Last time, we explored the franchise’s origins: from its first steps to its first moments of glory, and the players who laid the foundations of one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises. Today, we’re traveling back once again to dive into a pivotal decade in Suns history: The 1980s.
1982: A Franchise Stuck in Limbo
In 1982, the Suns were coming off a stretch where they had flirted with greatness without ever truly establishing themselves among the league’s elite. Their 46-36 record reflected a solid, competitive team that simply couldn’t take the next step. Phoenix was good — sometimes very good — but rarely spectacular. It was the story of the franchise at the time: three consecutive trips to the Conference Semifinals ended in three straight eliminations, despite posting the two best regular-season records in franchise history (55 and 57 wins).
On the floor, the team still revolved around its star duo: Dennis Johnson and Alvan Adams. Johnson remained Phoenix’s go-to scorer, an elegant, smooth offensive weapon capable of catching fire at any moment. Adams, meanwhile, continued to redefine the center position with his intelligence and creativity, orchestrating the offense from the high post. Averaging 4.5 assists per game as a center was almost unheard of at the time.
The Suns reached the playoffs once again but were swept out of the Conference Semifinals by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and the Lakers. Another frustrating ending, perfectly symbolizing a team trapped in basketball’s gray area: too good to collapse, not quite good enough to contend, yet consistently among the league’s strongest regular-season teams.
Meanwhile, the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain marked a turning point in football history. It was the first tournament to feature 24 teams, the first to introduce a second group stage, and one of the most emotionally memorable World Cups ever.
It featured Zico, Falcão, and Sócrates’ legendary Brazil side — widely regarded as one of the greatest teams never to win the World Cup. It also showcased Paolo Rossi’s Italy, which went from struggling in the group stage to lifting the trophy after an incredible run.
And then there was France – West Germany in Seville: a heartbreaking semifinal that became one of football’s greatest classics. France would have to wait two more years before winning its first major international trophy at Euro 1984.
The tournament was also remembered for one of football’s biggest scandals: West Germany vs. Austria. With the result benefiting both teams, they effectively eliminated Algeria despite Algeria’s remarkable campaign. The infamous “Disgrace of Gijón” remains one of the darkest moments in World Cup history.
1986: Rock Bottom
By 1986, the Suns were living through one of their darkest chapters in franchise history.
The decline had been gradual. Key veterans had left over the previous years (Robinson, Johnson), while Alvan Adams was no longer the player he once was. Head coach John MacLeod appeared to be losing control of the locker room, and Phoenix’s record kept getting worse season after season. After nearly a decade of consistent success, the Suns would miss the playoffs for three straight seasons.
Their 32-50 record summed up a miserable campaign that was plagued by injuries, internal tension, and a year later, the franchise would be shaken by a major scandal involving players connected to illegal drugs and sports gambling. It became one of the controversies that damaged the NBA’s reputation during the decade.
On the court, Walter Davis remained the face of the franchise, but he was largely on his own. Larry Nance was the other bright spot: an explosive power forward, elite defender, and one of the league’s most spectacular finishers above the rim. Around them, however, the roster lacked depth, stability, talent, and direction.
The Suns predictably missed the playoffs and entered a forced rebuilding phase. The organization needed to rebuild not only its roster, but also its identity and public image. Funny how, regardless of the era, history always seems to repeat itself in one way or another…
Meanwhile, the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico belonged to one man: Diego Maradona.
His tournament was nothing short of legendary. The Goal of the Century. The Hand of God. Complete domination from start to finish. Argentina captured its second World Cup title behind a player who transcended football itself to become one of the greatest sporting icons of all time.
A legendary World Cup. Maradona’s World Cup.
1990: The Rebirth Begins
1990 marked a turning point for the Suns. After years of struggling, Phoenix was finally back. Their 54-28 record reflected a team that had undergone a complete transformation over the previous two seasons — ambitious, exciting, and ready to become one of the Western Conference’s top contenders throughout the decade.
The reason? A brilliantly executed rebuild, a front office making all the right moves, and above all, the arrival of head coach Cotton Fitzsimmons, who completely changed the franchise’s trajectory.
On the court, Phoenix featured one of the league’s deepest and most balanced rosters with their backcourt, wing, and paint talent.
Kevin Johnson led the backcourt alongside the reliable Jeff Hornacek, while Dan Majerle provided a major spark off the bench. Johnson earned an All-Star selection, All-NBA Second Team honors, and posted the best playmaking season of his career: 11.4 assists per game, a 3.16 assist-to-turnover ratio, a 44% assist percentage, and just a 15.6% turnover rate. He also delivered several unforgettable performances, including games with over 20 assists, multiple 40-point outings, and two triple-doubles.
Off the bench, Eddie Johnson finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting after averaging 17 points and four rebounds per game, bringing instant scoring and physicality on the wing.
Then there was Tom Chambers, Phoenix’s undisputed star, entering the new decade. He averaged 27 points and seven rebounds per game, finished in the Top 10 of MVP voting, earned another All-Star selection, and was on the All-NBA Second Team. His explosiveness, elite finishing ability, and devastating transition game made him one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.
Meanwhile, the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy became one of the most defensive tournaments in football history. Only 115 goals in 52 matches, a cautious style of play that would force FIFA to change certain rules, including banning goalkeepers from picking up a deliberate back-pass from a teammate with their hands, in order to make the game more attacking.
Goals were scarce, tension was everywhere, but the tournament had a unique charm: unforgettable Italian atmospheres, iconic jerseys, and some of the game’s biggest stars.
Matthäus, Vollër and Kohler led West Germany to its third World Cup title, while a battered Diego Maradona somehow carried Argentina all the way back to the final.
A gritty, contrasting World Cup that helped shape modern football.
The decades keep passing, and yet the story often feels familiar. Phoenix is still a young franchise by NBA standards, but it continues to make a strong impression. The championship still isn’t there, but the level certainly is. The cycles come and go, and each rebuild is carefully managed, allowing the team to remain competitive year after year. The future looks bright…or does it? We’ll find out in Episode 3
EL SEGUNDO, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Chris Mañon #30 of the South Bay Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Stockton Kings on February 28, 2026 at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After a standout season in the G League, the Lakers have tendered a non-qualifying offer to two-way guard Chris Mañon, making him a restricted free agent.
Mañon earned G League First Team All-Defense honors with the South Bay Lakers last season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have tendered a two-way qualifying offer to Chris Manon, a league source told @spotrac.
Manon will now be a restricted free agent this summer.
In his rookie season, Mañon was effectively a non-factor with the parent Lakers after signing his two-way deal, scoring just seven points in nine games and never playing outside of garbage time. In total, he played just 46 minutes in the NBA last year.
However, in the G League, he saw far more time, playing in 46 games with South Bay. While he still had a limited offensive role, scoring 11.6 points per game but shooting 31.5% from the 3-point line, he made his name on the other end of the floor.
Mañon finished the year averaging 2.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game and earned the reputation as one of the best defenders in the G League. On top of his First Team All-Defense honors, he finished second in voting for G League Defensive Player of the Year.
The need for a reliable offensive game still trumps his defensive ability, no matter how great it is. However, his elite defense also makes him an intriguing two-way candidate. That being said, Mañon is 24 years old and while that’s certainly not a finished product, it’s also pretty late in a basketball career to suddenly find or develop offensive skills that haven’t existed before.
For the Lakers, it’s an easy move to tender the non-qualifying offer and make him a restricted free agent. They can always pull the offer at any time if a more intriguing two-way option becomes available.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the fifth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler after he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers. | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
In this episode of Oskee Talk I’m reunited with TCR’s Pleas Honeywood to break down:
Keaton Wagler going to L.A. (6:56)
Concerns about Wagler’s athleticism at the next level (11:12)
Wagler’s historic freshman season in Champaign (16:30)
Men’s basketball’s “recruiting sell” (23:06)
We also discuss:
Other notable picks from the NBA Draft (25:19)
Why the “new” draft format was terrible (38:08)
NBA futures for Kylan Boswell and Ben Humrichous (45:37)
The ripple effect of Dusty May’s departure and how the Illini can take advantage (56:42)
Illinois’ meeting with UNC (75:46)
Hoops’ non-conference schedule so far (89:55)
Click below to listen!
How do you think Keaton Wagler will fare in the NBA? Does the road to the B1G title run through Champaign?Join the conversation! Comment below and make sure to subscribe to Oskee Talk wherever you find your podcasts!
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 05: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum on April 05, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
But as Luka Dončić has reportedly communicated, not just any center would suffice, he wants the Lakers to acquire an “A-list” center this summer.
Although the duo of Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes did a serviceable job shoring up the position, the playoffs proved there is an echelon of big needed to succeed. Finding an upgrade, however, may prove more difficult than previously expected.
Multiple potential targets have already changed teams or agreed to stay with their current organization. And while there is still hope the Lakers can land one of Walker Kessler or Jalen Duren, there are serious hurdles standing in their way.
If the team strikes out on those big fish as well, the Lakers may find themselves back at a familiar name — Myles Turner.
Given how many times he’s been linked to Los Angeles over the years, Turner is essentially an honorary Laker at this point. But will this offseason finally be the time he officially wears purple and gold?
Let’s look at the pros and cons.
Pros
While Turner would not be any Lakers fans’ preferred outcome, there are potential positives in acquiring him worth examining.
Despite some slippage this past season, Turner still offers an intriguing skill set that may be even more desirable given who sits atop the Western Conference.
Turner remains one of the NBA’s premier floor-spacing bigs as more than half of his shots (54%) came from behind the arc last season. He not only converted them at a healthy rate (38%), but, compared to the Lakers’ roster last year, his 147 made 3’s would have finished second behind only Dončić.
Beyond adding a much-needed new element to the Lakers’ offense, the ability to proficiently play five-out could be critical in postseason matchups with the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder in particular, as it would force Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren away from the paint.
Although not the same defender as he was in Indiana, Turner could also still provide value for the Lakers on the other end as well.
Behind his steady block numbers (84th percentile) and timing, the Bucks allowed 7.2 points less on defense when Turner was on the floor compared to off. Opposing teams also attempted 3% less of their shots at the rim and shot 4% worse once there when the big man patrolled the paint. Turner’s ability to be a deterrent would be welcome for a Lakers team that allowed the second-highest field-goal percentage at the rim during the regular season.
There could also be unique off-court value to Turner compared to other options.
After dealing Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks will likely be open to trading the veteran center as they enter their rebuild, especially after acquiring Kel’el Ware. And given Turner’s contract (more on that later), the asking price would be far less than other starting fives on the market.
Adding Turner’s upcoming $26 millon to the books would take a large chunk out of the Lakers’ cap space this summer, but the team could alleviate the hit by shedding their own unwanted salaries in a potential deal.
For example, the Lakers could send roughly $16 million between Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht to Milwaukee in a Turner swap. That would be a much more palatable $10 million clip to their spending power. If they also want to part ways with Jake LaRavia, Turner would only be adding $4 million to their cap sheet this upcoming year. And if it’s Ayton instead of LaRavia, the cap hit would only be a negligible $2 million difference.
If any of these iterations actually occur, this would allow the Lakers enough money left over to address other needs on the roster. They can make a competitive offer to Peyton Watson. They can add more center depth by signing Mitchell Robinson or Robert Williams. They can split up that money and sign multiple players to fill out their bench. All options that would not be possible if they sign either Kessler or Duren to a max deal.
Cons
The downsides of trading for Turner are simple.
While his shooting would add an intriguing wrinkle to the Lakers’ offense, it may not jive with the Lakers’ pick-and-roll-heavy playcalling. Turner’s popping would be helpful, but Dončić has thrived playing with centers who could roll and finish over the top. He has also made his desire for a lob threat clear in the past. Turner is not that.
According to the league’s tracking data, Turner converted just 44.9% of his pick-and-roll chances with the Bucks. He also made a suboptimal 52.3% of his 2-point shots overall (22nd percentile among bigs). For comparison, Ayton finished 65.8% of his pick-and-roll looks and a tremendous 67.1% of his 2-point chances (88th percentile).
Turner has also notoriously been a below-average rebounder at his position. Couple that with taking a step back athletically, and adding him to a starting lineup with Dončić and Austin Reaves could put the Lakers at a severe speed disadvantage.
There is the possibility that Turner can turn back the clock and perform closer to the center who was in the Finals just two years ago by playing on a team with title aspirations. But expecting more gradual decline over the course of his contract is far more realistic. It is worth pointing out that at 30, Turner is six years older than Kessler and eight years older than Duren.
Speaking of his contract, when including this upcoming season, Turner still has roughly $82 million owed to him over the next three years.
That may not be an issue in the aforementioned short term, but once Reaves’ new deal kicks in next season, the Lakers will quickly find they have a lot invested in the trio. They could always reroute Turner when it becomes an issue, but that likely will cost valuable draft capital to do so.
Beyond the potential awkward on-court fit and future financial headache, the Lakers’ front office should also be wary of how Dončić would feel about Turner’s addition. He is in no way the “A-list” center or vertical threat he reportedly desires, nor would he put the Lakers in the same tier as either the Spurs or Thunder.
Dončić’s future with the team is not guaranteed, and the team must operate as such. After expressing to the star that this summer will be the time they make big moves, anything less could be viewed as a failure, or worse, a lie.
Even with draft picks and more cap space than any other team at their disposal, the Lakers’ fortunes will ultimately depend on who they employ as their starting center. If it’s Turner or someone else, they’d better deliver a roster that was worth the wait.
All stats courtesy of Cleaning the Glass unless otherwise stated. You can follow Alex on Bluesky at @alexregla.bsky.social.
INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 22, 2026: LA Clippers forward John Collins (20) dunks over Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) in the first half at the Intuit Dome on January 22, 2026 in Inglewood, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
At long last, we got a fresh heaping of Sixers slop on Saturday. Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade is “expected to draw interest from various playoff teams,” including the Sixers.
New Sixers president Mike Gansey was the Cavaliers’ general manager before coming to Philly, so it’s no surprise that the Sixers are being linked to Wade. What’s more surprising is their apparent willingness to spend the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Using the non-taxpayer MLE would hard-cap the Sixers at the first apron, which is projected to be around $209 million next season. Given their current cap sheet, it would be difficult for them to spend that and bring back either Kelly Oubre Jr. or Quentin Grimes, much less both.
So, the question isn’t just whether the Sixers can land any of these players for a starting salary no higher than roughly $15 million. It’s whether adding any of these players justifies costing them a realistic shot of re-signing Oubre or Grimes.
Based on the current $165 million projection for the 2026-27 salary cap, the non-taxpayer MLE is projected to start at $15.05 million. A three-year deal with 8% annual raises (the highest they can go) would top out at roughly $48.75 million, while a four-year contract could go as high as $67.4 million.
John Collins, PF
Five years ago, John Collins and Trae Young tormented the Sixers in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Fast-forward a half-decade and Young is on the Washington Wizards, Collins is finishing his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, and Ben Simmons just won a sportfishing championship.
It’s unclear what the Clippers have up their sleeves this offseason. Trade rumors about star forward Kawhi Leonard are beginning to bubble to the surface, while The Ringer’s Zach Lowe hinted that the Clippers could be a sneaky threat in free agency.
“I don’t know if this has been decided yet, but someone who would know told me [Wednesday] that the Clippers are telling or behaving I guess as though they’re going to have cap space in the offseason,” Lowe said on his podcast (via RealGM). “They can’t open much. They can open about $20 million but they have to cut some options and renounce some guys.”
One of those guys would be Collins, who averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in 27.1 minutes per game while shooting a career-best 40.6 percent from deep last season. He has a $39.9 million cap hold, so the Clippers will have to renounce him to have any chance of creating cap space (barring larger moves).
Collins is mostly a 4, but he can play the 5 at times. He isn’t a high-volume three-point shooter, but he’s gradually improved his efficiency from beyond the arc in recent years. And he’s still a solid rebounder and shot-blocker despite no longer being quite as springy as he was in his early 20s.
Tony Jones of The Athletic has been banging this particular drum for a minute now. If the Sixers could get Collins with the non-taxpayer MLE, he could fill a major void for them… provided that he doesn’t fall victim to the Philadelphia curse that robs players of their shooting ability as soon as they set foot in the city.
Much like the Clippers with Collins, getting to that level of cap space would require the Lakers to renounce their free-agent rights to LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, among others. Hachimura’s availability thus might come down to whether the Lakers are able to pull off a big splash this offseason.
If he does shake loose from Los Angeles, he’d be an incredible fit in Philly on the non-taxpayer MLE. Hachimura has shot above 41 percent from three-point range in each of the past three seasons, and he knocked down a thermonuclear 56.9 percent of his 5.8 attempts per game from deep during the playoffs. With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sidelined, he’s one of the main reasons why the Lakers were able to upset the Houston Rockets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
The 6’8″, 230-pound Hachimura can’t provide much rim protection whenever he moonlights as a small-ball 5, but his shooting ability opens the door to five-out lineups on offense. That’s a look the Sixers haven’t had at their disposal in recent years, with all due respect to Andre Drummond’s corner threes.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Hachimura ultimately winds up commanding more than the non-taxpayer MLE, which would likely take the Sixers out of the running for him. But if the market dries up on him, he should be a priority target.
Jusuf Nurkić, C
To be clear: The Sixers should not spend the full non-taxpayer MLE on a backup center. While they need reinforcements behind Joel Embiid, the opportunity cost of hard-capping themselves at the first apron—and creating a hole in their starting lineup with the likely departure of Oubre—is too great to ignore.
But if Jusuf Nurkić is willing to settle for only a portion of the non-taxpayer MLE, that’s a conversation worth having. He might be the Sixers’ best backup to Embiid since Al Horford in 2019.
Nurkić started 36 games for the Utah Jazz this past season and averaged 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and a career-high 4.8 assists in only 26.4 minutes per game. He’s been a starter for most of his 12-year NBA career and might not be ready to move into a backup role, although it’s possible that the market forces his hand given his age (turns 32 in August).
In Philly, the Sixers could more or less promise Nurkić at least 20 starts throughout the year in place of Embiid, and possibly far more. (Hopefully not.) Embiid also isn’t playing into the high-30s minutes-wise until the playoffs, so Nurkić would have a sizable role off the bench.
If Nurkić is offered a starting role elsewhere or commands the full non-taxpayer MLE, the Sixers shouldn’t try to compete with that. But if he’s willing to slide into a swing backup/starter role behind Embiid, the Sixers could also offer a legitimate chance to rebuild his market value in case he signs a short-term deal.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, PF/C
Stein and Fischer also reported Saturday that the Toronto Raptors “are bracing for big man Sandro Mamukelashvili to test the open market.” The Raptors are hoping to re-sign him, but he’s “expected to have multiple suitors at a sizable portion” of the non-taxpayer MLE, they added.
In other words: Casual NBA fans are going to lose their everloving minds when they see the terms of Mamukelashvili’s next contract.
True hoopers—or anyone sick enough to watch the Toronto Raptors last year—know the Mamu love is well-deserved. He set career-highs in points (11.2), rebounds (4.9), made three-pointers (1.4) and minutes played per game (21.9) while shooting 52.3 percent overall and 38.9 percent from deep.
Mamu could fill in as Embiid’s primary backup, but his floor-spacing ability also gives him the potential to slide in next to Embiid at the 4. The Sixers have long searched for a big man who can credibly play alongside Embiid at times, and Mamu may be their realistic best hope.
A sizable portion of the non-taxpayer MLE could still end up being an eight-figure annual salary. But if Mamu signs with the Sixers for less than the full thing, that might give them enough wiggle room under the first apron to re-sign Oubre or Grimes.
Robert Williams III, C
Robert Williams III falls into the same camp as Nurkić spending-wise. There’s an extra reason to be caution of him, too.
While Nurkić has missed time in recent years, it’s nothing compared to Williams. He’s played only 294 games across eight NBA seasons, and this past year was only the third time that he played more than 40 games.
The last thing that the Sixers need behind Embiid is another center with constant availability concerns. With that said, Williams’ talent is undeniable.
In only 17.1 minutes per game with the Portland Trail Blazers last year, he still managed to average 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. He has never averaged fewer than 1.2 blocks per game despite having played more than 25 minutes per game only once in eight seasons.
If Horford was enough when it comes to high-risk potential Celtics sleeper agents, that’s completely understandable. Williams could vastly outplay his contract if he stays healthy, but that is an enormous “if.”
Other players featured here are better fits, but we shouldn’t rule out Williams entirely if the Sixers to decide to move on from Oubre and Grimes.
Derrick Jones Jr., SF/PF
Up until now, the players mentioned here are set to become free agents in a few days’ time. We’ve now reached the one exception.
This latest collective bargaining agreement allows teams to use the non-taxpayer MLE as a trade exception as well as a mechanism to sign free agents. So, the Sixers could use it—or could have used it already—to facilitate a salary dump (say, Aaron Wiggins or Isaiah Joe).
They could also use it to absorb Derrick Jones Jr. or send back one of Oubre or Grimes in a sign-and-trade if the Los Angeles Clippers decide to continue their ongoing roster overhaul.
Beyond saying that the Clippers could be a cap-space team this offseason, ESPN’s Zach Lowe also mentioned them as a possible dark-horse landing spot for LeBron James, which might require them to open up even more financial flexibility. Jones is earning less than $10.5 million in the final year of his three-year, $30.0 million contract, so the Sixers could easily absorb him into the non-taxpayer MLE without sending out salary.
Jones isn’t a prolific three-point shooter, which could make him an awkward fit on the Sixers. He’s not much worse than Oubre in that department, and like Oubre, he’d otherwise fill the glue-guy role in the Sixers’ starting lineup.
A handful of second-round picks appears to have become the going rate for veterans on expiring contracts, so that’s all the Sixers should be willing to offer for Jones, especially if the Clippers’ primary motivation in making the trade is to free up financial flexibility. They should not under any circumstance offer the Clippers back their 2028 first-round pick or the 2029 first-round swap, especially given the new lottery system and the league’s cap-circumvention investigation still ongoing.
But if the Sixers get priced out on Oubre, Jones would be a solid replacement at a reasonable price.
BRONX, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 9: The Bronx Zoo transforms into a vibrant display of autumn colors as fall foliage surrounds its animal habitats in New York, United States on November 9, 2025. Visitors enjoy the mix of wildlife and seasonal scenery, with golden leaves creating picturesque views across one of New York City's most famous attractions. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images
Good morning to everybody brave enough to wake up at all on Sunday. Double shout-out to the tiny crop of nutsos reading this, y’all the real MVPs. Time for some links!
Mitchell Robinson continues to be the story of the Knicks’ offseason, even if math doesn’t add up. And now, we’ve heard from the country boy himself.
Touching on potential Knicks targets in case Robinson bolts out, the Magic might have to let UFA Moritz Wagner go amid strong links to multiple suitors. Totally opposite profile of player, but it’s not like New York had much room for operation.
Meanwhile, Marvin Bagley III expects to get at least the taxpayer MLE, which is set at round $6 million.
Speaking of Orlando, the Magic officially waived Jonathan Isaac before his salary guarantee kicked in. Mitchell Robinson is likely gone. Connect the dots. (I was an Isaac believer before his streak of injuries, but I’m not so sure I’d pay him more than the absolute minimum salary allowable at this point, as much promise as he still might hold. The alternative is signing Andre Drummond, though…).
The Jaylen Brown discourse somehow reached another level on Saturday night, and it’s fair to say the Jay has publicly and officially lost it.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks revealed that one “NBA analytics guy” views Brown as only the “seventh-best player” on any given team. Of course, streaming extraordinaire Brown lost no time in firing back on social media, later explaining that his game relies more on rhythm and feel than numbers.
“Analytics nowadays (are) used to discredit and control narratives. Roll the ball out, (and) none of these guys better than me on both ends. Who does he work for? Nobody has won more combined regular season and playoff games since I entered the league 10 years ago. Analytics have/are ruining the game we playing AI hoops.”
Meanwhile, Marc Stein and Jake Fischer report Denver has at least discussed whether it has enough assets to enter the Brown sweepstakes, although nothing appears close on that front. The Nuggets have plenty of other business to handle as well, including the future of Nikola Jokic. The Serbian and the Nuggets seem to be postponing any extension talks on purpose while the front office focuses on upgrading the roster. Jonas Valančiūnas and Tim Hardaway Jr. are both viewed as possible departures, while Aaron Gordon continues drawing trade interest.
Don’t rush to the trade machine, Jokic is staying put in Denver.
The Pistons and the Bulls are positioning themselves to take place in the Norman Powell sweepstakes, HoopsHype reports, in what is a nearly confirmed blow to the Miami Heat. After trading for Giannis and with Powell a UFA, there’s little financial room for maneuvering in South Beach, and all it will take for the Heat to lose Powell is a couple of external teams bidding for him and raising the bar. Well, there you have them, fellas.
Detroit might land Powell, but they might also land their own Heat-like blow in the process. According to HoopsHype, Jalen Duren is seeking a humongous $40-million deal in the open market, or 25% of whoever-signs-him’s cap. Sheesh…
Knicks champion Mikal Bridges is rooting for a Jalen Brunson sweep at the ESPYs.
Landry Shamet shared a behind-the-scenes story from the Finals during his appearance on The Old Man and the Three. Shamet described the infamous Game 3 at Madison Square Garden as an “anomaly,” explaining that the changes to the team’s routine completely disrupted the players’ normal schedules, from staying in hotels to airport-style security, causing some anxiety.
The Cavs didn’t invite Timofey Mozgov to their recent 10-year reunion. Do better, Cleveland.
The Spurs have four new draftees, three of whom are available to participate immediately in Summer League. The first stop for the Spurs is San Francisco where the Silver & Black join California Summer League. Over 4th of July weekend, the Spurs will face the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors. Their game schedule is below.
2026 #Spurs California Classic schedule (San Francisco):
After a few days in California, the Spurs head to Las Vegas where all thirty teams will showcase their newest acquisitions. Each team will have four games before knockout rounds begin.
Calendario de la Summer League
09/07 vs Hawks 11/07 vs Knicks 12/07 vs Bucks 15/07 vs Jazz
Seguramente veamos Reed y los dos picks de 2da ronda. Quedará por ver si Quaintance está recuperado (lo más probable es que no).
Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.
Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.
With the Warriors linked to LeBron James via numerous reports this offseason, it’s a wait-and-see game to find out if the 22-time All-Star re-signs with the Los Angeles Lakers or joins a new franchise in NBA free agency.
But until then, Golden State has roster holes to fill — and the team reportedly has its eye on several suitors.
The Warriors are among teams expected to pursue veteran big man Jock Landale and scoring guards such as Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton as they wait and see how James’ free agency plays out, NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported Sunday in their latest Substack.
Landale spent the 2025-26 NBA season with the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks, averaging career-highs in points (10.6), rebounds (5.7) and minutes (22.1), while shooting 51.5 percent from the field and 38.3 percent beyond the arc. The 6-foot-11 center sustained a high ankle sprain on April 1 and missed the rest of the season for the Hawks.
Simons, 27, is set for free agency fresh off the $100 million contract that he signed with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022, before he was traded to the Boston Celtics then Chicago Bulls. He averaged 14.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists across 55 games with five starts last season and is a career 38.1-percent shooter from the 3-point line.
Sexton averaged 15.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 23.7 minutes across 68 games last season with the Charlotte Hornets and Bulls, and, like Simons, could serve as another scorer for the Warriors to help support superstar Steph Curry.
“It’s believed that the Warriors want another guard in that mold to bolster Golden State’s bench scoring when Stephen Curry is resting … or to play alongside Curry and allow him more freedom to roam off the ball,” Stein and Fischer wrote.
All this, of course, hinges on Golden State’s other looming roster decisions, like whether or not they re-sign Kristaps Porziņģis and to-be-determined player options for Draymond Green and De’Anthony Melton.
And in the meantime, the Warriors’ front office is staying well aware of what’s going on down in Los Angeles.
“It has been anticipated for some time that the Warriors would certainly make the case to James — if things get that far — that the Bay Area is as close to the Los Angeles base that LeBron and his family have established over the past eight seasons as a Laker as any other team except the Clippers could offer,” Stein and Fischer wrote.
Now that the NBA draft has passed, it's on to that dead-period before free agency officially begins. As teams negotiate potential deals and make calls about available players, there's naturally been a bunch of rumors going around.
Free agency begins on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, and any trades or deals can officially be consummated on July 6, when the league's moratorium ends.
The Los Angeles Lakers answered questions about Austin Reaves, rewarding him with the largest contract for an undrafted player – $185 million across four years. They're not done looking to build around Luka Doncic on their quest to bring an 18th championship to the franchise.
Stay locked with USA TODAY for all the latest NBA news and rumors:
The 2026 NBA Draft is behind us. Congratulations to all the fellas out living their dreams.
It's time to turn the attention to the start of free agency as trade rumors swirl and the official "tampering" period beginning on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET. Keep in mind, contracts can't actually be signed until July 6.
The Stein Line's Jake Fischer has stated that the Detroit Pistons are "determined" to re-sign veteran guard Tobias Harris before leaguewide free agency begins on Tuesday. Unfortunately, a deal has not been reached between both parties yet.
Should Harris reach the open market, he is expected to draw a lot of interest. Harris turns 34 next month, but is coming off a great postseason.
HoopsHype reports that the Portland Trail Blazers are actively pursuing Jaylen Brown, but if they cannot acquire Brown, they would be interested in trading for Aaron Gordon.
Earlier reports also hinted that the Miami Heat viewed Gordon as a fallback option as well if their deal for Antetokounmpo fell through.
ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks said on Sirius XM NBA Radio that teams have "mixed feelings" about Celtics star forward Jaylen Brown. It caused a stir over "eye test versus analytics," which agitated Brown enough to respond on X. Marks believes the Portland Trail Blazers could be a team that goes after the 2024 Finals MVP. However, according to ESPN, Boston did re-sign Ron Harper Jr. to a three-year $9 million deal.
Warriors to bring back Al Horford. Who else?
The Golden State Warriors are bringing back 40-year-old center Al Horford on a two-year, $14 million deal, first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. Horford averaged 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 45 games. Golden State just had a good showing in the NBA draft, but they need to figure which players – such as Kristaps Porzingis – they will bring back. It's assumed Draymond Green will opt in to his $27.7 million player option, the final year on his deal.
How will Lakers build around Luka Doncic? Will LeBron James return?
Luka Doncic is the main guy in L.A. The Lakers have to build around him. They resigned Austin Reaves but that won't be enough to contend in the West. Nobody truly knows what LeBron James will do, he's been linked to the Heat, Warriors and of course, remaining with the Lakers, which seems most likely.
Deandre Ayton will likely pick up his player option, although there are reports the Lakers are looking at Knicks center Mitchell Robinson. L.A. may offer Robinson a "long-term" deal at around the mid-level exception of $15.1 million, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. He also reported Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford could be in the mix.
Rui Hachimura had some of the best shooting performances in the playoffs and there are questions about his contract that need to be answered as he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. If he wants to be back in L.A., it's his choice. But will he like the price?
Memphis Grizzlies can't find trade partner for Ja Morant
ESPN insider Brian Windhorst said during NBA draft coverage on June 24 that Ja Morant is done in Memphis, however the Grizzlies are having a difficult time finding a trade partner for their 26-year-old, two-time All-Star.
"It's not really a question for the Grizzlies, they're going to really try to trade him," Windhorst said. "I think we've probably have seen the last moments of Ja Morant in a Grizzlies uniform. It just depends on of how it's going to play itself out. They are looking to totally reset their franchise and Boozer's selection at No. 3 is a part of that. They've had difficulty finding a trading partner for Ja Morant. There's not that many teams that need franchise point guards, quite frankly. A lot of them just drafted them last night that they want to develop."
New Orleans out on veteran center
According NBA insider Chris Haynes, the New Orleans Pelicans will not pick up the team option on veteran center Kevon Looney. Looney, 30, will be a free agent.
