NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 03: Ziaire Williams #1 of the Brooklyn Nets gestures during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center on April 03, 2026 in 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 Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers are rolling the dice on a buy-low option on the wing.
After having his team option declined by the Nets, Ziaire Williams has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with the Lakers, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Free agent forward Ziaire Williams has agreed on a one-year, $3 million deal to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/peHUxlls6d
Considering the Lakers are over the cap, have no other mechanism to sign a player and Shams loves to inflate contract numbers as favors to agents, this is almost certainly a veteran’s minimum contract. Williams will make $2.8 million, but it will only count as $2.4 million toward the Lakers’ cap.
A 6’9” wing who is still just 24 years old, Williams was always a teammate of Bronny James at Sierra Canyon in high school. Last season in Brooklyn, he averaged 10.2 points per game in 56 contests, shooting 42.5% from the field and 34.3% from three.
Williams’ jumper is a work in progress as that mark was the best of his career. Across five seasons in Memphis and New York, Williams has shot 32.2% from the field. However, he is a wing with athleticism and size, two things the Lakers currently lack. He did shoot 43.2% from range over the final 22 games of last season, but that was also immediately preceded by a stretch of 5-24 (20.8%) shooting as well.
Ironically, one of Williams’ best games of the season last year came against the Lakers when he scored 17 points on 7-11 shooting in a loss to the purple and gold in LA. In that contest, he shot 3-6 from three as well.
The team was linked with Williams early in free agency. His fit always made sense as a buy-low candidate. The team has minutes available on the wing, giving Williams a chance to earn some playing time next season.
With this signing, the Lakers have a full roster. However, the expectation is for moves to still be made, but it solidifies that the team will have to trade away players to add more to the roster. This has been the expectation, particularly with Jonathan Kuminga, should he decide to join the Lakers.
Fresh off of helping the Knicks win their first championship in 53 years, the sharpshooter has sparked engagement rumors as his partner Cameron Aimonetti was pictured in photos obtained by The Post with some new jewelry on her ring finger.
The couple was pictured relaxing on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, with Aimonetti wearing a large rock on her left hand.
Landry Shamet and his partner Cameron Aimonetti have sparked engagement rumors in Italy, COBRA TEAM / BACKGRID
Shamet and Aimonetti, who have been dating since at least September 2024, were not previously known to be engaged and she didn’t have the diamond on her finger after the Knicks clinched their title over the Spurs on June 13.
As the couple left the beach to board a boat, Aimonetti reportedly appeared to remove the ring from a case before putting it back onto her finger.
Aimonetti was spotted with a massive diamond on her ring finger. COBRA TEAM / BACKGRIDShamet could be seen with a camera as he and Aimonetti lounged on a boat. COBRA TEAM / BACKGRID
The duo looked to be in good spirits as they lounged on the boat and shared a kiss in one photo. Shamet also had a camera with him and took some pictures of his partner.
“CHAMPION Nothing (I truly mean nothing) was going to stop you from getting here and seeing this through,” she captioned a photo of them on Instagram with the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Another angle of the ring on Aimonetti’s finger COBRA TEAM / BACKGRID
“The mental strength and discipline it took to reach this moment is hard to put into words…You’ve earned every bit of this. What a journey. World champion”
Shamet gave the Knicks quality minutes off the bench in the playoffs, as he played 16.3 minutes per night, scored 6.0 points and shot 47.5 percent from deep.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Chaz Lanier #20 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2026 at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Apologies for a belated game thread to discuss the Detroit Pistons vs. the New York Knicks in game three of Summer League action. I think we can safely say where things are landing for the Pistons after watching them for two games (where they have gone 1-1). The roster is a bit of a mess with only a few impactful players and a host of bigs and wings who struggle to do much with the ball in their hands.
But there are a few standouts to keep an eye on. Ebuka Okorie has shown some great things in both games, though he struggled more in Game 2 than in Game 1. It’ll be nice to see him continuing to attack and figuring out how to use that ability to get by defenders to his advantage as a scorer, foul-drawer, and distributor. Second-year player Chaz Lanier decided he needed to start hitting shots starting in Game 2, and he’s barely missed since. He is 3-of-3 from deep as I type this. Isaac Jones is doing Some Stuff. Brice Williams is hitting Some Shots. Everyone else, well, it’s pretty meh, to be honest.
Game Vitals
When: 4 p.m. ET Where: The Pavilion, Las Vegas, Nevada Watch: Prime Video
BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: The sneakers worn by Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers before the game against the Boston Celtics 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 14: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets plays 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
A trade first reported on June 28 is now officially complete. The Phoenix Suns have sent Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and an unprotected 2033 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Miles Bridges, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2029 first-round pick.
“Miles has established himself as a highly productive player whose game continues to evolve,” said Suns general manager Brian Gregory. “His elite athleticism, strength and versatility allow him to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He embodies the grit, competitiveness and work ethic that fit our identity, and we’re excited to welcome him to Phoenix.”
“We also want to thank Grayson and Royce for the impact they made in Phoenix,” added Gregory. “Both played important roles in helping us build our foundation, and we appreciate everything they brought to our team. We wish them and their families all the best.”
There was a bit of a holdup because several other transactions had to be completed before the Suns and Hornets deal could become official. The entire sequence ultimately came down to one player, Mouhamadou Gueye. Gueye signed with the Chicago Bulls on April 9, which meant he could not be traded until six months after his acquisition. That date is today, July 9.
Here is how the dominoes fell.
The Timberwolves, Nets, and Bulls agreed to a deal that sent Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft (Joshua Jefferson), to Brooklyn. In return, Minnesota acquired the No. 33 pick (Isaiah Evans) from the Nets and Mouhamadou Gueye from the Bulls. Chicago received Nic Claxton.
The Hornets also agreed to send LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Timberwolves in exchange for Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three second-round picks.
Both transactions were put on hold because of Gueye’s trade restriction. Once eligible to be moved, Minnesota completed its deal, which opened the financial pathway to acquire Ball and Green from Charlotte. That, in turn, cleared the way for the Hornets to acquire Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale from Phoenix.
From the Suns’ perspective, this was about more than simply acquiring Miles Bridges. By sending out Allen and O’Neale, who combined to make $29 million, and bringing back Bridges at $22.8 million, Phoenix reduced its payroll by approximately $6.2 million, $6,173,913 to be exact. Before the trade, the Suns carried a payroll of roughly $215 million, placing them about $6 million above the first apron. They needed to create room if they wanted access to the mid-level exception.
The Bridges trade accomplished exactly that.
Phoenix now sits at approximately $208.1 million in team salary, seeing as Jamaree Bouyea’s contract is not guaranteed until January 10. The first apron is $209 million. What did that create? Hello, Luke Kennard. The Suns will be able to use the taxpayer mid-level exception to sign Kennard to a two-year, $12.4 million contract with a player option in the second season. It’s a pretty impressive bit of cap gymnastics by the front office. And to think, the entire sequence was delayed because the Bulls signed Mouhamadou Gueye last April.
So now it is official. Miles Bridges is with the Phoenix Suns. A player the organization has had its eyes on for the past couple of years. Will it work? We’ll find out next season.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Jack Kayil #77 of the New York Knicks looks to pass the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 11, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Ryan Stetz/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Shake off those Monday blues, there’s basketball to be played! The Knicks continue their NBA Summer League action in Las Vegas this afternoon as they square off against the Detroit Pistons at the Cox Pavilion. After getting blown out twice, the exhibition continues to shine a spotlight on player development (Pacome Dadiet, Mohamed Diawara) and recent draftees (Tyler Nickel, Jack Kayil). The young Knicks squad will have their hands full physically against a tough Detroit frontcourt.
Tip-off is 4 pm EST on Prime Video and MSG. This is your game thread. This is Detroit Bad Boys. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Be cool, everybody. And go Knicks!
After a rough debut in the Clippers’ first Summer League outing, many fans began writing off top-five draft pick Keaton Wagler, prematurely labeling the guard as a bust.
He didn’t write back though.
The nerves caught up to Wagler during his debut in a loss to the Sacramento Kings, where he tallied seven points on 1-for-7 shooting.
But three days later, he shook those nerves off and showcased the poise he played with as an Illini to lead the Clippers to a blowout win over the Utah Jazz. Wagler led the Clips in scoring with 23 points, going head-to-head with the No. 2 pick in the draft, Darryn Peterson, who also racked up 23 points.
“That second game, all the nerves were out the way,” Wagler said postgame. “I was just playing freely and shots were falling.”
Wagler sank 4-of-7 from 3-point range and showcased his signature step-back to nail his final triple of the night. He also dished out four assists.
Late in the fourth quarter, he even did something that Illini fans had never seen him do in orange and blue: dunk the basketball. If anything, that’s a sign that he’s already adapting to the NBA.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Kingston Flemings #4 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on July 11, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics (2-0) vs Atlanta Hawks (2-0) Monday, July 13, 2026 6:00 PM ET Summer League Game #3 TV: NBCSB, Prime Video Cox Pavilion
Both of these teams are undefeated so far in 2 games in Summer League. Atlanta beat Brooklyn 83-76 and then beat San Antonio 93-66. They have 10 rookies on their team along with 1 3-year player, 2 2-year players, and 3 1-year players. The Hawks scoring has been spread out across their players with no player dominating. The Celtics are playing in the second of back to back games while the Hawks have had off since Saturday.
The Celtics are coached by Amile Jefferson. Jefferson was named Director of Player Development for the Duke Blue Devils in 2021. He was promoted to assistant coach at Duke for the 2022-23 season. In 2023, Jefferson became an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics under head coach Joe Mazzulla. Jefferson played with Jayson Tatum at Duke and he played for the Celtics on an Exhibit 10 contract before being hired as an assistant coach.
The Hawks are coached by Sanjay Lumpkin. Lumpkin was a video coordinator for the Utah Jazz in 2020-22. He then served as the Jazz Player Development coach for the 2022-23 season. He has been an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks from 2023 until present.
The Celtics are averaging 42.5 rebounds per game while the Hawks are averaging 37.5 rebounds per game. The Celtics need to continue to crash the boards and beat the Hawks to rebounds. The Celtics are turning the ball over 15.5 times per game while the Hawks are averaging 17.5 turnovers. It’s not unusual for Summer League teams to turn the ball over a lot but the Celtics should try to take better care of the ball.
Neither team is shooting the ball very well, but both teams have been able to play enough defense to get wins in both games. The Celtics are shooting 42.5% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. The Hawks are shooting 37.5% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to continue to play good defense while improving their shooting.
The Hawks also played in the Salt Lake City Summer League. They played 3 games and went 2-1 in that competition. They lost 103-102 in overtime to the Utah Jazz. They then won their last 2 games, winning 82-77 over the Oklahoma City Thumder and 96-82 over the Memphis Grizzlies. They shot 40.7 from the field and 36.7% from beyond the arc over those 3 games. They will have the advantage in chemistry after playing the extra 3 games together.
Celtics Summer League Roster Mohammad Amini #54 R Chris Cenac, Jr #12 R Tucker DeVries #41 R Hugo Gonzalez #28 1 Caleb Grill #37 R Curtis Jones #26 R Kyle Mangas #43 R Dillon Mitchell #20 R Hank Morgan #51 R Nick Pringle #40 R Day Day Thomas #38 R John Tonje #8 R Milos Uzan #29 R Chauncey Wiggins #50 R Alondes Williams #46 3 Amari Williams #77 1
Head Coach Amile Jefferson
Starters in 1st 2 games Curtis Jones John Tonje Hugo Gonzalez Dillon Mitchell Amari Williams
Celtics Players to Watch
Hugo Gonzalez | NBAE via Getty Images
Hugo Gonzalez – Hugo was the 28th pick in last year’s draft. In last year’s Summer League, he averaged 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. He averaged 3.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in 14 minutes per game last season. His +11.9 rating was the highest for any rookie that played at least 100 minutes. So far in Summer League he is averaging 15.5 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals per game while shooting 23.1% from the field and 22.2% from beyond the arc. He shot better in Game 2 than Game 1 but still needs some improvement in that area.
Dillon Mitchell – Mitchell is a 4 year college player who was drafted with the 40th pick. He is 6’8″ with a 6’10” wingspan. He is a super athlete, good finisher, rebounder and defender. He averaged 8.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game over 37 games with 25 starts last year. He was named to All Big East 3rd team and Big East All Defensive team. He is an excellent defender but weak on offense. He shot just 19.3% on 3’s and 48.8% on free throws in college. He showed some promise on offense against the Hornets, shooting 50% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. In the first 2 games, he is averaging 14 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals and 2 blocks while shooting 46.2% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc.
John Tonje – Tonje came to the Celtics as a 2-way player from Utah in the Chris Boucher trade at last year’s deadline. At the end of last season, his contract was converted to a standard contract. His option wasn’t picked up this season but the way he has played in Summer League, he is earning at least a 2 way contract again. He is averaging 18.5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assists, and 2 steals while shooting 50% from the field and 61.5% from beyond the arc. Amari Williams – Amari was the 46th pick in last year’s draft. He spent most of last season on a 2-way deal but was converted to a standard contract at the end of last season. He averaged 1.4 points, and 1.8 rebounds in 6.6 minutes with Boston last year. He averaged 15.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.8 blocks with Maine last season. He has already been signed to a 2-way contract for this season. He is averaging 14.5 points, 9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3 blocks while shooting 64.3% from the field with no 3’s.
Atlanta Hawks Roster RayJ Dennis #0 2 years Kingston Flemmings #4 R Kobe Johnson #12 R Henri Veesaar #13 R Asa Newell #14 1 year Jacob Toppin #15 3 years Kobe Knox #19 R Zuby Ejiofor #20R Game Madsen #22 R Devon Higgs #26 R Isaac McKneely #27 R Cameron Horhen #28 R Eli Ndiaye #30 1 year Zeke Mayo #39 R Isaiah Wong #45 2 years Keshon Gilbert #51 1 year Head Coach Sanjay Lumpkin
Hawks Starters for Both Games Kingston Flemings Isaac McKneeley Gabe Madsen Asa Newell Zuby Ejiofor
Hawks Players to Watch
Kobe Johnson | Getty Images
Kobe Johnson – Johnson played 2 years in college at USC and UCLA. He went undrafted in 2025. He signed an Exhibit 10 contract in 2025 with the Hawks but was waived before the season. He played last season with the College Park Skyhawks in the G-League. His older brother, Jalen, plays for the Atlanta Hawks. He is averaging 14 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 50% from the field and 25.3% from beyond the arc.
Zuby Ejiofor – Ejiofor was the 23rd pick in this year’s draft. He played 1 year at Kansas and 3 years at St Johns in college where he averaged 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 2/1 blocks per game in his senior year. He was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year and Big East Player of the Year. He is averaging 12.5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals per game while shooting 38.5% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc.
Henri Veesaar – Veesaar is an Estonian player who played 3 years at Arizona and 1 year at North Carolina. He was the 52nd pick by the Clippers in this year’s draft and was traded on draft night to Atlanta. His senior year, he averaged 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. He has signed a 4 year contract with the Hawks. He is averaging 10 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 61.5% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
Kingston Flemings – Flemings was the 8th pick in this year’s draft. He played 1 year of college ball at Houston with Chris Cenac, Jr. He was 2nd team All American and 1st team All Big 12. He started 37 games and averaged 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 38.7% from beyond the arc. In Summer League, he is averaging 7 points, 4 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1 block while shooting 33.3% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Damion Baugh #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves plays defense during the game against the Denver Nuggets during a 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 11, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trail Blazers Date: July 13th, 2026 Time: 10:00 PM CDT Location: Thomas & Mack Center Television Coverage: Prime Video
The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered their first loss of Summer League on Saturday night, falling by 19 points to the Denver Nuggets in a game that technically offered Denver a chance to avenge its first-round playoff elimination at Minnesota’s hands. Well, provided everyone agreed to ignore the minor detail that Anthony Edwards, Nikola Jokic, and almost every other player who made that postseason rivalry compelling was nowhere near Cox Pavilion.
So yes, Denver got its revenge. It was just the least satisfying version imaginable. That does not mean there was nothing worth watching. Summer League has never been about the stakes attached to the final score. It is about searching for evidence, however incomplete, that a young player may eventually become useful when the games matter. It is the NBA’s annual Rorschach test, only with more missed jumpers and significantly worse transition defense.
Minnesota entered the game without the player Wolves fans were most eager to monitor. Joan Beringer, who opened Summer League with an encouraging 18-point, 12-rebound performance against New Orleans, was held out because of back tightness. In a normal July game, losing one prospect should not completely alter the outlook. For this particular Wolves roster, however, Beringer’s absence mattered because he represents one of the few internal options Minnesota has to address its suddenly depleted frontcourt.
Beringer’s development has taken on more urgency than anyone would have expected a few months ago. He is no longer just an intriguing young big who can be allowed to develop quietly at the back of the rotation. The Wolves need evidence that he can eventually contribute, and possibly sooner than anticipated. His debut against New Orleans supplied some early optimism. His absence against Denver left Minnesota short-handed and removed one of the team’s most natural sources of rebounding, interior activity, and defensive size.
The result was not particularly inspiring. Denver controlled the game, Minnesota struggled to mount a meaningful response. The Wolves did not look especially cohesive, and never found the combination of energy and execution required to cut into Denver’s advantage.
Still, the most important development of the evening was not the 19-point margin. It was Isaiah Evans finally making his debut. Minnesota selected Evans with the 33rd pick in the draft, but he was unable to participate in the Summer League opener while the organization completed the transactions connected to the LaMelo Ball trade. Saturday offered Wolves fans their first real look at the team’s top selection from this draft class, and it would be fair to say that the introduction did not unfold the way Evans probably imagined it during the weeks leading up to Las Vegas.
He struggled to find his shot, never appeared fully comfortable, and looked like a young player trying to adjust to the speed and physicality of a higher level of basketball. That is also completely fine. This is precisely what Summer League is supposed to be for. Evans is a second-round rookie playing his first game in a new environment after being forced to wait for the trade machinery to stop moving before he could even step on the floor. The jury on Evans should therefore remain exactly where it belongs: completely undecided.
He will get more opportunities, beginning Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, to settle into the offense, regain his shooting touch, and display the skills that convinced Minnesota to use its first selection of the draft on him. The important thing is not whether he immediately dominates. It is whether he responds, looks more comfortable, and begins stacking together positive possessions that provide some evidence of future value.
The same applies to the Wolves as a whole. The organization is trying to evaluate Beringer’s readiness, determine whether Roko Zikarsky can provide useful frontcourt depth, get its first meaningful look at Evans, and identify any other player capable of forcing his way into a training camp conversation.
Monday’s game against Portland offers the next set of clues. Monday’s game tips at 10 p.m. Central, which is not ideal for anyone with a normal sleep schedule, a morning job, children, or even the mildest interest in functioning like a responsible adult. Summer League has a way of testing a fan base’s devotion, and staying up past midnight to evaluate second-round picks in July may be the purest version of basketball fandom available.
For the Wolves fans willing to make that sacrifice, Canis Hoopus will have the comments section open and ready.
The stakes remain low, the tip time is unnecessarily late, and the conclusions should remain temporary. But Timberwolves basketball is on television again. For the middle of July, that will have to be enough.
The former Los Angeles Lakers star — who’s being wooed by several teams following his breakup with LA — paused his hunt for his next NBA destination on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to take in Jay-Z’s shows in New York.
LeBron James is seen making the Roc-A-Fella sign after Jay-Z concert in New York City. Dario Alequin / BACKGRIDBeyoncé and Jay-Z on stage during a “Reasonable Doubt” concert. pinkrenny/ tiktok
The 22-time All-Star pulled up to Yankee Stadium for the trio of concerts, and he certainly seemed to enjoy getting his mind off free agency by rocking out to some of Hov’s biggest hits.
One video circulating on X shows James was particularly moved by Jay-Z’s performance of “Public Service Announcement” Sunday — as the future Hall of Famer was seen dancing and singing along to the tune in front a crowd of people.
A carefree James was seen dancing at the Jay-Z concert Sunday as his NBA future remains unclear.It appeared the NBA legend attended all three concerts over the weekend in New York City. Instagram/@smallzthevillain
In another clip he shared to his Instagram Stories, James could be seen throwing up the Roc as Jay-Z crooned on stage.
James was hardly the only A-lister in attendance, as the 25-time Grammy-winning rapper brought out multiple stars throughout the weekend, including Beyoncé.
Eminem, Rihanna, and Usher also joined him on the mic — while celebs like Kevin Hart, Megan Thee Stallion, OG Anunoby, Michael Rubin and a host of others scored tickets to the stadium.
It’ll be back to the search for his next roster soon, but it’s clear James is enjoying an Empire State of Mind for a bit before that quest resumes.
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Golden State has agreed to hire former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel as associate head coach under Steve Kerr, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Vogel fills the vacancy left by Terry Stotts, and is expected to take on a major role in the Warriors’ defensive game-planning after Jerry Stackhouse and Chris DeMarco previously helped lead that side of the staff.
On basketball terms alone, it is an easy hire to understand.
Vogel has long been respected as a defensive coach. He helped turn the Indiana Pacers into one of the Eastern Conference’s toughest teams during their battles with James’ Miami Heat; then coached James and the Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship inside the bubble.
The Golden State Warriors have hired Frank Vogel (left), giving Steve Kerr a defensive boost and adding a familiar LeBron James tie to their free agency pitch. Getty Images
Vogel’s arrival gives Golden State a chance to restore some of the defensive structure it has struggled to consistently find since Mike Brown left Kerr’s staff in 2022. The Warriors still have Draymond Green’s ability to quarterback a defense, but their identity on that end has not been as sharp or reliable in recent years.
Vogel should be able to give them a clearer blueprint, more creative ways to build around Green’s strengths and a better chance to pull consistent defensive buy-in from the rest of the roster.
James and Stephen Curry (right) teaming up together in the Bay Area would make the Warriors the most entertaining team in the NBA. Getty Images
But the James angle is impossible to ignore.
The record-breaker played three seasons for Vogel in LA, and while that partnership ended with Vogel’s firing after a disastrous 33-49 season in 2021-22, James publicly praised him on the way out.
“I respect Frank as a coach and as a man,” James said after Vogel was fired. “Our partnership that we’ve had over a few years here has been nothing but just candid. Great conversations. He’s a guy that gives everything to the game. Prepared us every single night along with his coaching staff as well. You’ve got to give those guys a lot of credit, too.”
Vogel’s firing had as much to do with a broken Lakers roster as anything else.
Injuries, poor construction and the failed Russell Westbrook experiment turned a title team into a lottery-level mess, and Vogel became the easiest person to move on from.
Now, he lands in Golden State at an uncannily convenient time.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is seen during the second half of his NBA play-in tournament San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
The Warriors are still chasing Cleveland in the James sweepstakes, but the latest Polymarket odds suggest they have closed the gap with Miami for second place. As of this writing, Cleveland remains the favorite at 45%, while Golden State has climbed to 11 points and is now neck-and-neck with Miami.
If the Cavaliers still have the strongest familiarity pitch, the Warriors appear to be trying to close that gap in other ways. Playing alongside Stephen Curry remains the obvious headliner. Vogel gives Golden State one more familiar face from James’ past.
Vogel is not going to be the reason James chooses the Bay Area, but if the Warriors are building a pitch around comfort, championship experience and a stronger defensive identity, he certainly helps the case.
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Draymond Green officially has Udonis Haslem’s attention.
Green called out Haslem on his latest podcast while discussing the recent Las Vegas altercation between Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo and the guard they traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, Tyler Herro — and Haslem didn’t like it one bit.
In a lengthy X post, Haslem addressed Green directly after the Warriors star accused the retired Heat big man of lacking the “same energy” for the fight between his former teammates as he had when Green punched Jordan Poole in October 2022.
“I see some things just don’t change. lol. You was on sucka s–t four years ago when you swung on Jordan Poole and you on sucka s–t now,” Haslem wrote. “I usually don’t engage but since you went so far left to get my attention here it is!!!
“If you think your big 32-year-old, three or four rings at the time having ass swinging on a 23-year-old Jordan Poole at the time is the same then you are even more delusional that I thought. First of all Bam is 28. Tyler is 26. Neither one of them got it all figured out yet. Maybe I was giving you too much credit at the time cause I thought you did so that’s why I commented.”
On his podcast, Green said he was “bothered” by Haslem’s comments when the incident with Poole occurred.
““I remember when I got into it with Poole … I remember one person when the Jordan Poole incident happened with me who was really, really outspoken about it and it really bothered me was Udonis Haslem,” Green said. “I saw UD get into it with guys on teams that was younger than him before, à la Jimmy Butler. Then he came out like, ‘That’s ridiculous. You get into it with your young guy, I would never. I can’t believe you did that.’ What is it, ‘Heat Culture’ or ‘Heat Way?’ Maybe they don’t have fights.
“So when I first saw this, I was like damn. This is two guys Udonis Haslem raised. If you raised this young guy in the light of what you was saying about me, and now he punches this other young guy, that y’all kind of co-raised, are you going to have that same energy? Reality is I don’t want him to have that same energy because I love Bam. That’s my brother, my dog… Tyler Herro, who’s from MIL, like Jordan Poole, has a lot of bravado as a young guy, probably said some very disrespectful things like Jordan Poole.”
Draymond Green wants to know if Udonis Haslem will keep the same energy for Bam punching Tyler Herro, that he did when Draymond punched Jordan Poole 👀
Haslem went further in dismantling Green’s argument that the two incidents were similar in his response, claiming Adebayo didn’t use his full strength un Herro while Green “fired off on that young boy like it was a club punch and you never met him before in your life.”
After defending his own actions in the past with Jimmy Butler, stating he “checked his ass,” Haslem concluded with a parting message for Green.
“[I don’t] really vibe [with] you and I think you know that, so unless it’s me on Prime talking hoops I won’t mention you at all,” he wrote. “You brought me into this and I am retired and out the way. I suggest you keep it pushing cause I ain’t giving out no more hall passes bra!”
We have a feeling this won’t be the last time Haslem hears from Green.
It’s safe to say that Will Riley is feeling confident.
The former Illinois and current Wizards forward caught fire in his second NBA Summer League game. Riley had a game-high 32 points in 29 minutes. He also added 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
His scoring ability was on full display in the victory, something Illinois fans likely remember well. Riley went 9-14 from the floor and an impressive 6-8 from beyond the arc. He also knocked down 5 free throws in 6 attempts.
After a quiet first half in which Riley put up just 5 points, the second-year forward exploded in the second half. He sunk 5 catch-and-shoot three-pointers. He also made a nice full-court pass that led to an AJ Dybantsa slam late in the fourth quarter.
In his first game this summer, Riley had 18 points but was less efficient. He shot 5-12 from the field and just 1-2 from deep.
The former 21st overall pick has his work cut out for him this offseason. He averaged over 10 points per game in his rookie campaign, but will compete with multiple veterans and the number one overall pick for playing time.
If he can keep scoring like he is in summer league, though, finding his way onto the court shouldn’t be a problem.
This is a sight that could send Knicks fans into cold sweats — even in July.
Jalen Brunson was spotted Saturday for the first time since his left wrist surgery, photographed paying a visit to The Other Lucy Beach Grille in Margate, New Jersey.
Brunson’s left hand and wrist were wrapped and resting in a sling almost a month after winning NBA Finals MVP with the Knicks.
Brunson underwent wrist surgery Tuesday to repair a tendon issue in his left hand and wrist that he dealt with throughout the Knicks’ playoff run, which resulted in their first championship since 1973.
Brunson also confirmed online that he will make an appearance at Madison Square Garden for the WWE “Saturday Night’s Main Event” this weekend after Roman Reigns extended an invite.
“Thank you, Jalen, for taking the time to inspire, uplift, and show that even a small act of kindness can have a lasting impact. Robert will never forget this special moment, and neither will we,” the caption read from the restaurant, which is run by the H.O.P.E. program.
“Congratulations again on an incredible season and on bringing home the title! We wish you continued success both on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring the next generation and for showing what great leadership looks like. We truly appreciate your visit and hope to see you again soon.”
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates while holding the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy during the Knicks ticker-tape parade and celebration on Broadway in downtown Manhattan. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Brunson’s discomfort didn’t stop him from putting on a world-class performance during the Knicks’ run to the championship.
In the title-clinching Game 5 win against San Antonio, Brunson posted a Knicks’ Finals record 45 points after adding 36 in the Game 4 comeback from a 29-point deficit.
He averaged 32.6 points in the Finals overall.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks lifts the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. Getty Images
After the clinching Game 5, Brunson admitted he felt some pain.
“I’m hurting right now,” Brunson said. “I’m not going to lie to you. I’m hurting right now. But like I said before, the opportunity presented itself.”
Draymond Green and Udonis Haslem have found a way to turn the reported Bam Adebayo/Tyler Herro scuffle into a full-blown NBA enforcer feud.
Because apparently, one scuffle is never enough.
The drama started after Adebayo reportedly struck former Miami Heat teammate Herro during a workout Friday morning at practice near Resorts World Las Vegas. Herro, recently shipped to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster, declined to explain what happened.
Udonis Haslem ripped Draymond Green after Green linked him to the alleged Bam Adebayo/Tyler Herro punch drama. Getty ImagesL–R: Teammates Adebayo and Herro of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks. NBAE via Getty Images
On “The Draymond Green Show,” the Warriors forward wondered whether Haslem would bring the same outrage for Adebayo that he once brought for Green after his infamous 2022 practice punch on Jordan Poole.
“I remember one person when the Jordan Poole incident happened with me who was really, really outspoken about it and it really Bothered me, was Udonis Haslem,” Green said.
“I saw UD get into it with guys on teams that was younger than him before. Ala Jimmy Butler,” Green continued. “Then he came out like, ‘That’s ridiculous! You get into it with your young guy I would never. I can’t believe you did that.’ What is it ‘Heat Culture or Heat way?’ Maybe they don’t have fights.”
Green speaking on his podcast “The Draymond Green Show”
Green even admitted he did not actually want Haslem to come down on Adebayo the way Haslem once hammered him.
“Reality is I don’t want him to have that same energy because I love Bam,” Green said. “That’s my brother, my dog.”
Haslem did not wait long to respond. NBAE via Getty Images
Green also appeared to draw a direct line between Herro and Poole, saying Herro, who is from Milwaukee like Poole, has “a lot of bravado as a young guy” and “probably said some very disrespectful things like Jordan Poole.”
Haslem, who spent two decades as Miami’s resident culture cop before moving into a front-office role, did not wait long to respond. In a lengthy social media post, the retired Heat captain essentially told Green to stop trying him.
“I see some things just don’t change,” Haslem wrote. “You was on sucka s–t four years ago when you swung on Jordan Poole and you on sucka s–t now.”
Haslem pointed out that Green was a 32-year-old veteran champion when he struck the 23-year-old Poole (left). NBAE via Getty Images
And that was just the warmup.
Haslem argued Green’s punch was not comparable, pointing out that Green was a 32-year-old champion and veteran leader when he struck the 23-year-old Poole. Adebayo and Herro, he noted, are much closer in age and no longer teammates after Herro’s trade to Milwaukee.
“First of all Bam is 28. Tyler is 26. Neither one of them got it all figured out yet,” Haslem wrote.
Golden State’s Green rebounds against Miami’s Haslem. NBAE via Getty Images
He then made the distinction even sharper.
“Anyone who knows Bam knows he’s strong as baby bear,” Haslem wrote. “If he would’ve unloaded on Tyler 100% it’s over. You fired off on that young boy like it was a club punch and you never met him before in your life.”
Haslem made it clear he is not interested in becoming a recurring character on Green’s podcast. NBAE via Getty Images
Haslem also defended his own history of checking teammates in Miami, including Jimmy Butler, saying that kind of behavior would not fly with the Heat.
“Call it Heat Culture or whatever you want,” Haslem wrote. “But before I let one player disrespect [head coach Eric Spoelstra] in front of the squad, cut his legs out and disrupt what 15 other guys tryin to get accomplished, I’ll kick his ass.”
Finally, Haslem made it clear he is not interested in becoming a recurring character on Green’s podcast.
Green and Haslem have already done what NBA gadflies do best in July: Turn somebody else’s fight into their own. Getty Images
“Ion really vibe you and I think you know that,” Haslem wrote. “You brought me into this and I am retired and out the way. I suggest you keep it pushing cause I ain’t giving out no more hall passes bra!”
Of course, being “out the way” apparently still includes dropping five-paragraph warnings on social media.
The original Adebayo-Herro incident remains cloudy. No video has surfaced, no punishment has been announced and nobody involved seems eager to explain exactly what happened.
But Green and Haslem have already done what NBA gadflies do best in July: Turn somebody else’s fight into their own.
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Nothing (I truly mean nothing) was going to stop you from getting here and seeing this through,” she captioned a photo of them on Instagram with the Larry O’Brien trophy.
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