Category: NBA

In the war room where it happens, on the eighth floor of HSS Training Center in Sunset Park, this is crunchtime, and not just for the Draft. Historically, Sean Marks makes most of his trades right around the Draft, not the trade deadline in February … that is, if you don’t count the superstar distress sales sending James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kyrie Irving elsewhere.

So, we have now entered, once again, the “Sean Marks Trade Zone,” the 48-hour window on either side of the Draft when in the past, a lot of has happened in that room. Before Monday night, nine years out the 10 he’s been GM, Marks has made at least one move in said zone: a trade, a signing, etc. Then shortly after 10 p.m. Monday, ET, he did it again. Why is the Draft so popular? Unlike the trade deadline, everyone and everything is available. And there’s a deadline.

Some were small, but a few not so small, like trading the franchise’s leading scorer, Brook Lopez, and the 27th pick, for D’Angelo Russell in 2017, or the 2024 combo of the Mikal Bridges trade with New York, after a 43-year hiatus, and the exchange of picks with the Rockets.

Here’s the record.

2016

On the morning of the Draft, the Nets traded Thaddeus Young to the Pacers for the rights to Caris LeVert and a future second, which became Kessler Edwards in 2021 Draft. Young’s wife at first said she couldn’t believe it, having liked her time in Brooklyn, but then noted it was Woj who broke it.

2017

The Tuesday afternoon before the Thursday night draft, the Nets traded Brook Lopez and the rights to the 27th pick, Kyle Kuzma, to the Lakers for D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov. An extremely unpopular move at the time. Lopez had broken the Nets all-time scoring record on the last night of the season, but the Nets saw the move as “transformative.” D’Lo at the time was 21 years old and a former No. 2 overall pick.

2018

Nets traded Mozgov, two future second rounders and $5 million in cash to the Hornets for Dwight Howard who they waived. At first, it looked like the trade would finally end the “Dwightmare” that had consumed fans and the organization since 2012 when at the last minute the All-NBA center opted out of a trade that would have brought him to New Jersey. Nets saved $17 million in the deal.

2019

On Draft Night, the Nets traded the rights to Mfiondu Kabengele to the Clippers for a first rounder in 2020 and the rights to Jaylen Hands, a salary dump to prepare for the Clean Sweep and the need for cap space to pay KD, Kyrie and D.J. (A couple of weeks earlier, they had traded Allen Crabbe and two firsts, including the 17th pick in 2019, which turned into Nickeil Alexander-Walker, for Taurean Prince and a future second which turned into Marcus Zegarowski. Prince was a good friend of Durant’s.)

2020

The Nets, Pistons and Clippers did a three-team deal broken into two components, one two days before the Draft, the other during the second round on Draft Night. The Nets sent out Dzanan Musa, the rights to Hands, a future second, the rights to Saddiq Bey, getting Bruce Brown, Shamet and the rights to Reggie Perry in return.

2021

Two hours before the Draft, the Nets traded Landry Shamet to the Clippers for Jevon Carter and the 29th pick, giving the Nets two picks late in the first round. The pick was more important than Carter because without it, the Nets would have had to choose between Cam Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe. Instead, they were able to draft both … and the rest, as they say, is history.

2022

The Nets had no picks but the ringer on the mobile phones were set at the highest volume. Brooklyn had no picks in the Draft. There was talk that another team had offered a first rounder for Cam Thomas but the Nets declined. Of course, the big news of the week was the report that Kyrie Irving had given the Nets a list of five teams he’d prefer if he and the Nets couldn’t reach an agreement on an extension. Nothing evolved … then.

2023

This one came a couple of days after the Draft: Cam Johnson, acquired in the February 9 trade that had sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix, agreed to a four-year, $108 million deal, higher than most pundits had expected but more than enough to scare away the competition. A few days later, Marks dispatched Joe Harris and Patty Mills along with three second rounders and big trade exceptions.

2024

It looked like a boring Draft Night. The Brooklyn Nets had no picks in either round of what looked like the worst selection in a quarter century. It was. Then, all of a sudden, things changed… big time. The Nets made two ginormous trades, one with the Knicks that sent Mikal Bridges across the East River to the Knicks, returning five first round picks, a first round swap and a second rounder, and a pick exchange with the Rockets in which the Nets got their 2025 and 2026 first rounders back and the Rockets both picks and swaps. The two were for all intents and purposes, one big deal that saw 10 picks and swaps change hands. It changed the trajectory of the franchise for years.

2025

The night before the Draft, in their first big salary dump of the off-season, the Nets facilitated a deal between the Celtics and the Hawks, the biggest piece being Kristaps Porzingis, and was rewarded with the 22nd pick the next night. The pick became Drake Powell; the cost $1.1 million in cash. The team also acquired Terance Mann and his $47 million, three-year deal. Then between the first and second nights of the Draft, the Nets traded their own second round pick, re-acquired in the Bridges trade, to the Suns for two future seconds, the first of which will be the Nets 43rd pick in Tuesday’s draft. The was later folded into the seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Rockets.

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In 2026? We’ve already seen the three-team trade that will bring Julius Randle to Brooklyn and send Nic Claxton to Chicago. Should we expect more? Of course.

Michigan head coach Dusty May is leaving the Wolverines and heading to the NBA, becoming the Dallas Mavericks next head coach.

Here are the key takeaways from May’s departure.

Current college basketball climate swayed May’s decision

Matt Norlander of CBS Sports had some enlightening insight into a conversation he had with May back in April. Dealing with agents of transfer portal players and all the NIL dealings presently and the roster turnover that goes along with it are just some of the factors that influenced May heading to the Mavericks. Further, May wanted to test his chops in the NBA.

From CBS Sports

I remember how May stopped texting and looked up from this phone when I asked him: “Do you think you’ll be coaching Michigan in three or four years?”

“No,” he admitted. “I can’t see myself doing this for too much longer.”

By that he meant: running a college basketball program when roster prices were increasing by 300% every year. The constant roster churn, the lack of the NCAA’s institutional control over college basketball, the way the system stole some of the fervor and celebration windows from Michigan’s coaching staff after pulling off one of the best seasons of the past two decades. 

May told me he aspired to coach in the NBA someday. He craved to know if he could do it and felt compelled to eventually find out — especially if the state of college basketball was going to be perpetually chaotic. I left him wondering how long it would take for that day to arrive.

Warde Manuel has a habit of losing championship coaches

Jim Harbaugh won a national championship for the football program and then departed for the Los Angeles Chargers after Manuel said a contract was being worked at the podium of the national championship celebration. Manuel then did the same thing after Michigan basketball won the national championship, saying that a new contract with May was agred upon only for May to leave for the Mavericks a little over two months later.

Maize n Brew’s Nick Durand summed up Manuel’s lack of getting deals done perfectly

Yet that’s what the university has become under Manuel’s leadership. In both May’s and Harbaugh’s cases, rumored contract extensions were on the table for them at the time of their departures. In fact, Manuel claimed at the national title celebration that he and May agreed to terms on a new contract. It’s not abnormal for coaches to have aspirations beyond just winning a national title at the college level; Harbaugh’s flirtations with the NFL were no secret, and the same was clearly true for May. It shouldn’t matter, though, when your university is one of the best, richest and historic in the nation.

The Mavericks job is an appealing one

The Mavericks have a young star in Cooper Flagg and a still game-changing veteran in Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks have three picks in the NBA Draft, which starts on Tuesday, and the Mavericks could wind up drafting one or two Michigan players.

From The Athletic’s Christian Clark

In coaching circles, the Mavericks’ job was considered appealing because of Flagg’s presence. The Mavericks are expected to go into next season with Flagg and Kyrie Irving as cornerstones. They control the Nos. 9, 30 and 48 selections in this week’s NBA Draft.

They have discussed a variety of trade-back scenarios, including one, according to league sources, that would net Dallas the No. 16 pick that Memphis currently controls. Three Michigan players who suited up for May last season — Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg — are expected to be first-round picks Tuesday.

A former TCU men’s basketball star is getting involved with his alma mater in a special advisory role.

Desmond Bane, a six-year NBA veteran and former first-round draft selection in 2020, has been named TCU’s chief basketball officer. In this role, Bane will serve as a special advisor to head coach Jamie Dixon and volunteer his time to the men’s basketball program. The role is described on TCU’s website as a mentorship role where Bane will “offer guidance on career management and serve as a liaison to the NBA.”

Welcome to the staff, Desmond Bane!

🤝 CBO @DBane0625#GoFrogspic.twitter.com/zB3KElZAX7

— TCU Men's Basketball (@TCUBasketball) June 22, 2026

Bane, who currently plays for the Orlando Magic, averaged 20.1 points and shot 39.1 percent from 3-point range while starting all 82 games. Bane played his first five years with the Memphis Grizzlies. At TCU, Bane was a two-time All-Big 12 selection and still ranks as the Horned Frogs’ all-time leader in 3-pointers (249), wins (84) and games played (141). Bane also ranks third all-time in points with 1,784, third with 659 made field goals and fifth in 3-point accuracy at 43.3 percent. His No. 1 jersey was retired at TCU on Feb. 18, 2025.

As a freshman, Bane guided the Horned Frogs to the 2017 NIT Championship, the program’s first postseason championship. The following season, Bane led TCU to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 20 years while leading the Big 12 in 3-point accuracy at 46.1 percent. As a junior, Bane was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection and an USBWA All-District VII choice.

The right man for the job

🔗 https://t.co/DruesudA42#GoFrogspic.twitter.com/REX7bSsJkm

— TCU Men's Basketball (@TCUBasketball) June 22, 2026

As a senior in 2019-20, Bane averaged 16.6 points, which ranked second in the Big 12. He became the first TCU player to earn All-Big 12 First Team and also earned USBWA All-District VII and NABC All-District 8 honors. He never missed a game in his career and missed just one practice.

Thus far in free agency, I’m absolutely loving what the Phoenix Suns are doing. They entered the offseason prioritizing the returns of both Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin, and they’ve successfully brought both players back on what I would consider franchise-friendly contracts. That is important on numerous levels. It sends a message to the rest of the league that if you come to Phoenix, put in the work, and develop within the organization, you’re going to be compensated for it. More importantly, it shows that the Suns are beginning to create an environment where players want to stay.

Gillespie could have chased more money. Goodwin likely had other opportunities available to him as well. Yet both chose to remain in Phoenix. Part of that is financial security. Part of that is opportunity. But part of it is also being part of a franchise that values you and puts you in a position to succeed.

For a team that continues to talk about alignment, identity, and development, these signings reinforce that message. And that’s a very positive place for the Suns to be.

When you look at the Collin Gillespie contract, four years and $48 million, it’s exactly where I felt the contract would land. If you look at who the Phoenix Suns are today and who they might ultimately want to become, the Gillespie contract helps accomplish both the short-term and long-term goals of the franchise.

In the short term, the Suns are still trying to understand what it means to have Jalen Green on the roster. Yes, it’s not ideal to have someone who could be viewed as duplicative of Devin Booker, your highest-paid player. But in the same breath, he really isn’t. Green is less of a combo guard and more of a true two guard than Booker. He also attacks the rim with far more frequency and aggression than Booker does. 

In the modern NBA, where many teams employ two combo guards in the backcourt, having Green isn’t the worst thing in the world. I’d argue Bradley Beal was a much worse fit. A big part of that was the size of his contract and the existence of the no-trade clause.

Jalen Green is owed $72.3 million over the next two seasons, but the unfortunate reality for the Suns is that they only got 32 games to evaluate him last year. That simply wasn’t enough time to fully understand how he fits in Phoenix and whether extending him down the road is the right decision.

Because of those injuries, the door opened for Collin Gillespie to earn more starting opportunities, and he took advantage of them. Make no mistake about it, he earned the contract he just signed with Phoenix. There are plenty of teams around the NBA that would love to have a player of his caliber. He’s a quality three-point shooter, an aggressive defender, and somebody who competes every possession.

Did he begin to fade at the end of the season? Absolutely. It looked like shoulder issues, fatigue, and the grind of a long NBA season finally caught up with him. That’s understandable given the role he was asked to assume. Even so, when you look at the numbers, lineups featuring Gillespie alongside Devin Booker and Jalen Green actually performed well. Three guard lineups featuring that trio posted a +6.7 net rating and were a +46 overall in plus-minus.

I'm not a fan of the PHX 3-guard lineups, as it puts Brooks out of position, shrinks the defense, and limits interior scoring

That said, here is what Booker/Green/Gillespie lineups produced last year:

21 GP
224 MP
+46 +/-
47.0 FG%
42.0 3PT%
118.4 OFFRTG
111.7 DEFRTG
+6.7 NETRTG pic.twitter.com/zeP6YOM1zK

— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) June 21, 2026

All that being said, I still believe the best path forward for Phoenix is utilizing Gillespie off the bench and fully leaning into the Booker and Green backcourt. The Suns need to find out exactly what that pairing can become. Doing so also allows Dillon Brooks to slide into his natural position at small forward, while giving the Suns flexibility at power forward. Whether that’s a sophomore version of Rasheer Fleming earning those minutes, or Royce O’Neale once again stepping into the role to provide additional shooting, Phoenix has options.

Perhaps most importantly, they’re all familiar faces. Yes, continuity is part of the short-term process, and bringing back both Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin helps accomplish that. But that’s the beauty of the Gillespie contract.

Right now, he essentially serves in a T.J. McConnell-type role as a backup point guard, and he’s being paid similar money. If he continues to come off the bench, that’s stability for your second unit. It gives the Suns someone who can play aggressively on both sides of the ball, shoot from the perimeter, and help maintain the team’s identity when the starters sit. When you zoom out and look at the long-term landscape of the organization, that’s where the real value of the contract comes into focus.

Let’s play out a hypothetical. Let’s say next season the Suns determine that Jalen Green next to Devin Booker isn’t the right fit. That the overlap is real, and that moving Green with one year remaining on his contract becomes the best path forward. A player carrying a $36 million expiring contract should return assets, whether that’s players, draft picks, or some combination of the two. At that point, you can slide Gillespie into the starting lineup.

Now your starting point guard is making an average annual salary of roughly $12 million. That’s tremendous value. That’s why this deal works for both the short-term and the long-term viability of the Suns. In the present, Gillespie provides stability, depth, and continuity. In the future, he gives the organization optionality if circumstances change. Those are the kinds of contracts good organizations make.

That’s why I like this deal so much. The Suns didn’t simply retain a good player. They retained flexibility. They rewarded development. They reinforced continuity. And they did it without committing star-level money to a role player.

Maybe Gillespie spends the next four years coming off the bench as the steady hand running the second unit. If that’s the outcome, the contract still works. Every good team needs players who understand their role, embrace it, and consistently deliver value. But if circumstances change, and they always do in the NBA, Phoenix now has options. If Jalen Green proves to be a long-term fit, Gillespie remains one of the better backup point guards in basketball on a manageable contract. If Green ultimately isn’t the answer, the Suns already have a proven alternative in-house.

That’s what makes this deal feel different. It isn’t solely about what Collin Gillespie is today. It’s about what he allows the Suns to be tomorrow. Stability now. Optionality later. For a franchise trying to build something sustainable while navigating the realities of the second apron era, that’s exactly the kind of contract you want on your books.

Draft season is lying season.

It’s ill-advised to read too much into the tea leaves.

But everything the Nets do — and everything league insiders say — points toward GM Sean Marks picking the best available player Tuesday at Barclays Center.

And more and more, that’s looking like it could be Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr.

In this generational class with a host of elite lead guards, two among Brown, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. should still be on the board at No. 6.

And of the trio, Brown — with deep range, an elite passing bag and a risk-taking mentality that must get reined in — appears to be the likeliest pick and to have developed the closest relationship with the team.

“Yeah, it’s definitely a relationship built there,” Brown said. “Talking with them constantly, with Mr. Marks and Coach Jordi [Fernández], the biggest thing that he emphasized — if I get selected to go there — is building that relationship with Jordi.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to have a great connection from point guard to point guard. Head coach [Fernández] played point guard as well. So to be able to pick his brain on a lot of things and learn his system and to be able to come in and make an impact right away was big.”

Speaking of point guards, ex-Nets assistant GM Bobby Marks — now an ESPN insider — told The Post that taking three first-round guards last year shouldn’t deter them from taking another, because that’s where the value sits at No. 6.

While they’ve looked at moving up, getting into the top four may be cost prohibitive, and Brown may have the most star upside outside that group.

Acuff has both visited with and worked out for the Nets and is the most polished offensive guard in the class, but his defense is a concern. 

“Every team you go to make you play defense, so you do different defensive drills,” said Acuff. “You’ve got to show you can defend a little bit.”

Wagler worked out for the Bulls (who have the fourth pick) and the Clippers (who’ll select fifth), then canceled a scheduled workout for Brooklyn.

“I already worked out for the Bulls, and then I was going to the Clippers. That’s four and five. Just hearing from them and kind of just knowing where I stood, I kind of knew I didn’t need to work out,” Wagler said. “Still meeting with teams and talking to them … but I just felt like I didn’t need to work out, honestly.”

Houston guard Kingston Flemings told ClutchPoints he hasn’t met or worked out with the Nets, who’ve also been linked with Tennessee forward Nate Ament and Michigan behemoth Aday Mara.

But the Ament buzz has the feel of misdirection.

And all the signs point to Brown — as do the mock drafts.

“It’d mean a lot. Big city. It’s the big city, bright lights. A lot of big-time names come out of Brooklyn, so to be able to represent that means a lot,” said Brown, confident of handling the spotlight of being the face of a New York rebuild.

“I would handle it. I’m very calm and down to earth. I’m about this basketball stuff. I keep the main thing the main thing. The focus is to try to win a championship.”

After suffering the ignominy of watching the Knicks actually win a title, Brooklyn needs to move from two years of tanking to building a foundation that can compete.

This pick will be the biggest brick in that foundation.

To that end, the Nets met with Brown at least three times — including a workout in Brooklyn and visiting his family in Orlando.

“It’s definitely unique,” Brown said of the visit. “Obviously there’s definitely been interest there, as there is in almost every single other team. But yeah, definitely, it made an impact. They got to talk to my mom and my dad. It was a great conversation.”

Will it be the start of a great relationship?

Miami Heat acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo in blockbuster trade with Bucks, according to reports originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Greek Freak is relocating.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat, according to news reports.

In one of the biggest trades in NBA history, the Heat acquired Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks, in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis and a massive package of draft picks, ESPN and AP reported late Monday.

Milwaukee will receive the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Heat are sending unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 to the Bucks. Miami is also including a 2030 pick swap and a 2033 second-round pick in the trade.

According to ESPN, Milwaukee chose Miami’s offer over Boston’s because it provided more young talent, draft assets, and long-term flexibility.

The trade marks the end of Giannis’ legendary run in Milwaukee and the start of a new era for both franchises.

Antetokounmpo, 31, is one of the highest-profile players to ever be traded. He is a 10-time All-Star, two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, NBA champion and Finals MVP.

Over 13 years and 895 games with the Bucks since being drafted in 2013, Antetokounmpo averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists. He has played in 84 playoff games, leading the franchise to an NBA title in 2021 after scoring 50 points in the championship-clinching Game 6.

Antetokounmpo has resisted requesting a trade in recent years despite the Bucks’ declining success. The team’s last-ditch effort last offseason was to waive the injured Damian Lillard and sign Myles Turner, which didn’t changed their fortunes. Milwaukee went 32-50 in 2025-26, with Antetokounmpo playing in just 36 games due to injuries.

Now on the Heat, Antetokounmpo will pair with Bam Adebayo as part of a loaded frontcourt. Pat Riley and Co. have plenty of work to do to fill out the roster with free agents, but the core of the team is now locked in.

Antetokounmpo will become eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million supermax extension on Oct. 1, 2026. If he doesn’t sign an extension, he could become an unrestricted free agent next summer in 2027 if he declines his $62.8 million player option.

Miami Heat acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo in blockbuster trade with Bucks, according to reports originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Greek Freak is relocating.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat, according to news reports.

In one of the biggest trades in NBA history, the Heat acquired Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks, in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis and a massive package of draft picks, ESPN and AP reported late Monday.

Milwaukee will receive the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Heat are sending unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 to the Bucks. Miami is also including a 2030 pick swap and a 2033 second-round pick in the trade.

According to ESPN, Milwaukee chose Miami’s offer over Boston’s because it provided more young talent, draft assets, and long-term flexibility.

The trade marks the end of Giannis’ legendary run in Milwaukee and the start of a new era for both franchises.

Antetokounmpo, 31, is one of the highest-profile players to ever be traded. He is a 10-time All-Star, two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, NBA champion and Finals MVP.

Over 13 years and 895 games with the Bucks since being drafted in 2013, Antetokounmpo averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists. He has played in 84 playoff games, leading the franchise to an NBA title in 2021 after scoring 50 points in the championship-clinching Game 6.

Antetokounmpo has resisted requesting a trade in recent years despite the Bucks’ declining success. The team’s last-ditch effort last offseason was to waive the injured Damian Lillard and sign Myles Turner, which didn’t changed their fortunes. Milwaukee went 32-50 in 2025-26, with Antetokounmpo playing in just 36 games due to injuries.

Now on the Heat, Antetokounmpo will pair with Bam Adebayo as part of a loaded frontcourt. Pat Riley and Co. have plenty of work to do to fill out the roster with free agents, but the core of the team is now locked in.

Antetokounmpo will become eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million supermax extension on Oct. 1, 2026. If he doesn’t sign an extension, he could become an unrestricted free agent next summer in 2027 if he declines his $62.8 million player option.

AJ Dybantsa expects to be the No. 1 pick.

Darryn Peterson believes he should be the No. 1 pick.

Cameron Boozer said he deserves to be in the conversation for the No. 1 pick. 

There might not be a right answer for the Wizards in Tuesday’s loaded NBA draft at Barclays Center — three impressive prospects who all have an argument to be selected first. 

“There’s definitely competition. You see what they did. Great players who averaged the same amount of points,” Dybantsa said Monday, as the draft green room invitees met members of the media at Lotte New York Palace in Midtown. “But I’m gonna bet on myself.”

The general expectation is that the 6-foot-9 Dybantsa will go first, followed by the 6-5 Peterson and the 6-8 Boozer. A Western Conference executive broke it down this way: Dybantsa is a safe choice with upside, and the Wizards need a No. 1 scoring option. The Jazz, at No. 2, aren’t afraid of taking risks, and finding an elite guard like Peterson is difficult. That leaves the Grizzlies and Boozer at No. 3. That’s not a consolation prize. 

“He will be a stud,” the executive said. 

Boozer had the most successful season of the three, leading Duke to the Elite Eight and the ACC regular-season and postseason crowns. He became the sixth freshman to be the consensus National Player of the Year after averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and shooting 39.1 percent from 3. If not for injuries to his supporting cast, Boozer might have been the first freshman to lead his team to a national championship since Duke’s freshmen in 2015.

Experts, however, see Dybantsa as the top talent in this draft. In his lone year at BYU, he produced 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists, and has been considered the front-runner for quite some time. As early as eighth grade, he was ranked No. 1, and he never lost that spot. 

“He’s the best guy. He’s the most well-rounded player in the first five. There aren’t people who do what he does,” an NBA scout said. “The kid continuously worked on his game and got better. With all the other distractions, he ended up getting better.”

Of the three, Peterson is somewhat of a mystery. He dealt with an assortment of injuries, cramps and illnesses and missed 11 games. Frequently, he played sparingly in the second half of close games. His motor and desire have been questioned. After the season, he told ESPN that high doses of creatine led to severe cramping. 

“The questions that I have are about s–t I can’t answer, and they won’t answer them,” the scout said. 

Despite a recent report that Peterson would only meet with the Wizards, he spent time with the Jazz over the weekend, though he only worked out for Washington. Peterson was adamant he isn’t dodging any team. 

“Whoever takes me, I’m going to come in and be delighted to be there,” he said. 

Asked about the doubts, Peterson responded: “I’m back, period. That’s it. I’m myself again, I’m feeling great. I never felt better, actually.” 

He was impressive when he was on the floor for Kansas, tallying 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and shooting 38.2 percent on 6.9 attempts from distance. Peterson believes he’s the best player in the draft. 

“I’m supposed to [feel that way], I think I prove it all the time,” he said. 

This is far from a three-player draft. North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson would be a No. 1 contender most years and seemingly a lock to go to the Bulls at No. 4. The next wave, featuring guards Mikel Brown Jr. of Louisville, Darius Acuff Jr. of Arkansas, Kingston Flemings of Houston and Keaton Wagler of Illinois, wing Nate Ament of Tennessee and center Aday Mara of Michigan, is full of highly regarded prospects. This draft has been talked about for years as not only being elite at the top but impressively deep. 

“I think there are some hidden gems,” Dybantsa said. “When we see ourselves in 15 years, I think a lot of us will still be in the league, and it will be [considered] one of the best draft classes [ever].”

Mike Dunleavy Jr., here comes your test. 

The Warriors have their highest draft pick in five years at No. 11. It’s the first time Dunleavy will have a lottery selection since replacing Bob Myers as general manager in June 2023. 

This pick is of paramount importance for a Warriors team that’s trying to extend Stephen Curry’s championship window. 

How crucial is adding a great young player to this squad?

Curry is 38. Draymond Green is 36. Jimmy Butler is 36. 

Enough said.

So, with this pick the Warriors need someone who can win now. Not a project. Not someone who could be great in a few years. 

They need someone like Yaxel Lendeborg, who, at 6-foot-9, 238 pounds, is considered versatile and NBA ready. His upside is also his downside. He’s 23 years old. It’s fair to question if he’s closer to hitting his ceiling than some of the younger prospects the team could draft who have the potential to turn into superstars.

But with Lendeborg, the Warriors have a good idea of who they’d be getting — and it’s exciting. 

Lendeborg led the University of Michigan to its first national championship since 1988. He was an All-American and the Big Ten Player of the Year. 

For a team that has missed the playoffs two of the last three seasons and hasn’t even gotten past the second round since winning a championship in 2022, Lendeborg would be a great choice, giving the team a wing with size who could make an immediate impact. 

Another interesting prospect for the Warriors could be Arizona’s Brayden Burries, a 20 year old who’s a two-way backcourt sensation. The 6-foot-4 versatile scorer with noted physicality is likely going to be just out of reach for the Warriors, though, with many mock drafts having him going in the No. 8 or No. 9 range. 

Other prospects of interest include the 7-foot-3 Aday Mara and Mexico’s Karim López. 

What’s clear is that the Warriors need to get this right. They missed with James Wiseman at No. 2 in 2020, as well as Jonathan Kuminga at No. 7 in 2021. 

Wiseman isn’t even on an NBA roster. And Kuminga got traded last February after his relationship with the Warriors had soured amid tensions over him wanting him to be a star while the team needed him to star in his role. 

This is a historically deep draft class and the Warriors have a high pick. They have a chance to put themselves back on the map. They have the opportunity to begin to resuscitate a fading dynasty, which won four NBA championships in eight years from 2015 to 2022.

But the NBA landscape has greatly changed since the Warriors were atop the league.

Teams have gotten younger. They’ve gotten deeper. The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs practically have 13 players they can play in the postseason. The Warriors’ rotation is much, much shorter

The draft is one of the Warriors’ clearest paths to making an impact this summer.

Their attempt to acquire Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo last trade deadline fell flat. They’re currently linked to having interest in both Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James, but both of those players are a reach. 

It’s unclear what direction the Clippers are currently leaning. And as for James, his camp is currently talking to the Lakers.

So for the Warriors, the draft is of huge importance. 

They need young legs. They need depth. And they need someone who’s ready to play alongside Curry, Green and Butler right now. 

The pressure is on, Dunleavy. 

Luka Dončić will be closely watching how this unfolds. 

Ever since he was traded to the Lakers in February 2025, they’ve vowed to build a contender around him. 

Well, summer 2026 has arrived and the sand is now streaming through the hourglass. The Lakers could have up to nine free agents. And they have the No. 25 pick in the NBA draft. 

Their biggest hole? 

Down low. 

With their first chance to build out the roster in Tuesday’s draft, the Lakers should prioritize targeting a center, such as Kentucky’s J or UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. 

Doncic needs a reliable presence in the paint. He needs a rim protector. He needs someone who can catch lobs. He needs a stalwart defender. 

Deandre Ayton, who has an $8.1 million player option for next season, has proven inconsistent. Same with Jaxson Hayes, who will become an unrestricted free agent. 

The Lakers need an elite big and a developmental center, the latter of which they could find Tuesday.

The 6-foot-9 Quaintance was initially projected to go much higher in the draft. But after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee in February 2025, there’s a chance he could slip into the Lakers’ grasp. When healthy, the 18-year-old has proven to be a skilled shotblocker who’s athletic and defensive-minded. 

Then there’s the 6-foot-10 Reed, who averaged 14.7 points on 60.7% shooting, nine rebounds and 2.2 blocks over 35 games for the Huskies as a senior last season. The 22-year-old is physical and could make an impact as a reserve center. 

Houston’s Chris Cenac is another option. The 19-year-old is 6-foot-10, athletic and has a 7-foot-5 wingspan. 

This much is for sure: Against a gauntlet of Western Conference teams with strong frontcourts, such as Denver (Nikola Jokic) and San Antonio (Victor Wembanyama), the Lakers’ roster needs some major bolstering in the paint. 

In recent years, the Lakers haven’t fared well in the first round of the draft. 

They picked Dalton Knecht at No. 17 in 2024, but he never became a rotational player. And they selected Jalen Hood-Schifino at No. 17 in 2023, but he’s now out of the league. 

The pressure is on for the Lakers to get this right. 

Dončić agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension last summer with a player option in 2028. He’s doing his part. He led the league in scoring last season (33.5 points per game) and finished fourth in MVP voting. 

Now the Lakers must do their part.

Under the direction of new owner Mark Walter, the Lakers have prepared for this moment by revamping their front office, adding Tony Bennett as a draft consultant and Rohan Ramadas as their assistant general manager of strategy and data systems to work alongside general manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka. 

Andrew Friedman, Farhan Zaidi and Lon Rosen are also going to have their fingerprints on trying to make the Lakers elite again. 

All eyes are on the Lakers’ new braintrust.

The Lakers don’t have any second round picks, but they could get involved through a trade. One thing they’ve been historically great at is picking up guys who have fallen through the cracks, such as Austin Reaves and Alex Caruso, who both went undrafted. 

Reaves, who transformed into a star after the Lakers acquired him in 2021, is expected to turn down his $14.9 million player option to become a free agent. He’s one of the Lakers’ biggest question marks this offseason, along with LeBron James, who’s set to become an unrestricted free agent. The Lakers have made it clear they want both players to return. 

This much is clear: The Lakers need to improve in a lot of areas to compete with the league’s elite, such as San Antonio and Oklahoma City. In addition to their struggles at the center position,  they need more 3&D players. They need to get younger. Deeper.

After the Lakers were swept out of the second round of the playoffs by the Thunder, Pelinka pointed to Ajay Mitchell as the type of diamond in the rough who can be found in the draft. Mitchell, who was the 38th pick in the 2024 draft by New York, torched the Lakers with 22.5 points a game in that series. 

“There’s ways to add to your roster if you commit to doing the hard work and commit to the process of adding the right pieces,” Pelinka said in May. 

Well, the draft is fast approaching. 

And for the Lakers, the clock is ticking. 

The need to build a contender around Doncic. 

Or else. 

The New York Knicks are already working towards building their roster for their title defense just a few days after parading around the city as champions.

According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the Knicks are signing Mo Diawara to a four-year deal.

“Restricted free agent Mohamed Diawara intends to sign a multiyear, $10-plus million deal to return to the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN. Diawara — the No. 51 pick in last year’s NBA draft — was part of the champion Knicks after spending the season on a standard contract,” Charania tweeted.

Restricted free agent Mohamed Diawara intends to sign a multiyear, $10-plus million deal to return to the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN. Diawara — the No. 51 pick in last year's NBA draft — was part of the champion Knicks after spending the season on a standard contract. pic.twitter.com/ZwhQcHelMR

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2026

Diawara, 21, could have signed a four-year deal as a rookie, but he bet on himself and agreed to a one-year contract worth just over $1.2 million. Diawara bet on himself, hoping that he could prove to the Knicks that he was worth a long-term deal, and he did just that.

Diawara appeared in 69 games for the Knicks in his rookie year, averaging 3.6 points per game. He also made seven starts during the year, proving that the organization was high on him from the start.

While Diawara isn’t expected to be part of the Knicks’ championship core, he is a depth piece the team can have in their backpocket for the next four years.

The Knicks hope Diawara can continue to improve with the development of the coaching staff, and he can emerge into a true regular option for the team.

P&T community, what do you think of Diawara’s new deal with the Knicks? Let us know in the comments section below.

The 2026 NBA Draft is hours away. The Spurs are no longer a lottery team, so there’s not as much anticipation in San Antonio about where the top prospects will land, but the Silver and Black does have the 20th overall pick and three second-rounders to play with. If you are interested in what the potential targets could be, read Jacob Douglas’ comprehensive guide.

There is another way the Spurs could use their picks, however. If there’s no one in their range they think is worth bringing along, or if there’s a veteran they think could help immediately and would be available via trade, Brian Wright might just go that route instead of adding more youngsters to the roster. Let’s take a look at some trade possibilities using the available picks.

Spurs send Luke Kornet and the 20th pick to the Mavericks for Daniel Gafford and the 30th pick

The Mavericks are reportedly trying to trade into the top 20 and are willing to use Gafford to do so. The athletic rim-running center is not as important as he once was for their system now that his set-up man, Luka Doncic, isn’t around, and Dallas might be targeting big man Aday Mara with the ninth pick, according to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegl. Since they have Derek Lively around, moving Gafford, who dealt with injuries last season but is used to playing heavy minutes, would help them avoid a logjam while moving up a few spots from 30th.

For the Spurs, the move is all about getting more athletic and upgrading their backup center position. Kornet was solid in the regular season as a rim protector, screener, and rebounder, but he struggled in the playoffs. Gafford offers most of what Luke does while also being a much more dangerous lob threat and a proven postseason contributor on some Mavericks teams that went deep in the playoffs. The trade would involve adding salary, but San Antonio is not close to the aprons, so it wouldn’t be a major issue this season, and if Gafford doesn’t work out, he’s on a movable contract. Brian Wright would also have the 30th and 35th pick if someone drops, and he wants to move up a couple of spots in the first round.

Assuming the Spurs consider Gafford an upgrade and try to get him, the issue is that they could have competitors. The Hornets seem like a prime destination for a big man, since they lack a starting-quality veteran, and they have the 18th and 14th picks. The Bulls also have a hole at center and have the 15th pick. The Raptors, picking 19th, could offer their pick and some talent back. It might be hard to get the deal done even if San Antonio is motivated, but it could be worth trying, especially if Dallas values Kornet as a good stopgap option as a backup.

Spurs send the 20th pick to the Bucks for Bobby Portis

The Bucks are going to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. If they go with the Heat’s offer and opt to rebuild, they would have no use for Portis, who is a fan favorite and still productive, but will turn 32 during next season. A first-rounder should be enough to entice them to trade him, especially while taking no salary back. Portis seems to really like Milwaukee, but if they opt to go young, he’d likely see a change of scenery with good eyes. And landing in San Antonio, where he would play with and back up Victor Wembanyama, would surely interest him.

The move couldn’t be completed until the new season, because the Spurs would be using their mid-level exception to absorb his contract. The reason for San Antonio to go through with this is that Portis seems to fit what they need in terms of big man depth perfectly. He can play power forward and center on small lineups, hit threes at a high level, and bring toughness and rebounding.

Will there be a better option in free agency to use the mid-level exception on, allowing the Silver and Black to not have to trade a pick while still heading into opening night without a hole at power forward? It’s possible, but Portis seems like a good option, especially if the Spurs don’t have anyone they love in the 20th pick’s range.

Spurs send the 20th pick to the 76ers for Dominic Barlow, the 22nd pick

Barlow, a former Spurs two-way player, had a bit of a breakout season with the 76ers last season. By necessity, Philadelphia gave him almost 24 minutes per game, and he responded by averaging 7.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. He didn’t really make a big leap on his biggest weakness, three-point shooting, but he made a lot of hustle plays and looked good on defense. He was impressive enough that they converted his two-way contract into a standard deal.

Now, Barlow is cheap and was reasonably productive, so why wouldn’t the 76ers just pick up his cheap option for the 2026/27 season? Well, Daryl Morey, who signed and converted Barlow’s contract, is gone, replaced by Mike Gansey. Gansey might not be a Barlow fan, and if he’s presented with the opportunity to climb two spots to make sure he gets the player he likes by trading a player he doesn’t consider a part of the future of the team, he’d likely pull the trigger.

Is Barlow good enough to solve the Spurs’ depth issues at the big forward/center spots? Not really, but he’s just 23 years old, knows the franchise, and is likely more ready to contribute than most rookies would be. And since in this scenario he’d only cost moving down two spots and would be absorbed using an exception (which again, means waiting a while until the deal can be finalized), it wouldn’t be the worst idea to give him a new opportunity in San Antonio. If whoever Brian Wright wants could be there at 22nd, adding some cheap, young depth in the process could be smart.

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Should the Spurs trade the pick for a veteran or trade down and pick someone up? Who do you think they should target if they are willing to move the 20th pick?

Mohamed Diawara and the Knicks are very close to a reunion.

Although the final terms are not yet determined as the Knicks work through their cap situation, Diawara is progressing toward a multiyear deal worth more than $10 million, a source confirmed to The Post.

Diawara, a 21-year-old wing, was a rookie revelation for much of last season as the 51st overall pick, logging 69 games while averaging 3.6 points and shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc.

He was projected as a G-League project but elevated into the rotation by mid-December and quickly earned coach Mike Brown’s trust. Diawara’s breakout was Dec. 29 against the Pelicans, when he dropped 18 points in just 18 minutes while knocking down seven treys.

With a 7-foot-4 wingspan on a 6-9 frame, Diawara always projected as a strong defender. But his offense — specifically the confidence to launch 3-pointers — was a pleasant surprise for the Knicks.

His reward is a hefty raise after earning just $1.27 million last season, the lowest salary on the Knicks. Assuming he agrees to terms with the Knicks, Diawara will forgo restricted free agency — where the Knicks would’ve had the option to match any offer.

Despite his regular-season success, Diawara was out of the playoff rotation and mostly watched the championship run from the bench. He played just six games in the postseason and shot 23 percent, with Landry Shamet, Miles McBride, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Clarkson getting the majority of backup wing/guard minutes.

The Knicks have at least two other important free agents — Shamet and Mitchell Robinson — who can hit the unrestricted market June 30. Alvarado could also hit free agency if he declines his $4.5 million player option. The point guard agreed to push back the deadline for a decision on that option from Monday to Friday, which is a strong signal that he’s working to re-sign with the Knicks.

Team owner James Dolan declared recently on WFAN that he won’t allow the Knicks to go into the second apron of the luxury tax, although many around the league are skeptical he’ll follow through after winning the championship. The Knicks cannot re-sign Robinson and Shamet without going into the second apron.

“I think there’s still a priority to re-sign your own free agents, even if it means exceeding the second apron,” Bobby Marks, an ESPN front-office insider, told The Post. “I think the second apron is a detriment for teams that are not at a championship level.”

The Knicks proved they are at a championship level and are close to locking up one of their young depth pieces on a multiyear deal.

Leon Rose’s club also owns the 24th, 31st and 55th picks in the upcoming draft.

The Dallas Mavericks are now just hours away from Tuesday night’s Draft, where they currently hold the #9 and #30 picks. This three-team swap adds some complexity to the conversation, so let’s get right to it!

Prior Trade Talks:

• Sacramento Kings for Malik Monk
• Philadelphia 76ers for former MVP Joel Embiid
• Oklahoma City Thunder for Isaiah Joe
• San Antonio Spurs for Keldon Johnson

Once again joining me for this potential transaction are MMB’s Jack Nowicki and Bryan Porter.

The trade proposal

The Mavericks move Daniel Gafford to the Lakers and pick up Cameron Johnson (DEN), Jarred Vanderbilt (LAL), the #26 pick (DEN) in this year’s draft and the #25 pick (LAL) in this year’s draft. Meanwhile, the Nuggets get Caleb Martin (DAL), Dalton Knecht (LAL), the #30 pick (DAL) and the #48 pick (DAL) in this year’s draft.

The discussion

Mike: After Nico Harrison’s infamous dealings with the Lakers, they’re quite possibly the last team I’d want to deal with. The only exception to that rule would be if the Mavs were obvious winners. For that to be the case, I believe a three-team deal like this would be necessary. Here Dallas winds up with the same number of picks in this year’s draft, but much improved ones at that. They keep #9, and make #30 and #48 into #25 and #26. Those aren’t particularly high, but they are a massive improvement. My biggest reservation is helping the Lakers with arguably their largest need, while trading the only center that is currently reliable without moving into the top 20 in the draft.

Bryan: I hear that, and I’m not keen to help the Lakers either… which is why we aren’t. Daniel Gafford, in my mind, has an incredibly narrow skillset that happens to match up with Luka Doncic’s strengths, but is nothing special. Getting a first round pick for him rocks. Picks #25 and #26 would be an offer too good for teams looking to add young end of rotation guys with specific skillsets, such as Detroit at #21, Toronto at #19, or Charlotte at #18 – we would still have a path to a pick in the teens, or could use #9 and #25 to potentially move up to #7 or #8 if none of the lead guards are going to fall to us at #9.

Mike: This proposal setting us up for a second move solves any gripe I had about not moving into the top 20! Some pick wheeling-and-dealing that sees #25 and #26 turn into one of the #18-#21 range really changes the complexion of this proposal as it stands. If we could swing that one-two punch to end up with a top 10 and top 20 pick in this draft, then I think I’m all out of complaints. Also, with all due respect to him, getting off Caleb Martin is a big win for the Mavs’ wing-heavy team. The only question then is whether the Nuggets real need to shed money is great enough for them to take on Martin and Knecht to do so.

Jack: Overall, this trade would make a lot of sense if #25 and #26 could be packaged in a trade-up like Bryan mentioned and you echoed. It has been reported multiple times that the Mavericks want to move up in the draft, and having #25 and #26 gives them real ammo to do so. The addition of Cam Johnson also fills a crucial need within the Mavericks starting lineup, as his shooting would pair perfectly next to Cooper Flagg. My only concern would be the addition of yet another older role player, as Johnson is already 30 years old. This trade does make sense for both other teams, but I wonder if Knecht would be sent elsewhere as Denver needs to save as much money as possible.

Bryan: Knecht also has a team option next year, so they could not exercise it and keep roughly $4 million off their books. Also, I agree Johnson would fill a key shooting role for Dallas this year, then fall off the books for flexibility moving towards the summer of 2028. Ideal preparation for adding a major player via trade when Flagg is due his rookie max extension.

Mike: Johnson’s shooting is a great point, and really an unsung element to this proposal. He shot 43% from downtown last season and my goodness could this team use a whole lot of that. If he were able to do that here on a Mavs team that would be reincorporating the capable deep threat of Kyrie Irving, it would be a night-and-day difference from what we saw take place last year. His age doesn’t quite fit the bill of a “youth movement” but I’m a little less concerned with it since we’re swapping 30 year olds (Martin for Johnson) and it seems like an older veteran like Klay Thompson is likely to play out his final years elsewhere. Speaking of vets on the move, what do you each think of Vanderbilt – is he the price of doing business in your opinions, or does he open up an opportunity to more willingly trade P.J. Washington or Naji Marshall?

Bryan: Vanderbilt is for sure the toll you pay to add a late first round pick and Johnson for lesser players. Vanderbilt is a good locker room guy, but not someone to be relied upon for more than a good change-of-pace stint at forward once in a while. He would not be in the rotation and would only be on the books for next season and the one after, so he’s salary ballast in this deal and likely another deal a year from now when he’ll be expiring.

Jack: Vanderbilt is the cost of doing this trade, but I don’t think adding him would be that much of an issue. First of all, his contract is not overly expensive and only has two years left, meaning it won’t affect your books for very long. The other aspect is that he effectively replaces Caleb Martin within the rotation with his defense and lack of shooting.

Join the conversation in the comments section below!

I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has fueled speculation he might finally be leaving the Milwaukee Bucks.

All it took was a short social media post.

“GOD, I trusted you at the beginning, and I will continue to trust you throughout’’ he wrote on his X account Monday, June 22, followed by a prayer hands and 100 percent emojis.

An accompanying black-and-white photo showed Antetokounmpo from the back wearing his jersey No. 34 as if under the spotlight in a darkened arena.

Does this mean exit?

GOD, I trusted you at the beginning, and I will continue to trust you throughout. 🙏🏽💯 pic.twitter.com/BuRHnQS2NQ

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) June 22, 2026

While Antetokounmpo, 31, has never demanded a trade from the Bucks, the possibility has percolated for months.

The 10-time All-Star forward led the Bucks to the NBA championship in 2021. But since then, the Bucks have only advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs once, and this past season Milwaukee failed to make the playoffs.

The Bucks finished 32-50 in the 2025-26 season.

The Bucks selected Antetokounmpo No. 15 overall in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft, and in Milwaukee, he has developed into  one of the league’s top players.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Giannis Antetokounmpo post on X hints he's leaving Milwaukee Bucks