The U.S. men’s national team squared off against Bosnia Herzegovina in the World Cup’s Round of 32 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Folarin Balogun put the USMNT on the board with a goal in the 44th minute, giving the Americans a 1-0 lead just before halftime.
Balogun did James’ famous silencer celebration after scoring the goal, and the four-time NBA champion noticed.
Folarin Balogun did LeBron James’ iconic silencer celebration in the USMNT’s showdown versus Bosnia Herzegovina. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
James reacted to the celebration on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“LFG!!!!!! The (silencer) has (landed) at the World Cup! Helluva goal there Young (king). Go (USA),” James wrote in a post with several emojis.
Balogun has emerged as a key star for the USMNT, and he likely will be elated to find James’ shoutout on social media.
Balogun has emerged as a key star for the U.S. men’s national team. AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Though the World Cup knockout stage is in full swing, NBA free agency has also dominated the sports world this week. James is a central figure on the free agent market this summer after he informed the Lakers he would not return to the team.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics shoots a three point basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Jaylen Brown is no longer a member of the Boston Celtics.
After three rumored blockbuster swings — for Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and then Giannis Antetokounmpo — Brown was dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday evening. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens followed through this go-around, and it amounted to netting the organization an imbalanced return for its 29-year-old homegrown 2024 NBA Finals MVP.
Now… it’s time for Stevens to explain himself.
Stevens and majority owner Bill Chisholm need to answer the floodgate of questions that trading Brown will most certainly prompt. Last week, Stevens dodged questions centered around the organization’s standing with Brown following the failed Giannis pursuit. This time, Stevens and Chisholm owe the fanbase transparency after taking a notable step back just two years after the franchise sat atop the league as champions.
Last offseason, the roster demolition was accepted. Kristaps Porziņģis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet left Boston, and the reasons were clear. Jayson Tatum had just suffered a ruptured Achilles, so maintaining a Louis Vuitton-priced roster made little sense to ownership’s benefit, even if the end of the tunnel was a postseason miss.
That didn’t happen, and Brown was the reason.
Boston, MA – April 19: Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown dunks in the third quarter. The Celtics played the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2026. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Brown made the Celtics competitive by maximizing his surrounding cast. His leadership kept the ship from sinking after the team’s 0-3 start last October, and it helped remove any and all pressure from the ownership group’s motives. Because of Brown, there was no focus on the departure of a championship rotation, and instead all eyes were drawn to the development of Boston’s young and inexperienced core.
Stevens received credit as the NBA’s Executive of the Year — due in large part to Brown’s career-best 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists. Through the ups and downs of the campaign, Brown remained composed despite the team’s learning curve or his own personal run-ins with league officials. Brown performed, and he ensured the Celtics would perform up to standard in a year when they weren’t expected to, nor would they have been blamed for not doing so.
Still, it wasn’t enough.
Brown vocalized his frustrations 24 hours after Boston choked a 3-1 lead to the Sixers in the first round this past postseason. His comments, while up for interpretation, never suggested a concrete commitment to moving on from Boston. Brown had three years left on his contract with eligibility for a two-year, $142 million option this month, and had been a long-invested fixture in the Boston community ever since being drafted third overall in 2016.
He challenged the media, challenged the league’s officiating, and even challenged basketball analytics. But throughout every stream or postgame press conference, Brown never once insinuated that Boston itself was a problem. As outspoken as he is online or in-person, Brown never uttered the words “I’m done with the Celtics.”
“My understanding is Jaylen Brown, throughout all of this, never requested a trade,” Charania said on SportsCenter shortly after Brown’s trade to Philadelphia. “He never asked out of Boston. This was all the Celtics.”
For weeks, the most prominent and trustworthy voices in basketball media have suggested that Boston’s front office had been searching for a divorce. A willingness to do so for Giannis made sense. However, a willingness to maintain the aggression to trade Brown for a downgraded return from Giannis is going to be a tough sell.
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 21: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with the Bill Russell Finals MVP Trophy during the 2024 Boston Celtics championship parade on June 21, 2024 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by China Wong/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The reality is Tatum’s prime can’t go to waste. George will turn 37 next May and has dealt with persistent knee and lower-body issues, most recently limiting the nine-time All-Star to just 37 games with the Sixers last season. It was difficult enough for Celtics fans to rally behind the idea of a Brown-for-Giannis swap, so there’s virtually no chance that Causeway Street will be embracing this move as a step in the right direction anytime soon.
Offloading Brown and replacing him with George reeks of the intention to trade Brown this offseason, no matter what. It suggests Chisholm is leaning on the trust Stevens has built with the fan base to justify a decision that does little to help the team’s title chances right now.
George is pushing 40 and is no longer the PG13 of the past.
Keeping Brown together with Tatum, at the very least, keeps Boston in the hunt for a championship. They’ve reached the NBA Finals twice, have won once, and have been a formula capable of making trips to the Eastern Conference Finals routine. So why bring it to an end? If the Celtics weren’t willing to go the extra mile for a Giannis deal, at the risk of plummeting Brown’s market value, then what’s the sell here?
The truth is simple: Stevens screwed up. He screwed up big time, and the entire organization — particularly those in the locker room — will live with the consequences.
Boston’s additions of Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley address critical needs, but they are far from enough to mask the void of removing Brown from the equation.
Consider this: if the Celtics tried to ride it out with Brown, barring an irreparable rift between the franchise and the player, why accept a trade now? Why not wait it out until the trade deadline or into next offseason? It’s hard to imagine that if this return was the best Boston was going to get, it wouldn’t be waiting for the team in the future because it doesn’t get a whole lot worse than this.
It can’t get worse.
Celtics fans are smart enough to acknowledge that. Even at the fan base’s most stubborn, Boston’s faithful will be skeptical of Stevens, Chisholm and the entire organization — and for good reason. The Celtics jeopardized their trust four years ago when they called the Brooklyn Nets; they did it again this offseason after whiffing in the Giannis sweepstakes against the Miami Heat, and it’ll be up to them to explain.
But right now, Stevens and Chisholm did not live up to their commitment to assembling the best possible product, ready to chase Banner 19 next season — as currently constructed. They’ve instead given Boston every and all reason to stare deeply at them with doubt.
That was a choice, dating back to years of irritation for a franchise cornerstone willing to do everything to put Celtics basketball first — even after he was welcomed to a TD Garden that hurled him with boos on draft night a decade ago.
More than 24 hours into NBA free agency, the Celtics are not better than they were when their season ended in Game 7.
The Philadelphia 76ers just pulled off a massive trade, shipping Paul George and two first-round picks to the Celtics for Jaylen Brown. However, it appears they're not done trying to revamp their starting lineup. Tony Jones, who covers the 76ers for The Athletic, reported shortly after the Jaylen Brown trade that the 76ers were interested in signing free agent LeBron James.
SOURCES: The Philadelphia 76ers have reached out and are expressing interest in acquiring LeBron James. The story, is here. Please read - https://t.co/x3dKMkMj3l
After the trade for Jaylen Brown, the 76ers' starting lineup would be:
PG: Tyrese Maxey SG: VJ Edgecombe SF: Jaylen Brown PF: Dean Wade C: Joel Embiid
Dean Wade is a solid floor spacer who's shot 36.7% from beyond the arc during his seven-year NBA career, but he's not a strong rebounder and has averaged 5.3 points in 20 minutes per game in his career. He is a strong defender, which is an area of need for the 76ers, but he fits best as a rotation piece and not a starter on a potential title team. Of course, with Maxey and Edgecombe leading the way, the 76ers don't need another primary scorer in their starting lineup.
This presents an interesting question for LeBron James. At 41 years old, James will certainly welcome not having to shoulder a huge burden. He played in just 60 games this season, his fewest since 2022-23, and he attempted just 15.3 field goals per game, his lowest total ever. Obviously, playing next to Luka Doncic meant that James wasn't needed to initiate offense as much, but that would likely be the same situation while playing alongside Maxey, Brown, and Edgecombe. LeBron remains a strong facilitator, who had 7.2 assists per game last season while turning the ball over just 3.0 times per game, his fewest since 2012-2013. LeBron would have to be OK filling even more of a facilitator role among a group of younger scorers who are going to push the pace in a way that James may be unable to keep up.
Moving Wade to the bench would also deepen a bench unit that is a major weakness right now, with just Adem Bona, Ariel Hukporti, Dominick Barlow, and Labaron Philon as likely contributors.
What Other Teams are Interested in LeBron James?
The Warriors still remain at the forefront of the James sweepstakes, along with teams like the Heat, Cavaliers, and Nuggets. The Spurs seem to be out of the running after signing Tobias Harris, but all cards are on the table when it comes to LeBron James. We should have some resolution in the next few days.
While the Lakers were interested in bringing James back for what could be his final season, the four-time NBA champion’s departure has caused a stir throughout the league.
LeBron James informed the Lakers he would not return for the 2026-27 season. Best Image / BACKGRID
Despite speculation about rumored favorites, it appears James isn’t fixated on one destination. In fact, NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins said James has no plan at this stage of his career.
“This is the first time that I feel like that Bron doesn’t have a real plan. It’s not in the bad way, this is the first time where he is actually saying you know what? Let me sit back and let me really make some decisions and see what’s out there because usually he has a plan in place,” Perkins said in an appearance on “The Road Trippin’ Show.”
“I think where he’s going and that’s the beauty of it because if I’m teams around the league if I’m the Denver Nuggets, if I’m Anthony Edwards, I’m all jumping on the f—–g phone to call Bron.”
Kendrick Perkins says this is the first time that LeBron James doesn’t have a real plan:
“It’s not in the bad way, this is the first time where he is actually saying you know what? Let me sit back and let me really make some decisions and see what’s out there because usually he… https://t.co/YTlxBL1ttSpic.twitter.com/W89XwMTr3t
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 8: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 8, 2025 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 2025 NBAE(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Sixers are reportedly looking to talk to LeBron James … yes, you are reading that correctly.
SOURCES: The Philadelphia 76ers have reached out and are expressing interest in acquiring LeBron James. The story, is here. Please read – https://t.co/x3dKMkMj3l
Tony Jones is as plugged in as anyone across the NBA media landscape. While he doesn’t mention anything about how receptive LeBron would be to the idea of joining the Sixers, it does make a good bit of sense:
“Philadelphia makes sense from a basketball perspective. The 76ers have enough scoring, depth and ballhandling at the top of the roster to allow James to ease into a role. And with James — or even without him — Philadelphia projects as a championship contender. The Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are also considered among the frontrunners for James’ services.”
There are connections with James and president of basketball operations Mike Gansey. The two crossed over for a few years in Cleveland. LeBron was leading the franchise to its first ever NBA title while Gansey served as the team’s director of development league operations before being promoted to assistant general manager.
But their connection goes back a bit further. As we all know, LeBron was born in Akron, Ohio. Gansey is from Olmsted Falls, Ohio. As Mike’s younger brother Steve reminded everyone, Mike and LeBron crossed paths as high-level high school players.
For all the jokes about LeBron getting Bronny enrolled at Malvern Prep or seeing him at the Wawa in Port Richmond a few years back, it would be something for this to happen now.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Bogoljub Markovic #23 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the Chicago Bulls during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 16, 2025 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Per Jake Fischer, the Milwaukee Bucks have signed Bogoljub Marković, their 2025 second-round draft pick, to a four-year rookie contract, with the news confirmed on the Bucks’ official NBA.com page. According to Fischer, the deal is worth $9.3m and includes a team option in the final season.
After being drafted by the Bucks with the 47th pick in the 2025 draft, Marković spent last season playing for Mega Basket in Serbia’s Adriatic League (ABA), where he averaged 18.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.0 blocked shot in 31.8 minutes per game. As discussed by Deolu in May, Marković’s play earned him the league’s MVP award, while he also took home the Top Prospect Award for the second year in a row and was named to the “Ideal Starting Five,” Serbia’s form of an All-NBA award.
But this success shouldn’t have come as a complete surprise—Finn urged us all to not give up on Marković after his largely disappointing play during last year’s Summer League with Bucks, citing his self-belief, basketball understanding, shooting, and fluidity as strengths that hold him in good stead, and likening him to Lauri Markkanen. Wouldn’t that be something?
The soon-to-be 21-year-old fits what seems to be Milwaukee’s movement of high-character, driven, and mouldable prospects, who will have every opportunity to improve under the tutelage of Taylor Jenkins, Joe Boylan, the recently added T.J. Ford, and the rest of the coaching staff. Undoubtedly, Marković adds to Milwaukee’s intriguing collection of young talent and provides an additional option at the four spot, alongside Kyle Kuzma and Pete Nance.
Here’s hoping his MVP form in the ABA is a sign of things to come for the Bucks.
Brew Hoop community, how do you feel about Marković signing? Let us know in the comments section below.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green #23 battles Memphis Grizzlies' Santi Aldama #7 for a rebound in the second quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
It’s been quite a journey for the Golden State Warriors’ 2030 first-round pick. It first changed hands in the summer of 2023, when the Warriors sent half of their “second timeline” to the Washington Wizards (Jordan Poole, Ryan Rollins, Patrick Baldwin, Jr.), a 2027 second, and the 2030 first-rounder for whatever was left of Chris Paul’s 38-year-old body.
The pick, protected for selections 1-20 in 2030, settled down in the District of Columbia for the next two seasons as the Wizards slowly traded away their good players for picks, took on other team’s bad contracts for picks, and tanked so effectively that they ended up with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. But when the Wizards decided to disable the tank for the 2026-27 season, the Warriors’ old pick was part of the trade that sent Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks to the nation’s capital.
Now the protected pick belongs to the Memphis Grizzlies, who traded forward Santi Aldama to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for AJ Johnson, two second-rounders, and that 2030 Warriors first. At time, the Warriors were effectively trading a 12-year-old for a 38-year-old, though now that potential pick is probably in his sophomore year of high school. Lest we forget, Dallas also receives the rights to Tarik Biberovic, a 25-year-old Bosniak forward who plays professionally in Turkey.
The Memphis Grizzlies are trading Santi Aldama to the Dallas Mavericks for AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 Warriors first-round pick and two future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ctrDPu0tcC
The Grizzlies are no strangers to taking on protected Warriors first-rounders. They got the Warriors’ 2024 first for taking on Andre Iguodala’s salary in the summer of 2019, which led to the Dillon Brooks Dynasty in Memphis after the young team pretended to be furious about Iguodala forcing his way to the Miami Heat and the 2020 NBA Finals. Eventually, it simply put the Grizzlies in the Path of Destruction forged by Steph Curry.
Eventually, that pick found its way to Washington after being involved in trades for Marcus Smart, Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija, and Kristaps Porzingis. The draft is a flat circle. The pick eventually turned into Carlton Kaleel Carrington III, better known as “Bub,” who will known be mentored by noted veteran leader Trae Young.
The 2030 pick will only convey to Memphis if it lands between No. 21 and No. 30, in which case it becomes a Warriors second-rounder. That’s good business from the Dubs front office, considering Steph Curry will turn 42 that season. The Grizzlies have a giant stockpile of picks after trading Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson, Jr. in the last 12 months, so the Dubs’ beloved pick may be relocating a few more times before draft night 2030.
In other ex-Warriors news, Harrison “The Black Falcon” Barnes re-signed with the San Antonio Spurs, Andrew Wiggins opted-in to his player option and signed an extension with the Miami Heat, Buddy Hield surprisingly had his $9.7M option picked up by the Atlanta Hawks, and Nico Mannion received a qualifying offer from the Warriors while currently unemployed in the Italian league. Forever Warrior Justinian Jessup is under contract with Bayern Munich through 2028.
July has arrived, which means the NBA Summer League is right around the corner.
Former Huskies Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr.’s will both start early in the California Classic, taking place from July 3-6. The main NBA Summer League will be in Las Vegas from July 9-19.
Karaban’s Sacramento Kings and Reed’s Spurs are in the field along with the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat. The two UConn rookies are set to make their Summer League debuts this holiday weekend.
Sacramento Kings’ California Classic schedule:
Saturday, July 4 vs Brooklyn Nets at 5:00 PM ET
Sunday, July 5 vs Golden State Warriors Blue at 5:00 PM ET
Monday, July 6 vs Milwaukee Bucks at 10:00 PM ET
San Antonio Spurs’ schedule:
Friday, July 3 vs Miami Heat at 8:00 PM ET
Monday, July 6 vs Los Angeles Lakers at 7:30 PM ET
With the draft over and the players now in their new cities, Karaban and Reed Jr. have had a chance to reflect on their journey from high school to college and the pros.
In Sacramento, GM Scott Perry mentioned basketball IQ as a separator as well as Karaban’s elite shooting and connecting ability along with winning mentality. He also shared that he observed a UConn practice, saying anyone coming out of that program is “battle-tested.”
Sacramento Kings GM Scott Perry on Alex Karaban:
"Alex Karaban was one of the most accomplished players in college basketball. He's the winningest player of all time in UConn Huskies history. That says a lot. 2 time National Champion. So he brings a winning pedigree; he's an… pic.twitter.com/HcPXDpOrVu
Karaban will immediately bring the winning DNA that a team like Sacramento needs. The Kings last won the NBA title in 1951 when they were the Rochester Royals, and have only made the playoffs twice since 2006.
Karaban credited Dan Hurley for his development as a player, noting that he will bring the same mentality to the Kings.
Alex Karaban: Coach Hurley, he changed my life. I wouldn't be here without him… Those practices, the daily habits that we had every single day, those core values that he instilled in me are something I want to carry over to this organization."
With No. 11 being retired, AK chose No. 33 after fellow Massachusetts legend Larry Bird. That number was last worn for the Kings by Jake LaRavia in 2025.
Alex Karaban on choosing #33 as his jersey number on the Sacramento Kings:
"Coach Hurley called me Larry Bird a lot, so I had to go with 33." 😂😂
Over in San Antonio, Reed was introduced just a few days after the draft and got to work immediately.
“The first thing I noticed is the game is a lot faster than college. We played a little bit slow at UConn, but here it is just fast-paced, fast-tempo.” He described the game as one where you have to be on high alert on the defensive end and not get caught for a defensive three-second violation.
It seems fair since the Swift-Kelce party has taken over the Knicks' home, Madison Square Garden, for the nuptials. Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns all made the list, which is reportedly more than 1,000 strong. The Knicks did not return a message looking to confirm the report.
Swift was there for the Knicks' big moment, so it's a little fair play.
She was courtside for two Knicks playoff wins this spring, including their miracle comeback from 29 points down to win Game 4 of the NBA Finals by a point. She and Kelce, an Ohio native, also showed up on the road when the Knicks took on the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals.
She was there for one of the Knicks' biggest moments and they are invited to be there for hers − if they RSVP'd in time. The reports said it was unclear if the players accepted.
Reports on the wedding, which have not been confirmed by the couple's representatives, have the Garden being transformed for the wedding with Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw among the names rumored to perform. The guest list runs deep into Hollywood, too, with Selena Gomez, Mariska Hargitay and Gigi Hadid among those expected, plus a contingent of Kelce's Kansas City Chiefs teammates.
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 24: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 24, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Through streaming tears and a quivering bottom lip, I gazed at Shams Charania’s latest release in the great dance we call free agency. The Los Angeles Lakers had realized my greatest horror: they overpaid for Walker Kessler, and the Utah Jazz would not be matching their offer sheet.
Now who’s going to be the UCCU Jazzman?
July 1st, 2026;
Dear Diary — er, MANLY Diary,
Oh Diary, he said he loved me. He said I was the only one for him. Even when we argued, he made an Instagram post just for me! He promised that I would always be in his heart, but when that silicon bimbo from Los Angeles flaunted her wares around, his eyes turned to dollar signs.
The pain! The agony! He said we would be together forever, but I guess she can give you something I never could: regret.
Don’t come crawling back to me when she doesn’t give you a ring. Don’t beg for my forgiveness when you realize I was the best you would ever have. I have a new boy now. His name is Jaxson; he spells his name with an X and an S, and he is always nice to his partners.
See you never!!!
And that is all I care to share from my personal record of the day.
Sincerely, I believed it would be the end of the world if the Utah Jazz lost Walker Kessler in restricted free agency. And to lose Kessler to the Lakers, of all teams, is an especially bitter gulp of offseason medicine. And while Jaxson Hayes isn’t the answer for Utah’s center needs (heh, welcome to Utah!), acquiring Los Angeles’ entire draft future in a sign-and-trade is a generous spoonful of sugar.
But as we step away from Kessler, it’s becoming fairly clear that Walker didn’t want to play in Utah as badly as he claimed on Instagram:
“I’ve seen what’s being said, and I want it to be clear that I have always wanted to be here — I love this city, these fans, my teammates, my coaches — that’s real to me. You don’t grow roots where you don’t want to be”.
Money was the wedge between Utah and Kessler, and it always had been. Kessler and his team touted him as one of basketball’s best shot-blockers and rebounders, and he deserves to be paid as one of the league’s premier centers. The Jazz conceded that point, but couldn’t possibly weigh down their cap sheet for a player who had never been an All-Star or All-Defense honoree, and had only played in 61% of all possible games since joining the team.
It came down to paying for Walker Kessler or paying for the idea of Walker Kessler, and Los Angeles is the Mecca of ideas.
The wildest development in this entire saga is the fact that with California’s steeper income tax rate, Kessler will be pocketing less than he would have if he had accepted Utah’s final offer. That communicates to me one of the following two possibilities:
Walker Kessler and his team are financially illiterate
It’s clear that this couple was better off splitting up. And though we’ll all miss Kessler here in Salt Lake City, the pair just couldn’t see eye to eye when it mattered most.
But at least the Lakers are finally doomed, right?
Calvin Barrett is the Associate Editor for SLC Dunk. Originally from Springville, Utah, he currently lives in Japan and has covered the NBA and college athletics since 2024.
Former NBA player Malik Beasley arrives outside of Brooklyn federal court, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in New York.
Malik Beasley’s lawyer said the indicted former NBA star “wants to move on with his life” after pleading not guilty Wednesday to charges that he altered his play in certain games in 2024 to enrich sports bettors and ease his own debts.
Beasley, the latest big name caught up in a sweeping federal gambling investigation, said little at his arraignment in Brooklyn federal court. He answered a judge’s questions with “yes, your honor” but let his lawyer, Jason Goldman, enter his plea on his behalf.
Afterward, the 6-foot-4 shooting guard stood quietly as Goldman spoke to reporters outside the courthouse, demurring when one asked if he had anything to say to his fans. Beasley, who played for six NBA teams in nine years, missed the most recent season because he was under investigation. Instead, he played for a Puerto Rican team co-owned by the rapper Bad Bunny.
Former NBA player Malik Beasley arrives outside of Brooklyn federal court, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Heather Khalifa
“He looks forward to fighting. He’s fought every day,” Goldman said. “He’s presumed innocent and that has to mean something still, obviously.”
Beasley, 29, and sports agent Paolo Zamorano, who also pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, were among six people charged in an indictment unsealed this week.
They are the newest defendants in a gambling sweep that has netted more than three dozen arrests, including former Miami Heat star Terry Rozier, who was accused of conspiring with friends to help them win bets, and Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups, who was accused of conspiring to fix high-stakes poker games.
Zamorano, 39, formerly represented another co-defendant, ex-NBA player Ed Davis, who had loaned money to Beasley and is accused of acting as his “gatekeeper” in the alleged scheme.
“We look forward to our day in court,” Zamorano’s lawyer, Kenneth Breen, told reporters.
Beasley and Zamorano were both released on bond. They’re due back in court for a status conference on Aug. 6.
Malik Beasley #5 of the Detroit Pistons reacts in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena on April 27, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Getty Images
Beasley is accused of fixing or trying to fix his performance in at least four games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024 by under or overperforming bookmakers’ expectations. In exchange, the indictment said, the bettors bribed Beasley and his debts to Davis were reduced or eliminated.
“Only way you can beat Vegas is sports betting,” Davis told Beasley in a Jan. 26, 2024, text message, according to the indictment. “Everything else they got the edge.”
In one example, according to the indictment, Beasley told Davis that he would try to outperform the 3.5 line that sportsbooks had set for his rebound total in Milwaukee’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 10, 2024.
With a second left, and the Bucks up by seven points, Beasley challenged a Clippers shot and dashed past four players to grab his fourth rebound and securing a win for the bettors as the horn sounded.
One bettor made a $3,252 profit on a $2,838 wager, the indictment said, and another made a $2,107 profit on wagers totaling $2,400. Other bettors missed out and lost money, mistakenly placing wagers on Beasley to underperform the rebound total because of an apparent miscommunication, the indictment said.
“What’s funny is after he got it he had a big sigh of relief,” a co-conspirator said in a text message, according to the indictment.
Former NBA player Malik Beasley, center, exits Brooklyn federal court, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Heather Khalifa
Beasley borrowed money from Davis, a former teammate, after racking up millions of dollars in gambling losses. His widely reported financial problems include disputes with a Detroit landlord, a Milwaukee barber and a Minnesota dentist. A 2025 lawsuit from a sports marketing agency resulted in a $1 million default judgment against him.
“There’s a bigger conversation here about the industry, about individuals and institutions that are profiting billions and billions of dollars and fueling the addiction,” Goldman said.
Beasley has been aware of the investigation for about a year, Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Weintraub said.
He last played in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons on a one-year, $6 million contract in the 2024-2025 season. He averaged 16 points per game and scored 20 in his last game, a playoff loss to the New York Knicks. He is one of five players in NBA history with more than 300 three-pointers in a season.
Beasley’s release was secured by his parents, actors Michael and Deena Beasley, who joined the arraignment by phone from their home in Georgia. Stone-faced for most of the hourlong proceeding, Beasley laughed at his mother’s answer to Magistrate Judge Taryn Merkl’s question about how often they talk to each other.
“I probably call him every day. He might not answer every day,” Deena Beasley said, prompting chuckles in the courtroom. “If I call him six times a week, he’ll answer five times.”
On today’s episode, Leo Sun returns to the pod with Ryan Eichten to recap the Minnesota Timberwolves’ offseason as NBA Free Agency opens.
— Was the Julius Randle era in Minnesota a failure? The Wolves won three playoff series with Randle, but ultimately had to salary dump him after a poor series against the San Antonio Spurs.
— How cautious should the Wolves be about LaMelo Ball’s health? The Charlotte Hornets limited Ball to just 28 minutes per game, which allowed him to play in 72 games, his most since the 2021-22 season in which Ball made his lone All-Star appearance. Before that, Ball had only played in 105 games the previous three seasons.
— Should the Timberwolves start Jaden McDaniels at power forward and Ayo Dosunmu at small forward, or should they look to add another player in a trade? McDaniels has shown the ability to play the four, but come the Playoffs, that lineup might prove not to have enough size.
— Do the Wolves need to commit to playing Jaylen Clark at least 15 minutes per game after signing him to a three-year, $10 million contract? Clark has been in and out of the rotation during his two healthy seasons with the Wolves and now may be set for more permanent playing time.
— With Ball now on the team and Randle not, the Timberwolves roster makes a lot more sense for Gobert. Minnesota can better involve Gobert in the offense with Ball’s playmaking while better spreading the floor.
— Tim Connelly has made several moves that have not worked out in recent years, including the trades of Rob Dillingham and Karl-Anthony Towns two seasons ago, but the trade for Ball ties everything together and gives the Wolves a much better outlook moving forward.
Walker Kessler checks off all the boxes of an A-list center. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Kessler fits the bill.
According to StatMuse, Kessler is the only starter in NBA history with 10-plus points per game, 10-plus rebounds per game, two-plus blocks per game while shooting 67% or better from the field.
The 24-year-old spent the first four seasons of his NBA career with the Jazz. While Kessler was injured for most of last season, he’s earned a reputation for being one of the league’s premier interior defenders throughout his early career.
The Lakers posted a 116.4 defensive rating last season but proved to be inconsistent during the campaign. Now, general manager Rob Pelinka has addressed a pivotal issue by acquiring Kessler.
Kessler should pair well with Lakers stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Regardless, the Lakers have finally added a legitimate big with a ton of upside. Kessler should pair well with Doncic and Austin Reaves, but the team will need to make additional moves to round out the roster after losing multiple free agents this summer.
July 1 marked the official start of the new league year in the NBA with the start of free agency. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to improve after a 2025-26 season which saw them finish in first place in the Pacific Division and advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs before getting bounced by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Of course, next year marks the start of a new era for the team. LeBron James is not returning to the team, which leaves a pretty massive hole in their frontcourt. That said, although the new league year has only been active for a day, the Lakers have already made efforts to address their needs.
Los Angeles traded for Utah center Walker Kessler, sending unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 as well as two first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030 in order to bring him to the city of angels.
But that wasn't the only deal the Lakers made today.
The Lakers also signed former Raptors big man Sandro Mamukelashvili to a fully guaranteed four-year, $52 million deal with a player option for the fourth year as well as two guards, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton.
Everyone knows that this organization can make a massive trade or convince a big-time free agent to join them on a moment's notice. With that in mind, here is a full list of the Lakers' offseason transactions.
Lakers trade for center Walker Kessler (two first-round picks, two first-round pick swaps)
Walker Kessler stats:
Kessler played in just five games for the Jazz in 2025-26, sidelined for most of the year with a shoulder injury. In his last full season, Kessler averaged over 11 points per game and actually led the league in offensive rebounds per game with 4.6.
Lakers sign Sandro Mamukelashvili to a four-year, $52 million deal
Sandro Mamukelashvili stats:
Mamukelashvili played in 80 games for the Raptors, providing crucial minutes off the bench for a team that massively exceeded expectations during the regular season. He averaged 11.2 points per game on 52.3% shooting while grabbing 4.9 boards per game. Mamukelashvili's efforts last season earned him tenth place in Sixth Man of the Year award voting.
Lakers sign Quentin Grimes to a four-year, $60 million deal
Quentin Grimes stats:
Grimes worked primarily as an off-the-bench scoring option for the Philadelphia 76ers last season, averaging 13.4 points per game on 45% shooting. Grimes endured one of the worst 3-point shooting performances of his career last season, shooting a career-low 33.4% from beyond the arc. That said, he has shot over 38% from deep in three of his five seasons in the league, so a bounce-back is expected.
Lakers sign Collin Sexton to a two-year, $19 million deal
Collin Sexton stats:
Sexton is an elite scorer, but struggles with playmaking and inconsistent defense. That said, he's great at what he does, which is getting buckets. Last year, he averaged 15.4 points per game during his time with the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls. He did that with an effective field goal percentage over 55%, thanks in large part to his lethal 3-point ability, where he's shot over 40% each of the last two seasons.
Will LeBron James return to Lakers for 2026-27?
James will not return to the Lakers next season. Reports indicate that James informed the Lakers of his decision to go elsewhere on June 30.
James is now open to signing with other teams going into his 24th season.
Brown had been the subject of trade rumors in recent weeks, reported to have been offered to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Celtics' bid to land Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Brown is coming off one of his best individual seasons, finishing sixth in the regular season MVP voting.
He was asked to take on the starring role for a good portion of the season while co-star Jayson Tatum was kept away from live-game action for nearly 300 days due to an Achilles tendon rupture suffered in the 2025 playoffs. Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 71 games played this past season.
What may be most shocking is that the Celtics traded Brown to another Eastern Conference team, let alone a longtime, Atlantic Division rival.
Brown has clashed with the 76ers for years, including in recent months when Philly successfully eliminated Boston in Game 7 of their opening-round series in early May.
The Sixers managed to get younger at the position by adding the 29-year-old Brown. He also adds championship experience and the ability to play on the biggest stage, earning NBA Finals MVP in 2024.
Philadelphia also boosts its chances to come out of the Eastern Conference, placing Brown in a starting lineup alongside Embiid, V.J. Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.
Grade: B+
Boston Celtics
Boston did receive a haul of draft picks, but the trade is an overall miss. Not only do the Celtics add a player (George) with injury concerns to the roster, but they also missed out on a chance to get younger for the upcoming season.
General manager Brad Stevens and the Celtics didn't acquire a younger talent like Edgecombe, who was impressive as a rookie this past season. Edgecombe finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting.
George averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 37 games played this past season. He missed part of the season after being hit with a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.
HAS
at the World Cup! Helluva goal there Young
!
. GO
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