INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 25: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers controls the ball against Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Intuit Dome on March 25, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
During Summer League action between the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics, Scottie Barnes appeared on the ESPN broadcast (NBA TV Canada). At one point in the sideline interview, Barnes was asked about the potential addition of Kawhi Leonard.
Barnes immediately thought of the potential defence.
“We’re trying to take candy from a baby,” said Barnes.
Toronto’s defensive rating of 112.1 ranked fifth-best during last season. Barnes was a big reason for that, as the dynamic forward was named to the All-Defensive Second-Team for his efforts.
“Seems very dangerous,” said Barnes. “We’ve got people everywhere on the floor, every position, that’s ready to guard.”
“We know what Kawhi can do out there. He’s going to fit right in.”
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Tyler Nickel #55 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
NBA Summer League is a weird funhouse mirror. Excel there (like when Kevin Knox scored 29 points against the Lakers), and a player might be declared a franchise cornerstone. Drop a stinker (as Mohamed Diawara did yesterday, with seven points on 1-of-9 shooting), and some will call the player a bust. Both are overreactions—but it is fair to admit that Mo disappointed us after signing a new 4-year, $11.2M contract this summer.
Indeed, the Knicks opened Las Vegas Summer League with a 91-65 loss to the Nets on Friday night. New York actually competed well early, taking a slim lead after the first quarter. After halftime, the game unraveled. Brooklyn dominated the third period 30-9, turning a close contest into a runaway before cruising through the fourth to win 91-65.
Pacome Dadiet logged 20 points and seven assists for the Knicks, and rookie sharpshooter Tyler Nickel impressed, scoring 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting from deep. Brooklyn got 20 points apiece from M. Brown, Jr. and Egor Demin.
The Knicks’ summer coach, T.J. Saint, started Jaden Akins, Dillon Jones, Pacome Dadiet, Mohamed Diawara, and Liam Robbins. Dadiet has been a fixture of the Knicks G League team and the bench at MSG since being drafted in 2024. After scrimmaging in practice against the rotational Knicks for the past two years, we expected him to fare well against these junior Nets. As for Diawara and his -39 plus-minus rating, the less said, the better. Both he and Dadiet shot 1-of-7 from beyond the arc.
The most pleasant surprise of the evening was Nickel. Coming off a standout senior season at Vanderbilt, the 6’8” wing was drafted 47th by New York this summer. He was regarded as one of the best movement shooters of the draft crop. That skill was on display in Vegas, and we’re excited to see more of it when he gets reps with the Westchester Knicks.
Egor Dëmin had a strong outing for the Nets, shooting 7-of-15 from the field while adding seven rebounds. He was aggressive attacking the rim and showed solid playmaking and efficiency as one of Brooklyn’s standouts. Selected eighth overall by the Nets last year, Dëmin enjoyed a promising rookie season, averaging 10.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 52 games (45 starts) before plantar fasciitis sidelined him. He’s considered to be one of the key pieces in the Nets’ rebuild.
Up Next
The Knicks continue their Summer League schedule tomorrow against the San Antonio Spurs. Who’s betting that the Texans will want revenge for losing the Finals? Rest up, Knickerbockers.
Apr 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets Malachi Smith (18) and Toronto Raptors Brandon Ingram (3) battle for a loose ball during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images | Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
According to the New York Post’s Brian Lewis, the Brooklyn Nets have cut guard Malachi Smith from the team. The former Gonzaga Bulldog signed a two-year, non-guaranteed deal back in April after two 10-day contracts with the organization. Brooklyn exercised Smith’s minimum salary team option in June.
In 15 games (four starts) played with the Nets to close out this past season, Smith averaged 8.3 points on a shooting split of 48.5 percent from the field/43.5 percent on three-pointers/100.0 percent at the free throw line, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
The 26-year-old will most likely have to return to the NBA G League with another franchise. He’s had stops with the Portland Trail Blazers’ Rip City Remix, Milwaukee Bucks’ Wisconsin Herd, Memphis Grizzlies’ Memphis Hustle, and the Brooklyn Nets’ Long Island Nets over the last three seasons.
Smith started his collegiate career with the Wright State Raiders from 2018-19, transferred to the Chattanooga Mocs from 2020-22, before making his way to Spokane, Washington. He was named the West Coast Conference Sixth Man of the Year in 2023 before entering his name into the 2023 NBA Draft, bypassing his final season of college eligibility. Smith would go undrafted.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets drives against Will Johnston #26 of the New York Knicks in the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2026 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. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you’re the fan who refuses to get too high on Summer League, but also the kind who’s keen to see the crown knocked off the recently-anointed New York Knicks, Brooklyn’s fourth game this summer likely put your spirit in a pretzel.
The Nets met their cross-town rival a couple of thousands of miles away this afternoon to kick off their run in the Las Vegas Summer League. New York, the team without any game action yet this month, looked the part throughout the entire contest, needing every minute and more to find their groove. The Nets needed the first half and about three minutes of the third quarter, but no more.
And in the end, it was another eye-opening performance for Brooklyn’s Backcourt as Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr. scored 20 points each and dominated New York, 91-65.
While Brooklyn entered this one already with three games under their belt, this was our first look at sophomore Danny Wolf. The Yale x Michigan product did not play at all in Sacramento but started this afternoon alongside Mikel Brown Jr., Egor Dëmin, Drake Powell, and Chaney Johnson. However, Brown Jr., fresh off a fine first game himself on Monday night, got the mic with Chris Haynes pregame.
“I feel like I hold myself to an expectation that’s higher than what other people are saying,” he said when asked about the hype around him as a prospect. “Obviously, you know, I feel like if you have expectation on you, that means you’re expected to be a great player. So just, you know, embracing it.”
For a second straight game, Brooklyn’s first points came from Brown Jr. on a fadeaway jumper along the baseline, yet this time from within the three-point arc. Points of all kinds came at a premium to begin the game, however. Both teams began the contest shooting 3-of-18 from the field. And although it was a collective brick-building effort in the first, the Knicks did the heavier lifting, going without a made field goal until the 3:07 mark of the period. While the Nets weren’t much better, Wolf and Dëmin did connect during this slick ATO…
Nets continuing to experiment with Egor Dëmin as a screener this summer.
Shots momentarily started falling for the champs as the first crossed over into the second where the Knicks enjoyed a 12-0 run which gave them the lead. While Brooklyn caught no such breaks, they did snag a handful of offensive boards to stick around. Johnson and Dain Dainja tapped the team into way to a few extra possessions and points. Dainja, a force off the bench for a second straight game, finished with six points, six boards, and a rejection.
Meanwhile, Egor Dëmin continued to laugh in the face of discouragement. After missing his first three shots of the game, the sophomore guard just kept on pulling deep into the second. His darts started hitting the board down the stretch of the period as well. His two makes from beyond the arc in the final two minutes of the frame were enough to give Brooklyn a 38-33 lead at half.
Dëmin led the Nets there with 15 points on 6-13 shooting and 2-8 from deep. Johnson followed with a 9/6/2 line along with two steals. Brown Jr. (4), Wolf (0), and Powell (1) collectively had just five points on 1-8 shooting, but did their best to make up for it on the other side of the ball.
Drake Powell, Danny Wolf, and Mikel Brown Jr. collab on a strong defensive possession for Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/RPmAQBr9kz
In the third, Brooklyn continued to lean on their defense, forcing four turnovers in the subsequent period’s first five minutes. Johnson picked Dillon Jones’s pocket before going coast to coast for a jam roughly four minutes deep. Brown Jr. stole one before flying and flushing less than a minute later…
And while up there, the sixth overall pick ripped the saran off their rim. The Nets continued to push on the break after turnover and boards alike. After converting a number of transition points, they started to find their groove in the half court as well. In a flash, Brooklyn experienced a 15-0 jolt that gave them a 22-point lead. MBJ topped it off with one to help all the pre-draft Steph Curry comparison artists out…
While later in the game, that was only the start for Brown Jr. In the fourth, he turned a redemptive second half into a stellar outing and a comfortable win into a nasty blowout. Flashing his feel on the court and knack for finding space once again, he mixed in a flurry of threes put the game out of question. The rock fight we were watching an hour before suddenly felt like a foggy memory. MBJ had 16 points in just under 15 minutes of second half play before taking a seat with the Nets up 85-53 and a little under five minutes remaining. He finished with 20 points, three assists, and two steals while shooting 6-12 from the field and 3-6 from deep.
Mikel Brown Jr. is just putting on a show at this point.
The Nets emptied their bench soon after that shuffle and splash before easily trotting to their third straight summer league victory, and their first part of this official tournament.
“I was just trying to find a rhythm, you know,” Brown Jr. said post game. “Coach just told me to stay aggressive, keep going and keep making plays, so that’s what I did.”
Julius Randle Speaks with Chris Haynes
Hours after the trade finally processed, Julius Randle made his first public appearance at this one. He spoke with Haynes during the second quarter.
“I’m great, man. You know, I’m excited,” he said. “Great opportunity ahead. Great organization. Made me really comfortable to start. So, you know, got a lot of young talent. Got some good vets. Excited to see what we can put together.”
Haynes asked specifically about Randle’s experience as a team leader and veteran locker room presence. In case you live under a rock, he was widely praised for his efforts while doing that now two stints ago with the Knicks.
“I mean, just ability to adjust and adapt, to be honest, ” he said. “I had one of the best best mentors there was that brought me in from day one in Kobe when I was a young player. I understood and saw how important that was for me at the start of my career, just seeing him and seeing him as an example for me as a player. So, I just try to pay the game back.”
On his role now with the Nets specifically, he restrained himself from making any bold predictions in terms of team success, but also acknowledged the opportunity to succeed.
“I mean, we just got to lean into each other, take it day by day, step by step, and just keep building,” he said. “I’m not gonna say what we’re gonna do or we’re not gonna do, but I know we’re gonna come in every day with the right mindset, right professionalism, and just get better every single day. I believe in a lot of these young guys, the talent that we have, and then some of the older guys, — MPJ, Keon, Terrence, and you got Day’Day [Day’Ron Sharpe]. You got a lot of guys, a lot of talent, so it’s really up to us, to build the chemistry and put it all together, and I feel like we will.”
He also spoke briefly on his relationship with Brown Jr.
“Yeah, I talked to him. I try to talk to him a lot. I joked with him that I don’t really watch a lot of college basketball, but the one game of his that I did watch was versus my Kentucky Wildcats, and he did us dirty. So, I gave him a little hell about that. But you know, it seems like he’s got a great hand on his shoulders, very poised, calm, and confident. I like what I’m seeing out here, as far as his pace of play. He plays at his own pace and can see the floor really well, so it’s gonna be up to us vets to pick him up to speed and really get him going. But he’s gonna be great. He’s gonna have a great career.”
Brown Jr. also shared postgame that the Nets had a team dinner last night with Randle and Michael Porter Jr.
“Got to talk to them for a little bit,” he said. “You know, just to be able to pick their brains means a lot.”
Next Up
Brooklyn is back in action tomorrow vs the Atlanta Hawks. The game will be on ESPN and is scheduled for tipoff at 8:00 p.m. EST. It will be the first game from the 28th pick, Joshua Jefferson, who couldn’t even train with Brooklyn until the big trade involving Julius Randle and Nic Claxton was finalized earlier in the day.
Since it’s the back end of a back-to-back, don’t expect the Nets’ two backcourt mates to play.
The man behind one of the strangest LeBron James scoops is trying his hand at another one.
Jonathan Gotschall, the former Caroline’s Cupcakes owner whose bakery drew national attention in 2014 for calling James’ return to Cleveland, is now floating another wild rumor.
In a post from POKÉ Fresh Ohio, which he now owns, Gotschall claimed James is not only coming back to Cleveland but also bringing son Bronny James and Draymond Green with him.
“Hey guys. I’ve got it on good authority that not only is LeBron coming back to Cleveland, but he’s bringing Bronny and Draymond with him!” Gotschall wrote. “If you don’t believe me, you can Google ‘Caroline’s Cupcakes + LeBron’ to check my credentials. This ain’t my first rodeo. IYKYK.”
Jonathan Gotschall, the former Caroline’s Cupcakes owner whose bakery drew national attention in 2014 for calling James’ return to Cleveland, is now floating another wild LeBron rumor.
Gotschall told The Post that it’s “still a rumor,” but still posted the rumor publicly.
More than a decade ago, Gotschall scooped the entire NBA world days before James penned a letter announcing his return to Cleveland after four seasons with the Miami Heat.
“Just texting with a friend who is directly tied in with LeBron and his camp, and he swears on his life #TheReturn to Cleveland is a done deal,” Gotschall wrote on Facebook on July 5, 2014, five days before the official announcement. “Per his sources, calls have already been made to other current Cavaliers to spread the news. If this is true, and like anything on the internet, take that with a grain of salt … are you ready to get out your old jersey and welcome LeBron home?!?”
The Washington Post picked up on the rumor two days later, joking that while ice cream wasn’t on the menu at the sweet shop, “scoops are.”
Now, Gotschall is laying his reputation on the line once again, hoping lightning can strike twice.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a call during the second half against the Chicago Bulls on January 26, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A return to Cleveland would mark James’ third stint with the Cavaliers, the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2003 and the franchise he led to its first NBA championship in 2016.
It would also place him on a far different Cleveland roster than the one he rejoined in 2014, with the Cavaliers now built around Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and likely returnee James Harden.
The Bronny and Draymond elements would make the rumor even more complicated.
Apr 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) is congratulated by guard Tyler Herro (14) after making a basket during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
The NBA Summer League is currently taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, where rookies and NBA stars are taking in the action around town. Former Kentucky Wildcats are sprinkled in the rosters, while some are in town for the weekend, and a couple of them got into an altercation.
According to ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro got into a physical altercation on Friday morning, during which Adebayo struck Herro.
The incident occurred on a practice court at a Las Vegas hotel this morning, beginning when Adebayo approached Herro about comments on social media in which the former Wildcats guard criticized Adebayo’s play.
The altercation occurred at a practice court in a Las Vegas hotel this morning, sources said — starting when Adebayo approached Herro about comments the guard made critiquing the center on social media after their seven-year run in Miami ended. https://t.co/0SZv8VT462
According to multiple sources who witnessed the incident and who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter, Adebayo walked onto the courts and Herro said something to him. Adebayo approached Herro and, without hesitation, punched him. Herro’s AAU coach confronted Adebayo, and Herro yelled at his former teammate while being escorted out by security personnel. Both players left the scene on their own.
The two former Wildcats and Heat teammates had a solid friendship and chemistry in Miami.
In a past interview, Herro asked Adebayo which teammate would always have his back in a fight, and his response was:
“I’m going to say Tyler (Herro) just because we got the longest relationship,” Adebayo said.
Here’s to hoping these former Cats can get back to being on good terms.
The Knicks played their 2026 NBA Summer League opener against the Nets on Friday night in Las Vegas, but aside from Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Nickel, many of New York's players did not play up to snuff.
Dadiet, who is entering his third year in the league, finished the night with 20 points on 6 of 16 shooting, seven rebounds and one steal in 21 minutes on the floor. But it was his first half performance that kept the score close. The Frenchman scored nine of his points on 3 of 7 shooting through the first two quarters.
As for Nickel, the forward scored nine points on 3 of 6 shooting in 12 minutes on the floor. He also came down with four rebounds in the first half. Nickel finished with 18 points on 6 of 11 shooting, including 6-for-10 from three.
Mohamed Diawara, the other notable Knick participating in this year’s summer league, and entering his second season with the Knicks, scored just five points on 1 of 7 shooting in his 13 minutes on the floor. He was a minus-19 at halftime, and it didn't get much better.
For the game, Diawara scored just seven points on 1 of 9 shooting with six rebounds. He was a minus-39 on the floor in his 23 minutes.
Liam Robbins (four points, four rebounds, one assist in 16 minutes), Dillon Jones (six points, three rebounds, four assists, three steals in 23 minutes) and Jaden Akins (two points, two assists in 21 minutes) round up what the starting five did on Friday.
On the Nets side, it was much better.
Brooklyn's star rookie from last season, Egor Demin, dominated the first half, scoring 15 points on 6 of 13 shooting. Danny Wolf, entering his second season, did not score a point, but came down with five rebounds in his 12 minutes on the floor, for a plus-12.
Nets 2026 first-round pick Mikel Brown Jr., scored four points on 1 of 4 shooting, but the No. 6 overall pick would have a monster second half. The rookie guard finished with 20 points on 6 of 12 shooting, three assists, one rebound, and two steals in his 22 minutes.
Demin finished with 20 points, thre rebounds, two assists in 22 minutes while Wolf (nine points, eight rebounds, three assists in 21 minutes), Chaney Johnson (11 points, nine rebounds, two assists, four steals in 23 minutes) and Drake Powell (one point, three rebounds in 21 minutes) round out Brooklyn's starting five.
LeBron James’ free agency may come down to something much simpler than cap math, roster gymnastics or the loudest recruiting pitch.
Familiarity.
LeBron James’ free agency may hinge on familiarity as Cavaliers and Heat lead Polymarket odds for his next team. Best Image / BACKGRID
According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, familiarity is expected to play a major role in James’ upcoming decision, with many around the league now viewing the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat as the two teams to watch.
That tracks with where the betting market’s are moving, too.
Basketball Player and Team AlUla Co-Owner, Lebron James looks on in the E1 Owners Suite during the E1 Series Dubrovnik GP Getty Images
At the time of this article’s publication, Polymarket’s latest list Cleveland as the favorite at 45%, with Miami right behind at 31%, surging12 points, Golden State has fallen to 15%, down 11 points, while Philadelphia has climbed to 11%. Minnesota sits well behind at 2%.
In other words, the LeBron sweepstakes may be turning into a race between the two places that know him best.
Cleveland is obvious. James could return home for a third stint with the Cavaliers, close his career where it all began and join a team where his history with the city, franchise and ownership still carries enormous weight. Donovan Mitchell’s presence also gives Cleveland a ready-made star, not just a nostalgia pitch.
Miami offers a different kind of familiarity. James won two championships with the Heat, has long praised the franchise’s structure and culture under Pat Riley. It is also reported that the Heat are willing to bring Bronny James into the picture on a two-way contract, which would add another layer to an already emotion-filled decision.
Miami Heat’s LeBron James holds the the Larry O’Brien NBA championship trophy after Game 7 of the NBA basketball finals against the San Antonio Spurs AP
James’s agent, Rich Paul framed the decision around “complete happiness,” not money, market size or even loyalty to Los Angeles.
That may explain why Cleveland and Miami appear to be separating from the pack.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James holds the the Larry OâBrien NBA Championship Trophy after defeating Golden State Warriors San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
And connections Curry and Green have developed into two important off-the-court relationships for James. The rumor mill was kicked into high gear when Green and James were seen golfing together this week
That is what makes this decision different from James’ earlier free agency choices.
This is not 2010, when he was chasing his first title. It is not 2014, when he was returning home to fulfill a promise. It is not 2018, when Los Angeles offered a blend of basketball, business and family life.
LeBron James acknowledges the crowd’s reaction as he takes the stage USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
This is Year 24.
James is 41, still productive and still capable of helping a contender, but the decision now seems less about conquering a new market and more about finding the right emotional landing spot.
That word was happiness.
Sidery’s report suggests familiarity may be how James defines it.
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Victor Wembanyama is the definition of a no-brainer max extension for the Spurs — and the two sides have agreed to just that, a five-year, $252 million extension, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
However, the key for the Spurs is that Wembanyama agreed to no escalators, Charania reports, and that could save the Spurs more than $50 million over the course of this deal. What the sides have agreed to is the 25% of the salary cap max. However, Wembanyama, a First-Team All-NBA selection and reigning unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, would very likely qualify for a Rose rule 30% max contract, estimated to start at $53.5 million and be worth more than $300 million over the course of the five-year contract.
Essentially, Wemby left $50 million on the table to help the Spurs build out the roster around him. Wembanyama hinted about this on social media.
The impact of the current CBA and the punitive tax apron system has become a hot topic around the NBA. The Knicks just won a title in part because Jalen Brunson took $113 million off the max he could have asked for, giving the Knicks' front office some room to bring in other players. Celtics president Brad Stevens said that trading away Jaylen Brown was, in part, because of the challenges of building out their roster with two supermax players (Brown and Jayson Tatum).
Wembanyama and the Spurs worked together to secure a healthy payday for Wembanyama, averaging a little more than $50 million per season, while retaining some flexibility, Charania reports.
Wembanyama averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocked shots a game last season, finished third in MVP voting and was unanimously voted the Defensive Player of the Year. It's become evident that very soon — maybe by next season — he will be the best player walking the face of the earth, and other teams have to plan how to handle him, not just in a specific game but for how they build their rosters.
Getting that player on any kind of discount is a steal for the Spurs and generous of Wembanyama.
Victor Wembanyama is staying in San Antonio, and he left money on the table to do it.
The Spurs announced Friday, July 10 that they signed the reigning Defensive Player of the Year to a multiyear contract extension. The team didn't disclose terms, but ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wembanyama chose the standard 25% maximum, projected at roughly $252 million over five years, and passed on supermax escalator language that would have pushed the deal to about $303 million had he made an All-NBA team or won MVP or Defensive Player of the Year next season.
He almost certainly would have.
According to Charania, the Spurs offered the full supermax and worked through multiple frameworks with Wembanyama's camp before he settled on the smaller structure, a sacrifice meant to give San Antonio room to build a sustained contender around him.
Wembanyama clearly learned something from the NBA Finals. Jalen Brunson, the Knicks star who beat the Spurs to win the 2026 NBA championship, has been celebrated for signing below his max in 2024. That allowed New York to keep a deep roster that went on to win the franchise's first title in 53 years.
A month later, Wembanyama followed the same game plan.
The 22-year old is coming off a season that made the supermax a formality had he wanted it. He became the youngest Defensive Player of the Year in NBA history and the first unanimous winner since the award began in 1982-83, made an All-NBA FIrst Team, and averaged career highs of 25 points and 11.5 rebounds with a league-leading 3.08 blocks. He led the league in blocks for a third straight season, something only two other players have done, and became the seventh player in league history to average at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.
During the postseason, he averaged 23.8 points, 10.9 rebounds and a playoff-best 3.55 blocks over 22 games. Only Elgin Baylor had previously reached the Finals in his first playoff appearance while earning first team All-NBA honors in the same season.
The top pick in the 2023 draft owns a career average of 23.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.46 blocks. He won a silver medal with France at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 28: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Six of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Frost Bank Center on May 28, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Spurs’ number one priority this summer was always going to be to tie down their franchise player for the foreseeable future, and as expected, they’re doing just that with Victor Wembanyama. After some extra time and rumors suggesting he was taking a discount, he is signing a maximum contract extension worth $252 million (25% of the salary cap) across five years. Where the discount comes in is he’s also waiving the escalators that would allow it to turn into a super max contract worth $303 million (30% of the salary cap) if he earns All-NBA honors or wins MVP or Defensive Player of the Year in the 2026-27 season.
The contract kicks in next summer and lasts through the 2031-32 season (which feels weird to type), with a player option for 2031-32.
BREAKING: San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama has signed a five-year, $252 million maximum rookie-scale contract extension, with a player option in the fifth season, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/NwbTiIkurd
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Spurs offered Wemby multiple scenarios and layouts, including the super max, but this discount was Wemby’s decision. The Tim Duncan-esque sacrifice allows the Spurs future flexibility, giving them better odds of keeping their young core together when it’s time for players like Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper to start looking at their extensions.
Wembanyama decided on the 25% maximum instead of the 30% supermax escalators to $303M, after he and the Spurs went through multiple frameworks. A major decision for the All-NBA star and Defensive Player of the Year entering his fourth season.
San Antonio worked in close partnership with Wembanyama and his representatives, offering the full super max and different variations of extensions. But Wembanyama ultimately chose a contract sacrifice rooted in giving him and the organization increased ability to build a sustained title contender around him.
The Spurs drafted Wembanyama after winning the ultimate lottery jackpot in 2023. He was only their third ever no. 1 pick, joining Spurs legends David Robinson and Duncan. He soon joined them as their third ever Rookie of the Year (with Castle joining the club a year later) after averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.6 blocks, making first team All-Defense and appearing in what is for now a career-high 71 games. Although his second season was cut short by deep vein thrombosis, he was still named an All-Star and led the league in blocks despite only appearing in 46 games. While the Spurs appeared on the way the play-in at worst before his diagnosis, they broke through in almost the biggest way imaginable in his third season.
They far exceeded expectations by winning 62 games and finishing second in the West. Wemby posted career highs in points (25), rebounds (11.5) and field goal percentage (51.2%) while making the All-Star team, winning Defensive Player of the Year, coming in third in MVP voting, making the All-NBA and All-Defense First Teams and again leading the league in blocks. But more importantly, they not only busted their six-year playoff drought, but they made it all the way to the Finals, including beating the defending champion Thunder in a dramatic seven-game series despite not having homecourt advantage in the Conference Finals, where Wemby was named MVP.
Although the Spurs ultimately fell short of a championship, blowing four double-digit leads to the well-rested Knicks while looking exhausted down the stretch of games, the season could only be considered a success. For his part, Wemby posted historical numbers while on the floor in the playoffs, including a plus/minus of +196 (+8.91 per game) while tying LeBron James (2009) and Kawhi Leonard (2017) for the highest Estimated Plus-Minus of a single playoff run with +9.4. (Whether or not those staggering numbers say more about the Wemby or the performance of the Spurs’ bench is debatable, but there’s no doubt his play on the court is what lifted them so high.)
Finally, he continued to show he will likely be the block king of the NBA before all is said and done. Not only did he set a single-game playoff record with 12 blocks in Game 1 of the second round against the Timberwolves (which he probably won’t try again since it sapped his energy on the other end and they ended up losing), but he surpassed Dikembe Mutombo’s record of 69 blocks in a player’s ever first playoff run, recording 78 by the end of the Finals for a whopping 3.5 per game.
The crazy thing is, after all that, he’s still just 22 years old and has plenty of room to grow and improve. Beyond just staying healthy — he missed 18 games this season, mostly due to a calf strain, and only met the 65-game minimum for awards thanks to the Spurs making the In-Season Tournament Finals — there’s still some areas he could be better, such as three-point shooting (he shot a league average of just under 35% on 5.5 attempts but was inconsistent), shot selection and overall decision making with the ball in his hands. (While his turnovers have gone down each season, 2.4 is still high for a non-point guard.)
The playoffs also showed he has a little more maturing to do, as he let his emotions get the better of him a few times over physical play, which led to him elbowing Naz Reid in the neck for a flagrant 2 and ejection in round 2. He only barely avoided suspension thanks to being a first-time offender. He also got a flagrant 1 in Game 4 of the Finals for elbowing Kart-Anthony Towns in the chin, and he could have been suspended had the Spurs forced a Game 6 after the refs missed a Zaza closeout on a Jalen Brunson three in Game 5. Had it been reviewed by the league and upgraded to a flagrant after the fact, it would have been his 4th flagrant point of the playoffs, which is an automatic suspension.
Finally, he (rightfully) faced backlash for retreating to the locker room and not shaking hands after the Finals were over, which was not a good look and set a poor example. Regardless, every young player has their growing pains that make them stronger, and this was certainly a learning experience for Wemby and the entirety of the Spurs’ young core that will hopefully pay off down the line. Today’s mindful sacrifice for the future of his team is certainly a big step.
Wemby isn’t the only current player the Spurs have business to attend to. They have until October 31 to exercise Castle’s 4th-year rookie option and Harper and Carter Bryant’s third-year options (but odds are slim they’ll take that long). Other in-house business the Spurs already took care of was re-signing Julian Champagnie and Harrison Barnes, as well as signing their first round picks (Jayden Quaintance and Tarris Reed) to standard contracts and second round picks (Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Maliq Brown) to two-ways. They also added veteran forward Tobias Harris, which leaves two roster spots left to be filled (but only one required).
Welcome to San Antonio for the extended future, Wemby! (And thanks for finally getting it done! I’ve only had this written and waiting in the wings since Monday morning when the moratorium period ended, although some unexpected edits were required.)
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama defends against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson #11 during the second quarter of NBA Finals Game 4 on June 10, 2026.
Victor Wembanyama is getting paid — but is helping out his team in a big way.
It is the third-highest rookie extension in NBA history, according to the Worldwide Leader.
However, he took the extension at 25 percent of the salary cap instead of 30 percent escalators, which could help San Antonio build around him.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama defends against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the second quarter of NBA Finals Game 4 on June 10, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
As ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted, Wembanyama will make $43.5 million in the first year instead of $52.5 million he could have with the 30 percent escalators.
Of note, Stephon Castle is eligible for an extension next summer.
The deal for Wembanyama comes after the big man recorded career highs in points (25) and rebounds (11.5) per game as the Spurs made a run into the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Knicks in five games.
For the third straight year, the 7-foot-4 Frenchman also led the league in blocks per game (3.1) and came away with the Defensive Player of the Year.
LAS VEGAS — Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo and his former teammate Tyler Herro — who was traded to Milwaukee in the Giannis Antetokounmpo deal — got into an altercation during a Summer League practice in Las Vegas, a story first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and later confirmed by NBC Sports.
The Miami Heat are aware of the incident but are not commenting, nor were the Bucks, team representatives told NBC Sports. The Heat and Bucks were in the midst of playing each other in a Summer League game when news of the incident began to break.
The incident reportedly happened at a hotel in Las Vegas during a morning practice. A number of teams in the city for Summer League set up full mini-facilities in ballrooms at the larger hotels, including bringing in full-size practice courts with baskets and setting them up, as well as training rooms, dining spaces, film rooms and more. Practices at a hotel are common.
Adebayo reportedly approached Herro about comments Herro allegedly made on an alternate Instagram account. Those comments reportedly included "You should get paid 60 million to be a top tier defender on some nights?"
Adebayo, a mainstay of the Heat franchise and team culture, averaged 20.1 points and 10 rebounds a game for Miami last season while being named to an All-Defensive team for the sixth time in his career.
Herro, a Milwaukee native, is headed back to Wisconsin once the Antetokounmpo trade becomes official. He averaged 20.5 points while shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc last season for the Heat.
Miami Heat captain Bam Adebayo reportedly got into a physical altercation with former teammate Tyler Herro in which Adebayo allegedly struck Herro.
According to ESPN, the incident took place at a practice court on Friday, July 10 in Las Vegas — the site of the NBA’s Summer League showcase — when Adebayo approached Herro about a critical social media post Herro recently made. Per the report, Adebayo struck Herro near the face.
A spokesperson for the Heat told USA TODAY Sports in a text message that the franchise is aware of the matter but is not commenting further.
Adebayo and Herro were teammates for all seven of Herro’s seasons in the NBA, each of which had been in Miami. Adebayo (2016-17) and Herro (2018-19) also each played one season of college basketball at Kentucky, though neither player overlapped in Lexington.
It is common for current players to gather in Las Vegas during Summer League, so that they can support the rookies and young players who are participating in the games but also get additional workouts on courts across the city.
A few days after the trade between Miami and Milwaukee was agreed to, screenshots of direct messages between a fan and Herro were leaked, showing Herro discussing the dynamics of the Heat. Although Herro did not name Adebayo, the posts clearly indicate Adebayo was the subject of some pointed criticism.
“You should get paid 60 million to be a top tier defender on some night?” Herro wrote in one of the direct messages. “I’m just wondering, since we talking.”
Adebayo’s average salary for his current contract is $53.4 million, but he is Miami’s top-paid player.
The player topping the list was Antetokounmpo, with a 26.8% mark, and Adebayo ranked 10th, at 35.9%.
Earlier in the day Friday, the Amazon Prime broadcast interviewed Herro and asked about his relationship with the Heat.
“It’s all love. It’s all love in Miami,” Herro said during the interview. “I’ve seen a couple of the guys and coaching staff, (assistant) Chris Quinn, (head coach Erik Spoelstra), front office guys — we’re all good in Miami. This is an opportunity for both sides to reset, get a fresh star and we’re both super happy for this.”
It’s unclear if this interview took place before or after the altercation.
Adebayo and Herro had a cordial and friendly relationship while both played in Miami. In fact, during a taped vodcast, Herro asked Adebayo who on the Heat would always have Adebayo’s back if a fight broke out.
“I mean I would hope all of y’all, considering I got all y’all back,” Adebayo began. “One person? Man, I’mma say T, just cause we got the longest relationship.”
In response to that, Herro said: “Yeah, I’m coming.”
Agents representing Adebayo and Herro each did not return requests for comment. Spokespersons for the Bucks also did not return requests for comment.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Meleek Thomas #15 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on July 10, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Indiana Pacers 99-93 in their first game of the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League.
Cleveland began the fourth quarter by outscoring Indiana 26-11, shooting 11-6 from the floor during their comeback run. It was too little too late, but it was fun to watch nonetheless.
Rookie Meleek Thomas scored 20 points and shot 7-14 from the floor. He found his groove late in the fourth quarter, coming to life and helping his team rally back from a big deficit. His shot-making, both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations, was a standout.
The Cavs are hoping the 34th pick can continue to develop as a scorer. Thomas showed promise as a freshman for Arkansas with a pure jumper and good feel for getting to his spots. He spent most of his time as a secondary option in college, but had a chance to be the lead ball handler today. Cleveland played Thomas at point guard, and it paid off.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin also looked strong. Tomlin began his career on a two-way deal with the Cavaliers but worked his way into a standard contract last season. He’s looking to graduate from Summer League by proving he’s too good to be included in this setting.
Tomlin had 20 points and 6 rebounds.
Ball handling and athleticism are two things the Cavs have been missing in their frontcourt. Tomlin has the raw potential to deliver both. He looked strong working off the dribble today and even buried two three-pointers. Tomlin was statistically one of the worst shooters in the NBA last season. Any improvement in that regard would be a nice addition to his game.
Malakai Branham scored 15 points, in addition to grabbing 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
Riley Minnix chipped in with 10 points and 5 rebounds. Ernest Udah Jr. added just 4 points and 2 rebounds in his 20 minutes. Tristan Enaruna, Cleveland’s third and final two-way player, scored 2 points on 1-7 shooting off the bench.
Cleveland plays the Milwaukee Bucks at 3:30 PM on Sunday.
