James has switched between the Nos. 6 and 23 throughout his long NBA career, but he returned to the latter in 2023 after the NBA retired Bill Russell’s No. 6 league-wide.
Seems like Green already has put some thought into it. Does that mean he knows something we don’t about James’ next destination? It certainly is possible.
For those interested, the last Warriors player to wear No. 5 was big man Kevon Looney from 2017-25; Marreese Speights, Baron Davis, Tim Hardaway (just during his rookie season) and Guy Rodgers are other notable players to wear that number in franchise history.
A free agency decision now appears to be imminent. The favorites to land the 41-year-old's services include familiar names like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, but don't count out the possibility of James closing his career with a new team such as the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves or Denver Nuggets.
As the NBA world waits for James to announce where he will write the closing chapter on his storybook career, here's the latest we're hearing on where things stand on The Decision 3.0:
LeBron James shouts out Lakers at Fanatics Fest
01:51 PM ET, July 16 2026
With his former head coach and "Mind the Game" co-host JJ Redick in attendance, LeBron took some time early in the live show to acknowledge the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Shout out my former team. I spent eight great years with the Los Angeles Lakers," he said. "… That was an unbelievable ride and I am looking forward to what comes next as I wind down my journey. It’s going to be fun wherever I land.”
LeBron James: “Shout out my former team. I spent eight great years with the Los Angeles Lakers … That was an unbelievable ride and I am looking forward to what comes next as I wind down my journey.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin is at the event and doused water on the thought we may get a decision soon. McMenamin writes the following on X.
Tyrese Haliburton attempted to ask LeBron James about his decision early on in the program and James did not bite, saying “didn’t we already talk about this in the back.” Haliburton acquiesced and said, “I’ll leave it alone.”
LeBron takes the stage
01:32 PM ET, July 16 2026, Gabe Zaldivar
LeBron James is now talking live at Fanatics Fest. We will have to wait to see if any news comes from the appearance.
LeBron James makes public appearence for "Mind the Game" podcast
01:17 PM ET, July 16 2026, Gabe Zaldivar
LeBron James is set to take the stage for his "Mind the Game" podcast at Fanatics Fest in New York City, which he is co-hosting with Tyrese Haliburton. It remains to be seen if there is any substantial free agency news to come with the event.
The Miz makes impassioned plea to James on behalf of Cleveland
01:02 PM ET, July 16 2026
During the red carpet show ahead of tonight's ESPY Awards, WWE wrestler and Ohio native The Miz made his case for James to return to the Cavaliers to bookend his career with his hometown team.
"I don't think I need to sell him," he told ESPN's Monica McNutt. "I was at the American Century Championship playing with Charles Barkley. Barkley told me ... 'There's only one move. The only move is going home to Cleveland.' Why you ask? Well, anywhere else you're chasing Michael Jordan's championships. When you go home, it's a homecoming. It's like 2016 all over again.
"Bring Draymond, bring Kyrie, bring everyone to Cleveland and get your hometown a championship once again."
Is LeBron James close choosing his next team? What we're hearing
12:46 PM ET, July 16 2026, Lorenzo Reyes
At this stage, James has all the information he needs from teams and is weighing his options, a person with direct knowledge of the matter told USA TODAY Sports.
The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly comment on the specifics of James’ thinking. As a result, a decision could be imminent.
James, 41, is a player who has unparalleled stature in the NBA. As such, he’s calculated and deliberate about his decision making and is able to decide his future on his own terms. James has earned that right, and he’s being intentional about his decision.
James, a 22-time All-Star and four-time champion, has played a record 23 seasons in the NBA and wants to compete for another championship.
LeBron James next team: Are Warriors favorites for the King?
12:34 PM ET, July 16 2026, Andrés Soto
Front Office Sports reported on Tuesday that several NBA front office executives expect LeBron to sign with the Warriors over the Cavs, citing the proximity to his family in Los Angeles and the on-court fit alongside Steph Curry compared to Cleveland, which has James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
"I would be stunned if he picked a team that wasn’t Golden State or Cleveland," an anonymous Western Conference executive said in the report.
There will be no direct consequences — at least from the league — for Bam Adebayo or Tyler Herro after their altercation outside a Las Vegas casino last week.
"After discussing with the players involved and the NBPA, everyone would prefer to move on from this unfortunate circumstance, and no further action will be taken by the league," a league spokesman told Shams Charania of ESPN.
This summer, Miami traded Herro to Milwaukee as part of a package to bring Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat. On his way out the door, Herro allegedly used a secondary Instagram account he controls (not his official one) to send direct messages to a fan disrespecting Adebayo, reportedly including "You should get paid 60 million to be a top tier defender on some nights?"
Last week, outside the Resort World Resort, Adebayo reportedly walked up to Herro, confronted him, and the altercation got physical but was quickly broken up.
The league is officially done with this, although it will be a subplot when Miami and Milwaukee face each other this season.
New York City will be the host to this weekend's Fanatics Fest, which will bring some of the world's biggest names in sports and entertainment to the Big Apple.
Billed as the world's No. 1 fan festival, the Fanatics Fest will take place from Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in midtown Manhattan and will also feature the second annual Fanatics Games, in which 50 fans compete alongside celebrities for a share of a $2 million prize pool.
Most of the athletes appearing at the Fanatics Fest are already in town as the annual ESPY awards show took place at Lincoln Center on July 15. Other talent scheduled to appear include Serena Williams, Derek Jeter, Jay-Z, Shaquille O'Neal and members of the NBA champion New York Knicks.
The Fanatics Games will also be livestreamed on YouTube, featuring matchups such as Tom Brady vs. Novak Djokovic, CC Sabathia vs. David Ortiz, DJ Khaled vs. Karl-Anthony Towns, John Cena vs. Noah Lyles and Rhea Ripley vs. Rob Gronkowski. One athlete of note who will be making an appearance is NBA free agent LeBron James, who will be doing a podcast and a live taping of "The Show." It is not known whether James will announce where he will play for his 24th season during the Fanatics Fest, but inquiring minds will be tuning in case he does.
James's "Mind the Game" podcast featuring Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is set for 1:15 p.m. ET Thursday, July 16, and "The Shop" will commence shooting at noon on July 17.
The schedule for the Fanatics Fest will feature programming across five different areas of the Javits Center, including panel discussions and podcasts.
After three straight games coming off the bench, Kylan Boswell earned his first start in the NBA Summer League. The former Illini has continued to improve throughout the summer.
Boswell finished the game with 11 points on 4-7 shooting and went 3-5 from beyond the arc. He also grabbed 7 rebounds, despite being 6-foot-1. Boswell was the second-leading rebounder in the game.
After playing 14 minutes and not scoring in his first game, Boswell has been a reliable bench piece for the Hornets. In the next game, he had 8 points, 4 boards and 7 assists in 15 minutes, while shooting a perfect 3-3. The following game, Boswell had 4 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists in 11 minutes, making two of his three shots.
There’s one more scheduled game for the Hornets Summer League squad. Boswell will likely start the season with the G-League affiliate, as he’s on a two-way contract.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 19: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz is tended to for a bloody nose during the fourth quarter of a game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 19, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Players, especially when entering free agency, want to be wanted.
The Lakers made it clear how badly they wanted Walker Kessler this offseason by executing an all-in trade to acquire Kessler, sending out multiple first-round picks and giving him a four-year, $130 million deal.
“It definitely makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you,” Kessler said on Monday during his first media availability since joining the Lakers. “And I think what they’ve invested, they’re showing that belief in a monetary value, not just with money, but like you said, assets. And for me, I’m somebody that if I know that they have that belief in me, I’m gonna run through a brick wall for them. That’s just how I’ve been wired my whole life and it definitely makes it a lot easier to go out there and compete for a team.”
But how good the summer of optionality for the Lakers is viewed will largely depend on Kessler’s play. He is the marquee piece, so he’ll have the attention and pressure that comes with it.
Kessler’s “run through a brick wall” attitude should be music to Lakers fans’ ears. Pressure can create diamonds or bust pipes and Kessler seems ready to shine in LA. He is now healthy after missing most of last year with a shoulder injury, so he should be available and working alongside his new teammates once training camp begins.
He might’ve had an inkling the Lakers liked him, given the rumors linking him to the franchise, but now, Kessler knows unequivocally that the Lakers believe in him. They spent a ton of money and their most valuable assets to acquire him. Now it’s up to him to prove he was worth it.
So far, it sounds like he can’t wait to do that this fall.
There's no shortage of NBA Summer League action today, with seven games in Las Vegas, but there might be a lack of competitive matchups due to depth advantages.
Three of the deepest teams in Sin City — including the Golden State Warriors — take the court today and headline our NBA Summer League picks for Thursday, July 16.
NBA Summer League predictions for July 16
Pick
Warriors moneyline
-233
Hawks moneyline
-156
Raptors moneyline
-127
💰 All three parlayed
+319
Today's Summer League picks
Warriors moneyline (-233 at Kalshi)
Backing the Golden State Warriors tonight is as much about believing in their depth as it is about not believing in this New York Knicks NBA Summer League roster.
The defending champions have been among the worst teams in Vegas, averaging just 66.7 PPG and shooting 32.4% from the floor. With a lineup that has few NBA-rosterable players, New York's lack of offense should continue against Golden State.
The Warriors are putting up 96.7 PPG and shooting 37.6% from behind the arc due in large part to a lineup that includes lottery pick Yaxel Lendeborg (50 points in 81 minutes) and last year's undrafted breakout player, LJ Cryer (42 points in 74 minutes).
Golden State also has depth with players like Graham Ike, Will Richard, Lajae Jones, Chance McMillian, Lachlan Olbrich, and Nick Boyd.
Hawks moneyline (-156 at Kalshi)
No team has been better than the Atlanta Hawks in Las Vegas. Atlanta is one of two undefeated teams and leads Summer League behind a lineup that includes a mix of rookie talent and players with NBA experience.
Rookie Kingston Flemings, the eighth overall pick, has been a strong facilitator for the offense, averaging the third-most APG (6.5) in Las Vegas and helping Atlanta average the most APG as a team (23.0).
It's not just Flemings, though, with Kobe Johnson (58 points in 61 minutes), Henri Veesaar (40 points in 59 minutes), Zuby Ejiofor (25 points in 51 minutes), and Asa Newell (19 points in 48 minutes) all shining as scorers.
As for the Memphis Grizzlies, their defense has been iffy, allowing 92.3 PPG to opponents on 47.8% shooting. And it wouldn't be a surprise if Cameron Boozer sees only limited minutes tonight.
Raptors moneyline (-127 at Kalshi)
The Toronto Raptors have lost just once in Las Vegas, and it came in overtime to a strong Boston Celtics Summer League roster. Beyond that, they've looked like one of the best teams because of a deep, well-rounded lineup.
The Raptors are the only team in Summer League averaging at least 42 rebounds and 20 assists per game, and they're one of only five teams averaging at least seven steals and seven blocks per game.
Rookies Allen Graves (44 points, 21 rebounds, 10 combined steals and blocks) and Nate Bittle (26 points, 20 rebounds, eight blocks) have been forces on both ends, while veterans Seth Lundy (61 points in 81 minutes) and Tyreke Key (41 points in 54 minutes) have shot the lights out.
Sign up now using our exclusive Kalshi promo code 'COVERS20' and get a $20 trading bonus after you trade $20 on any other event contracts — including NBA Summer League!
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Thursday’s NBA Summer League parlay
Warriors moneyline
Hawks moneyline
Raptors moneyline
+319 at Kalshi
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
NBA champion Landry Shamet is having the summer of a lifetime.
The Knicks shooting guard and girlfriend Cameron Aimonetti, a real estate agent, announced their engagement with two joint posts on Instagram on Tuesday.
Shamet popped the question on a boat trip in Lake Como, Italy.
The post revealing the engagement featured a carousel of photos of the happy couple drinking wine, swimming and getting cozy on the boat.
There is even a photo of Shamet looking behind him and pointing at Aimonetti’s ring while driving the boat.
The official announcement confirmed swirling rumors after The Post obtained photos of the couple in Italy where a diamond ring was visible on Aimonetti’s left ring finger.
The happy couple in Italy. @landryshamet/Instagram
The couple have been together since at least September 2024, and have been pictured together dating back to July 2019 at the ESPYs.
Several of Shamet’s Knicks teammates and their significant others congratulated the two on the engagement in the post’s comments, including Jordan Clarkson, Ali Brunson, Josh and Shannon Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns’s fiancé Jordyn Woods.
Aimonetti penned a tribute to her now-fiancé after he played a critical role in the Knicks’ first championship since 1973.
Shamet and Cameron Aimonetti in Italy this week COBRA TEAM / BACKGRIDLandry Shamet and Cameron Aimonetti on a boat on the Amalfi Coast. COBRA TEAM / BACKGRID
“CHAMPION…Nothing (I truly mean nothing) was going to stop you from getting here and seeing this through. The mental strength and discipline it took to reach this moment is hard to put into words…You’ve earned every bit of this. World champion,” she wrote.
Shamet will call the Knicks home for the foreseeable future.
After becoming an NBA champion, Shamet was rewarde with a new four-year, $24 million contract, meaning one of the Knicks’ most reliable shooters off the bench will be back to defend the title.
Shamet’s biggest impact came during the Eastern Conference finals against the Cavaliers, where he shot 11-of-12 from beyond the arc en route to a sweep.
His game-tying 3-pointer in Game 1 provided one of the team’s top postseason moments.
BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 10: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets grabs the rebound during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 10, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In his discussion with reporters two days ago, Sean Marks painted a positive picture of the Brooklyn Nets situation with Michael Porter Jr. who after being traded from the Nuggets had his best year of his seven-year NBA career, averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 52 games before being shut down on April 3 with a hamstring strain.
“I’m sure we’ll have those discussions. I think we’ve got time. There’s no immediate hurry right now with Mike. We value him a lot. He had a terrific year last year, arguably his best year as a pro. I give him a lot of credit for that,” Marks said. “It’s been great to see what Mike’s done for us. I look forward to having those discussions, and seeing what Mike can do the rest of the summer and the rest of the season.”
So, no urgency?
“No, any time you’re in a hurry, that’s when people make mistakes,” Marks added. “We’ve got a well-thought-out plan here over not only the last couple of years but the couple of years ahead. We’re gonna try and find who the next Nets are gonna be. I don’t think we wanna do anything hastily or in a rush here.
“As I said before, I love Mike, the guy, the person, the player, and I hope he is part of this team. But we’re just gonna have to have those discussions between the two of us and our representatives and go from there.”
Porter is entering the final year of a five-year, $179.3 million contract with Denver, earning $40.8 million this season. He’s been eligible for an extension since June 19. Although the Nets could sign him to a four- year, $234 million extension, taking him through age 32, most analysts think a deal worth somewhere in the four-year $160 million range is more likely. Yossi Gozlan of Third Apron has suggested the Nets could give Porter an immediate $9 million raise and sign him to an extension at a lower rate, starting in the thirties. The Nets have favored similar arrangements in previous talks with Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson.
Now, Chris Haynes, senior analyst for TNT, suggests that if the Nets and Porter — and his media-friendly agent, Mark Bartelstein — can’t come to an agreement, a trade might be in the works.
“Michael Porter Jr’s agent…is scheduled to meet with the Brooklyn Nets…towards the tail end of summer league or at the end of summer league to begin dialogue on an extension,” said Haynes on NBA TV’s “The Association” Wednesday. “If it becomes apparent early on that an extension is not in play, then I do believe the next step will be the Brooklyn Nets and Michael Porter Jr potentially parting ways and potentially looking to move him.”
Haynes’ comments weren’t detailed and were loaded with caveats — “potentially” being used twice — the chief difference between Marks comments and his is the degree of urgency, Marks suggesting there’s plenty of time, Haynes saying things could move quickly once Summer League is over next week. That reflects both the normal distance in bargaining points between teams and players in contract talks … and Marks reputation for holding off until the last moment, whether in trades or contract talks.
They do, however, renew speculation that an MPJ trade could bring the Nets future assets, although with the league’s most draft picks (35), most first round picks (14), most tradeable firsts (10), most first round swaps (two) and a record number of seconds (21), the Nets would seem set in that category and instead may want something more tangible, more creative … IF indeed something evolves.
The teams most mentioned as possibilities for a Porter deal at last February’s trade deadline were two contenders, the Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons. Both currently have other issues to deal before discussing such a big move as adding MPJ, the Warriors with the continuing mystery of where LeBron James will end up and the Pistons with their unpleasant negotiations with free agent Jalen Duren who Haynes said “doesn’t want to be there,” and is considering taking the qualifying offer … which seems unlikely.
While the Nets may seem done or close to done with their summer duties — having traded Claxton for Julius Randle and a first, signed Day’Ron Sharpe and Josh Minott to (reasonable) extensions, drafted Mikel Brown Jr., Joshua Jefferson and Tyler Bilodeau, and reached agreements with free agents Keon Ellis and Moe Wagner — they still have some cap space and a $9.4 million MLE to play with and have yet to sign Wagner to that two-year, $19 million deal.
Moreover, Porter appears to be all in on continuing his tenure in Brooklyn, having repeatedly and effusively praised the organization, Jordi Fernandez and the team’s strategy while happily assuming a role he never had in Denver … mentoring the team’s younger players. Back in late May, he hosted four of the team’s rookies on a mini-vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks in his home state of Missouri and this month he led a contingent of Nets veterans to cheer on the young players at the Summer League games. The Nets also had his young brother Jevon Porter in for a pre-draft workout.
Meanwhile, things might begin to clear up league wide in the next two days with James expected to make his latest pronouncement on his future.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Caleb Wilson #8 of the Chicago Bulls poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on July 15, 2026 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s no secret that former UNC star Caleb Wilson is a winner. We’ve knew that before he committed to UNC, we knew that while he was at UNC, and now he is proving it at the next level. Setting aside the Chicago Bulls win/loss column in the NBA Summer League (seriously, you don’t want me to go down that rabbit hole), Wilson has shocked fans, media personalities, and the Bulls organization as a whole. Everyone knew he’d be good, but nobody knew that he’d be this good.
Through three summer league games, Wilson is averaging 24.3 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks per game while shooting 48% from the three-point line. While the three-point shooting has been the most shocking development, what’s also been impressive is Wilson’s energy, defensive intensity, and selflessness. During the Bulls’ third game specifically, he made all the right plays to get his teammates involved. His three assists may not seem like much, but if you go back and watch the film you will see him finding teammates in the corner when he drives to the basket, tossing difficult passes when he’s double-teamed, and giving up ill-advised shots that we’ve seen other players try to force this summer in order to make the better play.
While all of this sounds incredible, Wilson has also been winning the press conference game. For example: he was asked about not getting to play AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson after they both were shut down for the Summer League season, and here’s what he had to say:
Caleb Wilson on players like Dybantsa & Peterson resting:
“I feel like I’m different than all of them. I can’t say they don’t enjoy basketball but I enjoy basketball. I love this shit.”
“Hell no. I’m not taking no time off…it’s my rookie year, and I’m ’bout to go back to Chicago and get to work.”
Several walls may or may not have human-sized holes in Chicago.
Wilson is willing to put in the work that is required to be one of the better players in the NBA, and so far it is paying off. Just take a look at his stat line during Summer League play compared to his peers:
This draft class looks every bit as good as the 2003 draft class.
Wilson’s entire bag is playing the game that he loves and proving everyone wrong, and so far he has done those two things masterfully for Chicago. A lot of media personalities are starting to claim that he could win Rookie of the Year, which is amusing when you think about it, because from November until the NBA Draft we mostly heard about the Big 3. Whenever Wilson was mentioned, it was usually followed up with a limerick about how he cannot shoot. Now that his post-UNC bag has been revealed, it’s clear that Chicago has a special one in the former Tar Heel, and his teammate Matas Buzelis seems to think so as well.
Make no mistake about it, the Chicago Bulls are still in rebuild mode, but their path to competitiveness looks a lot better now that Caleb Wilson has entered the building. Making big predictions on how players will turn out based off Summer League performances can be difficult, but here’s one that feels pretty safe: Wilson will be a star for the Bulls, and as long as they build around him properly, the sky is the limit.
HEFEI, CHINA - JULY 15: A chimpanzee enjoys watermelon at Hefei Wildlife Park on July 15, 2026 in Hefei, Anhui Province of China. Staff members at the park employed various methods including sprinklers, air conditioning, fans and ice blocks to help animals cope with high temperatures on the first day of the Sanfu period, or "dog days of summer". (Photo by Han Suyuan/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
In the absence of a SummerKnicks game, ESPN gave Knicks fans some content to enjoy with their annual ESPY Awards ceremony. I know nobody watched, so here’s your links and notes related to that and more.
Jalen Brunson won three ESPYs on Wednesday night: Best NBA Player, Best Championship Performance, and Best Athlete in Men’s Sports. The Knicks also won Best Team, while OG Anunoby’s Game 4 tip-in earned Play of the Year. Five Knicks-related awards in one night. Sweep!
Back to Brunson, he finally opened up on his left wrist/hand postseason surgery. As ridiculous as it sounds, JB started to feel a “weak wrist” during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals and went on to knock a silly 7-1 record after that.
Finally, the Anti-Decision is over as Jonas Valanciunas is officially going back to Lithuania.
Do you remember Trey Jemison III? SI’s Kenny Kluska does. Here’s a tease, more following the link:
“Many have talked about adding Jonas Valanciunas (waived and stretched by the Nuggets) or Nick Richards to the team. Is there a possibility that the Knicks instead sign Trey Jemison III to a standard deal after he spent all of last season on a two-way contract?”
LeBron James will tape a special live “Mind the Game” podcast episode at 1.15 p.m. EST alongside Tyrese Haliburton. Public decision time?
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart will overshadow all that with their own live taping of a “Roommates Show” episode at 4:15 p.m. EST with special guest Aaron Judge.
No tampering, so Steph Curry pitched Bay Golf to LBJ.
No tampering, I wrote, because the Warriors already landed LeBron.
Kawhi Leonard’s situation keeps getting uglier, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting the possible punishment could range from a lengthy suspension to his contract being voided. Meanwhile, the Clippers and the Raptors keep waiting to know who has to build a No. 2 LEONARD locker room.
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - JUNE 07: Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on June 07, 2026 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks are fresh off of a 32-50 season that saw them part ways with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks traded Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat for a plethora of players that should get Milwaukee started on their rebuild. The haul they got for Antetokounmpo should set the Bucks up to be competitive for the upcoming season in terms of trying to finish with a better record than they did this past season.
“Antetokounmpo managed to trim his landing spots to one by telegraphing his feelings on where he’d re-sign following a trade, so four first-round assets and a quartet of useful young players is a solid haul,” Bleacher Report contributor Andy Bailey wrote.
“Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis and Jaime Jaquez Jr. will join Ryan Rollins, Myles Turner, AJ Green and a pair of exciting rookies—Brayden Burries and Nate Ament—to make the Bucks a relatively interesting and competent team in 2026-27.”
The Bucks have an entirely new core and a new head coach in Taylor Jenkins, which should mix things up in Milwaukee. Given that Antetokounmpo only played 36 games for the Bucks this past season, there is an argument to be made that the Bucks have a better roster than they did last year.
The Bucks were 17-19 when Antetokounmpo was on the floor and 13-33 when he wasn’t. If you look at the haul the Bucks got for Antetokounmpo compared to the Giannis-less team that took the floor most of the year in Milwaukee, one would argue that the team has improved.
If Tyler Herro can stay healthy, he should be the leading scorer for the team, and the ancillary pieces added to surround him could be strong fits for the Bucks in terms of trying to build something.
This isn’t to say the Bucks will finish with a better record than they had last year, but the gap might not be as wide as many think.
Brew Hoop community, how many games do you think the Bucks will win next season? Let us know in the comments.
Dec 28, 2018; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
The past weekend, I was having a real Canadian moment. Up in Algonquin Park, sitting around a campfire, listening to the World Cup on the radio – it could have been 1962 or it could have been today. I felt, for the first time in months, settled, because the storm that has engulfed the Toronto Raptors for the past few years seemed to have subsided. And then, the serenity of Ontario’s nature was broken by a blood-curdling scream that came pouring out from me, as I received a notification on my phone telling me that the Kawhi Leonard deal was being put on hold.
Like many of you, the news from Shams Charania that Kawhi Leonard would be traded to from the LA Clippers was one I celebrated widely, then had my feelings of elation turn to confusion, and then annoyance, as it seemed like in everything but name, Leonard was stepping back into his shoes as a Raptor. Gradey Dick’s goodbye post and Leonard’s appearance at Kyle Lowry’s retirement ceremony seemed to all but confirm the reports that Kawhi would be coming to Toronto posthaste.
That seems no longer to be the case.
The Ugly
Last month, I called ties to the Aspiration Scandal “a low risk, but potentially damning situation to get involved in” and it seems that I was right, on at least one of the counts. Josh Lewenberg, ever collected, is calling for Raptors fans not to sound the alarms quite yet, noting that the organization doesn’t appear panicked, nor does he feel that it is likely to have Kawhi Leonard’s contract, which we would trade for, be voided.
A few reasons why the disaster scenario (voiding Kawhi’s contract) is considered highly unlikely:
1) His current contract, signed in 2024, isn’t under investigation (as far as we know). The one in question, signed in 2021, expired more than a year ago. https://t.co/jxoauV2gVP
It seems, however, that a relatively serious punishment could indeed be meted out.
Regarding our planned trade with the LA Clippers for Kawhi Leonard,” said the Raptors, “the NBA league office informed us that as a result of the ongoing investigation involving the Clippers, we would assume the risk of any potential outcome of the investigation impacting Kawhi.
“In light of this, we will wait until the league’s investigation is complete.”
That timeline is still unclear, but Adam Silver has noted that October is looking like the time before which the investigation should be over, which means that the summer might very well continue to go on without Leonard firmly placed on the roster. Now, this is something that is far from ideal in terms of team bonding and developing chemistry, but nevertheless, in the best case scenario, the investigation wraps up neatly and Kawhi is playing on opening night of the Raptors’ season.
The Bad
The Raptors are being vague about what “risk” they might be taking on by bringing Kawhi on. The obvious is that they’d take on a player with plans to extend him, and then get the contract knocked off of their books, having given away an All-Star and a bevy of picks, and more, receiving nothing in return. To a lesser degree, a long-term suspension could theoretically kill any shot at serious contention next year. This puts the franchise in both a risky and disadvantaged position.
Assumedly, the Raptors as a team would not face any type of sanction for possible wrongdoing by the Clippers – there would not be owner finings, forced sale, stripping of picks, or anything of the sort. But still, losing Kawhi does not sound like a good time. Unless…?
The Good
Here me out.
It has long irked me that teams that draft really good players often get disadvantaged when team building because their players are too good and lift them out of the lottery, thus starving the team, and the star, of good players and teammates.
It happened to LeBron James, his own play ironically condemning him to a shattered legacy after leaving Cleveland because of a lack of help the first time. And this could be true for the Raptors now, whose rebuild was sometimes criticized as being rushed, and over too early. But, many players and dynasties actually benefitted highly from a terrible season *after* getting good pieces. Case in point, the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs crap out in 96-97 after David Robinson goes down with an injury. Year before that, they win 59 games. In the ‘97 season, they just scratch 20. But what does winning 20 games give you? The player who many consider to be the best power forward ever.
So, if one-time MVP D-Rob never gets injured and gets back to form, the Spurs never get Tim Duncan, and maybe never win a ring. On a smaller scale, the same goes for Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks. Kyrie Irving gets hurt and Anthony Davis hardly plays due to his own health issues, so Flagg becomes the tank commander, and the Mavs get rewarded with the 9th pick. Then, they’ll probably get back Kyrie Irving at basically full health, and have a much better roster than they would if he’d never been temporarily injured.
Mar 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) tries to defend during the fourth quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Now, what does all of that have to do with the Raptors?
Trading for Leonard just to get his contract voided has the potential to be the riskiest, but most valuable move possible here. The Raptors are, in my view, one piece away at this point from being true champion contenders, even with Kawhi Leonard. But, what if they just got that piece hand delivered to them in the draft? The Raptors would be playing without Brandon Ingram, a loss of scoring that would almost certainly make them a play-in team, if that at all. Another losing season would suck, but you know what wouldn’t? One last lottery pick before getting Kawhi Leonard to join the team. And of course, in free agency, it’s anybody’s game. But, Kawhi has made it abundantly clear through both his words and his recent actions that he wants to be a Raptors, and doesn’t want to be long-term anywhere else.
So, all that considered, if we’re willing to gamble, what’s the harm in just signing the guy now?
In the textbook contract voiding story, with Joe Smith and the Timberwolves, he just went back to Minnesota the next year. Signing Kawhi, hell or high water, shows our commitment to the man, and could inspire a level of loyalty, the type that only comes from offering a hand to a man who’s at his lowest, and giving him a way out. So, either way, suspension or contract voided, I think we get our man one way or another. So, what’s the harm in speeding up the process, taking a big swing, and setting up the future better than we ever could through more conventional means.
The Raptors are too proud to tank, so this might be the last stop on the station to seriously refuel on talent before it’s full steam ahead to contention land. I think we need to make our time here count.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards gets ready to shoot a 3-pointer against the Utah Jazz in the second half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 09, 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
Summer League serves as a proving ground for young NBA prospects.
Some players, like Tre Johnson and Will Riley, quickly prove they’re too good for such competition. Others, like Johnny Davis — Washington’s No. 10 pick in 2022 — fold under the bright Las Vegas lights.
AJ Dybantsa proved worthy of the former, scoring impressively across his two performances. But that’s not to say his showing was without its imperfections.
Below is a breakdown of how the BYU product fared in his first action as a Wizard and what, if anything, it tells us about his potential.
Scoring prowess
Dybantsa scored 27 points in Washington’s Summer League opener against the Utah Jazz. He followed with 23 points against the Sacramento Kings.
Dybantsa’s scored from multiple levels, relentlessly attacked the rim and got to the free-throw line often. His 25.0 points per game marked the most by a No. 1 pick in Las Vegas Summer League history.
This mirrored his collegiate scoring production of 25.5 PPG, which mostly came from rim finishes, mid-range jumpers and free throws. The Wizards primarily played Dybantsa on-ball, which explains his 40% usage rate.
The 6-foot-9 wing’s best pre-draft attribute was his scoring ability. Specifically around the rim, where he shot 72.3% in a tough Big 12 conference.
Dybantsa topped that efficiency in Vegas. He shot 8-for-9 (89%) at the rim, his lone miss a blocked dunk while attempting to posterize Sacramento’s Dylan Cardwell.
He also excelled at drawing contact. Dybantsa’s seven free-throw attempts per game tied Darryn Peterson for the most in Las Vegas this year.
For a Wizards team that ranked 29th in adjusted offensive rating and 26th in free throws attempted per game last season, Dybantsa’s Summer League performance proved what everyone already knew: He’s a dangerous scoring weapon that will tremendously aid Washington’s offense.
Shooting struggles
One of the few blunders on Dybantsa’s otherwise pristine draft profile was his poor outside shooting. At BYU, he shot just 33.1% from 3-point range and sub-50% on mid-range jumpers.
Those struggles continued in Vegas.
At the rim: 8-9 (89%)
Mid-range: 4-13 (31%)
3-point range: 1-11 (9.1%)
Free throws: 12-14 (86%)
While Dybantsa shot well from 2-point range (12-for-22), eight of those makes came at the rim. He made just four of his 13 2-point attempts from outside the restricted area, which were comprised of mid-range jumpers and a few floaters.
A silver lining to Dybantsa’s mid-range struggles is that he generated open looks off the dribble with his quick first step and ensuing pivot into a turnaround jumper when defenders overcommitted to stopping his drive. He didn’t finish those plays with a bucket, but it showcased the space he’s able to create and counters he’s developed for when teams overload to stop his drive.
Dybantsa’s 3-pointer is a different story. He missed all five of his outside jumpers against Utah and made just one of his six attempts against Sacramento. His lone make was an open transition triple.
Dybantsa’s 3-ball remains his Achilles’ heal. And in a league reliant on spacing, adding a respectable outside jumper should top his summer workout plan.
That said, a few poor shooting performances at Summer League isn’t the greatest indicator of whether a prospects 3-point jumper will develop. Take Peterson for example.
Those who preferred Peterson in the pre-draft process will certainly criticize Dybantsa’s poor shooting splits in Las Vegas. But Peterson, who’s primary offensive weapon is his lethal jumper, shot just 30.8% from the field — nearly nine percentage points worse than Dybantsa’s 39.4% — and 23.1% from 3-point range.
Does that mean Peterson projects as an inefficient scorer and poor 3-point shooter at the NBA level? Absolutely not. Just like Dybantsa’s low shooting percentage doesn’t mean he can never improve as a jump shooter.
Overall, Dybantsa’s shot chart is somewhat unsurprising. He was nearly unstoppable when he got to the rim, and he often drew contact when he accelerated downhill. He made a few mid-range jumpers, probably fewer than he should’ve given how open some of those looks were. And he struggled to make 3-pointers.
All of this tracks with what his draft profile suggested he was: An NBA-ready slasher who possesses the shot creation tools to evolve into a scary three-level scorer if he ever adds a respectable jump shot.
A solid defensive effort
Many questioned Dybantsa’s defensive pedigree at BYU. It wasn’t as much a question of effort as it was of production, which trailed behind his fellow prospects.
Despite a 6-foot-9 frame, a 7-foot wingspan and a 42-inch maximum vertical, Dybantsa totaled just 23 combined steals and blocks in 38 collegiate games. He tallied over 33% of that figure — eight combined steals and blocks — in just two Summer League games.
“I was lazy in college, I can admit that,” Dybantsa said on the Prime Video broadcast on Tuesday. “I want to make an impact on the defensive end”
His defensive effort was noticeable. He pressured his assignment at halfcourt and used his length to deflect passes, disrupt drives and generate five steals.
He tracked back against the Jazz for a block in transition. And against Sacramento, he casually extended his arm to swat Darius Acuff’s 3-point attempt.
AJ switches onto Acuff and uses his length to block the 3-pointer and gets rewarded on the other end. pic.twitter.com/25fUEhVZhj
Dybantsa wandered when guarding off-ball and at times lost his assignment. But for a player scolded for his lackluster defensive numbers at BYU, averaging 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per contest is a great sign that his defense will, at worst, be respectable against NBA competition.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns plays defense during the game against the Detroit Pistons on July 15, 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 Tom O'Connor/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
We came into Summer League 2026 the way we always do. With excitement and with hope. There’s something about watching your team’s young prospects take the floor for the first time that always pulls you in. When you have rookies in the mix, it’s your first opportunity to see them wearing your team’s colors, and that alone creates a different level of anticipation.
But as the days pass, that excitement naturally begins to fade. Reality sets in. The games don’t count. Some players are further behind in their development than we hoped. Rotations change, veterans sit, and gradually your attention starts to drift elsewhere.
That’s exactly what happened last season. The Suns arrived in Las Vegas with an exciting group of young players alongside a pair of sophomores we were eager to see develop. In the opener against the Washington Wizards, Ryan Dunn scored 17 points while shooting 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. Oso Ighodaro finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Khaman Maluach added 14 points, although he was 1-of-6 from three. Koby Brea chipped in 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting.
Then Game 2 arrived. Ryan Dunn didn’t play. Neither did Khaman Maluach. Rasheer Fleming missed his second consecutive game. Like clockwork, the excitement faded.
This year’s version has been much more exciting because the guys you came to see are actually playing. And they’re playing every game. From Game 1 through Game 4, you can see the connectivity and cohesion developing, and it’s translating into wins.
I applaud the Suns’ front office for handling it this way. Typically, a player has a couple of strong performances, the organization decides it’s seen enough, and he disappears for the remainder of Summer League. That’s not what Phoenix has done. The Suns are taking advantage of every developmental opportunity available, and Summer League is a significant part of that process.
Yes, Khaman Maluach has dominated in pretty much every facet of the game. You could argue the organization has already seen everything it needs to see. But these minutes still have value. He’s out there leading, communicating, and continuing to build good habits. So why not give him more opportunities to do exactly that? That’s the approach the Suns have taken.
They now sit at 3-1 in standings that don’t count, and it’s because they’ve allowed this group to develop together. The cohesion has grown, the talent has become more apparent, and the players have been given every opportunity to showcase what they can do.
Quite honestly, this has been one of the most enjoyable Summer Leagues I’ve watched as a fan. I actually get to watch the players I came to see, and they’re getting enough minutes for me to develop a real understanding of who they are while gaining valuable reps at the same time.
Whether the Suns finish Summer League with a winning record won’t matter much a few months from now. What will matter is that they resisted the urge to declare victory after a game or two and instead treated Las Vegas like the classroom it was meant to be. Development isn’t about checking a box. It’s about accumulating reps, building chemistry, and learning through experience. Phoenix has embraced that philosophy this summer, and it’s made the basketball more enjoyable to watch while giving these young players a better chance to become contributors when their number is eventually called.
Summer Bright Side Baller Standings
Three games. Three Maluach masterclasses. He has owned the Summer League Bright Side Baller standings to this point, winning once again for his performance against the Bucks on Monday. Although he did so with only 71% of the vote.
Summer Bright Side Baller Nominees
Game 4 against the Pistons. Here are your nominees:
Warriors moneyline
Hawks moneyline
Raptors moneyline
