With the Knicks championship celebration in the rearview, the team enters the 2026 offseason with lots of work to do.
Mainly, they need to figure out their free agency plan ahead of the NBA's negotiating window that opens on June 30 at 6:00 p.m. (teams can officially sign players on July 6 at 12:01 p.m.). Many of the role players on New York's 2025-26 title team will become free agents, including center Mitchell Robinson, and it will be a challenge for them to bring everyone back, as much as they'd like to.
SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley added some insight into their anticipated spending on Tuesday's episode of The Putback, saying the team is operating as if they'll be under the second apron (a cap that penalizes teams that overspend) for the 2026-27 season. That aligns with owner James Dolan's comments on WFAN on June 17, where he made it clear New York "cannot go into the second apron" next season.
"The Knicks are operating, planning right now as if they're going to stay below that second apron number in team salary. And that has a lot of implications," Begley said.
"It's going to be really tough to bring Mitchell Robinson back, assuming he gets strong offers on the open market, which he will. I think he'd have to take a pay cut here to come back to New York. It's a lot of pieces moving around here for the Knicks and the front office."
Begley added that "the team is going to look drastically different" if they don't go into the second apron. To avoid crossing the salary line, they would be able to offer one veteran like Landry Shamet or Robinson about $5-6 million per season, but that would likely be it.
In addition to Robinson and Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, Jeremy Sochan, Ariel Hukporti (restricted), Kevin McCullar Jr. (restricted) and Trey Jemison (restricted) are free agents. Bench favorite Jose Alvarado has a player option, while Miles McBride is eligible for an extension. Begley also reported Monday that New York and Mohamed Diawara are expected to agree to a multiyear deal to bring him back.
"The Knicks are operating, planning as if they're going to stay below the second apron...
It's going to be really tough to bring Mitchell Robinson back, assuming he gets strong offers on the open market - which he will.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 14: Kel'el Ware #7 of the Miami Heat plays against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On top of having cap space to make moves in free agency, the more likely outcome is that the Lakers will use that flexibility to get involved in a trade as a third team.
The big trade of the week, and likely of the offseason as a whole, saw Giannis Antetokounmpo moved from the Bucks to the Heat. As it stands, the deal is a two-team trade, but multiple teams are knocking on the door in Milwaukee trying to get involved.
That includes the Lakers, who appear to have interest in Kel’el Ware. The big man was part of the trade package Miami traded away to land Giannis. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Lakers have been linked to Ware in recent days.
Elsewhere, within league circles, there was palpable chatter about the Pistons hoping to get involved in the Antetokounmpo trade to land Herro, while dangling assets such as Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland, Duncan Robinson, and draft compensation, league sources told HoopsHype. In addition, the Los Angeles Lakers were linked with trade interest in Kel’el Ware over the past couple of days, sources said.
Piggybacking off that, NBA reporter Jake Fischer said the Lakers have interest in Ware but the expectation is that Milwaukee will not be trading him.
I do believe Milwaukee has tried to package Nos. 10 and 13 to move up in tonight's first round, but I don't believe there's going to be any trades in the top-10.
Sources say the Bucks, at this point, plan to keep Kel'el Ware, despite interest from rival teams like the Lakers.… https://t.co/0byAImAiox
Last season, Ware averaged 11.1 points and 9 rebounds in 22.1 minutes per contest. He shot 53% from the field and was able to stretch the floor, hitting 39.5% of his threes. He also had 137 dunks in 77 games, which is more than Jaxson Hayes or Deandre Ayton had last season for the Lakers, for context.
It’s clear to see, then, why the Lakers would target him. It’s also clear to see why the Bucks would want to keep him as well.
What this does show is that, perhaps, the Lakers are looking at young centers to acquire, which can help both solve a need the team has as well as preserve some of their cap space for other moves as well. It’s a smart strategy and approach…if they can pull it off.
The Bucks could be bluffing to try to hold out for more in a trade. Or they could genuinely be interested in keeping him. Either way, the Lakers should certainly test their reserve and continue looking for these types of opportunities across the league.
Never underestimate the suddenness of an NBA offseason panic spiral. Just two years removed from lifting a Finals MVP trophy, Jaylen Brown is suddenly the most talked-about asset on the league's trading block.
Following bombshell reports from Shams Charania on The Pat McAfee Show and subsequent verification from Brian Windhorst indicating the Boston Celtics are actively listening to trade offers, Kalshi’s Jaylen Brown Next Team odds have gone into complete overdrive.
The sudden willingness to move Brown reportedly stems from the internal fallout after Boston failed to land Giannis Antetokounmpo. For savvy prediction market traders, this isn't just sports gossip—it’s a high-volume, hyper-volatile ecosystem where overnight narrative shifts translate directly into real-dollar percentage moves.
Traders are moving aggressively to separate genuine front-office interest from empty pre-draft smoke. Let's look at where the sharpest capital is flowing on the board right now.
Key takeaways
The Fragile Favorite: "Stays with Boston or Retires" still leads the board at a declining 44% probability, leaving it highly vulnerable to any concrete pre-draft trade leaks.
The Late-Stage Challenger: New Orleans has surged to a 9% implied probability on Kalshi following specific rumors involving an advanced package centered around Trey Murphy III.
The Consensus Sleepers: Rebuilding and transitioning rosters like Portland (11%) and Houston (7%) represent the most consistent public narratives propping up the top of the board.
Liquidity has for this prediction market has crossed an impressive $1.22 million ($1,224,345 vol). This massive volume proves that traders are backing up their offseason theories with serious capital.
The long-term trend lines show a steady erosion of confidence in Boston keeping their star, with the 44% baseline for him staying put sitting at a summer low.
The Pacific Northwest is technically leading the pursuit on the board, with Portland sitting at 11¢. The Trail Blazers are routinely cited by league insiders like Marc Stein as a logical landing spot for teams navigating a rebuilding-to-contending transition.
But the real kinetic movement over the last 48 hours belongs to New Orleans. The Pelicans jumped up to a 9% implied probability, riding a wave of highly specific leaks regarding player-for-player swaps.
Meanwhile, traditional asset-heavy suitors like Houston (7%) and Atlanta (6%) remain firmly in the mix, waiting to see if Boston's asking price drops as the draft approaches.
Jaylen Brown Next Team Odds: Value Picks
Prediction markets aren't just about picking the eventual winner. The sharpest traders look for localized inefficiencies where the public crowd has either overreacted to a headline or completely underpriced a highly logical outcome.
New Orleans Pelicans | ‘Yes’ 9¢ | 9% Chance
When a market is moving this fast, you want to buy into specific structural smoke before it becomes an official fire. The latest insider chatter points to a very specific negotiation framework: Brown heading to the Pelicans in exchange for Trey Murphy III and a package of draft assets.
At just 9¢ on Kalshi, the broader market is still pricing this as a generic rumor rather than an advanced discussion. If a definitive trade structure leaks, this 9¢ contract will experience an immediate, violent upward spike.
Stays with Boston Celtics or Retires | ‘No’ 55¢ | 44% Chance
Fading a favorite is a classic strategy when an elite front office experiences major institutional disappointment. Missing out on the Giannis sweepstakes has clearly broken the status quo in Boston.
The fact that Brad Stevens is actively picking up the phone to field competitive offers means the organizational calculation has fundamentally changed. Because retirement chatter is nonexistent for a 29-year-old superstar in their absolute physical prime, paying 55¢ to bet that a motivated front office finds a deal offers an exceptional reward-to-risk ratio.
Denver is a proven contender with explicit, reported interest in acquiring Brown’s perimeter defense. Speculation around a blockbuster swap involving Jamal Murray has quietly circulated among league analysts. While highly complex, an elite front office like Denver's wouldn't look into this without a strategic roadmap.
At 2¢, you are risking pennies for an absolute moonshot option if the Pacific or Southwest teams stall out.
Houston Rockets | ‘Yes’ 8¢ | 7% Chance
The Rockets have the young players, the salary matching, and the explicit desire to fast-track their rebuilding transition into a perennial Western Conference threat.
Houston has consistently remained in the top tier of rumored suitors over the past two weeks. The Kalshi market has only priced them at a modest 7% probability, which completely ignores their sheer volume of available draft capital. This represents an excellent entry point for traders who believe Boston will ultimately prioritize a haul of future draft picks over established veterans.
Expert context: Why The Jaylen Brown Next Team Odds Markets Are Shifting
The tectonic plates of the NBA landscape shifted the moment Boston's pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo evaporated. In professional basketball, an elite franchise experiencing a high-profile acquisition failure rarely sits on its hands.
The current volatility in the market reflects a classic correction where a previously untouchable asset is transformed into a premium liquid chip.
As analyst Richard Jefferson aptly noted amid the chaos, Brown should fundamentally view the caliber of franchises being floated in these trade circles as an immense compliment. This isn't a salary dump; it’s an elite superstar auction.
Because the NBA Draft is rapidly approaching, front offices are being forced to lay their absolute best assets on the table right now. This structural pressure creates a naturally hyper-reactive trading environment where a single broadcast quote from a major insider can cause a 10¢ price swing in minutes.
Strategic Considerations For Traders
Treat insider streams like earnings calls: When Shams Charania breaks news live on digital platforms, Kalshi prices react within seconds. Traders who monitor live video feeds gain a massive execution advantage over those waiting for text notifications.
The draft-day arbitrage strategy: Trade assets peak in value right before the draft order locks. If you hold low-priced 'Yes' contracts on teams like Portland or Houston, look to liquidate your positions during the peak pre-draft media hype to capture guaranteed returns.
Fade the retail noise: Do not fall into the trap of buying into unverified fan trade packages involving teams like Dallas or Golden State, which sit at under 1% for a reason. Stick closely to names backed by elite insiders to insulate your trading capital from empty online hype.
How To Trade Jaylen Brown Odds On Kalshi
Navigating binary prediction markets offers a nimble, data-driven alternative to static sportsbooks, letting you trade directly on roster mechanics and media narratives.
Account setup: Create and fund your Kalshi profile seamlessly via standard wire or bank transfer to ensure your trading capital is fully liquid ahead of breaking NBA news cycles.
Navigate: Head over to the main basketball section, select the "Next NBA Team" category, and open the active Jaylen Brown market.
Execute: Evaluate the board to determine if you want to buy cheap 'Yes' shares on an aggressive suitor or purchase 'No' contracts to fade a stale public consensus.
Monitor: Track your portfolio's value in real-time as the news cycle updates, allowing you to sell your shares early to lock in profits or mitigate your downside risk.
Jaylen Brown Next Team Odds FAQs
How does Kalshi determine the winning outcome for this market?
The market officially resolves based on the specific NBA franchise Jaylen Brown is under contract with for their next active game appearance. Definitive official announcements from the NBA league office or verified team communications serve as the primary resolution sources.
Any speculative internet rumors or unexecuted verbal agreements are completely discounted until formal paperwork is submitted.
Can I trade my shares before an official trade happens?
Yes, Kalshi provides a fully fluid trading environment where you can freely buy and sell your positions at any point before the market resolves.
If an insider report causes a sudden price spike for a team you hold shares in, you can instantly liquidate for a profit. You are never permanently locked into a position until the final official contract resolution occurs.
What happens to the market if Jaylen Brown stays in Boston?
If the trade deadline passes or the front office formally retains them, the "Stays with Boston or Retires" contract resolves as the winner. All other team-specific contracts on the board will instantly drop to zero value, rendering those "Yes" shares completely worthless.
Traders holding 'No' shares on the field would subsequently collect their full payouts under this structural outcome.
Why did the market price for Boston drop so drastically?
The sharp drop was directly triggered by mainstream breaking reports confirming that Boston's front office is actively listening to aggressive trade inquiries.
Once elite insiders validated that the Celtics were open to moving their Finals MVP, traders rapidly devalued the probability of them staying. This created immediate upward mobility for high-profile suitors who possess the necessary assets to facilitate a blockbuster deal.
From the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the New York Knicks' first title in 53 years and ongoing conversations surrounding flopping and tanking, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver explored several of the association's top storylines on this morning's episode of the Dan Patrick Show.
Giannis Antetokounmpo traded to the Heat
With two-time MVP and 10-time All-Star Giannis Anteokounmpo on the move to Miami, Silver reflected on the important ripple effects of blockbuster trades involving superstars.
"A certain amount of player movement is good. It creates renewed energy and hope in markets. Even in Milwaukee, there was a sense there it was time to rebuild, and a lot of excitement about Giannis going to Miami."
Asked if he had any involvement in the blockbuster deal, Silver said “not at all" before the two reminisced on the infamous 2011 vetoing of Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers by former commissioner David Stern. “David was, in essence, the acting owner of New Orleans,” Silver explained, smiling to a laughing Patrick.
Silver, a native New Yorker, expressed jubilation over the New York Knicks' "unique" title-winning season, opining that the championship "brought people together like nothing else in recent history."
He championed New Yorker's collective spirit, which came in the form of watch parties across the city and state, to the team's massive parade through the streets of Manhattan. The commissioner also looked back at his youth growing up as a Knicks fan, where he contemplated the 53-year gap between this year's title and the Knicks' last championship in 1973.
The commissioner went on to address ongoing conversations around tanking. He highlighted the association's new anti-tanking initiatives set to take effect starting with the 2027 NBA Draft, with hopes that they will “presumably disincentivize teams from that sort of behavior.”
Turning to flopping, Silver mentioned that the trend gained “more attention” during this year’s playoffs, understanding fan's frustrations of how it impacts the flow of games.
Additionally, Silver commented on sports betting, expansion plans and turning the tides of small market teams to an era where “players recognize they can have success regardless of where they are.”
Watch the Dan Patrick Show on Peacock, streaming Monday through Friday from 9am to 12pm ET.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines shoots a free throw during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NBA Draft is in a few hours, and for the first time since 2021 (when they used the No. 7 pick on Jonathan Kuminga and the No. 14 pick on Moses Moody), the Golden State Warriors have a lottery pick. The Dubs hold the No. 7 overall pick, and if you want reason for optimism, well … I’ve got you covered! I recently covered the recent history of the No. 11 pick, and it includes some fantastic names, including two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Warriors franchise legend Klay Thompson.
Golden State will have plenty of names to intriguing names to choose from (our Ricko Mendoza covered the players being mocked to the Dubs here), and I’m here to tell them to keep it simple: draft Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg.
As Ricko pointed out, Brayden Burries — a common name mocked to the Warriors — would be an incredibly intriguing fit, thanks to his size, physicality, and combination of defense and slick shooting. Should he make it to the Warriors (many mocks have him drafted in the top 10), you wouldn’t be able to blame Mike Dunleavy Jr. for taking a swing. There are far worse approaches to take than grabbing a highly-ranked player who falls.
But Lendeborg, who seems extremely likely to be available at No. 11, just makes too much sense. As a five-year senior who will turn 24 before Opening Night, he is arguably the most NBA-ready player in the entire draft. Given Golden State’s open desire to compete this year behind Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and (half a season of) Jimmy Butler III, that NBA readiness makes all the sense in the world … it’s the same reason that most mock drafts have the Oklahoma City Thunder scooping up Lendeborg at No. 12 should the Warriors pass on him.
And yet, the versatile forward is more than just a high-floor, NBA-ready player. He’s a genuine prospect, with a heigh ceiling and some untapped potential. My colleague Ricky O’Donnell, who mocked Lendeborg to the Thunder, ranks him as the No. 5 prospect in the draft, while noting that he has the skills and athleticism to play on the perimeter, despite having a 7’3.25 wingspan and the weight of a center.
Lendeborg blossomed this season, his lone year at Michigan, which resulted in both a championship and consensus first-team All-American honors. That trajectory would certainly suggest there’s a lot more left in the tank, and the Warriors can dream of Lendeborg being not just a contributor to a playoff run this year, but an All-Star to build around further down the road.
Beyond that, Lendeborg simply has the skillset that matches a team coached by Steve Kerr. He’s a big who can shoot well from deep. He makes quick reads and operates with decisiveness. He’s gifted defensively, and can guard everyone from shooting guards to centers. He’s aggressive and invites contact, something the team sorely lacks. He has the mindset to lead a unit and take over, and the selflessness to fit into a smaller, more thankless role.
Should Burries — or better yet, an even more highly-touted prospect — fall to the Dubs at No. 11, then they’ll have a decision to make. But there’s no need to overcomplicate this one. Sometimes players just make sense. And Lendeborg to the Warriors just makes sense.
Editor's note: Get the latest updates on the NBA Draft here.
Karim Lopez is set to become the first Mexican-born player to be picked in the first round of the NBA Draft. With that history expected to be made Tuesday, June 23, the story is about more than basketball.
Which is not to say basketball is irrelevant. He is 6-8, played in the NBL Next Stars program in Australia, and has the skills that have attracted the interest of the Golden State Warriors. And Latinos in the Bay Area.
“We would love to have a Latino player from whichever nationality it is to come and represent with the Warriors because as you know right now in the country there is a very bad narrative surrounding the Latino community,’’ said Susana Rojas, executive director of the Calle 24 in San Francisco, referring to the Trump administration’s immigration policy. “We want to showcase the talents that we have.
“And so when we bring our artists, when we bring players, when we bring people talent that is from Latin America, it only elevates and cements the true nature of our culture and not the stereotypes that are represented in the media.’’
Lopez, 19, was born in Hermosillo, Mexico and he comes by his talent naturally. He is the son of Jesús Hiram López, a former professional basketball player who played for Mexico’s national team.
Love for the Warriors
Finding Latino culture figures to be easy.
According to the 2000 Census, there were almost 1.9 million Hispanic or Latinos living in the Bay Area.
“All love the Warriors here,’’ Rojas told USA TODAY Sports. “I actually was just at the Chase Center last night. We went to watch the Valkyries.’’
“I think more than being fans of a specific sport, it is more about being fans of the city and supporting our local sports, our local legions, our local players to be the best that they can be in the country,’’ Rojas said of the Latino community. “And obviously we wanted to bring the World Series, the basketball -- I don't even know what the championship is -- the Super Bowl, all of it.’’
Lopez would not be the first Latino to suit up with the Warriors. Juan Toscano-Anderson, who is Mexican-American, played for the team from 2019 to 2023.
A sense of responsibility
Lopez told Sports Illustrated he grew up playing basketball in driveways, in parks and in blistering heat. Now he's hoping to inspire others -- and not just aspiring NBA players.
“I want to show people that come from the same situation I come from that it’s possible,” Lopez told Sports Illustrated. “That there’s someone that’s just like them, had the same struggles, and [still made] it. That’s what really motivates me.”
Until now, Eduardo Nájera is the only other Mexican-born player picked in the NBA draft. The Houston Rockets selected him in the second round and No. 38 overall in the 2000 NBA Draft.
Nájera, who played 12 seasons in the NBA as a reserve forward, has taken a special interest in López’s rise.
“Karim López is not just breaking barriers as the next Mexican-born player in the NBA, he’s redefining greatness with every step he takes on the court,” Nájera told Andscape. “The future of Mexican basketball shines bright with his talent and determination leading the way.”
Passion for the game
Before the NBA scouts discovered Lopez, basketball executives in Mexico took notice of Lopez’s development. One of those men was Orlando Méndez-Valdez, general manager for the NBA G League's Mexico City Capitanes.
“I think he just continued to get more responsibility, more confidence,’’ Mendez-Valdez said. “He just continued to demonstrate the talent that he is. He was able to adjust to the physicality.
“Obviously, he's a high IQ player, knows his limitations and his strengths. He knows areas to improve with outside three-point shooting is a concern. I would say with most scouts…him being so young and playing with the senior national team each window, you can see him progressing, either being more aggressive with the ball, open court, being able to be three-dimensional, being able to have the high IQ passing ability, short roll situations, punishing closeouts. It was just nice to see him play at that level.’’
As for where Lopez might play, Mendez-Valdez said the Warriors would be a popular destination among NBA fans in Mexico.
"Honestly speaking, I think wherever he lands, it's going to be good overall for a team market or where he goes,'' Mendez-Valdez said. "I mean, you have an entire country rooting for this kid and behind him.''
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view after the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
After their most successful season since 2014, it’s time for the San Antonio Spurs to turn their attention to the next season, beginning tonight with the 2026 NBA Draft. Before taking a look at some mock drafts to see who others think the Spurs should pick, here is a quick rundown of the picks they own, as well as who is still on the roster and who is set to become a free agent.
2026 Spurs draft picks
Barring any trades, the Spurs currently have four total picks in the 2026 NBA Draft: one in the first round and three in the second.
First Round: Pick No. 20 (via Atlanta Hawks)
Second Round: Pick No. 35 (via Utah/Minnesota)
Second Round: Pick No. 42 (via Portland/New Orleans)
Second Round: Pick No. 44 (via Miami/Indiana)
The first round begins tonight at 7:00 PM CT and can be viewed on ESPN and ABC, and the second round is tomorrow at the same time on just ESPN.
Current Roster
Players Under Contract
G: Stephon Castle
G: De’Aaron Fox
G: Dylan Harper
G: Devin Vassell
F: Carter Bryant
F: Julian Champagnie
F: Keldon Johnson
F: Lindy Waters
C: Luke Kornet
C: Victor Wembanyama
Free Agents
G: Jordan McLaughlin
F: Harrison Barnes
F: Julian Champagnie
F/C: Kelly Olynyk
F/C: Mason Plumlee
C: Bismack Biyombo
As the organization considers what to do with many of the free agents that they have this summer, they also look toward the draft to help make those decisions clearer.
Being one of the final two teams left standing at the conclusion of the playoffs, San Antonio does not need a drastic rebuild, but more to fill areas of need, like a true physical forward. Someone who can set hard screens and defend at an elite level to alleviate pressure off of Victor Wembanyama so he can focus on establishing his presence in the low block. San Antonio also needs more consistent shooting, possibly a player who is great in catch-and-shoot situations. A player that allows for easier floor spacing within San Antonio’s offensive system and identity.
Here is a breakdown of the draft evaluation and the draft targets which the media believes San Antonio could target with their four picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. If you haven’t already, check out Jacob Douglas’s breakdown of potential Spurs targets here at Pounding the Rock.
In Mendoza’s NBA mock draft article published this morning, with the 20th pick he believes San Antonio should select Santa Clara University forward Allen Graves. Mendoza believes that this will be a smart selection for San Antonio because Graves is a scrappy player that is comfortable “doing the dirty work” (defensive blocks, fighting for rebounds, and having a high motor).
Round Two Pick #35 Richie Saunders (BYU) Shooting Guard
The 6-foot-5, 210-pound shooting guard who averaged 18 points and 5.8 rebounds in the 2025-26 season with a 48.9% field-goal percentage, according to ESPN statistics, seems like he can grow into a San Antonio-type player. Saunders has similar player characteristics to a young Kawhi Leonard. Also, Saunders can do a little bit of everything as far as scoring inside the paint from watching some of the highlights via YouTube. One thing to note is that Saunders, who was awarded Most Improved Player this past season, suffered an ACL tear in his right knee. Hopefully, this injury does not hinder any forward progress he is making if he would, in fact, be selected by San Antonio.
Round Two Pick #42 Tyler Bilodeau, UCLA Forward
In Mendoza’s breakdown, he sees Tyler Bilodeau as the clear selection at No. 42 of the second round. Bilodeau ranked No. 12 among all Big Ten Conference players in scoring, averaging 17.6 points per game this past collegiate season. He shot 51.8% from the field and led the Bruins in three-point percentage, according to his player profile on UCLA’s website. Bilodeau shot 87.3% on the free-throw line. This is good because San Antonio missed many free throws in the Finals. Bilodeau could be another viable low-post threat asset, providing a spark off the bench for San Antonio. He has great touch inside and finds teammates with ease during kick-outs to the perimeter.
Round Two Pick #44 Jack Kayil, Germany Point Guard
Mendoza believes with the last pick, San Antonio should select 6-foot-3 German guard Jack Kayil. This past season, Kayil played for Alba Berlin, a team that is a part of the Basketball Champions League, averaging 11.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. He is one of the youngest players to win the Bundesliga Best Young Player Award. According to NBA.com, he won a U19 title in 2023 and took home the Most Valuable Player Award. Kayil uses his frame to easily shift his defender and draw contact when given a driving lane to the basket. He shows quick instincts, picking up defensive reads and making the best available pass or play, similarly to a very young Manu Ginóbili.
In Parker’s YouTube video released yesterday with his top 40 big board draft pitch, he has some interesting takes on who San Antonio should select with the 20th pick and the 35th pick of this year’s draft.
Round One Pick #20 — Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s University)
During his evaluation of the selection, Parker points out Ejiofor leading St. John’s in points, rebounds, and assists (16.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.5 APG). Parker makes it clear that Ejiofor is slightly undersized for a big but has other skills that make him stand out from the rest of the players in his class, citing his length, motor, defensive ability, shot-blocking, and touch around the rim in the low post. Parker views Ejiofor’s role as a bench big or a low-end starter, explaining that his shooting is the only thing holding him back from being in an NBA-caliber starting lineup. Ejiofor may be an interesting choice for San Antonio as the team struggled to find adequate matchups with New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby.
Round Two Pick #35 Isaiah Evans (Duke University)
Parker did not give much analysis on many of the second-round picks mentioned in the latter part of his video. The 6-foot-6, 185-pound guard was Duke’s second-leading scorer this past season with 15.0 points per game while shooting 43.3% from the field. After looking at footage, Evans has a bit of a Dwyane Wade playing style, making cutting and slashing to the rim his primary skills while having a unique ability to draw fouls. Evans possesses a smooth jumper that is reliable. His ability to run the floor and poke the ball away from his defender, generating steals on the defensive end of the floor, reminds me of Brandon Ingram, definitely from a size standpoint. If selected by San Antonio, he may be a valuable piece amongst a stacked roster.
The 6-foot-8, 245-pound forward averaged 14.1 points per game and 5.6 rebounds in his freshman season, according to ESPN, while also shooting 35.0% from the three-point line. Peat’s explosiveness is what stands out. He can definitely be a lob threat at any given moment, powering down dunk after dunk as well as fighting for steals and coming out on the winning end of 50-50 ball battles.
Round Two Pick #35 Alex Karaban (Forward, UConn)
The 6-foot-7, 225-pound senior for the University of Connecticut averaged 13.2 points and 5.3 rebounds this past season. Fox believes Karaban can find success with the Spurs organization just like Julian Champagnie. According to Fox in his evaluation, Karaban, “Few prospects enter the league with a clearer understanding of how to impact winning.” He views the selection at No. 35 as low risk for San Antonio.
Round Two Pick #42 Tarris Reed Jr., Center (UConn)
The 6-foot-10, 260-pound center averaged 14.7 points per game.
Reed Jr. is a low-post specialist that can grab rebounds and put back shots with ease. He’s a big body with nimble footwork who relies on the fundamentals to get him easy buckets.
Round Two Pick #44 Richie Saunders (BYU) Shooting Guard
For the second time in this breakdown, Saunders is believed to be the clear pick at No. 44. Having a player that can do a little bit of everything and is a strong shooter can definitely play to San Antonio’s benefit.
As the NBA Draft draws closer on Tuesday night, it will be interesting to see how the San Antonio front office bolsters an already strong roster and is able to add a few players that can hopefully allow them to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy in the future.
Never underestimate the suddenness of an NBA offseason panic spiral. Just two years removed from lifting a Finals MVP trophy, Jaylen Brown is suddenly the most talked-about asset on the league's trading block.
Following bombshell reports from Shams Charania on The Pat McAfee Show and subsequent verification from Brian Windhorst indicating the Boston Celtics are actively listening to trade offers, Kalshi’s Jaylen Brown Next Team odds have gone into complete overdrive.
The sudden willingness to move Brown reportedly stems from the internal fallout after Boston failed to land Giannis Antetokounmpo. For savvy prediction market traders, this isn't just sports gossip—it’s a high-volume, hyper-volatile ecosystem where overnight narrative shifts translate directly into real-dollar percentage moves.
Traders are moving aggressively to separate genuine front-office interest from empty pre-draft smoke. Let's look at where the sharpest capital is flowing on the board right now.
Key takeaways
The Fragile Favorite: "Stays with Boston or Retires" still leads the board at a declining 44% probability, leaving it highly vulnerable to any concrete pre-draft trade leaks.
The Late-Stage Challenger: New Orleans has surged to a 9% implied probability on Kalshi following specific rumors involving an advanced package centered around Trey Murphy III.
The Consensus Sleepers: Rebuilding and transitioning rosters like Portland (11%) and Houston (7%) represent the most consistent public narratives propping up the top of the board.
Liquidity has for this prediction market has crossed an impressive $1.22 million ($1,224,345 vol). This massive volume proves that traders are backing up their offseason theories with serious capital.
The long-term trend lines show a steady erosion of confidence in Boston keeping their star, with the 44% baseline for him staying put sitting at a summer low.
The Pacific Northwest is technically leading the pursuit on the board, with Portland sitting at 11¢. The Trail Blazers are routinely cited by league insiders like Marc Stein as a logical landing spot for teams navigating a rebuilding-to-contending transition.
But the real kinetic movement over the last 48 hours belongs to New Orleans. The Pelicans jumped up to a 9% implied probability, riding a wave of highly specific leaks regarding player-for-player swaps.
Meanwhile, traditional asset-heavy suitors like Houston (7%) and Atlanta (6%) remain firmly in the mix, waiting to see if Boston's asking price drops as the draft approaches.
Jaylen Brown Next Team Odds: Value Picks
Prediction markets aren't just about picking the eventual winner. The sharpest traders look for localized inefficiencies where the public crowd has either overreacted to a headline or completely underpriced a highly logical outcome.
New Orleans Pelicans | ‘Yes’ 9¢ | 9% Chance
When a market is moving this fast, you want to buy into specific structural smoke before it becomes an official fire. The latest insider chatter points to a very specific negotiation framework: Brown heading to the Pelicans in exchange for Trey Murphy III and a package of draft assets.
At just 9¢ on Kalshi, the broader market is still pricing this as a generic rumor rather than an advanced discussion. If a definitive trade structure leaks, this 9¢ contract will experience an immediate, violent upward spike.
Stays with Boston Celtics or Retires | ‘No’ 55¢ | 44% Chance
Fading a favorite is a classic strategy when an elite front office experiences major institutional disappointment. Missing out on the Giannis sweepstakes has clearly broken the status quo in Boston.
The fact that Brad Stevens is actively picking up the phone to field competitive offers means the organizational calculation has fundamentally changed. Because retirement chatter is nonexistent for a 29-year-old superstar in their absolute physical prime, paying 55¢ to bet that a motivated front office finds a deal offers an exceptional reward-to-risk ratio.
Denver is a proven contender with explicit, reported interest in acquiring Brown’s perimeter defense. Speculation around a blockbuster swap involving Jamal Murray has quietly circulated among league analysts. While highly complex, an elite front office like Denver's wouldn't look into this without a strategic roadmap.
At 2¢, you are risking pennies for an absolute moonshot option if the Pacific or Southwest teams stall out.
Houston Rockets | ‘Yes’ 8¢ | 7% Chance
The Rockets have the young players, the salary matching, and the explicit desire to fast-track their rebuilding transition into a perennial Western Conference threat.
Houston has consistently remained in the top tier of rumored suitors over the past two weeks. The Kalshi market has only priced them at a modest 7% probability, which completely ignores their sheer volume of available draft capital. This represents an excellent entry point for traders who believe Boston will ultimately prioritize a haul of future draft picks over established veterans.
Expert context: Why The Jaylen Brown Next Team Odds Markets Are Shifting
The tectonic plates of the NBA landscape shifted the moment Boston's pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo evaporated. In professional basketball, an elite franchise experiencing a high-profile acquisition failure rarely sits on its hands.
The current volatility in the market reflects a classic correction where a previously untouchable asset is transformed into a premium liquid chip.
As analyst Richard Jefferson aptly noted amid the chaos, Brown should fundamentally view the caliber of franchises being floated in these trade circles as an immense compliment. This isn't a salary dump; it’s an elite superstar auction.
Because the NBA Draft is rapidly approaching, front offices are being forced to lay their absolute best assets on the table right now. This structural pressure creates a naturally hyper-reactive trading environment where a single broadcast quote from a major insider can cause a 10¢ price swing in minutes.
Strategic Considerations For Traders
Treat insider streams like earnings calls: When Shams Charania breaks news live on digital platforms, Kalshi prices react within seconds. Traders who monitor live video feeds gain a massive execution advantage over those waiting for text notifications.
The draft-day arbitrage strategy: Trade assets peak in value right before the draft order locks. If you hold low-priced 'Yes' contracts on teams like Portland or Houston, look to liquidate your positions during the peak pre-draft media hype to capture guaranteed returns.
Fade the retail noise: Do not fall into the trap of buying into unverified fan trade packages involving teams like Dallas or Golden State, which sit at under 1% for a reason. Stick closely to names backed by elite insiders to insulate your trading capital from empty online hype.
How To Trade Jaylen Brown Odds On Kalshi
Navigating binary prediction markets offers a nimble, data-driven alternative to static sportsbooks, letting you trade directly on roster mechanics and media narratives.
Account setup: Create and fund your Kalshi profile seamlessly via standard wire or bank transfer to ensure your trading capital is fully liquid ahead of breaking NBA news cycles.
Navigate: Head over to the main basketball section, select the "Next NBA Team" category, and open the active Jaylen Brown market.
Execute: Evaluate the board to determine if you want to buy cheap 'Yes' shares on an aggressive suitor or purchase 'No' contracts to fade a stale public consensus.
Monitor: Track your portfolio's value in real-time as the news cycle updates, allowing you to sell your shares early to lock in profits or mitigate your downside risk.
Jaylen Brown Next Team Odds FAQs
How does Kalshi determine the winning outcome for this market?
The market officially resolves based on the specific NBA franchise Jaylen Brown is under contract with for their next active game appearance. Definitive official announcements from the NBA league office or verified team communications serve as the primary resolution sources.
Any speculative internet rumors or unexecuted verbal agreements are completely discounted until formal paperwork is submitted.
Can I trade my shares before an official trade happens?
Yes, Kalshi provides a fully fluid trading environment where you can freely buy and sell your positions at any point before the market resolves.
If an insider report causes a sudden price spike for a team you hold shares in, you can instantly liquidate for a profit. You are never permanently locked into a position until the final official contract resolution occurs.
What happens to the market if Jaylen Brown stays in Boston?
If the trade deadline passes or the front office formally retains them, the "Stays with Boston or Retires" contract resolves as the winner. All other team-specific contracts on the board will instantly drop to zero value, rendering those "Yes" shares completely worthless.
Traders holding 'No' shares on the field would subsequently collect their full payouts under this structural outcome.
Why did the market price for Boston drop so drastically?
The sharp drop was directly triggered by mainstream breaking reports confirming that Boston's front office is actively listening to aggressive trade inquiries.
Once elite insiders validated that the Celtics were open to moving their Finals MVP, traders rapidly devalued the probability of them staying. This created immediate upward mobility for high-profile suitors who possess the necessary assets to facilitate a blockbuster deal.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: The sneakers worn by Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
By leading the Knicks to their first NBA title since 1973, Jalen Brunsonsolidified himself as one of the league's top players and proved his long list of critics wrong -- many of whom have since tried to backtrack their opinions and apologize for not believing in the point guard.
Well, nearly all of them.
Talking with reporters ahead of their game against the New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon stood her ground on her criticism of the 2026 NBA Finals MVP.
As a reminder: Back in 2023, Hammon emphatically said on ESPN that Brunson is not a "1A dude" because "he too small," and later said in 2024 that Brunson is New York's "1A" but isn't good enough to lead them to a championship.
"Jalen, all he did was prove history wrong, he proves he's an outlier, so you can put his name next to Steph Curry and Isaiah Thomas, and I thought he played brilliantly, especially down the stretch," Hammon told reporters Tuesday.
"I mean, he was that 1A dude, but like, apologize, I'm never gonna apologize for having an opinion. That's what ESPN pays me for."
After hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy following their Game 5 NBA Finals win over the Spurs, Brunson responded to the criticism in his own way, while head coach Mike Brown praised him as "a freaking 1A."
"I didn’t respond to them then, I’m damn sure not going to respond to them now," Brunson said.
"Lastly, there’s a lot of people that have a lot of negative stuff to say, there’s a lot of people who have a lot of opinions," he said. "But when you prove them wrong you don’t have to say s--t to them. Nah, they don’t deserve it, they don’t deserve it. Appreciate you all, thank you."
While Brunson let his play on the court do the talking, teammate and close friend Josh Hart happily responded to Hammon during their Roommates Show live podcast. Hart accepted Stephen A. Smith's apology for his criticism toward Brunson, as the ESPN host admitted to the point guard that he "never dreamed" he would be "who the hell" he's become.
"Now, I will give you credit for coming up here and admitting fault because, I'm not naming names, I'm still waiting on somebody to say they were wrong about someone who's led our team to a Finals championship for the first time in 53 years," Hart said. "I'm still waiting for something... We'll be waiting for that apology."
Karl-Anthony Towns added: "He's not going to say it, so I'm glad you did."
While it's unlikely Hammon appears on the podcast to squash the beef, she tried to stir up Knicks fans again by calling Brunson the franchise's best player of all time.
"Let me just piss off Knicks fans again and say, I think he’s the greatest Knick ever," Hammon said. "Give them something else to talk about… I’ve always been a Jalen Brunson fan. I was a fan of his at Villanova, in Dallas and why this comment went off the rails, I have no idea because it was clearly a historical and analytical take."
Boston tried to say, "We weren't shopping Brown, it was only because this was Giannis Antetokounmpo." Except a few years back, they said the same thing when Brown was rumored to be part of a trade offer for Kevin Durant. From Brown's perspective, you don't want to be the person in the relationship where your partner is always looking around for an upgrade.
"What I expect to happenis a bidding war for Jaylen Brown. In the most recent days, teams have been preparing for this eventuality, that it wouldn't be the Boston Celtics who won the Giannis sweepstakes and that there would be a Jaylen Brown market. And now we're going to watch that. I think it'll take time to play out."
If Brown becomes available, look for Houston and Atlanta to be at the front of the line for him, with a number of other teams — Portland has said it's interested — in the mix. The challenge will be matching his salary, which is $57.1 million next season and totals about $183 million over the next three years. Brown is coming off his best season as a pro, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.
Boston kept young players out
Why did Milwaukee ultimately choose the Miami offer over Boston? In part because, while Brown would have been the best individual player the Bucks could have gotten in return, they wanted more — specifically a young player like Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez, and Boston would not put them in the offer, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
Boston's final offer was Brown and two unprotected first-round picks. Milwaukee preferred Miami's offer... or at least one key person did.
Bucks co-owner Haslam pushed for Miami trade
Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam also owns the NFL's Cleveland Browns — a team that dealt with a trade demand from future Hall of Famer Myles Garrett. Then came the Antetokounmpo saga with the Bucks.
That led Haslam to push for the "certainty" of the Miami offer because he didn't want to see Brown come to Milwaukee and force his way out in a couple of years, something Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports reported right after the trade went down. That was a concern of others in the Milwaukee front office, reports Sam Amick and Eric Nehm at The Athletic, who add there had been signs in recent weeks that Brown didn't really want to land in Milwaukee.
Herro happy
Brown may not have wanted to go to Milwaukee, but Tyler Herro — who is a Milwaukee native — is excited to go home in the trade, reports NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Sources: Tyler Herro is thrilled about a fresh start and playing for his hometown team the Milwaukee Bucks. Herro always envisioned returning home at some point during his NBA career.
Except Herro may not be staying in Milwaukee—there are multiple reports that the Bucks are listening to offers to trade him again. At the front of that line may be Detroit, which is looking for shooting and secondary ball-handling to pair with Cade Cunningham, and Herro fits that bill.
Is Anthony Edwards next?
Once one superstar is traded, the insatiable NBA trade rumor machine starts looking for the next star who might be on the move.
Is it about to be Anthony Edwards' turn in the spotlight? ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said on the latest Hoop Collective Podcast, "The NBA vultures are swirling around Ant in anticipation of him potentially becoming the next superstar who's available in the trade market." Multiple reports in recent years have said Edwards has been frustrated with the team building in Minnesota, dating back to when it traded away Karl-Anthony Towns to save money.
This is not happening fast. Minnesota has no intention of trading Edwards right now, and he still has three fully guaranteed years at $156.9 million left on this contract. There is no pressure to move him, and Edwards would deny he is even thinking about leaving.
That said, teams file these kinds of things away and just wait.
Michigan coach Dusty May cuts down the net after the Wolverines defeated UConn for the 2026 NCAA title in Indianapolis. (Michael Conroy / Associated Press)
Questions surely will follow Dusty May as he leaps to the Dallas Mavericks after coaching Michigan to the NCAA national championship.
Can he provide blessed amnesia to the Mavericks faithful? Can he help them forget Luka Doncic and Nico Harrison and Anthony Davis and Jason Kidd? Can he allow them to peer into a future anchored by budding superstar Cooper Flagg without constantly checking the rearview mirror?
May, 49, was hired Tuesday as the Mavericks’ head coach,. He led Michigan to the pinnacle of March Madness last season and posted a 64-13 record in two years. He also coached Florida Atlantic to the 2023 Final Four and a 60-13 record in the last two of his six seasons there.
“We set out to find a leader who embodies the values we want to define our organization,” Mavericks president Masai Ujiri said in a statement. “Dusty has won at every stage of his career because of his ability to build. He develops players, creates accountability, and brings people together around a shared standard of excellence. His work ethic is extraordinary, and his teams consistently reflect his values.”
The list of high-profile college coaches who struggled to replicate their success in the NBA is daunting: Rick Pitino, John Calipari, John Beilein, Lon Kruger, Tim Floyd and Mike Montgomery immediately leap to mind.
Not only did May not coach or play in the NBA, he barely played in college. He was a 5-foot-10 point guard at NAIA Oakland City for one season before transferring to Indiana and serving as team manager under coach Bobby Knight.
But his arrival will divert attention from the past, from the hugely unpopular and disastrous trade of Doncic to the Lakers for Davis and spare parts on Feb. 1, 2025.
Mavericks fans staged a faux funeral complete with a casket a day later in front of the Dirk Nowitzki statue outside the American Airlines Center. They booed Harrison — the general manager who engineered the deal — at every home game and chanted “Fire Nico.”
When Doncic returned as an opponent, Mavericks fans chanted “MVP” when the Lakers player shot free throws.
Harrison admitted to underestimating the backlash from fans but defended the trade, initially saying he had “no regrets.” By November, he was fired and updated his social media profile to “unemployed.”
Next to go was Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard who helped the Mavericks to their only NBA title as a player and to the NBA Finals as a coach. At the time, it wasn’t clear whether Kidd was an advocate of the Doncic deal or a victim of a front-office blunder. But Mark Cuban, the Mavericks’ former majority owner who currently owns 27% of the team, indicated March 31 during a podcast that Kidd was complicit.
“I think there was animosity between [Harrison] and some people on Luka’s team — his agent and some of the people around them,” Cuban said. “I don’t think they got along. I think there were issues.
“J-Kidd had coached Anthony Davis and was close to him, and Nico was close to AD since he was like 13 years old. So I think there was some confirmation bias as well. But that doesn’t justify our coach and our general manager to stand up and trade our best player.”
Doncic, 26, flourished in his first season in Los Angeles despite a late-season injury that kept him out of the playoffs. The shooting guard led the NBA with 33.5 points per game and he will be a franchise cornerstone. Davis played only 20 games with Dallas because of injuries and in February was traded to the Washington Wizards.
The makeover began when the Mavericks secured the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft despite having only a 1.8% chance of obtaining it through the lottery. They took Flagg, a forward from Duke who went on to lead Dallas with 21 points per game and was named Rookie of the Year.
Next, they hired respected former Raptors executive Ujiri as team president. And now they have added May as coach. This week they will add two more promising players via the first round of the NBA Draft.
“I am honored to join the Dallas Mavericks organization,” May said in a statement. “This is one of the most respected franchises in professional sports, with passionate fans, a talented roster, and a clear commitment to building a championship organization.”
The franchise is trying to eliminate reminders while attempting to instill hope for the future.
“When you study [May’s] journey, you see someone who has earned every opportunity through preparation, discipline, humility, and an unwavering commitment to improvement,” Ujiri said. “We believe those qualities make him the right leader for the Dallas Mavericks.”
Meanwhile at Michigan, a loaded roster will report to interim coach Mike Boynton Jr., May’s top assistant and the head coach at Oklahoma State from 2019-2024. Players are allowed to enter the transfer portal for 15 days following a coaching change, so job one for Boynton will be to keep them from fleeing.
BRISTOL, CT - NOVEMBER 18: A wide angle view of the draft stage with the Phoenix Suns hat during the 2020 NBA Draft on November 18, 2020 in Bristol, Connecticut at ESPN Headquarters. 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s finally time for the NBA Draft. Follow along this thread and on @BrightSideSun on X/Twitter for the latest updates and insights on all things Phoenix Suns and the NBA Draft with staff writer Holden Sherman at the Barclays Center covering the event.
5:50 If the Suns move into the first round…
According to Arizona Sports Insider John Gambadoro, the Suns would look to select Arizona’s big man Koa Peat, who was born in Arizona 30 minutes outside of Phoenix. Peat is a potential lottery pick after helping lead the Wildcats to their first Final Four appearance since 2001.
They like Koa but would most likely have to move into the first round to get him – right now at 2:34 pm that seems unlikely.
AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 24: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates a fourth quarter basket with LeBron James #23 in game four of the NBA Eastern Conference quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 24, 2016 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Cleveland won the game 100-98 to win the series. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been partying like it’s the summer of 2016 all over again. LeBron James, Kevin Love, Richard Jefferson, and others have all joined forces in a vacation for the ages. One that, much like the Cavs themselves, has been plastered all over social media.
But while Matthew Dellavedova gets drunk and sings Australian classics, one crucial member of the 2016 title team has been absent from start to finish.
Kyrie Irving.
A tiny cloud of drama hung over last week’s events as fans speculated as to why Irving was not included in the festivities. Was he not invited? Did he not want to go? JR Smith’s Instagram comments only added more fuel to the fire, stating that Irving was, in fact, invited but did not RSVP.
Irving himself finally took a moment to settle the score.
“Me and my brothers, who played on the Cavs, bro, we’re good,” Irving said in a video posted to social media. “We’re more than good… When I get back to the States, imma pop in with them. We’re gonna chop it up. We’re gonna have a great time.”
That settles that.
Irving is in a different position than most of his peers who went on vacation. He’s one of only two other members from the 2016 team who are still actively playing NBA basketball. He’s also been traveling for various basketball camps and community events. That could explain why he wasn’t able to join the trip.
Either way, Irving insists that he and his teammates are on good terms. That’s not for any of us to debate or deny. While we all would have loved to see Kyrie participating in the shenanigans from last weekend, it’s important to remember that these are individual people who can make their own decisions. The fans don’t decide who Irving spends time with.
Nonetheless, Irving and the 2016 team represent something. Meaningful to an entire city. It’s understandable why this story became relevant. Especially when Smith and other members commented on it publicly. But now that’s all said and done, I’d say there’s no harm or foul.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats steals the ball from Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In today’s Dub Hub:
Final mock draft roundup highlights several prospects linked to the Warriors at No. 11 ahead of tonight’s NBA Draft.
ESPN’s Marc Spears explains how the Warriors can end up potentially trading for Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III.
The NBA Draft is finally here, with the marquee offseason event set to take place Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. PT on ABC and ESPN. The Golden State Warriors hold the No. 11 overall pick, and after weeks of pre-draft workouts, rumors, and speculation, it’s finally time to find out which prospect will officially be headed to the Bay Area.
But before commissioner Adam Silver approaches the podium, here’s one final mock draft roundup to get a sense of who experts believe the Warriors will select:
Of all the potential names listed, Arizona’s Brayden Burries would be the most intriguing fit for the Warriors. He checks several boxes for Golden State as a big guard who can shoot, defend, and thrive playing off Stephen Curry’s gravity. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Burries brings much-needed size and physicality to the backcourt while also offering the type of two-way upside that could help the Warriors both immediately and in the years to come.
“The chance for me to come here and play with Curry … I'd be honored.”
After his Warriors workout, Brayden Burries says he would love to play with Steph Curry. pic.twitter.com/GGjnjEjf5v
If Burries does not fall outside of the top 10, Michigan’s trio of Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson would also be solid fallback options. Ideally, the Warriors could trade down and acquire an additional first-round pick from a team such as the Charlotte Hornets or the Oklahoma City Thunder, allowing them to select one of the Michigan frontcourt players while also adding a guard like Alabama’s Labaron Philon.
Regardless of who is selected, the wait is finally over. The Warriors will officially be on the clock, and by the end of the night, they should be welcoming at least one new addition to their roster.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Tuesday, June 23rd:
Burries worked out with Golden State last week and is seen as a potential fit with the Warriors as a perimeter creator who can help take some of the burden off Stephen Curry as an offensive driver, while also fitting in nicely on defense as a stout, switchable guard.
This would be a home run for the Warriors if he fell to No. 11. But I wonder if there would be some synergy to a team, even including the Warriors, moving up to No. 9 still to get him if Dallas does decide to trade down. A number of teams in this range of the draft would love to have a two-way guard like this who can dribble, pass, shoot and defend.
Comment: “I know (the Warriors) liked what they saw in his workout. He’s not going to take you to the promised land, but he’ll give you a lot of things that will help you get there.”
Comment 2: “He’s a plug-and-play guy. He does everything. He can initiate offense, shoot threes and post up. He’ll adapt to the NBA pretty quickly. (The Warriors) need help on the wings. If Yaxel is there and (the Warriors) don’t take him, I’d wonder why.”
The Heat are sending to Milwaukee unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033 along with No. 13, a pick swap in 2030 and a 2033 second-rounder, according to sources.
The trade does not include any additional teams — it is a one-to-one move, sources said — but both the Heat and the Bucks will execute the deal July 6, which leaves the framework open to see whether there are opportunities to expand.
Just in: Minnesota is sending Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade that sends Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN. The Timberwolves will acquire Brooklyn’s No. 33 pick for Randle and No. 28. pic.twitter.com/TvADMMNDlg
With those long odds, it makes sense why many fans appear to prefer a more measured approach. The No. 11 pick gives the Warriors an opportunity to add an inexpensive young player to a roster that badly needs an injection of youth, athleticism, and long-term upside. In a draft class widely regarded as one of the deepest in recent years, holding onto the selection may ultimately prove more valuable than chasing another short-term move.
Follow@unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
New Orleans Pelicans | ‘Yes’ 9¢ | 9% Chance
Stays with Boston Celtics or Retires | ‘No’ 55¢ | 44% Chance
Denver Nuggets | ‘Yes’ 2¢ | <1% Chance
Houston Rockets | ‘Yes’ 8¢ | 7% Chance
Kurt Helin
Eric Samulski
