The 26-year-old Portugal native was the 39th pick in the 2021 draft by the Sacramento Kings, where he spent the first two seasons of his career in a limited role.
Queta signed a two-way deal with the Celtics in 2023, appearing in 28 regular-season games and three playoff games for the Celtics in their championship season. He played in 62 games the following season, making the first six starts of his career, before becoming a full-time starter for Boston in 2025-26.
Queta averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds (with 3.0 offensive rebounds), and 1.3 blocks per game in his 25 minutes per night last season, starting in 75 of his 76 games played. He consistently ran into foul trouble in the Celtics’ brief playoff run but averaged 9.3 points and 8.6 rebounds in his 21.7 minutes per game.
“To be honest, one of the things with Neemy was just figuring out how to keep him on the floor, right? Because he was [picking up fouls],” Brad Stevens said at his end-of-season press conference. “We had two games where he was off the floor in four minutes. So it was good to see Neemy have his best game in Game 7 and something he can really build off of.”
Queta set personal career playoff highs in points (17) and rebounds (12) in that Game 7, when he technically came off the bench but played more than 32 minutes in the Celtics’ loss to Philly.
The Celtics’ lack of depth in the frontcourt behind Queta likely contributed to the team signing Mitchell Robinson in free agency on a three-year, $47.4 million contract.
Another player from the Celtics development pipeline rewarded with a big deal. Queta thrived as a starter this season (beyond the postseason foul trouble).
Both Neemi and Mitchell Robinson will earn less than 10% of the cap when his extension kicks in. Two starter-level bigs… https://t.co/DpCWBMvgzY
Yet Robinson has come off the bench more than he’s started over the past three years with the Knicks, so Brad Stevens likely sees the Celtics as a stronger team aroundn the rim with both Queta and Robinson in the fold for the foreseeable future.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Five of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
As the dust settles on the nuclear fallout from the Jaylen Brown trade that rocked all of Celtics Nation to their core, the question on what happens next is loaded but interesting to think about. We turn our eyes to Jayson Tatum who is now the no doubt number one option for this team. Looking at the roster currently constructed with the additions of Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, and Mike Conley, the idea of Tatum being able to lead Boston to a great season doesn’t seem so farfetched.
When I think of Jayson Tatum as the number one option on the Celtics, it takes me back to when we saw him in a situation like this before. The 2020-2021 season was an odd, mediocre year for the Celtics where they finished with a record of 36-36 and the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. However, the reason we saw Boston even in the playoffs was because of the play of a 22-year-old Jayson Tatum.
Jaylen Brown suffered a torn ligament in his left wrist in a game on April 27th, 2021 and was ruled out for the season on May 10th, 2021. He would miss the last 7 games of the regular season and the playoffs and it looked like the Celtics’ season was all but over.
However, at the same time, Jayson Tatum was in the midst of playing some of the best basketball of his entire career. From April 28th until the end of the season, Tatum averaged 31.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on 49% shooting from the field and 40% shooting from three. This includes his career high for points in a game when he dropped 60 points on the San Antonio Spurs on April 30th, 2021.
In the 6 games Tatum played in without Brown in the regular season, he averaged 25.5 points 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 45% shooting from the field and 32% shooting from three with a 2-4 record. Then the inaugural Play-In Tournament began where the Celtics faced off against the Washington Wizards and Tatum would proceed to drop 50 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal on 14-32 shooting and 5-12 from three.
This gave Boston a date with the Brooklyn Nets in the first round with the three-headed monster of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. In what felt like an inevitable five-game series loss, the Celtics went down fighting behind Jayson Tatum who averaged 30.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 42% shooting from the field and 39% shooting from three. This includes a Game 3 victory where he put up 50 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals on 16-30 shooting from the field and 5-11 shooting from three.
The reason I recapped the 2021 season was to highlight that at 22-years-old, Jayson Tatum was able to exceed expectations with a roster not suited for his strengths. If he was able to do that back then, what makes you think he can’t do it at 28-years-old with a skillset that has developed ten fold from 2021, talented teammates that suit his game around him, and a front office who is determined to build around him. It gives some semblance of hope in a post-Brown era of the Celtics.
George and Tatum
Despite the contract, George was still a fine player in 37 games in 2026, averaging 17.3 points on 44% shooting from the field and 39% shooting three. A 25-game suspension and injuries took up a lot of his season but in the playoffs against Boston, he played really well, averaging 17.4 points on 49% shooting from the field and 55% shooting from three.
In no way am I implying that a small sample size is going to automatically make up JB’s production, but it feels like the elite three-point shooting that George provides for this Celtics team is going to fit well. Jayson Tatum is elite when it comes to getting his teammates involved in the offense and the idea of him in the pick-and-roll kicking out to George in the corner feels like a formula we will see from Boston a lot this season.
On the defensive side of the ball George was solid, with a defensive rating of 113.6 in the regular season and he played some pretty good defense against the Celtics as well, matching up with Brown and Tatum as the primary defender. Alongside Tatum, it gives Boston another great wing defender that can create havoc along with Derrick White and the big man rotation of Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta.
In theory, there is a lot that could go right and it could be fun to watch but there is also the reality that George is 36-years-old and isn’t in his prime anymore. If the circumstances were different, George on this Celtics team would be a cool piece to have, but it won’t be seen that way this season. He will be compared to Jaylen Brown, fair or not, for this season and his entire time in Boston. However, if he can stay healthy, I see a world where his play meshes really well in Joe Mazzulla’s system and the wins make up for a little bit of the loss Brown.
2026-27 Season Predictions
If Brad Stevens and the Celtics don’t make anymore moves this summer and the roster is set going into the 2026-27 season, what should we expect from Jayson Tatum this year? In my mind, I can see Tatum having another great, all-around season like he has for the better part of his career. It wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up averaging close to 30 points per game this season and lead Boston to another top-4 seed in the Eastern Conference. The biggest concern is of course health.
Paul George and Mitchell Robinson have a pretty documented history of injury over the years, but with Tatum its different. He is going to be playing his first full season off of his torn Achilles and were going to see if there any long-term affects. He already had to miss Game 7 of the Celtics’ first round playoff series with an injury, who’s to say we don’t see more nagging injuries pop up over the course of the season. Boston doesn’t have a Jaylen Brown to fall back on anymore — its going to be all on Tatum.
There’s no real positive way to spin this Jaylen Brown to the 76ers. You traded a homegrown superstar who played 10 years with the organization, won a championship and Finals MVP, and came off the best season of his career for a very underwhelming package. However, there is a beacon of light at the end of the tunnel for the Celtics. Unlike Milwaukee when they traded Giannis Antetokounmpo, Boston has another superstar on their team. If Jayson Tatum is still on the Celtics, they have a chance to win and its something to cling on to as we navigate through these treacherous waters ahead in franchise history.
The Brooklyn Nets have landed in Sacramento, gearing up for the California Classic with a squad of rookies, sophomores, and fringe NBA players looking to make an impression during this extended summer showcase. This means that Nets fans are dying to get their first look at Mikel Brown Jr. and Tyler Bilodeau (but mostly Mikel), as each officially signed his NBA contract on Thursday night…
The Nets announced that they have officially signed 2026 NBA Draft picks Mikel Brown Jr. and Tyler Bilodeau. pic.twitter.com/2TsjuHOZYl
— Sharif Phillips-Keaton (@SharifKeaton) July 3, 2026
Bilodeau, as previously reported, accepted a two-year contract, while the #28 overall pick, Joshua Jefferson, cannot officially sign with Brooklyn until July 6 at the earliest, when the Minnesota-Brooklyn trade is finalized. This also means Jefferson will not play in the California Classic on July 4, 5, or 6. His first Summer League opportunity will come next Wednesday in Las Vegas.
Unfortunately, you may want to temper expectations for the other guys as well.
“We’re not going to do anything that will put their health in danger,” said Jordi Fernández before the team headed out West. “I think that we’ve proven that over and over. We have very good medical and performance staff, and right now, I don’t envision them playing all three games, because I think it’s back-to-back-to-back.”
Fernández did not comment on any specific young Net, though Nolan Traoré isn’t on the roster because he recently had his right knee scoped (and is expected to be ready for training camp.) Meanwhile, Grant Nelson, the leading candidate for Brooklyn’s final two-way spot, is rehabbing from an offseason procedure and won’t play in either league. Ultimately, it would not be surprising if Mikel Brown Jr. does not play in Sacramento at all — or if he only plays one game — and we miss out on the potential Brown Jr. vs. Darius Acuff showdown scheduled for July 4th.
But Egor Dëmin is still looking forward to a bright and productive future next to his new backcourt mate: “I met him in the very first day, right, I was at the draft, and he seems like he’s a very good guy, you know? I think we have a pretty good connection already, and it’s going to be built up throughout the whole summer, the summer league, the California tournament, and throughout training camp.”
Dëmin was much less eager to talk about his rehabbed plantar fasciitis. When asked if that bothered him during regular-season games last season, he merely said: “I’m good now. That’s all I’m worrying about.”
The 20-year-old offered the same scripted response when asked if was still rehabbing the injury or if it was fully in the past. Alas, it is summertime in the NBA, and that means it’s #MuscleWatch. Dëmin said he’s about 13-15 pounds heavier than this time last summer thanks to living in the weight room.
Said Fernández. “They look stronger, they’ve done a great job, and not just strong where they don’t move the same way. It’s stronger and it’s efficient, and I’m sure you guys have seen [the five sophomores]. All of them have done a very, very good job, and hard work pays off, and we’re gonna see it in summer league.”
Fernández was not allowed, per NBA rules, to discuss unofficial free agent signings just yet, including Day’Ron Sharpe and Josh Minott. However, there is one obvious question: How the heck is he going to find time for all these players?
When discussing the sophomore guards + Mikel Brown Jr., Fernández said: “Everything can happen. They’re all basketball players, they’re great playmakers, Ben is a very good defender, positional size, he can keep his chest in front of the ball. So, the good thing — the best thing — about the position that we are in right now, it’s healthy competition, and they all going to challenge each other.”
In many ways, nothing has changed since last summer, though “6400 minutes,” in reference to the amount of minutes played by rookies for the Brooklyn Nets in 2025-26 (an NBA record) has become a new talking point for GM Sean Marks and Fernández. But Brooklyn is no longer tanking. Even if they make another minor trade or two, there doesn’t seem to be plenty of real minutes for all of Ben Saraf, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Noah Clowney, and Danny Wolf, among others. Where is the line between development and winning games?
Marks predictably danced around this question last week, saying, “I think that’s our job to figure out between the staff in Long Island, the staff in Brooklyn. I mean, I think we did a really nice job of that last year, getting them real meaningful minutes. That was the goal to begin with, was not to just develop through practice. As we all know in the NBA season, what do you have, 25 practices a year? You’re not going to get better just doing that. So, you know, going up there and testing your skills against the best, that’s important, and I think there was no downtime last year.”
One of last year’s rooks told the media on Tuesday that he’s ready for a new role. Danny Wolf said he’s been getting reps at the 5 and has been preparing for it in the weight room.
“Starting with my body getting stronger or getting quicker, getting my ankle right. And just even playing now, I’ve never felt more in control or on balance or stronger,” Wolf said. “And then with that, I’d say my finishing and my 3-point consistency. And I’m shooting the best I’ve shot it, and I feel like I’m finishing the best I’ve finished. So, just gotta keep at it. But I know I’m nowhere near where I want to be.”
With 10 extra pounds and some improvements at finishing, not his forte’ last season at all, he thinks he can do a reputable job.
“When I was in the G-League, I played center at times. Then there were times in the NBA when I was playing center too when those guys were out, and I felt comfortable in the position. I think the added strength is gonna be the biggest thing I do for five minutes at the five. But I’m gonna do whatever the coaches ask me to and just compete.”
With that, the Nets head to SacTown. The major story is Mikel Brown Jr., if we’re gonna get to see him there or if we’ll have to wait until Las Vegas. Elsewhere, we’ll be looking for Danny Wolf to school his younger opponents, Ben Saraf to hit some jumpers, Egor Dëmin to get to the rack, and Drake Powell to expand(?) his game.
Nets vs. Kings is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday evening. If you have access to one of Gotham Sports, NBA TV, NBA League Pass, Amazon Prime, or ESPN+, you should able to catch the games.
The Warriors are one of 10 teams Paul listed on a whiteboard while talking to host Max Kellerman on their “Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul” podcast, which was published Friday.
While Paul told Kellerman he has heard from every NBA team, except for two, in addition to the Los Angeles Lakers, James’ longtime confidant alluded to the 10 teams on the whiteboard being the ones in the mix for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Those teams are, from left to right on Paul’s board: The Warriors, the Dallas Mavericks, the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Miami Heat, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Denver Nuggets, the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.
Rich Paul made a whiteboard laying out LeBron’s “realistic” destinations
As for the Warriors, Kellerman pressed Paul on “Steph + Dray” being placed on the outer edge of the whiteboard.
Paul: “You see Steph and Dray up there. Don’t forget about Steph and Dray.”
Kellerman: “Here’s what’s crazy. This tells me a lot.”
RP: “This doesn’t tell you anything.”
MK: “Either you’re playing four-dimensional chess right now or you just tipped your hand.”
RP: “No.”
MK: “I will say why.”
RP: “All I’m doing is showing you the board.”
MK: “Silence everyone. I will tell you why. Ready?
RP: “Go ahead.”
MK: “Everyone’s reporting, and I know you say ‘What do they know?’ It’s Cleveland or Golden State. Golden State was the big one. But you, of all these things, just have Golden State up in the corner. So either you’re doing that purposely to throw us off the scent or Golden State really is not as much of a front-runner as people think, or not as much in the lead as people think.”
RP: “You can think whatever you think. This is just my board. You decide what you want to think. But we know Steph and Dray are the Hall of Famers, so that’s clear.”
Kellerman then pivoted to the basketball fit with James on the Warriors, and whether the former Lakers star ever wondered what it would be like to play with Curry.
MK: “How much would he want to play with those guys before he retires? Because one of things I never understood about the criticism in Miami, I said this on CNN the day it broke and there was an old crusty writer, I’m forgetting who it was, who was so upset about it. I was like, ‘Timeout, the dude wants to go to South Beach and play basketball with some of his best friends. You got a problem with that?’ That experience must have been incredible. Him and Steph. Like, if there’s a face of the league that’s not LeBron, it has been Steph. For him to play with those guys, how important would that be to him? Like, for him, is that something for him, something that’s he’s really thought about through the years?”
RP: “I mean, the golf would be tremendous with those guys.”
MK: “What about playing basketball?”
RP: “I mean, come on, Max. What are you talking about? It’s Steph and Dray.”
MK: “Was he jealous at all when [Kevin Durant] went to Golden State and he got to play with Steph? I think about sometimes Michael Jordan said he watches LeBron and thinks about how he would have guarded him. Did LeBron ever watch them play and think ‘This is how I would play with Steph?’ “
RP: “I don’t know the answer to that but what I will say to you is, Steph and Dray, obviously you get four-time champions, like you are. You get some of the highest IQ basketball, you get a guy in Joe Lacob who, I told you this the whole time, wants to win. He wants to win, and [he’s] a great business mind at that. And so you can buy into whatever you want to buy into, but Steph and Dray … “
Rich Paul on the potential of LeBron Joining the Warriors with listed reasons:
-Golf with Steph -Chance to play with Steph and Dray -Winning ownership under Joe Lacob -High IQ basketball
Paul didn’t indicate if any team is in the lead for James’ services, though he did say that if the Knicks hadn’t won the NBA championship this past season, the free-agent competition likely would be over already.
The Warriors’ entire offseason appears to be hinging on signing James. Golden State was brought back Kristaps Porzingis, De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford, but lost Pat Spencer. Yaxel Lendeborg and Lajae Jones were added to the roster during last week’s NBA draft.
Draymond Green, James’ close friend and also Paul’s client, declined his $27.7 million player option on June 29 in an attempt to give the Warriors the financial flexibility to sign James.
No matter what James decides, Green is expected to return to the Warriors, but his contract will be determined by whether LeBron is on the payroll or not.
Based on Paul’s whiteboard, James has lots of appealing opportunities. While playing with Green and Steph Curry could be a dream ending for LeBron, there appear to be other opportunities that present a better chance to win a fifth NBA title.
LeBron James during a a game played at New York’s Madison Square Garden. | ESPN | ABC
July 3, 9 am EST Update: LeBron James agent Rich Paul has confirmed (you be the judge) the Knicks “have checked in” on James’ interest in joining New York this summer. Paul also said that, had the Knicks not won the title, LeBron would already be setting camp in Manhattan. Rich also brought with him a board including the top landing spots for LBJ, including the Knicks in it.
“If the Knicks hadn’t won, there would be no board. He’d be going to the Knicks…. Jalen Brunson would literally have to pick up the phone and say ‘hey man, there’s no issue with me.’ They (Knicks) have checked in.”
Rich Paul on LeBron James to the Knicks 😳
“If the Knicks hadn’t won, there would be no board. He’d be going to the Knicks…. Jalen Brunson would literally have to pick up the phone and say ‘hey man, there’s no issue with me.’ They (Knicks) have checked in.”
As we enter the fourth day of free agency, the best player available remains on the board and is mulling over his options before ultimately announcing his latest decision to the world.
Amid a LeBron James sweepstakes that points mainly toward one of three potential destinations — Golden State, Miami, and Cleveland — a couple of conflicting reports emerged on Thursday involving the New York Knicks and their level of interest in 41-year-old James.
For context, the 41-year-old announced on the verge of free agency that he would leave the Los Angeles Lakers while announcing he’d be back for a 24th season in the NBA.
James informed the Lakers he would keep playing but continue his career elsewhere, ending an eight-year run that included a 2020 championship. According to LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, James’ decision was driven by a desire to compete for a title and finding “happiness” rather than financial considerations. Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Paul has received pitches from “a dozen” teams so far.
Before both Jake Fischer and SNY’s Ian Begley chimed in with the latest on the Knicks’ interest or lack of it in LeBron, it was reported that the Philadelphia 76ers have also emerged as a potential option, while teams such as the Denver Nuggets reached out to James, and the Minnesota Timberwolves also expressed interest.
Against that backdrop, Fischer reported that New York could be involved in the sweepstakes.
“The Knicks have shown some interest in LeBron James. That is the word we just got back right now.”
Fischer’s comments suggest the defending champions have at least explored the possibility of adding James, although he didn’t confirm if New York had reached out to the player or Rich Paul at the time.
Shortly after, Begley presented a different view of the Knicks’ stance, first with a post on X and then with a full story on SNY’s website.
“Every time LeBron James hits free agency, the big question around here seems to be: ‘Are the Knicks getting LeBron?’ Begley wrote. ”It happened in 2010, 2014, 2018 and again in 2026. When the most recent report (from Fischer) surfaced, I reached out to people on all sides of the situation.
“I gathered that the Knicks should not be seen as a potential destination for James. The Knicks are very happy with the core of their roster coming off the 2026 NBA title.”
The differing reports leave uncertainty around New York’s level of involvement in the James sweepstakes, which seemed to take a step forward late Thursday when ESPN’s Anthony Slater hinted at the Warriors losing ground on the race for the four-time NBA champion.
“The Warriors, meanwhile, have been given indications from James that they remain on his short list, but team sources have expressed a recent belief that they aren’t necessarily at the top of that short list, as James continues to survey the landscape.”
For now, all we know is that “there is no timetable” for James’ decision, although Charania “has a hunch” that James and Paul will give away “hints along the way here the next few days” regarding his destination of preference.
James averaged 20.9 points per game last season while shooting 51.5 percent from the field. He also contributed 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game and dragged the Lakers all by himself into the second round of the playoffs.
Brown, who was drafted out of California in 2016, was coming off one of his best individual seasons and finished sixth in the regular season MVP voting.
He had fallen out of favor with the organization in recent weeks and had been the subject of trade rumors.
Brown was reportedly offered to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Celtics' bid to land Giannis Antetokounmpo. Instead, Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat, leaving Brown and the Celtics in an awkward spot.
Brown didn’t believe the initial reports that he was being traded to Philadelphia and stated that he took a trip to the Celtics’ facility Wednesday evening.
“I went up to the facility, my key card got rejected," Brown said during the stream. "I just wanted to see if it was real. Packed me up, bro.”
Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 71 games played this past season.
"The journey starts now," Brown said on the stream. "I've already been hitting the guys about how to get in the gym; I know what it takes to build that camaraderie and chemistry.
"... There's going to be ups and downs. … It be like that. It takes uncomfortable conversations, it takes chemistry, it takes brotherhood. It takes all of that."
He's also started building that level of community with new teammates VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.
Brown told Edgecombe that he was "a fan of his game" before calling Maxey and telling him "we got work to do."
Jaylen Brown calls VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey back on stream. Both sound excited to be working with JB.
Brown told VJ Edgecombe he's "a fan of his game" and told Maxey "we got work to do". pic.twitter.com/rUPaFc6nFV
One of the uncomfortable conversations that Brown was talking about may include one with Joel Embiid.
In May, Brown went on his stream to vent following the Boston Celtics’ 109-100 loss to the 76ers.
Brown said Embiid was one of the best big men in the league before saying Embiid was also a flopper.
He also explained that he had to wear a back brace because he was dealing with back pain after having to guard Embiid and the size difference between the two players. Brown is listed at 223 pounds. Embiid is listed at 270 pounds.
Brown had been critical of the officiating during the regular season and believes it played a role in how things were called during the postseason.
Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors smiles before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 26, 2021 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Kyle Lowry is reportedly set to retire next week at a special event in Toronto, the city most closely associated with his 20-year career in the NBA.
But Lowry didn’t appear to be happy that the news leaked ahead of time.
Sportsnet’s Michael Grange reported on Thursday that Lowry was going to sign a one day contract with the Raptors in order to retire as a member of the organization during a press conference on July 7.
Kyle Lowry smiles before the Raptors’ win over the Cavaliers on April 26, 2021 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. NBAE via Getty Images
The Raptors have billed the event as a “monumental moment” for the franchise, according to the report.
Grange’s report didn’t sit well with Lowry, who took to social media to criticize his announcement being usurped by the Sportsnet report.
“Wait for the word to come from me, not someone else!!! Smh,” he wrote in an Instagram Story post on Thursday.
The star point guard did not make any other comments besides that.
Lowry didn’t deny that he was retiring in his social media post on Thursday, which seemed to be a response to the Sportsnet report.
The report also indicated that Lowry would be given additional honors during the 2026-27 season, with the expectation being that he will have his No. 7 jersey retired into the rafters of Scotiabank Arena.
Kyle Lowry looks on during the Raptors’ win over the Lakers on May 2, 2021 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images
Lowry’s number would join the only other Raptor to be bestowed the honor, Vince Carter.
Lowry suited up for the Raptors from 2012-13 through 2020-21, averaging 17.5 points per game and shooting 42.5 percent from the field during his tenure north of the border.
His time in Toronto included helping the franchise win its first NBA championship in 2019 and he was part of the gold medal-winning Team USA squad at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Lowry will retire as the franchise’s career leader in assists, steals, three-pointers made and playoff games won.
In addition to playing for the Raptors, Lowry played for the Rockets, Grizzlies Heat and 76ers.
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 17: Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic goes up for the rebound during the game against the Charlotte Hornets during the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament on April 17, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Utah Jazz came out of the Walker Kessler trade with a fresh new collection of trade assets and a nice TPE (traded player exception) that could be in the $15-$16M range. That means they can use the TPE to make a trade for a player that makes that amount of money, or less, and not have to send any players. It may be that other teams would want to get players instead of just picks, but this TPE, along with the Jazz’s group of young player contracts, gives the Jazz a lot of options. For this article, here are some players that Utah could target with their TPE and use picks to bring onto the team.
Khaman Maluach
I loved Khaman Maluach in the draft with his combination of size, athleticism, and upside. In college, he showed the impressive size, mobility, and athleticism that made him a top-ten pick. In the NBA, the Suns have not trusted putting him on the floor, and he’s spent a lot of time in the G-League developing. In the G-League, Maluach has averaged 15.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 29.8 minutes per game.
Because of Utah’s TPE, they could trade one of their picks to the Suns, with whom they already have a relationship, without having to move any players. The Suns might want one of Utah’s young assets like Brice Sensabaugh or Kyle Filipowski, but Khaman Maluach would be a great gamble.
Now, the Suns might not want to get rid of the massive Sudanese center, but if they have any sort of willingness to move on from him, Utah should jump on that right away.
Kel’el Ware
Ware was a core part of the Giannis trade to the Miami Heat. He’s a young prospect but will be up for a new contract next season. Utah would find itself in the same boat as it was this season with Walker Kessler, but might be more willing to pay Ware, given his potential. Ware is the stretch center teams look for when building the coveted 5-out offense. Ware is not the consistent, high-level defender the likes of Chet Holmgren or a healthy Kristaps Porzingis are, but he has shown signs. Would the Bucks like to improve the return on Giannis by trading Ware for a Jazz pick? It’s not clear if the Bucks are done or what exactly their plan is now that Giannis has moved on.
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
Ware could be the stretch center that could unlock everything the Jazz are doing. The only issue is the contract. As I said, Ware may garner a lot of interest in the upcoming restricted free agency. Utah could be in the same boat they were just in with Kessler. But if Utah can turn Ware into something special, a player that is the keystone of a 5-out offense that decimates opposing defenses, he would be worth the money that Kessler wasn’t.
Goga Bitadze
Bitadze’s raw stats may not blow you away (career: 5.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists at around 15 minutes per game). He’s also a player who comes off the bench. But if you look at the advanced stats with Bitadze, they jump off the page. At Dunksandthrees.com, Bitadze is elite at two things: scoring efficiently and blocking shots.
Bitadze is a veteran center who has proven effective off the bench. Would he sustain his play in a starting role, playing 28 minutes a night? He could be a wildly effective player for Utah and one that could do everything Kessler did, but at a much more reasonable cost.
All of these options would take a trade from Utah, and the cost might be more than Utah is willing to pay. The reality is that if the Lakers could have made these trades, they likely would have already done them. But if the Lakers were dead set on Kessler, a player they’ve been linked to for years, maybe the Jazz can make one of these moves happen?
It’s worth diving into, and the Jazz likely already have an idea of these players’ availability. But if I were the Jazz, I would be watching these players closely as the season goes along. You never know when one of these teams will make a move to fill a need the Jazz might be able to meet.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 12: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on October 12, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jaylen Brown didn’t wait very long before speaking up.
Within 24 hours of being traded by the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers, Brown returned to his FCHWPO Twitch stream and opened up on Thursday night. From the trade itself to Celtics teammates to his experience in Boston over the last 10 years, Brown offered his transparency once again on his livestream.
Following a decade-long run that included a championship, two trips to the NBA Finals, and six trips to the Eastern Conference Finals, Brown’s time in Boston is officially over. The Celtics acquired Paul George, two first-round draft picks, and two second-round selections from Philadelphia in exchange for Brown, intensifying the anticipation for his next stream.
Here’s everything he touched on:
The trade
Brown didn’t get into the details behind the trade, but did offer a brief assessment of how the entire process went down from his perspective. Reports, both from Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix and The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach, claimed Brown never approached the Celtics and requested a trade this offseason — leaving plenty of room for speculation.
Tapped into the online space, Brown also acknowledged the pushback that Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has faced, and will likely continue to face, in the aftermath of the trade.
“I wasn’t thrilled with the amount of respect I was shown during this process,” Brown said. “I think there was a bit of a lack of respect. I think it was fine at one point, and then out of nowhere, things just kind of went left. I think Brad is probably getting a lot of the criticism. I wasn’t thrilled the way he facilitated some of the conversations.”
Brown, however, noted his belief that there are surrounding details behind the trade he’s still unaware of, claiming “there’s more to it,” several times on stream.
“I just wish that the more to it could’ve been explained to me. Because if the more to it was explained to me, I think I would’ve understood. I thought I earned respect enough to get that explanation, but obviously I was wrong. Hey, but that’s life. We move on.”
Stevens helped introduce Brown to the NBA as then-head coach of the Celtics back in 2016, when Boston selected him third overall in the draft. Stevens coached Brown through the first five seasons of his career.
BOSTON, MA – MAY 10: Jaylen Brown #7 and Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics talk before Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Washington Wizards during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 10, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Communication with now-former Celtics teammates following the trade
Several members of last season’s Celtics reached out to Brown after hearing about the trade.
Brown was contacted by various youngsters, labeled “unproven” by Stevens during last year’s media day and ahead of the regular season. Brown expressed his gratitude for their words.
“I’ve already talked to some of the guys,” Brown revealed. “Some of the guys have already reached out from the Celtics and stuff like that. Some of the young guys, so I appreciate them. Because it was an honor this year. It still was my favorite season so far.”
For the first time in his career, Brown got a look at the driver’s seat as the undisputed No. 1. It was additionally challenging after Celtics ownership and the front office tore apart its previously-star-studded roster by moving on from pieces such as Kristaps Porziņģis, Jrue Holiday, and Al Horford. But Brown never wavered.
Instead, he took the challenge head-on and elevated himself, the team, and a handful of guys in Boston’s locker room — several of whom made sure to let Brown know what his efforts meant to them.
“The guys that I was able to build with, those guys that reached out to me, just told me — Neemy (Queta), Luka (Garza), all those guys told me ‘It was a pleasure to play with you, and I appreciate everything that you helped with.’ So that’s the stuff that gives you more motivation to keep going. So I’m grateful, and it was a pleasure. If this was my last year as a Celtic, this was an awesome year.”
FS1’s Colin Cowherd’s “smartest guy in the room” comment
FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd said league sources relayed intel to him regarding Brown, suggesting the 29-year-old has a “smartest guy in every room he’s in” complex comparable to a “disease.”
“One executive told me this was always a little bit of Jaylen Brown’s personality,” Cowherd reported. “Kind of the smartest guy in the room, and livestreaming and throwing it out there — that’s just not a good space. It used to be nothing good happens at three in the morning. Nothing good happens when pro athletes stream.”
In response, Brown cleared the air on that very perception.
“Personally, I think intelligence is relative,” Brown clarified. “There’s different forms of what intelligence looks like — creative, divergence, there’s being able to adapt. There’s so many different forms of intelligence. Whatever you value is whatever you value. I never told nobody, ‘Look, I’m the smartest person in the room.’ That may be how they took it.”
While attending the University of California, Berkeley, during his lone collegiate season, Brown took graduate-level courses before receiving an internship opportunity at NASA. Even as a professional athlete, Brown remained invested in education. He became the youngest person ever to give a lecture at Harvard University, then served as a Director’s Fellow at the MIT Media Lab during his time in Boston.
In the most humble way possible, Brown felt the need to “keep it buck” when it came to this topic Cowherd brought to light.
“In sports, no offense to everybody in sports, but the bar is f*cking low. The bar isn’t that high, so I think that’s what people need to take into consideration.”
Boston, MA – June 17: Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown hoists the Larry O'Brien Championship trophy at the end of Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Community initiatives in Boston
One of the most difficult parts of bidding Brown farewell from Boston is what he meant off the court.
Brown made himself accessible to the city. He turned himself into a Bostonian, and it wasn’t just because of his talent as a basketball player. He visited schools, offered a voice to the disadvantaged communities, and backed up his social advocacy after signing a $304 million supermax contract, investing in Boston’s entrepreneurship and education — aimed at tackling the racial wealth disparity gap.
He launched his nonprofit, Boston XChange, shortly after signing the deal and ensured those efforts won’t be leaving the city, even as he moves on to Philadelphia.
“I appreciate all the fans. I appreciate all the supporters. The family that I’ve met in the city of Boston. I still got obligations here. I got Bridge coming up. I’ll be here. This week, I’ll be doing some community stuff that I still am committed to, and I look forward to doing more stuff with Boston XChange, with the 7uice Foundation, empowering the entrepreneurs in the city, which I already have started. We’re gonna continue to do that.”
Brown credited his grandmother, Dianne Varnado, for his deep involvement as a community leader.
“I’m a community guy. I got that from my grandmother. My grandmother taught me how to just dive into the community — she was a social worker, so it’s just in me.”
Brown added: “To the community of Boston, I will never forget the years. I grew up here. I’m 29 years old. I’ll be 30. I spent a third of my life here. So, I’m looking forward to what’s next, but I’m also appreciative of the past, and the people that I’ve met, and the community. I love you.”
Message to Philadelphia
Brown made sure to reserve time for those in Philadelphia.
Suiting up for a different team for the first time in his career, Brown says he’s ready to embrace Sixers culture next.
“I’m excited for what’s to come next,” Brown said. “It’s bittersweet. I think Philadelphia has a history of being a strong city, being a tough-nosed city. So I’m looking forward to that because I don’t want no special treatment. I don’t want no handouts. I don’t need no extra privilege. Not to say y’all were gonna give me that anyway, but I plan on earning my respect one day at a time by putting in the work.”
Brown has faced the Sixers in 57 total games throughout his Celtics tenure, which included four postseason run-ins. He was a vital part of the Boston-Philadelphia rivalry, frequently going at it with Sixers star center Joel Embiid on the court. So the change of scenery will take a little getting used to, Brown admitted.
“For the last 10 years, I’ve been programmed to hate Philadelphia. From the history to the history of the rivalry to the playoff battles, all of the above, the process. I’ve been programmed to be like, ‘Man, f*ck the process,’ so it’s funny now I gotta reverse engineer. That’s the part that’s gonna take some time, but I’ll be ready to go.”
When the most recent report surfaced, I reached out to people on all sides of the situation.
I gathered that the Knicks should not be seen as a potential destination for James.
The Knicks are very happy with the core of their roster coming off the 2026 NBA title.
James is reportedly looking for happiness when choosing his next destination.
The Warriors, Heat, Cavaliers and Sixers are reportedly among the teams with serious interest in James.
What about the Knicks?
Even if they had strong interest in James, wouldn’t it be a bit strange if LeBron chose to sign with a team that just won the NBA title?
The narrative of winning again in Cleveland/Miami or playing with Steph Curry is much more appealing than playing in New York.
Besides playing home games at an arena he loves, what’s the pull for James?
For all of the reasons noted above, I think LeBron-to-the-Knicks can be put to bed in 2026.
MITCH DIDN’T DITCH
Mitchell Robinson posted something vague about his departure from the Knicks. He said he wanted to be in New York and noted that he hoped the "truth" about the situation would be revealed.
It's unclear what, specifically, Robinson is referencing.
But it’s clear that he wanted to be back in New York. He said as much in an interview with a local TV station in Louisiana.
Once the Knicks re-signed Landry Shamet, it became nearly impossible for them to re-sign Robinson and remain under the second apron.
So what happens next?
The Knicks, according to HoopsHype, had interest in Marvin Bagley before he signed with Denver. According to NBA TV, the Knicks have been trying to trade for Yves Missi; New Orleans has not shown interest in moving the young big man.
Andre Drummond and Kevon Looney are among the available free agents. The Knicks could eschew free agency and instead look to acquire a big man via trade.
Of course, letting Robinson leave for nothing isn’t ideal from a roster management perspective.
But Leon Rose and his front office have obviously earned the trust of the fan base at this point.
Replacing Robinson will be the next challenge for Rose and his group.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 17: Kasparas Jakucionis #25 of the Miami Heat plays against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 17, 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
KJ is poised for a breakout second season in the NBA.
The former Illini guard, who will now be playing with the Bucks in Milwaukee, is spending part of his summer with the Lithuanian national team competing for the FIBA World Cup. In a qualifier this week against Great Britain, Jakucionis scored 16 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and recorded six assists. He shot 8-of-10 at the free throw line.
KJ also scored 12 points and had 10 assists in a friendly against Ukraine.
If he keeps this up, the rebuilding Bucks will have a problem keeping him on the bench and he could work his way into the starting lineup.
Not bad for the Illini, who keep pumping out quality NBA players (see: Ayo, TSJ, Will Riley; soon: Keaton, maybe Kylan).
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown #7 reacts on the court during the third quarter.
“The Process” is rejuvenated in Philadelphia — at least according to its newest star, Jaylen Brown.
Brown, who was dealt by the Celtics to the 76ers in a blockbuster swap on Wednesday, declared that “the process” — the term used to reference Philadelphia’s rebuilding phase last decade — is “back the f–k on.”
“Alright, I’m processing,” Brown said during his livestream on Thursday. “The process is back the f–k on. We’ve been shutting the process down for the past — I don’t know how many years. The process been over, but now the process is back, motherf–ker.”
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown reacts on the court during the third quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Brown also opened up about how he’s been “programmed” to hate the 76ers since he was on a fellow Atlantic Division rival.
“For the past 10 years, I’ve been programmed to hate Philadelphia. From the history of the rivalry to the playoff battles, all of the above with. I’ve been programmed to be like, ‘man, f–k the process,’” Brown said.
“But now I have to reverse-engineer — that’s the part that’s going to take some time.”
After much speculation, the five-time All-Star was traded to the Sixers in exchange for Paul George, along with two first-round picks and two second-round picks.
During the stream, Brown also said he’s “looking forward” to playing for Philadelphia and that he doesn’t want any “special treatment” in the city.
“Philadelphia is a strong city, a tough-nosed city, so I’m looking forward to that,” he said. “I don’t want no special treatment, I don’t want no handouts, no extra privilege.
Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown plays during Game 6 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Philadelphia. AP Photo/Matt Slocum
“Not to say that y’all were going to give me that anyway, but I plan on earning my respect one day at a time by putting in the work.”
Brown also received a surprise call from new Sixers teammate V.J. Edgecombe during the stream.
“You on stream gang, it’s JB,” Brown said after picking up the phone.
“I know it’s JB, bruh. I got your number,” Edgecombe replied while Brown laughed.
Brown, 29, is coming off the best NBA season of his career so far, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting 47.7 percent from the field.
His efforts last season earned him the second All-NBA honor of his 10-year career.
Apr 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry addresses the media after the game against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Now, this isn’t me saying that Kyle Lowry isn’t hanging up the shorts. It’s been widely reported, starting with Michael Grange, that after 20 years in the National Basketball Association, Kyle Lowry intends to retire this offseason, and fulfill his promise to come back to the Toronto Raptors on a one-day contract to retire in the city he brought an NBA championship.
But, the guard seems less than pleased that the news has gone public.
Kyle Lowry posted the above on his Instagram story earlier this afternoon, expressing displeasure, but not denial, about the reporting. The man who many consider to be the Greatest Raptor of All Time, famously surly, took a shot at the media regarding their reporting.
Indeed, neither Lowry nor the Philadelphia 76ers — his most recent team — have made any sort of public announcement about the point guard’s retirement, nor have the Raptors. News is sure to follow regarding further updates, but Grange on Sportsnet has noted that July 7th would mark both a press conference and an event to commemorate Lowry finishing his NBA career. It’s a lovely thing to see Lowry choose to retire in Canada, despite playing the last few years in his hometown Philadelphia. Seeing a player choose the Raptors has always been the thing that makes me happy, and to have Kyle be ready to go down in history as *the* Raptor, ending his career in Toronto, is a dream.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 9: Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers will begin their summer at the California Classic tournament, running from July 3-6. Los Angeles’ first matchup will be against this year’s co-host, the Golden State Warriors.
Every summer, the Lakers compete in the California Classic tournament before flying to Las Vegas for the actual Summer League. Now in its eighth year, the California Classic tournament will be hosted by two teams, the Warriors and Kings. There will be seven teams participating: the Lakers, Warriors, Heat, Spurs, Bucks and Nets.
For the Lakers, most of those in this summer’s roster are considered new faces, except last year’s second round pick Adou Thiero and his South Bay Lakers teammate Chris Mañon. Although Thiero didn’t compete last summer due to injury, this is technically going to be his debut. Joining Thiero are this year’s first round pick, Cameron Carr, along with two-way signings Peter Suder and AK Okereke.
For reference, here’s the full list of the Lakers’ summer league roster, who will be coached by JJ Redick’s assistant, Ty Abbott.
Given that the roster consists mostly of rookies and players who need to prove themselves, the hope is to have a competitive team this summer and one that can make these summer games fun and worth looking forward to. It would be nice to see Thiero and Carr get a ton of minutes and hopefully lead this team to wins.
Besides that duo, it’s always interesting to see who stands out in this roster and perhaps carve themselves a role in the organization — whether as a two-way contract signee or even a member of the Coachella Valley Lakers. Who knows? Maybe the Lakers’ next undrafted gem is on the way.
As for now, we wait and see, but at least Lakers basketball is back. Let’s see if the purple and gold can make this summer a memorable one.
Notes and Updates
The Warriors’ summer roster will be headlined by their 11th overall pick, Yaxel Lendeborg, along with Lajae Jones and their former second pick, Alex Toohey.
