Kawhi Leonard trade from Clippers to Raptors stalls over NBA investigation

There has been a curious delay in the formal announcement of the Kawhi Leonard trade that is shipping him to the Toronto Raptors. Now, the teams involved are clarifying why.

Although the new NBA league year began Monday, July 6, neither the Raptors nor the Los Angeles Clippers, Leonard’s former team, have consummated the trade agreed to June 30 that is conveying Brandon IngramGradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap and two second-round picks back to Los Angeles.

On Thursday, July 9, the Clippers and Raptors each issued statements to disclose the delay, indicating the deal would not be completed until the ongoing NBA investigation into the Clippers is finalized.

“On June 30, we reached an agreement in principle to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors,” the Clippers said in their statement. “We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors’ ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi’s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion.”

In their own statement, the Raptors acknowledged this assumption of risk and indicated that they will also wait until the league’s investigation is complete.

“The Raptors remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for our players, our organization, and our fans,” the Raptors said.

In spite of the optimism from both sides that the deal would be executed upon the conclusion of the investigation, which began in early September 2025, the language in Toronto’s statement suggests that it could change its mind if it deems any potential discipline stemming from the investigation to be too severe.

The NBA has contracted a New York City-based law firm to look into allegations that the franchise circumvented the salary cap when it courted Leonard in 2019. The investigation revolves around an alleged $28 million “no-show” endorsement deal for Leonard with a now-bankrupt sustainability company called Aspiration.

The Clippers have repeatedly maintained their innocence in the matter and have stressed that the executives running Aspiration were at fault.

“At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration,” the Clippers continued. “We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison.”

LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, on April 5, 2026.

Leonard, 35, remains one of the elite two-way players in the NBA, when healthy. A seven-time All-Star, Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists across 65 games last season. He’s also a versatile defender whose length and instincts make him a problem, even for the more gifted offensive players in the NBA.

“We recognize the uncertainty this has created and the impact it has had on our team, our fans, the Raptors organization, their fans, and the players whose futures remain affected while this process continues,” the Clippers concluded. “We remain confident that, when the facts are evaluated fairly and thoroughly, the NBA will confirm exactly what we have said from the beginning: We have not done what we are accused of doing.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kawhi Leonard trade from Clippers to Raptors stalls over NBA investigation

Submit your questions for The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast

Send in your questions now for this week’s episode of The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast to discuss everything Pistons. Submit your question to the comments section here or on X/Twitter to @TheRealWesD3 and/or @blakesilverman.

Join us live on Friday evening for the show where DBB’s own Robbie Bettelon will join the show to discuss the Pistons’ offseason, Detroit’s first Summer League game and more. What were your first impressions of Ebuka Okorie? How about Ugonna Onyenso? Was the Caris LeVert trade to set up another move or free up more space for Jalen Duren?

Plus, The Pindown has a phone line where you can leave a message and hear your voice on the show. Call (313) 355-2717 and leave us a voicemail with your question. Please try to keep the message around 45 seconds or less so we can fit everyone into the show.

The podcast will be uploaded to all audio platforms the following morning.

The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast Vitals:

When: Friday July 10 at 6:30 p.m. ET

Where: Detroit Bad Boys YouTube Channel

How to submit questions:

  • Detroit Bad Boys Website: Comment section of the weekly Pindown episode articles.
  • Call (313) 355-2717 and leave us a voicemail with your question. Please try to keep the message to 45 seconds or less.
  • Twitter: @detroitbadboys@blakesilverman or @therealwesd3
  • YouTube: Chat section of The Pindown live recording — Subscribe here

As always, leave any questions or topics you want to be discussed in the comment section below.

Nikola Kusturica, potential No. 1 pick in 2028, signs with UCLA basketball

Top international recruit Nikola Kusturica signed with UCLA basketball on Thursday, July 9, landing coach Mick Cronin arguably the best prospect of the 2028 NBA Draft.

Kusturica, from Serbia, is 17 years old and will play college basketball for at least two years, as he's two years away from being eligible for the NBA draft. The 6-foot-9 forward is the youngest player to ever appear for FC Barcelona's senior team.

He chose the Bruins over Kentucky, Michigan and Gonzaga, according to reports.

“Nikola is an elite prospect with great size, skill and a competitive fire which is hard to find," Cronin said in UCLA's announcement. "As a 6-foot-9 guard, he can play all over the floor. He impacts the game as a scorer, playmaker and shot blocker. For a very young player, Nik has had a decorated career with the Serbian national team and his club team in Barcelona.

"UCLA appreciates the support of his international team and his club for their cooperation and development of Nikola."

Kusturica averaged 24.6 points with 6.9 rebounds in the FIBA Under-17 World Cup from June 27 to July 5 in Turkey. He also won Best Defensive Player after averaging 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per game, and scored 37 points against the United States in Serbia's gold-medal game loss.

Kusturica was also named MVP of the 2025 FIBA Under-16 Eurobasket tournament in Tbilisi, Georgia, after averaging 20 points with 7.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, leading Serbia to its first title at the tournament since 2007. He scored 18 points with 14 rebounds, eight assists and five steals in the championship game.

One of he youngest players in college basketball will likely play a huge role from the start for the Bruins, which has signed multiple European recruits in the past year. Cronin signed Mississippi State transfer Sergej Macura and Auburn transfer Filip Jovic in the transfer portal this offseason, and also announced Kusturica's signing with fellow incoming freshman Gunārs Grīnvalds from Latvia and Real Madrid.

Nikola Kusturica highlights

Here are Kusturica's highlights from his 37-point game against the United States in the FIBA Under-17 World Cup:

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nikola Kusturica, potential No. 1 pick in 2028, signs with UCLA basketball

Boston Celtics Daily Links 7/9/26

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 3: The sneakers worn by Ousmane Dieng #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the game against the Boston Celtics on April 3, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images

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Observations after Philon and Broome help Sixers win summer league opener

Observations after Philon and Broome help Sixers win summer league opener  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers are up and running with a victory to kick off their summer.

The team earned a 101-93 win over the Pistons on Thursday night in its first game of the Las Vegas summer league. 

Dante Maddox Jr. scored 21 points and Isaac Johnson added 20.

Johni Broome tallied 19 points and 13 rebounds. No. 22 pick Labaron Philon Jr. had 18 points and seven assists. 

The Sixers’ second game of the summer will be Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET against the Pacers. Here are observations on their opener:

Philon on his game off the bat 

Philon couldn’t have started any better. He drilled a three-pointer on the game’s first play. 

On the Sixers’ second possession, Philon assisted a Broome pick-and-pop jumper. Next time down, Philon grabbed a long offensive rebound and swished another three-ball to put the Sixers up 9-2. 

Philon’s ball handling appeared to be at a different level to everyone else on the court. He displayed an advanced ability to string together moves and was ultra-confident using all sorts of crossovers, behind-the-backs and tricky changes in paces. Even when the end product wasn’t a highlight, Philon’s handling allowed him to consistently create space and be comfortable. 

The 20-year-old’s passing was another plus. He regularly recognized when he’d drawn the defense’s attention and could feed an open teammate. 

Philon cooled off as a shooter (6 for 19 from the floor, 4 for 10 from three-point range), but his offensive skills certainly popped and he helped the Sixers ice the win by canning a jumper in the final minute.

Maddox and Johnson show off shotmaking 

Maddox split point guard duties with Philon and had a hot start as well, sinking two early three-pointers and scoring 10 first-quarter points. 

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Maddox was MVP of the BNXT League last year, posting 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game for Belgian team Okapi Aalstar. He shot 44.5 percent from beyond the arc on nearly seven attempts per game in a highly productive first professional season. 

Once the Sixers turned to their bench, Johnson was a standout. He racked up 14 points in the first five minutes of the second quarter and nailed three triples. 

Johnson is clearly a skilled center. The 7-footer played his final college season at Hawaii last year and averaged 14.1 points and 5.8 rebounds. Strong first impression of the summer. 

Broome does his thing to start Year 2 summer

Broome began the game at center and later shared a frontcourt with Johnson. 

It remains obvious that Broome won’t win many battles with conventional athleticism, although he did throw a dunk between two defenders late in the second quarter off of a Philon dish. 

Broome usually has most of his success via instincts and physicality. The No. 35 pick in the 2025 NBA draft has proven that those traits enable him to post big numbers in the G League and summer league.

Of course, the major question is whether Broome can become an NBA contributor. He’s surely below Joel Embiid, Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti on the Sixers’ current center depth chart.

Marcus Spears Jr. commitment: 5-star picks Texas, reclassifies to 2026 class

Sean Miller and Texas men's basketball have picked up a big win on the recruiting trail.

Marcus Spears Jr., the top-ranked player in the 2027 recruiting class, announced on Instagram on Thursday that he has committed to the Longhorns and will reclassify into the program's 2026 recruiting class.

"The next chapter," Spears Jr., the son of former NFL defensive lineman Marcus Spears, wrote in an Instagram post that also had the Texas "HookEm" hashtag.

He chose Texas over the likes of Arizona, Arkansas, LSU and Alabama among other power conference programs.

"Texas basketball is becoming a big thing again, and I am excited to be part of it," Spears Jr. told ESPN. "The Texas fans can expect a worker with a lot of energy. I will be trying to bring Texas a national championship."

As noted by ESPN, Spears Jr. was the only player to rank in the top 10 in both scoring and rebounding on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring, averaging 20.9 points and 8.7 rebounds. He additionally helped lead USA Basketball to a gold medal at the FIBA U16 Men's AmeriCup in 2025.

He becomes the second member of the Spears family to play at Texas as his older sister, Cari Spears, is a member of the Longhorns' volleyball team. Cari Spears started all 30 matches for the Longhorns this season and earned AVCA Third Team All-American honors.

Miller lands his second five-star recruit to the Longhorns' 2026 recruiting class, with the other being Spears Jr.'s fellow Dynamic Prep teammate, five-star strong forward Austin Goosby, the No. 18 best player in the class according to 247Sports' Composite Rankings.

Coming off an improbable Sweet 16 run, Texas is expected to have one of the top rosters in the country next season, as they landed Isaiah Johnson, Amari Evans and Elyjah Freeman in the transfer portal this past offseason.

Here's more on Spears Jr.:

Marcus Spears Jr. 247Sports

  • Stars: Five
  • National: No. 2
  • Positional: No. 2
  • State: No. 1

247Sports' Composite Rankings had Spears Jr. listed as a five-star recruit and the No. 2-ranked player in the 2027 recruiting class. He was additionally the second-ranked power forward and the top-ranked player in the state of Texas in the class.

Marcus Spears Jr. highlights

Here's a compilation of highlights of Spears Jr.:

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Marcus Spears Jr. commitment: 5-star picks Texas, reclassifies to 2026 class

Mike Gansey says Joel Embiid ‘fired up’ about Brown trade, upcoming season

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 08: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026 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. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Amidst the excitement of the last week or so in Sixers land was a small cloud hanging over things.

After president of basketball operations Mike Gansey pulled off a stunning blockbuster trade to acquire Jaylen Brown, it didn’t take long for many Sixers players to react. Even Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe joined Brown’s first live stream following the deal.

The one player we didn’t hear from was Joel Embiid. The former MVP didn’t have a social media post greeting Brown nor did we hear anything about the two stars interacting. Some folks ran with the idea of Embiid being upset or him not being long for Philadelphia.

Gansey poured cold water on that as a guest on 97.5 The Fanatic Thursday afternoon:

“He’s excited. He’s in a really good space right now. First offseason where he is really healthy going into it… He’s fired up. I called him right after the trade, and he is excited. Surprised, but he was excited… It’s obviously going to be a big change, but I think they’re welcoming it and they’re kind of excited to get the group together.”

There’s no doubt the addition of Brown complicates things a bit offensively. Brown was a Second Team All-NBA pick and had one of the highest usage rates in the NBA last season. With that said, we’ve seen what he can do in a more complementary offensive role when he helped the Celtics win a championship in 2024 and took home Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals MVP. Sacrifices will need to be made, but such is the case for every championship team.

What could make things even more interesting is if the Sixers are able to sign LeBron James. We’ve all seen the reports and it appears the Sixers are on The King’s shortlist. Gansey, a fellow Ohio native who crossed paths with James during their time with the Cavaliers, didn’t keep the team’s interest a secret.

So, there you have it straight from the POBO’s mouth. Joel Embiid is here and he’s excited to be here.

You can now go back to focusing on LeBron Watch.

Details of Nate Ament’s rookie contract with the Milwaukee Bucks

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: Nate Ament talks to the media during a press conference during the 2026 NBA Draft - Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melanie Fidler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Nate Ament is officially a pro, signing on Thursday with the Milwaukee Bucks. Ament, a former 5-star, top five overall player in the class of 2025, went to the Bucks with the 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft. He went one and done with Tennessee, continuing a recent string of NBA Draft success under Rick Barnes.

Ament signed a four-year contract with Milwaukee, where he will make $25.9 million. Annually, Ament will make $5.5 million as a rookie, with that money increasing up to $8.6 million in year No. 4 of the deal. He will become an unrestricted free agent following the 2030-2031 season.

At Tennessee, Ament signed as Rick Barnes’ highest ever rated player. To beat out Duke and several other top schools, the Volunteers paid Ament somewhere in the $4 million range. Following a slow start to his time in college, scouts and executives were split on his pro prospects. There was some chatter about a potential return to Tennessee, but ultimately Ament declared and felt comfortable enough about his draft slot.

His decision turned out to be the right one, and now he’s set to take on a massive opportunity — replacing Giannis Antetokounmpo. Tennessee did just fine too, likely ending up using that money to land Juke Harris to put the cherry on top of an outstanding transfer portal class.

Ament’s Summer League debut comes on Friday (July 10) at 4 p.m. ET on Prime. Ironically, he’ll take on the Miami Heat.

Joe Mazzulla shares reaction to Celtics trading Jaylen Brown to Sixers

Joe Mazzulla shares reaction to Celtics trading Jaylen Brown to Sixers originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

In Las Vegas for the start of NBA Summer League action, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla spoke for the first time about his star player Jaylen Brown being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Still processing it,” Mazzulla said of the stunning deal. “Obviously, when something like that happens it’s not a black and white type of thing. There’s a ton of stuff that goes into it on and off the court. The part that I hope gets talked about more, and the part that we wanna focus on the most is really just the respect, the appreciation and the gratitude for what he did for the Celtics for 10 years.

“He’s a Celtic longer than I have been. He was here before me. He set the tone and started that and was a part of special things and obviously was one of the biggest reasons why we were able to be as successful as we have been. That, to me, is what we have to focus on more: the respect as a competitor and the gratitude for what he’s done.”

The Celtics drafted Brown with the third overall pick in 2016. Mazzulla joined then-Celtics head coach Brad Stevens’ staff as an assistant in 2019 and replaced Ime Udoka as Boston’s head coach in 2022.

Mazzulla spoke highly of Brown’s impact on him and the rest of the Celtics organization over the last 10 years.

“He made me a better coach. I know that for a fact,” he said. “The way he pushed me. The way he pushed himself. The way he pushed the locker room.”

Stevens, now the Celtics’ president of basketball operations, denied during his Monday press conference that superstar Jayson Tatum had any input on trading Brown. Mazzulla claims he didn’t have input either, and he trusts Stevens’ decision.

“Not input. Just, Brad comes to you and talks to you and gives you a breakdown and an understanding,” Mazzulla said. “In moments like this, obviously there’s great alignment within the organization and there’s conversations that are always gonna be had. But I think in moments like this, this is where you just trust, you listen, and you have an understanding for what they do.

“I think Brad is the absolute best at what he does, and there’s just a level of trust that goes into that.”

The Celtics acquired veteran Paul George, two first-round draft picks, and two second-rounders in exchange for Brown. Prior to the deal, they signed free agents Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley. Stevens said he doesn’t anticipate any other significant moves to be made in the near term.

“I think that’s one of the big questions is, every time something like this happens, it’s like, how are you gonna replace? You’re not going to. I mean, obviously not only what (Brown’s) done in his career, but what he did this year, you don’t replace that,” Mazzulla said.

“I think that’s where it’s not a black and white thing, right? There’s two sides to it. We’ve also brought in people. And so, we have to have an understanding that we’re not asking anybody who comes back — whether it’s free agency, whether it’s trade — to be what he was, but they gotta be the best version of themselves and they have to bring things to our team to try and help us become a better team.”

So, what now?

The Celtics have formed a unique identity over the last few years with Mazzulla at the helm. That identity will undoubtedly change now that the Jays have been split up.

“We have a different roster. We have a different identity now,” Mazzulla added. “I think there’s been a clear identity over the last 10 years with the roster that we have, especially the cornerstones of the organization. Now, that identity is a little bit different, so the challenge lies in, how do we create that identity? How do we establish that identity, and then how do we end our season on a win?”

The Celtics’ surprisingly stellar 2025-26 campaign ended with disappointment as they blew a 3-1 first-round series lead to the Sixers. Looking ahead with a new-look roster, Mazzulla is ready to turn the page to a new era of Celtics basketball.

“When you look at the season that we had this year, it’s what we talk about all the time is the duality of the good and the bad,” Mazzulla said. “To have such a great regular season, but then when you blow a 3-1 lead that’s on everybody. That’s on me, that’s on, the coaching staff, that’s on the player. You have to look at all those things.

“So, I think you first have to have an appreciation for what we were able to do from a competitive standpoint. At the same time, have an understanding that the way we ended wasn’t good enough, and that starts with me and then it goes to everybody.”

The C’s will return to the court Friday night when they open their Summer League slate against the Toronto Raptors.

LeBron James free agent rumors: What is LeBron's timeline for making a decision?

LeBron James' decision on where to play next is the one big bit of drama left in free agency, and he is taking his time doing so. Here are the latest rumors around his decision.

As a reminder, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are considered the leaders in the chase, with the Philadelphia 76ers potentially on that tier depending on who you ask. Also still in the mix are the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.

LeBron’s decision timeline

Get comfortable, we could be here a while.

While there was an expectation — or, maybe better phrased as a hope — in some league circles that LeBron would announce his decision this weekend, while the NBA media was largely assembled in Las Vegas for Summer League, it looks like things will drag out longer than that. NBA Insider Marc Stein put it this way in an appearance on the A Must Win Game podcast.

"More people than not that I speak to do not expect a resolution this week. The feeling is that this is going to seep into Summer League and will last until at least next week."

ESPN's Brian Windhorst made an apt comparison to veteran NFL players who wait, let the market shake out, then make their call. From Windhorst’s appearance on Yahoo Sports (hat tip Real GM).

"He can join any team at any time. He can join a team in December. Because of that, there's no reason not to see how things develop and see if anything alters the decision. Just because you think one way on July 10th doesn't mean he'll feel that way on July 20th.

"The timeline is completely his. It's up to him. Because it's smaller money, there's no penalty for him to wait. I think this is what veterans are looking for. You see this in the NFL with veteran players near the end of their careers who aren't playing for top dollar can do: sit, wait, and watch the market. He definitely has a favorite in his head, of course he would at this point, but there's no penalty for waiting."

So we wait.

Would LeBron be happy in Philly?

Bob Myers made the case for LeBron to join the Philadelphia 76ers, and it is pretty straightforward: If he wants another ring, this is his best chance.

Meyers is the president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the 76ers, and he appeared on “Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul,” the podcast featuring LeBron's agent (hat tip The Athletic).

"If he was (on the podcast), I'd say, 'I honestly believe this is your best chance to win. You have to decide all the other things that are equally important. … What I would say is if it's about winning, 'Let's talk about that team because you can win in Philadelphia.'"

Winning is part of the equation for LeBron, but not the only — and not necessarily the most important — factor in his decision. Which is something ESPN's Windhorst got into on the network's Get Up. It's about his happiness.

League sources continue to tell NBC Sports that, reading the tea leaves, it feels like LeBron is headed back to Cleveland. That said, LeBron and his team are playing this very close to the vest, and nobody is sure exactly what he has planned.

Stephen Curry makes his case

Stephen Curry is in Lake Tahoe for the American Century Championships (which you can watch here on NBC and Peacock) and took a second to make his pitch for LeBron to join him in the Bay Area.

As much fun as a LeBron and Curry pairing would be to watch, it seems increasingly unlikely. Even if LeBron has been hanging out with Draymond Green lately.

Lakers view remaining roster spots as ‘critical’ to team success

Los Angeles, CA - April 07:Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28), right, joins a huddle with teammates before a game against the Oklahoma Thunder at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

While most fans focus on projected starting lineups and ponder whether their stars are good enough, teams have to think about everything from top to bottom.

That’s why the Lakers remain focused on finding the best players possible, even though their stars are in place and they’ve announced the signings of Quentin Grimes, Walker Kessler and Sandro Mamukelashvili.

They still have at least one position open, and signing the right player could raise their ceiling or limit how good they can be.

On Wednesday, a report by Dave McMenamin on ESPN detailed where things stand in free agency and how important the final roster spots are to the Lakers.

A Lakers source told ESPN that the last spots “will be critical” for next season’s team.

The Lakers have had discussions with free agent wing Jonathan Kuminga, sources told ESPN, pitching opportunity over the veteran minimum salary they can offer.

Since the Lakers need wings on their roster, it’s no surprise they are considering adding Jonathan Kuminga. He is a player they’ve been linked to since the Hawks declined his team option.

The Lakers have remained in contact with Kuminga’s agent and even reportedly offered him a two-year, $20 million deal. However, that hasn’t been enough to entice him to join the purple and gold.

Atlanta is even reportedly open to getting involved via a sign-and-trade to get a deal done.

LA figuring out how to sweeten the deal for Kuminga will be a challenge given their salary cap situation, but that’s the task in front of Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka.

Whether Kuminga ultimately signs here or not, the Lakers have to be smart with how they use their remaining spots.

They need a quality wing player and perhaps some more frontcourt depth. They have reportedly signed Kevon Looney, but they lost two bigs this summer with a trade sending Deandre Ayton to the Wizards and Jaxson Hayes leaving for the Jazz.

So, perhaps another center can be signed as insurance for Kessler if the Lakers can move some end-of-the-rotation players.

It should encourage fans that the Lakers are doing everything they can to maximize every roster spot. To win it all, teams need top talent and depth. That doesn’t happen unless you sign a wide variety of players with upside in different areas.

Pelinka nailing these final additions won’t be viewed as blockbuster moves, but it could be the difference between the Lakers having backups they can trust or praying none of the top players get hurt because there is no one on the bench worth playing.

Lakers fans should be hoping for the former scenario.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

How to watch every former UVA basketball player in the NBA Summer League

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 06: Jacari White #50 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on July 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 2026 NBA Summer League officially tips off on Thursday afternoon in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Virginia Cavaliers are well represented. The Summer League is one of the most raw and exciting events of the NBA calendar, so to get you set for all the action inside the Pavilion and the Thomas & Mack Center, here’s a look at every former ’Hoo set to take the floor over the next two weeks.

Ugonna Onyenso (Detroit Pistons)

The only former ’Hoo selected in the 2026 NBA draft, Ugonna Onyenso, will get his first taste of professional basketball with the Detroit Pistons (who acquired his draft rights from the New York Knicks shortly after Onyenso was selected 53rd overall).

Despite his wholesome disbelief at being selected on draft night, Onyenso should play a big role in the Pistons’ Summer League rotation. Onyenso will be expected to step in as a defensive stopper and shot-swatting force from day one.

When and where to watch Onyenso:

  • July 9: Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers at 5:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • July 12: Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers at 4:00 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • July 13: Pistons vs. New York Knicks at 4:00 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • July 15: Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns at 6:00 p.m. (ESPNU)

Malik Thomas (Toronto Raptors)

Another face of Virginia’s 2025-26 roster, Malik Thomas, will get his Summer League opportunity with the Toronto Raptors despite going undrafted. The second-leading scorer for the ’Hoos this past season (12.4 points per game), Thomas will need to show more consistency from beyond the arc while flexing his knack for getting to the bucket to stand out this summer.

When and where to watch Thomas:

  • July 10: Raptors vs. Boston Celtics at 9:00 p.m. (ESPN)
  • July 11: Raptors vs. Houston Rockets at 9:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • July 13: Raptors @ Indiana Pacers at 4:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
  • July 16: Raptors @ Miami Heat at 9:00 p.m. (ESPN2)

Jacari White (LA Lakers)

Perhaps the most exciting Cavalier this past season, Jacari White, will get the chance to make some highlights with the Los Angeles Lakers. L.A. took part in the California Classic from July 3-6, giving it three games under its belt before heading to Las Vegas.

Unfortunately, White has had a tough time cracking the Lakers’ rotation in the early going, seeing the floor for just ten minutes in their third game, an 88-84 win over the San Antonio Spurs. White finished with five points (2-3 FG, 1-2 3PT) in the contest, hopefully a sign he deserves more playing time in Vegas.

Regardless, White has already found his professional home for the coming season, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Antwerp Giants of the BNXT League (the former pro home of Thijs De Ridder) this past week.

When and where to watch White:

  • July 10: Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at 10:00 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • July 11: Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks at 10:00 p.m. (ESPN)
  • Tuesday, July 14: Lakers vs. LA Clippers at 10:00 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Thursday, July 16: Lakers vs. Chicago Bulls at 6:00 p.m. (Prime Video)

Reece Beekman (Washington Wizards)

Reece Beekman made 36 total appearances between the Golden State Warriors and the Brooklyn Nets during his rookie season in 2024-25 but spent the entire 2025-26 season in the G League with the Osceola Magic. Now, Beekman will get a chance to reignite his NBA career this summer with the Washington Wizards.

With the eyes of the basketball world on No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, Beekman will have the perfect opportunity to prove his worth as a defensive stopper (beginning with a big test against No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson on Thursday evening) and as the offensive glue for Washington’s young Summer League roster.

When and where to watch Beekman:

  • July 9: Wizards vs. Utah Jazz at 9:00 p.m. (ESPN)
  • July 12: Wizards vs. Sacramento Kings at 8:00 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • July 14: Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls at 8:00 p.m. (Prime Video )
  • July 15: Wizards vs. LA Clippers at 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Long-lost ’Hoos edition: Isaac McKneely (Atlanta Hawks), Jabri Abdur-Rahim (OKC Thunder), Igor Milicic Jr. (San Antonio Spurs)

The Atlanta Hawks got in some early action at the Salt Lake City Summer League, where Isaac McKneely averaged 8.3 points per game over three contests. The former Cavalier, who spent his final collegiate season at Louisville, flashed his three-point stroke throughout the week in Salt Lake City and debuted newfound range, connecting on 7-of-16 attempts from beyond the arc (43.8%). McKneely will continue his Summer League journey as the Hawks begin their week in Sin City against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday afternoon (4:30 PM ET on ESPN 2).

On the other side of that Thursday afternoon matchup is Igor Milicic Jr., who will suit up for San Antonio. Milicic bounced around college basketball after leaving Virginia following the 2021-22 season, spending two seasons at Charlotte and one at Tennessee, before playing professionally for the Delaware Blue Crabs in 2025-26. Milicic was on the outskirts of San Antonio’s rotation in their early action at the California Classic, registering just 23 total minutes in two appearances (3.5 PPG).

Another major blast from the past, Jabri Abdur-Rahim, is the final former Cavalier taking the floor this summer. Abdur-Rahim, one of the highest-rated high school recruits of the Tony Bennett era, had a cup of coffee in Charlottesville in 2020-21 before transferring to Georgia and later finishing up his collegiate career at Providence. Abdur-Rahim spent the 2025-26 season with the Oklahoma City Blue in the G-League, where he averaged over 10 points per game on 38.8% shooting from the floor, but he played just three total minutes across three OKC games at the Salt Lake City Summer League.

Jordan Clarkson returning to Knicks on one-year minimum contract

The Knicks are trying to keep the band together after winning their first title in five decades.

That includes Jordan Clarkson, who will return to the Knicks on a one-year, $3.9 million veteran minimum contract, news first reported by Stefan Bondy of the New York Post after speaking with Clarkson's agent, Rich Paul, with ESPN’s Shams Charania adding the salary details.

Clarkson played in 72 games for the Knicks last season, although his minutes fluctuated, and he averaged 8.6 points and 1.3 assists per game. His role shrank in the playoffs, for example he played just 30 minutes across the five NBA Finals games.

Clarkson can still go get a bucket, which is a boost off the Knicks bench, and he was popular with teammates in what was a tight Knicks locker room. He's a good fit to bring back.

The Knicks may also be interested in center Jonas Valanciunas, whom the Denver Nuggets just waived. The Knicks and Valanciunas talked when he was a free agent in 2024 and he is a former client of Knicks president Leon Rose, points out Knicks insider Ian Begley. New York is looking for depth at the five behind Karl-Anthony Towns, and while they have signed Andre Drummond they are eyeing one more center to fill the role Mitchell Robinson did a year ago (he signed with Boston as a free agent).

Sources: Jacob Tobey out as Spurs play-by-play announcer

Jan 7, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; PAC 12 sports broadcaster Jacob Tobey prior to the game between the Oregon State Beavers against the Colorado Buffaloes at CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Well, here’s a direction no one saw the Spurs’ summer going. After two seasons, Spurs’ television play-by-play announcer Jacob Tobey has reportedly been fired after allegedly having an affair with Loren Waters, the sister of Spurs player Lindy Waters III. The news was first reported by Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports, citing sources.

Rumors started to swirl Monday night/Tuesday morning when a post appeared on Tobey’s Instagram account, presumably posted by his girlfriend, stating the following:

“This is my girlfriend of six years. But I cheated on her with Loren Waters. @lorenkwatrs So feel free to continue following me if you really think I’m a good guy because I’m not. :)”

Tobey has not posted anything since and has locked or protected all his social media accounts. Neither the Spurs or Tobey have confirmed the report or his dismissal, but it has gained steam and been cited by other credible sites, including MySanAntnio.com (a sister site of the San Antonio Express News, SA’s main newspaper), so it is presumably a creditable report. We will provide updates here when/if the news is confirmed (or proven inaccurate) by a source more closely affiliated with the Spurs.

Tobey joined the Spurs broadcast team ahead of the 2024-25 season after longtime announcer Bill Land retired while dealing with a form of blood cancer. He quickly started building a good partnership with Sean Elliot and the Spurs community and was often a part of community events supporting Native American Heritage. If this is the last we’ve seen of Tobey with the Spurs, his final duty would have been conducting the introduction press conference for the Spurs’ 2026 draft class.

It will be a big position for the Spurs to fill but a highly touted one with them reaching the NBA Finals last season and having a long, promising future ahead of them with a young core led by Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.

Summer League Preview: Timberwolves vs. Pelicans

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 22: Joan Beringer #19 of the Minnesota Timberwolves listens to instruction from assistant coach Pablo Prigioni in the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Target Center on February 22, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Date: July 9th, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM CDT
Location: Cox Pavilion
Television Coverage: Prime Video

The Minnesota Timberwolves kick off their Las Vegas Summer League slate today against the New Orleans Pelicans, which means we have officially reached that strange portion of the NBA calendar where every fan base convinces itself that a 22-year-old who scores 18 points against a group of future EuroLeague rotation players may have just solved the franchise’s biggest problem.

Summer League is ridiculous that way, and yet it always matters just enough to keep us watching. Last year, Wolves fans entered Vegas with their eyes locked on the young trio of Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, and Rob Dillingham. After back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals, Minnesota needed cheap internal development in the worst way. The roster was expensive and the expectations were real. The Wolves needed those young guys to show they could become actual NBA contributors, not just theoretical rotation pieces fans talked themselves into during July.

Shannon did his part, at least in the desert. He put together some of the most dominant performances of the entire summer, attacking the rim with the kind of force that made Wolves fans immediately start penciling him into the rotation like he was the answer to the NAW departure. Unfortunately, that Summer League dominance never fully translated into the major year-two leap many hoped for, with injuries slowing him down and preventing him from carving out the consistent role that seemed possible after his Vegas breakout.

Dillingham’s arc was even more complicated. He entered last summer as the presumed heir apparent to Mike Conley Jr., or at least the young player Minnesota desperately needed to become a viable answer at point guard. The roster had a glaring hole there, and Dillingham’s skill set made him the obvious player fans wanted to dream on. But after a shaky Summer League and an uneven start to his NBA career, his biggest contribution to the Timberwolves ultimately came as the trade chip Tim Connelly used to acquire Ayo Dosunmu at the deadline. That may not have been the romantic version of development anyone envisioned, but it still helped the Wolves make it past Denver in Round 1. Sometimes your young guard becomes the future. Sometimes he becomes the receipt for the guy who helps you survive the present.

Now the calendar has flipped to 2026, and the Summer League spotlight has shifted from the backcourt to the frontcourt. After trading away Julius Randle and Naz Reid, Minnesota suddenly has a crater-sized opening at power forward. For the last several seasons, the Wolves were defined by size. They were the team with too many big bodies, the team that could throw wave after wave of frontcourt strength at opponents. Now, almost overnight, that identity has been flipped on its head. The Wolves have LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards in the backcourt, Jaden McDaniels on the wing, Rudy Gobert anchoring the middle, and a whole lot of uncertainty sitting at the four.

That is what makes this Summer League intriguing. Joan Beringer, last year’s 18th overall pick, is suddenly more than just an interesting developmental prospect. He is now one of the few internal players who could theoretically help patch the frontcourt hole. During his rookie season, the young French big was not ready for prime time, but he showed enough flashes to make Wolves fans raise an eyebrow. What was missing was the polish, the consistency, and the physical readiness required to survive real NBA minutes on a team trying to contend.

That is fine for a rookie. It is less fine when the depth chart starts looking like someone forgot to finish the frontcourt section. Beringer does not need to look like a finished product in Vegas. Nobody should expect that. But he does need to look like someone who has taken a step forward. He needs to be more comfortable defensively, more decisive offensively, and more physically prepared to handle contact. The Wolves do not need him to become a starting-caliber player overnight. They need signs that he can be trusted, even in limited stretches, when the real games begin.

Rocco Zikarsky may be just as interesting. He spent much of last season either in Iowa or buried at the end of the bench, but his combination of size and shooting is exactly the kind of thing Minnesota could use after watching its frontcourt depth get stripped down. Players with legitimate size who can stretch the floor do not grow on trees. For the Wolves, Zikarsky represents a possible internal lottery ticket at a position of sudden need.

The question is whether either big can do enough this summer to give Wolves Nation something resembling comfort. Can Beringer look like a player ready to push for minutes? Can Zikarsky show that his size and shooting are more than a theoretical skill package? Can one of them step forward enough that fans stop refreshing LeBron James rumors every 11 minutes like Minnesota is waiting for the final rose in some deranged NBA version of The Bachelor?

That last part may be asking too much.

Ultimately, Summer League is not about final answers. It is about clues. A year ago, Wolves fans watched Shannon explode and Dillingham wobble, and both developments mattered in ways that carried into the season, even if not exactly as expected. This year, the focus shifts to the bigs because the roster demands it. Minnesota has made its splash. LaMelo Ball is here. The backcourt suddenly looks electric. The power forward position, meanwhile, looks like a blown fuse.

That makes today’s opener against New Orleans more than just a casual summer run. It is the first look at whether Minnesota has any internal answers.

The game will be televised on Prime, and the Canis Hoopus faithful will have the comments section ready, because if there is one thing this fan base knows how to do, it is care deeply about a July game that may or may not matter six months from now.

Summer League is here.

Let the overreactions begin.