Victor Wembanyama has been warned by the NBA for snubbing the media following the Spurs’ Game 5 Western Conference finals loss Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
Wembanyama was below his best in the 127-114 defeat to the Thunder, as he scored 20 points on just 4-of-15 shooting from the field.
Victor Wembanyama has been warned for skipping his media duties. AP Photo/Julio Cortez
And he apparently wasn’t in the mood to speak following the loss, as he left the locker room without stopping for reporters — a violation of the league’s media access rules that mandate players make themselves available after games.
A Spurs spokesman told reporters after the loss that Wembanyama was not available to speak, and the French big man walked past a scrum of media around midnight, according to The Athletic.
The Athletic added that the NBA decided to merely warn the 22-year-old — rather than fine him — because he was a “first-time offender” in terms of skipping his media duties.
In fact, the newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year was awarded the Magic Johnson Award in April by the Pro Basketball Writers Association for his cooperation with the media.
Victor Wembanyama only scored 20 points in the Game 5 loss. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Wembanyama has averaged 28.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.0 blocks this series.
However, he and the Spurs now face a must-win Game 6 after falling behind 3-2 in the series Tuesday.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round Two Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 11, 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This is an odd summer for LeBron James. For the first time in his Lakers tenure, he doesn’t have a contract heading into the offseason.
So now, negotiations have to begin between the Lakers and LeBron to see if he wants to return and at what number makes sense for both sides.
Apparently, LeBron is a fan of the negotiation tactic of allowing the other side to speak first.
“The LeBron side, from what I am told, would like the Lakers to come and say, ‘LeBron, here’s our plan for you. Here’s what we’re offering.’ And if they’re offering less than the max, here’s why: ‘Because we’re going to use this cap space to sign these players, and this is where you slot in.’”
This has always been LeBron’s mindset when it comes to taking a pay cut. He did it for Miami when he was part of that Big Three and he was reportedly willing to take a pay cut for the Lakers a couple of years back when they were pursuing players such as Klay Thompson.
In that scenario, back in 2024, the Lakers didn’t land another star player, but James still took a slight pay cut so they could avoid being a second apron team.
LeBron won’t just take a discount to help the Lakers or any other team out. It has to make basketball sense for both parties.
When the time is right, Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka has to pick up the phone and share his master plan with James’ representation. During that conversation, he has to convince them that the best move for James is to stay with Los Angeles and try to win it all here before he calls it quits.
That’s a good place for the Lakers to be, so we’ll see if the front office can bring back LeBron and add to the roster to give it a better chance of coming out of the West next year.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is planning to get an up-close look at the hottest team in basketball.
Trump told reporters on Wednesday that New York Knicks owner James Dolan has invited him to the NBA Finals, when the Eastern Conference champion Knicks host either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs next month at Madison Square Garden.
New York, which is riding an 11-game postseason winning streak after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference finals, is scheduled to host Game 3 on June 8 and Game 4 on June 10.
Trump, a New York native, said he initially planned to attend Game 5 of the conference finals at MSG before the Knicks finished off the Cavaliers in four games. The president called Dolan a “great guy” and marveled at New York's run.
“Boy, what a team,” Trump said. “They have some really great players.”
Trump called the club's return to the finals for the first time since 1999 “great to see.”
“The Knicks have really suffered for years," Trump said to laughter. “They're doing (well) right now.”
Outside Madison Square Garden Knicks fans celebrate winning game 4 of the Eastern conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Knicks are looking out for their fans.
They are donating hundreds of free tickets to underprivileged youth for their home games in the Finals, The Post has learned. Underserved New York families affiliated with the Garden of Dreams Foundation will receive 250 tickets per home game.
That means a guaranteed 500 tickets across Games 3 and 4. If there is a Game 6, that number will rise to 750.
Outside Madison Square Garden Knicks fans celebrate winning game 4 of the Eastern conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Aristide Economopoulos for NY Post
“We are proud to create meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for underprivileged youth in our local communities,” said Rich Constable, the executive vice president and global head of government affairs and social impact at MSG Entertainment. “Making sure underserved youth are part of the Knicks Finals run is extremely important to the Knicks, ensuring the next generation of fans gets to be part of the story.”
The giveaway comes as ticket prices skyrocket on secondary markets for the Knicks’ first Finals appearance since 1999. But the Knicks want to make sure this historic moment can be appreciated by everyone.
The Garden of Dreams Foundation, since 2006, has impacted the lives of over 480,000 young people facing obstacles.
After completing their overpowering sweep of the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals, the Knicks carry a historic 11-game winning streak into the Finals. They’ve outscored their opponents by a combined 262 points in that stretch — the best point differential across 11 games in NBA history, regardless of regular season or postseason.
“The buzz is unbelievable,” Landry Shamet said. “You could try and explain what’s going on in New York right now for Knicks fans but good luck. It’s different. Knicks fans are different.”
From LeBron James' perspective, the ball is in the Lakers' court.
LeBron may be vacationing with family and talking about not making a decision on what is next for him until July or August, but the reality is he is no longer the player the entire market will wait for. He is not the first domino to fall (that's Giannis Antetokounmpo). Instead, he and the Lakers need to work out whatever is going on between them before the NBA Draft in less than a month (June 23), so both sides can plan and make their next moves. Free agency moves fast now and, unless LeBron wants to play for the minimum, he doesn't get to watch the market play out and then make a call.
For LeBron, that all starts with the Lakers coming to him with an offer — and he wants to start talking max deal, reports ESPN's Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective podcast.
"The Lebron side, from what I am told, is would like the Lakers to come and say, 'Lebron, here's our plan for you,' or 'here's what we were offering,' and if they're offering less than the max, here's why. Because we're going to use this cap space to sign these players, and this is where you slide in."
Max is where LeBron will start negotiations, what he feels he has earned (and in terms of the revenue he drives for a team, he's not wrong). Good luck finding anyone around the league who thinks that's his salary next season. The real question is how big a pay cut he is willing to take, because — as he showed in the playoffs — he still brings real value on the court, too. Does he demand $30 million? The non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $15 million? The taxpayer mid-level exception of $6 million? Less?
Windhorst is also very clear that this conversation between the Lakers and LeBron has to happen early in the summer, like before the draft. The Lakers have made it clear that they want to retool their roster around Luka Doncic and his skill set, which includes re-signing Austin Reaves. To do that remake, the Lakers want to use their estimated $50 million in cap space — but that cap space depends on LeBron not being on the roster. He has a $59.5 million cap hold, which is a little more than the max that is supposed to be around $58 million for him for one season.
The Lakers need to either reach a deal with LeBron to know how much cap space they have, or tell LeBron they are going to renounce his rights so they can spend all that money on other players.
If LeBron wants to play somewhere else — Cleveland, Golden State or any other team that might interest him — for more than the $3.9 million veteran minimum, he and his management need to work with the Lakers to find a sign-and-trade that works for everyone. Again, this is stuff that has to be agreed to, and the process started before the draft because by July 1, when free agency officially opens, most teams have two-thirds of their free-agent signings and trades already agreed to (if not public).
All of that starts with LeBron and the Lakers sitting down and having an honest conversation about what's next. And LeBron believes that the ball is in the Lakers' court.
Sometimes, star players are fouled intentionally to send a message.
It is rare, though, that the same treatment is given to a role player,
Toward the end of the Thunder’s 127-114 home win over the Spurs in Game 5 on Tuesday, Oklahoma City role player Jared McCain was fouled twice in quick succession — including a vicious elbow to the back from Mason Plumlee that knocked him to the floor.
Wemby ordered the CODE RED
He whispers something to Mason Plumlee and Bismack Biyombo as they check in during garbage time.
Those fouls in the last two minutes have raised some eyes, especially since the two Spurs that committed the infractions — Plumlee and Bismack Biyombo — received whispered instructions from San Antonio superstar Victor Wembanyama while he exited the floor with his team trailing by 14 with 2:20 remaining.
McCain said he was surprised by the fouls and, while at the free throw line, asked for an explanation of the harsh treatment.
“That was crazy. I didn’t expect it, obviously,” McCain explained on “The Association” following his 20-point effort after being bumped into the starting lineup.
“We were at the free throw line too, and I was like, ‘Why’d you do that man,’ and he was like, ‘I got another one for you too.’ … Wasn’t aware, my team told me after, get to the corner at the end of games.”
The first foul happened with 1:39 remaining in regulation when McCain set a pick and Plumlee ran right through him, resulting in a foul that led to McCain hitting one of two free throw attempts.
Fifty-three seconds later, Biyombo committed a hard foul when McCain drove to the basket.
Mason Plumlee drives his elbow into Jared McCain’s back. @HaterReport/X
NBC Analyst Reggie Miller pointed out that leaving McCain on the court in a game that all but had been decided was not a good idea after seeing the two fouls.
“See, these are two shots to McCain in here in the starting lineup in the closing moments of this game. Miller said, “He doesn’t need to be on the floor here.”
While these fouls could be explained as bad luck for the Thunder guard, a viral video from Tuesday night has some wondering about the intent.
Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama whispering to teammate Bismack Biyombo @BrickCenter_/X
Wembanyama gave both Plumlee and Biymobo quick remarks, and then moments later they committed hard fouls on one of the Thunder’s starters.
This has led to some unfounded speculation that Wembanyama may have given some nefarious orders due to the nature of the fouls and the time left in the game.
Jared McCain reactsTuesday night in Game 5. AP Photo/Gerald Leong
This chippy ending of the game could add fuel to an already competitive series that could end Thursday in Game 6 with the Thunder holding the 3-2 advantage.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics 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
The New York Knicks are waiting. Hurry up, Western Conference Finals.
Regardless of who the Knicks face in the NBA Finals, predictions can already be made at Kalshi — one of our favorite prediction market apps — particularly on a New York player winning Finals MVP.
Knicks NBA Finals MVP odds at Kalshi
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Ranking Knicks NBA Finals MVP options
1. Josh Hart
The Oklahoma City Thunder are obviously more likely to advance out of the West. Thus, for the New York Knicks to win the Finals, they need to slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
View Josh Hart in the Andre Iguodala mold from the 2015 Finals. Iguodala slowed down LeBron James while averaging 16.3 points per game, buoyed by shooting 40% from deep.
Hart has averaged 11.4 points this postseason while shooting a rough 30.3% from beyond the arc, but if that latter number ticks up, it will carry his scoring with it, while everyone already knows to trust his defense.
2. OG Anunoby
OG Anunoby may draw the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander assignment as often as Hart, his physical strength perhaps able to keep SGA from getting into the lane at will.
Anunoby returned from a hamstring worry to play in all four games of the sweep of the Cavaliers, averaging 16.25 points in that rout of a series.
Let’s put it this way: If the Knicks upset the Thunder, either Hart or Anunoby needs to have found more success than not defending Gilgeous-Alexander, and that thought should draw more attention than a 99-to-1 price suggests.
3. Jalen Brunson
In the bigger picture, if the Knicks win the Finals, there is no one more valuable than Jalen Brunson. He took a pay cut of about 30% to help New York’s roster, and the result has been undeniable.
Who is more valuable than that?
On the court, a team’s high scorer is always an obvious bet to win a series MVP nod.
4. Karl-Anthony Towns
Somehow, Karl-Anthony Towns’s postseason run is flying largely under the radar. He has averaged 16.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while shooting 48.9% from deep.
Imagine an NBA Finals where Towns notches a triple-double — he has two this postseason as well as a third game with 10 assists — and shoots 50% from deep. Quite frankly, the most outlandish part of that thought may be the implication that New York wins the NBA Finals.
5. Mikal Bridges
If Mikal Bridges can forget his Game 4 shooting — 4-of-16 from the field — and return to his previous postseason form, then don’t rule out anything. In the first 13 games of these playoffs, Bridges shot a casual 62.8% from the field while averaging 14.5 points.
The path to an MVP for Bridges lies in remaining efficient while further increasing his volume.
6. Mitchell Robinson
Just because a market offers a bet does not mean you should bet it. Let Mitchell Robinson be the example that proves that rule.
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HOUSTON - 1995: The 1994-95 World Champions of basketball Houston Rockets pose for a team portrait at The Summit, Texas in 1995. Front row (L-R): Director of Player Development Robert Barr, Assistant Coach Carrloll Dawson, Vernon Maxwell, Robert Horry, Hakeem Olajuwon, Head Coach Rudy Tomjanovich, Clyde Drexler, Carl Herrera, Kenny Smith, Assistant Coach Bill Berry, Assistant Coach Larry Smith. Back Row: Equipment Manager David Nordstrom, Assistant Trainer Dennis Terry, Video Coordinator Ed Bernholz, Trainer Ray Melchiorre, Scout Joe Ash. 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 NBAE 2002 (Photo by NBAP/ NBAE/ Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Houston Rockets could look a little different next season, and that isn’t just the players on the roster.
On social media this week, the Rockets have teased a new look for their jerseys coming soon.
The order at “Rudy T’s” is expediting a “Classic with a Dream Shake,” which is an homage to Hakeem Olajuwon and the Clutch City era of Rockets basketball in the early 1990’s.
With the “Order Up” caption, it leads us to believe that the Rockets may be returning to their “ketchup and mustard” looks that they have sported throughout their franchise’s history.
It remains to be seen if the Rockets are adopting this look as their new primary uniform, if it is a City Edition look, or if it is an alternate jersey. Regardless, this should bring excitement for Rockets fans everywhere.
Rockets fans have been clamoring for a throwback uniform that honors the early 1990s teams that won two championships in 1994 and 1995, so it looks like the organization is listening to the fanbase.
TDS community, what do you make of the potential new jerseys? Are you excited about the potential return of the ketchup and mustard look? Chime off in the comments section below.
The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James are on a crash course toward one of the most challenging negotiations of the NBA offseason.
According to Brian Windhorst, James and his representatives are waiting for the Lakers to present not only a contract offer, but also a clear vision for the franchise moving forward. And if that offer comes in below the max, James wants an explanation.
LeBron James reportedly wants the Lakers to justify any contract offer below a max extension. Getty Images
Windhorst said on ESPN’s “Hoop Collective” podcast via Bleacher Report that James’ camp expects the Lakers to explain exactly why they would offer less than a maximum contract and how they plan to use the remaining cap space.
For a player who made $52.6 million last season and is still performing at an elite level at age 41, that request signals James still sees himself as a cornerstone player.
The tension, however, is obvious.
The Lakers have already begun shifting the franchise toward Luka Dončić as the centerpiece of their future. Team president Rob Pelinka made that crystal clear after the season ended.
Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) poses with Luka Doncic (77) during the NBA basketball team’s media day in El Segundo, Calif. AP
That doesn’t necessarily mean the Lakers are moving on from James. In fact, Pelinka emphasized the organization “would love to have LeBron James” back. But it does change the dynamics of the negotiation.
For nearly a decade, every major Lakers decision revolved around James. After acquiring Dončić, Los Angeles is now balancing two timelines: Maximizing what’s left of James’ championship window while building smartly and sustainably around a younger superstar.
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka during Los Angeles Lakers media day Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
There’s also the Austin Reaves factor. The guard is due for a major extension, and Pelinka has expressed interest in retaining the second-longest-tenured Laker.
“We want his odyssey to continue to unfold in the purple and gold,” Pelinka said.
How the Lakers balance the contracts of the new additions and Reaves will certainly have an outsized affect on how they proceed with James’ contract.
Still, James remains remarkably productive. Even in a secondary role beside Dončić, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds last season.
If the Lakers decide that production is no longer worth a max salary, James wants to know exactly why.
While the Oklahoma City Thunder took a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, sportsbooks have already begun looking ahead to the NBA Finals where the New York Knicks await.
Both FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook have jumped the gun on the NBA odds, though neither rules out the Spurs still winning the West.
NBA Finals look-ahead series odds
Matchup
Knicks
Opponent
Knicks vs Thunder
+215
-265
Knicks vs Spurs
+185
-225
Odds via DraftKings as of 5-27.
Regardless of who wins the West, the New York Knicks will be hefty underdogs. DraftKings sets series odds at +215 for New York to win against Oklahoma City Thunder (-265) and +185 against the San Antonio Spurs (-225).
Potential NBA Finals spreads
Matchup
Game 1 Spread
Knicks at Thunder
Knicks +6.5 -110
Knicks at Spurs
Knicks +4.5 -110
Odds as of 5-27.
Given the Western Conference winner will have homecourt advantage, it should not be too much of a surprise that lookahead spreads favor the home teams handily, as well, -6.5 for the Thunder and -4.5 for the Spurs at FanDuel.
NBA Finals series total games
Matchup
Over
Under
Knicks at Thunder
Over 5.5 -155
Over 5.5 -155
Knicks at Spurs
Over 5.5 -165
Under 5.5 +130
Odds via DraftKings as of 5-27.
All that said, do not expect a rollover of a Finals. In both matchups, DraftKings sets the series length Over/Under at 5.5 with the Over heavily juiced, suggesting at least two New York wins in its first appearance in the NBA Finals since last century.
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ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins doesn’t hold back on TV, but he needed someone to do so for him at a youth basketball tournament.
During one of his son’s games over the weekend on the AAU basketball circuit in Norman, Okla., things got intense and chippy. Both teams, YPG Perkins and Swaveway Playaz, were fouling each other, witnesses told TMZ.
But one supposedly non-basketball foul sent the ex-NBA champ-turned-youth coach over the edge. He had to be held back while shouting at the opposing team’s coaching staff
“Damn right, and it probably won’t be the last time!” Perkins responded to video of the incident on X. “I’m going to protect every single kid in my organization like they’re my own.”
It took three people to hold back the 6-foot-10 and 270-pound Perkins. Norman police were on site and helped calm down the situation, but found no reason to criminally charge anyone involved.
Perkins being held back at the AAU game over the weekend. TMZ
This is not the first time Perkins has gotten heated at an AAU game. In 2023, Perkins was ejected from a game after arguing with officials.
According to Perkins, he just wanted an explanation for why one of his players was thrown out, but the official ignored him. That is when he got a bit more confrontational and received a double technical and an ejection.
The 41-year-old Texan had a long NBA career, playing for the Celtics, Thunder, Cavaliers and Pelicans. His biggest role was with the Thunder as an important defensive piece next to Russel Westbrook and Kevin Durant. He played a total of 14 seasons before retiring after the 2018 season.
Perkins at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Getty Images
He’s since taken his act to the airwaves, chiming in on hot topics on ESPN’s morning shows. On Wednesday morning’s edition of SportsCenter, Perkins claimed that Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama “got punked’ in game five of the Western Conference Finals.
PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 27: P.J Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 27, 2026 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s been a while since I dove into one of these articles, so let’s have some fun this afternoon. With the offseason inching closer and closer with less than a month to the draft, things will heat up once the season is over. This leads to even more discussion among fans about what the team should pursue, with the deadline to strike fast approaching.
Some speculation has already transpired, and this name has popped up a bit. At first, I overlooked it, but after further analysis, it makes sense for the Suns.
We just need PJ Washington
— SheerMan OsoDunn Enjoyer (@SunsNjoyer) May 4, 2026
That is right, ladies and gentlemen, today we will be discussing PJ Washington as an option to fill the power-forward void that this team needs. Will he change the position overnight? Probably not, but his added size and skill set could be perfect for filling a need, while still allowing the young guys to develop.
How could it get done?
Well, for the Suns and Mavericks, this one could fall apart in multiple ways if they do a one-for-one swap. The Suns could trade either Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, or Royce O’Neale to get this one across the finish line. In two of these deals, the Suns would be taking back more money, making it harder to re-sign their key free agents.
If you send out Dillon…
Or Grayson…
How about Royce?
Which would most likely get done?
Even though this deal could be done in three ways, it is clear which is best for both parties. By trading O’Neale, the Suns take on almost $9 million extra, which would make it difficult to re-sign Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin.
With a trade involving Dillon Brooks, yes, the Suns would save money but also lose a big leader in their locker room. Brooks came over this year and embodied what the Suns want in their new basketball program identity. It would make no sense for them to move off him, especially if they are planning to work on an extension and he is at Mercury games all the time.
I swear, Dillon Brooks has lived in Mortgage Matchup Center all season. The Villain is here yet again for the Mercury pic.twitter.com/PW5aCvnXj6
That leaves us with the last deal: trading Allen away to bring in Washington. Even though the Suns do take on more money, this would create a need for size in the front court while still leaving some other salary to trade for.
Why could this one get done?
As we know, I usually turn down these trades because they involve large salaries and more moving parts. In a deal that uses Grayson Allen to get some more size, it makes sense for both clubs. Even if Allen has been a huge guard, the rotation is too deep.
If the plan is to maintain continuity, I’d expect neither Devin Booker nor Jalen Green to be traded. Bringing back Gillespie and Goodwin as well already leaves the team with four guards. Not to mention that they have Jamaree Bouyea and Koby Brea as well, trying to pry minutes away and find themselves in this rotation.
That makes it hard to plug Allen into this rotation if you want the other guys to grow as well. Allen also had a very solid year this season. Yes, he was injured and only suited up in 51 games (his lowest since 2020-2021), but he also had some stellar performances, like the game vs the New Orleans Pelicans, where he set a franchise record for most threes made in a game with 10.
42 PTS 🔥 10/15 3PT 🔥 27 MIN
An ABSURD shooting performance from Grayson Allen! The @suns guard scored a career-high and drained a franchise record in threes vs. the Pelicans. #GLeagueAlumpic.twitter.com/suAxlLRD8x
He can still provide some solid three-point scoring while also attacking the lane and being an underrated driver. Allen still provides those hustle plays as well, which lead to steals or big moments, allowing him to showcase an ability to be effective on both ends. On a team where he can be either the 5th starter or a key bench piece, he will be valuable.
Ultimately, though, with Gillespie’s rise this year, it does look like Allen could be the odd one out. The Suns could still value the veteran and want to bring him back, but in a year where he balled out, they could also sell high on him.
By bringing in Washington, the Suns then add a true power forward to their rotation. This then allows them to use O’Neale as a bench piece or as an additional trade asset to garner another addition. Washington can come in and be the starting four, while Rasheer Fleming and Ryan Dunn still get minutes as well.
This addition will not change the narrative immediately, but it fills a hole the team has. It needs more size, more rebounding, and an additional floor spacer to hit some threes. Washington fits that tier perfectly for the Suns without sacrificing their entire arsenal.
Washington’s contract may be a hindrance, since his extension kicks in this year under a four-year, $90M deal. This may scare some Suns fans off, but with him turning 28 as the NBA season starts, he still has time to grow and is not an aging point. Allowing him to fill the role for now, but if down the line he is injury prone or someone passes him in the rotation, he can be a tradable contract.
His deal is around $20 million a season, with it increasing slightly every year. This would still avoid overpaying amid rising salaries and give the Suns a plug-and-play piece now and a question mark for the future.
For Mavericks, this would also make sense given their direction. With the firing of Jason Kidd and a new front office being brought in, it seems the build around Cooper Flagg will begin. That means they will look to sell their veterans or players who play a similar position. With the Mavs having Washington play the same role they would want Flagg in, it could make sense to move off him. Why stunt Flagg’s growth with Washington there?
The Mavericks also have a logjam of these wings/forwards. The one thing they do need is more three-point shooting, as they ranked 26th in the league at 34.4% as a team. Putting a player like Allen on that roster could help them address an area of need while also giving the Suns one.
Allen’s contract is also shorter than Washington’s, giving them an out on paying him long-term and trying to make the fit work with Flagg. For a Mavericks team that does not have its first next year, a retool could be a big risk, but if they can get additional draft capital or some players fit their playstyle, they could be a surprise, just like Phoenix this year.
This one could solve problems for both teams, so I’d consider it if I were in Brian Gregory’s shoes. With this trade, Washington is not the end-all be-all move, but it helps the Suns take a step forward in a gauntlet of a Western Conference that keeps getting stronger. What do you think, though? Would you consider this deal? Why or why not?
New York Knicks fans had gone through droughts before. But none quite like the one Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and company ended when they secured the Knicks spot in the 2026 NBA Finals earlier this week with a four-game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals.
This will be the Knicks' first Finals appearance since 1999 and those 27 years represent the longest gap in time New York has gone without making the sport's championship series. They've reached this stage eight times before, with two titles in franchise history. But those came in 1970 (when Willis Reed famously played through injury in Game 7 against the Lakers) and 1973 (when Reed was named Finals MVP).
More recently, the franchise had mostly been a non-factor in the postseason since the heyday of Pat Riley, Patrick Ewing and the 1990s Knicks that made two NBA Finals appearances and could never get past Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. But Brunson helped spur a resurgence upon signing with New York in 2022, leading the team to four-straight playoff appearances that culminated with its thrashing of the Cavaliers.
Here's a breakdown of all the NBA playoff appearances made by the New York Knicks since the league's inception, including how they did in every series:
Note: The Knicks were members of the Basketball Association of America (BAA) before the BAA merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1949.
1947: Beat Cleveland Rebels in first round (2-1); lost to Philadelphia Warriors in semifinals (2-0)
1948: Lost to Baltimore Bullets in first round (2-1)
1949: Beat Baltimore Bullets in first round (2-1); Lost to Washington Capitols in East finals (2-1)
1950: Beat Washington Capitols in East semifinals (2-0); Lost to Syracuse Nationals in East finals (2-1)
1951: Beat Boston Celtics in East semifinals (2-0); beat Syracuse Nationals in East finals (3-2); lost to Rochester Royals in NBA Finals (4-3)
1952: Beat Boston Celtics in East semifinals (2-1); beat Syracuse Nationals in East finals (3-1); lost to Minneapolis Lakers in NBA Finals (4-3)
1953: Beat Baltimore Bullets in East semifinals (2-0); beat Boston Celtics in East finals (3-1); lost to Minneapolis Lakers in NBA Finals (4-1)
1955: Lost to Boston Celtics in East semifinals (2-1)
1956: Lost to Syracuse Nationals in East tiebreaker (1-0)
1959: Lost to Syracuse Nationals in East semifinals (2-0)
1967: Lost to Boston Celtics in East semifinals (3-1)
1969: Beat Baltimore Bullets in East semifinals (4-0); lost to Boston Celtics in East finals (4-2)
1970: Beat Baltimore Bullets in East semifinals (4-3); beat Milwaukee Bucks in East finals (4-1); beat Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Finals (4-3)
1971: Beat Atlanta Hawks in East semifinals (4-1); lost to Baltimore Bullets in East finals (4-3)
1972: Beat Baltimore Bullets in East semifinals (4-2); beat Boston Celtics in East finals (4-1); lost to Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Finals (4-1)
1973: Beat Baltimore Bullets in East semifinals (4-1); beat Boston Celtics in East finals (4-3); beat Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Finals (4-1)
1974: Beat Capitol Bullets in East semifinals (4-3); lost to Boston Celtics in East finals (4-1)
1975: Lost to Houston Rockets in East first round (2-1)
1978: Beat Cleveland Cavaliers in East first round (2-0); lost to Philadelphia 76ers in East semifinals (4-0)
1981: Lost to Chicago Bulls in East first round (2-0)
1983: Beat New Jersey Nets in East first round (2-0); lost to Philadelphia 76ers in East semifinals (4-0)
1984: Beat Detroit Pistons in East first round (3-2); lost to Boston Celtics in East semifinals (4-3)
1988: Lost to Boston Celtics in East first round (3-1)
1989: Beat Philadelphia 76ers in East first round (3-0); lost to Chicago Bulls in East semifinals (4-2)
1990: Beat Boston Celtics in East first round (3-2); lost to Detroit Pistons in East semifinals (4-1)
1991: Lost to Chicago Bulls in East first round (3-0)
1992: Beat Detroit Pistons in East first round (3-2); lost to Chicago Bulls in East semifinals (4-3)
1993: Beat Indiana Pacers in East first round (3-1); beat Charlotte Hornets in East semifinals (4-1); lost to Chicago Bulls in East finals (4-2)
1994: Beat New Jersey Nets in East first round (3-1); beat Chicago Bulls in East semifinals (4-3); beat Indiana Pacers in East finals (4-3); lost to Houston Rockets in NBA Finals (4-3)
1995: Beat Cleveland Cavaliers in East first round (3-1); lost to Indiana Pacers in East semifinals (4-3)
1996: Beat Cleveland Cavaliers in East first round (3-0); lost to Chicago Bulls in East semifinals (4-1)
1997: Beat Charlotte Hornets in East first round (3-0); lost to Miami Heat in East semifinals (4-3)
1998: Beat Miami Heat in East first round (3-2); lost to Indiana Pacers in East semifinals (4-1)
1999: Beat Miami Heat in East first round (3-2); beat Atlanta Hawks in East semifinals (4-0); beat Indiana Pacers in East finals (4-2); lost to San Antonio Spurs in NBA Finals (4-1)
2000: Beat Toronto Raptors in East first round (3-0); beat Miami Heat in East semifinals (4-3); lost to Indiana Pacers in East finals (4-2)
2001: Lost to Toronto Raptors in East first round (3-2)
2004: Lost to New Jersey Nets in East first round (4-0)
2011: Lost to Boston Celtics in East first round (4-0)
2012: Lost to Miami Heat in East first round (4-1)
2013: Beat Boston Celtics in East first round (4-2); lost to Indiana Pacers in East semifinals (4-2)
2021: Lost to Atlanta Hawks in East first round (4-1)
2023: Beat Cleveland Cavaliers in East first round (4-1); lost to Miami Heat in East semifinals (4-2)
2024: Beat Philadelphia 76ers in East first round (4-2); lost to Indiana Pacers in East semifinals (4-3)
2025: Beat Detroit Pistons in East first round (4-2); beat Boston Celtics in East semifinals (4-2); lost to Indiana Pacers in East finals (4-2)
2026: Beat Atlanta Hawks in East first round (4-2); beat Philadelphia 76ers in East semifinals (4-0); beat Cleveland Cavaliers in East finals (4-0)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh poses for a portrait during media day at PC&E Atlanta on September 29, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Atlanta’s front office of late has brought a level of present success and future potential the fans haven’t seen since the end of the 2020-21 season.
The Hawks finished the season 46-36, gave the Knicks their toughest test of the Eastern Conference playoffs, and own the eighth, 23rd, 57th overall picks in the upcoming draft.
Just a year ago, the organization was in flux, having dismissed Landry Fields and kicking off a search for a president of basketball operations.
Now, that seat has been filled by the current general manager and second place finisher in the 2025-26 Executive of the Year voting, Onsi Saleh. The report per Shams Charania of ESPN:
The Atlanta Hawks are signing general manager Onsi Saleh to a long-term contract extension and promoting him to President of Basketball Operations, sources tell ESPN. Saleh – runner up for 2026 league executive of the year – took over as Hawks GM last offseason after joining… pic.twitter.com/9DrBUDxTnF
This is the second big piece of news this offseason regarding the front office following senior vice president Bryson Graham recently taking a job a top executive in the Chicago Bulls organization.
Knicks vs 
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