Basketball – Page 2 – Worldwide Sports News

By leading the Knicks to their first NBA title since 1973, Jalen Brunsonsolidified himself as one of the league's top players and proved his long list of critics wrong -- many of whom have since tried to backtrack their opinions and apologize for not believing in the point guard.

Well, nearly all of them.

Talking with reporters ahead of their game against the New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon stood her ground on her criticism of the 2026 NBA Finals MVP.

As a reminder: Back in 2023, Hammon emphatically said on ESPN that Brunson is not a "1A dude" because "he too small," and later said in 2024 that Brunson is New York's "1A" but isn't good enough to lead them to a championship.

"Jalen, all he did was prove history wrong, he proves he's an outlier, so you can put his name next to Steph Curry and Isaiah Thomas, and I thought he played brilliantly, especially down the stretch," Hammon told reporters Tuesday.

"I mean, he was that 1A dude, but like, apologize, I'm never gonna apologize for having an opinion. That's what ESPN pays me for."

After hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy following their Game 5 NBA Finals win over the Spurs, Brunson responded to the criticism in his own way, while head coach Mike Brown praised him as "a freaking 1A."

"I didn’t respond to them then, I’m damn sure not going to respond to them now," Brunson said.

Then during the Knicks championship parade on June 18, the captain silenced any remaining critics by saying "when you prove them wrong you don’t have to say s--t."

"Lastly, there’s a lot of people that have a lot of negative stuff to say, there’s a lot of people who have a lot of opinions," he said. "But when you prove them wrong you don’t have to say s--t to them. Nah, they don’t deserve it, they don’t deserve it. Appreciate you all, thank you."

While Brunson let his play on the court do the talking, teammate and close friend Josh Hart happily responded to Hammon during their Roommates Show live podcast. Hart accepted Stephen A. Smith's apology for his criticism toward Brunson, as the ESPN host admitted to the point guard that he "never dreamed" he would be "who the hell" he's become.

"Now, I will give you credit for coming up here and admitting fault because, I'm not naming names, I'm still waiting on somebody to say they were wrong about someone who's led our team to a Finals championship for the first time in 53 years," Hart said. "I'm still waiting for something... We'll be waiting for that apology."

Karl-Anthony Towns added: "He's not going to say it, so I'm glad you did."

While it's unlikely Hammon appears on the podcast to squash the beef, she tried to stir up Knicks fans again by calling Brunson the franchise's best player of all time.

"Let me just piss off Knicks fans again and say, I think he’s the greatest Knick ever," Hammon said. "Give them something else to talk about… I’ve always been a Jalen Brunson fan. I was a fan of his at Villanova, in Dallas and why this comment went off the rails, I have no idea because it was clearly a historical and analytical take."

Too small, too late for the backhanded praise.

June 23, 2026

Jaylen Brown bidding war? Haslem drove this? All the fallout from Antetokounmpo trade to Miami

It was the blockbuster deal of the NBA offseason: After years of will-he/won't-he, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has been traded to Miami.

It also feels like the first domino of what will be some other big moves — including possibly a Jaylen Brown bidding war and trade. At NBC, we’ve explained the Antetokounmpo trade, named its winners and losers, and broken down how it will impact fantasy teams. Still, the fallout from this trade just keeps coming. Here are some other notes and analysis surrounding Antetokounmpo's move to Miami.

Jaylen Brown bidding war?

Boston tried to say, "We weren't shopping Brown, it was only because this was Giannis Antetokounmpo." Except a few years back, they said the same thing when Brown was rumored to be part of a trade offer for Kevin Durant. From Brown's perspective, you don't want to be the person in the relationship where your partner is always looking around for an upgrade.

Other teams are expecting Boston to make Brown available, and there could be a bidding war, something articulated well by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on the network’s “Get Up.”

"What I expect to happenis a bidding war for Jaylen Brown. In the most recent days, teams have been preparing for this eventuality, that it wouldn't be the Boston Celtics who won the Giannis sweepstakes and that there would be a Jaylen Brown market. And now we're going to watch that. I think it'll take time to play out."

If Brown becomes available, look for Houston and Atlanta to be at the front of the line for him, with a number of other teams — Portland has said it's interested — in the mix. The challenge will be matching his salary, which is $57.1 million next season and totals about $183 million over the next three years. Brown is coming off his best season as a pro, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.

Boston kept young players out

Why did Milwaukee ultimately choose the Miami offer over Boston? In part because, while Brown would have been the best individual player the Bucks could have gotten in return, they wanted more — specifically a young player like Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez, and Boston would not put them in the offer, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.

Boston's final offer was Brown and two unprotected first-round picks. Milwaukee preferred Miami's offer... or at least one key person did.

Bucks co-owner Haslam pushed for Miami trade

Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam also owns the NFL's Cleveland Browns — a team that dealt with a trade demand from future Hall of Famer Myles Garrett. Then came the Antetokounmpo saga with the Bucks.

That led Haslam to push for the "certainty" of the Miami offer because he didn't want to see Brown come to Milwaukee and force his way out in a couple of years, something Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports reported right after the trade went down.
That was a concern of others in the Milwaukee front office, reports Sam Amick and Eric Nehm at The Athletic, who add there had been signs in recent weeks that Brown didn't really want to land in Milwaukee.

Herro happy

Brown may not have wanted to go to Milwaukee, but Tyler Herro — who is a Milwaukee native — is excited to go home in the trade, reports NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Sources: Tyler Herro is thrilled about a fresh start and playing for his hometown team the Milwaukee Bucks. Herro always envisioned returning home at some point during his NBA career.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 23, 2026

Except Herro may not be staying in Milwaukee—there are multiple reports that the Bucks are listening to offers to trade him again. At the front of that line may be Detroit, which is looking for shooting and secondary ball-handling to pair with Cade Cunningham, and Herro fits that bill.

Is Anthony Edwards next?

Once one superstar is traded, the insatiable NBA trade rumor machine starts looking for the next star who might be on the move.

Is it about to be Anthony Edwards' turn in the spotlight? ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said on the latest Hoop Collective Podcast, "The NBA vultures are swirling around Ant in anticipation of him potentially becoming the next superstar who's available in the trade market." Multiple reports in recent years have said Edwards has been frustrated with the team building in Minnesota, dating back to when it traded away Karl-Anthony Towns to save money.

This is not happening fast. Minnesota has no intention of trading Edwards right now, and he still has three fully guaranteed years at $156.9 million left on this contract. There is no pressure to move him, and Edwards would deny he is even thinking about leaving.

That said, teams file these kinds of things away and just wait.

June 23, 2026

Mavs' coaching move makes Dusty May and Cooper Flagg the faces of the post-Luka Doncic remake

Dusty May wears a bright yellow quarter zip and stands on a ladder while holding a net from a basketball rim in front of him — Michigan coach Dusty May cuts down the net after the Wolverines defeated UConn for the 2026 NCAA title in Indianapolis. (Michael Conroy / Associated Press)

Questions surely will follow Dusty May as he leaps to the Dallas Mavericks after coaching Michigan to the NCAA national championship.

Can he provide blessed amnesia to the Mavericks faithful? Can he help them forget Luka Doncic and Nico Harrison and Anthony Davis and Jason Kidd? Can he allow them to peer into a future anchored by budding superstar Cooper Flagg without constantly checking the rearview mirror?

May, 49, was hired Tuesday as the Mavericks’ head coach,. He led Michigan to the pinnacle of March Madness last season and posted a 64-13 record in two years. He also coached Florida Atlantic to the 2023 Final Four and a 60-13 record in the last two of his six seasons there.

“We set out to find a leader who embodies the values we want to define our organization,” Mavericks president Masai Ujiri said in a statement. “Dusty has won at every stage of his career because of his ability to build. He develops players, creates accountability, and brings people together around a shared standard of excellence. His work ethic is extraordinary, and his teams consistently reflect his values.”

The list of high-profile college coaches who struggled to replicate their success in the NBA is daunting: Rick Pitino, John Calipari, John Beilein, Lon Kruger, Tim Floyd and Mike Montgomery immediately leap to mind.

Not only did May not coach or play in the NBA, he barely played in college. He was a 5-foot-10 point guard at NAIA Oakland City for one season before transferring to Indiana and serving as team manager under coach Bobby Knight.

But his arrival will divert attention from the past, from the hugely unpopular and disastrous trade of Doncic to the Lakers for Davis and spare parts on Feb. 1, 2025.

Mavericks fans staged a faux funeral complete with a casket a day later in front of the Dirk Nowitzki statue outside the American Airlines Center. They booed Harrison — the general manager who engineered the deal — at every home game and chanted “Fire Nico.”

When Doncic returned as an opponent, Mavericks fans chanted “MVP” when the Lakers player shot free throws.

Harrison admitted to underestimating the backlash from fans but defended the trade, initially saying he had “no regrets.” By November, he was fired and updated his social media profile to “unemployed.”

Next to go was Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard who helped the Mavericks to their only NBA title as a player and to the NBA Finals as a coach. At the time, it wasn’t clear whether Kidd was an advocate of the Doncic deal or a victim of a front-office blunder. But Mark Cuban, the Mavericks’ former majority owner who currently owns 27% of the team, indicated March 31 during a podcast that Kidd was complicit.

“I think there was animosity between [Harrison] and some people on Luka’s team — his agent and some of the people around them,” Cuban said. “I don’t think they got along. I think there were issues.

“J-Kidd had coached Anthony Davis and was close to him, and Nico was close to AD since he was like 13 years old. So I think there was some confirmation bias as well. But that doesn’t justify our coach and our general manager to stand up and trade our best player.”

Doncic, 26, flourished in his first season in Los Angeles despite a late-season injury that kept him out of the playoffs. The shooting guard led the NBA with 33.5 points per game and he will be a franchise cornerstone. Davis played only 20 games with Dallas because of injuries and in February was traded to the Washington Wizards.

The makeover began when the Mavericks secured the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft despite having only a 1.8% chance of obtaining it through the lottery. They took Flagg, a forward from Duke who went on to lead Dallas with 21 points per game and was named Rookie of the Year.

Next, they hired respected former Raptors executive Ujiri as team president. And now they have added May as coach. This week they will add two more promising players via the first round of the NBA Draft.

“I am honored to join the Dallas Mavericks organization,” May said in a statement. “This is one of the most respected franchises in professional sports, with passionate fans, a talented roster, and a clear commitment to building a championship organization.”

The franchise is trying to eliminate reminders while attempting to instill hope for the future.

“When you study [May’s] journey, you see someone who has earned every opportunity through preparation, discipline, humility, and an unwavering commitment to improvement,” Ujiri said. “We believe those qualities make him the right leader for the Dallas Mavericks.”

Meanwhile at Michigan, a loaded roster will report to interim coach Mike Boynton Jr., May’s top assistant and the head coach at Oklahoma State from 2019-2024. Players are allowed to enter the transfer portal for 15 days following a coaching change, so job one for Boynton will be to keep them from fleeing.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

June 23, 2026

NBA Draft: Live Updates from the Barclays Center

BRISTOL, CT - NOVEMBER 18: A wide angle view of the draft stage with the Phoenix Suns hat during the 2020 NBA Draft on November 18, 2020 in Bristol, Connecticut at ESPN Headquarters. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

It’s finally time for the NBA Draft. Follow along this thread and on @BrightSideSun on X/Twitter for the latest updates and insights on all things Phoenix Suns and the NBA Draft with staff writer Holden Sherman at the Barclays Center covering the event.

5:50 If the Suns move into the first round…

According to Arizona Sports Insider John Gambadoro, the Suns would look to select Arizona’s big man Koa Peat, who was born in Arizona 30 minutes outside of Phoenix. Peat is a potential lottery pick after helping lead the Wildcats to their first Final Four appearance since 2001.

They like Koa but would most likely have to move into the first round to get him – right now at 2:34 pm that seems unlikely.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) June 23, 2026

5:43 Red Carpet Festivities

The NBA prospects are out. Caleb Wilson, AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer at the red carpet for more media.

The red carpet has begun… pic.twitter.com/ae9eoXyJlf
— Bright Side of the Sun (@BrightSideSun) June 23, 2026

4:30 PM EST: The Draft Floor

Where 30 people’s lives will be changes tonight and where NBA Commissioner will announce all 30 picks,

3:50 PM EST: Bright Side is at the Barclays Center

Almost four hours until draft time. The Suns have no picks tonight but there’s plenty of time for that to change.

Bright Side is present pic.twitter.com/0CHiF6pgYf
— Bright Side of the Sun (@BrightSideSun) June 23, 2026

June 23, 2026

Key member of ’16 Cavs clarifies his relationship with the team

AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 24: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates a fourth quarter basket with LeBron James #23 in game four of the NBA Eastern Conference quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 24, 2016 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Cleveland won the game 100-98 to win the series. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been partying like it’s the summer of 2016 all over again. LeBron James, Kevin Love, Richard Jefferson, and others have all joined forces in a vacation for the ages. One that, much like the Cavs themselves, has been plastered all over social media.

God forbid a white boy gets a little motion https://t.co/hdN5xQo8sF
— Tony Pesta (@Tony_Pesta) June 21, 2026

But while Matthew Dellavedova gets drunk and sings Australian classics, one crucial member of the 2016 title team has been absent from start to finish.

Kyrie Irving.

A tiny cloud of drama hung over last week’s events as fans speculated as to why Irving was not included in the festivities. Was he not invited? Did he not want to go? JR Smith’s Instagram comments only added more fuel to the fire, stating that Irving was, in fact, invited but did not RSVP.

Irving himself finally took a moment to settle the score.

“Me and my brothers, who played on the Cavs, bro, we’re good,” Irving said in a video posted to social media. “We’re more than good… When I get back to the States, imma pop in with them. We’re gonna chop it up. We’re gonna have a great time.”

That settles that.

Irving is in a different position than most of his peers who went on vacation. He’s one of only two other members from the 2016 team who are still actively playing NBA basketball. He’s also been traveling for various basketball camps and community events. That could explain why he wasn’t able to join the trip.

Either way, Irving insists that he and his teammates are on good terms. That’s not for any of us to debate or deny. While we all would have loved to see Kyrie participating in the shenanigans from last weekend, it’s important to remember that these are individual people who can make their own decisions. The fans don’t decide who Irving spends time with.

The 2016 Cavs recapped their reunion trip like it was The Hangover 😂 pic.twitter.com/HEfR5669aW
— SleeperCavs (@SleeperCleCavs) June 23, 2026

Nonetheless, Irving and the 2016 team represent something. Meaningful to an entire city. It’s understandable why this story became relevant. Especially when Smith and other members commented on it publicly. But now that’s all said and done, I’d say there’s no harm or foul.

June 23, 2026

Final Warriors mock draft roundup for the 2026 NBA Draft

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats steals the ball from Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In today’s Dub Hub:

Final mock draft roundup highlights several prospects linked to the Warriors at No. 11 ahead of tonight’s NBA Draft.
ESPN’s Marc Spears explains how the Warriors can end up potentially trading for Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III.
Bucks trade Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The NBA Draft is finally here, with the marquee offseason event set to take place Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. PT on ABC and ESPN. The Golden State Warriors hold the No. 11 overall pick, and after weeks of pre-draft workouts, rumors, and speculation, it’s finally time to find out which prospect will officially be headed to the Bay Area.

But before commissioner Adam Silver approaches the podium, here’s one final mock draft roundup to get a sense of who experts believe the Warriors will select:

The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie: Brayden Burries, Arizona, Guard
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo: Aday Mara, Michigan, Center
NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan, Forward
The Ringer’s J. Kyle Mann: Aday Mara, Michigan, Center
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor: Karim Lopez, New Zealand, Forward
SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell: Aday Mara, Michigan, Center
ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel: Brayden Burries, Arizona, Guard
Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan, Forward
The Sporting News’ Stephen Noh: Aday Mara, Michigan, Center
CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish: Aday Mara, Michigan, Center
USA Today’s Bryan Kalbrosky: Karim Lopez, New Zealand, Forward
Tankathon: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan, Forward

Of all the potential names listed, Arizona’s Brayden Burries would be the most intriguing fit for the Warriors. He checks several boxes for Golden State as a big guard who can shoot, defend, and thrive playing off Stephen Curry’s gravity. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Burries brings much-needed size and physicality to the backcourt while also offering the type of two-way upside that could help the Warriors both immediately and in the years to come.

“The chance for me to come here and play with Curry … I'd be honored.”

After his Warriors workout, Brayden Burries says he would love to play with Steph Curry. pic.twitter.com/GGjnjEjf5v
— Joseph Dycus (@joseph_dycus) June 18, 2026

If Burries does not fall outside of the top 10, Michigan’s trio of Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson would also be solid fallback options. Ideally, the Warriors could trade down and acquire an additional first-round pick from a team such as the Charlotte Hornets or the Oklahoma City Thunder, allowing them to select one of the Michigan frontcourt players while also adding a guard like Alabama’s Labaron Philon.

Regardless of who is selected, the wait is finally over. The Warriors will officially be on the clock, and by the end of the night, they should be welcoming at least one new addition to their roster.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Tuesday, June 23rd:

Warriors News:

NBA mock draft 2026: Real drama starts at No. 5 with the LA Clippers | The Athletic

Burries worked out with Golden State last week and is seen as a potential fit with the Warriors as a perimeter creator who can help take some of the burden off Stephen Curry as an offensive driver, while also fitting in nicely on defense as a stout, switchable guard.
This would be a home run for the Warriors if he fell to No. 11. But I wonder if there would be some synergy to a team, even including the Warriors, moving up to No. 9 still to get him if Dallas does decide to trade down. A number of teams in this range of the draft would love to have a two-way guard like this who can dribble, pass, shoot and defend.

What they’re saying about five frontcourt Warriors prospects in 2026 NBA Draft | NBC Sports Bay Area

Comment: “I know (the Warriors) liked what they saw in his workout. He’s not going to take you to the promised land, but he’ll give you a lot of things that will help you get there.”
Comment 2: “He’s a plug-and-play guy. He does everything. He can initiate offense, shoot threes and post up. He’ll adapt to the NBA pretty quickly. (The Warriors) need help on the wings. If Yaxel is there and (the Warriors) don’t take him, I’d wonder why.”

The Warriors’ Draft Plan Is Becoming Clear — Marc Spears

NBA News:

Bucks trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to Heat for haul of players, picks | ESPN

The Milwaukee Bucks are trading franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including No. 13 in Tuesday’s NBA draft), one pick swap and one second-round pick, sources told ESPN.
The Heat are sending to Milwaukee unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033 along with No. 13, a pick swap in 2030 and a 2033 second-rounder, according to sources.
The trade does not include any additional teams — it is a one-to-one move, sources said — but both the Heat and the Bucks will execute the deal July 6, which leaves the framework open to see whether there are opportunities to expand.

Three-team trade sends Nic Claxton to the Bulls, Julius Randle to the Nets, and draft compensation to the Timberwolves

Just in: Minnesota is sending Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade that sends Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN. The Timberwolves will acquire Brooklyn’s No. 33 pick for Randle and No. 28. pic.twitter.com/TvADMMNDlg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2026

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Warriors fans believe the team should not trade the No. 11 pick in the NBA Draft

With those long odds, it makes sense why many fans appear to prefer a more measured approach. The No. 11 pick gives the Warriors an opportunity to add an inexpensive young player to a roster that badly needs an injection of youth, athleticism, and long-term upside. In a draft class widely regarded as one of the deepest in recent years, holding onto the selection may ultimately prove more valuable than chasing another short-term move.

Follow @unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.

June 23, 2026

‘Frustrated’ Anthony Edwards could be the next NBA star traded: ‘Vultures are swirling’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves on the court during a game, Image 2 shows New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns drives to the basket as Timberwolves Julius Randle defends — Anthony Edwards trade

NBA teams are sniffing around the league’s next disgruntled star.

Anthony Edwards, the enigmatic Minnesota Timberwolves forward, could be the next significant piece to request a trade from his current team now that Giannis Antetokounmpo was dealt in a blockbuster to the Miami Heat.

Just minutes before the Antetokounmpo trade was completed, the Timberwolves traded Julius Randle and their No. 28 pick to the Nets in exchange for the No. 33 pick in a salary dump that shows Randle was a negative asset on the open market.

“My question is: What’s Ant Edwards thinking?” ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst said on the “Hoop Collective Podcast.”

“If you were to say who’s next after Giannis? We would have said Ant. And that [the Randle trade] happened at the exact same time as the Giannis trade. It’s fascinating.”

Anthony Edwards may be the next domino to fall in the NBA trade cycle. NBAE via Getty Images

“The NBA vultures are swirling around Ant in anticipation of him potentially becoming the next superstar who’s available in the trade market,” Tim McMahon responded.

Windhorst added that Edwards has been annoyed with the team since it traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks in return for Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, who is also out with a torn Achilles.

“Ant has really been frustrated since Towns got traded, just about how he gets double-teamed,” Windhorst said. “They have to do something this offseason about addressing the Ant double-team situation, especially knowing you may not have DiVincenzo.”

Randle scored 21.1 points per game last season, though his 6.7 rebounds per game marked a career low.

Meanwhile, Towns just played a huge role in the Knicks winning their first NBA championship in 53 years — and has been a trusted complementary star for Jalen Brunson.

“I don’t think Ant was the biggest Julius Randle fan,” Windhorst said. “And I don’t think [the issue is] Randle being traded. It’s Randle being traded as part of a salary dump. I don’t think that Ant was like, ‘No, no, don’t trade Julius, never.’ Because there was some significant disconnect between those players by the end of the season.”

Windhorst added that the Timberwolves’ President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly, appears to be in the last year of his contract and that Minnesota wants to re-sign him.

Anthony Edwards has been frustrated in Minnesota since they traded Karl-Anthony Towns. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The apparent provocation is that Connelly hasn’t re-upped his deal for fear that Edwards will request a trade in the near future, and Connelly does not want to be the one to trade him.

“As far as I know, Tim Connelly is in the last year of his contract. And I don’t think it’s because the Wolves don’t want to extend him,” Windhorst said. “I think the Wolves do want to extend him. So process that however you want to process that. Keep that in mind as we go forward with Ant Edwards.”

June 23, 2026

Boiler Alert Podcast: Dusty May off to the NBA – Braden Smith to the NBA? – Jacob Webber’s Outlook

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - APRIL 11: Head Basketball Coach Dusty May of the Michigan Wolverines speaks on stage during the Michigan Men's Basketball National Championship celebration at Crisler Arena on April 11, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There’s a surprising amount to cover on the podcast today in the depths of summer. That’s because of the huge news that Dusty May is leaving Michigan and heading to the NBA and quite frankly I don’t blame him. I talk to Ryan about the reasons why I would rather be an NBA coach than a college coach right now and I don’t think you’ll be too surprised to hear them. Then, we look at the chances that Braden Smith gets drafted in the first or second round of the NBA Draft that is Tuesday (today) and Wednesday. Smith finds himself on a lot of NBA mock draft boards and is hoping to find a sticking place in the NBA. Perhaps he will be reunited with Zach Edey? That would make for some fun basketball.

Then, we continue our look at the 2026-2027 men’s basketball roster and focus on incoming sharpshooter Jacob Webber.

View Link

June 23, 2026

My top 5 realistic targets for the Sixers at 22

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns shoots the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The day has arrived.

No more mock drafts and, soon enough, we’ll know exactly how Mike Gansey and the Sixers used the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

I’ve changed my mind so much over the last few weeks, but now that the day is here, I have it narrowed down to five players who I think would be the best realistic fits for the Sixers at 22. So, no trade-ups for [insert your favorite Michigan frontcourt player]. Let’s dive in.

Dailyn Swain, Wing, Texas

It’s hard to imagine Swain falls to 22, but several mocks have him slipping into the Sixers’ range. Many draft experts consider Swain a lottery-level talent because of his ability as a shot creator at 6-foot-7. As we saw in the playoffs, the Sixers could absolutely use more pure bucket-getters and serious help on the wing. With three years of college experience, it’s not crazy to think Swain could help anchor bench lineups as a rookie. Defensively, Swain should be solid-to-good at the next level thanks to his 6-foot-10 wingspan and athleticism.

The biggest knock on Swain — and the biggest reason he could be available — is his jumper. He struggled mightily from deep in his first two seasons at Xavier before shooting a respectable 34.4% this past season. His touch inside the arc and 81.5% mark from the free throw line are positive indicators. Where Swain struggled most was shooting catch-and-shoot triples, with his release being a bit long and slow. If he can work out those kinks, his ceiling is high.

Check out Will Rucker’s draft profile on Swain and why he believes the former Longhorn has star potential.

Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara

Graves is a tricky player to project. He’s got a Swiss Army Knife skillset offensively, was an impact off-ball defender last season and has ideal power forward size. You could easily see him sliding in at the four for the Sixers with his ability to rebound and shoot. He could even potentially be used as a five in small-ball lineups.

But the level of competition and Graves’ lack of high-end athleticism make me a little nervous. He also found himself in foul trouble an awful lot. Still, that point forward archetype is intriguing, especially for the post-Joel Embiid era. If he’s there at 22, I’d be willing to take a bet on him.

Check out Harrison Grimm’s draft profile on Graves and why Graves was an analytics darling at Santa Clara last season.

Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford

The Sixers can’t take another small guard!

Right, because the Knicks really struggled with Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride and Jose Alvarado. There’s no way it could work!

In all seriousness, if Okorie is the best player on the board (and he very well could be!), the Sixers should take him. He’s a far different player than Jared McCain. He’s longer, more athletic and is an elite ball-handler who lives in the paint. While he doesn’t project to be an all-world defender, he should be able to hold his own with a 6-foot-8 wingspan and a sturdy 186-pound frame.

If Quentin Grimes walks, the Sixers will need a reliable third guard off the bench. Okorie should be able to have a role as a rookie. He shoots it well enough (35.4% on high volume and mostly pull-ups) and should be skilled and strong enough to take on NBA defenders. In this league, shot-creation is at a premium. Okorie did so at an elite level at Stanford.

Rucker believes Okorie has a chance to be special, even likening the Sixers potentially taking him at 22 to the franchise selecting Maxey 21st overall in 2020.

Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky

Quaintance is 18 years old, has All-Defensive Team potential, has flashes offensively and might even be able to play a little power forward. Sounds perfect, right? In a vacuum, Quaintance seems like a dream fit for the Sixers. It’s all going to come down to the medicals for the Kentucky big man. As a 17-year-old playing at Arizona State, he tore his ACL. He didn’t see the court much in 2025-26 because of lingering issues.

There was a point where people believed Quaintance could be a top-five pick — that’s the talent level we’re talking about here. If the medical reports are bad enough to have him dropping him down into the 20s, it’s a pretty big red flag. I wouldn’t blame Gansey and the front office either way. Gambling on a player with this potential is bold, but if the medicals look that rough, you can understand why they’d pass.

Rucker broke down Quaintance’s game and what makes him a tantalizing prospect.

Zuby Ejiofor, PF/C, St. John’s

Full disclosure: Ejiofor might have been my favorite player to watch in college basketball this past season. He’s tough, physical, athletic, unselfish, has a ridiculous motor and is super versatile. Players like that who stand at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan don’t grow on trees. The dude is just a winning basketball player.

The obvious concerns are that he’s a tweener and his shooting might dictate how good of a pro he ultimately becomes. For the Sixers, his combo big versatility could be a great asset. Is 22 a bit rich? Maybe, but he’s one hell of a player and a lot of fun to watch.

Grimm explained why he believes Ejiofor should be in play for the Sixers at 22.

Honorable mentions

Arizona’s Koa Peat, Houston’s Chris Cenac, Jr., Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson and UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. interest me to varying degrees.

Peat’s skillset as a bruising, athletic power forward is an ideal fit for the Sixers, but I have serious concerns about his jumper. He has a floor as a junkyard dog forward, willing to do all the little things, but I’m not sure his ceiling is super high without a better shot.

Cenac is intriguing because of his size, skill and ability to rebound. It’s a bit concerning that he plays like a guard in a pure center’s body offensively. He also seemed to struggle processing things at times. Was that just inexperience or a sign of a bigger issue? Cenac is going to need plenty of seasoning at the next level.

Jefferson was awesome at Iowa State. He’s sort of a lesser version of Graves, but is an even better passer. The biggest knocks on Jefferson are going to be his age (23) and athletic ability. He was one of the poorest testers at the combine, but the production this past season is hard to ignore.

For Reed, 22 might just be a little rich, but there definitely should be interest for a Sixers team that’s repeatedly struck out on the backup center position. There’s nothing super special about Reed — he’s just a good big man. He’ll set good screens, roll hard, protect the rim, hit the glass and even has decent footwork in the post to go get his own bucket from time to time. For the Sixers, that type of steady play from a Joel Embiid backup would be nice.

June 23, 2026

A Toast to the Champions: Thank You, 2025-26 Knicks

TOPSHOT - Members of the New York Knicks attend a championship celebration and Key to the City ceremony at City Hall Plaza after a ticker-tape parade honoring the team's NBA Finals victory in New York City on June 18, 2026. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

Dear 2025-26 Knicks,

With the NBA draft hours away, the championship parade over, and the memorable and clinching game 5 over a week in our review mirror, it felt like the perfect time to pen (electronically) a letter to you.

Man, what a ride it’s been. For some the ride has been just a few weeks long. So many around the world joined to root for the Knicks at different points during the playoffs because they wanted to see their partner, family, friends, and or neighbors happy. And you captured their hearts as their fandom quickly evolved from that. It went from clueless bystanders to fans that witnessed the on-court dominance and the chemistry and characters that made this team so likeable.

For others, that journey has taken place over years. They watched Kristaps Porzingis become the beacon of hope for a franchise and a city that was starving for something to believe in. And then they sat there and watched as his injury and eventual trade took all of that away in what felt like a matter of days.

And for many, it’s the last decades. Generations of embarrassing ineptitude, directionless leaders, heartbreaking losses, and foolishly convincing ourselves that the impossible was actually possible.

Regardless of how long the journey has been, though, it’s led us to you, this team, and this season. A team that was so relatable because of the way you carried yourselves and embodied the city. Like Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at the championship parade just last week, you not only won in New York City, you won like New York City. The 25-26 Knicks had their blemishes. You guys weren’t perfect. There was the 2-9 stretch during the cold and dark days of the New York winter. There were games two and three against the Hawks. Jalen Brunson, and even in your wins, there were slow starts, and plenty of stretches that made fans want to pull their hair out. But that made you guys oddly easy to root for and easy to love, kind of like a family member.

Sure, you guys annoyed us at times. Many times, actually. But amidst the very clear imperfection, there was a group of guys that made it their ultimate goal to win in and for the city. You guys sacrificed. You guys trusted and believed in each other. You guys became more than the sum of your parts. And most importantly, you guys always came through.

And you gave us THE season. A season to remember. A season to talk about for ages. A season that many can die happily knowing they got to witness and experience. And all of the trauma from the past and the frustrations from earlier were part of a journey we can now look back at and smile at. Because you guys, through balanced offense, intense defense, unrelenting will, and dramatic comebacks, rewarded us for years of patience and loyalty with the long coveted Larry O’Brien trophy

What’s interesting, though, is that for other championships I’ve witnessed, the main thing that comes to the top of my mind is the trophy itself and maybe the championship game(s). But with this one, it’s so much more than that. Media outlets will measure this championship with the usual metrics. They’ll talk about the net rating, the point differential, and the records of the teams you’ve beaten. And all of those things are nice to recognize. But for so many Knicks fans, this championship will be measured in memories. This triumph is that much sweeter because of the memories of fathers and mothers watching with their kids, because of the fans who wiped away tears after the Reggie Miller shot and the Tyrese Haliburton shot, because of the time spent believing in Michael Sweeney, Felton Spencer, Clarence Weatherspoon, Eddie House, Andy Rautins, Sergio Rodriguez, Moochie Norris, and because of everything that you guys went through.

Jalen getting overlooked. KAT losing his mother and so many other family members to COVID. OG losing both his parents and then not being able to play in the Finals when he was a Raptor. Mikal watching his 2-0 lead to Milwaukee slip through his fingers. Josh being traded multiple times. Mitch battling back from multiple injuries.

They all sucked in the moment. It hurt. But all of the heartbreak, setbacks, and doubters also made watching you guys lift the trophy that much sweeter. I’ve never wanted a championship more for any group of players.

To Jalen, the overlooked, All-NBA silent assassin and the savior of not just a franchise but a city, scratch that, entire state. To KAT, the selfless, continuously evolving big man, who proves on a nightly basis that being an elite person matters just as much as being an elite player. To OG and Mikal, the wingstop duo that continued to do the dirty work and made the team function the way it needed to. To Josh, the heart and soul of the team. To Mitch, Deuce, Landry, Jose and the bench unit that always had at least one guy ready to change the game. To Mike Brown, the head coach who came in under almost impossible circumstances, yet managed to take the team over the top with his humility, willingness to change, and collaborative attitude. Thank you.

Thank you for the countless unseen hours in hot, humid gyms in the summer. Thank you for never giving up. Thank you for a lifetime of unforgettable memories during an unforgettable year. And thank you for bringing us a feeling we had been chasing for half a century, and thought we may never get to experience.

Here’s a toast to you, a team that ended a 53-year drought and will forever be etched into history.

June 23, 2026

What I would do with the Suns’ lone draft pick

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm slam dunks against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is finally here. Draft day, the day in which franchises hitch their hopes to the prospect of a prospect prospering under their colors. And while I still don’t like that the NBA Draft has become a two-night event, that doesn’t mean it comes without intrigue for the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns currently hold the 47th overall pick and aren’t scheduled to make their selection until tomorrow night. But given the aggressiveness we’ve seen from the organization in recent drafts under the direction of Brian Gregory, no night is safe. If Phoenix somehow finds a way into the late first round, I wouldn’t be surprised. That’s part of what makes tonight interesting. The Suns may not be scheduled to participate, but that doesn’t mean they won’t.

So what should they ultimately do?

It’s a question we’ve been asking ourselves for the better part of two months. We’ve tried to balance need versus talent, knowing that whoever is drafted isn’t expected to make an immediate impact. That’s reserved for teams at the top of the lottery that are desperate for instant contributors. For Phoenix, this selection is more about depth and development.

What would I like them to do? I see two paths.

If they stay at 47, I think Jaden Bradley is the move. He would likely be a two-way contract player, leaving an open roster spot on the big league club and allowing the Suns to maintain both flexibility and cost control. That doesn’t mean he isn’t someone who could eventually impact the team.

He’s the type of guard I find myself liking more the longer I watch him. He plays fearlessly, gets into the paint, finishes through traffic, and displays many of the traits modern combo guards need to survive offensively. What stands out most is the combination of pace, toughness, and playmaking. He’s a really good distributor, especially when navigating traffic, and he has a natural willingness to attack defenders.

Bradley also has sneaky athleticism and creates separation in ways that look very similar to what many successful smaller guards do at higher levels. I see a little Brunson in him. He knows how to touch the paint and still create separation.

Defensively, he’s probably never going to wow anyone, and he still needs to improve fighting through screens. As a playmaker, there’s room to grow when it comes to seeing the entire floor. But the shooting numbers are encouraging, the jumper looks smooth, and there’s enough skill here that if developed properly, he can become a very useful NBA guard.

At minimum, he feels like an ideal two-way contract candidate with a pathway toward becoming a rotation player. At maximum, he could become the backup point guard to Collin Gillespie two years from now if the Jalen Green experiment ultimately runs its course.

But what if the Suns move up?

I don’t know what it would take to get there. With multiple teams holding multiple picks, including the Knicks, Kings, and Grizzlies, there’s certainly opportunity for movement. If Phoenix can find its way into the late first round or early second round, I’d love to see them draft Zuby Ejiofor.

If you’ve been reading along this offseason, you know this is the guy I love most. When I wrote my article outlining how to fix the Suns from start to finish, the plan involved trading Royce O’Neale and a pick to Memphis for Taylor Hendricks and an earlier draft selection. The reason was simple. I wanted a shot at Zuby.

Why?

Because he embodies everything the Suns claim to value when it comes to player traits. He brings qualities that directly contribute to winning basketball. He’s technically sound, attacks the glass, plays aggressively, and consistently makes the kinds of plays coaches love. What stands out most is the motor. He plays with heart, desire, and toughness every possession. He’s the kind of player who embraces physicality and competes with an energy that can change the feel of a game.

Simply put, he’s a motherfucker in all the right ways. When I watch him, I think back to my pre-draft lover affair with Obi Toppin in 2020. This is Temu Toppin, and I’m here for it.

The shooting still needs work, and he may not be the cleanest fit in Phoenix. But considering where he’s projected to be drafted, the value is incredibly appealing. You could bring him off the bench, play him at the small forward spot, and suddenly become bigger, more athletic, and tougher as a team. Players with his mindset and willingness to do the dirty work are always valuable.

Yes, lineups featuring him and Oso Ighodaro would be interesting. That might not be something you seriously explore until next season or even the season after that. And who knows where the Suns will be by then.

So now that we’ve arrived at draft day, those are the two paths I’d prefer to see Phoenix take. There are plenty of prospect names out there. There are plenty of paths available.

That’s the beauty of draft night. Months of scouting reports, mock drafts, workout rumors, and thought exercises all give way to a few decisions that can alter the direction of a franchise. Maybe the Suns stay patient and take a developmental swing at 47. Maybe Brian Gregory gets aggressive and moves up the board again. Either way, the philosophy remains the same: find players who fit the culture, embrace the work, and help build whatever comes next.

June 23, 2026

Becky Hammon won’t apologize for Jalen Brunson take — and tries to ‘piss off Knicks fans again’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon during a game against the Valkyries on June 21, 2026, Image 2 shows Jalen Brunson carries the Larry O'Brien trophy during the Knicks' championship parade on June 18, 2026

LAS VEGAS — Aces coach Becky Hammon sees no reason to apologize for her take that 2026 NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson wasn’t a “1A” star.

But Hammon did acknowledge Tuesday that Brunson showed “he was that 1A dude” as he led the Knicks to their first championship in 53 years.

“Jalen, all he did was prove history wrong, he proves he’s an outlier,” Hammon said after the Aces’ shootaround. “So you can put his name next to Steph Curry and Isiah Thomas, and I thought he played brilliantly, especially down the stretch.

Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon during a game against the Valkyries on June 21, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

“I mean, he was that 1A dude,” Hammon continued. “But apologize, I’m never gonna apologize for having an opinion. That’s what ESPN pays me for.”

Hammon infamously said in 2023 that the 6-foot-2 Brunson was too small to be the lead star on a championship team.

“If your best player is small, you’re not winning,” Hammon said on ESPN’s “NBA Today” back then.

Jalen Brunson carries the Larry O’Brien trophy during the Knicks’ championship parade on June 18, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

When the Knicks got on a roll during the playoffs, Hammon doubled down on her stance.

“I’m speaking historically on the NBA with what I said,” Hammon said in May. “I don’t know why everybody’s so stuck on that. I said it two years ago, I stand by it. There’s no air to be cleared. I said what I said.

“(If) he proves me wrong, he proves me wrong. Good for him.”

Brunson cemented himself as one of the Knicks’ best players in franchise history.

Hammon would argue that he’s the best.

“Let me just piss off Knicks fans again and say, I think he’s the greatest Knick ever,” she said. “Give them something else to talk about… I’ve always been a Jalen Brunson fan. I was a fan of his at Villanova, in Dallas and why this comment went off the rails, I have no idea because it was clearly a historical and analytical take.”

June 23, 2026

Ice Cube wants fans to own a piece of Big3 in blockbuster public offering

For nearly four decades, Ice Cube has helped shape Los Angeles culture.

From helping launch N.W.A. and putting South Central Los Angeles on the global map through music, to starring in iconic films like Boyz n the Hood and becoming a fixture in the city’s sports scene, Cube has spent his career building brands rooted in his hometown.

Now, the Los Angeles native is betting on the future of another one of his creations: the BIG3.

Ice Cube says Big3 is built to last 100 years as the league goes public in a $290 million deal despite NBA investment hurdles. Getty Images for Red Lobster x BIG3

The 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz announced plans to go public through a SPAC merger with Graf Global Corp. at a reported $290 million valuation. If completed, the deal would allow everyday investors to buy stock in the league under the ticker symbol TONT later this year.

For Cube, the move is about more than raising capital. It’s about changing who gets to participate in the business of sports.

Head coach Stephen Jackson of the Trilogy, Clyde Drexler, Julius Erving, Ice Cube and the Trilogy team pose for a photo with the trophy after Trilogy defeated Power during the BIG3 Championship Getty Images for BIG3

“Most leagues are owned by a bunch of billionaires,” Cube told Front Office Sports. “Fans, all they get to do is watch, buy some merch, get a ticket, and bet on the games. But they can’t invest. We want to change that. In my vision, we’re here 100 years, not just 9.”

That vision has helped carry BIG3 from a startup idea in 2017 into a league entering its ninth season. The concept was simple: give former NBA players a competitive platform to continue playing at a high level in a faster-paced 3-on-3 format.

The league has attracted recognizable names throughout its run, including Allen Iverson, Joe Johnson, Dwight Howard, Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers. Games are broadcast nationally on CBS, while ratings reportedly increased more than 25 percent last season.

Gerald Green of Bivouac goes up against Nasir Core of 3’s Company during the BIG3 championship game Boston Globe via Getty Images

Cube believes the appeal goes beyond nostalgia.

“We don’t just want your name,” he told Front Office Sports. “We want your game.”

The public offering also comes after years of challenges attracting investors. Cube told Front Office Sports that NBA ownership rules prohibiting team owners from investing in competing men’s basketball leagues have complicated fundraising efforts for BIG3.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2026 NBA Finals Legacy Project as part of the 2026 NBA Finals NBAE via Getty Images

Despite those obstacles, the league continues to expand. Four franchises currently have ownership groups in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Detroit, while additional teams remain available for purchase as BIG3 pursues long-term growth.

BIG3 opened its ninth season at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, where all eight teams tipped off the season before the league embarks on a nationwide tour, a fitting backdrop as Ice Cube’s league prepares to go public and pursues its biggest growth phase yet.

For Cube, the goal isn’t simply to build an alternative basketball league. It’s to create a sports property where fans can become stakeholders in the future he believes can last generations.

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June 23, 2026

Can the front office turn the Lakers into contenders?

Rob Pelinka, President of basketball operations and general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, attends the FIBA EuroBasket match between Slovenia and Poland in Katowice, Poland, on August 28, 2025. This is a European Basketball Championship game, group phase, Group D competition at Spodek Arena. (Photo by Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The summer of optionality is here for the Lakers. With few players on the books, the Lakers can have more cap space than any other team, allowing them to be as aggressive as they want this offseason.

However, having flexibility is only good if you know what to do with it.

Under the leadership of President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, the Lakers had some great hits and some tough misses.

Pelinka was able to trade for Anthony Davis, win a title and then move on from AD to acquire Luka Dončić in what’s considered one of the most one-sided deals in NBA history. But he also broke up his championship team, traded for Russell Westbrook and hasn’t found a long-term solution at center for the Lakers.

So, for our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask fans how much belief they have in the team’s decision makers ahead of free agency.

This feels like a litmus test of one’s Lakers optimism.

If you look at the good Pelinka has done, then voting on having a lot of confidence makes sense. This means you value his big trades and recognize how he has made small deals that have had a big impact, like trading Gabe Vincent for Luke Kennard at the deadline this year.

Now that the Lakers have open roster spots, cap space and their superstar in place, Pelinka will cook and turn this franchise into title contenders.

Another positive is that Pelinka has new people in the organization to help him improve this team. The Lakers hired Rohan Ramadas as assistant general manager and brought on Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft advisor. With these additional people on the payroll, the Lakers front office will find a quality player with the No. 25 pick and make the right moves in free agency.

But if you see that the Lakers were not much of a factor in attracting interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, and think the reason LA doesn’t have a center is that the front office can’t get a deal done, then voting with little to no confidence makes sense.

From that pessimistic angle, the Lakers’ optionality will amount to minimal changes. They’ll likely re-sign Austin Reaves, bring back LeBron James and sell the fanbase on end-of-the-rotation players other teams walked away from as being diamonds in the rough that will blossom with Luka as their teammate.

The Lakers will end this summer still far away from being a threat to the Spurs or the Thunder in the West.

So, what do you think? Do you believe the Lakers front office can build out a better team, or will this summer end with more excuses and less execution? Let us know by participating in our SB Nation Reacts survey.

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