Apr 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) drives to the basket against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
DeMar DeRozan, the Raptors’ all-time leader in games played, minutes, played, and points scored, will not be making his way back to Toronto, after all. DeRozan parted way with the Kings and there was wild speculation as to where he might end up. Rumours abounded that he was destined for a return to the 6ix, or perhaps headed to Miami, but in a cruel twist of irony, he is going to join the team that the Raptors beat for the 2019 Championship to play alongside Stephen Curry, as DeRozan enters his 17th season in the league.
Free Agent and Six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan has agreed to a two-year, $8.4 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, his agent Aaron Goodwin of @GoodwinSports tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/4EoouhEgKE
Shams Charania reported the news today on August 13th, conveying information from DeRozan’s agent. The 8.4 million dollars is far from the veteran’s minimum, but is a far cry from the more than 24 million he earned last year. This will be his lowest earning year since the 2012-13 season when he was on the Raptors.
This fresh start for DeRozan will see him stay in his home state of California, close to his native Los Angeles. While I personally believe that it’ll be good for the shooting guard to be both close to his roots and in a new city, it stings that we won’t see him play in Toronto at this juncture. Am I blaming the Kawhi uncertainty for this? Yes, and no. I don’t think it helped the Raptors’ position that they don’t have any clear idea of whether or not they’ll have a starting small forward in Leonard this season, but regardless, I didn’t see DeRozan playing a massive role in Toronto — at most, leading the bench mob — so it certainly makes sense that the wing would be happier in some different pastures.
While it’s currently unknown what type of role he’ll play in Golden State, the Warriors are indeed in need of some veteran presence and a baseline level of competency, considering how rough things were last year when Stephen Curry was out, a disadvantage even more pronounced now that Jimmy Butler remains out with a torn ACL. It’s likely that DeRozan will be in a starting role, one where he’ll be able to play off against Curry, his best teammate in years, and certainly his most pedigreed co-star.
I’d like to see DeMar get back to a 20+ppg form on the Warriors, even if he’s not with us. I think legacy is what comes to mind the most in the latter years of NBA stars, so I wish DeRozan the best in the twilight years, even if they’re not in the red and black.
Cleveland has been flirting with a sign-and-trade for either Jonathan Kuminga or Peyton Watson, but they needed more cap space to bring one of them (or anyone else of note) in, as well as re-sign James Harden. Which leads us to Friday's news.
Charlotte will be Schroeder's 12th NBA team, tied for second most in league history (Ish Smith is at 13). Charlotte's head of basketball operations, Jeff Peterson, has a long history with Schroeder dating back to when both were in Atlanta at the same time.
The Cavaliers free up about $6.8 million in cap space in this deal, reports Keith Smith of Spotrac, putting them approximately $29.6 million below the first apron of the luxury tax (and by extension about $40.3 million below the second apron). That's still not enough room to trade for Watson or Kuminga and re-sign Harden, so either Max Struss' salary will have to go out in any deal, or he would be traded elsewhere (Mann also could be moved again). Cleveland has more options now.
Cleveland has remained in contact with Harden and his camp throughout the summer, Charania notes. Harden opted out of his $42.3 million player option for this season to give the franchise room to chase players like LeBron James (who chose Philadelphia), or make a move for a player like Watson or Kuminga. Harden will re-sign with Cleveland for less per year but more total money across the multi-year contract.
The Hornets moved on from LaMelo Ball this offseason, now have Coby White running the point and were looking for a steady backup for him (Mann was not that guy). Schroeder will step in and be solid, he averaged 10.8 points and 4.9 assists per game last season, splitting time between Sacramento and Cleveland.
Schroeder is a force in FIBA games (under international rules) and has played for the German national team this offseason as it works to qualify for the 2027 World Cup.
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 16: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns ties his shoes before the game against the Boston Celtics on March 16, 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s NBA 2K ranking conversation time once again. Nothing gets the juices flowing quite like debating where Devin Booker ranks in a video game, does it?
Last week, we talked about how NBA 2K completely missed the mark when it came to Booker’s midrange shooting, which is arguably his most elite trait as a player. The game gave him an 86 rating there, the same rating it assigned to his three-point shooting, which is certainly not something he does at an elite level.
Now, as NBA 2K continues rolling out its top 100 players, we finally know where Booker stands in the overall hierarchy of the league. I’ll also note that only one other Phoenix Suns player made the top 100, and that’s Dillon Brooks, who came in at No. 84 and as an 82 overall. So that gives you a pretty good idea of how the game makers currently view the Suns. Miles Bridges and Jalen Green didn’t even crack the top 100.
But Booker? He comes in at an overall rating of 91.
There’s always going to be a conversation about where Book ranks among the elite players in the NBA. I’ve consistently said that he qualifies as a star, not a superstar. I believe there are roughly 8 to 12 superstars in the league at any given time based on skill set, the ability to take over games, the ability to win games, and the ability to elevate both themselves and those around them when the moments get tough.
Booker, to me, is a star. That puts him somewhere after that top 12 range, probably between 13 and 25. And that lines up pretty closely with where NBA 2K has him. Booker is ranked the 19th-best player in the NBA, which I actually think is pretty reasonable and realistic. He’s certainly capable of being the alpha on a team and has proven in the past that he can be the best player on a contender.
He also possesses the ability to elevate himself back into that superstar conversation and potentially back into the top 10. He simply didn’t play at that level last season. My assumption is that the rankings are built largely on what happened last year, with a little projection toward what could happen next season.
Some people might view No. 19 as disrespectful. I think it’s pretty spot on. Which is surprising, because I also think NBA 2K completely botched other aspects of his ratings. But in terms of where Booker currently stands in the overall NBA hierarchy, No. 19 feels about right.
And that’s probably the proper perspective to have with Booker entering next season. No. 19 isn’t an insult, nor is it a permanent address. It’s a reflection of where his game currently sits after a season that didn’t meet the standard he previously established. The opportunity to climb is there. If Booker wants to move back into that top 10 conversation, the formula is fairly simple. Play more efficiently, win more games, and make NBA 2K adjust accordingly.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 20: Tre Mann #23 of the Charlotte Hornets drives by Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of a basketball game at Spectrum Center on February 20, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Dennis Schroder and cash to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for 6’4” guard Tre Mann.
Mann is 25 years old and has played five seasons in the NBA, including a stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He averaged 5.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists last year for Charlotte.
The Cavs accomplish a few goals here.
First, they get off of Schroder’s $14.8 million contract. Something they’ve been looking to achieve all summer. Charlotte has been linked to Cleveland throughout the process as a team that both has the cap space to absorb Schroder, but could also use his veteran experience on the bench.
Trading Schroder has been on Cleveland’s checklist. They need financial flexibility more than they need a backup point guard. It was assumed that the Cavs might need to attach a pick to Schroder just to get off of his deal.
Getting off of Schroder’s deal without giving up a pick and while receiving an asset in return is a better outcome than expected.
The Cavs save $6.8 million by trading for Mann. They push themselves $29 million under the first apron and $42 million below the second apron.
This gives the Cavs enough wiggle room to pursue Jonathan Kuminga or Peyton Watson on the sign-and-trade market while also keeping space for James Harden to return to Cleveland on a team-friendly deal.
Mann comes with flaws. He shot just 36% from the floor last season and 32% from downtown. That’s a huge concern for a backcourt player in 2026. His athleticism can only make up for so much.
There is reason to believe in Mann’s development. He has shot better from deep in previous seasons, including a 40% season just a year ago. He’ll get better opportunities in Cleveland and might even slot in as a point-of-attack defender.
Then, of course, there’s the potential that Mann doesn’t even suit up for Cleveland.
The Cavs remain engaged in talks for Watson and Kuminga. Mann may factor into this as a trade chip or someone who could be stretched and waived to clear up additional cap space.
Cleveland’s next move is unknown. For now, they’ve taken the first step towards making other things happen. Buckle up and prepare for more.
lakers advice bob iger josh kushner magic johnson jeanie buss mark walter
Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner have some big decisions to make.
They’re now the proud owners of one of the most heralded teams in sports, the 17-time champion Los Angeles Lakers, whom they bought from Mark Walter for $12.5 billion on Wednesday morning.
It’s unclear what their plan is yet, but here’s some advice for the new leaders of the darling franchise of the NBA.
1. Surround yourself with experienced people whom you trust
ESPN’s Joshua Kushner and Disney’s CEO Bob Iger are all smiles as Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays against Taylor Fritz of USA during the US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in Queen, New York. (JASON SZENES) JASON SZENES/ NY POST
While Walter had the blueprint on how to turn a franchise into a success after helping the Dodgers win three World Series titles after purchasing the team in 2012, Iger and Kushner lack that playbook.
Iger is the former CEO of Disney. Kushner is a venture capitalist. They need help. They need trusted advisors.
It remains to be seen whether they can build that trust with Lakers’ president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, who overhauled the Lakers’ roster this summer around Luka Doncic. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith floated the idea of pursuing Bob Myers, who helped the Warriors become the league’s modern-day dynasty before becoming the president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment.
Iger and Kushner need to figure out who they respect and trust, and they need to heavily rely on that person, regardless of whether they make a change or keep the status quo.
2. Make Luka Doncic happy
Luka Doncic #77 and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers hold hands during a time out in the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images North America) Getty Images
The last 18 months have been disorienting for Doncic. He was shockingly traded to the Lakers in February 2025, and has already experienced two ownership changes with his new franchise.
The 27-year-old superstar, who finished fourth in MVP voting last season, deserves a bit of stability, eh?
Doncic is highly motivated to win his first championship after being dealt by the Mavericks, with whom he thought he’d spend his entire career. He had a major say in the personnel changes this summer. And he needs to feel as though the Lakers have a clear direction and a plan to put him on a course to win a title.
It’s now Iger’s and Kushner’s job to make that happen ahead of Doncic’s player option for the 2028-29 season.
3. Keep JJ Redick
Redick is the ultimate basketball sicko. He’s obsessed. After losses, he has acknowledged that he goes into a dark basement and rewatches games ad nauseam.
The players like him. And he’s the first coach to have back-to-back 50-win seasons since Phil Jackson did so in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.
The Lakers hired Redick in 2024 even though he didn’t have any prior professional coaching experience. He has since proven that he has an elite combination of a high basketball IQ and the ability to get through to players. That’s a rare find.
4. Honor Walter’s arrangement with Jeanie Buss
Mark Walter, left, a majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Jeanie Buss, minority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, talk as the Lakers play the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 12, 2026. (Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
After Walter bought the Lakers from the Buss family following their 47-year run as the head of the franchise, he assured Buss that she’d remain governor for at least five years.
Apparently, that deal will remain in place.
“We have every intention to honor the agreement that was made between Mark and Jeanie,” Iger told the California Post’s Khobi Price. “If things change, they’ll change. But we’re going into this with enormous respect and appreciation for who she is and what she represents in the organization.”
There’s an eyebrow-raising caveat there.
But make no mistake: Iger would be wise to keep Buss on board. She is Laker basketball. She watched her father transform the franchise into one of the most successful and fun organizations in sports. She then took the reins and helped the team win a title in 2020. She has relationships. Institutional knowledge. Experience. She’s beloved by fans. Keep her.
5. Go after Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson speaks to reporters prior to an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, in Los Angeles. Johnson abruptly quit as the Lakers’ president of basketball operations, citing his desire to return to the simpler life he enjoyed as a wealthy businessman and beloved former player before taking charge of the franchise just over two years ago. (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) AP
The Lakers need to infuse an organization that has only won one championship in the last 16 years with some of its old magic.
Who better to do that than Magic himself?
If they brought him on as an advisor, they could seamlessly help bridge the old and new orders.
Johnson previously served as the Lakers’ president of basketball operations before stunningly stepping down in April 2019 because of a front-office culture he deemed toxic. Johnson and Pelinka have since mended fences.
Johnson won five championships with the Lakers. He could play an important role in helping steer the Lakers, as well as helping teach Doncic how to climb the mountaintop.
6. Keep building out the data and analytics departments
Walter and Co. had overhauled the Lakers’ front office and were strongly emphasizing the need to improve their data and analytics departments so they could make the sharpest decisions in the draft and free agency.
He did the same in baseball to splendid success.
Iger and Kushner should forge ahead on that path.
The Lakers needed to modernize. Under Walter, the Lakers were building a biomechanics lab, new movement labs and a recovery lab.
The Lakers’ new owners should make sure the team has all of the resources on and off the court to return to greatness.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 20: A view of the Kyrie x ANTA shoes of KJ Simpson #25 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of the 2025 NBA Summer League Championship game against the Sacramento Kings at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Hornets defeated the Kings 83-78. 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 Candice Ward/Getty Images) | Getty Images
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 06: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of the California Classic at Golden 1 Center on July 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’re now in the dog days of summer with little-to-no Nets related news to chat about. So, this week, we turned our attention to you, the fans and listeners of the show. In this MAILBAG SPECIAL, we answer a variety of fan-submitted questions, naming our favorite Nets we’ve gotten to interview on the beat, MPJ’s future with the team, Drake Powell’s positioning on it, and the potential of a Durant, Irving, and Harden reunion in Brooklyn…sort of.
In this episode of The Brooklyn with Pooch & Collin, we also touch on:
The newly dropped 2026-27 season schedule
What needs to happen for this year to be a “success”
The appeal of a Michael Porter Jr. extension
You can also check out the episode for free on Spotify and Apple Music. Make sure to follow us on X, Instagram, and TikTok as well. Our Rajon Rondo signature giveaway is still live, but will close next week, so make sure to like and follow to enter!
MPJ has team chemistry on the rise in Brooklyn. He was that kind of guy for the Nuggets too 📈 🔥
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 22, 2024 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE 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.
Things are never boring regarding the Lakers, even in the summertime.
With the franchise overhauling most of its roster this offseason and suddenly being sold to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, the future is as unknown as ever.
Even before the shocking sale of the Lakers, experts have been low on the expected 2026-27 roster. FanDuel has the Lakers’ win total set at over/under 44.5 wins. That places the Lakers as closer to being a play-in team than a title contender.
Some of the questions about the on-court product are justifiable.
LeBron James is gone, and the Lakers have taken some chances. They are betting on Walker Kessler to be a star center and have made long-term commitments to role players like Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
None of these players are proven stars, and while the Lakers clearly believe in them, that doesn’t mean it will work out.
So, for our SB Nation Reacts survey, we asked fans if the Lakers would win at least 45 games. The response was an emphatic yes.
For whatever reason, the Lakers are constantly being undervalued. Well, minus the financial assessment of what they are worth.
Why they are constantly being viewed as a play-in team is anyone’s guess. Luka has proven in both Dallas and LA that he consistently gets teams to winning records.
Sure, LeBron is gone, but Luka is still here, and Austin Reaves is flirting with All-Star-level play. If he takes another leap forward, LA’s backcourt pairing will be one of the best in the league.
Injuries can always impact things, but at this point, given that head coach JJ Redick has had two years where he easily passed the 45-win mark, NBA experts should rank them higher.
So yes, Lakers fans should be a bit nervous with how uncertain things are regarding ownership and their plans, or lack thereof, for the future. But for now, things will be fine. This Lakers team will still win a ton of games.
The NBA — and Lakers fans — are still reeling from the shocking sale of the iconic franchise for the second time in 14 months this week. Nobody saw this coming, including the league office.
There's been a lot of fallout from the news of the sale, here are some of the latest reports.
Why is Walter selling now?
That remains the $12.5 billion question, but the answer is coming more into focus:
Money. It's always about the money.
There are a lot of ideas and White House-tied conspiracy theories floating around about what motivated Walter to sell the Lakers 14 months after agreeing to purchase them, but the answer may be the most obvious one. Walter is facing twin federal and SEC investigations into potential fraud tied to the valuation of insurance companies he owns through Guggenheim Partners and TWG Global, and in the wake of that, needed cash fast to pay down debts.
Then Joshua Kushner called, and his venture capital firm Thrive had the cash (they were looking into getting an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas, plus they were the primary buyers in the now-scuttled FIFA plan to sell rights to the World Cup and other events, so they were ready to spend). It came together quickly.
LeBron James left the Lakers this offseason in an amicable divorce, as the franchise reshaped itself around Luka Doncic's playing style. Might LeBron have stayed in Los Angeles if the Lakers had different ownership? ESPN’s Dave McMenamin asked that of a source close to LeBron.
"Maybe. But that's tough to answer. Communication could have been better [with Iger and Kushner, compared to with Walter]. Just a different relationship. But the basketball piece was the most important, so maybe not from that standpoint."
From my perspective, I don't think new owners would have changed anything. First, the vibe that LeBron wasn't returning was evident around the team by midway through the season — the Lakers needed to pivot to a team built around Doncic, and everyone understood that. New ownership doesn't change that.
Plus, LeBron landed in a very interesting place — with a better chance of getting another ring — in Philadelphia.
Chris Paul to have role
David Stern famously nixed Chris Paul being traded to the Lakers in 2011, but could the future Hall of Fame point guard have a role with the team's front office under new ownership?
It's been speculated about because CP3 and new owner Bob Iger are so close, reports ESPN’s McMenamin.
...multiple sources around the league suggested to ESPN that recently retired Chris Paul could have a role. Paul and Iger became close while the point guard played for the Clippers and Iger was a season-ticket holder."
How do Lakers fans feel?
Like everyone else, Lakers fans are shocked. Part of what helped grow the Lakers into a global icon was stability — the Buss family owned and ran the team for 46 years.
Lakers fans understood the sale of the team to Walter. The era of mom-and-pop family ownership of major American sports franchises is over, it takes deeper pockets to compete. Walter had those, and had a track record of spending and success in Los Angeles with the Dodgers — and he was bringing the beefed-up scouting staff and analytics bent of the Dodgers to the Lakers.
Now? Lakers fans I have spoken to in the last 48 hours (I live in the greater Los Angeles area with a lot of Lakers fans as friends) are both shocked, and there is an air of trepidation. Walter was a known quantity, but the Kushner/Iger team has never been the primary owners of a major sports franchise. Nobody knows what their ownership style will be, what this will look like. What does this mean for Rob Pelinka as the head of basketball operations?
Magic Johnson tried to calm Lakers fans' fears.
Laker fans, you couldn’t have two better owners. I’ve known Bob personally for over 40 years - he has always loved the Lakers and basketball and he will bring championships back to LA.
It's going to take more than words — and Iger will be the one doing the talking. While Kushner is the money behind this and will be the controlling owner, Iger will be the face of ownership. It's going to be about actions. The Lakers began a needed retooling this offseason to build a team around Doncic, but this is very likely not a championship team as constructed (not in the West with two juggernauts at the top). There is a lot of pressure on Walker Kessler and Austin Reaves to live up to massive new contracts. When things go wrong, as they inevitably will on some level, how will the new ownership handle the situation?
The new owners will have to win over Lakers fans. That may take time.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Cooper Flagg attends a game between the Golden State Warriors against the Dallas Mavericks on July 9, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Earlier in the week I was somewhat aghast when clicking through the win totals over at our partner FanDuel. The Dallas Mavericks have an over/under of 32.5! What in the WORLD. Dallas won 26 games last season and didn’t have Kyrie Irving or any other actual NBA level guards.
So this week’s poll question was easy: Do you think the Mavericks will win at least 33 games this year?
9 in 10 voters think Dallas is going to beat that win total. I agree and am one of them. This sort of thing is so baffling to me; I am grumpy about the team because Cooper Flagg is a future superstar and the team is going to be hard pressed to make even the play-in. But they’re still WAY better than last season!
Kyrie Irving exists, what in the world is happening here? Other books have them between 32-36 wins. I am setting my win total for Dallas at 37, an 11-game improvement. I’ve been scoffed at when talking with non-Mavericks fans friends, but I don’t see why that’s unreasonable.
Perhaps it has to do with the schedule for the Mavericks. Dallas has both a brutal start and brutal close to the 2026-27 regular season. And while it’s perhaps silly to be concerned about March and April games on paper now, the opening to the season is no joke.
And yet, 32 wins as a maximum ceiling seems ridiculous. What do you think happens? Would you make a bet on this team? I think I would, which is saying something.
Kevin Garnett is the greatest player in Timberwolves franchise history. The 2004 MVP when with the team was a nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA player while in Minnesota, and remains the franchise leader in points, rebounds, blocked shots, assists, and steals. His Timberwolves team was the first in franchise history to reach the Western Conference Finals.
His jersey retirement is long overdue, but it will happen on Feb. 28 against the Boston Celtics — an NBC Sunday Night Basketball game, which will have plenty of coverage of the event.
"Minnesota is home. That's never changed," Garnett said in a statement announcing the retirement. "This is where it all started for me, so seeing No. 21 go up in Target Center and sharing that moment with the fans, my family, teammates, coaches, and everyone who's been part of this journey means everything.
"But I don't see this as the end — I see it as a new beginning. Retiring the jersey is just the start of the next chapter in Minnesota, about building something that lives beyond the game... But 21 being retired is forever — and it's also just the beginning of something new. I can't wait to be back in that building, feel that energy, and celebrate it with everybody. Let's get it."
This should have happened long ago for the Hall of Famer, but Garnett's feud with former Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor ran so deep that he wasn't around the team and wasn't honored. That strain in the relationship started around Garnett's trade to Boston, where he did go on to win a ring (the Celtics have retired his No. 5 in green).
One of the things new Minnesota owners Mark Lore and Alex Rodriguez did was patch up that relationship.
"Over the course of his career, Kevin Garnett became much more than the greatest player in Timberwolves history. He became the embodiment of what it means to compete, to lead and to represent Minnesota," Timberwolves & Lynx Co-Chairmen Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez said in a statement. "Bringing Kevin back to the organization as Team Ambassador has allowed us to celebrate his legacy in a new and meaningful way, and retiring No. 21 is the ultimate recognition of everything he has meant to this franchise and our fans. We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible moment with Kevin, his family, our fans and everyone who helped make his legacy possible."
It may have taken a while to get here, but this is finally getting done, as it should. And it's happening on a night with what should be an entertaining matchup, with Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards going head-to-head.
The Knicks are losing a valued member of Mike Brown’s coaching staff.
Jordan Brink, an assistant who served as the team’s director of video services and player development, was hired by the Bulls to be an assistant on Tiago Splitter’s staff, The Post confirmed.
Brink was notably in charge of the Knicks’ challenges the past two years (under both Tom Thibodeau and Brown) – an area in which they were incredibly successful and often held a clear edge over opponents.
Jordan Brink (L.) spent the last three years as an assistant with the Knicks — and was in charge of their challenges the last two years. NBAE via Getty Images
It’s a significant loss, as they’ll now need someone else to fill that role.
“Jordan, he’s been a master at this,” Brown said previously.
Fans will remember his effect on Game 2 of the NBA Finals, when Brink instructed Brown to challenge a call late in the fourth quarter of their dramatic 105-104 win over the Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
The Knicks were crumbling and had rapidly blown a 14-point lead, and with the game tied 97-97 with 2:37 left, refereess had ruled that the ball went out of bounds off OG Anunoby.
But under Brink’s instruction, Brown challenged that Anunoby had been fouled while attempting a 3-pointer on the play.
After a review, the call was reversed and Anunoby received three free-throw attempts. He made all three – instead of the Spurs having possession with a chance to take the lead, the successful challenge re-established the Knicks’ lead and halted the Spurs’ momentum.
“He’s been doing this now two years in a row,” Brown said of Brink after that game. “I rely totally on him. Every once in a while I lose my mind, get emotional, and try to stick it to the refs, even though I like all of them. But that never works. So, I try like heck to follow Jordan’s lead, and it was 100 percent his call.”
Brink’s contract was up, and the Bulls’ job will represents a promotion.
The Knicks’ coaching staff is crowded, and there is no room at the moment for a promotion.
The Post previously reported that his Knicks’ future was uncertain, though Brown’s front-of-the-bench assistants are expected to be back.
The Knicks also lost a lower-level assistant, Carson Shanks, earlier this offseason, as his contract was up.
Jordan Brink (R.) was the Knicks’ Summer League coach last year. NBAE via Getty Images
Brink has ambitions of becoming a head coach, and this move presents a clearer path toward that goal than staying with the Knicks would have. A Dyer, Ind. native, it also brings him closer to home.
He played collegiately at Calvin College and got his NBA coaching start as an assistant for the Pistons under Dwane Casey.
Brink joined the Knicks in 2023 on Thibodeau’s staff and was retained by Brown when he took over last year.
He spent three years with the Knicks – the past two in charge of their challenges. He was also the Knicks’ Summer League coach last year.
Brink leaves the Knicks as a champion – and with an important role they’ll now have to replace.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: General overview of center court prior to the game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Brooklyn Nets on November 23, 2012 at the Barclays Center in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. 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 2012 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
As noted in the first iteration of this poll, aesthetics mean a lot to Brooklyn Nets fans. The team has moved and rebranded each time — from Long Island to New Jersey to Brooklyn. They turned from the elites of the ABA to laughingstock of the NBA, but don’t get it mistaken: the Nets and Dr. J (Julius Erving) are often credited with the red, white, blue vintage look of the ABA. Look no further than the Orlando Magic schedule release for the Nets.
With all of this being said, the Nets play a bigger part in the culture of the game than most probably realize. Their uniforms, court designs, etc. have been at the center of a lot of conversations. It’s fun. And yes, it does matter — to the fans!
As noted, the Nets moved to Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the team needed a distinct identity. They introduced the NBA’s first herringbone court — a fresh visual design that quickly became synonymous with ‘Brooklyn Grit.’
“We wanted a court that was identifiable and different, so that when fans turn on the TV at home they’ll realize they are in Brooklyn,” said then-Nets CEO Brett Yormark.
Fast forward to 2019: Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving just joined the team. The Brooklyn Nets were/are trying to attract Gen Z and young audiences — this was their opportunity to shift to a trendy “millennial gray” type of vibe. The current court still has herringbone designs, though they aren’t quite as clear as the original court. Furthermore, the New York Liberty’s seafoam is an absolute beaut during summer hoops in Brooklyn.
The idea was probably correct, and Sean Marks emphasized a desire to make Barclays Center “brighter without using super bright colors.” Unless the Nets are shuffling a throwback court, Coogi trims, KAWS themes — anything without color seem to fall flat on TV.
Simply put: An overwhelming amount of Nets fans (on NetsDaily) want the original herringbone court back.
The Verdict on the Nets Court Design
We turned the floor over to you to settle a long-standing debate: should the Brooklyn Nets return to their inaugural herringbone hardwood, or stick with the current “industrial” grayscale aesthetic introduced in 2019? Out of 92 voters, 85% favor the original design, and fans are calling for a return to the roots of the Barclays Center identity.
Here is how the NetsDaily community feels about the state of the court.
The Duke of Earl: “I’m a Sean Marks fan boy. A big fan. I believe he’s done a fantastic job here in Brooklyn. However he made a mistake on this one. I like and understand the concept of the gray court representing the city game of street basketball(playground basketball)that was started here in Brooklyn in fact. That makes a lot of sense. However he had a really good and unique thing going with the beautiful herringbone. It was becoming Brooklyn very much like the parquat in Boston. Not to compare the respective franchises mind you. In retrospect the herringbone had become much more identifiable and attractive than the gray court will ever be. All the fans hate it. That should be enough quite frankly. Admit a miscalculation. Correct it and bring back the herringbone.”
NetsInSwish: “The Herringbone created a Brooklyn identity…the Grayscale is just another boring version of Millennial Grey for the sake of current thematics with my generation lol”
BKtoDuval: “The herringbone had the chance to be iconic, if this team ever got good. I liked it better. Also love the Coogi court”
The Case for Grayscale
CaryNC: “Grey for sure! It looks better with the logo too.”
jrichter8: “The current court IS herringbone, it’s just been stained a greige (grey-beige) color which goes better with the black and white uniforms.”
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 08: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Saturday, Amar’e Stoudemire, Doc Rivers and Mike D’Antoni will be among the latest inductees to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
LeBron James is an absolute lock to join them in the next few years. Players now have to be only two years removed from their retirement to become eligible for enshrinement, and James will undoubtedly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer as soon as he’s eligible.
He might not be the only member of the 2026-27 Sixers who finds himself in the Hall of Fame one day, either. Joel Embiid is already putting together a convincing resume, although he still may have work to do before he becomes a lock.
Basketball Reference’s Hall of Fame probability model—which is based on height, NBA championships, peak win shares, All-Star selections and appearances on statistical leaderboards—currently gives Embiid roughly a 66 percent chance of becoming a Hall of Famer one day. LeBron, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokić, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are all viewed as locks, while Karl-Anthony Towns, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Klay Thompson are among the active players ahead of Embiid in the model.
So, would Embiid already be a Hall of Famer if he retired tomorrow? If not, what else does he need to accomplish to become a lock?
Is Embiid already a Hall of Famer?
Every eligible NBA player who won at least one Most Valuable Player award is already in the Hall of Fame. Derrick Rose may eventually put that to the test, but based on that alone, Embiid should be in.
Rose got off to a meteoric start in the NBA. He won Rookie of the Year, was named an All-Star in his second season and became the youngest MVP in NBA history in his third year. But an ACL tear during the 2012 playoffs upended the trajectory of his career. He never received another All-Star nod upon his return, although he did emerge as a Sixth Man of the Year contender late in his career.
Injuries have also plagued Embiid throughout his career, but he’s sustained his greatness far longer than Rose did. He finished as the MVP runner-up in back-to-back years before finally outdueling Nikola Jokić in 2022-23, and he already has seven All-Star nods and five All-NBA selections to his name. He also led the league in scoring in back-to-back years and has yet to average fewer than 20 points per game across any of his 10 active seasons.
Only four players in NBA history have at least seven All-Star nods without making it into the Hall of Fame: Chris Paul, LaMarcus Aldridge, Joe Johnson and Larry Foust. CP3 just announced his retirement in February and is a Hall of Fame lock as soon as he becomes eligible for enshrinement, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Aldridge and/or Johnson eventually wind up in the Hall as well.
Embiid’s lack of playoff success is the major knock against his Hall of Fame candidacy, but luckily for him, it’s the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, not just the NBA Hall of Fame. Players’ college and international accomplishments get considered as well, and Embiid helped Team USA win a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Embiid’s NBA peak alone might be enough to earn his ticket to Springfield one day. His Olympics exploits should only be the icing on the cake.
Does he still have work to do?
If Embiid isn’t already a Hall of Fame lock, two main things will be holding him back: injuries and a lack of playoff success.
Embiid missed his first two seasons due to injuries and has played in only 490 of a possible 801 games since he made his debut. He combined to play only 96 games over the past three seasons combined.
Embiid went into this past season thinking he “was done” because of the knee injury that submarined his 2024-25 campaign. However, at the end of the year, he was optimistic that he and the team “found something” that should have his knee in better shape next season. (His new svelte look can’t hurt, either.)
With LeBron James and Jaylen Brown now in the fold, Embiid isn’t likely to average 30-plus points per game again anytime soon. The Sixers don’t need him to do that anymore, and reducing the wear and tear on his body during the regular season should be one of their top priorities. But even if his per-game averages dip, staying healthy could go a long way toward addressing the other major knock on his resume.
Embiid has yet to drag the Sixers past the Eastern Conference semifinals, although he’s had plenty of heartbreak and near-misses along the way. While the East looks loaded this year, the talent around him makes this arguably his best-ever chance to go on a deep playoff run.
If the Sixers make it to the conference finals or beyond before Embiid retires, his Hall of Fame case will be that much more iron-clad. If Embiid ever helps the Sixers win a championship, the Hall might as well start working on his plaque right then and there.
But if injuries rear their ugly head again and Embiid never makes it past the conference semifinals, the “what if?” aspect of his career might be the only thing that could hold him out of the Hall.
As if the Sixers needed any extra motivation heading into this all-in season, a championship would go a long way toward cementing Embiid’s Hall of Fame candidacy—and Brown’s as well, for that matter.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. - APRIL 2026 Kevin Garnett acknowledges the crowd at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The Hall of Fame forward and all-time franchise leader in nearly every major statistical category walked into the arena after player introductions, receiving a roar from the crowd and patting his heart with his hand. Garnett, who had a falling out with previous owner Glen Taylor after his career was over, reached an agreement last year with the team to serve as an ambassador. His No. 21 jersey will be retired at a later date. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans, final regular season game. (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images) | Star Tribune via Getty Images
On Friday morning, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced the day that Kevin Garnett’s jersey is finally going up in the rafters.
This will be just the second game after the All-Star break on a Sunday evening. The Wolves will play host to the team that first retired KG’s number (#5), and where he finally won a well-deserved championship, the Boston Celtics. He hasn’t been shy about how much the Celtics have meant to him, so one will have to wonder which team he’ll be rooting for that night. Is it possible he sits courtside dawning an abomination of a jersey like this?
I am not going to share the link to where to find this jersey.
All jokes aside, this jersey retirement is 10 years overdue. Had it not been for his long standing feud with former Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, number 21 would have been up at Target Center right between the late Malik Sealy’s #2 and the Flip Saunders banner. The energy will surely be electric that night. You better believe that once single-game tickets go on sale, they’ll be scooped up immediately.
For those of you who were asleep for the last year, it was formally announced in December 2025 that new Timberwolves owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez were bringing Garnett back into the organizational fold. He would be coming aboard in a role on the business, community, and content side of the team. KG would also soon return to Target Center for a Timberwolves game for the first time in eight years, walking into the arena to a raucous standing ovation alongside his daughters.
KG’s jersey retirement ceremony will surely be filled with lots of emotions and special guests, but surely not many dry eyes.
Until then, I leave you with one of my favorite videos on YouTube. It’s a carefully curated 11-minute long pictorial video created by garnetttribute, detailing his career (until that point) backwards. It starts hitting me in my feels around the 7:55 mark. So many memories resurface in my head not just of KG, but my life around that time.
