Warriors' news from @TheSteinLine – Porzingis expected to be back on a new deal before free agency period starts – still interested in LeBron James – expected to pursue names like Jock Landale, Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton – had interest in Kevin Porter Jr. before he picked up…
LeBron James still is contemplating his future a few days ahead of free agency starting. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
The Warriors’ reported offer would be the lowest offer James has received in free agency and would be the lowest annual salary he’s had since he signed a four-year, $60 million extension with the Cavaliers in 2007.
James is set to enter his 24th NBA season and will turn 42 in late December. Last season, James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists for the Lakers, who reportedly have not made an offer to the unrestricted free agent.
The Warriors and James have a long history. He played Golden State in four consecutive NBA Finals with the Cavaliers beginning in 2015. The Warriors got the better of James by winning those matchups in 2015, 2017 and 2018.
The Warriors might pursue Collin Sexton and Anfernee Simons (22) in free agency. NBAE via Getty Images
If the Warriors don’t end up landing James and decide to go after Simons or Sexton, it would likely be a battle between the two guards, who became teammates in the middle of last season.
Last season, Simons started with the Celtics but was traded at the NBA deadline to the Bulls. He played a pivotal part in the Celtics’ offense while Boston was without Jayson Tatum for most of the season.
Simons averaged 14.2 points and 2.4 assists per game last season.
Sexton started the season with the Hornets after he was traded by the Jazz.
Sexton saw increased minutes when he landed in Chicago and started averaging more points per game (17.5) and rebounds (2.9).
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 3: Devin Vassell #24, Julian Champagnie #30, Victor Wembanyama #1, and Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs huddle up during the game against the New York Knicks during Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 3, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Spurs added four rookies during the draft. Who are you most excited about, and who, if anyone, did you wish they had drafted instead?
Marilyn Dubinski: As someone who is not a college basketball aficionado, it’s hard to get too high or low on anyone when you’re well outside the lottery for the first time and years and don’t know anything about anyone until they’re Spurs. That being said, I like the approach the Spurs took. They went directly at their most exposed weakness in the first round, which was a lack of size and physicality down low, and even doubled down by trading for a second pick. Jayden Quaintance is a long-term project with his knee but could have the Spurs once again owning the steal of the draft when/if he gets going again. And if not? Tarris Reed is about the best insurance policy they could have asked for. The second round was less exciting, but with the power forward market in both the draft and FA a bit dry, there’s a chance for at least Maliq Brown to show something (but I wouldn’t count on it).
Mark Barrington: I like taking a swing on Quaintance, although he’s not likely to help next season. Tarris Reed looks like he can help this upcoming regular season, although rookies are rarely playoff-ready in their first go (Dylan Harper excepted). As Marilyn mentioned, the Spurs drafted two guys at their biggest position of need. Their lack of an athletic big to take some of the pressure off Wembanyama and give him sufficient rest to be fresh at the end of games was exposed by the Knicks in the finals. These guys will be big helps in the future, but the future is now for the Spurs. I’m worried about JQ’s history of injuries, as the Spurs have had bad luck in the past with drafting injured players who haven’t panned out. A lot of people mention DeJuan Blair, but I can go back a long way and remember James Anderson (foot) and Livio Jean-Charles (knee). I trust that the Spurs have done their homework and they have a high degree of confidence that Jayden will be fully healthy, even if he has to take a redshirt year.
I’m not concerned about the second-round picks. Gillespie could slot in as a replacement for Jordan McLaughlin or Lindy Waters, and Maliq Brown as a development player who could make the rotation if he improves his offense. One or both of them will probably be on a 2-way contract next year, and both of them will play mostly in Austin if they make the team.
Jacob Douglas: Long-term, the idea of at least one of Victor Wembanyama and Quaintance protecting the rim is about as exciting as it gets. San Antonio has the depth to let Quaintance sit for the majority of the season if it needs to give him time to get healthy. Then, they could have one of the most dominant defensive front courts in the NBA.
In the meantime, Reed should be able to log some minutes at center. He gives San Antonio that bruising size they’ve needed alongside Wembanyama for a bit. However, unless they were worried about a team 21-25 selecting Quaintance, I would have liked to see them grab Cameron Carr from Baylor at 20, and then pick Quaintance at 26. Yes, the Spurs need size, but they also need shooting. Carr is a knockdown three-point shooter and a high flyer who could eventually fill out into a 3&D wing. Addressing that and grabbing a big man in the draft would have been a huge win.
Jeje Gomez: I was intrigued by Houston’s Chris Cenan Jr. because of his raw tools, but the Quaintance pick seems like the type of upside swing the team can afford to take. The consensus seems to be that he would have been a lottery talent if he had been healthy, and his Arizona State season backs that up. He could be a special defender who is a decent jumper away from being a two-way force, and the fact that he will be just 18 for a couple more weeks shows that he has plenty of room to grow. Reed is less exciting but seems NBA-ready physically and mentally, as he knows what he is and is happy to just do the non-glamorous jobs.
It was surprising to see the Spurs pick a small guard and a forward who can’t shoot in the second round, since the league is moving away from those archetypes, but maybe that’s why they were available and could prove to be valuable. Either way, it’s always better not to have high expectations for second-rounders, so if they ever contribute, it’d be a bonus.
Free agency is close, and after the draft, the Spurs still haven’t upgraded the power forward spot. Who would you like them to target, or do you think they are set at PF?
Dubinski: As previously mentioned, it’s a pretty dry market. I don’t see LeBron James wanting to leave the state of California (and don’t really desire him, plus likely the only thing that would have drawn him here would have been playing for Pop, and that’s not an option anymore). Beyond him and Draymond Green, whom I also have no interest in, the best options are John Collins and Tobias Harris. And you know what? We’ve been talking about Collins as a potential Spur for at least five years now. Why not just make it happen so we can finally see what we’ve been missing? If the Spurs don’t pursue a power forward, I’m going to assume that their eventual goal is for Wemby to move back to his preferred position of PF, and the stockpiling of centers is to actually see who can play alongside him.
Barrington: I think the Spurs still need help at power forward, but their history in free agency is that they don’t really go for it, as they tend to try to develop players internally. Tarris Reed is more of a center than a power forward, but he might end up doing some twin towers work with Wemby this season, as Victor slides to the forward position. John Collins is interesting, and he’d be a good addition, but it all depends on how much it costs to obtain him.
Douglas: San Antonio can offer roughly $15M and up to four years with the non-taxpayer MLE. They can also trade for a player into that slot. John Collins and Rui Hachimura are the names I’ve seen mentioned most frequently. Collins would provide some vertical spacing as a lob threat and has shot around 40% from three on about three attempts per game over the last two seasons. He’s probably the best fit, but still comes with questions. Can he hold down the paint and guard the perimeter while Wembanyama roams defensively? He isn’t the greatest rebounder either (11.4% rebound rate).
I’d stay away from Hachimura, who would be duplicative with Julian Champagnie. Yes, Hachimura hit 44.3% of his three-pointers, but those looks are typically stand-still catch-and-shoot jumpers, like the ones Champagnie gets. He’s a worse rebounder (only a 6.9% rebound rate) and a worse defender. San Antonio needs a four who can play inside and out, and can do some of the dirty work for Wembanyama inside. Hachimura is not a fit in that regard.
May I present a third door? Are we sure the Spurs want to commit 15M a year to a role player when they have looming contract extensions for Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper? What if they went have someone a little cheaper instead? San Antonio had reported interest in Guerschon Yabusele last offseason. He got back on track in a bigger role with the Chicago Bulls late last year. He’d provide the same level of rebounding as Collins while shooting 38% from three (with the Bulls). He’d be a cheaper option who could do a lot of the things San Antonio needs from a power forward.
Gomez: Rumors about Aaron Gordon being potentially available have me wanting the Spurs to take a big swing, but after getting to the Finals, it’s unlikely they will do anything drastic. I’d settle for them getting Hachimura, Tobias Harris, or Collins, and I’ll add Precious Achiuwa to the list of desirable targets. Achiuwa is not a shooter, but he’s a big forward who can also play as a small ball center in a pinch thanks to his rebounding, and he brought energy to a Kings team that severely lacked it last season. He could do the same for a Spurs team that might get complacent now that it knows it’s elite and will have a target on its back.
If they decide to go for cheaper targets, Kenrich Williams could be interesting. He has playoff experience, can shoot a little, and doesn’t shy away from physicality.
There have been a few high-profile players who seem to be available via trade. Do you think the Spurs should go hard after any of them?
Dubinski: I don’t think so. Jalen Brown is both too combustible and expensive (plus, it seems he wants to be first fiddle, and that’s even less likely here than Boston), and someone like Ja Morant is not a position of need and a hard pass for the Spurs’ system and culture. Plus, any trades for major players would likely require De’Aaron Fox for salary purposes; the Spurs have made it clear they have no intention of trading him, and as Jesus pointed out, it wouldn’t be a good look for them at this juncture. (And for the record, I’m not on the trade Fox bandwagon. I think the results would have been different if his ankle had been healthy. Blame Ayo Dosunmo.)
Barrington: I honestly can’t believe the deal that Minnesota gave up for Julius Randle. He is still a useful player, but they basically swapped the 28th pick for the 33rd to dump Randle’s salary, just so they could overpay Ayo Dosunmo. If the Spurs can find another team having a fire sale on good players because they’re churning the roster, maybe they can take advantage of another team’s cap problems, as they have a pretty decent situation for the next year or two before things start to explode with Wemby and Castle getting their second contracts and Fox’s max kicking in. I just don’t see it happening, but I expect that Brian Wright will be keeping an ear to the ground to listen for signs of other teams having salary cap-induced panic attacks.
Douglas: No, partly because I don’t think San Antonio has assets it should sacrifice to get one of them. Aaron Gordon or Leonard (gulp) would be the perfect fits with this team, but would likely require giving up De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, and/or Keldon Johnson to get them. This offseason shouldn’t be about a major shakeup. It should be about adding pieces around the edges that can maximize a core that made it all the way to the NBA Finals in their first full season playing together. A trade for a star that requires a major sacrifice could either boost them into the stratosphere or kill all of the momentum from last season.
Gomez: The way the Spurs acted at the deadline last season, when they stood pat despite having big expiring contracts, suggests they are happy with their core, so I doubt they are seriously considering making a big move. It’s always good to do the due diligence and check what it would take to land an established star, and there are some exciting names that could make San Antonio better, but I just don’t see a big trade coming, for better or for worse.
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 17: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic during the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament on April 17, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
You never know when or where an NBA transaction is going to strike, especially this time of year. I took the gamble. I loaded my family and the dogs into the truck and headed for the coast this weekend. The destination was Huntington Beach, California. Surf City, USA. I figured nothing major would happen as I felt the team was a good place.
Sure, running it back wasn’t sexy. But it was responsible, especially considering the transgressions of the past and where the franchise currently stood. Knowing that both Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale would be on expiring contracts next offseason, along with Jalen Green, meant the organization had an entire season to evaluate whether its culture had truly taken hold, how the pieces fit together, and whether its path of alignment and development would ultimately lead to success.
Then, as I was getting ready to head down to the beach, my phone buzzed. The Suns had traded both Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale for Miles Bridges.
BREAKING: The Charlotte Hornets are trading Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and a 2033 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/vjcR7AdwSD
What are my initial thoughts on the acquisition of Miles Bridges, along with a 2029 first-round pick swap and a 2027 second-round pick swap, in exchange for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and an unprotected 2033 first-round pick? Let’s grade the trade.
Draft Capital Exchange Grade: D+
I’ll start here: why include a 2033 first-round pick? This is an organization allergic to retaining unprotected futures, aren’t they? Bridges is an expiring deal. You are giving them two players for that expiring. You are getting back the 2029 first-round pick you sent out for Mark Williams, which is a heavily swapped “worst-of-the-worst” draft pick. You’re getting a swapped second-round pick in 2027. Are those worth an unprotected 2033? I simply don’t get it.
I can understand the “well, the kid is currently in sixth grade, so who cares?” point of view. But I don’t agree with it. Every kid was a sixth grader once. Devin Booker was. Imagine if the Suns traded his draft rights in 2008 for an expiring power forward. I understand the philosophy, but at some point, you are going to have to lean into lottery youth to restart your program. 2033 could be that year, but it no longer has the chance to be.
Sooner or later, especially with the new draft rules, a Suns pick that they no longer own will end up high in the lottery, and we’ll be kicking ourselves down Jefferson Street because of it.
The one plus is that, by making this deal, they have opened up accessibility to all of their first-round draft capital between now and 2029. So if they like what they have as an organization, that can improve by attaching those picks. Jalen Green, anyone…
After this Miles Bridges trade and opening up access to their draft picks for the next four years in other trades, I’m starting to believe Jalen Green’s long-term future isn’t in Phoenix.
This is a team that is positioning itself for a big move, whether it’s now or in months.
I know Miles Bridges is a player this organization has targeted for quite some time. I’ve been writing about him for the past few seasons, and I understand the eventual need to move on from both Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale. My question is whether this truly maximizes their outgoing value.
The Suns acquire Bridges and his $22.8 million expiring contract. Make no mistake about it, the fact that it’s an expiring deal doesn’t mean an extension isn’t already part of the plan. I fully expect the Suns to bring him back.
This Suns trade for Miles Bridges came about late last night. The plan is that Bridges will not just be here for one year – at some point not sure when they would like to extend him. To replace Grayson Allen the Suns are looking at 7 to 8 free agent shooting guards. So, another…
The financial side of this deal is significant as well. Before the trade, Phoenix sat $5.4 million below the second apron and $7.6 million above the first apron. By moving the combined $29 million owed to Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen and taking back Bridges at $22.8 million, the Suns save more than $20 million in luxury tax payments while reducing their payroll by roughly $6.2 million. They now sit only $1.7 million above the first apron.
They also opened a roster spot. From a financial standpoint, that’s meaningful flexibility. The question is whether that flexibility, combined with Miles Bridges, was worth the price they paid.
What does this mean? It means the Suns can now use a portion of their non-taxpayer mid-level exception to add another player when free agency opens on June 30. Perhaps Luke Kennard becomes a target. Whoever it is, it needs to be someone who can shoot the three-ball because the Suns just traded away two of the better three-point shooters in the league for a player who is a career 33.8% shooter from beyond the arc.
And that’s the challenge with all of this for Phoenix. Throughout the offseason, many people pounded the table for the Suns to acquire a power forward. Well, they did. But no matter what move they made, they were always going to be shifting their problems rather than eliminating them. There is no catch-all solution. There is no magic move that fixes every hole on the roster. There are only tradeoffs.
Yes, the Suns brought in a power forward. But he’s an undersized power forward who doesn’t stretch the floor, so now you’ve addressed one need while creating another. You sent out shooting, and now you have to find shooting. That’s the reality of roster construction when you’re chasing your tail. It becomes even more difficult when you’re carrying $23.2 million in dead cap.
We’ll have much more clarity on the full scope of this transaction once the new season begins. First, we need to see who the Suns add to fill that open roster spot. If that player, combined with Miles Bridges, proves to be a better combination than Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, then it’s a net positive. That’s a good trade.
There’s also another wrinkle to consider. Because the Charlotte Hornets already had a deal in place with the Minnesota Timberwolves involving LaMelo Ball earlier this weekend, there’s a possibility this transaction gets folded into that larger deal. If that happens, the Suns could potentially receive one or more additional assets.
As it stands right now, I walk away from this trade a little perplexed, but certainly intrigued. There’s also the moral dilemma.
Miles Bridges arrives with an off-court reputation that most people would not describe as positive. For a team that has spent the better part of a year talking about culture and identity, it’s fair to wonder what impact that has inside the locker room. It’s already created outrage among portions of the fan base.
Overall Grade: C+
Did the Suns take a step forward or a step backward? Right now, I don’t think we have enough information to answer that question. The roster isn’t complete, the additional flexibility created by the deal hasn’t been utilized, and there could still be more to this transaction than we currently know. My initial reaction, however, is that it feels like a step backward. I can’t help but feel there was more value to be extracted had the Suns played this a little more patiently. I can’t help but feel like the team added a first-round draft pick that didn’t need to be included.
But what’s done is done. Now we wait to see how the rest of the offseason unfolds.
I don’t hate the depth chart, though. I see the short-term viability and the long-term vision. This move tells me Phoenix still believes its competitive window is open, but it’s trying to win with younger legs instead of older veterans.
It’s funny. As I finish writing these words and get ready to head down to the beach, I can’t help but think about one thing. If you had told me two summers ago that the Phoenix Suns would one day have Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Miles Bridges on the same roster, I wonder what my response would have been. I wonder what I would have thought about that team’s chances of being successful.
Knowing there’s also an influx of young talent developing behind them makes it even more intriguing. That’s the word I keep coming back to. Intriguing. And it reminds me of something I said two summers ago: the Suns might not always be good, but they’re always entertaining.
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a three point basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 31, 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
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a few challenging decisions to make with some of their own free agents, but the most interesting one will be forward Dean Wade. Despite his shooting numbers, teams recognize the importance of a tall wing defender – and a number of organizations are reportedly interested.
Mike Scotto of HoopsHype reports that Wade has several potential suitors aside from the Cavs: the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, and the Portland Trail Blazers. It should be no surprise that all of those teams made the playoffs.
There are several Cavalier connections with a few of those teams that make it reasonable to think Wade will be tough to keep. Former General Manager Mike Gansey now runs the Sixers and understands what Wade provides to a team as a perimeter defender. Suns head coach Jordan Ott was an assistant in Cleveland and coached Wade. The same goes for J.B Bickerstaff in Detroit, and the Pistons would certainly like to have another two-way player. Then there are the Lakers, who could be in need of a small forward if one of theirs (cough, cough) happens to leave.
The Cavs are in a precarious position with their depth, especially on the wing. Max Strus is on an expiring contract, and will be hard to move for something better. Keon Ellis is a pending free agent and did not end the season on a good note. Much will be expected of Jaylon Tyson, but he is still a young player with limited experience. Wade has the trust of head coach Kenny Atkinson, in no small part because the analytics say the Cavs are better with him on the floor. Letting Wade walk would be a daring venture for the Cavs, unless they have another plan to get the ever-elusive starting small forward.
Dec 11, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) watches the action from the team bench during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
We’re not even that deep into the offseason, and the stories circulating the Raptors’ trade market are getting crazy.
A possible return from the 2019 champion has already been discussed, in the wake of a report from Jake Fischer. This is a rumour that has only heated up more with the reporter breaking the news that over this weekend, Toronto and Los Angeles have been corresponding and potentially working out a deal to get Kawhi Leonard in the Raptors’ red and black again.
This marks a more significant jump the stakes for a Leonard-to-Toronto deal. Previously, the Clippers had indicated the desire to continue building around Leonard, but with the team stuck in play-in-purgatory, dependent on the notoriously injury-prone forward while lacking significant scoring pieces around him, it seems like they might be willing to move on.
In discussions with the Clippers, sources say Toronto has expressed a preference in dealing Brandon Ingram to Los Angeles, as opposed to RJ Barrett.
Pushing to send Ingram to the Clippers suggest that the Raptors are more interested in building around RJ Barrett at small forward, which is likely a reaction to the play of both men in the Cleveland series during this year’s playoffs.
The Raptors are in the favourable position of controlling their first round picks well into the next decade, and thus have the ability to put up massive draft capital to acquire a star player like Kawhi. Packaging the All-Star forward with future picks could allow for a mutually beneficial deal, allowing the Clippers to remain somewhat competitive while retooling their roster, and getting a windfall of picks in a future draft to either keep, or use themselves to swing for a player. The Raptors would then be thrust into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference, equipped with one of the league’s best two-way players alongside a very solid defensive core, and would very much be one or two moves away from being in serious contention for a championship.
However, there are of course concerns that factor into this decision. As last year was one of Kawhi’s finest outings as a player, the Raptors would be buying somewhat high on the famously injury-prone 34 year old. The Raptors themselves have struggled with injuries over the past few years, and having more money sitting on the bench is less than ideal. An alternative acquisition the Raptors have also been linked to has been that of a more reliably available player, Boston’s Jaylen Brown.
Brown was very publicly put on the trade block when Giannis was still on the market, and the outspoken forward has long been considered unhappy with his role on the Celtics, playing second fiddle to Jayson Tatum. With Brown at the helm last year, the Celtics cruised to the second seed in the east, defying expectations and demonstrating that Brown could indeed lead a team to regular season success. Despite being taken out by the 76ers in the playoffs, Brown certainly proved himself as a franchise centrepiece, and could provide the Raptors with much needed scoring and an refresh at small forward. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype has noted that Toronto is in the mix to get Brown, but there is less concrete information on what a potential trade could look like.
It’s safe to assume that Brandon Ingram would play a central role in any deal with the Celtics as well. Pairing Brown with Scottie would give the Raptors a much more developed 1-2 punch, and placate Brown’s clear desire to be the number one option on a championship team, giving him a partner that could suit his tastes better than his current Boston teammates. The decision between the two players could be a tough one. Kawhi has a legacy in Toronto but some serious injury considerations, and Brown could be a fantastic newcomer, but after an incident where he publicly insulted Scottie Barnes last year, his chemistry within the team could be harder to establish.
Regardless, the Raptors have not been idle since the draft, and seem to be looking to make a big move within the next year. NBA Free Agency begins on June 30th at 6:00PM, and more details for what Toronto will do are sure to follow soon. Keep an eye out here for the latest on Raps movement!
Before Leonard signed with the Clippers during the 2019 NBA offseason, he had a one-year stint in Toronto after he was traded by the Spurs to the Raptors in the 2018 offseason.
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard might be traded during the offseason. NBAE via Getty Images
The 2018-2019 season was one for the ages for Leonard as he led Toronto to its first championship in franchise history and was crowned Finals MVP after the Raptors dethroned the Warriors, the reigning back-to-back champions.
Fischer reported that if a reunion between Leonard and the Raptors happens, Toronto would prefer trading Brandon Ingram as opposed to trading RJ Barrett.
Ingram is fairly familiar with the Los Angeles landscape after being selected with the second pick of the 2016 NBA Draft by the Lakers.
In discussions with the Clippers, sources say Toronto has expressed a preference in dealing Brandon Ingram to Los Angeles, as opposed to RJ Barrett.
Ingram is coming off his second career All-Star season after averaging 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game last season.
Barrett was a former third overall pick by the Knicks in the 2019 NBA Draft. He is coming off a season in which he averaged 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.
Leonard is set to enter the final year of his contract and will make $50.3 million this season. Ingram makes $40 million next season and has a player option of $41.9 million next year.
The Raptors are reportedly interested in reacquiring Kawhi Leonard this offseason. Getty Images
Recent reports have indicated that if Leonard and the Clippers can’t agree on an extension this year, they could look into trading him this offseason.
Reports also have indicated the Warriors remain interested in trading for Leonard, which could drive up the asking price by the Clippers if there is an all-out bidding war for the former two-time Finals MVP.
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 20: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 20, 2026 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball walk off the court after defeating the Sacramento Kings at Spectrum Center on March 24, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Bridges was dealt to the Suns along with a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-rounder for veteran shooters Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, along with an unprotected 2033 first-round pick.
The trade marks the end of an era for the Hornets, who have now moved on from the two players that defined the franchise for much of the past six seasons, for better or worse.
Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball walk off the court after defeating the Sacramento Kings at Spectrum Center on March 24, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Getty Images
Ball, along with Josh Green, was traded to Minnesota earlier this week in one of the offseason’s biggest surprises as Charlotte received Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three future first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030 and three second-round picks.
Now, Bridges — his longtime running mate — has followed him out the door and into the Western Conference.
Charlotte appears intent on reshaping their image.
Jeff Peterson, formerly the assistant general manager of the Nets, and head coach Charles Lee, a championship-winning assistant with the Celtics and Bucks, will look to ensure that the team moves forward with a different identity.
The Hornets have been built around the Ball-Bridges duo since they drafted the former at No. 3 overall in 2020, but the organization still hasn’t seen playoff basketball since 2016.
Still, these big moves are not without controversy, considering that the Hornets were No. 1 in net rating in the calendar year of 2026 and ended the season on a 28-10 run, giving them 44 wins — their most since 2015-16 — and their third play-in trip since 2021.
Miles Bridges has been with the Hornets since the 2018-19 season, other than the 2022-23 campaign, where he didn’t play primarily due to a domestic violence incident. Getty Images
The team did fall short of the playoffs after being blitzed by the Magic in their play-in game this past April.
The decision to move Bridges now is especially notable considering the productive season he put together and the fact that he has one year left on his contract worth over $22.7 million.
The athletic forward remained one of Charlotte’s primary scoring options while also contributing as a rebounder and secondary playmaker, though he was clearly the team’s fourth preferred option offensively behind Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.
Miles Bridges reacts after making the game-winning block against the Miami Heat during the 2026 Play-In Tournament. Getty Images
For Phoenix, the acquisition represents an aggressive attempt to strengthen its frontcourt with a player capable of scoring at all three levels while defending multiple positions, in theory.
The Suns also gain a player entering the final year of his contract, providing cap flexibility.
For Charlotte, however, the message is clear. This, even from last season, is a new era of Hornets basketball.
Trading Ball alone would have signaled a dramatic philosophical shift.
Following it by moving Bridges confirms the franchise is fully committed to building around a new core centered on Miller and Knueppel, in particular.
The Hornets also maintain the second-most tradeable first-round picks, and because Miller — for one more season — and Knupeppel, for three more years, are on their rookie scale contracts, it might not be long before the Hornets pursue a third star to pair with the dynamic duo.
INGLEWOOD CA - APRIL 8, 2026: LA Clippers forward John Collins (20) stands with his hands on his hips after he is charged with a foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Intuit Dome on April 8, 2026 in Inglewood, CA.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
NBA free agency is approaching and Sixers slop is trickling out.
The Sixers have had a seemingly-perennial hole at the four position they’ve been trying to fill on a discount. While minimum signing Guerschon Yabusele and two-way player Dominick Barlow both exceeded expectations, neither was a long-term solution. And with the selection of Labaron Philon Jr. at 22nd overall, the need for a reliable four remains.
Collins makes a good bit of on-court sense. The 28-year-old, who once tortured the Sixers as a member of the Atlanta Hawks, is entering his 10th NBA season and has played in 541 career games (466 starts). He can shoot (40.6 from three last season), rebound (9.6 rebounds per 36 minutes for his career) and offer weakside rim protection (1.2 blocks per 36 minutes). In certain matchups, he can even be used as a small-ball five with his ability to finish plays at the rim or pick-and-pop.
He’s ideal for the Sixers because he can space the floor and this team needs shooting. He can help make up for the rebounding struggles of Joel Embiid while also crushing the offensive glass from the dunker spot. He can be a strong pick-and-roll partner for Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Philon. All that and he’s not a player who needs the ball to be effective — a key element for a guy playing with this team’s Big 4.
He’s far from a perfect player. He’s not a zero with the ball in his hands, but he’s not a real shot creator or playmaker. He can shoot, but he’s never been a volume shooter. He moves his feet decently on the perimeter, but can be beat by quicker guards and wings. It’s also been a while since he’s played real competitive basketball having spent last season with the Clippers and the previous two seasons with the Utah Jazz.
The question will be the money. Collins might be one of the few free agents who commands the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception at around $15 million. The Sixers using the full NTMLE on Collins would hardcap them at the first apron and could limit what else they can do. They would have access to the bi-annual exception, but it would likely mean they lose both Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes in free agency.
Collins could be the solution to the Sixers’ problems at the four, but Mike Gansey and the front office will have to decide if it’s worth the cost.
During Jimmy Butler’s 15-year NBA career, he’s played for five different teams. But it appears he’s found his home.
According to ESPN NBA insider Anthony Slater, Butler said he wants to retire with the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler said he wants to end his career with the Warriors. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“End is a bad word, but this is where I want to be done,” Butler told Slater. “Retire here. This organization is top-tier. It’s the best. Keep it a buck. It’s the best. You’re playing with one of the greatest players ever. I’m grateful to be able to witness this. I want to be able to do my part, get this organization back on top where we belong.”
Butler has only appeared in 68 games for Golden State after his 2025-26 season was cut short due to a torn ACL injury he suffered in January.
When Butler arrived, he sparked a 23-8 run that propelled the Warriors to the playoffs, where they stunned the Rockets in the first round.
That playoff run was derailed when Steph Curry was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Butler and Curry have only appeared in 60 games together since his arrival.
“It just sucks because we ain’t never really been healthy together,” Butler told Slater. “Part of winning is being healthy. You ain’t seen us healthy at the end in the playoffs when it matters. Let’s be healthy and then all of that [doubting] can be heard.”
Butler wants to see what the Warriors can do when everyone is healthy. Jaime Schultz/Shutterstock
As Butler is preparing to come back from his injury and resume playing alongside Curry and Draymond Green, he told Slater his rehab process has been great. Butler is six weeks away from running full speed but is fully capable of jumping and dunking off his left leg.
We're just a little more than 48 hours before the official start of NBA free agency (although let's be honest, teams have got a lot of their roster-building work done already, including things yet to officially happen). The rumors are flying fast. Here are some of the latest around the NBA.
Seven teams interested in Jaylen Brown
At least seven teams have stepped up with interest in trading for Brown — the Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks and LA Clippers — reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. He also confirms previous reporting that Houston is not in the mix.
Portland comes up a lot in rumors, but they will not put All-Star Deni Avdija in a trade (which also was true around the Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors), and to this point have not been willing to put Toumani Camara or Donovan Clingan in the deal, but it likely would take one or both (and more) to get the deal done, Scotto reports. He adds Portland wants to put Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson in the deal.
He also says that talks with the Hornets have cooled and the Clippers were always a long shot.
Raptors talking with Clippers about Leonard
It's been difficult to tell exactly how serious the Clippers are about trading Kawhi Leonard, if at all. Reportedly, owner Steve Ballmer doesn't want to trade him, but if contract extension talks stall out — as they are rumored to be doing — then a trade may be in play.
The Raptors have had "real trade conversations" with the Clippers in the past couple of days, reports NBA insider Jake Fischer. Toronto would like to make the heart of this deal Brandon Ingram for Leonard, but the Clippers are reportedly more interested in RJ Barrett and others. It's all something to watch.
Jokic, Nuggets delay extension talks
Nikola Jokic is extension-eligible this summer. However, just like last summer, the two sides have decided to postpone those talks, reports Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
That does not mean Jokic is considering leaving Denver, he has "reiterated a desire to stay long-term in Denver in recent talks," reports Scotto at Hoopshype. This echoes what Jokic himself made clear at the end of the season.
Both Jokic and Denver realize they have a lot of work to do on the roster to compete with Oklahoma City, San Antonio and the other teams at the top of the West. One priority is re-signing Peyton Watson. Also, a number of Nuggets have been mentioned as possibly being traded, including Christian Braun, Jonas Valančiūnas, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Cam Johnson. We could see Denver take a big swing for a player like Jaylen Brown. Whatever it is, Jokic will be a part of it and the sides will figure out the money later.
Mitchell Robinson talks free agency
Increasingly, it feels like Mitchell Robinson will be the odd man out in New York. There is just no way to bring back the entire roster and meet owner James Dolan's line in the sand of not crossing into the second apron (Robinson alone likely makes enough to put the team over at this point).
Robinson talked about the possibility of returning to New York as a free agent during an interview with WGNO (via New York Basketball):
WGNO "Free agency…Do you hope to be back with the Knicks…maybe build a dynasty in New York?"
Mitchell Robinson "We can see what happens. It would be great, try to do it, to run it back again, try to go back to back…defending champs, so we'll…that's…very a possibility" pic.twitter.com/AMiPn26k8F
Nobody doubts Robinson wants to return to the Knicks, but a guy who should get a raise off the nearly $13 million he made last season would have to take a steep pay cut to stick around, or the team would have to change its course and go above the second apron.
Lakers interested in Cam Johnson, others
It's no secret the Lakers are looking to upgrade on the wing with two-way players that fit better around Luka Doncic.
That has them considering Denver's Cam Johnson (who reportedly is available via trade) and Cleveland free agent Dean Wade, reports Scotto of HoopsHype.
Johnson would be a one-year tryout for the Lakers, he is on an expiring $23.1 million deal. Johnson is exactly who the Lakers need on paper, but he hasn't always lived up to expectations. He averaged 12.2 points per game in Denver but shot 43% from beyond the arc.
There are several other teams checking in on Johnson's availability, including the Celtics, Heat, Clippers and Magic, Scotto reports. Wade is a high-level defender but is not a positive player on offense.
Other trade, free agency rumors
• Cleveland open to trading Strus, Schroeder. The Cavaliers were already over the second apron of the luxury tax, and now they are trying to negotiate a new long-term deal with James Harden and keep Dean Wade in-house. That could mean trading one or both of Max Strus and Dennis Schroder, reports Scotto of Hoopshype. Strus is set to make $16.7 million next season, and he played in just 12 games last season due to a bone fracture and foot surgery. That said, during the postseason, he showed his two-way wing potential and his value.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 15: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles away from Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat during a 117-108 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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 2025 NBAE. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There are a ton of things that get discussed and considered for every team during the offseason.
Teams have to consider best- and worst-case scenarios and have a multitude of pathways towards a successful offseason. It’s why Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka is constantly talking about optionality during press conferences, even if fans roll their eyes when he does.
Before Herro joined Milwaukee in the Antetokounmpo trade and the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a four-year, $185 million max deal with Austin Reaves, the Lakers had trade discussions surrounding Herro and Kel’el Ware, which would’ve involved multiple first-round draft picks, league sources told HoopsHype.
Clearly, the best-case scenario was keeping Reaves, and the Lakers pulled it off. Still, it’s good to know they had backup plans just in case.
In another timeline, Herro is paired with Luka Dončić, and the Lakers are hoping that’s enough to win them some games. While it’s unknown if Herro will remain with the Bucks or if this is just a quick stop before another move, it’s unlikely he’ll be a player of interest for the purple and gold.
Kel’el Ware, on the other hand, has remained in Lakers rumors. The team is reportedly still interested, but the Bucks aren’t expected to trade him. From the Lakers’ perspective, acquiring Ware would make sense. He’s a young player with room to grow. He averaged 11.1 points while knocking down 39.5% of his threes this past season.
His scoring ability and 3-point shooting would serve the Lakers well, especially if Luke Kennard leaves in free agency.
Still, it takes two to make a deal, and unless the Bucks change their minds, it won’t happen.
It’s fun to hear about the what-ifs in the basketball world, and even better when they aren’t as good as what actually happened.
While Herro would’ve been fun, the Lakers are better off with Reaves, and they were able to step into their ideal situation with him as their franchise star.
Still, staying ready is the name of the game, and the Lakers need all types of backup plans this summer with the fate of so many of their players being up in the air.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 14: Guard Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles into the defense of forward Cameron Johnson #23 of the Denver Nuggets during the first half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the draft in the rearview mirror, the weekend has signaled the change in focus to free agency. Officially, things get underway on Tuesday. Unofficially, the rumors are coming in hot and fast.
With a slew of rumors coming in quick and fast, here’s a roundup of a handful of them from Sunday.
Helping Nuggets with Cam Johnson trade?
The Lakers’ cap space can become really an asset for the Lakers to help teams get out of cap hell, but how much appetite would they have if the team they help is a Western Conference foe?
On Sunday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Lakers are among the teams interested in Cam Johnson, the Nuggets sharpshooter expected to be moved this offseason.
Meanwhile, as the Nuggets navigate getting below the second apron, sharpshooting forward Cam Johnson has drawn trade interest from several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and Orlando Magic, league sources told HoopsHype. The 30-year-old forward shot career-highs from the field (.480) and beyond the arc (.430), and is on an expiring $23.06 million contract for the upcoming season.
Denver is attempting to shed salary to keep Peyton Watson — more on him later — and Johnson’s large salary is perhaps the easiest to trade as an expiring contract. However, that’s a lot of money for the Lakers to take onto the books, even if they have cap space.
Would they prefer to take on Johnson’s salary, or simply go after Watson?
Chasing Peyton Watson
The Lakers and Watson have been linked for some time. As one of the top wings on the market, albeit as a restricted free agent, it makes sense why the Lakers would go after him.
The same most certainly goes for Denver and Peyton Watson. The Nuggets have been signaling for months that they plan to match any offer sheet for Watson … to the point that sources say it would take an offer sheet in the $30 million range in order for Denver to balk at re-signing him.
The Lakers and Bulls are two teams that have been mentioned as potential Watson suitors going back to February’s trade deadline.
The Lakers have the potential to create that much cap space, but are they willing to assign that much space to an offer sheet for multiple days?
Watson fills a need and is a young player. There are lots of pros for signing him. But to lure away a free agent from their incumbent team, they’ll have to overpay. Is Watson worth overpaying for?
Role player free agents
Not every free agent the Lakers are linked with is a standout player. LA has done well in recent years to hit on the role players or undervalued free agents on the market.
This season, they have been linked to a pair of players via Scotto’s aforementioned piece, first being Dean Wade from the Cavs.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade is expected to have various suitors in free agency, including the Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, and Portland Trail Blazers, league sources told HoopsHype.
Last season in Cleveland, Wade averaged 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He shot 43.9% from the field and 36.2% from the 3-point line.
Along those same lines, the Lakers have also reportedly expressed interest in Jock Landale as well.
Jock Landale has become an intriguing stretch-five heading into free agency, shooting 38.8 percent from 3-point range over the past two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks.
Landale, 30, is expected to have a strong market, including interest from the Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Cleveland Cavaliers, league sources told HoopsHype. Expect the Australian center to command offers north of the bi-annual exception in free agency.
Landale averaged 10.6 points across 27 games, to go along with the 38.8% 3-point shooting mentioned by Scotto. He also grabbed 5.7 rebounds per game.
Neither would be a big addition to the roster, but both could have potential roles with the team.
When Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson recently met with the Utah media, he wasn’t shy to admit who his idol is.
Peterson, who starred for the University of Kansas, was asked about how his defensive skill set will follow his offensive skills. He said he wasn’t too worried about it and said he hopes to be like his idol, Kobe Bryant.
“I’m a Kobe guy; he played both sides of the ball,” Peterson said. “That’s my idol. So I’m trying to lock down on defense.”
"I'm a Kobe guy, so he played both sides of the ball. That's my idol, so I'm trying to lock down on defense."
Kobe Bryant played “both sides of the ball,” Peterson said. Anthony J. Causi
Peterson was selected second overall in the 2026 NBA Draft after playing one season at Kansas, where he averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists over 24 games.
“I would like to say I can be a lockdown defender. Obviously, I haven’t guarded the best in the world yet, but I’m willing to take this challenge. [A] 6-10 wingspan, that can help me a bit,” Peterson said. “Just my effort. I might not be the fastest guy, or quickest guy, but my effort, I will be able to take out some of that.”
Peterson’s stats aren’t comparable to Bryant’s, of course, because Peterson only played one season of college basketball. Bryant had a 20-year Hall of Fame career.
However, similarities exist. Peterson averaged 3.5 defensive rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. In his career, Bryant averaged 4.1 defensive rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
Jazz guard Darryn Peterson calls Kobe Bryant his idol. NBAE via Getty Images
Peterson, a 6-5 guard who weighs 205 pounds, and Bryant had similar measurables. Bryant was 6-6 and weighed 212.
Bryant had what he called “Mamba Mentality,” meaning he didn’t care who he went up against; in his eyes, he felt like he was the best player on the court. Peterson tries to emulate that, too.
During his NBA career, Bryant was a five-time champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP and league MVP in 2008. He led the league in scoring in 2005-06 and 2006-07.
The comment was reported (but not endorsed) by ESPN front office Insider and former Nets assistant general manager Bobby Marks.
“There’s mixed feelings about him when you talk to teams,” Marks said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “The analytics of Jaylen Brown is not good … I had one, not an executive, but an analytics guy say, ‘Yeah, we view him as the seventh-best player on a team.’ I was like, ‘Holy crap.’”
Jaylen Brown continues to be in trade rumors following a career season. Boston Globe via Getty Images
Brown, justifiably so, did not take kindly to the comment.
“Analytics nowadays used to discredit and control narratives – Roll the ball out none of these guys better than me on both ends who does he work for,” he said, which began a series of tweets.
“Nobody has won more combined regular season and playoff games since I entered the league 10 years ago,” Brown continued.
Since Brown was selected No. 3 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, which even then surprised some observers, Brown has 523 regular season and playoff wins combined among the games he has played.
Brown added, “Analytics have / are ruining the game we playing AI hoops.”
Marks replied to Brown’s initial tweet, saying, “But what wasn’t posted was the 2m of saying I’m not an analytics person but an eye test guy. That I would want Jaylen Brown on my team. That you impact winning (191-80 in the last 4 years), is a top-10 player and would help any team looking to win a championship. That part of course didn’t make it. But that’s the media in 2026.”
Brown quipped, “State Your Source,” in a quote tweet, referencing a shirt he wore during the 2024 Celtics parade, commemorating the team’s first title since 2008.
This exchange also follows a back-and-forth from earlier in the week in which Brown referred to ESPN as “unethical” while singling out Stephen A Smith, in particular, which obviously got a reply from the opinionated long-time First Take host.
Analytics nowadays used to discredit and control narratives – Roll the ball out none of these guys better than me on both ends who does he work for https://t.co/ql3skXAutM
Brown continues to surface in trade rumors this offseason and was the Celtics’ leading trade chip in their failed pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, which saw the former two-time MVP dealt to the Miami Heat on June 22.
Boston’s asking price for the 2024 Finals MVP is reportedly very high, while Brown is coming off his best individual season, which was mostly without Jayson Tatum, who missed significant time due to Achilles surgery.
Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game last season, all career-highs, while earning his fifth overall and fourth straight All-Star nod.
Brown also finished sixth in MVP voting last year and earned his second All-NBA nod, taking home Second Team honors, all while leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed.
Brown also has a looming contract question. The two-way wing is set to make north of $57 million and $61 million over the next two seasons, while raking in just under $65 million in 2028-29.
He is eligible for a two-year extension worth $142 million on top of that.
Boston was upset by the Philadelphia 76ers in last year’s playoffs, where the Celtics squandered a 3-1 first-round lead, and Tatum was forced to miss Game 7 at home due to injury.
