WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 07: Ernest Udeh Jr. #8 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts during the second half of the basketball game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum on January 07, 2026 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Udeh’s journey to the NBA hasn’t been straightforward. He started his collegiate career at Kansas. He then transferred to TCU after his freshman year for two seasons, and then finished it at Miami. This past season, he averaged 6.7 points per game for the Hurricanes.
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Udeh is a strong, physical big man who is an elite rebounder. He averaged 9.2 rebounds last season, which included 3.1 per game coming on the offensive end.
Most of Udeh’s damage offensively came at the rim. He completed 72.7% of his looks from the field, with much of that coming from finishing pick-and-rolls.
The strength and physicality that helped him as a rebounder and play finisher in college also made him a good rim protector. Udeh averaged 1.4 blocks per game. That was good enough to earn a spot on the ACC All-Defense team.
The concerns come from Udeh’s lateral quickness and lack of polish as an offensive player. Udeh has size, but projects to be mostly a drop-coverage big defensively. Those have value, but aren’t necessarily the most versatile.
Offensively, he hasn’t shown good touch as a passer — just 0.6 assists per game last season — and hasn’t shown much shooting touch as he converted just 51.2% of his looks at the free-throw line last season. Is his offensive game versatile enough to be a standard contract player at some point?
As of this moment, the Cavs have all three two-way spots filled with Tristan Enaruna and Riley Minix under contract. However, Minix’s spot could become available in the near future as reports from last week suggested that he was close to signing with ASVEL in France.
Jun 13, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) speaks to the media after game six of the 2019 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit:Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
The Toronto Raptors are looking down the barrel of a decision they already made in 2018, one that brought them their first and only championship.
Yes. Kawhi Leonard could become available for the Toronto Raptors, yet again.
As per Jake Fischer, while Kawhi wants to stay in California with the Clippers, the only two teams with which the Klaw has any interest in signing with long term would be the San Antonio Spurs, or the Toronto Raptors. While Clippers’ management does not want to say goodbye to Leonard, the 34-year-old forward desires an extension, which if he did not get, would put him in the position of being an unrestricted free agent in the 2027-28 season, able to go where he pleases.
This means that the Clippers are either going to pony up, or seek a sign and trade with either of the Raptors or Spurs, barring either an excellent package emerging, or Kawhi’s willingness to go elsewhere.
Not to spoil the party before it happens, but the last time Kawhi was "open" to this, many inside and outside of the Raptors organization felt/feel that he was using them as leverage. The more things change the more they stay the same. https://t.co/LA72zPO50j
Josh Lewenberg brought the situation down to Earth with his own reality check earlier today. By increasing his demand, Kawhi inherently gains more bargaining power with whatever organization wants to sign him to a contract extension.
Clearly, Leonard has shown himself to be relatively uninterested in staying in Toronto long-term, seeking long-term residence in his native California. While people and circumstances certainly change, the reality is that even if Kawhi is willing to come back to Toronto for more than a year, we’d not be his first choice to come to. While he left acrimoniously from San Antonio, Texas is a lot closer and more familiar to Leonard than Ontario, and the circumstances from which Kawhi left the Spurs (other than his nagging injury history) are very different.
However, while Kawhi would slot in well on either of the Raptors or the Spurs, the Raptors could potentially offer a more attractive package for the Clippers, who, while retooling their roster, appear to desire to stay competitive. With Darius Garland already leading Los Angeles at point guard, the Spurs’ glut of ball handlers would be harder to trade from. Even a player as high profile as Stephon Castle or De’Aaron Fox would be harder to pair with Garland than someone like Brandon Ingram or Immanuel Quickley.
Kawhi on the Raptors looked great 7 years ago, and he could look just as good on this squad. Kawhi could focus on scoring, with the Raps’ defensive lineup clearing the way for the veteran to fill in the gaps that they need. Of course, to be truly competitive, the Raptors would still need a high quality centre (or two), but a lot can happen in a single season.
So, would Kawhi coming back to Toronto be a good thing?
Under the right terms, yes.
The biggest issue with Kawhi isn’t how he felt about playing in Toronto. By all accounts, the man was a professional throughout his time here, which ended when he made a personal decision that he deluded no one into thinking he wouldn’t make. Even if Kawhi would rather be in California, if he signs for a reasonable term in Toronto, I see no reason why he wouldn’t quickly earn a warm welcome back to the 6ix.
Leonard’s injury history is a subject that volumes have been written about. That notwithstanding, he has clearly been able to put together capable seasons with the right amount of load management, and Toronto have proven themselves to be able to successfully play when down a starter, should the worst happen.
The former Raptors would slot into the position the same way he did in 2018: taking on the major scoring responsibilities and becoming the face of the franchise alongside an established star. How that would work with Scottie Barnes remains to be seen, but the All-Star has shown himself to be humble and capable of playing alongside big-time scorers while doing everything else on the basketball court.
The Aspiration Shaped Asterisk
The one thing to remember is that Kawhi in 2026 is coming to whatever team he is a part of with more baggage than he did leaving the Spurs in 2018. Leonard has been implicated in the potentially devastating Aspiration Scandal by reporter Pablo Torre, where Kawhi was accused of accepting money funnelled through the company Aspiration, to play for the Clippers.
Lawrence Frank on Aspiration: "I can't comment on the specifics of the investigation, but what I can say is we did not do what we're accused of doing. The investigation has had no impact in terms of how we go about our business. ⁰We just continue to go about our business as…
The Clippers themselves deny the accusations, but the NBA’s investigation is still ongoing. ESPN has made it clear that without a smoking gun, it’s unlikely that severe punishment would be handed out. But, if the worst was to happen, and the investigation to conclude by finding clear evidence of wrongdoing, it wouldn’t just be the Clippers who would face the heat. Kawhi himself could have his contract voided and earn a lengthy suspension, which of course, would be less than ideal for the Raptors.
Baxter Holmes reported earlier this month that Commissioner Adam Silver has stated, and desires, for the investigation to come to a conclusion soon, but that there is not a definitive time that a decision would be meted out.
For the Raptors, this serves as a low risk, but potentially damning situation to get involved in. More than likely, this will be set of circumstances that can be more easily assessed closer to next summer when more time has passed to allow for these circumstances to resolve themselves. Only then will it be truly clear whether or not Kawhi is going to be worth acquiring for the franchise.
But still… championship dreams can be intoxicating, and the Raptors bringing Kawhi back and potentially winning with him is an especially potent version of that story. But, only time will tell if it truly makes sense for the Klaw to come back North.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 10: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 10, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons have broadcast their interest in Kawhi Leonard for several months, now, though it has always seemed like a long shot. That interest was stoked again when it was mentioned on one of the league’s biggest platforms during the NBA Draft. Brian Windhorst said Detroit was interested in going “big game hunting” and named Kawhi as a potential target.
But interest needs to be a two-way street, especially when it involves a star player, and doubly so when it is a star player on an expiring contract. Unfortunately, it seems like Detroit’s interest is a one-way affair.
Jake Fischer writes on Marc Stein’s Substack that Leonard has made it known that Detroit is not a place he’s interested in landing. “And sources say that Leonard would not have interest in signing an extension with Detroit in the event that the Pistons traded for him this summer,” Fischer writes.
Leonard might famously be a man of few words, but you should always listen when he decides to make his intentions known. When he was traded from the Spurs to the Toronto Raptors for the first time, he made it clear he wasn’t going to re-sign with the Raptors and was eyeing a move to the West Coast.
He won a championship and signed with the Clippers the next season.
The Raptors got a title out of it, so they have no regrets, but it is hard to make the case for taking such a big swing if he has no intention of returning to the Pistons. He is currently making $50 million in the final year of his deal. He is also still ensnared in a league investigation tied to off-book payments allegedly sent to Leonard and his circle through Clippers subsidiaries. Brian Windhorst, speaking Thursday morning on ESPN’s Get Up, said that he is unsure if the league would allow the Clippers to trade Leonard until the investigation is over.
It’s a shame, too, because Leonard would be a perfect fit for exactly what Detroit needs. A versatile forward who can play both spots, he has range, high-efficiency scoring, and plays excellent defense. He’d fit in seamlessly alongside Ausar Thompson, Cade Cunningham, and Jalen Duren.
Leonard is coming off one of the best seasons of his storied career, but even if he were willing to entertain a long stay in Motown, it’d be a huge risk. He’s got a huge injury sheet and has averaged 55 games a season during his Clippers tenure, and that is not including 2021-22, when he missed the entire season.
Of course, Leonard is not the only player who qualifies as “big game hunting,” if that is truly what the Pistons are interested in. Here is a list of players I came up with that fit the bill to varying degrees and are either reasonably available on the trade market or might be highly interested in joining the Pistons. Which player would you want to target?
The Los Angeles Clippers may have selected Narcisse Ngoy with the 57th overall pick in the NBA Draft, but the center didn’t choose the organization.
On Thursday, Ngoy revealed on social media that he would be returning to college for the 2026-27 season.
“I am thankful for the LA Clippers’ confidence in me. I fully intend to honor my commitment to Auburn University, and I am looking forward to wearing the Auburn Tigers jersey for the 2026-27 season,” Ngoy wrote in a post to his Instagram story.
The LA Clippers selected Narcisse Ngoy with the 57th overall pick in the NBA Draft, but he revealed on social media that he’ll be going back to college. Instagram/nnarsix
Clippers draft pick Narcisse Ngoy thanks Clippers — and says he plans to play for Auburn Tigers next season pic.twitter.com/5InJuBAQaP
Ngoy committed to Auburn in March and never formally declared for the NBA Draft or went through any process.
However, international players above the age of 22 are automatically included in the draft pool for that calendar year with new NCAA guidelines allowing him to keep his eligibility.
President of the LA Clippers, Lawrence Frank seen here in 2022. NBAE via Getty Images
The Clippers have transformed the meaning of the NBA’s ‘draft and stash,’ an avenue for teams to draft a player who doesn’t play for them the following season but allows the organization to retain the player’s rights while he plays elsewhere, which typically meant internationally.
For Ngoy, that is not the case. The Frenchman still has two years of eligibility remaining in college, and when he decides to join the NBA, it will be in a Clippers uniform.
The Clippers made multiple selections in the 2026 NBA Draft, headlined by Keaton Wagler out of Illinois with the fifth overall pick.
LA selected Henri Veesaar with the 52nd pick, but traded the center to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the No. 57 pick (Ngoy) and cash considerations.
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Kawhi Leonard spent only one season of his 14-year NBA career with the Toronto Raptors and he made it count.
Leonard led the Raptors to their first NBA championship in franchise history, while securing the second Finals MVP award of his career. That led to his first contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, which was a three-year, $103.1 million deal.
Kawhi Leonard spent only one season of his 14-year NBA career with the Toronto Raptors and he made it count. Getty ImagesLeonard led the Raptors to their first NBA championship in franchise history, while securing the second Finals MVP award of his career Getty ImagesThat led to his first contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, which was a three-year, $103.1 million deal. NBAE via Getty Images
Since then Leonard has signed two contract extensions with the Clippers, the first in 2021 after he declined his player option for that season and then re-signed with the team on a four-year, $176.3 million max extension.
The latest contract extension came in 2024, where Leonard signed a three-year, $152.4 million deal that kept the two-time Finals MVP in Los Angeles through the 2026-27 season.
The Raptors are interested in reuniting with the small forward and Leonard is reportedly open to signing an extension with Toronto, per NBA insider Jake Fischer.
While Kawhi Leonard’s preference is to remain with the Clippers, league sources say the two-time Finals MVP would be open to signing an extension with Toronto, amid the Raptors’ own interest in reuniting with Leonard.
However, there are rumblings about Leonard’s availability on the trade block this year. Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat have also been linked to Leonard, but the 34-year-old wouldn’t have interest in inking an extension with either team.
Perhaps Leonard is also nostalgic about his former teams as he is reportedly only considering signing an extension with either Toronto or the San Antonio Spurs.
Ultimately, a reunion scenario would only transpire if the Clippers made Leonard available on the trade block. Currently, the team believes they “still have avenues to fortify their roster around Leonard and remain in Western Conference contention,” according to Fischer.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 12: The sneakers worn by Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic during the game against the Boston Celtics on April 12, 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
With the NBA Draft receding into the rear view mirror, it’s time to find out who is going to get Summer League and training camp invitations. As you might expect with the California and Salt Lake City minor summer league events coming up about a week from now, the teams involved with those might be a little bit quicker on the uptake on that issue, and so:
According to DraftExpress, the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to Exhibit 10 contract terms with former Marquette guard Chase Ross.
NEWS: Marquette’s Chase Ross has agreed to an Exhibit-10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell DraftExpress.
14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game this season.
This is not a real NBA contract for Ross. This is a training camp invite with an option for the team to assign Ross to the Coachella Valley Lakers, their G-League affiliate, after camp is over. Sure, it’s possible that he really impresses someone in the Lakers’ front office or head coach JJ Redick or whatever, and finds his way onto the Los Angeles roster when the season starts, but that’s not the point of what the Lakers are doing here. This is more along the lines of the old-timey college football/basketball “preferred walk-on” recruiting. They definitely want him in Summer League and camp, but maybe that’s about it, and expecting more is probably expecting too much.
Chase Ross was not good for Marquette as a senior in the 2025-26 season. Yes, he finished the year at 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.3 steals, all of which were career highs while increasing his minutes per game by less than three per night. However, he shot a career worst 29.5% from behind the three-point line, and in an eight game stretch in the middle of the year, he averaged just 10.1 points per game and shot 17.6% from behind the arc. In Big East play, he shot just 38% from the field.
The most optimistic view of Ross relative to a professional future is that he excelled in a secondary or tertiary role behind Tyler Kolek and Kam Jones in the backcourt. No one is going to be asking Chase Ross to lead the way for the Los Angeles Lakers as long as Luka Doncic is alive and well, so I will carve out space to say that because all he has to do is prove he can be A Cog In The Machine, there’s a chance he could find a way to latch on in the league.
With that said, when he was asked to step up his game as a senior leader — much like he would have to step up his game in order to hang with NBA players — Ross failed to answer the call. I’m not optimistic here, but it’ll be nice to have at least one guy to pay attention to during Summer League across the next couple of weeks at the bare minimum.
RENO, NV - MARCH 18: Nevada Guard Corey Camper Jr. (4) looks on during a break in the action late in the game during a first round NIT Tournament college basketball game between the Murray State Racers and the Nevada Wolf Pack on March 18, 2026, at the Lawlor Events Center in Reno, NV. (Photo by Greg Ashman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns have agreed to a deal with undrafted free agent Corey Camper Jr. out of Nevada, per One Time Agency Group. Nevada Athletics announced that it is an Exhibit 10 contract with the Suns after going undrafted.
Camper Jr. spent his senior season at Nevada, averaging 16.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game last season, while hooting 45.3 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from three. Camper, a 6-foot-5, 181-pound prospect profiles as a wing player, likely a shooting guard at the next level.
— On Time Agency | We Are Player-Driven (@ontimeagencygrp) June 25, 2026
Camper Jr. played two junior-college seasons and two years at UTEP before transferring to Nevada for his senior season. He earned first-team All-Mountain West honors.
An Exhibit 10 deal is a one-year, non-guaranteed minimum-salary NBA contract for undrafted rookies that comes with an invitation to Summer League and training camp, which could secure a spot for Camper on the Suns’ preseason roster.
So far, the Suns have done the following:
Pick 30: Koa Peat – Forward (Arizona)
Undrafted FA: Sam Hoiberg – Guard (Nebraska)
Undrafted FA: Corey Camper Jr. – Wing (Nevada)
Camper Jr. will join a Suns Summer League squad that will likely feature Koa Peat, Rasheer Fleming, Khaman Maluach, Koby Brea and Sam Hoiberg.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Rokas Jokubaitis #32 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game on July 16, 2024 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
You might or might not like what the New York Knicks did in the 2026 NBA Draft. Hell, you might or might not like the draft entirely, because there were 30 second-round picks and only one of them wasn’t traded among all the cap maneuvering and asset stockpiling across the Association.
First and foremost, you should get familiar with the two dudes that are actually (we expect) part of the Knicks roster for the upcoming season, which are Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel and German international guard Jack Kayil. Young bloods!
With that out of the way, the funniest part of the draft and the Knicks’ trades on both Tuesday and Wednesday is that you never know what might come with those sorts of ancillary, seemingly meaningless, filled-with-random-stuff deals.
And if you don’t believe me, ask Keith Smith. Shortly after the Knicks traded out of the first round, Smith pointed out that by adding the draft rights to French prospect Melvin Ajinca, the Knicks now have the rights for 17 (!!!) players.
After acquiring the draft rights for Melvin Ajinca as part of their draft night trading, the New York Knicks now hold draft rights for 17 players!
In all of my years of doing this, I've never seen a team come anywhere close to that number of draft rights held at one time.
Of course, we (probably just me) here at P&T take all things Knicks very seriously and couldn’t let the opportunity pass without tackling every one of the dudes whose rights belong to NYK, so you know the professional team from Stashtown, the Stash Squad, from younger to older, so the disrespect gets increasingly higher.
Get some popcorn and sit tight, this is definitely going to be a hella long ride down memory lane.
F — Melvin Ajinca, 21 (2024 Draft) — ASVEL Basket
Ajinca is the new headliner of the Knicks’ collection because he is young enough (just damn 21 years old, three years younger than some prospects that just got drafted!) to make this whole exercise feel slightly more meaningful. The French wing was drafted 51st overall in 2024, originally by the Knicks, shipped to Dallas, then returned to New York through the 2026 draft-night trade chaos.
At 6-foot-8, Ajinca is the one name in the list you can talk yourself into with a straight face. He played this past season for ASVEL in France and the EuroLeague, getting real minutes against grown professionals. The shooting still needs work, but size, athleticism, age, and wing tools will always keep the door open for a potential NBA stint.
C — James Nnaji, 21 (2023 Draft) — Baylor Bears
Nnaji is probably the second-most interesting name on the list, and maybe the strangest in terms of development path. The 7-foot Nigerian center was selected 31st overall in 2023, never signed an NBA contract, bounced through Europe, had his rights land with the Knicks in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, and then somehow became a… NCAA Baylor Bear?
Anyway. Nnaji has NBA size, length, and defensive tools. The offense remains raw, but the Knicks do not need him to become Hakeem Olajuwon in case of absolute emergency. They would settle for a large human who can screen, rebound, block shots, and avoid turning every catch into a turnover.
G — Hugo Besson, 25 (2022 Draft) — Tofas
Besson was the 58th pick in the 2022 draft, and his rights came to the Knicks from Milwaukee in the Jericho Sims trade. He is now with Tofas in Turkey, which is not exactly the route you’d imagine someone would take to become Jalen Brunson’s backup.
The French guard has bounced around a bit, including stops in New Zealand, France, Serbia, Italy, and Turkey. That is concerning for the Americans reading, but we in Europe are simply accustomed to this type of living, believe me. He can handle, shoot, and score, but he would need a big jump to become more than an emergency stash name.
G — Rokas Jokubaitis, 25 (2021 Draft) — Bayern Munich
Ah, Rokas. The one-time golden child of Knicks Summer League and still, undoubtedly and undisputedly, the No. 1 stash in my heart. The lefty Lithuanian guard was picked 34th in 2021 and arrived in the same draft-night deal that brought Miles McBride to New York, which means the Knicks already won this transaction even if Rokas never crosses the Atlantic.
Jokubaitis signed with Bayern Munich through 2028 after a season with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He also suffered a significant knee injury during EuroBasket, which complicates his future. When healthy, he is a smart pick-and-roll guard with EuroLeague experience. The Knicks’ backcourt, sadly, has never really opened the door for Rokas.
G — Ognjen Jaramaz, 30 (2017 Draft) — Cedevita Olimpija
Jaramaz is one of the rare players on this list who was actually drafted by the Knicks. That alone gives him a special place in Stashtown. The Serbian guard was selected 58th overall in 2017 and has built a long European career with stops at Partizan, Bayern Munich, Baskonia, and Cedevita Olimpija. He has played EuroLeague basketball, national-team basketball, and enough high-level games to count as a legitimate pro. Too bad the NBA ship has sailed.
F — Juan Pablo Vaulet, 30 (2015 Draft) — Estudiantes
Vaulet is a 2015 stash classic. He was drafted 39th overall by Charlotte, had his rights traded around the league, and eventually landed with the Knicks in the Mikal Bridges trade.
The Argentine forward currently plays for Estudiantes in one of Spain’s lower-level divisions. He has good size, international experience, and a respectable career overseas. He also turns 31 next season, so this is less “future Knick” and more “old asset available for silly trade packages.”
G — Nikola Radicevic, 32 (2015 Draft) — Lietkabelis Panevezys
Radicevic was picked 57th overall by Denver in 2015 and eventually came to the Knicks in the Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel salary-dump deal with Detroit. The Serbian guard is back with Lietkabelis in Lithuania after a career that has taken him through Spain, Greece, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, and Lithuania.
He is a real professional guard. He is also 32, which makes an NBA arrival hard to imagine unless Brock Aller finds a new exploit in the CBA.
C — Wang Zhelin, 32 (2016 Draft) — Shanghai Sharks
Wang Zhelin is one of the more accomplished active players on the list. The 7-foot Chinese center was selected 57th overall by Memphis in 2016, had his rights routed through the Lakers, and landed with the Knicks in 2022.
He has spent his career in China and currently plays for the Shanghai Sharks. He has been a CBA star, a multiple-time All-Star, and a domestic MVP. That matters—only just in China.
F — Luka Mitrovic, 33 (2015 Draft) — CSKA Moscow
Mitrovic was Mr. Irrelevant of the 2015 NBA Draft, selected 60th overall by Philadelphia. A decade later, the Knicks acquired his rights in a 2025 draft-night pick swap, because of course they did.
The Serbian forward currently plays for CSKA Moscow after a long career with Crvena Zvezda and other European clubs. He is a smart, experienced frontcourt player with real credentials overseas.
F/C — Bojan Dubljevic, 34 (2013 Draft) — Retired
Dubljevic was picked 59th overall by Minnesota in 2013 and became a Valencia Basket legend rather than an NBA player.
The Montenegrin big man retired in June 2026 after a decorated European career, including a long run in Spain and later stops with Zenit and a return to Zaragoza. The Knicks still hold his NBA rights, for some reason.
F — Latavious Williams, 37 (2010 Draft) — Al-Ittihad Jeddah
Williams was the 48th pick in the 2010 draft, selected by Miami. The Knicks acquired his rights from New Orleans in the Jose Alvarado trade, which means he is part of the same family tree as GTA, which is nothing remotely close to bad.
Williams has never played in the NBA, but he has played basically everywhere else, including the G League, Spain, Israel, Korea, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
G — Sergio Llull, 38 (2009 Draft) — Real Madrid
Llull is the crown jewel of “great player, never coming over” draft-rights lore, and in Spain, we’re still debating from time to time whether or not he did right or wrong nearly 20 years later. Denver selected him 34th overall in 2009, Houston famously bought his rights but could never convince him to come to Texas, and the Knicks acquired them in the Austin Rivers sign-and-trade in 2020.
He has spent nearly two decades with Real Madrid, winning basically everything there is to win in Europe. EuroLeague MVP. EuroLeague champion. Spanish champion. Big-shot maker. Absolute legend.
F — Emir Preldzic, 38 (2009 Draft) — Orlovik Zepce
Preldzic was selected 57th overall by Phoenix in 2009, then went on a draft-rights tour through Cleveland, Washington, Dallas, Indiana, Toronto, Philadelphia, and finally New York. He has been in more NBA transactions than many actual NBA players.
The veteran forward currently plays for Orlovik Zepce in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At his peak, he was a skilled, versatile forward with ball-handling chops and a strong career in Turkey. At 38, the dream is not the NBA. The dream is being included in another trade and confusing another fan base.
G — Petteri Koponen, 38 (2007 Draft) — Retired/Coach
Koponen is special because he is the only first-round pick in the Knicks’ Stash Squad. Philadelphia selected him 30th overall in 2007, and he eventually came to New York from Dallas in the original Ajinca-Hukporti-Koponen weirdness of 2024.
He retired as a player in 2022 and later moved into coaching—because which squad doesn’t have a coach, right?—including a stint with the New Zealand Breakers. So yes, the Knicks hold the draft rights to a retired Finnish guard who is already a coach. You read that right. Mike Brown, watch out.
F — Tadija Dragicevic, 40 (2008 Draft) — Retired
Dragicevic was selected 53rd overall by Utah in 2008. His rights bounced from Utah to Dallas to Chicago to Houston to New York because second-round rights seemingly never expire.
The Serbian forward has retired after a long European career. He never played in the NBA. He will not play for the Knicks. But his rights remain in New York, which means he is technically part of the club’s vast international empire.
G/F — Brad Newley, 41 (2007 Draft) — Retired
Newley was selected 54th overall by Houston in 2007 and came to the Knicks in 2022. He built a long career in Australia and Europe, including NBL stops with the Sydney Kings and Melbourne United, then retired after the 2023-24 season.
This is another “not a prospect, still a (dumb) asset” situation. Newley is not walking through any door. He might be having trouble walking outright (I’m getting there).
F — Axel Hervelle, 43 (2005 Draft) — Retired
Hervelle is the oldest player on the list and the elder statesman of the stash. Denver selected him 52nd overall in 2005, back when Mike Sweetney was still a Knick, Jamal Crawford was still young, and Madison Square Garden had yet to go through the full Isiah Thomas experience.
The Belgian forward retired in 2020 after a strong European career with Real Madrid, Bilbao, and Spirou. The Knicks acquired his rights in 2020. Why? Because the transaction worked for them!
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) during Game 1 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series, Sunday, April 16, 2023,...
The NBA’s offseason rhythms don’t slow down for anyone.
And the immediate question that followed — with the official start of free agency a week away — is how Reaves’ new nine-figure deal will affect the Lakers financially this offseason?
The quick answer? Minimally.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (right) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (left) during Game 1 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series. AP
Because Reaves didn’t officially sign the contract, his $20.9 million cap hold (which allows the Lakers to maintain his Bird Rights and go over the salary cap line of $165 million to re-sign him) is on the Lakers’ books instead of the $41.3 million salary he’ll have for 2026-27.
From here, the Lakers have multiple paths they can choose from when entering free agency.
They have five players (LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes) slated to become unrestricted free agents and two more players (Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart), having until Monday to decide whether they’ll opt into their player options or opt out and become free agents.
The Lakers can relinquish everyone’s cap hold but Reaves’, which would create around $48 million in cap space.
They could use the cap space to re-sign their own players, sign other unrestricted free agents, make offer sheets for restricted free agents or use in trades to acquire players without having to send out players who make an equal amount of salary.
If the Lakers took this route, they’d also have the $9.4 million room exception.
And then from there, officially re-signing Reaves would be the last order of business.
But if the Lakers decide to stay over the cap, they could maintain the rights to re-sign most of their own free agents. They’d also have access to the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which they could use to sign one player or multiple free agents, which they did last season with Ayton and Jake LaRavia.
Reaves’ contract may be significant, but it isn’t slowing the Lakers down this offseason.
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Rumors about LeBron James potentially returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a farewell tour this offseason have been flying around for months. Brian Windhorst of ESPN added fuel to that fire on Wednesday during a radio interview on ESPN Cleveland.
"I think if the Cavs were willing to do that, they could have LeBron, obviously LeBron would have to want to sign with the Cavs," – @WindhorstESPN says the Lakers would KILL to get Jarrett Allen in a trade for LeBron. pic.twitter.com/WiFmIABUiE
“There is a thought process out there in Los Angeles — and I think if the Cavs were interested in this, the Lakers would sit up at attention right now — that they would sign-and-trade LeBron for Jarrett Allen,” Windhorst said. “And I think if the Cavs were willing to do that, they could have LeBron.
“Obviously, LeBron would have to want to sign with the Cavs. But your pathway to pay LeBron the money is to trade Jarrett Allen for him. The Lakers would kill for Jarrett Allen. Kill for him! They would do that deal in 17 tenths of a second.”
Even if the Cavaliers were willing to send Allen to the Lakers for LeBron in a sign-and-trade, they’d have other obstacles to overcome. But as Windhorst said, that would be their cleanest path to add LeBron this offseason unless he’s willing to sign a veteran-minimum contract with them.
How realistic is a LeBron/Allen S&T?
If the Cavaliers were to acquire LeBron via a sign-and-trade, that would hard-cap them at the first apron for the entire 2026-27 league year.
Current projections have the first apron landing at roughly $209 million. The Cavs are currently projected to have more than $222 million in salary on their books for next season, although that figure includes James Harden’s $42.3 million player option. Harden is widely expected to decline that option and sign a multiyear deal at a lower annual salary to help the Cavs duck below the second apron.
Allen is set to earn $28 million flat this coming season. Unless LeBron agreed to take significantly less than that, he wouldn’t help bring much financial relief to the Cavs. They’d likely have to look at salary-dumping Max Strus ($16.7 million), Dennis Schröder ($14.8 million) and/or Sam Merrill ($9.2 million) to give themselves enough flexibility under the first apron to round out their roster after acquiring LeBron.
If the Cavaliers did acquire LeBron via sign-and-trade, they’d also potentially price themselves out of being able to re-sign Dean Wade, Keon Ellis or any other free agent who’s expected to receive more than a minimum contract. That’s not a problem for the Lakers to worry about, though. On their end, the transaction would be easy to swing regardless of whether they operate as an over-the-cap team or a cap-space team.
If the Lakers went the over-the-cap route, they could sign-and-trade LeBron for Allen while maintaining their free-agent rights to Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard and the rest of their free agents. Choosing this path would hard-cap them at the second apron, but they’re already hard-capped there after sending cash to the New York Knicks to trade up for Cameron Carr, so that’s inconsequential.
If the Lakers went the cap-space route, they could absorb Allen into their $50-plus million of potential cap space. However, they might have to renounce their rights to both Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes to create that kind of wiggle room.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN recently reported that Luka Dončić has been in “constant communication” with the Lakers this offseason and has made it clear that he wants them to add an “A-list center.” It’s unclear whether Allen fits that mold, although Dončić has had plenty of success with his archetype in the past.
Allen isn’t a three-point-shooting “unicorn” big man. He’s hit exactly 20 threes across his nine-year NBA career, 11 of which came within his first two seasons. A grand majority of his offense comes within 10 feet of the basket. He’s not much of a pick-and-pop threat.
However, he’s a sturdy screen-setter and would be a potentially potent pick-and-roll partner for Dončić. Allen averaged 3.4 points per game off rolls this past season, which was tied for the eighth-highest mark leaguewide. He’s a strong rebounder and a decent shot-blocker, too.
If the Lakers don’t believe they can make a realistic run at Jalen Duren or Walker Kessler in restricted free agency, Allen might be the best available option this offseason. He just turned 28 in April, too, so he isn’t far off from Dončić in age.
Trading LeBron for Allen would be a clear downgrade in terms of talent, but it would better balance the roster by solving the Lakers’ need for an upgrade at center. Since LeBron could hypothetically leave them empty-handed by signing elsewhere in free agency, getting something of real value for him would be better than that alternative.
If LeBron does leave this offseason, the Lakers probably won’t receive a massive haul for him. However, the Cavaliers likely would require the Lakers’ cooperation since a sign-and-trade seems like the most realistic pathway for them to acquire LeBron.
That could result in the Lakers landing a former All-Star center who’s smack dab in the middle of his prime.
Tobi Lawal has followed Jeremy Sochan and Amari Williams in going from the UK Under-19 development league to the NBA [Getty Images]
Britain's Tobi Lawal says he is going to "live" in the gym as he bids to establish himself as an NBA player after being selected in the NBA Draft.
The 23-year-old was picked 48th overall by the Dallas Mavericks after two years as a starter in the college game at Virginia Tech.
The 6ft 8in forward only began playing competitive basketball when he was 16 and developed his game with the City of London Academy.
He then left south London to play at high school in Maine before spending his first two years in college at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Like many prospects selected in the second round, he is viewed as a project player so will now focus on "getting a better feel for the game".
"I hope this provides inspiration to young kids that anything is possible," he said.
"I'm touching close to what I could be and how good I could become. I definitely believe that it can help me become as great as I want to be.
"In London it is hard to get in the gym. Now the gym is right next to my house. I love being in the gym. I love growth - as a person, in my faith and as a player. Now I can do that, I'm going to live there."
Lawal was one of 30 players picked during the second round of the NBA Draft in New York, which concluded on Wednesday.
The first 30 players were picked on Tuesday, with the Washington Wizards selecting former Brigham Young University small forward AJ Dybantsa first overall.
AJ Dybantsa was the leading scorer in the United States college system last season with an average of 25.5 points per game [Getty Images]
The draft can help NBA franchises turn around their fortunes, while relatively unheralded prospects can become NBA legends.
Victor Wembanyama, for example, was the first overall pick in 2023 and he not only helped the San Antonio Spurs end their play-off drought this year but they went all the way to the NBA Finals.
They were beaten by the New York Knicks, with this year's Finals Most Valuable Player being Jalen Brunson, a second-round pick in 2018. Others include Nikola Jokic, Draymond Green and Dennis Rodman.
The Washington Wizards had this year's first pick and were expected to go for 19-year-old AJ Dybantsa instead of point guard Darryn Peterson after giving Trae Young a contract extension.
After a 17-65 record last season, the Wizards are expected to improve with the 6ft 9in Dybantsa joining a core which includes Young and Anthony Davis, and they hope to reach the play-offs for the first time since 2020-21.
With the second pick the Utah Jazz had to choose between Peterson and power forward Cam Boozer, son of Jazz legend Carlos, who now works in their front office.
Yet they plumped for Peterson so the Memphis Grizzlies took Boozer, who won multiple awards as a freshman with Duke last season, with the third pick.
They also collected five future second-round picks to move back from 16 to 21 in the first round, where they made 19-year-old Karim Lopez the first Mexican-born player to be drafted in the first round.
The 6ft 8in forward was the highest-rated prospect in this year's class from an international league having played for the New Zealand Breakers the past two seasons.
The Grizzliesalso acquired former first-round pickIsaiah Stewart and with the 32nd pick selected versatile guard Richie Saunders, who is 25 and was a late bloomer after serving a two-year church mission prior to starting college.
Despite finishing with the NBA's top record for the second straight year, the Oklahoma City Thunder had two top-16 picks.
They were expected to challenge for back-to-back championships but were upset by San Antonio in this year's play-offs.
The Spurs, led by the 7ft 4in Wembanyama, could be OKC's biggest rival in the Western Conference for years to come so they remedied that by using the 12th pick on 7ft 3in Spanish centre Aday Mara. They then added point guard Bennett Stirtz with the 16th pick.
Trades agreed for Antetokounmpo and Ball
Several teams traded picks and players this week as they aim to rebuild their roster for the 2026-27 season, with two big-name veterans set for blockbuster moves.
Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to join the Miami Heat, with the Milwaukee Bucks choosing Miami's package over that of the Boston Celtics, which would have included their five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown.
The Bucks used one of the picks they acquired from Miami to select Tennessee forward Nate Ament 13th overall, shortly after taking Arizona guard Brayden Burries with the 10th pick.
The 2021 champions then completed the draft by selecting Malique Lewis of Trinidad and Tobago with the 60th and final pick. The 21-year-old forward has spent the past two seasons playing for South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Miami's anticipated trade for Antetokounmpo, though, has transformed them from afterthoughts to legitimate contenders, with their championship odds having been slashed in half this week.
Only Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Boston and the New York Knicks are seen as having a better chance of becoming the 2027 NBA champions.
This week's other big trade has seen the Charlotte Hornets agree to send guards LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves, in exchange for Naz Reid and a host of draft picks, according to reports.
Minnesota, who lost to San Antonio in the play-offs, made the moves after star player Anthony Edwards said he would ask for a trade if they did not build a championship-level roster around him.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 12: Jericho Sims #00 of the Milwaukee Bucks reaches for the ball against Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 12, 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
With free agency about to start in the coming days, the Milwaukee Bucks have an answer in regards to the future of center Jericho Sims.
Sims played in 67 games for the Bucks last season, averaging 5.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game for Milwaukee.
With the roster looking very different compared to last year after the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, there is a lot of opportunity for players to earn minutes and roles within the roster. Sims will likely compete with Kel’el Ware and Myles Turner (if he’s on the roster by the start of the season) for playing time at the center position.
Sims began his career as the No. 58 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft by the New York Knicks out of the University of Texas. Sims spent the first three years of his career with the Knicks before being traded in the middle of his fourth season from the Knicks to the Bucks. Sims had his first full year in Milwaukee during the 2025-26 campaign and showed flashes of potential throughout the year.
With the Bucks entering a new era under head coach Taylor Jenkins, it will be intriguing to see how he fits into Milwaukee’s new system and how much he can grow as a player.
Brew Hoop community, how do you feel about Sims’ return to the Bucks? Let us know in the comments section below.
TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 29: General Manager Bobby Webster of the Toronto Raptors listens in to press conferences during the Toronto Raptors' media day at Hotel X on September 29, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NBA Draft is over. We let our immediate thoughts marinate and after sitting in the Toronto Raptors’ post-draft press conference availability, here are our final grades:
Rebecca: B
Allen Graves
It’s not hard to see why the Raptors see value here. An obvious option as a pick and pop player with solid shooting last season. He has good size and can probably contribute as a spacer immediately if his numbers stay consistent with the jump to the NBA. Graves had a fairly small sample size (only 93 attempts).
I also don’t love some of his decision-making, especially in the paint. This could be due to a lack of capable shooters around him in Santa Clara but he forces possessions inside rather than kicking to the open shooter. That should be easy to fix, especially with options like Walter and Barrett in the corner.
Overall – I think most of us agree that we wanted a centre or point guard.
Jaden Bradley
A point guard!
For what’s available at this point in the draft, I really like this pick. He’s a big guard who has plenty of experience in his four years in college. He can easily slot in and support off the bench which matches the Raptors’ timeline a little bit better.
He’s shown drastic improvement defensively, and with solid three-point shooting, he can help space the floor for the bench.
Josiah: B+
The Raptors made two very Raptors picks in Graves at No. 19 and Bradley at No. 50. Both have intriguing defensive potential, with Graves’ sky-high steal rate at Santa Clara a key pillar in his analytics-friendly profile and Bradley’s point-of-attack defensive pressure. Both have questions on the offensive side of the ball. The wisdom of the crowds (and it is a very crowded mock draft space indeed) has Graves ranked a little lower than No. 19, and Bradley a little higher than No. 50, but the fit in Toronto could smooth both of those pre-draft projections.
Toronto has drafted at least one player in the 6’7-6’9 height range in every draft since 2020. They’ve taken a player from college with every pick since Bruno Caboclo (now only two years away!) in 2014. Grades for players approximately four seconds into their NBA careers aren’t exactly a science, but in a draft process that’s more art anyways, I’ll trust the quality draft history.
Kristian: A-
It’s become a tradition synonymous with this time of the NBA calendar for Raptors fans. We get ourselves excited – and attached – to players we’ve invested hours watching on YouTube or reading about during commutes. When it’s finally time for our picks to be announced, we stand or sit in front of the TV with bated breath, before subsequently going through a violent swing of emotions because the Raptors front-office again chose to go with what they believe internally.
While we’ve had our misses, the Raptors have traditionally drafted well, particularly with later first-rounders. I believe Allen Graves will join a growing list of prospects we eventually learn to be grateful for. If most things fall into place, Graves could provide Head Coach Darko Rajakovic with an Al Horford-Boris Diaw type of player. At pick 19, that’s an absolute steal, knowing how much of a two-way force both players were. Go watch some footage of either player in their primes and tell me that archetype wouldn’t look great next to Scottie Barnes.
As for Jaden Bradley, there’s immense value in bringing on a senior with an established portfolio. The 2025-26 Big 12 Player of the Year is expected to come in and challenge the veterans.
That’s the goal of these young guys, to push the player ahead in the depth chart,” said Assistant General Manager Dan Tolzman. “He’s not going to take a back seat.”
“He’ll come in and fight.”
Julian: A-
Allen Graves
Graves is the prototypical Raptors pick. A big forward with two-way chops who the Raptors won’t have to hide on defence. I understand the logic behind the Graves pick: Vision 6’9″ and all of that, but after adding Collin Murray-Boyles last year, I believed that we were finally in a position to start drafting for fit.
Free agency is never a sure thing for Toronto, and while our reputation has improved greatly since the 1990s and 2000s, the Raptors have never been a destination for FAs, which is part of the reason I am wary about the belief the franchise has in being able to add size and guard play without the draft.
I think Graves has the potential to slot in well into lineups as a backup forward where CMB is playing the 5, but I am concerned that due to the similarity of play-style between him, Boyles, and Scottie, he won’t get the minutes he deserves to prove that he can hang with the big dogs, just like CMB benefited so much from last year. Nevertheless, if anyone can develop Graves, it would be us. I was shocked at last year’s pick and have been extremely pleased with the results. I’m willing to give my faith to the Raptors again.
Jaden Bradley
If the first round is about taking swings at prospects, second round conservatism is far from a bad thing. Bradley has shown what he can do on the college court, and taking a senior for the experience amidst a bunch of players all hitting that 22-24 age range is a great idea for team fit.
Bradley looked cool, calm, collected, and in control during March Madness, and getting that level of veteran talent out of the draft is more than worth it. 3-and-D is a phrase that has been overused ad nauseam, but Bradley himself has made it clear that he sees that as a big part of his role here in Toronto
Getting a guard that will be hard to either target on defence or sag off during offence is always going to be a good move, and will save the energies of Scottie Barnes and CMB, redirecting defensive attention where it is really necessary. Having someone else to drop dimes and shoot threes alongside – or in stead of – Quickley and Shead is not a bad thing at all. And if the minutes aren’t there, time in the G-League is nothing to be ashamed of in this franchise – Bradley will bring high quality play alongside intangibles wherever the Raptors choose to slot him in.
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 25: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on January 25, 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Austin Reaves’ new $185-million deal guarantees him a deal richer than any undrafted player has ever received.
The deal coming in at such a big number might have Laker fans thinking they just offered him the max and got it over with, but that’s far from the case.
Reaves mentioned feeling relief that an agreement was reached, and that’s likely because, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Lakers weren’t initially offering him a max deal.
On Thursday’s episode of “First Take,” Windhorst said the Lakers were offering Reaves much less, putting his future with the team in question.
“Austin Reaves, from what I understand, two days ago was somewhere around $30 million a year in his offer from the Lakers. A very good contract. It is a far cry from what they offered him yesterday. What they offered him yesterday and what he agreed to was more than $45 million a year. That’s a 50 percent increase in like 24 hours. That’s why Austin Reaves was falling down on the golf course yesterday. Because he got his contract offer up 50 percent.”
Of course, paying him less would’ve been ideal for the franchise, but even less ideal would’ve been watching Reaves flourish in Detroit and having fans wonder why LA let a homegrown talent like that walk away.
The Lakers couldn’t risk that, so they did the smart thing and paid Reaves the max to ensure he’d remain in Los Angeles.
The Lakers’ front office does deserve credit for being tough negotiators here. They tried to get a deal done for less than the max, but didn’t mess around when it became clear that’s what it would take to keep him.
Now, the Lakers have their backcourt locked up, and considering how quickly they reportedly went from an offer around $30 million to one over $45 million, it’s unlikely there are any hurt feelings over this process.
In free agency, the market dictates what one is worth. Clearly, there was some interest in Reaves as a max player from other teams, so the Lakers stepped up and made sure they had a fair offer on the table.
But before they just gave Reaves a higher number, they tried to do something team-friendly, and that was a good way to go through this process.
(@LawMurrayTheNU) 
