DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 12: Ryan Nembhard #9 of the Dallas Mavericks walks backcourt during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center on April 12, 2026 in Dallas, 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 GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks will exercise point guard Ryan Nembhard’s $2.2 million team option for the 2026-27 season, according to Marc Stein.
In his rookie season, he averaged 6.6 points on a shooting split of 41.5 field goal percentage/35.6 three-point percentage/80.6 free throw percentage, 5.3 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in 19.5 minutes across 60 appearances. Nembhard set an NBA rookie record with 23 assists in Dallas’ 2025-26 season finale against the Chicago Bulls.
The floor leader will play for the Mavericks during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada, starting on July 9 against forward Graham Ike and the Golden State Warriors.
That wasn’t the only recent news regarding the Nembhard family. Both Ryan and Indiana Pacers combo guard Andrew Nembhard, plus Italy’s Reyer Venezia forward Kyle Witjer, were named to the Canadian Senior Men’s National Team’s 16-man training camp roster before the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Canada will host Puerto Rico on July 3 and Jamaica on Jul 6 at the TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario.
Canada basketball reveals its training camp roster for FIBA World Cup qualifiers in July.
Notable NBA guys: – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Dillon Brooks – Nickeil Alexander-Walker – Kyshawn George – Andrew Nembhard – Ryan Nembhard pic.twitter.com/Y8PWcq1Vv0
The four-time NBA champion first joined the Lakers in the summer of 2018. Eight summers later, James is hanging up his Laker jersey for a new basketball home in the twilight of his career.
The sports world reacted. Many were shocked. Some saw it coming. Others didn't think it would actually happen. Yet, here we are.
James responded on an X (formerly Twitter) post.
"No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the (purple and gold) while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint," James wrote back.
No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. 🙏🏾🫡👑 https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0
Heartfelt messages of gratitude have poured in on social media, thanking James for what he brought to the game, particularly for the Lakers. He received messages from Lakers legend Magic Johnson, now-former teammate Luka Doncic and team president Jeannie Buss.
Buss's message spanned across eight lines in a post describing what the four-time MVP has meant to the franchise since arriving in 2018.
"LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Laker family," Buss wrote.
James will continue to decipher what his next journey in the league will look like. The NBA free agency period opens June 30 at 6 p.m. ET.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 25: Max Strus #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 25, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Lakers defeated the Cavaliers 121-115. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The LeBron James sweepstakes are off and running. Naturally, the Cleveland Cavaliers are right in the mix to bring the 41-year-old superstar back home. They have some housekeeping to do before that happens, though.
The Cavs are reportedly looking to trade Dennis Schroder and/or Max Strus in order to open space for James to sign in Cleveland, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.
“The Cavs are trying to trade forward Max Strus, so they could sign LeBron or another player into that mid-level exception,” said Vardon.
Yahoo’s Jake Fischer confirms the report, adding that a salary dump would also give the Cavs a better chance at retaining forward Dean Wade.
Cleveland is in a tough spot financially. As of writing, they could only offer James the veteran minimum to wear the wine and gold again. But, if they can consolidate some of their talent for additional cap space, the non-taxpayer mid-level exception could become available to them.
Dumping Strus’s or Schroder’s salary is one way they can get closer to that.
Strus is set to make $16 million next season. Schroder will make $14.8 million. Unloading both would give them access to the NTLME. Moving one while negotiating a discounted deal on James Harden’s next contract could achieve the same result.
A few things are working in Cleveland’s favor. Not only are they the most storybook ending location for James to complete his career, but reports have already suggested that money will not be the deciding factor in where James lands this summer. That benefits the Cavs, as they simply don’t have much money to offer James. But there’s no place like home.
Strus and Schroder both aided Cleveland in their run to the Eastern Conference finals last season. Strus, especially, has been a fan favorite for his hustle and playoff intensity over the years. The Cavs would have to trade either of them without taking any salary back to unlock the NTLME. But if landing James is the final result, it would be worth it.
No one knows where James will take his talents next. All the Cavs can do is clear the way for the easiest landing possible if James decides that he wants to end his career at home.
A pair of Atlanta staples are teaming up as official partners in a landmark first.
Key Takeaways
PrizePicks announced its first NBA team partnership with the Atlanta Hawks.
The deal includes branding at State Farm Arena, broadcast integration, and new fan experiences.
The partnership expands PrizePicks' growing sports portfolio that also includes the Atlanta Braves and the NBA at large.
Daily fantasy sports operator PrizePicks announced a new partnership with the Atlanta Hawks, marking the first NBA team partnership for the prominent sports entertainment brand.
The partnership further cements PrizePicks' presence in Atlanta's sports scene, with the company headquartered in the Peach State’s capital city. PrizePicks additionally has long maintained a partnership with MLB’s Atlanta Braves dating back to 2020.
"PrizePicks was born in Atlanta and basketball has always been part of our soul, so we couldn’t be more excited that our first NBA franchise partnership is with our hometown team,” said Joey Molko, PrizePicks' senior vice president of partnerships. “The Hawks share our obsession with bringing fans closer to the game, and we can’t wait to join them in making every game more fun to watch and to celebrate basketball culture in THE A."
Major integration on game days
The move will see PrizePicks partner not only with the club but with its home, State Farm Arena, with PrizePicks branding set to feature across the club’s game-day experience both in-person and on broadcasts.
“We are thrilled to be the first NBA franchise to partner with PrizePicks,” said Andrew Saltzman, president of business enterprise for the Hawks and State Farm Arena. “As two organizations with deep roots in Atlanta, we look forward to building something truly special together and creating new opportunities to deliver unique and engaging experiences to our fans."
The integration will also see the utilization of “certain groups of Atlanta Hawks players throughout the local market to appeal to the growing fan community on PrizePicks.”
The deal also introduces the PrizePicks Party Deck within State Farm Arena, where fans will be able to “enjoy elevated Hawks game-day experiences,” as well as other events hosted in-arena. PrizePicks will also serve as a presenting sponsor across multiple Hawks initiatives including Hawks AF (And Friends) and the club’s internally produced podcast series.
“Earlier this year, PrizePicks was named an Official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner of the National Basketball Association,” the company noted. “Together, these partnerships reinforce the company’s commitment to professional sports and its continued focus on delivering innovative, fan-first experiences.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 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. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to The Decision 4.0. LeBron James is a free agent once again, and he’s about to switch teams for the fourth time in his career. James announced he’s done with the Los Angeles Lakers moments after Bronny James’ contract hit its guarantee date. LeBron stated he isn’t going to retire, which means he’ll have a new home for the 2026-27 season.
No one knows where LeBron will eventually end up, but my best prediction is that he’s going to drag this out for a little bit. While we wait on the legend’s latest decision, let’s rank the best possible landing spots for him next season.
Toronto already landed Kawhi Leonard via trade this summer. Why not add LeBron, too? It could potentially help LeBron’s business interests in his post-playing career to play in a diverse international market like Toronto, and he probably thinks him and Kawhi could win the East right away when flanked by Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles, and others. I really just wanted another excuse to say “LeBronto.”
8. Boston Celtics
LeBron is a history buff, and the Celtics have a case as the most historic franchise in the NBA. Watching Joe Mazzulla coach LeBron would be absolute cinema, and I think he would appreciate playing with Jayson Tatum. The Celtics need a power component to their chucking threes offense, and that’s one thing old man LeBron can still do.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder
If LeBron wants his fifth ring, OKC is probably his best bet to get it. The Thunder really needed another ball handler and isolation scoring threat last season as they fell short in the Western Conference Finals. Going to OKC would allow LeBron to chill for most of the regular season, and then empty the tank for the playoffs. Everyone would hate it if this happened, but it would be must-see hoops.
6. New York Knicks
LeBron flirted with signing with the Knicks in 2010 before deciding on the Heat. I’m sure there’s part of him that always dreamed of playing in New York at Madison Square Garden, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he got swept up in Knicks fever during their 2026 championship run like everyone else. Push Josh Hart to the bench and let LeBron rock out as the Knicks try to go back-to-back.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
I love the basketball fit here. The Wolves need a bigger wing that can connect Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels with LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards. There’s no better option than LeBron. I know what you’re thinking: LeBron doesn’t want to babysit LaMelo. I get it, but Ball is an elite playmaker who could set up LeBron for a lot of easy buckets, and that team would be ridiculous in transition. Take the Wolves seriously, LeBron!
4. Miami Heat
Everyone is talking about the Cavs reunion, but what if LeBron wants to team up with Pat Riley one more time on his way out the door? LeBron had the best years of his career in Miami, and he still has a strong relationship with Erik Spoelstra. With Giannis and Bam locked in, the Heat just need to add depth. LeBron is a pretty great depth piece, in my humble opinion.
3. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are one of the great adversaries LeBron has faced in his career, and he’s always had a ton of respect for the franchise. LeBron loves Gregg Popovich, who is still hanging around the franchise. Going to San Antonio would give him an elite chance to compete for a championship while also helping mentor Victor Wembanyama. I doubt LeBron or Wemby really wants this outcome, but it’s fun to think about.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron has to end his career with the Cavs. He just has to. The retirement tour wouldn’t feel right anywhere else. So why is Cleveland at No. 2 on this list? Well, it’s because this won’t be LeBron’s final season.
1. Golden State Warriors
Apparently there are a lot of people that think LeBron going to Golden State to play with Steph Curry would be lame. Those people are bozos and cannot be trusted. LeBron and Steph were fantastic together at the Paris Olympics, and I’d love to see them team up for a season before he bolts again for Cleveland for the 2027-28 retirement tour. I do not think the Warriors could win a title with the world’s oldest superteam, but every game would feel like a marquee event. This needs to happen.
It's official - LeBron James is leaving the Lakers. The one thing he still isn't leaving, however, is the league.
His record-setting NBA career has already rewritten the history books and redefined longevity, and it all started decades ago in a way that most NBA careers do not: right after high school graduation.
In the elite group of NBA players that have made the jump straight from high school to the NBA, there have been a number of successful careers – and, with James as a prime example, a number of pretty lengthy ones.
Here are the five longest NBA careers by players drafted straight out of high school:
1. Lebron James
Seasons in the NBA: 23 and counting
Of course, the king himself tops this list. Drafted in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers right after graduating from St.Vincent-St. Mary high school in Akron, Ohio, James has become a face of the league. His NBA career has spanned the Cavs, the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers – and now, with his recent announcement, it could be landing him somewhere new yet again.
2. Kevin Garnett
Seasons in the NBA: 21
One of the first players to make the jump directly from high school, Garnett made his mark on the league and on future high school draftees during his two decades of play. After graduating from Farragut Career Academy in Chicago, the 15-time NBA All-Star was taken fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1995 draft and went on to become MVP in 2004 and a champion in 2008 with the Boston Celtics. He retired in 2016 and recently joined the Timberwolves as a “team ambassador.”
3. Kobe Bryant
Seasons in the NBA: 20
Always in the GOAT conversation, Bryant’s jump from Lower Merion high school in Pennsylvania to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 proved to be the best decision he could have made. He played his entire 20-year career in LA, becoming a Lakers legend and leading star-studded rosters to five NBA championships – with a couple of statues to boot. He retired in 2016 and remains an international basketball icon.
4. Tyson Chandler
Seasons in the NBA: 19
Drafted straight from Manuel Dominguez High School in California to the Chicago Bulls in 2001, Chandler played for eight different teams throughout his nearly two decades in the league, winning a title with the Mavericks in 2011. He recently retired in 2020 and returned to work as a player development coach for the Mavs.
5. Jermaine O’Neal
Seasons in the NBA: 18
Although a championship ring evaded him, O’Neal’s 18-year career still speaks for itself. After being drafted 17th overall by the Portland Trailblazers in the 1996 NBA draft – just a few picks after Bryant – straight from Eau Claire high school in South Carolina, O’Neal went on to become a six-time All-Star and a franchise cornerstone for the Indiana Pacers. He retired in 2014 and now runs Dynamic Prep, a high school basketball academy in Texas.
ESPN insider Shams Charania reported the Lakers had interest in bringing him back, but James did not reciprocate that sentiment. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told Charania that James informed the Lakers that the organization can move on without him, deciding to play his 24th season elsewhere.
Lakers president and governor Jeannie Buss released a farewell statement in a tribute to James and his tenure in Los Angeles.
"LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Laker family," Buss wrote.
James joined the Lakers in the summer of 2018, where he joined a team comprised of young talent including Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Alex Caruso. The team had a top-4 record in the Western conference by Christmas Day, but it was short lived after injuries sustained by James and Ball derailed the remainder of the Lakers season. They missed the playoffs and went back to the drawing board.
The following season, a blockbuster move was made by bringing in Anthony Davis and sending Ball, Ingram and other pieces to the New Orleans Pelicans.
LA was the best team in the NBA in 2019-2020. The season was memorable for many reasons. It was the year we lost an icon and Laker legend in the passing of Kobe Bryant and when the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe and caused worldwide shutdowns. The NBA resumed in Orlando, Florida for the remainder of the 2020 season, referred to as the "Bubble Season."
That year, James and Davis brought home a championship, tying the then-NBA record with the franchise's 17th championship.
The following season, LA looked like they would repeat as champions but injuries to James and Davis shot those chances down. The Lakers were bounced in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, losing to the eventual Western conference champions Phoenix Suns.
Another franchise altering move was made when the Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook. It seemed perfect on paper, but it didn't pan out on the court. They missed the playoffs in 2022.
LA went back to the Western Conference Finals in 2023, but lost to eventual champions Denver Nuggets after being swept in a series where each game came down to the final moments of the game. In 2024, they faced the defending champions in the first round and lost in five games.
For the 2024-2025 season, LA brought in James' former podcast co-host JJ Reddick as a coach and drafted his son, Bronny. But the biggest headline of that year was the shocking trade to deal Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic. The Lakers were then eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.
In James' final season with the Lakers, he helped them advance to the playoffs as a No. 4-seed, where he led them to a first round series win against the Houston Rockets without Doncic. LA was hobbled going into the second round against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who then swept them.
James was named an All-Star every season he played in a Lakers' uniform. In eight seasons in LA, James averaged 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game on 51.3% field goal shooting and 35.6% 3-point shooting.
LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers tenure:
◽️️ 8 seasons 🏆️ 2020 NBA champion 🏆️ 2020 Finals MVP ◽️️ 8x All-Star ◽️️ 7x All-NBA nods 👑 Broke the NBA's all-time scoring record pic.twitter.com/yWk9jemobN
Media reports suggest the league's all-time leading scorer is a target for the Golden State Warriors.
The Lakers said: "LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history.
"We will always be grateful for his eight years with the Lakers - including the title he led us to in 2020, under the most difficult circumstances imaginable, and the countless records he broke in purple and gold.
"We wish him the best in his future, both on and off the court. He will always be a cherished member of the Lakers family."
James responded on social media, writing, "No, THANK YOU!"
He said it was "truly a honor" to wear the purple and gold while trying to continue "the greatness & legacies that came before me!"
"Hope I made a few proud during my stint," he added.
James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds this season with the Lakers. The 22-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion is the all-time leader in games (1,622) and points (43,440).
He was selected with the first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, where he spent seven seasons before announcing during a live TV special titled 'The Decision' that he was leaving for the Miami Heat.
James then returned to Cleveland and in 2016 rallied the team from a 3-1 series deficit in the NBA Finals to stun Golden State and make good on his promise to deliver the Cavaliers their first championship.
He helped the Lakers win the NBA title in 2020, nine months after legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash.
According to team sources who spoke to The Athletic on Monday, Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has activated his $25 million player option for the 2026–27 campaign. He signed a three-year, $130 million contract to join the Rockets in 2023, then in the summer of 2025, he signed a two-year, $50 million extension.
The seasoned point guard could have become an unrestricted free agent by rejecting his option. Vanvleet decided to stay for one more season and continue to play a significant role in Houston, both on and off the court. Before the previous season, the Rockets already held VanVleet, 32, in high regard. But after he missed the 2025–26 season due to a torn right ACL sustained at a team minicamp in the Bahamas shortly before the preseason began, his significance became more apparent. Despite adding Kevin Durant last summer, the Rockets had trouble with guard play throughout the season and fell in the first round of the playoffs.
VanVleet established himself as a big-shot creator and dependable on-ball presence by playing in at least 50 games in eight of his first nine NBA seasons before his ACL injury. Houston had lost at least 55 games in the preceding three seasons; thus, VanVleet’s arrival in 2023 signaled a shift in course. After helping the Rockets finish 41-41 in his rookie campaign, VanVleet was a key member of a team that won 52 games and went into the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals during the 2024–25 campaign. He also shot 37.8 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from three. As Houston and the Golden State Warriors engaged in an intense series that ultimately resulted in Houston losing Game 7 at home, he assumed an even greater role throughout the playoffs. VanVleet averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists during that series.
Last season, the Rockets had to rely more on second-year guard Reed Sheppard and third-year guard Amen Thompson to play point guard in the absence of VanVleet. Because Thompson and Sheppard found it difficult to handle the demands of managing a team, the outcomes were frequently unequal. When the game slows down, having a healthy VanVleet back could help the Rockets stay among the top contenders in the West and will probably make things easier for Alperen Şengün and Durant.
The Rockets will also benefit greatly from VanVleet’s return from the 3-point line, which will give some much-needed spacing for an offense that was occasionally difficult to watch last season, particularly in late-game situations. VanVleet has made 386 3-pointers in his two seasons with the Rockets.
Almost all of Houston’s key rotation players have contracts for the 2026–2027 season, including VanVleet. Fourth-year forward Tari Eason’s restricted free agency is currently the Rockets’ biggest problem.
After VanVleet’s $25 million contract expires, Houston will have roughly $20 million to re-sign Eason and complete the roster before the first apron. There will be a severe financial crisis, yet fans and front office alike are optimistic about a Tari Eason return.
With all that said, what do you all think? Do you like Fred deciding to stick around for the future? Why or why not? Let us know, and as always, be sure to check back at The Dream Shake for all your Houston Rockets news!
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 1: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies hugs Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors after the game on April 1, 2025 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Remember when I said Dub Nation didn’t need to gloat back in February, that we could just quietly nod and smile as Memphis flew too close to the sun? Well, the wax just hit the ocean. Ja Morant is a Portland Trail Blazer now, traded for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, and the last remaining pillar of that 2021-23 Grizzlies core is gone.
Memphis wasn’t some plucky upstart back then. This was the No. 2 seed in the West and a 56-win team. A franchise that genuinely believed it had stopped chasing Golden State and started replacing them. Four years later, the final cornerstone of that era just got shipped out for a wing on the decline and a prospect who, per Blazer’s Edge’s own breakdown of the return, “seemed to run from the ball.” Call it what it actually is: an estate sale.
Ja is gone. Bane is gone. Melton is gone. Tillman is gone. Konchar is gone. Tyus Jones is gone. Dillon Brooks is gone. Taylor Jenkins is gone. Kyle Anderson is gone. Ziaire Williams is gone. Steven Adams is gone. Jaren Jackson Jr. is gone.
I wrote in June of 2018 that the Warriors’ dynasty operated as a “Path of Destruction,” a running tally of franchises that crumbled simply from existing in proximity to Golden State’s gravity. Memphis wasn’t on that list back then because they hadn’t earned it yet. But go back and look at what Draymond Green told GQ in 2017, the swagger, the certainty that the league knew it didn’t stand a chance. That’s the energy the 2021-22 Grizzlies tried to step to. Morant talked like someone who believed the future had already arrived. And after that 2021 play-in win, the “Whoop That Trick” celebrations from Memphis fans weren’t just noise. That was a fanbase genuinely convinced the torch had passed.
Golden State answered the old-fashioned way by beating Memphis in six games during the 2022 playoffs and winning the championship. Order restored. They then knocked them out of the play-in tournament in 2025. But here’s the part that should actually sting for Grizzlies fans: those losses weren’t the death blow. The franchise just gave up on their guys. Jaren Jackson Jr., a Defensive Player of the Year, shipped to Utah. Desmond Bane, gone to Orlando. Marcus Smart, gone. Taylor Jenkins, the coach who actually built something real in that locker room, fired with nine games left in a season. Nine games!
Jaren Jackson Jr. & Desmond Bane trades = 7 1st-Round Picks
Twelve first-round picks over the next seven seasons sound impressive until you remember Memphis already hit on Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. Draft picks aren’t the goal. They’re what you hope eventually becomes another Ja Morant. Memphis just traded the real thing for the hope of finding a copy.
Does this graduate Memphis to the Path of Destruction? The case is stronger than Cleveland’s or Oklahoma City’s ever was, and those teams only made my “Imminent Implosion” tier back in 2018. The Grizzlies get the full treatment now, the same shelf as the Spurs and the Clippers in my original Maximum Destruction tier. The difference is the Spurs and Clippers got there losing to Golden State on the floor. Memphis got there by trying to become the anti-Warriors and detonating themselves in the process.
The Warriors didn’t pull the trigger folks, they just kept raising the standard until other franchises started pulling it on themselves. Memphis wanted the dynasty before it had built one. Four years later, the dynasty is gone and the estate sale is complete. Dub Nation doesn’t need to clap; the auctioneer already did.
A person familiar with the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly confirmed to USA TODAY Sports what was first reported by ESPN insider Shams Charania.
Now all of a sudden, those rumors you heard about James potentially taking his talents to the Bay Area seem more and more believable.
But hold your horses. It's not a clear cut path, just yet.
According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, the Warriors haven't been given any indication that they are the preferred landing spot for James. There's reason to believe that Golden State will have appeal but they will have to do some additional recruiting.
That additional recruiting required could signal the Warriors doing what they can to bring in James' 2020 title running mate, Anthony Davis, over in a trade with the Washington Wizards. James, according to ESPN, would only join the Warriors if they are able to get Davis from Washington and form a nucleus with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Golden State would need to free up money to pull this off. One of the reported avenues to make it happen would be finding a trade partner to get off of Jimmy Butler's contract worth $56.8 million.
However, there could be some complications, according to Hoops Wire, as the Wizards don't want to take on Butler's contract, especially coming off of a season-ending ACL tear. If Golden State wants to land Davis, it's going to take a third team.
Additionally, Butler's agent told ESPN that the Warriors remain "resolute in their plan to support Jimmy through his rehab and have him return to form and continue together on a quest to compete for a championship."
Golden State still has a pathway to land LeBron James. According to Hoops Hype's Yossi Gozlan, if they don't make the Butler-Davis swap, their other option would be to trade Moses Moody to open the $15 million mid-level exception for James, as Green re-signs on a friendlier deal that keeps the Warriors under the first apron.
It's not the first time the Warriors have shown interest in James, having contacted the Lakers multiple times regarding his availability. Now, the Dubs have the chance to finally get the guy they've chased for years.
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - 2026/06/18: Karl-Anthony Towns attends ticker-tape parade honoring Knicks basketball team winning NBA Championship for 2025-2026 season in Canyon of Heroes from Battery Park along Lower Broadway to the City Hall. The Knicks captured their first NBA championship in 53 years and thousand of fans lined up to see their best team in decades. (Photo by Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
I don’t think there’s a more difficult Knick to evaluate than Karl-Anthony Towns. It’s not just the fact that the big man’s season looked completely different from game four of the Hawks series onwards. It’s also the fact that for much of the season, Towns’ impact on the team was hard to gauge. Even when Towns’ counting stats didn’t look the way most fans wanted it to, and even when the team wasn’t piling up results that people had expected, Towns was still analytically better than many believed. But as we learned throughout the playoffs, analytics can’t be the end-all, be-all. So how good was Towns this season as a whole? Incredibly good.
Is that an overreaction considering some of his regular-season shortcomings? Maybe. Is there recency bias? You bet. But if you were to ask me to choose between a player who dominates in the regular season but has a drop off in the playoffs and a player who disappoints a bit during the regular season but dominates in the playoffs, I’m taking the latter. And I do so every single time. I get that the playoff riser is performing higher for a mere fraction of the games as the regular-season guy. But in sports, you take care of business in the postseason, and those performances will do the heavy lifting. As many have said before, “winning cures all”, and that’s exactly what Towns did.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – JUNE 13: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks poses for a photo with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after winning the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
I do want to clarify, though, that Towns’ regular season wasn’t bad. Or at least, again, not as bad as many thought. By a lot of metrics, he was playing some of the best defense in his career. And on the other end of the floor, he still put up solid numbers despite changing roles, having a new coach, and seeing limited opportunities at times. I do believe that players, for the most part, have agency. And Towns does deserve some blame for his offensive shortcomings and lack of aggression at times. But some of that blame needs to be placed on Mike Brown, Jalen Brunson, and the rest of the team.
Sure, Towns could’ve, and arguably should’ve, taken it upon himself to get the ball more. And when he did, Towns should’ve been more intentional in looking for his own shot. There absolutely were times when Towns was too passive and nonexistent in the offense. He did take himself out of some games. But there were also a lot of times when Brunson ignored him for his own shot. And other times when OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart just missed him, or couldn’t make the requisite pass. There were also plenty of times when Brown saw the offense going away from Towns and refused to find ways to make him the focal point.
Yet Towns persevered. He responded. Maybe not in the way fans wanted. But the big man continued to look for ways to best serve his team, even when the going got tough. He revealed late in the regular season that he still wasn’t sure what his role was in the offense. And you could tell that Towns wasn’t necessarily enjoying his new roles as an offensive Swiss Army Knife, whose only, or at least primary, role wasn’t to score. It didn’t matter, though. Thankfully for the Knicks and their fans, the transparency never came at the cost of effort or passion. Even with the discomfort and unease of the situation, he didn’t waver. And then destiny came knocking and rewarded him and the Knicks for their mutual perseverance and trust.
When the fate of the season was hanging in the balance and when the Knicks needed him the most, he showed up. In game 4 of the first round, the Knicks found themselves down 2-1. Two more losses and the core of the eventual champions very well could’ve been disbanded. But Towns didn’t allow it to happen. Brunson, Brown, and Towns’ teammates deserve credit for entrusting their season and potentially their future to Towns. And Towns delivered performances that will live on in Knicks lore for decades.
Newly appointed as the offensive hub and point center of a system that emphasized his passing skills and the other players’ basketball IQ and cutting abilities, Towns shone like he never had in a Knicks jersey. And neither Towns nor the Knicks looked back. They rattled off 13 straight postseason wins and won 15 of their next 16 games thanks in large part to Towns’ new game. He was no longer a scoring first center. He wasn’t confined to the paint. And he wasn’t relegated to being a spot-up shooter.
For the first time in Towns’ career, he really put it all together. He was still an elite rebounder who was stretching defenses with his shooting threat like he always had. But now, he had become a smart, patient, and deadly passer. And he was now also playing not just passable, or average defense, but legitimately great defense.
And yes, he got in foul trouble against Joel Embiid and Victor Wembanyama. And yes, he struggled to have an offensive impact in games three and five of the Finals. But on defense, he legitimately made Wembanyama work more than maybe any other player in the league. Meanwhile, on the other end of the floor, his offensive impact far outweighed his counting stats. He continued to perfectly balance scoring and passing and routinely came up clutch. Brunson and Anunoby may have had the biggest moments, but a lot of those comebacks don’t happen without Towns on the floor.
Towns’ early season struggled were frustrating. He still struggles at times with foul trouble, silly turnovers, and a lack of aggression. But you really can’t ask for much more. Towns reinvented himself deep into his career for the betterment of his team. He adjusted to coach Brown’s system. He bought in defensively. Most importantly, he was arguably the best overall Knick during a dominant championship run that saw them go 16-3. The 2026 championship did a lot for multiple players’ legacies. Outside of Brunson, no other player and their legacy benefited more from that trophy than Towns.
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(P&T will be doing player-by-player article tributes over the next few weeks to commemorate the special team that ended our long, half-century nightmare)
LILLE, FRANCE - JULY 28: Assistant coach Tyronn Lue (L-R), Head Coach Steve Kerr and LeBron James on the side line during the group stage match between Serbia and USA on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Pierre Mauroy on July 28, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by Markus Gilliar - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The worst-kept secret in the NBA this offseason has been the Golden State Warriors’ desire to bolster their roster with a LeBron James acquisition. Golden State has been chasing James for years, and while it was initially a pipe dream, this offseason it’s felt different.
While still being considered a long shot, the Warriors entered the offseason with more realistic dreams of adding the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. It was easy to see the appeal of James, in the twilight of his spectacular career, joining Steph Curry (whom he’s always had extreme admiration for), Draymond Green (one of his close friends), and Steve Kerr (whom he played for in the Olympics). But it was unclear if James would actually consider such a move.
On Tuesday, it became a distinct possibility, when news broke that James had informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he would be playing elsewhere. After spending eight years in the purple and gold, it was widely assumed that that James’ most likely choice would be to stay on the Lakers. With that off the table, the doors to all the other options opened wide.
And with that, the Warriors are not just in the running, but arguably the favorites for James’ services. Given the reports that James prefers an ideal situation to the largest check, the Warriors check a lot of boxes. They would be a competitive team, they employ a lot of his friends (and fellow Klutch Sports athletes), they’re coached be someone he deeply respects, and he would remain close to Los Angeles, where his family is firmly entrenched.
The betting odds may favor the Dubs, but nothing is set. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors “have been given no indication” that James intends to sign with them. That doesn’t mean James is against signing with Golden State, just that nothing was been predetermined.
Warriors decision makers have been given no indication at this hour that they are the firm LeBron James landing spot, per sources. There's a belief that they'll have plenty of appeal, but appears to be some level of recruitment required.https://t.co/sarcY9gxME
As Slater notes, the Warriors will need to do some recruiting … but it’s hard to imagine a better trio of recruiters for James than Curry, Green, and Kerr. The Warriors have to be thrilled with the position that they’re in, but there’s still work to do.
With Landry Shamet signed, the biggest question for the Knicks entering free agency is about Mitchell Robinson.
If New York wants to stay under the second apron, the franchise would need to shed existing salary to make Robinson a competitive offer.
As things currently stand, the Knicks’ team salary is at roughly $213 million. They have 11 players under contract. The NBA’s second apron in team salary is $221.7 million. Knicks owner James Dolan said in an interview with WFAN earlier this month that he did not want to exceed the second apron. It is unclear if that decision was made in concert with his front office or if it was purely a financial decision. Dolan did reiterate his stance on the second apron internally prior to the NBA Draft.
If Dolan and the Knicks don’t change their stance on the second apron, they would need to shed salary – presumably by trading trading Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek or Miles McBride – in order to make Robinson a solid offer.
What is the market for Robinson?
That’s unknown. The Lakers were oft-mentioned as a Robinson team. DeAndre Ayton picked up his player option for 2026-27. But that wouldn’t automatically take them out of the running for Robinson. As of Tuesday morning, Los Angeles was still active in the center market. The Lakers were among several teams who would have interest in Toronto’s Sandro Mamukelashvili during the free agency period, per sources. As of Tuesday morning, Los Angeles was comfortable offering Mamukelashvili a deal worth $10 million-plus annually.
What about the Nets? They were reportedly interested in Robinson but the Nets also are expected to show strong interest in Orlando’s Mo Wagner in free agency, per sources. Brooklyn obviously wouldn’t sign both Robinson and Wagner.
Portland reportedly agreed to a deal with Robert Williams III for $13+ million per season. Jock Landale reportedly agreed to a deal with Atlanta for a $14 million annual salary.
The Knicks would need to shed significant salary to offer Robinson a deal that approaches $14 million in annual value (Another team salary note: the plan entering free agency for second-round pick Jack Kayil is that he play next season overseas with his current club in Germany).
But maybe Dolan is willing to go into the second apron for Robinson this season if he can get out of it next year? WFAN’s Craig Carton said that Robinson’s return to New York depends on Karl-Anthony Towns’ extension. Towns is extension eligible on July 10. If he accepts a lower salary than his 2027-28 player option of $61 million, perhaps the Knicks can exceed the second apron in 2026-27 to re-sign Robinson and then dip under it in 2027-28.
Jul 10, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11) reacts to a teammates basket against the Philadelphia 76ers in the fourth quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | Candice Ward-Imagn Images
The Spurs have announced their roster for the California Classic Summer League (which we can assume will mostly carry over to Las Vegas), and there are plenty of familiar faces. As predicted, the team will be captained by second-year Spur Carter Bryant and coached by Corliss Williamson. Another returning face is Emanuel Miller, who signed a two-way deal with the Spurs in February but did not play any NBA minutes for them.
Unsurprisingly, the Spurs rookie class is all there, including Tarris Reed, Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Maliq Brown. Jayden Quaintance is a somewhat surprising inclusion, although Williamson has confirmed he is only traveling with the team and will not participate. He only appeared in five games for Kentucky this year after tearing his ACL and meniscus in February of 2025 and reportedly expects to undergo one last procedure to clean up his knee for good.
An easy assumption would have been that the Spurs want him to get his knee fixed as soon as possible so he can get to rehabbing and return to the court (social media doctors have said it is typically a six-month recovery), but this suggests the Spurs are truly in no rush with him (they don’t have to be with Victor Webmanyama, Luke Kornet and Reed on the roster) and would prefer he experience the learning and comradery that comes with Summer League first and foremost, even if it’s merely as a spectator.
Notable names that aren’t there are the Spurs’ other two-way players from last season, David Jones Garcia and Harrison Ingram, both whom the Spurs extended qualifying offers to, making them restricted free agents. Jones Garcia is no surprise considering he too is recovering from injury, plus he had his SL breakout last season, and it could be that the Spurs know Ingram well enough at this point that they don’t need to see anything else.
The California Classic, which Bryant may not participate in, begins on Friday at the Chase Center in San Fransisco. Here is the complete schedule (TV/streaming is TBD).
Friday, July 3 vs. Miami Heat, 7:00 PM CT
Sunday July 5 vs. Golden State Warriors, 6:00 PM CT
Monday July 6 vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 6:30 PM CT
The schedule has yet to be announced for the Las Vegas Summer League, which will run from July 9-19.
