SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 4: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during a 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League game on July 4, 2026 at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s happening!
The Utah Jazz have themselves the star they were looking for to add to an already solid young core. From the moment he stepped onto the floor, Jaz fans were cheering his every move, hoping for a performance that would match the hype.
And that’s exactly what happened. Peterson scored from all different levels, whether it was at the rim, in the mid-range, or making step-back threes. His game is as advanced as you could have ever hoped for. It’s truly remarkable how advanced his command of the floor already is. At no point was there any question who the best player on the floor was. And it was no easy task either. Atlanta gave Peterson everything they had defensively. Multiple times, Peterson would be double-teamed, even in the full court, and he handled it surprisingly well. There’s some room for improvement on his turnovers (8), but his playmaking was solid. Multiple times he set up plays for others that were either bobbled or missed.
That all said, you have to reach a lot to find any fault with Peterson’s debut. For the game, he ends with an incredible stat line of:
But it wasn’t all just Darryn Peterson. There were others that deserve mention as well.
Cody Williams was great and looked stronger and more comfortable. He handled the ball well and provided a release valve for Peterson when he was double-teamed. For the game, Williams scored 17 on 8/13 from the field and 1/1 from three. He also grabbed 5 rebounds and had 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks.
He also had an absolutely FILTHY dunk in the fourth quarter.
Utah also had a really nice game from Ace Bailey. Bailey looked big and fluid, and it translated really well on the floor. He scored 10 points on 4/8 shooting with 6 rebounds, a steal, and a block. But that was in just 19 minutes. Bailey looked like he tweaked his back and appeared to be wearing a heat pad during the game. What’s exciting is how comfortable Bailey looked. He was hitting his midrange and enveloping ball handlers with his quick feet, elite length, and size. If Bailey can defend like he did and also score efficiently, it’s going to be very hard for the Jazz to keep him off the floor. It’s rare to get his impressive mix of tools.
Finally, I want to give Blake Hinson some love. His energy was great, and he’s a sharpshooter who should get time this season. He is a big body and plays hard, and I have a hard time not seeing the Jazz wanting to give him minutes. In all honesty, I’m not quite sure why he hasn’t already gotten regular NBA minutes with another team. He’s a prototypical NBA body and can shoot the threads off the ball. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be getting regular minutes for the Jazz this season.
All in all, it was a fantastic night for Jazz fans. The golden age is here and it’s off to an absolutely incredible start.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 4: Cody Williams #5 of the Utah Jazz pressures Kingston Flemings #4 of the Atlanta hawks during the second half of of their 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League game at the Jon M Huntsman Center on July 4, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks were in action on Independence Day, kicking off their summer league season with a matchup against no. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson and the Utah Jazz.
With Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar all making their Sumer League debuts, Saturday was the first opportunity for the Hawks to see their 2026 draft picks in action. In addition to their trio of draftees, last year’s first-round draft pick, Asa Newell was also in uniform for this one as he looked to build off a promising rookie season. Starting fives below.
Today’s Starting 🖐️ for our Summer League opener:
Kingston Flemings Keshon Gilbert Gabe Madsen Asa Newell Zuby Ejiofor
Peterson wasted no time introducing himself to his new fanbase — converting a pretty lay-in on a drive on Utah’s first possession of the game, and blocking Kingston Flemings on a fastbreak a few plays later.
Newell’s off the dribble game and outside shot are both areas of improvement for the 20-year-old ahead of his sophomore season, and the manner in which he scored his first two baskets of the game was sure to put some smiles on the faces of Hawks fans.
That said, the early portion of the game was all Utah, with the Jazz racing out to a 20-9 lead before Atlanta’s bench unit got them back in the game.
This three from second-round pick, Henri Veesaar, cut the Jazz lead to two — and Atlanta trailed 24-20 at the end of the first quarter.
Atlanta was sloppy to open the second quarter, with the lineup of Keshon Gilbert, Gabe Madsen, Isaac McKneely, Jacob Toppin and Henri Veesaar being outscored 13-3 in the first three-and-a-half minutes of the period, before Flemings and Newell returned to the game with Atlanta down by 14 points.
While Utah were the stronger team, Atlanta’s outside shooting kept them in the game, with the Hawks hitting five threes in the second quarter — including this corner bomb from no. 8 overall pick, Kingston Flemings.
It was good to see Flemings get on the board, but overall the rookie out of Houston had a tough time shooting the ball in his first Summer League action, going just 1-for-7 from the field in the first half — though it wasn’t all bad news as he did dish out 5 assists with no turnovers.
Still, the story of the first half was Darryn Peterson, who tallied 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting to lead all scorers, with Utah taking a 49-43 lead into the halftime locker room.
As one would expect from two teams making their Summer League debuts, turnovers were abundant in the first half with the two teams combining for 19 miscues in the first 20 minutes. Also of note, while the Hawks shooting picked up in the second quarter (7-for-19 from the perimeter in the first half), Utah did most of their damage on the interior in the first half, going 17-for-21 from the paint and just 1-for-8 from three.
Onto the third quarter, and it appears Kingston Flemings is a fast learner! Atlanta’s rookie guard got the quarter started with a nice pull-up from 15 feet, before finding Asa Newell for a slam and draining a three — all in the first two minutes of the period.
Feeding off Fleming’s play, Atlanta briefly took the lead at the 7:13 mark of the third quarter after a three from Keshon Gilbert, though it was short-lived as a Peterson triple a few possessions later put Utah back in front. The Jazz would keep Atlanta at arms length for the rest of the period and heading into the final frame, held a 78-70 lead.
With Atlanta down by 8 entering the final five minutes, Flemings assisted RayJ Dennis on a three from the wing to cut Utah’s lead to 5. After a miss from Utah on the other end, a put-back two from Ejiofor made it a three-point game, and Atlanta looked like they were going to make things interesting.
Then, on Utah’s next possession, this slam from Cody Williams dampened Atlanta’s spirits a bit, putting Utah back up by 5.
After trading free throws on the next few possessions, Darryn Peterson hit a three to put Utah up 7 with 1:26 remaining – and it seemed like Utah were going to see this one out. However Atlanta refused to quit fighting.
Asa Newell found Gabe Madsen for an easy two on the following possession. After a steal from Flemings, Kobe Johnson knocked down a free throw to cut the lead to four. Then, a traveling violation on Utah gave the ball back to the Hawks, and after a tip-in from Johnson, Utah’s lead stood at just two.
With Utah reeling, an offensive foul on Peterson gave Atlanta the ball back with momentum on their side. Asa Newell was fouled at the rim, and with a chance to tie the game up, went 1-for-2 from the line, giving Utah the chance to make it a two-possession game under a minute to play. However similar to their previous possessions, the Jazz struggled to take care of the ball and an errant pass from Max Abmas gave Atlanta the ball back with , and a transition three from Madsen (incredibly) put the Hawks up by two with 0:35 seconds remaining!
A shooting foul on Madsen on Utah’s next possession gave Abmas the chance to tie the ball game at the free throw line and after he sank both free throws, Atlanta had a chance to win it on the final possession of regulation. Unfortunately, Flemings jumper came up just short, which sent the game to a 2:00 overtime period.
Darryn Peterson got the scoring started in overtime, drilling this tough step-back three over Asa Newell.
With Atlanta trailing by five with under a minute to play, Flemings and Ejiofor connected on a pick-and-roll, cutting Utah’s lead to three. With the Jazz looking to kill the clock on one of their final possessions, Kingston Flemings came up with a clutch steal on Peterson, before drilling what he thought was the game-tying three with just 0:04 seconds on the shot clock — however the officials went to the monitor and ruled it a two, which meant it was Utah’s ball with Atlanta trailing by 1.
On the inbounds, Flemings fouled Justin Harmon on a driving lay-in which he converted and after the free throw, Utah led by 4 with 0:01 second on the clock. A miraculous three at the end of the game by Madsen cut the final margin to one, but it was too little too late, and the Hawks headed home with a heart-breaking 102-101 defeat in their Summer League opener.
It was an absolute treat of a game to open Summer League and despite the loss, there were a lot of positives to take away from this one for the Hawks. Kingston Flemings finished with 14 points, nine assists, four steals and just one turnover. Asa Newell tallied 15 points, five boards and three assists. Zuby Ejiofor went for eight points, 11 rebounds and three steals in his Hawks debut. Off the bench, Kobe Johnson was quite impactful in 22 minutes of action — finishing a team best +15 in the plus-minus column while playing stout defense. RayJ Dennis also poured in 13 points in just 12 minutes of playing time.
For Utah, Darryn Peterson looked every bit the part of a no. 2 overall draft pick, finishing with 28 points on 11-for-21 shooting (4-for-7 from three), though he did commit eight turnovers. Third year man, Cody Williams (drafted tenth overall in 2024) finished with 17 points and five rebounds.
Atlanta is back in action on Monday at 7PM EST, taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in their second game of Salt Lake City Summer League. Until next time!
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 21: Competitive eater Joey Chestnut eats pierogies during a halftime competition during the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Arena on November 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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
Mar 15, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Kam Jones (7) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Harris (11) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Milwaukee Bucks have signed former Marquette star guard Kam Jones to a two-way contract. Shams Charania of ESPN later confirmed the report.
Jones, a former second-round pick, spent last season with the Indiana Pacers before being traded to the Chicago Bulls on draft night for the 38th pick, Braden Smith. Jones never put on a Bulls jersey, though, as he was cut five days later and cleared waivers yesterday. As for the Bucks roster, per Salary Swish, Jones is the team’s third and final two-way player. He joins undrafted free agent big man Rafael Castro and guard Cormac Ryan, who is in the second year of a two-year two-way deal.
Jones had a bit of a rocky rookie season in Indiana, as he didn’t suit up until December 2, dealing with a lower-back stress reaction before the season even started, and didn’t receive regular playing time until February, when the Pacers were in full-on tank mode. Then there was the arrest for reckless driving on I-65 in the offseason, as he was running late for Pacers practice. On the court, once Jones got that playing time, he made the most of it. Over the season’s final 24 games, he averaged 22 MPG, 5.9 PPG, 4.5 APG, and 2.1 RPG, shooting 41.1% from the field and 32.3% from three-point range.
Jones now returns to a place he called home for four years, spending his college days at Marquette University under head coach Shaka Smart. After being mostly used as a sixth man in his freshman season, Jones exploded in his sophomore season as a dynamic scorer next to New York Knicks point guard Tyler Kolek, jumping his scoring by nearly eight points (7.4 to 15.1). His production helped the Golden Eagles capture their first Big East tournament championship in program history. Jones finished his college career by earning several accolades, including being named a second-team All-American.
Brew Hoop community, how do you feel about Jones signing? Let us know in the comments section below.
There's a lot of talk that he wants to build and own his own venue to generate the revenues needed to finance that expensive payroll, which means more billions.
The “Jays” are no more.
After nearly a decade together leading the Celtics, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown parted ways this week when the latter was traded to the 76ers.
And days after the deal, Tatum took to his Instagram story Friday to pen a heartwarming message for Brown.
“9 years! Forever grateful for all that we accomplished together, for pushing me to be a better player,” Tatum began.
Jayson Tatum shared a touching message to his now-ex teammate Jaylen Brown. Instagram-@jaytatum0
“From first-round exits to winning a chip together, I’m thankful for it all. Nothing but love and respect for you as a player and as a person.
“Looking forward to see how you attack this next chapter of your career and wish nothing but the best for you! Continue to be special!
The message was overlaid on a photo of Tatum and Brown early in their Celtics tenures, which marked an incredibly consistent era for the franchise.
The pair made five trips to the Conference Finals together, two trips to the NBA Finals and won one championship, when they beat the Mavericks in 2024.
Jayson Tatum and Brown won a championship together and reached the Conference Finals five times together Getty Images
However, things have taken a surprising turn since that series, in which Brown was named Finals MVP.
Tatum ruptured his Achilles last year in the postseason against the Knicks (as Boston lost in the second round) and missed most of this past season before returning in March.
However, the Celtics suffered a first-round exit to the Sixers, and the team’s relationship with Brown had seemingly deteriorated after a season in which Brown operated as the true primary option with Tatum out.
Jaylen Brown went live to address Brad Stevens and being traded by the Boston Celtics for the first time:
“I’m still processing everything, so give me some time… But I will say, there was a message being sent and that message was received. I wasn't thrilled with the amount of… pic.twitter.com/nsAncwb42g
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) July 3, 2026
Ultimately, that relationship ended on Wednesday as they agreed to trade Brown to the 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, ESPN reported.
The trade chatter surrounding Brown had been building of late as he was dangled in talks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the All-Star wing was somewhat displeased with how his trade out of Boston was handled.
Speaking on a live Twitch stream, he said he “wasn’t thrilled with the amount of respect that was showed during this process.”
“I think there was a bit of a lack of respect — I think it was fine at point — and then out of nowhere things kind of went left,” he added. “I think Brad [Stevens] is probably getting a lot of the criticism. I wasn’t thrilled the way he facilitated some of the conversations, but there’s definitely more to it.”
Now, Brown will team up with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe as the Sixers look to regain control of the East.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 04: Malique Lewis #19 of the Milwaukee Bucks warms up prior to playing the Golden State Warriors in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Golden 1 Center on July 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Bucks took down the Golden State Warriors Blue 97-83 to secure their first win in the California Classic. Milwaukee busted a tense, back-and-forth game wide open in the third quarter, mixing defensive versatility with lethal transition offense and catching fire from three-point range late. B.J. Boston and Bogoljub Marković led Milwaukee with 17 and 16 points, respectively. RJ Nembhard scored 15 points for the Warriors Blue.
The Bucks began the game with a starting five of Kira Lewis Jr., Cormac Ryan, Markovic, Rafael Castro, and Malique Lewis. The Golden State Warriors Blue started Nick Boyd, Colby Jones, Nembhard, David Green, and Jacksen Moni. No. 11 overall pick Yaxel Lendeborg and No. 54 overall pick Lajae Jones are currently playing with the Warriors’ Gold team. Brayden Burries and Nate Ament arrived at the arena in street clothes and didn’t log any minutes.
Marković, the 2025 draft-and-stash that won the Serbia league’s MVP last season, scored the Bucks’ first Summer League points after getting on the receiving end of a Castro dime. However, the Warriors ran off to a 9-2 run, led by a pair of Moni triples. The game was fast-paced, but the Warriors found the best looks of the quarter. The Bucks rotated guys frequently throughout the game — ten players saw first-quarter minutes — but one unifying trait among them seemed to be getting out quickly in transition and turning defensive actions into points. Castro, in particular, was everywhere on the defensive end. The 2025-26 National Defensive Player of the Year finalist used his 85-inch wingspan to apply an insane amount of pressure everywhere on the court. However, the Bucks looked shaky on offense. They didn’t make any of their six three-point attempts and looked frustrated by the Warriors’ rim protection. The Bucks ended the first quarter down seven points, 25-18.
It was more of the same for the Bucks, who struggled on offense and were burned on transition defense in the second quarter. What can you expect from the first game of Summer League ball? However, there were real glimmers of brilliance, especially among the Bucks’ two-way players. Lewis fought hard inside and came up with a couple of second-chance points. Castro showed exciting versatility on the pick-and-roll, either barreling down the lane or popping outside and finding an open man. Despite a slow start, Ryan found his footing and began knocking down threes. Marković also looked very encouraging in his limited minutes, whether it was displaying some advanced court vision, showcasing a gentle touch off the glass, or creating separation with his footwork. He looks much more suited to the NBA’s tempo and physicality, and it’s evident his game has improved since last year. The Bucks and Warriors traded blows for the second quarter, with neither team able to gain a real advantage until Milwaukee embarked on a run towards the end of the half. Boopie Miller’s quick midrange pull-up trimmed the Warriors’ lead to just two by the end of the quarter, with the Bucks trailing, 45-43.
The Bucks jumped out to a 10-3 run immediately after halftime. Ryan knocked down a three-point shot and converted an and-one, while Lewis finished off a pair of driving layups. The Bucks looked really interesting when they were switching off on pick-and-rolls, especially with Markovic, Castro, and Lewis in the frontcourt. That level of peskiness on the perimeter and toughness on the block allowed them to frustrate the Warriors on offense and secure a 13-point lead. As the third quarter continued, it seemed like the Bucks caught their second wind. Luke Travers made some impressive hustle plays, and the Bucks scooped up several offensive rebounds. B.J. Boston found his offensive rhythm, and he looked nearly unstoppable when he got downhill. The Warriors looked increasingly out of answers to an aggressive Bucks defense. Milwaukee outscored the Warriors by 21 points during the third quarter, putting them up 77-58 with the final frame to go.
The Bucks continued to flow in the final quarter. Zack Austin and Miller came up with some impressive acrobatic finishes, and they continued to force turnovers and keep Golden State from generating good looks. They looked truly inspired. In one play, Marković dove into the Warriors’ bench to save a loose ball, which triggered a fast break that ended with Lewis finishing through contact to convert an and-one layup. The Bucks slowed the game down and went back-and-forth with the Warriors, who attempted to mount a comeback in the game’s dying moments but didn’t have enough time. Lewis effectively iced the game with a logo three as the shot clock expired to secure the Bucks’ first Summer League victory.
Stat That Stood Out
Rafael Castro picked up four steals today, a game-high. He is very strong defensively, and this game proved it. Castro was one of the most interesting undrafted prospects because of his elite agility and athleticism, along with his strong positional size and wingspan. Today showed it. Castro was a real nuisance for the Warriors’ offense today. If he can shore up some of his rougher offensive deficiencies, Castro will be a real two-way player who can improve the Bucks.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: Egor Demin of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates during the 2026 NBA Draft - Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Sydney Bezelik/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s been a long time since the Nets had this much to look forward to at Summer League. No matter how you want to look at it, they have a ton of stock in the players playing in Sacramento.
We had a late edit to today’s thread as fans anticipated Mikel Brown Jr’s (6th overall) first game as a Nets — particularly in a fun matchup against Darius Acuff Jr. (7th overall). Roughly 20 minutes before tip, Brian Lewis provided an update:
Ben Saraf, Egor Demin, Drake Powell, Tyler Bilodeau, Chaney Johnson will start the California Classic opener for the #Nets against the #Kings. No Mikel Brown Jr. or Danny Wolf, so fans won’t get to see MBJ vs. Darius Acuff.
Drake Powell joins the team after missing last year’s summer league. It’ll be important for him to carve out a leadership role while in Sacramento. Nolan Traore is out for the summer.
Enjoy the fireworks!
🏀 Key Info
Matchup: Sacramento vs. Brooklyn
Time (ET): 5:00 p.m.
Broadcast / Streaming Platform: Gotham Sports App, Prime, NBA TV, NBA League Pass, ESPN+
💬 Discussion
Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; The eighth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Houston guard Kingston Flemings reacts after he was selected by the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Hawks fans get their first look at Kingston Flemings and the rest of the young players as they start their three-game Summer League stretch against Darryn Peterson and the Utah Jazz.
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Does it fit Quentin Dolan being named president, chief operating officer and alternate governor of the Rangers?
Here's how his dad, Garden boss Jim Dolan, defends the very decisive Blueshirts developments:
"Since Quentin's arrival overseeing our Player Performance and Science Department, he has made a strong impact on the Rangers and Knicks organizations," says James Dolan. "As a result we are pleased that he will step into this elevated position."
The Rangers and Knicks are part of the expanding Dolan enterprises. That includes theaters such as the Beacon on Broadway and the Sphere in Las Vegas, among others. The Rangers need help and young Dolan has completed his basic training:
James Dolan: "Quentin has quickly become an incredibly valued member of the Rangers franchise and played a key role behind the scenes with the Knicks during their championship run. I look forward to seeing the positive influence he can make in this expanded and critical role."
The Knicks have obliterated the Rangers on the Garden landscape. Quentin's appointment is a necessary component in upgrading the Blueshirts to the lofty position of the Knicks.
And while Hardaway Jr. will look to emulate his dad’s sharpshooting in South Beach, the Hall of Famer wants to maintain his “legacy” and keep his No. 10 uniform retired.
Hardaway Jr., seen guarding the Knicks’ OG Anunoby, wore No. 10 last year for the Nuggets Jason Skenes/ NY Post
“My legacy is my legacy. Even though he likes to wear No. 10, that is not coming down from the rafters,” Hardaway Sr. told WQAM radio in Miami. “That is tough to do. And when it’s up there, you want [it] to stay up there, and you don’t want nobody to touch it.
“I love him. I love him. I’m happy for him. …. Watching him play through college and the NBA, he’d been to three places I’d never been: the Final Four, a championship, and now, he’s going to his hometown team. I never done that, and so, I’m happy that he’s doing it,” Hardaway Sr. continued about his son, who grew up in South Florida.
“But no, he can’t wear No. 10.”
Tim Hardaway of the Heat dribbles against the Warriors on November 26, 1996 at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. NBAE via Getty Images
The 34-year-old wing has worn No. 10 for the Hawks, Mavericks and Nuggets, and his father also wore the number in Miami before the franchise retired it in 2009
Hardaway Jr. has also worn Nos. 3, 5, 11 and 8 during his career, though only No. 3 is currently available on the Heat roster.
Tim Hardaway Sr. (left) is not letting his son (right) wear his Miami Heat No. 10. NBAE via Getty Images
He had a solid year for the Nuggets last season as he averaged 13.5 points per game and finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
Now, with the Heat’s trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo expected to be finalized soon, Hardaway Jr. will look to serve as a complementary piece around the two-time MVP.
Brian Gregory and the Suns have moved with purpose this offseason, securing three of their own free agents and adding Miles Bridges to the mix, but as the dust settles after the opening skirmishes of the offseason, they find themselves with a couple of round holes to fill and a bag full of square pegs.
Adding talent isn’t the same as getting better, and on paper, the fit of the projected starting lineup of Booker, Green, Brooks, Bridges and Williams seems dubious. There’s not a lot of three-point shooting, Brooks is the only plus defender at his position, there’s not a clear answer to the rebounding issues, and there’s only one ball. So while the roster has a lot of scoring options, who’s getting the shots? Or more importantly, who’s giving up their shots?
The Jalen Green mock trades have been flying since he landed in Phoenix. I’ve written about his fit previously.
I think Jalen Green is a number one option on a team. He’s not going to be a guy who thrives being the second, or in the case of last year, the third option. He’s been consistently Jalen Green throughout his career, and I think it’s unlikely that he would be effective in or even open to accepting a different role. It may be mutually beneficial for Jalen Green and the Suns to part ways this offseason. I’ve taken the time to help expedite the process by coming up with five mock trades that I would like to see in the event the Suns move off of Jalen Green.
So Brian Gregory, if you’re listening, this is how you fix the Suns.
The first option I see for constructing a Jalen Green trade is to package him with the recently signed Mark Williams to upgrade the center position. In these scenarios, we would improve at center but also open up a spot in the starting five for Collin Gillespie.
Turner is a stretch five who could open up the floor so that Booker, Brooks, and Bridges can go to work. The Suns also get Kyle Kuzma, a 50% shooter who can guard 1-5, according to Kyle Kuzma, on a $30 million expiring contract, as well as Gary Harris. Milwaukee gets the new engine of their offense as they work to rebuild their team after Giannis’s departure. Mark Williams and Ryan Dunn are two more young players who may better fit their timeline.
This trade addresses any issues Phoenix might have with spacing in their starting lineup. Myles had a tough year last year, but he’s only one year removed from being a core piece in the Pacers’ run to the Finals. He is a better rim protector than Mark Williams, averaging two blocks a game over his career. Personally, I feel he’s a better long-term fit with Devin Booker than Mark Williams, and if Ishbia and crew are serious about building a contender around Booker, they could do much worse than a player like Myles Turner. However, one drawback is Turner isn’t a great rebounder, which remains an area of concern for the Suns going into the 2026-27 season.
In trade two, we take a huge cut, trading away Green and Brooks.
Jalen Green has always seemed like a King to me, so the fit seems natural as the Kings move to rebuild around their recent lottery pick. Dillon Brooks would give the young team a veteran who’s proven to be a leader who can help establish a culture. They’ve been openly shopping Sabonis for a while now, but he carries a large contract. He would, however, be a great fit for Jordan Ott’s offense, as a strong screen-setter and playmaker at center. He’d also immediately impact the Suns’ rebounding woes. He’s long been one of, if not the best, rebounders in the league.
I really like the fit of Sabonis and Booker. It would give Booker an outlet for when teams try to press him off the screen. He could also act as a connector, in ways similar to how Oso operates in the offense. He would be a clear upgrade over Mark Williams on the offensive end and on the glass, but the Suns would sacrifice some length inside. In addition to Sabonis, the Suns would add Malik Monk to replace the bench scoring of Grayson Allen, and Collin Gillespie, who would be moving to the starting lineup.
The second option I see for trading Jalen Green is to replace him with another guard who is more complementary to Devin Booker’s game. The following trades will involve three different types of guards: a ball-handling combo guard, a two-way guard, and a playmaking guard.
Trade Target #3: The Mavs
Suns Get:
Kyrie Irving
Mavs Get:
Jalen Green
Projected Starting Lineup: Irving, Booker, Brooks, Bridges, Williams
The most common response I’ve heard to fans asserting that Devin Booker needs a point guard to take the ball out of his hands is that there aren’t any point guards left and that, beyond being a table-setting point guard, CP3 was a Hall of Fame, top 75 player. Where do you find another guy like that?
In Dallas.
Kyrie has a similar skill set to Jalen Green in that he can put downhill pressure on the rim, but that’s where the similarities end. Kyrie is one of the best finishing guards ever. He’s great with the ball in his hands, but he’s also been successful in the number two role next to LeBron and Luka. He’s older and coming off an injury, but if he makes a healthy return, he’d give the Suns what they really need to free up Devin Booker: a second offensive threat the defense takes seriously.
Teams will not be able to take Devin Booker out of the game if it means giving up space to Kyrie Irving. This trade would also give the Suns a closer in the fourth quarter who is a great ball handler and good in tight spaces and big moments. It would take some of the pressure off of Booker and give the Suns more options to attack at the end of games.
There are some concerns about Kyrie’s age and just Kyrie in general, but if the Suns want to compete for championships over the next three years, an all-time great like Kyrie next to Booker would put them in contention.
Trade Target #4: The Blazers
Suns Get:
Jrue Holiday
Blazers Get:
Jalen Green
Projected Starting Lineup: Holiday, Booker, Brooks, Bridges, Williams
Holden Sherman from Bright Side has already posted an article about a hypothetical trade with Portland to put Jrue next to Book. At the time of the article, it didn’t seem likely to happen, but Portland just added Ja Morant and Dame Lillard is returning from injury with a no-trade clause.
Portland has said they are not shopping Jrue, but they still have some questions to answer about their roster and some of their young guards. If they choose to move on from players like Henderson or Sharpe, then a player like Jalen Green might give them back some of the pop they’d be giving up. While a Jrue trade may still be unlikely, the fit next to Booker is unquestionable.
Jordan Ott could field a different type of defense with this hypothetical lineup. A defense more aligned to his desire to create turnovers and extra shot opportunities. At the same time, Jrue is an opportunistic scorer, capable of huge games, but not needing to put up a lot of shots to make an impact. I think for the Suns this makes a lot of sense, but it may not make as much sense on Portland’s end.
Trade Target #5: The Bulls
Suns Get:
Josh Giddey
Isaac Okoro
Bulls Get:
Jalen Green
Projected Starting Lineup: Giddey, Booker, Brooks, Bridges, Williams
This trade has been making the rounds on Twitter for a while now. I don’t like this trade. Giddey is a young star ascending and would add playmaking and rebounding to the Suns. He can handle the ball and allow Booker to work in more of a traditional shooting guard role. But that defense…that defense looks so awful I can’t stand it.
For all of Green’s faults and ill fit on the offensive end, I feel like he has the potential to be a really disruptive defender. Maybe not the guy you match up on the other team’s best player, but more of the impact we saw in the Golden State play-in game where he gave the Suns 3 blocks and 2 steals. Giddey would only add to the Suns’ defensive woes, which saw team after team cutting through the Suns’ defense off the drive, like paper through uncalloused fingers. You can’t win games when you can’t stop the ball. Giddey is a no-go. Shame on anyone out there who thought the Suns should trade for him.
All of these trade ideas are hypothetical. I’m not an insider. I just know center is a really impactful position on the court, a position where the Suns have, at least since I’ve been in Phoenix, always been a little shaky.
We need to get more production there, and I’m not sold on Mark Williams being able to stay healthy, and the fact that they signed him to three years makes me think that Khaman Malauch is not close to starting. I don’t think they signed Williams to be a backup at that price, not when they have Oso, who Ott turned to last year in the fourth quarter over Mark. Before the Suns signed Mark, if you had asked me whether I think we should trade for Myles Turner or Domantas Sabonis, I might have said, “No, it would interfere with Khaman’s development.” I’m not so sure about that now.
If the Suns were to trade Green, I’d prefer them to package him with Mark for a center.
Let me know in the comments what return you would like for Jalen Green or if you think the Suns should keep him. If anyone has a good Hornets trade, let me know. I looked there first and couldn’t find anything, but I’m sure Gregory could cook something up.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania already conveyed James’ decision is likely among six teams: the Cavaliers, the Heat, the Nuggets, the Warriors, the 76ers and the Timberwolves.
LeBron James still is mulling his options after deciding to leave the Lakers. Getty Images
James already has played for two of these franchises (Cavaliers and Heat) and has spent two separate stints with the Cavs.
This is why seeing LeBron spend July 3 (and presumably July 4) in Akron, Ohio, about 40 miles from Cleveland, is drawing interest in the NBA community.
Instagram user @smallzthevillain, who also works for Klutch Sports, made a story post that showed James getting shouted out while at a community center in Akron called House Three Thirty.
There were also videos of James dancing at the center while holding a drink in his hand.
Of course, James was born and raised in Akron, so it’s no surprise to see him there for Fourth of July weekend. And his being there isn’t any indication that the Cavaliers have a hand up in his free agency sweepstakes.
In fact, Mark Medina of Forbes reported on July 4 that there is “skepticism that [LeBron] would join the Cavaliers on a veteran’s minimum deal.”
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James was spotted in Akron, Ohio, during the Fourth of July weekend. Best Image / BACKGRID
Ultimately, nobody knows where James is going to end up now, and all six teams seem to be viable options for the NBA legend.
Then again, perhaps being back in Ohio this weekend could convince James that ending his career in the same place he started it (and where he returned during his prime) would make for the perfect full-circle moment.
James already has played for the Heat and Cavs and is considering them again, but there are at least four other teams in the mix. Best Image / BACKGRID
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 29 : Joshua Jefferson, Mikel Brown Jr., Tyler Bilodeau pose for a photo during an introductory Press Conference for the 2026 Brooklyn Nets Draftees on June 29, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York. 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 David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Brooklyn Nets basketball is back.
Now, it may not be regular-season action or even preseason, but Nets hoops are back, nevertheless.
Today, while America’s 250th birthday is celebrated around the country, the Nets will kick off their eight-game Summer League schedule in Sacramento, squaring off against the Sacramento Kings. Brooklyn will play three games at the California Classic in Sacramento July 4, 5 and 6, then head to Las Vegas for five games between July 9 and 19.
Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET.
Where to Watch
Early info was that the game would only be carried on Gotham Sports Net but according to the NBA App, the possibilities include NBA TV, ESPN+, NBA League Pass and Prime.
Here’s the Nets full schedule in the California Classic.
Summer League begins!
Throughout the eight-game set, it is expected that we will see all three of Brooklyn’s freshly selected draft picks: Mikel Brown Jr., Joshua Jefferson and Tyler Bilodeau.
However, it remains unknown exactly when each will make their debut. More when we know later Saturday.
If Brown Jr. makes his debut today, it will be a fun matchup for both Nets and Kings fans, as he would be in line to face off against Darius Acuff Jr., whom the Nets passed on with the No. 6 pick before Sacramento swooped him up at No. 7, which was a polarizing decision on Nets Twitter.
Given that it’s a back-to-back-to-back beginning Saturday, there is a chance that the Nets may hold Brown Jr. out of some of the Sacramento portion. As Jordi Fernandez told reporters Wednesday, you don’t want to burn out the rookies.
“We’re not going to do anything that will put their health in danger,” said Fernández before the team headed out West. “I think that we’ve proven that over and over. We have very good medical and performance staff, and right now, I don’t envision them playing all three games, because I think it’s back-to-back-to-back.”
As for Jefferson, he won’t be eligible until Vegas, since the Randle-Claxton trade which the 28th pick, won’t be processed until Monday, too late for him to play in Sacramento.
Bilodeau, who signed a two-way contract with the team after being selected with the 43rd overall pick, is expected to be a full-go.
Three of the Nets’ five first-round picks from the 2025 class will also be in action over the next two weeks: Egor Demin, Ben Saraf, Danny Wolf and Drake Powell while Nolan Traoré will miss both leagues due to a arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
Another familiar face Nets fans will see on the floor is Chaney Johnson, a late-season riser last year who was brought back on a two-way contract. Grant Nelson will travel with the team, although he won’t play as he continues to rehab from patellar tendinitis, commonly referred to as “jumper’s knee.”
Beyond that, the Nets have three undrafted players on Exhibit 10 deals on the Summer League roster, which virtually ensures they, too, will spend time with the Long Island Nets after a stint in training camp come October.
All three will be in action over the next two weeks, though, in Vegas and Sacramento. The three players include 6’4” guard Dion Brown out of St. Louis University, Ben Humrichous, a 6’9” combo forward who came off the bench for Illinois last year, and 6’10” Duke Brennan out of Villanova.
For the first time since draft night, Nets fans will get a look at their 2026 draft class. And following a lengthy offseason riddled with poor luck, tonight is the night to sit back, relax on the 4th, and watch Brooklyn’s next generation of talent hoop.
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa poses for a portrait after being drafted by the Utah Jazz and the Washington Wizards during the 2026 NBA Draft - Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Summer League is set to kick off for the Jazz tonight when they face the Atlanta Hawks. What, and who should Jazz fans be taking note of?
How Much Will Darryn Peterson Play?
This is clearly the most obvious and important storyline to keep an eye on, how will the second overall pick fare when going against NBA competition? This is what all Jazz fans will be most interested in seeing over the course of Summer League. Another question to consider is just how much will he actually play. It’s no secret that Peterson has injury concerns, these concerns however were not enough to dissuade the Jazz from selecting him 2nd overall, and Peterson himself has said that he has put his cramping issues behind him. Still it is something worth monitoring over the course of the Jazz’s Summer League games.
How Will Peterson Fare Against the Other Top Picks?
Peterson is set to face off against AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer in this year’s Summer League. The biggest questions will be: did the Jazz make a mistake by not trading up for Dybantsa, (no) and did the Jazz make a mistake by not selecting Cameron Boozer 2nd overall? (also no) Even if these questions are stupid, it will be very interesting to see how Peterson will stack up against the first and third overall picks.
A Preview of Year 2 Ace
Ace looked fantastic during his rookie season, where he averaged 13.8 points, and shot 34% from deep. At times, he was the sole reason most were tuning in to watch. There are some questions as to whether or not Bailey will come off the bench next season, and this Summer League will be a perfect opportunity for him to show that he is talented enough to start on a team that will be competing for a playoff spot. Even if he ends up coming off the bench next season he will still get plenty of minutes, and should be even more dangerous now that he has a year of experience under his belt.
Cody Williams
Cody will be the only player from the Jazz’s 2024 draft class who will be suiting up for this year’s Summer League. On the one hand this can be seen as somewhat of a disappointment, especially considering he was drafted 10th overall. On the other hand this will be a great opportunity for Cody to refine his game on offense, late last season he really seemed to be favoring longer twos over threes. The analytics may say this is a poor shot to take, but any production on offense from him is welcome. He could also be more important to the team than previously expected due to the departure of Walker Kessler. In my view he is the Jazz’s 7th most important player (shoutout to Jaylen Brown).
How Will Bez Mbeng Perform?
Now for the storylines only the true sickos will be dedicating their precious time to ponder. Bez Mbeng was an intriguing piece that the Jazz added towards the end of last season. It came as no surprise that the 3 time Ivy League Defense Player of the Year was a solid defender, averaging 2.3 steals per game, but can he show enough on offense to stick around as an end of the bench guy? He had his moments on offense, scoring 26, and 27 against the Pelicans and Grizzlies last season, but those were against G-League level opponents since it was so late in the season and neither team was really trying to win. Personally I believe that Mbeng could be a younger, cheaper replacement for Elijah Harkless should the Jazz elect to move off of his contract this offseason. At the very least I think that Mbeng has shown enough to be kept on the Jazz’s G-League roster to develop further.
Of the Lesser Known Players Who Will Impress?
Recently the Jazz signed Tamar Bates to a two-way contract. He was put up impressive numbers in the G-League, but can he show enough to stick around? He averaged an impressive 19.6 points per game in the G-League, and shot 44% from deep in his 12 games played.
Blake Hinson also finds himself on a two-way contract. In his 14 games played last year he showed that he is a legit NBA shooter, shooting 46.8% from three. While he is on the older side at 26, he’s still an intriguing piece to keep an eye on. Also he will be wearing a new number this season, switching from #2 to #11.
Other names to keep in mind are centers; Micah Handlogten, Jonas Aidoo, and Mohamed Wague. Even after signing Jaxon Hayes, and resigning Nurkić, the Jazz might still be wise to look to add a developmental center behind the two. Micah Handlogten might be the best bet between the three, as he is the youngest and tallest. Additionally he also averaged the most rebounds in college, which is a skill the Jazz are in dire need of.
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