If there were ever any questions about Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and his loyalty to the team, he has answered them.
Time and time again, he's expressed his desire to remain with Denver for the remainder of his career. Jokic has two seasons remaining on his contract, which includes a player option to become an unrestricted free agent in 2028 when he will turn 33.
The three-time MVP made clear he will not wait until then to ease the minds of Nuggets fans.
"My idea is to sign next summer and stay with Denver for the rest of my career," Jokic told reporters in Serbian after a FIBA World Cup qualifying game Monday.
"My idea and desire is to stay in Denver. I'll probably sign next year ... My desire is to play the rest of my life in Denver."
Jokic entered the league in 2014. He was selected by the Nuggets with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft. He led Denver to a 2023 NBA title and was named Finals MVP.
He could sign the largest contract in NBA history in the summer of 2027. Jokic would be eligible for a five-year, $359.5 million contract as a free agent, according to ESPN.
Jokic averaged a triple-double during the 2025-26 season with 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game in 65 appearances. In 11 NBA seasons, Jokic averages 22.2 points per game, 11.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists.
Since then, some people wanted to read into Jokic not signing an extension with the Nuggets this offseason, but Jokic — after playing for Serbia in a FIBA World Cup qualifying game yesterday — once again was unequivocal.
Nikola Jokic: "My idea is to sign next summer and stay with Denver for the rest of my career."
Jokic has two years and $121.9 million left on his current contract, with the final year of that deal being a player option.
Here's why he's going to wait: Right now, and through the end of next season, Jokic can sign a four-year, $278 million max extension; if he waits until next summer, he can sign a historic five-year, $359.5 million deal — the largest in NBA history. And he could get a no-trade clause.
Jokic is coming off a season in which he averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game — averaging a triple-double — and he finished second in MVP voting. While he struggled in the playoffs with his 3-pointer and defense, a big part of that is the roster around him needs to be improved. Bottom line, he is a top-three player in the world in his prime, and the Nuggets are going to pay up.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 07: Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on December 07, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have home-court advantage in luring LeBron James to them in free agency. That leverage has reportedly left rival teams across the league feeling hopeless in their pursuit.
“Everybody I’ve talked to is like ‘we’re afraid it’s Cleveland,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “Nobody seems like they have optimism.“
Most of the league is going after the King. Even at 41 years old, James brings value that few others can replicate. He’s seen as the missing piece for numerous teams that are desperate to reach the next level. Only one of the greatest of all time can control the offseason like this.
Notable teams that are interested in James include the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers. Windhorst says the Sixers fear they’ve already lost the war.
“I’ve talked to people in Philly, and I’m like, what do you think? ‘We’re afraid it’s Cleveland,’” said Windhorst.
Cleveland seems to be gaining serious momentum. It makes all too much sense for James to return home for the grand finale of his career. This is a location that can offer him everything, from a chance to win one more title to a final standing ovation in front of the crowd that has loved him most. The appeal of ending it in Cleveland is strong enough narratively to put doubt in everyone else’s minds.
Why wouldn’t it?
James has been all over Akron this week, posting to social media as he parties with hometown friends and Cavs front office members alike. James has returned to Akron frequently over the years — something that should only add fuel to the fire for his return. Clearly, he loves being home.
Other teams can offer him competitive environments. The 76ers have re-upped with Jaylen Brown next to their core of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The Heat, similarly, made a splash by trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Golden State has some long-time rivals who James could unite with for one more shot at a title.
None of those places offer James the safety that Cleveland does.
Failure in Golden State or Philly would feel as anticlimactic as it gets. Can you imagine the halfhearted cheers that James would receive from Warriors fans who have spent the last decade hating him if the Dubs had an early exit next season? It would pale in comparison to even the worst-case scenario in Cleveland. Frankly, the Cavs could miss the postseason altogether, and James would still get an authentic, roaring ovation from the Cleveland crowd in his final game.
I’d imagine all of this is weighing into James’ decision. And as we await the final verdict, reports such as this suggest that Cleveland might be in the lead.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 06: Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens (left) and lead owner Bill Chisholm speak during a media availability at The Auerbach Center on July 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images
BOSTON — Brad Stevens has taken countless press conferences, for many years on an almost-nightly basis as a head coach, and more recently, as the Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations.
Still, sitting at the Auerbach Center podium late Monday afternoon, he was faced with perhaps his most difficult press conference yet.
The stunning trade that made Jaylen Brown a Philadelphia 76er was not even official for three hours when Stevens took the podium alongside team owner Bill Chisholm, in order to answer 45 minutes of grueling questions from the local Boston press corps.
Was this a cost-cutting move? Did swapping in Paul George for Jaylen Brown actually make this team better? How do you explain this to the angry fans? What do you say to a disrespected Jaylen?
From the get-go, Stevens looked and sounded like a man who, understandably, was balancing several competing and sensitive objectives.
He had an obvious desire — perhaps even a mandate — to be complimentary to Brown, a franchise legend, an all-time great who helped deliver Banner 18 to the Celtics a mere two summers ago.
“When Jaylen came here as a 19-year-old, we knew that he had a lot of talent and a lot of ability to impact people in a lot of different ways,” Stevens said in his opening statement. “And he certainly did that by inspiring people with his play, but I think maybe more so — and the thing that certainly always impressed me even more — was taking on the responsibility of being a great Boston athlete in the community. He talked all the time about his admiration for Bill Russell, and all that he meant in the community, and Jaylen has done an amazing job.”
He had a responsibility to empathize with the outraged Celtics fans who have been trying to make sense of a shocking deal that sent a beloved, homegrown star to a division rival for a far less impressive return than most expected.
“I’ve lost sleep over the ‘fan’ part of this,” Stevens said. “I get it. Like, there’s a bunch of 7 jerseys around. I’m pretty sure I bought a couple, so I get it.”
And, he tried his very best to be truthful and shine light on just some of the factors that played into the wildly unpopular decision, be it Brown’s unfavorable advanced analytics, the challenges of balancing two supermax contracts, Brown’s high usage; the list goes on.
Stevens admitted that advanced analytics played a role in his decision-making, albeit a limited one: “I would say that was a small piece of information.”
And, he acknowledged that it’s just not viable to have two supermax players long-term: “We may not be sitting here if there was a rule in the CBA that said, ‘The guys that you drafted that you signed for 35% supermaxes count as 25% of the cap, because then that would allow you to build out towards the aprons with a lot less flexibility, or with a lot more flexibility.”
Stevens answered each and every question thoroughly, looking reporters in the eye, calling them by their first name, never getting even a tad bit defensive.
Chisholm, who is far less experienced, occasionally chimed in to fortify the message, nervously fidgeting at times, but nonetheless picking his words carefully.
The duo undoutebdly handled what could have been a disastrous presser well. How much that actually matters to Celtics fans remains to be seen.
In my view, there were four notable moments.
1. Bill Chisholm made clear that the idea to trade Jaylen Brown did not stem from him.
“Brad and his team came with a recommendation, this is the way we’re gonna win,” Chisholm said. “And I looked at it, and I had the same reaction, I was like, ‘Wow.‘ This is the fan in me — like, really tough.”
He also made clear this was not a cost-cutting move.
“I know there’s people who feel like, ‘Oh, there must be a smoking gun somewhere on the money,’ but that’s just not what this is about,” Chisholm said. “And I can say it, and I’ll keep saying it, but I’ll also prove it to you when the time comes. When we have the opportunity, we’re going to do that. And we’ve given ourselves the flexibility to do it now. So, it’s fine to keep asking the question, because I know we have to prove it, and we will.”
Though Chisholm came into his role at a difficult time, there’s no reason to think he’s been cheaping out — I genuinely believe all of this would have happened if the previous ownership group remained. But, as he acknowledged, only time will tell.
2. Brad Stevens shot down some of the off-court rumors that have surrounded Jaylen Brown’s trade
In the days since Jaylen Brown was traded, rumors have swirled that off-court issues may played a factor. But, Stevens vehemently shot down the notion that Brown was disgruntled with the team, or vice versa, prior to trade talks.
“We all appreciate Jaylen,” Stevens said. “We’ve all enjoyed having Jaylen as a teammate. I think he’s got great relationships from here.”
Did Jayson Tatum want Jaylen Brown gone?
That question has been posited in radio and TV stations across the country, and Stevens laid that one to rest, too.
He reiterated that Tatum, Brown’s teammate of 9 seasons, had no input in the decision to make the trade.
“I have a real hard-and-fast rule,” Stevens said. “I don’t ask other guys about other guys… I won’t put them in that position.”
3. The Celtics wanted to move away from being such a top-heavy team
As part of his opening statement, Brad Stevens shared (unprompted) that he felt like having Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown take up such a large percentage of the salary cap and usage wasn’t putting the Celtics on the best pathway forward.
“The path looked a little bit more challenging with 70% of our cap and such a high percent of our usage tied into two players,” Stevens said. “And the reality in this era and in this day and age at the NBA, you could see it obviously, with the last couple of champions and some of the teams that were at the very top of the league, when it was all said and done at the end of this year, is that you have to do a great job and you have to have the optionality to do a great job of building out depth that can hopefully replace the irreplaceable individual. And that’s not an easy thing to do, right? And we get that. And that’s absolutely nothing against Jaylen. If you have Jaylen Brown on your team, you should feature him. You should use all those possessions, and you should approach things that way. But I think the importance of depth, and then obviously we have to continue to work on ways to diversify our attack overall.”
My analysis: There was a time in which having two or three stars was all you needed to be a championship contender in the NBA. Recent history shows that that era has passed, and this trade is, in part, an acknowledgement of that.
4. The Celtics actually think Paul George will be a difference-maker
It’s hard to get fans excited about a soon-to-be 37-year-old player who on one of the NBA’s most unpopular contracts. But, though his availability remains a question mark, the team is excited about what Paul George could bring.
“We like Paul,” Stevens said. “Paul’s a really good player. We’re not very far removed from all sitting in our series against Philadelphia and watching Paul be a guy that could carry you for portions of a quarter or a half, but also play a complementary role on both ends of the floor at the highest of levels. He’s excited to come to Boston. He actually already came in this weekend. And we’re excited to get a chance to work with him.”
My analysis: The word ‘complementary’ here is key. The Celtics believe that Paul George could fit well next season, and fit in well to what the Celtics are doing. George was awesome in the postseason against Boston — he averaged 17.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 48.9% from the field and 55% from three across seven games. He’s also historically been an elite defender. There’s a world where he really thrives in this role.
Still, the reality is that nothing Brad Stevens said will fully satisfy Celtics fans
Though Stevens handled the press conference as best as he could — perhaps as best as any NBA general manager in the aftermath of such an unpopular trade — no words could provide complete clarity on why this all played out, why it had to happen now, and why the Celtics wouldn’t want to keep Brown coming off of his best season yet.
Perhaps the truth is hurtful to Brown. It was clear from the jump that Stevens did not want to denigrate his character or on-court play, to the point where he even avoided saying he thinks next year’s team will be better than this year’s.
Or, maybe the logic behind the decision to trade Brown is faulty. And, maybe, the decision to trade Brown will age poorly.
Stevens acknowledged that reality, too.
“I might be wrong,” Stevens said. “I’m not going to stand up here and be defensive about that.”
Either way, though Stevens gets a 10 out of 10 on his transparency and willingness to field all the questions, and give fans the answers they deserved, even if it doesn’t actually move the needle on things.
Dru Joyce III, Sian Cotton, LeBron James, Willie McGee and Romeo Travis at the premiere of "Shooting Stars" held on May 31, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images) | Variety via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the teams vying for LeBron James’s services in free agency. There hasn’t been much news out of James’s camp or teams like the Cavs to really get a feel for how things are going. That vacuum has left those of us on the outside looking for clues as to whether a second reunion in Cleveland is likely.
One of those clues, which has an innocent enough explanation, came out on Monday. LeBron’s former teammate at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, Romeo Travis, is one of the guest coaches the Cavs have brought on to help with Summer League training camp.
There were a couple of former Zips at #Cavs Summer League practice today.
Cleveland's own Shammah Scott invited to Summer League Training Camp workouts this week, while Akron's own Romeo Travis was helping the coaching staff. pic.twitter.com/a10s6i4ixS
Having a guest coach isn’t unique. Many teams, including the Cavs, do this for things like Summer League training camp. The timing of this, with James as a free agent, will understandably cause a stir, even though it likely doesn’t mean much.
There are plenty of Akron and St. Vincent-St. Mary’s connections on the Cavs which include assistant general manager Brandon Weems and Malaki Branham, who is on the Summer League roster. Travis also fits the profile of someone who would typically help out in a situation like this. He’s a former professional player with ties to both the team and the area. There’s nothing completely out of the ordinary with this.
Travis played collegiately at the University of Akron after graduating from St. Vincent-St. Mary. He played there from 2003-07, and still ranks sixth in all-time Zips scoring. He then played professionally overseas from ‘07 through ‘21.
This isn’t Travis’s first experience with the Cavs in Summer League, as he was on their summer roster in ‘07 and ‘08.
The Cavs will start Summer League play this Friday. They’ll take on the Indiana Pacers at 4:30 PM in Las Vegas. That will be the first of five guaranteed games they’ll play.
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: Mikel Brown Jr. poses for a photo 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 Laura June Kirsch/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After waiting two games, Nets fans will finally get to see Mikel Brown Jr. in action — one day after the Nets steamrolled the Bucks. There hasn’t been much word about why he’s been out, but any concern is justified given his history with back injuries. One would have to assume that the front office is being particularly cautious with him. They’re playing their third straight game in three days, then they’ll head over to Las Vegas for more.
In the meantime, enjoy the MBJ era!
🏀 Key Info
Matchup: Golden State vs. Brooklyn
Time (ET): 8:00 PM
Broadcast / Streaming Platform: Gotham Sports App, Prime, NBA TV, NBA League Pass, ESPN+
For the California Classic, the Warriors have two teams, so there would be an equal number of squads playing in the first edition of the Summer League. Those teams include “Warriors Gold” and “Warriors Blue.”Today, the Nets will face their blue team.Warriors Blue are 0-2 throughout their first two games, losing 91-85 to the Sacramento Kings and 97-83 to the Milwaukee Bucks, whom the Nets beat, 89-69 yesterday without Brown, Jefferson, Egor Demin, Ben Saraf, Drake Powell, Danny Wolf, Tyler Bilodeau, and Chaney Johnson
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 12: Koby Brea #14 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 12, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns continue to secure their own free agents to new deals. Koby Brea is next, according to ESPN NBA’s Insider Shams Charania, who reports that the guard is signing a two-way contract to return to Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns G/F Koby Brea is signing a two-way NBA contract to return to the team, his agent Erika Ruiz of Primera Sports tells ESPN. The restricted free agent appeared in 12 games as a rookie last season.
In college, he was known for his shooting prowess at Kentucky and Davidson. Playing in 12 regular-season games after being selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, Brea’s return is not a surprise, considering the frequency with which restricted free agents return to their teams and his listing on the team’s Summer League roster, alongside Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, and newly drafted Koa Peat.
Brea’s best game of his young and inexperienced career came in the final game of the team’s regular season against the Oklahoma City Thunder, when he knocked down six threes and scored 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field in 29 minutes. Outside of the context, he played more than 10 minutes just once. For the season, he averaged 3.8 points, 0.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists on 41.7% shooting from the field, 43.3% from three and 100% at the charity stripe (he took just two free throws all year).
Brea spent the majority of the season with the Suns’ G League affiliate, the Valley Suns. He averaged 33.4 minutes, scoring 15.0 points on 37/43/80 splits in Tempe, adding 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists.
On a two-way deal, Brea can play up to 50 regular-season games, but is not eligible for postseason play. For him to play in the playoffs, they would need to convert his contract into a standard deal and waive a player like the team did for Jamaree Bouyea last season. Phoenix has used all of its standard roster spots to this point, as the team rosters 15 guaranteed deals.
With the team signing Luke Kennard to a multi-year deal to replace Grayson Allen, Brea’s role projects to be similar to the one he played last year as a reserve, getting minutes sparingly or when games are clearly decided. He joins newly signed Pat Spencer as the team’s only player on a two-way, but news about CJ Huntley returning to the team is likely to come soon, with him also being on the Summer League roster.
The Los Angeles Lakers made a major splash when they acquired center Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz earlier this month.
However, that trade wasn’t even the biggest thing to happen in Kessler’s live this week. He got engaged to Abbie Stockard (who was Miss America 2025) during Fourth of July weekend, which Stockard then shared to her Instagram profile, with a photo of the couple showing off her engagement ring with the caption, “The future Kessler’s. Let’s get y’all married!!!”
Walker Kessler and his fiancée, Abbie Stockard, celebrating their engagement. Abbie Stockard’s July 6 Instagram story post upon arriving in Los Angeles.
It didn’t take Kessler and Stockard long to arrive in Los Angeles. This was shown by a post that Abbie made to her Instagram on July 6, which showed a photo of multiple purple and gold balloons, including one gold “L” and another gold “A” next to it.
The post was captioned, “touched down in LA ”.
Walker Kessler smiles while walking down the court during a Utah Jazz game. Getty ImagesAbbie Stockard poses after winning Miss America 2025. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
It’s unclear whether Kessler and Stockard bought these balloons themselves or whether they were presented them by the Lakers or by someone upon their arrival. What’s for sure is that Kessler has enough money to buy them himself, given that he signed a four-year, $130 million deal upon joining the Lakers.
Los Angeles will need Kessler (who averaged 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game with the Jazz last season) to produce in his first season, especially given that LeBron James won’t be returning to the franchise and Rui Hachimura is headed to the cross-town Clippers in free agency, which was announced on Monday.
But that’s the last thing on Stockard and Kessler’s mind right now, given everything positive that has happened in their life lately.
For the first time in eight seasons, James won’t be wearing a Los Angeles Lakers uniform and everyone wants to know where he’ll go next.
LeBron James is the top free agent of the summer after informing the Lakers he would be leaving the franchise after eight seasons. Getty Images
Soon after James informed the Lakers he wouldn’t return for the 2026-27 season, the Golden State Warriors emerged as a contender to sign the four-time NBA champion.
James has spent time with Steph Curry and head coach Steve Kerr during their gold medal run at the Paris Olympics. Moreover, Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option with Golden State to become a free agent.
Green’s decision appeared to be in favor of the Warriors, giving the team more cap space to sign James. The 36-year-old said that it was a team-friendly decision on his podcast.
Yahoo Sports podcaster and writer Kevin O’Connor wonders whether Green was actually motivated to become a free agent in order to join James on another team.
LeBron James has reportedly not be in communication with any NBA team as his looming free agency decision greatly impacts the league. Getty Images
“This is just pure speculation on my part, but I think it’s worth wondering if Draymond Green could follow LeBron wherever he goes.
“I feel like a lot of people point to him opting out purely about Golden State having flexibility to sign LeBron, give him more money, also bring back Draymond at a discounted deal. And that might be all it is.
Draymond Green declined his player option with the Warriors, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer. NBAE via Getty Images
“But, Klay already left. Who’s to say Draymond wouldn’t leave either. He knows this business. He has talked openly how he understands in this league anyone can be traded…. I feel like there’s a possibility Draymond could decide to go wherever LeBron goes. A lot of the teams on that list for LeBron could use a Draymond Green.
“He just adds so much to any contending team. I think if the Warriors don’t get LeBron, there’s no path to anymore rings these next couple years,” O’Connor said.
“I think it’s worth wondering if Draymond Green could follow LeBron wherever he goes.” @KevinOConnor speculates about what could happen with Draymond during free agency.
While O’Connor is simply wondering whether Green’s decision to become a free agent could have other motives, the Warriors are no longer considered a favorite in the James sweepstakes.
Originally, there was speculation the Warriors could trade for Anthony Davis in order to land James, but that rumor has since been shut down.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: Mikel Brown Jr. speaks to the media after he is drafted sixth overall by the Brooklyn Nets during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After going 1-1 through their first two games in Sacramento, the Brooklyn Nets will close out their California Classic three-game slate tonight, squaring off against the Golden State Warriors.
And unlike yesterday, this is going to be a noteworthy game for fans to tune in to, as Miklel Brown Jr., Brooklyn’s No. 6 overall pick and their highest pick since they left New Jersey, will be making his Summer League debut. He’s also likely to be paired with what many Nets fans hope will be the organization’s back court of the future.
Joshua Jefferson, the Nets’ other first-round pick from June’s draft cannot yet play since the trade bringing his pick in the 2026 Draft has yet to be finalized. Erik Slater was first with the news fans have been waiting for since the Draft nearly two weeks ago.
Mikel Brown Jr. will make his Nets Summer League debut today vs. the Warriors, a league source tells @ClutchPoints.
While at first it was believed that the game could only be found on the Gotham Sports App, tonight’s matchup, just like Brooklyn’s first two clashes, is also available on NBA TV, ESPN+, NBA League Pass and Prime.
The game
For the California Classic, the Warriors have two teams, so there would be an equal number of squads playing in the first edition of the Summer League. Those teams include “Warriors Gold” and “Warriors Blue.”
Today, the Nets will face their blue team.
Warriors Blue are 0-2 throughout their first two games, losing 91-85 to the Sacramento Kings and 97-83 to the Milwaukee Bucks, whom the Nets beat, 89-69 yesterday without Brown, Jefferson, Egor Demin, Ben Saraf, Drake Powell, Danny Wolf, Tyler Bilodeau, and Chaney Johnson.
Despite that, though, all of those players will be active today with the exception of Jefferson and Wolf who still has some back soreness.
The Nets will not be facing Golden State’s 2026 first-round selection, Yaxel Lendeborg. He is on their gold squad. However, they are expected to go against the organization’s second-round pick, 6’7” wing Lajae Jones out of Florida State.
Without the Nets’ two-ways and seven first-round draft picks over the past couple of years, there was a perfect opportunity for Exhibit 10 players and Summer League invitees to earn premium minutes and showcase their skill sets.
The Nets have at least three players on E10’s, Ben Humrichous, Duke Brennan and Dion Brown, each stood out in different areas on Sunday. The signings have not been officially announced. Exhibit 10 contracts are essentially camp invites.
Humrichous was electric from beyond the arc, knocking down 5 of his 12 attempts from beyond the arc (41.7%) while drilling three in the first quarter alone. He ultimately finished the night with 15 points, two steals, an assist, and eight rebounds.
Brennan, 6’10”, collected a double-double, finishing the game with 10 points, 12 rebounds (including five offensive boards), a block, and a steal.
As for Brown, the 6’3” guard collected three steals, six rebounds, eight assists, and nine points on 44.4% shooting from the field.
All three will likely spend training camp and the preseason with Brooklyn before heading to Long Island for the G League season. However, strong Summer League performances throughout their eight remaining games could keep the door open.
The Nets still have one two-way remaining, and although there have been some reporting that Grant Nelson will get it. The 7-footer played for Brooklyn last year before coming down with a foot injury from which he is still recovering. However, nothing has been announced unlike the two-way deals signed by Johnson and Bilodeau.
Their fit will be worth watching today, especially with Brown Jr. in the fold and more of Brooklyn’s regular Summer League rotation also in action.
At this time of year, wins and losses frankly don’t matter. It’s more about development and how Brooklyn’s young pieces continue to grow, making it intriguing to see which players rise and fall while others sustain their level of play.
SAN FRANCISCO — As the holiday weekend came to a close and Monday arrived, the NBA reached a critical part of its calendar.
Teams were able to start signing free agents to contracts and complete trades as of 9:01 a.m. PT, turning agreements from over the previous six days of free agency into official deals.
But for the Lakers, critical holes in their roster remain evident.
And now what should be the Lakers’ next step is clear: They must add Jonathan Kuminga to their roster to make this offseason roster reconstruction a definitive success.
Despite his lack of three-point shooting, Kumimga would be an ideal complement on the wing alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. AP
But for the Lakers’ makeover to truly be complete, it needs Kuminga, who’s been a significant priority of the team’s free agency plans.
At 6-foot-7, 225 pounds and 23 years old (turns 24 in October), Kuminga is just what the Lakers need from physical profile, youth and athleticism standpoints around Doncic and Reaves.
Kuminga was in the rotation for the Warriors’ 2021-22 championship team and took on a more significant role by his third season, averaging a career-high 16.1 points (52.9% shooting) to go with 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 2023-24.
Still just 23, the potential for Kuminga to flourish is high if he can find himself in the right situation. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
He has regular season averages of 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds for his career, averaging at least 12 points per game in every season since 2023.
Kuminga is far from a perfect fit for the Lakers.
He’s a career 33.2% 3-point shooter on low volume (2.4 attempts per game). He’s been inefficient when it comes to creating his own shot and off-ball chances since entering the league.
But among the realistic choices in free agency, he’s the only one who would be a credible starter for the Lakers entering the 2026-27.
Kuminga would add defensive versatility becasue he can credibly guard 1-4 thanks to his athleticism, quickness and length. Throughout his career, he’s been tasked with guarding a top offensive option, which the defensively-depleted Lakers would need from him.
He wouldn’t provide the Lakers with the shooting and spacing they benfitted from with Hachimura, who shot 41.5% on 3s during his 3 ½ seasons with the Lakers, including 44.3% (league’s fifth-best mark) in 2025-26.
But Kuminga is a better rebounder, finisher, perimeter defender and help defender than Hachimura.
And at 4 ½ years younger and two fewer seasons of NBA experience, Kuminga has more room to grow and potential to fufill compared to Hachimura. Kuminga’s shown growth as a passer over the last few years.
Kuminga, who reportedly also has interest from the Bucks, Cavaliers and Hawks (re-signing or sign-and-trade) isn’t the Lakers’ only option to address the need on the wings who’d fit the team.
Ziaire Williams, who’s coming off a career-year with the Nets, is a player the Lakers eyed after the Nets declined Williams’ $6.3 million team option to make him an unrestricted free agent.
Bruce Brown, Matisse Thybulle and Ochai Agbaji are other unrestricted free agents still available.
But none of them have Kuminga’s talent. Or upsides. Or fill multiple needs like he does.
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