A blockbuster trade completed between the Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks could have major ramifications on the New York Rangers’ fifth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday night.
The Blackhawks acquired defenseman Bowen Byram from the Sabres in a trade that included the fourth overall pick.
With Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, and Caleb Malhotra projected to be selected with the first three picks in the draft, it was widely speculated that the Blackhawks were looking to draft Chase Reid.
That would have left the Rangers with their pick of the other top defensemen, including Alberts Šmits, Carson Carels, and Keaton Verhoeff.
However, the Sabres, unlike the Blackhawks, are loaded with top-end defensemen, but could certainly use reinforcements at the forward position.
That’s why, instead of selecting Reid, the Sabres may look to target the projected second-best center, Viggo Björck.
This would clear the pathway for the Rangers to go ahead and pick Reid, as there’s now more of a possibility he’s available at their pick with this Byram trade in place.
The NBA Draft may be over, but that doesn't mean the intrigue has to end with it. Just hours after the draft concluded and undrafted free agents began signing with teams, the Minnesota Timberwolves made another shocking trade, completing a deal with the Charlotte Hornets to land LaMelo Ball and Josh Green.
BREAKING: The Charlotte Hornets are trading star guard LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030) and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033), sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/lkhXBWHCrA
So now that we know all the details of the trade, why would each team have made this move?
Minnesota Timberwolves
Get: LaMelo Ball and Josh Green
As we mentioned in our Rotoworld blurb, Anthony Edwards has expressed frustration with how he’s been double-teamed since the team traded Karl Anthony-Towns. With Donte DiVincenzo likely out all of next season with an Achilles injury, the Wolves could have really used a floor spacing guard who could hurt defenses if they sent extra men at Edwards. Ball can be that piece. Last season, he averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc.
Additionally, LaMelo does two other things well that the Timberwolves could have used this season: he is a good passer, and he plays with exceptional pace. Oftentimes this season, the Wolves used Edwards as a point forward, and while he was good in that role, having him as the primary ballhandler allows the defense to more easily double him. Moving him off the ball, as the Knicks did with Jalen Brunson, will create easier scoring opportunities for him, and Ball can be a good facilitator. With the plethora of young teams in the West, the Wolves also needed to be able to play with a more aggressive pace. Ball brings that style of play, which can put pressure on defenses, force them to collapse into the paint, and then set up easy opportunities for other players on his team.
The Timberwolves also have the defense to compensate for Ball's question marks on that side of the ball. Edwards is a capable defender himself, when he wants to be, and the other three starters (Ayo Dosunmu, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert) are all strong defenders, with Gobert's presence also likely to deter many guards who get by Ball from attacking the rim.
There are risks, though. Ball has dealt with plenty of injuries over the last few years, and even though he played 72 regular-season games last season, that was the most he's played since he played 75 games in his second season in 2021-22. Ball can also be a volatile personality at times, and was fined multiple times by the league last season for reckless contact and profane language, etc. His personality fit alongside Edwards and his new teammates will be crucial; however, he did make sacrifices in minutes and shots per game this season, which shows that he can be amenable in order to win games.
Josh Green averaged just 16 minutes per game with the Hornets last year, but is another capable shooter, knocking down 38.7% of his three-point shots during his NBA career, so he will give the Wolves another capable shooter off the bench.
Charlotte Hornets
Get: Naz Reid, a2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030), and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033)
At first blush, this seems like the Hornets gambling that Ball will not continue to remain healthy or play at the level he did in 2026. If you don't believe in his long-term health, then it makes sense to capitalize on his value right now. However, this seemed to be a team that was surging and had a young core. After starting the year 11-23, the Hornets went 32-13 down the stretch and made the play-in tournament. Over that stretch, the Hornets had the top-ranked offense and fifth-ranked defense, so it's a gamble to break up a team that played that well.
However, this appears to be part of a larger move to build for a more sustainable future. Ball has three years left on his contract and is eligible to sign a two-year, $119.2 million extension in July, but the Hornets would have to commit big money to keep him around for the team's long-term build. They also have Kon Knueppel (20 years old), Brandon Miller (23 years old), Moussa Diabate (24 years old), and Ryan Kalkbrenner (24 years old) playing big roles on the team. With the team hoping to re-sign Coby White (26 years old), who averaged 15.6 points in 21 games after the trade deadline, Charlotte seemed to feel good about their foundation.
Miles Bridges, who is 28 years old, has just one more year on his deal, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him dealt as well. The Hornets seem to be looking two to three years down the road as their chance to build a true contender, which makes sense given that the Knicks' core is a little on the older side and players like James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo are aging. Picking up all of these draft picks gives them assets to trade to continue to build for that window.
There were also financial motivations for this deal
The Hornets reduce their payroll by $30 million by trading LaMelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz Reid.
Josh Green for Naz Reid is a clean salary match, allowing them to create a $40.8 million trade exception for Ball.
They also have 12 future first-round picks through 2033.
That trade exception is the largest one in NBA history, and creates huge cap space for the Hornets to replace Ball with somebody that they believe fits the style of play of the rest of their core. Perhaps they want to focus on a more pure point guard?
For now, the Hornets have reshaped their frontcourt in a drastic way in order to fit into the modern style of play in the NBA. With Naz Reid, Diabate, Kalkbrenner, and rookie Hannes Steinbach, the Hornets have a large frontcourt but one that is also maleable against whatever style of offense they have to defend. Reid and Diabate are very switchable and athletic, Kalkbrenner is a mountain of a man and an imposing shot blocker, and Steinbach is another large human who could be a high-post hub on offense.
Reid himself is not somebody to be overlooked. The 2024 Sixth Man of the Year averaged 13.6 and 6.2 rebounds per game last season and is a career 37% shooter from beyond the arc. He is a physical defender, but the Wolves were 0.6 points worse with him on the floor, and he did rank 154th in defensive plus/minus. He might fit best with the Hornets as a bench big man, and the salary cap match of his contract may have been the biggest motivation for him being included in the deal.
Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives by Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images | Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Just as the dust was settling from the 2026 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves went out on Thursday morning and made a shocking trade that saw the Wolves send out Naz Reid, their 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three second-round picks in exchange for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green.
BREAKING: The Charlotte Hornets are trading star guard LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030) and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033), sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/lkhXBWHCrA
The upside is easy to see with the trade. Ball is a 24-year-old former All-Star who has the skill set, size, and talent to play at an All-NBA caliber level. The Wolves also desperately needed a point guard with Donte DiVicenzo out most or all of next season and Mike Conley hitting free agency.
Still, the move is a surprising one. After moving on from Julius Randle earlier in the week, the Timberwolves were set to move Reid, who is beloved by fans in Minnesota, into the starting lineup. Instead, they decided to move Reid in exchange for a running-mate for Anthony Edwards in the Wolves’ backcourt.
Reid is a developmental success story and cult hero in Minnesota. After going undrafted in 2019, the Wolves turned Reid into a Sixth Man of the Year and one of the most important pieces in their recent run of success. Now, those two words, Naz Reid, are heading to Charlotte, where Hornets fans are sure to embrace him just like the people of Minnesota did.
With the Timberwolves trading away both of their power forwards, Reid and Randle, they will now be on the search for a starting power forward to pair with Rudy Gobert in the front court. The Wolves look to trade either of their expiring contracts, the newly acquired Josh Green, or the injured DiVicenzo, to add a player that better fits their needs.
Minnesota does have the flexibility to round out the rest of the roster. With three open roster spots that will need to be filled, the Timberwolves have space below the second apron, which they are now hard-capped at, meaning they are not allowed to go above that salary mark.
Here's where the Wolves salary cap sits after the LaMelo Ball trade
If Isaiah Evans gets the $1.3 rookie minimum, the Wolves are $9.6 million under the 2nd apron with 3 roster spots to fill
If they sign 3 vet minimums, they would have $2.2 million left. Wolves could also try to… pic.twitter.com/g9SyziiQk6
Going into the 2026 NBA Draft, there was not much discussion regarding the possibility that Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball could be on the move. The future appeared bright, as he was coming off one of his most successful seasons as a pro, helping lead the Hornets to a second-half resurgence that culminated in a loss to Orlando in the Play-In tournament.
However, in the immediate aftermath of the draft, multiple insiders reported that teams were actively pursuing Ball, even though the Hornets did not plan to move him. Well, the Minnesota Timberwolves made an offer that Charlotte believed it could not refuse, and Ball is reportedly headed north in the second blockbuster trade of this offseason. Let's take a look at the particulars and how this trade affects fantasy basketball.
BREAKING: The Charlotte Hornets are trading star guard LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030) and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033), sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/lkhXBWHCrA
In the immediate aftermath of the trade that sent Julius Randle to Brooklyn, one could not blame the Timberwolves fans who expressed concern that the new ownership would prioritize slashing payroll this summer. Instead, getting off of Randle's money helped set the stage for Thursday's move, even if the Timberwolves had to part with Reid to get it done.
In Ball, Minnesota now has the perimeter playmaker that it desperately needed next to Anthony Edwards. In 72 games last season, Ball averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.8 three-pointers, shooting 40.7 percent from the field and 89.9 percent from the foul line.
While efficiency can be an issue for LaMelo, the greater concern has been his availability. Counting 2025-26, he has surpassed 70 games played in two of his first six seasons. When available, Ball can be a highly valuable fantasy option, especially for those willing to punt field-goal percentage and turnovers. However, based on the track record, his staying healthy has been an issue, lowering his ADP.
Having Ball on the floor could open things up for Edwards, one of the NBA's bright young stars. Regardless of who the Timberwolves placed around him, Ant-Man would be fine, but the exits of Randle and Reid represent a significant shift in the franchise's direction.
The guards will dominate the offense even more, especially with Ayo Dosunmu agreeing to a new deal last week. Dosunmu and Jaden McDaniels will be needed even more on the offensive end, while there may be a few more lobs in Rudy Gobert's future. And Reid's exit will free up additional opportunities for Joan Beringer, who is likely Minnesota's starting center of the future. Beringer may not offer much in redraft leagues, but his dynasty league value receives a boost with Thursday's reported trade.
Adding Green gives the Timberwolves a defensive-minded perimeter player who can add depth, but he's unlikely to offer much value to fantasy managers.
Reid, a top-5 finisher in Sixth Man of the Year voting each of the last three seasons, winning the award in 2024, appeared poised to take over as Minnesota's starting power forward with Randle being traded. Obviously, that won't be happening now, but starting in Charlotte may be in the cards. The question is whether he'd start at the four or the five.
Miles Bridges has been the subject of trade rumors, and Thursday's deal could prompt the Hornets to move him as well, going all-in on Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel as the new faces of the franchise. If the Hornets can move Bridges, Reid can slide in at power forward, with Moussa Diabaté, Ryan Kalkbrenner or another offseason addition starting at center.
The question for Charlotte in the aftermath of this deal is, who will run the point? Coby White, acquired from the Bulls at the trade deadline, is an unrestricted free agent, and the franchise selected Texas Tech's Christian Anderson with the No. 18 overall pick in this week's draft. White would have a higher fantasy ceiling if he returns, and Anderson should look even more appealing to dynasty league managers than he did before the trade.
However, regardless of who starts at point guard, Miller and Knueppel should have the ball in their hands more as the Hornets embark on a new era, raising the fantasy ceilings of both players.
23-year-old spotted in protective boot on Wednesday
Raducanu’s last match was HSBC Championships final
Emma Raducanu faces a race to be at full fitness for Wimbledon after her preparations for the tournament were disrupted by injury.
On Wednesday evening Raducanu was seen by Clay magazine leaving the All England Club wearing a protective boot on her right foot after not practising that day. She had been scheduled to train at midday on Thursday but did not practise for a second straight day.
MONCTON, CANADA - MARCH 12: Tommy Bleyl #16 of the Moncton Wildcats stick handles the puck against Lucas Romeo #16 of the Cape Breton Eagles during the first period at Avenir Centre on March 12, 2026 in Moncton, Canada. (Photo by Dale Preston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The title a nod to song from a certain movie, anyways it’s difficult to draft NHL players. NHL teams are tasked with scouting players mostly when they are 16 and 17 years old and have to try and rank what they will be as fully formed adults. Needless to say, it’s not an exact science and a process that ends up with more misses than hits. Our results of making picks alongside the Penguins at their spot in the draft has gone about the same way. Here’s the last decade of fake vs real drafting.
Well, on the plus side at least four out of the five mock picks prior to 2025 that we made played in the NHL last season. That’s better than the Pens ended up with in reality. A player like Hoglander has spun his wheels professionally in recent years (really, he might just need to get out of Vancouver ASAP to benefit his career) and might not be looking to be as proud of a pick as it might have seemed a couple years ago when he produced a 24-goal season. Hoglander’s recent career plateau aside, he worked out a lot better than the actual pick of Sam Poulin did.
The real Pittsburgh 2020 first round pick got traded in the last minute to Toronto for Kasperi Kapanen. The Maple Leafs ended up using that pick to select forward Rodion Amirov, who sadly passed away in 2023 after battling brain cancer. The Penguins ended up getting 162 games and 82 points (29 goals + 53 assists) out of Kapanen before waiving him in 2023 and seeing him go to St. Louis. Zary, for his part, has 86 points (and some good defensive metrics) in 191 games with Calgary. So I guess there’s a case to be made that the Pens would have been better off in the long run for holding onto their pick depending on what they did with it, but then again they wanted a NHL forward for 2020-22 to help their late-stage contention windows and it ended up not panning out since Kapanen didn’t help push the team that far forward while he was on it, and then was jettisoned as a bad contract to allow more cap space via dropping him for nothing.
2022 isn’t looking to great either for our pick, or for the Penguins after draft+4. Ivan Miroshnichenko has only played 52 career NHL games, mostly as a spare part forward. He has become an excellent AHL player but needs to make a big move soon if he’s going to establish himself. Owen Pickering, well we’ve all spent a lot of time on his case. We remain convinced former Penguins GM Ron Hextall thought/hoped he had found Travis Sanheim 2.0 when he drafted Pickering – unfortunately though, at this point there’s enough evidence to say that he got Temu Sanheim instead. Pickering might go on to play NHL games in a modest role, it looks like he will fall short of his draft day ceiling of a matchup defender that could have played up the lineup.
We have plans for a victory lap in 2023, Matthew Wood scored 17 goals and put up 30 points in the NHL in his draft+3 season with Nashville. That’s the dream development curve from a mid-first round pick these days, gotta see some flashes and pay off fairly early on to indicate a potential real factor/difference-maker. Yager didn’t do much in the AHL, but was called up for a few meaningless games once Winnipeg was eliminated last season. Who knows what that means for the future, some predictive models aren’t too high on Yager’s chances at all right now. That doesn’t truly matter to the Pens now, of course, since they flipped Yager for Rutger McGroarty, who hasn’t yet established himself either.
Victory lap plans might be canceled after seeing the Pens pull Ben Kindel from deep in the weeds. That’s why the pros are pros! However, for his part Eklund had a great 2025-26 in the top Swedish league and a great WJC tournament. He also popped over to the AHL and scored 10 points in nine regular season games, and recorded an assist in one NHL game late last year. Eklund had a very encouraging draft+1 to suggest there’s a real player in there.
The Pens could have had Eklund at 12, but instead opted to trade down and ended up coming out of the first round with Bill Zonnon and Will Horcoff when the dust settled. It’s not hard to see why Pittsburgh with a lack of talent would want more quantity – it also makes sense that they wouldn’t be interested in drafting two forwards with similarly small frames like Kindel+Eklund and diversify the profile of player they got by adding larger forwards to their prospect portfolio. That reasoning aside, this area of how Zonnon+Horcoff vs. Eklund works out will be worth watching for developments in the way Yager/McGroarty has been a very deep-in-the-weeds type of minor storyline over the past few years.
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For this year’s draft, I’m going to use scouchsim.com on 25% random to predict who was selected in the first 21 picks. This process is inexact for the real world events on Friday night, and obviously can’t predict if Pittsburgh will trade up or down in reality, but is about as good as it’s going to get for a reasonable way to set the stage of what players could be out there at the time of the selection. In our side quest, we’ll simply stick with the 22nd pick and not get too creative.
After running the sim, here were the top ranked players available:
To an extent, I considered all of these names at least momentarily. The trouble with picking in the area of 22nd is that you know there will be a good future NHLer or two available crowded around a handful that won’t amount to much at the top level. Sorting through and deciding what will end up 4+ years from now is the guess work of today, both for us and for teams picking towards the end of the first round.
NHLe helps as a guide for previous production as projection of how the future unfolds. It loves Tommy Bleyl (12% chance of star outcome of being in the top 15% of WAR/82, and a 64% chance of becoming an NHLer to play in 200 games) as one of the top profiles in the whole draft by this metric. Hurlbert (7% chance of star and 64% becoming an NHL player) ranks highest among the available selections as well, presenting what becomes the two finalists to spell out the thought process. For Bleyl, the question becomes is he going to develop into more of a Axel Sandin-Pellikka or a Calen Addison type of future. It’s a worthy rhetoric to wrestle with. For Hurlbert, it’s more about future position as a center or wing – with a default consensus coming into the draft that he will likely play on the wing as a pro.
In the end, we’ll make Bleyl the official Pensburgh choice, not meant to be predictive of what Pittsburgh will do (we’ll take a stab at that in a full first round mock draft tomorrow). You can check out more on Bleyl from what we wrote earlier in the week. Bleyl’s offensive upside, skating, right shot make him a prospect worth rolling the dice on at this point of the draft. Our fictional prospect pool could use that style of player, as could virtually any real NHL organization that always has a hunger and emphasis on right shot defenders with skill.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - APRIL 17: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter of a Play-In Tournament game at Kia Center on April 17, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It began as a blockbuster rumor at the close of the 2026 NBA Draft, and quickly became reality overnight. The Charlotte Hornets have traded superstar point guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a package that involves forward Naz Reid and a bevy of draft capital.
It’s a staggering deal that gives Minnesota one of the most exciting and dynamic backcourts in the NBA with Anthony Edwards and Ball, while the Hornets now turn the page on the Melo era to a new chapter where Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel are the focal points of the franchise. Let’s break down the deal from both sides.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves opened up a large trade exception by trading Julius Randle, hoping to get in on the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, only to miss out. By landing a legitimate star in LaMelo Ball they achieve two goals: Firstly, make use of that trade exception to where they don’t lose Randle for nothing, and more-importantly, show Anthony Edwards they are serious about improving the roster and surrounding him with talent, ensuring he doesn’t ask for a trade in a year or two.
Losing fan-favorite Naz Reid hurts, but this was brilliant work by Minnesota to keep their core starters together while getting a mammoth upgrade at point guard. Ensuring they kept Jalen McDaniels is mind-boggling and incredible work by the front office. Not only that, but by only giving up one future 1st round pick, the team is betting on themselves to finish deep in the playoffs for the next four years — which can be easily achieved.
The big question about this deal is how Minnesota will balance having two ball-dominant guards on the roster at the same time. The Wolves’ front court is also incredibly thin now behind Rudy Gobert. The Wolves need to hope Ball can stay healthy and maintain the level he showed in the second half of last season. They need to hope Edwards and Ball can mesh together. It’s a huge risk, but there’s no doubt the Wolves raised their ceiling if everything goes according to plan.
Grade: B+
Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball’s individual brilliance is unquestioned, but there was definitely some friction under the surface between his loose, vibes-based style of play and head coach Charles Lee’s more precise, exacting offense. The rub is that while Melo was incredible with the Hornets during the 2025-26 season, his individual success often came at the expense of utilizing Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel to their full potential.
This trade paves the way for the Hornets to re-sign Coby White (which was a priority for them this off-season), while opening a path for rookie Christian Anderson Jr. to get significant minutes at point. There is no doubt Charlotte will miss out of Ball’s offense, but the hope will be that adding defensively at forward and getting Miller/Knueppel more looks will ameliorate that.
Regardless of how much the Hornets may have been ready to part ways with LaMelo Ball, they absolutely did not get back good trade value. The team has essentially traded its franchise player for a nice complementary player and a handful of magic beans. It’s entirely possible none of those pick swaps will be realized, which results in one heck of a gamble that the Wolves will be bad by 2033 to realize that unprotected first.
The haul could look better for the Hornets if things explode in a bad way for Minnesota. If this doesn’t work out, it’s possible Edwards is pushing for a new home before those pick swaps are realized, suddenly making them more valuable. Charlotte was so good with Ball leading the charge in the second half of the season that this feels like a baffling decision and underwhelming return.
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - JUNE 23: Jose Alvarado of New York Knicks attends the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City, U.S., on June 23, 2026. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images
The Knicks winning the championship is so ridiculous that Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson got Leon Rose to sit with them at the stage of their Roommates Show.
If that’s not crazy enough for you to believe, you tell me what is.
Here’s the latest from Rose and elsewhere.
Leon Rose
On firing Tom Thibodeau and hiring Mike Brown:
“It was tough. Thibs is a great coach. Did so much for the organization. We were right on the doorstep. Just felt that, just needed a change in voice, a change in philosophy. It was a tough move. Mike is a guy that really fit what we were looking for. He’s somebody that I’ve known for a long time. I represented LeBron [James] when he coached him in Cleveland. Knew him and kind of followed him through his career. Didn’t know him that well, but he always was a guy that was a good guy, that you could talk to, that you really felt good about. That was just your gut. Then you go through the process, and you’re looking for certain things. We had built out a criteria of certain things that were very important, we do research, and we brought in, I think it was five candidates, and really graded them in the different areas and things like that and made the decision that we made.”
On what stood out about Mike Brown:
“First of all, just his openness and his willingness to share ideas. And share ideas with the front office, his staff and the inclusion of everyone. I think you guys probably saw that. He really was open to things, open to people’s suggestions, open to ideas. I believe that’s what led to some of the changes that were made throughout the season. We started out a certain way, he may have had an idea about how something was gonna work and how he wanted it to work, but he kind of evolved throughout the season, as did our team. I think that all went into the fact that we went into another gear in the playoffs.”
On the criticism of the Mikal Bridges trade:
“Believe me, it bothered the heck out of me, because it had nothing to do with Mikal. It was the price I was willing to pay or we were willing to pay in order to get that deal done because of how important we thought it was to get that piece to solidify this group.”
On the criticism after signing Jalen Brunson:
“I got killed about Jalen, and now everyone thinks I’m a genius. It’s about what we did in order to get you. Clearing space, at the time people thinking that it was so much money that we were paying you. … This was the first major move and I had all the conviction in the world. I’ve known him since he was born, I know what he’s all about, I know what a winner he is, I know that I was willing to ride with him.”
On the lessons learned from the ECF loss to Indiana in 2025:
“I think going through what we went through with Indiana, the full-court pressure wearing us down, injuries, even going back two years, but last year the way we saw that, and that was something we wanted to fortify and solidify.”
On the acquisition of Jose Alvarado being his savviest move:
“What went into getting Jose was [Guerschon] Yabusele had to give up his second year in order for us to make a deal with Chicago so we could get a player that had an expiring contract and then send that on to New Orleans in order to get him. So there were a lot of things that went into doing that. And that was huge, because we did need another ball handler, we needed another person that could put it on the floor and take some of the pressure off.”
On keeping the Knicks’ front office quiet:
“To me, there’s no benefit in things being out there. I’ve always just operated like that. Until you’ve got something you don’t have anything. You don’t want to affect the guys on the team either. There’s talk all the time, there’s behind the scenes talk about players and who you like, but it doesn’t mean anything unless you get something there.”
The truth has been revealed. Leon is not Jalen’s godfather. But, he did meet Jalen before Rick did @BetMGMpic.twitter.com/rnj3FSr1H5
“I don’t think it was a situation where we were nervous. I think it was just a wake-up call like, ‘This team is good. We can’t overlook them. We know that we need to play better. How can we do that?’ And then as a group, we realized that our attention to detail wasn’t where it needed to be. So did we flip a switch or did we just kind of refocus? I don’t really know, but whatever we did, it worked.”
On winning the championship in New York:
“I haven’t internalized it yet. But I know that down the line, I’ll feel the effects of it.”
On his growing fame:
“I don’t like to think of myself as a certain somebody.”
On no longer blending in:
“I feel like I used to be able to be kind of low-key and blend in. I don’t know if it’ll happen around here anymore, at least for now. But it’s a good problem to have.”
On deserving to celebrate with teammates at the Canyon of Heroes:
“Everyone worked so hard for that moment, and being able to enjoy that with everyone right after the fact, just us, was awesome.”
On returning to NYC with the trophy:
“It was awesome. It wasn’t overwhelming at all, which is why I love where I live. We did everything we could to bring something back here. The character and then everything that this team embodies, it means a lot to me. It means a lot to the city, and obviously having a championship puts the cherry on top.”
On finally understanding the Knicks’ importance to New York:
“Everyone gravitates to the Knicks, and I’ve seen that since I got here. Now I see it.”
On Becky Hammon’s comments:
“I don’t want to say it drove me. She definitely wasn’t the only person that said anything, so I’m not even going to single her out by giving her an answer. I said I didn’t care about it then. I’m not going to answer it now. I feel like I don’t really have to at this point anymore. I did what I was supposed to do.”
On the potential White House visit:
“We haven’t discussed it. But as a team, we’ll discuss it and we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
Leon just finally gave us the map 🗺️
1) Every personnel decision was viewed through the context and lens of “can this person do this in NYC”
2) I believe i heard 5 “fit”s in this 2 minute clip. Everything was about chemistry and fit.
— Ari From Manhattan 💧💧 (@Arifromanhattan) June 24, 2026
Rick Brunson
On Jalen’s place among Knicks legends:
“You have to understand we strive for perfection. I’ve always pushed him. I’m going to continue to push him. People get caught up in the things he’s done in a short period of time, which is tremendous. I mean, look, I’m a proud father, but you have to do this for a long time to be great. I tell him that all the time. You can’t take away from the great ones — the Walt Fraziers, the Willis Reeds, the Patrick Ewings. They did it for a long period of time. So we still have a long way to go, but we’ll get there.”
On chasing another championship:
“You always think about next season. That’s how his mind works. We want to get back to where we were this season and hopefully have a chance to compete for another championship. You want more.”
On prime Derrick Rose being better than Jalen Brunson:
“I’mma have to sub in and help Jalen. That’s the baddest guy I’ve ever played with, coached. Derrick Rose is the best. My son and Derrick have an unbelievable relationship, but prime Derrick? Ain’t no way. No one was better than prime Derrick. Nobody. I mean, that’s me. Maybe I’m biased, but nobody. How soon do we forget? Because I’ve sat there when Derrick carried the Bulls to Miami. Obviously, we didn’t beat that. We didn’t get to the championship… [but] prime Derrick Rose? No, he’s the best that I’d ever seen as a point guard in this era.”
On Patrick Ewing being the greatest Knick:
“I love my son. Patrick Ewing is the best Knick that I’ve ever witnessed. Patrick Ewing, obviously, [that] I witnessed, is the greatest right now. All-time leading rebounder, points, he has all the stats. But just the type of person Pat was, the type of teammate he was, the work ethic was similar. Pat was the hardest working guy we had and he was the best player. Pat did it for 15 years, Jalen did it for four. I don’t rank these players by championships, although it’s great. Pat’s always been a champion in my book. As of today, Big Fella is my favorite.”
Jack Kayil says he does not plan to return to Germany for another year after being drafted by the Knicks pic.twitter.com/micv9vL2Ee
On staying with the Knicks instead of returning to Germany:
“My plan is to stay here and get into the organization and keep growing with them.”
On being a fit with the Knicks:
“I think also one of my strengths is that I love winning and I give everything for that. To come to this organization shows that they also want winners. I think it’s a good fit.”
On his overseas experience helping him in the NBA:
“I think I already saw, for a young guy, a lot of places and different things, different plays and different systems and I think it can help me in the future.”
“I’m trying to think of a better series from somebody who’s never been an All-Star, and it’s hard to think of one, right? Where, through the whole playoffs, he was just a rock.”
On Jalen Brunson:
“It’s the toughness and endurance and mental fortitude of that guy. You just felt like, ‘I’m going to keep coming and I’m not going to doubt myself and not going to let my team doubt myself.’ And for a second-round draft pick, who was a champion, who was a winner, you didn’t see it coming. A cliche, but that dude has the heart of a champion. You can see, just watching him with his dad [Rick Brunson] at the end of the game and kind of what that meant, all the work they must’ve put in. All those years, all that commitment — real proud of him. And I know he’ll never have to pay for a meal again in New York. … He’s the king of New York right now.”
On Victor Wembanyama:
“I think Victor Wembanyama will end up being as good as we are projected. I watched him at the All-Star game. I was sitting there, first time I’d seen him live, and I don’t remember somebody that that big moving like that. He’s got to figure out what his go-to move is. He’s got to put on some weight, he’s got to work on his conditioning. Because he kept, you could tell he got tired, partly because it just looks to me like playing defense today is so much harder because you have to close out everything. So, it used to be, you’re Victor Wembanyama, you just plant yourself in the paint, and you’re a rim protector. But I’m watching him on defense now, the way they’re using him, he is like in the paint and then he’s trying to close out a three-pointer.”
Adam Silver on the New York Knicks winning the NBA Championship:
"As a New Yorker, and a lifelong New Yorker, I don’t remember excitement around anything like this… It was just a unique moment." pic.twitter.com/0CHBzpCi3u
“The goal over time has been, and I’ve said it, to be more NFL-like. Where you believe your team has a shot. Maybe not every single season, but your view is, regardless of the market size, if your team is well-managed, if you have a little bit of luck in there, you have a good chance to be in the playoffs and potentially be the champion. And so I think what we’ve seen is societal changes; I think that nobody’s going to say that Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio can’t get global attention because it’s a smaller market. I love the fact this year, even San Antonio vs. New York, I don’t think the storyline was small market-big market; I think it was Wemby vs. Jalen, or whatever else. So I think the players recognize they can have success regardless of where they are.”
On the second apron:
“We want a better distribution of the players, and we’re seeing that. I just think fans want a sense that it’s not (as) top-heavy as it was historically in the NBA. I don’t think fans are as enthusiastic about them if one team is spending drastically more than any other team.”
"I think if the Cavs were willing to do that, they could have LeBron, obviously LeBron would have to want to sign with the Cavs," – @WindhorstESPN says the Lakers would KILL to get Jarrett Allen in a trade for LeBron. pic.twitter.com/WiFmIABUiE
On a hypothetical LeBron James sign-and-trade to Cleveland:
“Obviously, LeBron would have to want to sign with the Cavs, but if your pathway to paying LeBron the money is to trade Jarrett Allen for him, the Lakers would kill for Jarrett Allen. Kill for him. They would do that deal in 17-tenths of a second.”
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: The Brooklyn Nets draft Mikel Brown Jr. number six overall 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 David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
THE PICK IS IN! The Brooklyn Nets have selected Mikel Brown Jr. at six overall in the highly anticipated 2026 NBA Draft. They picked up Joshua Jeffries and Tyler Bilodeau later in the draft. They also just traded for…you guessed it…JULIUS RANDLE! Sharif Phillips-Keaton rejoins the show to talk through one of the wildest weeks in NetsWorld in a long time.
In this episode of The Brooklyn with Pooch & Collin, we touch on:
Fresh off their 2026 championship, the stakes couldn’t feel lighter for Knicks fans watching this year’s NBA Draft, but the front office was hard at work replenishing their young talent and avoiding the impending salary cap crunch. In true Leon Rose fashion, New York actively wheeled and dealed through the two evenings.
Let’s break down their moves and grade each one.
Knicks trade No. 24 for five second-round picks
This deal actually came together in three separate pieces. First, the Knicks moved down a spot for cash considerations, then dealt the 25th overall pick in exchange for the 30th pick and two second-round picks.
They then flipped the 30th pick for three more second-round picks, fully moving out of the first round. This saved them the cost of a guaranteed rookie salary (unless the player was a draft-and-stash) while boosting their pick chest with a trove of second-rounders.
Fans will lament the opportunity cost of not betting on potential in one of the most stacked drafts in recent memory, but the Knicks priority should be retaining the winning players on their roster. They also have many promising prospects already in Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, Mohamed Diawara, Pacome Dadiet and Kevin McCullar Jr.
Grade: A
Knicks trade No. 31 and No. 55 for No. 39 and No. 53 and a 2029 Sacramento Kings second-round pick
The Knicks would ultimately flip the 53rd overall pick for cash, so for moving eight slots down, they acquired what could be a valuable future second. These picks should mean more to them in 2029, when their core will be much older, than now, when they can take gambles later in the round and aren’t desperate for young talent.
There is inherent extra value at 31, being right on the cusp of the first round in a loaded draft, so there might have been more juice to squeeze here.
Kayil is a 19-year-old, 6-foot-4, 189-pound point guard out of Germany with an audacious shot diet and super-high ceiling. He’s primarily a shooter, and although he doesn’t boast the most efficient numbers, his fundamentals and ability to make tough shots are both promising.
He’s likely to be a bit of a project, needing to refine his shot selection, handles and defense. He doesn’t come crazy burst or change of speed, leading to much fewer successful rim attacks than you’d like out of a guard prospect.
But with so many young guys on the roster ready to take a leap and contribute to the regular rotation, having a high-ceiling guy to develop in the long term doesn’t hurt. He can be a better passing Desmond Bane, or not work out at all, but it’s of little risk to the Knicks.
Nickel, a 22-year-old swingman, nets the Knicks one of the best shooters of his class, someone who knocked down 40 percent of his threes on 7.6 attempts a game. He did so at a 6’6” frame with a near 6’9” wingspan, offering potential positional flexibility and defensive upside.
This is the other side of the coin from the Kayil pick, getting a guy with a set skillset that’s likely not going to evolve dramatically. The bet is on his defense holding up and his shooting translating to NBA closeouts and defenders. If those things happen, New York has its Sam Hauser, or a bigger Landry Shamet replacement.
Grade: B
In summation, the Knicks turned their three picks into two prospects and four additional second-round picks. This is consistent with their strategy in previous drafts, and fans should have unbound faith in this front office’s ability to maximize late picks and their asset stash.
College basketball stars used to rush to the NBA, lured by the riches that awaited them. That's not necessarily the case anymore with NIL riches available on campus. That dynamic has complicated the should-I-go or should-I-stay dilemma for underclassmen.
Whether it was bad advice or overconfidence, some early entrants for the 2026 NBA Draft had some unexpected slides this week.
Here are a few players who might be second guessing their decisions:
Drafted No. 52 overall by Clippers (traded to Atlanta)
A projected first-round pick, Veesaar turned down a reported $5 million NIL payday to enter the draft. The 7-foot center from Estonia averaged a career-best 17 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in his lone season with the Tar Heels. Instead of spending a season under NBA champion coach Michael Malone's tutelage in Chapel Hill, Veesaar cast his lost in the draft... and fell to No. 52. There's talk Veesaar's camp steered teams away as he had a late-round promise, but No. 52 hasn't been a spot that's produced many standouts. Over the past 20 years the best No. 52 picks have been Luka Garza (2021) and Mark Pope (2006).
Isaiah Evans, Duke
Drafted No. 33 by Brooklyn (traded to Minnesota)
Evans left Duke after a sophomore season that saw him earn third-team All-ACC honors after averaging 15 points and 3.2 rebounds a game. Evans entered his name in the 2025 draft before withdrawing, and maybe wishes he had second thoughts again. Another projected first-round pick (Evans attended Tuesday's first round), he had to wait until Wednesday's second round to hear his name.
Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
Drafted No. 34 by Sacramento (traded to Cleveland)
While nine freshmen went in the top 10 picks (including Razorbacks teammate Darius Acuff who went No. 7), another one-and-done entrant had to wait longer than expected to hear his name called... a full 24 hours. In most of the pre-draft process, Thomas was a projected first round pick, but as the draft got closer, his stock started to slip.
Thomas became a full-time starter in late January and averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists, shooting 41.6% from 3-point range. He has plenty of tools, but in a loaded draft like this year's, returning to Fayetteville for another season under John Calipari could have polished him into a 2027 lottery pick.
Koa Peat, Arizona
Drafted No. 30 by Dallas (traded to Phoenix)
While Peat had to wait until the last pick of the first round to hear his name called, things may have eventually worked out for Peat. Peat won four high school state championships in Arizona, helped the Wildcats break its Final Four drought and now gets to stay home with the Suns. So he's probably not complaining too much, but he was projected to go higher and sliding all the way down to No. 30 had to be nerve-wracking. He was one pick shy of missing out on a guaranteed contract. Whew. Had he stayed one more year, in a weaker draft, he could have been a top-10 pick in 2027.
Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
Drafted No. 27 by Boston
Projected as a mid-first round pick, Cenac was one of the last players invited to Wednesday's first round to hear his name called. A former top-10 recruit, Cenac won't turn 20 until February, so he's got plenty of development left. That likely could happen in Maine and the G League as the Celtics already have Neemias Queta and Luka Garza at center.
“There certainly probably is a lot of excitement and expectation from his, but we were sitting here last year and I didn’t think the guy that we drafted would play at all for us,” Celtics president Brad Stevens told reporters after the pick. “But you never know. Let’s see. We’ll see how they all come in and work and he’ll certainly have the opportunity like everybody else. But you’re behind when you’re 19 and you’re dealing with now men.”
Another year in college being coached by Kelvin Sampson probably could have turned Cenac into a lottery pick.
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: Isaiah Evans 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 Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A lot has happened in the past couple of days for the Minnesota Timberwolves. It started on Monday night when they traded away Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets in what was essentially a salary dump.
Shortly thereafter, they re-signed Ayo Dosunmu to a five-year, $112 million contract. The deal will keep him under contract through at least the 2029-30 season before he has a player option on the final year of his new deal in 2030-31.
After the Randle trade, which sent out the Wolves’ 28th overall pick in exchange for the 33rd overall pick, Minnesota was left without a first-round pick. In the second round, the Wolves selected Isaiah Evans from Duke with the 33rd pick and Purdue’s Trey Kaufman-Renn at the 59th.
That is a lot to happen all in the span of three days, so here are some news and notes about where the Timberwolves find themselves with the 2026 NBA Draft now in the books.
Editor’s note- As this was being published, the Timberwolves traded Naz Reid and draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green
Wolves pick Isaiah Evans with the 33rd Pick
After moving back five spots following the Randle trade, the Timberwolves made their first selection of the 2026 NBA Draft, taking Evans with the 33rd overall pick. Evans is a six-foot-six wing from Duke who projects as one of the best shooters in this draft class.
The Wolves had Evans much higher than 33rd on their draft board and were considering taking him in the first round before they traded back. The Timberwolves believe they can develop Evans as a movement shooter and think highly of his confidence and mental makeup.
“I think it was just my ability to stretch the floor,” Evans said to reporters about the aspect of his game that he felt the Wolves were intrigued by. “It was my shooting ability that really got me in the door.”
The Wolves’ new rookie also spoke about who on the Wolves roster he is looking forward to learning from, saying, “Jaden McDaniels is a lot bigger than me, but I’m really interested in learning from him, how to affect the game on the defensive side as much as he does. Obviously, when Donte gets back, I really want to be able to fill in that role behind him and just learn how to come in and be that guy who is impacting the game on the wing alongside the guards.”
The main area of improvement for Evans that will determine the success of his time in Minnesota, and likely his NBA career, is his defensive ability, as is the case with many young prospects. Minnesota will try to develop him into a player who can defend multiple positions and will look for him to add muscle this summer.
Timberwolves just grabbed one of the best shooters in this draft in Isaiah Evans. Love how much his game has grown the last couple years and how he comes into the league with an elite skill. pic.twitter.com/mT4mAT6k5U
While the Wolves start their search of free agency to add talent to the roster, many in the Timberwolves front office believe that one of the main ways Minnesota will improve heading into next season is from players already on the roster getting better.
“I think we’re going to put a huge emphasis on internal development,” Connelly stated. “I think we have a couple guys that had very limited roles last year that are capable of a lot, lot more.”
The two most notable players that the Wolves expect to see growth from are Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels. Both are set to see increased roles on next year’s team, with Reid joining the starting lineup and McDaniels likely slated for more on-ball possessions.
“It’s just about creating the opportunities now,” Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch said of Reid and McDaneils. “I think we’ve seen what they can do, and it’s their job to make sure it stays at a consistently high level… We’ve talked about it before. When you have a lot of great options, it’s just a usage puzzle, and we just gotta make sure that the usage is appropriate.”
With Randle out of the way,
Finch shared a similar sentiment when speaking about Terrence Shannon Jr. and Joan Beringer, who are both set to have more carved out roles for them in the rotation.
“It’s about creating pathways for those guys to be able to play,” Finch explained. “You might say, ‘Isn’t that the coach’s job?’ But sometimes, you know, there’s a gridlock. When you have the type of roster construction that we’ve had in the last couple of years, which has been a large part of our identity. So we’ve gotta look at how we can either kind of change things around or get to a point where these guys can get a more consistent role.”
Beringer, especially, has caught the eye of the Timberwolves brass as he has steadily improved behind the scenes during his 12 months with the organization.
“Oh boy, here we go,” Timberwolves General Manager Matt Lloyd said excitedly when asked about Beringer. “His progression since he got here, first off, he learned English, so that tends to help a little bit, and secondly, he’s put the work in to elicit a positive outcome because that’s who he is.”
Matt Lloyd with some insight on Joan Beringer’s growth and the plan for him heading into Summer League 🐺🐺🐺 pic.twitter.com/gebDgduanY
The Wolves are still likely going to add pieces to their roster, with the point guard position lingering as a need. Minnesota is also banking on the improvement from the young core of its roster. From starters like Reid and McDaniels, down to the 20-year-old French kid set to see his first consistent stretch of playing time, the Wolves are expecting the returning portion of their roster to take big strides next season.
Anthony Edwards isn’t Going Anywhere
Almost immediately after Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat, the NBA world, mostly on social media, went searching for the next superstar that they wanted to see traded.
Unfortunately for Timberwolves fans, that led them to Anthony Edwards. Even though Edwards still has three years left on his contract, that didn’t stop many from wondering if the 24-year-old, four-time All-Star is currently disappointed with the current state of his team.
While that may be what opposing fans want to see from Edwards, it is certainly not what he or his camp have indicated to local reporters or the Timberwolves themselves.
“I think he’s super super excited,” Connelly said about Edwards. “There’s been countless things we could have done. I think our roster is pretty well though of league wide. When you go to your leaders like Ant, you say it takes this to get that, and the conviction he has in our guys is evident, and we say, No, we’re not trading this guy.”
I’ve seen a lot of the “is Ant the next to ask for a trade” chatter? Just can tell you from talking to some people Ant still very much loves it in Minnesota. He and his people think it’s a great situation. He obviously wants to keep competing at a high level … (1/2)
The discourse about Edwards potentially leaving the Wolves one day are not likely to stop any time soon. Online fans who only follow the sport by hopping from one trade rumor to the next are not likely to give it up until they either get what they want or Edwards signs an extension past his current contract.
The only thing the Timberwolves can do now is put the best team possible around Edwards so that when he is handed that potential extension as soon as next summer, he signs it without hesitation.
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 29: ESPN NBA Draft Analyst Mike Schmitz reports during the 2021 NBA Draft on July 29, 2021 at the Barclays Center, 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 2021 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Many were surprised Dallas did not seek guard help with #9, especially with Brayden Burries still available when the Mavs made their first selection. In De Larrea, they did ultimately acquire said guard, and a long and tall one at that, but he most likely will need development time before having a measurable impact.
Incongruities between expectation and reality often cause a range of generally negative reactions – disappointment, annoyance, frustration – but just because the front office plan wasn’t guard-centric doesn’t mean it was a poor plan. In fact, GM Mike Schmitz suggests quite the opposite. In a post-Draft press conference after night one, Schmitz extolled the outcome as largely on point with what the front office was after. “We feel this went accordingly to plan,” he stated succinctly.
Here we will break down three individuals he spoke about throughout the presser.
Dusty May
“Incredible confidence.”
Schmitz articulated his history with May, which dates back to the latter’s time as an assistant with Florida Atlantic. The two scouted overseas together early in their respective careers and have known each other for years. Schmitz’s sense that May is the right person to helm the Mavericks is apparent. He was highly complimentary of May’s ability to build relationships with players, lead a team and ultimately succeed as he did en route to winning the National Championship just a few months ago.
Confidence in May is not exactly surprising. Had the front office not believed in him, he wouldn’t have been offered the job. What is at least somewhat newsworthy here is the history the two shared. Up until the hire, May was a pipedream and it was not widely know that Schmitz had an existing relationship with him. This is yet another example of the advantage of having life-long basketball executives who have cut their teeth in a conventional and progressive way. As much as the commentary was about May, it demonstrates what the Mavs have with Schmitz – an executive with a great track record and far-reaching relationships.
Patrick Dumont
“Very supportive.”
Schmitz was asked about Dumont, who was seen in the draft room video when Dallas selected Johnson, and he did not hesitate to heap praise upon the team owner. He described Dumont as a positive influence that was curious about the process without running any type of interference.
Dumont is quietly conducting his apology tour following the Luka Doncic trade, and he is doing so effectively. He cast himself in a very poor light following that fateful trade, making comments unbecoming of his position and appearing easily duped and perhaps even naïve for following the solitary opinion of Nico Harrison. Since that time, Dumont has endeavored to make amends with the fan base, sitting courtside with a fan who days earlier told him exactly what he thought, among other things. Acknowledging a blunder and setting out to make things right is an admirable quality and for all the flack he rightfully received in the past, we may want to consider giving Dumont his flowers (even if not everyone is ready to hand over a full bouquet quite yet). After decades of Mark Cuban making basketball decisions and perhaps even showing a frugalness contrary to his reputation, the Mavericks may finally have an owner with deep pockets, a willingness to spend, and the ability to get out of the way of the basketball lifers he hired in the first place – that could be an amazing advantage for the Mavs.
Morez Johnson
“Toughness. Competitiveness. High Energy.”
Schmitz is clearly high on what Johnson will bring to the team. He spoke enthusiastically about his intensity, particularly on the defensive end, where he feels he can cover positions one through five. He further suggested that Johnson is a “great fit with Cooper [Flagg],” referencing his ability to space, pass and attack the offensive glass. Leaving no doubt that Dallas got the player they wanted, Schmitz stated “we were thrilled that Morez was there when we were choosing nine and we think he fits perfectly what we’re trying to do.”
Closing the loop on expectation vs. reality, each and every fan did not get what they wanted – that, of course, would be impossible. But what each and every fan can take away from the Draft is that this front office has a plan and they are executing that plan flawlessly at this point. It may not be a plan everyone agrees with (again, impossible), but in the wake of the Draft, I find it refreshing to take a breath and recognize the effort and professionalism being displayed. It’s a welcome thought knowing the days of leaving Giannis Antetokounmpo on the board in an effort to save a few hundred thousand dollars for a ‘big fish’ that never arrived, are most likely behind us. Also, whether Johnson was the guy any of us wanted is almost irrelevant. He’s a well regarded winner that will likely win over the fanbase in a hurry and Dallas could have done a lot worse, or something really off the wall foolish.
There is still work to be done, but we can all have confidence there is a plan being executed.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.
The Hornets also traded guard Josh Green to Minnesota, who sent center/forward Naz Reid, a former NBA Sixth Man of the Year, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030), and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033) back to Charlotte.
Ball, 24, averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.2 steals in 72 games last season for the Hornets, who reached the NBA Play-in Tournament this season but have missed the playoffs in each of the past 10 years. He has had an injury-plagued career, with significant ankle and lower leg injuries in his six NBA seasons.
The Hornets selected Ball with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and he won the Rookie of the Year award in 2021.
Ball has three seasons remaining on his five-year, $203.9 million contract signed with the Hornets and will make $40.8 million during the 2026-27 season. He is eligible to sign a two-year, $119.2 million extension once the NBA free agency moratorium ends on July 6.
With the Ball trade, the Hornets are moving forward with building around forward Brandon Miller and forward Kon Knueppel, who led the league in 3-pointers and finished second in the rookie of the year balloting last season.
Reid, 26, averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 77 games for Minnesota and will be entering the second season of a five-year, $125 million deal he signed in 2025.
The Hornets added Hannes Steinbach, who led the NCAA in rebounding in the 2026 NBA Draft, and guard Christian Anderson Jr. with the No. 18 overall pick.
Charlotte had a strong finish to the season, winning 28 of its last 38 games, but lost to the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament.
The Timberwolves now have two dynamic guards, with Ball paired with star Anthony Edwards, who was the No. 1 overall pick in Ball's draft class, making them instantly one of the more formidable backcourts in the Western Conference.
By shipping Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets in a trade earlier in the offseason and re-signing guard Ayo Dosunmu to a five-year, $112 million contract, the Timberwolves continue their aggressive win-now mentality under owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez. Currently, Minnesota is nearly $5 million over the luxury tax after taking on Ball's and Green's contracts.
Per ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, Al Horford will decline his player option to sign a new two year, $14 million deal to stay with the Golden State Warriors.
With this signing, Horford officially becomes the 13th player in NBA history to reach 20 seasons.
Golden State's Al Horford is declining his player option and intends to sign a new two-year, $14 million deal to stay with the Warriors, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater. Horford, 40, becomes only the 13th player in NBA history to reach 20 seasons. pic.twitter.com/Tuu4oYb9hV
According to Slater and Charania, Horford’s deal is fully guaranteed and includes a trade kicker.
Horford joins the list of 20-season players that includes LeBron James, Vince Carter, Chris Paul, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Willis, Robert Parish, Kyle Lowry, Udonis Haslem, Jamal Crawford, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Per Horford in the article that announced the deal:
“I knew a few off the top of my head, but I hadn’t seen the list. It’s hard to believe. It’s something that, for me, I’m very grateful. It’s just so hard to be in this league for that amount of years. There’s a lot of commitment, a lot of sacrifice and time. I still feel like I’m able to contribute and have an impact on a team.”
The Warriors’ plan for Horford this offseason is to stay in the Bay Area to work with Rick Celebrini, carefully following a conditioning program that will allow Horford to stay health and in shape throughout next season. That includes foregoing participation in national team duties for the Dominican Republic this summer.
Horford’s first season with the Warriors saw the 40-year-old veteran averaging 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. Though the team’s title aspirations were derailed by a mid-season injury to Jimmy Butler, Horford provided crucial frontcourt depth before their season ended in the Play-In tournament.
