MIAMI, FL - APRIL 12: Kasparas Jakucionis #25 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 12, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
KJ, you need a bedroom?
As a Milwaukee-area resident, I’m very excited about the prospect of Kasparas Jakucionis joining the Bucks.
Also as a Milwaukee-area resident, I’m pretty bummed the Giannis era is officially coming to an end. But the writing had been on the wall, so here we are.
ESPN reported late Monday. night that KJ is part of the package the Heat are sending to the Bucks in return for Giannis and former Bull Bobby Portis.
It’s also being reported that the second-year guard out of Illinois was a possible hang-up in a deal happening all day. The Bucks seem pretty high on KJ, and the Heat were, too.
Kasparas Jakucionis was Miami's version of Boston's Hugo Gonzalez hang-up. Had been hearing all day the Heat did not want to part with the Illinois product on top of their Herro-Ware-Jacquez-No. 13 structure. That's an All-Star guard, three recent first-round picks still on…
Good sign about his value moving forward. I think this is a really good opportunity for him to get a lot of time to grow. He’s still so young, so the future is bright.
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat late Monday night for a massive package of players and draft picks.
The Boston Celtics were reportedly the favorite to land the two-time NBA MVP, but the Bucks ultimately went with the Heat’s offer instead.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday night that Boston’s offer consisted of All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown and two unprotected first-round picks.
It wasn’t enough to move the needle for the Bucks. They wanted a lot more than that.
“The Bucks wanted more assets,” Sharania said on SportsCenter. “They wanted a couple of young players —Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, potentially others —and they wanted more first-round picks, more swaps. Was there a middle ground to be had? My understanding is the Celtics were not willing to part with enough young players and assets to get a deal done.”
Reporting live on @SportsCenter — on Giannis Antetokounmpo landing in Miami, the Bucks deciding between the Heat and Celtics, and the Boston-Jaylen Brown dynamics after he was offered in talks: pic.twitter.com/LXQwKb38oI
Celtics fans waking up to the news of Antetokounmpo going to Miami instead of Boston might cause some frustration, but the Celtics were wise to draw the line where they did. Brown is a much, much better player than anyone the Heat gave up in their package. Hugo Gonzalez is a better talent than any of the young players Miami offered.
Giving up Brown, Gonzalez, Scheierman and a bunch of unprotected first-round picks and swaps would have been way too much for Boston to surrender. That kind of deal also would have depleted the Celtics’ assets and made it pretty tough to build enough depth around Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum.
Now the question is what will the Celtics do with Brown. Do they look for a different deal involving Brown, or do they bring him back and try to win another championship with him and Tatum leading the way?
It should be a busy and exciting Tuesday with the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET.
Mar 5, 2025; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jake Bloss (39) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Today’s subject is in kind of an unusual spot as regards his prospect status. Bloss actually debuted two years ago, and as he turns 25 today (Happy Birthday, Jake) he’s on the fringes of what’s typically considered prospect eligibility. He’s also coming back from Tommy John surgery, which has eaten up the last 14 months for him when he would normally have been breaking into the MLB rotation. All that means the excitement about him is a little muted for a former top 100 prospect on the cusp of the majors. We ranked him as the system’s #6 prospect coming into the season, and he’s undoubtedly a key part of the organization’s medium term hopes, but right at this minute the buzz is lacking. He’s back at AAA as of last week, though, and given the state of the back of the Jays’ rotation he might become a factor of the big league club soon if he looks up to the challenge.
His rehab outing Statcast data offers some immediate intrigue. Last time we saw Bloss for a full season, in 2024, his four seamer sat 92-95 and touched 96. It’s a small sample size, with only 95 heaters tracked (we only have public StatCast data for his three appearances with A Dunedin and one with AAA Buffalo), but since coming back he’s sitting 95.8mph and regularly cresting 97. His hardest single pitch in 2024 was equivalent to his average in 2026, and he hasn’t thrown a pitch classified as a four seamer this season as slow as his average from the earlier year. There were hints before he went down with the elbow injury last year that he was taking a step forward with his velocity, but what we’re seeing right now is a big leap. The pitch was already considered to be above average in spite of middling velocity because Bloss gets great extension and generates a lot of backspin and vertical carry. That’s all preserved, so if he maintains most of the velocity gain as he gets fully stretched out his fastball has improved from solid to an easy plus pitch.
His sinker appears to have made the same gains, going from 93.3mph to 95.0. He’s spinning both fastballs harder by about 80rpm, which has preserved their total movement in spite of the velocity bump (slower pitches break more because they have more time to accelerate in whatever direction their spin is taking them before reaching the plate).
He also seems to have made changes to his secondaries. His changeup has gotten harder, but by only 1.3mph (87.2 up to 88.5mph), and he’s actually gotten better at killing the spin on the pitch, reducing the rotation by 100rpm. The result is that it has more drop and a bigger velocity gap off the fastball. The slider, like the fastballs, has picked up about 2mph and about 100rpm, breaking harder to cover the same distance in less time. His curveball, interestingly, hasn’t seen the same gains in spin rate but is now almost 2.5mph harder, leading to less glove side break and a slightly more up and down shape.
There have been the hiccoughs with command that you’d expect from a guy coming back from surgery, and he’s still only partially stretched out. Bloss probably won’t be ready for the majors for a few weeks yet. The leap his stuff has taken during his rehab creates reason to be excited for him when he arrives, though.
AJ Dybantsa averaged more than 25 points a game with BYU last season. Photograph: Chris Gardner/Getty Images
The No 1 overall pick will be ...
AJ Dybantsa looked like a pro among college kids in his lone season at BYU, becoming just the fifth Division I player in the last 40 years to average more than 25 points per game while shooting better than 51%. Even beyond the numbers, Dybantsa’s natural length and ability to create his own shot make him look more like a future All-Star than Kansas’s Darryn Peterson, whose load-management habits stand in stark contrast to Dybantsa’s workhorse approach. Andrew Lawrence
AJ Dybantsa. Let’s not overthink this: yes, Peterson has shown flashes of the highest ceiling, and Cameron Boozer likely has the highest floor. But it’s been clear for months now that Dybantsa, who has real superstar upside, will be going first overall. We’ve just had too long to examine the choices, and are making it more complicated than it really is. Claire de Lune
AJ Dybantsa. Washington anoint the BYU freshman the best franchise cornerstone 1A since Earl “The Pearl” Monroe. He led Division I in scoring at 25.5 points per game on 51% shooting. We are living in the greatest era of basketball talent. Consider yourself blessed. Lee Escobedo
This will be a good draft for …
The one-and-done college star. This year’s draft could see those players dominate the top 10, a major validation of the pay-for-play era in college sports. Gone are the days when elite prospects felt compelled to bypass campus altogether in order to maximize their earning potential. Thanks to NIL, they can earn millions, develop against high-level competition and arrive in the NBA better prepared than ever. AL
Faces of the franchise. In stark contrast to a draft like 2024, which contained very few blue-chip prospects, this year’s is littered with them. Beyond just the obvious of the clear top four in Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer and Caleb Wilson in some order, there’s also players such as Darius Acuff Jr and Brayden Burries with tremendous upside. CDL
So-called Victor Wembanyama stoppers. This class is loaded with physical, switchable bigs. Of course, Wemby is sui generis. Don’t be duped by a dollar-store double. To stop him, smart franchises will stockpile mass and mobility to beat the Alien and win the war of the worlds. LE
Which international player is worth keeping an eye on?
Sergio De Larrea has to intrigue more than a few NBA GMs. The Valencia guard was eligible for last year’s draft but withdrew to continue polishing his game in Spain. Scouts have long been enamored with his basketball IQ and feel in the pick-and-roll, traits that could earn him rotation minutes early in his career while he works to improve his strength and perimeter shooting. AL
Karim López, a promising Mexican prospect who played for the New Zealand Breakers this past year, isn’t one of the biggest names in this draft. While he’s a little bit of an unpolished gem, he held his own among much older and more experienced players in the National Basketball League. CDL
Jack Kayil. This 20-year-old German combo guard has done everything right and has still gone unrecognized. He led Alba Berlin to the German title as their starting point guard. Word is spreading on his talent, although it took long enough. First-round talent. LE
Which team drafted best last year?
With apologies to the Dallas Mavericks – who, some may loudly argue, never should have been in the No 1 position – I’ll go with the Hornets. Charlotte not only landed a bona fide star in Kon Knueppel to complement franchise man LaMelo Ball, but also a pair of solid two-way players in Liam McNeeley and Ryan Kalkbrenner. AL
While Cooper Flagg was a no-brainer No 1 overall pick, and Knueppel had a historically impressive rookie season, the Spurs yet again showed their drafting prowess when they took guard Dylan Harper second overall. He didn’t have the same opportunities to showcase his gifts in the regular season as others at the top of the draft, but he looked solidly like San Antonio’s most confident and composed player in the NBA finals, which, as a rookie, is absolutely unfathomable. CDL
The Knicks. The Spurs made the obvious pick with Harper. But nobody’s talking about Mohamed Diawara. He’ll be in New York’s rotation next season – OG Anunoby-lite, a strange blend of size, skill and joy. Voilà, he finally broke the Knicks’ tradition of whiffing on French bums. LE
Unheralded prospect to watch
Allen Graves isn’t a household name, largely because he played at Santa Clara. Yet there’s no question he has the size (6ft 8in, 226lbs) and lunch-pail traits – diving for loose balls, crashing the boards and scoring with his back to the basket – that will make GMs of a certain generation fall in love. In an era obsessed with versatility and upside, Graves feels like a back-to-the-future prospect. AL
I loved watching Arizona at this year’s NCAA Tournament, and Koa Peat, who isn’t projected to go until late first-round or early in the second, was a standout. He still needs to develop a jumpshot, but he has good size and solid ball-handling skills, and is a willing passer. He looked right at home in the big moments in the big dance. CDL
Karim López. The Mexican forward is built like an enforcer but dances like a wing. He averaged nearly 12 points against grown-ass men in the NBL. He scores in the paint, passes out the pocket, does it again. He doesn’t play like someone still figuring it out. Draft him! LE
The top 10 will be* ...
1) Washington Wizards – AJ Dybantsa, forward, BYU
2) Utah Jazz – Darryn Peterson, guard, Kansas
3) Memphis Grizzlies – Cameron Boozer, forward, Duke
4) Chicago Bulls – Caleb Wilson, forward, North Carolina
5) Los Angeles Clippers – Brayden Burries, guard, Arizona
6) Brooklyn Nets – Mikel Brown Jr, guard, Louisville
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 03: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates his first inning three-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks with teammates Cody Bellinger #35 (C) and Ben Rice #22 at Yankee Stadium on April 03, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
MLB.com | Brian Murphy and Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru: With Phase 1 of the All-Star Game voting process concluding on Thursday, several Yankees have a good chance of moving on to Phase 2. Ben Rice is the second-most-voted first baseman behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and should advance. The same can be said about Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge (who won’t be able to play), who are fourth and first, respectively. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is fourth with 419,777 votes, and the second-ranked second baseman, Ezequiel Durán, has 531,182. As a reminder, the top two vote-getters in every position advance to the next phase, along with the top six outfielders.
NJ Advance Media | Randy Miller: The Yankees added right-hander Yerry de los Santos to their active roster on Monday. He was one of the hottest arms in Scranton, working 8.1 scoreless innings in seven June games. He occupies Elmer Rodríguez’s roster spot after he was sent down following his start on Sunday. De los Santos has a 1.69 ERA in 5.1 MLB innings this year and a 3.41 mark in Triple-A across 31.2 frames.
ESPN Press Room | Courtney Clawson: Former Yankees pitcher Jim Abbott, who tossed a no-hitter in pinstripes on September 4, 1993, will be honored in the 2026 edition of the ESPY Awards to be held in New York on July 15th. He will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ceremony. Abbott went on to have a highly successful career in MLB despite being born without a right hand.
Holding their first lottery pick since 2021, No. 11 overall, the Warriors roll into the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night after spending six weeks exploring every conceivable option, from staying at 11 to moving back in the first round to trading out.
More than 30 players, spanning all five positions, have gone through interviews and workouts because they might be available at 11 or later in the first or second round.
We contacted several league and team sources to get an idea of how Golden State’s process has played out since May 10, when its lottery position was determined.
Though the Warriors have closely examined numerous perimeter players, most sources believe that – barring an elite guard dropping on draft night – they’ll seek frontcourt help.
Here are some pros and cons of five frontcourt players the Warriors have evaluated that could be available should they stay at 11, with two comments on each from league/team sources:
Chris Cenac Jr. (F, Houston)
Pros:Cenac is an elite athlete whose impressive performance at the NBA draft combine opened a few more eyes around the league, including those of the Warriors. At 6-foot-11, with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, the rangy 19-year-old has the tools to be effective in the paint and outside it, including shooting beyond the arc. Having heard the whispers of doubters, he’ll enter the league with a chip on his shoulder.
Cons: His defense is uneven, his offense spotty and more inefficient that a team would like from someone of his stature. The general belief is that he has some talent but is going to need a couple years to find his place in the league. Some scouts like him, some don’t. He’s an upside pick, and the Warriors haven’t had great success when going that route in the lottery.
Comment: “He might develop into a fantastic NBA player. Might. But I’ve heard that the Warriors don’t love him, and I get it. Unless something changes before the draft, my guess is they’ll pass on him. They might regret it someday, but I think they’ll take that chance.”
Comment 2: “Pretty sure he’ll be there if the Warriors stay at 11. He’s got a lot of talent, but he’s not as refined as guys like Yaxel (Lendeborg). Going to Houston probably helped him because he got coaches. He still could benefit from more reps.”
Morez Johnson Jr. (PF, Michigan)
Pros: Effort and toughness are skills at which Johnson is elite, and that was necessary during Michigan’s run to the national championship. He’s a terrific athlete that has reliable hands and won’t be outworked or outfought. At 6-foot-9, 250 pounds, with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, he can play center or power forward, offering excellent defense while also providing vertical spacing on offense. At 20 years old, with 70 games of collegiate experience, Johnson already can help an NBA team but still has room for growth.
Cons: Johnson’s offense is relatively raw. He doesn’t have a dependable shot, and doesn’t create much for himself or others. Some of that may be due to overall talent on Michigan’s roster, but his lack of scoring impact is why most mock drafts project him in the middle of the first round, rather than in the lottery.
Comment: “He had an impressive workout (with Golden State). His offense is limited, but I believe it will improve. He can make threes, but his college teams didn’t need that. If you want a big who brings energy every night, especially on defense, (the Warriors) could do a lot worse.”
Comment 2: “Talented dude. He listens and learns. He has the size to play some 5 but really is a power forward. He can develop corner threes, but he doesn’t need to. He’ll just go get the ball. He’s an old-school 4 but also is a lob threat.”
Yaxel Lendeborg (F, Michigan)
Pros: The Warriors need wings. As the fulcrum of a stacked national champion, Lendeborg is as ready for the NBA as anyone in the draft. At 6-foot-9, 235 pounds with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, he has the mental makeup and physical attributes to defend four positions. He rebounds, passes, shoots well from three levels and has the kind of “feel” the Warriors prioritize. He’s smart, versatile and plays with force, determined to make a positive impact. Superior “glue guy.”
Cons: His workout was very good but not mind-blowing, I’m told. He is a good, but not elite, athlete without the handle and scoring repertoire of, say, a Kevin Durant. He turns 24 in September, making him “lottery-pick old,” but I’m told the Warriors’ need for immediate contributors offsets that factor. He won’t be a franchise player for an NBA contender, but could be a high-quality starter.
Comment: “I know (the Warriors) liked what they saw in his workout. He’s not going to take you to the promised land, but he’ll give you a lot of things that will help you get there.”
Comment 2: “He’s a plug-and-play guy. He does everything. He can initiate offense, shoot threes and post up. He’ll adapt to the NBA pretty quickly. (The Warriors) need help on the wings. If Yaxel is there and (the Warriors) don’t take him, I’d wonder why.”
Aday Mara (C, Michigan)
Pros: With so many legitimate big men in the Western Conference, size really does matter. At 7-foot-4, 260 pounds, with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Mara brings plenty. He’s comfortable in the paint, has dependable hands and is a good finisher at the rim. All of which appeals to the Warriors, who have deficiencies across the board up front. The 21-year-old would be their most imposing rim protector since Andrew Bogut.
Cons: He’s not particularly nimble and would struggle to be switchable defending on the perimeter. Opponents would attack him in pick-and-roll, forcing him to into compromising positions. He’d need to be spoon-fed on offense. His instincts, which are a positive, might not be good enough to offset his lack of athleticism in the NBA.
Comment: “He might go before 11, but if (the Warriors) stay at 11 and he’s there, I think that’s got to be the pick. Even over Yaxel. It’s the pick I would make if I were in that front office”
Comment 2: “(The Warriors) need size and have needed for years. They keep sending Draymond (Green) out at the 5, and it’s time to get beyond that. Mara isn’t perfect, but if (Memphis big man) Zach Edey can make an impact, I have no doubt Mara can.”
Hannes Steinbach (C/F, Washington)
Pros: Based on film study, it’s easy to understand the comparisons with Kings big man Domantas Sabonis. Steinbach, however, seems more willing to engage in physicality, which explains the comps to OKC’s Isaiah Hartenstein. At 6-foot-11, 250 pounds, with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, he is a voracious rebounder (as a freshman last season, he led college basketball in that category), which should translate to the NBA. He turned 20 last month but will be helped by his experience in German pro hoops.
Cons: The Warriors have an urgent need for athleticism, and Steinbach won’t address that. He’s active enough but will have trouble defending even moderate levels of quickness from more mobile big men. Though his 3-point shooting looked promising in his workout, it’s long been proven that is not an accurate barometer what takes place in games.
Comment: “He does a little bit of everything. You can see the Euro part of his game. His physicality, though, he runs into people. He’s not scared. I like that about him. He can pass and rebound. He can improve his shot, but it’s not broken.”
Comment 2: “I actually believe he can be a pretty good defender. His instincts are good, he has good awareness and his fundamentals are better than most. I’d understand why any team that needs size in the paint, including Golden State, would have interest.”
For those wondering about Tennessee’s Nate Ament, the water between him and the Warriors was lukewarm. The general belief is that he’s a risky project.
As for guards, Ament’s teammate Cameron Carr was mentioned more than any other.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 13: Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks reacts during a timeout in the fourth quarter of Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Whether the championship hangover has anything to do with Jose Alvarado’s taking his time to decide on his future, we don’t know for sure. What we know, according to reports emerging late Monday, is that Jose won’t make a final call on whether or not to execute his player option until Friday, June 26, instead of the initial date set for yesterday, June 22.
Alvarado can return to the Knicks without having to negotiate at all if he picks his $4.5 million player option, which will delay his unrestricted free agency until July 2027. He can opt out of it, however, and become a UFA next week, forcing the Knicks to renegotiate a deal in the open market to bring GTA back to Manhattan, while fighting against other potential external bidders.
While the reigning champion New York Knicks assess their trade options for picks No. 24 and 31 in this week’s NBA Draft, sources say reserve guard Jose Alvarado has agreed to move the decision date on his $4.5 million player option for 2026-27 from tomorrow, June 22, back to June…
Jake Fischer reported the development on X, adding a very interesting spin to it.
“While the reigning champion New York Knicks assess their trade options for picks No. 24 and 31 in this week’s NBA Draft, sources say reserve guard Jose Alvarado has agreed to move the decision date on his $4.5 million player option for 2026-27 from tomorrow, June 22, back to June 26.”
According to Fischer, the Knicks are discussing draft-day trades and talking with other teams about potential packages involving their No. 24 and No. 31 selections, with New York also in possession of the No. 55 pick.
Truth be told, nobody should be surprised about this report nor the possibility of the Knicks moving one—if not more—of their draft picks, following James Dolan’s second-apron comments a few days ago.
The back page: SECOND THOUGHTS
— Knicks could still go over apron to keep team mostly intact
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 23, 2026
The New York Post quoted ESPN’s Bobby Marks on Tuesday as he explained New York’s cap situation, potential moves, and implications. Most importantly, the first-round pick at No. 24 comes with a pre-assigned guaranteed salary of $3.6 million. No second-round pick has a guaranteed deal set from the get-go, with teams and prospects negotiating their contracts afterward.
“I think there’s still a priority to re-sign your own free agents, even if it means exceeding the second apron.
“I think there’s two ways to look at (the No. 24 pick). There’s that way where you’re moving out of the first round and maybe you’re picking up more seconds or a future first down the road because it does give you an extra $3.6 million in flexibility.
“We’re projecting them at $13 million under the second apron including their first-round pick. So they’d get roughly another $3.6 million more in flexibility if they trade it. So that is one way to look at it. The other way to look at it is they make the pick because they say, ‘We got all these high salaries in the starting lineup. We need young players on our bench on low-salary controllable contracts to be a rotational player down the road when these players eventually get older.’ So I think there’s two ways to look at it. It wouldn’t surprise me if they did either.”
According to the NYP’s Stefan Bondy, in the same article, the Knicks are, in fact, looking to trade the pick and having talks on multiple fronts.
“Trading the pick helps financial flexibility and, according to league sources, the Knicks are exploring multiple deals. Not coincidentally, Alvarado agreed to push back the deadline for his player option from Monday until after the draft (Friday). There are a lot of unsettled money matters.”
Last year, the Phoenix Suns signed their No. 31 pick to a four-year, $8.7 million deal with an average yearly salary of $2.2 million. The No. 55 pick ended up signing a multi-year two-way deal worth $636k.
The Knicks entered the offseason with around $202 million in guaranteed salaries, including the money baked into Alvarado’s player option and Pacome Dadiet’s team option, worth nearly $3 million. The second apron starts at $221 million, which means that, right now and without assuming both Alvarado and Dadiet will return, the Knicks are at around $195 real guaranteed million and have $25 million of room to maneuver.
New York Knicks updated salary cap situation.
They can give Mohamed Diawara up to four years, $11.3 million with his Non Bird rights. His minimum over four years is $10.6 million.
They are still free to go above the second apron by re-signing their own free agents. pic.twitter.com/ZDrniXN5Iy
Following Monday’s report of Mohammed Diawara’s expected re-signing for a total of around $10.5 million, that figure shrank to, according to Yossi Gozlan, $10.8 million in space before hitting the second apron.
However, the Knicks still only have 11 players in their active roster and under contract for next season, and are bound to lose Landry Shamet ($2.3 million last season), Mitchell Robinson ($12.9), and Jordan Clarkson ($2.3) to unrestricted free agency, while Ariel Hukporti ($1.9), Trey Jemison, Dillon Jones, and Kevin McCullar are restricted free agents. Pacome Dadiet’s future in New York hinges on the Knicks picking the $3 million team option in his deal.
Apr 26, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and head coach Joe Mazzulla against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Well, that was interesting. Now what? Certainly the team is going to move forward with contingency plans, but before we move on, I thought I’d look at some of the immediate aftermath of the trade that never was.
I believe this is what the kids these days call “cope.” Basically it means rationalizing to make yourself feel better about something that didn’t go your way. Some situations absolutely call for that approach, so let’s get into it.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a big risk – specifically with injures, but also with his personality, style of play, and the upcoming contract extension that he was sure to get. If this deal had gone through, everything would revolve around him for the next several years (including his eventual decline).
Jaylen Brown is still a Boston Celtic (at least for now) – He’s a franchise icon, Finals MVP, and just coming off his best season ever. If anything, this latest set of events should have him even more motivated to prove his worth to the world. (I’m not sure how thrilled he’s going to be after all this though. We have no way of knowing just how much communication has been going on behind the scenes with him and the Celtics. He’s a pro though, and understands that this is part of the job.)
Hugo Gonzalez is still a Boston Celtic. I worry a little bit that he will be perceived as the “deal breaker” that the Celtics wouldn’t give up. Sometimes that hangs on a player for years to come. But the team values Hugo for good reason. He has special tools and upside that we will get to see develop for years to come.
The cost on top of Jaylen was prohibitive. From the start I thought that Brown alone would be enough to trump the Miami offer. Clearly I was wrong. Over the last week or so I talked myself into including a pick or maybe two. The Bucks insisting on including Hugo and even more picks or players was just too high of a price.
Those draft picks could be critical to building out a roster around some very expensive veterans. This new era of 2nd aprons requires teams to invest in developing cheap talent, and productive guys on rookie scale contracts is just the thing.
The Heat will be formidable now, but they also have some of the same issues that the Bucks had. Just how far can Giannis, Bam, and their supporting cast get them? We’ll see if they have any more moves in them, but they are completely out of picks and that’s their core now.
At least we’ll never have to hear about “the Miami Heat trade package” ever again.
Back to the Celtics, as I alluded to in a prior column, we still have Brad Stevens, and I’m pretty sure he has a Plan B ready. Or rather, a spreadsheet of alternative options he’s going to systematically assess and act upon. Draft night could and should be very interesting now that the bottleneck of Giannis has been cleared up.
And of course we have to go back to the ultimate consolation. This core group already has an NBA Championship. They achieved the goal that every team out there is striving for. That can’t be forgotten or diminished.
Call it cope if you want because that’s exactly what the situation calls for. Unless you were one of the many that was dreading this deal from the start. In which case this is a huge sigh of relief and perhaps even validation.
Regardless, the Celtics aren’t going to be a rudderless franchise with no clear path forward (as the Miami Heat might have been if they missed out – which is probably why they were desperate enough to pay the price that they did). We still have a championship core and several different paths to add to the team going forward.
We will, of course, be tracking the next logical question. What’s next? Stay tuned.
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 6: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on December 6, 2024 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens took his biggest swing yet since stepping into the organization’s front office five years ago — and whiffed.
In the late hours of Monday night, Giannis Antetokounmpo officially joined the Miami Heat and ended an ongoing bidding war this offseason with Boston’s Eastern Conference foe. The Milwaukee Bucks, in return, landed a haul from South Beach that included Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, a pick swap, and a second-round selection.
Stevens and the Celtics, although described as aggressive in their pursuit of bringing the Greek Freak to Boston, fell short.
The Celtics and Heat were the two premier landing spots said to have Antetokounmpo’s commitment to sign an extension. But in the final days, as the Bucks considered bids from both franchises, Stevens and company weren’t willing to go the extra mile to provide Milwaukee a bundle that aligned with their direction in moving on from the two-time league MVP.
BROOKLYN, NY – JANUARY 23: Jaylen Brown #7 and Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 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 Nathaniel S. Butler /NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Bucks, building for the future without Giannis, wanted to dig deeper into Boston’s bench with youngsters such as Hugo González and Baylor Scheierman catching Milwaukee’s interest, Charania reported. Brown, with three years left on his current contract and extension eligible in July, wasn’t enough to sway Milwaukee’s front office or ownership after pushing Miami to the limit.
González, selected in the first round of last year’s draft, blossomed into a steal after being taken by Boston at No. 28. Scheierman, drafted 30th overall two years ago, also became a crucial depth piece after the pair inherited a minutes increase while the Celtics turned their first 62 games without Jayson Tatum into an unforeseen run at securing the No. 2 seed in the East.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla made quick work of González’s development, watching the 20-year-old from Spain flash his intense defensive potential across 74 appearances throughout his rookie year. His 14.6 minutes off Boston’s bench were enough to convince Stevens (and the Bucks) that González is poised to continue growing into an underrated asset capable of being a game-changer in the coming years.
Not being able to pry González — and possibly more — away from Boston made the difference to Milwaukee.
Bucks owner Jimmy Haslam became a “driving force” in choosing Miami’s offer instead, according to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports. Haslam, also co-owner of the Cleveland Browns, wasn’t willing to risk losing the 2024 NBA Finals MVP with no clear signs that Brown was sold on Milwaukee — especially after Myles Garrett forced his trade to the Los Angeles Rams before Giannis officially departed the Bucks.
Stevens’ run at landing Antetokounmpo indicates a real desire to upgrade Boston’s roster after a second straight playoff exit against a lower-seeded opponent. Both times, the Celtics failed to make it past the semifinals, going 9-9 at TD Garden.
Moving forward, Stevens will look elsewhere to take the next step toward revamping Boston’s roster before Opening Night in October.
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: NBA Draft prospect Darryn Peterson talks to the media during the 2026 NBA Draft Player Availability on June 22, 2026 at Lotte New York Palace in New York City, 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 Evan Yu/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s Draft Day Eve! With less than 24 hours left before the NBA Draft, there are more news and rumors that continue to leak out about both the potential pick for Utah, as well as with the Walker Kessler situation.
Is the Walker Kessler situation still in flux?
A few days ago, the Walker Kessler situation appeared to be in better shape after Kessler put out a post saying that he loves Utah.
It was the right move for Kessler if staying in Utah was the goal. It certainly appeared to mollify Jazz fans who were frustrated with Kessler’s refusal of Utah’s 5-year $140M offer. But it’s now been 5 days, and there’s still no deal.
On Ryen Russillo’s podcast, Sam Amick gave some insight into why that might be.
Amick mentions that one of the issues is the five years. Apparently, they want more flexibility with the contract. That could mean two things. It could mean that Kessler thinks he’ll outplay that contract. If he consistently hits an outside shot and improves in other areas, he could be right. In that case, he could likely earn even more on his next contract, and so a shorter contract makes sense. The other reason is that he would want a shorter contract to get out of his current situation sooner.
It’s not the greatest optics for Kessler right now. The Jazz’s 5-year, $140M offer has been widely considered very fair for Kessler. Maybe he is going to get a better offer on the market, but the longer this goes on, the tougher it’s going to be to hide his real intentions, whatever those are.
Another interesting point from Amick is that he mentioned all the recent Cam Boozer rumors could have been a message from the Jazz that they can get a cheaper option if they need. Whether that’s the case or not, it sends a message that Utah is willing to move on if they have to.
Finally, Amick also talked about how some players who have to go through a tanking situation tend to think they’ll be rewarded on the other side for going through with everything their team requested. It certainly seems like Utah is doing that with this offer. Kessler was asked to sit at times when he could have played, but he also has missed legitimate time with multiple injuries.
All in all, it’s easy to get frustrated if you’re hoping for a Kessler signing. The longer this goes on, the more fan frustration may start heating up again.
Darryn Peterson had a secret workout with the Jazz
This was a rumor that Bill Simmons revealed on his latest podcast right at the end.
On the latest episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, @BillSimmons just casually throws out, “I heard Utah maybe had a secret workout with Peterson this weekend.” 👀 Bill & @HousefromDC say the #UtahJazz should draft Cam Boozer
Peterson also went on to say that he’d be happy to play with whoever drafts him.
Darryn Peterson on only working out for the Washington Wizards with the No. 1 pick: “Just a decision that was made. I’m definitely not dodging any team. Whoever takes me, I’m going to come in and be delighted to be there. Wherever that happens to be, they’ll get the best me.” pic.twitter.com/MObTY3XmxD
These things don’t mean that he’ll be the for-sure pick for the Jazz if he is available at #2, but they are definitely things you like to hear if you’re rooting for the Jazz to draft Peterson.
In this week’s Injury Report, Francisco Lindor is due to return from his calf strain this week. Bobby Witt Jr. looks to avoid the injured list as he manages a Grade 1 MCL sprain. And we await an update on Jeremy Peña after he departed Monday’s game with a hamstring issue. All that and more as we recap all of the relevant injury news around baseball.
⚾️ Baseball is back! MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.
Corey Seager (concussion)
Seager has been sidelined since June 12 after experiencing concussion symptoms following a collision at the plate on June 11. After he was held out of the lineup for a few days, the team placed him on the 7-day concussion injured list. He took part in on-field baseball activities on Sunday and is scheduled to take live batting practice on Tuesday. He’ll be evaluated after to determine the next steps, but he can be considered day-to-day with a chance to return this week.
The Phillies have the best record in baseball (33-16) since Don Mattingly took over as manager.
D.J. Short
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Francisco Lindor (calf)
The Mets will get Lindor back as soon as Wednesday after a two-month absence with a left calf strain. The 32-year-old star shortstop is on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse and will get at least one more game in on Tuesday after going 0-for-4 in his first rehab game on Sunday. Lindor’s return this week will move Bo Bichette back to third base and squeeze Brett Baty and MJ Melendez out of playing time, though neither has done much to take advantage of their opportunity and could be dropped in most formats.
Bobby Witt Jr. (knee)
Witt was removed from Thursday’s game against the Cardinals with right knee discomfort after landing awkwardly in the fourth inning while fielding a ball. It was the second instance of knee discomfort this month. An MRI revealed a Grade 1 MCL sprain. The team has not placed him on the injured list, instead holding out hope that he’ll be ready to join the lineup in the next couple of days. Of course, we can’t rule out a trip to the injured list if he doesn’t bounce back as quickly as we hope. But rushing back, given that it’s the second time he was pulled with knee soreness, could also be counterproductive if he’s at risk for a setback. Still, the team is encouraged by his workout prior to Monday’s game against the Rays.
Noah Schultz (knee)
Schultz made his second rehab start with Triple-A Charlotte on Sunday, striking out four with one walk over 2 2/3 scoreless innings. He got up to 57 pitches in the outing, tossing 38 for strikes. It seems like the next goal will be to get to 70 pitches in his next start, after which he could possibly return to the White Sox rotation. At most, we’re looking at another two starts on his rehab assignment, putting him back in Chicago in the next two weeks.
Munetaka Murakami (hamstring)
In the first update since early June, White Sox manager Will Venable stated that Murakami was “getting up to 80 percent in his running” and increasing the intensity of his hitting. Venable also said the 26-year-old slugger would head out on a rehab assignment as soon as he feels 100 percent. It sounds like we could still be at least a couple of weeks away from getting Murakami back in the White Sox lineup.
Jared Jones (elbow)
Jones was forced to depart in the third inning against the Rockies on Sunday after taking a comebacker off the back of his pitching elbow. X-rays came back negative, but we should know more after further evaluation. He’s considered day-to-day and hopefully won’t have to miss his next start scheduled for Saturday against the Reds.
Jack Leiter (ankle)
Leiter was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to June 19, with a right ankle impingement. The injury apparently stems all the way back to a start in Texas against the Pirates on April 22, when Leiter slipped on the on-deck circle while fielding a play. He’s been pitching through the issue since, and it’s played a role in his mechanics. The 26-year-old right-hander had given up 15 runs over his last three starts and holds a 5.29 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts over 80 innings. Leiter has flashed some skills, but has been terribly inconsistent, especially as the injury has gotten worse. Hopefully, a couple of weeks off can get him right and ready for a better second half.
Ryne Nelson (elbow)
Jordan Lawlar (hamstring)
Nelson was another breakout hopeful who has struggled this season. He was placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained right elbow. It was reported that Nelson is dealing with a partially torn forearm flexor. This is likely an injury that will end his season, or at least keep him out until well into the second half. Either way, the 28-year-old right-hander could be dropped in all formats, with a 4.97 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts over 83 1/3 innings. The Diamondbacks also lost outfielder Jordan Lawlar to the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain. The injury comes after just six games back following his recovery from a fractured wrist. Manager Torey Lovullo indicated that Lawlar could miss 4-6 weeks.
Will Smith (neck)
Teoscar Hernández (hamstring)
Kyle Tucker (back)
Smith has been on the 10-day injured list with neck inflammation for the last two weeks. He received a cortisone shot in his neck to address the issue, and manager Dave Roberts indicated optimism that Smith could return in early July. Meanwhile, Hernández is close to returning from a left hamstring strain that’s kept him on the shelf since May 30. He’s set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday. While Smith and Hernández are on their way back, Tucker was removed from Monday’s series opener against the Twins with lower back spasms. Roberts downplayed the concern following the game. It doesn’t seem like Tucker is in danger of missing much time, but he could be on the bench for a day or two.
Jeremy Peña (hamstring)
Peña fouled off a pitch in the sixth inning against the Blue Jays on Monday and was unable to finish his at-bat, instead departing to the locker room with a trainer. After the game, Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters that Peña was dealing with a right hamstring cramp. While that sounds like he might’ve dodged a bullet, he’ll undergo further evaluation on Tuesday to determine the severity of the issue. Peña had already missed five weeks earlier this season with a hamstring strain.
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver announces the first overall pick during the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The day that many Dallas Mavericks fans have waited for has finally arrived. The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft will take place Tuesday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and the Mavs will presumably get the chance to continue building around Cooper Flagg. This is the last draft pick the Mavericks will have their control over until 2031, so in all likelihood, this will be their last, best chance to add a premier young player to the roster. No pressure, right?
With all that in mind, here are a few things you should be aware of as we head into the night.
Trade winds are blowing
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 10: Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara pose for a picture during the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on May 10, 2026 at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Well, after the news of Monday that has Dallas hiring National Champion Dusty May as their next head coach, the rumors have begun to swirl about the Mavs potentially trying to bring in one of his former players. Whether it’s center Aday Mara, or forwards Yaxel Lendeborg or Morez Johnson Jr., the conversation has gotten loud. For what it’s worth, the fine folks over at the Fanduel Sportsbook still make Arizona guard Brayden Burries (+250) a pretty sizable favorite to go ninth over the aforementioned Mara (+500), Houston’s Kingston Flemings (+700) and Illinois’ Keaton Wagler (+850).
Will a guard fall to Dallas?
(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If the Mavericks are at least going to get to the clock at pick nine, it is fair to wonder if one of the guards in that range simply falls to them. Whether it be Flemings, Wagler, Burries, Mikel Brown Jr. or Darius Acuff, someone or multiple someones will likely be there at nine. The question is, will Dallas like the one that falls? If so, expect them to stick and pick. If not, well, see above.
The Pick 30 of it all
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 07: Cooper Flagg #2 talks with Isaiah Evans #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during the game Pat Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 07, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
But wait, there’s more! Because of the Anthony Davis trade (the second, much more liked one), Dallas also owns pick 30 of this draft. However, like seemingly every other team in that range, the Mavs are looking to make a deal to move up from there. This is likely where you’ll see any vets moved, such as Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall or PJ Washington. There are a ton of scenarios for round one in Dallas, and very few of them seem to have Dallas sticking at both nine and thirty. We’ll have our eyes peeled for movement early and often.
How to watch
You can find your draft coverage on ABC and/or ESPN, depending on which flavor of coverage you’re after. One of them will have a more NBA focused crew, while the other will have a college crew who is more familiar with the prospects. Don’t ask me why or which one I’ll be watching (it’ll be whichever one has Fran Fraschilla on it).
Also, catch our recap show on youtube tomorrow after draft! Kirk and several familiar faces from the site will be live to recap what the Mavs and the league at large has done. A fun time will be had!
And while this trade has been months – if not years – in the making, now comes the breakdown over what it means for the NBA and the Eastern Conference overall.
Here are the grades for each party involved in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the Miami Heat.
Miami Heat
The Heat and team president Pat Riley finally landed another one of their elusive whales. This was a team that had languished in the play-in picture for consecutive seasons, and it became instantly apparent that Miami would have a difficult time competing in the Eastern Conference under the previous construction of its roster.
Granted, the Heat did give up a haul of solid young players, many of them on cost-controlled rookie contracts, as well as a premium of draft capital, so this does come with some significant cost. And Miami will now need to replenish a roster that suddenly becomes rather thin on depth.
But, with this move, Miami pairs Antetokounmpo, a dominant fastbreak player and rim protecting force with Bam Adebayo, a balanced leader and versatile defender.
The Heat were never going to compete with the roster they had. Miami needs to add shooting, but it now has the defensive ability to compete with the conference’s best teams.
It’s never easy to trade away your franchise player. But the reality is that Antetokounmpo’s time in Milwaukee, sooner rather than later, was coming to an end.
The Bucks deserve a lot of credit for playing the hand that they were dealt. They could’ve been stubborn and tried once more to convince Antetokounmpo to commit to the franchise. They could’ve dragged this on past the 2026 NBA Draft, whose first round will begin just hours after the trade broke, squandering the chance to add talent in what’s largely considered the deepest draft in a decade.
But Milwaukee chose to accept the reality and it remained patient – well past the February trading deadline – to ensure it extracted as much leverage and value as it could out of the situation. In fact, the Bucks clearly played the Heat and Celtics off of each other and did so deftly.
Tyler Herro can create his own shot, but could also be moved for more draft capital. Kel'el Ware is a promising stretch big who has steady range. Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been a solid contributor off the bench and should shine with an increased role. Kasparas Jakučionis flashed play-making and defensive ability in his rookie season.
But the draft capital is where this deal can really pay dividends for Milwaukee. The No. 13 pick could be packaged with the No. 10 to move up in a talent-rich draft. And the 2031 and 2033 first-round selections are unprotected, meaning that they will be Milwaukee’s no matter what.
Now, the Bucks just need to hit on those picks.
Grade: A-
Boston Celtics
This was the risk the Celtics were making by dangling Jaylen Brown out in trade talks. It remains to be seen how this may impact Brown’s emotions, but there’s the chance now that the Celtics will need to navigate a locker room with some tension.
President of basketball operations Brad Stevens does deserve some credit for understanding that the Celtics, in today’s NBA driven by parity and roster turnover, needed to do something else to compete. The roster did have weaknesses that were exposed when the team blew a 3-1 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers in the conference semifinals. But this could blow up spectacularly in their faces, especially if Brown becomes disgruntled and asks out.
Brown, after all, was the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, and has been an elite talent alongside Jayson Tatum. He carried Boston this season while Tatum recuperated from his ruptured Achilles tendon.
The Celtics don’t like to have their business or their intentions aired out in the open like this. And, ultimately, failing to land Antetokounmpo goes down as a categorical failure.
The Boston Celtics dangled Jaylen Brown, a known star who could have kept them in the playoff race next season. The Miami Heat offered youth and picks.
The Bucks bet on the future.
That tells you a lot about where this franchise thinks it is right now. Milwaukee sent Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to Miami for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, including the No. 13 in Tuesday night's draft, a pick swap and a second-rounder. That is a total reset.
The Bucks are going through a rebuild, but this trade gives them an NBA-talent foundation to start with. Herro, a 2025 All-Star is obviously not a two-time MVP, but he can score, and he'll make the Bucks fun to watch. Herro averaged 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 31.3 minutes for the Heat this past season but was limited to 33 games by a foot injury. He's a high-volume scorer and shot-maker, the closest thing to a star in this package.
Ware and Jaquez are cheap, young and show potential for development. They are the type of players that you want in a rebuild. Ware, 22, is a 7-foot center taken with the No. 15 pick in the 2024 draft. He averaged 11.1 points, 9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 22.1 minutes over 77 games in the 2025-26 season. With Myles Turner's future unsettled, Ware could grow into a bigger role in Milwaukee.
Jaquez, 25, bounced back in his third season with 15.4 points, 5 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 75 games last season. The forward is a glue player that helps a team transitioning through a rebuild.
Kasparas Jakucionis, 19, was selected by the Heat with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2025 draft. The center from Lithuania averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 53 games during his rookie season, while splitting time with the G League.
The No. 13 pick in Tuesday night's draft gives new coach Taylor Jenkins someone else to grow with the team.
But, their real prize is further out.
The Heat sent unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033, plus a 2030 swap. Those are seasons most of us are not thinking about, but it could give the Bucks lottery picks to continue building with.
None of it replaces what is leaving. Even at just 36 games last year, Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists.
The breakup everyone saw coming
This was not sudden. Antetokounmpo and his agent told the Bucks over the last year that he wanted out and would not sign another long-term extension. The frustration leaked into public view. After fans booed a January blowout against Minnesota, he gave them a thumbs down and booed back. When the franchise player is fueding with the home fans, it's time for a change.
In May, co-owner Jimmy Haslam put a clock on it and asked for a decision by the June 23 draft. The clock ran out.
Thanks for the memories
Despite the recent acrimony, this is a sad day for Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo was the 15th pick in the 2013 draft who grew into a two-time MVP, and in 2021, the NBA Finals MVP who delivered the franchise's second title and ended a 50-year drought. That was the pinnacle. The Bucks haven't been back to the Finals since; they haven't had a playoff series win since 2022, and last season ended with a 32-50 record.
Well, to the delight of many basketball fans, the Giannis Antetokounmpo saga has finally reached its conclusion. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player is headed to Miami, along with Bobby Portis. In exchange, the Bucks receive four players and multiple draft picks as the franchise embarks on a rebuild. Below is a look at how this transaction will affect fantasy basketball in 2026-27.
The Heat are sending to Milwaukee unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033 along with No. 13, a pick swap in 2030 and a 2033 second-rounder, according to sources.
The trade does not include any additional teams -- it is a one-to-one move, sources said -- but both the Heat… https://t.co/qsxVhBh9gp
Antetokounmpo is the centerpiece of this trade, as he joins the list of marquee players that lead executive Pat Riley has acquired via trade or free agency since joining the franchise in 1995. When healthy, Giannis is one of the most dominant players in the NBA, and he can offer top-10 fantasy value to those willing to ignore the poor free-throw percentage. However, he was limited to 36 games last season and has not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 2022.
One question for Miami with this move is how the partnership between Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo will work out, given that neither offers much in the way of floor spacing. Their respective fantasy values should be fine, but that may be an issue for some of the other Heat players in Erik Spoelstra's rotation.
Re-signing Norman Powell takes on added importance because of his shooting ability, and a return to Miami could raise his fantasy ceiling. Andrew Wiggins, who shot a career-high 41.4 percent from three last season, may see.his usage take a hit, but there may be more catch-and-shoot opportunities for him. And while he has not been the most consistent perimeter shooter since entering the league, Davion Mitchell's steals production may receive a boost with him playing in a lineup that has two potentially dominant defenders.
Portis came off the bench on most nights in Milwaukee, which limited his fantasy ceiling, and that's likely to remain the case in Miami. However, offering reliable late-round value in standard leagues should not be too much to ask of the veteran forward, especially with his ability to space the floor.
Milwaukee gets considerably younger with this trade, and Herro offers the highest fantasy ceiling if he remains. There have been some conversations that the Bucks could look to move the guard elsewhere; if he stays, Herro immediately becomes Miami's best scoring option. While his efficiency could suffer in that scenario, the sheer volume of opportunities could compensate.
Ware's per-game fantasy value last season was nothing to scoff at, but inconsistent effort and production affected his playing time. Maybe a change of scenery will do the young 7-footer some good, but there is a roadblock in the form of incumbent Myles Turner. Even with Turner's rebounding struggles, his presence may limit how much Ware plays unless the Bucks make more changes.
Jaquez, runner-up for NBA Sixth Man of the Year last season, could see his fantasy ceiling raised, especially if he's given the opportunity to start. The 18th overall pick in the 2023 draft started just one of the 75 games he appeared in last season, but he still recorded career-highs in points, rebounds and assists. While not a lock to finish next season as a top-100 player, Jaquez's chances of doing so increase substantially with the reported trade.
Jakučionis should retain his dynasty league value, but his redraft league value could be at the mercy of what the Bucks do with their two 2026 first-round picks. Add in Ryan Rollins being under contract and Kevin Porter Jr. holding a player option, and Jakučionis' playmaking opportunities could be limited.
BONUS: Jaylen Brown remains in Boston
This is an interesting aspect of the reported transaction. Multiple reports in recent days have indicated that the Celtics were making a concerted effort to acquire Antetokounmpo. And Charania reported that Boston offered Brown, who's coming off the best season of his NBA career to date, and two first-round picks to get a deal done.
The Celtics aggressively pursued Giannis, offering Milwaukee a package featuring 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown and two first-round picks, sources tell ESPN. The Bucks seriously negotiated with two finalists in recent weeks: Miami and Boston, which were both on Antetokounmpo’s list… https://t.co/BVY37MwP4K
Obviously, Milwaukee went in another direction. So, what does Boston do? And how will Brown react to the team offering him up? The Celtics can bet on their ability to mend fences with the star wing, especially if he doesn't write this off as simply being "business." Or, they could continue to seek out a new home for Brown while continuing to rely on Jayson Tatum and Derrick White to lead the way. This will make for an interesting offseason in Beantown.
D.J. Short
