INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats looks on against the Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NBA Draft is just two short weeks away, which means it’s peak smoke screen season for your Dallas Mavericks. Information is coming fast and furious from all over the place, and it’s still very hard to decipher what’s real from what isn’t. One thing that can’t be denied is that there is a ton of smoke around the Mavericks and Arizona G Brayden Burries, with many reports saying that Burries is angling to get to Dallas.
Does that play out in the mocks? Let’s round ‘em up.
There are reports that Burries is trying to land in Dallas to play next to Cooper Flagg. I like the vision even if I’m a bit skeptical Burries has the shot-creation upside to eventually be a star. The Arizona guard is a well-rounded player who defends and rebounds better than your average two-guard, and he’s a really good three-point shooter. Flagg would have to stay in more of a shot-creator role if Burries is the pick, but maybe that’s what Dallas wants. I personally wouldn’t have him as the best player available in this scenario, but Burries’ lack of a glaring weakness makes him a malleable guard who should be able to hang in the playoffs. It’s easy to understand the appeal of that with the No. 9 pick.
Evans is No. 24 on ESPN’s big board, and he’s already had a workout with Detroit picking at No. 21. The Mavs probably wouldn’t expect him to be on the board with this pick, but if he is, he would add volume three-point shooting around Cooper Flagg.
The Mavericks are another team that has engendered a lot of speculation among sources, something that the new brain trust led by Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz will likely appreciate. They’ve explored trading this selection and are considering several different players and positions, from lead guards like Flemings, Wagler, Brown, Acuff and Christian Anderson to Ament to Yaxel Lendeborg.
Burries is the name I hear the most with Dallas, though, with sources around the lottery trying to determine why he’s not working out in as many places as you’d expect given his standing at the start of the process. There is a lot of enthusiasm for Burries among teams who want to try to win next season, as he’s seen as a tough guard who can dribble, pass and shoot who will also defend at a high level with physicality.
30) Isaiah Evans
Evans would represent a terrific floor-spacing and shooting option for the Mavericks, who need to continue accumulating players in that archetype around Cooper Flagg. It probably wouldn’t hurt that Evans played with Flagg last season at Duke and has a terrific understanding already of what the NBA’s Rookie of the Year requires around him.
Brayden Burries is being looked at as high as No. 6 by the Brooklyn Nets. He isn’t expected to fall outside the top 10, with nearly all scouts confident in his strong physical profile, three-level scoring and low-maintenance style.
In the late-lottery, he’ll enter the best-player-available conversation for his downhill attacking, shotmaking, strong defensive tools and knack for scoring without needing heavy usage.
30) Henri Veesaar (C, North Carolina)
Henri Veesaar became one of the draft’s top play-finishers who also hit 40 three-pointers.
He doesn’t block many shots for a 7-footer, but offensively, he has become incredibly productive and efficient with a translatable and coveted inside-out scoring package.
Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports reported that Burries hasn’t taken many workouts and there is speculation that he’s trying to angle his way to Dallas. I also have heard that same chatter, which is why he lands here. To add some more color to that reporting: Burries is represented by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who steered Dereck Lively to the Mavericks with the 12th pick in the 2023 draft, even though some teams picking higher wanted to select Lively. It would make perfect sense for Klutch to want Burries to be the guard paired with Cooper Flagg for many years to come. Burries is a physical, versatile scorer who can beat you from all three levels, rebounds like a forward and competes hard on defense. But he’s a methodical creator rather than an explosive one, and his shooting history before Arizona gives scouts reason to wonder whether the efficiency is real or a blip.
30) Jack Kayil (G, Alba Berlin)
Kayil is a combo guard with a strong frame, a feel for the game that exceeds his youth and the grit to become a high-level defender. He just became one of the youngest players to ever win the German League’s Under-22 Player of the Year, joining Franz Wagner and Dennis Schröder on a list that bodes well for his NBA prospects. He committed to Gonzaga in October, but has decided to stay in the draft — a decision that surprised some scouts since he has yet to prove he can shoot consistently or run an offense full time. The speculation around the NBA is Kayil received a first-round promise. If it’s Dallas, the fit makes perfect sense pairing Kayil next to Flagg given how they can share the ball. And his size would allow him to play next to Kyrie Irving early in his career. Maybe Kayil will end up going much higher, though, because there’s no denying his upside.
The Mavericks and Brayden Burries have been a popular pairing of late due to both fit and reporting, and its hard to shake the fact he could be the odd man out of the top bunch, and fit perfect in the Dallas core.
Burries fills the combo guard role well, able to score off the ball in transition and as a shooter, as well as on the ball with handling and pick-and-roll play. He’d be the perfect pairing for Cooper Flagg, who should be able to do the same at a superstar level soon enough.
Even more, Burries should have more upside than it appears given his usage was lesser for an elite Arizona squad. The Mavericks could be a threat to move up or back if they’re unhappy with their range, putting this pairing in jeopardy, though it makes plenty of sense if they stick around.
30) Koa Peat (F, Arizona)
The Mavericks grabbed one Arizona product at No. 9, and cap the first round off with another at No. 30 in Koa Peat.
Peat saw an interesting season with the Wildcats, functioning as one of the team’s best players en route to the Final Four, and impacting the game at several levels. Despite that, he doesn’t yet project flawlessly to the NBA given a lack of 3-point shooting and elite defense, making for a flip-floppy draft case.
Now that he’s entered, a team is likely to bank on him in the first round, and the Mavericks would be happy to bet on pure upside. If Peat’s 3-point shooting comes around, his interior scoring, passing and defense would all be more manageable.
PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 27: Naji Marshall #13 of the Dallas Mavericks plays defense during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 27, 2026 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Jaden Coleman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With the NBA Finals currently underway, news and discussion about the Suns have quieted down over the last few weeks. That said, it’s important to highlight how this team can improve to put itself in a better position heading into next year. So that brings us to another edition of the Suns trade verdict, one that I am excited to go over today.
That player, as you know, is Naji Marshall, a solid wing on the Dallas Mavericks who I feel could help the Suns take that next step. Marshall is someone many teams could covet in the trade market, as the veteran is a solid role player on a cheap deal. With the Mavericks cleaning house in the front office and coaching staff, it seems anything could be on the table—especially a player who is not cemented into the future of the franchise, with a tradable contract.
Is this a move the Suns’ front office could make to add on the margins without shaking things up? Let’s find out!
How could the Suns get this done?
In most of these trade-verdict articles, there are plenty of moves the team can make, but for this one, there are only two that can be done one-for-one. That would be either trading Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neale for Naji Marshall.
And the Royce scenario:
In this scenario, the Mavericks cannot take back either Dillon Brooks or Jalen Green without involving other contracts.
Which trade makes the most sense?
It looks like either could be done personally. The Mavericks struggled from the three-point line and could use more alongside Cooper Flagg. In an earlier STV, we looked at another Maverick, P.J. Washington, and discussed how an Allen-for-Washington deal was the best for both teams.
Allen would benefit the Mavs, but in this trade, Dallas would prefer O’Neale because the contracts are closer in value. In a Marshall for Allen deal, the Mavericks take back an extra $8.7 million for no reason, hindering their ability to make further moves in free agency.
In the O’Neale trade, the Mavericks are still taking on money, but a lot less: $1.4 million, which will still keep them as an under-the-first-apron team. Similarly, for the Suns, this would save them money, allowing them to use the extra change to bring back their own free agents.
Why could this trade get done?
This one could get across the finish line if Dallas were ready to sell some players. For starters, the Suns should be all over this and for the right reasons. One, his contract, as I stated above, is cheaper than O’Neale’s, which would help with the financial hiccups down the line. Secondly, Marshall is a free agent next year, allowing him to have a trial run with the team without committing to any long-term money.
Then you add that Marshall can be a positive for this team and that it’s appreciated. Personally, I’ve loved watching O’Neale over the past few seasons, as he has a winning mentality, heart, and hustle on defense. Unfortunately, he has just gotten a bit older and, with that, has slowed down on defense. Yes, he has gotten streakier as a shooter too, but that always happens with players of his archetype.
For the Suns, Marshall can be exactly what Royce was, but younger and a bit more athletic. We all know O’Neale is that catch-and-shoot scorer on the perimeter, a solid perimeter defender who can scrap for some impactful rebounds. Marshall would come in and play a similar role to fill the void left by Royce.
Even if they are the same size, both at 6’6”, Marshall does seem like he plays a bit bigger and has the same aggressiveness that O’Neale does, which is key. Marshall might be a worse three-point shooter, which is tough, but he still brings value to the squad. He is one of the more efficient scorers in the league, shooting 51% from the field last year. His ability to guard multiple possessions as a solid perimeter defender and knack for scoring at the basket could compensate for his lack of three-point shooting.
He has that blue-collar mentality that O’Neale has, to be a junkyard dog and do all the dirty work, which is all you can ask for in someone who could be a key role player for the team.
The question here, though, now arises with the Mavericks. Will Dallas ship off a younger player for an older one? Do they want to trade someone who is going to be a free agent to get someone locked under contract? Do they think O’Neale can help either now or in the future?
Those are all things the Suns have to worry about if they choose to get this one done. Personally, I don’t know if they would trade Marshall for O’Neale, as they are looking to reshuffle the deck. If they have Cooper Flagg and want to get into that timeline, why go older rather than trade for younger players? That may be the case for Dallas, but could a veteran help them in the future?
With Flagg and Washington already there in Dallas, there really is no need for Marshall either. The same could be said of O’Neale, but on a bad team; the veteran could look like one of their better role players and get flipped down the line. Since he is still under contract, this could allow the Mavs to build on a Marshall flip if his value were to rise.
Ultimately, if Dallas made this move, bringing in O’Neale as a bench presence wouldn’t be bad, especially if they want to avoid being at the very bottom of the Western Conference. If they still want to tank but remain somewhat competitive, O’Neale can step in when needed.
The foolproof way to get this deal done is to make it a three-team deal. This would have the Mavericks trade O’Neale to another contender, then acquire a younger piece or a draft pick to accompany their reshuffle. This makes the most sense for all parties involved and can be done as the offseason progresses.
Overall, a player like Marshall should be someone this front office looks at, as he could add in areas of need and replace a player who plays a similar role without messing up the chemistry too much with a big splash. What do you think, though? Would you welcome a Naji Marshall trade to Phoenix? If not, why?
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks dribbles the ball against the St. John's Red Storm during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Draft season is no stranger to rumors. It’s why some prefer the term “smoke screen season” when discussing the period between the NBA Draft Lottery and the NBA Draft.
For the Washington Wizards, those rumors began the second they won the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. That’s because this class lacks a consensus top prospect, with three vying for the No. 1 spot.
AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer are viewed as possibilities for Washington. Dybantsa is currently the -450 favorite on FanDuel Sportsbook to be the No. 1 pick, followed by Peterson (+380) and Boozer (+1700).
Below is an updated log of every Wizards-related draft rumor, from trade down talks to which prospect is most likely a Wizard by June 23.
June 8
Sam Vecenie: Washington is doing its due diligence and hasn’t decided on the No. 1 pick, but AJ Dybantsa remains the most likely target. (The Athletic)
Brett Siegel: While the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets and Chicago have called the Wizards to inquire about the No. 1 pick, there are zero indications that these conversations have matured into anything serious.
“Dybantsa is the clear selection for the Wizards, and there isn’t a reason to believe right now he won’t be the first name called by Adam Silver on draft night.” (ClutchPoints)
June 4
Kevin O’Connor: “For now, the most likely scenario is staying at the first pick and taking Dybantsa, who could become one of the NBA’s most unstoppable shot-creators.”
The consensus among NBA mock drafts pins Dybantsa as the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 pick.
May 15
Brian Windhorst: “The Wizards are sending out signals that they’re willing to deal the No. 1 pick, but it may NOT be the Jazz who move up.” (ESPN)
As President of Monumental Basketball Michael Winger told Jake Fischer at the draft lottery, the Wizards will consider trading down from the No. 1 pick. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the Utah Jazz, who own the No. 2 pick, will be the only team interested in acquiring the top pick, according to Windhorst.
May 13
Marc Spears: “The Utah Jazz have reached out to the Wizards about potentially trading up for the No. 1 pick.” (Andscape)
This is not a remarkably crazy report, as Washington made its intentions to keep all options open at No. 1 public at the draft lottery.
Adam Finkelstein: “Dybantsa was hoping to stay in Utah.” (CBS Sports)
This report builds on the notion that Dybantsa prefers the Utah Jazz select him so he can stay in the same state he played his senior year of high school (Utah Prep) and freshman year of college (BYU). Dybantsa has since made it clear that Massachusetts, where he was born, is his home state — not Utah.
“It’s actually a surreal moment,” he said from the lobby of the Sixers’ training complex in Camden, New Jersey. “Six years ago when I started, I had no idea where this journey would take me. Credit to the organization for believing in me — Daryl (Morey) and (Elton Brand) as well, pushing me to do more, get better at my job and just allowing me to grow.
“I’ve always been a 76ers fan. I’ve always wanted to play for the organization. To do it for the home team gives me goosebumps, to be honest with you.”
There’s now only one person above Nelson in the Sixers’ basketball operations department in president Mike Gansey.
He wanted to team up with Nelson, a Chester native, Saint Joseph’s legend and longtime NBA point guard.
“I’m obviously very, very excited to have Jameer as my No. 2,” Gansey said. “That was kind of a sticking point, talking to (Sixers managing partner Josh Harris) and Bob (Myers, president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment). He was someone I really wanted throughout the process. Jameer’s very, very well-respected throughout the league.”
Nelson played his final professional game in 2018. He interviewed for the St. Joe’s head coaching job in 2019 (Billy Lange was hired), served as an in-studio college basketball analyst for CBS Sports Network, and considered his next steps.
Brand pitched him on the front office route and Nelson started in 2020 with a duel role as Sixers scout and Delaware Blue Coats assistant general manager.
“I’m going to be honest with you,” Nelson said, “I thought I was going to be a coach. But when you’re working in the front office, you get to coach in your own way. Starting as a scout and in the G League, being able to run a team in the minor leagues, it’s important. It was important for shaping me into the executive I am now. Collaborating with coaches and players, I quench my thirst for coaching there.”
Once Nelson got rolling with the Sixers, he enjoyed the work and earned promotions.
The location was meaningful, too.
“In the past I’ve had opportunities other places,” Nelson said. “I wanted to be part of the solution here. The thing that matters most to me here is I’m home. My family is here. I’m a Sixers fan. My favorite basketball player of all time is Charles Barkley, and (Allen) Iverson and Kobe (Bryant) — people that played in this area. I feel like there are possibilities to help this organization move forward.”
With the Gansey era underway and many major roster decisions to come— the NBA draft, team options, free agency, potential trades — Nelson knows his voice will matter.
“Just being able to learn and grow is the main focal point this year,” he said. “I think Gansey said it up there: You don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. You don’t have to be ready, but you have to be prepared.
“I look at it like that. Just be prepared for everything, figure things out and help make the right decisions.”
With dancing feet, Lawrence pushes into the offside to reach another fifty – off just 35 balls. He’s averaging an incredible 80.88 at the moment, with four hundreds. And every time he has reached fifty this season, he’s gone on to three figures. Hampshire might just have to grin and bear it.
Sibley and Lawrence are very eager between the wickets now – the 50 partnership comes up in a rapid 53 balls and, with another quick single, there’s another fifty for Sibley – his second of the season, to go with his two centuries.
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal scored for a fourth straight game on Tuesday night, giving his team a 3-1 lead at 12:48 of the first period on the power play.
With that goal, Staal became the first player to accomplish that feat since New York Islanders legend Mike Bossy scored in four straight Stanley Cup Final games agains the Vancouver Canucks in 1982.
Bossy went on to score seven goals in the 1982 Stanley Cup Finals, tying Montreal Canadiens legend Jean Beliveau's 1956 record for most goals in a final series.
The Islanders swept the Canucks for their third straight Championship, officially being labeled a dynasty.
The Athletic's Chris Johnston recently ranked the NHL's top 50 pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) heading into the summer. Chicago Blackhawks forward Ilya Mikheyev made the cut, as he was given the No. 31 spot.
Seeing Mikheyev be ranked among the top pending UFAs in the NHL is not too difficult to understand. The 31-year-old forward is coming off back-to-back seasons with at least 34 points and is a highly impactful penalty killer. Because of this, it is very likely that he will generate a good amount of interest from teams looking to boost their bottom six if he tests the free agent market this summer.
Mikheyev appeared in 77 games this season with the Blackhawks, where he recorded 18 goals and set a career high with 36 points. This is after he posted 20 goals and 34 points in 80 games for the Blackhawks during the 2024-25 campaign. With this, he has been a solid part of the Blackhawks' roster over the last two seasons.
It is going to be interesting to see what happens with Mikheyev leading up to July 1. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported last month that the Chicago has made Mikheyev's signing rights available for trade. Yet, with how well Mikheyev has played for the Blackhawks, it would not be surprising if they continued to try to keep him in Chicago.
The question for years surrounding LeBron James hasn’t been whether he can still play at an elite level. It’s how long he wants to keep doing it.
At 41 years old and coming off his 23rd NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers star remains one of basketball’s most productive players. Yet despite constant speculation about retirement, James says the decision won’t come down to age, statistics, contracts or outside opinions.
LeBron James reveals the moment he’ll know it’s time to retire from the NBA and leave the Lakers. AP
Instead, it will come down to something much simpler.
In a wide-ranging interview with TIME Magazine, in which he was named the “athlete of the century,” James explained that he already knows the signal that will tell him his career is over.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to the media during a press conference Getty Images
“It’s up to the mind,” James said. “Where the mind goes, the body will lay.”
For a player who has built his career on relentless preparation, that mindset remains central to everything.
“When I’m not in love with getting to the arenas on game days five hours before to start my preparation, if I’m out of love with getting to practice 2½ hours beforehand, then I know I’ll be done,” James said. “Because then I’m going to start cheating the game.”
The comments offer a rare glimpse into how James views the final chapter of a career that has spanned nearly a quarter of a century.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers crouches down in pain on the bench after he was hurt against the Golden State Warriors Getty Images
While many aging athletes measure their future by declining production or physical limitations, James believes the decision will be determined by whether he still enjoys the daily work required to compete.
So far, there are few signs that passion has faded.
Injured LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers sits on the bench Getty Images
Despite missing 22 games, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds during the 2025-26 season while helping the Lakers reach the playoffs.
His scoring dipped to its lowest average since his rookie year, but much of that reflected a changing role alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves rather than a dramatic decline in effectiveness.
James elevated his game in the postseason averaging more than 23 points per contest and carrying stretches of the Lakers’ playoff run with Doncic and Reaves sidelined with injuries.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, center, goes up for a dunk AP
His future remains uncertain. James is an unrestricted free agent and recently reiterated on his “Mind the Game” podcast that he plans to take his time before deciding whether to return for a 24th NBA season.
Family considerations will play a major role, as will his desire to compete for championships. One thing appears settled, however.
James won’t retire because the calendar tells him to. He’ll retire when the preparation no longer excites him.
And based on his latest comments, that day does not appear to be arriving anytime soon.
On Tuesday night, Sound Beach, Long Island native Brandon Bussi got the start for the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
For Bussi, a journeyman who went undrafted, played 111 AHL games, and spent time in three different organizations with countless waiver adventures in between, he's never stopped believing that he belonged in the NHL.
Ahead of his first career Stanley Cup start:
My chat with Brandon Bussi’s former goalie coach — my former goalie coach — @cmtesta1 on Bussi’s development, the challenges along the way & what it means to see a LI kid find his way to the top @TheElmonters:https://t.co/R9xC2eqCYH
After 31 regular-season wins, becoming the fastest goalie in NHL history to reach 11 games, Bussi made 18 saves in a 5-3 win to even the series at two apiece.
This was his first start since April. 14, their regular-season finale win over the New York Islanders. He did relieve Hurricanes netminder Frederik Andersen in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals, turning aside 19 of 20 shots in a 5-4 double overtime loss.
"They're the reason I'm able to do what I'm doing right now. Their sacrifice means everything. And yeah, they're the best." ❤️
Brandon Bussi gets emotional speaking about his family in his interview with @sportsnetkyle following his first win in the Stanley Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/zsPpEdTk2k
As we near the date of the 2026 NHL draft, it’s hard not to think back on some of the most formidable picks made in the Montreal Canadiens’ history. 55 years ago, on June 10, 1971, the Habs made not one but two franchise-altering picks.
That year, fresh off another Stanley Cup conquest, the Canadiens had the first-overall pick thanks to an astute trade by Sam Pollock a year earlier. The GM had sent Ernie Hicke and Montreal's 1970 first-round pick to the California Golden Seals in return for Francois Lacombe and the Golden Seals’ first-round pick at the 1971 draft. The California side had finished last overall with just 45 points in 78 games, giving Montreal the first overall pick just in time for one of the most promising prospects ever to be available to draft: Guy Lafleur.
The Canadiens therefore picked Lafleur first overall, and he would go on to become one of the best players in history. To this day, he still holds the record for most points while wearing the Sainte-Flanelle, with 1246 points in 961 games, and the record for most points in a single season with the Habs, with 136 points. A real phenomenon that marked not only the Canadiens’ history, but also the NHL’s. Nowadays, you can sometimes hear people say that Ivan Demidov is the most talented player the Canadiens have had since Lafleur, but will he be able to catch him in the history books? It remains to be seen.
If that wasn’t a good enough pick up for the Canadiens, in the second round, they drafted Larry Robinson, who, like Lafleur, has marked the team's history. Big Bird, as he was nicknamed, put up 883 points in 1202 games with the Tricolore and also holds the record for most points in a single season by a Canadiens’ defenseman with 85.
Of course, it looks like Lane Hutson may just break that record, since he reached 78 points in just his second season, but still, Robinson’s points total and the number of games he played with the Canadiens will be hard to catch. At the end of his eight-year contract, Hutson will have played 838 games with the Habs, unless he misses some games due to injury or is moved before then, which seems highly unlikely.
The Canadiens' odds of making a franchise-altering pick in the upcoming draft are slim, but you can never say never, after all, Hutson was a 62nd overall pick, and there can always be some hidden gems.
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 8: Cardi B performs during halftime during Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks on June 8, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York, 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
New York, New York, the town so nice they named it twice. Madison Square Garden is considered the mecca of sports arena, and the New York Knicks pulled out all the stops for their first Finals home game in twenty-seven years.
The Garden always boasts celebrities and Game 3 of the NBA Finals was no exception. From steadfast fans Spike Lee, Fat Joe, Ben Stiller, and Timothée Chalamet to televison personalities Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni, during each break in play, the camera found well-known faces.
The arena was rife with sports personalities. Eli Manning, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Rick Pitino, Francisco Lindor, John Franco, Juan Soto, Todd Zeile, Woody Johnson, Jonathan Quick, Adam Fox and Vincent Trocheck were seen throughout the game.
Speaking of sports greats, it couldn’t be a Knicks Finals series without former players and legends. Patrick Ewing, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Allan Houston, Gerald Wilkins, Al Harrington, Bill Bradley, Richie Guerin, Baron Davis, Tim Thomas, Charles Smith, Steve Novak, Raymond Felton, Larry Johnson, John Starks, Latrell Sprewell, Marcus Camby all greeted the crowd. Jeremy Lin brought the “Linsanity” to MSG.
As if Broadway stars, sports legends, and celebrities weren’t enough, the Knicks pulled out all the stops and surprised attendees with a halftime performance by Cardi B.
Of course, the best known celebrity of the night was President Donald Trump. His attendance altered the fan experience considerably. Considering the alterations to schedule, the timing of the game went off without a hitch.
In the end, the most memorable sound was the silence of the over 19,000 fans walking away empty-handed after the Spurs took their first win of the series.
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DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 12: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to a play during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center on April 12, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When Masai Ujiri was hired he was tasked with a difficult balancing act; build a competent winning team, and set up success in the future. The idea of a full rebuild is sadly impossible due to the lack of draft picks over the next 5 years, and Cooper Flagg’s rapid ascension could mean the desire to win sooner rather than later.
But the Mavericks can’t go all in right now.
The roster is full of odd-fits and mismatched timelines. The addition of the 9th pick further complicates this dynamic because that player will need development.
But blowing up the roster is also not an option, so what do the Mavericks do?
Well I decided to put on my GM hat and take the Mavericks through an entire simulated offseason. This will include everything from coaching hires to mock trades, all in an attempt to correct both the present and future of the franchise.
But before we dive in, what are the specific goals the Mavericks must accomplish this offseason?
Use aging veterans and financial flexibility to acquire future draft assets
Build the current team to suit Cooper Flagg’s playstyle
Begin building the foundation of the basketball culture that will define this era
So with all of that out of the way, let’s begin
The head coach
The first order of business is to hire a new head coach, and with the Mavericks being very early in their search we can only speculate on the potential hire.
But for this excersise we will hire former Portland Trailblazer head coach Tiago Splitter as the next leader of the Mavericks.
Splitter had an impressive season for the Blazers, as he stepped in when Chauncy Billups was fired in an FBI gambling investigation. Splitter led the Blazers to the playoffs, an impressive feat given the impossible circumstance he was placed into.
Splitter would bring a focus on offensive organization and a more balanced shot diet, as the Blazers attempted the majority of their shots at the rim or from three. This change is philosophy is much needed for a Mavericks team who were nearly last in both three point attempts and percentage last season.
Finally, Splitter would have a connection to current GM Mike Schmitz, with the pair overlapping in Portland for a couple of years.
The Kyrie conundrum
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 6: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks smiles before the game against the Boston Celtics on March 6, 2026 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With all the talk of resetting the timeline it may feel obvious that Kyrie Irving would be on the trade block.
But it may be smarter to keep Irving for the time being. Irving can still provide value on the court even if his athleticism is diminished from his ACL injury. But this injury is the reason the Mavericks should keep him, with his trade value probably being diminished from where it was before he got hurt.
Now this doesn’t mean the Mavericks shouldn’t listen to offers, and if they get a package that can restock their future draft assets, they should take it. But I don’t expect teams to be lining up with packages that involve multiple first round picks, which is my minimum with any Irving trade.
It would be smart to keep Irving around for now, with any trade being revisited at the deadline. This would allow Irving to come back and show his extraordinary abilities, and possibly drive his price to the point where a trade would make sense.
The Draft
By far the single most important aspect of the Mavericks offseason will be nailing the draft.
The Mavericks do not own another outright first round pick until 2031, and won’t have another opportunity to acquire a premier young player for some time.
Not only do the Mavericks have to draft a player with high-upside, but they also have to fit next to Cooper Flagg long term. Now the draft is still two-and-a-half weeks away, and the order could be shaken up dramatically. But it feels obvious that the Mavericks need a guard, but whether that player will be a ball-handler is still unknown.
The most likely players in my opinion are either Brayden Burries or Kingston Flemings, 2 players with wildly different skillsets. It remains to be seen if the Mavericks want the more pro-ready candidate in Burries, or the higher upside bet in Flemings, either way, a guard being drafted feels extremely likely.
For this excersise, I will default to the mock draft that we recorded on Pod Maverick last Monday, in which the Mavericks selected Flemings.
Flemings would immediately fill multiple holes within the team, serving as a primary point of attack defender, and another downhill threat. He would also help as a floor-general, as his 32.6% AST ranked in the 86th percentile. His shooting is a large concern, but his on-court play and high basketball IQ make him a tantalizing fit on this team.
But the Mavericks also posses the 30th pick, where I will again default to the previously mentioned mock draft, in which the Mavericks select Meleek Thomas.
Thomas was a Freshman last season at Arkansas, and while he was overshadowed by his teammate Darius Acuff Jr., Thomas was still very impressive. His most standout skill is his three-point shooting, as Thomas shot 41.6% from three on 5 attempts per game. Thomas’s size and defense are real concerns, but he would fill the most desperate need on the roster, and could become a very useful player.
Finally, the Mavericks have a second round pick, but this pick will be used in a trade later on.
Overall, the additions of Flemings and Thomas would help to address 3 biggest needs of the current roster. They would also be building blocks of the future, as both were just freshman in college last season.
Possible re-signings
INGLEWOOD, CA – APRIL 7: Naji Marshall #13 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the LA Clippers on April 7, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Before the Mavericks can make any new additions to the roster, they have some decisions about players currently on the team.
The 5 players who could receive an extension this offseason include: Dereck Lively, Naji Marhsall, Max Christie, Ryan Nembhard and Moussa Cisse.
The first 2 that we’ll focus on are Nembhard and Cisse, as both will be receiving extensions in this scenario. Nembhard will be signed to a 3 year $9 million deal, and Cisse will be signed to a 2 year $6 million deal. Both of them showed potential last season, and can give you rotation minutes at the very least. Cisse especially showed tremendous upside, and he should be kept around no matter what.
Resigning Nembhard means that Brandon Williams is gone, and while I enjoyed watching Williams play, I do not believe he fits next to Cooper Flagg.
The next player to receive an extension will be Marshall, signing a 3 year $45 million extension. This was the hardest decision of this bunch, but in the end, I felt it was better to keep Marshall around rather than trade him. His new deal is also not very expensive, and if he needs to be moved in a future transaction he still can be.
Finally we get to both Christie and Lively, 2 players who fit Flagg’s timeline, but have significant issues that hinder my excitement.
First with Christie, while he is an effective 3 point shooter and decent defender, his impact is inconsistent at best, and is not worth a potentially lucrative extension. This carries risk due to his current contract because of his player-option next season. If the Mavericks choose not to extend him now, he could become a free agent next offseason, but that is a risk that Mavericks must be willing to take.
On the other hand, there is not questions about Lively’s impact when he plays, as the young big-man has consistently been one of the more impactful role-players in the league. The issue, of course, is his health, as Lively has played in fewer than 50% of the possible games in his career.
But his health issues could help with his next contract, with the Mavericks having the option of extending him now at a cheaper price, rather than waiting for restricted free-agency. The contract I have devised is 4 years 64$ million, but with the only guaranteed seasons being the first 2. This type of contract has been done before, and allows for a compromise between the 2 parties.
Now this still carries risk, especially if Lively is a shell of himself due to the injuries, but the upside is tremendous. If Lively is able to overcome his early career injuries, the 16$ million contract per year will feel like a steal.
Trades
Finally we have reached the most exciting part of any mock offseason; trades.
P.J. Washington
Dallas receives: Keldon Johnson, 2027 Atlanta Hawks first round pick
San Antonio receives: P.J. Washington
This trade has been brewing in my mind while watching the NBA finals, specifically with how much the Spurs have struggled to contain Karl-Anthony Towns. Washington has proved to be a great defender in his time with the Mavericks, and fills a roster hole the Spurs have. The Spurs do not have a player of Washington’s build on roster, and should be in the market to upgrade if they end up losing in the finals.
For the Mavericks this trade is simple; a 2027 first round pick alleviates pressure for next year’s team. If the Mavericks had the security of this pick they would not feel forced to win games, and could put a greater focus on development. This pick is also not a meaningless first, as it would not be surprisng if the Hawks pick could end up in the lottery.
The real hold up for this trade could be the inclusion of Keldon Johnson, with the Spurs possibly being hesitant to move off of the reigning 6th man of the year. But if they feel the need to make major improvements next year, Johnson’s $17 million contract will have to be moved.
Daniel Gafford
DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 30: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots against Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the third quarter at American Airlines Center on March 30, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Dallas receives: Jarred Vanderbilt, 2032 Lakers first round pick
Los Angeles receives: Daniel Gafford, pick 48
This next trade could trigger some Mavericks fans, with the prospect of helping the Lakers being the last thing many fans want.
But feelings cannot get in the way of a good deal, and this deal makes perfect sense for both teams.
The Lakers are in desperate need of more athleticism and size across their team, with Gafford bringing both in spades. There is also the connection that Gafford and Luka Doncic share, with the ladder being able to advocate for the big men’s services. If the Lakers want to keep Doncic happy they need to continue to add more talent, and who makes more sense then a starter on Luka’s only finals appearance.
The purpose of this trade for the Mavericks is simple; adding another unprotected first round pick. Obviously 2o32 is 6 years away, but all first round picks are incredibly valuable. Whether the Mavericks ever use this pick isn’t the point, rather, gaining more assets and flexibility gives the Mavericks more avenues to build around Cooper Flagg.
So why did I choose these 2 players to trade?
Simply put, their skillsets are redundant on the current roster, and both will be on the decline when the Mavericks are actually ready to contend. The Mavericks already have a plethora of center options, with Gafford being the oldest and most worn down of them all.
Washington’s issue is his fit next to Flagg; simply put, it doesn’t really work. Both players occupy similar roles defensively, and have similar size and athletic profiles. Washington also pigeon-holes Flagg at the 3, rather than his more natural position at the 4.
Finally, Washington does not provide the requisite shooting the thrive off of Flagg’s gravity, and unlike Marshall, he cannot be a primary ball-handler.
The final trade of this offseason is using an underrated tool that the Mavericks posses; a traded player exception. This exception allows for the Mavericks to absorb any player who has a salary of $20.2 million or under, which is incredibly useful for absorbing a bad contract. The Thunder have to make a move like this due to their proximity to the second apron, and while Joe is a useful player, his minutes had decreased heavily in this year’s playoffs.
The Mavericks would receive Joe, who would add much needed three point shooting, along with 3 second round picks to help the Thunder out.
Free Agency
PHOENIX, AZ – APRIL 8: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 8, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
For the last several years free agency has become much less important, with few teams having any cap space, and exceptions being the only way contenders add players.
This fact is especially apparent in this year’s free agent class, with there being few high-level contributors available, and even fewer who would want to join the Mavericks.
Due to this, I will have the Mavericks split their full non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($15,000,000) on two players: Marvin Bagley III, 3 years $25 million, and Simone Fontecchio, 2 years $7 million.
Bringing back Bagley is obvious for me, he was a spark for the Mavericks after the Anthony Davis trade, and brought a different skillset to the center position. Bagley averaged 10 point and 6 rebounds after the trade, but the most interesting development was him shooting 48% from three. If this development can continue over a full season it would allow for the Mavericks to have true versatility at the center position, rather than the simple rim-running big men that have populated the position.
Fontecchio is a lesser known name, as the Italian wing has only spent 3 seasons in the NBA after leaving the Euro league. But his skillset is very intriguing, with his primary value coming from his three-point shooting. Fontecchio has shot 37% from three over the course of his career with an elite .70 3PR. Fontecchio can also compete on the defensive end thanks to his size, measuring at 6’7 and 220 LBS.
While this class may feel lackluster, the Mavericks would be adding 2 solid contributors on cheap contracts, which is exactly what they should be doing.
Final roster
So after all this maneuvering and changes, what does the final roster look like?
PG: Kyrie Irving, Kingston Flemings, Ryan Nembhard
SG: Max Christie, Isaiah Joe, Meleek Thomas,
SF: Naji Marshall, Simone Fontecchio, Caleb Martin
PF: Cooper Flagg, Keldon Johnson, Caleb martin
C: Dereck Lively, Marvin Bagley III, Moussa Cisse, Jarred Vanderbilt
Overall the roster has been changed heavily from what is was before this exercise, with the majority of the focus being on restructuring the depth of the roster. While the starting lineup is similar to last season, the bench has been completely slanted towards three point shooting and offensive creation.
This choice would certainly hurt the defensive upside of the roster, but would completely change the way they play on the offensive end of the court. Joe, Fontecchio and Bagley all bring real three-point shooting, with Flagg, Marshall and Flemings relentlessly attacking the rim.
Klay Thompson is also absent from this roster with the Mavericks buying out his contract. While I searched for a trade, nothing felt very likely, and it would be fair to let the veteran try and win one last ring on a contender.
But the X-factor would be Kyrie Irving. If Irving is able to return to the level of play that he was showcasing pre-injury, then this could be an offense that causes serious problems. But even if he isn’t at his peak anymore, he still brings elite shooting and a clutch-gene that was sorely missing last year.
Combine these upgrades to the roster with 2 more first-round picks, and I would say that this offseason accomplished the goals that were laid out at the beginning: more three-point shooting and creation for the current roster, all while gathering future draft assets.
Jun 9, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) reacts during the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Batted ball luck, when going against the team you choose to root for, is the worst thing to watch. The Blue Jays had quite a bit of luck in that final frame against Jhoan Duran, but the guy was simply going to show a crack in the armor at some point.
Where would the Yankees be without Cody Bellinger? Even before the Aaron Judge injury, Bellinger was by far the Yankees’ third-most productive and perhaps the most consistent hitter at the plate. Now with Judge on the shelf for at least another month, the Yankees rely on Bellinger’s steady approach perhaps more than ever. On top of that, it is hard to name a hitter who has provided them more clutch hits this season, Monday night’s game-winning single in the 10th inning the latest example.
We join Bellinger with one out in the 10th, the score tied at five apiece. A one-out intentional walk of Ben Rice and an ABS-assisted walk of Max Schuemann have loaded the bases, placing automatic runner Ali Sánchez on third 90 feet away from scoring the go-ahead run. Bellinger lined a single up the middle in his last AB and faces a similar look in the 10th, Shawn Armstrong like Hunter Gaddis a righty reliever who leans on his mid-90s four-seamer.
True to form, Armstrong starts Bellinger with a first-pitch four-seamer at 95.
This is an excellent pitch from Armstrong, over the plate but elevated just above the zone. It’s a pitch that’s too close to take for Bellinger, who also appears to be hunting a first-pitch fastball that he can pull for power, and he fouls it back to the screen. The swing is on time, but just a little under the pitch.
After showing Bellinger a fastball that maintains its vertical plane and gets the chase and foul he was looking for, Armstrong switches to the sinker hoping to fool Bellinger with a pitch that has almost a foot more break down and away than the four-seamer.
Instead, he sails this sinker high and wide. The pitch looks like a ball out of his hand and never looks like a strike on its path toward home, making for a straightforward take from Bellinger.
Armstrong introduces another wrinkle with the 1-1 pitch, throwing his third different fastball in the cutter. The cutter come in about four mph slower than the four-seamer or sinker, but with late diving movement down and in.
Fortunately for Bellinger, the pitcher tugs this pitch badly and he has to maneuver out of the way to avoid being hit.
Given that he exhibited very little feel for the previous sinker and cutter, Armstong shelves those two pitches and sticks with the four-seamer for the rest of the encounter. Patrick Bailey flashes a similar target to the four-seamer Armstrong successfully executed above the zone first pitch.
It’s clear this is the only pitch Armstrong can command, and he nails his target centrally located over the plate but elevated above the hitting zone. Just like with the first pitch of the AB, Bellinger is right on time but can’t lift his barrel to match the four-seamer’s elevation and nicks a foul tip for strike two.
Now we get to see Bellinger’s two-strike approach, where he shortens his swing, lets the ball travel, and stays on his back side looking to shoot a base hit to the opposite side.
Bellinger’s superpower in these situations is his elite bat-to-ball that allows him to foul off pitchers’ pitches and stay alive until a mistake is made that he can jump on. Indeed, we see how he’s somehow able to get wood on this four-seamer that handcuffs him in off the plate and almost keeps it fair down the line in right for what would have plated at least two runs.
Bellinger finally seems to have figured out the movement profile of Armstrong’s four-seamer, getting a fatter piece of the bat to the previous pitch after previously swinging underneath for a foul to the screen and a foul tip. He should have no trouble finding the barrel should Armstrong give him something to hit.
That’s just what happens, Bellinger lining this four-seamer on the outer half through the hole on the left side to plate Sánchez and Rice as the go-ahead runs. Bellinger gets exactly one pitch in the zone in this encounter, and he makes sure he doesn’t miss it, that’s what I call clutch hitting.
Bellinger has been an absolute godsend for the Yankees since re-upping over the winter, with Gold Glove defense in left field and a 138 wRC+ that places him in the top-30 qualified hitters league-wide. He put all facets of his offensive profile on display in this AB, including zone awareness, bat-to-ball skills, and two-strike hitting. The Yankees will continue to lean on the possible All-Star’s all-around contributions while awaiting Judge’s return further down the stretch.
FLUSHING, NY - SEPTEMBER 28: Mr. Met entertains fans before the game between the New York Mets and the Florida Marlins at Shea Stadium on September 28, 2008 in Flushing, New York. The Marlins defeated the Mets 4-2. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB via Getty Images) | MLB via Getty Images
Syracuse initially kept pace with the Herd, but Buffalo began pulling away in the middle innings; with a good two months plus into the season, it is beginning to look more and more apparent that the tinkering the Mets have made with Jonah Tong has made him a worse pitcher than he was last season, so here’s hoping this experiment comes to an end sooner rather than later. It started raining hard in the sixth and the game was delayed, and then eventually ended early; in my mind, no question: Syracuse would’ve come from behind to take this one if given the chance and it would’ve been an epic walk-off win that would’ve been the impetus of a ten game winning streak that would’ve bumped Rochester out of first place.
Binghamton’s modest little five-game winning streak came to an end, falling in game one of the Double-A Subway Series in a laughter. Binghamton had the initial lead, scoring two runs in the top of the first on a Jose Ramirez single, but the Patriots took over in the fourth thanks to the Rumble Ponies’ own carelessness, taking the lead on a wild pitch and adding an insurance run on an error. They continued piling on and piling on, while the Binghamton bats forgot how to hit.
Jose Chirinos had a strong start, allowing three runs over six innings, allowing four hits and walking three while striking out ten, but it wasn’t good enough to avoid getting tagged as a hard luck loser. The Brooklyn bats were mostly shut down, managing only six baserunners on three singles, a double, a walk, and a hit batsman.
For six-and-two-things inning, Cam Tilly was phenomenal. Not perfect, but pretty close, walking three and striking out four while not allowing a hit. He ran into some trouble in the seventh, walking a pair of batters and was replaced by Elwis Mijares, who wiggled out of trouble, inducing a flyball and groundball to end the inning. Mijares pitched a clean eighth and ran into a little trouble himself in the ninth, but once again got out of trouble, completing the no-hitter, the second in the Florida State League this year and the ninth in all of Minor League Baseball. For St. Lucie themselves, it was the franchise’s first no-hitter, and for the Palm Beach Cardinals, it was the first time ever that they got no-hit.
· SS Elian Peña: 0-3, 3 R, BB, K, HBP, SB (19), E (11)
