LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 8: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Rich Paul talk after the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 8, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It is completely understandable to be excited over the possibility of LeBron James choosing to play for the Philadelphia 76ers. That was true in the summer of 2018 when James was in his mid-30s and it’s still true now as he’s in his early 40s and potentially embarking upon a farewell tour in the 2026-27 season. After a few days of speculation, we’ve probably all at least thought for a little bit about how cool it would be to see a playoff-plagued franchise like the Sixers exorcise their demons with LeBron James in the middle of all of it in what might be his final season in the NBA.
On some level it’s all understandable. James is probably the greatest player of the 21st century and is widely-regarded as the second-greatest man to ever play basketball. He’s not just any free agent so we’re not just going to get a Shams tweet that announces where he’s signing. Basketball has always been the most individualized North American team sport and James is far from the only star that likes to bask in the rays of attention. Certainly, as his career winds down, there’s no reason to think that behavior would change.
But how much of this do we really need? Is it even fun to track all the leaks? Many felt the Sixers had a chance eight years ago when rumors began to circulate that James or someone in his circle was visiting Malvern Prep as a possible high school for his kids to attend. In 2018, LeBron James did not attend the free agent meeting his representatives had with the Sixers, so how much of a chance did they really have?
Fast forward to present day and the Twitter detectives are billing hours faster than Tyrese Maxey goes coast-to-coast for a fastbreak layup. We’ve gotten an interview with James’ agent Rich Paul in which the starters for all the contenders in this summer’s LeBron sweepstakes are on a whiteboard. There was an asterisk next to Maxey’s name on the whiteboard fueling all sorts of speculation as to what that meant.
We’ve also had some of the social media sleuthing lead to the possibility of a private plane from Philadelphia to James hometown of Akron, Ohio on Friday morning. Sportsbooks and other prediction markets have updated odds for James’ next team to be more favorable for the Sixers with every inkling of “information.” To reiterate, this kind of circus is not exclusive to James. There’s a reason people say the offseason in the NBA is better than the season. It’s just the biggest circus of all when it’s James.
Ultimately, James can only play for one team when push comes to shove. There are a lot of fanbases who are talking themselves into the hype that comes with their team’s chances, and many of them will not have James on their roster next season. If you’re enjoying the social media speculation, go for it if you must. At this stage in his career, remember it’s probably only a one or two-year commitment and the winner of this summer’s LeBron sweepstakes certainly isn’t getting the player the Lakers got in 2018, the Cavs got in 2014 or the Heat got in 2010. That doesn’t mean James can’t help the Sixers. Their roster for next season is coming together nicely and a point forward type like James who can find open shooters would fit well with what they already have.
But if you’ve decided to sign off from Twitter for the holiday weekend, who can blame you? Sure, this all comes with the territory when it comes to the pursuit of a high-level free agent in the NBA. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t get tiresome. Most of all, no one wins NBA championships during the first week of July. In a lot of ways, the announcement of where James is playing in 2026-27 will feel like the end of something, and it will be. It will be the end of reckless speculation on where James is currently located, who his team is talking to, and what hints they’re putting out.
But it will be the beginning of what really matters and that’s James’ playing days for his next team. I think we’d all agree we’d rather enjoy LeBron making plays on the court for the Sixers in big playoff games in May and potentially June more than we’re enjoying what’s going on now.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers rebounds against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Wizards shored up their center position for next season by acquiring DeAndre Ayton from the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s yet another trademark Will Dawkins trade — the price for Ayton was a guard they didn’t want and a couple second round picks. Add this move to a list that include paying nothing the team wanted to obtain Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks, and paying a modest price for Anthony Davis.
The Washington Wizards made a smart move in trading for big man DeAndre Ayton. | Getty Images
This isn’t a franchise-altering move, but it’s a smart one nonetheless. While multiple teams have given up on Ayton, including the Lakers, who just paid a heavy price to acquire Ayton’s replacement, he’s not a bad player, and he will upgrade Washington’s backup center spot next season.
Last season, Ayton’s individual production was solidly above average (144 PPA — in PPA, 100 is average and higher is better), though the Lakers were only “about the same” on both ends when he was in the game. That goes for regular season and playoffs.
After spending heavily to acquire Walker Kessler, the Lakers needed to offload Ayton’s relatively modest $8.1 million salary to create financial flexibility for other moves, and get back some future draft resources. That they dealt him for a player they don’t want and a couple second round picks is a bit of an indictment of the former No. 1 overall pick — a guy selected ahead of players like Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Still, a guy one team doesn’t want can still have value to another. For Washington, Ayton checks a few boxes. At full health, he’ll be the primary backup center — slotting into a three-big F/C rotation with Alex Sarr and Davis. With Ayton in the fold, Davis won’t have to spend much time as the titular center. Figure the team will start and finish halves with Davis and Sarr up front and play combinations of the three in between.
Ayton also provides some injury insurance in the likely event that Davis or Sarr gets hurt. Both have injury histories. Sarr is currently recovering from a broken foot suffered during an offseason workout. Both are expected to be ready for training camp, but it’s still wise to have some coverage.
Ayton also provides some flexibility in case Dawkins and Michael Winger change their minds and agree to trade Davis to Golden State or elsewhere. Ayton is no long-term answer in the middle, but neither is Davis. With Ayton, the issues are quality and attitude — he’s not The Guy and hasn’t exhibited the willingness to do the work necessary to be The Guy.
With Davis, the issues are age, health, and expense. When healthy, he’s been terrific.
The move will give Washington an $8.1 million trade “exception” in the form of Ayton’s expiring contract. They’ll also create a $6 million exception because, as suggested by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, they’ll use their existing trade exception for Kelly Olynyk to bring in Ayton — which was set to expire July 9 if they didn’t use it.
Again, nothing about this transaction significantly alters the franchise’s trajectory. Ayton improves their reserve center spot and gives them some flexibility. He’s a temporary solution that fits a current need, and it didn’t cost future assets with significant value. That’s solid work from the front office.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 9: The sneakers worn by Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Boston Celtics on April 9, 2026 at Madison Square Garden 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
DALLAS, TEXAS - JUNE 25: New Dallas Mavericks player Morez Johnson Jr. holds a jersey during a press conference at American Airlines Center on June 25, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. Johnson was selected ninth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks announced their Las Vegas Summer League roster on Friday, and there are several fun additions to the group.
Ryan Nembhard, John Poulakidas and Tyler Smith are some existing Mavs that fans might remember from last season. Nembhard, who busted onto the scene at Summer League last year alongside Cooper Flagg, will likely run a lot of point for the Mavericks early on in the summer. Poulakidas came on later in the season last year, and has earned another go with the Mavs this offseason. Tyler Smith, who also joined the Mavericks late last season, is also in for Summer League.
DALLAS, TEXAS – JUNE 25: New Dallas Mavericks player Morez Johnson Jr. responds to a question during a press conference at American Airlines Center on June 25, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. Johnson was selected ninth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The fun here is in the rookies that the Mavericks selected in last month’s NBA Draft. Ninth overall selection Morez Johnson Jr. will debut for Dallas in Summer League, and he will be flanked by 25th overall pick Sergio de Larrea. The Spainard was last seen winning the ACB title with Valencia and is coming over to join not just the summer Mavs, but the actual Dallas Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have signed first-round pick Sergio De Larrea.
Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The Mavericks second round selections will also be joining the squad. Tobi Lawal is the extremely athletic forward from Virginia Tech. I can almost guarantee he will do something incredible in Summer League, whether it be a dunk or a block. And perhaps the most shocking development, Russian prospect Vsevolod Ischenko will be joining the Mavs in Vegas. Ischenko is a 6’8” guard that is an interesting dart throw for the Mavs. Now, don’t get your hopes up immediately, as he will likely be stashed in Europe again this year, but it will be fun to see exactly what they’ve got in him right now.
Overall, there is a strong international flavor on this roster. Three Spainards, a Russian, a Canadian, a Nigerian and an Englishman will all be in Vegas. Should at least be an entertaining watch! Be sure and follow along with us here at Mavs Moneyball as we take you through the Las Vegas Summer League.
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 10: Dorian Finney-Smith #2 of the Houston Rockets arrives to the arena before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 10, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Rockets have traded Dorian Finney-Smith to the Charlotte Hornets for…nothing. In fact the Rockets sent Smith and three second round picks to the Hornets to make sure DFS made it to IAH, or HOU, I’m really not fussy.
I will admit that I was a fan of the signing, and many of you were as well. DFS, at the time, seemed like he might give the Rockets about 75% of Dillon Brooks. As it turned out, he gave the Rockets about 7.5% of Dillon Brooks. This could well be the fault of the ankle injury that sidelined him for most of the season. In fact he only started looking like the player the Rockets thought they were getting sometime in the series with the Lakers. Which was, as it turned out, too little, too late.
The Rockets recent signings all come with one watch word, and that word is flexibility. The signings all expire, more or less, when the deal for Kevin Durant expires. Finney-Smith’s deal had a player option in 28-29, as well as a guarantee for this season, and next. Now he’s going into the Hornets salary exception.
The Rockets traded their Memphis second round pick next season (which should be a good one), and their own 2028, and 2033 second rounders (who knows?). So that was the price to get out of the DFS is CFS experience. Honestly, even if he plays well for Charlotte, this is for the best. It’s unlikely he’ll break out of his career norms, and more likely that at 33 he’ll continue to decline.
While I haven’t loved the Marcus Smart and BogBog deals, I like this one. It’s a fairly cheap way to get out of a mistake, and second round picks are now pretty much the grease for the wheels of NBA commerce at this point.
The deal gives the Rockets a little breathing room this season, and who knows what they might do? Perhaps they’ll sign another older, not especially good player. With the new contract for Tari Eason it makes sense to move on from DFS for any number of reasons.
Dorian Finney-Smith, we hardly knew you. Good look in North Carolina.
July 1 may have passed, but there are still some interesting players who remain unrestricted free agents. Interestingly, a handful of the top remaining UFAs played are former Blackhawks.
This is because Patrick Kane, Matt Grzelcyk, Philipp Kurashev, and David Kampf all remain unsigned.
Out of these four former Blackhawks, Kane is, of course, the most notable player. The Blackhawks legend is still an impactful top-six winger at this stage of his career, posting 57 points in 67 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings. The idea of him returning to Chicago is a fun thought but also very unlikely. He will likely head to a contender if he does not re-sign with Detroit.
After posting 12 assists in 69 games last season with the Blackhawks, Grzelcyk is still unsigned. The 5-foot-10 defenseman had to earn a contract through a PTO from Chicago last year after posting 40 points in 82 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2024-25. Will he get a contract from another NHL club more quickly this summer?
After not receiving a qualifying offer from the Blackhawks last summer, Kurashev signed with the San Jose Sharks and had a decent 2025-26 campaign. In 43 games, the 6-foot forward had seven goals and 20 points. Teams looking for more secondary offensive production could consider signing the 26-year-old.
As for Kampf, the 31-year-old center posted two goals and six points in 40 games last season split between the Vancouver Canucsks and Washington Capitals. He doesn't offer a lot of offense, but he works well in a bottom-six role because of his strong defensive play and thrives at the faceoff dot.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 01: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026 in Houston, 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Two former Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball stars are heading east.
The Los Angeles Lakers on Friday traded center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. Ayton recently opted in to the second year of his contract with the Lakers, which will now transfer over to Washington. Ayton will be paid $8 million next season.
Just in: The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two Wizards second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/bAEtSFpTNi
Ayton averaged a career-low 12.5 points and 8 rebounds with the Lakers last season. He started 72 regular season games, his most games played in a season.
Ayton joins a Wizards front court that includes Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr. Washington drafted BYU’s AJ Dybantsa with the top pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
Also on Friday, Caleb Love signed a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, as first reported by Charania.
Love was a free agent after playing his rookie season on a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. In 49 games with Portland, Love averaged 10.4 points, 2.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds.
Love will join former Arizona forward Dalen Terry in Philadelphia. Terry, who was traded to the 76ers last season, appeared in 14 games with Philadelphia, playing mostly mop up minutes.
The struggling New York Yankees welcomed back a pair of everyday players Friday, July 3 - yet lost another left-handed pitcher to an elbow injury.
Carlos Rodón was placed on the 15-day injured list due to elbow inflammation, the club announced. It's another setback for a rotation that lost fellow lefty Max Fried on May 13 with an elbow bone bruise.
Rodón's season debut was delayed until May 10 as he recovered from offseason surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow. He posted a 3.30 ERA in nine starts; in his last outing, he gave up no earned runs over five innings but walked four against Boston.
The club did welcome back outfielder Trent Grisham, who was out since mid-June with a hamstring strain. Infielder Ryan McMahon (throat, ear infection) also returned after he was placed on the IL June 24.
The club has been without reigning MVP Aaron Judge since May 31, and it has been nearly a month since his June 5 IL placement for a stress fracture in his right rib. At that time, the club said the injury would be re-scanned in four to six weeks, but the club did not anticipate that occurring as the four-week mark arrives.
The Yankees, following sweeps by Boston and Detroit, have lost seven consecutive games and nine of their past 11.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 1: Trey Lyles #41 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 1, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
On Friday, the Wolves signed ten-year NBA veteran Trey Lyles to a one-year contract, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. Krawczynski also reported that this signing does not take the Timberwolves out of the LeBron James sweepstakes and is just a signing to add depth at a position Minnesota did not currently have on the roster.
Last season, Lyles played in the EuroLeague for Real Madrid in Spain, averaging 12.6 points per game while shooting 42.1 from beyond the arc across 61 games. Before that, Lyles played 10 seasons with the Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, and, most recently, with the Sacramento Kings.
The Wolves are now down to two open roster spots, at least one of which they are required to fill. Without a cost-cutting trade, they project to have less than $4 million in space under the second apron, which is Minnesota’s hard cap due to the Julius Randle and LaMelo Ball trades being combined.
Assuming the Lyles signing is at the minimum, here is where the Timberwolves' cap sheet stands
They have just under $4 million in space under the second apron. If they were able to make a cost-cutting trade, it would open up them up to use the full $6 million taxpayer mid-level pic.twitter.com/RfI74PQiIx
Given the lack of financial space, the Wolves’ options for the 14th and likely final roster spot are slim. Free agent Rui Hachimura would be a perfect fit, but would likely demand a contract far greater than the Wolves in their current state could offer.
The Wolves could also decide to make one more depth signing, assuming LeBron James does not choose to come to Minnesota, and roll with both Ayo Dosunmu and Jaden McDaniels in the starting lineup until a better option for a starting-caliber power forward makes itself available.
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) tries to get to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Kicking off in full gear
The last 48 hours feel more like a week has passed, even though NBA Free Agency just started a couple of days ago. The Raptors have landed the central piece that opens themselves a new championship window, and this time it won’t be on a one-year rental — the Klaw will stay in Toronto for the foreseeable future. However, Kawhi Leonard’s return was not the only news that had just recently headlined this year’s free agency. Somewhere 500 miles down the road, a new Big Three had just formed in the City of Brotherly Love.
The Boston Celtics just shipped disgruntled star Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks, and a couple of future second-rounders, shaking up the landscape in the Eastern Conference, as the 76ers emerge as a new powerhouse to rival their division co-contenders up north.
The Celtics, themselves, have also added another big man to bolster their front court by snatching center Mitchell Robinson from the defending champion New York Knicks, who, barring this move, have dealt new contracts to players with expiring deals to keep their championship roster intact. Further south in South Beach, the Greek Freak just joined the Miami Heat, who, alongside Bam Adebayo, will surely be an immovable force in the paint for any opposing team.
The Raptors’ trade for Leonard indicates that the front office sees a path towards winning a second championship. While he will surely elevate the team on both ends of the floor as one of the best two-way talents in the league, Toronto still has a glaring gap to fill, as other Eastern Conference teams are acquiring talent and front-court depth.
The Raptors’ search for a center
Well, this cannot be overstated, but it’s a sentence that has been echoing for the better part of last season. I may now sound like a broken record by saying this, but look around — other Eastern Conference teams are stacking up their front court with size and strength that works strongly against the Raptors’ style of play. Don’t believe me? Let me take you to the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Toronto loves to play up-and-down basketball. As a matter of fact, the Raptors led the league in fast-break points with 18.6 ppg. The Cavs’ twin-tower duo in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen not only possess incredible rim-protecting prowess, but both are also agile enough to get back on defense to prevent the Raptors from having a clear lane to the hoop. Hence, the Raptors had to grind out most of the series with half-court sets that they struggled to convert on.
With most of the Raptors’ offense operating off of slashers, namely Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, the Cavs pack the paint with rim-protectors, like Allen and Mobley, to force them to settle for perimeter shots that have not been consistent. Raptors’ starting center Jakob Poeltl’s inability to stretch the floor also plays to the Cavs’ favour in maintaining this defensive scheme. Besides his lack of outside shooting and a nagging back injury, Poeltl is also an easy target on switches, with quicker guards flying past him through their speed, while athletic big men such as Allen and Mobley can also beat him on offense. Hence, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic prefers to play an undersized Collin Murray-Boyles at the five, which comes with disadvantages.
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) tries to get to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
While Murray-Boyles is a versatile defender, which makes him a more viable option to guard the pick-and-roll, he is also not much of a perimeter threat like Poeltl, which clogs driving lanes for Barnes and Barrett on offense. As I mentioned, he is also undersized, which warrants double teams with other Raptors forwards when either Mobley or Allen is in the painted area, and allows more explosive guards like Donovan Mitchell to attack him off the dribble and use his aggressive defensive style against him to draw fouls. Murray-Boyles also gives up a good amount of size in the interior, which the Cavs took full advantage of for easy putbacks, touch passes, free throws, or extra possessions.
What does this search mean in matching up with the rest of the East?
With Philly’s addition of former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, the 76ers form an offensive juggernaut with three individuals who can score at all three levels. While the Raptors will bank on versatility and switchability to contain Brown’s shotmaking and Tyrese Maxey’s bursts of speed, they won’t be able to match up with Embiid’s size and skill down low. They will either give up easy points, foul him, or double him and leave a man open on the perimeter. A touch pass from Embiid will collapse the defense, forcing players to scramble and cover ground quickly, and that will lead to closeouts that Brown and Maxey could blow past by to the rack.
As was mentioned, the Celtics add another tall and strong frame in Robinson, who proved to be crucial to the Knicks’ title run with his incredible offensive rebounding and reliable rim protection. Meanwhile, the Knicks pose the same threat as those previous teams, and now boast a championship pedigree. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Heat will also be a match-up nightmare for teams that rely on points inside the paint.
The realistic solution
Poeltl is still locked up to the Raptors for four more years after opting in to his $19 million player option last summer. Besides him, Murray-Boyles is the only serviceable option at the five, but is a tad undersized for the center position. Toronto will have limited cap room to work with after the Kawhi trade and will only be able to offer a veteran minimum for another backup big. With limited trade flexibility on Poeltl’s contract because of his injury history, the Raptors hope that he will remain healthy and regain his form so that Murray-Boyles can slide back up to the four, as the Raptors try to keep up with the rest of the East.
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 29: The Dallas Mavericks Introduce Dusty May as Head Coach Press Conference on June 29, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With the offseason and free agency in full swing, the Dallas Mavericks have begun to reshape their roster with the additions of Santi Aldama and the likely addition of Marcus Sasser once the league-wide moratorium on signings ends on July 6. Newly minted head coach Dusty May is also rumored to be adding former New Orleans Pelicans head coach, Willie Green to his staff for the upcoming season. There will undoubtedly be more tweaks to come, all of which will shed light on what the Mavericks will look like come October – and by extension, their play style.
Removing some of the guesswork is none other than May himself. In a recent sit-down with Mavericks’ Chief Communications Officer, Gina Miller, May detailed exactly what his expectations are for the team going forward.
There were three specific comments that indicate the foundation the new-look Mavericks will be built on.
“I want us to play with top-five pace”
This should be music to the ears of Mavs’ fans. The Dallas offense often looked dysfunctional last season, and while some of that was due to injuries and personnel changes, there is no disguising the fact the Mavs could barely participate in a critical part of modern NBA basketball – the three-point shot.
The Mavericks were ranked 26th in the league in three-point percentage at 34.4% (just 0.4% above last place) and 27th in the league in three-point attempts per game at 31.9 (fewer than two attempts per game above last place). The Mavs ranked 23rd in points per game with 114.1.
Dallas is clearly looking to get younger, more athletic and versatile with the additions of Aldama and Sasser, along with rumors of interest in Anfernee Simons, so it’s becoming clear how the roster moves align with May’s vision.
“Defensively; to be incredibly competitive”
A renewed interest in defense will be a welcome sight in Dallas. The Mavs showed flashes last season, but far too often were exposed repeatedly. It wasn’t necessarily for lack of trying or interest, but once again injuries played a part along with personnel that were not always up to the task.
The Mavericks gave up 119.6 points per game, ranking them 23rd in the league with only a single 30-win team ranking below them. Everyone else they outpaced had a win total in the 20-game range, except for two teams with win totals in the teens. It was not good company to keep.
Knowing defense will be a priority is a meaningful positive, but it’s going to take the right players to do the job and we can already see that in the roster that is taking shape. Drafting Morez Johnson, Jr., trading for seven-footer Aldama and being rumored to be looking at Sasser (somewhat undersized, but Kelvin Samson-taught), while bringing Green onto the coaching staff, all demonstrate that the front office and May are on the same page with how they want the team to play.
“I want us to be the best passing team in the NBA”
This may be the most intriguing of the bunch. The Mavs had a patchwork back court last year, with rookie Cooper Flagg opening the season as the point guard. From there, the likes of Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams took up plenty of minutes as the Mavs operated without Kyrie Irving.
Dallas ranked 22nd in the league in assists per game at 25.3. They were just better than half an assist out of 29th overall. It was a major concern, to say the least.
The return of Irving will be a significant boost to the Mavericks being able to successfully orchestrate their offense, but they will need all the help they can get. If Sasser lands in Dallas, it could spell the end of Brandon Williams’ tenure. Irving, Sasser and Nembhard can all distribute, and that says nothing for some of the other players the Mavericks drafted. Sergio de Larrea is a long, tall guard, and May’s desire to be the best passing team correlates with Dallas’ move up in the draft to select him. That’s not to suggest de Larrea will be playing a significant role right away, but as with each of the other tenets May is building around, they clearly are informing the personnel decisions being made.
If May can see his vision through, the Mavericks should be an exciting team to watch, and ultimately a successful one. There is still plenty of time remaining in the offseason, and likely more roster shaping to come, but it’s terrific to see May has a clear vision and is being supported by the front office to get the players needed to fulfill that vision.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. - MAY 2026: Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (27) scored on a double by Minnesota Twins first baseman Kody Clemens (2) in the third inning, Sunday, May 17, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. The Minnesota Twins hosted the Milwaukee Brewers at Target field. (Photo by Jerry Holt/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images) | Star Tribune via Getty Images
Good afternoon everyone, it’s time to dive back into the mailbag and answer some of your questions. Remember to send in your questions for our weekly call by e-mail to pinstripealleyblog [at] gmail [dot] com.
torturedsoulv1 asks:How many relievers do you think the Yankees need? How many do you think they will actually trade for?
They could probably use a couple, if we’re being honest, but they’ll swing for at least one. Camilo Doval has all the tools to be a quality reliever and yet has utilized them to be supremely frustrating since arriving over from San Francisco at last year’s deadline. He’s the most likely candidate to get jettisoned off the roster in a bullpen shakeup, as I just can’t see the team trusting him with late leads down the stretch and they have more effective pitchers for mopup duty. Jake Bird started off looking like a lost cause but has turned things around in May and June, so he’s got a place for now though he also has an option remaining if the team wants to stash him back down in the minors in case he runs into another stretch of looking unplayable. Tim Hill has also seemingly lost some of the magic of his lanky lefty ways, so if they could find an effective left-handed upgrade they might take it, but he’s not pitching as bad as he was during a terrible May anymore.
Up until yesterday, I would’ve said the plan was to look for said lefty as a trade acquisition and rely on Carlos Lagrange as the right-handed upgrade, but now that he’s on the IL with a shoulder injury I think that shuts the door on a 2026 debut for him even in a relief role. It’s more possible now that they push for two arms, especially given their apparent reluctance to trust Yovanny Cruz with a role in this bullpen despite his success in the few outings he’s gotten, but perhaps Cruz slots into the spot they intended for Lagrange instead once he’s allowed back up to the majors.
OLDY MOLDY asks: Will there be any real impact bats available at the trade deadline?
The most impactful one for the Yankees would be Minnesota’s Ryan Jeffers, whom the Yankees could help push towards being sellers by waking up and beating thoroughly this weekend. Though he’s only played in 37 games this season because of a hamate injury, Jeffers was posting a career-best season before he got shelved and is close to a return after hitting for consecutive days. His 164 wRC+ would blow the rest of the Yankees’ catchers out of the water, and he’s had enough success as an above-average hitter over the last three seasons to warrant belief that he’ll provide some thump to a position that has desperately needed even close to average production. Austin Wells at this point has been in the doldrums long enough to believe that his bat just isn’t going to come around, even if he does pull out of the simply miserable run he’s been on this year, and Jeffers’ defense is solid enough to warrant significant playing time down the stretch. Since he’s on his last year of arbitration as well, it shouldn’t be too costly to rent what is the ideal addition to an offense that desperately needs some help.
The idiot that said, “Harper is coming” asks:Now that we’re more than halfway through the 2026 season, what does Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s offseason look like if his current level of play continues? He’s currently slightly below league average offensively, and by some metrics below average defensively at his best defensive position. Do the Yankees extend the qualifying offer to him? If so, does he take it?
Jazz has had a fascinating year — not a good one, but a fascinating one. It’s entirely possible that he goes on a second-half run like Gleyber Torres did in 2024 to recoup some of the value he’s lost over the first 80-plus games played, but as of right now if the qualifying offer came his way I’d have to assume he takes it and tries again on the open market with hopes of a rebound year establishing his numbers as a Yankee as the expectation for whoever signs him. Should the Yankees extend that offer to him, though?
They offered it to Trent Grisham last offseason, and by all reports were surprised when Grisham actually ended up accepting the deal. That may have led to their offseason plans changing, though with the benefit of hindsight I’m not sure if they were ever really going to be that invested in the Kyle Tucker Sweepstakes which meant that Cody Bellinger’s return was always the top goal and Grisham’s return obviously didn’t impede that. What it did mean was that their playbook was more restricted, and with Bellinger asking for more money than they thought reasonable that led to a significantly drawn-out winter. This time around I’d have to assume they’d be more aware of the possibility of Chisholm accepting, and in fact a qualifying offer might be the only way that Jazz sticks around another year in pinstripes if his asking price isn’t completely deflated.
The 2026 class of free agents don’t look to have any game-changing targets at positions of need for New York, and while there may be interest in renting Tarik Skubal’s services I doubt they’ll wade into the bidding war for his long-term contract so the money’s there to gamble on one more year with Chisholm should the team want to. Add onto that the impending lockout hanging over the sport, and a short commitment that would avoid scrambling to put together the team if/when baseball is played in 2027 doesn’t sound like a bad idea.
BetweenthePinstripes asks:Are the Yankees ever going to win again?
Jun 30, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Jorge Mateo (2) celebrates with second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) after scoring a run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Braves are using this four-game series as the turning point from their June hitting woes, right?
The lineup is almost identical to Thursday’s quiet finale. So, the question is, what are we hoping to accomplish with the same look after a disappointing ending to the previous game?
If there are any English fans in today’s crowd, they might be in for a treat, as Micahel Harris II has shown a good offensive production (2.000) in his past three at-bats against New York Mets’ Christian Scott.
Now, Scott was fully sidelined last year due to Tommy John surgery, and that’s a big reason why the rest of the offense doesn’t have a lot of experience recorded against him. And though offensive production is helpful, it doesn’t always equate to runs. Very much needed runs that the Braves need to get back in the win-column, and consistently stay there.
The plan is obvious: the Braves need hits. Something’s not clicking from bat to mindset, and it’s costing the team these games that’ll count near the end.
Braves beat writer Mark Bowman shared a stat on Atlanta’s offensive production in their past 19 games.
The Braves have produced a .580 OPS while losing 14 of their past 19. Before this year, their most recent seasons that included a 19-game stretch with a sub .580 OPS were: 2016: 93-loss season (felt like 193) 2014: Second-half disaster led to Frank Wren being fired 1989:…
Every team goes through its tough stretches, but now it’s a matter of figuring out what the hindrance is to fix it before the All-Star Break, and preferably bring the second half of the season in on a good note.
First pitch is 7:15 EST.
Note: The Mets Lineup was not available at the time of publication
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Tim Connelly and the Minnesota Timberwolves have already made their summer splash, and it was not exactly a toe-dip into the pool.
Acquiring LaMelo Ball from Charlotte was the kind of move that immediately changes the way everyone has to think about this roster. The direct cost was steep: Naz Reid, the 2033 first-round pick, multiple swaps and second-rounders. The indirect cost was Julius Randle, who had to be shipped to Brooklyn in what was essentially the salary-clearing first domino that made the bigger move possible and opened the door for an Ayo Dosunmu signing. Put the two transactions together and the Wolves have dramatically reshaped themselves in the span of a week, moving away from the big-body, frontcourt-heavy identity that defined the last few seasons and into something faster, flashier, younger and, potentially, more dangerous.
The Wolves now have one of the most electric backcourts in the league. Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, the No. 1 and No. 3 picks from the 2020 NBA Draft, are about to enter their primes together. If you are a Wolves fan who has spent the past few years watching half-court possessions occasionally turn into a clogged sink, this is the kind of pairing that makes your basketball brain start lighting up like a Christmas tree. LaMelo’s passing should take pressure off Edwards. His pace should create easier looks before defenses get set. His creativity should unlock Jaden McDaniels as a cutter, Rudy Gobert as a lob threat, and Ant as the most terrifying off-ball weapon he has ever been allowed to become.
There is only one problem. The Wolves now have a power forward-sized hole in the middle of their roster.
For years, Minnesota’s identity was built around size. They had Gobert, Naz, and Randle. Before that, they had Karl-Anthony Towns. The Wolves were a team that walked into the gym and immediately made opponents feel smaller. Now, after the LaMelo trade and the Randle salary dump, the frontcourt looks awfully thin. Gobert remains, Joan Beringer is waiting in the wings, and McDaniels can slide up in certain lineups. But if Minnesota is serious about contending for a title, there is no way around it: the Wolves need a real answer at power forward.
Which brings us to the weirdest and most surreal possibility on the board: LeBron James.
Earlier this week, James informed the Los Angeles Lakers he would not be returning, a decision that felt less like a shocking divorce and more like the inevitable ending of a marriage that had quietly been sleeping in separate bedrooms for six months. The Luka Doncic trade changed everything in Los Angeles. Once Luka arrived, the Lakers’ future was no longer centered around LeBron. Austin Reaves then inked a massive $185 million max contract, further confirming that the franchise had pivoted into its next era.
LeBron was no longer the sun around which the Lakers orbited. He was still important, but no longer the organizational center of gravity. Once the team was no longer his, once the money was no longer flowing his direction, and once the Lakers looked more like a team hoping to survive the first round than one built to win the whole thing, it made perfect sense for LeBron’s loyalty to evaporate.
So now comes the question that always follows LeBron when a chapter ends: Where does he take his talents next?
The obvious answer is Cleveland, and honestly, it is probably the correct one. If LeBron is thinking about legacy, sentimentality, and the perfect final act, going home makes all the sense in the world. Return to the franchise that drafted him. Return to the city he already delivered a championship to. Bookend the greatest career in modern basketball history where it all began. It would be clean. It would be poetic. It would give every NBA producer exactly the kind of montage material they dream about.
But if this is about basketball fit? If this is about competing for one more championship without simply stapling himself onto a ready-made machine? Then the Minnesota Timberwolves make almost too much sense.
That sounds ridiculous at first, mostly because the phrase “LeBron James should sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves” still feels like something you would hear from a guy calling late-night sports radio. But before you dismiss the idea, first strip away the market-size reflex, the weather jokes, and the decades of Timberwolves dysfunction, and look at the actual basketball situation. Minnesota has the exact positional need LeBron fills. Minnesota has a superstar in Anthony Edwards who is ready to win now but still young enough to benefit from LeBron’s leadership. Minnesota has a gifted playmaker in LaMelo Ball who could absorb more basketball knowledge from LeBron in one season than most players get in a decade. Minnesota has defensive infrastructure in McDaniels and Gobert that could cover for some of the natural defensive slippage that comes with LeBron’s age. Minnesota has a roster that would not ask LeBron to be the franchise savior, but would absolutely need him to be a central piece.
That distinction matters. If LeBron joined Oklahoma City, San Antonio or New York, it would look like coattail riding. Maybe that is unfair. Maybe at this stage of his career he has earned the right to do whatever he wants. But perception matters, especially when your legacy is already being argued in every barbershop and television studio in America. Joining the defending champion Knicks or attaching himself to Victor Wembanyama’s rocket ship in San Antonio would not carry the same weight as going somewhere like Minnesota and finishing the job for a franchise that has never touched the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
That is the part that should intrigue him. The Wolves are not some prebuilt dynasty begging for a luxury attachment. They are a talented, hungry, flawed contender with a superstar, a new elite playmaker, a defensive spine and one obvious missing piece. LeBron would not be along for the ride. He would be part of the reason the ride works.
A starting five of LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, LeBron James and Rudy Gobert would immediately become the best starting group in the NBA. That is not homerism. LaMelo orchestrating. Ant detonating. McDaniels defending the toughest perimeter assignment. LeBron manipulating matchups, organizing the floor and punishing teams that overload on Edwards. Gobert protecting the rim and cleaning up everything behind them. You would have passing, athleticism, defensive versatility, size, star power and enough collective basketball IQ to make every opponent miserable.
More importantly, the roles actually make sense. LeBron would not need to carry a franchise for 82 games. He would not need to be the nightly engine the way he was for so many years. Ant would remain the alpha scorer. LaMelo would handle a major share of the creation. Gobert would anchor the defense. McDaniels would take the toughest wing matchups. LeBron could conserve energy, pick his spots, punish mismatches, quarterback the offense in big moments and become the veteran adult in the room that this team has often lacked when games require maturity.
And let’s be honest, the Wolves have not been a shining example of maturity. They have talent. They have explosive upside. But they have also had stretches where composure evaporates, the offense gets sticky, and the team looks like it needs someone to walk into the huddle and remind everyone how championship basketball actually works. LeBron would bring that instantly. He would bring the kind of veteran authority that cannot be manufactured by a coaching staff or created through a team-building retreat.
For Edwards, it could be transformative. Ant is already one of the league’s best players, but he is still learning the full responsibility of being the face of a championship team. LeBron has lived that burden longer than anyone. If Edwards is truly going to become the player who brings a title to Minnesota, spending a year or two next to the greatest basketball mind of his generation could accelerate that process in ways that are difficult to quantify.
The same goes for LaMelo. For all his gifts, Ball has never been in a winning environment like this. He has never had to organize a team with title expectations. He has never had to make every possession matter deep into May and June. LeBron would not just help him on the floor. He would teach him what winning basketball actually demands.
Of course, there are reasons to be skeptical. LeBron is old by NBA standards, even if he continues to treat aging like an optional side quest. The Western Conference is brutal. Minnesota is not Los Angeles. It is not Miami. It does not offer sunshine and glamour. There is also the very real chance that LeBron simply wants the cleanest storybook ending, and Cleveland provides that in a way no other team can.
But if he means what he says, if the contract is secondary, if market size is secondary, if weather is secondary, if the goal is genuinely to find the best basketball fit and compete for one more championship, then Minnesota should be near the top of the list.
Maybe at the very top.
Because the fit is almost too perfect. The Wolves need a power forward. LeBron needs a team where he can still matter deeply without having to drag everyone across the finish line himself. Minnesota needs leadership. LeBron needs one more meaningful swing. The Wolves need someone who can elevate Edwards and LaMelo. LeBron needs a situation where winning a title would add something real to his résumé rather than simply confirming what everyone already knows.
Winning in Minnesota would matter.
It would not be dismissed as ring chasing. It would not feel like joining the machine. It would be a risk, and that is exactly why it would carry weight. If LeBron James came to the Timberwolves and helped deliver the first championship in franchise history, that would not be a footnote. That would be one of the great final chapters in NBA history.
Will it happen? Probably not.
This is still the Timberwolves. We are still talking about LeBron James. Common sense and Minnesota sports rarely find themselves sitting at the same table for very long. But for once, the crazy idea is not actually crazy because of the basketball. The basketball makes sense. The roster fit makes sense. The need makes sense. The legacy argument even makes sense.
So maybe it is wishful thinking. Maybe it is offseason fever. Maybe we are all just staring at the power forward depth chart and talking ourselves into the most dramatic possible answer. But if LeBron is really searching for the best place to compete, contribute and chase one last title in a way that still feels meaningful, there may not be a better option on the board than the Minnesota Timberwolves.
That might be the strangest sentence of the entire offseason.
The Minnesota Timberwolves currenlty sit at +2700 odds to win the NBA title at FanDuel Sportsbook. If they ever did land LeBron, those are going to be the best odds you’ll see all season!
The Ducks have seven days to decide whether to match the offer. If they don't, they will receive four first-round draft picks from the Flyers.
Carlsson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 draft, had 29 goals, 38 assists for 67 points in 70 regular season games last season with the Ducks. He added 11 points in 12 playoff games to help lead Anaheim to the second round.
According to puckpedia.com, the Ducks will have $17 million left in cap space if they match the offer sheet. They still have to re-sign restricted free agents Cutter Gauthier and Pavel Mintyukov and beef up their defense after the departures of Jacob Trouba and Radko Gudas. Plus, rookie of the year finalist Beckett Sennecke needs to be re-signed next summer.
The Flyers' offer sheet is the NHL's second since the July 1 signing period opened. The New Jersey Devils gave a one-year, $4.775 million offer sheet to the Utah Mammoth's Barrett Hayton.
Follow along for live updates on Day 3 of NHL free agency:
Rittiich gets a one-year, $1 million contract and join Jake Allen in the Devils' netminding tandem after spending last season as Ilya Samsonov's backup on the New York Islanders. The Devils traded goalie Jacob Markstrom to the Panthers on June 30.
The Stars are bringing Benn back for an 18th season. The captain gets a one-year contract for $850,000, plus an additional $1,150,000 in potential performance bonuses. He had 36 points last season and needs eight more to reach 1,000 career points.
