Black Bears

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander continues his meteoric rise this summer&mdash;securing a league-record four-year, $285.4 million supermax extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder and earning the coveted spot as the standard‑edition cover athlete for NBA 2K26, both first reported by Shams Charania and confirmed by multiple outlets.
SGA&rsquo;s supermax deal, the largest average annual value in NBA history at approximately $71.35 million per year, slots him in OKC through the 2030&ndash;31 season. It comes on the heels of a historic 2024-25 campaign: he won NBA MVP, Finals MVP, the scoring title (32.7 PPG), and led OKC to its first NBA championship &ndash; a rare trifecta achieved by only three players in history .
Simultaneously, 2K Games officially selected SGA as the NBA 2K26 standard edition cover star, releasing the news via Shams Charania on X. The announcement highlighted his on-court dominance and off-court appeal, with the game&rsquo;s SVP praising SGA&rsquo;s &ldquo;elite IQ, ice‑cold composure and street style&rdquo;. The game, set for release on September 5, 2025, will also feature Angel Reese and Carmelo Anthony on other editions, with all three appearing on the deluxe Leave No Doubt edition.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: This is a huge move for the franchise stability of OKC, as they have now locked in its best player for half a decade, ensuring consistency around their young core and championship expectations. Moreover, being a primary NBA 2K cover athlete is a rare distinction &ndash; SGA joins the ranks of NBA icons and becomes the first Thunder player to earn a solo standard-edition cover since Kevin Durant. The partnership with 2K extends beyond the cover &ndash; SGA helped shape on-game aesthetics like playlists and introduction outfits. It's a marketing win for both the superstar and the NBA brand.&nbsp;
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander&rsquo;s summer moves are more than ceremonial &ndash; this is a franchise-defining era. From signing the richest deal in league history to gracing the cover of the most iconic basketball video game, he's cementing his legacy on and off the court. Oklahoma City&rsquo;s future will be measured by how well it builds around its undisputed leader.

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander continues his meteoric rise this summer with his supermax extension and being the NBA 2K26 cover.

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander cements elite year with historic extension and NBA 2K26 cover

The San Antonio Spurs have bolstered their frontcourt by acquiring veteran center/forward Kelly Olynyk from the Washington Wizards. In exchange, San Antonio sent young guards Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley, along with a 2026 second-round draft pick, to Washington, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Olynyk, a 12-year NBA veteran known for his floor-spacing skill set, shot a career-best 41.8% from deep last season while averaging 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across the Raptors and Pelicans. He joins a revamped Spurs frontcourt alongside Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet, offering both versatility and experience.
Branham and Wesley, both 22-year-old first-round picks struggling for rotation time in San Antonio, head to Washington as part of the Wizards' youth rebuild; the swap also grants them the least favorable of the 2026 second-round picks held by Dallas, Philadelphia, or Oklahoma City.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: For the Spurs, Olynyk adds a veteran shooting big to complement Wembanyama&rsquo;s inside presence. His ability to stretch the floor helps modernize the offense, and his contract is expiring, giving the Spurs valuable financial flexibility while reinforcing their depth.&nbsp;
For the Wizards, trading Olynyk opens an opportunity for younger players and clears space as the Wizards focus on developing their core. Branham and Wesley both offer upside and draft capital to accelerate the rebuild.&nbsp;
The Spurs continue their quiet, strategic offseason, prioritizing veteran depth without compromising cap control or long-term assets. Meanwhile, Washington gains future-oriented pieces in line with their youth-driven philosophy.

The San Antonio Spurs have bolstered their frontcourt by acquiring veteran center/forward Kelly Olynyk from the Washington Wizards.

Spurs add veteran stretch big Kelly Olynyk in trade with Wizards

The Miami Heat have landed veteran wing Norman Powell in a three‑team deal involving the Clippers and Jazz, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Aiming to reignite their playoff push after a first‑round exit, the Heat have acquired Powell, who is coming off a career‑high 21.8 points per game across 60 games with the Clippers, including shooting 41.8% from three. Powell brings proven scoring and toughness to Miami&rsquo;s rotation and will be ready to contribute immediately.
In return, John Collins is headed to L.A. from Utah, while the Heat sent veterans Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson, plus a 2027 second‑round pick, to the Jazz. This low‑cost explosion reflects Miami president Pat Riley&rsquo;s focus on high‑value upgrades.&nbsp;
Powell, 32, reacted emotionally to the trade: &ldquo;Thinking back to my childhood, being a big fan of Dwyane Wade&hellip; full circle moment,&rdquo; he said, embracing the franchise&rsquo;s culture and intentions. He joins a Heat squad led by Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, offering added firepower and spacing for Miami&rsquo;s revamped offense.
For Miami, Powell fulfills multiple needs: proven leadership, wing defense, and instant scoring in contract year form. Clippers gain athleticism with Collins, and Jazz bolster their rebuild with salary relief and future assets.
For LA, they add a legitimate lob threat for James Harden and a position of need at the 4
ANALYSIS: This move signals the Heat&rsquo;s &ldquo;win‑now&rdquo; approach &ndash; a low-risk, high-reward strategy to push for contention by sending out their veterans. With Powell in tow, Miami&rsquo;s bench enters the season with renewed depth and purpose.

The Miami Heat have landed veteran wing Norman Powell in a three‑team deal involving the Clippers and Jazz.

Heat acquire Norman Powell in three‑team trade with Jazz and Clippers

In a move first reported by Shams Charania, the Washington Wizards landed promising young forward Cam Whitmore from the Houston Rockets in exchange for two future second-round draft picks.
The picks are reportedly a 2026 pick via Chicago and a 2029 pick from Sacramento. The trade, finalized July 6, was part of a larger three-team deal involving CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk joining Washington from New Orleans, according to ESPN.
A Maryland native who grew up cheering for the Wizards, the 20-year-old Whitmore will return home as he enters his age-21 season, aiming to earn consistent rotation minutes. After averaging 9.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 16.2 minutes over 51 games last season &ndash; and flashing potential with a season-high 34-point outing &ndash; Whitmore was lost in Houston&rsquo;s packed wing rotation, and now most especially after the latest additions of Kevin Durant and Dorian Finney-Smith.
For Washington, this is a low-cost, high-upside gamble. With a youthful core of recently drafted rookie Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, and others, the Wizards are stacking talent early in developmental windows. Whitmore has previously ranked among the top 10 in draft prospect analytics, and he could emerge as a future starter if nurtured properly.
Meanwhile, Houston adds draft capital, potentially valuable late second-rounders, as part of their shift from a youth-first experiment to a win-now strategy led by stars like Kevin Durant. Rockets GM Rafael Stone emphasized they are no longer in developmental mode and are focused on veteran consistency, signaling that Whitmore&rsquo;s next opportunity would be in a system built for contention.
ANALYSIS: This would be an inexpensive investment for the Wizards as they get a high-upside wing in Whitmore, with potential to develop into a rotation contributor. For the Rockets, this could maximize their current postseason window, freeing minutes and cap space while securing future draft depth. For Whitmore he enters an ideal environment to grow under less pressure and with more opportunity.
This trade marks a defining moment for both franchises &ndash; one leaning into youth and upside, the other into veteran readiness and competitiveness.

The Wizards have landed promising young forward Cam Whitmore from the Rockets in exchange for two future second-round picks.

Wizards acquire Cam Whitmore in trade with Rockets

The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their franchise cornerstone by signing reigning MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander to a four-year, $285.4 million supermax extension, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
This new supermax is the largest annual NBA contract in history at approximately $71.35 million per season. The deal runs through the 2030-31 season, anchoring Oklahoma City&rsquo;s title-contending core.
SGA&rsquo;s 2024&ndash;25 campaign was historic. He led the league with 32.7 points per game, added 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals, earning both regular-season and Finals MVP honors while guiding the Thunder to their first NBA championship in Oklahoma City. In the Finals, he averaged nearly 30 points per game, solidifying his ascent into elite league company alongside legends like Jordan, O&rsquo;Neal, and Abdul‑Jabbar.
Thunder GM Sam Presti called the move a decisive step in sustaining the franchise's momentum: &ldquo;He&rsquo;s gotten better every single year,&rdquo; Presti said, acknowledging the player&rsquo;s cultural and competitive impact. The structure allows OKC to retain financial flexibility, keeping SGA locked in at historic value while preserving space to build a supporting cast around him.
ANALYSIS: This historical precedent allows SGA to join an exclusive group with Michael Jordan, Shaquille O&rsquo;Neal, and Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar as the only players to win MVP, Finals MVP, and a scoring title in a single season. With this extension, the Thunder secure their generational talent at least through his age-33 season, ensuring continuity after their breakthrough title run. Despite the record-setting deal, OKC remains positioned to leverage its youth, draft assets, and cap flexibility for future moves. 
This supermax extension solidifies Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander&rsquo;s status as the face of the Thunder for the next half-decade. At the peak of his powers, he ensures Oklahoma City&rsquo;s championship aspirations remain front-and-center &ndash; and the Thunder&rsquo;s window for dominance stays wide open.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their franchise cornerstone SGAto a four-year, $285.4 million supermax extension.

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander seals future with OKC after record $285M supermax

The New York Knicks took an early and strategic step in free agency by signing Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, as reported by ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.&nbsp;
The Knicks aim to strengthen a bench that was a liability during their Eastern Conference Finals run. Clarkson, a 2021 Sixth Man of the Year, is set to join on a veteran's minimum contract once his Jazz buyout clears. Known for delivering instant scoring off the bench, Clarkson gives the Knicks a trusted offensive spark when Jalen Brunson rests or the offense stalls.
On the frontcourt side, New York inked Guerschon Yabusele to a two-year, $12 million deal using their taxpayer mid-level exception. The 6'8" versatile forward averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 38% from deep for Philadelphia last year, revitalizing his NBA career after a standout summer with Team France at the Olympics. Yabusele brings physicality, floor-spacing, and grit &ndash; areas the Knicks sorely needed to reinforce.
ANALYSIS: These additions immediately address New York's most significant roster gaps: bench scoring and depth in their rotation. Clarkson and Yabusele slot into a blossoming rotation alongside established pieces like Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride, giving the Knicks a stronger nine-man core.&nbsp;
However, the signings push the Knicks up to the &ldquo;second apron&rdquo; of the salary cap, potentially necessitating subtle moves to maintain flexibility.
Moving forward, the Knicks are expected to evaluate minor trades or minimum-aiming signings to solidify their roster while avoiding harsh financial limits. Meanwhile, the head coach hunt continues, although the front office has made it clear they&rsquo;re building a deeper, more reliable team around Brunson, Towns, and company.

The New York Knicks took an early and strategic step in free agency by signing Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.

Knicks sign Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele to bolster bench

The WNBA has unveiled the ten starters for the highly anticipated 2025 AT&amp;T WNBA All‑Star Game, set for July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Veterans Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) and Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) have already been confirmed as captains, earning the most fan votes &ndash; 1,293,526 for Clark and 1,176,020 for Collier.
Joining Clark and Collier in the backcourt are Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings), Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream), and Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty). Bueckers, the No. 1 overall rookie, leads her class in scoring and assists and becomes the first Wings rookie starter. Gray notches her third straight All‑Star nod, while Ionescu secures her fourth.
The frontcourt lineup showcases elite talent: Aliyah Boston (Fever), A&rsquo;ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Breanna Stewart(New York Liberty), Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle Storm), and Satou Sabally (Phoenix Mercury). Wilson and Stewart each earn their seventh All‑Star selection, while Ogwumike makes history with her 10th &ndash; a milestone tying legends like Tamika Catchings. Boston, in just her third pro season, maintains dominance with 15.9 PPG and 8.2 RPG. Sabally rounds out the frontcourt with her third nod.
The selection process combined fan (50%), player (25%), and media (25%) votes. Clark led guards in fan voting, while Wilson topped frontcourt tallies in player and media polls. Though star power in the voting was clear, several players, like Angel Reese, who are huge fan favorites, were snubbed, underscoring the high level of competition.
Looking ahead, All-Star reserves will be chosen by head coaches and announced on July 6, with team rosters revealed via a draft on July 8. The matchup kicks off All‑Star Weekend, spotlighting the WNBA&rsquo;s elite and celebrating its growing influence in women&rsquo;s sports.

The WNBA has unveiled the ten starters for the highly anticipated 2025 AT&T WNBA All‑Star Game, set for July 19.

Stars align: 2025 WNBA All‑Star Starters announced

Three contending NBA teams for next season &ndash; the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Atlanta Hawks &ndash; have each made significant roster moves this offseason.
In separate deals reported by ESPN&rsquo;s NBA insider Shams Charania, all three teams are signaling aggressive shifts in direction ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
The Houston Rockets are going all‑in this summer. After acquiring Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade with the Suns, Houston shored up its core by re-signing Fred VanVleet on a 2‑year, $50M deal (with a player option), extending Steven Adams, and re-upping coach Ime Udoka. Now in free agency, they have landed veteran 3‑and‑D forward Dorian Finney‑Smith (4 years, $53M) to improve perimeter defense along with his reliable floor-spacing skills. Then they signed Clint Capela for more depth at their center position, and with $14M in cap space remaining, Houston is finalizing its championship roster.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets addressed frontcourt depth by trading for center Jonas Valančiūnas from Sacramento in a straight-up swap for Dario Saric. Valančiūnas, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds last season, will provide Nikola Jokić steady backup minutes and additional interior toughness. Despite moving Saric&rsquo;s cap hit, Denver stays under the first tax apron, preserving financial flexibility.
However, the biggest story of Denver&rsquo;s offseason has been acquiring Cam Johnson, who was traded in for Michael Porter Jr. and a future first-round pick. Moreover, the Nuggets have brought back former Nugget champion in 2023, Bruce Brown, on a minimum deal.
The Atlanta Hawks focused on spacing and backcourt versatility. They completed a sign‑and‑trade for wing Nickeil Alexander‑Walker (4 years, $62M, with player options and Trae Young playing a recruit role), and signed sharpshooter Luke Kennard to a 1‑year, $11M deal to boost 3‑point range off the bench. These moves aim to complement Trae Young while improving perimeter defense and shooting.
ANALYSIS: For the Rockets, they have dramatically elevated their ceiling, as Durant adds star power, VanVleet brings court leadership, and Finney-Smith and Capela shore up their defense. The franchise is firmly in win-now mode. The Nuggets have secured Valančiūnas to add size behind Jokić, and then Johnson and Brown are strengthening their bench rotation and sustaining their championship window. For the Hawks, these perimeter additions in Alexander-Walker and Kennard mean they prioritize spacing and two-way flexibility after also trading for Kristaps Porzingis days earlier. This is signaling readiness to support Young in a deeper push.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
These strategic moves reflect each team&rsquo;s goals: Houston&rsquo;s aggressive contender build, Denver&rsquo;s championship continuity, and Atlanta&rsquo;s roster refinement. The summer&rsquo;s first wave sets a sharp tone &ndash; expect these teams to command attention come next season.

Three contending NBA teams for next season – the Rockets, Nuggets, and Hawks – have each made significant roster moves.

Rockets, Nuggets, Hawks retool rosters with major offseason shakeups

The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft has been completed, and the second round will tip off on Thursday, June 26 (8 ET, ESPN) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. This will be the second time in NBA history that the draft will be held over two days, following its introduction over a year ago.
Here are all the first-round selections courtesy of the NBA: (article to be updated with the second-round picks)
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/cooper-flagg">Cooper Flagg</a> (Duke) to the Dallas Mavericks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/dylan-harper">Dylan Harper</a> (Rutgers) to the San Antonio Spurs</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/vj-edgecombe">VJ Edgecombe</a> (Baylor) to the Philadelphia 76ers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/kon-knueppel">Kon Knueppel</a> (Duke) to the Charlotte Hornets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/ace-bailey">Ace Bailey</a> (Rutgers) to the Utah Jazz</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/tre-johnson">Tre Johnson</a> (Texas) to the Washington Wizards</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/jeremiah-fears">Jeremiah Fears</a> (Oklahoma) to the New Orleans Pelicans</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/egor-demin">Egor Demin</a> (BYU) to the Brooklyn Nets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/collin-murray-boyles">Collin Murray-Boyles</a> (South Carolina) to the Toronto Raptors</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/khaman-maluach">Khaman Maluach</a> (Duke) to the Houston Rockets &ndash; <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/suns-rockets-trade-kevin-durant">Traded to Suns</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/cedric-coward">Cedric Coward</a> (Washington State) to the Portland Trail Blazers &ndash; <a href="https://x.com/memgrizz/status/1938089198935834700">Traded to Grizzlies</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/noa-essengue">Noa Essengue</a> (Ratiopharm Ulm) to the Chicago Bulls</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/derik-queen">Derik Queen</a> (Maryland) to the Atlanta Hawks &ndash; <a href="https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/derik-queen-nba-draft-trade-forward-center-maryland-new-orleans-pelicans-atlanta-hawks-first-round-draft-pick-13">Traded to Pelicans</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/carter-bryant">Carter Bryant</a> (Arizona) to the San Antonio Spurs</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/thomas-sorber">Thomas Sorber</a> (Georgetown) to the Oklahoma City Thunder</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/hansen-yang">Yang Hansen</a> (Qingdao) to the Memphis Grizzlies &ndash; <a href="https://www.nba.com/blazers/news/trail-blazers-acquire-draft-rights-to-yang-hansen">Traded to Trail Blazers</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/joan-beringer">Joan Beringer</a> (Cedevita Olimpija) to the Minnesota Timberwolves</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/walter-clayton-jr">Walter Clayton Jr.</a> (Florida) to the Washington Wizards &ndash; <a href="https://x.com/utahjazz/status/1938070621159616606">Traded to Jazz</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/nolan-traore">Nolan Traor&eacute;</a> (Saint-Quentin BB) to the Brooklyn Nets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/kasparas-jakucionis">Kasparas Jakučionis</a> (Illinois) to the Miami Heat</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/will-riley">Will Riley</a> (Illinois) to the Utah Jazz &ndash; <a href="https://x.com/WashWizards/status/1938082193785397462">Traded to Wizards</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/drake-powell">Drake Powell</a> (North Carolina) to the Atlanta Hawks &ndash; <a href="https://x.com/BrooklynNets/status/1938071333008482655">Traded to Nets</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/asa-newell">Asa Newell</a> (Georgia) to the New Orleans Pelicans &ndash; <a href="https://www.nba.com/hawks/news/atlanta-hawks-acquire-the-draft-rights-of-asa-newell-the-no-23-pick-in-the-2025-nba-draft">Traded to Hawks</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/nique-clifford">Nique Clifford</a> (Colorado State) to the Oklahoma City Thunder &ndash; <a href="https://www.nba.com/kings/news/kings-acquire-draft-rights-to-nique-clifford">Traded to Kings</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/jase-richardson">Jase Richardson</a> (Michigan State) to the Orlando Magic</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/ben-saraf">Ben Saraf</a> (Ratiopharm Ulm) to the Brooklyn Nets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/danny-wolf">Danny Wolf</a> (Michigan) to the Brooklyn Nets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/hugo-gonzalez">Hugo Gonz&aacute;lez</a> (Real Madrid) to the Boston Celtics</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/liam-mcneeley">Liam McNeeley</a> (Connecticut) to the Phoenix Suns &ndash; <a href="https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/charlotte-hornets-agree-in-principle-to-acquire-the-draft-rights-to-liam-mcneeley">Traded to Hornets</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2025/prospects/yanic-konan-niederhauser">Yanic Konan Niederhauser</a> (Penn State) to the Los Angeles Clippers</li>
</ol>

The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft has been completed, and the second round will tip off on Thursday, June 26, still in Brooklyn.

2025 NBA Draft: Full results

In a major offseason shake-up reported by ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania, the New Orleans Pelicans have sent veteran guard CJ McCollum, stretch center Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for dynamic scorer Jordan Poole, forward Saddiq Bey, and the No. 40 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.
Poole, 26, arrives fresh off a 20.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game season, leading the Wizards in scoring. With Dejounte Murray sidelined by an achilles injury, he steps into a larger role beside Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III &ndash; a youth-forward Pelicans rotation poised to build around playoff potential.
McCollum, 33, brings steadiness and shooting off the bench to Washington, averaging 21.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds before his trade. Joined by Olynyk, who offers floor spacing, the Wizards also gain salary relief &ndash; to the tune of roughly $100 million in projected cap space by 2026 &ndash; while securing veteran leadership for their young core.
Saddiq Bey, though sidelined last year with a torn ACL, brings two-way versatility and perimeter shooting to New Orleans. With two years left on his contract, Bey adds depth and potential around its emerging talents.
ANALYSIS: The Pelicans aim to inject energy and scoring into a struggling roster, while refreshing their timeline with younger talent, while the Wizards prioritize cap relief and mentorship to guide a young team through development and future roster maneuvers.
Both franchises take calculated swings: New Orleans adding upside and reshaping its timeline, and Washington clearing cap space and acquiring experienced vets &ndash; highlighting the league&rsquo;s shifting strategies in rebuilding and financial planning.

In a major offseason shake-up reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Pelicans have traded for Jordan Poole from the Wizards.

Pelicans acquire Jordan Poole from Wizards

With the 2025 NBA Finals shifting back to Oklahoma City for a pivotal Game 5, the Thunder delivered their most complete performance of the series &ndash; blowing past the Indiana Pacers to take a 3-2 series lead. In a game full of defensive highlights, coaching decisions, and unexpected stars, it was Jalen Williams who stole the show and ignited Paycom Center with a breakout performance.
Here are four major takeaways from a statement win by OKC:
OKC&rsquo;s defense smothers Indiana&rsquo;s rhythm
The Thunder&rsquo;s defensive identity was the foundation of their Game 5 victory. They swarmed the ball, clogged passing lanes, and applied relentless pressure on Indiana&rsquo;s guards. OKC forced 17 turnovers, including 10 steals and 6 blocks, dictating the pace from the opening tip and never letting the Pacers find any offensive flow.
Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, and Alex Caruso led the perimeter charge, while Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren walled off the paint. The Thunder&rsquo;s switch-heavy, help-first scheme disrupted Indiana&rsquo;s ball movement and turned defensive stops into transition opportunities.
This wasn&rsquo;t just solid defense &ndash; it was a masterclass in suffocating execution that led to the victory.
The Jalen Williams takeover game
With the Pacers loading up on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander all night, Jalen Williams seized his moment &ndash; and then some.
The third-year forward exploded for 40 points on just 24 shots, carving up Indiana&rsquo;s defense with drives, midrange jumpers, and timely three-pointers. Williams didn&rsquo;t just score &ndash; he controlled the game. His poise, pace, and precision punished every defensive coverage the Pacers threw at him.
This was no fluke performance. Williams had been growing into his role all postseason, but this was the official coming-out party &ndash; proof that the Thunder have a legitimate second star capable of taking over an NBA Finals game.
Indiana&rsquo;s puzzling decision to sit TJ McConnell
When the Pacers needed a spark, T.J. McConnell delivered &ndash; at least for a while.
With Tyrese Haliburton clearly hampered by a strained right calf, McConnell took over in the third quarter. He scored 18 points, pushed the pace, and helped trim a 20+ point deficit down to single digits. But in a head-scratching move, head coach Rick Carlisle opted to sit McConnell for the entire fourth quarter in favor of a struggling Haliburton.
Haliburton finished 0-for-4 from the field in 34 minutes and didn&rsquo;t look like himself at any point. Meanwhile, McConnell &ndash; one of the few Pacers with any rhythm &ndash; only saw the floor again near the end of the game. It was a questionable coaching decision that halted Indiana&rsquo;s momentum and left fans wondering what could&rsquo;ve been.
Haliburton&rsquo;s status looms large for Game 6
Indiana&rsquo;s hopes of extending the series hinge on the health of their All-Star guard. Haliburton was clearly limited in Game 5 due to the calf strain. While he tried to gut it out, his effectiveness was minimal, and his mobility looked compromised.
The Pacers will now face an elimination game at home, and Haliburton&rsquo;s availability &ndash; and effectiveness &ndash; could define the outcome. If he&rsquo;s unable to go or continues to play through pain, Carlisle may have to consider leaning more on McConnell or even Andrew Nembhard to stabilize the offense.
OKC, meanwhile, is one win away from capturing the franchise&rsquo;s first NBA championship since moving to Oklahoma. And with Jalen Williams joining Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a legitimate Finals force, the Thunder look like a team peaking at the perfect time.

We break down OKC’s elite defense and Jalen Williams dropping 40 points on Game 5 takeaways.

Thunder-Pacers Game 5 Takeaways: Jalen Williams rises, OKC clamps down Indiana

In a postseason filled with emotion, grit, and resolve, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has stood at the center of it all &ndash; he&rsquo;s calm, composed, and unrelenting. Now, two games into his first NBA Finals appearance, the Oklahoma City Thunder&rsquo;s All-NBA superstar is putting the finishing touches on a masterpiece of a season, one that could go down as one of the greatest individual campaigns in league history.
With 34 points in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals, following up a 38-point performance in the series opener, Gilgeous-Alexander has the Thunder in a great position to win a title, and he has cemented his place in rarified air. His 72 combined points are the most ever in a player&rsquo;s first two NBA Finals games, eclipsing a mark previously associated with some of the game&rsquo;s all-time greats.
And he&rsquo;s not done just yet.
<h3>Elite company, historic pace</h3>
In the postseason, every possession carries weight, and every moment is magnified. But for Gilgeous-Alexander, these moments don&rsquo;t appear to faze him. He&rsquo;s not just rising to the occasion &ndash; he&rsquo;s controlling it.
Game 2's 34-point outing marked his ninth consecutive home playoff game with 30 points or more, joining only Wilt Chamberlain in NBA history to accomplish that feat. In doing so, he also notched his 11th playoff game with at least 30 points and five assists, a stat line that only LeBron James and Michael Jordan have reached in multiple postseason runs.
LeBron did it in three separate years. MJ did it in two. Shai&rsquo;s doing it this year.
His consistent brilliance has propelled him to the top of the 2025 playoff scoring leaderboard. With 516 total points, he recently passed Jalen Brunson (514) for the most points scored in this year&rsquo;s postseason. He&rsquo;s doing it efficiently, artistically &ndash; and with the kind of poise that makes it clear: this is his moment.
<h3>The MVP is carrying like an MVP</h3>
The Thunder have been one of the NBA&rsquo;s most compelling stories all year &ndash; a young, unselfish team loaded with talent, built through the draft, and molded into a contender. But in the crucible of the playoffs, every great team needs that singular force &ndash; that player who can tilt the court, break a defense, and change the game&rsquo;s emotional temperature.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is that force for Oklahoma City.
After leading the league in scoring during the regular season and earning All-NBA First Team honors, he was named the 2025 NBA MVP &mdash; a recognition of his two-way dominance and night-to-night consistency. And now, as the lights burn brighter, he&rsquo;s gone from award-winner to tone-setter.
He&rsquo;s playing with a purpose that goes beyond personal accolades. He&rsquo;s the heartbeat of a team chasing history, and he&rsquo;s doing it in the most demanding stage of all.
What&rsquo;s perhaps most impressive is how SGA has handled each phase of the journey with equal parts humility and hunger. His playoff run has been defined not just by numbers, but by moments &ndash; dagger shots, crafty finishes, fourth-quarter takeovers, and calm in chaos. He hasn't just been great &ndash; he's been inevitable.
<h3>A season for the ages</h3>
Gilgeous-Alexander&rsquo;s latest performance gave him over 3,000 total points on the season &ndash; combining regular-season and playoff scoring &ndash; another milestone in a campaign already overflowing with them.
To put this into perspective: he could complete the kind of six-for-six checklist that only a handful of players in NBA history have even dreamed of &ndash; league scoring champion, regular-season MVP, All-NBA First Team, Western Conference Finals MVP, NBA champion, and Finals MVP &ndash; all in a single season.
Each of those achievements alone is significant. Together, they form a portrait of a transcendent season &ndash; the kind of year that defines legacies and reshapes the league&rsquo;s power structure.
The Thunder&rsquo;s rise from rebuilding team to Finals frontrunner has been sudden to some, but internally, it&rsquo;s been calculated and patient. Still, without Gilgeous-Alexander, their timeline likely looks different. He&rsquo;s the player who made their future arrive early &ndash; and now, he might be the one who delivers their first title since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City.
<h3>Beyond the numbers</h3>
What sets Gilgeous-Alexander apart, especially in this Finals run, is not just what he&rsquo;s doing &ndash; it&rsquo;s how he&rsquo;s doing it.
His game is quiet but surgical. He doesn&rsquo;t overpower defenders with brute strength or dazzle with deep threes. Instead, he picks his spots, manipulates angles, and imposes his rhythm. There&rsquo;s a jazz-like quality to his game &ndash; unpredictable, fluid, yet meticulously controlled.
In clutch time, he&rsquo;s been near automatic. Whether it&rsquo;s using his footwork to dance into mid-range jumpers or drawing contact for crucial free throws, SGA has been the ultimate closer for a Thunder team that continues to rise to every challenge.
It&rsquo;s that unselfishness, combined with his relentless work ethic and stoic demeanor, that has endeared him to teammates and fans alike. There&rsquo;s an old soul quality to SGA&rsquo;s approach &ndash; a maturity that belies his age and a leadership style rooted in accountability, not noise.
<h3>The final step</h3>
Now just three wins away from basketball immortality, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder find themselves on the brink of a championship. But the job&rsquo;s not finished.
The NBA Finals will shift to the opposing city for Games 3 and 4, where the pressure will mount, the crowd will roar louder, and the resistance will tighten. The margins will be razor-thin. But if this postseason has shown anything, it&rsquo;s that Gilgeous-Alexander has the heart, the game, and the will to push through.
This run has already carved his name into the record books. What comes next could define the start of SGA and the Thunder&rsquo;s era.
And for a Thunder team guided by youth and galvanized by Shai&rsquo;s leadership, the future isn&rsquo;t just bright &mdash; it&rsquo;s arriving right now.

SGA is delivering one of the greatest playoff runs in NBA history, leading the Thunder while making MVP-level history along the way.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivers MVP-level heroics in first NBA Finals trip

The NBA has officially unveiled its All-Defensive First and Second Teams for the 2024&ndash;25 season, highlighting both seasoned defenders and emerging talents who made significant impacts on the court.
All-Defensive First Team
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers): The 2024&ndash;25 Defensive Player of the Year led all vote-getters, securing 99 out of 100 first-team votes. This marks his second consecutive First Team selection, underscoring his role as a defensive cornerstone for the Cavaliers.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors): Earning his fifth First Team nod and ninth overall All-Defensive selection, the 35-year-old veteran continues to anchor the Warriors' defense with his versatility and leadership.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks): In his breakout season, Daniels secured his first All-Defensive First Team honor, reflecting his emergence as a premier perimeter defender.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Luguentz Dort (Oklahoma City Thunder): Known for his tenacious on-ball defense, Dort's first First Team selection highlights his pivotal role in the Thunder's league-leading defense.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets): In just his second NBA season, Thompson joins an elite group by earning First Team honors, showcasing his exceptional defensive versatility and impact.</li>
</ul>
All-Defensive Second Team
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Toumani Camara (Portland Trail Blazers): Making his debut on the All-Defensive Team, Camara's defensive prowess has been a bright spot for the Trail Blazers.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves): With his eighth All-Defensive selection, Gobert continues to be a dominant force in the paint, anchoring the Timberwolves' defense.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies): Securing his third All-Defensive honor, Jackson's shot-blocking and rim protection remain integral to the Grizzlies' defensive schemes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder): Earning his first All-Defensive selection, Williams' versatility and defensive acumen have been key to the Thunder's success.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ivica Zubac (Los Angeles Clippers): Zubac's interior defense and rebounding have earned him his inaugural All-Defensive Team recognition, highlighting his growth as a defensive anchor.</li>
</ul>
These selections underscore the blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent shaping the NBA's defensive landscape, reflecting the league's emphasis on defensive excellence.
&nbsp;

The NBA has officially unveiled its All-Defensive First and Second Teams for the 2024–25 season.

NBA Announces 2024–25 All-Defensive Teams

The New York Knicks didn&rsquo;t just beat the Boston Celtics. They unmade them.
It was never just about winning a series. It was about proving a point. About silencing the doubt that crept in after four straight regular-season losses. About validating every roster move, every inch of grit, and every ounce of sweat poured into this season. It was about showing the basketball world &ndash; loudly and unmistakably &ndash; that this team wasn&rsquo;t just trying to contend. They were trying to conquer.
When the final buzzer sounded in Madison Square Garden and the scoreboard read 119&ndash;81, the Knicks had done just that &ndash; burying the defending champions in a Game 6 demolition and clinching their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years.
But the mission is far from over.
A blueprint forged in Celtics&rsquo; green
From the jump, New York&rsquo;s front office operated with one adversary in mind: Boston. The Celtics were the gold standard, the defending champions, and the measuring stick for anyone serious about owning the East.
Leon Rose and company tailored this roster to match up directly with Boston&rsquo;s strengths. They re-signed OG Anunoby and traded for Mikal Bridges &ndash; two of the league&rsquo;s premier wing defenders &ndash; to neutralize Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Then came the blockbuster deal to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns, who gave the Knicks a stretch big man to go toe-to-toe with Kristaps Porzingis.
Everything was calculated. Every move had Boston&rsquo;s name on it.
And yet, the regular season was a humbling reminder of how far they still had to go. The Celtics swept the Knicks 4&ndash;0, and did so with such ease that New York&rsquo;s grand design felt naive. What good was a plan if the execution failed? If Boston could anticipate every counter, every scheme, every attempt at disruption?
But that&rsquo;s the thing about belief &ndash; it doesn&rsquo;t disappear with setbacks. It adapts. It evolves. It waits for its moment.
A series that changed everything
Heading into the second round, the Knicks were underdogs by every metric. They had a seven-man rotation, an ailing Mitchell Robinson, and a superstar in Jalen Brunson carrying an enormous load. Boston had depth, pedigree, and the confidence of having dismantled them all season.
But the Knicks weren&rsquo;t interested in narratives. They were there to rewrite them.
New York stunned the Celtics by taking Games 1 and 2 in Boston &ndash; punctuated by two clutch defensive stops from Mikal Bridges. In Game 1, it was a strip of Jaylen Brown. In Game 2, it was a game-sealing closeout on Tatum. That was the turning point&mdash;when the Knicks wrestled control from the defending champs and refused to let go.
OG Anunoby was nothing short of sensational. His defense on Tatum was suffocating, but it was his offensive output that tilted the series. He punished Boston with timely threes, strong drives, and unrelenting pressure. By the end of Game 6, he had cemented himself as one of the best two-way performers of the postseason.
Karl-Anthony Towns reminded everyone why the Knicks traded for him. He provided invaluable floor spacing, softening Boston&rsquo;s paint defense and making their double-big lineups less effective. His rebounding and decision-making gave the Knicks versatility they sorely lacked in previous playoff runs.
Josh Hart, the team&rsquo;s emotional engine, played like a man possessed. He chased every loose ball, battled for every rebound, and made hustle plays that sent the Garden into a frenzy. In Game 6, he notched the franchise&rsquo;s first playoff triple-double since 1972. He was the spirit of the Knicks personified.
Mitchell Robinson, matched against the veteran Al Horford, was a force on the glass and in the paint. His size and activity made Boston work for everything. And the Towns-Robinson pairing &ndash; while unconventional &ndash;&nbsp; at times gave New York an edge in rim protection and rebounding.
Miles McBride, the fan favorite, was the exclamation point. His clutch shooting and relentless defense made the most of his minutes. The Garden roared every time he touched the ball, and in Game 6, he gave fans even more to cheer for with 10 points and relentless pressure on the perimeter.
And, of course, Jalen Brunson. The league&rsquo;s Clutch Player of the Year showed why he earned that title. Whether it was a floater in traffic, a step-back jumper, or a drive through contact, Brunson delivered in every critical moment. He averaged 26.2 points in the series and captained the Knicks with poise, toughness, and swagger.
He was, and continues to be, the heart of New York&rsquo;s renaissance.
More than just a win &ndash; it&rsquo;s a revival
The impact of this series win goes beyond the scoreboard. It reverberated through the city. New York, a basketball town starving for success, erupted in celebration. Celebrities poured out of the Garden. Streets were flooded with fans chanting &ldquo;Go New York Go New York Go!&rdquo;. Timoth&eacute;e Chalamet &ndash; yes, even the &lsquo;Lisan Al Gaib&rsquo; &ndash; joined in in support of his favorite NBA team
It lit up the NBA world. What was supposed to be Boston&rsquo;s coronation turned into a Knicks uprising. The defending champs were outclassed, outcoached, and outworked. And the league took notice.
It reaffirmed the Knicks&rsquo; vision. Every decision, every gamble &ndash; they were worth it. This wasn&rsquo;t just a team that got hot. This was a team that executed its plan to perfection when it mattered most.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
However, the job is not yet done.&nbsp;
The Knicks have their work cut out for them from here on out. Two series down, two series to go. Now, it&rsquo;s on to Indiana.
The Pacers are no easy out. Led by All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton and a deep, versatile supporting cast, they&rsquo;ve steamrolled through the playoffs with pace, ball movement, and shooting.
The Knicks, meanwhile, continue to rely on a tight, seven-man rotation. They&rsquo;ll enter the series with the same urgency, the same intensity &ndash; but also with heavier legs.
It&rsquo;ll be a clash of philosophies: New York&rsquo;s top-heavy, defense-first grind versus Indiana&rsquo;s spread attack and bench firepower. But if the Celtics series proved anything, it&rsquo;s that the Knicks are more than just a system. They&rsquo;re a team that believes &ndash; fiercely and completely.
They believe in each other. They believe in the plan. And now, for the first time in decades, the entire city believes alongside them.
So no, the job&rsquo;s not done, but the Knicks are exactly where they believed they&rsquo;d be.
And they're just getting started.

The Knicks finally beat the Celtics in a dramatic 6-game series, validating their season-long mission, but the job's not finished yet.

The Knicks were built to beat the Celtics – now they’re built for more

Anthony Edwards' meteoric rise in the NBA continues relentlessly. The 23-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves superstar has added another chapter to his burgeoning playoff legacy, leading his team to a 4-1 series victory over the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals. This triumph not only propels the Timberwolves to their second consecutive Western Conference Finals but also reinforces Edwards' growing reputation as the league's premier "legend killer."
The term "legend killer" may have been used in jest by fans and analysts, but it's becoming more apt with each passing series. Edwards is carving out one of the most impressive early playoff resumes in recent memory, routinely stepping up against the game's brightest stars and emerging victorious.
Slaying giants and legends is becoming a playoff tradition for Edwards
Edwards' postseason journey reads like a who's who of NBA royalty. Last year, he spearheaded the Timberwolves' stunning run through the Western Conference, eliminating a Phoenix Suns team led by future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. In the following round, they went toe-to-toe with reigning MVP Nikola Jokić and the defending champion Denver Nuggets &ndash; and prevailed.
This season has followed a similar narrative. In the first round, Edwards and the Wolves dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Edwards outdueled both LeBron James and Luka Doncic on both ends of the floor and delivering clutch baskets in high-pressure moments.
Now, in the semifinals, he's taken down a Warriors team that boasted championship pedigree and playoff-tested veterans in Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green &ndash; and would have had Stephen Curry, were it not for injury.
It's no wonder the nickname "legend killer" has started to stick. Edwards is not just winning playoff series; he's ending runs and ushering in a new era of stardom. Few players his age have compiled such an impressive list of postseason victims &ndash; and he's doing it as the unquestioned leader of a franchise that hadn&rsquo;t been to the Conference Finals in 20 years before his arrival.
Golden State&rsquo;s fortunes took a major hit just minutes into Game 1 when Stephen Curry pulled up lame, clutching his left hamstring. The team initially called it &ldquo;tightness,&rdquo; but subsequent scans revealed a strain that would sideline the two-time MVP for the remainder of the series.
Curry&rsquo;s absence was devastating. In Game 1, the Warriors managed to win despite him being out for the majority of the game, and Golden State was within striking distance. But without him, the Warriors lacked spacing, cohesion, and a consistent scoring threat. Butler, whom the Warriors acquired midseason for a late title push, averaged a decent amount of points in the series but struggled to find rhythm without Curry drawing double teams. Draymond Green&rsquo;s defensive prowess and playmaking were neutralized by Minnesota&rsquo;s size and physicality.
Minnesota, meanwhile, smothered Golden State with a vaunted defense led by Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, and Edwards. The Wolves&rsquo; game plan was simple yet effective: deny Butler clean looks, collapse on drives, and force role players to beat them. Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield were rather inconsistent, while Jonathan Kuminga, though promising, lacked the polish to carry the scoring load for the entire series. The Warriors ultimately lost four straight games after taking the opener.
Timberwolves' strategic mastery&nbsp;
Minnesota&rsquo;s resurgence is as much about front-office vision as it is about Edwards&rsquo; emergence. The franchise made a controversial decision last summer, trading long-time star Karl-Anthony Towns &ndash; the face of the franchise for nearly a decade &ndash; to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.
Initially panned as an overreaction to last year&rsquo;s Conference Finals loss, the move has aged like fine wine. Randle brought a rugged interior presence and a scorer's mindset that perfectly complements Rudy Gobert&rsquo;s defense-first approach. In these playoffs, Randle has arguably been playing the best basketball of his life, often bullying smaller defenders in the post while spacing the floor just enough to allow Edwards room to operate.
DiVincenzo, a tenacious defender and underrated shooter, has been an x-factor despite struggling a bit in the playoffs. He has consistently hit timely threes while guarding opposing guards with a relentless motor. His chemistry with Edwards has flourished, allowing the Wolves to maintain intensity on both ends without sacrificing floor spacing.
Add in the steady leadership of Mike Conley and the rim protection of Gobert and Naz Reid off the bench and the perimeter defense by McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and you&rsquo;ve got one of the most well-balanced teams left in the playoffs.
With this series win, the Timberwolves have secured their second straight appearance in the Western Conference Finals &ndash; a feat that once seemed unimaginable for a franchise long plagued by mediocrity. They fell to Dallas in last year&rsquo;s WCF, but the lessons from that loss are clearly paying off.
This version of the Wolves is deeper, more experienced, and far more adaptable. They&rsquo;ve shown they can win gritty, defensive battles or shoot it out when the game opens up. Coach Chris Finch has masterfully balanced rotations and drawn up sets that accentuate Edwards&rsquo; strengths while keeping Randle, Gobert, and DiVincenzo involved.
The next step now is breaking through to the NBA Finals &ndash; something no Timberwolves team has ever accomplished.
Being the &lsquo;face of the league&rsquo;
As the NBA&rsquo;s long-standing icons gradually wind down their careers, the league is searching for its next torchbearer. While players like Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are all in the mix, few have made as loud a postseason statement as Anthony Edwards.
His playoff numbers &mdash; 27.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists per game &mdash; don&rsquo;t just tell the story of a rising superstar, they scream franchise cornerstone and future MVP. More importantly, Edwards has embraced the spotlight, asking for it and owning the pressure of delivering wins against the best in the world.
He&rsquo;s charismatic, fiercely competitive, and fearless. His ability to elevate his game in the postseason, rise above elite opponents, and close out games has drawn comparisons to legends of the past. And with every &ldquo;legend&rdquo; he defeats, Edwards inches closer to becoming one himself.
Anthony Edwards isn&rsquo;t just adding to his playoff resume &mdash; he&rsquo;s building a legacy. One legendary opponent at a time.
And if the &ldquo;legend killer&rdquo; keeps this up, the next generation of NBA stars might be defined by who manages to take him down.

Anthony Edwards continues his rise as the NBA’s “Legend Killer,” leading the Timberwolves past the Warriors to reach the WCF again.

Anthony Edwards adds to ‘legend killer’ legacy as Wolves eliminate Warriors in 5

Cooper Flagg is now set to take his talents to the NBA and the Dallas Mavericks after the franchise won the NBA draft lottery and the No. 1 overall pick on Monday night.
This is the first time the Mavericks have won the lottery in their 45-year history.
After losing franchise superstar Luka Doncic in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas will have an immediate replacement after lucking out with the 1st overall pick. The Mavericks entered the night with the 11th-best odds to land the No. 1 overall, at just 1.8 percent.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
COOPER FLAGG, YOU ARE A DALLAS MAVERICK. Dallas (1.8% chance) has won the 2025 NBA Draft lottery. 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/HzEIlg649i">pic.twitter.com/HzEIlg649i</a>
&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/1922070620168233131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

The Mavericks are primed to almost certainly use the pick on Flagg, the Duke University freshman standout. The 6-foot-9 Flagg, who is regarded as one of the best prospects in recent NBA history, led the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance in his lone college season and won the national player of the year award.
Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 48.1% from the field, 38.5% from 3-point range, and 84% from the foul line. If the Mavericks end up drafting him, Flagg will join a core that includes Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and the injured Kyrie Irving.&nbsp;
San Antonio also moved up the draft boards to pick second, while Philadelphia and Charlotte rounded out the top 4.
Utah and Washington, which were tied with Charlotte with the best chances to land 1st overall with 14 percent, will pick fifth and sixth, respectively.
Full order of the draft lottery (according to the sequence announced by NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum)
14th pick - San Antonio Spurs (from Atlanta Hawks)
13th pick - Atlanta Hawks (from Sacramento Kings)
12th pick - Chicago Bulls
11th pick - Portland Trail Blazers
10th pick - Houston Rockets
9th pick - Toronto Raptors
8th pick - Brooklyn Nets
7th pick - New Orleans Pelicans
6th pick - Washington Wizards
5th pick - Utah Jazz
4th pick - Charlotte Hornets
3rd pick - Philadelphia 76ers
2nd pick - San Antonio Spurs
1st pick - Dallas Mavericks

Cooper Flagg is now set to take his talents to the Mavericks after the franchise won the No. 1 overall pick on Monday night.

Mavericks earn 2025 NBA 1st overall pick, right to draft Cooper Flagg

Interim NBA head coaches Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs and Tuomas Iisalo of the Memphis Grizzlies have been promoted to permanent head coaching positions. Both appointments reflect a commitment to continuity and the recognition of leadership demonstrated during challenging circumstances.
Mitch Johnson takes the helm in San Antonio
Following Gregg Popovich's retirement after a legendary 29-year tenure, the San Antonio Spurs have named Mitch Johnson as their new head coach. Johnson, 38, has been with the Spurs organization since 2016, serving as an assistant coach and later stepping in as interim head coach during Popovich's health-related absence in the 2024&ndash;25 season. Under his interim leadership, Johnson earned respect for maintaining the team's culture and guiding young talents like Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.
Tuomas Iisalo leads Memphis forward
The Memphis Grizzlies have officially appointed Tuomas Iisalo as their head coach, removing the interim tag he held since March 2025. Iisalo, the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history, took over after the dismissal of Taylor Jenkins. Despite the mid-season transition, he guided the Grizzlies to a playoff berth, showcasing his ability to lead and adapt.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
ANALYSIS: These promotions underscore the value of internal development and the importance of leadership continuity within NBA franchises. Both Johnson and Iisalo have demonstrated the capability to guide their teams through transitions, earning the trust of their organizations to lead into the future.

Interim NBA head coaches Mitch Johnson of the Spurs and Tuomas Iisalo of the Grizzlies have been promoted to head coaches.

Mitch Johnson, Tuomas Iisalo secure NBA head coaching roles for Spurs, Grizzlies

After an illustrious 29-season tenure, Gregg Popovich has stepped down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs and will assume the role of President of Basketball Operations, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
This transition marks the end of a coaching era that brought five NBA championships and numerous accolades to the franchise.
Popovich, 76, is the NBA's all-time leader in coaching wins, with 1,422 regular-season victories and 170 playoff wins&mdash;all with the Spurs. His coaching career includes five NBA titles (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), three Coach of the Year awards, and a gold medal as head coach of the U.S. men's national team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
Popovich's decision follows health challenges, including a mild stroke in November 2024, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. During his absence, assistant coach Mitch Johnson served as interim head coach and has now been appointed as his successor. Johnson, 38, has been with the Spurs since 2016 and is known for his deep understanding of the team's culture and values.
In his new role, Popovich will continue to shape the Spurs' future from the front office, focusing on player development and organizational strategy. His transition ensures that his influence on the team remains significant, even as he steps away from day-to-day coaching duties.
The basketball community has widely recognized Popovich's contributions, with tributes pouring in from current and former players, coaches, and fans. His legacy as a mentor, leader, and advocate for social causes extends beyond the court, solidifying his status as one of the most respected figures in sports.
As the Spurs embark on a new chapter under Johnson's leadership, Popovich's enduring presence in the organization promises continuity and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

After an illustrious 29-season tenure, Gregg Popovich has stepped down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.

Gregg Popovich steps down as Spurs head coach, transitions to president of basketball operations

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle has been named the 2024&ndash;25 NBA Rookie of the Year, marking the second consecutive season a Spurs player has earned the honor, following Victor Wembanyama's win last year. Castle secured 92 of 100 first-place votes, totaling 482 points in the voting, ahead of Atlanta's Zaccharie Risacher and Memphis' Jaylen Wells.&nbsp;
Selected fourth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft from the University of Connecticut, Castle led all rookies with 14.7 points per game, adding 4.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 74 steals across 81 games, including 47 starts. He also made 95 three-pointers, showcasing his offensive versatility.&nbsp;
Castle's performance intensified late in the season, especially with Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox sidelined. Over the final 30 games, he averaged 22.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per 36 minutes, a feat matched only by LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and LaMelo Ball before turning 21.
His accolades include being named MVP of the 2025 Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend and earning Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors in January and March.
Castle joins Spurs legends David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Wembanyama as Rookie of the Year recipients, solidifying San Antonio's reputation for developing top-tier talent.
With this award, Castle becomes the first UConn alum to win Rookie of the Year since Emeka Okafor in 2005, adding to his impressive resume that includes a 2024 NCAA championship and Big East Freshman of the Year honors.
Castle's emergence as a cornerstone for the Spurs signals a promising future for the franchise, building upon its storied history of nurturing young talent.

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle has been named the 2024–25 NBA Rookie of the Year.

Stephon Castle captures 2024–25 NBA Rookie of the Year award

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has been honored with the 2024&ndash;25 NBA Clutch Player of the Year award, recognizing his exceptional performance in high-pressure moments throughout the season.​
Brunson led the league in clutch scoring, amassing 156 points with a 51.5% field goal percentage in clutch situations&mdash;defined as the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score is within five points.&nbsp;
Competing against finalists Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets and Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Brunson's consistent late-game excellence secured him the award. ​
This accolade marks the third year of the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year award, with Brunson joining previous winners De'Aaron Fox and Stephen Curry. ​
Brunson's clutch performances have been pivotal in the Knicks' successful season, contributing significantly to their playoff positioning.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has been honored with the 2024–25 NBA Clutch Player of the Year award.

John

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