Franca Franca

As the 2026 NBA trade deadline came and went without a blockbuster move for two of the league&rsquo;s biggest stars, Ja Morant and Giannis Antetokounmpo remained with their respective teams &ndash; despite heavy speculation that either could be dealt before the NBA trade deadline.
Milwaukee opted not to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo as the deadline expired, keeping the two-time MVP with the Bucks for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. Reports indicate that while there was significant interest from teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat, no offer met Milwaukee&rsquo;s steep asking price &ndash; which reportedly included elite young talent and multiple first-round picks.&nbsp;
The 31-year-old superstar has spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Bucks, leading them to an NBA championship in 2021. Despite the franchise&rsquo;s struggles this season, Giannis remains under contract and committed to Milwaukee through the deadline, even amid ongoing speculation about his future beyond this campaign.&nbsp;
Two-time All-Star Ja Morant was also the subject of trade rumors up to deadline day &ndash; with teams like the Kings, Timberwolves and Heat reportedly showing interest &ndash; but no serious offer materialized that both Memphis and prospective suitors could agree on.&nbsp;
Morant, 26, has missed time this season with an elbow injury and has seen his market value fluctuate as a result, factors that played into the Grizzlies ultimately retaining him rather than concluding a deadline deal.&nbsp;
For Milwaukee, keeping Giannis keeps the franchise centerpiece in place, but it also raises questions about the team&rsquo;s direction, given its current standing and playoff aspirations.&nbsp;
For Memphis, Morant&rsquo;s future is still unresolved and a broader roster shakeup is already underway. Retaining him now positions Memphis to re-evaluate its rebuild and potentially revisit his status in the offseason.

Ja Morant and Giannis Antetokounmpo remained with their respective teams – despite heavy speculation of a trade.

Ja Morant, Giannis Antetokounmpo stay put in the NBA’s trade deadline

The Atlanta Hawks are sending Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
The trade comes just two days after rumors started circulating about the Wizards pursuing Young when he and the Hawks were working on a trade out of the franchise.
The 27-year-old Young, a 4-time all-star with the Hawks, now moves on to the nation&rsquo;s capital in Washington to continue his basketball journey in his preferred destination.
The Hawks will receive McCollum, who is on an expiring contract for financial flexibility to use for future trades, as well as being a great veteran that fits the team&rsquo;s playstyle. They will also receive Kispert, a nice connecting piece with shooting to put alongside Jalen Johnson.
ANALYSIS: For the Hawks, this ushers in the new era for the franchise by moving away from their franchise piece for 8 years in Young. Atlanta has been playing relatively well without Young at the start of the season with the emergence of Jalen Johnson, who has been playing at near all-NBA level. They will now move on to a different direction with Johnson as their centerpiece, continuing to develop and accumulate young talent that fits his timeline.
For the Wizards, they get their franchise PG they have been searching for to anchor the young talent they have been developing over the last few years. Young joins a promising young core of Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, Tre Johnson, and Bub Carrington as they try to turn the franchise around after years of struggling and rebuilding.
This is a developing story.

Hawks trade Trae Young to Wizards for CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert

In an NBA era defined by star-chasing, supermax contracts, and eye-watering luxury tax bills, the Indiana Pacers have defied every expectation &ndash; and the associated financial precedent. This isn't just a Cinderella story &ndash; it is a testament to the franchise&rsquo;s strategic planning, belief, and organizational cohesion. The Pacers didn&rsquo;t just sneak into the NBA Finals. They earned their way there, brick by brick, all while keeping their books clean and their identity intact.
When the final buzzer sounded in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, it wasn&rsquo;t just a win for Indiana &ndash; it was a triumph for every small-market franchise searching for hope. In a league that often favors the big spenders, Indiana made it through without ever crossing into luxury tax territory. It&rsquo;s a feat that&rsquo;s not just impressive &ndash; it&rsquo;s unprecedented in today&rsquo;s NBA landscape.
This Finals appearance isn&rsquo;t an overnight success. What they lacked in payroll, they made up for in vision, development, coaching, and complete buy-in from the front office, to the coaching staff, and the players themselves &ndash; making this a culmination of the belief that you can build a winner through cohesion and culture &ndash; and not just cost.
<h4>A vision realized for Indiana</h4>
The foundation of Indiana&rsquo;s Finals run traces back to February 2022. The Pacers shipped All-Star Domantas Sabonis to Sacramento and received a then-rising guard in Tyrese Haliburton.&nbsp;
At the time, the move was seen as a gamble. Few teams part ways with a current All-Star for a young guard still developing. At the time, the move was seen as a gamble. Few teams part ways with a current All-Star for a young guard still developing. Many questioned the move and a few understood the vision.
However, Indiana did. They saw a lead playmaker who could evolve into the face of their franchise. Three years later, Haliburton has done exactly that &ndash; growing into an All-NBA-caliber PG, powering the league&rsquo;s fastest-paced offense and leading the Pacers with maturity beyond his years.
Haliburton was also someone who could not only run their offense but also carry the culture. The result was a floor general with a team-first mentality and elite passing instincts, now one of the NBA's most dynamic point guards, but at the same time has one of the energetic personalities and star vibe in the league. Haliburton&rsquo;s development into a full-fledged star wasn&rsquo;t accidental. It was intentional &ndash; nurtured by head coach Rick Carlisle, empowered by the front office, and amplified by the supporting cast that embraced his leadership.
The vision was clear from the start: make Haliburton the center of everything. Build around his IQ, his unselfishness, and his drive. That clarity allowed the front office to pursue players who complemented his skill set, not cluttered it.
One of those pieces came midseason in the form of Pascal Siakam, acquired from Toronto. Siakam brought championship pedigree, defensive versatility, and a scoring punch that balanced out Indiana&rsquo;s offense. While most teams searched for flash, Indiana sought fit. Siakam wasn&rsquo;t just a name &ndash; he was a need, and he filled it perfectly with all his traits that the team needed.
Pairing Haliburton&rsquo;s creativity with Siakam&rsquo;s downhill force turned Indiana into an offensive juggernaut. They didn&rsquo;t just outscore opponents, they overwhelmed them with pace, precision, and purpose.
<h4>Finding value in &ldquo;rejects and cast-offs&rdquo;</h4>
Indiana&rsquo;s roster isn&rsquo;t built on big names &ndash; it is built on belief.&nbsp;
Obi Toppin, once a lottery pick in New York, never got the role or runway he needed. In Indiana, he found freedom. In Carlisle&rsquo;s system, his athleticism became a weapon, not an afterthought.
Aaron Nesmith was viewed as a spare part in Boston, part of the return in the Malcolm Brogdon deal. Now? He&rsquo;s a defensive stopper, reliable shooter, and starter for a Finals-bound team.
Both were labeled as afterthoughts elsewhere but in Indiana, they were seen as untapped potential, and they have been vital pieces in this run to the Finals. These weren&rsquo;t lottery tickets. These were strategic buys; low-risk, high-reward acquisitions that paid off because the Pacers provided the right ecosystem for growth.
In a system that values spacing, ball movement, and grit, players like Toppin and Nesmith flourished. Their emergence wasn&rsquo;t just a bonus &ndash; it was necessary. The Pacers&rsquo; depth became one of their biggest advantages, and it was built on players most teams had given up on.
<h4>Myles Turner: The loyal soul that stayed after being through it all</h4>
If there&rsquo;s a symbol of Indiana&rsquo;s perseverance, it&rsquo;s Myles Turner. For years, he was in every trade rumor imaginable. Yet he never asked out, never wavered, and just kept working.
Now, the longest-tenured Pacer is finally on the biggest stage. Turner&rsquo;s elite shot-blocking, stretch/spacing ability, and leadership have anchored this team in every sense.&nbsp;
Turner is the defensive anchor and emotional pillar of Indiana&rsquo;s run, and on a team full of new faces, his presence provided continuity which he has embodied from day one.
His loyalty was rewarded and his patience paid off. And in a poetic twist, he&rsquo;ll play for a title in the only uniform he&rsquo;s ever known.
<h4>The right draft picks, the right roles, and the culture setters</h4>
The Pacers didn&rsquo;t just win the draft &ndash; they won the development battle. Andrew Nembhard, taken 31st overall in 2022, has become one of the best value picks in recent years. His poise, defensive tenacity, and timely playmaking have been invaluable throughout the playoffs next to Haliburton.
Then there&rsquo;s Bennedict Mathurin &ndash; flashy, fearless, and unafraid of the moment. He&rsquo;s not a volume scorer yet, but his playoff contributions &ndash; attacking off the bench, hitting momentum-swinging shots &ndash; have added another dimension to Indiana&rsquo;s attack.
Together, they reflect the front office&rsquo;s shrewdness. Indiana didn&rsquo;t just draft talent &ndash; they drafted competitors that can be brought to war.
On the other hand, people like TJ McConnell &ndash; veterans who show up, do the work, and demand accountability &ndash; have helped shape the culture in Indiana. McConnell may not stuff the stat sheet, but he sets the tone. Every loose ball, every second-unit possession, every moment of urgency, he&rsquo;s there &ndash; diving, scrapping, leading.
In the playoffs, when the margin of error shrinks, players like McConnell make the difference. His presence alone changes games &ndash; and reflects the kind of winning culture Indiana has quietly cultivated for years and it has absolutely paid off with this Finals run.
<h4>Brilliant coaching by veteran champion coach Rick Carlisle</h4>
However, none of this happens without Rick Carlisle. Over a decade removed from his legendary 2011 title run with Dallas, Carlisle has once again proven his genius. He reinvented Indiana&rsquo;s offense around Haliburton&rsquo;s strengths, managed egos without sacrificing cohesion, and made the right adjustments at every critical postseason juncture.
His calm demeanor, sharp tactical mind, and belief in player empowerment have given this group the freedom to grow &ndash; and the structure to succeed. He wanted to build something sustainable and something real. He didn&rsquo;t just install a playbook &ndash; he constructed a belief system. One that emphasized player development, ball movement, and defensive grit.
Carlisle has masterfully blended youth with experience, adapting his game plan series after series. He&rsquo;s out-coached more expensive benches and out-thought veteran counterparts. He&rsquo;s now one of the few head coaches to lead multiple franchises to the NBA Finals, and he did it again without a superteam &ndash; but by doing it with one of the most balanced rosters in the NBA.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
What makes Indiana&rsquo;s improbable NBA Finals run remarkable is the backdrop: a financial arms race across the league. Many are saddled with bloated payrolls and limited flexibility and have spent well into the luxury tax just to chase a title.
Through careful planning, smart contracts, and prudent investments, the Pacers have remained competitive without ever compromising their cap structure.
This is a reminder to the league that culture matters. That coaching still counts. That not every superstar needs to be acquired through chaos.
In many ways, Indiana has done the impossible: they&rsquo;ve built a Finals team without mortgaging their future or blowing up their balance sheet. They&rsquo;ve set a new standard &ndash;&nbsp; a proof that a franchise can win through culture, clarity, and consistency, not just cash.
The Pacers built something lasting. Something meaningful. And in doing so, they&rsquo;ve earned the respect of the basketball world. This is more than just a basketball success story. The Indiana Pacers didn&rsquo;t just get here. They earned it &ndash; methodically, intelligently, and without ever compromising who they are.
And now, the Pacers are four wins away from finishing the story on the sport&rsquo;s biggest stage.

The Pacers reached the NBA Finals without luxury tax, proving a sustainable, cap-smart approach can still build a title contender.

Sustainable Greatness: Indiana’s cap-savvy journey to the NBA Finals

The Sacramento Kings have dismissed head coach Mike Brown following a disappointing 13-18 start to the 2024-25 NBA season, the team announced today. This decision comes after a fifth consecutive home loss, a 114-113 defeat to the Detroit Pistons, where the Kings squandered a 10-point lead with under three minutes remaining.
Brown, who was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2022-23 after leading the Kings to their first playoff appearance in 16 years, leaves with a 107-88 record over his tenure with the team. Despite the accolades, the Kings have struggled this season, currently ranking 12th in the Western Conference and outside the playoff picture.&nbsp;
Assistant coach Doug Christie, a former Kings player, will assume the role of interim head coach. Christie, known for his defensive prowess during his playing career, will look to stabilize the team and address the inconsistencies that have plagued the Kings this season.&nbsp;
The Kings' management expressed gratitude for Brown's contributions, particularly his role in ending the franchise's long playoff drought. However, the team's current performance made the team feel like it necessitated a change in leadership. The organization remains committed to building a competitive roster and is hopeful that the coaching change will serve as a catalyst for improvement.
The Kings are scheduled to face the Los Angeles Lakers next, a matchup that will be closely watched as Christie begins his tenure as head coach and with the ongoing rumors of a potential De&rsquo;Aaron Fox trade.

The Sacramento Kings have dismissed head coach Mike Brown following a disappointing 13-18 start to the 2024-25 NBA season.

Kings part ways with head coach Mike Brown

The Miami Heat found themselves at the center of NBA trade speculation when ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania reported that the team was exploring potential trade scenarios for star forward Jimmy Butler.&nbsp;
According to the report, Butler&rsquo;s two preferred destinations were the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns. However, Heat President Pat Riley wasted no time in shutting down the chatter.
&ldquo;We usually don&rsquo;t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches,&rdquo; Riley stated. &ldquo;Therefore, we will make it clear &ndash; We are not trading Jimmy Butler.&rdquo;
The timing of the rumors comes as the Heat are battling for playoff positioning in a competitive Eastern Conference. Butler, a six-time All-Star and the cornerstone of Miami&rsquo;s success since his arrival in 2019, has played a pivotal role in their recent achievements, including leading the team to two NBA Finals appearances (2020 and 2023).
Charania&rsquo;s report suggested Butler&rsquo;s desire to join the Warriors or Suns stemmed from opportunities to compete alongside elite rosters with championship potential. The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, and the Suns, featuring Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, would provide Butler with immediate title contention.
However, Riley&rsquo;s emphatic statement underscores the Heat&rsquo;s commitment to Butler as their franchise player. At 15-13 on the season, Miami currently holds the sixth seed in the East, and Butler&rsquo;s leadership is seen as critical to their postseason aspirations.
The Heat&rsquo;s front office has long been known for its loyalty to star players, and Riley&rsquo;s declaration aims to put an end to distractions. For now, Jimmy Butler remains the face of the franchise, as Miami continues to chase its championship dreams.

The Miami Heat are apparently not trading star forward Jimmy Butler.

“Jimmy Butler is not getting traded”: Riley

The NBA have officially unveiled the new all-star format for this year's All-Star Game after rumors of it swirling a few weeks back.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend is set to happen in the San Francisco Bay Area, home of the Golden State Warriors.
The traditional all-star game format will now be replaced and will feature a mini-tournament &ndash; similar to a pick-up game &ndash; with 4 teams each. 3 teams will be featuring the 24 NBA All-Star selections (12 from each conference) composed of 8 players each. The 4th team will be the Castrol Rising Stars champion, consisting of the best young and upcoming talents in the league today.
The 3 NBA All-Star teams will be drafted by team GMs Charles Barkley, Shaquille O&rsquo;Neal, and Kenny Smith. Their teams will then be named Team Charles, Team Shaq, and Team Kenny respectively. Candace Parker will be the GM of the Team Candace, the Castrol Rising Stars Champions.
The NBA All-Star Draft for Team Charles, Team Shaq, and Team Kenny will be broadcasted live on February 6, Thursday, on TNT.
The Mini-Tournament will be composed of 3 games; 2 teams will meet in 1 semifinal game and the remaining two teams will meet in the other semifinal game. The two winning teams will meet in the championship game.
For each game, the winner will be the first team to reach or surpass 40 points. Similar to the Rising Stars format over the past few years, there will be no time limit.
The NBA 2025 All-Star Game/Mini-Tournament will be on February 16, 8 P.M ET on TNT.

The NBA have officially unveiled the new all-star format for this year's All-Star Game.

NBA unveils new all-star format in San Francisco Bay Area 2025 NBA All-Star weekend

The success of men&rsquo;s basketball in the 2024 Olympics has opened the eyes of many fans to the fact that there are great teams and players across the planet. While Team USA swept to the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/team-usa-defeat-hosts-france-to-claim-olympic-gold-medal">gold medal</a> with a win over France in the final, maybe you were impressed by some of the tournament&rsquo;s best non-NBA players and wondered whether they might end up in the American league.
<h2>Willy Hernangomez - Spain</h2>
&nbsp;
At 7-foot tall, this center is an imposing physical presence in the Spanish team. He broke through at Real Madrid and joined the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2015 NBA draft before being traded to the New York Knicks. His time playing at Madison Square Garden appeared to start well and was Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month early in his career as he led rebounding for newcomers to the league. He ended his first season in the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Willy then bounced around a few American teams without realizing his obvious potential. In 2023, he signed a three-year deal with Spanish team FC Barcelona. He was recently reported to be dissatisfied with his role at Barcelona and will have been disappointed that the highly-rated Spanish team dropped out of the Olympics in the qualifying round. Will Willy return to the NBA at some point? After seven years in the American league, he stated that he was happy with the <a href="https://basketnews.com/news-197125-willy-hernangomez-havent-felt-this-much-support-in-all-my-years-in-nba.html">support he received</a> on his return to Spain, so it seems unlikely at the moment.&nbsp;
<h2>Bruno Caboclo - Brazil</h2>
This 28-year-old power forward from Brazil started his career with Pinheiros before joining the Toronto Raptors in the 2014 NBA draft. This selection is still best remembered for Fran Fraschilla saying that he was "two years away from being two years away" when reporting it. Bruno never quite made the breakthrough expected of him in the NBA and returned to Brazil, where he was more successful.
After moving around a few teams in different countries, he joined Partizan Belgrade of the Serbian League in 2023. He averaged 9.4 points over the 2023-24 season, which was ultimately unsuccessful for the team. Given his globe-trotting career to date, it would be easy to imagine Bruno being interested in a move back to the US, but the latest news reports suggest that he is <a href="https://www.nbamaniacs.com/en/nba-rumors/bruno-caboclo-receives-an-offer-from-israel/">considering an offer</a> from Israeli team Hapoel Tel Aviv. At the Olympics in Paris, his 33 points vs Japan was one of the top individual performances.
<h2>Wenyen Gabriel - South Sudan</h2>
Wenyen was born in Sudan but moved to the US as a youngster. His college basketball was played for the Kentucky Wildcats, and he was one of the country&rsquo;s most highly-ranked young players at one point. Despite this, he went undrafted in 2018 but then joined the Sacramento Kings to play in the Summer League. After briefly joining the Portland Trail Blazers, Wenyen moved to the New Orleans Pelicans followed by the Brooklyn Nets and other US teams.
He then went to Puerto Rico with the Vaqueros de Bayam&oacute;n and it was recently announced that he&rsquo;s signed for Maccabi Tel Aviv to play in the Euroleague and the Israeli Basketball Premier League. If you want to follow his career, you can now easily find online content for foreign basketball leagues and stream games. You might also want to check the current <a href="https://www.bodog.eu/sports/basketball">basketball odds</a> for leagues around the world. You&rsquo;ll see live betting odds as well as the numbers for upcoming games. Choose from options like moneyline, spread, and total bet when looking for games to bet on in the Euroleague and elsewhere.
<h2>Carlik Jones - South Sudan</h2>
Carlik was born in the US and grew up in Ohio, becoming one of the highest-rated college players while performing for the Radford Highlanders and then the Louisville Cardinals. He went undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft but then joined the Dallas Mavericks to play in the NBA Summer League. After moving around a few teams, he was named as the NBA G League&rsquo;s Most Valuable Player in 2022 while playing for the Chicago Bulls.&nbsp;
The point guard played in China and was rumored to be moving to Maccabi Tel Aviv this season but surprised everyone by signing for Partizan Mozzart Bet of the Serbian league instead. Carlik revealed after the World Cup that he had some offers from the NBA but that the move to Serbia felt right and that Partizan appears to be the ideal team for him. At 26 years old, he might still have time to move back to the American league in the future.
<h2>Summary</h2>
At the moment none of the non-NBA players who performed well in the 2024 Olympics seems set to join the American basketball league. Yet, some of them have already played here before heading abroad to try their luck elsewhere, so it wouldn&rsquo;t be a major surprise to see one or more players from this list reaching the NBA at some point. &nbsp;

The success of men’s basketball in the 2024 Olympics has opened the eyes of many fans that there are a lot of great teams and players.

Which Olympic Basketball Stars Could Join the NBA?

The Sacramento Kings have begun their offseason on a big note after getting Malik Monk&rsquo;s approval as he is set to re-sign with the team, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Monk will reportedly resign with the Kings on a very friendly four-year, $78 million contract to remain with the franchise.
A 6th man of the year runner-up with Sacramento, Monk will remain with the team by being its microwave scorer off the bench and one of the most dynamic guards in the league and stay with longtime friend DeAaron Fox.
Rumors have been swirling about a lot of teams&rsquo; inquiries of Monk, and his market value was reportedly around the 90-100 million USD range, so this pay cut seems to be a little bit of a surprise.
The 26-year-old has resurrected his young career in Sacramento after tumultuous stints with Charlotte and the LA Lakers, and he has found a legit role and place within the team.

The Kings have begun their offseason on a big note after getting Malik Monk’s approval as he is set to re-sign with the team.

Malik Monk returns to the Kings on a 4-year, $78 million deal

As Klay Thompson comes off a flare screen from Kevon Looney, rookie Brandin Podziemski delivers a bounce pass at the block to Jonathan Kuminga to run their patented split-action. Podziemski sets another screen at the wing and Kuminga delivers a pass right on the money to a curling Thompson. He sets his feet, lets one defender chasing him fly by and shoots a three right over the help defender.
Splash. Nothing but the bottom of the net, just like the old days. The Warriors are comfortably up after the third quarter against the Utah Jazz after Thompson hits his third-straight three and score his 35th point as he came off the bench for the first time since 2012. Although the Jazz had a big fourth quarter to keep the game close, the Warriors eked out with a win to continue playing their best basketball of the season.
The Warriors are fun again, so it seems.
After a tumultuous season filled with ups and downs, the Dubs are 8-2 over their last 10 games right before the All-Star break and preparing for another playoff push with their aging dynastic core.
What makes their run so special is the fact that they rediscovered a winning formula despite making zero moves at the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 8. Rumors were swirling, but they decided to stick with this group for the rest of the season &ndash; and possibly for seasons to come.
&ldquo;We did win a championship, in case people forgot, a year and a half ago,&rdquo; said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr when asked if he believes this isn't the last dance for the Warriors' Big Three. &ldquo;I believe in my guys, I love those guys, and we're going to keep fighting."&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"We did win a championship, in case people forgot, a year and a half ago...I believe in my guys, I love those guys, and we're going to keep fighting." - Steve Kerr when asked if he still believes this season is not a "Last Dance" for the Warriors' Big 3 (via <a href="https://twitter.com/WillardAndDibs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WillardAndDibs</a>). <a href="https://t.co/0x1cmOmyqf">pic.twitter.com/0x1cmOmyqf</a>
&mdash; 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) <a href="https://twitter.com/957thegame/status/1747438806557712848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
Despite a seemingly lost season, the Warriors took a gamble by choosing to stand pat and stick with the core that won them a title two seasons ago, while trusting this new set of role players to fill in the gaps.&nbsp;
The championship core from two years ago is still intact. Steph Curry is still an all-world talent and offensive force even at 35 years old. Draymond Green is back to his usual self. Since returning from his suspension, Green&rsquo;s aggressiveness on offense and ever-reliant ability on defense have energized the team.&nbsp;
Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney started the season with bad slumps, but are slowly getting back into their groove, while Gary Payton II continues to work his way back to being 100% healthy. Thompson has struggled as of late, but he can still be lethal scoring in spurts with just his mere shooting prowess.
The young guys are coming into their own as contributors and finding their identity within the team. Podziemski has been a revelation, serving as a connector on offense and earning Steve Kerr&rsquo;s trust to start games and play with the closing lineup over Thompson. Kuminga is developing into a capable scoring option, which gives the Warriors another dimension.
Lately, the Warriors look like themselves again. Their in-game swagger is back and the vibes are immaculate. These are the Warriors of old, winning while having fun.
Given their recent success, they are confident that they still have at least one more run in them.
&ldquo;This is a story that&rsquo;s still kind of unfolding, and it&rsquo;s important that we see it all the way through until it&rsquo;s proven that we can&rsquo;t win,&rdquo; Curry said in <a href="https://www.theringer.com/nba/2024/2/12/24070258/golden-state-warriors-steph-curry-steve-kerr-draymond-green-klay-thompson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an interview with The Ringer&rsquo;s Logan Murdock.</a>
The Warriors are determined to win, and they want to do it their way. And perhaps that&rsquo;s the point.
This team was built from the ground up, with a collective effort from a group of players who were drafted and developed by the franchise. After all, it was the &ldquo;Strength in Numbers&rdquo; mantra that started it all, and it's only fitting to end their journey the same way they started: with a team that was built the right way.
The Warriors have won four championships in the last decade by using this formula, and they believe this same approach will lead them to another Larry O'Brien trophy. After doing it all these years, Thompson believes that they have what it takes to succeed once again by trusting their process.
&ldquo;You see Steph Curry, you see Draymond Green, you see our playoff record when we are together,&rdquo; Thompson proclaimed. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll always believe.&rdquo;

The Warriors are 8-2 over their last 10 games and preparing for another playoff push with their aging dynastic core.

Strength in numbers: The Golden State Warriors' way

Former NBA GM Pete Babcock opens up to Etan Thomas about how the media's false narratives can greatly influence NBA front offices.

Former NBA GM on how media coverage, false narratives impact players

Last week, NBA legend Shawn Marion traveled to Abu Dhabi to support the 2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games, which featured two preseason games between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves as well as youth clinics and fan events.&nbsp;
Marion led a skill-development clinic for youth athletes from Dubai's NBA Basketball School &mdash; a year-round basketball program in the UAE for boys and girls ages 6-to-18. He also judged a dunk contest, met with fans and took part in other NBA events alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ray Allen, Tim Hardaway Sr., Gary Payton, Sam Perkins, Kenny Smith, Ronny Turiaf and Salah Mejri.
Marion is an NBA champion, four-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-NBA selection and one of just five players in NBA history to record 17,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, 1,500 steals and 1,000 blocks (the other four are LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Karl Malone and Hakeem Olajuwon). The Phoenix Suns recently announced that they'll retire Marion's jersey this season.
While in Abu Dhabi, Marion joined me on <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/1710458099448811578" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my new show "Running Up The Score"</a> to discuss his legendary career, the Suns' decision to retire his jersey, Mat Ishbia's impact since buying the franchise, the globalization of the NBA, how the game has evolved, whether he'll get back into podcasting and more.&nbsp;
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MwvBnhrrzgs?si=eVIfF5h6J8LrK9aA&amp;start=1676" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
You&rsquo;re currently in Abu Dhabi for the Mavericks-Timberwolves preseason games and to host a basketball clinic with kids from the NBA Basketball School in Dubai. How is your trip going?&nbsp;
Shawn Marion:&nbsp;"Man, the trip is going amazing. This is a new culture for me; I've never experienced this, never been here. We're in a different part of the world right now and, I mean, I can tell you this: this is a place I'll definitely be coming back to. This is truly awesome. And, you know what, they're very passionate about [basketball]. I just had this meeting; I just came from an office visit and they had like 250 employees, but everybody spoke different languages! There were 16 languages being spoken! That tells you how diverse it is here, and they really pride themselves on that here. It's pretty amazing."
The globalization of the NBA has been a big priority for the league for some time. From when you were playing to now, do you see a big difference in terms of the NBA&rsquo;s worldwide popularity and international support?
Marion: "Yes. I think as you look at the lay of the land right now, the NBA and basketball is a global sport. But the way that the NBA has been able to grow it, they're taking it to other levels. They're starting NBA Academies and having clinics all around the world, and that just helps it grow even faster. Of course, TV and social-media content help as well, but the level it's growing at right now is unheard of."
The Phoenix Suns recently announced that they are retiring your jersey. Congratulations!
Marion: "Thank you!"
How did you find out that news and what was your reaction?
Marion: "I'm gonna be very honest and candid. Mat [Ishbia] called me as soon as he took ownership of the team and he was like, 'I'm not doing some of the shit that's been done [before]. I'm going to take care of you and reward you by retiring your jersey. I'm a man of my word, and that's what I'm going to do.' That's exactly what he said, and he did! Yep, it was that simple."
Ishbia is quickly winning over fans &mdash; he&rsquo;s spending money, making it easier to watch games, honoring past legends like yourself and so on. What do you think of Ishbia and the fresh start in Phoenix from an ownership perspective?
Marion: "I love it, man. I got a chance to see the practice facility; it's literally not too far from the place that I still have in Phoenix and I ain't been able to see [it before]. I ain't feel like... I feel like a weight was lifted off my shoulders to a certain degree. He's making the transition so easy. And he wants all the players who paved the way and set the foundation for the Suns organization and helped build that team into what the city loves and admires [to be involved]. He just wants everybody to be a part of it, man, and I love it. I think it's awesome. He's doing some amazing things out there."
The Suns have so much talent with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic. What do you think of this year's team and do you think they can win it all?
Marion: "Man, I think they got a chance just like anybody else, but, of course, their [championship hopes] are probably a little bit more realistic than some other teams. I just hope they stay healthy. When you stay healthy, you give yourself a chance. That's the thing. A lot of teams deal with injuries, and they've been hit with the injury bug a little bit as well. But they've got Frank Vogel as the head coach out there now and he's a defensive-minded guy. They just made another trade and got some other pieces to add to it &mdash; Grayson Allen and Jusuf Nurkic. I think that happened while I was out here; I was at a meeting when I got the alert and I was like, 'Wow! They ain't playing no games right now!' Listen, at the end of the day, he's trying to give himself and the organization the best chance to win. That's what you gotta do."
You obviously helped change the game and were ahead of your time. Overall, what are your thoughts on the modern NBA?
Marion: "Listen, it's run-and-gun, it's feast-or-famine right now. We set the foundation for what [the game] is now. There's so much positionless basketball being played, and it's dynamic. You're seeing the transition and evolution of what we started back in my Phoenix days during the Seven-Seconds-Or-Less era. That's what we started, and that's what it is right now. And I don't see the game going back to two traditional big men ever again."
Throughout the 2000s, not having a specific position was a death sentence for a player; nobody wanted to be labeled a "tweener." Then, seemingly overnight, the NBA became obsessed with "positionless" players and the tweeners were suddenly the most valuable players. That's one of my favorite examples of how the NBA is always evolving.
Marion: "Here's the thing: people can say [they're positionless], but it don't mean they are. You know, to be a two-way player in this league is very rare, but to be a positionless player is even more rare. You could be a guy who can go out there and guard 1 through 5, but to actually do it &mdash; willingly do it &mdash; is a big difference! A lot of guys probably could do it, but they don't do it, you know? Right now, teams are playing positionless basketball because everybody's switching everything. Most guys don't really post up anymore either. It's all face-up game and jumpers. So, it's easy to just jump into that narrative and bandwagon, but if you look at the game as a whole though, it's more of a guard-heavy game now than it was prior to when we made that transition. It's just been a shift. A lot of bigs now don't post up anymore; they're face-up players [too]. That's the evolution of the game."
A few years so, you and I did some of the NBA Watch Parties together on Clubhouse. I also love that <a href="https://twitter.com/MainTeamSports2/status/1506615984173592589" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video where you jumped on Twitter Spaces</a> and educated fans about your career; it was incredibly entertaining. You're obviously passionate about this game. Have you ever thought of doing a podcast?
Marion: "Well, Alex, it's funny you say that. I actually had a podcast with one of my guys in Dallas, so I was one of the first guys to ever do it. I just didn't do any promoting or all of that stuff, but it was something that we did in the Mavs organization kind of early on &mdash; like way before everybody started getting into podcasts. And it was great! But the thing about podcasts is unless you got a set thing, you gotta create content all the time, and I was so busy focusing on trying to be a father first. That was my lane. And then I dibbled and dabbled in TV a little bit and thought about doing some broadcasting work, but, like I said, my priorities shifted because I'm a hands-on father. So, I couldn't keep doing it in Dallas because that was the situation, but I have thought about reopening that window.
"I do have a different side of the game that I like to talk about. I know narratives get created easily by the media, and we consume them and we digest them. It becomes part of our thought process of that player, of that team or whatever it is. But I was talking about this with one of my friends. I was telling him: it's easy for a [former] player to say, 'I can do this or that.' But what kind of player were you though? Because it's hard for a point guard to tell how to guard a big, or for a big to tell how to guard a point guard. But when I say it, I actually guarded all of them! I did it all! And I didn't just do it for a quarter or half a quarter. I did it for full games! So, when I sit there and I tell people that, people are like, 'Man, you know, I never thought about it from that standpoint.' I was like, 'Yo, I actually did this.' You know what I'm saying? Like, it's easy for somebody to say, 'I can guard somebody,' or, 'Oh, I'm a two way player; I can guard this player.' I'm like, 'Can you do it for a full game though?' I'm the only person ever to do it for full games."
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/kg3.jpg" alt="" width="707" height="342" />
I love to ask players about big &ldquo;what-ifs&rdquo; from NBA history. There was a report a while back that you were nearly traded to the Boston Celtics as part of a three-team deal that would have sent Kevin Garnett to Phoenix and picks to Minnesota. Is that true and, if so, can you tell that story?
Marion: "It is true. But Phoenix wasn't gonna do the deal. They didn't think it was viable because they would have to change their style of play instantly because we're two different type of players. So, they didn't want it. KG was in Minnesota at the time, and I would've went to Boston and he would've came here (to Phoenix). At the time, Boston was losing; I think they had a losing record at that time. I was like, 'Uhh...' But I mean, we have no control over that. Some of the rumors that come out about trades are actually true, but both sides have to agree to it. People throw out deals all the time, [teams talk] all the time, so there's plenty of hypotheticals out there.
"But you wanna hear an untold true story? I never really fully ever became a free agent except my last year playing when I signed with with Cleveland. When I signed with Dallas, it was a sign-and-trade, so I was still under contract basically with Toronto. It was a sign-and-trade deal, so I never really tested the free-agency market like that. So, what happened was I was about to be a free agent or get traded, and this was around that same time as those KG rumors. Kobe [Bryant] called me and said, 'If you're really gonna go out on the market and it's a possibility [that you're changing teams], I want you to come out to L.A.' So, we was texting and he was like, 'Yo!' It ain't happen because they didn't have the money to pay me, but that's a story that a lot of people don't know about."
I love those kind of stories and it's always interesting to think how those potential moves could have changed NBA history.
Marion: "Oh, there were a lot of situations out there like that where [trade talks] were open! It was pretty fun. When you look at the business of the NBA, man, the optimism and [hope] of what could possibily be is what makes it so fun and dynamic &mdash; een with the trade that just went down with Damian Lillard. It's funny, Paul Pierce actually predicted that. He called that in July. He said, 'If I'm Dame, I would try to get to Milwaukee.' It's funny that he said that and I could see it [from Lillard's perspective]. But do I think they're better? Ehh, they lost a lot for that trade, you know? [Jrue Holiday]. Grayson Allen was a great player for Milwaukee. He is a great pickup for Phoenix. He's a hell of a player, a great player, dude. Like, he does a lot of small stuff. He's a very tough guy. I like him. It's something about him that I like. I like the little Duke dudes with that little rough-and-rugged side! But he's one of those guys who can hit shots, he's gonna play defense and he competes. He's actually a lot better than people give him credit for. He ain't got a chance to really showcase his skills, but he can play. And if they use him the right way, he can help them."
For sure. Thanks for your time, I really appreciate it!&nbsp;
Marion: "Anytime, man. You know, we have great conversations and stuff. I might contemplate doing a podcast again. I gotta have the mobile equipment. We'll see; I don't know. I gotta have a great co-host. I like people who shoot [straight]. I told this to a reporter, so I'll give this to you. I told this guy who was recording me yesterday: when you are doing your interviews, do not ask the same questions and stuff that somebody else asks. Do not&nbsp;ask the same stuff."
I'm sure that gets really annoying.
Marion: "It's so annoying. It's okay to piggyback off of answers just to get some kind of content to create something in your own way. But don't ask the exact same questions. You sound you are a true fan. I know you are a true fan of the game. Like, you really love this. And so [you] ask the questions that you wanna know from someone in my position! Forget about the stuff that's already been out there already! Create your own. We all got a story to tell."
For sure.
Marion: "And the thing is, I love my former guys talking about ball and stuff, but some of them talk like they was way bigger and better than they were. Some of these guys were below-average role players, but they talk like they were superstars! I'm like, 'What did you... How good was you? What did you do?!' (laughs) I'm like, 'He was a role player!' He was a solid role player! And look, I became a role player. But you know...
Yeah, but that was because of your longevity. You had four All-Star years before that.
Marion: "Yeah, that's about longevity and understanding that you gotta sacrifice to win. That's the biggest thing, you know? And I could have easily averaged such and such, but I was like, 'You know what? They don't need me to do that. I don't have to do that. If we can win and I'm averaging 16, 17 points, I'm cool with that. We gonna win, so I'm good with that. Let's win.' That was about getting them Ws.
"But that's something to think about though. You asked some great questions. That's the lane to go into. Those are the things to ask &mdash; the hypotheticals or something you [researched]. Like, 'You know what, he was pretty good at this, how did you pick up on that?' or, 'What's something that you did differently than everybody else?' Those are different questions, not the same questions [we always hear]. We get repetitively asked the same questions time and time again. It's boring. It sucks. I'ma be honest: it sucks. I hate it. It&nbsp;sucks!"
I can't imagine how old that gets.
Marion: "One thing that everybody was constantly asking me about was my shot. Everybody seemed to want ask me about my shot. But listen, you know what's really messed up about that though? One media person said it, so it went rampant and every media person wanted me to replicate the answer, right? Whether I like it or not, or whether I enjoy it or not. I did so much on the floor, but you wanna focus on something that nobody talks about? Nobody in the league talks about that. Don't nobody in the league shoot the same! ... I [used to get] pissed off, but now I respond and it's fine. 'It don't matter, don't nobody shoot the same. Next!' But why would you wanna talk about my shot, but then you won't talk about how I just had 25-and-15!"
Or that you shot 39% from three-point range one year!
Marion: "You wanna discredit me and what I did just to talk about my shot? Got it. I totally understand. There's certain lanes and narratives that will be pushed. I totally get it. I'm an owner now, so I see exactly what lane [they're in]; it's all marketing strategies. I know how it works and I know who controls it. Being on this side of the business, I know how things work now. But it's all good though. And it's all love. Thank you."
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/MwvBnhrrzgs?si=2BRrY0Vaq8WWyAPe&amp;t=1676" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch the full conversation here</a>.
Other news from around the web: <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/dress-to-impress-why-barbie-and-ken-are-the-hottest-couples-costume-this-halloween/ar-AA1iaTEh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barbie and Ken are the hottest couples costume this Halloween</a>

Shawn Marion opens up about the Suns retiring his jersey, nearly getting traded to the Celtics, Mat Ishbia, the modern NBA and more.

Shawn Marion on Suns retiring his jersey, near-trade to Celtics, more

After months of scrolling through countless Damian Lillard trade rumors, the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/bucks-shock-nba-world-by-acquiring-damian-lillard-in-blockbuster-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news finally broke</a> on Wednesday afternoon that the Portland Trail Blazers' long-time franchise cornerstone was headed to the Milwaukee Bucks. In one of the more surprising blockbuster trades in recent memory, the seven-time All-Star guard will pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo to form one of the best duos in the league.&nbsp;
Now, the new big fish in the trade market is none other than the player Lillard was dealt for: Jrue Holiday. The Blazers' return featured Holiday, former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns second-rounder Toumani Camara, an unprotected Bucks 2029 first-rounder, and 2028 and 2030 first-round pick swaps from Milwaukee. The circumstances of Lillard&rsquo;s trade request and his desire to be dealt specifically to the Miami Heat dampened his trade value, but the Blazers were able to come away with a &ldquo;palatable&rdquo; return.
 However, Holiday is unlikely to stay in Portland for long as he does not fit their rebuilding timeline around core players Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. <a href="https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1707100851880259810" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN&rsquo;s Bobby Marks</a> graded Portland&rsquo;s trade return as &ldquo;incomplete&rdquo; pending the potential assets the team receives for Holiday when they flip him.
Many contending teams are reportedly rushing to the phones to make moves in reaction to the Lillard blockbuster, with several expressing serious interest in Holiday. These possible suitors include the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers and Heat. Teams must factor in Holiday's potential free agency next summer and the possibility of signing him to a long-term extension, which he becomes eligible for on Feb. 22. Perhaps the Blazers will have some urgency to deal Holiday prior to Media Day on Oct. 2 in order to avoid questions and logistics about bringing him in for training camp.&nbsp;
For any team over the luxury-tax apron ($171,294,000) to trade for Holiday, they need to trade away at least $33,175,536 (90% of Holiday&rsquo;s 2023-24 salary) in salaries in order to legally execute a trade. The rest of the league will only need to send out $27,646,280 (75% of Holiday&rsquo;s 2023-24 salary) in order to make a deal.&nbsp;
Another important CBA note with any Holiday trade is that his $36,861,707 salary cannot be aggregated with other contracts for two months. While Holiday is still eligible to be immediately rerouted elsewhere, he cannot be traded with other players. For example, just a few months back, Chris Paul was traded to the Washington Wizards and then quickly rerouted in a separate deal to Golden State. Because Paul was the only salary going back to the Warriors, he was legally allowed to be traded. This must be taken into consideration when proposing potential trade ideas.
With Holiday potentially on the move in the coming days, let&rsquo;s take a look at some potential deals for the 33-year-old.
Realistic Trade Destinations
BOSTON CELTICS
Celtics receive: Jrue Holiday
Trail Blazers receive: Malcolm Brogdon, Al Horford, Dalano Banton (salary guarantee increased to $1,009,853 to satisfy trade rules), 2024 GSW top-4 protected first-round pick, 2025 BOS first-round pick, 2026 BOS first-round pick swap, 2024 CHI/DAL/NO (most favorable) second-round pick, 2026 MIN/NO/NYK/POR (most favorable) second-round pick
By trading away Marcus Smart this summer, the Celtics lost the key cog to their juggernaut defense. Despite not having a Defensive Player of the Year award, Holiday would probably serve as an upgrade to Smart on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor, helping the Celtics compete against the new-look Bucks in the East. If they wish to enter the Holiday sweepstakes, they would need to trade Malcolm Brogdon ($22,500,000), whom they were close to dealing to the Clippers in July. Along with Brogdon, they would have to sacrifice either Al Horford ($10,000,000) or Robert Williams III ($11,571,429) to make the salaries work. They have all of their own draft picks to trade as well as the Golden State Warriors' pick in 2024, which they got from the Smart trade.
MIAMI HEAT
Heat receive: Jrue Holiday
Trail Blazers receive: Kyle Lowry, Nikola Jovic, Haywood Highsmith, 2027 MIA first-round pick, 2029 MIA top-14 protected first-round pick, 2028 MIA first-round pick swap, 2024 MIA top-50 protected second-round pick, 2026 LAL second-round pick, 2027 HOU/IND/MIA/OKC/SA (least favorable) second-round pick
Missing out once again in their pursuit of a star third option to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, Miami could use an upgrade like Holiday to their seemingly incomplete roster. Holiday would provide a must-needed scoring punch and would fit seamlessly in Miami&rsquo;s hard-working culture. While their Lillard trade package was highlighted by Tyler Herro, they likely wouldn&rsquo;t use him in any trade for Holiday. Their salary going out in a deal would come from Kyle Lowry&rsquo;s expiring salary ($29,682,540) and some combination of younger players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. ($3,510,533), Nikola Jovic ($2,352,000) and Haywood Highsmith ($1,902,137). While they are somewhat restricted in terms of draft assets, they can offer up to three first-round picks if they amend their 2025 first-round pick they owe the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have three second-rounders to offer as well.&nbsp;
NEW YORK KNICKS
Knicks receive: Jrue Holiday
Trail Blazers receive: RJ Barrett, Reggie Bullock, Khem Birch, 2024 DAL top-10 protected first-round pick, 2024 DET top-18 protected first-round pick, 2024 WAS top-12 protected first-round pick
Spurs receive: Evan Fournier, 2026 MEM top-42 protected second-round pick, 2027 NO/POR (less favorable) second-round pick
The Knicks may be holding out for when the next superstar &ndash; i.e. Joel Embiid, Donovan Mitchell or Giannis Antetokounmpo (although maybe not anymore?) &ndash; asks for a trade. While New York may be focused on further down the line, acquiring a player like Holiday could allow them to boost their roster right now without giving up enough capital to harm their future superstar pursuits. A Knicks trade that would not harm their trove of draft assets would have to send out RJ Barrett ($23,883,929), who potentially fits Portland&rsquo;s rebuilding timeline. Jrue could line up as the team&rsquo;s starting shooting guard alongside Jalen Brunson, while Josh Hart would play more minutes at small forward to mitigate the loss of Barrett. Evan Fournier&rsquo;s large salary ($18,857,143) would also have to be in any deal for the Knicks to take in Holiday. Portland wouldn&rsquo;t want to acquire both Fournier and Barrett as that would push them over the luxury tax, therefore they would likely route Fournier to another team (like San Antonio).
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Clippers receive: Jrue Holiday
Trail Blazers receive: Marcus Morris Sr., Robert Covington, Amir Coffey, Jason Preston (salary fully guaranteed), 2028 LAC first-round pick, 2030 LAC first-round pick, 2029 LAC first-round pick swap
The Clippers may have been given an olive branch with a player like Jrue Holiday becoming available, as he's an impact player at a price they can afford. It also provides an alternative for the Clippers to land a third star while avoiding the potential drama/issues that could come with acquiring a player like James Harden. The Clippers have a lot of high-salary veterans they could use to get to Holiday&rsquo;s number like Norman Powell ($18,000,000), Marcus Morris Sr. ($17,116,279), Nicolas Batum ($11,710,818) and Robert Covington ($11,692,308). They would probably like to keep Terance Mann, who they seem to not want to include in a potential Harden trade, although his $10,576,923 could be useful. Portland could view their unprotected picks in 2028 and 2030 as some of the best draft assets they could receive due to their aging stars and lack of postseason success.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
76ers receive: Jrue Holiday
Clippers receive: James Harden, 2024 NYK second-round pick, 2029 PHI second-round pick, 2030 PHI second-round pick
Trail Blazers receive: Marcus Morris Sr., Robert Covington, Amir Coffey, Jason Preston (salary fully guaranteed to satisfy trade rules), 2028 LAC first-round pick, 2029 PHI first-round pick, 2029 LAC first-round pick swap
Amidst the James Harden debacle, Daryl Morey has remained steadfast in getting a formidable return if they choose to trade the disgruntled All-Star. A reunion with Jrue Holiday, who played in Philadelphia from 2009 to 2013, certainly should get Morey and the Sixers' attention. Holiday would certainly upgrade their defense while being a good support and influence on Tyrese Maxey. The Trail Blazers would have little interest in taking a direct package from Philadelphia, which would almost certainly be headlined by Harden ($35,640,000). Harden's desired destination, the Clippers, should still be interested in acquiring him, but may be more interested in trading for Holiday directly. Portland would likely get a similar package to what they would receive if they traded directly with the Clippers, potentially leaving Philadelphia out to dry. The Sixers would have to incentivize the Clippers by trading some draft capital to take Harden instead of Holiday.
Honorable Mentions
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The Warriors are a logical Holiday destination in terms of fit and trade assets. A trade package would have to send the newly acquired Chris Paul back to Portland or a third team along with a young player like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody or Brandin Podziemski, plus a draft pick. Given that coach Steve Kerr has talked all summer about bringing Paul into the fold, it would be pretty surprising if the team pivoted from the future Hall-of-Famer just before training camp. If the Warriors do choose to jump in the Holiday waters, they could quickly move to the front of the line.&nbsp;
TORONTO RAPTORS
Toronto was considered the favorite to acquire Lillard at one point, with a package that was likely headlined by OG Anunoby and draft assets. In order to acquire Holiday, they would need to use a similar package, albeit with less draft capital involved. It seems as though the Raptors were being coy about potentially dealing Anunoby for Lillard, according to <a href="https://torontosun.com/sports/basketball/nba/toronto-raptors/options-for-raptors-with-damian-lillard-trade-dream-done" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun</a>. If Masai Ujiri was unwilling to include Anunoby in trade discussions before, it&rsquo;s unlikely he will do so for a player like Holiday.&nbsp;
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Holiday would be a near perfect fit alongside Anthony Edwards in the Wolves' backcourt and would greatly improve their defense. However, Minnesota simply doesn&rsquo;t have the right salaries or draft assets to realistically get to Holiday&rsquo;s number unless they are willing to part ways with Karl-Anthony Towns. Even if Tim Connelly was willing to deal Towns for Holiday, the trade may not be what Portland is looking for with the 2015 No. 1 overall pick&rsquo;s five-year supermax extension beginning next season. The idea of paying supermax money to Towns will likely be a turn off for Blazers GM Joe Cronin.
ORLANDO MAGIC
Orlando is probably the most fun dark-horse destination for Jrue. While Markelle Fultz has been a suitable lead guard when healthy, Holiday would bring a championship-level veteran presence that could be useful for Orlando&rsquo;s young squad. The question with the Magic is whether they would actually pursue a deal that would accelerate their timeline with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, as well as whether they would part with draft capital that they could potentially use down the line in future trades.

With the Blazers looking to flip Jrue Holiday, Blake Stern breaks down several teams that make sense as a trade suitor.

NBA trade rumors: Examining potential destinations for Jrue Holiday

As an NBA fan, there's a special thrill in discovering diamonds in the rough who exceed all expectations relative to their draft slot.
The NBA Draft isn't an exact science, and there are many examples of prospects who slip through the cracks and become franchise-changing players.&nbsp;
Today, let's look back on some of the biggest draft steals in NBA history.
Nikola Jokic, No. 41 overall in 2014
Coming from Serbia, Nikola Jokic was relatively unknown entering the 2014 NBA Draft. When the Denver Nuggets snagged the versatile big man with the No. 41 overall pick, nobody could have expected him to become a two-time MVP, a Finals MVP and one of most skilled centers of all-time. Jokic is the lowest-drafted MVP in NBA history and it isn't close, since every other Most Valuable Player was a top-15 pick. Just to give you an idea of how overlooked Jokic was entering the NBA, Nuggets GM Tim Connelly wasn't asked a single question about Jokic during his post-draft press conference back in 2014. Every question from the assembled media was about Jusuf Nurkic or Gary Harris, causing Connelly to comment, "So, no one wants to ask about our second-round pick Nikola Jokic? We are really excited about him.&rdquo; Perhaps the lack of buzz was due to the fact that Jokic was selected during a Taco Bell commercial.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
As the broadcast mentioned, Nikola Jokic was the No. 41 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. But let&rsquo;s not forget that Jokic was selected during a Taco Bell commercial. 😅 <a href="https://t.co/m8zm1kxZDt">pic.twitter.com/m8zm1kxZDt</a>
&mdash; Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/1667343901374521347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2023</a></blockquote>

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

Giannis Antetokounmpo, No. 15 overall in 2013
Entering the 2013 NBA Draft, there was a bit of buzz about Giannis Antetokounmpo given his length and athleticism, but he was incredibly raw. Some scouts and executives had seen him play overseas, but the competition was deemed to be weak. Nobody knew what to expect from the young, lanky project from Greece. The Milwaukee Bucks decided to draft him with the No. 15 overall pick, and their gamble paid off spectacularly. Antetokounmpo developed into a generational talent, winning multiple MVP awards and leading the Bucks to their first NBA championship in decades. What makes Giannis slipping to No. 15 look even worse is the fact that many players who went ahead of him ultimately struggled, including Anthony Bennett (No. 1), Cody Zeller (No. 4), Alex Len (No. 5), Nerlens Noel (No. 6), Ben McLemore (No. 7), Trey Burke (No. 9), Michael Carter-Williams (No. 10) and Shabazz Muhammad (No. 14).
Kobe Bryant, No. 13 overall in 1996
In 1996, the Charlotte Hornets selected a teenage Kobe Bryant with the 13th pick and immediately traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Vlade Divac. This move was undoubtedly one of the biggest draft blunders in NBA history, as Bryant became one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. His work ethic, talent and competitive spirit allowed him to become a five-time NBA champion, an NBA MVP and one of the game's all-time greats. While <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/revisiting-the-starstudded-1996-nba-draft-kobe-bryant-ray-allen-steve-nash-allen-iverson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the 1996 NBA Draft was loaded</a>, players like Todd Fuller, Samaki Walker and Vitaly Potapenko had no business being drafted before Kobe. It's worth noting that Bryant was the first guard to enter the NBA straight out of high school, which scared some teams off.
Draymond Green, No. 35 overall in 2012
Draymond Green slipped to the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft because he was viewed as a "tweener" without a clear-cut position. However, Green's success helped eradicate that term, as teams started seeing the value in versatile players who could fill multiple roles. Green's defensive prowess and basketball IQ have been instrumental during the Golden State Warriors' dynastic run. With his fiery leadership and two-way impact, Draymond is widely regarded as the Warriors' heart and soul. Also, his resume is incredible: four NBA championships, a Defensive Player of the Year award, four All-Star appearances, two All-NBA selections and eight All-Defensive Team nods.&nbsp;
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Kawhi Leonard, No. 15 overall in 2011
One of the most shocking storylines during the 2011 NBA Draft was Kawhi Leonard slipping outside of the lottery. Finally, the Indiana Pacers drafted Leonard with the 15th overall pick and quickly traded him to the San Antonio Spurs for George Hill. It didn't take long for Leonard to make the teams that passed on him look foolish. Right away, Leonard made an impact with his lockdown defense and improved jumpshot. He played a huge role in the Spurs' 2014 title, taking home the Finals MVP award. Leonard just kept getting better and better until it became clear that he was a superstar and one of the game's most dominant two-way threats. Now, he's a two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and five-time All-NBA selection, as well as a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.
Manu Ginobili, No. 57 overall in 1999
Manu Ginobili spent the first few years of his career playing overseas, where he was very successful. While he was drafted with the 57th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft, Ginobili would ultimately remain abroad until the 2002-03 NBA season when he finally joined the Spurs as a 25-year-old. Ginobili's fearless style of play and exceptional basketball IQ turned him into a key cog in the Spurs' dynasty. Ginobili became a four-time NBA champion, an Olympic goal medalist, a Sixth Man of the Year and a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. Not bad for someone who was nearly Mr. Irrelevant!
Isaiah Thomas, No. 60 overall in 2011
Speaking of Mr. Irrelevant, Isaiah Thomas was the 60th and final pick of the 2011 NBA Draft. Thomas thrived in Sacramento and had a brief stint in Phoenix, but he played his best basketball in Boston. At the height of his stint with the Celtics, Thomas averaged nearly 30 points per game &ndash; becoming a two-time All-Star and a fan favorite. Thomas is the ultimate underdog, from his draft-day story to his 5-foot-9 frame. Thomas proved his doubters wrong and became one of the league's most exciting scorers before injuries impacted his game.
Gilbert Arenas, No. 31 overall in 2001
Gilbert Arenas slipped to the 31st overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, where he was ultimately selected by the Golden State Warriors. Despite slipping into the second round, Arenas' terrific scoring ability allowed him to become one of the most exciting guards of his era. His time with the Wizards was particularly memorable, as "Agent Zero" was a three-time All-Star during his stint in Washington. It's worth noting that Arenas played so well as a second-rounder that the NBA added <a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/03/hoops-rumors-glossary-gilbert-arenas-provision-4.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Gilbert Arenas Provision</a> in the CBA, which made it easier for teams to keep talented second-rounders or undrafted players who hit restricted free agency after breaking out.
Steve Nash, No. 15 overall in 1996
Selected with the 15th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash was not an immediate superstar. However, with his exceptional court vision and terrific work ethic, he transformed himself into one of the most skilled point guards of his generation. While leading the Suns' high-octane offense, Nash won back-to-back MVP awards in 2005 and 2006. In addition to being a two-time NBA MVP, Nash would become an eight-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection, five-time assist champion, first-ballot Hall-of-Famer and a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.

Alex Kennedy looks back on some of the biggest draft steals in NBA history, including Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and more.

Hidden gems: Examining the 9 biggest draft steals in NBA history

BOSTON (AP) &mdash; The Boston Celtics have operated at their best when All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both being playing their best basketball at the same time.
Whether that partnership can endure long enough for them to lead the franchise to an 18th NBA title has been the persistent question surrounding the Celtics each of the past two seasons as rumors have swirled about Boston&rsquo;s willingness to possibly trade Brown for more high-profile stars.
It included this past offseason when reports surfaced about possible trade discussions between Boston and Brooklyn after Kevin Durant levied a trade request.
Brown has been consistent in saying he has not let any of the rumors be a distraction for him on the court, as evidenced him averaging career highs in points (26.7) and rebounds this season. He had 27 points and seven rebounds in the Celtics&rsquo; 120-95 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, helping Boston stay in the hunt to catch Milwaukee for the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
But he also acknowledged in a recent interview with The Ringer that he was bothered enough by the most recent Durant trade chatter that he was compelled to reach out to both Tatum and president of basketball operations Brad Stevens in a conference call.&nbsp;
Tatum confirmed that detail after Friday&rsquo;s win, saying that he and Stevens let Brown know in that call that he was a valued member of the organization.
&ldquo;Just reassuring the obvious &mdash; that we need him,&rdquo; Tatum said. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s a big part of this team, this franchise. Without him, we can&rsquo;t reach our goal. You guys know that. The world knows that. The team knows that. We need him to be the best version of ourselves.&rdquo;
Though Brown maintains a mostly calm demeanor on the court, he said Friday that he tries to be upfront about things when he feels it&rsquo;s necessary.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m a type of person that likes to let people know how I&rsquo;m feeling about certain things and certain situations,&rdquo; Brown said. &ldquo;And sometimes when I don&rsquo;t speak, people speak for you. And sometimes things get taken out of context and gets lost in translation. I mean, those things happen.
&ldquo;But I pick and choose my spots. Obviously, I&rsquo;m not going to overcompensate myself and just speak on everything and just let everybody know how I feel about everything because sometimes it ain&rsquo;t everybody&rsquo;s business. &hellip; In a sense I do enjoy using my platform to speak on certain topics.&rdquo;

The Celtics have operated at their best when All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both being playing their best basketball.

Tatum: Celtics need Brown to be ‘best version of ourselves’

This year's NBA trade deadline challenged the glut of Western Conference contenders to test how far they would go to separate themselves from the pack.
Some teams, like the Phoenix Suns in their Kevin Durant blockbuster or the Dallas Mavericks in their Kyrie Irving acquisition, swung for the fences. Others &mdash; such as the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans &mdash; only nabbed a rotation player or two, opting to bet on their current core.
The Los Angeles Clippers appear to fall in the latter group, but we should not overlook their trade-deadline moves. With three separate trades, all in the final hours of dealmaking on Thursday, the Clippers added Bones Hyland, Eric Gordon and Mason Plumlee. They took calculated risks and changed three important spots in their rotation, hoping the current stalwart defense insulates a boost of offensive juice.
Hyland was one of the hottest names in the rumor mill last week after his <a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2023/02/09/nuggets-trade-deadline-bones-hyland-thomas-bryant-analysis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">falling out with the Nuggets</a>. Los Angeles pounced and dealt two second-round picks for the former No. 26 overall selection in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Hyland quickly becomes the most promising developmental talent on the roster at 22 years old. But more immediately, he brings a high-charged dose of long-range shotmaking to the Clippers' bottom-10 offense.
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Bones Hyland hit a career-high 7 three-pointers to lead the <a href="https://twitter.com/nuggets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nuggets</a> to the win! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MileHighBasketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MileHighBasketball</a><a href="https://twitter.com/BizzyBones11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BizzyBones11</a>: 26 PTS, 7 3PM <a href="https://t.co/IkJU5Ajf0U">pic.twitter.com/IkJU5Ajf0U</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1586207446678138883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2022</a></blockquote>

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The combo guard profiles as one of the most extreme perimeter creators in the entire league. Some evidence: Hyland has attempted 118 self-created threes this season, according to PBP Stats, which would rank second on his new team behind Paul George (164) and far above the third-place guard he's replacing (Reggie Jackson, 66), in only 820 minutes this season. His 39.8% clip on those attempts ranks 13th among 81 players who have attempted at least 50 such shots.
To this point of his career, however, Hyland's primary impact has come from distance. He can attack the basket, but he's no more than a mediocre rim-pressure threat, and he's a very limited playmaker. Microwave shooting is an important skill that can swing a playoff series if active; it's unclear if Hyland can consistently impact the game this way.
That's why the Eric Gordon trade adds another level of intrigue. Gordon, a 34-year-old shooting guard, finally leaves a rebuilding Houston Rockets situation after years in and out of reported trade talks. He rejoins the franchise that drafted him seventh overall way back in 2008.&nbsp;
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Ty Lue on the <a href="https://twitter.com/LAClippers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LAClippers</a> new editions of Bones Hyland, Eric Gordon &amp; Mason Plumlee. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAClippers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LAClippers</a> <a href="https://t.co/yxsD8SyutK">pic.twitter.com/yxsD8SyutK</a>
&mdash; Hoops &amp; Brews (@HoopsNBrews) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoopsNBrews/status/1624289182775656448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>

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Gordon has a 15-year history of solid, albeit streaky, pull-up shooting, and he can still slice his way to the rim with ease. Gordon has converted 67% or more of his shots within three feet of the hoop in each of the last three seasons, per Basketball Reference &mdash; and that's in a Houston offense that has looked pretty wonky at times.&nbsp;
The Clippers acquired Gordon in a three-team deal with the Rockets and Grizzlies that ultimately sent John Wall to Houston and Luke Kennard to Memphis. They now have a reshaped guard rotation that includes Hyland, Gordon, Terance Mann and Norman Powell &mdash; four complementary scoring threats next to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.&nbsp;
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Entering Saturday, L.A. took just 30.2% of its shots at the rim, a 23rd-ranked rate, per Cleaning the Glass. Gordon's talents should directly help, and Hyland's perimeter prowess ideally opens up lanes for others to attack.
The four-man crew allows for some interesting lineup flexibility. Does head coach Ty Lue opt to keep Mann in the starting lineup and let Hyland bombard off the bench, knowing Gordon can also keep teams honest? Or can Hyland eventually work his way up to start and provide a more powerful perimeter impact than Reggie Jackson ever could &mdash; also leaving Mann to keep the heat on with the second unit?
With just those two, we already see that the Clippers want to apply more pressure from more angles, versus the stagnation that can arise with just Kawhi plus PG plus floor-spacers. Mason Plumlee continues the theme in his own way as a passing hub.
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Pretty easy to see how Mason Plumlee's playmaking would fit seamlessly into Sacramento's offense. Lots of CHA's sets are similar to SAC's. Plumlee is averaging 4.6 assists per 36 mins and would probably be fairly cheap considering his expiring $9M deal. Davis + Len + two 2nds? <a href="https://t.co/U52qzH2vnd">pic.twitter.com/U52qzH2vnd</a>
&mdash; Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrendenNunesNBA/status/1617660314237145088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2023</a></blockquote>

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Los Angeles added the veteran center in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets that sent Jackson and a 2028 second-rounder to Charlotte. During our <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/watch-basketball-news-2023-nba-trade-deadline-show" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2023 NBA Trade Deadline Show</a>, Nekias Duncan and I both commented on the parallels between Plumlee and the team's 2021-22 backup center, Isaiah Hartenstein.&nbsp;
Last year, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-stats-notebook-isaiah-hartenstein-is-the-clippers-secret-weapon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hartenstein showed off his facilitation chops</a> by hitting cutters from the arc and operating out of some roll actions. He's in the sub-Nikola-Jokic tier of best big man passers in the NBA, and so is Plumlee.
For several seasons, the 32-year-old has consistently posted some of the best passing numbers in the league; his 18.0% assist rate is in the 92nd percentile among bigs this season, per Cleaning the Glass. Plumlee is assisting on 12.6% of his total passes, per Second Spectrum, which is the third-highest rate among centers.
Add in his stellar presence around the rim (73% shooting in that zone) and solid track record on the glass, and Plumlee seems about as ideal a fit at backup center as feasible. The healthy Clippers are looking at a Hyland-Gordon-Powell-Robert Covington-Plumlee second unit, with Nic Batum and Amir Coffey as additonal options. That is deep.
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The overarching worry: L.A. is tweaking the components of its top-10 defense &mdash; the backbone of its current fifth-place standing in the Western Conference. Hyland has serious defensive question-marks, Gordon is strong but undersized and Plumlee, while fundamentally sound, is by no means a rim-protector. Can the system and the prowess of the remaining players provide a stable floor? And if not, do the new pieces just fall out of the rotation, or do they unearth a new problem?
We likely won't know the final answer until the postseason. But the Clippers pointedly targeted several needs on Thursday, and the moves have more reward and more risk than they appear to at first. Even without adding a star, the Clippers have become another must-track team in the reshuffled West playoff race.

Ethan Fuller breaks down the Los Angeles Clippers adding Bones Hyland, Eric Gordon and Mason Plumlee prior to the trade deadline.

Evaluating the Clippers' three NBA trade deadline moves

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Clippers are "the franchise most inclined to land one of the veteran point guards currently on the block," according to <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/toronto-raptors-appear-to-remain-at-center-of-trade-market-170154598.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports</a>.
The list of veteran point guards includes Toronto's Fred VanVleet, Charlotte's Terry Rozier, Minnesota's D'Angelo Russell and Miami's Kyle Lowry. All of these players have been linked to the Clippers (as well as the Phoenix Suns &mdash; the Clippers' biggest competitor on the point-guard market).
Lately, the Clippers have been getting creative at point guard, with Terance Mann and Paul George handling floor-general duties in the starting lineup in place of Reggie Jackson and John Wall (who has been out with an abdominal injury).
Last week, <a href="https://www.actionnetwork.com/nba/nba-trade-intel-sorting-buyers-and-sellers-fred-vanvleets-future-more-rumors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matt Moore of the Action Network</a> reported that Kawhi Leonard "has made it clear to the Clippers front office that he would welcome a point guard addition." It's worth noting that Leonard played with both VanVleet and Lowry during his stint with the Raptors, winning a championship alongside them.&nbsp;
The Clippers are 31-26, which is the fourth-best record in the Western Conference. Los Angeles has the NBA's 12th-best defense (allowing 110.6 points per 100 possessions), but they rank 22nd overall in offense (scoring 110.7 points per 100 possessions).
&nbsp;

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Clippers seem determined to acquire a veteran point guard.

Clippers pursuing point guards VanVleet, Rozier, Lowry, Russell

The Orlando Magic are still on the outside looking in of the Play-In Tournament in the Eastern Conference, but the franchise is on the rise. The team has already matched its 22-win total from last season and is only getting better behind the young core of Rookie-of-the-Year favorite Paolo Banchero and second-year wing Franz Wagner.
The Magic could be buyers before the Feb. 9 trade deadline and <a href="https://www.actionnetwork.com/nba/nba-trade-intel-knicks-jazz-nuggets-deadline-rumors?source_caller=api&amp;shortlink=qy6dqcj4&amp;af_sub1=602143514&amp;c=af-newsletter&amp;pid=af-newsletter&amp;deep_link_value=action%3A%2F%2Farticle%3Fid%3D602143514&amp;af_adset=nba-trade-intel-knicks-jazz-nuggets-deadline-rumors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">multiple sources have told Matt Moore of The Action Network</a> that "there&rsquo;s real interest from the Magic in Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet." The 28-year-old veteran would bring some needed experience to the team as it looks to take its next step forward.
VanVleet is in the final year of his contract and has passed on a four-year, $114 million extension, the most Toronto can offer him before the offseason. He recently switched representation and the belief is that he's looking to get a long-term deal that averages between $30 million and $35 million per year.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.actionnetwork.com/nba/nba-trade-intel-knicks-jazz-nuggets-deadline-rumors?source_caller=api&amp;shortlink=qy6dqcj4&amp;af_sub1=602143514&amp;c=af-newsletter&amp;pid=af-newsletter&amp;deep_link_value=action%3A%2F%2Farticle%3Fid%3D602143514&amp;af_adset=nba-trade-intel-knicks-jazz-nuggets-deadline-rumors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Moore adds</a> that former No. 3 overall pick Jalen Suggs could be part of a deal along with draft compensation. However, the under-performing Raptors have been very busy leading up to the trade deadline, with teams around the league showing interest in VanVleet along with Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr.
Following a slow start to the season, VanVleet has picked up his play over the past few weeks. He is now averaging 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists while shooting 39.7% from the field and 34.7% on three-pointers.

The Orlando Magic could be buyers before the NBA trade deadline and they have a real interest in Toronto's Fred VanVleet.

Magic have "real interest" in Fred VanVleet before NBA trade deadline

On January 15, after a 112-102 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving was asked about Kevin Durant's absence. More specifically, he was asked how the circumstances (and the locker room) differ from last year. This is what he had to say.
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Kyrie on why KD's absence is different this year: "Well I'm consistently in the lineup, that helps. We also don't have anyone who is halfway in in the locker room."
&mdash; Alec Sturm (@Alec_Sturm) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alec_Sturm/status/1614805186589110277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2023</a></blockquote>

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There was a hint of irony to the response in light of his&nbsp;absence for large portions of last season due to New York's vaccine mandate, as well as the suspension he served this season due to sharing antisemitic content. Secondarily, it felt like a clear shot at former Nets guard James Harden, who ultimately requested a trade before last year's deadline.&nbsp;
On January 15, Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10063026-ball-is-in-the-nets-court-as-kyrie-irving-seeks-long-term-extension" target="_blank" rel="noopener">relayed word from Irving's agent</a>, expressing their desire to reach an agreement on a long-term extension in Brooklyn. From the piece:
<blockquote>
"Around Kyrie and staying with the Nets? I have reached out to the Nets regarding this," his agent Shetellia Irving told Bleacher Report. "We have had no significant conversations to date. The desire is to make Brooklyn home, with the right type of extension, which means the ball is in the Nets' court to communicate now if their desire is the same."
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It would appear the desire isn't mutual. With no extension agreed to, Irving has reportedly requested a trade from the Nets ahead of the February 9 trade deadline.
Zooming out, that's three separate trade requests the Nets have received from stars over the past calendar year. And before digging into potential destinations from Irving, it's worth taking the step back to acknowledge how wild things have been in Brooklyn during the 7/11 Era.&nbsp;
(Also, the clock is going to start back ticking on Durant, no? Irving requesting the trade now is unfortunate timing. Depending on what they could get back, this deal could take the Nets out of the contention conversation through absolutely no fault of Durant's. Considering Irving's role in Durant's trade request in the summer &mdash; he wants, or wanted, his guy there with him long-term &mdash; it would be understandable if he got antsy again.)
Irving has been tremendous on the court this season, averaging 27.1 points (career-high 56.9% on 2s, 37.4% on 3s), 5.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds. His blend of ball-handling, pull-up shooting and finishing is almost unrivaled in the league &mdash; and in league history. And to Irving's credit, his buy-in on the defensive end is as consistently high as it's ever been in his career.
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Irving's availability and contract status &mdash; he'll be an unrestricted free agent this summer &mdash; will complicate his trade value. The receiving team, if he's moved, will have to be confident in retaining Irving long term. And from there, they'd have to be confident that Irving, who hasn't appeared in 70 games since the 2016-17 season, will be consistently available. His injury history and off-the-court controversies in back-to-back seasons make that a tough bet on the surface.
Of course, the bet being tough &mdash; and likely untenable for some franchises &mdash; doesn't mean it won't be made at all. There will be teams that check in on Irving and push their chips to the middle of the table.
We have to start the conversation with the Los Angeles Lakers. They were linked to Irving in the summer, when it felt like both Durant and Irving could be moved. There's an obvious link between Irving and LeBron James. The two played in Cleveland together for three years, winning a title in 2016. LeBron also stood up for Irving during his suspension earlier this season.
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💭 I told you guys that I don&rsquo;t believe in sharing hurtful information. And I&rsquo;ll continue to be that way but Kyrie apologized and he should be able to play. That&rsquo;s what I think. It&rsquo;s that simple. Help him learn- but he should be playing. What he&rsquo;s asked to do to get back on
&mdash; LeBron James (@KingJames) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/1590781218790211584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2022</a></blockquote>

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We don't have to spend much time here. The Lakers would build a package headlined by Russell Westbrook and one or both of their future first-round picks (2027, 2029) for Irving. That doesn't mean the Nets would get Westbrook; three-team frameworks would likely be discussed, and it's worth noting that Haynes reported earlier on Friday that the Lakers and Utah Jazz <a href="https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/10064005-nba-insider-buzz-lakers-know-they-need-another-trade-jazz-enter-westbrook-chat.amp.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">re-engaged in talks surrounding Westbrook</a>.
Beyond the Lakers, there are a few teams that come to mind that make on-court &mdash; and I stress on-court &mdash; sense for the star guard.
Priority number one for the Dallas Mavericks, for example, is finding a legitimate co-star to pair with Luka Doncic. He's clearly good enough to handle a gargantuan offensive load; he leads the NBA in points (second in scoring average, 33.4) and ranks fifth in assists (8.2). Only the Cavs play at a slower pace than the Mavericks this season, mostly due to Doncic's surgical cadence in the half-court.&nbsp;
Spencer Dinwiddie and Christian Wood (when healthy) have filled in well as secondary scorers. Dinwiddie is averaging nearly 18 points a game while bombing away from three (40.3% on a career-high 6.4 attempts). Wood's inside-out dynamic has helped him become the second half of the NBA's most prolific pick-and-roll duo, per Second Spectrum tracking.
Neither of them garner the same defensive attention that Irving does, nor can they take over games in the way that Irving can. A framework built around former-Net Dinwiddie and currently-in-the-rumor-mill Dorian Finney-Smith could intrigue the Nets.
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The Miami Heat were reportedly on Irving's summer list of teams he'd be okay getting signed-and-traded to, per ESPN's Adrain Wojnarowski. A certified third star alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo could lift their ceiling, especially one as dynamic offensively as Irving. As of writing, the Heat rank 25th in overall offensive rating, excluding garbage time, and 22nd in half-court offense.
While Tyler Herro has taken steps as a creator and first-time starter &mdash; 20.3 points (49.9% on 2s, 37.3% on 3s) and a career-high 4.4 assists is nothing to sneeze at &mdash; his ability to generate traction downhill and deal with in-your-jersey defenders on an island pale in comparison to Irving. Among teams that may show interest in Irving, Herro may be the best young piece that could be offered in a deal &mdash; though his inclusion would be complicated due to the <a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2018/10/hoops-rumors-glossary-poison-pill-provision.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"poison pill" element</a> of his current contract status.
Because Herro's rookie extension (4/120) hasn't kicked in yet, the Heat and Nets would be dealing with different cap numbers in a potential trade. For the Heat, they'd be sending out Herro's current-year salary ($5.7 million). The Nets (or a third team receiving Herro) would be accounting for $25.1 million &mdash; the average of Herro's total salary owed.
Without Herro, Miami would likely try to use Kyle Lowry as the headliner to a package. With <a href="https://www.prosportstransactions.com/basketball/DraftTrades/Future/Heat.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">somewhat limited pick ammo</a> and young prospects -- how much would Nikola Jovic appeal to this version of Brooklyn? -- the Heat feel more like a long shot compared to Los Angeles and Dallas.
STRAY THOUGHTS
<ul>
<li>The Suns and Nets were linked during the Durant Sweepstakes, but I wonder if they'd check in on Irving. This would be a deal centered around Chris Paul, which begs the question: how much more would Brooklyn want? Would a Paul + Cam Johnson package appeal to both parties, in light of Phoenix's need for half-court scoring?</li>
<li>The Clippers will always &mdash; or at least should &mdash; be mentioned in these kind of conversations. Their roster is littered with quality players on mid-level salaries, making them an appealing keep-us-competitive option for the Nets.</li>
<li>I'm sure the Knicks are content with Jalen Brunson, but hey. Just ... hey, I'm sure they'll think about it. Even if the answer is ultimately, "Nah, we're good", I find it hard to believe they wouldn't think about it.</li>
<li>Normally there's a "won't happen, but these pieces make sense" team to choose from in trade discussions like this, but I'm struggling with this one. Would the closest be something surrounding an Irving-Zach LaVine swap? Like, sure?</li>
</ul>

Kyrie Irving has requested a trade from the Nets. Nekias Duncan looks at which teams make sense as a possible landing spot.

Exploring possible trade destinations for Nets' Kyrie Irving

With the Feb. 9 trade deadline quickly approaching, all eyes around the NBA continue to be on what the Toronto Raptors will do.&nbsp;
It's been a disappointing season so far with the Raptors 23-28 and sitting in the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference. There is a lot of individual talent with Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, Fred VanVleet, O.G. Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. but it was not worked on the court thus far.
<a href="https://theathletic.com/4136200/2023/01/30/nba-trade-deadline-rumors-raptors-bucks-suns-crowder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to Shams Charania of The Athletic</a>, vice chairman and president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster have told rival teams that "the franchise will make a decision about being a buyer or seller &ndash; or standing pat &ndash; near deadline day."
It has been widely believed that if the Raptors do become sellers, Trent and VanVleet are the players most likely to be moved with both eligible to become free agents in the offseason. There will be no shortage of teams interested in Anunoby if Toronto decides to move the versatile forward and he will command a huge price.
<a href="https://theathletic.com/4136200/2023/01/30/nba-trade-deadline-rumors-raptors-bucks-suns-crowder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charania adds</a> that the Knicks are willing to offer multiple first-round picks for Anunoby and the Suns &ndash; who control all eight of their first-round picks through 2030 &ndash; are another team that could be highly interested.
&nbsp;

The Raptors reportedly won't decide if they are buyers or sellers until closer to the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline.

Report: Raptors still undecided on being sellers before trade deadline

We've gotten our first official trade of the WNBA offseason!
On Friday, Rachel Galligan of Winsidr reported the Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever agreed to a player swap. The upstart Dream will be acquiring veteran guard Danielle Robinson, while the Fever will get guard Kristy Wallace in return.
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BREAKING: The Atlanta Dream have traded Kristy Wallace to the Indiana Fever in exchange for Danielle Robinson, sources confirm to <a href="https://twitter.com/Winsidr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Winsidr</a>
&mdash; Rachel Galligan (@RachGall) <a href="https://twitter.com/RachGall/status/1613993306907901952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2023</a></blockquote>

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Wallace was a bright spot for the Dream, providing shooting (36.8% from three), connectivity against tilted defenses and physicality on the non-glamour end of the floor. If The W had an All-Rookie second team, she would've been in strong consideration for a selection.
Robinson, a former All-Star (2013-15), provided a blend of pull-up shooting and table-setting for the younger-than-anyone Fever last season. She started all but one game she appeared in, but held a lower minute load (23.6) as the Fever opened up playing time for rookie point guard Destanni Henderson.&nbsp;
Despite the lack of star power in this trade, I'm intrigued by the ripple effects, particularly for the Dream. Robinson is not only seven years older (with more than 10 years of W experience than Wallace), she's also slated to make much more ($155K) than Wallace ($64.6K) will this season. Her addition to the roster is interesting considering the presence of Aari McDonald, as well as Erica Wheeler's pending free agency.
To that point, Wheeler let this tweet fly shortly after the trade report came out:
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Major respect for T and Dan <a href="https://twitter.com/AtlantaDream?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AtlantaDream</a> for calling me before today's news! Forever grateful for my ATL family! One of the best ran franchise! 🤞🏾
&mdash; Erica Wheeler (@EWeezy_For3eezy) <a href="https://twitter.com/EWeezy_For3eezy/status/1614023649538834433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2023</a></blockquote>

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If Wheeler winds up leaving the Dream, adding Robinson for veteran depth makes some sense. Beyond that, her (higher) salary could be easier to use in a future trade, depending on who the Dream target. For no reason at all, I'll note that Robinson's salary is $14K lower than Wings' forward Allisha Gray. It would be cool if the Dream were, I don't know, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/wnba-trade-rumors-news-dallas-wings-forward-allisha-gray-expected-to-be-traded-connecticut-sun-chicago-sky-washington-mystics-atlanta-dream" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listed as a possible trade destination</a> for Gray a few days ago.
For the Fever, this feels like a no-brainer. They can use some help on the wing, and Wallace could provide spacing and secondary attacks for their young core. Ridding themselves of Robinson should free up more playing time for Henderson, who only averaged 16.4 minutes per game on the year.
(Also, Henderson showed fun flashes to close out the year. Her averages &ndash; 9.4 points, 4.2 assists in 24.3 minutes &ndash; don't pop off the page, but her speed, playmaking and increased willingness to fire from deep should excite the fanbase moving forward.)

Nekias Duncan gives his initial thoughts on the first trade of the 2023 WNBA offseason.

Examining the trade between the Atlanta Dream, Indiana Fever

The Los Angeles Lakers franchise never seems to have a dull moment, and you can bet the roller coaster will continue in 2023.
With another year gone by and 2022 officially in the rearview mirror, it&rsquo;s time for the purple and gold to look ahead. Similar to the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-trade-rumors-7-possible-deals-for-the-los-angeles-lakers-charlotte-hornets-washington-wizards-indiana-pacers-san-antonio-spurs-pistons-magic-knicks-lebron-james-anthony-davis-rob-pelinka" target="_blank" rel="noopener">seven trade scenarios we looked at in last week's article</a>, I've decided to predict five things that could happen with the Lakers in the new year.
Let's take a look.
LeBron James will break the NBA's all-time scoring record sooner than expected
The Lakers season has been underwhelming so far, but LeBron has not been as he continues to play at an ultra-high level even in his 20th season. And now, he&rsquo;s on the verge of making history by surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA&rsquo;s all-time leading scorer.
The question wasn&rsquo;t if he would break the record this season, but when. LeBron has stayed healthy for the most part this year (only missing a handful of games so far) and finds himself just 484 points away from Kareem's mark of 38,387.
If James' scoring binge continues &mdash; he&rsquo;s averaging 36.6 points per game since Christmas, and Darvin Ham has said he will continue to ride him until Anthony Davis returns from injury &mdash; LeBron is going to top Kareem BEFORE the All-Star break.
Here are two dates to target, with both games at home:
<ul>
<li>Oklahoma City Thunder on Feb. 7</li>
<li>Milwaukee Bucks on Feb 9.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
The Lakers finally make a trade... just not the big one
Going back to before the season started, Lakers' fans have been clamoring for Rob Pelinka and the front office to make a deal. And while LA has talked to a lot of teams, the franchise has yet to pull the trigger.
That will change before the Feb. 9 trade deadline, but it won&rsquo;t be that big, potential-game changer that some are hoping for.
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The Lakers have been clinging onto their oh-so-precious, tradeable 2027 and 2029 first-round picks, and the team doesn&rsquo;t seem anxious to include either in a deal at this point. Instead, they&rsquo;d rather count on good returns for minimum-contract players like Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant, and the return of Anthony Davis before the end of January.
LA will do something, but it will be around the edges that will involve the expiring contract(s) of Kendrick Nunn ($5.2M) or Patrick Beverley ($13.0M) and some second-rounders. Think of Josh Richardson, Cam Reddish, or Mason Plumlee &mdash; players who can help now, but also are on expiring deals so the team can preserve its cap space and reset the repeater luxury tax (something owner Jeanie Buss loathes to continue paying).
The Lakers will get into the Play-in Tournament
Somehow, someway, this team will get into the postseason. Right now, LA sits at 17-21, but is just one game back of the sliding Utah Jazz &mdash; losers of five straight &mdash; for the 10th spot in the Western Conference.&nbsp;
The schedule is tough, and they'll need LeBron and Davis to stay/get healthy, but this group won&rsquo;t melt down the stretch like last season; they&rsquo;ll find an avenue into the Play-In. Maybe the Lakers could get as high as the No. 9 spot if things break their way, but that&rsquo;s probably their ceiling at this point. From there, they&rsquo;ll cross their fingers and toes that the LBJ-AD combo can do some damage. Good luck.
LeBron will remain with Lakers next season and beyond
Sure, LeBron is a bit frustrated with this season, and he already sounded off on his &ldquo;playing basketball at this level just to be playing basketball is not in my DNA&rdquo; salvo. And it&rsquo;s not wrong to think that he could get fed up with the situation in La La Land and demand a trade after the season.
(Remember, he cannot be traded during the season because he signed an extension in September and cannot be moved for six months, which is after the trade deadline.)
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lebron james is shooting 72.7% on drives&mdash;and 84.9% at the rim&mdash;since the anthony davis injury <a href="https://t.co/ji0u4Wt2kY">pic.twitter.com/ji0u4Wt2kY</a>
&mdash; Dan Favale (@danfavale) <a href="https://twitter.com/danfavale/status/1611105868736614426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote>

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LeBron has every right to be upset. Anyone would be, especially a 38-year-old, still-near-his-prime superstar who is chasing one more ring to tie him with Laker greats Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson.
With that being said, he&rsquo;s not going anywhere. His sons Bronny (18) and Bryce (15) are entrenched at Sierra Canyon High School, his off-the-court businesses have thrived since moving to California and his family really enjoys the west-coast lifestyle.
LeBron doesn&rsquo;t seem interested in moving his family or being away from them during an NBA season. While he&rsquo;ll continue to put pressure on the front office when it comes to the roster, the bet here is that he&rsquo;s not going anywhere. Well, at least not for the next few seasons.
LA goes big-name hunting and lands one
Nothing says &ldquo;Lakers exceptionalism&rdquo; like the team always looking to add another superstar. And unless the organization makes a trade taking on salary for future years (don&rsquo;t hold your breath), LA is set to have around $30 million in cap space this upcoming offseason. That&rsquo;s not enough to get a star on a max deal, but it could be enough to get a distressed one.
I give you Kyrie Irving.
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While Irving has been a big part of the Brooklyn Nets turning their season around &mdash; now in the No. 3 position in the Eastern Conference at 25-13 &mdash; he&rsquo;s a free agent at the end of the season, and the Nets would still have to make a commitment to him. That could come down to how far they go in the playoffs. Even then, Nets governor Joe Tsai and general Sean Marks could decide they&rsquo;ve had enough of the Kyrie experience.
Of course, the Lakers wouldn&rsquo;t shy away from Irving despite the off-court attention that comes with him. LA is desperate for another big name player. He&rsquo;s probably a much better fit that Russell Westbrook. He definitely is a better long-range shooter. But will his actions off the court get him in trouble? That&rsquo;s a big gamble for most teams.
The Lakers aren&rsquo;t one of them. They embrace chaos. LeBron has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYeEyAqkw_c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly already indicated he would welcome playing with Irving again</a>, and the <a href="https://www.nj.com/nets/2023/01/how-has-kyrie-irvings-recent-stellar-play-with-the-streaking-nets-impacted-his-free-agency-situation.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">feeling seems mutual</a>. Despite his sometimes jaw-dropping offensive talent, most teams will steer clear of him. That would allow the Lakers to offer him a good, but less-than-max deal of around two-years, $62M.
Is that enough for Irving? It might be the best deal he gets offered.

Brian Fritz predicts five scenarios that could happen regarding the Lakers in the new year.

Making 5 predictions for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023

Basketball News highlights the reporting, analysis and podcasts that defined a year of basketball in 2022.

Best of Basketball News: Spotlighting our top content from 2022

Don't forget about the other summer blockbuster.
You can't go online without the Rudy Gobert trade being flamed. It's hard not to question that move considering how clunky things have looked for the Timberwolves on both ends, a recent winning streak when Gobert was out of the lineup, and a slide coinciding with Gobert's return &mdash; featuring closing minutes with Naz Reid instead of Gobert.
You know who else has looked clunky on both ends of the floor? The Atlanta Hawks, fresh off a loss to LeBirthday and the Los Angles Lakers on Friday night.
The Hawks are currently sitting two games under .500 (17-19), with a bottom-10 net rating (-1.7, 24th) and more rumors swirling than a high-school hallway. The latter portion &mdash; the outside noise &mdash; is really what sucks about this Hawks season.
It's understandable enough that there would be growing pains when implenting former Spurs All-Star Dejounte Murray into the mix. I was ultimately <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-offseason-trade-news-dejounte-murray-fit-atlanta-hawks-trae-young-bogdan-bogdanovic-deandre-hunter-san-antonio-spurs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">high on the move</a>, but the Young-Murray fit hasn't been clean. The Hawks are <a href="https://www.pbpstats.com/wowy-combos/nba?TeamId=1610612737&amp;Season=2022-23&amp;SeasonType=Regular%2BSeason&amp;PlayerIds=1629027,1627749" target="_blank" rel="noopener">barely winning the minutes</a> &mdash; plus-1.8 in 695 minutes &mdash; with them sharing the floor.&nbsp;
It's even tougher considering the injury woes the Hawks have dealt with. Clint Capela has missed nine games; John Collins and De'Andre Hunter have missed eight. Bogdan Bogdanovic, an important spacer and secondary creator, made his season debut on December 2.&nbsp;
In a perfect world, this is just a matter of on-court chemistry building. But alas, it doesn't appear to be just that. The cloud surrounding the relationship between Young and head coach Nate McMillan is hard to ignore at this point.
Before the season, Young and McMillan each referenced their need to improve communication with each other. McMillan took steps over the offseason <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34656193/atlanta-hawks-look-improve-communication-trae-young-coach-nate-mcmillan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">with an in-house visit</a>, for a quick example. Naturally, Young missed a home game against the Denver Nuggets earlier this month due to [checks notes] <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/trae-young-reportedly-sat-out-fridays-game-vs-nuggets-after-feud-with-coach-nate-mc-millan-232604712.html#:~:text=The%20team%20said%20at%20the,to%20be%20any%20further%20discipline." target="_blank" rel="noopener">morning shootaround etiquette.</a>
(As the story goes, Young wanted to bypass morning shootaround to receive extra treatment for a troublesome shoulder. McMillan gave Young a choice: either come off the bench [for missing a normally-mandatory shootaround], or stay home. Young opted for the latter.)
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That's a petty story at best, another notch on the "what-the-heck's-going-on-with-those-two?" belt at worst. It didn't look good for Young, who simply could've played if he wanted to. It didn't look good for McMillan, who wouldn't have lost sleep over letting Young slide considering the circumstances &mdash; and his importance to the team, but you know.
Fast forward to Friday, before the Lakers loss, and we get a report from The Athletic's Shams Charania that McMillan has <a href="https://theathletic.com/4046211/2022/12/30/nate-mcmillan-hawks-considers-resigning/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">considered resigning from the job</a>. When asked about the report, McMillan didn't necessarily <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/hawks-coach-nate-mcmillan-responds-to-report-suggesting-he-may-resign-well-move-on-past-that/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shut things down</a>:
"I read that article briefly, I've never spoke to that reporter before,"&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Pat_Benson_Jr/status/1608958610905903105?s=20&amp;t=p8pumdwNvGb35E1h4W7reQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">McMillan said</a>. "I think the last two weeks, he's written a couple articles with some sources in our organization that are making some comments about me, and some things that I'm saying and doing. Look, at the end of the year, I'll do as I've always done, at the end of the season I talk with my family and see if I still have that flame, that fire to continue next season. That's the end of the season. All of us think about retiring, but that's at the end of the season. So we'll move on past that."
What makes this dynamic &mdash; and the Hawks in general &mdash; so difficult to parse through is the chicken-or-egg nature of it.&nbsp;
For the "star &gt; coach" crowd, there are arguments to make.
There is a level of rigidity with McMillan from a scheme perspective. That isn't inherently bad; he provides structure, and that appeal is what helped land him the job after the Hawks fired Lloyd Pierce in the first place. But it's part of why teams have been willing to move on from McMillan after a spell, looking for a new voice or a boost in creativity. The Hawks very well could use that.&nbsp;
On the flip side, how much more can be done with this personnel? That's worth asking before factoring in the injury woes.&nbsp;
Daryl Morey would throw up at the Hawks' shot profile: 37.5% of their shots come from the mid-range area (1st), while they lag way behind in rim (32%, 20th) and three-point rate (30.5%, 29th). But when your shooting talent underperforms (Collins, Hunter, Justin Holiday), is mostly unavailable (Bogdanovic) or trying to learn the ropes in year one (AJ Griffin), what should the expectation be?
McMillan, like virtually every coach in existence, has had his rotations questioned during his tenure. But with the revolving door of talent he's had at his disposal this season, what should the expectation be?
And then there's Young himself.&nbsp;
He's underperformed by his lofty standards. Averages of 27.4 points and 9.9 assists are dope; averaging career-lows from just about everywhere &mdash; 31% on 7.2 threes, 47% on 13.8 two-pointers &mdash; is admittedly not dope.
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He hasn't been able to can the pull-up threes that make him such a lethal pick-and-roll threat. His floater, one of the NBA's best weapons, has largely failed him this season. (Ja Morant's dealing with a similar floater issue, hence his career-low in two-point percentage.)
Young missing shots wouldn't be as tough if his play-style didn't exacerbate things. He dictates a ton of the action &mdash; and rightfully so, with his blend of playmaking and scoring chops. After <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/touches?Season=2021-22&amp;dir=D&amp;sort=AVG_DRIB_PER_TOUCH" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leading the NBA</a> in seconds per touch and dribbles per touch last season, Young ranks... second and first respectively <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/touches?CF=GP*GE*20&amp;Season=2022-23&amp;dir=D&amp;sort=AVG_DRIB_PER_TOUCH" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this season</a>.
After an encouraging start to the year, the off-ball juice just hasn't been there for Young. We're back to pass-and-stand with the ball out of his hands. He's taken just 23 relocation threes this season, per Second Spectrum; that's on pace to smash last season's number (26), but still well below the threshold you'd like to see from Young.&nbsp;
The primary reason that people questioned the Young-Murray fit was because of the off-ball woes. Murray was a fine-not-threatening catch-and-shoot threat, while Young just wasn't particularly engaged in that area. Sadly, it's been mostly a "my turn, your turn" ordeal between the two.
It's fair to question if McMillan can bring this team to the next level, and if he can connect with Young enough to make that possibility a reality. It's also fair to question how much of a limiter Young's style is to building the sort of multi-faceted attack that can take the Hawks to the next level.&nbsp;
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That question, in addition to the weird relationship with McMillan, is why <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10059477-sources-trae-young-could-be-next-nba-superstar-to-request-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">executives have started chirping</a> about the possibility of Young eventually asking out.
This is where I pause and state the obvious: executives saying "hey, he might be the next star to ask out" is not a report. It's notable conversation, and fun to think about. It's not an actual trade request.
Even with that context, it's interesting to think about what a Young trade would even look like. The Hawks pushing that button would signify, "We can't do this," "We don't want to deal with this," or a combination of the two. How would that message be received league-wide?
Young is an offense unto himself; that's incredibly valuable and, oddly enough, part of the problem with building around him. Add in the defensive concerns &mdash; he's a small dude whose attention span wanes off the ball too often &mdash; and a Young trade sweepstakes won't be as simple as "this dude's good so we should sell the farm for him."
Go down the line of fake trade destinations, and you'll come across some roadblocks.
That Young-for-KAT swap seems plausible until you think about Young, Anthony Edwards and Gobert in the same locker room. Gobert was frustrated enough being blamed for Utah's defensive miscues; cleaning up for Young and&nbsp;Edwards' off-ball lapses feels like trouble waiting to happen.&nbsp;
The New York Knicks should be happy with the All-Star caliber play that Jalen Brunson has provided this season. Brunson isn't a Young-level talent, nor is he a Young-level star. I'd be shocked if they didn't at least consider constructing a package for Young.
In light of Chris Paul's decline, I'm sure the Phoenix Suns would sniff around. The prospect of pairing Young and Devin Booker together would be interesting, though building out an offer would induce headaches.&nbsp;
(I don't know if anyone wants to hear this, but there's probably a conversation to be had between Atlanta and Philadelphia depending on what James Harden wants to do with his player option.)
For a player as talented as Young, that's not a long list of suitors. And again, you could poke holes in all of those. Ideally, this doesn't become a real talking point to begin with. The Hawks want Young to be the face of the franchise, and he's already shown he's talented enough to lead them on a deep playoff run.
What needs to change for the Hawks to turn things around? The anwer is a little bit of everything.&nbsp;
More malleability from McMillan would be nice. A healthier roster &mdash; and better shooting talent &mdash; would give McMillan more room to experiment. Obviously there's no "shoot-the-ball-better" button to press, but Young can control his own engagement level off the ball &mdash; on both ends of the floor.&nbsp;

What's wrong with the Hawks? Nekias Duncan breaks down the team's issues and Atlanta's options moving forward.

What's wrong with the Atlanta Hawks?

It felt like a foregone conclusion before the NBA season that the Los Angeles Lakers would trade away Russell Westbrook after he looked out of place and without a concrete role during his first season with the franchise.
However, a trade never materialized in the offseason and the Lakers brought Westbrook back. So far, it has worked out with new head coach Darvin Ham convincing Westbrook to embrace the role of sixth man off the bench which he has thrived in.
That hasn't stopped Westbrook's name from being mentioned in trade rumors, especially with it being December 15, marking the day that 74 NBA players who signed as free agents this offseason have officially become eligible to be traded. While the Lakers are expected to make a trade before the February 9 deadline, it seems unlikely that it will involve the nine-time All Star guard.
<a href="https://theathletic.com/4004360/2022/12/15/lakers-russell-westbrook-celtics-clippers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Amick of The Athletic is reporting</a> that "according to a source with knowledge of the Lakers&rsquo; plans, Westbrook&rsquo;s play this past month has made it increasingly unlikely that he will be traded before the league&rsquo;s Feb. 9 deadline." Instead, the Lakers are expected to include Patrick Beverely and Kendrick Nunn along with possibly a future first-round pick in any package
Since becoming a sixth man on Oct. 28,&nbsp;the 34-year-old Westbrook has averaged 15.2 points, 7.9 assists, 5.8 rebounds in 28.2 minutes.
&nbsp;

While the LA Lakers are expected to make a trade to upgrade their roster, it likely won't involve Russell Westbrook.

Report: Lakers likely won't trade Russell Westbrook

There were little to no expectations for the Indiana Pacers entering this season. Entering a new era headlined by emerging point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana was a preseason favorite in the Victor Wembanyama derby. Instead, Indiana checks in with a 9-6 record, including wins in eight of their last 10 games.
With this early-season surge, the Pacers' young core is turning heads and it's clear that this team is just scratching the surface.
Haliburton is making the leap to All-Star candidate, averaging 20.6 points, 10.5 assists and 1.9 steals on an eye-opening 62.3% True Shooting. As the engine of Indiana&rsquo;s offense, Haliburton has helped vault their offensive rating to No. 7 in the Association, averaging 114.0 points per 100 possessions.
The brilliance of Haliburton is his ability to elevate the numbers of everyone around him, which includes feeding Myles Turner consistently to a career-best in scoring (18.2 PPG). Incredibly enough, Indiana&rsquo;s entire starting lineup, sans Jalen Smith, is shooting above 40% on three-point attempts with Haliburton as the trigger-puller.
Alongside Haliburton is the early Rookie-of-the-Year candidate, Bennedict Mathurin, who was picked No. 6 overall and may be a sleeper in the Sixth Man of the Year race as well. Mathurin instantly displayed his natural knack for scoring the basketball in a multitude of ways. Not only can Mathurin effortlessly slash to the rim, he can pull up with no hesitation thanks to beautiful shot mechanics. Mathurin&rsquo;s perimeter prowess immediately translated too, as he's converting 42.7% on threes with adequate volume (5.9 3PA).
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Eventually, Mathurin will move into a full-time role next to Haliburton in the Pacers&rsquo; starting unit, but being the featured piece off the bench has allowed for scoring binges at a rapid pace, including 18 points in one quarter. It&rsquo;s hard to describe the &ldquo;It&rdquo; factor Mathurin possesses, but he oozes confidence. Based on early indications, the Pacers may have hit a grand slam drafting Mathurin, which could already be fast-tracking expectations in Indianapolis.
The word &ldquo;rebuild&rdquo; wasn&rsquo;t thrown around much by the Pacers&rsquo; front office, as they viewed this as more of a multi-season re-tooling because they already had a few foundational pieces on the roster. Thanks in large part to this backcourt duo, Indiana currently sits in the No. 5 slot in the Eastern Conference.
Haliburton and Mathurin are creating fireworks for the Pacers&rsquo; offense, but there are also a few other surprises within this 15-game sample size. While Chris Duarte is sidelined due to an ankle injury, second-round pick Andrew Nembhard has been starting. Already, Nembhard has a veteran-like feel to his game with noticeable two-way versatility because of his consistent on-ball defense and three-point shooting. The former Gonzaga product more often than not is taking on the Pacers&rsquo; toughest defensive assignment, which speaks volumes to how much head coach Rick Carlisle trusts the rookie. In multi-man efficiency stats, combinations featuring Nembhard all rank near the top since he makes so many winning plays. On a rebuilding team, having a reliable piece like this could pay huge dividends down the road.
Because of the strong returns from the Pacers&rsquo; young core, career-best campaigns from Buddy Hield and Myles Turner are flying under the radar. Already possessing three first-round picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, Indiana could be in a very advantageous position to cash in once again between now and February&rsquo;s trade deadline.
Turner is becoming a more reliable offensive threat coupled with his elite shot blocking, averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.0 blocks on 67.6% True Shooting. Meanwhile, Hield is putting up 18.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 40.3% on threes.
Following an offseason-long rumor mill pertaining to Turner and Hield potentially being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Russell Westbrook&rsquo;s expiring contract, both of Indiana&rsquo;s veteran leaders are thriving. And with their success in the win-loss column, the next month could be huge in deciding the long-term fate of both players in Indiana. If the Pacers maintain their strong start, this team all of a sudden could be looking like a play-in contender in the first year of their rebuilding efforts.
Simply put, the Pacers are too good to tank their way to a 20-win record. All of the following players for the Pacers have consistently flashed: Haliburton, Mathurin, Turner, Hield, Nembhard, Jalen Smith, Isaiah Jackson, Aaron Nesmith. Add in Duarte, who was one of the best scorers from the 2021 rookie class, and Indiana is one big offseason away from rebounding to consistent-playoff-threat status within the East.
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When Indiana decided to ship off two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Haliburton and Hield at last season&rsquo;s trade deadline, it was a pivotal moment for the organization to reset. Putting a lid on expectations for the team for the next few years internally, this core instead may very well be ahead of schedule.
Don&rsquo;t look now, but the Pacers are quickly becoming an NBA-League-Pass favorite because of their fast-paced brand of basketball. Also, they&rsquo;re finding an identity on defense over their last 10 games, ranking No. 8 in defensive rating. Indiana ranks in the top-10 in offensive rating and defensive rating &mdash; only the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers can say the same over that span.
Whichever direction the rest of the season takes for Indiana, the internal signs of growth are blindingly bright. Haliburton and Mathurin have immense potential as a complementary backcourt pairing, and it seems there are a number of players who could be involved in the Pacers' long-term vision.
Possessing oodles of cap space and multiple first-round picks, Indiana will be operating in the driver&rsquo;s seat from a potential trade-negotiation standpoint over the next few months. Right now, the ship is certainly turned in the right direction for a franchise in search of consistent stabilization once more.

One of the NBA's biggest early-season surprises resides in Indianapolis, where the Pacers are blossoming into a fun team.

Pacers' early-season promise gives a peek at long-term outlook

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) &mdash; This could be the year Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reaches All-Star status.
The smooth Oklahoma City Thunder guard averaged more than 30 points per game after the All-Star break last season, then missed the final month of the season with a sore right ankle. He recovered and dominated for Canada's national team this summer.
He had a setback right before training camp &ndash; a left knee sprain that has kept him out of preseason action &mdash; but the Thunder have said they expect it to be minor.
Gilgeous-Alexander has never been an All-Star; Oklahoma City has ranked among the league's worst teams the past two years. He understands that one of the league's youngest rosters will need to come up with more wins to get him there.
&ldquo;I think it should be that way because the point of the game is to win,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;It matters most that you win. That&rsquo;s what we all play the game to do, is to win games, win championships. So I think it (winning) means a lot, and I think it should mean a lot.&rdquo;
Injuries are part of the reason Gilgeous-Alexander has been overlooked &mdash; he&rsquo;s only played in 91 of the Thunder&rsquo;s 154 regular-season games the past two seasons.
Two seasons ago, he averaged 23.7 points per game. Last season, he averaged 24.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists. After the All-Star break, he averaged 30.4 points on 54% shooting in 13 games and scored at least 30 points 10 times.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s just going to start scraping the beginning of his prime, which is exciting to think about,&rdquo; Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said.
Gilgeous-Alexander's success has sparked rumors that he might eventually want to leave the struggling franchise. But he is focused on the Thunder and wants to make good on his long-term deal.
Oklahoma City has 15 potential first-round picks and 14 potential second-round picks through the 2029 NBA draft, meaning the franchise could add a significant amount of talent soon.
&ldquo;Honestly, I don&rsquo;t pay attention to like the NBA media stuff and what gets tweeted and what circulates around the web,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Try to stay focused with what I&rsquo;ve got going on, me getting better, the guys that are on the team.&rdquo;
NO HOLMGREN
Chet Holmgren &mdash; the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 draft &mdash; <a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-city-thunder-nba-sports-draft-8c087d0afbe773f3d61b24753f35b713">is recovering from a season-ending foot injury he suffered in a pro-am game</a> in August.
He doesn&rsquo;t regret participating.
&ldquo;At the end of the day, basketball players are going to play basketball,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s just kind of like, you&rsquo;ve got to feed the love for the game. I don&rsquo;t want an injury like this to kind of take away from that.&rdquo;
ROOKIE CLASS
Oklahoma City&rsquo;s rookies still will bear watching.
Ousmane Dieng, a 6-foot-10 forward from France, averaged 8.9 points and 3.2 rebounds for the New Zealand Breakers last season. Jalen Williams, a 6-6 guard, averaged 18 points and 4.2 assists last season as a junior at Santa Clara. Jaylin Williams, a 6-10, 240-pound forward, averaged 10.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game for Arkansas last season.
JUST JOSHING
Josh Giddey, like Gilgeous-Alexander, looks poised to be a star.
The Australian guard averaged 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game last season and was named Western Conference rookie of the month four times. He also shot just 26.3% from 3-point range last season.
Daigneault said the 20-year-old should be a better shooter this season.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s worked really hard at it, and I think he&rsquo;s better, just watching him from the summer,&rdquo; Daigneault said. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s gained confidence. He&rsquo;s more consistent.&rdquo;
DORT READY
Guard Lu Dort missed the first three preseason games in concussion protocol, but he had 23 points in 18 minutes against Israeli team Ra&rsquo;Anana Maccabi Ra&rsquo;Anana on Sunday.
Best known as a defensive stopper, the Canadian averaged a career-best 17.2 points per game last season before going down with a shoulder injury.
MANN UP
Tre Mann is on fire this preseason.
The second-year guard has averaged 17 points and made 13 of 22 3-pointers in the three games he's played. He made 8 of 10 3-pointers against the Adelaide (Australia) 36ers last Thursday.
___
Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: <a href="twitter.com/CliffBruntAP">twitter.com/CliffBruntAP</a>

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is hoping to achieve All-Star status, but most importantly, helping OKC rack up more wins in the process.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder look to take step forward

With Jae Crowder still absent from the Phoenix Suns' bench, it appears that the team will not play hardball with Crowder and instead move toward a trade for the veteran forward. <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/the-suns-curious-handling-of-jae-crowder-creates-more-questions-than-answers-135459778.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jake Fischer broke down the rumors and movement in his most recent piece</a>, and a multitude of options seem to be available for both parties involved.
The 10-year veteran is believed to be asking for yet another three-year extension in the ballpark of $30 million, which the Suns have yet to budge on offering. The Suns have kept bench forward Cameron Johnson far and away from trade talks, as they now plan to replace Crowder with him in the starting lineup. Johnson is also extension eligible, and with the Suns heading deeper into the luxury tax, the projected extension of four years and $72 million makes trading Crowder even more important if he chooses to continue to sit out.
Multiple contending teams are interested in Crowder. The Miami Heat will have problems matching his salary with the newly-signed Caleb Martin, Victor Oladipo and Dewayne Dedmon until they become trade-eligible in a few months. Despite this, Heat officials have expressed that Miami is Crowder's preferred destination, <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/the-suns-curious-handling-of-jae-crowder-creates-more-questions-than-answers-135459778.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per Fischer</a>.
Crowder's past teams have been linked to him as well. The Memphis Grizzlies have an injured Danny Green to toss out, but the Suns are looking for players who can help them win now in return. The Boston Celtics seem to be holding out on offering Grant Williams an extension, and the Suns have shown interest in Derrick White, but for now, Boston is reportedly out on the Crowder sweepstakes.
The Atlanta Hawks have had talks about Crowder with the Suns this summer, as they have also made calls around oft-injured swingman Bogdan Bogdanovic. A potential trade of Landry Shamet and Crowder for Bogdanovic has made its rounds through NBA front offices, although Fischer's sources have claimed that Shamet has not been involved in the Suns' talks with Atlanta.
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson seems to be available due to the state of the rebuilding Jazz franchise, and the Suns have recently made calls around him and his potential to help their bench. However, this would likely require further draft compensation on top of Crowder, something the Suns have been hesitant to include in recent trades.
Dallas, a team often thrown into trade talks for wings, is reportedly not interested in Crowder, per Fischer.
Whatever trade happens, it's important to note that it appears the Suns operate on a year-to-year schedule. They won't mortgage all of their future assets in trades, and may only use distant draft picks to make moves on the margins to improve their roster. It's likely that they'll look at trades that require them only moving Crowder, and not assets on top of him, to improve their roster.

The Phoenix Suns and Jae Crowder are working towards a trade, and the options are open.

Suns, Jae Crowder exploring trade options as the season nears

NEW YORK (AP) &mdash; Jalen Brunson has the New York Knicks believing the search for a point guard is over at last.
Never mind that he was never even a full-time NBA starter until last season, or that the quest to find the long-term answer at point guard in New York seemingly never ends.
The former second-round pick has the keys at Madison Square Garden, and the Knicks appear sure it's going to be a smooth ride.
&ldquo;I think Jalen can provide whatever you need,&rdquo; coach Tom Thibodeau said. &ldquo;So if you need him to do more scoring, he can do that. If you need more playmaking, he can do that. If you need him to create pace and create movement, he can do that. You need a big 3, a big shot, he can do that. I love the way he can control and manage the game, and to me that&rsquo;s the No. 1 function of a point guard.&rdquo;
Thibodeau said all that after coaching Brunson for just one preseason game, though he had been building intel on the 26-year-old long before then. Brunson would visit the Knicks as a boy in the late 1990s when his father, Rick, played for the team and Thibodeau was an assistant coach. Thibodeau later followed Brunson's accomplishments in high school ball in the Chicago area, where he coached the Bulls, and then as a two-time national champion at Villanova.
So perhaps Thibodeau knew something when the Knicks seemed to lock in so early on Brunson as their priority in free agency, even before his strong playoff run for the Mavericks last season.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s a winning player that would fit with any team, really, at any level,&rdquo; said Rick Carlisle, who coached Brunson in Dallas before moving to Indiana. &ldquo;He just figures it out and he&rsquo;ll be great here.&rdquo;
Brunson broke out last season after Jason Kidd replaced Carlisle, averaging a career-best 16.3 points. That number grew to 21.6 per game in the postseason, including a 41-point performance in a first-round victory over Utah, as the Mavericks made a surprising run to the Western Conference finals. The New Jersey native then left Dallas for a $104 million contract in New York.
Brunson &mdash; whose father is on Thibodeau's staff &mdash; will need help, though. RJ Barrett, rewarded with a big offseason extension, must continue the growth he showed last season. And Julius Randle has to play closer to his 2020-21 form, when he won the NBA's Most Improved Player award.
If so, the Knicks could challenge for a playoff spot after falling from the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference in 2021 to out of the postseason entirely last season &mdash; provided Brunson is everything they believe he is and the game manager Thibodeau thinks he can be.
&ldquo;It's a difficult job, but it's something that I think I'm capable of doing,&rdquo; Brunson said. &ldquo;I've been a leader my entire life and I lead by example, I lead vocally. It's not easy. I'm continuing to get better as a leader, so I still have strides to take in that category, but we're moving in the right direction.&rdquo;
LEFTY LOOK
With Brunson, Randle and Barrett, the Knicks will have three left-handed players in their starting lineup.
BARRETT BACK
Barrett was mentioned in trade rumors for Donovan Mitchell during the summer before the Knicks signed the the No. 3 pick in the 2019 draft to an extension of his rookie contract. He averaged 20 points last season, the youngest player in franchise history to do so.
RETURNING ROSE
Derrick Rose is healthy again after being limited to just 26 games last season by ankle injuries, and the former NBA MVP figures to be Brunson's backup at the point.
SECOND UNIT STRENGTH
With Rose, fan-favorite Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley, joined by newcomer Isaiah Hartenstein, Thibodeau believes the Knicks can again get the bench boost that was a strength of their playoff team two seasons ago.
50-YEAR WAIT
This season will mark 50 years since the Knicks won their second and most recent NBA championship in 1973.

Jalen Brunson has the New York Knicks believing the search for a point guard is over at last.

With Jalen Brunson aboard, Knicks feel they have their point guard

When Indiana Pacers trade rumors have popped up throughout recent seasons, Myles Turner's name has been a mainstay in those reports. Since 2018, when the awkward front court pairing between Turner and Domantas Sabonis began, the former lottery pick had been cast aside as the apparent odd man out. However, after years of surfacing in trade rumors, Turner is still on the Pacers' roster.
This past offseason, though, the feeling was completely different for Indiana&rsquo;s starting center.
Not only was Turner the subject of more rumors &mdash; including legitimate negotiations with the Los Angeles Lakers for a potential salary-dump deal for Russell Westbrook &mdash; he saw the organization openly flirt with the best free agent available at his position. Turner watched as the Pacers aggressively pursued restricted-free-agent Deandre Ayton, which ultimately led to a signed max offer sheet. Although the Phoenix Suns quickly matched Indiana&rsquo;s offer sheet (the largest contract negotiated in franchise history), Turner knew at that point they were actively trying to find an upgrade.
During Media Day on Monday, Turner addressed the consistent rumors and failed Ayton pursuit by Indiana.
&ldquo;This is the only time I will be addressing it this year; I want to make sure everyone knows that,&rdquo; Turner said. &ldquo;Yeah, elephant in the room. For me, this is my eighth season. I&rsquo;ve been in trade rumors the past four or five years. It&rsquo;s something that I know I&rsquo;m numb to. It&rsquo;s something that... it&rsquo;s just whatever comes with this business. There are no hard feelings in his business. You have to take the emotions out of everything, and I&rsquo;ve learned that at a young age, and I still hold true to that. My job is to come in here and help these young guys now, man.&rdquo;
Turner took the high road there &mdash; no surprise for someone tactful and professional like the former Texas Longhorn. When asked about a potential contract extension still being on the table, Turner didn&rsquo;t want to elaborate. Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard echoed a similar tune regarding Turner&rsquo;s murky future with the organization last Thursday.
&ldquo;I sat down and talked with Myles for an hour, hour-and-a-half the other day. It was a heart-to-heart,&rdquo; Pritchard told Basketball News last week. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to tell you exactly what was said, but I&rsquo;ll give you the crux, and that is I think he&rsquo;s super excited about playing with Tyrese [Haliburton]. I think he wants to play the 5 exclusively. I think he wants to be a defensive monster. And I think that he&rsquo;s okay planting deep roots here. But, you know, he&rsquo;s going to be a free agent next year. There&rsquo;s a lot of things that can happen. What we think today isn&rsquo;t something that we know is going to happen tomorrow. This is the most dynamic business in the world.&rdquo;
Turner enters the 2022-23 season in Indiana not only as a veteran voice for a young locker room, but with plenty of motivation to silence the critics. Playing with another high-usage big for years, Turner feels he&rsquo;s never really had the opportunity to showcase his entire two-way skillset. Even after the seismic Sabonis trade in February, which helped steer the Indiana's direction altogether by acquiring Tyrese Haliburton, Turner never logged a minute with the rising star due to a stress reaction in his left foot suffered a few weeks prior.
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I&rsquo;ve scratched the surface of my potential,&rdquo; Turner said. &ldquo;I gotta let my play do the talking. I could sit here and promise y&rsquo;all things&hellip; but I&rsquo;m going to go out there and hoop, man. That&rsquo;s what it&rsquo;s all about.&rdquo;
Already known as one of the Association&rsquo;s best rim protectors, averaging an eye-opening 2.8 blocks per game over the past four seasons, Turner is enthused about the idea of finally having the system cater to what he hopes is a full-fledged breakout campaign. The 6-foot-11 big set a career-high in scoring in 2018-19, with 13.3 points in 28.6 minutes per game. With no Sabonis and a roster in dire need of his abilities on both ends of the court, however long it may last, Turner could see his numbers spike.
Entering a contract year doesn&rsquo;t bother him.&nbsp;As he put it on Monday, Turner thrives within those types of environments. Also, Turner openly acknowledged a thought that had crossed his mind ahead of another Media Day: Would he still be in Indiana or elsewhere?
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s a good question,&rdquo; Turner said. &ldquo;I think that the way the past offseason had played out, you can only go off your past experiences. And I&rsquo;ve been in a Pacers uniform, so I can clearly say yeah, I was.&rdquo;
When Turner went down for the remainder of the regular season, Indiana&rsquo;s defense fell off a cliff. Over the final 39 games without Turner, Indiana ranked last in defensive rating, allowing a ghastly 120.9 points per 100 possessions. Before Turner was sidelined, the Pacers checked in 10.5 points better at 110.4 points per 100 possessions (which ranked No. 21 in the NBA).
Turner will be an integral piece to the Pacers' overall identity early on this season. Haliburton is now the proverbial face of the franchise, taking on a leadership role alongside expectations of flirting with an All-Star berth. However, Turner&rsquo;s fit alongside Haliburton as pick-and-roll/pop option, to go with his anchoring ability on the defensive end, could help set the tone for the organization.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle returned to Indiana expecting to coach a team that would consistently be within the Eastern Conference&rsquo;s top eight teams. The strong pivot in the other direction hasn&rsquo;t fazed Carlisle, potentially even reinvigorating him with players seeking out his knowledge of the game. As it relates to Turner, Carlisle has put an emphasis on making the veteran feel welcomed after the failed pursuit of Ayton.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been talking to Myles ever since July, ever since the stuff where we put the offer sheet on [Deandre] Ayton,&rdquo; Carlisle said. &ldquo;Got to spend time, a couple of days, with him at his basketball camp in Dallas in late July. Spent some time with him in August in the gym. Lloyd [Pierce] came down for a few days the following week. We spent a couple more days in the gym, had dinner at my house in Dallas.
"Myles is a pro. Myles has made it clear to me that he&rsquo;s excited about being here. He&rsquo;s excited about playing with a pass-first starting point guard like Tyrese [Haliburton]. That&rsquo;s where we are right now. That&rsquo;s where we are. I know he&rsquo;s in the last year of his contract. That&rsquo;s something that&rsquo;s on everybody&rsquo;s mind, but, hey, this is day one of Media Day. We&rsquo;re here. We&rsquo;re excited about basketball, and he&rsquo;ll be here in the gym tomorrow going hard.&rdquo;
Turner will be a member of the Pacers at least through the start of the regular season, but there are no assurances beyond that. Indiana will be put in a tough position with Turner during the final year of his contract. Jalen Smith and Isaiah Jackson, two key young frontcourt pieces who have long-term potential in Indiana, need to play as much as possible. And with Turner&rsquo;s nagging injury history, how much will the organization be willing to put on his motivated shoulders from now until February&rsquo;s trade deadline?
With the way Turner&rsquo;s tenure in Indiana has gone, one thing is for certain: Rumors will pick up steam once more as the calender inches closer to a final resolution.

For years, Myles Turner has remained the subject of trade rumors. Entering into a contract year, Turner is motivated to prove himself.

Despite uncertain future, Myles Turner motivated entering contract year

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) &mdash; Several months after the basketball world collectively assumed Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers were definitely headed for a breakup, the guard reported to training camp Monday wearing the same gold jersey.
Westbrook's return to the Lakers is among the biggest surprises to come out of an eventful NBA summer &mdash; and nobody knows for certain how long it will last given the trade rumors still swirling around the 2017 MVP.
But Westbrook and his fellow Lakers &mdash; even Patrick Beverley, his former nemesis &mdash; are determined to make it work after it decidedly did not during his first season back home in LA.
&ldquo;Whether they want me here or not doesn&rsquo;t really matter, honestly,&rdquo; Westbrook said. "My job is to be a professional. Show up to work like I&rsquo;ve always done thus far. Do my job to the best that I know how to, and that&rsquo;s it. We all have jobs that sometimes people at our jobs don&rsquo;t like us and don&rsquo;t want us there, as you (reporters) could probably attest."
LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Westbrook are back to try it again after they managed to play in only 21 games together last season. Injuries to James and Davis were the primary factors in the Lakers' dismal 33-49 campaign, but Westbrook's inability to mesh with his new teammates and coach Frank Vogel's concepts was another harbinger of disappointment.
Westbrook's 18.5 points per game were his fewest since his second NBA season 12 years earlier, and his 7.1 assists were well off his best seasons. While his field goal percentage was decent on paper, Lakers fans became infuriated by his struggles with mid-range shots or from distance as he made only 7.0 field goals per game &mdash; again his worst performance in 12 years.
General manager Rob Pelinka didn't deny he has explored ways to move Westbrook and his massive salary. He also praised the high-scoring guard for his offseason work and his growing bond with Darvin Ham, who got his first head coaching job in part because of his determination to get Westbrook into roles he can play.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s all-in to do whatever it takes for this team to win, in whatever role that means,&rdquo; Pelinka said of Westbrook. &ldquo;I think coach Ham is going to bring another level out of him that we didn&rsquo;t see last season.&rdquo;
Ham reiterated his strong support of Westbrook and praised the guard's offseason commitment to teamwork and improvement. He also praised the relationship between Westbrook and Beverley, whose public sparring over the past several seasons left some NBA observers thinking they couldn't possibly be teammates with the Lakers.
That's all nonsense, according to Beverley, the pugnacious veteran guard who joined the Lakers in a trade last month.
&ldquo;If I had to pick a best friend out of the team, and you usually have those, it would be him," Beverley said. &ldquo;Obviously, you guys think that we have the worst relationship in the world, and at times on the court, just like in a profession, I know a lot of you guys don&rsquo;t like each other, either. You guys aren&rsquo;t the best co-workers, so it&rsquo;s that same vibe. But when you get two people who love winning, two alpha males, and you put them together it usually works. I&rsquo;m super-excited to see how it goes.
"In order to get to where we&rsquo;re going, (the Lakers) have to become great friends, so I&rsquo;m super-excited about that."
JAMES STAYING PUT
While Westbrook's future remains somewhat uncertain, James is back for his 20th season with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career scoring record in sight this winter. The superstar also agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension through the 2024-25 season, and James said he's "committed to the franchise for as long as my career, as long as my contract is."
HEALTHY AGAIN
Davis is also back at full health after a round of injuries that have forced him to miss more games than he has played in the past two seasons. While Davis' absences are the single biggest reason for the Lakers' mediocrity during that span, he is encouraged by the offseason roster makeover that provided LA's Big Three with a fresh supporting cast.
&ldquo;It's totally different from last year,&rdquo; Davis said. &ldquo;We had a lot of vets, and this year we've got guys we kind of need to speed up and help out. I'm excited for these young guys to learn, and they're going to bring the energy out of us. Last year, we were a little slower. These guys are going to be running, and it's going to push us to play at their speed.&rdquo;
SLOW GOING
Ham's Lakers will ramp up slowly to full capacity in training camp: German guard Dennis Schr&ouml;der could miss the first week while sorting out normal visa issues, while new signees Troy Brown Jr. (back) and Lonnie Walker IV (ankle) will be limited early in workouts. Point guard Kendrick Nunn, who missed all of last season with a bone bruise, is fully healthy.

Following an offseason of trade rumors, Russell Westbrook is back with the Lakers alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Westbrook back with Lakers after offseason of trade rumors

NBA Media Day is typically a wellspring of optimism and excitement for teams across the Association. But in Boston, Celtics players have simply been trying to collect their bearings.
Ime Udoka's sudden one-year suspension as the team's head coach has rocked the organization and sent unprecedented questions toward a roster trying to rebound from falling two wins short of an NBA title. While Monday's press conference still included on-court questions, most of the dialogue revolved around Udoka, interim head coach Joe Mazzulla and the players' ability to even process this past week.&nbsp;
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Here's what we did learn about the Celtics' muddled circumstances, plus some unanswered questions that will hopefully be answered before the season:
WHAT DO THE PLAYERS KNOW ABOUT IME UDOKA'S MISCONDUCT?
Based on their answers, very little.
Jayson Tatum said he found out about Udoka's suspension on Twitter. Grant Williams said he learned "same as everyone else." <a href="https://theathletic.com/3617945/2022/09/22/celtics-ime-udoka-discipline/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of&nbsp;The Athletic</a>&nbsp;reported that members of the Celtics franchise first learned of Ime Udoka's relationship with another woman in the organization in July.
Marcus Smart said that Udoka visited him and other players in Los Angeles over the summer, and he noticed nothing unusual about the suspended head coach.
"I think that's why (the news is) so off-guard for us, because everything just seemed so normal," Smart said.
Since the announcement, the players have obviously met and had conversations. But several indicated that, as of Monday, the players don't know much more information than the public. Tatum has not spoken with Udoka since the suspension.
"It's been hell for us, caught by surprise. Nobody really knows anything. So we're just in the wind just like everybody else. So the last couple of days, as far as this, have been confusing," Smart said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
"It's been hell for us... these last couple days for us have been confusing." Marcus Smart reacts to Ime Udoka's suspension, and Joe Mazzulla stepping in as interim head coach <a href="https://t.co/IwD4YJCDco">pic.twitter.com/IwD4YJCDco</a>
&mdash; Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSCeltics/status/1574455058460282880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2022</a></blockquote>

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"I wish we had more details," Jaylen Brown said. "From what we know, it's hard to make a decision based upon whether it's consensual or not in the workplace or whatever is going on &mdash; which we've known has happened before in the workplace &mdash; but I guess there's more to it possibly, which we don't know. I don't know. I don't have all the details; [they're] not being shared with me. So it's hard to really comment on something that you're not filled in with all the details. So I don't really have a feeling or comment on my emotions about it because I don't have the details."
Celtics players generally seemed to understand that legal and privacy reasons have slowed the information process. That doesn't mean it's easy being left in the dark on the full story.
"If you read the statement, and if you watched the press conference [Friday], obviously, apparently there's a lot of things that they can't, can't speak about," Tatum said. "So I think I'm kind of in the same boat, as &mdash; I don't know. So it's hard for me to answer if things were handled the right way [or] if they weren't because I guess for a lot of reasons, I don't know all the details."
Added Smart: "We don't know what the organization knows. So it's kind of hard to say that &mdash; we don't know what they know, so we don't know what they are supposed to tell us or what we're supposed to know. And I think this is where this is at and why it is what it is, because literally, no one knows anything. We're still waiting just like everybody else. As a player, you would like it to be known, but at the same time, that's none of our business. It's their lives. It's the people involved, it's between them, you know, and we should respect their privacy and we understand, just like we want our privacy respected. So, although, as a player, you would like to know, like I said, it's it's not an obligation."
DOES JOE MAZZULLA HAVE THE BACKING OF THE PLAYERS?
Like <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/breakingnews/celtics-udoka-suspended-for-multiple-policy-violations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brad Stevens and Wyc Grousbeck did on Friday,</a> the players gave positive reviews of Mazzulla. The 34-year-old was hired as an assistant on the C's staff in 2019, and is a holdover from the Stevens coaching era.
"He knows and understands us as players. He's built relationships with us. So we love Joe; we're excited to be able to work with him in this opportunity that he has," Smart said.
Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser have both played under Mazzulla when he was at the helm of the Summer League Celtics.
"I think he's gonna be an unbelievable coach," Pritchard said. "He's intelligent, he knows the game and I think he is the right amount of, like, pushing players, but also understanding [them]."
"I think he is a hard-nosed type of coach," Hauser added. "He kind of says it how it is, but he also really cares about you as a person &mdash; not only a basketball player, but he really cares about the off-the-floor stuff. I'm excited for Joe, and I can't wait to see how he takes advantage of this opportunity."
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Malcolm Brogdon certainly didn't expect this past week to happen when he <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-malcolm-brogdon-qa-fit-boston-celtics-basketball-without-borders-africa-camp-egypt-jayson-tatum-jaylen-brown-danilo-gallinari-ime-udoka" target="_blank" rel="noopener">joined Boston as a high-profile trade acquisition</a>. Brogdon said the Indiana Pacers gave him a few options for trade destinations, and he picked Boston because, "I want to win."
In his short time knowing Mazzulla, Brogdon has admired his discipline. Mazzulla often lifts weights with Brogdon early in the morning. One time he approached Brogdon, who was doing a breathing exercise, and started explaining the theories behind different techniques. Brogdon has also heard of Mazzulla's reputation for putting together quality opponent scouts.
"He's a guy that is so detail-oriented; I am like-minded with people that are detail-oriented, that care about the small things, the little things that get you through the day," Brogdon said.
WHAT WILL MAZZULLA CHANGE FROM UDOKA'S SYSTEM?
Of course, the Celtics have all the on-court pieces to replicate and even improve upon last season. Mazzulla does not want to drastically change course from Boston's success under Udoka.&nbsp;
"It's about carrying on the identity of our players," Mazzulla said. "We had our struggles early last season, but at our best, we knew what our identity was. It was our defense, it was our buy-in from a defensive standpoint, and then it was sharing the ball and moving quickly on the offensive end. So as much as we can stick to the things that we were great at last year, and then find small areas to improve in, is the right way to go."
The Celtics' coaching staff now has two openings with Udoka's suspension and Will Hardy's departure for the Utah Jazz head coaching gig. Mazzulla has not thought about replacements yet and would work with Stevens on filling out the bench. He believes the foundation of existing relationships should help the Celtics build solid chemistry early in the season.
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Joe Mazzulla talks about the strong endorsement he received from Brad Stevens for interim head coach <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Celtics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Celtics</a> <a href="https://t.co/hCuynuUdoR">pic.twitter.com/hCuynuUdoR</a>
&mdash; Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSCeltics/status/1574435350465990657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2022</a></blockquote>

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WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CENTER ROTATION WITH ROBERT WILLIAMS III OUT?
Amidst the off-court bombshell, the Celtics also announced that Robert Williams III will miss 8-to-12 weeks as he recovers from arthroscopic knee surgery. This puts additional strain on an already-thin big rotation for a Boston team that sent Daniel Theis out in the trade for Brogdon this summer.
Luke Kornet could step into major minutes. The 7-foot-2 center spent most of last season with the Maine Celtics in the NBA G League, but has four seasons of experience at the top level. Kornet said that with the door for minutes certainly open, his mindset naturally changes, but not his approach to the game.
"There definitely is a bit of a switch in that, but in terms of still being a basketball player and conditioning and [wondering] how am I going to help this team do the best they can &mdash; a lot of those things stay the same. But there's some change," Kornet said.
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A larger burden falls on Al Horford, now age-36 and older than his head coach, to shoulder some of the two-way responsibilities Rob Williams wields.
"For me, I have to step up a little more, Grant's gonna have to step up a little more, Luke, whichever one of our bigs, we just have to step up and do a little more," Horford said. "Even some of our guys, whether it's you know, [Tatum] playing more at the 4 or whatever it may be, I'm not sure about all that. But we all just have to do more until he gets back."
Williams, meanwhile, will start a road to recovery that began as he battled knee injuries throughout last spring's playoffs. Despite eventually needing surgery, he doesn't regret playing through the injury to compete in the NBA Finals.
"I'm playing the Finals, you know what I'm saying?" Williams said. "You win some you lose some, but I don't regret my decision at all. I was 24 years old, my dream was to play in the Finals, dawg. I can't regret that sh**."
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
What is the extent of Udoka's misconduct? &mdash; Ultimately, the players and public need more details as to the forces behind a year-long suspension and potential firing. Grousbeck said Friday that Udoka committed multiple violations of multiple team policies, suggesting the punishment came down for much more than the singular act of being in a workplace relationship. While the woman's privacy must be respected, there must be some level of clarity on the wrongdoing.
What has Mazzulla done to atone for his past arrests?&nbsp;&mdash; Mazzulla answered two questions relating to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2022/09/22/joe-mazzulla-boston-celtics-new-coach-ime-udoka-suspension/8087114001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">multiple arrests between 2008 and 2009</a>, including a domestic violence charge in '09. Here were his quotes:&nbsp;&nbsp;
"Listen, I've made mistakes. I'm not perfect. I've hurt people, and I've had to use the situations I put myself in as a younger man, I've had to use to learn from and to become a better person," Mazzulla said. "And that's what I've tried to focus on is: 'How can I recreate my identity as a person? How can I rely on my faith? And how can I just have a positive impact on the people around me?' And I've always had good people around me...
"...I can't talk about specifics of [the incidents]. But what I can talk about is: I'm not the same person that I was, and I think as you grow as a person, you're constantly having to build an identity, and you know, I didn't have an identity at a certain point in my life for whatever reason. And I think it's [about]: 'How can I develop an identity? How can I find a foundation which for me, is my faith, and then, how can I impact people positively around me? And that's something that I really learned throughout my life.'"
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&ldquo;That made him who he is today&hellip; I&rsquo;ll be the first to tell you, I believe in him.&rdquo; Brad Stevens on Joe Mazzulla after being asked about Mazzulla&rsquo;s domestic battery charges from his college days. <a href="https://twitter.com/ABC6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abc6</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bleedgreen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bleedgreen</a> <a href="https://t.co/s5ia1rYvnY">pic.twitter.com/s5ia1rYvnY</a>
&mdash; Ian Steele (@IanSteeleABC6) <a href="https://twitter.com/IanSteeleABC6/status/1573338669007704064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Mazzulla did not dodge any questions and he did acknowledge his past wrongdoing. But he also did not explain what led to his behavior, what in his faith prompted the change and how he has shown other people he has progressed.
Player and front-office endorsements are not enough in an NBA that has hired at least two other coaches with domestic-violence and sexual-assault histories in the last year-and-change &mdash; not to mention the recent reminders of troubling workplace environments in Boston and Phoenix. We need more assurance that this behavior does not have a tolerable place in the league.
How will Mazzulla manage his starters in the early goings of the regular season? &mdash; Among the many, many questions Mazzulla will face as he acclimates to the head-coaching gig is the impending usage for Tatum, Brown and others. Tatum played through a fractured wrist down the stretch of the postseason (he said he feels good on Monday).
Can Mazzulla give the high-usage players more rest to hopefully prepare them for another deep playoff run? Or will the Celtics have to go all-out just to stay on top of a stacked Eastern Conference?
ADDITIONAL NOTES
<ul>
<li>Brown's name popped up in trade rumors surrounding Kevin Durant this offseason, and the 25-year-old said he discussed those rumors with members of the Celtics, but did not elaborate.</li>
</ul>
"I've talked to my teammates, I talked to ownership, the organization, etc. I'll keep those conversations between us," Brown said. "All I can say is now that I'm here, I'm ready to play basketball. I'm in great shape, probably the best shape of my life. So I'm excited to start the journey."
<ul>
<li>With Brogdon bolstering a stellar guard rotation, his addition leaves room to wonder about Pritchard's playing time. Pritchard is embracing the competition for minutes in training camp.</li>
</ul>
"Obviously, we have a lot of tremendous players. But I don't go through all summer and all year working on my game to just ride the bench," Pritchard said. "So for me, I'm just looking forward to the opportunity to go out there and compete, and earn minutes and see where that lies. Ultimately, we just want the team success though."
<ul>
<li>Grant Williams will soon be eligible for a contract extension, but said he hasn't let that distract him. &nbsp;</li>
</ul>
"When it comes to that, I just let my agents and everybody handle it, because if you become too overwhelmed or concerned with it, that's when you start focusing on your play or you start doing things that aren't necessarily characteristic of yourself," Williams said. "For me, my number one focus and goal is allowing and helping this team to win a championship. Everything else takes care of itself."

Celtics players addressed the upcoming season and head coaching change on Monday at Media Day.

2022 Boston Celtics Media Day Notebook: What did we learn?

The Indiana Pacers have entered new, uncharted waters recently. Embracing a full-scale rebuild attempt for the first time in 30-plus years, the fresh energy surrounding the organization is palpable. An infusion of young talent headlined by Tyrese Haliburton and No. 6 overall pick Bennedict Mathurin suggests that a brand new vision is beginning to take shape in Indianapolis.
Stuck in neutral for a long period, the Pacers realized what had to be done and pressed the rebuild button. This decision is already showing immense promise, as they have a long-term outline that was simply nonexistent beforehand. Tearing down a veteran-heavy core that once featured Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon was a step-by-step process, and now, Indiana has ultimate amounts of optionality after moving on from all three veterans.
The Memphis Grizzlies' blueprint has stood out to the Pacers&rsquo; brain trust. It's a model that the organization hopes to follow, according to Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard.
&ldquo;We looked at some of the teams that have really drafted well, and now that they&rsquo;re a pretty good team... You look at the Memphis&rsquo;s and the teams like that that have built and now they&rsquo;re going to be powerhouses for the next couple of years. So, I think what we came away from our studies [with] is there&rsquo;s no quick fix," Pritchard told Basketball News in a small scrum setting on Thursday. "We can&rsquo;t make a trade or two trades or three trades or use our draft picks and become what we want to become, which is great. So, how do you do it? You&rsquo;ve got to pay your dues, and you&rsquo;ve got to get everybody on board. And that takes multiple meetings and conviction from your head coach (Rick Carlisle), your president, your GM (Chad Buchanan) and your owner. Mr. [Herb] Simon is 100% on this. It can&rsquo;t be easy.
"Nobody wants to walk in and think rebuild, and I hate that word because we have some players that we really like that we can build around. It&rsquo;s going to take some time. We&rsquo;re going to enjoy the heck out of it. And we&rsquo;re going to build this team back up to make it a really special team, guys that have true character that want to have deep roots in this community. I think that is something we&rsquo;ve talked about. How do you do that? At the end of the day, you draft well, develop relationships. [It] is your best recipe for high-level talent, high-level characters and the ability to keep players for a long time. I don&rsquo;t think that&rsquo;s a secret to this.&rdquo;
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It&rsquo;s hard to avoid the "rebuild" phrase for the Pacers, but the upside is flowing into the facility with former lottery picks integrating. With one of the league&rsquo;s youngest rosters heading into the season, Haliburton quickly acclimated himself and is being labeled as the new face of the franchise. (Our Alex Kennedy <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-interview-tyrese-haliburton-indiana-pacers-chad-buchanan-bennedict-mathurin-myles-turner-sacramento-kings-domantas-sabonis-trade-drew-hanlen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spoke with Haliburton about this and his hopes for the upcoming season last month</a>.)
With Haliburton acclimating himself with a full offseason in Indianapolis, the Pacers are having fun building a roster around their point guard&rsquo;s unique traits.
&ldquo;It starts with Tyrese, don&rsquo;t get me wrong, his ability to make plays for others,&rdquo; Pritchard told Basketball News in the scrum. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll say this: By having Tyrese and having players say, &lsquo;You know, I really like playing with that,&rsquo; I think that was a big decision in Jalen [Smith] (re-signing). I think Myles [Turner] is really looking forward to playing with Tyrese. The league has changed in that the point guard position has turned into like score first, then maybe I pass. Well, Tyrese is unique; he&rsquo;d rather pass. It&rsquo;s like a quarterback. If you&rsquo;ve got a great quarterback that&rsquo;s hitting you in the chest every time, he is that.
"We&rsquo;ve got to build around that and he&rsquo;s gotta build us. There&rsquo;s going to be games where he looks amazing and he&rsquo;s going to get 15 assists. And we&rsquo;re going to need him to do a lot of things, we&rsquo;re going to ask a lot, but we&rsquo;re not going to put too much [on him]. I&rsquo;ve seen where teams put too much on players. It&rsquo;s going to be collective with our young players and our vets. The good thing is a lot of of players are going to play this year. You&rsquo;re going to see more athletic plays, and we&rsquo;re going to play harder than we&rsquo;ve ever played. From what I&rsquo;ve seen so far, it&rsquo;s easy to stand up here and say it. I want to be about actions. I think we&rsquo;re going to be a super-hard-playing team. I think you&rsquo;ll see a lot of growth.&rdquo;
There's plenty of internal optimism for Haliburton to take a massive jump within the Pacers&rsquo; organization. (A stat line flirting near 20 points and 10 assists wouldn&rsquo;t come as any sort of a surprise in Indiana.) Outside of Haliburton and the aforementioned rookie in Mathurin, their highest draft pick selected since 1988, many new-core players are taking notable steps forward in their development.
Chris Duarte, who was sidelined to end his rookie campaign with a nagging toe injury, is mentally processing the game at a different speed. Isaiah Jackson, who Pritchard said has gained 15 to 18 pounds, is poised for a massive breakout as well. Smith, who re-signed with Indiana, continues to flash his former top-10 pick upside following his exit from the Phoenix Suns.
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A gym full of athletes and prospects looking to improve provides a breath of fresh air compared to the all-too-familiar unknown of whether or not the team would make it past the first round of the playoffs.
&ldquo;We are giddy,&rdquo; Pritchard told Basketball News of their young core they&rsquo;re building together. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s interesting, when watching (scrimmages) and you throw them out there and let them play, what you find out is Tyrese, TJ McConnell, [Andrew] Nembhard are really fast players, and everyone kinda fills in. There have been times where I have been in awe about how fast our team is, which, that&rsquo;s young legs right? That&rsquo;s young, exciting legs. We&rsquo;ve seen more plays at the rim where it&rsquo;s a blocked dunk, sprint down, dunk on someone. We&rsquo;ve had more alley-oops &mdash; I think Chad Buchanan was joking with me the other day about three or four years ago we had two lob dunks in the whole year. We had 10 [on Thursday].
"The league is getting more athletic. A couple years ago we decided, 'We&rsquo;re going to look at this draft and trades, and let&rsquo;s get some of these athletes because they&rsquo;re fun to watch.' Balancing that... Coach Carlisle loves shooting. So, if you can find a great athlete that is a great shooter, I&rsquo;m all-in.&rdquo;
Not only are the Pacers all-in on their new long-term vision, one where patience is the most important part, but they&rsquo;re also in a new position as an organization &mdash; optimizing future flexibility via multiple avenues. Indiana still has oodles of cap space ($29.6 million per Cleaning The Glass), which allows for new opportunities to fall into their lap. The Pacers are open about their desire to continue bringing in more assets, either young players or future draft picks, to accelerate their plan.
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s what we&rsquo;ve gotta do right now. We&rsquo;ve gotta capitalize on cap space, on picks,&rdquo; Pritchard said. &ldquo;In any way we can, we got to be gritty as a staff, if can we acquire more of those to have a chance to be part of our big core. And we&rsquo;re developing the core. People ask me all the time, do you have that core? Maybe, maybe not, but we&rsquo;re getting closer and next year we&rsquo;ll be closer.
"That&rsquo;s the fun part of our business is being creative and generating ideas. Look, we have three first-round picks it looks like next year. We have close to $30 million in cap space. And we&rsquo;ll be active to use that cap space to acquire more assets. That&rsquo;s just natural, but I think it gives us the ability to pivot in a lot of different ways. We have optionality out the butt. At the end of the day, I want to be able to sit in the room with Herb and management and coach and say, 'Alright, here&rsquo;s our possibilities. Where do we want to go?&rsquo; In the past it&rsquo;s been, 'We&rsquo;ve got to go down this path. This is the path we&rsquo;ve got to go down. It&rsquo;s only going to get us so far, we know there&rsquo;s only so far, we&rsquo;ve got a freaking ceiling.' What I want to do is remove a ceiling and that takes time. It&rsquo;s going to take time.&rdquo;
Outside of that excitement for the new-look youth taking over the roster, an uncertain future remains for veteran mainstay Myles Turner. A subject of trade rumors for the last few years, which picked up immense steam once the Pacers hit the reset button, Turner saw the organization openly flirt with replacing him by chasing Deandre Ayton in restricted free agency.
Entering a contract year, Turner&rsquo;s future feels murkier than ever in Indianapolis. And with the way the subject was broached on Thursday, it wouldn&rsquo;t be a stunner to see Turner play in another uniform before February&rsquo;s trade deadline passes. Pritchard admitted his recent conversation with Turner was one filled with emotions, and the ever-changing nature of the business leaves the door open for anything to happen there.
&ldquo;I sat down and talked with Myles for an hour, hour-and-a-half the other day. It was a heart-to-heart,&rdquo; Pritchard said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to tell you exactly what was said, but I&rsquo;ll give you the crux, and that is I think he&rsquo;s super excited about playing with Tyrese. I think he wants to play the 5 exclusively. I think he wants to be a defensive monster. And I think that he&rsquo;s okay planting deep roots here. But, you know, he&rsquo;s going to be a free agent next year. There&rsquo;s a lot of things that can happen. What we think today isn&rsquo;t something that we know is going to happen tomorrow. This is the most dynamic business in the world.&rdquo;
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Turner is eligible for a contract extension, but Pritchard didn&rsquo;t want to publicly say whether or not that route remains on the table with their starting center.
&ldquo;Respectfully, I&rsquo;d like to keep that between me and him,&rdquo; Pritchard said.
Based on the Pacers&rsquo; turn into a fresh era, one where internal development takes priority over the win-loss column in the meantime, veterans like Turner and Buddy Hield will be names to watch from a leaguewide lens throughout the season from a potential trade market perspective. Nowadays, optionality, flexibility and patience will be the key buzzwords heard out of Indiana. And it&rsquo;s for the best with how its roster was running into a brick wall over and over again before the light finally turned on to rebuild from the ground up.
With the Pacers armed with draft capital and cap space, on top of a roster filled to the brim with potential &mdash; including their tantalizing backcourt combination of Haliburton and Mathurin &mdash; the vision is as clear as day. It&rsquo;s a new era in Indiana, and a route that everyone internally acknowledges should have been explored even earlier. If all goes to plan for the Pacers, these tough times could soon turn into a sustained success that hasn&rsquo;t been witnessed for the organization since nearly a decade ago.
&ldquo;We were an aircraft carrier and it was really hard to turn. And right now, we&rsquo;re a little speedboat and we&rsquo;ve got all of these ways to maneuver,&rdquo; Pritchard said. "That&rsquo;s exciting. That&rsquo;s really exciting for us, because it&rsquo;s hard to turn the big boats. For better, we&rsquo;re all-in.&rdquo;

Pacers president Kevin Pritchard discussed the franchise's new era and focus on the long-term vision, Evan Sidery writes.

Pacers enter uncharted waters searching for long-term sustainability

FIBA EuroBasket is making a triumphant comeback this week after five years away from competition. Per ESPN, that's the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34457762/eurobasket-2022-scores-schedules-teams-news-updates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">longest gap in the tournament since World War II</a>, so EuroBasket 2022 should turn out to be a remarkable celebration of basketball's growth across Europe.
A&nbsp;lot has changed in five years. Luka Doncic was the "chosen one" of European hoops in 2017 as an 18-year-old suiting up for Slovenia, Giannis Antetokounmpo had just won Most Improved Player with the Milwaukee Bucks and earned his first NBA All-Star appearance, and Nikola Jokic had yet to clear 30 minutes per game in an NBA season.
Today, the three international stars are among the faces of basketball in the NBA and around the world, and the trio will compete in EuroBasket 2022. That's just the tip of the iceberg as far as the immese talent slated to participate. We've already gotten a peek of what the action could look like via the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers that have taken place over the past week.
EuroBasket features 24 teams in four groups, with action beginning on Thursday and culminating in a gold-medal showdown on Sept. 18. Here's a rundown of the must-see NBA players (as of last season), international stars and top prospects (under age 23) in each group.
(Note: If a player is listed as "questionable," it is because their playing status is uncertain. Not all EuroBasket rosters have been finalized, so several countries' teams may look slightly different. <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/eurobasket/2022/news/roster-tracker-fiba-eurobasket-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here is a full roster tracker</a>.)
GROUP A: SPAIN, TURKEY, MONTENEGRO, GEORGIA, BELGIUM, BULGARIA
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Alperen Sengun against Serbia: 17 PTS | 13 REB | 2 AST | 2 BLK | 61 TS% Spearheaded the Turkey comeback in the third quarter 🔥<a href="https://t.co/faBFt2SQLe">pic.twitter.com/faBFt2SQLe</a>
&mdash; Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/JTGatlin/status/1563966082322468869?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Top NBA Players: Juan Hernangomez (Spain), Willy Hernangomez (Spain), Furkan Korkmaz (Turkey), Cedi Osman (Turkey), Goga Bitadze (Georgia), Sandro Mamukelashvili (Georgia)
Top International Players: Rudy Fernandez (Spain), Lorenzo Brown (Spain), Shane Larkin (Turkey), Bojan Dubljevic (Montenegro), Retin Obasohan (Belgium), Sasha Vezenkov (Bulgaria)
Notable Prospects: Usman Garuba (Spain), Vrenz Bleijenbergh (Belgium), Alperen Sengun (Turkey), Marko Simonovic (Montenegro)
Spain and Turkey might not have quite the Tier 1 star power of some other countries, but both squads are fun and deep. Fernandez and Brown are stalwarts who have starred on their respective European teams for years. Then for Turkey, Osman and Korkmaz are NBA rotation players boosted by an electric point guard in Larkin.
We'll hopefully get to see the pair of Houston Rockets sophomore talents as well. Sengun impressed with his flashes last season and has already created highlights with Turkey over the summer. Garuba was quieter as a rookie, but has experience on a large Spanish stage with his time playing for Real Madrid.&nbsp;
GROUP B: BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, FRANCE, GERMANY, HUNGARY, LITHUANIA, SLOVENIA
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Luka Doncic drops 25 PTS, 11 REB, 8 AST in win over Estonian National team 🔥😭<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MFFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MFFL</a> <a href="https://t.co/4khnb7BEr3">pic.twitter.com/4khnb7BEr3</a>
&mdash; MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationMffl/status/1562897679155204098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Top NBA Players: Jusuf Nurkic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Evan Fournier (France), Rudy Gobert (France), Timoth&eacute; Luwawu-Cabarrot (France), Daniel Theis (Germany), Dennis Schr&ouml;der (Germany), Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania), Jonas Valanciunas (Lithuania), Ignas Brazdeikis (Lithuania), Luka Doncic (Slovenia), Goran Dragic (Slovenia), Vlatko Cancar (Slovenia)
Top International Players:&nbsp;Dzanan Musa (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Elie Okobo (France), Guerschon Yabusele (France), Thomas Huertel (France), Vincent Poirier (France)
Notable Prospects:&nbsp;Th&eacute;o Maledon (France), Franz Wagner (Germany), Rokas Jokubaitis (Lithuania), Ziga Samar (Slovenia)
Yeah, this group is absolutely loaded. Five of the six rosters could potentially boast multiple players with 2021-22 NBA experience. Slovenia, led by Doncic and Dragic, is considered a favorite to win EuroBasket. But France has a loaded roster (though no Victor Wembanyama), too. They'll be worth checking out additonally because Okobo has been balling in Europe since leaving the NBA.
New York Knicks fans might want to circle Lithuania as the team to watch. They'll receive a nostalgia injection in the forms of Brazdeikis and Mindaugas Kuzminskas, and they'll get a glimpse of the future with Jokubaitis, the team's 2021 draft-and-stash guard. Franz Wagner is one of the best young talents in EuroBasket too, making Germany a team to monitor.
GROUP C: CROATIA, ESTONIA, GREAT BRITAIN, GREECE, ITALY, UKRAINE
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Giannis Antetokounmpo <a href="https://twitter.com/Giannis_An34?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Giannis_An34</a> dropped 26pts 7rebs in the <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBAWC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fibawc</a> Qualifiers win for Greece. Watch all the games of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAWC</a> Qualifiers on Courtside 1891 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinForAll?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WinForAll</a> <a href="https://t.co/t7JNIYvGgG">pic.twitter.com/t7JNIYvGgG</a>
&mdash; Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) <a href="https://twitter.com/swishcultures_/status/1564222344067010561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Top NBA Players:&nbsp;Bojan Bogdanovic (Croatia), Dario Saric (Croatia), Ivica Zubac (Croatia),&nbsp;Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), Thanasis Antetokounmpo (Greece), Tyler Dorsey (Greece), Simone Fontecchio (Italy), Alex Len (Ukraine), Svi Mykhailiuk (Ukraine)
Top International Players: Mario Hezonja (Croatia), Sacha Killeya-Jones (Great Britain, questionable),&nbsp;Nick Calathes (Greece), Georgios Papagiannis (Greece, questionable), Kostas Papanikalou (Greece), Kostas Sloukas (Greece, questionable), Nicolo Melli (Italy)
Notable Prospects:&nbsp;Karlo Matkovic (Croatia), Roko Prkacin (Croatia),&nbsp;Issuf Sanon (Ukraine), Nico Mannion (Italy)
Three of the Antetokounbros (the above two, plus Kostas, who is questionable at this time) could assemble for their home country. Greece also has a handful of international stars who might play; their roster has yet to be finalized. Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 40 points in a World Cup Qualifiers loss against Nikola Jokic and Serbia, so it's safe to say he's firing on all cylinders.
Croatia, however, might be my pick for most intriguing team in the tournament. They have a trio of NBA players, plus a former top-five pick in Mario Hezonja. Prkacin has been on NBA Draft radars for several years now, and Matkovic just went No. 52 overall in the 2022 Draft to the New Orleans Pelicans. This is a fun mix of talent at different stages and platforms.
GROUP D: CZECH REPUBLIC, FINLAND, ISRAEL, NETHERLANDS, POLAND, SERBIA
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They call him the MVP for a reason 🃏 Deadly in so many ways, Nikola Jokic was in top form for Serbia during World Cup Qualifying 😤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAWC</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinForSrbija?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WinForSrbija</a> 🇷🇸 <a href="https://t.co/1ZqvDPLQsi">pic.twitter.com/1ZqvDPLQsi</a>
&mdash; FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1564286832510226436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Top NBA Players:&nbsp;Vit Krejci (Czech Republic), Tomas Satoransky (Czech Republic, questionable), Lauri Markkanen (Finland), Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Nemanja Bjelica (Serbia, questionable),&nbsp;
Top International Players: Jan Vesely (Czech Republic), Vasilije Micic (Serbia, questionable), Nikola Milutinov (Serbia)
Notable Prospects: Deni Avdija (Israel), Yam Madar (Israel), Balsa Koprivica (Serbia, questionable)
Nikola Jokic instantly makes Serbia a frontrunner for the gold, but the nation could have several veterans backing him up in a potential deep run. Micic in particular should be on NBA fans' radars as a player who could immediately come over and produce in the league. The 28-year-old guard won two EuroLeague titles and was named MVP in 2021. Oklahoma City currently owns his draft rights, though he was mentioned frequently in offseason trade rumors.&nbsp;
Israel has a pair of notable young talents leading the way. Deni Avdija took a legitimate step forward in his second year with the Washington Wizards. Madar, meanwhile, has been playing overseas as a draft-and-stash prospect selected by the Boston Celtics in 2020.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic lead a stellar group of competitors in EuroBasket 2022.

FIBA EuroBasket 2022: Top teams, players and prospects to watch

Alex Kennedy goes 1-on-1 with Tyrese Haliburton, who opens up about getting traded, the Pacers' future, his offseason training, etc.

Tyrese Haliburton won’t let trade 'resentment' define new Pacers era

The NBA released its full regular-season schedule Wednesday afternoon, and the collective public had absolutely no idea what games were coming!
*Aggressive winking*
The schedule release announcement had more leaks than a pre-Flex Seal screen boat. Now that the full picture is out in the open, we can break down the marquee matchups of the season and piece together a timeline of games to watch should injuries be avoided and fortune fall our way.
Opening night of the 2022-23 regular season is Oct. 18. It features an Eastern Conference showdown between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors at 10 p.m. ET, and kicks off a week where several different squads dot the national TV landscape.
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The first week of the season will feature 11 national television games across three networks, including two doubleheaders each on TNT and ESPN and three games on NBA TV. <a href="https://t.co/O9So5il0Cs">pic.twitter.com/O9So5il0Cs</a>
&mdash; NBA Communications (@NBAPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/1559979736125906944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
We already knew about many of these games, though, and we were already aware of <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2022-nba-christmas-day-schedule-lakers-vs-mavericks-warriors-vs-grizzlies-headline-five-game-holiday-slate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the loaded Christmas Day slate from prior reports</a>. I'm going to gloss over those and highlight some of the more recent takeaways from Wednesday's unveiling.
One of the primary areas of interest with schedule releases is the breakdown of nationally-televised games. Brett Siegel of SI Fastbreak tallied up the <a href="https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/news/2022-23-nba-schedule-team-by-team-nationally-televised-games-lakers-warriors-nets-knicks-celtics-nba-schedule" target="_blank" rel="noopener">national schedules for each team</a>, and I went back to <a href="https://uproxx.com/dimemag/lakers-most-national-tv-games-2021-2022-nba-season-schedule-release/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">last year's count from UPROXX's Bill DiFillippo</a> to check out the shifts.
The Memphis Grizzlies have skyrocketed up the league market landscape. They're appearing in 28 national TV games, far more than double the 11 they had in 2021-22. Ja Morant's <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/ja-morant-has-been-playoffs-most-popular-player-across-nbas-socials" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social-media impact is well-documented</a>, and it seems the NBA wants to put him and the exciting young Grizzlies in the spotlight.&nbsp;
Memphis saw the largest bump, but the Minnesota Timberwolves were close behind, quadrupling their national broadcast schedule with 16 games compared to four last season. It's understandable; Minnesota has a walking highlight player in Anthony Edwards, and the franchise made the largest addition to date this summer by trading for Rudy Gobert.
Also on the rise are the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their nine national TV games are small in the grand scheme of the league, but Cleveland only had four such appearances on last season's initial schedule drop and zero outside of NBA TV. This season, the Cavs add three showings on ESPN and two on TNT, and Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-jarrett-allen-qa-cleveland-cavaliers-offseason-basketball-without-borders-asia-camp-evan-mobley-darius-garland-robin-lopez-ricky-rubio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jarrett Allen</a> should make for some electric primetime showcases.
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cavs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cavs</a> have 9 national TV games: - 11/7 at Clippers (NBA TV) - 12/6 vs. Lakers (TNT) - 12/26 vs. Nets (NBA TV) - 2/2/23 vs. Grizzlies (TNT) - 2/10/23 at Pelicans (ESPN) - 3/1/23 at Celtics (ESPN) - 3/10/23 at Heat (NBA TV) - 3/15/23 vs. 76ers (ESPN) - 3/21/23 at Nets (NBA TV) <a href="https://t.co/5bSrq0AqSs">https://t.co/5bSrq0AqSs</a>
&mdash; Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpinDavies/status/1559982279912558594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Meanwhile, the New Yorks Knicks' national schedule took a nosedive after they failed to back up a 2021 playoff appearance. New York has just 16 such games on the calendar right now vs. 29 of those contests a year ago. But one broadcast matchup has already captured attention &mdash; a Nov. 15 contest against the Utah Jazz on TNT. What's the implication of this scheduling given the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/report-jazz-knicks-reengage-in-donovan-mitchell-trade-talks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">swirling trade rumors around Donovan Mitchell</a>?
Speaking of the Jazz &mdash; Utah won't be on nearly as many screens around the country. The Jazz went from 28 national TV games in 2021-22 to four this upcoming season. Yeesh.
The Golden State Warriors earned a league-high 42 nationally-televised games, beating out the Lakers (39), Celtics (37), 76ers (34) and Phoenix Suns (34). Every team has at least one game on a national cable station this season after four squads were confined to NBA TV last year.
After another frenetic offseason, seeing stars face their former teams always makes for entertainment. Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves host the Jazz on Oct. 21, and they'll travel to Utah for the first time Dec. 9. New Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray will host the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 11 and visits the Lone Star State on March 19.&nbsp;
Folks are still waiting to see Ben Simmons return to Philadelphia (and an NBA court in general). The 76ers and Brooklyn Nets face off several times as divisional opponents: Nov. 22 (at Philly), Jan. 25 (at Philly), Feb. 11 (at Brooklyn) and April 9 (at Brooklyn). Feb. 11 will also mark James Harden's first game on the road against his former team in the Nets.
In a battle of this year's top-two draft picks facing off, Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic will hit the road to take on Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Nov. 1, and that game will be televised on TNT.&nbsp;
Lastly, travel is always a key component of understanding the league schedule. Every squad has between 12 and 15 total back-to-back situations this season, and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/breakingnews/nba-schedule-has-less-miles-and-lebron-chasing-more-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teams will travel about 5% fewer miles than in 2021-22</a>. Here's a team-by-team breakdown from Ed K&uuml;pfer:
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NBA 2022-23: Miles to be traveled by each team <a href="https://t.co/WZ7UuNVlz5">pic.twitter.com/WZ7UuNVlz5</a>
&mdash; Ed K&uuml;pfer (@EdKupfer) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdKupfer/status/1560000305135321090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>

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We still have two months to nitpick these schedules to infinity, but it's a good reminder that the NBA regular season is circling back around at a brisk pace.

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With the NBA releasing its schedule for the upcoming season, Ethan Fuller highlights the most notable matchups and moments.

Takeaways from the NBA's 2022-23 regular-season schedule release

As the Kevin Durant saga reaches its latest chapter, both sides are digging in for what could be an even more drawn-out process. He's already told Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai to either trade him or fire head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks, so his desires to leave Brooklyn are clear.
There's a lack of trust in the organization&rsquo;s direction moving forward, but the Nets already have shown they won&rsquo;t bend to every demand the future Hall-of-Famer makes.
But unless Brooklyn eventually lowers its asking price &mdash; which is presumably what many interested teams are betting on &mdash; there&rsquo;s no reason to believe this process won&rsquo;t drag into the regular season. If so, the next step will be Durant sitting out games away from the team until his next destination is found.
From the beginning, Durant&rsquo;s desired destination was the Phoenix Suns to team up alongside Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Six weeks later, we don&rsquo;t know whether Durant has backed off that stance. If not, that could be the reason why this is dragging out even longer. Phoenix is seemingly falling off many radars, but we shouldn't rule them out of the sweepstakes just yet. Brooklyn holds power, but so does Durant to keep this tug of war going as long as possible.
As the Suns' noise quieted down, new suitors emerged &mdash; the Miami Heat and, most recently, the Celtics. SNY&rsquo;s Ian Begley mentioned the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers as new choices atop Durant&rsquo;s updated wishlist.
&ldquo;Our front office and coaching staff have my support,&rdquo; Tsai wrote on Twitter in response to his meeting with Durant. &ldquo;We will make decisions in the best interest of the Brooklyn Nets.&rdquo;
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Our front office and coaching staff have my support. We will make decisions in the best interest of the Brooklyn Nets.
&mdash; Joe Tsai (@joetsai1999) <a href="https://twitter.com/joetsai1999/status/1556791235427405824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2022</a></blockquote>

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With Tsai picking his side, we'll all wait to see what offers are truly in the best interest of the Nets&rsquo; murky long-term outlook. In the meantime, it&rsquo;s hard not to let the mind wander on what that could entail.
What if the Nets look back upon the Pacers&rsquo; situation with Paul George in 2017, taking the best offer on the table for their disgruntled superstar in a non-preferable destination? While it seems far-fetched, anything at this point seems possible within this ongoing battle at the bargaining table for who gets what in the end.
When it was over, Indiana acquired two blossoming All-Stars in Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis, even when it felt like leverage wasn&rsquo;t on its side. George wanted to go to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the Pacers stood firm on getting a proper return for their star forward.
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Who could come out of nowhere and surprise us all as the Nets' possible trade partner a la the Thunder to the Pacers five years ago? Excluding the known top contenders for now &mdash; Phoenix, Miami, Boston and the Toronto Raptors &mdash; let's try to find a potential team lurking in the shadows who would also check off both parties' boxes.
Philadelphia 76ers
This all comes down to the possibility of including Tyrese Maxey. If you&rsquo;re in the position of Sixers president Daryl Morey, with your chips already all-in on winning a championship with Joel Embiid and James Harden, Durant certainly makes you think for a moment. Knowing Morey&rsquo;s aggressive nature, a blockbuster centered around Maxey for Durant works well within their win-now time frame. The allure of Maxey is there (only 21 years old and blossomed upon Harden&rsquo;s arrival midseason), but this is arguably the greatest three-level scorer ever we&rsquo;re talking about.
Forming a trio consisting of Durant, Embiid and Harden is simply unfathomable to envision. The possibilities are endless, and hopefully the third time would be the charm when it comes to the former Thunder teammates reuniting less than a year removed from their split.
Philadelphia can quickly make salaries work for Durant by adding in Tobias Harris, who reportedly has been on the trading block since Morey&rsquo;s arrival. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Brooklyn&rsquo;s asking price for Boston was a young player on a star trajectory (Jaylen Brown), a solid starter (Marcus Smart), another role player and multiple draft picks. The Sixers check every box in that scenario, which should automatically make them a viable dark-horse candidate.
Would a package centered around Maxey, Harris, Matisse Thybulle and Philadelphia&rsquo;s 2029 first-round pick with little to no protections be enough for the Nets to accept? For the Sixers, there&rsquo;s a real pathway to getting a top spot at the table once the dust settles sometime on Durant.
New Orleans Pelicans
In any superstar-type trade rumor, the Pelicans tend to pop up one way or another because of their newly assembled war chest of assets. Following the Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday trades, New Orleans sits on a treasure trove of draft capital spanning the next five years.
At any point, Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin could decide to cash in on the last piece of the Pelicans&rsquo; puzzle to become the next version of the Suns &mdash; acquiring an established veteran star to take a talented young core over the top. CJ McCollum could qualify as such following the Pelicans&rsquo; deadline move for him, but what if Durant was intrigued enough to play alongside Zion Williamson in the Bayou?
Boston putting a player of Brown&rsquo;s caliber on the table makes this debate even more interesting. In my opinion, Brandon Ingram would be a better return in comparison to Brown for Durant. Both are on the same tier, but Ingram gets the slight edge for me. Witnessing his ascent on the postseason stage, Ingram is poised to take another step forward in his rapidly climbing career.
If the Nets desire a player who meets or exceeds Brown in trade talks, Ingram is the one who'll get the job done. The question in the end, of course, would be Durant&rsquo;s blessing. If Durant doesn&rsquo;t want to play the next four years in New Orleans, these thoughts would quickly dissipate into fantasy.
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However, you can&rsquo;t deny the Pelicans as a legitimate jaw-dropping destination because they have the list all checked off for Brooklyn&rsquo;s needs as well. Ingram is the young star, and Larry Nance Jr. qualifies as the ideal veteran role player. Maybe New Orleans would have to throw in either Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III on top of draft picks too. It's a massive asking price, but one that would be necessary to make something like this go down.
Until the Pelicans eventually cash in on what they've worked so hard to build, they will always be a sneaky contender for any eventual disgruntled superstar. And if the Pelicans rise as expected in 2022-23, they will become a destination anyway for win-now veterans.
Chicago Bulls
Outside of Philadelphia and New Orleans, we now reach the organization that would truly shock everyone. What about the Bulls? Would they be willing to throw an All-NBA player into another superstar deal?
DeMar DeRozan is only 11 months younger than Durant, but he is the best chip they could bring forward to Brooklyn. On top of DeRozan &mdash; whose salary wouldn&rsquo;t be enough in a straight-up swap &mdash; Chicago would presumably include a key piece of its young core. The obvious candidate is Patrick Williams; the former No. 4 overall pick flashed promising two-way potential before sustaining a wrist injury early last season, reentered the fold in late March and became a crucial component in the postseason. Then, Chicago would probably need to throw a solid role player into the mix. Either Lonzo Ball or Alex Caruso fit the Smart type of role we discussed previously.
Although Chicago gutted its draft capital in separate deals for DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, the organization still owns a future pick from the Portland Trail Blazers that could convey as early as next season. The Bulls&rsquo; next eligible draft pick that can be included in a trade is their own 2027 first-round selection.
As I wrote earlier this offseason, the Bulls feel one big splash away from truly taking the next jump in the Eastern Conference. Rudy Gobert made so much sense to complete their defensive overhaul, but Durant represents a roster upgrade of seismic proportions &mdash; a bump that might be necessary to become a Finals contender the next few years. Why not push the chips in and see what happens with Durant and Zach LaVine as a 1-2 punch?
For a team that has to remain in win-now mode because of its draft picks being sent elsewhere, Brooklyn might be intrigued enough to listen to something centered around DeRozan, Williams and other assets.
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Atlanta Hawks
Fresh off making their own blockbuster trade to improve before the new league year, could the Hawks make sense as a Durant out-of-nowhere landing spot? There are very slim odds on that possibility, but it's a scenario worth exploring because Atlanta's roster still feels a move or two away.
Trae Young and Dejounte Murray will bring fireworks to the Hawks' backcourt on a nightly basis, but is the core right now strong enough to take the necessary steps forward in the reloaded East? We know at this point what John Collins and Clint Capela bring to the table. Bogdan Bogdanovic is a solid third guard for Atlanta, but injuries have become a problem as of late.
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Atlanta's young collection of players is what makes this thought interesting, at least for a moment. Would the Nets be intrigued by De'Andre Hunter, Onyeka Okongwu, A.J. Griffin and one of Collins, Capela or Bogdanovic to make salaries match? Compared to the other known suitors and ones already listed, it really isn't in the same stratosphere unless Brooklyn bets big on Hunter taking a huge leap. Based on Hunter's postseason performance, don't rule out the 24-year-old becoming more of a two-way focal point in Atlanta.
It might not be enough to be a real threat to swoop in for Durant, but it'd be wise to keep an eye on the Hawks as we get closer to February's trade deadline. If the Young/Murray backcourt gets off to a hot start, maybe Atlanta will go for broke and decide the time is now for a Finals push.
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is not a destination market for superstars, but Giannis Antetokounmpo brings enough pull to make it such. Giannis is nowhere close to escaping the prime of his career, but could you imagine him playing next to Durant? My goodness, that's basketball heaven right there.
Before we go too deep down that rabbit hole, though, it feels almost impossible regarding the actual odds of this happening. Not only are the Bucks starved of draft capital because of the Holiday trade, but Brooklyn would need to believe Middleton could replace Durant long-term. Only a few years younger than KD and deserving of a max contract next offseason, it might not make much sense for either side to even explore this potential thought.
For the Bucks to even bring a respectable offer to the table compared to everyone else, they would likely have to include Middleton and Holiday in a massive blockbuster that sends back both Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Yeah, that's for sure fantasy land right there, but I do appreciate the few minutes we had talking about Durant and Giannis playing on the same basketball team.
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With no end in clear sight right, who knows how long this standoff between Durant and the Nets lasts? As time continues to drag on, maybe some front office executives from teams we're not even thinking of decide to call Brooklyn to inquire about an all-time great.
George wanted the Lakers, but he ended up in Oklahoma City. Kawhi Leonard's desired destination was Los Angeles upon asking out of the San Antonio Spurs franchise, but he was sent packing to Toronto instead. There is a precedent where a superstar doesn't get what he wants in the end, but a player of Durant's caliber takes it up a whole new level.
The best interest of the Nets might not be what Durant wants, and vice versa. The next steps are falling into place regarding how this could all end, and a new pseudo deadline of training camp looms around the corner.
Whether Kevin Durant remains in Brooklyn by then remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: The NBA has shown us time and again that anything is possible when it comes to superstar movement.

As the Kevin Durant trade saga reaches six-plus weeks, could teams come out of nowhere in potential negotiations? Evan Sidery dives in.

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NBA Expansion Mock Draft: What would a new expansion team look like?

As we begin to officially put the finishing touches on &ldquo;Bet Week&rdquo; here on BasketballNews.com, NBA over/under win total projections have been released for every team.
Which numbers stand out most to hammer one way or another from a betting perspective? In this piece, I unveil my over/under predictions for every team in the Eastern Conference. All odds are provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Boston Celtics: Over 54.5 (-130)
The defending Eastern Conference champions headline the best win total of any team in the league on DraftKings, checking in at an impressive 54.5 projected wins. Boston not only improved its roster following a Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors, but the team added some real contributors who will hold immense value with Malcolm Brogdon and Danilo Gallinari. Also, Robert Williams staying healthy all season long would be a huge boost for an already elite defensive unit.
We&rsquo;re hammering the over here because the Celtics have all the necessary ingredients in place to finish with 55 or more wins. Not only can their rotation easily go 10 players deep, but Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are two dynamic stars at the most important position on the court. Even if the Celtics were to swing a jaw-dropping trade sending out Brown for Kevin Durant, this team should be in a magnificent spot to hit this projected mark with ease.
Milwaukee Bucks: Over 52.5 (-115)
It&rsquo;s never wise to bet against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. More often than not, they always hit their overs when the roster is fully cooperating from a health perspective. Giannis is a player I&rsquo;ve highlighted over the last week who is in prime position to make a serious push for multiple awards like Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year. If that indeed comes to fruition and Giannis sets a rampage throughout the NBA, Milwaukee will be one of the most dangerous teams entering postseason play.
The Bucks&rsquo; team-building job is a lot easier with Giannis onboard, but Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday are bona fide sub-stars who showed their true value during the team's 2020-21 title run. Also, re-signing Bobby Portis to a long-term deal was huge for the Bucks because he fits so well alongside Giannis as their complimentary stretch big.
Once more, I love the over to hit here at -115 odds on DraftKings. If Giannis stays healthy, the Bucks should cruise to 50-plus wins while posing a real threat to upend Boston atop the East standings.
Philadelphia 76ers: Over 49.5 (-140)
Joel Embiid and James Harden joining forces was always Daryl Morey&rsquo;s dream vision in Philadelphia. Following a rough and quick postseason exit, it feels like the light finally turned on for good with Harden. All offseason long, Harden has reportedly stayed in shape while re-signing a team-friendly, one-plus-one contract, and two of his former teammates in Houston have joined the fray.
The Sixers signing PJ Tucker, albeit at age-37, is a massive move to bring aboard much-needed physical toughness to a roster sorely lacking it. Danuel House Jr. will also provide some two-way versatility off Philadelphia&rsquo;s bench. Also, the draft night trade with the Memphis Grizzlies for De&rsquo;Anthony Melton continues to be overlooked. Arguably the perfect complementary third guard to place alongside Harden and Tyrese Maxey, Melton should thrive within this role, as he mastered it next to Ja Morant.
Health is a huge question mark when examining the long-term gains of this over/under of 49.5. Will Embiid play most of the season? If so, this is another simple nod to the over. However, with an already deep history of injuries, tread lightly here on Philadelphia. Rolling the dice, I&rsquo;m taking the over while praying Embiid puts together another fully dominant campaign.
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Miami Heat: Over 48.5 (-125)
As always, the Heat are flying under the radar entering another season. It was an offseason filled with little to no activity for Miami outside of re-signing Victor Oladipo and Caleb Martin. Plus, they seem like massive long shots to ever enter the potential trade race for Durant after originally being a preferred destination alongside the Phoenix Suns.
Miami is returning a loaded rotation, although losing Tucker to a conference rival will sting a little bit. This is an over/under bet where you simply trust the system in place. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are top-30 players in the Association. Tyler Herro is an emerging young star who is the betting favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year in consecutive seasons. Erik Spoelstra remains one of the game&rsquo;s elite-tier tacticians too.
Add it all together, and Miami should flirt with a 50-win season in 2022-23. Trust the process and &ldquo;Heat Culture&rdquo; for the team to slide its way into a top-three seed in the East.
Atlanta Hawks: Under 46.5 (-105)
What a splashy offseason it was for Atlanta following its embarrassing postseason exit at the hands of Miami. The Heat exposed the Hawks&rsquo; lack of ball-handling help to take pressure off superstar point guard Trae Young. Now, with an all-in move for Dejounte Murray, Atlanta wants to surge up the East ladder. Can the Hawks recapture the 2020-21 magic with an All-Star backcourt pairing? Paying the heavy price the team did for Murray, Atlanta better hope this meshes as well as it looks on-paper.
For our projection, though, we&rsquo;re going with the under at a slight underdog value at -105. Similarly to the Western Conference, the East is setting up to be a war, so the top eight could all be mixed together by season&rsquo;s end. Teams such as Atlanta could be the prime example here, because 46.5 wins truly feels right on the money. In the end, a 45 or 46-win season for the Hawks would be a success, while also cashing plus money for those who bet the under.
Brooklyn Nets: Under 45.5 (-105)
I truly have no clue how this team should be viewed right now. With Kevin Durant still holding firm on his trade request, the 45.5 number here just feels like too much. If Durant is off the Nets anytime soon, Kyrie Irving would probably soon follow him out. It&rsquo;s a ticking time bomb right now, so avoiding this bet entirely is the smartest play possible.
Brooklyn did a fantastic job outside of the Durant and Irving fiasco to add more depth to a team ready to push for a title. However, because of all the uncertainty, getting the under on 45.5 wins at plus money odds is simply too good to pass up.
Toronto Raptors: Over 45.5 (-110)
One of my favorite teams projected to take a massive leap forward in 2022-23, the Raptors finished the regular season off strong before their postseason exit against Philadelphia. Scottie Barnes established himself as a true building block. Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet are entrenched core pieces. With OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. as the team's fourth and fifth-best players, it goes to show how loaded Toronto can become. The Raptors added more depth and remain a top contender to secure Durant&rsquo;s services, if the Nets indeed decide to trade him.
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Whether Durant comes to Canada or not, I absolutely love the Raptors as a team who should be pushing closer to 50 wins compared to 40. Hammer the Raptors over here to oblivion as they establish themselves as a real Finals threat this season.
Chicago Bulls: Under 43.5 (+100)
As I wrote earlier this offseason, Rudy Gobert felt like the missing piece to the puzzle for the Bulls to become a real threat in the East long-term. Now, with Gobert on the Minnesota Timberwolves, where does Chicago realistically go to pivot? It&rsquo;s hard to see a clear answer right now, which is concerning over an extended window. The Bulls backed up the Brink&rsquo;s truck for Zach LaVine, who definitely deserved the lucrative payday. LaVine and DeMar DeRozan form a dynamic scoring combination, but who else can help take this team into another tier?
Patrick Williams is a potential name to watch develop, but the real questions loom in the backcourt, for me. Goran Dragic signing in Chicago was very interesting, because the team already has a glut of guards on its roster: Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Ayo Dosunmu and Dalen Terry. With Ball&rsquo;s shoulder sidelining him last season, how concerning is that moving forward? For those wanting to monitor the betting lines for Chicago, Ball is an underrated piece to its early-season success as a connective two-way presence.
With the East even tougher, plus some looming concerns in the short and long-term view, I&rsquo;m hammering +100 value on the Bulls to finish as a Play-In Tournament team vs. being a playoff lock.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Over 42.5 (-135)
Similarly to Toronto, this is another squad I'll love to slam the over on. The 42.5-win number here is too small for Cleveland, especially with its young core jelling together even further. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen make up one of my favorite young trios in the Association, and I&rsquo;m betting big on the three taking another huge step forward.
Don&rsquo;t forget, the Cavaliers were rolling before injuries to countless rotation members begin to be too much to overcome. Caris LeVert, a midseason acquisition, should look much more comfortable in J.B. Bickerstaff&rsquo;s system. Collin Sexton&rsquo;s status remains unclear, but he&rsquo;s a spark-plug scorer who would take immediate pressure off Garland.
Las Vegas is leaning towards projecting the Cavs as a playoff team, and I&rsquo;m siding with them as well.
New York Knicks: Over 39.5 (-110)
Just like their cross-town rivals in the Nets, betting on a Knicks over/under win total right now isn&rsquo;t smart. Wait to see how the dust settles for Donovan Mitchell in Utah first before deciding upon any Knicks-related props.
However, for my projection on Aug. 8, I&rsquo;m betting on Mitchell to eventually land in New York before the regular season begins. With Mitchell, New York feels like a real playoff contender. However, even after signing Jalen Brunson, this Knicks team feels rather incomplete compared to other squads.
This one is simple: If Mitchell arrives, it&rsquo;s a yes on the over. If not, stay away and hit the under instead.
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Charlotte Hornets: Under 36.5 (-105)
Here's another organization that feels incomplete at the moment, especially with the ongoing legal situation surrounding Miles Bridges. As currently constructed, the up-and-coming Hornets feel further away than they did last season. Although Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier are solid veterans for Charlotte, I don&rsquo;t put them on the same tier as the Cavaliers or Knicks. LaMelo Ball is approaching full-blown superstardom, but who else around him will be able to help consistently? This may be a hot take, but it might be in the Hornets&rsquo; best interest to bottom out for a year hoping to land a top pick for a stacked 2023 NBA Draft.
If there&rsquo;s one team poised to regress from Play-In contender to lottery team, Charlotte certainly stands out, and I&rsquo;ll take the under at plus value.
Washington Wizards: Under 35.5 (-115)
Are the Wizards in win-now mode? It certainly seems that way after Bradley Beal signed the dotted line on a supermax deal. The time to put together a winner in D.C. is throughout Beal&rsquo;s hefty contract, but this team still isn&rsquo;t close to being a real threat. In my opinion, Washington continues to stand out as the premiere &ldquo;blow it up&rdquo; squad because of Beal&rsquo;s uncertain status. Now, with a no-trade clause, Beal pretty much runs the entire show now.
Washington added a starting point guard in Monte Morris, but that&rsquo;s not enough to really make a sizable improvement unless Beal bounces-back with authority. The team's young players also need to take much-needed steps forward. At this moment, I&rsquo;m betting against all of that occurring next season. As a slight favorite, feel comfortable selecting the under on the Wizards.
Detroit Pistons: Under 28.5 (-105)
It&rsquo;s hard to argue against the Pistons possessing one of the most promising young cores in the East. Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren are ideal pieces to put alongside former No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham, who began to flash superstar potential during the second half of his rookie season.
While the Pistons added foundational pillars this offseason, the team is still ripe with inexperience. The rebuild remains ongoing in Detroit, but the exit signs are approaching. In the meantime, the young core is prioritized over wins this upcoming season.
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Although a 30-win campaign sounds fun, another top selection in 2023 could really take this team to heights it hasn't experienced in decades. Bet on the under here, especially as the tank race hits overdrive post-All-Star break.
Orlando Magic: Over 26.5 (-120)
Paolo Banchero brings an alpha mentality that&rsquo;s been missing forever in Orlando. The No. 1 pick has the ultimate runway to produce immediately, which is why he&rsquo;s the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/best-bets-on-202223-nba-rookie-of-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener">betting favorite to win Rookie of the Year</a>. Banchero could be a 20-plus point scorer right away, but don&rsquo;t forget about some other enticing young talent in Orlando. Franz Wagner established himself as a core piece, producing excellent all-around numbers. Wendell Carter Jr. is a double-double machine with playmaking chops for a big man. Jalen Suggs hit the rookie wall, but if he can round into form it'll add another aggressive scorer to the equation. Plus, there's the returning Markelle Fultz as well.
Orlando owns one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, but it consistently showed heart by keeping a lot of games close. If Banchero&rsquo;s adjustment is smooth, I actually like betting the favorite option here on the over. Something along the lines of a 27-55 season feels spot-on for Orlando.
Indiana Pacers: Under 24.5 (-115)
Rounding out the East&rsquo;s over/unders list is the Pacers, who are now creating a noticeable difference at the bottom. With two games separating Indiana from Orlando, it shows how little faith Vegas has in this team winning a lot of games next season.
Tyrese Haliburton is the face of the franchise in Indiana now, as the team begins a rebuild over 30 years in the making. Bennedict Mathurin, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, brings a score-first approach that should mesh seamlessly in the backcourt next to Haliburton. Isaiah Jackson and Jalen Smith are two young bigs who have flashed two-way potential in addition.
Outside of that, trade rumors are the main subject ongoing in Indiana. According to The Athletic&rsquo;s Bob Kravitz, Indiana would prefer to trade Myles Turner and Buddy Hield this offseason. Neither player fits the organization&rsquo;s new timeline, and the Pacers should be able to fetch some real value in return.
Indiana is a team that really stands out as a prime contender to enter a full-on tank. For an organization that has never drafted No. 1, it would change everything for the Pacers to have some good fortune. Finally embracing a rebuild, maybe lady luck is finally on their side for good.
With that being said, my most confident play is the Pacers under 24.5 wins cashing.

Evan Sidery goes over win totals for the Eastern Conference. Who stands out?

Best Bets: NBA Eastern Conference over/under projections

On April 28, Shaquille O'Neal kept his weird vendetta against Donovan Mitchell alive on his podcast, "<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-bacon/id1558354780?i=1000558986005" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Big Podcast with Shaq.</a>" O'Neal was discussing James Harden's postseason struggles and managed to turn the conversation toward Donovan Mitchell's candidacy as an NBA superstar.
&ldquo;Y&rsquo;all be giving out a lot of these awards to some of these bums and I&rsquo;m like, &lsquo;What?&rsquo;" O'Neal said. "For example, what did I say about Donovan Mitchell two years ago? Everybody jumping on me and hating and I be quiet. What&rsquo;s he doing now?... Is that what superstars do?&rdquo;
O'Neal then <a href="https://fadeawayworld.net/nba-media/shaquille-oneal-claps-backs-after-being-accused-of-slandering-donovan-mitchell-i-could-say-what-i-say-brother-how-many-rings-do-i-have-4-brother" target="_blank" rel="noopener">defended his comments in another recent episode</a>. This slander obsession dates back over a year to a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFmk7kzDbiA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bizarre postgame interview on TNT</a>. Unfortunately, it's also become part of a larger narrative working against Mitchell's NBA career.&nbsp;
Mitchell's superstar credentials have gone under the microscope as trade rumors erupt around the 25-year-old this summer. The Utah Jazz have failed to surpass the second round of the playoffs with Mitchell running the show. He's a smaller combo guard at 6-foot-1 with run-of-the-mill, basic shooting splits. He played pretty poorly in this year's first-round series loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Is this a player worth mortgaging the future to acquire?
In a word: Absolutely.
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Regardless of what O'Neal or any other detractors might say, Mitchell is a certified superstar, a number one scoring-and-playmaking option and a tier-altering presence for any NBA franchise. He is not without his flaws, but this type of gravitational offensive force rarely becomes available.
Let's start with the scoring and get the "inefficient" buzzword out of the way.
Mitchell has never been among the elite shooters in the league, but he's made strides throughout his career. Last season he sported a 50.9% Effective Field Goal percentage on pull-up shots. That's very good; it placed him 15th among 107 players who attempted at least 150 such shots, per Second Spectrum.
Mitchell shot the fourth-most pull-up threes in the NBA last season (413) and hit 35.6% of them, which was in the ballpark of guys with better reputations like Luka Doncic, Khris Middleton, Devin Booker and CJ McCollum. Mitchell has improved his eFG% in each subsequent year of his career, with last year being his best yet.&nbsp;
His overall three-point clip was just 35.5%, but that's because he had a bizarre, outlier year where he hit just 34.6% of his catch-and-shoot treys. Mitchell has never been below 40% off the catch in any other season. It's reasonable to call 2021-22 an unfortunate down year when he has four prior seasons of success.&nbsp;
Mitchell's average three-point shot distance was a whopping 26.4 feet from the basket, per BBall Index. A remarkable 52% of his three-point makes were unassisted, which is in the 98th percentile among combo guards, per Cleaning the Glass. He has one of the toughest perimeter shot diets in the league, and has maintained a quality mark from deep.
Then, we zoom in closer to the basket. Mitchell made a strong 65% of his shots at the rim this season, according to Cleaning the Glass, and 80% of those makes were unassisted. In total, Mitchell created 71% of his buckets without an assist last season, the 12th-highest rate in the NBA. Mitchell has had to manifest so much for himself in Utah, and still manages to cobble together solid shooting splits.
Mitchell's volume should not diguise him as a pure scorer. He's demonstrably better at finding shooters on the floor, in addition to his synergy with Rudy Gobert. According to Second Spectrum, 16.3% of Mitchell's passed led to assists or free throws last season, good for 14th in the entire NBA.
That rate was also his best of the last three seasons, and while it's partially dependent on teammates making shots, it also shows Mitchell is finding his guys in good positions. BBall Index also tracks a stat called Box Creation (initially made by Ben Taylor), which estimates how many open shots a player creates for teammates. Mitchell's score this season was 10.3, ranking in the 97th percentile.
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The vision is apparent. Mitchell is such a dangerous downhill threat that defenses simply have to collapse on him. He knows how the second level will step up to contain him and where the next defensive rotation will be, as seen in the first and third clips. He has improved at making the corresponding reads without significantly altering his turnover rate.
Is Mitchell one of the best and most willing facilitators in the NBA? No; he averaged a pretty mediocre 41.7 passes last season to go with 5.3 assists per game. But there's a clear pattern of growth that bodes well for his future in Utah or with another team.
Mitchell's volume of difficult shots often gets warped as a ball-hog tendency. But look at who Utah has as actual well-rounded offensive engines. Mike Conley still provides solid moments and moves the ball well, but he has not been an attacking threat for several years now. Jordan Clarkson is a pure scorer with jarring peaks and valleys. Bojan Bogdanovic is transitioning to more of a spacer role. Mitchell is wholly in another category as a player who can both create a shot for himself while being a threat to pass.
With all of that said, we can't gloss over the defense &mdash; particularly in the latter stages of last season.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Donovan Mitchell's defense was better the last few games IMO, but he still has some really rough lapses. Seems to totally misplay this coverage: <a href="https://t.co/MKahyif9ch">pic.twitter.com/MKahyif9ch</a>
&mdash; Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) <a href="https://twitter.com/jackfrank_jjf/status/1520579287002148864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
Mitchell really faltered on a national stage. As he struggled to find an offensive rhythm, he continually played behind the play on defense. Whether it was a lack of effort, confusion or something else, he was clearly out of position and not extending himself on several possessions against the Mavericks. And the concerns had been rising before the postseason too.
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I see Donovan Mitchell's off-ball defense continues to be suspect. (He ain't the only at fault though. Seems like House failed to communicate a switch. Which seems to be a team-wide problem at times.) <a href="https://t.co/g5RXNfcZJo">pic.twitter.com/g5RXNfcZJo</a>
&mdash; Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeVirayNBA/status/1512629596029857793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Outside of Gobert, Utah was in a rocky defensive state by the playoffs despite finishing the regular season with a top-10 Defensive Rating. The Jazz's defense was 4.6 points per 100 possessions better without Mitchell on the court, per Cleaning the Glass.
But if there's a bright spot, it's in his 1.9% steal rate. Steals and steal rates tell only a tiny picture of overall defensive impact, but within those steals, we can see promising moments.
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It's not like Mitchell is constantly losing the plot as a team defender. In these plays, he recognized who was going to be open of the drive, and shut off the faucet to pick up two steals. Mitchell is strong and active with his hands to the point where he can be a tough individual matchup for smaller guards. It's just about consistency right now. He has the tools to be a neutral or slight positive, and has shown defensive ability in the past. For whatever reason, it fell apart last season.&nbsp;
Lastly, it's worth dispelling the notion that Mitchell does not impact winning basketball. The Jazz boasted the best Offensive Rating in the NBA last season. They were third in the metric in 2020-21 en route to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, and it's no coincidence that Mitchell was the offensive catalyst in both years.&nbsp;
And, even with last season's playoff dud, Mitchell's career postseason stats include 28.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game to go along a 55.8% True Shooting percentage. He's not even two years removed from a 57-point postseason onslaught in the bubble. And he's still only 25 years old.&nbsp;
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The Athletic's&nbsp;Shams Charania reported Monday morning that the Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Hornets have expressed interest in trading for Mitchell along with the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-trade-rumors-offseason-donovan-mitchell-new-york-knicks-utah-jazz-danny-ainge-leon-rose-rudy-gobert-quentin-grimes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">well-documented New York Knicks rumors</a>. Though teams should obviously do their due diligence and look at roster fit and outgoing talent, it's hard for me to see why any of these teams should outright balk at the chance to acquire a sure-fire All-Star and perennial All-NBA player.
Do Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby's defensive talents outweight the chance to bring Pascal Siakam one of the best possible long-term partners in crime? Should the Knicks hold up at the chance to add by far their greatest offensive talent since Carmelo Anthony? Are future picks going to be the impasse when Mitchell could conceivably keep a team in playoff contention for several years?
I'm not here to be the judge. But if a blockbuster trade does materialize, it's worth remembering just how special this type of 25-year-old superstar can be.

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Donovan Mitchell has been one of the biggest names to appear in NBA trade rumors this offseason.

Resetting the conversation around Donovan Mitchell's superstar stature

For years, the trade rumors have been nonstop between Myles Turner and the Indiana Pacers.
But in this latest chapter, things appear to be different.
After weeks of flirting with Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, Indiana stunningly extended a four-year, $133 million max offer sheet to the Bahamian big man. And although the Suns matched and retained Ayton right away, Turner&rsquo;s long-term stance with the Pacers now feels crystal clear.
The 26-year-old center doesn&rsquo;t look to be in the Pacers&rsquo; plans, and it feels like it&rsquo;s in the best interest of both parties at this point to finally break off from one another.
Even if it didn&rsquo;t lead to an actual transaction, the Pacers&rsquo; aggressive pursuit of Ayton speaks volumes to the tune changing within Indianapolis recently. Extending max offer sheets, let alone to restricted free agents? That's unheard of throughout the ownership tenure of Herb Simon, but the tides seem to be turning towards a new era when the opportunity presents itself the Pacers are going to go for it no matter the price.
So, where do the Pacers and Turner go from here? It&rsquo;s going to be a rocky road to reconciliation, one that might actually pick up trade conversations around the league instead. How else should Turner view the latest chapter besides seeing the writing on the wall? Indiana did right by Malcolm Brogdon, cooperating with his agent to ship him off to the best win-now destination. We could soon see deja vu with Turner instead being moved by the rebuilding Pacers in short order.
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Since the midpoint of last season, Indiana has decided to finally embrace a long-overdue rebuild attempt. Trading away two-time All-Star center Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings for Tyrese Haliburton, the shift to becoming sellers and prioritizing a full-on youth movement was instant. Post-Haliburton, the Pacers brought aboard Jalen Smith and Aaron Nesmith via trade, and selected Arizona wing Bennedict Mathurin at No. 6 overall to pair alongside their star young point guard.
All of a sudden, Turner now feels like a clunky long-term fit within the Pacers&rsquo; new nucleus of talent all under age-25, sans Chris Duarte (25): Haliburton, Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, Smith, Nesmith, Oshae Brissett, Andrew Nembhard, Kendall Brown, Goga Bitadze.
When Indiana instead chose to chase Ayton at max dollar figures, the franchise kind of already answered the question of whether or not to pay Turner. Smith was re-signed to a team-friendly contract &mdash; which included a promised starting spot at power forward &mdash; and the internal development of Isaiah Jackson begins to become a pivotal storyline to monitor with his immense two-way upside. With Smith and Jackson ready to absorb heavy minutes on a roster nowhere close to competing next season, it&rsquo;s a plausible reality to predict that a Turner trade will be the next notable NBA domino to drop.
The curious case of Turner&rsquo;s value now goes under the microscope because it&rsquo;s a complicated situation. There&rsquo;s no denying the game-changing impact Turner brings as one of the best shot-blockers in the league, but his availability has become a recent concern. It&rsquo;s especially dicey because Turner&rsquo;s last two seasons were cut short due to foot injuries, which is never something you want to see for a big man.
Also, with Turner now on an $18 million expiring contract, Indiana missed its window awhile ago to flip him at his potential peak value. Now, a potential return for Turner in a trade likely falls into the same category as Brogdon, which features a late first-round pick and maybe a prospect unable to crack a team&rsquo;s rotation yet.
Here's a hypothetical example of a framework regarding the Charlotte Hornets, an often-rumored Turner destination that could bring back realistic value to the Pacers.
Pacers receive: Mason Plumlee, Kai Jones, JT Thor, 2023 first-round pick (via Nuggets)
Hornets receive: Myles Turner
It's certainly not a package that would make Pacers fans giddy with enthusiasm, but it&rsquo;s the hand dealt for the team's current situation. If the Pacers were to add a fourth first-round pick for next year&rsquo;s draft, it could further shape their vision as a team fully plunging into the tank race for Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson and other top prospects in the Class of 2023.
Although Turner may not fit the Pacers&rsquo; window anymore, his role would make him an easy fit for any win-now organization.
Over the last four years, Turner&rsquo;s statistics help display his impact while also playing alongside another big in Sabonis: 12.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game on 35.0% from three-point range. Being able to protect the rim as well as anyone, while also adequately spacing the floor for others, Turner&rsquo;s presence has the potential of elevating a team looking to be a Finals contender. (Teams like the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors immediately come to mind as potential Turner suitors.)
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Indiana&rsquo;s rebuild has started off strong, much in part to the presence of Haliburton making it easier for everyone else. If Mathurin becomes a hit, the Pacers' backcourt will be set for years to come, and other young pieces to the puzzle should continue to find their footing. And if they were to somehow get some lottery luck next year, this Indiana rebuild projected to take a long time might be much quicker than everyone expects.
Moving away from a stagnated core, Turner is the lone piece remaining for the time being still in Indiana. Caris LeVert is in Cleveland. Sabonis is alongside De&rsquo;Aaron Fox on the Kings. Brogdon recently joined a top title threat in Boston.
Where exactly will Turner end up soon enough? That&rsquo;s the biggest question looming out there, as the Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant sagas continue to lead nowhere.

After a failed aggressive pursuit for Deandre Ayton, the Pacers may have finally provided their answer to the Myles Turner question.

Have the Pacers already determined Myles Turner's future in Indiana?

Restricted free agency can be a frustrating process for players, and Deandre Ayton is currently experiencing that firsthand. As Ayton continues to sit on the open market, his destination is seemingly tied to the ongoing Kevin Durant saga. Hours before the free-agency moratorium period began last week, Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, and the Phoenix Suns are reportedly atop his wish list.
Over the last 48 hours, the Suns have been the most active team in free agency, agreeing to terms with four minimum-salary players: Bismack Biyombo, Damion Lee, Jock Landale and Josh Okogie. Phoenix seems to be focusing on the bottom of its roster and preparing for substantial changes &mdash; regardless of whether the team acquires Durant.
Finding a sign-and-trade partner for Ayton sits atop the Suns' to-do list, as this could determine whether they land one of the greatest scorers in NBA history in Durant. Phoenix is currently the betting favorite to acquire Durant, but since Brooklyn reportedly has no interest in Ayton, the Suns must try to find a third team to help facilitate a deal, or flip their center for additional pieces that they can send to Brooklyn. It's worth noting that Ayton must agree to any sign-and-trade deal (giving him a lot of power in this situation).
It seems Ayton doesn't have a tangible market right now, which is truly surprising. Restricted free agency usually bogs down the bidders, but you'd think a player of Ayton&rsquo;s caliber would have multiple interested teams pursuing him. However, it's fair to wonder whether a robust market for Ayton ever existed.
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The Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs have been speculated as potential destinations, but it remains to be seen if either team has a real interest in Ayton. Both teams are entering a rebuild, and it's unclear if they're open to paying Ayton a max or near-max salary. Also, Indiana loves its young big-man duo of Jalen Smith and Isaiah Jackson (which is why the organization is making Myles Turner available in trade talks), while San Antonio has Jakob Poeltl manning the middle.
As the market begins to shift, let&rsquo;s look at which teams could still be an option for Ayton.&nbsp;
TORONTO RAPTORS
Toronto has been gaining steam in the betting odds for Durant over the last 48 hours, somehow jumping from +3500 to +250. It's no surprise that Masai Ujiri is trying to bring Durant to Toronto, but if he can't land KD, could Ayton be the Raptors' consolation prize? A three-team trade involving the Suns, Raptors and Nets could make an awful lot of sense for all sides.
It&rsquo;s well-known that the Raptors need a long-term answer at center. Ayton, the former No. 1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, could be the perfect high-upside swing from Ujiri and Co. Placing Ayton alongside Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, Fred VanVleet and either OG Anunoby or Gary Trent Jr. would give Toronto a very dangerous lineup in the Eastern Conference. And at this point, the Raptors could swoop in to land Ayton for way cheaper than expected if they were to help facilitate a Durant-to-the-Suns trade, which is reportedly KD's preferred outcome.
Crafting an Ayton-to-Toronto trade isn't too difficult. Trent or Anunoby would be the centerpiece with any small expiring salaries needed to make it happen. Also, the Raptors being able to snag Ayton for one player and perhaps a future pick is a home-run scenario.
Working with the Raptors&rsquo; player development program, Ayton would be in the perfect spot to reach his sky-high ceiling; that goes without mentioning that Deandre playing next to Siakam and Barnes in the frontcourt is a dream fit for all involved. You want the perfect defensive trio to stop superstars like Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo? Look no further than Ayton, Siakam and Barnes.
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Ayton in Toronto can only happen if the Raptors are willing to part with Trent or Anunoby. If not, this is likely a non-starter in negotations unless they are willing to give up multiple future first-round picks and expiring salaries to help faciliate Durant to Phoenix. Maybe even young big man Precious Achiuwa could intrigue Brooklyn or Phoenix enough with the right amount of draft capital attached.
Don't rule out the Raptors being a sneaky candidate to swoop in for Ayton because their front office is known to move in silence with no leaks in advance of massive moves.
ATLANTA HAWKS 
The Hawks already pushed the chips all-in with the acquisition of Dejounte Murray, but could they be looming as a potential destination for Ayton? If you add up the pieces for the win-now Hawks, it makes a lot of sense. Adding Ayton into the Hawks&rsquo; ecosystem is a sure-fire bet to give this team legitimate NBA Finals aspirations.
A new big three in Atlanta consisting of Young, Murray and Ayton would make for nightly fireworks on the court; plus, it&rsquo;s a stable, All-Star-level foundation with youth that could grow together on the same timeline for years to come.
Atlanta also stands out as a strong Ayton suitor because of its available assets, even after coughing up draft picks to the Spurs for Murray. Clint Capela is an obvious candidate to be moved in any Ayton deal due to his salary and position. Atlanta also has other salaries that can work in multi-team frameworks such as the often-rumored John Collins as well as Bogdan Bogdanovic. And don't forget about the Hawks' underrated core of young talent: De'Andre Hunter, Onyeka Okongwu, AJ Griffin and Jalen Johnson.
It's unlikely that the Hawks would make Hunter or Okongwu available for Ayton, but what about their recent first-round pick in Griffin? That's where it gets interesting, because a piece like Griffin can help accelerate a potential three-team deal between Phoenix, Brooklyn and Atlanta where the end result ultimately lands Durant alongside Booker.
The Hawks have extinguished most of their future assets for Murray, but they still have enough wiggle room to make another big splash. Ayton could be the final missing piece for Atlanta to become a real Finals competitor as early as next season. In addition, this would help the Suns land their ultimate prize.
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UTAH JAZZ
This was a surprise team that reportedly checked in on Ayton last week, according to Arizona Sports&rsquo; John Gambadoro. Shipping out Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves brought back an enormous return of draft capital, including three future unprotected first-round picks. As the Jazz aim to retool around Donovan Mitchell, Ayton actually checks a lot of boxes for them. Not only would he cost around $20 million less than Gobert annually, especially down the line, but Ayton is also on the same timeline as Utah's superstar shooting guard.
In order to appease Mitchell and prevent a trade request down the line, would someone like Ayton be a worthy gamble on a discount? Honestly, it makes a lot of sense. Assuming the Jazz send out more veterans and prioritize a youth movement around Mitchell in the short-term, they may very well become a real contender for Ayton out of nowhere.
Diving in deeper, Utah has the perfect amount of assets to sneakily make its move for Ayton. Bojan Bogdanovic's $19 million expiring salary is already enough to almost make salaries work. Throw in Jordan Clarkson, who no longer fits Utah's timeline and would be a huge bench upgrade for Phoenix, and that's where this gets serious. The Jazz also now have extreme amounts of draft artillery thanks to the Gobert trade pulled off last week by Danny Ainge.
Going off the assumption that Ayton will no longer be receiving a max-contract offer, Utah could quickly match the Suns' win-now timeline returning Bogdanovic, Clarkson and picks in exchange for Ayton. Those picks, alongside Bogdanovic's expiring deal in turn, could be flipped to the Nets in a three-team deal that lands Durant in the Valley.
For fun, here's a possible three-team trade involving the Suns, Jazz and Nets &mdash; a template where each side can say they exited in a better spot.
Nets receive: Mikal Bridges, Bojan Bogdanovic, Torrey Craig, Cameron Payne, 2023 first-round pick (via Suns), 2023 first-rounder (via Jazz), 2025 first-rounder (via Timberwolves), 2025 first-rounder (via Suns), 2027 first-rounder (via Suns), 2029 first-rounder (via Suns), rights to swap firsts in 2024, 2026, 2028 with Suns
Jazz receive: Deandre Ayton (four-year, $110 million sign-and-trade), Jae Crowder
Suns receive: Kevin Durant, Jordan Clarkson
Again, the Nets would secure a foundational building block with immense two-way upside in Bridges. Also, the $19 million expiring contract for Bogdanovic could be a huge trade chip for the Nets with their replenished box of assets.
Utah&rsquo;s added draft compensation via the Timberwolves helps facilitate this deal for Brooklyn and Phoenix, and it makes a strong return for the Jazz in the process. Crowder would immediately takes Bogdanovic&rsquo;s role in the rotation, as would Ayton for Gobert. Losing Clarkson is a tough pill to swallow for the Jazz, but if he were to be the price to pay for a former No. 1 pick, it&rsquo;d certainly be worth it.
Phoenix and Durant get their way in the end, and Clarkson&rsquo;s addition is the perfect cherry on top of a historic trade for the organization. Right off the bat, Clarkson could become the Suns&rsquo; sixth man and solidifiy their overall depth issues if this trade were to occur.
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It's rare to see the market swing the opposite direction so quickly, but that seems to be what's happening in real time with Ayton. The longer Ayton continues to sit out on the open market, the better the Suns' chances of acquiring Durant are.
As free agency has come to a screeching halt over the last few days due to the looming situation with Durant and the Nets, everyone is waiting for the domino to finally fall. Will Durant get his way and end up alongside Devin Booker and Chris Paul in Phoenix? That remains to be seen, but the exercise above really does show the Suns will have to get creative in order to get it done.
Deandre Ayton was the Suns&rsquo; first No. 1 overall pick in franchise history, and now he&rsquo;s the deciding factor to whether Kevin Durant eventually takes his spot as the final piece to their championship puzzle.

Evan Sidery explains how Deandre Ayton could assist the Suns in a Kevin Durant trade offer and outlines several destinations for Ayton.

How Deandre Ayton holds the key to the Suns acquiring Kevin Durant

The NBA's free-agency period tips off today at 6 p.m. ET! Who are the top players available? Here's a look at 15 notable players who could be on the move.
Check out <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/nba-free-agency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BasketballNews' 2022 NBA Free Agency page</a> for our complete rankings, the latest rumors, a glossary of relevant terms and more.
ZACH LAVINE, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Zach LaVine bet on himself instead of signing a four-year, $105 million extension last offseason, and the gamble has certainly paid off. He averaged 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.8 made three-pointers while shooting 38.9% from downtown and a career-high 85.3% from the free-throw line. Steph Curry is the only player in the NBA to match or exceed LaVine in those statistical categories last season. With LaVine playing at such a high level, he'll want a max deal that pays approximately $200 million over five years. The most any other team can offer LaVine is around $160 million over four years. LaVine is expected to return to the Chicago Bulls when all is said and done.
JAMES HARDEN, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
James Harden declined his $47.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season and he's now an unrestricted free agent. However, all signs point to Harden remaining with the Philadelphia 76ers on a new deal. The 32-year-old struggled during the playoffs, especially in the second round when he averaged 18.2 points, 7.0 assists, 6.3 rebounds, 4.8 turnovers and 2.5 threes, while shooting 40.4% from the field, 33.2% from three and 76.1% from the free-throw line. Harden turns 33 years old in August and he seems significantly less explosive. Harden is&nbsp;
BRADLEY BEAL, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
In February, Bradley Beal underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist. Prior to the injury, Beal's scoring average had dipped dramatically (from 31.3 points per game in 2020-21 to 23.2 this season), and he was shooting just 30.0% from downtown. However, the three-time All-Star averaged a career-high 6.6 assists. Beal declined his $36.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season, but he's expected to re-sign with the Washington Wizards barring a sudden change of heart.
DEANDRE AYTON, RESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Deandre Ayton is the crown jewel of this year's free-agent center crop. Although the Phoenix Suns surprisingly chose not to offer him a max extension last offseason (worth approximately $173 million over five years), Phoenix can match any offer the former No. 1 overall pick receives this summer. However, an up-and-down postseason has raised questions about the 23-year-old&rsquo;s future with the team. In Phoenix&rsquo;s embarrassing Game 7 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Ayton had just 5 points and 4 rebounds, leading Monty Williams to bench him after only 17 minutes. Ayton is a young, improving player and he's widely regarded as one of NBA's best young centers. If the Suns don&rsquo;t want to give Ayton the max, they may weigh their sign-and-trade options.
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MILES BRIDGES, RESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Charlotte reportedly offered Miles Bridges an extension worth $60 million over four years this past summer, but he rejected it. With Bridges exploding this season &mdash; averaging a career-high 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.9 threes and 0.9 steals &mdash; the Hornets' front office likely regrets not upping that offer, as the stud forward is now in line for a massive pay raise. He is one of only five players in the NBA this season who knocked down at least 125 three-pointers while also averaging at least 20-7-3. The other five players? LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum and Karl-Anthony Towns. It's worth noting that Bridges was arrested for domestic violence on the eve of free agency, which could impact his negotiations.
JALEN BRUNSON, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Jalen Brunson took a significant step forward during the 2020-21 season, averaging 12.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 threes in 25.7 minutes, while shooting 52.3% from the floor and 40.5% from downtown. The Villanova product continued to improve in 2021-22, averaging career-highs in points (16.3), assists (4.8) and rebounds (3.9). Brunson also showed he could shoulder increased responsibility by stepping up when Luka Doncic missed time during the regular season and playoffs. In the first round, Brunson helped Dallas Mavericks eliminate the Utah Jazz despite being without Doncic for the first three games of the series. In six games against Utah, Brunson averaged 27.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.0 threes and just 0.7 turnovers on 48.1/32.9/84.8 shooting. The New York Knicks are currently the front-runners to add Brunson.
ANFERNEE SIMONS, RESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Anfernee Simons increased his value a ton with his play during the 2021-22 season. After averaging a modest 7.8 points per game during the 2020-21 season, Simons averaged 17.3 points last year, which was the largest year-over-year leap in the NBA last season. He also chipped in 3.9 assists, 3.1 threes and 2.6 assists, while shooting 40.5% from beyond the arc. In the 30 games he started, he was even more productive &ndash; putting up 22.0 points, 5.5 assists, 4.1 threes and 2.8 rebounds on 45.2/41.5/87.1 shooting splits. The 22-year-old has a bright future in the NBA. One of the primary reasons the Blazers traded away CJ McCollum, Norman Powell and Robert Covington prior to the deadline was to clear up cap space to give Simons a big payday, so it would be very surprising to see him change teams.
JUSUF NURKIC, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
After a disappointing 2020-21 campaign, Jusuf Nurkic bounced back impressively last season, averaging 15.0 points, a career-high 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 53.5% from the floor. Nurkic&rsquo;s season ended early due to plantar fasciitis. However, he'll likely be ready to return by the start of training camp in September. Due to Nurk's tight bond with Blazers point guard Damian Lillard, many pundits expect Portland to re-sign the big man to a multi-year deal.
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COLLIN SEXTON, RESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Collin Sexton injured his left knee in early November, and an MRI revealed a torn meniscus. He had surgery a week later, sidelining him for the entirety of the 2021-22 campaign. It will be <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-trade-rumors-offseason-free-agency-examining-potential-destinations-collin-sexton-cleveland-cavaliers-washington-wizards-san-antonio-spurs-dallas-mavericks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fascinating to see what offers he receives on the open market</a>. During the 2020-21 season, Sexton averaged 24.3 points and 4.4 assists while shooting 47.5% from the floor, 37.5% from downtown and 81.5% from the free-throw line. However, he struggled defensively, and the Cavs registered a league-worst 60-159 record over the first three years of his career. With Sexton out of action this season, Cleveland went 44-38 and made the Play-In Tournament. Darius Garland emerged as an All-Star in Sexton&rsquo;s absence. Because he is a restricted free agent, the Cavs can match any offer he receives this summer.
BOBBY PORTIS, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
With Brook Lopez sidelined for most of the 2021-22 season, Bobby Portis stepped up for the Milwaukee Bucks, starting 59 games. He averaged career-highs in scoring (14.6 points), rebounds (9.1), blocks (0.7) and made three-pointers (1.8). Portis declined his $4.6 million player option for the 2022-23 season, and he is expected to search for a significant raise.
BRUCE BROWN, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
If you want to find a truly "positionless" NBA player, look no further than Bruce Brown. The 25-year-old shifted fluidly between roles for the Brooklyn Nets &mdash; the textbook glue guy that any playoff contender would love to have. In 22 games after the All-Star break, Brown averaged 14.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.1 blocks and 1.1 threes on 53.0/47.2/77.5 shooting splits. During the Nets' first-round series against the Boston Celtics, he continued to produce at this level, averaging 14.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 threes, 1.3 steals and 0.8 blocks on 56.8/42.9/80.0 shooting splits. Brown proved he can be an initiator, a connective passer, a multi-faceted off-ball player and a primary defender, so he is due for a payday.
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MITCHELL ROBINSON, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
The New York Knicks technically have until June 30 to ink Mitchell Robinson to an extension worth up to $48 million over four years. However, the two sides have not yet reached an agreement, so it appears Robinson will be able to test the market. While he has flashed All-Defensive upside in short spurts throughout his four-year career, Robinson has battled numerous injuries and baffling inconsistency. His regression at the free-throw line (shooting below 50% in each of the past two seasons) is worrisome as well. Nevertheless, few big men can supply the type of high-flying athleticism and rim-protection he brings to the table. Robinson is expected to re-sign with the Knicks, but <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-free-agency-rumors-examining-potential-destinations-for-mitchell-robinson-new-york-knicks-chicago-bulls-pistons-trail-blazers-magic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">we'll see if any other team can make things interesting</a>.
LU DORT, RESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Lu Dort established himself as one of the league's elite young defenders early in his career. Last season, he proved that he is also capable of putting up points on the offensive end. Before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, Dort was averaging 17.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.5 made threes. Over his final eight games, he averaged more than 23.0 points per game. Dort has one of the biggest bargains in the NBA, as he earned $1,782,621 last season. The Thunder decided to decline his team option, making him a restricted free agent.&nbsp;
TYUS JONES, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Tyus Jones has proven to be a reliable, efficient backup point guard. Last season, he averaged 8.7 points, 4.4 assists, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 threes, 0.9 steals and 0.6 turnovers on 45.1/39.0/81.8 shooting splits. However, he has also shown that he can step into the starting lineup and take on more responsibilities. In 23 games as a starter, Jones averaged 12.7 points, 6.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.6 threes and 1.1 steals on 45.0/39.6/83.8 shooting splits. He turned heads at times during the playoffs too. In Memphis' Game 6 win over the Warriors, he posted 21 points, 9 assists, 4 threes, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block and 0 turnovers (on 66.7/57.1/100.0 shooting) in just 24 minutes.
MO BAMBA, UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
After struggling over his first three years in the NBA, Mo Bamba just enjoyed the best year of his pro career. He became the first player in Magic franchise history to average more than 1.5 blocks and 1.0 made three-pointers per game over an entire season. However, it remains to be seen if Bamba has a long-term future in Orlando. The Magic just selected Paolo Banchero with the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Also, Orlando inked center Wendell Carter Jr. to a four-year, $50 million contract extension back in October (and lineups with both Carter and Bamba have not performed well). Orlando didn't extend a qualifying offer to Bamba, making him an unrestricted free agent.
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<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/nba-free-agency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here for BasketballNews' complete free-agency rankings</a>. And check out <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/2022-nba-draft-rumors-live-notebook-all-the-latest-news-trades-and-intel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our NBA rumor tracker</a>, which we'll continue to update throughout free agency.
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The NBA's free-agency period tips off today at 6 p.m. ET! Who are the top players available?

2022 NBA Free Agency: The top 15 players who are available

The Memphis Grizzlies have nailed the NBA Draft since Zach Kleiman took over the front office. In recent years, he and his staff have clearly identified their kind of prospects and honed in on these players.&nbsp;
Several months after Kleiman was promoted to Memphis' executive vice president of basketball operations on April 2019, he selected Ja Morant with the No. 2 overall pick.
Later that draft night, the Grizzlies traded up to draft Brandon Clarke with the No. 21 pick. Clarke was a fringe top-10 player on many big boards, but continued to slip on draft night due to his age (23) and limited wingspan (6-foot-8, which is the same as his height). Many of Memphis' picks fit this description; by unsubscribing from groupthink, the Grizzlies have managed to find sleepers that other front offices overlooked due to perceived issues.
Clarke went on to deliver the most efficient season from the field in NBA history for a rookie (61.8% field-goal percentage), and he was the Grizzlies' biggest impact player during their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2021-22 NBA Playoffs.
The Grizzlies did not have a first-round pick in 2020, but sent two second-round picks to the Boston Celtics in exchange for the No. 30 pick. Kleiman then selected Desmond Bane, who was still on the board because of his age (22) and wingspan (6-foot-4, despite standing at 6-foot-6).
Bane had the highest college PER of any Grizzlies draft pick in franchise history. All Bane did was <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/desmond-bane-cementing-himself-as-essential-part-of-nextgen-grizzlies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">become a Most Improved Player candidate</a> in his sophomore season, and he is currently emerging as one of the most lethal shooters in the league.
In the second round, following the Bane selection, Kleiman moved up again to get Xavier Tillman Sr. out of Michigan State; Tillman was another 22-year-old with first-round talent who slid because of age. He hasn't had the same impact as Clarke or Bane, but he's had his moments over the last two seasons.&nbsp;
The 2021 NBA Draft is yet another prime example of Kleiman doing things his way. The Grizzlies moved up from No. 17 to No. 10, with players such as James Bouknight, Moses Moody and Chris Duarte on the board. Most assumed that Moody was the no-brainer pick for the Grizzlies, but Kleiman and Co. had a different plan; Memphis selected Ziaire Williams out of Stanford. Most mock drafts had Williams as a mid-to-late first-round pick, but the Grizzlies were not going to take any chances and risk missing out on their guy.
Then, in back-to-back years of the draft, Memphis bought back into the first round by acquiring the No. 30 pick to gain a cheaper, controlled contract. The Grizzlies dealt the No. 40 pick and two future second-round picks in exchange for the No. 30 selection, where Santi Aldama was the choice. Most teams didn't have Aldama atop their draft board at that spot, as a number of prospects with late-first grades had slipped, including JT Thor, Ayo Dosunmu and Joe Wieskamp. However, the Grizzlies were determined to add the 6-foot-11 forward who can dribble, pass and shoot &mdash; providing versatility and spacing.&nbsp;
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Leading up to the 2022 NBA Draft, multiple outlets reported that Memphis was interested in moving up again. The Grizzlies were rumored to be after the Sacramento Kings' No. 4 pick and the New York Knicks' No. 11 pick (and they likely inquired about some selections in between).&nbsp;
Here's what we know: the Grizzlies have a type, and they'll do whatever it takes to get their guys &mdash; even if that means trading up. Outside of Morant, every draft pick from Kleiman and Co. has been the result of Memphis moving up in the draft to snag its target.
Should a team go after the best player available or prioritize the best fit for its roster? This is one of the main debates that surfaces every year around the NBA Draft. For the Grizzlies, the best player available is the guy who is the best fit. For Memphis, best fit doesn't just refer to someone who fills a positional need. They are looking for the player who best fits the current mix of players as a person and a player. And unlike other teams, the Grizzlies aren't focused on a player's age and wingspan.
&ldquo;What we really care about is: Who is the person and are they good at basketball?&rdquo; Kleiman said.
Armed with picks No. 22 and No. 29 in this year's first round, it felt inevitable that the Grizzlies were going to trade up and snag their guy. Was it going to be Tari Eason from LSU? AJ Griffin seemed like a perfect fit. Even Jalen Duren made sense. But when it comes to Memphis, identifying the team's targets without inside knowledge is a crapshoot.
Then, it happened: Memphis packaged their two first-rounders to move up to No. 19. Malaki Branham was there, slipping out of the teens. Christian Braun and MarJon Beauchamp were also on the board. However, the Grizzlies opted for Jake LaRavia out of Wake Forest. This was their guy. With the San Antonio Spurs rumored to like LaRavia at No. 20, they made sure to go get him.
Now, would Memphis once again try to trade up into the end of the first round for the third year in a row?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/memgrizz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@memgrizz</a> today announced the team acquired the draft rights to David Roddy (the No. 23 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft) and Danny Green from the Philadelphia 76ers for De'Anthony Melton. <a href="https://t.co/M5zHBVvjtR">pic.twitter.com/M5zHBVvjtR</a>
&mdash; Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrizzliesPR/status/1540450306126819328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2022</a></blockquote>

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The Grizzlies didn't wait for the last pick of the first round this time, jumping back in four selections after LaRavia's to surprise everyone once again. Jaden Hardy, Andrew Nembhard and Patrick Baldwin Jr. had all been linked to Memphis during the pre-draft process. Instead, it was David Roddy, the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/2022-nba-draft-prospect-david-roddy-aims-to-be-ultimate-glue-guy-after-colorado-state-breakout-minneapolis-minnesota-breck-school-phil-beckner-niko-medved" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6-foot-6 defensive lineman&nbsp;forward from Colorado State</a>.&nbsp;
As the second round progressed, a few players began to fall. EJ Liddell, Bryce McGowens and Kennedy Chandler were sliding despite having first-round grades. Then, Memphis struck again, acquiring the No. 38 pick for a future second-rounder and cash. Here, the Grizzlies selected Chandler.
"We were shocked that Kennedy slipped to where he was,&rdquo; Kleiman said after the draft. "That wasn't the first team that we called trying to get in using a second, trading in and trying to get a point guard who fits what we're about.&rdquo;
Kleiman still had No. 47 even after trading up twice. Memphis selected Vince Williams Jr. out of VCU, a 6-foot-5 wing with a 7-foot wingspan.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Only three college players reached these thresholds: Shot Selection: eFG% &gt; 57% Value Beyond Scoring: D-REB% and AST% &gt; 14% Defensive Playmaking: BLK% and STL% &gt; 2% The Grizzlies drafted all three: Jake LaRavia, David Roddy, and Vince Williams 🔥🔥<a href="https://t.co/o4aJDNy1lL">https://t.co/o4aJDNy1lL</a>
&mdash; Bryan Kalbrosky (@BryanKalbrosky) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanKalbrosky/status/1541478576201113602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2022</a></blockquote>

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After their second-round exit against the world champion Golden State Warriors, it was clear Memphis needed shooters and guys who could defend and play in the half-court. All four of the organization's draft picks shot better than 38% from deep last season and averaged over 2.0 stocks (steals and blocks) per game.
While they vary in size and position, the Grizzlies selected four players who can dribble, pass, shoot and defend. And though shooting was the priority in this draft, they stuck to their plan, searching for good people who are also good at basketball.
After an eventful draft night, they ended up with four players who can contribute in a multitude of ways early in their careers.
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The Grizzlies have been aggressive in recent NBA Drafts, trading up every year since 2019 to go get their guys.

The Grizzlies’ unique NBA Draft approach has yielded multiple steals

Bookmark this page and we'll keep you up-to-date on every NBA rumor. We'll continue updating this tracker over the next 24 hours.

NBA Rumor Tracker: Compiling the latest news and intel

At first glance, the Boston Celtics seem gridlocked in their ability to bring an NBA Finals contender over the top for next season. The Celtics will likely reside as a luxury tax-paying team, meaning they're already out of room to sign players aside from a modest $6.3 million mid-level exception, and their entire main rotation is under contract for next season.
So what can Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens do in his role as lead team-builder? Stevens has a few more cards to play in the form of Traded Player Exceptions, commonly abbreviated as TPEs.
Boston has been a TPE merchant in recent seasons, and the franchise's salary-cap dexterity has allowed it to make impactful moves on the fly without raw cap space. The Celtics are Exhibit A of how these exceptions can keep contenders flexible. With well over two-thirds of the league filled to the salary-cap brim this summer, TPEs are like a secret staircase for teams as they try to ascend to NBA glory.
So how exactly do they work, and which squads can take advantage this summer?
Trades in the NBA don't go down with perfectly balanced salary scales. So if one team sends out more salary, under the collective bargaining agreement, the difference becomes a Traded Player Exception. Teams can then absorb future player salaries from future trades into the exception, bypassing any constraints from the salary cap boundaries.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.nba.com/news/trade-exceptions-what-they-are-and-why-they-matter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA.com's Steve Aschburner</a> compares the TPE to a gift card. The simile tracks in that TPEs can sort of "buy" player salaries, but they also expire one year after the trade initally creates them.
Here's a current example: Boston completed a sign-and-trade with the New York Knicks on July 18 of last summer, sending Evan Fournier to New York with a second-round pick in exchange for cash considerations. Because Boston traded Fournier's salary and received only the bag of cash back, it created a TPE that Spotrac values at around $17.1 million. The Celtics can now absorb a player (or multiple players) into that TPE via trade until July 18.
Seems like a smart move, right? Well, it is, but a TPE isn't just hacking the CBA. Rules and consequences exist. Here are some important ones (and check out a larger breakdown from <a href="https://www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/listing-the-current-nba-trade-exceptions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus</a>:
<ul>
<li>Teams cannot stack TPEs. For example, if the Celtics want to trade for LeBron James, they cannot combine all of their various exceptions into one super-TPE to absorb his salary. There is one trade exception per player salary.</li>
<li>TPEs do not supersede the hard cap (tax apron). This will particularly affect the Celtics because they are already approaching the hard cap, and might make the Fournier TPE, for example, less valuable than it's worth.</li>
</ul>
Though not a rule or a certainty, teams seeking to create a trade exception likely have to trade additional pieces to create it. The Knicks weren't going to simply let Boston make a TPE, so they managed to pick up an additional draft pick. Similarly, when Boston dealt Gordon Hayward to the Charlotte Hornets and created a massive, $28.5 million TPE, Charlotte also swiped two second-rounders from the Celtics.
Sometimes, trade exceptions are a natural byproduct of a deal. In other cases, they're the prize. Dozens of trade exceptions are littered around the league, but most are too small to be a realistic sponge for any player contract.
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Here are the teams with exceptions valued at over $5 million (figures provided by Spotrac), which could theoretically net a rotation-caliber player.
BOSTON CELTICS
So we've discussed the Celtics a bit already, but returning to the Fournier TPE, it's unlikely they use up the full $17.1 million (<a href="https://heavy.com/sports/boston-celtics/evan-fournier-trade-exception/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matt John elaborated on this at Heavy.com</a>). It could still add a rotation player who fulfills needs such as movement shooting, center depth and bench scoring. The Celtics also hold TPEs valued at $6.9 million (from trading Juancho Hernangomez to San Antonio) and $5.9 million (from trading Dennis Schroder to Houston).
Boston pulled this stunt last summer where it traded Tristan Thompson for Kris Dunn in a three-way trade with the Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics used a $5 million TPE to absorb Dunn's salary, thus creating a larger TPE from Thompson, which they then&nbsp;used to absorb Daniel Theis' salary. That's one example of them finessing the system. But again, when you're up against the tax apron, your options become limited.
BROOKLYN NETS
The Nets have two plausible TPEs to use. One is an $11.3 million TPE in the fallout of the James Harden blockbuster. Brooklyn also holds a $6.3 million TPE created when they dealt DeAndre Jordan to the Pistons.
Brooklyn has some time to use the Harden TPE; it expires in February 2023. But the Jordan TPE perishes on Aug. 19.&nbsp;
Obviously, Brooklyn's roster situation is in flux with the rumors flying around <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/examining-potential-destinations-for-brooklyn-nets-kyrie-irving-nba-trade-rumors-offseason-los-angeles-lakers-la-clippers-new-york-knicks-wizards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kyrie Irving</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-trade-kevin-durant-brooklyn-nets-possible-destinations-rumors-phoenix-suns-miami-heat-boston-celtics-new-york-knicks-memphis-grizzlies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kevin Durant</a>. Should the Nets extend Irving, they'll likely be hard-capped out, and won't be able to maximize these exceptions. Sean Marks and the front office cap-crunching team have their work cut out for them.&nbsp;
CHICAGO BULLS
Chicago has one trade exception, valued at $5 million, from when it sent Daniel Theis to the Rockets. It's unlikely this TPE becomes an asset of significance, but if the Bulls want to use it, they must do so by July 7.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
By trading Josh Richardson to Boston last summer, Dallas created a trade exception worth just under $10.9 million. That could be a helpful tool for the Mavericks, but it's literally expiring today! The Mavericks are flirting with being a hard-capped team, so unless something changes within minutes of writing this, the TPE will not yield a player.&nbsp;
DETROIT PISTONS
Detroit is going to, very briefly, hold a $9.2 million TPE by trading Jerami Grant to the Trail Blazers, according to <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/detroit-pistons-acquire-veteran-kemba-walker-york-knicks/story?id=85620180" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN's Bobby Marks.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;However, Marks reports that Kemba Walker, acquired in the draft-night move that also landed Jalen Duren, will have his salary absorbed into that TPE before being bought out. That's some quick maneuvering by the Pistons to acquire an exciting lottery talent in Duren.
INDIANA PACERS
Here's an interesting case. The Pacers have two notable TPEs in their holster: a $10.5 million exception from trading Jeremy Lamb to Sacramento, and a $7.3 million exception from trading Doug McDermott to San Antonio. Indiana is projected to be a rare team with significant cap space this offseason, and as a will-they-won't-they rebuilding squad, they could take several pathways with these exceptions.
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Perhaps Indiana sees an opportunity to add two rotation players to the roster and make a push for the postseason. The playoffs feel unlikely with the current 2022-23 roster, but you never know, and Indiana does have a reputation for being stubbornly competitive.
Or &mdash; maybe the Pacers have a long-term vision and use these exceptions to take players on undesirable contracts, attached with draft picks or young players. It's a way for Indiana to build its draft chest without sacrificing flexibility. The McDermott exception expires on July 7, while the Lamb TPE poofs away in February 2023. I expect at least one, if not both, to be used.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
The Clippers are another franchise that is essentially hard-capped out. But they do have two TPEs worth monitoring. One is a $9.7 million exception created in the Serge Ibaka deal this past February. The other comes from sending Rajon Rondo to the Memphis Grizzlies and is worth $8.3 million. Again, I'm skeptical of these being used, but they are worth mentioning for a playoff contender that won't be players in free agency for a while.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
The Pelicans created a $17 million trade exception last offseason when they sent Steven Adams to the Grizzlies. They've already reaped the rewards with their acquisition of Larry Nance Jr. New Orleans absorbed his $10.7 million salary into the TPE when it traded for him this past season. There's still about $6.4 million remaining, though, so the team could use it to add another player.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
In acquiring Jerami Grant on his $20 million salary, Portland maximized its large TPE from the CJ McCollum trade. The Blazers still have one more $6.9 million exception that could be of use. They're projected to have some cap space to work with, so it might be an opportunity to take extra advantage.
TORONTO RAPTORS
The Raptors have a few smaller exceptions, with the most notable being a $5.2 million TPE stemming from the Goran Dragic trade. Toronto is over the salary cap, but might be able to squeeze in a player with these constraints while staying under the luxury tax apron.&nbsp;
UTAH JAZZ
Trading Joe Ingles to Portland gave Utah a $9.7 million trade exception. Given that they need to find a spark after yet another disappointing playoff exit, the Jazz should find a way to use this exception, ideally on a perimeter defender or frontcourt player behind Rudy Gobert.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Washington owns three trade exceptions ranging between $3-6 million. While they can't stack them, the Wizards could use the $5.2 million TPE (created in dealing Montrezl Harrell to Charlotte) to add some guard or wing depth. As long as Bradley Beal is around, this franchise is hunting the playoffs, and the TPEs can help them get there.
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Ethan Fuller breaks down which NBA teams hold significant trade exceptions entering the 2022 offseason.

How does a trade exception work, and which NBA teams can use them?

As the Atlanta Hawks try to retool around superstar point guard Trae Young following a very disappointing postseason appearance, they have been very aggressive in trade talks as of late.
&ldquo;With the Hawks, they&rsquo;re as motivated as any team in the league to make a significant deal or deals to improve their team and try to find a co-star for Trae Young,&rdquo; <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10039377-woj-hawks-as-motivated-as-any-team-in-nba-want-trade-for-co-star-with-trae-young" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN&rsquo;s Adrian Wojnarowski said last week on SportsCenter</a>. &ldquo;I think very likely John Collins is going to be part of any of those deals. I think he&rsquo;s very likely on the move somewhere this week as they try to do something big in Atlanta.&rdquo;
The Hawks were reportedly dangling Collins and Kevin Huerter to the Sacramento Kings in hopes of moving up to No. 4 in the 2022 NBA Draft for Purdue&rsquo;s Jaden Ivey, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/34121058/2022-nba-mock-draft-projecting-all-58-picks-based-latest-intel-scouting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per ESPN&rsquo;s Jonathan Givony</a>.
Although Atlanta didn&rsquo;t move Collins on draft night, the athletic forward could be on the move soon. <a href="https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/2022-nba-draft-live/vwppvqcjn6UR/?source=nbatw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to The Athletic&rsquo;s Sam Amick</a>, Collins was also linked to the Kings in talks that didn't include the No. 4 pick, while also drawing interest from the Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards.
Atlanta&rsquo;s desire to improve their roster isn't going unnoticed, and now there appears to be a golden opportunity for Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk. <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nba-draft-postmortem-and-fa-preview-with-seth-partnow/id1618992995?i=1000567653282" target="_blank" rel="noopener">As Bleacher Report&rsquo;s Jake Fischer originally reported</a>, the San Antonio Spurs are showing a willingness to trade All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray, but the price would be significant. It would take a &ldquo;Jrue Holiday-like&rdquo; package of three future first-round picks for San Antonio to even consider dealing Murray, and the Hawks might be a willing trade partner.
Fischer added this bombshell related to Murray and the Hawks on the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nba-draft-postmortem-and-fa-preview-with-seth-partnow/id1618992995?i=1000567653282" target="_blank" rel="noopener">latest episode of Please Don&rsquo;t Aggregate This</a>: &ldquo;I know that Dejounte and Trae want to play together, or at least have interest in doing it."
It's worth noting that Murray and Young are both represented by the same agency, Klutch Sports. Suddenly, this starts to make a lot of sense from all angles.
Why would the Spurs be open to this? Murray&rsquo;s trade value is at an all-time high right now coming off a breakout season, and he has two years, $34.3 million remaining on his current contract. If the Hawks are willing to meet their asking price, the return package would be significant for San Antonio. It's possible the Spurs want to bottom out for potential generational prospect Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Murray averaged 21.1 points, 9.2 assists, 8.3 rebounds and a league-leading 2.0 steals per game for San Antonio during the 2021-22 campaign. In his first season with a usage rate above 25%, Murray thrived with more responsibilities on his plate. Murray, who doesn&rsquo;t turn 26 years old until September, is about to enter the prime of his career. It's very possible that he has yet to play his best basketball, which is a scary thought for the rest of the league.
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The right system could accentuate Murray&rsquo;s strengths. For the Hawks, Murray would be the ideal yin-yang combination alongside Young. With Murray&rsquo;s tenacious defense and ability to create havoc in all areas of the game, Young can conserve his energy and focus on running Atlanta&rsquo;s offense at an efficient rate. With an ability to get downhill better than most players around the Association, Murray would benefit immensely playing next to the gravity thief that is Young. In one-on-one situations, Young&rsquo;s floor-spacing acumen would make Murray&rsquo;s role so much easier.
Perhaps San Antonio had a realization about where they truly stand right now. After adding three first-round prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft &mdash; Baylor&rsquo;s Jeremy Sochan, Notre Dame&rsquo;s Blake Wesley and Ohio State&rsquo;s Malaki Branham &mdash; the Spurs are clearly committed to their youth movement. This rookie trio joins Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Josh Primo, Tre Jones and Romeo Langford as foundational pieces in San Antonio. Next year, the Spurs project to have 11 players who are age-22 or younger on their roster.
San Antonio seems focused on stockpiling prospects and developing their young core. There&rsquo;s no denying that Murray is a star-level player, but the two sides may be going in different directions soon enough. Since Murray is about to turn 26 years old and will want to be in a winning situation soon, perhaps he doesn't fit the team's timeline and that's why the Spurs are weighing their trade options.&nbsp;
The Hawks actually have a solid amount of assets that could be appealing and make the Spurs seriously consider dealing Murray. Collins would be the centerpiece of the package for salary purposes, but the Hawks also own two first-round picks in next year&rsquo;s draft along with all of their own first-rounders going forward. Even No. 16 overall pick AJ Griffin, who worked out for the Spurs during the pre-draft process, could be a potential trade chip used in a Murray blockbuster.
It's worth noting that Collins is a year younger than Murray, and San Antonio has been linked to him since last offseason when he was a restricted free agent.
&ldquo;The Spurs are definitely doing intel on John [Collins], like I know that,&rdquo; <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nba-draft-postmortem-and-fa-preview-with-seth-partnow/id1618992995?i=1000567653282" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fischer said on the latest episode of Please Don&rsquo;t Aggregate This</a>. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re calling around, asking about him.&rdquo;
It&rsquo;s rare to find a potential blockbuster where all the dots begin to connect in rapid succession. If the Spurs are serious about listening to offers on their All-Star point guard, the Hawks won't be the only team making an aggressive push for Murray &mdash; plenty of other star-starved organizations will do the same. Thanks to his versatile skillset, Murray is an elite connecting piece for any potential win-now franchise.
In Atlanta, one could argue that Murray would be in the best situation of his career. Forming a one-two punch alongside Young in the backcourt while also being flanked defensively by De&rsquo;Andre Hunter and Clint Capela, Atlanta would have the chance to make serious noise next season if this happens.
This could be a win-win trade, but we'll see if the Hawks are willing to meet the Spurs' asking price. But given the recent rumors, don't be surprised if Murray is playing in Atlanta by the start of next season.
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Could Dejounte Murray actually join the Atlanta Hawks soon? Evan Sidery says it makes a lot of sense after connecting the dots.

The Hawks are the perfect trade destination for Dejounte Murray

After weeks of speculation and countless trade-machine ideas floating around, The Athletic's Shams Charania has reported that the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving are at an "impasse" about his future with the franchise.
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Sources: Kyrie Irving, Nets are at impasse in conversations about his future in Brooklyn, clearing way for the seven-time All-Star to consider the open market. Lakers and Knicks expected to emerge among potential suitors. Inside Pass at <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthletic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAthletic</a>: <a href="https://t.co/VbOOtrzdTB">https://t.co/VbOOtrzdTB</a>
&mdash; Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1538873230534090755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Irving has until June 29 to decide whether to exercise his player option that will be an expected cap figure just under $37 million for the 2022-23 season. To be clear, Irving hasn't explicitly said that he wants out of Brooklyn, and Sean Marks has never said that he wants to move on from the All-NBA point guard.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
The Nets would prefer a shorter-term, incentive-based deal with Kyrie Irving, per <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeLFischer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JakeLFischer</a> Dialogue between both sides is expected to remain 'fluid' up until the June 29 deadline for Irving to opt into his $36.9M player option <a href="https://t.co/HonP7DgQ09">pic.twitter.com/HonP7DgQ09</a>
&mdash; Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1539230313242669057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Basically, Marks wants Irving to opt out oand sign a deal for less money/average annual value for cap space to fill out the roster. The theoretical fit of Irving, Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons has yet to be seen, and one would imagine that the Nets would prefer to give the trio a chance. With the return of Joe Harris from injury and Seth Curry still under contract, Brooklyn could still be the odds-on favorite for an NBA title next season when they are at full strength.
However, if the impasse between the two continues, Marks may very well opt to move on. While remaining in Brooklyn is likely the final outcome of this saga, there are a few other destinations that make sense for both Irving and the Nets to strike a deal.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS 
According to Marc Stein, Irving has had some <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/kyrie-irving-latest-more-trade-talk?sd=pf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent contact with LeBron James about a reunion</a>. (It's worth mentioning that Stein's sources told him it'd be "a stretch" to say L.A. is actively pursuing Irving.) Also, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers are the most significant threat to sign Irving away from the Nets.
This is an obvious hypothetical destination for Irving, as the Lakers have a player with a similar contract who makes for a logical financial swap. However, swapping Russell Westbrook for Irving would not be something the Nets would entertain. Outside of trying to force a second marriage between Westbrook and Durant, the pairing of Westbrook and Ben Simmons would provide the least amount of spacing that $60 million could buy.&nbsp;
For the Lakers to reunite Irving with LeBron, there would need to be a third team to reroute Westbrook to. One team that seems like a possible match for such a deal is the Indiana Pacers, who are actively shopping both Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner. Sending those two to Brooklyn and Westbrook to Indiana is a possibility, but not all that attractive for the Pacers, as they look to build around Tyrese Haliburton as their lead guard. Perhaps if enough draft picks are attached, Indiana may be willing to help.
Other possible third teams include the Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets.
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The Hornets have been mentioned due to the relationship between Westbrook and team owner Michael Jordan, but again, LaMelo Ball plays the same position.
Oklahoma City has been known to take on a bad contract in return for a handful of assets, which neither L.A. nor Brooklyn really have; plus, there's the whole reunion story where he could mentor Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.
The Rockets are interesting because it could simply be a three-player deal where each team just gets a new point guard, landing John Wall in Brooklyn.
While it's fun to speculate about a reconciliation between LeBron and Kyrie for another title run, this still feels highly unlikely, and Brooklyn still seems like a better situation for Irving than the Lakers.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS 
A sleeper team in the potential Kyrie sweepstakes is the Los Angeles Clippers. This is the one team that could perhaps assemble a better "Big Three" than the Nets. Irving alongside Paul George and Kawhi Leonard might instantly become the best trio in the NBA.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/usatsi_15520646-1_690w.png" alt="" width="756" height="378" />
A package of Norman Powell, Marcus Morris Sr. and Ivica Zubac, plus draft compensation could do the trick. If the Clippers do not want to part with Zubac, they could possibly package Reggie Jackson, Robert Covington, Powell and picks.
If the Clippers are able to assemble a lineup of Irving, George, Leonard, Luke Kennard, Morris/Covington, Terance Mann and/or Zubac, this would be a top-five rotation in the league at worst.&nbsp;
Brooklyn taking back Jackson, Powell and Covington would be a nice return of players to fit around Durant, but it still fails to replace the talent of Kyrie. If the Clippers, who also lack draft capital, can put together an enticing enough package to land Irving, this would be an optimal landing spot for him.
NEW YORK KNICKS 
The Knicks have been linked to almost every available player via trade or free agency. They have longed for a superstar since the Carmelo Anthony era, and it just so happens that a point guard is also a position of need for the historic franchise.
In order for this to work financially, the Knicks would have to part with some combination of Alec Burks, Kemba Walker, Nerlens Noel, Evan Fournier and Derrick Rose. The Nets would do well to come away with Noel, Walker and Burks in terms of roster fit, but that return is hardly enough talent-wise for Brooklyn. Including the No. 11 pick in this year's draft &mdash; plus one of Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin or Cam Reddish &mdash; may be required.
Kyrie staying in New York and swapping local teams may make some sense on paper, but it would be a step backwards in pursuit of a championship for Irving. At this point in his career, championship rings appear to be the goal for Irving, and he'd be better off working it out with the Nets than making a move to the Knicks.
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WASHINGTON WIZARDS 
A team with a long shot to land Irving would be the Washington Wizards, but the franchise has made it known that it is going to do whatever it takes to make Bradley Beal happy. Wizards president Tommy Sheppard mentioned using the No. 10 pick in this year's draft to acquire a veteran point guard.
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see a rookie starting at point guard for us next season. I could be wrong, but I just don&rsquo;t see that," Sheppard said in an April interview with Team 980 hosts Chris Russell and Pete Medhurst. "I think free agency or trade is probably the right route to go.&rdquo;
It has been <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/wizards-pursuing-shai-gilgeousalexander-dejounte-murray-malcolm-brogdon-nba-trade-rumors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that the Wizards have inquired about Dejounte Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Malcolm Brogdon, so clearly they are kicking the tires on notable point guards. While Brogdon may be the better fit next to Beal, the opportunity to add a talent like Irving doesn't come around often. Sheppard has talked about swinging for the fences and pouncing on opportunities when they present themselves.
"I can&rsquo;t say this enough: you can&rsquo;t be afraid to take big swings when you get an opportunity... Some things present themselves to you," Sheppard said in February. "Jerry West told me when I got this job, &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t ever be afraid to take a big swing.&rsquo; There&rsquo;s only going to be so many opportunities to get talent and to get talent, you have to give up talent."
The Wizards could send Kristaps Porzingis, No. 10 and either Corey Kispert or Deni Avdija to the Nets. Brooklyn could then use the 10th pick to acquire a veteran point guard themselves.&nbsp;
This deal, of course, relies upon Beal opting into his player option rather than the current reports that he has <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/bradley-beal-to-decline-player-option-enter-unrestricted-free-agency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">declined his option to pursue unrestricted free agency</a>. The Wizards have not been afraid to swing for a big trade, and they may have the ammo to do just that here.&nbsp;
BROOKLYN NETS 
Ultimately the best possible destination for Irving is the Nets. Durant hand-picked him as his running mate for another championship, and it is in the best interest of all parties involved to figure this out.
As mentioned above, the trio of Kyrie, KD and Simmons has yet to take the floor together; the Nets and the NBA world need to see how that would play out. Kyrie can still get paid, the Nets can still be contenders and in the end, they would keep Durant happy, which should be priority No. 1 for Marks.&nbsp;
Trade speculation is fun, but it is often merely speculation in the end. Kyrie is a Brooklyn Net with a player option that would net the highest possible payday he could receive for the 2022-23 season, as it is unlikely anyone offers him a long-term max contract.
Maybe Irving and Marks find an acceptable restructure of his contract that is more incentive-laden, or maybe he opts in for the full amount. At the end of the day, there is a next-to-zero chance the Nets get a package in return for Kyrie that matches his talent level.
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Justin Lewis analyzes landing spots that would make sense for Kyrie Irving in a trade, explaining which ones make the most sense.

Examining potential destinations for Kyrie Irving

The New York Knicks have had ample opportunities to develop young players in the recent past. Yet, somehow, they&rsquo;ve fumbled that opportunity over and over again, and Mitchell Robinson&rsquo;s story doesn&rsquo;t stray too far from that reality.
Robinson entered the pros with a lot of question marks. After ranking as 24/7 Sports&rsquo; best center and the ninth-best player in the 2017 high-school class, Robinson decommitted from Western Kentucky University after a suspension for a violation of team rules and chose to prepare for the NBA instead.
Despite the limited tape on him, Robinson&rsquo;s raw talent was undeniable, and the Knicks selected him with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Robinson&rsquo;s career began with a good amount of success. In his rookie season, Robinson averaged 7.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 20.6 minutes per game. In per-36-minute terms, that translated to 12.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and an eye-popping 4.3 blocks, which was obviously promising.
There were some noticeable flaws though. Robinson was fairly injury prone early in his career, and he clearly needed to bulk up, as he was regularly pushed out of position by bigger opponents. In addition, Robinson regularly found himself in foul trouble. In fact, despite his limited playing time, Robinson averaged 3.3 fouls per game in his rookie season, fouling out of eight games. As a sophomore, it was more of the same.
Prior to the 2021-22 campaign, Robinson answered the bell by adding some muscle, which helped him avoid those foul troubles. (Robinson averaged just 2.7 fouls in 25.7 minutes per game this season.)
Robinson&rsquo;s improved frame may have also helped with those aforementioned durability issues. After a rough 2020-21 season in which he played just 31 games, Robinson appeared in 72 games this season and started in all but 10 of them. But teams need more from a starting center than relative durability, and having covered Robinson in New York since he was a rookie, it's obvious that he badly wants to be a starter.
However, one drawback of Robinson bulking up was losing some of his explosiveness. After being regarded as one of the best shot blockers in basketball in his first two years, he has taken a slight step back over the last couple campaigns. After averaging 2.4 and 2.0 blocks per contest in his first two seasons, respectively, he averaged only 1.5 rejections in his third year and 1.8 in his fourth despite playing more minutes.
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There are holes in Robinson&rsquo;s game that must be addressed. Specifically, Robinson has absolutely no jump shot to speak of, and he lacks the ability to stretch the floor, hoisting up zero three-point attempts in his entire four-year career. In fact, this past season alone, Robinson did not attempt a single shot farther away than 10 feet from the basket. Though it doesn't need to be a primary part of his skill set, that can be prohibitive to his team&rsquo;s offensive spacing and continuity.
Robinson enters this offseason as an unrestricted free agent. Ultimately, his future will boil down to which team offers the most money and opportunity. Considering that Robinson has not yet cashed in with a big deal, that&rsquo;s the right way to approach free agency.
But where will he end up?
Unfortunately for Robinson, there are few teams below the salary cap. In total, only five teams &mdash; Detroit, Indiana, Orlando, Portland and San Antonio &mdash; <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/which-nba-teams-have-the-most-cap-space-entering-free-agency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">will have significant cap space</a>. Further, there are other attractive centers who will hit free agency, including <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/examining-potential-destinations-for-deandre-ayton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deandre Ayton</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/examining-potential-destinations-for-mo-bamba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mo Bamba</a> (and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/examining-potential-trade-destinations-for-rudy-gobert" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rudy Gobert</a> could be available on the trade block).
Despite differences in play style, Robinson will probably attract many of the same suitors as Bamba. Compared to Bamba, Robinson is already more established, but Bamba has more upside and he has won over scouts with his shooting ability.&nbsp;
Ultimately, the extension that Robert Williams III signed last summer is probably a good starting point for negotiations. Williams signed a four-year extension worth $54 million. That could seem a tad pricey, but it&rsquo;s probably right around where a deal will land.
One additional note: the Dallas-Houston trade that <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-trade-christian-wood-trade-provides-optionality-for-dallas-mavericks-luka-doncic-houston-rockets-kristaps-porzingis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">landed Christian Wood in Dallas</a> resulted in one less suitor. The Mavericks were rumored to be interested in Robinson, but the acquisition of Wood fills their hole in the middle.
With that said, let's review the likeliest teams to court Robinson when free agency arrives.
NEW YORK KNICKS 
Robinson has spent all four of his professional seasons with the Knicks, and he&rsquo;s seen all the dysfunction up close. He&rsquo;s played for four different head coaches and, at just 24 years of age, he&rsquo;s somehow the longest-tenured Knick. Still, there&rsquo;s comfort in familiarity.
He&rsquo;s played for Tom Thibodeau for the past two seasons, which means he at least knows and understands what&rsquo;s expected of him. And he finally solidified the starting job in 2021-22, starting 62 of 72 games in which he appeared.
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The Knicks have the inside track on re-signing Robinson, who is clearly their best option at center right now. They can still sign him to a four-year, $48 million deal before June 30. If they don&rsquo;t, they&rsquo;ll be able to exceed that amount.
But exactly how much will New York be comfortable paying considering how far they are from contention?
CHICAGO BULLS 
The Ringer&rsquo;s Kevin O&rsquo;Connor <a href="https://www.theringer.com/nba/2022/6/6/23156358/donovan-mitchell-rumors-jazz-nba-finals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently cited</a> the Bulls' interest in adding either Gobert or Robinson. The thinking here is probably simple: Adding an above-average defensive center will help balance out the team, as Nikola Vucevic was a defensive liability in 2021-22. Of all players who played at least 2,000 minutes in 2021-22, Vucevic recorded the sixth-worth Defensive Rating, according to <a href="https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nba-defensive-rating-leaders-this-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">StatMuse</a>.
Robinson could replace Vucevic in the starting lineup, but it's more likely that he would either split big-man duties with Vucevic or that the Bulls would look to move Vucevic. The two could technically play alongside one another in a twin-tower-style lineup, but neither is nimble enough to defend some of the more mobile power forwards.
If Robinson and the Knicks do not reach an agreement before June 30, he&rsquo;ll probably command a deal in the $12-to-$15 million range annually, which is far less money than the five-year, $205 million extension Gobert signed in December 2020. While Gobert is clearly the better player of the two, Robinson would help the Bulls defensively in his own right. If Chicago can offer him a starting job and&nbsp;convince him to go slightly lower at $10.3 million per year with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, it could probably be more attractive than toughing it out in the Big Apple, while the Knicks try to break out of their seemingly endless rebuild.
DETROIT PISTONS 
The Pistons are another team rumored to be interested in Robinson. Joining Detroit could be alluring given the presence of Cade Cunningham, and the team should take another step forward after Thursday&rsquo;s NBA Draft, as the Pistons currently own the fifth overall pick. Most importantly, Robinson would probably cruise into the starting lineup, as the team lacks any valid 7-foot options at the position.
The Pistons are also one of a select few teams with cap space, meaning they could actually sign him without making any other moves. Given the cap space and presumed role he could take on, Detroit might be Robinson&rsquo;s preferred destination.
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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS 
Like Detroit, Portland has a good deal of cap space. There could also be a vacancy in the Trail Blazers&rsquo; front line given that Jusuf Nurkic will hit free agency, though the reported expectation is that Portland re-signs Nurkic. But if Portland is primed for bigger changes and has second thoughts, it's a move the franchise could make, as the Blazers appear ready to make another run behind star point guard Damian Lillard.
Robinson isn&rsquo;t capable of catapulting a team into contention, but he is more than capable of being the anchor for a team in need of defensive help. In 2021-22, Portland gave up the fourth-most points per game, grabbed the fourth-fewest rebounds per games and blocked the 10th-fewest shots per game.
ORLANDO MAGIC 
Considering the Bamba comparison above, it would be mildly ironic if Robinson lands in Orlando as his replacement, but it could happen. Why? Orlando could opt to not match an offer for Bamba, and/or the organization might just see Robinson as a better player. But remember, the Magic have the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, meaning they could onboard Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren or Paolo Banchero &mdash; any of whom can be seen as the team&rsquo;s long-term answer in its positionless roster setup.
Robinson is capable of making an impact and finding a long-term home, but he needs to play for a demanding coach who will push him to be the best version of himself.
If he can maximize his talent, he can become one of the better defensive centers in the league. If he doesn&rsquo;t, he&rsquo;ll bounce around the league for the next few seasons.
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Mitchell Robinson exhibited durability and strength in 2021-22. Drew Maresca looks at possible landing spots for the young center.

Examining potential destinations for Mitchell Robinson

[Deandre] Ayton's most realistic landing spots outside of Phoenix appear to be Atlanta, Detroit and Toronto, which all would present intriguing sign-and-trade opportunities for the Suns. League personnel have also whispered in recent days about a potential sign-and-trade of Ayton to Indiana for Myles Turner. Turner and Ayton share the same representation.&nbsp;
SOURCE: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10038916-latest-nba-intel-sources-say-james-harden-will-sign-short-term-extension-with-sixers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS: Deandre Ayton is the crown jewel of this year's free-agent center crop. Although the Suns surprisingly chose not to offer him a max extension last offseason (worth approximately $173 million over five years), Phoenix is still in the driver's seat since the franchise can match any offer the former No. 1 overall pick receives.
The Suns seemed like a lock to match any offer sheet, but an up-and-down postseason has raised questions about the 23-year-old&rsquo;s future with the team. In Phoenix&rsquo;s embarrassing Game 7 loss to the Mavericks, Ayton had just 5 points and 4 rebounds, leading Monty Williams to bench him after only 17 minutes.
Ayton is a young, improving player and he's widely regarded as one of Phoenix&rsquo;s foundational cornerstones. If the Suns don&rsquo;t want to give Ayton the max, they may weigh their sign-and-trade options.
Check out <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/nba-free-agency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BasketballNews.com's 2022 NBA Free Agency page</a> for a ranking of the top players available, the latest free-agency rumors and more.

Atlanta, Detroit and Toronto have surfaced as potential landing spots for restricted free agent Deandre Ayton.

Report: Hawks, Pistons, Raptors expected to pursue Deandre Ayton

Recently, LeBron James <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/ifwhen-the-nba-adds-a-team-in-las-vegas-lebron-james-wants-to-own-it" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made headlines</a> when he said that he wants to own an NBA team in Las Vegas.
Well, he's not the only one.
Floyd Mayweather just revealed that he has been in talks with "certain individuals" at the NBA about bringing a franchise to Vegas and owning said team.
"I've been talking to certain people for the last six months," Mayweather <a href="https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/boxing/mayweather-working-behind-the-scenes-to-bring-nba-to-las-vegas-2591937/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told reporters</a>. "That's something I've been working on behind the scenes, but I've never come out to publicly talk about it with the media. My team and I have been working behind the scenes with the NBA. I can't say exactly where, but I'm working on getting a team."
Mayweather has said that his net worth is over $1.2 billion. This week, Forbes <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattcraig/2022/06/12/billion-dollar-ballers-these-athletes-tiger-woods-lebron-james-federer-messi-ronaldo-mayweather-have-earned-more-than-1-billion-apiece/?sh=2e6bb0e74501" target="_blank" rel="noopener">estimated</a> that James' net worth is roughly $1.16 billion and they have Mayweather's estimated net worth at $1.08 billion.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has said that Las Vegas "has shown itself to be a great sports market" and that when the league seriously explores expansion, there is "no doubt Vegas will be on the list."&nbsp;
And Las Vegas is doing all of the right things to be ready when that day comes, as our Tommy Beer <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/ifwhen-the-nba-adds-a-team-in-las-vegas-lebron-james-wants-to-own-it" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote earlier this week</a>:
Earlier this year, the Oak View Group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2022/03/30/las-vegas-nba-arena-rumors-sports-entertainment-district-oak-view-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a>&nbsp;that it had purchased 25 acres of land in Vegas to build a $3 billion sports and entertainment district that will include a 20,000-seat arena.
"The arena will be world-class,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2022/03/30/las-vegas-nba-arena-rumors-sports-entertainment-district-oak-view-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said CEO Tim Leiweke</a>.&nbsp;"It will be for music, it'll be for sports, it'll be for cultural activities, and should the NBA decide to come &mdash; and by the way, there's no certainty or no guarantees that the NBA is ever coming to Vegas but should they come &mdash; we certainly will be NBA-ready and make sure that we hit all of their standards."
The arena will be located 10 minutes from the strip and it's expected to break ground sometime in 2023.

Floyd Mayweather says he has been "working behind the scenes with the NBA" to bring a franchise to Las Vegas.

Floyd Mayweather 'working with NBA' to bring a team to Las Vegas

The Boston Celtics were not supposed to be here.
Not after the night everything changed. Not after Jayson Tatum went down with a devastating Achilles tear in the second round against the New York Knicks. Not after watching their season unravel in real time, their title aspirations slipping away with each step he could no longer take.
They lost that series. More than that, they lost their centerpiece, their identity, and what many believed was their window.
For a franchise that has built itself on championship expectations, anything short of contention feels like failure. In that moment, the Celtics were staring at a future filled with uncertainty, questions that stretched far beyond a single postseason exit. How do you recover from losing a player who defines everything you do? How do you rebuild belief when the foundation itself has been shaken?
And yet, months later, Boston finds itself back in the conversation.
Not as the overwhelming favorite. Not as the juggernaut they once looked like. But as something perhaps more dangerous. A team that has endured, adapted, and discovered layers of itself that may not have surfaced otherwise.
Now, with Tatum on the verge of returning, the question shifts from survival to possibility.
Can the Celtics conquer the East once more?
<h3>A season that could have collapsed but did not</h3>
The expectation after Tatum&rsquo;s injury was simple. Boston would fall back.
It made sense. Tatum is not just an All-NBA talent. He is the system&rsquo;s gravitational force, the player who bends defenses, dictates matchups, and gives structure to everything the Celtics do on both ends. His presence alone simplifies decisions for everyone else on the floor. His absence complicates everything.
Remove that, and most teams crumble.
Boston did not.
Instead, Joe Mazzulla and his group leaned into what they had built over the years. The principles stayed intact. The spacing remained deliberate. The ball continued to move. The identity did not disappear, it evolved into something more collective and less predictable.
&ldquo;Mazzulla Ball&rdquo; lived on, not as a dependency on one star, but as a philosophy rooted in pace, decision-making, and trust. The Celtics doubled down on their spacing, leaned into quick reads, and emphasized shot quality over individual creation. In doing so, they forced opponents to guard actions rather than just players.
The Celtics became less predictable, more collective. They shifted from a top-heavy contender to a deep, resilient group that could win in different ways on different nights. Some nights it was their shooting. Other nights it was their defense. At times, it was simply their ability to execute late.
That shift did not just keep them afloat. It made them relevant again.
<h3>Jaylen Brown&rsquo;s ascent into superstardom</h3>
At the center of that transformation was Jaylen Brown.
There are moments in every franchise&rsquo;s timeline when a player is asked to step into something bigger than themselves. Brown did not just answer that call, he redefined his ceiling.
This was not simply a case of increased usage. This was evolution. Brown operated with control, patience, and purpose. His scoring expanded across all three levels. He attacked the rim with force, punished mismatches in the midrange, and improved his decision-making when defenses collapsed.
Just as important, his playmaking took a noticeable leap. Brown became more comfortable reading help defenders, making the extra pass, and keeping the offense flowing. That growth allowed Boston to maintain its structure even without its primary initiator.
Night after night, he carried the offensive burden. He embraced the defensive responsibility. He became the tone-setter for a team that needed stability.
What stood out most was not the numbers, although they were impressive enough to warrant MVP and All-NBA conversations. It was the consistency. The Celtics did not have the luxury of off nights from their primary option, and Brown rarely gave them one.
He also embraced the leadership aspect of the role. In huddles, in late-game situations, and in moments of adversity, Brown&rsquo;s voice carried weight. That intangible shift matters just as much as any statistical leap.
In many ways, this season forced Boston to answer a long-standing question. Could Brown be the guy?
For stretches, he already has been.
<h3>The system holds, the depth emerges</h3>
Beyond Brown, Boston&rsquo;s ability to stay competitive came from its depth and continuity.
Derrick White became the connective tissue. His versatility allowed the Celtics to maintain structure on both ends. He defended across positions, facilitated the offense, and provided timely scoring without disrupting flow. White&rsquo;s ability to make the right play, regardless of role, made him indispensable.
Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser remained steady. Their shooting and floor spacing ensured that Boston&rsquo;s offensive identity did not collapse without Tatum. They played within their roles, understood their value, and delivered consistently.
Then came the emergence of youth.
Jordan Walsh, Baylor Scheierman, and Hugo Gonz&aacute;lez brought energy, length, and a willingness to contribute. They were not expected to be difference-makers this early, yet they carved out meaningful roles through effort and adaptability. Their development added another layer to Boston&rsquo;s identity, one built on internal growth rather than external dependence.
In the frontcourt, Neemias Queta and Luka Garza stepped into a difficult situation. Replacing the production and presence of departed veterans is never simple, but they provided size, rebounding, and interior presence when needed. They played with physicality and energy, which often set the tone early in games.
Boston also made a calculated move by bringing in Nikola Vučević. His skillset fit seamlessly into the system. A big who can space the floor, facilitate from the high post, and provide scoring in structured sets, Vučević gave the Celtics a different dimension offensively. His presence allowed Boston to maintain spacing while still having a reliable option inside.
All of it added up to something greater than expected.
A team that, on paper, lost too much. A team that, in reality, found enough.
<h3>The cost of change and the value of continuity</h3>
It is important to acknowledge what Boston no longer has.
Veteran anchors like Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porziņģis are no longer part of the equation. Their absence removed a layer of experience, defense, and versatility that once defined Boston&rsquo;s championship aspirations.
Holiday&rsquo;s point-of-attack defense, Horford&rsquo;s leadership and positional intelligence, and Porziņģis&rsquo; unique blend of size and shooting once gave Boston one of the most complete starting groups in the league.
In a different context, those losses would have been crippling.
But this season reframed the Celtics&rsquo; identity. It forced them to rely less on established names and more on internal growth. It tested their system, their culture, and their ability to adapt.
What remains is a group that understands how to play together, regardless of who is on the floor. There is a level of cohesion that comes from shared adversity, from navigating uncertainty together.
That may not show up in headlines, but it matters in the postseason, where execution and trust often decide outcomes.
<h3>The looming question at center</h3>
For all the positives, there are still questions. The most pressing one lies in the frontcourt.
Is Boston&rsquo;s center rotation enough to compete with the best in the East?
The conference still runs through teams with size, physicality, and interior dominance. Whether it is rebounding battles, rim protection, or half-court execution, the Celtics will be tested in ways they have not consistently faced during the regular season.
Queta and Garza have provided effort and production, while Vučević adds skill and spacing. But playoff basketball is about matchups and margins.
Against elite frontcourts, every possession matters. Defensive breakdowns are magnified. Second-chance opportunities become backbreaking. The ability to protect the rim without overhelping on the perimeter becomes critical.
Can they hold their ground against elite bigs? Can they protect the paint without compromising their perimeter defense? Can they rebound at a level that prevents second-chance opportunities?
These are not small questions. They are defining ones.
<h3>The return of Jayson Tatum</h3>
And then there is Tatum.
Everything Boston has done this season has been without him. Everything they hope to accomplish moving forward depends on him.
Returning from an Achilles injury is not just about availability. It is about trust. Trust in the body. Trust in movement. Trust in the ability to be the same player, or close enough to it, when it matters most.
There will be moments of adjustment. Timing will need to be rediscovered. Rhythm will need to be rebuilt. That is the natural process of returning from such an injury.
The Celtics do not need Tatum to be perfect immediately. They need him to be impactful. They need his presence, his scoring gravity, his defensive versatility, and his ability to elevate those around him.
His return changes the geometry of the floor. It shifts defensive priorities. It creates space for Brown, for White, for everyone else who has carried the load in his absence.
But it also introduces a new dynamic.
This is no longer solely Tatum&rsquo;s team in the way it once was. Brown has grown. The system has evolved. Roles have been established. Confidence has been built across the roster.
The challenge is not just reintegration. It is balance.
Can Tatum step back in without disrupting what has been built? Can the Celtics blend their pre-injury identity with the version that emerged in his absence? Can they find a rhythm where both Tatum and Brown operate at their best without sacrificing the collective flow?
If they can, Boston becomes something more than what it was before.
<h3>The psychological edge of survival</h3>
One aspect that cannot be ignored is the psychological impact of what Boston has endured.
This is a team that has already faced its breaking point. It has already experienced the loss of its best player and found a way to respond. That kind of experience builds a different level of confidence, one rooted in proof rather than belief.
When adversity hits in the playoffs, and it always does, the Celtics will not be navigating unfamiliar territory. They have already lived through it.
That matters in close games. It matters in hostile environments. It matters when momentum swings and pressure builds.
Teams that have been tested often respond differently than those that have not. Boston falls firmly into the former category.
<h3>A different kind of contender</h3>
The Celtics that could enter the playoffs are not the same team that started the season.
They are deeper in experience, even if younger in personnel. They are more adaptable, more resilient, and more aware of what it takes to win without relying on one player.
They have seen multiple versions of themselves. A team led by Brown. A team defined by its depth. A team built on system execution.
Now, they have the opportunity to add another version. One that includes Tatum.
That matters.
Playoff runs are rarely linear. They demand adjustments, resilience, and the ability to respond to adversity. Boston has already faced its adversity. It has already been forced to adjust.
Now, it has the chance to combine that experience with elite talent.
That combination is dangerous.
<h3>Can they conquer the East?</h3>
The Eastern Conference remains competitive. There are teams with continuity, teams with star power, and teams with fewer question marks.
Boston is not the cleanest contender. There are uncertainties around Tatum&rsquo;s form, the center rotation, and how everything fits together at the highest level.
But there is also upside.
If Tatum returns close to his peak, if Brown sustains his level, and if the supporting cast continues to play within the system, the Celtics have a pathway.
Not an easy one. Not a guaranteed one. But a real one.
What makes this version of Boston intriguing is not just its talent. It is its story.
This is a team that was supposed to fade. A team that lost its best player and kept going. A team that discovered its depth, redefined its identity, and stayed relevant when it had every reason not to.
Now, it stands at a different kind of crossroads.
The foundation is there. The momentum is real. The belief has been rebuilt.
All that remains is the final piece.
Jayson Tatum is coming back.
And with him, so are the Celtics&rsquo; biggest ambitions.

With Jayson Tatum coming back, can the Celtics win the East once more?

With Tatum back, can Celtics conquer the East once more?

There are championship teams, and then there are dynasties. The Chicago Bulls of the 1990s were the latter, a franchise that didn&rsquo;t just win titles but fundamentally changed the way the world understood professional basketball. In a candid conversation with veteran sports journalist <a href="https://scoopb.com/2026/03/from-chicago-bulls-last-dance-dynasty-to-deans-list-the-resilience-of-jason-caffey/">Brandon &ldquo;Scoop B&rdquo; Robinson</a>, former Bulls forward Jason Caffey pulled back the curtain on what it was really like inside one of the greatest teams ever assembled, revealing the tensions, the relationships, and the moments that defined an era.
<h2>The Jerry Krause Problem</h2>
Every dynasty has its fault lines, and for the Bulls, much of the internal friction ran directly through general manager Jerry Krause. Caffey didn&rsquo;t mince words when Robinson asked about the tipping point between players and the front office.
&ldquo;When I came into the situation, the guys NEVER got along with Jerry Krause. He was just a shrewd businessman. God rest his soul, but Michael would sit there on the bus and call him &lsquo;the sloop.&rsquo;&rdquo;
What followed those bus rides painted a vivid picture of a locker-room culture shaped from the top down or, in this case, from the back of the bus. When Michael Jordan set the tone on Krause, the rest of the roster followed suit. Scottie Pippen, still simmering over a contract that underpaid one of the best players in the world, added his own fuel to the fire. The result was a front office that existed in a kind of cold war with its own players, a dysfunction that somehow coexisted with six championship banners.
It speaks to the complicated legacy of that Bulls run. Chemistry doesn&rsquo;t always mean harmony. Sometimes it means a shared adversary.
<h2>Learning From a Silent Beast</h2>
If Krause represented the tension within the Bulls organization, Dennis Rodman represented something entirely different, a quiet, relentless standard of professional excellence that left a permanent mark on everyone around him.
Robinson asked Caffey about the mental preparation required to play alongside Rodman&rsquo;s unique and electrifying personality. The answer was both surprising and deeply instructive.
&ldquo;Dennis was a great guy to learn up under. He didn&rsquo;t say three words the whole year but, one of the first guys at practice, he&rsquo;s gonna ride the elliptical an hour before practice. He&rsquo;s gonna practice the ENTIRE practice.&rdquo;
Caffey, a young power forward trying to earn his place among legends, described practically having to beg Rodman to step off the floor so he could get reps with the first string. The image is remarkable, a future champion so consumed by preparation that his teammates had to negotiate for practice time. Rodman&rsquo;s silence wasn&rsquo;t disengagement. It was a focus.
Now 52, Caffey credits that experience directly for his continued commitment to physical fitness. The lessons absorbed from Rodman, Jordan, and Pippen didn&rsquo;t expire when the final buzzer sounded on the dynasty. They became a life philosophy.
<h2>The Trade That Stung</h2>
Perhaps no moment in Caffey&rsquo;s career carries more emotional weight than his 1998 trade to the Golden State Warriors, a move that arrived just before the Bulls pursued what would become their sixth and final championship of the decade.
What made the departure sting even more was what happened behind the scenes. Both Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman publicly advocated for Caffey to remain in Chicago, a gesture that clearly still resonates deeply with the veteran forward.
&ldquo;It was awesome that my teammates trusted me at that time and they wanted me on the team. For him to step up and speak on my behalf in a good manner really made me feel proud of myself.&rdquo;
In a dynasty defined by Jordan&rsquo;s will and Krause&rsquo;s calculated maneuvering, having the greatest player in the world go to bat for you meant everything. For Jason Caffey, that loyalty is the championship he still carries with him.

Jason Caffey reflects on his time with the Chicago Bulls, Jerry Krause, and the trade that prevented a third championship.

Jason Caffey on Bulls Dynasty & Costly Trade

For years, the Toronto Raptors have prided themselves on culture. It was never just about talent or star power. It was about identity, accountability, and a belief that development could bridge the gap between good and great. That formula delivered the ultimate prize once, and even through the inevitable transitions that followed, the foundation never truly disappeared.
Now, after seasons of inconsistency and questions about direction, Toronto is starting to look like itself again.
This current stretch has not been about headlines or blockbuster moves, but instead it has been about rediscovery. The Raptors are playing with purpose, with connectivity, and most importantly, with a clear identity that has carried them back into relevance. Defense has become their calling card, and in a league increasingly dominated by offensive firepower, that commitment has given them a chance every night.
Under head coach Darko Rajakovic, Toronto has leaned fully into its defensive principles. The schemes are sharp, the rotations are disciplined, and the effort level has been consistent. It is not just about individual stops but about collective buy-in. Every possession feels intentional, and that has translated into one of the league&rsquo;s better defensive units this season.
At the center of it all is Scottie Barnes, who continues to evolve into the face of the franchise. Barnes has taken on the challenge of anchoring the defense while expanding his offensive game in meaningful ways. He is among the league leaders in combined steals and blocks, a reflection of both his instincts and activity level. More importantly, his offensive approach has matured. His shot selection has improved, his reads are sharper, and his overall scoring efficiency reflects a player beginning to understand how to control the game on both ends.
Barnes represents what the Raptors want to be: Versatile, unselfish, and relentless.
And around him, the roster is starting to make sense.
Brandon Ingram provides a steady scoring presence, someone who can create offense when possessions break down. His ability to operate in the midrange and command defensive attention gives Toronto a different dimension, especially in tight games where execution matters most.
Meanwhile, the returns from the OG Anunoby trade continue to define the team&rsquo;s present and future. Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett have not just filled roles, they have become foundational pieces. Quickley&rsquo;s pace and shot creation bring life to the offense, while Barrett has embraced the opportunity to contribute across the board, attacking the rim and using his physicality to impact the game.
Inside the paint, Poeltl remains a stabilizing force. He does the work that often goes unnoticed. Screening, rebounding, protecting the paint, and providing a reliable interior presence. His role may not generate headlines, but it is essential to everything Toronto wants to do defensively.
The depth of the roster has also started to show real value.
Jamal Shead has stepped into a playmaking role off the bench and provided composure, organizing the offense and keeping the team structured. Ja'Kobe Walter adds scoring punch, someone who can change the tempo with his aggressiveness. Gradey Dick continues to stretch the floor, offering much-needed spacing that allows the rest of the offense to function more fluidly.
Then there is Sandro Mamukelashvili, who brings a different dimension to the frontcourt. His ability to handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter creates mismatches and forces defenses to adjust. It is a contrast to Poeltl&rsquo;s interior presence, and that versatility gives Rajakovic more options depending on the situation.
Perhaps one of the more encouraging developments has been the emergence of Collin Murray-Boyles. The rookie has exceeded expectations early, showing that he is physically ready for the NBA level. He has embraced the physicality, competed defensively, and found ways to contribute without needing the offense to run through him. For a young team still building its identity, that kind of readiness matters.
All of these pieces together have started to form something tangible. The Raptors are no longer searching aimlessly. They are building, and more importantly, they are building with clarity.
The question now becomes what comes next. There are multiple paths in front of Toronto, and each one carries its own level of risk and reward.
They could continue to build organically, trusting the development of Barnes and the rest of the core. This approach requires patience, something that is often difficult in a results-driven league. However, it also aligns most closely with the culture the organization has always valued.
Another option is to make a significant move, a splashy trade that could accelerate their timeline and push them back into contention. It is a tempting idea, especially when a team begins to show signs of cohesion. The challenge is ensuring that such a move does not disrupt the very identity that is starting to take shape.
Then there is the middle ground. Incremental improvement through smart trades, disciplined drafting, and targeted free agent signings. This path may not generate immediate headlines, but it can often produce the most sustainable success. It allows the team to grow while maintaining flexibility, something that becomes crucial as young players develop and expectations rise.
What makes this moment compelling is that none of these options feel out of reach. Toronto is not stuck. They are not rebuilding without direction. They are a team that has begun to rediscover itself, anchored by defense and fueled by a young core that is starting to understand how to win together.
There is also a growing sense that this could be the season where it all starts to translate into results. After struggling through the past few years, the Raptors are showing signs of a team ready to compete for a playoff spot again. The energy is different. The connectivity is evident. They are playing like a group that believes in what it is building. That belief matters.
Culture is often an abstract concept, something that is easier to talk about than to define. For the Raptors, it has always been about consistency in effort, trust in development, and a willingness to adapt without losing identity. This season, those elements are beginning to resurface in a meaningful way.
The road ahead will not be simple. There will be decisions to make, challenges to navigate, and expectations to manage. However, for the first time in a while, the direction feels clear. The Raptors have found their footing again. Now, it is about deciding how far and how fast they want to go.

The Toronto Raptors are rediscovering their identity through defense and a rising young core led by Scottie Barnes.

Raptors built on culture. What comes next?

The San Antonio Spurs have been playing one of their best basketball stretches this season, winning 18 of their last 20 games, and they are now back in familiar territory. The Spurs have won 50 games or more again for the first time since the 2016-17 season, and the conversation for the team has shifted into something far more serious.
The San Antonio Spurs are no longer a feel-good story. They are no longer just a young team figuring things out or a rebuilding group showing flashes. That last 50-win team was elite, built around Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge while still anchored by the championship DNA of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. That group knew how to win, knew how to execute, and most importantly, knew how to close games when everything slowed down.
This current Spurs team has been reincarnated from the same success. But this time, only younger, and still evolving. Yet somehow, the results are starting to look familiar.
The ball is moving and the defense is connected, just the way Spurs basketball is supposed to be played. The confidence is growing with every win. There is a rhythm to how they play, a sense of control that does not always show up in the standings but becomes obvious when you watch them over a stretch of games.
So the question now becomes unavoidable. Can the Spurs actually go out and win it all this season?
<h3>A foundation built on something rare</h3>
There are flashes of greatness with this team that go beyond typical rebuilding success. This is not just about stacking wins or overachieving expectations but rather about identity, and more importantly, sustainability.
San Antonio is playing a brand of basketball that feels both modern and timeless. They prioritize ball movement, spacing, and trust. They currently rank near the top of the league in assists per game, a clear reflection of their commitment to finding the best shot rather than forcing one.
Even with a generational talent leading the way, they are actively avoiding hero ball by design. Possessions rarely end with isolation-heavy sets unless absolutely necessary. Instead, the ball swings, players cut, and defenses are forced to rotate until something breaks.
That balance is what makes this team dangerous, and it is also what makes them historically unique.
The Spurs are on the verge of something rarely seen in NBA history. <a href="https://x.com/SpursReporter/status/2033475088729706608?s=20">They are close to becoming the only team to sustain eight players averaging double figures over a full season since the 1981-82 Denver Nuggets.</a> That Nuggets team became the gold standard for high-powered offense, averaging a league-record 126.5 points per game while embodying the idea that everybody eats.
San Antonio is knocking on that door. That kind of depth changes everything when the playoffs arrive. It gives them multiple counters, gives them flexibility, and it allows them to survive off nights from their stars because someone else can step up and carry the load. That is not common for a team this young, and what makes them a contender heading into the playoffs.
<h3>Victor Wembanyama is already that guy</h3>
At the center of it all is Victor Wembanyama.
There is no longer a need to temper expectations or speak in hypotheticals. He is a once-in-a-generation player, and more importantly, he is already playing like someone capable of leading a championship team.
At just 22 years old, Wembanyama is putting up numbers that place him firmly in the MVP conversation. He scores efficiently, protects the rim at an elite level, and continues to expand his offensive arsenal with every passing month.
His impact goes beyond scoring or defense. He alters games in ways that cannot always be captured in the box score. Opponents change their shot selection because he is on the floor. Guards hesitate on drives, and bigs are forced away from their comfort zones.
He is the type of player every contender wants. A player who can take over when necessary, but also elevate everyone around him.
That is the key difference, because Wembanyama does not just dominate. He fits within a system that empowers others, which makes the Spurs far less predictable and far more difficult to scheme against in a playoff setting.
And when the game slows down, when possessions tighten and defenses lock in, having a player who can create something out of nothing becomes invaluable. Wembanyama is already that kind of player.
<h3>A supporting cast that fits perfectly</h3>
Championship teams are never built on one player alone. What makes this Spurs team intriguing is how well the pieces around Wembanyama complement his strengths, both stylistically and mentally.
De&rsquo;Aaron Fox gives them a legitimate second star. His speed, shot creation, and ability to collapse defenses provide a different dimension to the offense. He can push the pace, create advantages early in possessions, and attack gaps before defenses are set.
More importantly, Fox knows how to handle pressure. He has been through playoff battles. He understands what it takes to execute late in games when every possession matters.
Devin Vassell continues to be one of the most reliable scorers on the roster. His midrange game is automatic, and his ability to space the floor as a catch-and-shoot threat makes him an ideal fit alongside both Fox and Wembanyama. He thrives in the gaps created by their gravity.
Stephon Castle has quickly established himself as a defensive anchor on the perimeter. He takes on the toughest assignments nightly and continues to grow offensively, showing more confidence as a slasher while steadily improving his jump shot.
Dylan Harper has been impactful from day one. As a rookie, his ability to attack the rim adds pressure to opposing defenses, and his development trajectory suggests he will be a key piece not just now, but for years to come.
Around them, the Spurs have built a roster filled with purpose.
Julian Champagnie and Harrison Barnes provide consistent shooting from the wings and corners, giving the offense the spacing it needs to operate at a high level. Their presence forces defenses to stay honest, opening driving lanes for Castle, Fox and Harper.
Keldon Johnson brings relentless energy off the bench. He plays with urgency, attacks the rim with force, and serves as the emotional heartbeat of the team. His willingness to embrace a bench role speaks volumes about the culture being built in San Antonio.
Luke Kornet offers stability as a backup big. He understands his role, plays within the system, and brings the experience of a champion, which can be valuable in moments when composure is needed.
Carter Bryant has quietly emerged as a hidden gem. He can defend multiple positions and knock down open shots, giving the Spurs another versatile piece in their rotation.
This is functional depth for the Spurs where every player has a role, and every role has value. More importantly, every player understands where they fit within the bigger picture, a usual recipe of success for a championship team.
<h3>The numbers are starting to align</h3>
For years, there has been a simple benchmark used to identify true contenders. The 40-20 rule.
Teams that reach 40 wins before 20 losses historically have a strong chance of competing for a championship. The Spurs have met that criteria, placing them firmly in the conversation with the league&rsquo;s elite.
As mentioned, they have also secured their first 50-win season since 2016-17, a reminder of the franchise&rsquo;s sustained excellence during its peak years. That stretch of 18 consecutive 50-win seasons remains one of the most remarkable runs in NBA history, and it set a standard that this new group is now trying to live up to.
After years of losing after their golden age, this season feels like the beginning of something new, yet strangely familiar. It speaks to the growth of their young core, and it reflects the internal development of players who have embraced their roles and elevated their games.
It also highlights the impact of head coach Mitch Johnson. Taking over in a post-Gregg Popovich era is no easy task. The expectations are different, the pressure is constant, and the comparisons are inevitable. Yet Johnson has managed to guide this group with clarity and confidence, maintaining the Spurs&rsquo; identity while adapting to the strengths of a new generation. He has done more than just keep the system intact &ndash; he has evolved it and fine tuned it for the foreseeable future.
<h3>The upcoming playoff reality check</h3>
However, even for all the reasons to believe, there are still questions that cannot be ignored.&nbsp;
The playoffs are a different environment. The pace slows down. Possessions become more valuable. Execution becomes everything.
And that is where experience often separates contenders from champions.
The Spurs are still young. Wembanyama may be playing at an MVP level, but this will be his first true playoff run with real expectations. The same goes for much of the roster. Fox and Kornet bring experience, but beyond them, this group has not been tested deep into the postseason.
That raises an important question. How will their inexperience show up when the stakes are at their highest?
Will their ball movement hold up against elite defenses that are specifically game-planning to take away their strengths? Playoff opponents will scout every action, every tendency, every preferred spot on the floor.
Will the Spurs be able to adjust on the fly when their first option is taken away? Or will they struggle when forced into late-clock situations where individual shot creation becomes necessary?
There is also the matter of their role players. During the regular season, depth wins games. Over an 82-game stretch, having multiple contributors averaging double figures is a luxury. But in the playoffs, rotations tighten, and the margin for error shrinks.
Will those same role players continue to produce when minutes become more defined and defensive intensity rises? Or will the Spurs find themselves needing more from their top-end talent than they have relied on so far? These are the questions that only the postseason can answer.
<h3>The narrative question that could define them</h3>
Beyond the X&rsquo;s and O&rsquo;s, there is another layer to this conversation. Every championship team has a defining narrative. Some teams are built through adversity. Others are driven by redemption. Some rise through experience after repeated failures.
The Spurs are still writing their story.&nbsp;
Are they a team that is arriving ahead of schedule, simply enjoying a breakthrough season before taking the next step in the coming years? Or are they a group that is ready right now, capable of skipping the usual timeline and capturing a title earlier than expected?
Then, there is also the pressure of expectation. At the start of the season, there was no burden. Every win felt like progress. Every loss was part of the process.
That has changed since then. Now, there is something at stake. Now, there is something to lose. How they handle that shift could define their postseason, because belief can shift a series. Confidence can change outcomes, and sometimes, a team that does not know it is supposed to wait ends up winning sooner than anyone predicted.
<h3>Can they actually do it and win it all?</h3>
On paper, the Spurs have the ingredients. They have a generational superstar playing at an MVP level. They have a second star who complements him. They have depth, shooting, defense, and a system that emphasizes trust and unselfishness.
They have momentum, they have belief, but championships are not won on paper. They are earned through experience, execution, and resilience under pressure.
The Spurs are close &ndash; closer than anyone expected this early in their timeline. Whether they are ready to take that final step this season remains the biggest question in the league. And that is what makes them one of the most fascinating teams to watch as the playoffs approach.
Because if everything clicks, if their identity holds, and if their young core rises to the moment, this may not just be the start of something special: it could be the moment it all comes through and arrives, and it is theirs for the taking.

The San Antonio Spurs are surging behind Victor Wembanyama and elite depth, but are they truly ready to win an NBA title this season?

Can the Spurs go out and win it all?

There is something quietly remarkable about Gary Payton II. In a league where legacies are inherited as readily as surnames, he has spent the better part of a decade carving out something that belongs entirely to himself,&nbsp; a reputation built not on bloodline, but on relentless effort, defensive tenacity, and an unmistakable hunger to prove that he is more than a footnote to his father&rsquo;s Hall of Fame story.
In a recent interview with journalist <a href="https://scoopb.com/2026/03/id-request-a-trade-immediately-gary-payton-ii-on-a-seattle-sonics-return-the-1996-finals-against-mj-carving-his-own-path-beyond-the-gloves/">Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson of ScoopB.com</a>, Payton II pulled back the curtain on a childhood that was equal parts privileged and complicated, and a future that, if he has anything to say about it, might one day circle back to where it all began.
<h2>Growing Up Payton in Seattle</h2>
Robinson asked Gary Payton II what he remembers about his father&rsquo;s playing days, and his face likely lit up the same way it does when he&rsquo;s locking down an opposing guard on a big defensive possession. &ldquo;A lot of Seattle days,&rdquo; he told Robinson. His memories are vivid, warm, and tinged with the kind of wonder that only a child standing inside a professional locker room can fully understand.
Kevin Garnett is coming over for dinner. Allen Iverson and Vince Carter are dropping by. George Karl&rsquo;s coaching staff roams the halls of practice. For most kids, these names are posters on bedroom walls. For a young Gary Payton II, they were the men at his family&rsquo;s dinner table. It was an extraordinary upbringing, one that provided access few could imagine, while simultaneously placing expectations on his young shoulders that were nearly impossible to carry.
That duality, the gift and the burden of growing up a Payton, shaped the man he would become. By openly acknowledging the mental battles of his youth and the bullying that came with bearing a famous name, Payton II has done something that many sons of legends rarely do: he has been honest about the cost. His current success is not a product of entitlement, but of survival, persistence, and an internalized version of his father&rsquo;s legendary competitive fire.
<h2>Memories of the &rsquo;96 Finals</h2>
Even the most storied chapter of his father&rsquo;s career,&nbsp; the 1996 NBA Finals against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, lives in Payton II&rsquo;s memory not as mythology, but as lived experience. He was only four years old, and he&rsquo;s the first to admit the details blur. But certain images remain: the crackling atmosphere inside KeyArena, the electric energy of a city gripped by basketball fever, and the unforgettable moment of going to see Jordan after a game.
&ldquo;Just going up against Mike,&rdquo; he said, was the defining memory of that season. The SuperSonics may have ultimately fallen to Jordan&rsquo;s Bulls in six games, but for a four-year-old Payton, the Finals were not a loss, they were magic.
<h2>A Trade Request Waiting to Happen</h2>
Perhaps the most telling moment of the Robinson interview came when the conversation turned to the long-discussed prospect of Seattle reclaiming its NBA franchise. Payton II didn&rsquo;t hesitate. &ldquo;I would probably request a trade immediately,&rdquo; he said, laughing, but the laughter barely concealed something genuine underneath it. The desire to play for a Seattle team, to pull on a SuperSonics jersey before his career ends, is real and runs deep.
It is a sentiment that resonates far beyond one player. Seattle&rsquo;s NBA wound has never fully healed, and Payton II,&nbsp; son of its greatest player, serves as a living symbol of what the city lost when the Sonics departed in 2008.
<h2>A Legacy Distinctly His Own</h2>
What the Scoop B interview ultimately reveals is a player who has made peace with his name while refusing to be defined by it. Gary Payton II has secured a legacy built on lockdown defense, championship contributions, and a genuine love for the game that mirrors his father's yet remains independent of it. Whether or not<a href="https://landonbuford.com/nba-expansion-update-seattle-las-vegas-teams-targeted-for-2028/"> Seattle </a>ever calls him home, he has already answered the only question that ever truly mattered,&nbsp; and the answer, emphatically, is yes. He belongs.

Gary Payton II reflects on his Seattle roots, the 1996 NBA Finals, and the dream of a homecoming tied to the Sonics legacy.

Warriors' Gary Payton II on Seattle Roots & ’96 Finals Dream

Defense is not a switch you flip. It is a discipline you practice, a mindset you carry from the film room to the floor, and a daily commitment that either holds or it does not. Rudy Gobert has understood this longer than most. Four Defensive Player of the Year awards tend to sharpen a man's philosophy on the subject, and right now, he is watching the Minnesota Timberwolves struggle with the very question his entire identity is built around.
Following a 153-128 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, a game in which Kawhi Leonard dropped 45 points, the Clippers connected on 19 of 37 three-point attempts, and Minnesota surrendered 58 points in the paint,&nbsp; Gobert was direct in his assessment when speaking to RG.org. The Wolves were not connected. They were not competing on every possession. And in his view, those problems do not originate at tip-off. They originate in the preparation that happens before the game is ever played.
"We need to be connected," <a href="https://rg.org/news/basketball/rudy-gobert-talks-dpoy-chances-wembanyama-anthony-edwards">Gobert told RG.org</a>. "We need to play with the level of urgency. All of us, all five guys on the floor, need to compete. Every possession, we have to sharpen up our awareness and focus."
What a Fifth DPOY Would Actually Mean
Rudy Gobert sits on the doorstep of something that has never been done. Four Defensive Player of the Year awards already place him in a conversation with Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace, two of the most impactful defenders in the history of the sport. A fifth would separate him from that company entirely and establish an individual defensive legacy that may stand for a generation.
The case is not built solely on narrative. Minnesota's defensive rating with Gobert on the floor sits at 113.7. Without him, that number deteriorates to 121.8, an eight-point swing that tells the full story without requiring any additional context. Coach Chris Finch has been unambiguous about what that data means for how the Wolves use their center: Gobert now plays through almost everything. The era of coaching him off the floor to avoid matchup problems is over. His ability to cover mistakes, protect weaker defenders, and anchor an entire defensive scheme regardless of personnel has made him too valuable to sit.
"He can anchor a defense regardless of whether there are good or bad defenders out there all by himself." &mdash; Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, via RG.org
The DPOY race this season is genuinely competitive, and Gobert is aware of who is pushing him. But his argument is rooted in the same place it has always been, not in individual plays or highlight blocks, but in the sustained, nightly transformation of a defense that becomes measurably worse the moment he is not present. That is the standard for the award, and he is meeting it.
<h2>Wembanyama: A Rival Built From a Friendship</h2>
The name that comes up most often in discussions of Gobert's DPOY competition is Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs center who arrived in the league as a generational defensive prospect and has delivered on nearly every expectation attached to that label. What makes this particular rivalry different from most award races is the relationship underneath it.
Gobert and Wembanyama are not strangers. They are teammates, or at least they have been, representing France at the international level, sharing a locker room and a national team identity that creates a specific kind of bond. Gobert has spoken about Wembanyama with genuine affection and respect, the kind that comes from watching someone develop up close and understanding the full scope of what they are capable of. None of that changes the fact that one of them will win the award and the other will not.
What Gobert brings to this race that Wembanyama cannot yet match is sustained excellence across a full body of work, not just this season, but across a career that has consistently demonstrated the same principles at the highest level, season after season, in the most demanding conference in the sport. Wembanyama's ceiling is a different and genuinely exciting conversation. But the DPOY award is about what you have done, not only what you will do. On that measure, Gobert's case remains the strongest in the room.
<h2>Anthony Edwards: The Ceiling Is Still Open</h2>
If you want to understand what Rudy Gobert values in a basketball player, listen to how he talks about Anthony Edwards. The Wolves' 24-year-old star has grown into one of the most electric offensive presences in the NBA across six seasons, and Gobert has had a front-row seat to every chapter of that development. His assessment of what Edwards can still become is the kind of observation that only comes from someone who has spent real time thinking about the difference between greatness and maximized greatness.
Edwards already has the gifts. The athleticism, the confidence, the shot-making ability, and the competitive edge are all there in abundance. What Gobert's broader comments throughout this difficult stretch of the season suggest is that the next level,&nbsp; for Edwards, for the Wolves, for anyone operating in this environment, is unlocked through the habits that exist between the big moments. The preparation before tip-off. The focus on every possession when the game is not going your way. The daily approach that makes the special moments possible.
For Minnesota, the path from a sixth seed with question marks to a legitimate championship contender runs directly through two conversations happening simultaneously: Gobert earning his fifth DPOY by anchoring the most reliable defense in a fractured roster, and Edwards becoming the kind of player who does not need the game to be going well in order to compete at an elite level. Those two evolutions are not separate stories. They are the same one, and how it ends will define this era of Timberwolves basketball.

After back-to-back blowout losses, Rudy Gobert is not looking for excuses. He is looking for the Timberwolves version that shows up when it matters, and he has a clear idea of what it takes to get there.

Rudy Gobert Talks DPOY, Wembanyama & Timberwolves Growth

The NBA is not waiting for a transition. It is already happening.
For years, the league has been defined by icons like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Their era shaped modern basketball and carried the sport into a new global space. But as time moves forward, another truth becomes clearer each season.
The next wave is not coming: It is already here. Some of the NBA&rsquo;s young stars and their ages are the following:
Cooper Flagg is 19. Kon Knueppel is 20. Victor Wembanyama is 22. Jalen Duren is 22. Alperen Sengun is 23. Paolo Banchero is 23. Cade Cunningham is 24. Anthony Edwards is 24. LaMelo Ball is 24. Jalen Johnson is 24. Tyrese Maxey is 25. Deni Avdija is 25. Tyrese Haliburton is 25. Luka Doncic is 26. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 27. Jayson Tatum is 27. Jaylen Brown is 29. Donovan Mitchell is 29. Jalen Brunson is 29.
That list alone tells the story.
These are not prospects waiting for opportunity. They are All-Stars. Franchise cornerstones. Playoff performers. MVP candidates. Players that are already shaping postseason outcomes and redefining team ceilings.
Victor Wembanyama is already altering defensive schemes league-wide at 22. Luka Doncic has been an MVP-level engine for years and is still just 26. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has elevated himself into best player in the world talks. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have already led championship-level teams and are still in their twenties.
Anthony Edwards has embraced the spotlight and looks ready to carry the league&rsquo;s next era of superstar charisma. Tyrese Haliburton and Tyrese Maxey are redefining guard play with pace and efficiency. Paolo Banchero and Alperen Sengun are anchoring offenses through skill and versatility rather than traditional post play. Cade Cunningham is proving that control and poise can still dominate in a league obsessed with speed.
Even younger talents like Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel represent what is coming next. They are entering a league that already prioritizes skill, spacing, and positional fluidity. By the time they hit their primes, the foundation will already be set by the group just ahead of them.
What makes this era unique is its balance. There is no single prototype dominating the landscape. Some of these stars are 7-foot playmakers. Some are downhill scorers. Some are defensive anchors. Some are creative offensive orchestrators. The diversity of skill sets means the league is not shifting toward one dominant style, it is expanding.
Another important factor is global influence. Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represent international excellence at the highest level. The league is no longer centered in one region or identity. The game has evolved into a global ecosystem where elite talent emerges from everywhere.
As the previous generation begins to wind down, the league is searching for its next face. But then it has several candidates. It has multiple MVP-level players under 30. It has championship-proven stars still entering their prime years. It has young bigs redefining positional expectations. It has guards who control pace like veterans despite being in their mid-twenties.
The NBA is in great hands because it does not rely on one successor. It has a wave.
A wave of players who grew up watching LeBron and Curry and Durant. A wave that understands branding, skill development, and modern spacing. A wave that is comfortable with pressure and unafraid of expectations.
The transition will not feel abrupt because it is already unfolding in real time. These players are not waiting to inherit the league. They are actively taking ownership of it.
The next era is not years away, it is happening right now.

From Wemby and Luka to Ant and Tatum, the NBA’s next generation of stars is already here and ready to lead the league forward.

Ushering the new era: The next wave of NBA stars are here

Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown have led their teams to unexpected heights this season, and that is exactly why both have built legitimate MVP cases.
Coming into the year, few expected their respective teams to be performing at this level. There were questions about consistency, roster balance, and whether they could carry the nightly responsibility that comes with being a franchise centerpiece. Instead of fading under that pressure, both players have elevated their games and, in the process, elevated their teams.
That is the foundation of any true MVP conversation. It is not just about numbers, but it is about impact and shifting expectations.
Cunningham has taken a clear leap as a primary engine. His scoring has become more efficient, his playmaking more controlled, and his command of the offense more mature. He dictates tempo, reads defenses with patience, and consistently makes the right play late in games. The biggest difference this season has been his poise. He looks fully comfortable being the focal point of scouting reports and still finding ways to produce. Cunningham is currently leading the East-best Pistons and his play has been the biggest reason for that success.
Beyond the box score, his leadership has stood out. Young teams often struggle with late-game execution and defensive discipline, but Cunningham has stabilized those moments. When the game tightens, the ball is in his hands and the decision-making is sharp. That reliability is one of the strongest indicators of value.
Brown&rsquo;s case carries a different tone but an equally compelling argument. Long viewed as part of a star duo, he has stepped into stretches this season where he has been the driving force behind his team&rsquo;s success. His two-way dominance in this season without Jayson Tatum has separated him. On offense, he attacks downhill with force, spaces the floor, and has improved as a playmaker. On defense, he accepts the toughest assignments and sets the tone with physicality.
What strengthens Brown&rsquo;s candidacy is the consistency. Night after night, he brings scoring punch and defensive intensity without significant drop-off. In games where momentum shifts, he has been the stabilizer. In marquee matchups, he has delivered. He has become Boston&rsquo;s true no.1 option with Tatum sidelined and he has exceeded expectations on his play
Both players have also benefited from team success. MVP discussions almost always favor stars whose teams are outperforming preseason expectations. Nobody projected these squads to sit this high in the standings or compete at this level. That shift changes the narrative around their best players. When a team surprises the league, voters look for the central reason behind it.
Cunningham and Brown have been those reasons. Their statistical profiles support the argument. High scoring averages, efficient shooting splits, playmaking numbers that reflect control of the offense, and defensive contributions that impact winning possessions. But what separates them from empty production is translation to wins.
Value is most visible when it alters outcomes. Cunningham&rsquo;s ability to orchestrate and close games has directly resulted in statement victories. Brown&rsquo;s two-way presence has swung high-level matchups and anchored defensive stretches that decide contests. When either player is off the floor, the difference is noticeable. When they return, structure and confidence follow.
Another layer to their candidacies is growth. MVP races often reward players who make a visible leap. Cunningham has moved from promising young guard to legitimate franchise leader. Brown has evolved from elite secondary star to a player capable of carrying extended stretches as the primary force. That narrative momentum matters in voting conversations.
The MVP race is always crowded.&nbsp; Established superstars will remain in the discussion, but with the 65 game rule in place, this has changed things and have allowed Cunningham and Brown to enter the conversation. Statistical leaders like SGA, Jokic, and Doncic will dominate headlines. But context cannot be ignored when a player lifts his team beyond expectations and sustains that level over the course of a season. That&rsquo;s how Cunningham and Brown earned their place in the debate.
They are not just putting up numbers, but instead they are driving winning basketball at a level few predicted. That combination is what firmly places them in the MVP race and keeps their candidacies growing stronger as the season unfolds.

Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown have elevated their teams beyond expectations this season, building legitimate MVP cases.

Cade Cunningham, Jaylen Brown build strong MVP candidacies

It is a fair question, and at this point in his career, it is one that deserves a serious conversation.
Here are LeBron&rsquo;s accomplishments with the Los Angeles Lakers so far:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">8 seasons in Los Angeles</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">8&times; All-Star</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">7&times; All-NBA</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">2020 NBA Champion</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">2020 Finals MVP</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10th in franchise history in points</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">8th in franchise history in assists</li>
</ul>
On paper, that is already a Hall of Fame resume in purple and gold alone.
When LeBron signed with the Lakers in 2018, the franchise was in a transitional phase. The organization had missed the playoffs for five straight seasons and was searching for direction after the Kobe Bryant era. There were questions about whether LeBron came to Los Angeles for basketball reasons or lifestyle reasons. There were doubts about whether he could restore the franchise to championship level in the loaded Western Conference.
Two years later, he delivered a title.
The 2020 championship was not just another ring: it tied the franchise with Boston for the most championships in NBA history at the time. LeBron was the driving force behind that run, earning Finals MVP and leading a Lakers team that dominated both ends of the floor inside the Orlando bubble. In a season filled with uncertainty, tragedy, and unprecedented circumstances, he provided stability and leadership.
That alone carries weight. Statues represent eras, symbolize impact, and they honor moments that define a franchise&rsquo;s history.
LeBron&rsquo;s time in Los Angeles has included historic individual milestones as well. He broke the NBA&rsquo;s all-time scoring record while wearing a Lakers uniform, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in front of a home crowd. Even though the record encompasses his entire career, the moment itself is forever tied to Los Angeles. That image is already frozen in NBA history.
Beyond accolades, there is also the broader impact. LeBron helped restore relevance to the Lakers after years of instability. He attracted star talent, most notably Anthony Davis, and immediately shifted the franchise back into championship conversations. The Lakers returned to national prominence. They returned to deep playoff runs. They returned to the standard their fanbase expects.
But, the counterargument is obvious. The Lakers are the Lakers. This is a franchise with statues of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O&rsquo;Neal, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Kobe Bryant. The bar in Los Angeles is different. It is not just about winning once. It is about sustained dominance and multiple championships.
LeBron has won one title in eight seasons in LA. There have been injuries. There have been early playoff exits. There have been roster changes and inconsistencies. Compared to some of the legends immortalized outside Crypto.com Arena, his Lakers tenure is shorter and less decorated in terms of championships.
But context matters. He arrived in his 16th season, he did not join in his early twenties. He extended his prime into his late thirties while still performing at an All-NBA level. He carried heavy minutes, led deep playoff runs, and continued to produce at a historic level for his age. Longevity at that level is rare. Doing it under the Lakers spotlight is even rarer.
The question then becomes this: Is a statue reserved strictly for multiple-title legends in Los Angeles, or can it represent transformative impact as well?
LeBron delivered a championship. He brought the franchise back to the top of the league. He broke the all-time scoring record in a Lakers jersey. He made eight All-Star teams and seven All-NBA teams in LA. He placed himself in the top ten in franchise history in both points and assists despite joining late in his career.
Whether the organization ultimately decides to build a statue may depend on how the rest of his Lakers chapter unfolds. Another championship would likely remove all doubt. But even as it stands, the case is strong.
LeBron James has added to the Lakers' illustrious history, and the only question left is whether that addition deserves to be cast in bronze.

LeBron James has won a championship, and broken the scoring record with the Lakers. Does he deserve a statue in Los Angeles?

Does LeBron James deserve a statue in Los Angeles?

The Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute to one of the most influential figures in NBA history on Feb. 22, 2026, unveiling a bronze statue of Hall of Famer Pat Riley outside Crypto.com Arena in Star Plaza.
The nearly eight-foot statue &ndash; capturing Riley in one of his signature Armani suits with his right fist raised &ndash; cements his legacy alongside Lakers immortals like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.&nbsp;
Riley, 80, was present for the ceremony as dozens of Lakers legends, family, friends and NBA icons looked on. The statue depicts the coach in mid-leadership pose, a nod to the famed &ldquo;Showtime&rdquo; Lakers&rsquo; signal for Magic Johnson to fire the ball toward Kareem&rsquo;s skyhook &ndash; a symbol of his era-defining offense.&nbsp;
Riley&rsquo;s statue stands between those of Lakers greats Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Star Plaza, making him the eighth individual in franchise history to be so honored. During his time in Los Angeles, Riley coached the Lakers from 1981 to 1990, leading them to four NBA championships and seven Finals appearances while crafting one of the most iconic styles of play in league history.&nbsp;
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, whose father Jerry Buss promoted Riley to head coach in 1981, called him &ldquo;a guardian angel for this franchise,&rdquo; emphasizing his unwavering commitment to excellence and his role in shaping Lakers culture. Longtime teammates and former players &ndash; including James Worthy, Jamaal Wilkes, Norm Nixon, Bob McAdoo, A.C. Green and Byron Scott &ndash; joined the celebration, sharing memories and honoring Riley&rsquo;s impact on and off the court.&nbsp;
Also in attendance were figures from Riley&rsquo;s post-Lakers career, including Dwyane Wade, who won three championships under Riley&rsquo;s leadership as Miami Heat head coach, and acclaimed actor Michael Douglas &ndash; a longtime friend who spoke about Riley&rsquo;s influence on his own career and style.&nbsp;
While Riley&rsquo;s coaching career spanned multiple teams &ndash; including deep playoff runs with the New York Knicks and an NBA championship with the Miami Heat &ndash; it was his role in the Lakers&rsquo; 1980s dynasty that forged his lasting imprint on NBA history. The &ldquo;Showtime&rdquo; era revolutionized the league with its pace, flair and strategic innovation, and Riley&rsquo;s leadership was at the heart of it.&nbsp;
Now immortalized in bronze, Riley&rsquo;s likeness will stand as a reminder of a transformative chapter in Lakers history &ndash; inspiring future generations and preserving the legacy of one of the game&rsquo;s great architects.

The Los Angeles Lakers honor legendary coach Pat Riley with a bronze statue outside Crypto.com Arena.

Lakers honor franchise legend Pat Riley

Championship windows in the NBA are fragile. They open quietly, they close abruptly, and often, they hinge on one bold decision. For the Cleveland Cavaliers, that decision came at the trade deadline when they swapped Darius Garland for James Harden in a star-for-star deal that immediately reshaped the Eastern Conference landscape.
It was not simply a talent upgrade. It was a philosophical shift from what they thought was going to work and best for the franchise moving forward. 
Through his first three games in a Cavaliers uniform, Harden has fit seamlessly into Cleveland&rsquo;s system. The early returns are striking: the Cavaliers are 3-0 with Harden in the lineup, and more importantly, they look structurally different. The offense has more clarity, more control, and more inevitability in late-game situations.
Harden has not just joined a contender, but instead he has raised their championship ceiling in a way Garland never did.
<h3>From good to inevitable</h3>
Darius Garland is an All-Star caliber guard, dynamic with the ball and capable of playmaking and scoring for stretches. However, Cleveland did not need more talent. They needed veteran orchestration, playoff gravity, and someone who could dictate terms in a seven-game series.
That is where James Harden separates himself. Over the course of his career, Harden has established himself as one of the most gifted playmakers the league has seen. His command of tempo, his manipulation of defenses, and his ability to generate efficient offense in the half court are traits that translate directly to postseason basketball. Albeit his notable playoff struggles, Harden has proven to thrive in moments when games slow down and every possession becomes magnified.
The Cavaliers already had scoring potential, but what they lacked was a master conductor. Now they have one with James Harden.
<h3>Unlocking Jarrett Allen once again and empowering the next wave</h3>
Perhaps the most immediate impact has been Harden&rsquo;s chemistry with Jarrett Allen.
Harden&rsquo;s history with rim-running big men is well documented. From his days with Clint Capela in Houston to Ivica Zubac in LA and various productive partnerships throughout his career, Harden has consistently elevated centers who can sprint to the rim, finish above it, and operate in space. His pick-and-roll mastery forces defenses into impossible decisions. Help too much, and shooters are left open or he calls his own number and just scores the rock. Stay home, and the lob becomes automatic.
Jarrett Allen is built for this Harden ecosystem. Through three games, the synergy has been evident. Allen is receiving the ball in rhythm, in stride, and in positions where he does not have to create. Harden&rsquo;s pocket passes and lobs are calculated manipulations of defensive coverage that put Allen in advantageous spots before the defense even realizes it is compromised. Cleveland&rsquo;s offense feels more vertical now. It feels more punishing inside, and that matters in the playoffs.
Beyond the stars, Harden&rsquo;s presence has created ripple effects throughout the roster, particularly for rising wing Jaylon Tyson.
Tyson has been one of the quiet developmental wins for Cleveland this season. His two-way activity, energetic scoring, and willingness to defend have earned him increased trust within the rotation. Recently, he has even been rewarded with starting opportunities.
With Harden orchestrating, Tyson&rsquo;s responsibilities become clearer. He is not forced to overcreate. Instead, he can attack closeouts, shoot the three ball, run the floor, and capitalize on defensive attention directed elsewhere. Harden&rsquo;s gravity bends coverage toward the ball, freeing Tyson to operate against tilted defenses.
The result is synergy. The young wing is thriving within structure rather than fighting through chaos. Championship teams often need internal growth to align with external additions. Cleveland is seeing both happen simultaneously.
<h3>The Harden-Mitchell equation</h3>
The headline, however, remains the backcourt.
James Harden teaming up with Donovan Mitchell instantly forms one of the best, if not the best, backcourts in the NBA. Two All-NBA caliber players whose skill sets complement rather than conflict.
Mitchell is averaging 29 points per game this season, good for fifth in the league. He is one of the most explosive scorers in basketball, capable of detonating for 40 on any given night. What he has not always had is a backcourt partner who can consistently relieve him of primary creation duties without diminishing offensive pressure. Harden provides that balance for him.
Unlike previous guard pairings, this partnership does not require compromise. Harden can initiate offense, manipulate the defense, and deliver Mitchell the ball in scoring positions rather than forcing him to self-generate every possession. Meanwhile, when Mitchell takes over scoring stretches, Harden can shift into a secondary role, spacing the floor and attacking mismatches.
This dynamic is built for playoff basketball. In tight games, Cleveland now has two players who can close. Two players who command double teams. Two players who understand the geometry of postseason defense.
Depth and defense matters. But in May and June, elite shot creation wins playoff series deep into the postseason. Cleveland now has it in abundance and full effect.
<h3>Raising the ceiling, not just the floor</h3>
There is an important distinction between raising a team&rsquo;s floor and raising its ceiling.
Garland ensured Cleveland remained competitive. But Harden elevates the possibility of something greater.
The Eastern Conference is unforgiving. Established powers demand not only talent but experience and composure under pressure. Harden, despite the scrutiny that has followed parts of his postseason career, has consistently been at the center of high-stakes basketball for over a decade. He understands defensive adjustments. He understands how to exploit mismatches repeatedly until a team has no counters left.
That experience cannot be replicated internally. By making this move, Cleveland signaled urgency. It signaled belief that its championship window is open now, not just over the next few years. It signaled that incremental improvement was no longer sufficient.
The Cavaliers were already good enough to win a playoff series. With Harden, they are built to win four.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
But even beyond tactics and numbers, there is an emotional undertone to this shift.
Championship aspirations require courage from the front office and buy-in from the locker room. Swapping a homegrown star for a veteran with a polarizing narrative is not a safe decision, rather it is a decisive one. Early signs suggest the locker room understands the stakes.
Harden has embraced his role without disrupting hierarchy. Mitchell remains the main&nbsp; engine. Allen continues anchoring the interior. Tyson and the young core are stepping into opportunity rather than shrinking from it. This alignment has felt intentional, and this is what&rsquo;s needed from the team to take the next step.
These first three Harden games do not define a season, and they do not guarantee banners. But they do reveal direction. Right now, Cleveland looks like a team that understands its moment.
If the early chemistry is any indication, the Cavaliers did more than shuffle their roster at the deadline. They altered their trajectory, and who knows where they go from here.
They certainly hope it&rsquo;s at the mountaintop of the NBA.

James Harden’s arrival in has transformed the Cavaliers into legitimate title contenders, raising the team’s championship ceiling.

James Harden raises the Cavaliers’ championship ceiling

NBA point-guard icon Chris Paul has announced his retirement from professional basketball, bringing an end to a 21-season NBA career that saw him cement his place among the greatest floor generals in league history.
Paul confirmed his decision Friday in a heartfelt social-media post, stepping away from the game after spanning three decades on the hardwood.&nbsp;
A 12-time NBA All-Star and nine-time All-Defensive Team selection, Paul &ndash; also known as the &ldquo;Point God&rdquo; &ndash; wrote, &ldquo;This is it! After over 21 years I&rsquo;m stepping away from basketball,&rdquo; reflecting on a career defined by leadership, competitiveness and consistency.&nbsp;
Drafted fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005, Paul quickly emerged as one of the league&rsquo;s premier guards, earning Rookie of the Year honors and establishing himself as a perennial All-Star early in his career. Over 1,370 games, he averaged 16.8 points, 9.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game, ranking second all-time in both assists (12,552) and steals (2,728) behind only John Stockton.&nbsp;
Paul&rsquo;s impressive resume includes:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">12 NBA All-Star selections</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">11 All-NBA team honors</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nine All-Defensive team honors</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Two Olympic gold medals</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">NBA 75th Anniversary Team</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">First to reach 20,000 points and 10,000 assists &ndash; a milestone since matched only by LeBron James and Russell Westbrook.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Despite never capturing an NBA title &ndash; coming closest with the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 Finals &ndash; Paul&rsquo;s influence spanned far beyond championship hardware, earning admiration for his craft, basketball IQ and leadership.&nbsp;
Paul&rsquo;s final campaign was marked by unexpected twists. After signing with the Los Angeles Clippers for his 21st season, his time with the team ended abruptly as the franchise moved on in December amid struggles and reported disagreements. He was subsequently traded to the Toronto Raptors near the deadline but never suited up before being waived &ndash; prompting his retirement announcement shortly after.&nbsp;
In his retirement announcement, Paul touched on the emotional weight of the decision, saying he felt grateful for the journey and excited for what comes next off the court, particularly spending more time with his family.&nbsp;
Paul exits the game as one of the most influential and respected point guards in NBA history. His ability to control games, elevate teammates and consistently impact winning basketball across multiple franchises &ndash; from New Orleans and Los Angeles to Phoenix, Houston, Oklahoma City, Golden State and San Antonio &ndash; has left an indelible mark on the league&rsquo;s modern era.&nbsp;
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hailed Paul as &ldquo;one of the greatest point guards in league history and a true steward of our sport,&rdquo; praising not only his on-court brilliance but also his leadership, including his tenure as NBA Players Association President.&nbsp;
As Chris Paul transitions away from playing, conversations already swirl about his imminent Hall of Fame induction &ndash; a fitting tribute to a career spent redefining what excellence and longevity look like at the point guard position.

Chris Paul announces his retirement from the NBA after 21 seasons, concluding a Hall-of-Fame career.

Chris Paul officially retires after 21 NBA seasons

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James added another remarkable milestone to his Hall-of-Fame resume on Thursday night, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double at 41 years and 44 days old during a 124-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. James finished with 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, surpassing the previous record held by Karl Malone (40 years, 127 days).&nbsp;
James&rsquo; triple-double &ndash; his first of the 2025-26 season &ndash; came in the Lakers&rsquo; final game before the All-Star break, pushing their record to 33-21 and snapping a brief two-game skid. The 23-year NBA veteran scored or assisted on Los Angeles&rsquo; first 23 points of the night, a franchise milestone for his career longevity and impact.&nbsp;
James&rsquo; performance stood out as a statement of his sustained excellence deep into his 20th+ season. His 28-10-12 box score marked the 123rd career triple-double, placing him among the top five all-time in NBA history.&nbsp;
Before Thursday, Karl Malone held the oldest triple-double record since 2003 when he posted a 10-11-10 line at 40 years and 127 days old. James not only eclipsed Malone&rsquo;s mark, but now formally holds the distinction as the only 41-year-old in NBA history to log a triple-double.&nbsp;
LeBron&rsquo;s longevity from entering the league as a No. 1 overall pick in 2003 to still producing historic stat lines in 2026 underscores his unique career arc. Even with intermittent missed games this season due to injuries, he continues to defy age-related expectations and contribute at an All-Star level.&nbsp;
James&rsquo; record encapsulates a career defined by adaptability and sustained excellence. Recording a triple-double at 41 which is a feat most thought impossible at such an advanced basketball age signals that James is rewriting the NBA&rsquo;s longevity narrative even as he approaches what many expect will be the twilight of his playing days.&nbsp;
This milestone also adds context to the Lakers&rsquo; All-Star aspirations, with James&rsquo; name once again at the forefront of league storylines heading into the All-Star festivities this weekend.

LeBron James became the oldest player in NBA history to post a triple-double at age 41.

LeBron James makes NBA history as oldest player to record a triple-double

The New York Knicks are poised to add versatile forward Jeremy Sochan to their roster after he cleared waivers following his release from the San Antonio Spurs, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.&nbsp;
The 22-year-old &ndash; the No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft &ndash; agreed to part ways with San Antonio earlier this week and is expected to sign with New York for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Sochan&rsquo;s departure from the Spurs came after an extended stretch out of the rotation; he played just 12.8 minutes per game in 28 appearances this season and logged a total of eight minutes across San Antonio&rsquo;s last 12 outings. The Spurs explored trade opportunities for him before the Feb. 5 deadline but ultimately waived him after no deal materialized, allowing him to seek a fresh start with a contender.&nbsp;
Once he officially clears waivers, Sochan is set to join a Knicks club with championship aspirations, bolstering their wing and forward depth with his size, athleticism and defensive versatility. New York had reportedly shown interest in Sochan even before the deadline and now capitalized on his availability without giving up assets in a trade, adding him on a veteran&rsquo;s minimum deal for the rest of the season.&nbsp;
Across four seasons in San Antonio, Sochan averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 25.3 minutes per game over 212 games (149 starts), showing flashes of two-way impact and earning a spot on the 2022-23 All-Rookie Team as well as two Rising Stars appearances early in his career.&nbsp;
San Antonio&rsquo;s decision to waive Sochan marks the end of his four-plus-year tenure with the franchise, during which he developed from a lottery pick into a reliable starter and team contributor. While his role diminished this season, teammates and coaches openly praised his professionalism and locker-room presence.&nbsp;
Now unrestricted, Sochan lands in one of the Eastern Conference&rsquo;s most competitive rotations, joining a Knicks core led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns and adding to a frontcourt that&rsquo;s seeking consistent depth and defensive versatility as the playoff race intensifies.

Jeremy Sochan plans to sign with the New York Knicks after clearing waivers from the San Antonio Spurs.

Knicks set to sign Jeremy Sochan after Spurs waive forward

The Indiana Pacers made one of the biggest moves of the 2026 NBA trade deadline, addressing their long-standing need in the middle by acquiring veteran center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster deal that reshapes both franchises.
Indiana, which has been without a true starting center since Myles Turner left in free agency last summer, now brings in one of the league&rsquo;s most consistent big men to pair with rising star Tyrese Haliburton and All-Star forward Pascal Siakam.
ANALYSIS: The Pacers will receive Ivica Zubac, a young yet seasoned center who is averaging about 14.4 points, 11.0 rebounds this season and Kobe Brown, for young wing depth.
Zubac gives the Pacers a legitimate starting center &ndash; something they&rsquo;ve lacked this year after Turner&rsquo;s departure. Standing 7-foot-1 and consistently efficient inside the paint, Zubac provides rim protection, rebounding and pick-and-roll value that can help elevate Indiana&rsquo;s defense and complement Haliburton&rsquo;s playmaking. He&rsquo;s also under contract through 2027-28, aligning with Indiana&rsquo;s timeline as Haliburton returns from injury.
Meanwhile, the Clippers will receive Bennedict Mathurin, a 23-year-old wing who is averaging a career high 17.8 PPG this season; Isaiah Jackson, a young, athletic big man and three draft picks (2026 first-round pick (protected: 1&ndash;4 &amp; 10&ndash;30), 2029 unprotected first-round pick, and a second-round pick).
For the Clippers, the trade further accelerates a roster refresh that has seen several key moves around the deadline &ndash; including the earlier trade of James Harden and the acquisition of Darius Garland. By bringing in Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson and draft capital, L.A. builds for the future while staying competitive around superstar Kawhi Leonard.
Mathurin, a former No. 6 overall pick, has been one of the NBA&rsquo;s better young wings this season and offers the Clippers scoring punch and youth.
<h3>&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;</h3>
The Pacers&rsquo; addition of Ivica Zubac represents one of the most consequential deadline moves of the 2026 trade period, solving a major roster weakness and strengthening their core for the long haul. Meanwhile, the Clippers position themselves with young talent and future draft capital as they continue to evolve. With their center rotation addressed and Haliburton&rsquo;s return on the horizon, Indiana&rsquo;s outlook &ndash; both for the rest of this season and beyond &ndash; just took a meaningful step forward.

The Pacers made one of the biggest moves of the trade deadline, acquiring veteran center Ivica Zubac from the Clippers.

Pacers get their center for Haliburton, acquire Ivica Zubac from Clippers

After months of speculation, the Golden State Warriors have finally traded Jonathan Kuminga, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
The Warriors will be sending the young forward to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis along with guard Buddy Hield.
ANALYSIS: The move comes after a prolonged period of speculation around Kuminga&rsquo;s future in Golden State. The 23-year-old &ndash; the No. 7 overall pick in 2021 &ndash; had been in and out of the rotation this season and requested a trade once eligible, seeking a fresh start and a bigger role elsewhere.&nbsp;
Golden State also made a secondary move, dealing backup center Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors for a 2026 second-round draft pick shortly after Porzingis&rsquo; acquisition, bolstering its future assets.&nbsp;
The trade officially closes the book on what had been one of the NBA&rsquo;s longest-running roster uncertainty storylines &ndash; Kuminga&rsquo;s mixed tenure with the Warriors, which included flashes of potential but persistent questions about fit and consistency. The move gives Kuminga a new opportunity to develop with the Hawks, while the Warriors pivot toward a veteran-led roster for a late-season push.&nbsp;
Atlanta acquired two players with upside: Kuminga, a former lottery pick with athletic tools and scoring potential, and Hield, a proven perimeter threat as part of its own roster reshaping after moving star Trae Young earlier in the deadline cycle.&nbsp;
Kristaps Porzingis, a 7&prime;1&Prime; stretch big, brings floor spacing, rim protection and elite shooting ability when healthy, though his availability has been limited by injuries and illness this season. The Warriors are banking on Porzingis returning to form and providing a much-needed interior presence next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.&nbsp;
Porzingis gives Golden State a new look up front with the potential to stretch defenses and offer more size, addressing a long-standing need in their rotation. The pick acquired in the Jackson-Davis deal also enhances future flexibility.&nbsp;
The Warriors&rsquo; acquisition of Porzingis marks a new chapter while bringing closure to the Kuminga saga that had loomed over Golden State for months. As the trade deadline dust settles, both franchises have made substantive moves aimed at reshaping their trajectories in the Western Conference.

After months of speculation, the Golden State Warriors have finally traded Jonathan Kuminga.

Warriors end Kuminga saga with trade for Kristaps Porzingis

Two young guards are set to transfer and call another city their new home after they got moved ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline: Sixers&rsquo; Jared McCain and Bulls&rsquo; Coby White.
<h3>Jared McCain traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder</h3>
The Philadelphia 76ers have traded second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for a 2026 Houston Rockets first-round pick and three second-round draft picks, per ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.&nbsp;
McCain, the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, enjoyed a promising rookie season before injuries disrupted his development. This season, he&rsquo;s averaged 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting roughly 38.5 % from three, and OKC hopes his shooting and potential can help bolster its guard depth, especially with star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined with an abdominal strain.
Adding McCain gives OKC a young shooting guard with upside who can provide spacing and perimeter scoring in relief of its stars &ndash; an appealing low-risk, high-reward piece as the defending champions chase another deep playoff run.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For the 76ers, the deal brings significant draft capital and roster flexibility, helping them get below the luxury tax threshold and clear space for other backcourt pieces.&nbsp;
<h3>Coby White heads to the Charlotte Hornets</h3>
In a separate deadline move, the Chicago Bulls sent veteran guard Coby White (along with Mike Conley Jr.) to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a three-team trade.&nbsp;
Charlotte received White, currently averaging 18.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game this season, to upgrade its backcourt and add more offensive firepower.&nbsp;
Bringing in White gives Charlotte a proven scorer and playmaker to support its young core and push toward the play-in/playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.&nbsp;
In return, the Bulls acquired Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng and three future second-round picks, signaling a broader roster retooling as Chicago continues its rebuild.&nbsp;
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
As for the Sixers &amp; Bulls, both franchises gained future draft capital and flexibility as they adjust long-term strategies and balance present competitiveness with future building.

Two young guards are set to transfer and call another city their new home after they got moved: Jared McCain and Coby White.

A pair of guards on the move: Jared McCain to OKC, Coby White to Charlotte

Another blockbuster deal is on the way: Anthony Davis is going to the Washington Wizards in an 8-player deal, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Davis along with D&rsquo;Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum will move to the Wizards in exchange for 2 first-round picks, 3 second-round picks, Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and Malaki Branham
ANALYSIS: This move signals a new era for Washington, who are accelerating up their rebuild by acquiring all-NBA big man Davis. They have also traded for Trae Young earlier in the season to pair with their rising young core Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George. In Davis, the Wizards are getting an all-around player capable of making plays on both ends of the floor, blocks shots, rebound, and provide internal stability and anchor in the front court.&nbsp;
Together with Young, Davis allows Washington to try and compete in what is supposed to be a wide-open East next year. It remains to be seen if Davis will sign an extension with the franchise, but this is a step forward in the right direction for them.
For the Mavericks, this move recalibrates this season to turn and build around rookie Cooper Flagg by acquiring draft assets. Flagg has emerged as the team&rsquo;s brightest spot this season and Dallas will now move forward with him in mind, securing the future and beyond.

Another blockbuster deal is on the way: Anthony Davis is going to the Washington Wizards in an 8-player deal.

Wizards get Anthony Davis from Mavericks

The Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers executed a significant NBA trade deadline deal, swapping 11-time All-Star James Harden for two-time All-Star Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round draft pick, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.&nbsp;
The move reshapes both franchises as they head into the final weeks of the season and the push toward the playoffs. The Cavaliers will receive a veteran scorer and playmaker who is averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists this season while the Clippers will get a younger All-Star guard with upside and long-term contract control. Aside from Garland they will also receive a 2026 second-round pick for future draft capital.&nbsp;
Garland has been sidelined recently due to a toe injury, but his career production and age made him an appealing asset for L.A. as it transitions toward a younger core.&nbsp;
For the Clippers, who are currently hovering around the Western Conference play-in picture, they have decided to pivot toward youth and long-term depth. By acquiring Garland, the Clippers are betting on his upside and future contract stability, and the second-round pick further boosts their flexibility for the future.
For the Cavaliers, the trade is a win-now move. Harden&rsquo;s veteran scoring and elite playmaking, particularly alongside star Donovan Mitchell, inject established firepower into the Cavaliers&rsquo; roster as they jockey for Eastern Conference positioning. Harden gives Cleveland a new dynamic option to blend into its playoff rotation.&nbsp;
For context, Harden&rsquo;s contract situation, which is a one-year deal with a player option for 2026-27 that requires his approval, played a role in the trade&rsquo;s timing and feasibility.&nbsp;
Garland, on the other hand, despite being a two-time All-Star, has dealt with foot issues and was limited to 26 games this season, factors Cleveland weighed in moving him.&nbsp;
The swap signals contrasting strategies: the Clippers resetting with a younger guard, and the Cavaliers adding seasoned production to chase deeper playoff success.&nbsp;
Both players now face new chapters: Harden joins a Cavs squad with championship aspirations in a wide-open Eastern Conference, while Garland becomes a central piece for a Clippers roster reshaping its identity in the West.

The Clippers and Cavaliers executed a significant NBA trade deadline deal, swapping James Harden for Darius Garland.