2026 NBA buzz: Latest free agency and trade updates
We're tracking deals, trades and buzz across the NBA, including the latest on LeBron's next move.
NBAdailynba free agency
Full story
NBA free agency is here, and signings, extensions and trades are coming in fast.
Which players are agreeing to new contracts? Which franchises are exploring trades? Which stars will join Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown on the list of blockbuster deals this summer? Where will LeBron James land after informing the Los Angeles Lakers that he won't return to the team in 2026-27?
Check back here for all the latest buzz, news and reactions from our ESPN NBA insiders, with the latest info at the top:
Free agent guard Josh Okogie agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with the Utah Jazz, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Okogie shot 38.5% from 3-point range last season with the Houston Rockets.
Knicks signing Drummond to fill frontcourt gap
Free agent center Andre Drummond agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract to sign with the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN's Shams Charania. Drummond fills a vital center need for the defending champs after the departure of Mitchell Robinson.
Miller back to Clippers on three-year deal
Guard Jordan Miller is returning to the LA Clippers on a three-year, $15.3 million deal, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Miller averaged 10 points and three rebounds per game while shooting 53.1% from the field last season.
McMenamin: LeBron eyeing host of teams, including Heat, Cavs, 76ers
LeBron James' agent Rich Paul spoke with ESPN on Friday to discuss a potential landing spot for James this offseason.
Paul told ESPN on Friday that he has now spoken to 27 teams about James, and the factors James has to think about are fluid -- such as the Philadelphia 76ers trading for Jaylen Brown, for instance.
"Every day things change," Paul told ESPN. "This is the first time that LeBron James is making a decision pressure free. He's won already. He's made good on his promise -- he won in L.A. This is strictly for his happiness. What does happiness entail? It's a number of things. It's a bucket of happiness. It's basketball, it's living, it's camaraderie, it's competition. It's everything."
James told the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday that he will play elsewhere during the 2026-27 season.
Lakers trade Ayton to Washington for Hardy, picks
The Los Angeles Lakers are trading center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. The move happened a day after the Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz.
Love agrees to two-way deal with 76ers
Free agent guard Caleb Love has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. In his rookie year, Love averaged 10.4 points and 2.5 assists in Portland last season.
Shams: Rockets trade Finney-Smith, picks to Hornets
The Houston Rockets are trading Dorian Finney-Smith and three second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Charlotte acquires draft capital, and the deal allows the Rockets more roster flexibility after the acquisitions of Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic this offseason.
Shams: The latest on LeBron James' free agency
ESPN's Shams Charania provided an update on "Get Up" on the future of LeBron James and the Golden State Warriors:
"So much has changed. There's fluidity that comes with it, with information. A few days ago the Sixers didn't have Jaylen Brown, so now they do. They did it in stunning fashion, so now they have to be on the radar of LeBron James. The Cavaliers, the Heat, they're two teams that are known quantities.
"The Warriors going into free agency, they dreamt up a grand plan of Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, but the big domino with them is trying to get a player like an Anthony Davis so you can bring in LeBron James and Anthony Davis as a package deal. Short of that, they're not really looked at right now at the top of this list."
76ers sign Rupert on two-way deal
The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to sign French guard Rayan Rupert on a two-way deal, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Rupert, a second-round pick in 2023, played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers last season.
Javonte Green agrees to return to Pistons
Free agent forward Javonte Green has agreed to a one-year, $3.95 million deal to return to the Detroit Pistons, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Green played all 82 games for the Pistons last season and averaged 6.9 points, 17.6 minutes and shot 38.1% from 3.
Celtics sign Queta to an extension
Boston Celtics' center Neemias Queta will sign a new four-year, $56 million extension with the franchise, his agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Queta established himself as a critical part of the Celtics' rotation the past three seasons. After initially signing with the franchise on a two-way contract, he averaged 10.2 points and 8.4 rebounds last season.
Relive the chaos of free agency's opening days
June 29
Green declines option with Warriors
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is declining his $27.7 million player option to become a free agent, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
This move gives the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James in free agency and Anthony Davis via trade, according to Charania.
LaVine opts into deal with Kings
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine is opting into his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania.
LaVine averaged 19.2 points over 39 games last season, missing time with a hand injury.
Marks' 30-team free agency preview
Bobby Marks examines all 30 franchises' plans for free agency, including priority signings, top trade targets and the draft assets that could be used in the next superstar deal.
Here's a snippet of his notes ahead of free agency officially starting on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET:
Contenders are on restricted free agent watch: After restricted free agency dragged out last September, will we see the same with Jalen Duren, Walker Kessler, Peyton Watson and Tari Eason? With only Brooklyn and Chicago projected to have significant cap space, each player and team will need to reach a compromise on new contracts. (After negotiations stalled last offseason, Quentin Grimes and Cam Thomas signed one-year qualifying offers.)
Will this summer be defined by star extensions? The list of candidates includes Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, Jaylen Brown, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Pascal Siakam, Karl-Anthony Towns, Victor Wembanyama, LaMelo Ball, Darius Garland, Zion Williamson, Dillon Brooks, Anthony Davis, Amen Thompson, Ausar Thompson, Draymond Green and Cason Wallace. And six months after his trade to Miami is finalized, Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million max extension.
Read the full piece here.
Harden declines option, working on deal with Cavs
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden is declining his $42.3 million player option for 2026-27, and he and the team are working through a new multiyear deal together, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
The Cavs traded for Harden in February, sending the LA Clippers guard Darius Garland and a second-round pick.
A look at looming player, team options
Monday is a big day for player and team options in contracts. All options have to be exercised by 5 p.m. ET.
Here's a look at the looming options, via ESPN's Bobby Marks (in alphabetical order):
• Player: Deandre Ayton (LAL): $8.1 million • Team: Dominick Barlow (PHI): $3.4 million • Team: Nicolas Batum (LAC): $5.9 million • Player: Bradley Beal (LAC): $5.6 million • Team: Jamaree Bouyea (PHX): $2.6 million • Team: Kobe Bufkin (LAL): $2.5 million • Team: Jamal Cain (ORL): $2.6 million • Team: Julian Champagnie (SAS): $3 million • Team: Pat Connaughton (CHA): $3.8 million • Team: JD Davison (HOU): $2.6 million • Team: Lu Dort (OKC): $17.7 million • Player: Draymond Green (GSW): $27.7 million • Team: Mouhamed Gueye (ATL): $2.4 million • Player: James Harden (CLE): $42.3 million • Player: Gary Harris (MIL): $3.8 million • Team: Killian Hayes (SAC): $3 million • Team: GG Jackson (MEM): $2.4 million • Team: Andre Jackson Jr. (MIL): $2.4 million • Team: Trayce Jackson-Davis (TOR): $2.4 million • Team: Daniss Jenkins (DET): $4 million • Team: Jonathan Kuminga (ATL): $24.3 million • Player: Zach LaVine (SAC): $49 million • Team: Pelle Larsson (MIA): $2.3 million • Team: Brook Lopez (LAC): $9.2 million • Player: Sandro Mamukelashvili (TOR): $2.8 million • Team: Bez Mbeng (UTH): $2.2 million • Player: De'Anthony Melton (GSW): $3.5 million • Team: Josh Minott (BKN): $2.6 million • Team: Jonathan Mogbo (TOR): $2.3 million • Team: Ryan Nembhard (DAL): $2.2 million • Team: Julian Phillips (MIN): $2.4 million • Team: Jalen Pickett (DEN): $2.4 million • Team: Craig Porter Jr. (CLE): $2.4 million • Team: Micah Potter (IND): $2.8 million • Player: Taurean Prince (MIL): $3.8 million • Team: Olivier-Maxence Prosper (MEM): $2.5 million • Team: Neemias Queta (BOS): $2.7 million • Team: Max Shulga (BOS): $2.2 million • Player: Marcus Smart (LAL): $5.4 million • Team: Malachi Smith (BKN): $2.2 million • Team: Jordan Walsh (BOS): $2.4 million • Team: Trendon Watford (PHI): $2.8 million • Team: Jamir Watkins (WAS): $2.2 million • Player: Andrew Wiggins (MIA): $30.2 million • Team: Amari Williams (BOS): $2.2 million • Team: Kenrich Williams (OKC): $7.2 million
VanVleet picking up option in Houston
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet is opting into his $25 million player option for the 2026-27 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania.
VanVleet suffered a torn ACL during an offseason workout last September and missed the entire 2025-26 season.
Sources: Clippers, Raptors in serious talks for Kawhi trade
The LA Clippers and Toronto Raptors are in trade discussions for All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard, sources told ESPN.
LA and Toronto have been in talks for the last couple of weeks, as Leonard's reps informed other teams he only wanted to sign an extension with the Raptors if the Clippers were not going to keep him, sources said.
He had preferred to stay with the Clippers, sources said, but the franchise didn't make a long-term commitment to him this offseason. Leonard has only the 2026-27 season left on his contract at $50.3 million.
NBA insiders: the latest free agency intel on Brown, Kawhi, LeBron
ESPN's NBA experts reveal their most up-to-date reporting, including the latest talks between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, trade candidates to watch in the ooming days, the latest in the Jaylen Brown saga in Boston and more.
The LA Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets are among the teams that have registered interest, sources told ESPN. One executive told ESPN that the Clippers "want Brown bad." Execs believe the Celtics are canvassing the league to figure out what Brown's true value is, as he has three years left on his contract.
There's a small pocket of execs and agents who believe the Celtics are bluffing with Brown, but the prevailing thought is they want to move on this -- soon. -- Vincent Goodwill
Real the full story here.
June 28
Hornets send Bridges to Phoenix for Allen and O'Neale
The Charlotte Hornets are sending forward Miles Bridges, a first-round 2029 draft pick and a 2029 second-round draft pick to the Phoenix Suns for guard Grayson Allen, forward Royce O'Neale and a 2033 first-round pick, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
June 27
Slater: Jimmy Butler injury update
ESPN's Anthony Slater caught up with the Golden State Warriors' Jimmy Butler to give updates on his ACL recovery.
"I'm right back to who I've always been," Butler told ESPN. "Probably better if we was to really talk about it. I know I'm still going to be a top player whenever I get back. I have a couple good years left in me and we're going to ride it until the wheels fall off."
Read more: Jimmy Butler shares update on ACL recovery, future with the Warriors Marks: Teams have "mixed feelings on Jaylen Brown ESPN's Bobby Marks said on SiriusXM NBA Radio that teams have "mixed feelings" on the Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown, the 2024 Finals MVP.
"The analytics of Jaylen Brown are not good," Marks said. "I'm more of an eye test guy... [Brown] impacts winning, 29 years old... they're 191-80 the last four years he's played. But here's what the analytics say: He's got a negative net rating the last four years. When he was on the court this year, they were a [minus-4.6]. So there are some people out there that look at it a little more deeply than what the eye test says. So it's not like lines of teams are lining up to go out and get Jaylen Brown."
... "(I had) not an executive but a league analytics guy say, 'We view him as a seventh best player on a team, and I was like, 'Holy crap.''"
June 26
Sources: Jose Alvarado declining player option to sign new deal with Knicks
New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado is declining his $4.5 million player option and intends to sign a new three-year deal with the Knicks worth more than $14 million, sources tell ESPN.
Sources: Pistons acquiring OKC guard Isaiah Joe
The Oklahoma City Thunder are trading 26-year-old guard Isaiah Joe to the Detroit Pistons for two future second-round picks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Joe, a six-year NBA veteran, spent the past four seasons in Oklahoma City and is a career 41% shooter from 3-point range.
Sources: Celtics asking for as many as four first-round picks for Brown
The Boston Celtics remain actively engaged in trade talks to move their five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on "Get Up. "
"They missed out on Giannis. He ends up in Miami. So now they're left up to pick up the pieces, deal with the fallout. There have been some hard conversations.... So what's the ask now? My understanding is that in some cases, the Celtics have asked teams for at least four first-round picks for Jaylen Brown."
Sources: Significant trade interest in Hornets' Bridges
There's "a ton of interest" in Charlotte Hornets wing Miles Bridges, ESPN's Shams Charania said on "SportsCenter." The 28-year-old forward averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game last season in Charlotte. Meanwhile, the Hornets are also getting calls on newly acquired big man Naz Reid.
"The plan is to keep [Reid]," Charania said, "but this is a team that could still shift the roster around a little bit if they want."
June 25
Williams returns to Phoenix on three-year deal
Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams, a restricted free agent, intends to sign with Phoenix on a three-year, $38 million contract, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Williams, the Suns starting center, averaged 11 points and eight rebounds last season.
Charania: 'Hasn't been much communication' between LeBron, Lakers
ESPN's Shams Charania reported on NBA Today that despite the Los Angeles Lakers reaching out to LeBron James when teams could officially talk to their own free agents, "there hasn't been much communication" between the team and star player beyond that.
"There was a check-in call made, to my understanding, early in free agency once teams were able to start negotiating with their own free agents after the end of the NBA Finals," Charania said. "Since then though there hasn't been much communication between the Lakers and LeBron James' side. And certainly not an offer yet."
James is one of several free agents for the Lakers to consider this offseason.
Hoop Collective: EMERGENCY REACTION: Hornets trade LaMelo Ball to Timberwolves
Brian is joined by ESPN's Vincent Goodwill and Tim MacMahon to react to the Charlotte Hornets trading LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves for forward Naz Reid and draft assets. They debate who won the trade, what it means for Charlotte and whether the Timberwolves can compete in the West with Ball and Anthony Edwards as their star duo.
Windhorst on why Charlotte did this trade now: "LaMelo has three years and $130 million left on his deal and his production is substantial. He's averaged 20 points a game pretty much every year. He hits a high volume of 3-pointers, high volume assist guy, plays high tempo, can really drive your offense, but $130 million for a guy who basically missed two whole seasons with ankle injuries... it's just a high bar, (even) if there (were) a number of teams that need point guards. It's just hard to do.
"And so I don't think Charlotte was dying to trade him. But I think Charlotte was like, we got Kon Knueppel. That's the guy we're going to build around. He's 21 years old. If we can get a return for LaMelo that we like, we probably should do it now because he he's coming off a season where he only missed 10 games and showed some durability."
Sources: Hornets to sign free agent guard White to multiyear deal
Free agent guard Coby White intends to sign a three-year, $74 million deal to return to the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN. After trading LaMelo Ball, the Hornets prioritized signing White, who will now step into a starting role in the backcourt.
Sources: Hornets to trade Ball to Minnesota
The Charlotte Hornets are sending point guards LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for forward Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030) and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033), sources tell ESPN.
Horford says he's returning to Warriors, to play 20th season
Al Horford plans to return to the Golden State Warriors next season, he told ESPN on Thursday.
The 40-year-old Horford is declining his $6 million player option, with sources telling ESPN that he intends to sign a two-year, $14 million contract to return to the Warriors once free agency begins next month. Horford's new deal will be fully guaranteed and includes a trade kicker, sources said.
June 24
Hornets looking to deal LaMelo?
After the second round of the NBA draft Wednesday night, ESPN's Shams Charania provided an update on the future of All-Star guard LaMelo Ball with the Charlotte Hornets:
"Multiple teams are strongly pursuing LaMelo Ball right now. The Hornets are engaged, I'm told.... Ball does want to be in Charlotte, but this is an organization fielding some aggressive offers. So if the price is met, he could very well be on the move. This is a developing story potentially over the next 24-48 hours."
Deals are flowing in for undrafted free agents
Plenty of impact players rise from the undrafted free agent ranks -- just look at Austin Reaves, who on Wednesday agreed to a four-year max deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Here's a rundown of the latest signings, per ESPN's Shams Charania:
Creighton guard Josh Dix has agreed to a two-way deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Miami guard Tre Donaldson has agreed to a two-way deal with the Miami Heat. Vanderbilt forward AK Okereke has agreed to a two-way deal with the Lakers. NBA draft's second round sees flurry of deals A dozen trades went down on the second day of the 2026 draft. Check out the details of every move with ESPN's NBA trade tracker.
Windhorst: 'A lot of interest' in Kings' Sabonis
During the second round of the NBA draft, ESPN's Brian Windhorst examined the future of All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis with the rebuilding Sacramento Kings. "There's a possibility that the Kings may look to see what his trade market might be as they look to pivot their franchise," Windhorst said.
Pistons trading 'Beef Stew' to Grizzlies
The Detroit Pistons are trading big man Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies for three future second-round picks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. With the move, the Pistons clear Stewart's salary and pick up assets, while the Grizzlies add the 25-year-old enforcer to their frontcourt.
The legend of Beef Stew: 'He earned every minute' Windhorst updates the Morant-Memphis saga What does the future hold for star guard Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies? Early in the second round of Wednesday's NBA draft, ESPN's Brian Windhorst shared why a trade could prove difficult this summer:
"We probably have seen the last moments of Ja Morant in a Grizzlies uniform. It just depends on how it's going to play itself out.... They've had difficulty finding a trading partner for Ja Morant. There are not that many teams that need franchise point guards, quite frankly."
Shams: Boston has 'sense of purpose' in Brown trade talks
Ahead of the NBA draft's second round on Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania provided an update on the Boston Celtics' discussions around the league involving All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown.
Reporting for ESPN NBA Draft show on the Boston Celtics actively engaged in trade talks surrounding Jaylen Brown: pic.twitter.com/pQtHp1zJNm
Lakers open to trading LeBron for Allen?
The Los Angeles Lakers have locked up Austin Reaves, but LeBron James' future remains uncertain. ESPN's Brian Windhorst said during an appearance on ESPN Radio in Cleveland that if James is interested in a reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Lakers would be willing to work a sign-and-trade deal that brought them center Jarrett Allen in return.
"Obviously, LeBron would have to want to sign with the Cavs, but if your pathway to paying LeBron the money is to trade Jarrett Allen for him, the Lakers would kill for Jarrett Allen," Windhorst said. "Kill for him. All right? They would do that deal in 17-tenths of a second."
Austin Reaves re-signing with Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves intends to sign a four-year, $185 million maximum contract to return to the franchise, with a player option for the final season in 2029-30, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Reaves declined his $14.9 million player option for the new max deal.
Movement at the top of Round 2?
Entering the second round of the draft, the New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies hold the top two picks, but ESPN's Shams Charania reports both teams are actively shopping those picks in hopes of adding additional future draft assets. The Knicks picked up five second-round picks by moving out of Tuesday's first round, while the Grizzlies added five second-round picks by moving down from 16 to 21 in multiple deals.
June 23
Could Kawhi Leonard be on the move?
While the NBA's investigation into the LA Clippers' deal with Aspiration remains unresolved, so does Kawhi Leonard's future in Los Angeles. ESPN's Shams Charania reports multiple teams have interest in the two-time Finals MVP, who has one season left on his contract.
"There are multiple teams monitoring Kawhi Leonard right now over the next few weeks," Charania said on the NBA Today Draft Special. "Kawhi Leonard has one year left on his deal. The Clippers have been in this position before with Kawhi Leonard.... I think in the coming days and weeks, we'll start to learn a little bit more about the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and a potential outside team as well."
Shams: Celtics talking to teams about Brown
The Boston Celtics didn't end up trading Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the All-NBA guard could still be on the move, reports ESPN's Shams Charania.
"Hours away from the NBA draft, the Boston Celtics have started to listen, engage and discuss trades around Jaylen Brown," Charania said on the NBA Today Draft Special. "Sources tell me the Celtics are speaking to teams right now about Jaylen Brown.... This is something everyone around the league does believe could reach an inflection point sooner than later."
Shams: Wizards locking in on Dybantsa
The Washington Wizards are on the clock with the first pick in the 2026 NBA draft, and ESPN's Shams Charania reports that people inside the league believe Washington has a preference for its choice.
"The leaguewide belief that I garner is that the Wizards are locking in on AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick," Charania said on the NBA Today Draft Special. "Michael Winger, Will Dawkins, the Wizards executives, they've done research on Cam Boozer, on Darryn Peterson, obviously at that No. 1 slot. They're going to do their due diligence. But when you look at AJ at the wing, they look at him as a natural fit."
Who could the Kings draft at seventh overall?
The Sacramento Kings' long-standing interest in Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. is an open secret in the NBA. If Acuff is there at No. 7, it's widely expected that general manager Scott Perry will select him.
There's mutual interest. Acuff came to Sacramento for an in-person meeting with the organization's coaching staff and decision-makers earlier this month and would be delivered an immediate high-usage role. He would eventually get the keys to the offense for a young rebuilding team in transition.
But there's no guarantee he'll make it to the Kings. Acuff met with the LA Clippers, selecting No. 5, and there's at least some level of interest, though he isn't considered the favorite to land in a backcourt that already includes Darius Garland.
2026 NBA draft coverage
• Draft grades for all 30 teams • Round 1 recap: Which teams fared well? • Dybantsa to Wizards | Peterson to Jazz • Boozer to Grizzlies | Wilson to Bulls • Johnson reunites with May, leads U-M trio • Jeremy Woo's top 100 rankings • More draft coverage
The Brooklyn Nets, at No. 6, are a wild card. The latest buzz has them more often tied to Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. and Tennessee wing Nate Ament, but everything with Brooklyn (including the possibility of a trade) is unpredictable, and it's possible Acuff could be off the board in the sixth slot.
Team sources maintain that the Kings are comfortable with the patient approach, waiting for Acuff to fall to No. 7 but also lining up alternative plans. They attempted to get Brown and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler into town for a visit. Both prospects canceled those plans.
Perry did fly out to San Antonio to meet with Houston guard Kingston Flemings and later had Flemings into Sacramento for a private workout. Flemings could be the most feasible backup target if Acuff isn't available. -- Anthony Slater
What the Warriors are thinking ahead of the draft
Several of the Golden State Warriors' most prominent veterans -- including Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Al Horford -- cycled through the team's San Francisco facility last week to get in workouts.
The presence of Green and Horford is particularly noteworthy, considering both have to decide before June 29 whether to exercise player options -- Horford's at $5.9 million and Green's at $27.6 million -- and remain on the team.
But this was also a useful time for the front office to have some of their most prominent on-the-ground leaders and voices gathered in one building. The Warriors had several lottery prospects in for in-person testing and conversation, and many of them were strategically given time with Curry, Green, Horford and Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
Arizona guard Brayden Burries, in particular, has proponents in every layer of the organization. Burries was in the facility last Thursday and, at his pre-draft availability on Monday in Brooklyn, spoke about an extended talk with Kerr.
"He said he likes the way I play," Burries said. "He likes the way I handle myself and my maturity, likes that my demeanor on the floor was never getting too high, never getting too low."
Kerr is an Arizona alum and an active fan of the Wildcats. He attended the team's Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games in San Jose and has been tracking Burries all season, remaining skeptical that Burries will fall to them at the 11th pick.
But if Burries does -- and there is a realistic chance -- he profiles as the likeliest selection for general manager Mike Dunleavy and the Warriors.
If Burries is gone, league sources believe the Warriors will most likely end up with one of the three Michigan big men -- Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr. or Yaxel Lendeborg. All three had in-person workouts for the Warriors last week, as did Washington big Hannes Steinbach and Alabama guard Labaron Philon, two other potential targets. -- Anthony Slater
Shams: Heat prepared to lose Norman Powell
ESPN's Shams Charania reported on the Pat McAfee show that after trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat are heading into the offseason preparing to have to replace starting guard Norman Powell.
"This offseason, there's going to be interest in him, other suitors [for] him," Charania said. "Financially it's going to be very difficult for them to keep him. They're going to have exceptions to use. They could participate in a sign-and-trade with Norman Powell this offseason, but the Heat are operating as if he's going to end up in a sign-and-trade or end up elsewhere."
Blazers hiring Wolves' Nori as coach
The Portland Trail Blazers are hiring Minnesota Timberwolves lead assistant Micah Nori as the franchise's next head coach, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Nori -- widely regarded as one of the league's top assistants -- has been in the NBA coaching ranks since 2009 and now takes over in Portland on a multiyear deal.
Is Ant Edwards next on the block?
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded former All Star Julius Randle in what amounted to a salary dump on Monday, and ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on Get Up that could have teams asking about Anthony Edwards' future in Minnesota.
Okay, so if you say to me Giannis has now been traded, who would be the next NBA star that you would watch? The answer would be Anthony Edwards," Windhorst said. "Already, Anthony Edwards has watched Karl-Anthony Towns, a player he totally fit with on the court, get traded to the Knicks and win a championship. Last summer they let Nickeil Alexander-Walker go, and he goes and wins Most Improved Player down in Atlanta."
What's next for Celtics, Jaylen Brown?
After the Boston Celtics failed to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, they have an awkward situation with All-NBA guard Jaylen Brown, who was prominently involved in those trade talks. "The Celtics and Jaylen Brown will have hard conversations moving forward about the fallout from a trade that didn't happen," ESPN's Shams Charania said on Get Up. "I've had a few people tell me last night, you've got to get a deal done if you're the Celtics."
Brown, who was also involved in trade talks for Kevin Durant in 2022, has three years and $183 million remaining on his contract.
Heat losing an All-Star?
The trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo puts the Miami Heat in a cap crunch, and it could cost them All-Star Norman Powell. ESPN's Brian Windhorst said Tuesday morning on Get Up, "They're gonna lose their All Star, Norman Powell.... Unless he takes a crazy discount, he's going to be gone." Powell is an unrestricted free agent who made $20.5 million this past season.
June 22
Sources: Giannis Antetokounmpo traded to the Miami Heat
After a yearlong saga, Bucks franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis have been traded to the Miami Heat in exchange for All-Star Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including No. 13 in Tuesday's NBA draft), a pick swap in 2030 and a 2033 second-round pick, sources tell ESPN.
Along with the No. 13 pick in this year's draft, the Heat are sending the Bucks unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033.
The deal ends Antetokounmpo's 13-year tenure in Milwaukee, which included 10 consecutive All-Star appearances, two MVP awards and the 2021 NBA championship.
Sources: Wolves, Dosunmu agree to five-year deal
Free agent guard Ayo Dosunmu intends to sign a five-year, $112 million contract to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with a player option in the fifth season, sources tell ESPN.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are sending Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the NBA draft to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade that sends Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN. The Timberwolves will acquire Brooklyn's No. 33 pick for Randle and No. 28.
By trading Randle, the Wolves free up significant cap space with the remaining two years of Randle's deal, giving them flexibility to retain free agent guard Ayo Dosunmu. The Nets acquire a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA forward in Randle into their cap space -- plus a first-rounder. And in Claxton, Chicago lands a young center, a position of need, and still has $30 million in cap room left.
Diawara intends to sign a multiyear deal with Knicks
Sources told ESPN's Shams Charania that Mohamed Diawara intends to sign a multiyear, $10-plus million deal to return to the New York Knicks. The 25-year-old won the NBA Cup and NBA championship in his first season in the league.
Golden Knights owner Bill Foley launching NBA Las Vegas bid
ESPN's Ryan S. Clark reported that Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley is launching a bid to bring an NBA franchise to Las Vegas. The announcement comes after the NBA's board of governors approved a vote in late March to explore bids and applicants for expansion franchises exclusively in Las Vegas and Seattle.
Charania: Heat's, Celtics' offers are fully "baked"
ESPN's Shams Charania stated on NBA Today that the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo are fully complete and "baked" offers.
"Giannis Antetokounmpo is somewhere abroad, ready to be traded," Charania said. "From my understanding these are baked offers."
Charania: Trae Young intends to sign four-year extension with Washington
Sources told ESPN's Shams Charania that Trae Young intends to sign a four-year, $212 million extension with the Washington Wizards. Young had previously declined his $49 million player option ahead of free agency in hopes of a long-term deal.
The four-time All-Star was traded to the Wizards in January and appeared in only five games for the franchise.
Charania: Giannis deal could happen "as soon as today"
ESPN's Shams Charania reported on the Pat McAfee Show that a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade could happen "as soon as today" and that the Milwaukee Bucks are "trying to navigate internally" about landing the best deal for Antetokounmpo.
Woo: 2026 NBA mock draft: Projecting all 60 picks in Rounds 1 and 2
ESPN's Jeremy Woo broke down his top 60 projected draft picks this season for the last time before Tuesday and Wednesday's NBA draft.
As Shams Charania and I reported last week, the (Washington Wizards have narrowed their decision to (Darryn) Peterson or (AJ) Dybantsa. They have continued to keep things quiet as they move toward a final decision.
The margin between the two players is viewed in the league as razor-thin, with Dybantsa's downhill scoring and elite physical gifts contrasting Peterson's remarkable 3-point shooting and perimeter shot creation. It's close enough that fit could factor in for the Wizards as they build out their roster. -- Woo
Sources: Mavericks to hire May as next coach
University of Michigan men's basketball coach Dusty May has agreed to become the next coach of the Dallas Mavericks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania, Adam Schefter and Pete Thamel. The 2026 NCAA championship coach joins new Mavericks president Masai Ujiri.
Sources: Giannis Antetokounmpo trade finalists are Celtics, Heat
Sources told ESPN's Shams Charania that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be be traded before the NBA draft on Tuesday and that the two finalists for Antetokounmpo are the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. Sources also told Charania that if he is traded to Milwaukee for Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown would remain with the Bucks.
Hoop Collective: NBA draft preview and what major lottery drama to watch
Brian is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and special guest Fran Fraschilla to cover the top prospects in this season's NBA draft (Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN), including why the top of the draft is historic, which players aren't getting enough attention and which could be steals over both draft days.
Fraschilla on the No. 1 pick: "There are a number of guys in this draft that could end up being the best player, but for (the) Washington (Wizards) and where they are right now and what they're doing with the plethora of young players, AJ Dybantsa played in every game, I don't think he missed the practice. He stepped up and led the country in scoring. I saw that amazing performance at Madison Square Garden where BYU trailed by 20 at the half and he brought them back.
"And as much as I love all four of the top guys, I think Will Dawkins and Michael Winger can put their head on the pillow on Tuesday night with AJ because if you did take Darryn Peterson and midway through December he comes up with a hamstring injury and misses 10 games, that talk is going to start. And there's nothing in that situation with AJ that warrants that kind of scrutiny. And I think that's why he's the safe pick at number one for Washington. And I think that's where they're going to go."
2026 NBA mock draft: Projecting all 60 picks in Rounds 1 and 2
Windhorst: Celtics willing to offer Brown for Antetokounmpo
ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on "Get Up" that the Boston Celtics are "all-in" on acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, including offering Jaylen Brown in a deal for the two-time MVP.
"The Celtics and the [Miami Heat] are the two teams that are aggressively going after Giannis, I would say they are the finalists," Windhorst said. "If Giannis is going to be traded in the next 24 hours, which I think is a good chance of happening, it's either going to be to Boston or Miami.... [Boston] was very cautious about putting Jaylen Brown in an official firm offer. I believe they have. Jaylen Brown is on the table and I believe Jaylen Brown could get traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo in the short term."
Even if the Celtics and Bucks do not make a deal, Brown could still be on the move.
"The Celtics have, I believe, decided they just weren't good enough. It wasn't that Jayson Tatum got hurt and they lost that series to Philly. The Celtics have taken a hard look in the mirror and decided, 'We weren't going to be the Knicks.'...
"The Celtics are stone-cold sober. They think they're not as good as the Knicks. They're not sure they're going to be as good as the Pacers next year when they come back fully healthy, and they believe they need to upgrade their team. And I am now speculating that if Jaylen Brown doesn't get traded for Giannis, they may trade him somewhere else. That is one of the things that has emerged."
Windhorst: Six storylines already shaping the NBA offseason June 21 Sources: Thunder trade Wiggins to Hawks for picks The Oklahoma City Thunder are sending guard Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks for two second-round picks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
In exchange for Wiggins, the Thunder will receive Atlanta's 2030 pick and the least favorable pick of the Hawks/Lakers in 2032.
Kram: Grades for offseason signings, extensions
The NBA offseason has officially begun.
There should be more contract extensions soon, as June 30 is the last day for a player in the final year of his contract to extend that deal. June 30 is also the first day teams can negotiate with free agents outside of their franchise. In other words: That's when you should expect the free agency frenzy to begin.
Zach Kram is grading every free agency signing and the most impactful extensions this offseason, breaking down the ramifications for all teams and players involved.
Sources: Suns, Jordan Goodwin set for 3-year, $19M deal
Free agent guard Jordan Goodwin intends to sign a three-year, $19 million deal to return to the Phoenix Suns, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Sunday.
The deal includes a player option for the third season, sources said.
CJ McCollum stays with Hawks on 1-year, $21M extension
Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum has agreed to a one-year, $21 million contract extension with the franchise, his agent told ESPN's Shams Charania.
The deal includes a trade kicker, according to agent Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports Management.
June 20
Gillespie returning to Suns on 4-year, $48 million deal
Free agent guard Collin Gillespie intends to sign a four-year, $48 million deal to return to the Phoenix Suns, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Saturday.
Gillespie spent three straight seasons on two-way contracts after going undrafted out of Villanova in 2022. He now earns a lucrative long-term deal as a significant member and success story of the Suns' new culture around grit and toughness.
June 19
Hoop Collective: Mike Breen on the Knicks; major offseason changes in the West
Brian is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to welcome in ESPN broadcaster Mike Breen to recount the New York Knicks' magical win to the championship. Breen covers what the title means to the city, the incredible fanbase and how the team came together to win the franchise's first title in 53 years. They then cover some big decisions for teams in the Western Conference, including if the LA Clippers should part ways with Kawhi Leonard, potential salary concerns for Oklahoma City Thunder and if the Golden State Warriors should trade their pick for a key player.
Bontemps on the Kawhi Leonard potential outcomes: "Is he going to be willing to extend wherever he gets traded?
... I think that is the bigger part of figuring out where he would wind up, because, look, I covered Kawhi in Toronto. We know how that went. You know how it was in San Antonio the year before, right?
"He was hellbent on getting to LA and he wanted to be in LA. And that was where he was going to be. So I think it's a very open question as to whether he will want to play anywhere else. And I think that's the first thing you have to ask going into this. All right, if I'm going to give up anything of real value for this guy, is he going to be willing to play here for more than this year?
"So if the answer is no, then I'm not going to give up very much to trade for him. So that, I think, is that more than the Aspiration (issues) of it. I think if the Clippers are talking to other teams about him, are there places he'd be willing to go and willing to extend there?"
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast Sources: Caldwell-Pope opts into $21.6M deal with Grizzlies Memphis Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is exercising his $21.6 million player option for the 2026-27 season, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Friday.
A two-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets, Caldwell-Pope underwent surgery to address a misalignment on his right pinkie finger in February and missed the last 31 games of the season.
June 18
Magic introduce Sweeney as head coach
New Orlando Magic coach Sean Sweeney gave Orlando a glimpse of the intensity he plans to bring to his first head coaching job. Sweeney spelled out his approach for his new team during his introductory news conference Thursday.
"For me, coaching is not a profession -- it's a vocation," Sweeney told reporters. "It's been 21 years of preparation, and [that] has brought me here and I'm ready for it, and I'm excited to begin. Our team is going to be built on our values. We're going to value character... competition... connection, and we are going to value the game. I love the game. I'm a competitor. I want to do things with integrity, and I want to make sure that we are connected in how we play.
"... We're going to hold ourselves to a high standard. There's going to be an expectation that's high. The bar's going to be set high, and we plan on meeting that bar."
Sweeney, formerly the associate head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, is known as a defensive manager who also has a lot of experience helping develop and connecting with superstars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic at stops with the Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets.
Sweeney will be tasked with raising an already stellar defense to an elite level while improving a Magic offense that struggled in a seven-game first-round loss to the Detroit Pistons. Sweeney will also have to get the best out of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
"The thing that the great players all have in common is they raise the level of those around them," Sweeney said. "And so, whether it's Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving or Kevin Garnett or Paul Pierce or Blake Griffin or Giannis or any of these guys here, you mentioned Paolo and Franz. The mark of a great player, there's obviously a production piece of it, but it's your ability to elevate those around you.
"In terms of Paolo and Franz, I'm excited to coach those guys. Amongst the whole team, like how can you not be excited to coach everyone on this roster? But those two guys are obviously standout players in this league already, and I'm excited to get to work with them."
Sweeney drew the biggest laughs of the news conference when he was asked what he hopes his players will say about him at the end of this coming season.
"Reggie Jackson, who I coached in Detroit, said, 'You're the first a--hole that I love,'" Sweeney said. "And if my players said that about me, I'd be happy about that. But no, I hope they say that there's someone here who supports them, who's someone who got their back, who wants them to do well as individuals, but most importantly, who wants a team to do well." -- Ohm Youngmisuk
Windhorst: Young "likely" to sign 3-year, large contract in Washington
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on "Get Up" that, despite opting out of his contract with the Washington Wizards, Trae Young will likely sign a three-year deal with the franchise.
"When Trae Young was traded in January, it came with the understanding that he would opt out of his contract," Windhorst said. "It also came with the understanding that he wouldn't play for the rest of the season.... He may take a meeting or two, just for appearances' sake. He's going to re-sign with the Wizards, likely on a three-year, very large contract."
Lakers offseason intel: Latest on LeBron, Luka, Reaves
ESPN's Dave McMenamin wrote a big offseason primer about the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, detailing what he's hearing about whether LeBron James and Austin Reaves will be back and whether Luka Doncic will have influence on the team's moves. Here's an excerpt:
The prevailing sentiment, according to more than half a dozen sources around the league, is that James will likely return to the Lakers if he comes back, with the Golden State Warriors presenting a realistic second option.
The most the Warriors, as currently constructed, could offer James is the $15.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, $37 million less than what he made last season.
The Lakers could offer James a maximum of three years and $182 million to stay, but nobody around the league expects the team to offer James anywhere close to that.
McMenamin also has notes on whether the Lakers could retain their free agents. Read the full story here.
More Lakers coverage June 17 Why Dolan is so worried about the second apron The New York Knicks' championship parade has not even started, but there are already questions over whether finances will break up the roster.
"If we could bring back the whole team, exactly as is, why wouldn't you?" Knicks owner James Dolan said Wednesday on WFAN's "Carton Show." "I don't know if we'll be able to.
"We're willing to stretch, but there's certain things in the NBA that you'd have to be suicidal to do. One of them is the second apron. Cannot go into the second apron."
Including the 24th pick in next week's draft (June 23 and 24, 8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN), New York is $13 million below the second apron and has decisions with free agents Landry Shamet, Mitchell Robinson and possibly Jose Alvarado. (Alvarado has until Monday to decide on his $4.5 million option.) The entire starting five, meanwhile, is under contract through at least 2026-27. Karl-Anthony Towns is extension-eligible this summer and can become a free agent in the 2027 offseason if an agreement is not reached.
The second apron is a punitive luxury tax threshold restricting how teams add to their rosters in free agency, trades and the draft. In the case of the Knicks, the team would not be allowed to send cash in a trade, use the $6.1 million tax midlevel exception, aggregate salaries in a trade or use more than 100% of the traded player exception.
A team cannot trade its first-round pick seven years out if it finishes over the second apron in consecutive seasons, which no team has ever done. That same pick could be moved back to the end of the first round if a team finishes over the second apron in three out of four seasons. Luckily for Dolan and the Knicks, there are no rules that prohibit a team from retaining its own players.
New York can exceed the threshold to sign Robinson, Shamet and Alvarado. If the Knicks let the three players sign elsewhere, they would have their first-round pick (New York also has the 31st and 55th picks in the second round), the $6.1 million tax midlevel exception and $2.5 million veteran minimum exceptions available as replacements.
Since the apron rules were implemented before the 2024-25 season, Cleveland, Phoenix, Minnesota and Boston have finished the regular season over the second apron. The Knicks finished the past two seasons $53,000 and $370,000 below. Next offseason, New York is projected to be $31 million below the second apron with seven players under contract. -- Bobby Marks
More on the Knicks' offseason Dunleavy expects Warriors to use No. 11 pick In a news conference six days ahead of the NBA draft, Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy said he feels "pretty confident" the team will use the No. 11 pick.
Considering the advanced stage of Stephen Curry's career, the recent return of longtime coach Steve Kerr and the franchise's fading title window, the Warriors are a constant source of trade speculation, needing veteran help to better legitimize the roster.
Team sources continue to leave open the possibility of a trade -- particularly if the LA Clippers were to make wing Kawhi Leonard available -- but the lead decision-makers also have made it clear that they need an infusion of young talent. The 11th pick in what is considered a loaded lottery is a perfect chance for that.
"Does that mean we could move back, move up? Sure," Dunleavy said. "But I just feel like as strong as this draft is, we should probably come out of this draft with a player, unless something falls into our lap trade-wise of a veteran guy that we really think could make a difference. We'll certainly look at it and potentially do it. But this is a really good draft to be in, especially at 11. We don't want to overlook that."
Michigan wing Yaxel Lendeborg was in San Francisco last week. Mixed into a group of otherwise second-round prospects, Lendeborg unsurprisingly impressed those in attendance, team sources said, solidifying an internal belief that he is a 6-foot-9 plug-and-play frontcourt option for a team that desperately needs skilled size.
"The fit is so obvious," one team source said.
But so is the age question. Lendeborg is 24, a week older than Jonathan Kuminga, the fifth-year wing the Warriors traded in February. Lendeborg's age, team sources said, doesn't disqualify him. He's a real option at the 11th spot. But it will be part of the calculus when the Warriors are on the clock Tuesday, especially in a packed lottery where a few intriguing prospects several years younger should fall.
Brayden Burries is among them. The 20-year-old Arizona guard has declined workouts with select teams in the top 10, including the Sacramento Kings (No. 7), league sources said. There's a belief that the Dallas Mavericks, selecting at No. 9, are one of Burries' preferred landing spots. But he appears to know there's at least a chance he might slip, and the Warriors are an intriguing backstop. Burries is scheduled to work out for them in San Francisco on Thursday, team sources said, the same day the Warriors are bringing in Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. and Washington big man Hannes Steinbach.
Michigan center Aday Mara, Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. and Houston guard Kingston Flemings are other names of note. They are presumed top-10 picks without scheduled workouts for the Warriors, but they have fans in the building -- particularly Brown, who is generating a ton of predraft buzz -- and the Warriors have gathered intel in case someone slips through the cracks. -- Anthony Slater
More on the Warriors' offseason Spears: Brown not interested in playing for Milwaukee Andscape's Marc J. Spears reported on SportsCenter that while the Boston Celtics are still interested in trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown would not be interested in playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.
"I know the Bucks don't love the Miami deal. But it appears to be the best deal," Spears said. "Boston, I'm hearing, would love to sneak in and get (Antetokounmpo). That might mean moving Jaylen (Brown) to another place. I know Jaylen wouldn't want to play for Milwaukee."
More on the Bucks' offseason decisions Hoop Collective: Biggest offseason questions impacting the entire league Brian is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to cover some of the biggest storylines of what could be a busy NBA offseason. They discuss the top two teams in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes and why he will likely be moved by the NBA draft. They then move on to Utah and what the franchise's plan is for the No. 2 pick before closing on what will happen with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bontemps on the Lakers' challenges this offseason: "They got to get a bunch of stuff. I mean, they need a lot more athleticism. They need a lot more perimeter defense. They need a real center. They probably need another ball handler, even if they bring back Austin Reeves, beyond just (Reeves) and Luka (Doncic). I mean, they need a lot of stuff.
"They had a fine year last year, obviously they got the second round, won a playoff series even with their main guys banged up like that. It was an impressive season.
"On the other hand, they had no hope against Thunder. And if you're looking up the Western Conference standings, and again when you got a guy like Luka Doncic, the idea is to be competing for a championship, right? They're miles behind the Thunder. And they're miles behind the Spurs.
"And those teams are younger and deeper with more resources and are only going to be getting better. And that's before they even actively try to get better. So, it is going to be an immense challenge for the Lakers to try to catch up to those two teams in particular, because they don't have a ton of assets. They have some cap space, but not a ton, and there's not a ton of guys that you really are that excited to go spend it on."
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast Warriors offseason intel: Latest on LeBron, Kawhi, more ESPN's Anthony Slater went deep in a story on Wednesday on what's ahead for the Golden State Warriors this offseason. Are they in on LeBron James? Could they trade for Kawhi Leonard? What's happening with Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis and Brandin Podziemski? Slater hits on those topics and more. Here's an excerpt:
If negotiations between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers break down -- and if James goes searching for a new home for his 24th NBA season -- the Warriors are a willing suitor, team sources said.
But openness does not equal anticipation. All the intel that Warriors decision-makers have gathered continues to point toward James' return to the Lakers, team sources said, and they are currently plotting their summer under that premise. The Warriors' pitch, if the door cracks open, would be simple. They can clear room for the full $15.1 million nontaxpayer midlevel -- a team-friendly, low-risk bargain with on-court and off-court financial upside.
Slater also notes that the Warriors could add a second season player option and get Stephen Curry in on the recruitment process. Read the full story here.
More Warriors coverage Sources: Jazz, Kessler not close to deal despite $140M offer A gulf remains between restricted free agent center Walker Kessler and the Jazz after Utah put an offer worth roughly $140 million over five years on the table, sources told ESPN.
It would be the largest contact ever given to a center who had yet to be an All-Star. The Jazz have the right to match any offer sheet that Kessler signs as a restricted free agent.
More Jazz coverage June 16 Sources: Peterson canceled visits after Wiz interview went well Darryn Peterson's decision to only meet with the Washington Wizards, who own the No. 1 pick, should not be read as disinterest to other teams later in the lottery but rather as an affirmation of his desire to go first and his belief that he is the top prospect in this draft, according to sources close to him.
Peterson interviewed and met with the Utah Jazz, who own the No. 2 pick, at the draft combine in Chicago last month, and he never committed to a private workout for the Jazz, sources said. He simply declined to schedule any further meetings with the Jazz or other teams after his visit with the Wizards went well. -- Ramona Shelburne
Windhorst: LeBron, Lakers negotiating new deal
During an appearance on ESPN Cleveland, Brian Windhorst said LeBron James is in talks with the Los Angeles Lakers to return for a record-setting 24th NBA season.
"I think LeBron's intention is to play. And I think the focus right now is making a deal with the Lakers. Right now, he's allowed to negotiate with the Lakers, and I believe they are negotiating. I believe they're going back and forth," Windhorst said. "Free agency begins in 14 days, and in the next 14 days I think he's going to try to make a deal with the Lakers. The amount of the deal may depend on what else the Lakers might be able to do in free agency. And if in 14 days he is at an impasse with the Lakers and there is no deal there, then I think other teams, like the Cavs, should stand to attention. But the league generally believes the two sides are going to come together."
Hayes granted Slovenian citizenship
Unrestricted free agent center Jaxson Hayes has assured at least one way to continue playing with Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic, as Hayes received his passport at the Slovenian embassy in Washington this week.
Hayes, 26, is one of nine potential free agents on the Lakers' 15-man roster. He has played for L.A. the last three seasons and is coming off his finest year for the franchise, averaging 7.5 points on a career-best 75.6% from the field with 4.1 rebounds per game as Deandre Ayton's backup at the 5.
Hayes, who shares Doncic's agent, Bill Duffy of WME Sports, said he was pursuing Slovenian citizenship in part because of the way he felt shut out of Team USA's selection process.
"USA doesn't do open tryouts," Hayes said last year. "And I feel like there are guys they invite to the USA [training camp] that shouldn't be there. So, I wanted to just play on that stage... I'm going to do whatever it takes to play on that stage."
The Slovenian men's national team will be competing in the FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers this summer with games against Estonia and Sweden in early July, but Hayes will not be joining them, the Slovenian Basketball Federation announced.
Doncic also announced he will not be with the team as he spends time with his two young daughters in Slovenia. -- Dave McMenamin
Windhorst: Cleveland looking to save on salary
On ESPN Cleveland, Brian Windhorst covered what the Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping to do this offseason, including what decisions they could make on several veterans.
"The most recent thing I've heard with the Cavs is they're looking to shave off some salary," Windhorst said. "I think primarily they may be investigating if they could move Dennis Schröder.... I think if anything they're trying to make sure they have some maneuverability."
The Cavaliers are also interested in bringing back other veterans, per Windhorst.
"I think they'd like to keep (Keon Ellis and Dean Wade) just to be clear, but I think their bigger priority is Wade," Windhorst said.
Goodwill: Boston, Miami in the lead for Giannis
On "Get Up" this morning, ESPN's Vincent Goodwill revealed the latest on where Antetokounmpo might land.
"He can determine where he wants to go because no one wants a one-year rental. What I've heard from people is that, depending on who you to talk to, Boston and Miami are in the driver's seat of this conversation. A couple of executives I talked to yesterday said they think Miami thinks Boston is in the lead."
Windhorst: Antetokounmpo would sign an extension in Boston
In a story published Tuesday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst outlines six major storylines already shaping the NBA offseason, including the latest in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga, the Lakers' plans, OKC's second-apron conundrum, early buzz surrounding the No. 1 pick, expansion updates and more.
The Boston Celtics are also on Antetokounmpo's list. He'd be willing to extend his contract if he were traded there too, league sources say. The Celtics typically don't get involved in situations in which they have to be involved with player agents alongside the teams.
Antetokounmpo and his representation have definitely tried to have a seat at the table during this process -- a fact that makes the Celtics uncomfortable.
The Celtics keep things quiet. Their big moves, from the then-stunning hiring of Brad Stevens 13 years ago to the Jrue Holiday trade last summer, typically don't leak. They did have some player/team involvement when they made the deal to get Kristaps Porzingis in 2023, so it's not impossible, but that was an outlier.
Read the full story here.
June 15
Sarr has foot surgery, not expected to miss the start of the season
Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr underwent surgery to repair a fractured right foot Monday, sources told ESPN.
Sarr picked up the injury last week while doing an offseason workout. He isn't expected to miss any of the regular season.
Chicago set to hire Tiago Splitter as head coach
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Chicago Bulls are hiring former Portland Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter for their head coaching position.
Splitter succeeds Billy Donovan as the Bulls' head coach after stepping into the head job and excelling in Portland last season. Splitter, 41, guided the Trail Blazers to a 42-40 record and a postseason berth as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference amid adversity stemming from Chauncey Billups' federal charges.
Windhorst: Giannis trade talks have "intensified"
Talks surrounding a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade have intensified over the past week to 10 days, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on "Get Up."
"This league finally believes this is going to happen. I'd be remiss if I didn't say he could still commit to re-signing with the Bucks... [Antetokounmpo] has focused on wanting to become a member of the Miami Heat, and because he has only one year left on his contract, he has some control over that. But the Heat and the Bucks have been talking for months and not agreed to a deal -- because the Bucks don't love the Heat's offer. There are third teams involved. There are fourth teams involved.
"In recent days, we have seen that the Boston Celtics have shown some interest, but a Celtics offer has a stumbling block: No. 1: You'd potentially be breaking up Jaylen Brown-Jayson Tatum. No. 2: It would mean changing the entire structure of how the Celtics play basketball."
June 14
Hoop Collective: Knicks win the championship! Game 5 reaction
Brian is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon and Iman Shumpert to cover the New York Knicks winning the 2026 NBA Finals, including Jalen Brunson's Finals MVP run, his case for greatest Knick of all time and what's next for the San Antonio Spurs.
Shumpert on Brunson winning the Finals MVP: (Brunson's) not the fastest, he's not the most athletic. All of these things are the reason that Jalen Brunson has completed his version of a journey with his game.
"He has made the proper adjustments. He adds to his game every year. We talked about how much of a conscious effort it has been this whole year to get his teammates involved. After the last two years, he didn't. If you looked at the other side of the paper and you saw the Spurs, that's what they lack.
"De'Aaron Fox went for that bucket because he's athletic and still relying on his athleticism. Victor Wembanyama sometimes just will shoot a 3 because he can't decide what move he wants to go through. Because they're so young and gifted. When I talk about a veteran, a veteran adds this in, right? Because he can't move fast anymore."
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast June 13 Welcome to NBA free agency -- sort of With the NBA Finals over, teams are now allowed to negotiate (but not sign) new contracts with their own free agents and players on the roster who are eligible for extensions.
That means the NBA champion New York Knicks can start negotiations with free agents Landry Shamet and Mitchell Robinson. They can also begin extension conversations with Karl-Anthony Towns.
That also means the runner-up San Antonio Spurs are now allowed to layout the framework for a record five-year, $251 million rookie max extension with Victor Wembanyama.
Other notable extension candidates include Nikola Jokic, Kawhi Leonard, Amen and Ausar Thompson.
In Los Angeles, the future of LeBron James is the headliner over the next few weeks. James and the Lakers can now talk about a new contract. James and his agent Rich Paul need to wait until June 30 at 6 p.m. ET to begin talking with the other 29 teams, however.
On the transaction front, all 30 teams are now allowed to make trades. -- Bobby Marks
June 12
Latest on a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade
ESPN's Tim Bontemps dropped a story on Friday featuring a few buzzy items during the NBA Finals, including what he's hearing about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo could be traded soon. Here's an excerpt:
With less than two weeks until the NBA draft, the biggest non-Finals story in the league is the ongoing suspense of the Giannis Antetokounmpo saga. This isn't the league's first time down this road in recent years, as the Bucks have ultimately decided to keep their superstar forward each time any trade negotiations materialized.
This time feels different. Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam has plainly said that either Antetokounmpo will be moved by the draft or the franchise will keep building around him, which would require a different set of moves.
But throughout conversations with sources during the Finals, it appears Milwaukee has a new level of motivation to find a deal. And the rest of the league is waiting to see what will happen.
"It seems like everyone else's business is on hold until we see what happens with Giannis," an East scout said.
Check out the full piece here.
NBA draft trade proposals: Deals for Wizards, Jazz, Thunder and more June 11 NBA scout likens Acuff to Brunson In a story from ESPN's Myron Medcalf about former Arkansas point guard and top NBA prospect Darius Acuff Jr., one Western Conference scout says there are similarities between the 6-foot-3 guard and Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
"Brunson has kind of brought back the smaller, scoring, tough physical point guard that can lead a team. And Acuff has some of those traits. He might even have a little more."
Read the full story here.
June 10
Lendeborg among prospects working out for Warriors
Michigan wing Yaxel Lendeborg will work out for the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on Thursday afternoon.
Lendeborg is among a group of prospects expected in the team's practice facility this week, with the NBA draft less than two weeks away (Round 1 is June 23 on ESPN/ABC). South Carolina guard Meechie Johnson and Illinois guard Kylan Boswell will also work out for the Warriors on Thursday.
Lendeborg, ESPN's No. 12-ranked prospect, is the most notable name and first prospect to work out that the Warriors are seriously considering drafting with the 11th overall pick. He has several fans in the front office, team sources said.
A 6-foot-9 wing with an advanced game, he is considered a plug-and-play option at a position of need for the Warriors. He was the Big Ten Player of the Year and a first-team All-American for Michigan, leading the Wolverines to the national championship last season. He will turn 24 in September and is only three months younger than current Warriors wing Gui Santos and is a week older than former Warriors wing Jonathan Kuminga, who just finished his fifth NBA season. That advanced age has presented questions about Lendeborg's upside for whichever team selects him in a draft loaded with intriguing 19-year-olds.
Lendeborg's individual workout and in-person meeting with the front office Thursday will assuredly play a role in whether the Warriors decide to draft him in two weeks. It'll also matter how the board in front of them falls. There are plenty of intriguing players who could surprisingly fall out of the top 10, including Arizona guard Brayden Burries, who league sources said is expected to be among the lottery prospects working out for the Warriors next week. -- Anthony Slater
More Warriors coverage Hoop Collective: Where does Giannis' land? ESPN's Tim Bontemps went on the "Hoop Collective" podcast and forecast Giannis Antetokounmpo's future, including what teams have the best package for the two-time MVP.
"The Heat have a fine package. I would say if Giannis ends up on the Heat, it's for one of two reason. It's because he puts his thumb on the scale and says 'I'm only going to play for the Heat,' which I would not anticipate that happening," Bontemps said. "The other part is if other teams are just weary of outbidding Miami. If the teams that have been discussed get in the mix, I think they all have enough to outbid the Heat if they choose to actually say 'we want to go down the road with Giannis and sign up to have a guy that's going to be on the team until he's 36, 37, with a gigantic contract on the books and some of the potential long-term downsides that could occur.'... Orlando can flat out outbid Miami for Giannis. It's not a debate for me. Orlando has a better package"
Brian Windhorst detailed some of the Milwaukee Bucks' options this summer and what the franchise will be looking for in an Antetokounmpo trade.
"The Bucks want a package of established talent, prospects and draft picks," Windhorst said. "A theoretical Heat offer: Tyler Herro, I'm not sure the Heat are in the mood to extend Herro... then you have a selection of young prospects. Kel'el Ware, who's dynamic, first-round draft pick two years ago. Big man, who can stretch the floor. High energy, block shots. There'd be quite a few teams interested in Kel'el Ware if he got shipped to Milwaukee and they were willing to flip him."
He continued on the Portland Trail Blazers' chances of landing the All-Star.
"Portland has sniffed around," Windhorst said. "I'm not sure that Giannis is extending in Portland."
Sources: Bucks seeking trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo June 8 Silver: NBA to evaluate 'flopping' NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday that the league would study the issue of flopping again when its competition committee meets next month.
"When we put the flopping rule in place, there was egregious flopping," Silver said in an appearance with the "Inside The NBA" crew prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals. "Players are taught to sell the calls where there is a foul, but they're trying to draw the call... We're going to look in the offseason. We have a two-day competition committee meeting in Vegas where we will watch over 1,000 plays over two days and see if we should set that line in a different place."
The issue has come up several times during these playoffs in connection to plays involving two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Earlier on Wednesday, Thunder president of basketball operations Sam Presti defended his star by suggesting the issue has mostly been fueled by social media.
"He's playing against six people," Presti told reporters at his annual end-of-season news conference. "He's got five defenders and the sixth defender is social media."
Giannis wants to take his talents to South Beach?
Appearing on "Get Up" on Monday morning, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said he thinks Milwaukee Bucks MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo would prefer to be traded to the Miami Heat this offseason. "The team to watch here is Miami," Windhorst said. "Miami would say 'we got Tyler Herro who is a young player and been an All-Star. We got draft picks including the 13th pick in this draft... And Giannis I think wants to be in Miami. There's more check marks on Miami. I'm not sure Boston is ready to trade Jaylen Brown."
June 7
Celtics not looking to trade Brown, Giannis not interested in Boston?
ESPN's Brian Windhorst said that despite speculation, the Boston Celtics are not looking to trade All-NBA guard Jaylen Brown. "I have not heard any material true discussions," Windhorst said on an appearance on CLNS Media. "I'm certain maybe someone has called on Jaylen Brown, but I have not heard one iota of Jaylen Brown truly being available."
Later during that same appearance, Windhorst addressed the chances of the Celtics trading for Milwaukee Bucks MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. "I have not heard that Boston is on Giannis's list. I have not heard that Giannis is prepared to sign the extension with Boston," he said. "Just because I haven't heard doesn't mean it's not true. But until those two things are true, I don't think it's really something that's in the world of reality."
June 2
How far will OKC go to keep its roster intact?
ESPN reporters Anthony Slater and Tim MacMahon went deep on the Oklahoma City Thunder's future on Tuesday, detailing what could be in store after they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Here's an excerpt from the story, on two key role players:
There is a strong anticipation among team and league sources that Isaiah Hartenstein will be back in Oklahoma City next season, whether the Thunder choose to pick up his team option or the sides agree to an extension. With Wembanyama and the Spurs looming as a long-term rival, it would be a significant step in the wrong direction for the Thunder to thin out their big man depth, especially after Hartenstein had some success defending Wembanyama during the West finals.
The decision on Luguentz Dort is considered murkier, in part due to Wallace's presence as a potential replacement in the starting lineup who is in line for a significant raise, starting in the 2027-28 season. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander publicly vowed not to provide input to Presti on personnel matters, sources familiar with the superstar's thinking said that he privately intends to emphasize to management how much he values playing alongside his Canadian countryman Dort. Dort switched agents from Thaddeus Foucher to Klutch Sports' Mike George this season, a move that hardly signifies a willingness to accept a team-friendly deal.
As noted by Slater and MacMahon, the Thunder's salary is projected to be $250.5 million next season, well past the projected second apron, which would trigger a more than $200 million tax bill.
More Thunder coverage Gilgeous-Alexander calls season a failure after Game 7 loss May 29 Collier: Bulls talking to BYU coach about opening The Chicago Bulls are casting a wide net for their head-coaching search, which includes interest and early conversations with BYU coach Kevin Young, sources told ESPN's Jamal Collier.
Young was a lead assistant with the Phoenix Suns from 2020 through 2024 before getting hired at BYU. Young signed a long-term extension with the Cougars in May 2025, before the arrival of top recruit AJ Dybantsa, who could go No. 1 overall in June's draft.
Other candidates for the Bulls coaching vacancy include Tiago Splitter, Micah Nori, Johnnie Bryant, Jerry Stackhouse and Lamar Skeeter, according to Collier.
More Bulls coverage Updated top 100 rankings for the 2026 draft May 26 Windhorst: Expect the Cavs to make significant changes ESPN's Brian Windhorst stated on NBA Today he expects the Cleveland Cavaliers to make "significant changes" to the roster during the offseason, including a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
"I don't think it will be long before you start to hear Cavs attached to Giannis Antetokounmpo," Windhorst said. "Would they consider entering that market? If they put Evan Mobley on the table... What if they could turn him into Giannis with Harden and Donovan Mitchell on the roster? They haven't cross that bridge yet, but it's something they might have to consider."
The Cavaliers were swept out of the Eastern Conference Finals by the New York Knicks on Monday night.
Windhorst: Harden return 'not theoretical'
After the Cleveland Cavaliers were swept by the New York Knicks, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said the team is planning to sigh James Harden to a long-term deal to stay in Cleveland.
"They are a second-apron team. What I believe their plan to be is that James Harden is going to opt out of his contract and sign a new contract," Windhorst said on ESPN Cleveland. "This is not theoretical. James Harden will be back with the Cavs next year and it will be for multiple years guaranteed, which will take them out of the second apron."
May 23
Windhorst: Celtics need to evaluate Brown-Tatum from a second-apron angle
ESPN's Brian Windhorst went on the NBA Weekend radio show to discuss Jaylen Brown's future with the Boston Celtics, including if he'd want to leave and what the Celtics need to do with their backcourt.
"I think the Celtics are at an interesting point," Windhorst said. "They have to evaluate their roster and decide is Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum together earning $600 million on their contracts the way to go forward in the league, in the apron era to have everything tied up in two players that are so similar.
"Not because one guy wants his own team, not because one guy wants out of there, not because one guy wants extra accolades and extra shots. From a basketball team-building strategic standpoint in the 2026 NBA, does that make sense? This is what the Celtics have to analyze."
Boston was eliminated in the first-round by the Philadelphia 76ers this postseason.
May 21
Slater: Golden State's Giannis trade package not in top three
ESPN's Anthony Slater went on 95.7 The Game to discuss the possibility of the Golden State Warriors putting together a trade package for Giannis Antetokounmpo that would intrigue the Milwaukee Bucks.
"This is just my read on it, I think [the Warriors] are not first in line, not second or third in line, really at this point, as far as packages that appeal most to Milwaukee," Slater said.
James: OKC "out-talented" the Lakers
LeBron James said on his podcast, "Mind the Game," that the Los Angeles Lakers' loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder wasn't due to being outworked or outcoached, but being "out-talented."
"We were not outworked. They didn't out-physical us. They didn't outsmart us," James said. "I feel like we were just out-talented by OKC. They just possess so much more talent."
The Thunder swept the Lakers in the teams' second-round series.
McMenamin: Have the Cavs truly moved on from the second LeBron era?
ESPN's Dave McMenamin spent time with the Cleveland Cavaliers during their opening week in the Eastern Conference finals to report on where the franchise stands eight years after LeBron James left for the second time.
"When LeBron left, we just fell flat on our faces because we just weren't rooted in anything," a team source told ESPN. "We weren't rooted in anything foundational in terms of culture or team-building or player development.
"We were just rooted in the culture of LeBron."
Now, the franchise feels like it's in good hands with Donovan Mitchell leading the way.
"Four years without him, in the rebuild: one play-in game," a team source said of Mitchell. "Four years with him: four playoff appearances, three second-round appearances, a conference finals appearance."
The Cavaliers enter Thursday night's Game 2 versus the New York Knicks down 1-0 in the Eastern Conference finals.
Read more: The Cavaliers rebuilt after LeBron left, but questions remain
May 20
Charania: All indications are LeBron plays another season
ESPN's Sham Charania reported that "all the indications" he has gotten point to LeBron James playing one more season.
"All the indications I've gotten over the course of the year is that he's gonna play one more season," Charania said on "The Rich Eisen Show." "The where? The how much of it all? That's all obviously going to be a factor. Is it going to be L.A.? That's gotta probably be his preference.... The Lakers have made clear they want him back."
James just wrapped up his 23rd NBA season.
Charania: Teams interested in Kyrie Irving
With the turnover in the Dallas Mavericks' front office, multiple teams have shown interest in veteran guard Kyrie Irving, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
"Nico Harrison, Jason Kidd, they were all brought in by Mark Cuban," Charania said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "Luka Doncic, a Mark Cuban guy. The only Mark Cuban guy left on that team is Kyrie Irving.... There's multiple contenders around the NBA right now that are very much monitoring what Kyrie Irving's future is with the Mavericks."
Shelburne on the Shaolin monastery that helped build Victor Wembanyama
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reveals the customized training program Wembanyama went through last summer after recovering from a career-threatening diagnosis of deep-vein thrombosis.
The monastery and accommodations would be extremely basic -- a bed, or, in Wembanyama's case, three, and a dresser. The days would be extremely long -- six to eight hours per day of training, in addition to hours of meditation -- and challenging.
[Bouna] Ndiaye, his agent, relayed all of this to Wembanyama upon his return.
Wembanyama was unfazed. He was intrigued by the discipline and challenge. By what it might unlock in him and what it might help him let go of.
The blood clot in his arm had shaken him to his core.
"I needed time to find myself again and then to get better," Wembanyama said in December. "It's the best example that life is short, [your] career is short, and can end just like this. So there's no time to waste.
"That's a great motivation. That's better motivation than I could expect from anything else."
Read the full story here.
Hoop Collective: Knicks' historic comeback and how OKC can respond down 1-0
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to the New York Knicks' 22-point Game 1 comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, including a breakdown of why Cleveland collapsed and how both teams will adjust moving forward. They then move on to the Oklahoma City Thunder's Game 2 outlook and how they can step up against the San Antonio Spurs. Finally, they close on the Dallas Mavericks firing coach Jason Kidd on Tuesday.
MacMahon: "[Mavericks president of basketball operations] Masai [Ujiri] is definitely trying to be very buttoned up and tight-lipped.
"I did inquire with a source familiar with his thinking and I said, 'Hey, would Sean Sweeney's connection with J-Kidd eliminate him as a candidate?' because Sean Sweeney was J-Kidd's right-hand man in Brooklyn, in Milwaukee and then in Dallas. And I was told no, that that wouldn't eliminate him as a candidate, that they would consider him as an individual, not as J-Kidd's right-hand man.
"I don't have at this point a list of candidates. I would say a couple things there: There are names flying... Masai's track record is not necessarily swinging for big names. It's trying to find the next great coach. You know, he likes discoveries."
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast May 19 Jason Kidd out as Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd is out as coach of the Dallas Mavericks, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Tuesday.
EMERGENCY POD -- Wembanyama's huge statement in instant classic Game 1
Brian is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps to react to the epic Game 1 between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, including a breakdown of Victor Wembanyama's historic performance and how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder can bounce back in the series.
Windhorst: "Wembanyama is the first player with 35 points and 20 rebounds in a conference finals game since [Charles] Barkley in 1993. Not first conference finals game, any conference finals game.
"He is 22 years old. He passes Lew Alcindor as the youngest player ever with 40 and 20 in a playoff game. 40 and 20. I mean, it was so long ago that Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar] was still Lew Alcindor. You've been a big believer in [Dylan] Harper ever since he was at Rutgers. I'm not saying that you were the only one. I'm just saying that you were an advocate of Harper before he was the No. 2 pick. But Wembanyama, [Stephon] Castle and Harper are the first trio of teammates 22 or younger each to have a double-double in a playoff game in NBA history."
Game 2 is on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock).
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast May 18 Fox out of Game 1 of the Western Conference finals San Antonio Spurs star De'Aaron Fox has been ruled out for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to an ankle sprain, sources told Shams Charania.
Shams: Teams are calling LeBron and his camp
Shams Charania reported on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Monday that Rich Paul informed him that every contender has called since the season ended for LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers.
James, who just concluded his 23rd NBA season, is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Pelicans hire Jamahl Mosley as next head coach
The New Orleans Pelicans are hiring Jamahl Mosley as the franchise's next head coach, sources tell ESPN. The deal is for five years.
Mosley reached an agreement with the Pelicans after five seasons in Orlando, where he led the Magic to three straight playoff appearances.
May 17
Thunder's Williams listed available for conference finals showdown vs. Spurs
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams is listed as available for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Williams has not played since April 22, when he sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain in Game 2 of Oklahoma City's first-round sweep of the Phoenix Suns.
Williams will be an essential add as the defending champions must defeat the surging Spurs and Victor Wembanyama for a chance to repeat as NBA Finals champions.
May 15
ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps spent the week asking their sources some of the NBA's biggest unanswered questions, including the latest intel on LeBron's future, what the future holds in Philadelphia, how the Clippers should handle Kawhi Leonard's extension, and whether the Bucks have finally reached a breaking point with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In the wake of Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam's comments at coach Taylor Jenkins' introductory news conference earlier this month, it seems like the Giannis Antetokounmpo saga could finally get some clarity between now and the draft.
And, after years of "will they, won't they," the growing belief around the league is that this time an Antetokounmpo trade will actually happen.
"It just feels like they're done with the circus, more than anything," an East executive said. "They seem to want a clean break and to move on."
Read the full story here: NBA offseason intel: Predictions for the summer of LeBron, Giannis and Kawhi
May 14
George: Jazz are "definitely a playoff team" on paper
Andscape's Marc J. Spears spent some time with Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George and covered several topics, including Utah's upcoming draft, the team's playoff outlook next season and what he said to potential No. 1 pick Darryn Peterson at the draft lottery.
"We get a top-two talent in the draft and get to build on the changes we made with getting Jaren," said George, who is 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds. "It's just a lot of things going right for the group right now. On paper, we are definitely a playoff team. Honestly, there is just a different versatility that we have. You got guys who can play [point guard] to [shooting guard]. You got guys who play the [power forward] that can move to the [center position].
"And then we got [Jazz head coach] Will Hardy. I know people know about Will. But his X's and O's and the way he breaks down the game for us, that's really what gives me the confidence, honestly. Having Will and our coaches, the talent is going to take care of itself."
The Jazz have the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Spears: Warriors want to keep their first-round pick
On NBA Today, Andscape's Marc J. Spears discussed the possibility of the Golden State Warriors using the No. 11 pick in a potential trade with the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
""The Warriors have that 11th pick and people wondering, 'Hey, can they get in the Giannis mix?'" Spears said. "From what I'm being told today from several people, the Warriors (would) like to keep that pick"
The pick is the Warriors' first in the lottery since 2021.
Windhorst: Latest on LeBron and the Lakers
Here's what ESPN's Brian Windhorst had to say about LeBron James, who is a free agent this summer, and his relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers:
"The Lakers have a problem. They don't want to lose LeBron James, and they don't want to lose his 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists per game. But they don't want to pay $50 million [per year] for him. Because the rest of the league isn't going to come bidding $50 million [for James]....
"The concept that he's just not as good anymore and that maybe he's only worth $30 million instead of $50 million -- you're not getting that from LeBron James. LeBron James doesn't believe in that. I don't expect him to accept that. And I'll tell you one thing: If you're the Lakers and you force LeBron to leave, he'll go somewhere else and play for less money."
"You better bring him a reason to take a pay cut.... If you're the Lakers, if you force LeBron to leave, he'll go somewhere else and play for less money." -@WindhorstESPN on LeBron James' free agency and a possible pay cut 👀 pic.twitter.com/Rs6XuEIoyO
May 13
McMenamin: What's next for the Lakers and LeBron
ESPN's Dave McMenamin has a piece out today after the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs, detailing LeBron James' status with the franchise and the biggest lingering question of the entire NBA offseason: Will James return to the Lakers?
Read the full piece here.
May 11
No suspension, fine for Wembanyama
There will be no further discipline for Spurs star Victor Wembanyama after he was ejected for elbowing Wolves forward Naz Reid in the neck in Minnesota on Sunday night, sources told ESPN.
Wembanyama will play in Game 5 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday night in San Antonio.
Shams: Bucks 'open for business'
The Milwaukee Bucks are "open for business," sources told ESPN's Shams Charania, as the team continues to look at possible trades -- either to send franchise star Giannis Antetokounmpo to a new team or to try to persuade him to stay.
The Bucks will have up to three first-round picks available to trade, plus Kyle Kuzma or Bobby Portis, both of whom have tradable contracts.
Still, nothing has changed in Antetokounmpo's stance that the time has come for both sides to move on, sources said.
May 10
Wizards land No. 1 overall pick in June's draft
The Washington Wizards, after losing 26 of their final 27 games this past season, landed the No. 1 pick in the loaded 2026 draft at Sunday's lottery.
Washington hasn't finished above.500 since 2017-18, but traded for All-Stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis last season, and are now positioned to make a serious jump in the Eastern Conference as soon as next season.
ESPN's Jeremy Woo projects the Wizards will select BYU forward AJ Dybantsa will the No. 1 selection in June's draft.
May 9
Kerr coming back to coach Warriors
The Golden State Warriors and coach Steve Kerr have reached an agreement on a two-year deal, sources told ESPN. The deal keeps Kerr, who made $17.5M last season, as the highest-paid coach in the NBA, league sources said.
May 6
Warriors' Green speaks on his future, Steve Kerr
Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green wants to remain with the team, he told ESPN's Marc Spears, and if the Warriors are fair and want him, he will work to stay.
Green also said on "Inside the NBA" that although he doesn't see himself in another uniform, the Warriors must also feel the same way. Green has a $27.6 million player option for next season, the final year of his current deal.
On Steve Kerr's future with Golden State, Green said, "I think and hope he's coming back" and that he "wants to coach." Kerr, who is on an expiring contract, just finished his 12th season as the Warriors' head coach.
MacMahon: Kidd wanted to be Mavs president
ESPN's Tim MacMahon discussed the Mavericks' hiring of Masai Ujiri in Wednesday's "Hoop Collective" podcast: "A couple things: Jason Kidd did try to become the president. He's known for months that wasn't going to happen.... And, very clearly, Masai Ujiri is the boss. Period. There is no question about the power structure. Masai Ujiri is the boss of all things basketball with the Dallas Mavericks."
Recapping Dave McMenamin's AMA on Reddit
ESPN's Dave McMenamin participated in an AMA on Reddit on Wednesday to discuss his recent yearlong story with LeBron James.
In response to a question about Luka Doncic's availability in the Lakers' series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, McMenamin commented:
We spoke to him today for the first time since the injury. He is not ruled out. But the timeline is what it is. He told us today that he has started running, but he hasn't done any contact drills yet. Game 4 would be six weeks since the injury. Is there a chance that he is ready to play by then? Maybe? His body language seemed pretty down today, though. It sounds like he needs more time. And I am not so sure if the Lakers can extend this series against OKC too far without him.
Read the full AMA here.
Read the full story: An eight-city, yearlong conversation with LeBron James Embiid ruled out for Game 2 against the Knicks Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been ruled for Game 2 at the New York Knicks on Wednesday, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Embiid scored 14 points on 3-of-11 shooting while recording just four rebounds in the 76ers' 137-98 Game 1 loss. He's battling both hip and ankle injuries.
Hoop Collective: 'Never overreact to Game 1'
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Vincent Goodwill to cover what the Cleveland Cavaliers need to do to bounce back from a Game 1 loss against the Detroit Pistons, including what they need from James Harden and Donovan Mitchell to win this series. Then, ESPN's Tim MacMahon joins the podcast to discuss the New York Knicks' rout of the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday in Game 1 and whether it will lead to changes for the 76ers in Game 2. They conclude the podcast by discussing the standout game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs as well as the Oklahoma City Thunder's "imperfect" Game 1 win.
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast May 4 Bulls hire Graham to head their new front office The Chicago Bulls are set to hire former Atlanta Hawks executive Bryson Graham as their new executive vice president of basketball operations, sources told ESPN's Jamal Collier and Shams Charania. Graham spent 15 seasons in New Orleans before joining the Hawks last year.
Pistons sign coach JB Bickerstaff to contract extension
The Detroit Pistons have signed coach JB Bickerstaff to a contract extension, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Anthony Edwards expected to play in Game 1 against San Antonio
The Minnesota Timberwolves announced Anthony Edwards is expected to play in Monday's Game at San Antonio, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Hoop Collective emergency pod: Masai Ujiri hired in Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks are hiring Masai Ujiri as team president and alternate governor of the franchise, per ESPN's Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon.
"He's got a real presence about him, as we've seen time and again," Tim Bontemps said on the Hoop Collective podcast.
"I think for a franchise that has been kind of adrift, for lack of a better word, for the better part of a year now -- really ever since the Luka (Doncic) trade -- it just felt like there's sort of been a lack of overall direction and thrust for the organization and Masai will provide that."
Ujiri was fired by the Toronto Raptors in June of 2025 after spending 13 seasons with the franchise. He helped lead them to their only title in franchise history in 2019.
Mavericks to hire Ujiri as new president
The Dallas Mavericks are hiring Masai Ujiri as their new president and alternate governor, sources told ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Shams Charania. Ujiri led the Toronto Raptors front office from 2013 to 2025 and served as the architect of their 2019 championship team.
Magic dismiss coach Jamahl Mosley
The Orlando Magic have fired coach Jamahl Mosley, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Mosley's five-year tenure in Orlando ends with the Magic's third straight first-round playoff loss.
Hoop Collective: Historic comebacks and a full conference semifinal preview
Brian is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to break down the weekend's Game 7's, including the Philadelphia 76ers completing the comeback against the Boston Celtics and their chances against the New York Knicks in the semifinals. They then move on to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons wins on Sunday and the key matchups in their semifinals. They close on the Western Conference semis to discuss if Anthony Edwards will be available in the Minnesota Timberwolves' series against the San Antonio Spurs and if the shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers can compete with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in any capacity.
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast May 3 Nuggets taking calls on all of roster 'except Nikola Jokic' ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that the Denver Nuggets are expected to take calls about their entire roster except superstar Nikola Jokic, as Denver is expected to go through a roster overhaul in the offseason.
May 2
Jayson Tatum ruled out for Game 7
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum was a late addition to the team's injury report on Saturday, listed as questionable with left knee soreness. The Celtics eventually ruled Tatum out less than two hours ahead of tipoff against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Hoop Collective: The epic first-round action continues
Brian is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss what's been one of the most competitive first rounds in NBA playoff history, including the Minnesota Timberwolves closing out the Denver Nuggets in six games, the Philadelphia 76ers forcing a Game 7 against the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks' impressive Game 6 performance. They then move on to Friday night's games and why the Los Angeles Lakers might be in serious trouble against the Houston Rockets.
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast April 30 Timberwolves Ayo Dosunmu is out for Game 6 Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu is out in Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets due to a calf injury, sources tell ESPN.
It's another loss for a shorthanded Timberwolves backcourt which is already without Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo.
Durant to miss Game 6 of Rockets-Lakers series
Rockets star Kevin Durant will miss his fourth consecutive game as he recovers from a left ankle injury, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
The Rockets, who were down 3-0 in the series, have won the past two games without Durant, setting up Game 6 in Houston on Friday night.
April 29
Lakers' Reaves cleared to return for Game 5 vs. Rockets
Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves has been cleared to return for Game 5 against the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN's Shams Charania. Reaves had missed about four weeks with a Grade 2 oblique strain. The Lakers, playing in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, lead the series 3-1 over the Rockets.
Kerr, Golden State front office meet about coach's future
Steve Kerr, who has coached the Golden State Warriors for the past 12 seasons, met with Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy and owner Joe Lacob for two hours Monday, league sources told ESPN.
Both sides described the meeting as productive, but there remains no resolution nearly two weeks after the Warriors' season ended in Phoenix. Kerr, Lacob and Dunleavy plan to reconvene next week to continue discussions, league sources said.
The Warriors have missed the playoffs in two of the past three seasons.
April 28
No timetable for Luka return
ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that there is still no timetable for Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic to return from his Grade 2 left hamstring strain. If Los Angeles beats the Houston Rockets in their first-round series, the expectation is that Doncic will be out for the second round.
It's been a slow recovery for Doncic. Though Lakers coach JJ Redick said Doncic is moving more in his on-court work, the superstar is not progressing in his own court workouts when it comes to one-on-ones and movement.
Lakers optimistic Reaves can return for Game 5
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who has been out with an oblique injury for the past four weeks, is hoping to return Wednesday for Game 5 against the Houston Rockets. Reaves has been listed as questionable for Games 2-4.
The Lakers lead the Rockets 3-1.
April 26
Edwards out weeks as injuries mount for Wolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves won the battle on Saturday night, with a stirring Game 4 victory over Denver that brought the team within a win of the second round.
But they might have lost the war.
On Saturday night, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Donte DiVincenzo had torn his right Achilles and would miss the rest of the postseason. And on Sunday morning, he reported that four-time All-Star Anthony Edwards would miss multiple weeks after hyperextending his left knee.
Losing a starting backcourt in one fell swoop would hurt any team in the playoffs, but it should be especially tough on Minnesota. The Timberwolves rely on a strong core, with little depth behind it; entering Saturday's games, only seven Wolves had averaged more than 10 minutes per game in the playoffs. By comparison, 10 members for both the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs played more than that, and even the injury-riddled Lakers had eight.
With Edwards and DiVincenzo out, Minnesota's entire rotation and offensive gameplan will shift. Ayo Dosunmu -- fresh off a 43-point outburst -- and Bones Hyland are the likely replacement starters, with some combination of Mike Conley, Terrence Shannon Jr. (who received his first playoff minutes in Game 4) and Kyle Anderson receiving more minutes off the bench.
That might not be a tenable arrangement on offense, unless Dosunmu can continue posting career highs in points going forward. There's very little shooting and playmaking talent left in Minnesota's lineup, and Julius Randle -- who has been only OK against Denver, averaging 17.5 points and 3.5 assists per game on subpar efficiency -- will need to step up in Edwards' stead.
But all isn't lost for the Timberwolves, at least against the Nuggets. Surprisingly, lineups without DiVincenzo and Edwards held their own in the regular season, with a plus-3.0 net rating, per Cleaning the Glass (which removes garbage time). Those groups excelled on defense. And as long as Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels remain on the floor, Minnesota will retain its top two options to guard Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, respectively.
Minnesota is already winning because of its defense. The Timberwolves have a 112.3 offensive rating in the playoffs, which is worse than their regular-season mark (115.6). But they've held the Nuggets, who led the league with a 121.1 offensive rating in the regular season, to just 105.2 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs.
It might not be the most probable outcome, but they have a real chance to keep Denver's offense sufficiently in check to sneak out one more win in three tries.
Beyond that, Minnesota is likely in trouble. Without Edwards for multiple weeks, the Timberwolves might need to hope that the Portland Trail Blazers upset San Antonio to have a chance to reach the conference finals for the third consecutive season. -- Zach Kram
April 25
Wolves' DiVincenzo tears Achilles in Game 4
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo will miss the rest of this postseason and at least a large chunk of next season after tearing his right Achilles just over a minute into Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets. The injury was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.
It's difficult to say whether that injury is a bigger blow to the Timberwolves or to DiVincenzo's own career path.
Due to his availability and shooting skill, DiVincenzo was a crucial contributor for Minnesota this season. He was one of just four players in the NBA to start all 82 games, and he offered a skill set otherwise missing from the players who surround Anthony Edwards in Minnesota's starting lineup. DiVincenzo shot 38% on 3-pointers this season and made 3.0 per game, which is more than Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert combined.
The Timberwolves had a plus-6.0 net rating with DiVincenzo on the court in the regular season, versus a minus-2.0 mark without him. That was the largest differential on the team. And in a very small sample of three playoff games, that gap widened: Minnesota was plus-20.7 with DiVincenzo and minus-26.3 without him.
Ayo Dosunmu fit in well in Minnesota after arriving via midseason trade, and he will presumably replace DiVincenzo in the starting lineup for the remainder of Minnesota's playoff run. Dosunmu is an accurate shooter (44% on 3s this season) but on much lower volume, and defenses are less likely to worry about him on the perimeter. According to the new "average gravity" statistic at NBA.com, DiVincenzo ranked in the 77th percentile among qualified players this season, while Dosunmu was in the 56th percentile.
And although the Timberwolves' starting unit might not be compromised too severely with Dosunmu in DiVincenzo's place -- if Edwards, who also left Saturday's Game 4 early, is also out for an extended period, then the Timberwolves will be severely compromised regardless -- the ripple effects could be catastrophic for Minnesota's bench. In the first three games against the Nuggets, only seven Timberwolves averaged more than 10 minutes per game: the five starters, Dosunmu and former Sixth Man award winner Naz Reid.
Beyond that core, the Timberwolves will have to rely on the unpredictable Bones Hyland and veterans Mike Conley and Kyle Anderson to absorb playing time. They might not have the depth to withstand the loss of any member of their main group.
And for the 29-year-old DiVincenzo individually, the injury doesn't just bring his 2025-26 season to an abrupt end, but it also potentially cuts short his prime.
Several years ago, DiVincenzo missed half of the 2021-22 season due to injury, which hurt his free agency case the following summer. And now he'll miss the rest of this season and most or all of the 2026-27 campaign, when he'll make $12.5 million in the final season of his current deal. -- Zach Kram
Could Dame return this postseason?
The plan has always been for Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard to rehabilitate his ruptured Achilles tendon and return next season.
That's still the plan. But this week, when Blazers head coach Tiago Splitter was asked if there's a possibility for Lillard to return during these playoffs, he didn't completely rule it out.
"Probably not," Splitter told reporters in Portland on Thursday.
Lillard has been seen publicly working out during practices and before games, in addition to extensive training on his own.
A source close to Lillard reiterated to ESPN that the plan is still for Lillard to continue his rehabilitation and return next season, but acknowledged that could be reconsidered if the Trail Blazers advance further in the playoffs.
Lillard has been out since rupturing his Achilles tendon during the first round of the playoffs last season when he was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. He won the NBA's 3-point contest at the All-Star Game in February. -- Ramona Shelburne
April 23
Austin Reaves upgraded to questionable for Game 3
Lakers guard Austin Reaves has not played since he suffered Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury on April 2. The team announced on April 4 that he would miss at least the rest of the regular season. He was upgraded to probable on Thursday as the series shifts to Houston for Friday's Game 3 with the Lakers looking to take a 3-0 lead.
Durant questionable for Game 3
Kevin Durant, who made his Houston Rockets playoff debut in Game 2 after missing Game 1 with a right knee contusion, is now listed as questionable heading into Friday's Game 3 with a left ankle sprain. The Rockets head back to Houston down 2-0 to a Lakers team that has been without Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves.
Embiid upgraded to doubtful for Game 3
The Philadelphia 76ers upgraded star center Joel Embiid to doubtful Thursday evening ahead of Friday's Game 3 at home against the Boston Celtics.
Embiid had an emergency appendectomy two weeks ago in Houston, and has been out since, although he appeared on the bench for last week's play-in victory at home against the Orlando Magic.
Warriors not rushing Kerr on decision
Steve Kerr has made no decision yet in regard to his future coaching the Golden State Warriors, and the two sides don't expect to come to any firm determination until next week at the earliest, team sources told ESPN.
Kerr said he needed a week or two for the necessary space, contemplation and bigger picture conversations before deciding whether to seek another contract with the Warriors or walk away from coaching entirely, perhaps into the media space.
The Warriors were eliminated on Friday in a play-in loss to the Phoenix Suns. They've spent this past week conducting exit interviews with players and staffers, and are gearing up for the offseason. Kerr's future is the first domino, but management doesn't plan to rush Kerr, who just finished his 12th season as head coach.
Kerr's contemplation will continue through the weekend.
"It's April," one team source said. "We don't need to rush." -- Anthony Slater
Bucks to hire Taylor Jenkins as next coach
The Milwaukee Bucks are hiring former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania and Ramona Shelburne. Jenkins, who will replace Doc Rivers, coached the Grizzlies for six seasons and led them to three playoff appearances.
Bucks management met with Jenkins last week in Memphis and this week in Milwaukee, sources said, to secure his commitment.
OKC's Williams sustained Grade 1 sprain
Thunder guard Jalen Williams has suffered a Grade 1 sprain to his left hamstring and will be reevaluated on a weekly basis. Williams, who was limited to 33 games in an injury-riddled regular season, had 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the Thunder's Game 1 blowout win and then 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting and four assists in 23 minutes in Game 2 before leaving with the injury in the third quarter.
Game 3 is Saturday in Phoenix at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
Spurs' Wembanyama to travel to Games 3-4 in Portland
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, in concussion protocol since a fall in the first half of Game 2, will travel with the team to Portland for Games 3-4, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. The Spurs blew a 14-point lead in the Game 2 loss. The series is tied 1-1.
Game 3 in 10:30 ET on Prime.
April 22
Inside the highlight reel that saved the Magic's season
How did the Orlando Magic turn things around -- and stun the Detroit Pistons in Game 1? It started with a three-minute video a week ago, according to a story published Wednesday from ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk:
Last Friday morning, before the Magic's biggest shootaround of the season at their team facility, coach Jamahl Mosley showed his players a video, but not the usual film breakdown of the opponent. Instead, he played a three-minute highlight reel of some of his players' own NCAA tournament magic from back in the day.
Each player who had been in the tournament had two clips each in the video made by the team's video coordinator: Jonathan Isaac throwing down a dunk while at Florida State, Moritz Wagner hitting a 3 while being fouled for Michigan and Desmond Bane drilling a deep 3 for TCU. The highlight reel continued with Tristan da Silva at Colorado, Franz Wagner at Michigan, Wendell Carter Jr. at Duke and others.
The Magic play in Detroit for Game 2 on Wednesday night (7 p.m. ET/ESPN).
Read the full story: How the Magic avoided disaster and turned things around April 21 Charania: Reaves closer to return than Doncic ESPN's Shams Charania joined "NBA Today" to update the injury timetables for the Los Angeles Lakers guards. Austin Reaves, sidelined since April 2 with an oblique injury, has begun 1-on-1 work in an attempt to return late in the Lakers' first-round series against the Houston Rockets.
"The sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually the one that's further along," Charania said. "The Lakers are not expecting Luka Doncic [hamstring] to be back in this series. He is out indefinitely."
More Lakers coverage Donovan steps down as Bulls coach Billy Donovan has stepped down as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania and Jamal Collier. Donovan, who had led the Bulls' bench for six seasons, elected to leave the franchise after extensive meetings with ownership.
"I have decided to step away as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, to allow the search process to unfold," Donovan said in a statement issued by the team. "I believe it is in the best interest of the Bulls to allow the new leader to build out the staff as they see fit."
More Bulls coverage
April 20
The Warriors' summer of uncertainty starts with Steve Kerr
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Anthony Slater detailed the upcoming summer for the Golden State Warriors, an offseason that could lead to immense change for a franchise that has won four NBA titles in the past 11 seasons. What could be next for Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr? An excerpt on the end of the Warriors' season:
Two nights later, their season ended at the hands of an upstart, younger Phoenix Suns team. The Warriors lost 111-96. It wasn't competitive. Curry scored just 17 points, on 25% shooting.
It was the Warriors' third consecutive appearance in the play-in tournament, and their second time in three years missing the playoffs entirely. Inside the organization, they've long known that, despite stretches of play that remind everyone of their game-changing past, like that fourth quarter against the Clippers, this team, with two aging icons on the wrong side of the actuarial table, is nowhere near good enough to win a title.
As their season came to a close, the trio of elder statesmen still fighting for it gathered on the sideline, perhaps for the final time.
"I don't know what's going to happen next," Kerr said Friday night. His right arm was on Green's shoulder, his left on Curry's. "But I love you guys to death."
Curry and Green have played together for 14 seasons.
Read the full story: Blockbuster trade? New coach? Hard reset? The Warriors begin an offseason with massive uncertainty April 17 Hoop Collective: NBA playoff preview and NBA awards rulings Brian is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the recent LaMelo Ball fine and whether he should've been suspended for his actions. They then move on to the 65-game exemption that made Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham eligible for regular season awards before closing on a full playoff preview of each series.
"I did not believe he should have been suspended, but I'm going to tell you, I wavered on that when I saw multiple instances of him doing this exact same thing. Not just the Bam Adebayo game two years ago where he thought he got fouled and tripped Bam. But in February, he did this to Jabari Smith Jr. against the Rockets. Almost the same type of play. (He) was driving, thought he got bumped, and he actually got called for a Flagrant 1 in that situation. -- Brian Windhorst
The Charlotte Hornets face the Orlando Magic Friday night with the winner advancing to the playoffs.
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast April 16 Why LaMelo's flagrant 2 falls into a gray area The NBA retroactively assessed Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball with a flagrant foul 2 for tripping Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo in Tuesday's Eastern Conference play-in game, which Charlotte won in overtime thanks to Ball's last-second layup.
But for the Heat and their fans, it doesn't erase Adebayo's injury, it doesn't remove Ball from Friday's 8-9 game against the Orlando Magic and it all but certainly won't impact the Hornets should they reach the first round.
That's because one quirk of the tournament's addition is that, not unlike the NBA Cup title game, the play-in tournament lives as its own statistical entity. They are neither playoff nor regular-season games, with no bearing on postseason and regular-season stats or awards.
That's also the case with flagrant foul points, which can have a massive impact when they start to add up. In 2016, Draymond Green was suspended for Game 5 of the NBA Finals for accumulating four flagrant points over the course of the postseason, something that helped Cleveland pull off its stunning 3-1 comeback.
While the Hornets' playoff stay isn't likely to last as long -- Charlotte needs to win Friday just to set up a first-round meeting with the top-seeded Detroit Pistons -- Ball entering the playoffs with two flagrant points would have at least given heft to the belated punishment.
Instead, the decision felt fairly hollow. And in asking sources around the league Wednesday ahead of the NBA's announcement that Ball wouldn't be suspended, opinions were mixed. Some argued that a hefty fine would suffice, because you shouldn't retroactively remove him from the next game because of Adebayo's unfortunate injury. Others argued the opposite, saying he should have to sit out Friday's win-and-in showdown.
None of it, however, will reverse the agonizing end to Miami's season.
"I'm not really thinking about that anymore," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters Thursday during the team's exit interviews. "I don't think [Ball] is a dirty player. It should have been caught in the moment, and it wasn't. And you move on." -- Tim Bontemps
April 15
Hoop Collective: Chaotic play-in games and the full LaMelo Ball experience
Brian is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to cover the two exciting play-in games from Tuesday night, including the wild ending between the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat and whether LaMelo Ball's controversial trip of Bam Adebayo will have ramifications moving forward. They then move on to the Portland Trail Blazers' late win over the Phoenix Suns in the West before closing on previews of this week's other play-in games.
"I had a GM text me tonight and ask, because they saw the play later, 'This guy's got to get suspended, right?" -- Tim Bontemps
The Hornets will face the loser of Wednesday's Orlando Magic-Philadelphia 76ers play-in game for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs on Friday.
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast April 14 Charania: Heat looking for star in the offseason The Miami Heat and team president Pat Riley will be in the market for a superstar this offseason, including the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
"The Heat, Pat Riley, it's clear around the NBA when I talk to rival executives: Pat Riley wants his whale, his shark, his tiger," Charania said on "NBA Today." "They'll be back in the Giannis hunt and then whatever star they can find that becomes available to see, 'Can we get that No. 1 guy?'"
The Heat play the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night to keep their season alive as the No. 10 team in the East play-in.
Mavericks target Wolves' Connelly for front office
ESPN's Tim MacMahon detailed the Dallas Mavericks' search for a new head of basketball operations on his podcast, "Howdy Partners," on Tuesday. Dallas has targeted the Minnesota Timberwolves' president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, for the same position with the franchise.
"Tim Connelly is the primary target for the Dallas Mavericks," MacMahon said. "Tim Connelly is obviously an outstanding executive. He helped build the championship team in Denver [and] the Wolves -- a franchise that had been out of the first round of the playoffs one time in their existence, [now] has gone to back-to-back conference finals with the roster that he constructed. Great candidate. There's just one problem, Mike. I think he's got a job, doesn't he?
MacMahon also listed Detroit Pistons vice president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsay as a potential target for the Mavericks opening.
April 13
Hoop Collective: Upsets help shape playoff matchups
Brian is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the final day of the NBA regular season, including how upsets influenced the playoff seeding. They then move on to the most exciting first-round playoff storylines and if the Los Angeles Lakers can get their injured stars back in the first round. They close on interesting comments from the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo about his future with the franchise.
"There are potential Laker playoff opponents who felt that it was a better chance -- based on their analysis of the situation -- that Austin Reaves could play sooner rather than later, and that as this team was preparing to potentially see the Lakers, that they were preparing for Austin Reaves potentially to play in that first-round series at some point." -- Brian Windhorst
The Lakers face the Houston Rockets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast April 10 Wemby reaches 65-game mark After seeing his season cut short a year ago because of a blood clot in his right shoulder, Victor Wembanyama is now eligible for postseason awards. He reached the 65-game criterion in the San Antonio Spurs' 139-120 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. He finished with 40 points and 13 rebounds in just 26 minutes.
Wembanyama is eligible to sign a five-year, $251 million extension this offseason. Because he was ineligible for league honors last year, there are no financial implications in the extension if he were named All-NBA or Defensive Player of the Year this season.
The extension will likely include a 30% clause that increases the total amount $50 million if he is named MVP, All-NBA or Defensive Player of the Year in 2026-27.
Wembanyama has 10 games of at least 20 points and 15 rebounds this season. That trails only Tim Duncan for the most in Spurs history. He has 16 games of at least 25 points and four blocks this season, the most by any player. -- Bobby Marks
The NBA's most valuable players in 15 categories Duren hits 65-game mark After failing to reach an extension last offseason, the Detroit Pistons' Jalen Duren is set to cash in.
Duren, who is a restricted free agent this summer, has now reached the 65-game mark to be eligible for All-NBA honors. Entering their game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Duren had played 68 games. However, four of the games did not qualify because he played fewer than 15 minutes.
Due to a clause in the CBA, Duren and his representatives are allowed to negotiate a contract up to 30% of the maximum salary if he's named to an All-NBA team. The contract can be for up to five years and $287 million.
If Duren is not named All-NBA, he is eligible for a five-year, $239 million contract.
Duren led the NBA in total points per game and was named to the All-Star team for the first time in his career. -- Bobby Marks
More Pistons coverage April 9 Curry to miss Thursday's game, no matchups with LeBron this season The Golden State Warriors have announced Stephen Curry will miss Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to it falling on a back-to-back, as the star player returns from injury.
The missed game means that Curry and LeBron James will not have met in the regular season, and they likely won't meet in the playoffs.
Embiid to undergo surgery for appendicitis
The Philadelphia 76ers announced that Joel Embiid will undergo surgery for appendicitis in Houston on Thursday afternoon. They also reported that further updates will come.
April 8
The NBA's take on tanking
ESPN's Anthony Slater talked to players, coaches and executives about how they feel about tanking in the NBA and the future it has in the league.
In ESPN's conversations with dozens of players, coaches and front office executives, a consistent theme emerged: Nobody likes it -- "I hate it," Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said -- but not many deny it is often the most prudent team-building path when stuck near the bottom. Different seasons and different drafts will generate different forms, but everyone agrees it'll continue until the NBA figures out either the proper rules or punishments to curb it.
"These teams are doing the whole gamut: sitting guys in the fourth, playing analytically bad lineups, drawing up plays for bad shots," one Western Conference general manager said. "The creativity is impressive and I don't blame them. It's the best strategy to get better. Look at all the most promising teams in the league: Thunder, Spurs, Pistons, Rockets, Hornets. Years of being bad and building up on high picks. It's painful but worthwhile."
The strategies are growing in audaciousness and frequency of use. The orders from management are coming in earlier in the season, creating months of competitively compromised and often unwatchable basketball. The average margin of victory in NBA games this season is 13.1 points, the largest spread in history, and a record 89 games have been decided by 30 or more points.
What NBA players, coaches and execs are saying about tanking Hoop Collective: Bulls changes and playoff seeding battles Brian is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the Chicago Bulls firing president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley and why the franchise could finally be moving in the right direction. They then move on to the potential playoff matchups, including the possibility of an intriguing series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks and why the Denver Nuggets' wins of late have them set up for a deep playoff run. They close on whether the Los Angeles Lakers should shut down LeBron James for the regular season
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast April 7 Bulls hiring search firm for front office replacements The Chicago Bulls are expected to engage a search firm in order to find a replacement for vice president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley, whom the team fired after six seasons running the basketball operations department, sources told ESPN.
It's a different approach from the process Chicago used when it hired Karnisovas in 2020. Team president and CEO Michael Resindorf said then that he targeted the top "No. 2" in basketball and went after general managers such as Karnisovas, who was then with the Denver Nuggets, and Bobby Webster, who was then general manager of the Toronto Raptors, but has since been promoted to their head of basketball operations.
This is only the second time since 2003 that the Bulls have hired a new head of basketball operations. Before Karnisovas got the job in 2020, John Paxson assumed the role for 17 years from 2003 to '20. Karnisovas and Eversley went 224-254 across six seasons leading the organization to one winning season and one playoff appearance.
Even though Chicago sits 29-49 and in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, the opening is expected to be an attractive one around the league. The Bulls have flexibility on how they can build their roster with their own lottery pick, approximately $60 million in cap space and young players on the roster without long-term salary commitments.
Chicago is still expected to try to retain coach Billy Donovan in some capacity after the season. -- Jamal Collier
Bulls fire Karnisovas, Eversley The fractured relationship between Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks ESPN's Shams Charania went inside the drama between two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, as a crucial summer window approaches. The story details what has led to the falling out in Milwaukee and what it means for the future of both Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.
This season, the Bucks have gone 17-19 with Antetokounmpo in the lineup and 14-28 without him, and they rank 25th in offensive rating and 26th in defensive rating overall. They are one of six NBA teams to rank in the bottom five in both categories.
All the while, the uncertainty of Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee lingered. The Bucks engaged in trade talks ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline but chose to hold on to him, even as it became increasingly clear that they didn't have much hope of even elevating into the play-in race. Milwaukee is now headed to the draft lottery for the first time since 2016, snapping a streak of nine consecutive years in the playoffs. The Bucks haven't won a postseason series since 2022. Antetokounmpo, who is under contract for one more season, has played in a career-low 36 games and privately feuded with the organization for several months, culminating in rebuking the team's requests to shut down in the final month of the season and setting up another contentious summer.
"When your best player is one foot in, one foot out," said one team source, "you're not going to win."
The Bucks have officially been eliminated from the playoffs.
Inside the Bucks' lost season April 6 Bulls part ways with front office leaders, Karnisovas and Eversley The Chicago Bulls have dismissed the executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley after six seasons, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
The 29-49 Bulls sit in 12th in the East and are bound for the lottery.
Why now? What next? Our experts weigh in Former Nuggets coach Malone intends to take North Carolina opening The North Carolina Tar Heels are expected to hire former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone for the same position with the school, per ESPN Pete Thamel.
Malone won the 2022-23 NBA championship with the Nuggets.
How the Tar Heels got here, what he'll need to do to succeed Hoop Collective: Flagg's ROY statement and final week drama Brian is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss Cooper Flagg's big weekend and where the Rookie of the Year award race currently stands. They then jump into the biggest storylines over the final week of the regular season, including the drama between the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the playoff races to watch and the mounting injuries hampering the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff hopes.
"I don't know who's going to still have their jobs in Chicago by the end of next week," Brian Windhorst said on the podcast. "Whether it's by their own decision or by other people's decision."
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast April 4 Williamson unlocks more money in 61st game New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has reached another financial benchmark for games played.
The salary protection for his $42.2 million salary in 2026-27 was nonguaranteed headed into the season. But now that he has played in 61 games, 80% ($33.7 million) of his $42.2 million salary for next season is protected.
The remaining $8.4 million will become guaranteed if Williamson's combined body weight and body fat percentage is less than 295. There were seven times he was required to weigh in this season. It's unclear what he weighed during those check-ins.
Williamson has one of the league's most unusual contracts. His salary next season and in 2027-28 originally became nonguaranteed when he missed more than 22 games in the 2022-23 season. His $44.9 million salary in 2027-28 remains nonguaranteed.
The 61 games played this season is tied for the third most in his career. He's averaging 21.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. The Pelicans, who have been eliminated from playoff contention, have four games left on their schedule. -- Bobby Marks
One big question facing every lottery team's offseason April 3 Doncic out for the rest of the regular season Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is out indefinitely with a Grade 2 right hamstring injury, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin. Doncic will miss the rest of the regular season, and his availability for the playoffs is uncertain.
In the 20 minutes after the news broke, the Lakers' title chances dropped from 30-1 to 100-1, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
Doncic, who has played in 64 games and ranked fourth in ESPN's latest MVP straw poll, will apply for what's called an "extraordinary circumstances challenge" to the 65-game rule for award consideration, per his agent, Bill Duffy.
Statement from Luka Doncic's agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball: "This season, Luka Dončić has performed at a historic level, leading the league in scoring, carrying the Lakers to third place in the Western Conference and placing himself in the middle of one of the most tightly... https://t.co/bKVOmzheDE
Per ESPN's Bobby Marks, Doncic can apply the exception for the two games he missed in December for the birth of his daughter. The application must be made no earlier than 12 p.m. ET on the last day of the regular season and no later than 11:59 p.m. on the day after the last day of the regular season.
Doncic signed a three-year extension last August and has been named All-NBA in five of the six previous seasons.
There will be no financial implications in his next contract if the application is denied.
Though the Lakers haven't provided a timeline for his return, Grade 2 hamstring injuries typically require a monthlong recovery. Doncic has averaged a league-high 33.5 points this season, along with 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists.
The Lakers, who have gone 8-2 in their past 10 games, are third in the Western Conference, one game ahead of the No. 4-seeded Denver Nuggets, 2.5 games ahead of the No. 5-seeded Houston Rockets and 3.5 ahead of the No. 6-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves.
More Lakers coverage Maxey reaches important milestone Reaching the 65-game criteria for postseason honors could have significant financial implications for Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey.
In the scenario Maxey is named All-NBA this season, he would become eligible to sign a four-year, $300 million supermax extension in the 2027 offseason if he is also named All-NBA next season. The first year of the extension would begin in 2029-30.
A player with seven or eight years of NBA service is supermax eligible if they are named All-NBA in the immediately preceding season or in two of the immediately preceding three seasons. Maxey ranks fourth in the league in points per game (28.8) and third in total clutch points. -- Bobby Marks
What to watch in final week Hoop Collective: The final straw poll: Can Wemby catch SGA? Brian is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to go over this season's final edition of the MVP straw poll, including whether Victor Wembanyama still has a chance to catch reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, for the award. They also cover the close battle in the Rookie of the Year race between Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg.
Latest episodes of the 'Hoop Collective' podcast April 2 Kawhi Leonard-Aspiration investigation ongoing The investigation into an alleged deal between the LA Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and the company Aspiration is ongoing, sources told ESPN's Baxter Holmes.
"Wachtell's investigation is ongoing," said an NBA spokesperson. "There is more work to be done and no set timeline."
The news broke in September of 2025 that the Clippers were being investigated over allegation that a $28 million endorsement deal between Leonard and Aspiration constituted salary cap circumvention. Owner Steve Ballmer has denied the allegations.
Read more: The latest on the NBA's investigation into the LA Clippers Front offices debate the NBA draft's No. 1 pick ESPN's Jeremy Woo and Tim Bontemps talked to executives across the league about the upcoming 2026 NBA draft, including whom they believe will be taken with the first overall selection, what concerns front offices have with prospects and best fits.
"I think this draft is, in some ways, similar to the [2024 Zaccharie] Risacher year, but on a higher level," they said. "That year it was like, 'Is anyone going to be really good?' This year, it's like, 'Well, s---, there's a lot of guys.' You have high confidence that at least some of them are going to be really, really good. You're not really sure which ones.
"You don't want to be drafting at 1 and end up with the fifth-best player."
The NBA draft lottery takes place on May 10 ahead of the draft on June 25 and 26.
What scouts, execs are watching in top five picks March 31 What's next for LeBron this offseason? ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Dave McMenamin broke down the six possible avenues LeBron James could take this offseason, including staying with the Los Angeles Lakers, returning home to Cleveland and or landing with some surprising wildcard teams around the league.
Next for LeBron? NBA insiders on Lakers, Cavs, free agency options March 27 How scouts and front offices view the Spurs' playoff chances In their weekly intel file, ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst talked to coaches, front offices and scouts to gauge the growing hype around the San Antonio Spurs' playoff run.
"They're my favorite now," the scout told ESPN. "I've been thinking a lot about it. His game is going to be even more dominant in the playoffs and every game he's going to get more and more into your head. In Game 1, your players will think about him on some of their shots. By Game 4, they'll be having full-on nightmares."
The Spurs are currently two games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top seed in the Western Conference.
