Hoops Wire

Author: Sam Amico

  • NBA Rumors: Lakers, Jonathan Kuminga, Sixers, LeBron James, Mavericks

    NBA Rumors: Lakers, Jonathan Kuminga, Sixers, LeBron James, Mavericks

    Lakers

    The Lakers made one of the biggest splashes of free agency by adding Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton in rapid succession.

    But according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, Los Angeles may not be finished.

    League sources told Woike the Lakers continue to monitor the market for a young wing capable of improving their perimeter defense, with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga receiving “significant” consideration.

    Pulling off such a move won’t be easy.

    After using their cap space and room exception, the Lakers would likely need to work out a sign-and-trade with the Hawks to land Kuminga, who remains one of the top young forwards still available.

    76ers

    The 76ers have joined the growing list of teams that have reached out to LeBron James.

    According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, Philadelphia has registered its interest after James informed the Lakers he plans to play elsewhere next season.

    The Sixers’ sales pitch became considerably stronger Wednesday after agreeing to acquire Jaylen Brown from the Celtics in exchange for Paul George and draft compensation.

    Brown would join Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, while Philadelphia has also added Dean Wade and Ariel Hukporti in free agency.

    The Sixers remain limited financially, however, and multiple reports continue to indicate James plans to take a patient approach before deciding on his next team.

    Mavericks

    The Mavericks are expected to add an experienced voice to their coaching staff.

    According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Dallas is expected to hire former Pelicans coach Willie Green as the lead assistant under head coach Sean May.

    Green also reportedly drew interest from the Warriors, but Stein indicated Dallas is expected to land him instead.

    The former NBA guard spent four seasons as New Orleans’ head coach after previously serving as an assistant with the Warriors and Suns.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • NBA Notes: Heat, Bradley Beal, Blazers, Ja Morant, Nuggets

    NBA Notes: Heat, Bradley Beal, Blazers, Ja Morant, Nuggets

    Heat

    The Heat have been in contact with free-agent guard Bradley Beal, according to Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.

    Miami is still looking to add perimeter shooting after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo and reportedly has roughly $6.5 million remaining to use via the mid-level exception.

    How much of that the Heat would be willing to offer Beal remains unclear.

    The veteran guard declined his player option with the Clippers before entering free agency, and Miami is said to be carefully weighing its remaining spending flexibility as the market develops.

    The Heat also continue to monitor other possibilities. Khris Middleton and Anfernee Simons have both been linked to Miami, while LeBron James remains one of the biggest names available after announcing he will leave the Lakers.

    Trail Blazers

    The Trail Blazers believe newly acquired Ja Morant and Damian Lillard could complement each other well in the backcourt.

    Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko reported that Morant is excited about the opportunity to play alongside Lillard and learn from the veteran point guard.

    Lillard’s outside shooting and Morant’s ability to attack the basket could give Portland a much-needed offensive boost after the Blazers ranked near the bottom of the NBA in three-point shooting and turnovers last season.

    Meanwhile, Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report suggested new owner Tom Dundon’s willingness to take calculated risks played a significant role in Portland’s decision to acquire Morant.

    Nuggets

    The Nuggets have added frontcourt depth.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Denver has agreed to a one-year contract with veteran big man Marvin Bagley III.

    Bagley reportedly chose the Nuggets despite receiving multiple offers in free agency.

    The former No. 2 overall pick averaged 10.5 points and 6.1 rebounds last season while splitting time between the Wizards and Mavericks.

    He now joins a Denver frontcourt anchored by Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon as the Nuggets continue rounding out their roster.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Celtics trade Jaylen Brown to Sixers in blockbuster deal

    Celtics trade Jaylen Brown to Sixers in blockbuster deal

    The Celtics have finally made their move.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Boston is trading All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown to the 76ers in a blockbuster deal.

    In return, the Celtics will receive veteran forward Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks.

    Brown, 29, had been at the center of trade speculation throughout the offseason after helping lead Boston to a 56-win season despite Jayson Tatum missing significant time with a torn Achilles.

    The 2024 NBA Finals MVP had reportedly grown frustrated with the organization’s approach this offseason, while rival executives described the Celtics’ asking price as steep. Boston had sought as many as four first-round picks in some discussions, according to multiple reports.

    Instead, the Celtics land George along with significant draft compensation as they reshape their roster around Tatum’s eventual return.

    For Philadelphia, the move gives new president of basketball operations Mike Gansey a franchise cornerstone to pair with Joel Embiid as the Sixers continue an aggressive offseason. Philadelphia has already reached agreements with free-agent forward Dean Wade and center Ariel Hukporti.

    Brown averaged 24.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists this past season while again establishing himself as one of the NBA’s premier two-way wings.

    Hoops Wire will have more on this developing story.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • NBA Free Agency: Jazz, Jaxson Hayes, Raptors, Alijah Martin, James Wiseman

    NBA Free Agency: Jazz, Jaxson Hayes, Raptors, Alijah Martin, James Wiseman

    Jazz

    The Jazz may have found Walker Kessler‘s replacement.

    According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Utah has agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with free-agent center Jaxson Hayes. The deal includes a team option for the second season.

    Hayes arrives just hours after the Jazz agreed to send Kessler to the Lakers in a sign-and-trade that netted Utah multiple first-round picks and swaps.

    The former No. 8 overall pick spent the past three seasons with Los Angeles, averaging 7.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 66 games last season while shooting 75.6 percent from the field.

    Utah has been busy reshaping its frontcourt, also agreeing to terms with Jusuf Nurkic while bringing back Kyle Filipowski after his promising rookie campaign.

    Raptors

    The Raptors are keeping one of their young guards around.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Toronto has agreed to a two-year, $4.8 million contract with Alijah Martin. Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy reported the second season is partially guaranteed.

    Martin spent last season on a two-way contract after being selected with the 39th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

    While he appeared in just 23 games for Toronto, Martin impressed in the G League, averaging 18.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc.

    He’ll now move on to the Raptors’ standard roster entering his second NBA season.

    International

    Former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman appears headed overseas.

    According to agent Misko Raznatovic, Wiseman has begun exploring opportunities in Europe after spending the first six seasons of his career in the NBA.

    Veteran forward T.J. Warren could be next.

    BasketNews reported that several EuroLeague teams have expressed interest in the 32-year-old, who is weighing his next move after appearing in limited NBA action over the past two seasons.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Nuggets join growing list of teams reaching out to LeBron James

    Nuggets join growing list of teams reaching out to LeBron James

    The Nuggets aren’t just monitoring LeBron James — they’ve reportedly already reached out.

    According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, the Nuggets have reached out to register their interest in the four-time NBA MVP after James informed the Lakers he will play elsewhere next season.

    As Hoops Wire has previously reported, the Cavaliers, Warriors and Heat remain the teams most frequently linked to James. Minnesota has also surfaced as a potential destination, and agent Rich Paul recently indicated nearly half the league contacted him after free agency opened.

    Nikola Jokic, Nuggets, LeBron James, Lakers, NBA
    USA Today

    Whether Denver can realistically land James is another question.

    Like several of his reported suitors, the Nuggets are dealing with salary-cap limitations and currently project to be above the NBA’s second tax apron, making it difficult to offer anything beyond a minimum contract without additional moves.

    Still, multiple reports have suggested James is prioritizing championship contention and his overall happiness over simply landing the richest contract available.

    ESPN’s Brian Windhorst identified Denver as something of an “outlier” among James’ potential suitors, citing LeBron’s admiration for three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, his longstanding relationship with Nuggets governor Josh Kroenke and his connection to James’ agency.

    According to The Denver Post, the Nuggets also made a push for James during his 2018 free agency, with Kroenke famously sending him a throwback Denver jersey during that recruitment.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Spurs sign Tobias Harris to two-year, $31 million deal

    Spurs sign Tobias Harris to two-year, $31 million deal

    The Spurs have landed one of the top veteran forwards remaining on the free-agent market.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, San Antonio has agreed to a two-year, $31 million contract with Tobias Harris.

    Harris leaves the Pistons after helping lead the franchise’s turnaround over the past two seasons and now joins the defending Western Conference champions.

    Tobias Harris, Pistons, Spurs
    Imagn

    The veteran forward averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 63 games last season while providing steady leadership alongside Cade Cunningham during Detroit’s return to playoff contention.

    The signing comes just hours after the Pistons agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract with John Collins, a move that effectively paved the way for Harris’ departure.

    San Antonio had been linked to several veteran forwards entering free agency, including Harris, Rui Hachimura and Collins. The Spurs ultimately landed Harris on a shorter-term contract that adds experience, shooting and versatility around Victor Wembanyama and the rest of their young core.

    Harris, who turns 34 later this month, has appeared in more than 1,000 NBA games during a career that has included stops with the Bucks, Magic, Pistons, Clippers, 76ers and Pistons again.

    He now heads to San Antonio, where he’ll join a team looking to build on last season’s run to the NBA Finals.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • LeBron James considering documentary series for upcoming season

    LeBron James considering documentary series for upcoming season

    LeBron James‘ next chapter may play out in front of more cameras than ever before.

    According to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, multiple league sources say James has held discussions about filming his entire upcoming season for a documentary or episodic series. O’Connor added that live-streaming could potentially be incorporated into the final product.

    While no project has reportedly been finalized, the possibility adds another fascinating layer to James’ looming free-agency decision.

    LeBron James, Lakers, NBA
    AP

    As Hoops Wire has previously reported, the Warriors, Cavaliers and Heat are among the teams most frequently linked to James after he informed the Lakers he will not return next season. League sources have also indicated James is willing to hear pitches from interested teams before making his decision.

    If a documentary is indeed part of the equation, basketball may not be the only factor.

    Even if James accepts less money on his next NBA contract, a behind-the-scenes series documenting what could be his 24th season — and perhaps the final chapter of his Hall of Fame career — could more than make up the financial difference.

    That also raises another question: Which destination tells the best story?

    Whether it’s a return to Cleveland, a pairing with Stephen Curry in Golden State, a reunion with the Heat or another surprise altogether, James’ choice could shape not only his basketball legacy but also the narrative surrounding what may be the most anticipated final act in NBA history.

    Either way, free agency remains the priority. But if O’Connor’s report comes to fruition, wherever James signs could become must-watch television well beyond the basketball court.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Cavs’ Meleek Thomas contract for four years, includes partial guarantee

    Cavs’ Meleek Thomas contract for four years, includes partial guarantee

    Cavaliers second-round pick Meleek Thomas has signed a four-year, $9.3 million rookie contract, according to Jeff Goodman of Goodman Hoops.

    Goodman added that $6.4 million of the deal is guaranteed.

    Thomas, 19, was selected with the 34th overall pick after an impressive freshman season at Arkansas.

    Meleek Thomas, Cavaliers, Cavs, NBA
    AP

    The 6-foot-3 combo guard averaged 15.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals in 37 games, shooting 41.6 percent from three-point range and 84.4 percent from the free-throw line. He earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors and was widely projected as a late first-round pick before sliding into the early second round, where Cleveland happily scooped him up.

    The contract is a minimum-salary deal completed under the NBA’s second-round pick exception.

    The Cavs officially announced Thomas’ signing Wednesday, along with the addition of former Miami center Ernest Udeh Jr. on a two-way contract.

    Udeh, 6-foot-11, earned ACC All-Defensive Team honors last season after averaging 6.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while leading the nation in defensive rebounding rate.

    Thomas is expected to headline Cleveland’s Summer League roster before competing for a spot entering training camp.

    MORE CAVALIERS | All Hoops Wire coverage

  • NBA Free Agency: Pacers, Kelly Oubre Jr., Magic, Jonathan Isaac, Wizards

    NBA Free Agency: Pacers, Kelly Oubre Jr., Magic, Jonathan Isaac, Wizards

    Pacers

    The Pacers have added another experienced wing.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Indiana has agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract with free-agent forward Kelly Oubre Jr. Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko reported the deal is fully guaranteed.

    Oubre spent the past three seasons with the 76ers, averaging at least 14 points and five rebounds in each campaign while developing into one of Philadelphia’s most dependable two-way players.

    The 29-year-old also posted a career-best 36.0 percent from three-point range last season.

    Indiana had been viewed as one of Oubre’s strongest suitors after free agency opened, with reports indicating the Pacers valued his athleticism, defensive versatility and ability to thrive in transition alongside Tyrese Haliburton.

    Magic

    The Magic are bringing back one of their longest-tenured players.

    According to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, Jonathan Isaac has agreed to a one-year contract to remain in Orlando.

    Isaac was waived over the weekend, allowing the Magic to create additional financial flexibility before free agency. The savings helped Orlando complete deals for Nikola Vucevic and Jevon Carter while remaining below the NBA’s second tax apron.

    The former No. 6 overall pick has battled injuries throughout his career but remains one of the league’s better defensive forwards when healthy.

    He appeared in 52 games last season, averaging 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds while continuing to provide defensive energy off the bench.

    Wizards

    The Wizards are keeping forward Jamir Watkins in the organization.

    According to the NBA’s transaction log, Washington has re-signed Watkins to a two-way contract.

    The second-round pick appeared in 50 games as a rookie, averaging 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds while earning increased playing time late in the season.

    Watkins originally signed a two-way deal before eventually receiving a standard NBA contract during the 2025-26 campaign.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Cavs sign draft pick Meleek Thomas, add Ernest Udeh Jr. on two-way deal

    Cavs sign draft pick Meleek Thomas, add Ernest Udeh Jr. on two-way deal

    Second-round pick Meleek Thomas is officially a member of the Cavaliers.

    The team announced Wednesday that Thomas, the 34th overall selection in last month’s NBA Draft, has signed his rookie contract. Cleveland also announced the signing of former Miami (Fla.) center Ernest Udeh Jr. to a two-way deal.

    Thomas, 19, is coming off an impressive freshman season at Arkansas, where he averaged 15.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals in 37 games. He also shot 41.6 percent from three-point range and earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors.

    Meleek Thomas, Cavaliers, Cavs, NBA
    Imagn

    The former McDonald’s All-American led the Razorbacks in three-point percentage, free-throw percentage and steals while turning in a season-high 30-point performance against Missouri in March.

    Udeh, meanwhile, arrives after finishing his college career at Miami. The 6-foot-11 center averaged 6.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while earning ACC All-Defensive Team honors.

    A former McDonald’s All-American as well, Udeh previously spent time at Kansas and TCU before transferring to Miami for his senior season.

    Thomas is expected to compete for minutes in Cleveland’s backcourt during Summer League, while Udeh will split time between the Cavs and the Cleveland Charge under his two-way contract.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

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  • NBA Free Agency: Bulls, Norman Powell, Warriors, De’Anthony Melton, Magic

    NBA Free Agency: Bulls, Norman Powell, Warriors, De’Anthony Melton, Magic

    Bulls

    The Bulls have landed one of the top scorers still available.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Chicago has agreed to a two-year, $45 million contract with veteran guard Norman Powell. K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reported the second season will be a team option.

    Powell, 33, is coming off another outstanding offensive season, averaging 21.7 points while shooting 47.0 percent from the field and 38.0 percent from three-point range with the Heat.

    Known as one of the NBA’s more consistent scorers, Powell gives Chicago another proven veteran to pair with newcomers Nic Claxton and Zach Collins as the Bulls continue reshaping the roster around Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.

    The Pistons were also among the teams linked to Powell before he ultimately chose Chicago.

    Warriors

    The Warriors are keeping one of their own.

    According to Charania, Golden State has agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract with free-agent guard De’Anthony Melton. The deal reportedly includes a player option for the second season.

    Melton averaged a career-high 12.3 points last season while adding 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals despite spending much of the year working his way back from ACL surgery.

    The move also allows Golden State to preserve additional flexibility as it continues to monitor the LeBron James sweepstakes, with multiple reports indicating the Warriors remain one of the teams in the mix.

    Magic

    The Magic are bringing back veteran guard Jevon Carter.

    According to Charania, Carter has agreed to a one-year, veteran minimum contract to remain in Orlando.

    The 30-year-old revived his season after joining the Magic following his release from the Bulls, averaging 7.2 points in 30 games while earning a regular spot in Orlando’s rotation.

    Carter is expected to continue providing perimeter defense and backcourt depth behind Jalen Suggs next season.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Lakers continue free agency splash, sign Collin Sexton to two-year deal

    Lakers continue free agency splash, sign Collin Sexton to two-year deal

    The Lakers just keep adding.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Los Angeles has agreed to a two-year, $19 million contract with free-agent guard Collin Sexton. The deal reportedly includes a player option for the second season.

    Sexton becomes the latest addition in what has been a whirlwind day for the Lakers, who have also agreed to acquire Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Jazz while reaching free-agent deals with Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili.

    Collin Sexton, Bulls, NBA
    AP

    The 27-year-old split last season between the Hornets and Bulls after being traded at the deadline.

    He finished the year strong in Chicago, averaging 17.5 points over 26 games while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range. For his career, Sexton is a 39 percent shooter from beyond the arc.

    Known for his relentless energy and scoring ability, Sexton is expected to give the Lakers another proven offensive weapon off the bench as the franchise continues reshaping its roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves following LeBron James‘ departure.

    According to salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan, the Lakers have now exhausted their available spending power in free agency, though they remain capable of making additional moves via trade.

    Hoops Wire will continue tracking Los Angeles’ busy offseason as more news develops.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Lakers signing Quentin Grimes to four-year, $60M contract

    Lakers signing Quentin Grimes to four-year, $60M contract

    The Lakers continue building around Luka Doncic.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Los Angeles has agreed to a four-year, $60 million contract with free-agent guard Quentin Grimes. The deal reportedly includes a player option for the fourth season.

    Grimes, 26, has developed into one of the NBA’s more dependable two-way guards over five seasons with the Knicks, Pistons, Mavericks and Sixers.

    Quentin Grimes, 76ers, Sixers, NBA
    Getty

    Known for his perimeter defense and outside shooting, Grimes owns a career 36.6 percent mark from three-point range. But he also showed he can take on a much larger offensive role during his time in Philadelphia, averaging 21.9 points and 4.5 assists over a 28-game stretch late in the 2024-25 season.

    Last season, he averaged a career-best 3.3 assists while continuing to establish himself as a reliable rotation player on both ends of the floor.

    The signing is another major move in what has become a busy offseason for Los Angeles.

    The Lakers have also agreed to acquire center Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Jazz and reached a four-year agreement with free-agent forward Sandro Mamukelashvili as they continue reshaping the roster following LeBron James‘ departure.

    Grimes is expected to provide defense, shooting and secondary playmaking alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves as the Lakers begin a new era.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Lakers sign Sandro Mamukelashvili to four-year deal

    Lakers sign Sandro Mamukelashvili to four-year deal

    The Lakers aren’t wasting any time reshaping their frontcourt.

    Just minutes after agreeing to acquire Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Jazz, Los Angeles reached a four-year, $52 million agreement with free-agent forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

    The contract reportedly is fully guaranteed and includes a player option for the fourth season.

    Sandro Mamukelashvili, Raptors, Lakers, NBA
    File photo

    Mamukelashvili, 27, is coming off a breakout season with the Raptors after betting on himself in free agency. He declined a $2.8 million player option to hit the open market and is now rewarded with the largest contract of his NBA career.

    He appeared in 80 games last season, averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 52.3 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc. His production even earned him votes for Sixth Man of the Year.

    According to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg, Mamukelashvili hoped to remain in Toronto, but the Lakers’ offer proved too strong to match.

    The signing continues a dramatic makeover in Los Angeles following LeBron James‘ decision to leave in free agency.

    With Kessler expected to take over at center, Mamukelashvili could step into a significant role in the Lakers’ frontcourt, whether as a starting power forward or a versatile reserve capable of playing both frontcourt positions.

    Hoops Wire will have more on the Lakers’ busy offseason as it develops.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position