Hoops Wire

Category: Knicks

Latest New York Knicks Rumors and News.

  • NBA Notes: Knicks, guard options, Malik Beasley, Lakers

    NBA Notes: Knicks, guard options, Malik Beasley, Lakers

    Malik Beasley, Pistons, NBA, Knicks, Cavaliers, Cavs
    File photo

    The Knicks have been tied to Malik Beasley in free agency, but he is far from the only veteran guard on their radar.

    As James Edwards III of The Athletic detailed, New York has a list of potential minimum-contract candidates as they fill out the roster under new coach Mike Brown.

    Edwards notes that Landry Shamet and Delon Wright, both familiar faces from Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks days, could be fallback options if Beasley is not signed. Wright in particular might fit more cleanly given the Knicks’ lack of depth behind Jalen Brunson and second-year man Tyler Kolek.

    Other names floated include Alec Burks, Monte Morris, Seth Curry, Malcolm Brogdon, and yes, Ben Simmons. Kristian Winfield of the Daily News added that Shamet or Wright could be the best low-maintenance fits in high-leverage moments.

    Edwards also writes that only one of the Knicks’ young trio — Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, or Ariel Hukporti — is likely to crack Brown’s rotation this season, given the nine proven veterans already slotted in.

    • Beasley’s Cloud: Beasley’s name remains complicated. ESPN reported last week that the sharpshooter is no longer considered a “target” of a federal gambling investigation into prop bet activity. But as Alex Schiffer of Front Office Sports clarified, Beasley is still a “subject” of the probe, which means his conduct is under review even if prosecutors don’t have evidence strong enough to treat him as a likely defendant. His lawyer Steve Haney told The Detroit News the situation has left Beasley in “a state of purgatory.” That uncertainty has made teams hesitant, even though technically nothing prevents him from signing today.

    • Financial Woes: Beyond the investigation, Beasley’s name has surfaced in reports about unpaid debts to a barber, lender, marketing firm, and dentist, along with an eviction dispute. Haney insists those issues have been exaggerated and that his client is working to resolve them: “It is not fair to characterize him as being broke… Malik obviously did not have people in his management circle that were diligent. We are working with him to solve some of the problems.”

    • The Lakers’ Move: One small piece of business elsewhere — Los Angeles signed center Kylor Kelley to a training camp deal, per a team release. The 27-year-old appeared in 11 games with the Pelicans and Mavericks last season, notching a double-double in his first NBA start for Dallas in February. Kelley’s contract fills the Lakers’ camp roster at 21 players.

  • Cavs continue to be linked to Malik Beasley, along with Pistons, Timberwolves, Knicks

    Cavs continue to be linked to Malik Beasley, along with Pistons, Timberwolves, Knicks

    Malik Beasley, Pistons, Cavaliers, Cavs, Knicks, NBA
    File photo

    The Cavaliers have recently “touched base on” free agent shooting guard Malik Beasley, as have the Knicks, Pistons and Knicks, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

    Beasley was recently cleared as a target of a federal gambling probe, though as we relayed earlier, he is still under investigation.

    The Cavs on Tuesday announced that wing Max Strus will miss three to four months following foot surgery — perhaps opening a window of guaranteed playing time for someone such as Beasley. That said, neither the Cavs nor Knicks can offer anything but a veteran’s minimum contract due to salary-cap constraints.

    Beasley spent last season with the Pistons and reportedly was about to be offered a contract in the three-year and $42 million range. Then the gambling news broke and Detroit moved in another direction.

    Beasley, 28, appeared in all 82 games in his first season with the Pistons last year, averaging 16.3 points on 43.0 percent shooting, including 41.6 percent on 3-pointers. Along the way, he became a finalist for Sixth Man of the Year.

    He has spent most of his career as a shooter-for-hire, having played for six teams in nine seasons. The list consists of the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Jazz, Lakers, Bucks and Pistons. In other words, the Cavaliers are the only team linked to Beasley for which he hasn’t already played.

  • East Notes: Heat, Bam Adebayo, Knicks, Magic, Desmond Bane

    East Notes: Heat, Bam Adebayo, Knicks, Magic, Desmond Bane

    Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo
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    Entering last year, Heat power forward Bam Adebayo looked ready to add a new wrinkle to his game with an actual three-point shot. He hit 79 triples after making just nine in his career before March 2024.

    But as relayed by ESPN’s Zach Kram, the rest of Adebayo’s offense fell off. His true shooting percentage dropped to a career-low 56%, marking four straight years of decline. He posted a career-worst free-throw rate, struggled at the rim, and was among the league’s least efficient post-up players.

    With Norman Powell — who led the league in points per touch — joining Tyler Herro in the backcourt, Miami’s guards should be fine.

    The Heat’s frontcourt, though, needs a bounce-back from Bam to get back into the East mix.

    • Knicks starters weren’t all that: The group of Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns logged 940 regular-season minutes together, the most in the league by far. But as Kram notes, the results didn’t match the hype. Their plus-3.2 net rating was actually below average compared to other top-heavy lineups, which posted a plus-5.0 average. In the playoffs, that number sank to minus-6.2, forcing New York to lean on bench-heavy lineups with Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride. With Mike Brown taking over and Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele added to the bench, expect more mixing and matching this year. But the starting five can’t just play less — they have to play better if New York wants its first Finals appearance since the ’90s.

    • Orlando’s offensive drought continues: Kram points out that the Magic haven’t had a top-half offense since 2012 — the Dwight Howard era. Since then, their offensive efficiency rankings read like a lottery ticket: 27th, 29th, 27th, 17th, 28th, 25th, 22nd, 21st, 29th, 30th, 26th, 22nd, 26th. Maybe 2026 is the year. Desmond Bane finally gives Orlando the shooting it’s long lacked, and if Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero stay healthy, the scoring should at least be average. With a defense that already has top-tier potential, even a middle-of-the-pack offense might make Orlando a legitimate contender.

  • Cavs, Knicks among those to check in on Malik Beasley

    Cavs, Knicks among those to check in on Malik Beasley

    Malik Beasley, Pistons, Cavaliers, Cavs, Knicks, NBA
    File photo

    The Cavaliers and Knicks are among the teams to have “checked in” on free agent shooting guard Malik Beasley, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

    Beasley spent last season with the Pistons and recently had his name cleared as part of a federal gambling probe. Detroit was set to offer him a three-year deal, reportedly worth about $42 million, before the investigation.

    But it appears that basketball ship has sailed, opening the door for others.

    Meanwhile, both the Cavs and Knicks have very little money to offer in free agency. More specifically, both can only offer a veteran’s minimum deal, given their salary cap restraints.

    That said, Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman is said to be all in on building a deep, talented and veteran-laden roster capable of winning a championship. The Cavs believe they are close as constructed, as do the Knicks.

    Entering the season, they’re projected as the top two teams in the East. And both are seeking the type of player that could put them over the top.

    Beasley, 28, is that type of player. He appeared in all 82 games in his first season with the Pistons last year, averaging 16.3 points on 43.0 percent shooting, including 41.6 percent on 3-pointers. Along the way, he became a finalist for Sixth Man of the Year.

    He has spent most of his career as a shooter-for-hire, having spent time with six teams in nine seasons. The list consists of the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Jazz, Lakers, Bucks and Pistons.

    Several others are interested in adding Beasley for the upcoming season as well, sources told Hoops Wire.

    “Knicks executive Gersson Rosas signed Beasley to a four-year, $60M deal with the Timberwolves,” Scotto wrote. “The Knicks and Cavs have minimum deals to offer. Beasley is no longer a target of a federal investigation.”

    NBA training camps are scheduled to tip off in a little more than a month.

    RELATED | Knicks showing interest in Beasley after probe dropped

  • NBA Rumors: Warriors, Cody Martin, Bulls, Josh Giddey, Timberwolves, Knicks

    NBA Rumors: Warriors, Cody Martin, Bulls, Josh Giddey, Timberwolves, Knicks

    Suns, Cody Martin, NBA news, Warriors
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    As we’ve written time and again, the Warriors remain in a holding pattern until Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation is settled. But once that happens, veterans Seth Curry and Malcolm Brogdon are expected to be among Golden State’s roster targets.

    Jake Fischer of The Stein Line adds that another name on the list is former Hornets and Suns swingman Cody Martin. The veteran has drawn interest from several playoff teams but is said to be weighing whether to wait for Golden State or see what opportunities open up once training camps begin.

    Golden State still has multiple open roster spots, with Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II also expected to sign once the Kuminga situation is resolved.

    Bulls and Giddey

    Chicago’s final roster spot is being reserved for restricted free agent Josh Giddey. Like Kuminga, Giddey has until Oct. 1 to decide whether to accept his qualifying offer.

    According to Fischer, the Bulls’ best offer has been a four-year deal worth around $80 million, while Giddey is holding out for something closer to $30 million per season. That $10 million gap has left the two sides stuck.

    Other qualifying offers

    Philadelphia’s Quentin Grimes and Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas face the same Oct. 1 deadline on their qualifying offers, Fischer noted.

    Thomas, in particular, has been the subject of speculation as one player who might be willing to take the one-year deal and test unrestricted free agency in 2026.

    Timberwolves and Hyland

    Minnesota has two open spots and, according to Fischer, would like to bring back Bones Hyland. The guard split last season between Denver and Minnesota, and a return to the Timberwolves remains on the table.

    Knicks keep eye on Beasley

    The Knicks have three roster spots left and have been linked to Brogdon, Landry Shamet and even Ben Simmons. SNY’s Ian Begley has also cited New York as a possible landing spot for Malik Beasley.

    Beasley, who finished last season with Detroit, was cleared Friday of involvement in a federal gambling investigation. The Pistons had planned to sign him to a three-year, $42 million deal before the probe surfaced.

    Fischer notes that the Knicks maintained interest dating back to their first-round playoff series against Detroit and could revisit it now that Beasley is back on the market.

  • Knicks showing interest in Malik Beasley after gambling probe dropped

    Knicks showing interest in Malik Beasley after gambling probe dropped

    Malik Beasley, Pistons, NBA
    File photo

    The Knicks may be looking to add another shooter, and Malik Beasley could be the name to watch.

    According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, New York has shown interest in Beasley, who became an unexpected late-summer free agent after federal investigators cleared him in a gambling probe. ESPN first reported Friday that Beasley was no longer a target, removing the cloud that had followed him since the start of July.

    “I’m told that the Knicks have maintained a level of interest in Beasley since the teams met in the first round of the playoffs in May,” Fischer said.

    The timing of the investigation hit hard. Detroit reportedly had planned to re-sign Beasley on a three-year, $42 million deal, but those talks ended once the probe surfaced. The Pistons moved on, and Beasley suddenly found himself without a team.

    Now? The 27-year-old sharpshooter is back on the board after averaging 16.3 poingts points and shooting 43 npercent from three with Detroit last season, playing all 82 games. He finished as a finalist for Sixth Man of the Year.

    SNY’s Ian Begley also mentioned the Knicks as a possible landing spot, noting that New York could use additional depth on the wing. With limited flexibility under the apron, the Knicks may be hunting for value — and Beasley fits that mold.

    The question is whether the market heats back up quickly or if teams proceed cautiously. Either way, Beasley’s name is back in play, and the Knicks are keeping tabs.

    MORE KNICKS | All coverage from Hoops Wire

  • Knicks Notes: Mike Brown, Ben Simmons, LeBron James

    Knicks Notes: Mike Brown, Ben Simmons, LeBron James

    Mike Briown, Knicks, NBA
    YouTube

    The New York Knicks have retooled their coaching staff after last season’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals, hiring former two-time Coach of the Year Mike Brown to replace Tom Thibodeau.

    Brown has already filled out his staff with several new faces. USC head coach Eric Musselman, who has long-standing ties to both Brown and new assistant Brendan O’Connor, spoke to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post about what the Knicks can expect.

    “He is super-detailed, super-organized,” Musselman said of Brown. “That year with the Lakers, his playbook, he wants to make sure it’s color-coded properly. He got a little bit of an NFL, detail-oriented mindset. … Training camp, the drills and the precision … that was real detailed as well.”

    Musselman believes Brown’s experience coaching LeBron James in Cleveland, his time with the Lakers, and his championship run as an assistant in Golden State have prepared him for this opportunity.

    “I just think his experience of being in Cleveland and who he coached there (LeBron James) and then I think the fact that he coached in L.A. and it’s the Lakers,” Musselman said. “And with the media market in the Bay Area 9with the Warriors), even though he was just an assistant, you can kind of sit back and watch how Coach (Steve Kerr) handles pressure and coaching in playoff situations. And he’s at a perfect age. He has a lot of things going for him.”

    Knicks weighing backcourt options

    New York still has a 14th roster spot to fill before training camp. According to Bondy,the Knicks have shown interest in free agent guards Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet and Ben Simmons.

    Bondy notes, however, that he has heard “conflicting information” about how strong the team’s interest in Simmons actually is.

    A look at LeBron

    With James’ future uncertain, Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News explored the idea of a trade that could send the Lakers star to New York — breaking down the potential pros and cons of such a move.

    For the record, the scenario remains speculation. There has been no indication that James will ask to be traded, nor that the Lakers would consider dealing him.

    MORE KNICKS | All coverage from Hoops Wire

  • NBA Notes: Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns, Heat, Dru Smith, Warriors

    NBA Notes: Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns, Heat, Dru Smith, Warriors

    Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks, NBA
    HW File

    Knicks

    Karl-Anthony Towns is eligible to add two more years onto his current deal with the Knicks, but there’s been little movement on that front this NBA offseason.

    As Stefan Bondy of the New York Post points out, Towns has until October 20 to sign an extension. His current contract runs through the 2026-27 season and includes a $61 million player option for 2027-28.

    A max extension would be worth $150 million over two years, but there’s no indication that talks are underway. Bondy reports that Towns’ agent didn’t respond to a request for comment, and team president Leon Rose rarely speaks publicly.

    Bondy suggests the likeliest outcome is that Towns plays out his current contract, possibly even exercising the option before negotiating a new deal. While Towns is a four-time All-Star, committing $75 million annually could be a difficult call for the Knicks as teams across the league look to avoid the restrictions of the second apron.

    There are also basketball questions to be answered. Can Towns stay healthier than he did in Minnesota? Will his chemistry with Jalen Brunson continue to grow? Can he hold up better defensively in the pick-and-roll? And does his long-term future fit more as a center or a power forward?

    For now, the extension chatter is quiet, with the deadline approaching

    Heat

    The Heat are bringing back guard Dru Smith, announcing Saturday that the restricted free agent has signed a three-year contract with the team.

    The deal is worth $7.9 million, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, aligning with the veteran’s minimum. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that the first year is fully guaranteed, while the final two seasons include conditional guarantees.

    Miami created the roster space for Smith by trading forward Haywood Highsmith to Brooklyn on Friday, a move that shed $5.6 million in salary and allowed the Heat to stay under the cap.

    Smith, 27, was off to a promising start last season before suffering a torn Achilles in December. Despite the setback, Miami kept him on a two-way contract for the remainder of the year and believes he can be fully healthy by the season opener on October 22, or shortly after.

    In 14 games, Smith averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 steals in 19 minutes per game while shooting 51 percent from the floor and 53 percent from beyond the arc.

    His improvement as a perimeter threat helped him carve out a consistent role, logging double-digit minutes in eight straight appearances before the injury. He even closed games, playing the entire fourth quarter in five of his last seven outings.

    Smith first joined Miami on a two-way contract in 2022, then briefly played for the Nets before returning to the Heat in 2023. He earned a standard contract to open last season, but injuries — including an ACL sprain in November — have slowed his progress.

    Warriors

    Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the difficulties of developing young players in today’s NBA, pointing to the lack of practice time during a busy schedule.

    “We don’t practice anymore,” Kerr said during an appearance on the Glue Guys Podcast. “So we have to develop these 19-year-old kids who are coming into the league without much practice time. Frankly, I’m not great — I’m an older coach. So I lean on the young coaches.”

    — Kent Lacob, Golden State’s vice president of basketball development, is leaving the organization. Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic reported that the decision was not an easy one, noting the challenges Lacob faced in delivering the news to his father, Warriors owner Joe Lacob.

    — We have the latest on the Warriors and their contract situation with Jonathan Kuminga right here: It’s bad for both.

    More NBA Rumors & News

  • An early guide to scoring Cavs-Knicks Christmas Day tickets

    An early guide to scoring Cavs-Knicks Christmas Day tickets

    Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers, Cavs, Josh Hart, Knicks, NBA
    Getty

    It’s the Cavaliers. It’s the Knicks. It’s New York native Donovan Mitchell and former Cleveland coach Mike Brown.

    And it’s a Christmas Day matchup of the two teams expected to contend in the Eastern Conference — and perhaps even the teams to beat.

    Tipoff is TBD on Christmas. My guess is it will be either at noon or 1 p.m. EST, given that the other four Christmas games all involve Western Conference teams. Location is Madison Square Garden.

    For the Cavaliers, it’s the first Christmas Day game since You Know Who was on the team. That would be none other than LeBron James. (And yes, James and the Lakers are playing Christmas Day, too. Big shock there, huh?)

    For the Knicks and new coach Brown, it’s another opportunity for … well, I’m not really sure. Playing in the league’s biggest market and advancing to the East finals last season pretty much speaks for itself.

    Back to the Cavs. They finished 64-18 and with the top seed in the East. Then they were bounced from the playoffs by the Pacers one round before the Knicks.

    The Pacers are entering the season as a shell of themselves. On paper, that leaves the Cavs and the Knicks.

    So how do you get to this holiday event at MSG? Good question, actually.

    I generally buy tickets off SeatGeek. At least, for concerts. In case you didn’t know, I get into any NBA game I want for free. Not to rub it in or anything.

    But Cavs-Knicks aren’t available on SeatGeek yet. You can, however, get them on Vivid Seats — and for the low, low price of about $427. Quite a bargain, no? That is, provided you don’t play on getting your kids anything for Christmas.

    Granted, we’re still a little more than four months away, and like me with concerts, you might be able to wait it out and get them for dirt cheap on Christmas Eve (or even more like me, on the day of).

    For now, though, that’s all we know.

    On Thursday, we’ll also know a tipoff time, as that’s when the NBA is releasing its full 2025-26 schedule. Until then, you can start buying your tickets. Or you can just get a job like mine. 

  • Cavs Tip Off NBA Christmas Games With Visit to Knicks

    Cavs Tip Off NBA Christmas Games With Visit to Knicks

    NBA, Cavs, Cavaliers, Knicks, <a rel=

    Some will tell you the Cavaliers and Knicks, in any order, are favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. At least, they will say that in August.

    Well, fans will get a good look at both on Christmas Day, when Cleveland visits New York to tip off the afternoon, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

    Old-timers occasionally say the NBA season starts on Christmas, and while far from true, the Cavs and Knicks will be the first to take a major spotlight. Their game is scheduled for noon EST, sources told Hoops Wire.

    Both the Cavaliers and Knicks return their cores from teams that finished last season strong, but couldn’t get past the Pacers in the playoffs. Cleveland went 64-18 before getting bounced in the second round; the Knicks went 51-31 and lost in the East finals.

    Other games scheduled for Christmas: Spurs at the defending champion Thunder; Rockets at Lakers; Mavericks at Warriors; and Timberwolves at Nuggets.

    Kevin Durant and Houston will visit Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Oklahoma City to tip off NBA opening night, Charania reported. Also, Stephen Curry and Golden State will visit LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Los Angeles in a matchup of NBA media darlings.

    More NBA News & Rumors

  • New Knicks Coach Mike Brown Could Unlock More From Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns

    New Knicks Coach Mike Brown Could Unlock More From Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns

    Mikal Bridges, Knicks, NBA
    File photo

    A coaching change in New York might mean more production from Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns in their second year with the Knicks, as written by NBA reporter Zach Braziller of the New York Post.

    Bridges had an inconsistent first season, while Towns put up strong numbers but at times wasn’t featured enough in the offense, including during the playoffs. New head coach Mike Brown is expected to bring a faster pace and more ball movement, which could create better scoring opportunities for both players, Braziller noted.

    James L. Edwards III of The Athletic noted in a mailbag that Brown used creative offensive sets in Sacramento to get DeMar DeRozan quality mid-range looks and could do the same for Bridges. Edwards also believes the Knicks could feature Towns more as an offensive hub and take advantage of his passing ability.

    Edwards projected that Towns and Mitchell Robinson will likely start together in the frontcourt to open the season, giving the Knicks added rim protection. Whether Robinson or Josh Hart starts, both are expected to be regular rotation pieces along with Towns, Bridges, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson, and Guerschon Yabusele.

    How deep Brown goes in his rotation could depend on who the Knicks add to round out their roster and whether any of the team’s young players impress during the preseason.

    More NBA News & Rumors

  • NBA Rumors: Hornets, Grant Williams, Knicks, Mitchell Robinson, Nets

    NBA Rumors: Hornets, Grant Williams, Knicks, Mitchell Robinson, Nets

    Grant Williams, Hornets, NBA
    AP

    Veteran Hornets forward Grant Williams is taking a patient, measured approach in his recovery from a devastating right knee injury suffered in November 2024. For the record, the 26-year-old tore his ACL, meniscus, and other ligaments, and while he’s made meaningful progress, he told NBA reporter Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer that he’s not fully back yet.

    “I feel great, physically just taking it one day at a time,” Williams said. “Rehab is a pretty slow process. There can be good days and bad days… Not necessarily there for contact yet, but in terms of being able to perform and work out, that’s something I think brings serenity — shooting the ball well, talk trash. So I’m trying to still find better shooters in the gym to compete against.”

    Williams also emphasized that the Hornets are not rushing his return, allowing him to recover on a timeline that prioritizes long-term health over short-term urgency.

    “They understand that there might be a little bit of time for me to get back and get my feet wet into the game,” he said. “It’s a matter of making sure I can play for a long time… to make sure I can help this team compete at a high level for a long couple of years.”

    Before the injury, Williams averaged 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over 16 games with Charlotte, while shooting 43.9% from the field, 36.5% from three, and 83.8% at the line.

    He’s in Year 3 of a four-year, $53.3M fully guaranteed deal originally signed with Boston. If Charlotte intends to trade him at any point, he’ll need to prove he can return to form and contribute as a reliable two-way piece.

    On the Hornets’ Offseason Moves

    Though he hasn’t played alongside the new acquisitions yet, Williams is encouraged by the front office’s offseason work, especially the team’s improved depth and athleticism.

    “We got a lot more athletic, we added a lot more depth — not only top to bottom but position by position,” Williams said. “We’ve got a lot more guards, a lot more scoring potential, a lot more fast play potential.”

    He highlighted Mason Plumlee and Moussa Diabate as mobile bigs, while also praising newcomer Ryan Dunn for his floor spacing and rim protection.

    In terms of guards and wings, Williams pointed to players like Collin Sexton, Tre Mann, Josh Green (once healthy), Miles Bridges, and rookie Kon Knueppel as names who add scoring punch and versatility.

    “Geez, you could go down the line with a lot of names that we can add,” Williams said. “We are just super excited… the ability to compete at a high level every single night even when guys are out.”

    On the Rookie Class

    Williams also spoke highly of the Hornets’ incoming rookies, praising their openness and eagerness to learn.

    “They honestly are some great individuals… They are very goofy also, but also they are young so they are fresh behind the ears,” he said. “They don’t really know what’s coming.”

    He’s taking on a mentorship role, helping the young players acclimate to the demands of the NBA and understand the culture Charlotte is trying to build.

    “They’ve been very, very open,” he said. “They haven’t really shut anything down and I think they are approaching everything with the right approach going into the season.”

    Around the League…

    • Knicks + Mikal Bridges: Even after Bridges took slightly less than the max on his new 4-year, $150M extension, the Knicks are still headed for second-apron territory next season if they re-sign Mitchell Robinson, per Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron. Bridges’ rare 5.69% trade kicker could net him a $6.17M bonus if dealt in 2026 — the same amount he left on the table in his extension.
    • Nets Rebuild Watch: Brooklyn landed the No. 8 pick in this year’s NBA lottery and is reportedly open to tanking again in 2025–26. But Brian Lewis of The New York Post warns of long-term consequences. “You risk eroding the environment you’re trying to create,” one agent said, referencing how a similar strategy backfired in Philadelphia during “The Process.”

    More NBA News & Rumors

  • NBA Rumors: Celtics, Payton Pritchard, Lakers, Luka Doncic, Chris Jent, Nuggets

    NBA Rumors: Celtics, Payton Pritchard, Lakers, Luka Doncic, Chris Jent, Nuggets

    Celtics, Payton Pritchard, Cavaliers, Cavs, Ty Jerome, NBA
    Hoops Wire/File photo

    The Celtics have trimmed payroll this offseason, moving out Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and most recently Georges Niang. But Payton Pritchard isn’t backing off from the team’s expectations.

    “We’re definitely trying to be a playoff team. We’re trying to win a championship,” Pritchard said on the Celtics Talk Podcast with NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg. “It’s not even about playoffs, we have one standard in Boston and it’s to win a championship.”

    That may seem like a tall order with Jayson Tatum likely out for the season due to a torn Achilles and with veterans like Holiday and Porzingis no longer around. But Pritchard, last season’s Sixth Man of the Year, said the belief in the locker room hasn’t wavered.

    “Everybody in that locker room will have the goal of competing for a championship. And we will do everything in our power necessary to go for that,” he said.

    Pritchard admitted losing teammates like Holiday, Porzingis and Luke Kornet “definitely sucks,” but he’s optimistic that others will rise to the occasion.

    “There’s a lot of opportunities across the board,” he said. “For me, personally, I’m excited every year. Because it’s an opportunity to prove myself again, to show that I can take another step. I’m definitely hungry and motivated this year.”

    Details on Celtics’ seconds

    As we relayed, the Celtics have traded Niang and a pair of second-round picks to the Jazz in exchange for rookie RJ Luis Jr. The second-rounders are either Boston’s or Orlando’s 2027 pick (whichever is more favorable) and either Boston’s or Cleveland’s 2031 pick (also the more favorable of the two), according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

    Utah used part of the $26.6 million trade exception they created in last month’s John Collins deal to absorb Niang, who was traded to Boston earlier in the summer before the team shifted direction.

    Doncic Embraces LA Spotlight

    Dan Woike of The Athletic reported on Luka Doncic’s recent extension with the Lakers and the celebration that followed in Las Vegas, attended by new team owner Mark Walter, governor Jeanie Buss, head coach JJ Redick and several teammates.

    “He’s only looking forward. And he’s here,” said Doncic’s manager, Lara Beth Seager. “He wants to get the best players here. He wants to win, and he knows it starts with him… I think that’s what he proved this offseason.”

    Doncic reportedly pushed back against critics who questioned his leadership, vowing to show who he really is. The Lakers will hope that translates into deep playoff runs with their newest superstar locked in.

    Weinar Withdraws from Knicks Job Search

    Pacers assistant Mike Weinar has pulled his name from consideration for the Knicks’ lead assistant job, according to multiple reports.

    Stefan Bondy of the New York Post and Ian Begley of SNY reported and confirmed that Weinar is stepping away due to family considerations.

    The Knicks had interest in Weinar for the role of offensive coordinator under Mike Brown, but that search will now continue.

    Hornets assistant Chris Jent remains in the mix, with Begley reporting that New York’s interest in him is real.

    Jent led Charlotte to the Summer League title last month and previously spent time on the benches of the Hawks and Lakers. He also served as interim head coach for the Magic during the final stretch of the 2004-05 season.

    Bowen Takes Over in Grand Rapids

    Former NBA forward and longtime Nuggets assistant Ryan Bowen is the new head coach of the Grand Rapids Gold, Denver’s G League affiliate.

    Bowen replaces Andre Miller, who is stepping away after three seasons to pursue other coaching opportunities.

    “Ryan brings a championship mindset, years of experience, and a deep connection to the Nuggets system,” Gold president Steve Jbara said. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to Grand Rapids.”

    Bowen spent 10 of his 12 seasons as an assistant with Denver. His coaching résumé includes the Nuggets’ 2023 title and extensive player development work under Michael Malone.

  • NBA Trade Ideas Sending Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo To Knicks, Nets, Hawks, Spurs, Heat

    NBA Trade Ideas Sending Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo To Knicks, Nets, Hawks, Spurs, Heat

    NBA Trade Ideas Sending Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo To Knicks, Nets, Hawks, Spurs, Heat
    Getty Images

    Giannis Antetokounmpo is still evaluating his future with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN. 

    With Charania’s report in mind, NBA writer Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report created trade ideas sending Antetokounmpo to the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat. 

    Trade 1

    New York Knicks Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

    Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, Danny Wolf, 2026 first-round swap (NYK), 2028 first-round swap (worst of NYK and BKN), 2030 first-round swap (NYK)

    Brooklyn Nets Receive: Josh Hart, 2026 second-round pick (MIL via NYK), 2026 second-round pick (MIN via NYK)

    Trade 2

    Brooklyn Nets Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

    Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Michael Porter Jr., 2027 first-round pick (top-1 protected), 2027 first-round pick (via NYK), 2029 first-round pick (top-1 protected), 2029 first-round pick (via HOU), 2031 first-round pick (top-1 protected)

    Trade 3

    Atlanta Hawks Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

    Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, 2026 first-round swap (most favorable of Milwaukee’s own and New Orleans), 2027 first-round pick (least favorable of Milwaukee and New Orleans), 2030 first-round pick

    Trade 4

    San Antonio Spurs Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

    Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Harrison Barnes, Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, 2027 first-round pick (via ATL), 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick (most favorable of SAC or SAS)

    Trade 5

    Miami Heat Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

    Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, Kel’el Ware, 2027 first-round swap, 2029 first-round swap, 2030 first-round pick, 2031 first-round swap, 2032 first-round pick

    The Bucks will not trade Antetokounmpo unless the NBA superstar requests a trade. Antetokounmpo will make $54.1 million next season. Milwaukee signed the versatile forward to a three-year, $175 million extension in October 2023. Antetokounmpo doesn’t have a no-trade clause. 

    One of the best players in NBA history, Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP, a one-time Finals MVP, a one-time Defensive Player of the Year and a nine-time All-Star. The 30-year-old has career averages of 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks.

    The Bucks reached the mountain top in 2021, winning the championship against the Phoenix Suns in six games. However, the franchise has won just one postseason series since then. 

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