NBA rumors

The Miami Heat have agreed to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks in a massive NBA trade.

According to ESPN, Milwaukee will receive Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, one pick swap and one second-round pick. The package includes the No. 13 pick in the NBA Draft.

The deal will be officially executed on July 6 and gives Pat Riley another franchise-changing acquisition after LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Bosh and Jimmy Butler. In Miami, Giannis will form an elite frontcourt with Bam Adebayo.

For Milwaukee, the move ends a 13-year era that included the 2021 NBA championship and two MVP awards. Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists last season.

Trae Young is set to remain the face of the Washington Wizards after agreeing to a new four-year contract worth approximately $212 million, according to ESPN. The deal includes a player option in the final season and secures Young’s long-term future in the nation’s capital.

To finalize the agreement, Young declined his $49 million player option and chose to commit to Washington ahead of free agency. While the contract falls short of the maximum salary the Wizards could have offered, it matches the maximum amount Young would have been eligible to receive elsewhere.

Young, who reportedly identified Washington as his only preferred trade destination back in January, has now reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise and its promising young core as the Wizards continue their rebuilding process.

The Dallas Mavericks are finalizing a deal to hire Dusty May as their new head coach.

According to ESPN, May is leaving Michigan after leading the Wolverines to the 2026 NCAA title and posting a 64-13 record over two seasons in Ann Arbor. He will replace Jason Kidd, who was fired after a 26-56 season.

May will take over a team built around Cooper Flagg, last season’s NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 21.0 points per game. His move marks the first jump by a college head coach to the NBA since John Beilein in 2019.

Gary Harris will remain with the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2026-27 season.

According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, the veteran guard exercised his $3.8 million player option after signing a two-year veteran minimum deal last offseason.

Harris appeared in 48 games for Milwaukee last season, averaging 2.7 points in 13.8 minutes per game. He is entering his 13th NBA season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo could reportedly be traded before the NBA Draft, with the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat emerging as the two main destinations.

According to NBACentral, citing Shams Charania, the race is down to Boston and Miami. The Celtics are reportedly all-in on Giannis and have officially offered Jaylen Brown in a potential deal.

Brian Windhorst also suggested that if Brown is not moved in a trade for Giannis, Boston could still consider trading him elsewhere. A potential Antetokounmpo deal would be one of the biggest moves of the NBA offseason.

The Atlanta Hawks are finalizing a trade to acquire Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder for two future second-round picks.

According to ESPN, Oklahoma City will receive Atlanta’s 2030 second-round pick and the least favorable of the Hawks’ or Los Angeles Lakers’ 2032 second-round pick.

The move also carries major financial value for the Thunder, lowering their projected tax penalty from $213 million to $152 million and opening one roster spot.

Wiggins, 27, was a key role player during Oklahoma City’s 2024-25 championship season, averaging 12.0 points and 3.9 rebounds in the regular season.

Last season, the 6-foot-5 guard averaged 9.4 points over 65 games, including 21 starts. In Atlanta, he will look for a bigger opportunity in a roster that also secured CJ McCollum on a one-year extension.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Los Angeles Lakers are exploring several options to improve the supporting cast around franchise star Luka Doncic ahead of next season.

Fischer identified three players currently on the Lakers’ radar, all known primarily for their defensive impact: Lu Dort, Mitchell Robinson, and Robert Williams III.

The situation surrounding Dort is particularly intriguing. The Oklahoma City Thunder hold a player option worth approximately $17.2 million for the 2026-27 season, but the franchise’s plans remain unclear. Dort has been one of the defining figures of the era built by Sam Presti, yet next season will be the first with the new maximum contracts of Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams on the books. Oklahoma City must also decide what to do with the $28.5 million team option of Isaiah Hartenstein. Given the strong development of Cason Wallace, moving on from Dort could become a realistic option.

The situations of Robinson and Williams are different, as both are set to become unrestricted free agents. Re-signing Robinson is reportedly one of the main priorities for the reigning champion New York Knicks, although keeping him without crossing the second apron threshold could prove difficult.

The Memphis Grizzlies will keep veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on their roster. The two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets has opted into the final year of his deal.

Caldwell-Pope, 33, is coming off a season affected by surgery on his right pinkie finger, which forced him to miss the final 31 games. In 51 appearances with Memphis, he averaged 8.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per game.

The option marks the final season of his three-year, $66 million contract. Caldwell-Pope joined the Grizzlies from the Orlando Magic last summer as part of the Desmond Bane trade. His three-point shooting has dropped in the last two seasons, staying below 34.2% after four straight years at 39% or better.

The Phoenix Suns are keeping Collin Gillespie on a major long-term contract. After spending three straight seasons on two-way deals following his undrafted path out of Villanova in 2022, Gillespie has now earned a four-year agreement and a significant place in Phoenix’s plans.

The deal follows a breakout season for the guard. Gillespie set a Suns franchise record with 232 made three-pointers and posted career highs in games played, points, rebounds, assists and steals.

Alongside Devin Booker, Gillespie showed value at both guard spots, producing in catch-and-shoot situations and off the dribble. According to ESPN Research, he was one of only eight NBA players last season to make at least 90 catch-and-shoot threes and 90 off-the-dribble threes.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Portland Trail Blazers have significant interest in acquiring Jaylen Brown, particularly if the Boston Celtics move forward with a blockbuster pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Portland could find itself in a favorable position to become involved in a potential multi-team deal, as the franchise controls Milwaukee’s 2028, 2029, and 2030 first-round picks—valuable assets acquired in the trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Bucks.

Those draft picks could prove especially important if Milwaukee is forced into a rebuilding phase. Meanwhile, Portland’s own interest in Antetokounmpo appears to have cooled, with reports suggesting the two-time MVP would be unwilling to sign a contract extension if traded to the Oregon-based franchise.

The race for “The Greek Freak” is the first major domino of the NBA offseason. Until Antetokounmpo’s future is resolved, many of the league’s biggest potential moves are likely to remain on hold.

Isaiah Stewart has drawn interest from several playoff teams, with the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat among the franchises monitoring his situation.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Detroit Pistons are evaluating trade discussions involving Stewart as they look for more shooting and perimeter creation around Cade Cunningham.

Stewart, 25, remained an important part of Detroit’s rotation during the 2025-26 season, averaging 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 22.7 minutes per game while shooting 55.0% from the field across 58 appearances.

His contract adds to his appeal. Stewart is entering the third season of a four-year, $60 million extension and has two years remaining, including a team option on the final year.

For Detroit, a potential move would not be tied to declining production, but to Stewart’s value as a trade asset in the search for perimeter offense. Jalen Duren has become a key piece of the Pistons’ future, while Paul Reed could take on a larger role.

According to Sam Amick, the Detroit Pistons are willing to listen to offers for Isaiah Stewart, the 25-year-old big man who has spent all six of his NBA seasons with the franchise.

Detroit is reportedly looking to create more roster flexibility and add players who can provide additional playmaking and outside shooting. The coaching staff is also said to believe that Paul Reed is ready to take over as the primary backup center behind Jalen Duren.

Several teams have expressed interest in Stewart, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat.

Stewart is set to earn $15 million next season and has a $15 million team option for the 2027/28 campaign, making him a potentially attractive trade target for contenders seeking frontcourt depth.

During the 2025/26 season, Stewart averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 22 minutes per game.

D’Angelo Russell has opted into his $6 million player option with the Washington Wizards for the 2026-27 season.

The guard will remain under contract with Washington for another year. During the 2025-26 season, Russell appeared in 26 games, averaging 10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 19.2 minutes per game.

He shot 50.8% from two-point range, 29.5% from three and 71.7% from the free-throw line, while also adding 0.5 steals per game.

For the Wizards, Russell’s return provides experience, ball-handling and offensive creation in the backcourt heading into next season.

The Boston Celtics remain one of the teams most frequently linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the NBA offseason.

According to Sam Amick, Boston would have little hesitation if the Milwaukee Bucks accepted a straight swap involving Jaylen Brown. “If the Bucks said ‘Jaylen Brown for Giannis, straight up,’ I think the deal is done,” Amick said on Run It Back.

Brown is coming off a huge season, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists, but Giannis remains one of the NBA’s most dominant players and a superstar capable of reshaping a team’s title outlook.

The biggest question remains Milwaukee’s stance. According to multiple reports, the Bucks may not view Brown as the centerpiece of their next era and could look to involve a third team for younger players, draft assets and long-term flexibility.

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly operating as if they expect to also hold the No. 13 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

According to Jake Fischer, Milwaukee has recently carried itself like a franchise expecting to have both its own No. 10 pick and the No. 13 selection, currently owned by the Miami Heat.

The Bucks could only make a selection at No. 13 if they acquire that pick from Miami as part of a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, adding more intrigue to the Greek superstar’s future.

Trae Young reportedly plans to decline his $48.97 million player option for the 2026-27 season and become a free agent.

According to Marc J. Spears, the Washington Wizards remain the frontrunner to sign the four-time NBA All-Star to a new contract, as Young likes both the team and Washington, D.C.

Young is still expected to draw max-contract interest from multiple teams, making his free agency one of the major storylines to watch.

The Boston Celtics are reportedly not all-in on a trade pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

According to Gary Washburn, as relayed by NBACentral, the reigning NBA champions are not looking to include Jaylen Brown in a potential deal for the Milwaukee Bucks superstar.

Boston’s stance appears cautious: the Celtics are monitoring the market, but they do not seem willing to sacrifice Brown in a Giannis chase.

The Golden State Warriors are entering a pivotal offseason with a more cautious approach: no major future sacrifices for marginal upgrades.

According to Anthony Slater of ESPN, Golden State would be interested in LeBron James if talks with the Lakers break down, although the Warriors’ current intel still points toward James returning to Los Angeles.

The Warriors have also checked on Kawhi Leonard, but the Clippers are not expected to move him. Trey Murphy III appears to be a more realistic name to watch, while the No. 11 pick in the NBA Draft remains an asset Golden State would prefer to protect.

According to Jake Fischer, the Phoenix Suns have already begun negotiations to retain both Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin ahead of free agency.

NBA teams are allowed to start negotiating with their own free agents the day after the conclusion of the NBA Finals, and Phoenix appears eager to secure the return of two key contributors from last season’s roster.

Gillespie enjoyed a breakout campaign, averaging 12.7 points and 4.6 assists while shooting 40% from three-point range. He also set a new franchise record with 232 made three-pointers during the season.

Goodwin, meanwhile, posted averages of 8.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals, providing valuable versatility and defensive intensity on the wing.

League sources estimate that Gillespie could command a contract worth slightly more than $10 million per season, while Goodwin is expected to receive a smaller deal, likely financed through a portion of the team’s mid-level exception.

As has been known for some time, the Boston Celtics remain one of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s preferred destinations should he leave the Milwaukee Bucks.

According to ESPN, The Greek Freak would be willing to sign a contract extension if he were traded to Boston, further strengthening the Celtics’ appeal as a potential landing spot.

However, a deal would be far from straightforward. The first major obstacle is the likely need to part ways with Jaylen Brown, breaking up a core duo that has led the franchise to significant success in recent years alongside Jayson Tatum.

The second challenge is tactical. Antetokounmpo’s arrival would force Boston to significantly reshape its playing style, moving away from the five-out, three-point-heavy system that has defined the team’s identity in recent seasons.

With the 2026 NBA Draft now just around the corner, there is a strong possibility that the next week will bring greater clarity regarding Antetokounmpo’s future.

The Miami Heat are reportedly keeping an eye on the superstar market, with Trae Young emerging as a potential fallback target if they miss out on Giannis Antetokounmpo.

According to Jake Fischer, the Washington Wizards point guard has become another “big fish” backup option for Miami, alongside LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.

The scenario depends on the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade chase: if Boston, Portland or another team outbids Pat Riley and the Heat, Miami could pivot to another high-profile target.

Walker Kessler is reportedly frustrated with the Utah Jazz front office and is considering a basketball future away from Salt Lake City.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the 24-year-old center is at odds with the Jazz over the handling of his restricted free agency. Kessler was already disappointed by Utah’s decision not to offer him a contract extension last summer.

Kessler could reach a deal with the Jazz, sign an offer sheet starting July 1, work on a sign-and-trade or accept his $14.6 million qualifying offer to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

One of the NBA’s most coveted young rim protectors, Kessler has drawn past interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks.

The Boston Celtics could face a delicate situation with Jaylen Brown if they fail to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, as relayed by Fullcourtpass, Brown could potentially request a trade if Boston does not land Giannis after repeated speculation involving his name.

The concern comes from Brown being constantly mentioned in trade scenarios, a dynamic that could create tension if the Celtics’ interest in the Milwaukee Bucks superstar does not turn into a real move.

The Celtics have reportedly not yet engaged in meaningful trade talks involving Jaylen Brown, but the possibility has not been ruled out. Boston is now believed to be open to moving several players on its roster, with Jayson Tatum viewed as the only untouchable.

Brown is coming off the best season of his career, serving as Boston’s No. 1 offensive option while Tatum recovered from his Achilles injury. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game and earned All-NBA Second Team honors.

His $57.1 million salary for next season would make him the logical centerpiece for salary-matching purposes in any potential deal with Milwaukee. After ten years in Boston, Brown could become the key piece in a move that would reshape the Celtics’ future.

LeBron James’ future continues to generate speculation. The Warriors, who previously tried to pursue him through trades, could theoretically explore a free agency move to pair him with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

The possibility is not being completely dismissed, though it would largely depend on LeBron’s own decision. His preference, however, is still believed to be staying with the Lakers, with Los Angeles offering both business advantages and the chance to keep playing alongside Bronny James.

A move to Golden State would also be difficult from both a basketball and financial standpoint. Curry, Green, LeBron and Jimmy Butler would be a fascinating but aging core, while the Warriors’ payroll would make adding James a complicated scenario.

According to Michael Scotto, Sandro Mamukelashvili will decline the player option for the 2026/27 season included in his contract with the Toronto Raptors.

The decision will allow the 27-year-old Georgian big man, who also spent time in Italy as a youth player, to capitalize on what was the best NBA season of his career.

Mamukelashvili averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game for the Raptors while shooting 52% from the field, 39% from three-point range, and 74% from the free-throw line.

Several league insiders believe that, as an unrestricted free agent, he could command a contract worth a portion of the Mid-Level Exception, representing a significant raise from the $2.8 million salary he was set to earn under his previous deal with Toronto.