In a surprisingly fast-moving development, the up-and-coming Charlotte Hornets pivoted from building off the momentum they had made at the end of last season, when they were one of the NBA's hottest teams, to trading a 24-year-old face of the franchise.
Subscribe to The Kevin O'Connor ShowApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeLaMelo Ball traded to Minnesota!. Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh react to the Charlotte Hornets trading LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Then, they discuss the future of Kawhi Leonard.
LaMelo Ball entered the offseason expecting to remain with the Charlotte Hornets and his trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves was unanticipated. "I kind of got the impression that LaMelo didn't see this coming," said Brian Windhorst on the Pat McAfee Show.
The 2026 NBA Draft has come and gone, and we are landing in a space of hope and optimism before the next phase of the offseason. I am not here to give you winners, losers or anything of that sort. I'm here to talk about the things from the draft that brought me joy.
Kawhi Leonard would consider signing a contract extension with only the Toronto Raptors or the San Antonio Spurs if he is unable to agree to terms on an extension with the Los Angeles clippers and is traded.
There were rumblings this week that the Minnesota Timberwolves were under pressure to improve their roster around Anthony Edwards, especially when it appeared as though their trade of Julius Randle was merely to avoid the luxury tax to re-sign Ayo Dosunmu.
Where will the Toronto Raptors turn in the trade market after the Minnesota Timberwolves convinced the Charlotte Hornets to part with LaMelo Ball faster than most league observers envisioned? Point guard and center are widely billed as the Raptors' primary needs, but The Stein Line has learned that they are looking elsewhere, too.
Tyran Stokes leads a class that is not generating much enthusiasm among NBA executives and scouts.
The Minnesota Timberwolves held trade discussions with the Boston Celtics on Jaylen Brown before moving forward with their deal for LaMelo Ball, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.
The Los Angeles Lakers initially were offering Austin Reaves a contract worth approximately $30 million per season, but raised it on Wednesday to over $46 million per season.
Coby White and the Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a three-year, $74 million contract. The Hornets acquired White ahead of the trade deadline from the Chicago Bulls for Collin Sexton and three second rounders.
It took Coby White a few years to find his stride in the NBA, but his improvements have finally paid off. White reportedly intends to sign a three-year, $74 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets after performing well in a limited role down the stretch last season, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
After their most successful season in a decade, the Hornets are pivoting hard. And it may be the right move. Meanwhile, Minnesota...
Robbie Avilia has reportedly agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress. The 22-year-old, 6-foot-10 center was not selected during this week's NBA Draft.
The 2026 WNBA regular season brings a highly anticipated cross-conference showdown tonight, Thursday, June 25, as the powerhouse New York Liberty (12-6) travel to the Pacific Northwest to battle the Seattle Storm (3-15) at the Climate Pledge Arena.
The 2026 WNBA regular season brings an absolute blockbuster Western Conference matchup tonight, Thursday, June 25, as the high-powered Dallas Wings (10-6) travel to Sin City to challenge the powerhouse Las Vegas Aces (12-4) at the Michelob ULTRA Arena.
The 2026 WNBA regular season brings an absolute blockbuster cross-conference showdown tonight, Thursday, June 25, as the expansion Toronto Tempo (8-9) kick off a pivotal nine-game Canadian homestand by welcoming the resilient Los Angeles Sparks (8-8) to the Coca-Cola Coliseum.
The 2026 NBA Draft is in the books. We graded each pick of the first round and second round.
Al Horford has agreed to opt out of his player option for next season and sign a new deal with the Warriors.
Chicago didn't address its biggest need — shooting — in the draft, but this wasn't about competing right away.
The LaMelo Ball era in Charlotte is over. Ball, 24, a former Rookie of the Year and one-time All-Star, reportedly has been sent to the Minnesota Timberwolves, along with Josh Green, for a draft-pick-oriented package.
Rookie of the Year odds are out and the favorite to win the award may surprise you.
Minnesota traded Naz Reid, a 2033 first-round pick, first-round pick swaps and three second-round picks to land the Hornets star.
LaMelo Ball is on his way to the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030) and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033). The Wolves will also acquire Josh Green.
The Charlotte Hornets are waiving forward Tosan Evbuomwan from his two-way contract. Evbuomwan joined Charlotte on a two-year, two-way deal last February. The 6-foot-8 forward didn't see any NBA action with the Hornets last season.
Veteran big man Al Horford is opting out of his $5.9 million player option with the Golden State Warriors. Horford will then re-sign with the Warriors on a new two-year, $14 million deal. The Warriors will use Horford's Non-Bird rights to give him a bump in pay for the upcoming season.
Al Horford might be 40, but he still has plenty left in the tank. The long-time veteran reportedly intends to sign a two-year, $14 million deal to stay with the Golden State Warriors, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Wing Michael Ajayi and the Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a two-way contract. Ajayi went undrafted out of Butler at the 2026 NBA Draft. Ajayi finished his NCAA career at Butler after previously playing for Pepperdine and Gonzaga.
Guard Quadir Copeland has agreed to a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets. Copeland went undrafted out of North Carolina State at the 2026 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-6 guard finished his college career at NC State after previously playing at Syracuse and McNeese.
Despite a fairly ho-hum first round, there are still plenty of highlights and head-scratchers from the NBA Draft.
Four decades later, some still believe that class could've been among the greatest ever.
Coaches say a deal like Nori's goes against the spirit of the partnership between coaches and the league at large.
Since 2013, about 93 percent of draft picks have taken the AIQ. Our writer wanted to learn about the process and see how he stacked up.
The Brooklyn Nets agreed to a two-way deal with Tyler Bilodeau, sources told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The Nets drafted Bilodeau with the 43rd pick in the draft. Bilodeau averaged 17.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in his senior season at UCLA.
Six years after choosing Anthony Edwards over LaMelo Ball, the Timberwolves are exploring the possibility of pairing the two.
Peter Suder agreed to a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Suder averaged 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in his senior season at Miami (OH).
The Sacramento Kings are looking to trade DeMar DeRozan by early August, according to Chris Haynes. Should the Kings be unable to find a trade partner, they are expected to waive-and-stretch Derozan. The Kings are rebuilding their roster under Scott Perry and selected Darius Acuff Jr.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are "undeniably serious" in their pursuit of LaMelo Ball, sources told Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. The Wolves have taken Jaden McDaniels off the table in any trade discussions.
The 2026 NBA Draft is in the books, and the league has wasted no time shifting into full off-season mode.
Tobe Awaka has agreed to sign a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls after going undrafted out of Arizona. Awaka averaged 9.3 points and 9.1 rebounds in 20.8 minutes last season. .
Micah Nori's meticulous climb up the NBA coaching ladder has finally resulted in his first head-coaching opportunity, but the unorthodox contract he reportedly signed with the Portland Trail Blazers has overshadowed the feel-good story of his well-respected basketball journey.
What has already been an eventful late June in terms of NBA trade activity was quickly reheated both during and then after the conclusion of Wednesday night's second round of the NBA Draft.
The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly considering a shocking move with LaMelo Ball. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Hornets are engaged in trade talks with multiple teams making "aggressive" offers for the former All-Star guard.
The Milwaukee Bucks had the opportunity to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo during the 2025 offseason, a full year before they finally did, but ownership misread his growing frustration as the same offseason posturing he had displayed for years, according to a lengthy report from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
There is a growing perception that the Celtics organization would consider the idea of trading Jaylen Brown for the right price.
If we're talking winners and losers of the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, we have to start with New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, the league's reigning Finals MVP. Not only will Brunson be forever remembered in New York, the 33rd overall selection in 2018 will be mentioned every time the second round is aired — alongside Nikola Jokić, Manu Ginóbili and Draymond Green — as one of the greatest selections in draft history.
Tre Donaldon and the Miami Heat have agreed to a two-way deal after going undrafted. Donaldson played his senior season at Miami before previous stops at Auburn and Michigan. Donald averaged 16.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 33.9 minutes.
Josh Dix has agreed to sign a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder after going undrafted out of Creighton. Dix is represented by Ross Aroyo and Mark Bartelstein.
In 2024, the NBA gave the second round its own night. It turned it into an event. It got a glow up. And ... lost what made it special.
LaMelo Ball is being strongly pursued by multiple teams and the Charlotte Hornets are engaging on trade talks, sources tell ESPN's Shams Charania. Ball would like to remain with the Hornets, but a trade could materialize over the next 24 to 48 hours.
LaMelo Ball is being strongly pursued by multiple teams and the Charlotte Hornets are engaging on trade talks, sources tell ESPN's Shams Charania. Ball would like to remain with the Hornets, but a trade could materialize over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Sydney Kings assistant coach and Australian basketball great Andrew Bogut has been hit with a substantial fine by the NBL following a series of incidents during last season’s Championship Series against the Adelaide 36ers.
AK Okereke has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Okereke went undrafted out of Vanderbilt after spending the previous three seasons at Cornell. In 36 games, Okereke averaged 9.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 26.2 minutes.
Domantas Sabonis could be a trade candidate this offseason as the Sacramento Kings remake their roster around the newly drafted Darius Acuff Jr. "I think it might include taking a look at the future of Domantas Sabonis with the team," said Brian Windhorst. "There's a lot of interest in Sabonis.
The Detroit Pistons have reportedly traded center Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for three future second-round picks, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Stewart, the Pistons' longest-tenured player, will bolster Memphis' front line.
The Memphis Grizzlies have acquired Isaiah Stewart from the Memphis Grizzlies for three second round picks. The Pistons clear salary cap space with their trade of Stewart who has been on the block throughout June.
Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston leads teammate Caitlin Clark in the second fan vote returns for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, the league announced Wednesday. The All-Star Game is scheduled for July 25 at the United Center in Chicago and will air on ABC at 8:30 p.
We handed out grades for every first-round pick of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Once again, our draft expert and front-office insider are breaking down every selection as it happens.
The New York Knicks exited the first round trading out of it and owning the No. 31 pick and traded it to the Houston Rockets for No. 39 and No.
The New York Knicks exited the first round trading out of it and owning the No. 31 pick and traded it to the Houston Rockets for No. 39 and No.
The Boston Celtics are continuing to hold extensive trade conversations with multiple teams around the NBA on Jaylen Brown. Brown has three seasons remaining on his contract but is eligible for an extension this offseason.
The New York Knicks aren't done making trades. Shortly before the start of the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, the reigning NBA champions dealt picks Nos. 31 and 55 to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Nos.
Although keeping Reaves ranked high among the Lakers' priorities, there were moments the star guard thought his Lakers career was over.
Hats off to Karim Lopez for the way he handled one of the more awkward moments of the NBA Draft. Of course, the night is full of surprises, and not just because of who gets picked.
Free-agent position rankings: Point guards | Shooting guards | Small forwards | Power forwards | Centers | Big Board NBA free agency just got extra boring (outside of a certain 41-year-old future Hall of Famer who hasn't decided the status of his 24th professional season).
The 2026 WNBA regular season brings a highly anticipated cross-conference showdown tonight, Wednesday, June 24, as the Chicago Sky (4-12) play host to the expansion Portland Fire (8-9) at Wintrust Arena.
The 2026 WNBA regular season rolls on with an absolute blockbuster matchup tonight, Wednesday, June 24, as the expansion Golden State Valkyries (10-7) welcome the high-flying Atlanta Dream (12-4) to the Chase Center.
The 2026 WNBA regular season rolls on with an absolute blockbuster matchup tonight, Wednesday, June 24, as the high-scoring Indiana Fever welcome their star-studded rivals, the Phoenix Mercury, to Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The top of the 2026 NBA Draft went pretty much as expected on Tuesday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with AJ Dybantsa taken No. 1 by the Washington Wizards, Darryn Peterson selected No. 2 by the Utah Jazz and Duke's Cameron Boozer going third to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Welcome to The Bounce, The Athletic's NBA newsletter.
Michigan's Lendeborg is a solid player who can contribute right away ... but maybe not with the superstar potential the Warriors need.
When former Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg was growing up, the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers were one of the biggest rivalries in the NBA. And like most sports-watching fans at his age, he had to pick a side.
Australian guard Max Mackinnon has reportedly signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA, according to ESPN. Mackinnon, 22, played five games for the Brisbane Bullets in the Hungry Jack’s NBL22 Season, before a successful four-year college career.
Sydney Kings Assistant Coach and co-owner Andrew Bogut has been fined $9,500 following an investigation under the NBL Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy.
Fox's four-year contract extension kicks in next season, and the Spurs backcourt looks to be a crowded one.
Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly pushed back Tuesday against speculation surrounding Anthony Edwards' future with the franchise, saying the superstar is "super, super excited" about the team . Connelly said his conversations with Edwards are "constant" and that he spent several hours at the guard's home a few weeks ago discussing both roster construction and Edwards' continued development.
The Los Angeles Lakers would be interested in participating in a sign-and-trade scenario that would send LeBron James back to the Cleveland Cavaliers if it meant acquiring Jarrett Allen back in return.
As the dream became reality for NBL Next Star Karim Lopez, the hype surrounding the Mexican teenager has only continued to build as he prepares to join the Memphis Grizzlies.
Reaves’ future is settled. The Lakers have re-signed the guard after Luka Dončić made it clear he wanted Reaves to stay.
Plenty of teams drafted well or looked to save money on Tuesday, which made the event ... kind of boring?.
The Los Angeles Lakers plan to sign star guard Austin Reaves to a four-year, $185 million max contract, including a player option for the 2029-30 season, per ESPN's Shams Charania. Reaves, 28, declined his $14.9 million player option in favor of receiving a long-term extension.
South East Melbourne Phoenix Next Star Malique Lewis has been selected with pick 60 at the NBA Draft. The Trinidad and Tobago talent rose sharply in Draft projections this week, fulfilling his NBA dream by joining the Milwaukee Bucks with the final pick at the Draft.
Austin Reaves and the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed upon a four-year, $185 million contract with a player option for the 2029-30 season, reports ESPN's Shams Charania. Reaves had declined his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season to become a free agent.
The Oklahoma City Thunder were pushed into an unfortunate situation in 2019. Despite finishing in the top-3 of MVP voting and leading the team to a playoff appearance, Paul George wasn't happy.
The Los Angeles Lakers have interest in trading for center Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans. To this point, the Pelicans have resisted trading Missi. It's unclear what the cost for New Orleans to move Missi is, but they've set high prices for most of their players entering the offseason.
Multiple NBA teams have interest in trading for New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III. The Pelicans have reportedly set a high price for Murphy and initially wanted a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. That didn't happen, making it unclear how New Orleans will proceed this offseason.
The National Basketball League (NBL) is pleased to announce Choice Hotels has renewed its partnership for the NBL27 Season.
There were few surprises in the first round of the draft, but a flurry of late moves show how desperate teams are to avoid the second apron.
For the second time in the past four years, the Boston Celtics reportedly included Jaylen Brown in an offseason trade. And for the second time in the past four years, the trade didn't go through.
Faced with a tall order, Graham is going with SLAP mantra (size, length, athleticism and physicality) ... and adding a little personality.
In recent rare public appearances, Dolan offered a few hints about how his NBA team's success could apply to his NHL franchise.
“I’ve been dreaming about this since I was about 12 years old," Dybantsa said.
Welcome to The Pulse, The Athletic's daily newsletter.
Now that the first 30 picks are off the board, here's how Wednesday's second round could go.
Pardon the impatience, but the draft party’s over. For the top echelon, it’s time to expect more than baby steps and signs of superstardom.
"We certainly wanted to be as proactive and upfront as possible," Stevens said. "I thought we had really good, candid conversations.".
