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	<title>Hoops Rumors</title>
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	<description>Legitimate NBA free agent and trade rumors.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 15:40:35 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Spurs Notes: Plumlee, Johnson, Core, Fox</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/spurs-notes-plumlee-johnson-core-fox.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/spurs-notes-plumlee-johnson-core-fox.html#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Luke Adams]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 15:39:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[San Antonio Spurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[De'Aaron Fox]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mason Plumlee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mitch Johnson]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476576</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The foul that reserve Spurs center Mason Plumlee committed against Thunder guard Jared McCain with less than two minutes left in Oklahoma City&#8217;s Game 5 win was retroactively upgraded from a standard personal to a flagrant 1, according to the league (Twitter link). Plumlee, who had just checked into the game for the first time [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The foul that reserve <strong>Spurs</strong> center <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/plumlma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mason Plumlee</a></strong> committed against <strong>Thunder</strong> guard <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mccaija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jared McCain</a></strong> with less than two minutes left in Oklahoma City&#8217;s Game 5 win was retroactively upgraded from a standard personal to a flagrant 1, according to the league (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/NBAOfficial/status/2059730158324420728">Twitter link</a>).</p>
<p>Plumlee, who had just checked into the game for the first time a couple possessions earlier, delivered an elbow to McCain&#8217;s back as the Thunder guard looked to set a screen to help free up teammate <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/carusal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Alex Caruso</a></strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nba.com/watch/video/sas-at-okc-5-26-26">video link via NBA.com</a>).</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s more on the Spurs ahead of a do-or-die Game 6:</p>
<ul class="longlis">
<li>After years of speculation about which big-name head coach might succeed <strong>Gregg Popovich</strong> in San Antonio, a relatively unheralded assistant has taken the job and run with it. <a target="_blank" href="https://andscape.com/features/mitch-johnson-san-antonio-spurs-coach-gregg-popovich-brian-wright/">Marc J. Spears of Andscape</a> takes an in-depth look at what first-time head coach <strong>Mitch Johnson</strong> has done during his first two seasons on the job to help convince the organization he was the right choice for the long term.</li>
<li>If the Spurs can win a championship with their current core, they&#8217;ll become something of an outlier by modern NBA standards, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48866788/how-nba-championship-finals-rosters-built-draft-free-agency-trades-spurs-outlier">ESPN&#8217;s Zach Kram</a>. As Kram details, during the 21st century, it&#8217;s actually been pretty rare for a top-five pick to win a title with the team that drafted and developed him &#8212; and several of the players who do fit that bill were acquired via another team&#8217;s draft pick (e.g. <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tatumja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jayson Tatum</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brownja02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jaylen Brown</a></strong> in Boston; <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/irvinky01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kyrie Irving</a></strong> in Cleveland) rather than as a result of tanking. The Spurs have <em>three</em> players &#8211; <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wembavi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Victor Wembanyama</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/castlst01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Stephon Castle</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harpedy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dylan Harper</a></strong> &#8211; whom they drafted with their own top-five selections.</li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48854816/deaaron-fox-san-antonio-spurs-closer-nba-playoffs">Michael C. Wright of ESPN</a> explores how 28-year-old <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/foxde01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">De&#8217;Aaron Fox</a></strong> has emerged as the veteran leader of a young Spurs team both on and off the court. <em>&#8220;I felt like I could come in, fall in line,&#8221;</em> Fox said of his thinking after he was traded from Sacramento to San Antonio last season. <em>&#8220;But then everybody&#8217;s like, &#8216;No, you do you.&#8217; So, there are times where I do that, and then there are times where I want to make sure everybody&#8217;s touching the ball, everybody&#8217;s fine, everybody&#8217;s comfortable.&#8221;</em></li>
</ul>
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		<title>Arkansas&#8217; Meleek Thomas Remains In NBA Draft</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/arkansas-meleek-thomas-remains-in-nba-draft.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/arkansas-meleek-thomas-remains-in-nba-draft.html#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Luke Adams]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 14:04:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[2026 NBA Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meleek Thomas]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476571</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Meleek Thomas has opted to keep his name in the 2026 NBA draft and forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility rather than returning to Arkansas for his sophomore season, a source tells Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress (Twitter link). The deadline for college players to withdraw from the draft and retain their NCAA eligibility was on Wednesday [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/meleek-thomas-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Meleek Thomas</a></strong> has opted to keep his name in the 2026 NBA draft and forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility rather than returning to Arkansas for his sophomore season, a source tells Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/2059994169318248541">Twitter link</a>).</p>
<p>The deadline for college players to withdraw from the draft and retain their NCAA eligibility was on Wednesday at 11:59 pm Eastern time.</p>
<p>Playing alongside projected lottery pick <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/darius-acuff-jr-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Darius Acuff</a></strong> at Arkansas in 2025/26, Thomas averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 30.5 minutes per game, appearing in 37 games and starting 21 of them. The 6&#8217;3&#8243; combo guard knocked down an impressive 41.6% of his 5.3 three-point attempts per game and hit 84.3% of his free throws, earning a spot next to Acuff on the SEC&#8217;s All-Freshman team.</p>
<p>Thomas is widely projected to be a late first-round pick, coming in at 24th, 26th, and 28th, respectively, in the latest mock drafts from <a target="_blank" href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25262746-2026-nba-mock-draft">Bleacher Report</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48790115/2026-nba-mock-draft-projecting-60-picks-post-combine-peterson-dybantsa-boozer">ESPN</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/draft/mock/">Yahoo Sports</a>. While his shooting is his primary strength, the 19-year-old showed improvement on defense over the course of his lone season with the Razorbacks, according to Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report and Jeremy Woo of ESPN.</p>
<p>Our early entrant tracker for the 2026 draft <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/04/2026-nba-draft-early-entrants-list.html">can be found right here</a>.</p>
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		<title>Free Agent Rumors: Duren, Kessler, Reaves, Dosunmu, More</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/free-agent-rumors-duren-kessler-reaves-dosunmu-more.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/free-agent-rumors-duren-kessler-reaves-dosunmu-more.html#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Luke Adams]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 13:41:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Brooklyn Nets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver Nuggets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Detroit Pistons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Los Angeles Lakers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Minnesota Timberwolves]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Knicks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Trail Blazers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Utah Jazz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Austin Reaves]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ayo Dosunmu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cameron Johnson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christian Braun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Donte DiVincenzo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jalen Duren]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Landry Shamet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mitchell Robinson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Peyton Watson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Robert Williams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Walker Kessler]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476567</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Jalen Duren of the Pistons and Walker Kessler of the Jazz will be two of the top centers on the free agent market this offseason, but both will be restricted and the expectation is that they&#8217;ll remain with their current clubs, writes Tim Bontemps of ESPN. Duren looked headed for a potential maximum-salary contract after [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/durenja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jalen Duren</a></strong> of the <strong>Pistons</strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kesslwa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Walker Kessler</a></strong> of the <strong>Jazz</strong> will be two of the top centers on the free agent market this offseason, but both will be restricted and the expectation is that they&#8217;ll remain with their current clubs, writes <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48893787/nba-free-agency-2026-contract-projections-austin-reaves-jalen-duren">Tim Bontemps of ESPN</a>.</p>
<p>Duren looked headed for a potential maximum-salary contract after a regular season breakout that saw him earn a spot on the All-NBA third team and rank second in Most Improved Player voting. An underwhelming postseason showing may have hurt his earning potential a little, according to Bontemps, but scouts and executives consider him likely to get a new deal that approaches $40MM per year.</p>
<p><em>&#8220;If he wants to get a max, they&#8217;ll tell him to go get one,&#8221; </em>one Eastern Conference executive told Bontemps. <em>&#8220;But he&#8217;s <strong><a target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cunnica01.html">Cade (Cunningham)</a></strong>&#8216;s guy, so they&#8217;ll have to play it the right way.&#8221;</em></p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Jazz added <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jacksja02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jaren Jackson Jr.</a></strong> to their frontcourt during the season, but neither he nor <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/markkla01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Lauri Markkanen</a></strong> is expected to play the majority of his minutes at center, so Kessler remains an important part of the future in Utah. The belief around the league is that he&#8217;ll be able to negotiate a contract worth in the neighborhood of $25-30MM annually, Bontemps says.</p>
<p><em>&#8220;It appears Utah is gearing up to keep him,&#8221;</em> an East scout told ESPN. <em>&#8220;I don&#8217;t see an obvious fit in free agency for someone to try to get him. They&#8217;re going to be in an interesting spot next season, and I&#8217;m excited to see how they navigate all of it.&#8221;</em></p>
<p>Here are a few more notes and rumors on some of this summer&#8217;s top free agents:</p>
<ul class="longlis">
<li>Scouts and executives who spoke to ESPN don&#8217;t expect <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/reaveau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Austin Reaves</a></strong> to get his full max (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/08/early-nba-maximum-salary-projections-for-2026-27.html">roughly</a> $239MM over five years) from the <strong>Lakers</strong>, but they wouldn&#8217;t be surprised if he receives $40MM per year. <em>&#8220;I&#8217;d be pretty surprised if the first year (salary) starts with a three instead of a four,&#8221; </em>an Eastern Conference scout said,<em> &#8220;but the Lakers need to keep him, and by all accounts he wants to be there, so I think they make it work.&#8221;</em> The <strong>Nets</strong>, one of the few teams with the cap room necessary to make a run at a player like Reaves, is considered a rival suitor to monitor, sources tell Bontemps.</li>
<li>Sources around the NBA believe guard <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/dosunay01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ayo Dosunmu</a></strong> will re-sign with the <strong>Timberwolves</strong> on a deal worth a little more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/08/mid-level-bi-annual-projections-for-2026-27.html">$15MM</a>), though that may require the team to part with injured guard <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/divindo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Donte DiVincenzo</a></strong> to avoid going too deep into tax/apron territory, Bontemps notes.</li>
<li>Rival scouts and executives would be surprised if the <strong>Knicks</strong> let unrestricted free agents <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/robinmi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mitchell Robinson</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/shamela01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Landry Shamet</a></strong> get away, especially if they win a title. <em>&#8220;You have to bring (Robinson) back,&#8221; </em>an East executive said. <em>&#8220;If they win the Finals, they&#8217;re not losing anybody. And, even if they don&#8217;t, I don&#8217;t see how they let him walk.&#8221;</em> Both players are candidates for two-year deals, since New York projects to operate above the second tax apron for the next couple years anyway, Bontemps observes.</li>
<li><strong>Trail Blazers</strong> center <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=williro04,williro07&amp;search=Robert+Williams&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Robert Williams</a></strong> is expected to generate significant interest after his healthiest season in years, given how much teams are valuing size, Bontemps writes, adding that the range for his starting salary may be in the vicinity of $10-15MM. <em>&#8220;The injury history will scare a lot of teams off,&#8221;</em> a Western Conference executive said.<em> &#8220;But when he plays, he&#8217;s good. You just can&#8217;t expect him to start for you because he won&#8217;t be on the court if you play him that many minutes. He&#8217;ll be good value if &#8212; a huge if &#8212; he can stay on the floor.&#8221;</em></li>
<li>While <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/watsope01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Peyton Watson</a></strong>&#8216;s recurring hamstring issues this past season are a concern, the expectation is that the <strong>Nuggets</strong> will find a way to give him a new contract in the $20-25MM range in restricted free agency, per Bontemps. <em>&#8220;They could easily just pay him and pay the tax, but we know how the Kroenkes operate,&#8221;</em> a West scout said. <em>&#8220;That means sending out either <strong><a target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsca02.html">(Cameron) Johnson</a></strong> or <strong><a target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/braunch01.html">(Christian) Braun</a></strong>, and I don&#8217;t know where that lands. The injury stuff is a concern, but so is how they struggled without him.&#8221;</em></li>
</ul>
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		<title>Tounde Yessoufou Withdraws From Draft, Transferring To St. John&#8217;s</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/tounde-yessoufou-withdraws-from-draft-transferring-to-st-johns.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/tounde-yessoufou-withdraws-from-draft-transferring-to-st-johns.html#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Luke Adams]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 11:55:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[2026 NBA Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eian Elmer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gabe Dynes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Keanu Dawes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kennard Davis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LeJuan Watts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Louis Hutchinson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meleek Thomas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sebastian Rancik]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tounde Yessoufou]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476556</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Ahead of Wednesday night&#8217;s withdrawal deadline, potential first-round pick Tounde Yessoufou opted to remove his name from the 2026 NBA draft, according to Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link). Yessoufou&#8217;s agency tells Charania that the former Baylor guard, who will be entering his sophomore season, has committed to play for Rick Pitino at St. John&#8217;s [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ahead of Wednesday night&#8217;s withdrawal deadline, potential first-round pick <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tounde-yessoufou-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tounde Yessoufou</a></strong> opted to remove his name from the 2026 NBA draft, according to Shams Charania of ESPN (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2059853469557613036">Twitter link</a>).</p>
<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" src="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Tounde-Yessoufou-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-476560" srcset="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Tounde-Yessoufou-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Tounde-Yessoufou-900x1350.jpg 900w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Tounde-Yessoufou-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Tounde-Yessoufou-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Tounde-Yessoufou-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Tounde-Yessoufou.jpg 1400w" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" />Yessoufou&#8217;s agency tells Charania that the former Baylor guard, who will be entering his sophomore season, has committed to play for <strong>Rick Pitino</strong> at St. John&#8217;s in 2026/27.</p>
<p>A 6&#8217;5&#8243; wing, Yessoufou had an impressive freshman year for the Bears, averaging 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.6 assists in 32.6 minutes per game across 34 outings (all starts). He struggled with his three-point shot (29.3%) but posted respectable field goal (46.5%) and free throw (74.6%) percentages.</p>
<p>While Yessoufou was a candidate to come off the board in the first 30 picks next month, he wasn&#8217;t a lock to do so. <a target="_blank" href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25262746-2026-nba-mock-draft">Jonathan Wassmeran of Bleacher Report</a> had the 20-year-old being picked 28th overall in his most recent mock draft, but <a target="_blank" href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/draft/mock/">Kevin O&#8217;Connor of Yahoo Sports</a> had him at No. 31 and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48790115/2026-nba-mock-draft-projecting-60-picks-post-combine-peterson-dybantsa-boozer">ESPN&#8217;s Jeremy Woo</a> had him at No. 34. Assuming he takes a step forward as a sophomore, Yessoufou should strengthen his case to be a first-rounder in 2027.</p>
<p>Yessoufou was one of two notable prospects whose draft decision had yet to be reported when Wednesday&#8217;s midnight deadline for NCAA withdrawals passed. The other was Arkansas guard <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/meleek-thomas-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Meleek Thomas</a></strong>, the No. 25 prospect on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/draft/bestavailable">ESPN&#8217;s big board</a>, whose intentions still haven&#8217;t been confirmed one way or the other.</p>
<p><em>[UPDATE: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/arkansas-meleek-thomas-remains-in-nba-draft.html">Meleek Thomas Remains In NBA Draft</a>]</em></p>
<p>As <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/04/2026-nba-draft-early-entrants-list.html">our tracker shows</a>, there are at least seven other college early entrants whose decisions have yet to be announced or reported, but <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/kennard-davis-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kennard Davis</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/keanu-dawes-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Keanu Dawes</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/gabe-dynes-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Gabe Dynes</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/eian-elmer-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Eian Elmer</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/louis-hutchinson-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Louis Hutchinson</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/sebastian-rancik-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Sebastian Rancik</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/lejuan-watts-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-28_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">LeJuan Watts</a></strong> don&#8217;t show up on ESPN&#8217;s top-100 list, so if they withdraw, it&#8217;s unlikely to have a significant impact on teams&#8217; draft plans.</p>
<p>Typically, the NBA provides an update shortly after the NCAA withdrawal deadline on which players have removed their names from the draft pool. The NBA&#8217;s own withdrawal deadline, which is more relevant for international players, is on June 13.</p>
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		<title>Hoops Rumors Front Office Subscriber Chat: 5/28/2026</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/hoops-rumors-front-office-subscriber-chat-5-28-2026.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/hoops-rumors-front-office-subscriber-chat-5-28-2026.html#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Arthur Hill]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 05:11:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Front Office Chats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Front Office Originals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Membership]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476547</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Hoops Rumors’ Arthur Hill will hold a live chat Thursday at 11 am Central time (noon Eastern) exclusively for Trade Rumors Front Office subscribers. Use the link below to ask a question in advance, participate in the live event and read the transcript afterward. Unlock Subscriber-Exclusive Articles Like This One With a Trade Rumors Front Office [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hoops Rumors’ Arthur Hill will hold a live chat Thursday at 11 am Central time (noon Eastern) exclusively for <a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/membership?ref=408100" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/membership?ref%3D408100&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1780031309922000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2SdPCaMQAZcYFi62HyD5wD">Trade Rumors Front Office</a> subscribers. Use the link below to ask a question in advance, participate in the live event and read the transcript afterward.</p>
<div class="front-office-originals">
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    <li>Access weekly subscriber-only articles by Luke Adams</li>
    <li>Join exclusive weekly live chats with Arthur Hill</li>
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		<title>Draft Decisions: Peat, Momcilovic, Tanner, Fears, More</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/draft-decisions-peat-momcilovic-tanner-fears-more.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/draft-decisions-peat-momcilovic-tanner-fears-more.html#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Arthur Hill]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 04:14:05 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[2026 NBA Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colby Garland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cruz Davis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dennis Parker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ebuka Okorie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finley Bizjack]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jeremy Fears]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Koa Peat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Milan Momcilovic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rowan Brumbaugh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tyler Tanner]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476537</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Koa Peat has decided to leave Arizona and remain in the NBA draft, according to Jeff Borzello of ESPN. Sources tell Borzello that although Peat kept his options open for another season of college basketball, his focus over the past two months has been on staying in the draft and starting his pro career. Peat [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/koa-peat-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Koa Peat</a></strong> has decided to leave Arizona and remain in the NBA draft, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48896157/arizona-wildcats-forward-koa-peat-remain-2026-nba-draft">Jeff Borzello of ESPN</a>. Sources tell Borzello that although Peat kept his options open for another season of college basketball, his focus over the past two months has been on staying in the draft and starting his pro career.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/koa-peat-arizona-220x300.jpg" alt="" width="220" height="300" class="size-medium wp-image-476544 alignright" srcset="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/koa-peat-arizona-220x300.jpg 220w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/koa-peat-arizona-900x1225.jpg 900w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/koa-peat-arizona-768x1045.jpg 768w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/koa-peat-arizona-1129x1536.jpg 1129w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/koa-peat-arizona-1505x2048.jpg 1505w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/koa-peat-arizona-scaled.jpg 1881w" sizes="(max-width: 220px) 100vw, 220px" />Peat had a productive freshman season with the Wildcats, followed by a strong NCAA tournament where he averaged 17.2 points and 7.6 rebounds in five games. However, Borzello notes that his stock began to slip at the draft combine in Chicago, where he couldn&#8217;t get his shot to fall. He wound up shooting 6-of-25 in the spot-up drill and 7-of-25 in the three-point star drill, which gave him the second-worst combined performance in those two categories.</p>
<p>Borzello adds that Peat had a noticeably different form on his jumper that featured a slower motion and a lower release point.</p>
<p><em>&#8220;Just trying to work on that as much as I can, trying to shoot the ball the same way every time,&#8221; </em>he told ESPN. <em>&#8220;Trying to eliminate misses left and right, trying to miss long or short. Trying to focus on that. Not getting too consumed about it because I can do a lot of other things that affect the game, but I&#8217;m trying to work on that &#8230; I feel like that breakthrough is going to come soon.&#8221;</em></p>
<p>Peat was projected as a late first-round pick in ESPN&#8217;s most recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48790115/2026-nba-mock-draft-projecting-60-picks-post-combine-peterson-dybantsa-boozer">mock draft</a>, going to Boston at No. 27. Jeremy Woo suggests that at 6&#8217;7&#8243;, his NBA future could be as a small-ball center.</p>
<p>While Peat opted to stay in the draft, most prospects who made their decisions on Wednesday chose to return to school, including Alabama&#8217;s <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/amari-allen-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-22_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Amari Allen</a></strong>, Illinois&#8217; <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/andrej-stojakovic-2.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-14_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Andrej Stojakovic</a></strong> and Arkansas&#8217; <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/billy-richmond-iii-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Billy Richmond</a></strong> as we <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/amari-allen-withdrawing-from-draft-returning-to-alabama.html">outlined</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/andrej-stojakovic-billy-richmond-pulling-out-of-draft.html">earlier</a>. Here&#8217;s a roundup of the decisions that were announced prior to Wednesday&#8217;s 11:59 pm ET deadline for players to withdraw and maintain their college eligibility:</p>
<ul class="longlis">
<li><strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/milan-momcilovic-2.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Milan Momcilovic</a></strong>, formerly of Iowa State, will take his name out of the draft and decide on his next school, his agents tell Borzello (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/2059805241667727706">Twitter link</a>). Momcilovic established himself as the best shooter in the nation last season and is considered to be the top player in the transfer portal.</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tyler-tanner-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyler Tanner</a></strong> is withdrawing from the draft and will return to Vanderbilt, per Pete Thamel of ESPN (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/2059804177757278607">Twitter link</a>). The point guard earned All-SEC and honorable mention All-American honors as a sophomore, averaging 19.5 points and 5.1 assists in 36 games.</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jeremy-fears-jr-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jeremy Fears</a></strong> will return to Michigan State next season, agent <strong>Mike Miller</strong> tells Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JonRothstein/status/2059819961254629773">Twitter link</a>). Fears was a second-team All-American selection as a junior, leading Division I players in assists at 9.4 per game.</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/dennis-parker-jr-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dennis Parker</a></strong> is withdrawing from the draft and will transfer from Radford to Kansas, according to Jon Chepkevich of Draft Express (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JonChep/status/2059826176583954767">Twitter link</a>). Parker will be a senior next season.</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/finley-bizjack-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Finley Bizjack</a></strong> will forgo the draft and transfer from Butler to West Virginia for his senior season, his agents tell Chepkevich (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JonChep/status/2059747003073020232">Twitter link</a>).</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/rowan-brumbaugh-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Rowan Brumbaugh</a></strong> will pass up the draft and transfer from Tulane to SMU, per Chepkevich (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JonChep/status/2059834031999484155">Twitter link</a>). Brumbaugh will be a senior next season.</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/colby-garland-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Colby Garland</a></strong> is staying in college and will transfer from San Jose State to Georgia Tech for his senior season, Chepkevich adds (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JonChep/status/2059843727510638900">Twitter link</a>).</li>
<li>After committing to Texas Tech, former Hofstra guard <strong><a target="_blank" href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/cruz-davis-1.html">Cruz Davis</a></strong> will pull out of the draft and play for the Red Raiders as a redshirt senior, <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JoeTipton/status/2059817312933314800">tweets</a> Joe Tipton of On3. The 22-year-old was the Coastal Athletic Association&#8217;s Player of the Year in 2025/26.</li>
<li>Another player staying in the draft is Stanford’s <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/ebuka-okorie-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ebuka Okorie</a></strong>, his agent confirms to Goodman (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/2059822117986660730">Twitter link</a>). He led the ACC in scoring this season at 23.2 PPG as a freshman.</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Lakers Notes: LeBron, Firings, Offseason Priorities, Lottery Reform</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/lakers-notes-lebron-firings-offseason-priorities-lottery-reform.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/lakers-notes-lebron-firings-offseason-priorities-lottery-reform.html#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Arthur Hill]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 03:04:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Los Angeles Lakers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LeBron James]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476527</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[LeBron James and his representatives are waiting for the Lakers to present an offer for next season, ESPN&#8217;s Brian Windhorst said on the latest edition of The Hoop Collective podcast (YouTube link). James will be an unrestricted free agent and hasn&#8217;t committed to continuing his career, and he wants to hear the team&#8217;s plan before [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jamesle01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">LeBron James</a></strong> and his representatives are waiting for the <strong>Lakers</strong> to present an offer for next season, ESPN&#8217;s Brian Windhorst said on the latest edition of The Hoop Collective podcast (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t8yNoG8zB0&amp;t=2772s">YouTube link</a>). James will be an unrestricted free agent and hasn&#8217;t committed to continuing his career, and he wants to hear the team&#8217;s plan before making his next move.</p>
<p>James has a $57.7MM cap hold, so the Lakers will need to resolve his financial situation before making their other offseason moves, Windhorst notes. He cautions that they might have to renounce LeBron&#8217;s free agent rights if the four-time MVP isn&#8217;t ready to make a decision on his future by the start of free agency, but the two sides could resume negotiations later in the summer after the team&#8217;s other business is resolved.</p>
<p>Windhorst addresses the possibility that James could move on to another team and notes that the Cavaliers and Warriors have frequently been rumored as potential destinations. His best outcome in that case is a sign-and-trade to earn a salary above the mid-level, but he needs the organization to work with him to make that happen. Windhorst adds that James&#8217; options increase dramatically if he&#8217;s willing to play for the mid-level exception or the veteran&#8217;s minimum just to get to the team of his choice.</p>
<p>There&#8217;s more from Los Angeles:</p>
<ul class="longlis">
<li>A reorganization plan resulted in the layoffs of more than a dozen Lakers employees on Wednesday, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48894046/lakers-lay-more-dozen-business-side-employees-amid-reorganization">Dave McMenamin of ESPN</a>. He notes that the team has continued to undergo changes since the purchase by <strong>Mark Walter</strong> was approved in October. Sources tell McMenamin that the layoffs affected marketing, team communications, team content and corporate partnerships.</li>
<li>General manager <strong>Rob Pelinka</strong> recently said it&#8217;s &#8220;not the Lakers&#8217; way&#8221; to go through losing seasons and rebuild through the draft like Oklahoma City and San Antonio did, so <a target="_blank" href="https://nypost.com/2026/05/25/sports/lakers-need-to-follow-thunder-spurs-blueprint-for-nba-title-success/">Melissa Rohlin of The California Post</a> examines how the team can compete with those Western Conference powers. Her answer is to find better role players to mix with James, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/doncilu01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Luka Doncic</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/reaveau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Austin Reaves</a></strong> so L.A. can match the depth of the Thunder or Spurs in future playoff meetings.</li>
<li>In a subscriber-only piece, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2026-05-27/nba-anti-tanking-great-for-lakers-but-bad-for-basketball">Mirjam Swanson of The Los Angeles Times</a> explains that the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/04/nbas-lottery-reform-plan-includes-16-teams-flattened-odds.html">3-2-1 lottery reform proposal</a> might benefit the Lakers, but she still sees it as a mistake for the league. Swanson believes the new system is overly complicated and doesn&#8217;t give legitimately bad teams a clear path toward improving.</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Knicks Notes: Brown, McBride, Towns, NBA Finals</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/knicks-notes-brown-mcbride-towns-nba-finals.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/knicks-notes-brown-mcbride-towns-nba-finals.html#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Arthur Hill]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 02:01:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[New York Knicks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Draymond Green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Karl-Anthony Towns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mike Brown]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miles McBride]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476522</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Mike Brown has seen a lot of ups and downs in his NBA career, being named Coach of the Year twice and getting fired four times. After his most recent dismissal by Sacramento in the middle of last season, Brown wasn&#8217;t sure if he would ever get another opportunity, so he began traveling with his [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Mike Brown</strong> has seen a lot of ups and downs in his NBA career, being named Coach of the Year twice and getting fired four times. After his most recent dismissal by Sacramento in the middle of last season, Brown wasn&#8217;t sure if he would ever get another opportunity, so he began traveling with his wife instead of worrying about his future, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/steve-popper/mike-brown-knicks-nba-finals-s6d3nz6y">Steve Popper of Newsday</a> writes in a subscriber-only story.</p>
<p>The Browns ventured to Australia for a UFC event, followed by Mexico and the Caribbean before heading to New York. They had no idea at the time, but that&#8217;s where Brown would eventually return to coaching and lead his team to the brink of an NBA title.</p>
<p><em>“I just wanted to have fun, and if an opportunity came up, great,” </em>he said. <em>“If it didn&#8217;t, you know, shoot, I felt lucky, blessed, fortunate. I had a good run, you know? And I felt that at some point, I&#8217;d get another opportunity, whether it was a head coach or an assistant coaching position. So I just kind of rolled with it. Didn&#8217;t think much about it. And, you know, obviously, this opportunity came up. From afar, I just felt that this team was ready. And I&#8217;m just thrilled to death that (owner) <strong>Mr. (James) Dolan</strong> gave me an opportunity, and (team president)<strong> Leon Rose</strong> gave me an opportunity, to be a head coach again, especially here in New York.”</em></p>
<p>Popper states that Brown&#8217;s attitude helped him deal with the awkwardness of taking over a successful team, including lineup changes that didn&#8217;t always work and a new system that wasn&#8217;t warmly received by everyone. Brown and his players appear to have made it through the rough spots, and the Knicks have peaked during the playoffs as they tore through three Eastern Conference opponents.</p>
<p><em>&#8220;</em><em>I truly felt that this team was an NBA Finals team, &#8220;</em>Brown said after his team completed a sweep of Cleveland on Monday.<em> &#8220;I thought we had a true opportunity. Because some jobs you take, you&#8217;re like, ‘OK, we can get better. We have a chance to make the playoffs right now.’ But this one, I felt we legitimately had a chance if we could help them figure it out, and the players could stay together during the process, especially when we hit adversity. Because we hit adversity at different times during the season, not just us as a whole group, but even some guys individually, including myself. So, you know, I did have that belief from Day One. I didn&#8217;t know how it was going to turn out, but we&#8217;re here.”</em></p>
<p>There&#8217;s more from New York:</p>
<ul class="longlis">
<li><strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcbrimi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Miles McBride</a></strong> admits there were &#8220;some tough, long nights&#8221; before he became a contributor on an NBA Finals team, per <a target="_blank" href="https://nypost.com/2026/05/27/sports/for-miles-mcbride-this-long-knicks-ride-has-been-worth-it/">Stefan Bondy of The New York Post</a>. A second-round pick in 2021, McBride endured losing and limited playing time early in his career before the Knicks traded two guards for <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/anunoog01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">OG Anunoby</a></strong> in December of 2023. That created an opportunity for McBride, but it came after he agreed to a three-year, $13MM extension that turned out to be a great bargain for the team. He&#8217;ll be eligible for another extension this summer and will likely get a new deal that better reflects his value to the organization.</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/townska01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Karl-Anthony Towns</a></strong>&#8216; transformation in the playoffs has even impressed <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/greendr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Draymond Green</a></strong>, who has a long-running rivalry with the Knicks center, relays <a target="_blank" href="https://nypost.com/2026/05/27/sports/karl-anthony-towns-is-shocking-his-biggest-rival-with-engaged-defense/">Jared Schwartz of The New York Post</a>. <em>“I’ve never seen Karl-Anthony Towns defend and be as engaged as he is on the defensive end,” </em>Green said on Inside the NBA.<em> “What we’ve seen for years, and this year some, is him get these dumb fouls. He’s not even doing that anymore.” </em></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7306375/2026/05/25/knicks-nba-finals-jalen-brunson-karl-anthony-towns-playoffs/">John Hollinger of The Athletic</a> looks at how the Knicks&#8217; playoff dominance might translate to an NBA Finals matchup with Oklahoma City or San Antonio.</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Andrej Stojakovic, Billy Richmond Pulling Out Of Draft</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/andrej-stojakovic-billy-richmond-pulling-out-of-draft.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/andrej-stojakovic-billy-richmond-pulling-out-of-draft.html#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Arthur Hill]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 01:02:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[2026 NBA Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Andrej Stojakovic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Billy Richmond]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476517</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Andrej Stojakovic announced on Twitter that he will take his name out of the draft pool and return to Illinois for his senior season. Stojakovic said at the combine that he had &#8220;both feet in&#8221; regarding the draft process, but he also never gave up on the idea of staying in school and helping the [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/andrej-stojakovic-2.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-14_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Andrej Stojakovic</a></strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/IlliniMBB/status/2059771213186990548?s=46">announced</a> on Twitter that he will take his name out of the draft pool and return to Illinois for his senior season. Stojakovic said at the combine that he had &#8220;both feet in&#8221; regarding the draft process, but he also never gave up on the idea of staying in school and helping the Illini return to the Final Four in 2027, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/05/27/andrej-stojakovic-decision-nba-draft-illinois/">Colleen Kane of The Chicago Tribune</a> writes in a subscriber-only piece.</p>
<p><em>“That’s the goal — go back to the Final Four and then strive for a national championship,” </em>Stojakovic said during combine week.<em> “Understanding what we have back at Illinois is extremely special, I’ve just got to make the right decision.”</em></p>
<p>Another year in college could improve Stojakovic&#8217;s draft prospects, Kane adds. The 6&#8217;7&#8243; guard averaged 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists in his first season at Illinois after transferring from California, but while he shot 50% from the field he only connected at 24.4% from beyond the arc. He was projected to go 50th in ESPN&#8217;s latest <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48790115/2026-nba-mock-draft-projecting-60-picks-post-combine-peterson-dybantsa-boozer">mock draft</a>, and Kane states that he&#8217;ll have to expand his scoring range if he hopes to receive first-round consideration next year.</p>
<p><em>“Another year of proving what I can do, coming back even more ready next year if I do decide to go to school,” </em>Stojakovic said during the combine.<em> “One thing I showed this year is being able to adjust my role and make an impact when I’m not having the ball constantly like I’m used to it.”</em></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/billy-richmond-iii-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Billy Richmond</a></strong> of Arkansas will also exit the draft and return to school for his junior season, agent <strong>Bill Duffy</strong> tells Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/2059773565138805146">Twitter link</a>). The 6&#8217;5&#8243; forward averaged 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 37 games this year and earned a spot on the SEC&#8217;s All-Defensive Team.</p>
<p>Richmond was projected as the 53rd pick by ESPN.</p>
<p>The deadline for players to withdraw from the draft and maintain their college eligibility is tonight at 11:59 pm ET.</p>
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		<title>Thunder Notes: Mitchell, J. Williams, McCain, Caruso, Hartenstein, Holmgren</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/thunder-notes-mitchell-jalen-williams-mccain-caruso-hartenstein-holmgren.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/thunder-notes-mitchell-jalen-williams-mccain-caruso-hartenstein-holmgren.html#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Arthur Hill]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Oklahoma City Thunder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ajay Mitchell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alex Caruso]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cason Wallace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chet Holmgren]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Isaiah Hartenstein]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jalen Williams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jared McCain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Victor Wembanyama]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476512</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Ajay Mitchell will remain sidelined when the Western Conference Finals resume Thursday night at San Antonio. Mitchell is listed as out on the Thunder&#8217;s official injury report with a right soleus (calf) strain, marking the third straight game he will miss since suffering the injury last Friday. OKC&#8217;s offense struggled in Game 4 without Mitchell [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mitchaj01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-23_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ajay Mitchell</a></strong> will remain sidelined when the Western Conference Finals resume Thursday night at San Antonio. Mitchell is listed as out on the Thunder&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/referee/injury/Injury-Report_2026-05-27_07_00PM.pdf">official injury report</a> with a right soleus (calf) strain, marking the third straight game he will miss since <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/calf-strain-to-sideline-ajay-mitchell-for-game-4.html">suffering the injury</a> last Friday.</p>
<p>OKC&#8217;s offense struggled in Game 4 without Mitchell and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/willija06.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jalen Williams</a></strong>, who are two of the team&#8217;s primary ball-handlers. However, the Thunder posted 127 points in Tuesday&#8217;s Game 5, repeatedly pushing the tempo to create easier scoring opportunities.</p>
<p>Williams remains questionable due to left hamstring strain injury management, and his official status may not be determined until shortly before tip-off. He was a late scratch in Games 4 and 5.</p>
<p>There&#8217;s more on the Thunder:</p>
<ul class="longlis">
<li>Coach <strong>Mark Daigneault</strong> was looking for an offensive spark when he opted to start <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mccaija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jared McCain</a></strong> instead of <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wallaca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cason Wallace</a></strong>, and the move seemed to shake the team from its malaise, states <a target="_blank" href="https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2026/05/26/thunder-spurs-report-card-jared-mccain-wemby-defense-wcf-game-5-nba-playoffs/90272109007/">Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman</a>. Although McCain got off to a slow start, his presence on the floor created more room for <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilgesh01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/holmgch01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Chet Holmgren</a></strong>, who combined for 15 first quarter points, Carlson notes. McCain finished with 20 points in 33 minutes in his first career playoff start.</li>
<li>The Thunder got another dominant effort from their bench in Game 5, and their reserves are now outscoring San Antonio&#8217;s by a 257-127 margin for the series, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/thunder-spurs-nba-playoffs-ba7e6dc5bbb00f15464b59063de886a6">Tim Willert of The Associated Press</a>. <em>“We have good players on our bench. They’ve got good players on their bench,” </em>said <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/carusal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Alex Caruso</a></strong>, who contributed 22 points and six assists in 28 minutes.<em> “So, we know that’s an area of the game where you can try to find some positive plus-minus time for that group.”</em></li>
<li>Daigneault often used smaller defenders against <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wembavi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Victor Wembanyama</a></strong> during the regular season, but that task has mostly fallen to <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harteis01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Isaiah Hartenstein</a></strong> in the playoffs, notes <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48886175/2026-nba-playoffs-how-oklahoma-city-thunder-flipped-game-5-series-san-antonio-spurs-caruso-hartenstein">Ben Golliver of ESPN</a>. Hartenstein&#8217;s physicality has bothered the Spurs star, who shot just 4-of-15 from the field on Tuesday.</li>
<li>Holmgren, who turned in his best game of the series with 16 points and 11 rebounds in nearly 30 minutes, talked to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7281737/2026/05/27/chet-holmgren-okc-thunder-spurs-2026-nba-playoffs/">Fred Katz of The Athletic</a> about his approach to basketball and the balance between individual and team success. <em>“Ego has been the downfall of many people’s careers,” </em>Holmgren said.<em> “I feel like ego gets in the way of maximizing the moment and also understanding. Basically, what you’re asking me is, would I trade what we just accomplished last year and the opportunity that we have (this year) and the group that we have? Would I sacrifice that to go be able to shoot 20 shots a game? <span style="background-color: transparent;">I don’t think so.”</span></em></li>
</ul>
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		<title>Amari Allen Withdrawing From Draft, Returning To Alabama</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/amari-allen-withdrawing-from-draft-returning-to-alabama.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/amari-allen-withdrawing-from-draft-returning-to-alabama.html#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Arthur Hill]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 22:52:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[2026 NBA Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Memphis Grizzlies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miami Heat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Knicks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oklahoma City Thunder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Amari Allen]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476504</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Alabama forward Amari Allen revealed on Twitter that he will withdraw from the draft and play another season for the Crimson Tide. Allen&#8217;s announcement included a graphic stating &#8220;I&#8217;m back&#8221; and a 55-second highlight reel. The 20-year-old earned a spot on the SEC&#8217;s All-Freshman Team with a solid performance during his first college season. He [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Alabama forward <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/amari-allen-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-22_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Amari Allen</a></strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/2amariii/status/2059757456457130378">revealed on Twitter</a> that he will withdraw from the draft and play another season for the Crimson Tide. Allen&#8217;s announcement included a graphic stating &#8220;I&#8217;m back&#8221; and a 55-second highlight reel.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/amari-allen-alabama2-212x300.jpg" alt="" width="212" height="300" class="size-medium wp-image-476506 alignright" srcset="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/amari-allen-alabama2-212x300.jpg 212w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/amari-allen-alabama2-900x1276.jpg 900w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/amari-allen-alabama2-768x1089.jpg 768w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/amari-allen-alabama2-1084x1536.jpg 1084w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/amari-allen-alabama2.jpg 1346w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px" />The 20-year-old earned a spot on the SEC&#8217;s All-Freshman Team with a solid performance during his first college season. He averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 32 games (24 starts) while shooting 44.6% from the field and 34.1% from three-point range.</p>
<p>Allen announced in April that he planned to test the draft waters without giving up his NCAA eligibility. He was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/nba-announces-73-invitees-for-2026-draft-combine.html">invited</a> to the draft combine earlier this month and was measured at slightly above 6&#8217;5&#8243;, well below his listed height of 6&#8217;8&#8243;, which may have hurt his stock a little and influenced his decision to return to school.</p>
<p>Allen ranked 29th on ESPN&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46886245/2026-nba-draft-big-board-rankings-top-100-prospects-players">big board</a> of the top 100 draft prospects, which was last updated before the combine began. ESPN&#8217;s Jeremy Woo projected Allen to go to Memphis with the 32nd pick in his most recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48790115/2026-nba-mock-draft-projecting-60-picks-post-combine-peterson-dybantsa-boozer">mock draft</a>. It likely made more financial sense for Allen to play another year at Alabama and try to boost his draft outlook for 2027.</p>
<p>Allen had pre-draft workouts with the <strong>Grizzlies</strong>, <strong>Knicks</strong>, <strong>Thunder</strong> and <strong>Heat</strong>, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/sports/college/sec/2026/05/22/alabama-basketball-amari-allen-nba-workouts-draft-decision/90214085007/">Emilee Smarr of The Tuscaloosa News</a>.</p>
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		<title>And-Ones: Lyles, Brooks, Lottery, Extensions, Peterson</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/and-ones-lyles-brooks-lottery-extensions-peterson.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/and-ones-lyles-brooks-lottery-extensions-peterson.html#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Luke Adams]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 21:54:49 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Armoni Brooks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Darryn Peterson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesse Buss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joey Buss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trey Lyles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476496</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Veteran forward Trey Lyles, who spent 10 years in the NBA with Utah, Denver, San Antonio, Detroit, and Sacramento from 2015-25, is drawing significant interest from European teams on the heels of a successful season in Spain, writes Alessandro Maggi of Sportando. Relaying reporting from Sport5, Maggi says Real Madrid hopes to re-sign Lyles but [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Veteran forward <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lylestr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Trey Lyles</a></strong>, who spent 10 years in the NBA with Utah, Denver, San Antonio, Detroit, and Sacramento from 2015-25, is drawing significant interest from European teams on the heels of a successful season in Spain, writes <a target="_blank" href="https://sportando.basketball/en/trey-lyles-drawing-major-interest-as-real-madrid-fear-losing-him/">Alessandro Maggi of Sportando</a>. Relaying reporting from Sport5, Maggi says Real Madrid hopes to re-sign Lyles but is worried about being outbid by rival suitors, including perhaps Fenerbahce and Hapoel Tel Aviv.</p>
<p>Lyles, 30, helped Real Madrid reach this year&#8217;s EuroLeague championship game by averaging 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 20.9 minutes per game across 36 outings in Europe&#8217;s top league. He posted an excellent shooting line of .515/.443/.792.</p>
<p>According to Maggi, the expectation is that Lyles would prioritize a return to the NBA over offers from EuroLeague teams if a favorable opportunity arises stateside.</p>
<p>Here are a few more odds and ends from across the basketball world:</p>
<ul class="longlis">
<li>Former NBA guard <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brookar01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Armoni Brooks</a></strong>, who made 84 regular season appearances for three teams from 2021-24, is set to join ASVEL in France on a two-year deal, according to Matteo Andreani and Andrea Calzoni of BasketInside (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/matty_vanpersie/status/2059548073571803305">Twitter link</a>). Relatedly, <strong>Joey Buss</strong> and <strong>Jesse Buss</strong> &#8211; former part-owners and basketball operations executives of the Lakers who were <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/11/lakers-removing-joey-jesse-buss-from-front-office-roles.html">let go</a> by the team last year &#8211; are candidates to invest in the French club, as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/1973292/former-lakers-owners-joey-and-jesse-buss-are-among-the-potential-investors-to-tony-parkers-asvel/">Aris Barkas of Eurohoops</a> details.</li>
<li>With the NBA&#8217;s &#8220;3-2-1&#8221; lottery reform plan appearing increasingly likely to be approved, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48886245/the-pros-cons-new-nba-draft-lottery-reform">ESPN&#8217;s Tim Bontemps</a> evaluates the pros and cons of the plan. One added benefit, according to Bontemps, is that the lottery drawing itself is expected to be aired live beginning in 2027. The NBA has typically conducted the lottery behind the scenes and then unveiled the results after the fact in a more viewer-friendly TV broadcast, but the format change could make the drawing itself less confusing to follow live.</li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48853097/nba-contract-extension-watch-20-players-shape-offseason-big-money">Bobby Marks of ESPN</a> takes a closer look at 20 of this offseason&#8217;s top extension candidates, including superstars like <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/antetgi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a></strong> of the Bucks and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/curryst01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Stephen Curry</a></strong> of the Warriors, and predicts whether or not they&#8217;ll end up signing new contracts in the coming months.</li>
<li>Does <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/darryn-peterson-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Darryn Peterson</a></strong>&#8216;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/draft-notes-peterson-boozer-g-league-combine-lottery.html">explanation</a> that high doses of creatine caused his cramping issues at Kansas pass muster? <a target="_blank" href="https://www.deseret.com/sports/2026/05/26/nba-draft-darryn-peterson-creatine-utah-jazz/">Sarah Todd of The Deseret News</a> speaks to medical experts to make sense of Peterson&#8217;s remarks and to get an idea of what NBA teams will be looking for when they evaluate the top prospect&#8217;s health.</li>
</ul>
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		<title>2026 NBA Offseason Preview: Los Angeles Clippers</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/2026-nba-offseason-preview-los-angeles-clippers.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/2026-nba-offseason-preview-los-angeles-clippers.html#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Luke Adams]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 20:55:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Front Office Originals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Los Angeles Clippers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Membership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Offseason Preview]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=473149</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[A year ago, the Clippers entered the summer with high hopes for the offseason and the season to come after posting a surprising 50-32 regular 2024/25 season record and holding their own in a highly competitive, seven-game first-round series vs. Denver despite having lost Paul George in 2024 free agency. The newfound cap flexibility the [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A year ago, the <strong>Clippers</strong> entered the summer with high hopes for the offseason and the season to come after posting a surprising 50-32 regular 2024/25 season record and holding their own in a highly competitive, seven-game first-round series vs. Denver despite having lost <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/georgpa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Paul George</a></strong> in 2024 free agency.</p>
<p>The newfound cap flexibility the Clippers generated as a result of George's departure allowed the team to bring in multiple quality role players and provided the front office with a more viable blueprint for maintaining a balanced roster going forward.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/03/Kawhi-Leonard-Clippers-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-468232" />But the 2025/26 season was a turbulent one. The NBA launched an investigation last September into possible salary cap circumvention related to a "no-show" endorsement deal for <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/leonaka01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kawhi Leonard</a></strong>. One key offseason addition, <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bealbr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Bradley Beal</a></strong>, underwent season-ending hip surgery in the fall, while another, future Hall-of-Famer <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/paulch01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Chris Paul</a></strong>, had an unceremonious split with the franchise less than two months into the season. The team got off a 6-21 start, leading to the decision to trade <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hardeja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">James Harden</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/z/zubaciv01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivica Zubac</a></strong> at the deadline with an eye toward the future.</p>
<p>To be fair, the Clippers recovered admirably from that 6-21 start. Even without Harden and Zubac on the roster, the club clawed its way back above .500 by late March and finished at 42-40, earning a play-in spot. But those mid-season trades signaled that short-term contention was no longer a top priority for the organization, and L.A.'s very brief postseason run came to an end with a home loss to the Warriors in the 9/10 play-in game.</p>
<p>Following that abrupt postseason exit, the outlook in Los Angeles is cloudier than it was a year ago for multiple reasons. For one, the Clippers are still awaiting resolution on the NBA's probe into the team's and Leonard's relationships with the now-bankrupt green banking company Aspiration. While there haven't been any indications that Leonard's contract agreement with L.A. is in real danger of being voided as a result of that investigation, it remains very possible that the franchise will face some sort of penalty, such as lost draft picks, once it wraps up.</p>
<p>Even if the Clippers are cleared of wrongdoing by league investigators, there's uncertainty about what exactly the front office's plans are in the wake of the Harden and Zubac deals. Is L.A. still committed to trying to contend with Leonard as its centerpiece, as president of basketball operations <strong>Lawrence Frank</strong> <a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/04/clippers-notes-kawhi-lue-investigation-garland-offseason.html">insisted</a> during his end-of-season press conference? Or did the team's willingness to move off veterans earlier this year suggest that a soft rebuild around <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/garlada01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Darius Garland</a></strong> and this year's No. 5 overall pick is around the corner?</p>
<hr />
<h3><b>The Clippers' Offseason Plans</b></h3>
<p>Leonard is entering the final year of his current contract and will earn $50.3MM in 2026/27 before becoming eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2027. The two-time Finals MVP is also coming off arguably his best all-around season since he arrived in Los Angeles -- he finished seventh in MVP voting and was named to the All-NBA second team after averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game on .505/.387/.892 shooting across 65 healthy outings (32.1 MPG).</p>
<p>With all that in mind, the question that will determine the direction of the Clippers' offseason is whether they seek an extension with Leonard, who will turn 35 in June, or sell high on the trade market, completing the roster reset they kicked off earlier this year by trading Harden and Zubac.</p>
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		<title>Draft Notes: Grizzlies, Tanner, Withdrawals, Warriors, Hornets</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/draft-notes-grizzlies-tanner-withdrawals-warriors-hornets.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/draft-notes-grizzlies-tanner-withdrawals-warriors-hornets.html#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Luke Adams]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 19:48:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[2026 NBA Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Charlotte Hornets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Golden State Warriors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Memphis Grizzlies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sacramento Kings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anton Bonke]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Baba Miller]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chase Ross]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Corey Camper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flory Bidunga]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[J'Vonne Hadley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kobe Knox]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nate Johnson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nick Boyd]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reese Dixon-Waters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sam Alexis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shane Blakeney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tre White]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tyler Tanner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wyatt Fricks]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476483</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The Grizzlies are working out Vanderbilt&#8217;s Tyler Tanner on Wednesday, along with Chase Ross (Marquette), Sam Alexis (Indiana), and J&#8217;Vonne Hadley (Louisville), reports Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal (Twitter link). Tanner, a potential first-round pick, is the most highly regarded prospect of that group and will face a decision in a matter of [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The <strong>Grizzlies</strong> are working out Vanderbilt&#8217;s <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tyler-tanner-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyler Tanner</a></strong> on Wednesday, along with <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/chase-ross-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Chase Ross</a></strong> (Marquette), <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/sam-alexis-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Sam Alexis</a></strong> (Indiana), and <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jvonne-hadley-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">J&#8217;Vonne Hadley</a></strong> (Louisville), reports Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/DamichaelC/status/2059707780252958961">Twitter link</a>).</p>
<p>Tanner, a potential first-round pick, is the most highly regarded prospect of that group and will face a decision in a matter of hours on whether or not to keep his name in the draft. The deadline for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/04/2026-nba-draft-early-entrants-list.html">early entrants</a> to withdraw and retain their NCAA eligibility is 11:59 pm Eastern on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Tanner is one of the more notable prospects who has yet to finalize his decision &#8212; it&#8217;s possible the feedback he gets on Wednesday from the Grizzlies, who hold this year&#8217;s third, 16th, and 32nd overall picks, will help sway him in one direction or the other.</p>
<p>We have a few more draft-related updates:</p>
<ul class="longlis">
<li><strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/flory-bidunga-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Flory Bidunga</a></strong>, who is transferring from Kansas to Louisville, has withdrawn from the draft, per Joe Tipton of On3 (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JoeTipton/status/2059068926365950345">Twitter link</a>). So has <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/shane-blakeney-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Shane Blakeney</a></strong>, who is transferring from Drexel to South Carolina, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JonRothstein/status/2059608091134423134">Twitter link</a>), as well as <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/anton-bonke-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Anton Bonke</a></strong>, who is transferring from Charlotte to Michigan State, agent <strong>Scott Nichols</strong> tells Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JonChep/status/2059717162692919652">Twitter link</a>). Bidunga is entering his junior season in 2026/27, while Blakeney and Bonke will be seniors and will be automatically draft-eligible next year.</li>
<li>In addition to <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/dillon-mitchell-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dillon Mitchell</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tre-donaldson-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tre Donaldson</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tyler-nickel-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyler Nickel</a></strong>, whose participation was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/draft-notes-brown-jazz-mitchell-warriors-kings-timberwolves.html">previously reported</a>, the <strong>Warriors</strong> are bringing in Nevada guard <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/corey-camper-jr-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Corey Camper</a></strong>, South Carolina guard <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/kobe-knox-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kobe Knox</a></strong>, and San Diego State guard <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/reese-waters-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Reese Dixon-Waters</a></strong> for Wednesday&#8217;s group workout, according to the team (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/WarriorsPR/status/2059705962764927107">Twitter link</a>).</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/nicholas-boyd-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nick Boyd</a></strong> (Wisconsin), <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/wyatt-fricks-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Wyatt Fricks</a></strong> (Marshall), <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/search/search.fcgi?pid=nate-johnson-8,nate-johnson-9&amp;search=Nate+Johnson&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nate Johnson</a></strong> (Kansas State), and <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tre-white-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tre White</a></strong> (Kansas) are among the prospects visiting the <strong>Hornets</strong> for a pre-draft workout on Wednesday, league sources tell Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/rodboone/status/2059683671284519179">Twitter link</a>). Charlotte currently only holds the 14th and 18th overall picks, while Boyd and White rank 76th and 93rd, respectively, on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/draft/bestavailable/_/position/ovr/page/4">ESPN&#8217;s top-100 list</a>, so the team could be eyeing potential undrafted targets for two-way offers.</li>
<li>Cincinnati forward <strong><a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/baba-miller-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_cbb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Baba Miller</a></strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/draft-notes-brown-jazz-mitchell-warriors-kings-timberwolves.html">had been scheduled</a> to take part in a group workout with the <strong>Kings</strong> on Wednesday, but he was unable to participate due to an illness, <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/SeanCunningham/status/2059697408603570673">tweets</a> Sean Cunningham of KCRA News.</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Hawks Promote, Extend Onsi Saleh</title>
		<link>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/hawks-to-promote-extend-onsi-saleh.html</link>
					<comments>https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/05/hawks-to-promote-extend-onsi-saleh.html#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Luke Adams]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 18:19:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Atlanta Hawks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Newsstand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Onsi Saleh]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?p=476477</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[1:19 pm: The Hawks have officially confirmed in a press release that Saleh is now the team&#8217;s president of basketball operations and has signed a &#8220;long-term&#8221; contract extension. &#8220;Onsi possesses a rare combination of valuable leadership qualities and a clear vision that will position our franchise to compete at a championship level. He is a [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>1:19 pm</strong>: The Hawks have officially confirmed in a press release that Saleh is now the team&#8217;s president of basketball operations and has signed a &#8220;long-term&#8221; contract extension.</p>
<p><em><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Onsi-Saleh-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-476479" srcset="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Onsi-Saleh-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Onsi-Saleh-900x1350.jpg 900w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Onsi-Saleh-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Onsi-Saleh-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Onsi-Saleh-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.hoopsrumors.com/files/2026/05/Onsi-Saleh.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" />&#8220;Onsi possesses a rare combination of valuable leadership qualities and a clear vision that will position our franchise to compete at a championship level. He is a gifted communicator and talent evaluator, widely respected by his peers within the NBA community,&#8221; </em>team owner <strong>Tony Ressler</strong> said in a statement.<em> &#8220;He has already demonstrated a level of decisiveness and acumen that has changed the trajectory of our organization, and we are delighted to have him lead our basketball operations for a very long time.&#8221;</em></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>1:17 pm</strong>: The <strong>Hawks</strong> are promoting general manager <strong>Onsi Saleh</strong>, according to Shams Charania of ESPN, who reports (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2059696142363856936">via Twitter</a>) that Saleh&#8217;s new title will be president of basketball operations. He&#8217;ll also receive a contract extension, Charania adds.</p>
<p>Saleh, who had been working in Golden State as the Warriors&#8217; VP of basketball strategy and team counsel, was initially hired by Atlanta in 2024 as an assistant general manager. He was elevated to the GM role last April after the Hawks fired head of basketball operations <strong>Landry Fields</strong>.</p>
<p>Saleh has been running the Hawks&#8217; front office since last spring, so the promotion to president of basketball operations likely won&#8217;t materially change his job description. However, it figures to come with a raise and will solidify his place atop the team&#8217;s basketball operations department. It also opens the door for the team to potentially hire a GM down the road to take on some of the day-to-day responsibilities that Saleh currently handles.</p>
<p>Saleh <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/04/celtics-brad-stevens-named-executive-of-the-year.html">finished second</a> in Executive of the Year voting this spring after a very solid first year on the job. He landed 2026 Most Improved Player <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/alexani01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nickeil Alexander-Walker</a></strong> on a four-year, $60MM deal in free agency last offseason, signed 2025 Most Improved Player <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/daniedy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dyson Daniels</a></strong> to a four-year, $100MM rookie scale extension, and negotiated a draft-night trade that moved the Hawks down from No. 13 to No. 23 in last year&#8217;s draft while netting them this year&#8217;s eighth overall pick.</p>
<p>Saleh also acted aggressively on the trade market during the season, sending <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/y/youngtr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Trae Young</a></strong> to Washington in January for <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mccolcj01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">CJ McCollum</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kispeco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Corey Kispert</a></strong> and then landing <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kuminjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jonathan Kuminga</a></strong> in a deal with Golden State. The newcomers helped Atlanta finish the season strong and earn the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks won 20 of their last 26 regular season games.</p>
<p>As Charania notes (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2059696371549016206">via Twitter</a>), Saleh and the Hawks are well-positioned to continue adding to a core headlined by <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsja05.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jalen Johnson</a></strong>, Alexander-Walker, Daniels, and <strong><a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/okongon01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-05-27_bbr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Onyeka Okongwu</a></strong>, armed with extra draft assets and a good deal of long-term cap flexibility.</p>
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