Latest news with #CJMcCollum
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Pelicans NBA Draft highlights GM Joe Dumars' emphasis on building ‘aggressive team'
NEW ORLEANS — Joe Dumars isn't wasting any time now that he has the keys to the New Orleans Pelicans organization. In eight days, New Orleans' new lead executive has pulled off three trades and added four players who could reshape the franchise's trajectory, both present and long term. On Wednesday night, Dumars landed two of the biggest names in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft when he chose Oklahoma point guard Jeremiah Fears with the No. 7 pick, and he followed it by trading up from No. 23 to No. 13 to select Maryland big man Derik Queen. Advertisement Though both have clear flaws: Fears and Queen are high-upside offensive talents who thrived in high-usage roles as true freshmen on teams short on firepower. Still, it's impossible to judge these moves without considering the other major trade New Orleans agreed to on Tuesday. In this deal, multiple league sources told The Athletic, the Pelicans agreed to send veterans CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 pick in this year's draft. That came a few days after the Pelicans agreed to send the Pacers their 2026 first-round pick in exchange for the No. 23 pick in this year's draft. In two days, the Pelicans went from having no answers at starting point guard with Dejounte Murray sidelined with a ruptured Achilles tendon to having a lead ballhandler who can run the show this season (Poole), a point guard of the future (Fears) and an additional 2025 first-round pick. With these moves, Dumars showed just how aggressively he plans to reshape the roster sooner rather than later. But will that aggression come back to bite him? 'It's the only way I've ever had success in this league. I've been around aggressive teams my entire life,' Dumars said on Wednesday after the first round of the draft. 'We're going to be an aggressive team. We're going to be an aggressive front office.' Dumars didn't have to look too far outside of the box to make the Fears pick. The Oklahoma product was the best player on the board when the Pelicans' pick came up at No. 7 and he provides New Orleans with a building block that should fit well next to the other foundational pieces on the roster. Despite being the second-youngest player in the draft, Fears is one of its most polished ball-handlers in this rookie class, with rare feel as a downhill slasher for someone who won't turn 19 until October. Advertisement Having a point guard who gets into the paint at will should be a tremendous asset for a team that has off-ball threats such as Trey Murphy, Herb Jones and Yves Missi. The one concern with Fears is that he shot 28.4 percent on 3-pointers in his only season at Oklahoma. Can he improve his jump shot enough to prevent defenses from helping off of him when Zion Williamson has the ball? If he can't space the floor, it may be hard for him to maintain a spot in the rotation above older players like Jose Alvarado or Jordan Hawkins. Even with some concerns about his outside shot, it's hard to look past the fluidity and improvisational skills Fears has when the ball is in his hands. The more he can work his way into the rotation, the more dangerous the Pels will be. 'I like his skillset. The ability to get anywhere on the court like that is a unique ability,' Dumars said. 'If you're going to be a really, really good team, you have to have guys who can compromise the other team's defense. … When you do that, you've got a chance.' Even though Queen is 6-foot-10, 248 pounds, he's also most comfortable when he's driving into the teeth of the defense and creating shots for himself and others. The potential he brings as a big man who can face the basket and punish defenses off the dribble makes him one of the most fascinating prospects in this year's draft. It's really difficult to find guys his size who can handle the ball and shoot with touch around the rim the way Queen does. If Queen puts all the pieces of his game together, he has a chance to be special. 'I put his IQ for the game up against anybody in this draft. This is a super, super high-IQ guy,' Dumars said. 'He finds people. He has the mentality of a guard. He'll push it up. He's just got unique skills for a 6-10 big.' But how will Queen function when the offense doesn't flow through him as much as it did at Maryland? That's the big question he'll have to answer at the next level, especially when he's surrounded by all the scoring options that already exist in New Orleans. For this Pelicans team, Queen's defense and rebounding will be far more crucial to immediate success, even if that's not the strength of his game. Advertisement As intriguing as Queen is, it'll be tough for some to overlook how much New Orleans paid to get him. Dumars said Wednesday the Pelicans were pursuing trades to go up and get Queen as early as the No. 9 pick. Eventually, they landed on a deal that would send the No. 23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to Atlanta in exchange for the No. 13 pick, which the Pelicans used to select Queen. So, let's get to the biggest question New Orleans has to face coming out of this draft: Has everything they've done over the past week put them in a better or worse position as they look into a murky future? While the Pelicans are happy about landing what they viewed as two top-10 picks in a loaded draft, it's still fair to question if the process that led them here will now force them to emphasize the importance of immediate playoff contention much more than they should with their current roster. How could you not question a team trading away its unprotected first-round pick in the following season after going 21-61? Pulling off a trade like this is a massive gamble for a franchise that's become infamous for the never-ending bad luck that's scuttled so many seasons over the past decade. Instead of entering summer 2026 with two first-round picks and $46 million in expiring deals between McCollum and Olynyk, the Pelicans dealt both picks and added another year of salary by swapping those expirings for the two years left on Poole's deal. If Queen and Fears turn out to be real players, the complaints about what New Orleans gave away in these recent deals will fade. If Poole picks up where he left off last season, Dumars' vision for this team could start to take shape. Having multiple creators on the floor could suddenly make this offense much more unpredictable than it's been in the past. 'I just wanted guys who can attack the other team. It's hard to win when you've just got one guy who can compromise the other team's defense,' Dumars said. 'If you're around the league now, you better have multiple guys who can attack.' Advertisement However, it's hard to look past the conflicting message Dumars and his front office are sending with some of these moves. On one hand, Dumars has been smart about avoiding moves that will attach him to a roster centered around Williamson beyond this season. Some folks hate the idea of trading for Poole, but the Pels can easily dump him next summer once he becomes an expiring contract. Fears and Queen are intriguing talents, but not ideal complements to a ball-dominant paint monster like Williamson. Sure, all three of them can work with Williamson, but it's not a big deal if they don't and the Pels decide to move on from the face of the franchise. The Pels can easily keep those guys around in a post-Zion Williamson world. But if the Pelicans are headed to a future where they trade Williamson next summer, it's most likely because this upcoming season turned into yet another disaster. If that's the case, the Pels would be handing a lottery pick to the Hawks in 2026 as they begin their biggest rebuild since 2019. Not quite the same as beginning the last two rebuilds with the No. 1 pick. Ultimately, Dumars' aggressive mindset should be applauded, considering how timid the Pels have looked during trade talks in recent years. Sometimes, it requires bold moves to get a team out of a rut. To avoid handing Atlanta a 2026 lottery pick, the Pels must keep Williamson healthy and surround him with a more defensively sound roster — something they currently lack. The pressure to fight through a loaded Western Conference and earn a playoff spot with such a young, inexperienced roster might be a bigger headache than Dumars anticipates. (Photo of Jeremiah Fears and NBA commissioner Adam Silver:)
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
New Orleans Pelicans Pull Off Shocking Trade Involving CJ McCollum And Jordan Poole
New Orleans Pelicans Pull Off Shocking Trade Involving CJ McCollum And Jordan Poole originally appeared on Fadeaway World. With the NBA Finals officially over, the offseason is in full swing as teams across the league pivot to make major roster improvements. In New Orleans, the Pelicans are the latest team to mix things up after a shocking trade that sent CJ McCollum to the Wizards for Jordan Poole. Advertisement Full Trade Details New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, 2025 No. 40 pick Washington Wizards Receive: CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, future second-round pick It's a stunning point guard swap between two struggling NBA franchises, but both teams can now move forward with hopes of climbing out of the lottery. Specifically, the Pelicans get younger with Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey, while the Wizards get some added cap flexibility by taking on McCollum's expiring contract. "The trade swaps guards -- the Wizards shifting from Poole to the veteran in McCollum, who has an expiring contract. Washington is now expected to approach $100 million in projected cap space in 2026," wrote ESPN's Shams Charania on the trade. "Pelicans move younger, possibly more dynamic with Poole and Bey." Advertisement This is just one of many expected trade moves this offseason. This summer, in what is being described as a "weak" free agent market, trades are the best way to improve, and teams are feeling more pressure than ever to start making deals. In this case, the Pelicans knew they needed to change following another disappointing season, where they finished 14th in the standings. With a core centered around Zion Williamson, the Pelicans swapped their streaky veteran shooter for a younger player with more upside and championship experience. Poole, for all his flaws, is still an elite scorer at his position. In 68 games last season, he averaged 20.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on 43.2% shooting. After falling out with Draymond Green, he was exiled from the Warriors and has since struggled to find his place, but a spot alongside Zion Williamson could begin a fresh start that makes him a positive for the Pelicans. Getting a versatile young player like Saddiq Bey in the deal is a major bonus. Meanwhile, the Wizards get to move off Poole's expensive contract in exchange for some veteran leaders (McCollum and Olynyk) and (most importantly) a second-round draft pick they could use to keep building up their stockpile of assets. Advertisement McCollum is described as unlikely to stay with his new team long-term, and it makes the deal seem more like a salary dump for the Wizards, who are now free from paying Bradley Beal and Jordan Poole. With McCollum off the books in 2026, they are set to be one of the highest cap-space teams in the NBA next summer. The real impact of this trade will be determined with Jordan Poole. If he can become the player he was on track to be, it could put the Pels in a place to contend in the West. At the very least, if he can play up to his role on the team, it will help break the narrative that's followed him since his departure from the Warriors. Related: Pelicans Asking Price For Trey Murphy III Revealed: Massive Haul For Young Star This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Washington Wizards Starting Lineup Is Full Of Old-School Veterans
Washington Wizards Starting Lineup Is Full Of Old-School Veterans originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Washington Wizards are quietly reshaping their identity, not with flashy youth or a superstar trade, but by loading up on seasoned veterans to anchor a rebuilding franchise. Advertisement With the recent trade that sent Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk, the Wizards' starting five now looks more like a '2017 All-Star reserves' lineup than the youthful rebuild many expected. The projected starting lineup heading into the 2025–26 season is: PG - Marcus Smart SG - CJ McCollum SF - Khris Middleton PF - Kelly Olynyk C - Alex Sarr Each of these names, aside from rookie big man Alex Sarr, has been in the league for a decade or more. The Wizards aren't building a title contender this season. They're playing the long game and using this collection of grizzled veterans as a bridge to a more promising future, both financially and on the court. Advertisement Marcus Smart, now 31, was traded midseason from Memphis last year and appeared in just 34 games due to injuries. He averaged 9.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, shooting 44.0% from the field and an impressive 39.2% from three. Though still respected as a defensive stalwart, his availability has been a concern, playing only 54 games over the last two years. He's entering the final year of his contract and could very well be flipped by the deadline if a contender needs backcourt depth. CJ McCollum, age 33, is in the last year of his deal and is coming off a quietly efficient season with the Pelicans, averaging 21.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. He shot 44.4% from the field and 37.3% from deep, proving he still has something left in the tank. For McCollum, this year is about proving he can still contribute meaningfully, either to earn a final major payday or land with a playoff-bound team next summer. Advertisement Khris Middleton, acquired in the trade that sent Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee, exercised his $33 million player option this offseason. The 33-year-old forward is coming off his worst statistical year in nearly a decade, 10.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting a paltry 27.7% from beyond the arc. Injuries and inconsistency have clearly caught up with him, and like the rest of this group, he's playing for one last payday or redemption shot in free agency. Kelly Olynyk, 34, has bounced around the league in recent years but remains a solid stretch big. Last season, split between Toronto and New Orleans, he averaged 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, shooting an impressive 41.8% from deep and 50.0% from the field. He brings leadership and shooting, both of which will be valuable for a young frontcourt partner like Alex Sarr. Advertisement And then, there's Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and the lone cornerstone of the future in this starting unit. As a rookie, Sarr averaged 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 39.4% from the field and 30.8% from three. He's still raw but has all the tools to be a defensive anchor and multi-level scorer in the modern NBA. With Poole out of the picture, Sarr becomes the clear focal point for Washington's developmental timeline. They surely can't be as bad as last season, when they had the second-worst record in the NBA with an abysmal 18–64 mark. This version of the Wizards might not contend, but with seasoned leadership and some young spark, they should at least present a more stable, competitive product night to night. The Wizards also boast a collection of intriguing young talent — Corey Kispert, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, and the No. 6 overall pick in the upcoming draft, which could potentially be Ace Bailey if his stock continues to slide. Advertisement Any of these young wings or guards could push for starting minutes if the veterans are moved or sidelined. The Wizards Will Have A War Chest In The 2026 Free Agency Ultimately, the true genius behind Washington's sudden pivot might not be found on the court this season but on the books. The Wizards are projected to have close to $100 million in cap space by the summer of 2026. With Smart, McCollum, Middleton, and Olynyk all coming off the books after this year, the franchise will be in a position that very few teams in the modern NBA have: nearly a clean slate and a mountain of cap flexibility. That kind of financial freedom, coupled with a few foundational young pieces and a war chest of draft assets, is the skeleton of a rebuild done right. The 2026 free agent class could include All-Star-caliber talent, and with the right pitch, Washington might become an unlikely destination, especially if Sarr or Coulibaly makes the leap. Advertisement In the meantime, the Wizards will lean on old legs to stabilize a young locker room, hoping that the veterans' professionalism helps set the tone for a franchise with eyes on a much brighter, cleaner, and richer future. Related: 9 Blockbuster Trades That Could Happen On 2025 NBA Draft Night This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
2 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Oregon Pinot Noir Rosé, Why Saignée Method Wines Stand Out
Close up of two women toasting with rosé wine. getty Over the past decade, Oregon has emerged as a significant producer of rosé wine. In 2024, wineries produced over 500,000 cases of rosé, with approximately 300,000 cases crafted from Pinot Noir, ranking Oregon third among U.S. rosé producers. I recently explored Oregon Pinot Noir rosés made by the Saignée method to see why this style consistently delivers standout quality. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes on select examples. Rosé wines typically range from light red to pink to salmon, but color alone doesn't define a rosé. Surprisingly, there's no strict standard: the most accepted definition is wine made from red grapes processed like white wine, with little or no skin contact. By this definition, even white wines made from red grapes, such as still white Pinot Noir or sparkling Blanc de Noir, technically count as rosé. Deeply colored wines can also qualify as rosé if skin contact was brief. There are four primary rosé production methods: Direct pressing — gently presses red grapes, extracting minimal color for the palest rosés; the most common method. Minimal skin contact — juice soaks with skins for a few hours, gaining slightly deeper color and flavor than direct press. Saignée — 'bleeds' off juice during red wine fermentation, intensifying the remaining red wine and producing a darker, more structured rosé from the drawn-off juice. Blending — mixing red and white wines; widely discouraged for still rosé but common for sparkling wines. Moreover, grapes specifically grown for rosé are often harvested at 4–5 tons per acre and picked at a lower Brix level (~21°) to achieve higher acidity but less flavor intensity. In contrast, Saignée rosé utilizes premium Pinot Noir, which is cropped at a lower rate of 2.5–3 tons per acre and harvested at a higher ripeness level (~23–24° Brix), resulting in more fruit-forward flavors, with higher alcohol by volume (ABV) and a firmer backbone. On the spectrum from white to red, direct pressing and minimal skin contact produce light, crisp, floral styles with orchard fruits and bright acidity, which stylistically are closer to white wines. Saignée rosés and wines with more prolonged skin contact tend to lean more red-wine-like, featuring deeper color, bolder red fruit, a clear tannic backbone, and a structure that can benefit from bottle aging. They shine with food and effortlessly bridge white and red pairings. Below is a closer look and tasting notes for standout Oregon Pinot Noir rosés made by the Saignée or comparable methods. All bottles are 750 ml. McCollum Heritage 91, 2023 Rosé, 13.1% ABV $35 Founded by NBA star CJ McCollum, Heritage 91 showcases small-lot Oregon wines crafted in partnership with Adelsheim Vineyard, focusing on expressive, site-driven Pinot Noir and vibrant rosés. Pale salmon pink. Bursting with aromas of wild strawberry, nectarine, watermelon rind, and rose petals. A lively palate with fresh raspberry, white peach, and a hint of citrus. Crisp acidity and a dry, refreshing finish. Domaine Serene, R Rosé Wine, 13.5% ABV $39 Domaine Serene, one of Oregon's most prestigious Pinot Noir estates, crafts this elegant multi-vintage rosé as a refined, food-friendly expression from their high-elevation vineyards. Delicate pink hue. Nose of wild strawberries, raspberries, red currant, and rose petal. Silky mouthfeel with notes of tart cherry, white nectarine, and a hint of minerality. Bright, clean acidity leads to a graceful, dry finish. Row of Pinot Noir grapes prior to harvest in the Willamette Valley of Oregon getty Fifty-One Weeks, 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir, 13.5% ABV $25 A boutique winery known for small-batch, minimal intervention wines, Fifty-One Weeks highlights fresh, expressive fruit from select Willamette Valley sites. Light pink. Aromas of fresh raspberry, cranberry, and floral notes. The palate is juicy and lively with flavors of strawberry, red apple, and a touch of citrus zest. Zippy acidity makes it vibrant and food-friendly. Domaine Roy & Fils, 2024 Rosé, 12.5% ABV $50 Domaine Roy & Fils produces organic Pinot Noir, emphasizing the purity of fruit and terroir. Their rosé is a crisp, elegant reflection of estate Pinot fruit. Pale coral. Aromas of wild berry, rhubarb, and hints of grapefruit and peach. On the palate, fresh red cherry, juicy melon, and stony minerality. Bright acidity balances a dry, textured finish. Sweet Cheeks Winery, 2024 Dry Rosé, 13.5% ABV $26 Sweet Cheeks Winery, based in the southern Willamette Valley, is loved for approachable, vibrant wines. This dry rosé is a picnic classic. Pale pink. Nose of ripe strawberry, cherry blossom, and citrus peel. Crisp and refreshing with flavors of watermelon, raspberry, and a clean, tangy acidity. Dry and quenching on the finish. Van Duzer, 2024 Pinot Noir Rosé, 12.7% ABV $26 Van Duzer Vineyards benefits from the strong coastal winds, which contribute to the structure and freshness in their wines. Their rosé is known for lively acidity and pronounced aromatics. Light salmon color. Fragrant with notes of wild strawberry, rose petals, and a hint of grapefruit. Lively palate of fresh red berries, watermelon, and bright citrus. Zesty, mouthwatering finish. Mid-summer picnic with rosé wine and snacks. getty King Estate, 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir, 13.5% ABV $20 King Estate, one of Oregon's largest organic estates, has a loyal following for its classic Pinot Noir and vibrant rosés. Light pink hue. Aromas of strawberry shortcake, peach, and citrus blossom. The palate offers juicy strawberry and raspberry notes, with hints of white peach, supported by crisp, refreshing acidity and a clean, dry finish. Meadows Estate, 2022 Pinot Noir Rosé, 13% ABV $27 A classic estate Pinot Noir, expressing the sites pure fruit and balanced structure. An excellent example of a Saignée method rosé, featuring a distinctive tannic structure and backbone. Medium ruby. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthiness. On the palate, ripe red berries, hints of clove, and silky tannins. Bright acidity and gentle oak spice lead to an elegant finish. Meadows Estate, 2023 Pinot Noir Rosé, 13% ABV $27 A younger, fresher vintage Pinot Noir, showcasing lively red fruit and soft tannins. Bright ruby red. Aromas of red cherry, cranberry, and floral notes. Juicy palate with notes of raspberry, cherry, and a hint of spice. Light tannins and vibrant acidity keep it fresh and youthful. Although not crafted from Pinot Noir, Southern Oregon produces excellent rosés from Grenache and Tempranillo grapes. Below is a standout rosé crafted by Abacela from Grenache. Abacela, 2023 Grenache Rosé, 12.3% ABV $20 While Abacela is famous for pioneering Tempranillo in Oregon's Umpqua Valley, they also craft a crisp, Spanish-inspired Grenache rosé. Pale salmon. Aromas of wild strawberry, white peach, and citrus blossom. On the palate, fresh watermelon, red currant, and a splash of zesty lime. Crisp acidity and a bright, dry finish. These rosé wines are outstanding. They are heftier than typical rosé wines, more fruit forward with a more distinct tannic structure. That makes them excellent food pairing wines, which also work well as an aperitif and are ideal for summertime. If you like rosé, these wines, all very reasonably priced, are worth exploring. More From Forbes Forbes The Top American Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's 50 Best Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Best White Wines Under $10, According To The Top Wine Competitions By Joseph V Micallef
New York Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
For Wizards, C.J. McCollum trade wasn't about on-court value
Kyrie Irving will sign a new contract to keep him in Dallas for the long haul, while, as many expected, Boston is parting ways with two key core players. Follow along for the latest. Getty Images The Washington Wizards' salary dump of Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey to the Pelicans for C.J. McCollum and Kelly Olynyk shouldn't come as a big shock. (Washington also sent out the 40th pick in this week's draft and receives a protected Bulls 2027 second-rounder from the Pelicans). Yes, it sets up the Wizards to have cap space in 2026. But there's a short-term element in play too. For those who aren't following the script, the Wizards are pot-committed to being bad this year by virtue of the top-8 protected pick they owe the Knicks; the obligation will be extinguished after this season. Landing in the bottom eight (or bottom four, technically, to guard against lottery misfortune) shouldn't be a problem with this roster, but Washington isn't taking any chances. In a related story, there is virtually no chance C.J. McCollum finishes this season in a Wizards uniform. Washington can either repackage him before the season starts, trade him at the deadline or, in the worst case, buy him out in late February. He has a $30.7 million expiring deal the Wizards may be able to turn into draft capital and a dead contract. Between McCollum, Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart, the Wizards have three vets on expiring deals they can package in similar ways. Washington also now has full custody of a 2027 second-round pick from Chicago. Previously, it was theirs only if it fell in picks 31-50. Bulls fans in the audience can already tell you this distinction probably doesn't matter, but it's a small chip coming back from New Orleans. There is a decent chance this turns into a larger deal, since it can't be executed until July 6. For instance, Washington could stuff another $17 million into the trade from a third team and still stay under the luxury tax by taking Olynyk into its nontaxpayer midlevel exception. Other creative shenanigans are possible, too. Patrick Smith / Getty Images From the New Orleans side, the C.J. McCollum-Jordan Poole trade is a more straightforward basketball move: the Pelicans took one longer money to get better. Poole low-key had a solid year in 2024-25 and gives the Pels a shot-creating guard if Dejounte Murray isn't fully recovered from his torn Achilles. Bey was originally drafted by the ex-Pistons mafia that now populates Detroit's front office. While they took on longer contracts, the Pels also get some much-needed breathing room from the luxury-tax line with the $6 million in 2025-26 salary they cut in the deal. They also now have three picks in the 2025 draft at 7, 23, and 40. Finally, the Pels likely will generate a $13.5 million trade exception for the outgoing Kelly Olynyk by taking Bey into their trade exception for Jonas Valančiūnas — ironically the result of a sign-and-trade with the Wizards last summer. Myles Turner is ranked as The Athletic's No. 1 center in this year's free agency class, but Pacers coach Rick Carlisle intends for Turner to stay put. Despite Turner's poor showing in the NBA Finals and Tyrese Haliburton's ruptured right Achilles potentially altering the team's offseason decisions, Carlisle went to bat for Turner during his weekly appearance Tuesday on Indiana's 107.5 The Fan. 'I don't think it's any secret that (for) the franchise, at this particular moment, that is the No. 1 priority,' Carlisle said of re-signing Turner. 'I don't know anything about money or numbers or years or any of that kind of stuff, but Myles is a very important part of what we've done here, what we've been doing. He's a very important part of the history of the franchise, certainly over the last decade.' Turner, the 2015 No. 11 pick, has spent his entire 10-year NBA career in Indiana. The 6-foot-11 center has led the NBA in blocks per game twice and became the Pacers' all-time leader in blocks during the 2023-24 season. Turner averaged 15.6 points. 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game during the 2024-25 regular season. He shot 48.1 percent from the field and a career-high 39.6 percent on 3s. However, Turner's production dipped to just 10.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks across seven NBA Finals games against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pacers lost the series, falling one victory short of their first NBA title, while Turner shot just 37.7 percent from the field and 21.4 percent on 3s. Turner inked a two-year, $58 million contract extension with the Pacers in January 2023 that will officially expire June 30 and make him an unrestricted free agent. The 29-year-old's BORD$ value, per The Athletic's John Hollinger, is $31 million annually, which would likely require Indiana to enter the luxury tax — something the franchise hasn't done since the 2005-06 season — to retain him. 'I'm not privy to every little conversation going on there. But Myles is a very important part of what we're doing,' Carlisle reemphasized. '… We have great people that are making the decisions in our organization, starting with (owner Herb) Simon and (president of basketball operations) Kevin (Pritchard) and (general manager) Chad (Buchanan). I've never been more confident about the future of the Pacers.' GO FURTHER NBA free agency 2025: Myles Turner tops long list of starting-caliber center talent I realize this isn't the biggest transaction of the cycle, but I'm shocked the Heat picked up Keshad Johnson's team option for $1.955 million. I thought for sure they would decline it and try to bring him back on a 2-way contract, as he made little impact after the Heat signed him to a roster contract midway through last season. Also, since the Heat are once again dancing with the luxury-tax line, note that because Johnson was undrafted, he counts the same as a veteran minimum ($2.296 million) for tax purposes. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images The Denver Nuggets can offer Nikola Jokić an extension this summer for three years and more than $200 million, and they intend to do so, Josh Kroenke, the team's vice chairman, said today. But do they expect Jokić to accept immediately? Kroenke didn't have an easy answer for that. "We're definitely going to offer it," Kroenke said today. "I'm not sure if he's going to accept it or not, because we're also going to explain every financial parameter around him signing now versus signing later. Be completely transparent. That's the way we always are. And then he makes the best decision for himself and his family, and we'll support him." It would likely behoove the Nuggets for Jokić to lock in as soon as possible but Kroenke left the door open that he won't. If he's right, that doesn't mean it suddenly becomes a situation worth watching. Jokić has two years and a player option left on the supermax deal that kicked in prior to the 2023-24 season. But the Nuggets have had a lot of turnover in the last few months. They fired head coach Mike Malone and replaced him with David Adelman. They fired general manager Calvin Booth and didn't directly replace him, instead hiring former Timberwolves exec Jon Wallace as Executive Vice President of player personnel and promoting Ben Tenzer to EVP of basketball operations. Those will represent the new braintrust in Denver and report to Kroenke. Kroenke noted Tuesday that the structure might be "unorthodox" but said that goes in line with how the franchise has gotten to this point. "Most everything that has got us to this point has been unorthodox," Kroenke said. "We've hired first time guys before. And our best player is the 41st pick, and (has) a very unorthodox manner (with) the way he plays the game. So everything about us is unorthodox. I think, from a process standpoint, I think it was important for us as an organization, and myself and my father to really slow down, take stock of what the organization really needed at this point in time, talk to a lot of different people from a lot of different areas, and gain a lot of different perspective, both in the basketball world and out of the basketball world. Really, kind of nailing down what the Denver Nuggets need, and that's the margins on the outside of our roster. And I think that both John and Ben's complementary skill sets are really going to help us address those things in a creative way moving forward." CJ McCollum is expected to add veteran leadership on the Wizards' roster, which team officials deem important with unrestricted free agent guard Malcolm Brogdon likely to sign elsewhere this summer. McCollum, who is more comfortable playing off the ball than Jordan Poole is, also should help enhance playmaking and shot-creation opportunities for the Wizards' young players. McCollum is a lower-usage player than Poole and also has a better assist-to-turnover ratio than Poole. One of the Wizards' priorities is to retain their own first-round pick for the 2026 draft. Because of a trade made in 2020, Washington would convey its 2026 first-round pick to the New York Knicks if it falls outside the top eight. By making today's trade with the Pelicans, the Wizards are giving more player-development opportunities for their youngest players and, in the process, likely will increase the likelihood of retaining their 2026 first-round pick. So, the Wizards made a trade in the summer of 2025 to acquire a bunch of veterans who have contracts that will expire after next season, creating cap space in the summer of 2026, allowing the Wizards to make trades to acquire more veterans on onerous contracts, offering teams financial flexibility/savings in return for draft compensation. You have to love the NBA. After the Jordan Poole-C.J. McCollum trade, the Wizards could have eight players under contract whose salaries add up to only about $51 million heading into the summer of 2026. The salary cap projects to be $170 million in 2026-27. Washington will have massive sway in the market next summer, however it wants to use it. Jordan Poole has two years left on his current deal ($31.8 million next season, $34 million in 2026-27). With this trade, the Pelicans get some additional playmaking with Dejounte Murray sidelined due to an Achilles injury and more draft capital. C.J. McCollum, who averaged 21.1 points per game in his four seasons with the Pelicans, is heading into the final year of his deal. Detroit Pistons team president Trajan Langdon said the Pistons 'aren't going to be super aggressive' this summer. He said Detroit is more interested in improving internally and around the margins. Tim Warner / Getty Images How are West teams adjusting to the idea that it probably takes a 60-win-caliber team to realistically hang with Oklahoma City in a playoff series? A 50-win Denver team and a 48-win Memphis team fired their coaches in the final weeks of the season; Memphis then traded Desmond Bane for four first-round picks in a bid to remix a core that wasn't going to be good enough in the Age of Thunder. The Houston Rockets, meanwhile, bravely went the other way, pushing some chips in on a young team to acquire Kevin Durant after a first-round playoff defeat. Even after acquiring Kevin Durant, the Rockets feel like they're one move away from being on Oklahoma City's level. In a related story, they still can trade five future first-round picks. GO FURTHER With Thunder on top, NBA's 'wide-open' Western Conference is a thing of the past Michael Reaves / Getty Images The Ace Bailey question has taken the draft world by storm this week, after he canceled a workout with Philadelphia. However, Bailey's evaluation is complicated, and this has been true for months, not days or weeks. The intel that NBA teams have on Bailey, from having spoken with over a dozen sources throughout the season and pre-draft process, is that his teammates enjoyed being around him. He has a lot of infectious energy. But he's a bit immature and can struggle with focus, those sources said. His pre-draft interviews with teams at the NBA Draft Combine did not go particularly well, as it seemed like he went into them a bit ill-prepared for what was being asked of him, according to sources. They weren't so bad as to knock him off of anyone's board, but they raised further questions about what exactly has been happening with his pre-draft process, as he's largely been shielded from teams. It's easy to chalk this up to Bailey being a teenager, and it's completely reasonable to think that he'll mature as he gets older. You can also chalk up the lack of preparation for interviews to questionable representation, and there are certainly many scouts and executives around the NBA who have questions about how effectively he's been repped. Right now, we're down to two possibilities. Either Bailey's agent Omar Cooper — whose lone experience repping a potential top-five pick was with Isaac Okoro in 2020 before Okoro left to be represented by Excel — is effectively steering Bailey toward a desired location, or he's bungled the process and will cause an unplanned slide for Bailey on draft night. The reality is that he just might not be for everyone. Read more intel in my latest NBA mock draft. GO FURTHER NBA mock draft 2025: Why Ace Bailey is the mystery man of draft week Kirby Lee / Imagn TNT Sports analyst and former NBA player Grant Hill will join NBC Sports' NBA coverage as a game analyst for the 2025-26 season. 'I'm incredibly excited to join NBC Sports as part of their NBA coverage. The NBA has been such a meaningful part of my life, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing the game I love with fans across the country,' Hill said in a release. 'To be part of NBC's return to the NBA — a network with such a rich basketball legacy — and its debut on Peacock is truly an honor. I can't wait to get started this fall.' Hill will continue his role at TNT Sports as a college basketball analyst for the men's NCAA Tournament as well as TNT's Big East and Big 12 basketball coverage. GO FURTHER Grant Hill joining NBC's NBA coverage as analyst for 2025-26 season Matthew Stockman / Getty Images The value of these finals, of the success of the Pacers and Thunder, is depth. This might seem axiomatic: having a lot of good players is important. Duh. But it's never that simple. A salary cap league, especially one with the newish apron constraints imposed in 2023, demands choices and opportunity costs. The Oklahoma City and Indiana front offices understand this — the Thunder had five players who averaged 13 or more minutes per game this postseason while taking up less than 10 percent of the cap; the Pacers had six. 'Depth, in general, is really important,' Thunder GM Sam Presti said at preseason press conference. 'I think depth relative to the parity in the league that we see now is directly linked, because the teams are so deep.' Depth is probably more valuable than ever. It's harder to put a roster together with more than two max players, so the strength of a team can no longer tilt heavily in favor of top-heavy talent. That means organizations not only have to hit on picks in the draft — i.e. Cason Wallace and Jalen Williams — but they also need to establish a player development program that can make contributors out of second-round picks, undrafted players and waiver wire finds like Lu Dort, Kendrich Williams, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins. Developing these kinds of players will become increasingly important for the Thunder if and when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams sign expensive contract extensions. But it's also important because teams need depth to hang in the NBA now because of the move to a faster pace and to withstand the increased physicality that has come out of looser refereeing. Depth keyed the Pacers' finals run, as they used a deep rotation to funnel in players who can run fast, play hard and beat up the opposing team. Indiana has accomplished their own mix of strong drafting and player development, from finding a key player in the second round (Andrew Nembhard) to optimizing 'second draft' acquisitions (Obi Toppin and Aaron Nesmith). Here are several other lessons teams should learn from these two NBA Finalists. GO FURTHER Pacers and Thunder provided an NBA Finals blueprint. Can other contenders copy it? Matthew Stockman / Getty Images Imagine being one of the other 14 teams in the West. How on Earth are you supposed to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder? Reminder: The Thunder won the conference by 16 games in 2024-25 and still may not have come into the best version of themselves. The entire logic of team-building in the West for the last half-decade has been that 'it's wide open.' Get yourself to a win total in the low-to-mid 50s, and then anything can happen in the playoffs. Veteran teams with title experience, like the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, could talk themselves into being contenders with a middling playoff seed as long as there wasn't a scary, dominant team in the conference that required a higher level. That's been the case the last few seasons, as the previous three Western Conference finalists before the Thunder won 53, 53 and 50 regular-season games, respectively. Now, that entire logic is flipped upside down; it's definitely not wide open, unless your desired endgame is losing in five in the conference finals. For those who aspire for more, it's either get to the Thunder's level or go home. What does a higher bar do to change the logic in an already cutthroat conference? Read the rest of my story here. GO FURTHER With Thunder on top, NBA's 'wide-open' Western Conference is a thing of the past Eric Hartline / Imagn The Trail Blazers briefly acquired Jrue Holiday in the 2023 trade that sent Damian Lillard to Milwaukee, but redirected Holiday to the Celtics less than a week later. During the brief period Holiday was technically on the Portland roster, he and Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups connected over what Billups has called 'a great conversation.' Billups, who was traded by the Pistons four years after helping them win the 2004 championship, helped Holiday deal with getting blindsided by the Bucks' decision to trade him. During that chat, Holiday also expressed that he would prefer to be moved to a contender. Billups wanted to help the veteran reach 'a great position and a great spot' for him. 'It meant a lot,' Holiday told The Athletic in 2024. 'Being able to see a coach that has my best interests (in mind). And you could see it and you could hear it, which a lot of times maybe some players don't get a chance to see that from a coach. So he definitely had my best interest (at heart) from the beginning. And he just always looked out for me.' This time, the Blazers appear to intend to keep Holiday, and he could help them with his defense and leadership. Dealing away Anfernee Simons also appears to clear the path for Scoot Henderson, the third pick in 2023, who only started 10 games in his second season. Simons started all 70 games he played. Read more on what this trade means for the Blazers and Celtics here. GO FURTHER Celtics trade Jrue Holiday to Blazers for Anfernee Simons, second-round picks: Sources
