Giannis Antetokounmpo shares Instagram post amid ongoing trade rumors
With the 2026 NBA Draft beginning on Tuesday, the clock appears to be ticking on a trade involving Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Trade rumblings have certainly picked up rapidly, and the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics appear to be the two teams in the running to land the All-Star.
On Monday afternoon, Giannis Antetokounmpo stirred things up more with a somewhat cryptic post on Instagram.
“GOD, I trusted you at the beginning, and I will continue to trust you throughout,” the Bucks star wrote.
The Antetokounmpo trade front has been developing quickly every single day. Prior to the weekend, it was revealed that a trade might not happen before the NBA Draft.
Then, it was reported that Antetokounmpo is “ready” to be traded by Milwaukee, and it will come down to either Boston or Miami.
Shams on Giannis:
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) June 22, 2026
"The MIL Bucks are going to make a decision. They are in serious conversations right now with two finalist. The Boston Celtics, and the Miami Heat. Both teams are top teams of Giannis preferred destinations… A lot of the work is done. My understanding is… pic.twitter.com/5oCDbFIhaP
The Bucks could also include Kyle Kuzma as a piece in any trade, and a Celtics deal would more than likely mean that Jaylen Brown is leaving Boston for the first time since entering the NBA.
The situation is very fluid, and the trade discussions should have more clarity before the Washington Wizards are on the clock at No. 1 on Tuesday night.
Surprising Blue Jays player leads American League in All-Star voting
The MLB All-Star Game voting is picking up steam, and now one Toronto Blue Jays player leads the American League in votes.
However, it isn’t Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Instead, it is second baseman Ernie Clement.
MLB posted an update on Monday, and Clement is the first American League player to surpass two million votes, and he has a total of 2,054,130 votes. He sits second in all of baseball behind Los Angeles Dodgers sensation Shohei Ohtani.
These American League players are leading the way in All-Star voting!
— MLB (@MLB) June 22, 2026
Vote 5x daily through June 25 at https://t.co/qZ7xq4aEem pic.twitter.com/qmb2Jp4FjV
Yordan Alavrez, Aaron Judge, Mike Trout and Bobby Witt Jr. are 2-5, respectively, in AL votes.
It’s an important update, as the top vote getter in each league through June 25 will receive an automatic bid to the All-Star Game.
Clement, 30, spent time with the Cleveland Guardians before coming to Toronto. In 2025, Clement played in 157 regular-season games. This season, he has played in 75 games, posting a .292 batting average with 7 home runs and 28 RBIs.
Last postseason, Clement made history with the most hits by a player in a playoff run, and he has picked up right where he left off this season.
This year’s MLB All-Star Game will be on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa.
Lionel Messi had a humble reaction after making FIFA World Cup history
Lionel Messi is a soccer legend, and his status grew even more on Monday.
Messi led Argentina to a 2-0 win over Austria as Argentina clinched a spot in the Knockout stage with one more group game left to be played.
In the process, Messi scored another two goals, and he broke Miroslav Klose’s record to become the leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history for men’s and women’s.
After the match, Messi was as humble as can be and was just happy that his team got the victory.
Words of the FIFA World Cup top scorer 🇦🇷🙌#WorldCup #Messi pic.twitter.com/HGPZ2ujIuh
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 22, 2026
Here are both goals Messi scored in Monday’s victory.
The GOAT stands alone.
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 22, 2026
MESSI BECOMES THE ALL-TIME LEADING GOALSCORER IN MEN’S FIFA WORLD CUP HISTORY 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/aWY9thIuUG
MESSI WITH THE BRACE TO PASS MARTA FOR THE MOST-EVER GOALS, MAN OR WOMAN, IN A FIFA WORLD CUP 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/Ww5Wz9FnHk
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 22, 2026
Messi’s World Cup dominance continued with a hat trick as he scored every goal in Argentina’s 3-0 opening win over Algeria.
Messi then scored both goals for Argentina on Monday as they clinched a spot in the Round of 32.
In the opening stretch of the game, Messi had a perfect chance to make history, but his penalty kick was no good.
OH MY 😳
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 22, 2026
Messi shoots his penalty wide pic.twitter.com/GixyF2iwhy
Still, Lionel Messi made World Cup history, and Argentina will face Jordan on Saturday at Dallas Stadium in hopes of moving to 3-0.
Clippers could make NBA Draft trade due to Aspiration scandal
The Los Angeles Clippers may be pondering an NBA Draft trade that actually could have a connection to the ongoing investigation into potential circumvention of the salary cap.
The Clippers have had discussions about trading down from No. 5 in the NBA Draft, according to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic. However, the Clippers are believed to want to remain in the first round of the draft even if they do trade down. One speculated reason for this is that they fear the loss of future first-round picks as a result of the NBA’s investigation into the Aspiration situation.
The Clippers have been accused of using a company named Aspiration as a method to funnel extra money to Kawhi Leonard and land him as a free agent, circumventing the salary cap in the process. An NBA investigation is ongoing, and there are signals that it may be wrapping up soon.
If the allegations are found to be true, the league could levy any number of punishments against the Clippers. There had been reports that other NBA executives want to see the team stripped of multiple first-round picks, and that may be a legitimate fear at this point.
The Clippers hold the No. 5 pick in the NBA Draft this year. If they move down, they may prefer to remain in the lottery if at all possible.
Dusty May had 2 big reasons for leaving Michigan
Dusty May surprised many by leaving the Michigan Wolverines on the heels of a national championship to coach in the NBA. A new report revealed two big reasons why he made that decision.
May accepted the Dallas Mavericks head coaching job on Monday, bolting for the NBA less than three months after guiding the Wolverines to a title. His decision was largely driven by two factors, according to Jeff Goodman of Field of 68: uncertainty about the future of college athletics and the chance to coach Cooper Flagg.
One source very close to Dusty May on the main reason(s) he left Michigan for the NBA:
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 22, 2026
1) "The state of college basketball and not knowing what it's going to look like tomorrow, in a month or in 5 years."
2) "The organization and the chance to coach Cooper Flagg."
May is far from the first coach to walk away from the college game because of the overwhelming changes to it, and he probably will not be the last. Even though he undoubtedly had the resources at Michigan to be successful, the constant challenges of building and roster and keeping it together are stressful, and long-term planning and development are next to impossible. The pro game might, ironically enough, be a better place to do that right now.
Flagg is an obvious draw, as he remains one of the best prospects to enter the NBA in years. If someone can harness him and build around him, they could be a hugely successful NBA coach. May clearly thinks that could be him.
Michigan subsequently finds itself in a tough spot, but they acted quite quickly to fill May’s position, at least on an interim basis.
Trae Young makes decision on his future with Wizards
Trae Young is cashing in on a major payday without having to leave the Washington Wizards.
Young has agreed to a 4-year, $212 million contract extension to remain with the Wizards, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. Young would have been set to become an unrestricted free agent if he and the Wizards had failed to agree to a deal within the next two weeks.
Just in on NBA Today — Trae Young plans to sign a four-year, $212 million contract to return to the Washington Wizards, six-plus months after wanting to join a rebuilding franchise that now aims to compete in the East: pic.twitter.com/JtvD26DFR0
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2026
The Wizards guard had a player option worth nearly $49 million for next season, but declined it as expected in order to negotiate this new long-term deal. Young had never really offered any indication he was looking to leave the Wizards, and has even talked about the team defying expectations next season.
Young was traded to the Wizards in January, and he only played five games for the team after the deal. Washington certainly never intended to acquire Young without also working to keep him going forward, so they have likely been planning to hand out a contract like this for several months.
Young averaged 15.2 points, 6.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game in his brief action for the Wizards last season. He and Anthony Davis will pair up for the team next season, along with whoever they select first overall in this week’s NBA Draft.
George Kittle publicly blasts his 49ers teammate
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle did not hold back when talking about one player who is, at least for now, still his teammate.
In an appearance on “Pardon My Take,” Kittle was asked semi-jokingly about wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s skill level right now. Kittle revealed the last time he saw Aiyuk, and made it pretty clear that he will not be sorry to see the wide receiver go.
“The last time I saw Aiyuk was, call it Week 6, 7 or 8. I don’t really know,” Kittle said, via Taylor Wirth of NBC Sports Bay Area. “I used to make it a habit of mine to go out early in the morning before meetings to watch him train because he’d always be out there early, and I watched him run over 22 miles per hour and stop on a dime. So he’s still got it, or at least that was eight months ago, so I don’t really know.
“You guys have fun with that, I guess … You have fun that all that comes with it.”
That last comment pretty much sums up how the Niners view Aiyuk. He essentially started ignoring rehab appointments last season and burned all his bridges with the organization. He is openly agitating for a move to the Washington Commanders, but the 49ers have held onto him in the hope of getting something for him in a trade.
Aiyuk has also engaged in some erratic off-field behavior this offseason, which Kittle no doubt took note of.
Kittle has never been terribly shy about calling out teammates who deserve it. Aiyuk almost certainly will not be his teammate much longer, which makes it easier, but there is no doubt that the tight end is ready for the team to move on.
Geno Smith investigated amid assault allegations
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith was investigated for assault after allegations against him spread on social media Sunday.
Police were called to Smith’s home in Florida to investigate an alleged battery, according to Edward Lewis of the California Post. TMZ Sports reported that an investigation is ongoing, while ESPN’s Rich Cimini cited police who said no arrests were made and the case is being “reviewed.”
On the assault allegation against Jets QB Geno Smith:
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) June 22, 2026
From the Davie (Fla) Police: Police responded to a call at Smith's home yesterday. No arrests were made.
A police spokesperson: "It is not an active case, but is still being reviewed before (a report) can be released."…
Speculation about Smith and his conduct began Sunday after a woman who identified herself as Kristen posted a video accusing Smith of attacking her, which also included an image of Smith seemingly talking to police. In a caption, she alleged that Smith “HATES taking care of his special needs kid and can’t be left alone with him.”
The mother of Smith’s son seemingly disputed the allegations, posting an image of Smith and his son and writing that Smith “is and always has been more than capable of taking care of his son.”
The mother of that child is saying Geno takes care of his son. He might be marked safe from the accusations pic.twitter.com/4x38U9f9Iw
— Chickens and Mentals Caretaker (@_danchu) June 22, 2026
Smith’s son Seven was born in 2019.
Smith is preparing for his first season back with the New York Jets following an offseason trade. He was at the team’s minicamp in New Jersey last week.
Duke gloated about Jon Scheyer after Mavericks coach news
The Duke Blue Devils took a victory lap regarding head coach Jon Scheyer staying at the school instead of jumping to the NBA.
After news broke that Dusty May was leaving Michigan to coach the Dallas Mavericks, the Blue Devils’ official X account posted a photo of a young Scheyer wearing a Duke shirt, emphasizing his loyalty to the program. The post came amid media reports suggesting Scheyer had also been a candidate for the Dallas job and had at least some interest.
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) June 22, 2026
Duke was seemingly trying to make a point about Scheyer’s loyalty to the school. Scheyer was reported to be a top candidate for the Dallas job, but many reports, including from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, suggested that he ultimately turned down the opportunity.
The Mavericks tried HARD to poach Jon Scheyer, according to Brian Windhorst. But he's still Duke's head coach. The Brotherhood.
— Riley Gates (@Riley_Gates) June 22, 2026
Story by @SamraSource: https://t.co/CVuTQdZOlg pic.twitter.com/7peDyXvu4T
Scheyer has experience coaching Cooper Flagg, which was undoubtedly one of the reasons the Mavericks looked so hard at him. He has also been successful at the college level, at least during the regular season, though it is fair to question whether he would have been able to transfer that success professionally.
On the other hand, Scheyer has drawn some criticism for Duke’s perceived underachievement in the NCAA Tournament. A few Blue Devils fans might have quietly hoped he would take the job in light of that.
Legendary ESPN anchor announces her retirement
One of ESPN’s most prominent personalities will make her final appearance on the network this week.
Linda Cohn is retiring from ESPN on June 30, the network announced Monday. Her last appearances will come on June 26, when she will appear on “SportsCenter” throughout the evening.
The network said in a statement that Cohn is a “legend and a major part of the history of ESPN.”
Cohn’s future has been a subject of speculation in recent years as her appearances have become less frequent, and it had been rumored since last year that she was on her way out. The network has seen fit to let her leave on her own terms, at least publicly, as a tribute to her long service. The 66-year-old is giving no indication whether this is the end of her career or whether she will explore other opportunities after leaving the network.
Since joining ESPN in 1992, Cohn has been a familiar figure for viewers. She has been part of a number of memorable moments, including one of the most awkward interviews imaginable, but her legacy with the network speaks for itself.
Michigan’s potential replacement for Dusty May has been revealed
The Michigan Wolverines are suddenly in need of a new head basketball coach, and they might not have to look too far to make that happen.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Pete Thamel, and Jeff Borzello reported Monday that the Wolverines are working to hire top assistant Mike Boynton as their interim head coach to replace Dusty May. Boynton was May’s top assistant, has head coaching experience, and would likely be the best chance at minimizing roster turnover.
Sources: Michigan is working toward hiring Mike Boynton Jr. as interim coach, per me and @jeffborzello and @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/vZquplDDgB
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) June 22, 2026
Other reporters were quick to note that May had essentially endorsed Boynton as a potential head coach during the season, and that he already commands the respect of Michigan’s players.
For whatever it's worth, this is what Dusty May said about Mike Boynton Jr. the day before the national-title game in April.
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) June 22, 2026
Boynton was Michigan's top assistant this year, and was credited with the Wolverines' No. 1 ranked defense, per KenPom pic.twitter.com/CPxKfSUWHc
Boynton as interim makes a ton of sense to avoid a complete roster upheaval. The staff and players at Michigan all really liked and respected him. https://t.co/ujC2x6SO1O
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTuckerCBB) June 22, 2026
A full head coaching search would be challenging for Michigan since it is nearly July, and most other coaches are deep in preparation for the upcoming season already. Some would certainly leave for the allure of the Michigan job, but the reigning national champions would also want as little roster turnover as possible. Even a short-term interim hire might be the best course of action.
Boynton previously served as head coach at Oklahoma State, where he went 119-109 over seven seasons. He has run Michigan’s defense since arriving at the school in 2024.
The Wolverines’ unexpected coaching search is happening after May stunningly took the Dallas Mavericks job on Monday. Michigan is experienced in this sort of upheaval, but it is still far from ideal.
The Mavericks make a surprise head coaching hire
The Dallas Mavericks appear to have found a new man to run the show from the sidelines.
Shams Charania of ESPN dropped the big news on the new direction the Mavs are taking, as they are reportedly on the verge of signing Michigan Wolverines basketball head coach Dusty May to be Jason Kidd’s successor.
In what Charania called a “major college-to-pro jump,” May’s transition to the world’s most prestigious basketball league will be a significant new challenge for the former Conference USA Coach of the Year.
This also sees the continued rise of May. Just three years ago, he was coaching the Florida Atlantic Owls before accepting the head coaching job at Michigan, replacing Juwan Howard.
In just his second season with the Wolverines, he led the program all the way to the top, as Michigan became the last team standing in the 2026 edition of the NCAA Tournament, beating the UConn Huskies in the national championship.
The NBA is a much different animal than college basketball, but May brings plenty of intrigue for the Mavericks, who have a superstar in the making in Cooper Flagg. May has proven himself in every stop as a head coach, and it’s now time for him to see if his golden touch will carry into Dallas.
Dallas made the NBA Finals in 2024 but hasn’t been competitive since, especially after trading Luka Doncic.
Now, the Mavericks are entering a fresh chapter with a new man to call the shots.
Juan Soto had the best reaction to a Phillies fan’s vulgar gesture
Juan Soto found himself at the center of another example of why Philadelphia sports fans carry such a notorious reputation.
During a game in a series between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, a Phillies fan wearing a No. 34 Roy Halladay jersey stood up and greeted Mets star outfielder Juan Soto with a double middle-finger salute.
Here is the video of that moment.
Juan Soto was unfazed by this Phillies fan pic.twitter.com/vzQFO3msa0
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) June 21, 2026
All Soto had to think about to keep the fan from getting under his skin was that he is playing on a monster 15-year, $ 765 million contract with the Mets.
Soto, however, didn’t look intimidated at all, as he just stood on the outfield facing the fan with his arms crossed. The Phillies supporter tried to get even more aggressive with his vulgar gesture, but Soto remained stoic, seemingly just waiting for the fan to finish with his antics.
What should be bothering Sotto more is the state of New York’s play.
The Mets’ 34-43 record through Sunday is the worst in the National League East Division standings and third-worst overall in the National League. That’s despite Soto’s strong individual performance in 2026, as he is hitting .301/.398/.575 with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs across 60 games.
Celtics are in position to land Giannis Antetokounmpo after changing their stance
The Boston Celtics are reportedly pushing their chips in for a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Beantown could be the next stop of the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, with the Boston Celtics heavily linked to Antetokounmpo.
The Celtics have also become an even more interesting team to watch out for on this front after NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN shared on Monday that Boston is now willing to part ways with Jaylen Brown if it meant adding Antetokounmpo to its roster — and beating Eastern Conference rival Miami Heat in this trade sweepstakes in the process.
“I will tell you this: I was really skeptical that the Boston Celtics would go all in on this, and from what I understand, they have,” Windhorst said.
“The Celtics and the Heat are the two teams aggressively going after Giannis. I would say they’re the finalists. And if Giannis is going to be traded in the next 24 hours, which I think has a good chance of happening, I think it’s either going to be to or Boston or Miami.”
The Boston Celtics are going ALL IN on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown is on the table, per @WindhorstESPN
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) June 22, 2026
“If Giannis is traded in the next 24 which I think is a good chance of happening, I think it’s going to be Boston or Miami…. Jaylen Brown is on the table” pic.twitter.com/jWIkJQms7o
It appears to be a two-team battle for Antetokounmpo between the Celtics and the Heat, and Boston’s willingness to consider trading Brown in this scenario suggests that he is not all that untouchable.
“They [Celtics] were very cautious about putting Jaylen Brown in an official, firm offer,” Windhorst continued. “I believe they have. Jaylen Brown is on the table, and Jaylen Brown could get traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo in the short-term future.”
This also begs the question of what kind of relationship the Celtics and Brown would have if the Bucks traded Antetokounmpo elsewhere.
The 29-year-old Brown signed a 5-year, $285.39 million contract extension with the Celtics in 2023 that runs through the 2028-29 season.
Marcus Smart is reportedly favored to remain with the Lakers over a starter
Among the most intriguing players in the offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers is veteran guard Marcus Smart.
With a player option worth $5.39 million for the 2026-27 NBA season, Smart has cards in his hand to decide which way to go in the summer. The same can be said about big man Deandre Ayton, who can pick up his $8.1 million option for the next campaign.
However, Smart is reportedly viewed as more likely to run it back with the Lakers, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.
While acknowledging both players for having “out-performed their contracts,” Woike wrote that there is no guarantee both players will be in Lakers uniform next season.
But if he is to bet on one, Woike thinks Smart is likelier to keep going with Los Angeles.
“That’s not to say neither will be back (both have player options), but team sources have repeatedly talked about an upgrade at the center position,” Woike stated.
“They’ve also spoken about a desire to get younger and more athletic. If I had to pick one to be back, I’d lean Smart. I just think the Lakers want a more traditional Dončić-style center.”
A former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Smart had his moments for the Lakers, including in the NBA Playoffs. The 32-year-old guard can still bring a lot to the table for LA after averaging 12.9 points, 5.1 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 steals in the 2026 playoffs.
WNBA player gets crossed up so badly she loses her shoe
Golden State Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen added to her highlight reel with a nasty crossover against the reigning WNBA champions.
The former UConn Huskies star showed no fear during an isolation play against Las Vegas Aces star and six-time WNBA All-Star Jewell Loyd on Sunday at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
Chen easily got past Loyd with her slick ballhandling, crossing over the former WNBA Rookie of the Year, who lost her right shoe in the process.
After leaving Loyd in the dust, Chen drove into the paint and finished with a sweet floater over the Aces’ last line of defense, as Loyd watched helplessly while trying to put her shoe back on.
Here is the video of that highlight play from Chen.
Kaitlyn Chen crossover makes Jewell Loyd lose her shoepic.twitter.com/71Lqz635Nr
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) June 21, 2026
Unfortunately for Chen and the Valkyries, the Aces still proved to be too much to handle for them, as Las Vegas had the last laugh with a 92-73 victory.
Chen finished with 11 points on 4/8 shooting from the field with a three-pointer, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 24 minutes of action.
Loyd, on the other hand, had 14 points on 5/7 shooting, including four three-pointers, showing that it takes more than just an embarrassing defensive play to break her will to help the Aces.
Video: Matt Rhule takes QB commit to school in 1-on-1 basketball
Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball head coach Fred Hoiberg might have to look to Matt Rhule for help.
The Cornhuskers football head coach recently put in the work against 5-star quarterback commit Trae Taylor, who made his official visit to the school last week.
Like an uncle showing everyone he still has it, Rhule put the ball on the floor and used a series of hesitation moves to shake off Taylor.
Dribbling with his left hand, the 51-year-old Rhule easily got near the rim before unleashing a nice-looking fadeaway jumper that Taylor couldn’t stop despite his effort.
Here’s a video of Rhule cooking the quarterback on the court.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule hoops up elite QB commit Trae Taylor on his official visit😂
— Rivals (@Rivals) June 20, 2026
(via jacoryjr/IG)https://t.co/oCKS59BsGv pic.twitter.com/tVd0AtTPpa
It has been over a year since Taylor committed to Nebraska football, and he’s expected to take over the main job under center come 2027. He still has plenty of time to work on his hoops skills if this basketball matchup against Rhule becomes a regular thing, but what Nebraska truly wants to see from him is excellent quarterback play once he gets the keys to the offense.
For now, Rhule and the Cornhuskers will be counting on UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea to lead the passing attack following the departure of Dylan Raiola, who is now with the Oregon Ducks.
1 dark horse team has emerged for Tarik Skubal
One prominent MLB team may be crashing the party for Tarik Skubal.
Rival executives have predicted that the Atlanta Braves will be the one sleeper team for the Detroit Tigers ace Skubal, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported on Sunday. Nightengale notes that the cost for the Braves could be two of their top-10 prospects, including one who is in the top 100 overall.
Skubal, the back-to-back reigning AL Cy Young winner, is expected to be traded away ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline. With Detroit sitting at a rancid 33-44 on the year and Skubal set to become a free agent after the season, the Tigers’ hand has essentially been forced.
Meanwhile, Skubal recently returned to the mound after undergoing a procedure in early May to address loose bodies in his left throwing elbow. He is now working his way back into form with plenty of time still left to contribute to a World Series hopeful this season.
Up to this point of the trade sweepstakes for Skubal, 29, four main teams have been mentioned in closest connection with him. But now it sounds like the MLB-best 48-28 Braves just might be a fifth horse in the race.
Atlanta just lost former MLB strikeouts leader Spencer Strider for the foreseeable future due to right elbow inflammation which now has him on the 60-day injured list. But if they can meet Detroit’s sizable asking price (even beyond just the prospects), the Braves just might be able to acquire Skubal as a more-than-capable fill-in.
Everyone said the same thing about Hawks’ trade with Thunder
The Atlanta Hawks are getting rave reviews for their latest string of moves to open the NBA offseason.
The Hawks made a couple of key transactions on Sunday, starting with the team re-signing veteran guard CJ McCollum to a new contract for next season. Atlanta followed with a trade hours later to acquire Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
McCollum was a standout playoff performer in April for a young Hawks team that put up the best fight against the eventual champion New York Knicks. Wiggins was a veteran piece on a Thunder squad that was a game away from winning the West in back-to-back seasons.
Both players join the Hawks roster next season on team-friendly deals, leaving several fans and media members impressed.
The Hawks this offseason so far:
— SleeperHoops (@Sleeper_Hoops) June 22, 2026
– re-signed CJ McCollum to a one-year $21 million contract
– traded two second-round picks for Aaron Wiggins
Atlanta winning the NBA offseason so far 👀🍿 pic.twitter.com/LfPCJMMUpa
I've gotta say the Atlanta Hawks are moving like a COMPLETELY different team over the last couple of seasons.
— Swipa (@SwipaCam) June 22, 2026
Being able to flip the Pelicans OWN PICK (#8) for Trey Murphy and a filler salary (Kuminga) would be a MASTERCLASS.
Oh I absolutely love this move
— Grant Shirley (@Grant_Shirley4) June 22, 2026
Fell victim to the roster crunch in OKC when everyone was healthy but he will give you legitimately good rotation wing minutes
Only getting paid $9.2m/$8.3m/$8.3m the next 3 seasons
The Hawks flipping Vit and Luke for 3 2nds at the deadline… https://t.co/Wg8ChvzOD3
People are acting like this is a small trade and they want to fast forward to the inevitable Giannis post, but this is a really big trade for the Hawks because Aaron Wiggins is such an underrated player.
— Randall Barnes (@AuthorRandallB) June 22, 2026
He is incredibly talented, and the fact he fell out of the Thunder's… https://t.co/tPnqsdb1rd
The Hawks moved on from Trae Young last season with an eye toward a new era under the leadership of newly minted team president Onsi Saleh. Amidst a turbulent midseason roster reconstruction, Atlanta still finished with a 46-36 record and a top-six record in the East.
With the star turns of Jalen Johnson and reigning Most Improved Player Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Hawks have a good mix of youth and veteran leadership to build off their successful 2025-26 campaign.
How far the current core can go without another high-level difference maker remains to be seen.
Jaylen Brown reveals how much money he would need to play in China
Every man has a price and so does Jaylen Brown.
The Boston Celtics star forward Brown is currently in China as part of an offseason vacation. During an online stream over the weekend, Brown revealed how much money he would need in order to leave the NBA and play professionally in China.
Brown said that his number was $400 million. He added that he would play for every single team in China for that amount of money.
Here is the video.
Jaylen Brown says he will play for EVERY basketball team in China at the same time if they pay him $400 million
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 22, 2026
“Get ready to learn Mandarin”
(h/t @Big0Deuce) pic.twitter.com/BnqovQsYNJ
Brown is currently in the middle of a five-year, $304 million contract with the Celtics (including incentives) which runs through 2028-29. While the deal was the biggest in NBA history at the time it was signed, Brown would need almost $100 million more than that in order to walk away from it and go overseas to China.
This is all of course pie in the sky, especially since the largest contract in CBA history was the three years and $7.5 million that former NBA big man Andray Blatche got from the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in 2015. As such, the biggest concern for Brown right now should be his NBA future as there are some doubts that the former Finals MVP will even still be playing for the Celtics next season.
