NBA games might be on pause, but the offseason is where rosters are built. From trades to the NBA Draft — free agency to workout buzz and Summer League hype, there’s no shortage of news shaping the fantasy basketball landscape. 

Here is your weekly recap of the moves, buzz, and trends that matter most for fantasy hoops. Let’s get into it.

🔄 Trade report

Atlanta Hawks acquired F/C Kristaps Porziņģis

Fantasy take: Porziņģis finished 22nd in per-game value last season for the Celtics. He’s an elite big man in fantasy because of his efficiency, 3-point shooting and high block rate. However, he’s a health risk after playing in 42 games last season and laboring through the playoffs with a mysterious illness. KP’s arrival mainly impacts Onyeka Okongwu, who provided fifth-round value once he became a full-time starter last season. I’d consider drafting KP in the fifth round due to the health concerns.

Phoenix Suns acquired C Mark Williams

Fantasy take: Phoenix is a good landing spot for Williams because the Suns had minimal depth in the frontcourt. Staying healthy remains his biggest flaw. Still, he was one of the few centers who averaged 15 points with 10 rebounds and a block after the seventh round of drafts last season.

Other notable trades:

• Jordan Poole is headed to the New Orleans Pelicans for CJ McCollum

• Anfernee Simons was dealt to the Boston Celtics for Jrue Holiday

🏀 The 2025 NBA Draft

The two-day event concluded on Thursday night. I wrote about my winners and losers of the first round, but I wanted to add more context to some landing spots and situations that unfolded this week.

Here’s my fantasy draft grades for every player in the first round:

Are the Jazz holding Ace Bailey hostage?

Word on the street is there was one team on Ace Bailey’s “no-draft list.” That team hasn’t been identified (yet). However, the optics suggest it was Utah because Bailey has reportedly had “minimal contact” with the Jazz since draft night.

It appears those concerns were all overblown. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony is reporting Bailey plans to report to Utah on Saturday. 

Bailey has more potential in his first year than most of his peers in this class. He’s a volume shooter who rebounds decently well for his position. He’ll get minutes from the jump and while I’m not ready to spend a late-round pick on him yet in redraft leagues, he’s a top-5 option in dynasty formats and could emerge as a productive player in deep points leagues by midseason.

Cooper Flagg – F, Dallas Mavericks: I had to mention him because he’ll be ranked the highest of all rookies in the 2025 draft class. I’m targeting him in the fifth round, but the hype likely pushes him to the third or fourth rounds in the preseason.

Ryan Kalkbrenner – C, Charlotte Hornets: Even as a second-round pick, Kalkbrenner has a big opportunity ahead of him with only Moussa Diabate and Jusuf Nurkić in front of him in the pecking order. Kalkbrenner is a true 7-footer who is a force around the rim on both sides of the ball and is willing to step out for 3. There’s a path for him to become a starter at some point next season. Keep an eye on him at the Vegas Summer League.

Khaman Maluach – C, Phoenix Suns: Maluach’s offensive skillset is relatively raw, but Mark Williams gets hurt far too much not to consider Maluach as someone to watch.

Thomas Sorber – C, Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren played in 32 games this season, while Isaiah Hartenstein played in 57. Sorber landed in the perfect spot with the reigning champs. At some point, he could supplant Jaylin Williams as the big off the bench.

He’s recovering from a season-ending foot injury, so we unfortunately won’t see him play at the Vegas Summer League. Yet, I’m intrigued, given his size, defensive potential and the way he reads the game.

Jase Richardson – G, Orlando Magic: The Magic got the exact piece that they needed. Jase Richardson, son of former NBA vet Jason Richardson, played primarily off-ball at Michigan State. However, he has always viewed himself as a point guard with the versatility and skill set to be a primary scorer if needed. I’m excited to see him replace Cole Anthony’s role with an ascending team like the Magic. And knowing how hard Jalen Suggs plays, Richardson could find his way into meaningful minutes before we know it.

💰NBA free agency

Free agency begins on Monday, June 30 at 6 p.m. ET. My top free agents to monitor in fantasy are:

• James Harden

• Myles Turner

• Julius Randle

• Cam Thomas

• Naz Reid

• Malik Beasley

• Ty Jerome

• Quentin Grimes

• Jonathan Kuminga

With NBA front offices becoming more cost-conscious, let’s see which players decide to pick up their player options, head to free agency, or potentially get moved in sign-and-trade deals. Everyone is waiting and positioning for the moment Giannis Antetokounmpo asks for a trade. Who knows when or if it’ll happen, but the NBA offseason is off to a great start, and fantasy managers should keep a watchful eye as we inch closer to the 2025-26 season.

NBA games might be on pause, but the offseason is where rosters are built. From trades to the NBA Draft — free agency to workout buzz and Summer League hype, there’s no shortage of news shaping the fantasy basketball landscape. 

Here is your weekly recap of the moves, buzz, and trends that matter most for fantasy hoops. Let’s get into it.

🔄 Trade report

Atlanta Hawks acquired F/C Kristaps Porziņģis

Fantasy take: Porziņģis finished 22nd in per-game value last season for the Celtics. He’s an elite big man in fantasy because of his efficiency, 3-point shooting and high block rate. However, he’s a health risk after playing in 42 games last season and laboring through the playoffs with a mysterious illness. KP’s arrival mainly impacts Onyeka Okongwu, who provided fifth-round value once he became a full-time starter last season. I’d consider drafting KP in the fifth round due to the health concerns.

Phoenix Suns acquired C Mark Williams

Fantasy take: Phoenix is a good landing spot for Williams because the Suns had minimal depth in the frontcourt. Staying healthy remains his biggest flaw. Still, he was one of the few centers who averaged 15 points with 10 rebounds and a block after the seventh round of drafts last season.

Other notable trades:

• Jordan Poole is headed to the New Orleans Pelicans for CJ McCollum

• Anfernee Simons was dealt to the Boston Celtics for Jrue Holiday

🏀 The 2025 NBA Draft

The two-day event concluded on Thursday night. I wrote about my winners and losers of the first round, but I wanted to add more context to some landing spots and situations that unfolded this week.

Here’s my fantasy draft grades for every player in the first round:

Are the Jazz holding Ace Bailey hostage?

Word on the street is there was one team on Ace Bailey’s “no-draft list.” That team hasn’t been identified (yet). However, the optics suggest it was Utah because Bailey has reportedly had “minimal contact” with the Jazz since draft night.

It appears those concerns were all overblown. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony is reporting Bailey plans to report to Utah on Saturday. 

Bailey has more potential in his first year than most of his peers in this class. He’s a volume shooter who rebounds decently well for his position. He’ll get minutes from the jump and while I’m not ready to spend a late-round pick on him yet in redraft leagues, he’s a top-5 option in dynasty formats and could emerge as a productive player in deep points leagues by midseason.

Cooper Flagg – F, Dallas Mavericks: I had to mention him because he’ll be ranked the highest of all rookies in the 2025 draft class. I’m targeting him in the fifth round, but the hype likely pushes him to the third or fourth rounds in the preseason.

Ryan Kalkbrenner – C, Charlotte Hornets: Even as a second-round pick, Kalkbrenner has a big opportunity ahead of him with only Moussa Diabate and Jusuf Nurkić in front of him in the pecking order. Kalkbrenner is a true 7-footer who is a force around the rim on both sides of the ball and is willing to step out for 3. There’s a path for him to become a starter at some point next season. Keep an eye on him at the Vegas Summer League.

Khaman Maluach – C, Phoenix Suns: Maluach’s offensive skillset is relatively raw, but Mark Williams gets hurt far too much not to consider Maluach as someone to watch.

Thomas Sorber – C, Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren played in 32 games this season, while Isaiah Hartenstein played in 57. Sorber landed in the perfect spot with the reigning champs. At some point, he could supplant Jaylin Williams as the big off the bench.

He’s recovering from a season-ending foot injury, so we unfortunately won’t see him play at the Vegas Summer League. Yet, I’m intrigued, given his size, defensive potential and the way he reads the game.

Jase Richardson – G, Orlando Magic: The Magic got the exact piece that they needed. Jase Richardson, son of former NBA vet Jason Richardson, played primarily off-ball at Michigan State. However, he has always viewed himself as a point guard with the versatility and skill set to be a primary scorer if needed. I’m excited to see him replace Cole Anthony’s role with an ascending team like the Magic. And knowing how hard Jalen Suggs plays, Richardson could find his way into meaningful minutes before we know it.

💰NBA free agency

Free agency begins on Monday, June 30 at 6 p.m. ET. My top free agents to monitor in fantasy are:

• James Harden

• Myles Turner

• Julius Randle

• Cam Thomas

• Naz Reid

• Malik Beasley

• Ty Jerome

• Quentin Grimes

• Jonathan Kuminga

With NBA front offices becoming more cost-conscious, let’s see which players decide to pick up their player options, head to free agency, or potentially get moved in sign-and-trade deals. Everyone is waiting and positioning for the moment Giannis Antetokounmpo asks for a trade. Who knows when or if it’ll happen, but the NBA offseason is off to a great start, and fantasy managers should keep a watchful eye as we inch closer to the 2025-26 season.

Ain’t no June gloom around here.

With the MLB season half over, spring mirages are finally giving way to summer truths. Here’s the most recent update to our 2025 free-agent rankings.

Notes: Whenever you see a number, a slash and another number, that’s a reference to contract years and total earnings. For instance, the shorthand for Bryce Harper’s 11-year, $330 million deal would be “11/330.” Ages listed below are for the 2026 season.

Previous free-agent rankings: April | May

1. Kyle Tucker, Cubs OF, age 29 (May rank: 1)

After a mediocre May, Tucker turned in a scorching June. He has a .969 OPS over the past month, and his .435 OBP ranks eighth in MLB over that span. This dude rakes. However, it must be noted that his outfield play has been disappointing this year. By Outs Above Average (OAA), Tucker was a league-average defender in 2024, but he has graded out in the 11th percentile so far in 2025. Perhaps this stems from an understandable desire on Tucker’s part to avoid injury; his sprint speed and throwing arm are in line with career norms. Either way, think of this like a small scratch on a Lamborghini; Tucker remains a generationally talented bat reaching free agency at a uniquely young age.

2. Alex Bregman (opt-out), Red Sox 3B, age 32 (2)

Bregman, on the IL due to a quad issue, has not played since May 23. Red Sox reporter Tim Healey of the Boston Globe relayed that Bregman will likely remain on the shelf through the All-Star break. If the third baseman comes back before August and continues hitting upon his return, the IL time won’t meaningfully change the calculus of his free agency. The likeliest scenario, despite the two years and $80 million left on Bregman’s deal, is an opt-out. Recent reports have indicated that the Red Sox, eager to appease a frustrated fan base in the wake of the Rafael Devers trade, are open to a longer extension with the former Astro. Still, it probably behooves Bregman to test the open market if he’s looking for the highest possible dollar figure.

3. Pete Alonso (opt-out), Mets 1B, age 31 (3)

The past few weeks have been rough sledding for the Polar Bear, who has a .616 OPS and just one home run since June 10. He’s chasing much more over that span, leading to a predictable spike in his strikeout rate. But it’s likely just a blip in what has been a sensational season for Alonso. As a hitter, he looks markedly better than he did last season, when he turned in the most underwhelming numbers of his career. Alonso is a guarantee to opt-out and test the market again. Some team will surely give him something more than the measly pillow contract the Mets handed him last winter; Alonso has proven he deserves it.

4. Framber Valdez, Astros SP, age 32 (5)
5. Dylan Cease, Padres SP, age 30 (6)

On April 14, Valdez got cranked by the Cardinals for seven earned runs across four dreadful innings. Since then, he has been brilliant, with a 2.33 ERA across 12 starts. For whatever reason, his changeup has been less effective than in seasons past, but Valdez’s sinker-curveball combo is still formidable enough to get opposite-handed hitters out. He is one of MLB’s true workhorses, the rare ground-ball artist who can also compile strikeouts. If Framber keeps Framber-ing, he could earn a contract in the $150 million range.

Cease, meanwhile, has been the unluckiest pitcher in baseball this year. No qualified starter has a larger gap between his expected and actual stats, based upon batted-ball data. Yes, his current ERA (4.43) is nearly a run higher than his 2024 ERA (3.47), but all the underlying metrics scream that Cease is just as good as ever. Very few pitchers have his combo of durability and strikeout stuff. And given his young age, Cease could challenge Valdez for the biggest pitcher contract of the winter, even though the surface-level numbers aren’t sexy.

6. Kyle Schwarber, Phillies DH, age 33 (4)

For whatever reason, Schwarber has historically been magnificent in June. But this year, that hasn’t been the case, as the sturdy DH has coasted to a league-average line this month. That’s mainly a product of (1) relatively poor batted-ball luck and (2) more swing-and-miss on pitches in the zone. This slight slide doesn’t dampen his free agency by any means, but it’s a reminder that Schwarber’s bat-only profile comes with more volatility than the average position player. Don’t be shocked if he blasts 12 homers in July to shoot back up this list.

7. Bo Bichette, Blue Jays SS, age 28 (10)
8. Gleyber Torres, Tigers 2B, age 29 (11)

Bo is back, baby. With each line-drive single, Bichette’s horrific 2024 looks more and more like a blip. Three more months of this (.288/.330/.463), and the formerly long-haired shortstop should command a nice free-agent deal. He has been pretty unlucky, too; Bichette leads baseball in hard-hit outs (40!). Now, his glove is still pretty blah, so a good team might be interested in signing him as a second baseman, but either way, Bichette is pretty close to regaining his pre-2024 value.

Torres has a higher on-base percentage this year than stars such as Cal Raleigh, Freddie Freeman and Pete Alonso! He has chased less than every qualified hitter in MLB except Juan Soto! He has the second-highest OPS on the best team in the American League! He’s almost certainly going to start the All-Star Game at second base! His defense still absolutely stinks! Gleyber Torres, everybody!

9. Michael King (2026 mutual option), Padres SP, age 31 (6)

King has not pitched since May 18 after waking up from a bad night’s sleep with a nerve issue in his throwing shoulder. A return before the All-Star break is unlikely, though he did play light catch this week. When exactly King returns — and how he looks once he gets back — will determine the type of deal he gets this winter.

Stefan Milic/Yahoo Sports

10. Cody Bellinger (opt-out), Yankees OF, age 30 (9)

Are you confused by Bellinger the ballplayer? Get in line. Honestly, given the look that’s always on his face, Bellinger might be a tad confused, too. Year one in the Bronx has generally gone pretty well, even if the glazy-eyed outfielder hasn’t recaptured the power stroke that earned him an MVP award. At this point, he’s a strong outfield defender who rarely whiffs. Is that an exciting enough profile for Bellinger to opt out of the one year and $27.5 million left on his deal? It’ll be a close call.

11. Josh Naylor, D-backs 1B, age 29 (14)

The fierce first baseman has bounced back from a crummy May with a nice June that’s more in line with his career norms. Naylor’s 12.8% strikeout rate is currently 15th in MLB, which is impressive considering he has also hit for power (.479 SLG). He’s a solid first baseman, a piece you can win with, but not necessarily one you can depend on to move the needle on his own. Teams will be wary of his first-base-only profile and worry about how his thick frame might age into his 30s, but Naylor hits, and dudes like him don’t grow on trees.

12. Luis Arraez, Padres 1B, age 28 (15)

Need more batting average, pal! Get those numbers up! Arraez has been fine this year, a reduced, uninspiring version of his weirdo self. He still has, far and away, the lowest strikeout rate in baseball, at a microscopic 1.9%. But fewer of his batted balls are finding grass. For Arraez to be a truly valuable player, one who commands a big-boy contract, he needs the batting average to be north of .300.

13. Marcell Ozuna, Braves DH, age 35 (8)

The “Big Bear” is just 20-for-120 with two homers over the past month. A tear in his hip, an issue that Ozuna plans to play through all season, has undoubtedly dampened his offensive output. It’s unclear whether team or player would consider an IL stint to rest/rehab the issue, but this subdued version of Ozuna is simply not a high-level player. That matters for this winter. I think Atlanta will end up bringing its DH back, but the combo of this injury and the ascension of Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (who could use DH at-bats) makes Ozuna’s future more hazy than it was a month ago.

14. Chris Bassitt, Blue Jays SP, age 37 (18)
15. Tyler Mahle, Rangers SP, age 32 (17)

Bassitt, right now, is a better pitcher than Mahle but is ranked behind Mahle based on the five-year age gap between them.

If April Cy Young were an award, Mahle might’ve won it; the veteran righty had a 1.14 ERA through his first six starts. Things have, expectedly, come back to Earth since then. More concerningly, Mahle is currently on the IL due to vaguely described “shoulder fatigue.” That’s no bueno considering he has dealt with significant shoulder injuries before. Mahle’s All-Star-level April was fugazi, but when healthy, this is a totally legit mid-rotation starter.

16. Trent Grisham, Yankees OF, age 29 (19)

The floor in Grisham’s profile — center-field defense and an elite ability to not chase outside the zone — has always been there. This year, he has added what looks to be a sustainable boost of long-ball power that has propelled him up the free-agent big board. With 15 taters at the halfway mark, the mustachioed outfielder is simply hitting the ball at optimal angles more often. His .251 batting average is likely to keep tumbling down toward the .225 range, but Grisham has already earned himself a multiyear deal, something that seemed out of the question when the season began.

17. Munetaka Murakami, Yakult Swallows 3B, age 26 (12)

Murakami, the most hyped Japanese hitter in years, still hasn’t come off the injured list for the Swallows. An upper-body issue has limited his 2025 NPB season to a single game in April. Still, news came out this week that the Swallows still intend to post Murakami for MLB teams this upcoming winter, if he wishes to make the leap. Teams are still high on the powerful, broad-shouldered third baseman, but the longer he’s out, the bigger mystery he becomes, and the less MLB clubs will be willing to invest in him as a free agent.

18. Eugenio Suarez, D-backs 3B, age 34 (37)

This dude rules so hard. Suarez is a grinning, gregarious, sociable ball of joy who also happens to have elite raw power. Yes, he’s streaky, and yes, the hot-corner defense is declining with age, but boy, Suarez can still crank one a mile. Only Cal Raleigh, Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have roped more long balls than this dude, who should make his first All-Star team since 2018. Some teams will be resoundingly out on an aging third baseman with swing-and-miss issues. But Geno has special juice, the kind that should earn him a multiyear pact if he keeps this up.

19. Ranger Suarez, Phillies SP, age 30 (28)

The pudgy, plucky southpaw has the third-lowest starter ERA this month. Following a late start to the season amidst chatter about a move to the bullpen, Suarez has done nothing but carve, adding yet another impact arm to a stacked Phillies rotation. He looked this dominant early last season before running out of steam come summer, but perhaps the delayed start to his 2025 will help Suarez sustain himself better this time around. He’s tracking as the second-best southpaw on the market after Valdez, and given that the Phillies can backfill his spot with highly touted pitching prospects Mick Abel and Andrew Painter, it seems likely that the crafty Venezuelan will be in a different uniform next season.

20. Ryan Helsley, Cardinals RP, age 31 (21)
21. Devin Williams, Yankees RP, age 31 (23)
22. Luke Weaver, Yankees RP, age 32 (22)
23. Robert Suarez, Padres RP, age 35 (27)

It’s been a boring month for Helsley and Williams, but boring is good for a closer. Both righties continue to pile up saves, though Helsley has been more homer-prone than you’d like for a late-inning arm. Williams was sturdy in the ninth during Luke Weaver’s time on the shelf, and the tribulations of his rocky April seem to be in the past.

Weaver missed the first three weeks of June due to a hamstring strain and has thrown only twice since returning. Suarez has been unlucky over the past month but still has a WHIP under 1.00 and a fastball averaging 98.3 mph. The biggest knock on the Padres’ closer, relative to his fellow relievers in this stacked bullpen free-agent class, is his age.

24. Cedric Mullins, Orioles CF, age 31 (13)
25. J.T. Realmuto, Phillies C, age 35 (25)

Mullins missed a brief stretch at the beginning of June due to a hamstring problem, but that time off hasn’t helped much. Since his great April, the O’s center fielder has been abysmal at the plate. His .OPS over the past month is .545. If the Orioles decide to sell at the deadline — that’s looking more and more likely — Mullins will still be sought after for his defensive chops. But there’s real concern here as we head into free agency. Speedster outfielders who rely on their legs have a track record of aging poorly as they stretch into their mid-30s. Teams will be wary of that if Mullins can’t author an offensive bounceback.

Realmuto, too, is staring down the barrel at Father Time. He’s still valuable as an experienced and defensively capable catcher, but his days as an impact bat are over. There are 34 backstops with at least 150 plate appearances this season; Realmuto ranks 24th in OPS and 25th in home runs.

The Next 25

1. Zac Gallen, D-backs SP, age 30 (16)

2. Griffin Canning, Mets SP, age 30 (20)

3. Jack Flaherty (opt-out), Tigers SP, age 29 (24)

4. Zach Eflin, Orioles SP, age 31 (17)

5. German Marquez, Rockies SP, age 31 (NR)

6. Ryan O’Hearn, Orioles 1B/DH, age 32 (38)

7. Dustin May, Dodgers SP, age 28 (26)

8. Brandon Woodruff (mutual option), Brewers SP, age 33 (30)

9. Willi Castro, Twins UTIL, age 29 (45)

10. Mike Yastrzemski, Giants OF, age 35 (34)

11. Merrill Kelly, D-backs SP, age 37 (NR)

12. Jose Quintana, Brewers SP, age 37 (NR)

13. Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox RP, age 38 (NR)

14. Erick Fedde, Cardinals SP, age 33 (39)

15. Rhys Hoskins, Brewers 1B, age 33 (33)

16. Paul Goldschmidt, Yankees 1B, age 38 (34)

17. Jordan Romano, Phillies RP, age 33 (43)

18. Ramón Laureano, Orioles OF, age 31 (45)

19. Harrison Bader, Twins OF, age 32 (46)

20. Kirby Yates, Dodgers RP, age 38 (42)

21. Kyle Finnegan, Nationals RP, age 34 (44)

22. Lucas Giolito, Red Sox SP, age 31 (NR)

23. Walker Buehler, Red Sox SP, age 31 (31)

24. Zack Littell, Rays SP, age 30 (NR)

25. Austin Hays, Reds OF, age 30 (32)

Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey is expected to report to the team on Saturday after an unusual draft process, in which Bailey declined to workout with individual teams ahead of the draft. 

A Jazz representative told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony on Friday afternoon that Bailey will join his new team over the weekend with a Sunday press conference.

“We’ve had good communication with Ace Bailey and his representatives. We feel good about everything. Ace and his family are coming to Utah tomorrow. We’ll have a press conference Sunday, and a practice Monday.”

“This has always been the plan, including for our other rookies, Walter Clayton and John Tonje — to let them go home and collect their belongings, and then fly right to summer league from Salt Lake City.”

Prior to the draft, it was reported that Bailey wanted to land with one of three teams. The Jazz were not one of the team’s on Bailey’s reported list. Despite that, the team took him with the No. 5 overall pick. After the draft, it was reported that one of Bailey’s reps told a team in the top five that it should not select Bailey in the draft. It’s unclear which team was told to stay away from the Rutgers guard.

Bailey was asked about the situation after the Jazz selected him with the No. 5 overall pick on Wednesday. He didn’t seem openly angry about it, instead giving a neutral answer and saying, “I can control what I control. How they feel [is] how they feel.”

The situation has only gotten murkier from there. Following Day 2 of the 2025 NBA Draft, Bailey’s manager, Omar Cooper, declined to comment when asked about the former Rutgers’ star’s future in Utah.

On Friday morning, however, Andrew Witlieb, the president of GSE Worldwide, which represents Bailey, appeared on a Front Office Sports podcast and said Bailey was excited about going to Utah.

“He’s thrilled to be going to Utah,” Witlieb said. “Obviously, it’s an honor to be selected in the top five of the NBA Draft. We think he can do a lot of great things out there.”

The fact that Bailey had yet to report to the Jazz as of Friday morning isn’t necessarily a big deal. Dallas Mavericks No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg waited until Friday to join his new team.

The Jazz’s other pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Walter Clayton Jr., has reportedly already joined the team.

What happens if Bailey doesn’t end up reporting to Utah?

It’s his option, though it would come with some ramifications.

If Bailey opts not to report to Utah, he is ineligible to play in the NBA this season. He also cannot return to play college basketball. He could play overseas, but doing so would mean Utah would retain his draft rights.

If he doesn’t report to Utah and doesn’t play professionally elsewhere, he could re-enter the 2026 NBA Draft, where he still wouldn’t have control of where he goes and runs the risk of being selected lower in the draft order. 

Who is Omar Cooper?

Until Friday, Bailey’s relationship with Cooper and GSE Worldwide was also unclear. Some outlets referred to Cooper as Bailey’s agent despite reports Cooper is not a certified agent. Witlieb shed some light on that situation during his podcast appearance, referring to Cooper as Bailey’s manager.

Witlieb said Cooper was focused on finding the best fit for Bailey, and was not necessarily concerned about how high Bailey was picked in the 2025 NBA Draft.

“This was led by Bailey’s long-time manager, Omar Cooper, who we are partnering on with this. And Omar really focused more on fit rather than going third in the draft kind of thing. He wanted some place where Ace could have the best possible basketball fit for his game. And we think Utah is one of the best places he could have gone.”

Cooper is listed as the “C.E.O and Founder of LifeStyle Sports Agency” on his Instagram page. A link to the agency’s website leads to essentially a “coming soon” page.

Despite GSE Worldwide officially representing Bailey, Cooper appears to have served as the main point person for a lot of comments and interviews regarding Bailey leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft. 

If Bailey truly doesn’t want to play for the Jazz, he doesn’t have many choices. The team reportedly has no interest in trading Bailey, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey is expected to report to the team on Saturday after an unusual draft process, in which Bailey declined to workout with individual teams ahead of the draft. 

A Jazz representative told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony on Friday afternoon that Bailey will join his new team over the weekend with a Sunday press conference.

“We’ve had good communication with Ace Bailey and his representatives. We feel good about everything. Ace and his family are coming to Utah tomorrow. We’ll have a press conference Sunday, and a practice Monday.”

“This has always been the plan, including for our other rookies, Walter Clayton and John Tonje — to let them go home and collect their belongings, and then fly right to summer league from Salt Lake City.”

Prior to the draft, it was reported that Bailey wanted to land with one of three teams. The Jazz were not one of the team’s on Bailey’s reported list. Despite that, the team took him with the No. 5 overall pick. After the draft, it was reported that one of Bailey’s reps told a team in the top five that it should not select Bailey in the draft. It’s unclear which team was told to stay away from the Rutgers guard.

Bailey was asked about the situation after the Jazz selected him with the No. 5 overall pick on Wednesday. He didn’t seem openly angry about it, instead giving a neutral answer and saying, “I can control what I control. How they feel [is] how they feel.”

The situation has only gotten murkier from there. Following Day 2 of the 2025 NBA Draft, Bailey’s manager, Omar Cooper, declined to comment when asked about the former Rutgers’ star’s future in Utah.

On Friday morning, however, Andrew Witlieb, the president of GSE Worldwide, which represents Bailey, appeared on a Front Office Sports podcast and said Bailey was excited about going to Utah.

“He’s thrilled to be going to Utah,” Witlieb said. “Obviously, it’s an honor to be selected in the top five of the NBA Draft. We think he can do a lot of great things out there.”

The fact that Bailey had yet to report to the Jazz as of Friday morning isn’t necessarily a big deal. Dallas Mavericks No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg waited until Friday to join his new team.

The Jazz’s other pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Walter Clayton Jr., has reportedly already joined the team.

What happens if Bailey doesn’t end up reporting to Utah?

It’s his option, though it would come with some ramifications.

If Bailey opts not to report to Utah, he is ineligible to play in the NBA this season. He also cannot return to play college basketball. He could play overseas, but doing so would mean Utah would retain his draft rights.

If he doesn’t report to Utah and doesn’t play professionally elsewhere, he could re-enter the 2026 NBA Draft, where he still wouldn’t have control of where he goes and runs the risk of being selected lower in the draft order. 

Who is Omar Cooper?

Until Friday, Bailey’s relationship with Cooper and GSE Worldwide was also unclear. Some outlets referred to Cooper as Bailey’s agent despite reports Cooper is not a certified agent. Witlieb shed some light on that situation during his podcast appearance, referring to Cooper as Bailey’s manager.

Witlieb said Cooper was focused on finding the best fit for Bailey, and was not necessarily concerned about how high Bailey was picked in the 2025 NBA Draft.

“This was led by Bailey’s long-time manager, Omar Cooper, who we are partnering on with this. And Omar really focused more on fit rather than going third in the draft kind of thing. He wanted some place where Ace could have the best possible basketball fit for his game. And we think Utah is one of the best places he could have gone.”

Cooper is listed as the “C.E.O and Founder of LifeStyle Sports Agency” on his Instagram page. A link to the agency’s website leads to essentially a “coming soon” page.

Despite GSE Worldwide officially representing Bailey, Cooper appears to have served as the main point person for a lot of comments and interviews regarding Bailey leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft. 

If Bailey truly doesn’t want to play for the Jazz, he doesn’t have many choices. The team reportedly has no interest in trading Bailey, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Celtics future draft picks: Updated list after 2025 NBA Draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics have stocked up on future draft assets over the last week.

On Monday, the Celtics traded veteran guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons, a 2030 second-round draft pick from the New York Knicks, and the Blazers’ own 2031 second-round pick. They followed that by sending big man Kristaps Porzingis and a 2026 second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that yielded them Georges Niang and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2031 second-rounder.

Stevens continued to deal during Day 2 of the 2025 NBA Draft. Boston’s president of basketball operations traded the No. 32 overall pick to the Orlando Magic for the 46th and 57th picks, plus second-rounders in 2026 and 2027.

Second-round picks are invaluable for teams like the Celtics that are over the luxury tax. While first-round picks have a predetermined salary slot over four seasons, second-rounders can be signed to similar-length deals starting at minimum salaries that don’t need to be guaranteed for all of the years.

That’s a big reason why Stevens has loaded up on second-round draft picks this summer, and he may not be done just yet. There are still moves to be made as Boston looks to shed more salary, which it must do to retain pending free agents Al Horford and Luke Kornet.

For now, here’s an updated list of the Celtics’ future draft assets. This list will be updated if and when more moves involving draft picks are made.

2026

• Round 1: Own
• Round 2: Most favorable between Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Trail Blazers
• Round 2: Most favorable between Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, and Magic
• Round 2: Potential pick swap with Memphis Grizzlies

2027

• Round 1: Own
• Round 2: Least favorable of Trail Blazers and Pelicans.
• Round 2: Most favorable between Celtics and Magic

2028

• Round 1: Potential pick swap with San Antonio Spurs (Protected top 1)

2030

• Round 1: Own
• Round 2: Via Knicks

2031

• Round 1: Own
• Round 2: Via Trail Blazers
• Round 2: Via Cavaliers
• Round 2: Via Rockets (Protected 31-55)

2032

• Round 1: Own
• Round 2: Own

Mike Dunleavy believes Jonathan Kuminga can reach NBA potential with Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The biggest question mark of the Warriors’ NBA offseason revolves around impending restricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga.

After the first phase of the offseason concluded with Thursday’s second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, general manager Mike Dunleavy offered insight into where the Warriors stand with the former No. 7 overall pick.

On Friday’s episode of “The TK Show,” Tim Kawakami asked Dunleavy about Kuminga’s comments earlier this week, when the 22-year-old expressed his desire to be “great” and an NBA All-Star.

“As a young player, I love the personal ambition,” Dunleavy stated. “That’s what I see, first and foremost, with the comments. He’s a guy that believes in himself, wants to see what he can do.

“I think, ultimately, if we’re able to bring him back, we see a path for him to be able to do some of those things here.”

While Kuminga will be free to negotiate with other teams once NBA free agency begins June 30, Golden State will have the chance to match any contract offer sheet he receives from another franchise.

Kuminga’s potential isn’t much of a debate, but it’s fair to wonder if he can become a consistent, high-end scorer on a team led by veteran stars Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler.

Varying from DNP-CDs to the Warriors’ main scoring threat, Kuminga’s playing time under coach Steve Kerr fluctuated greatly throughout the end of the 2024-25 NBA season. As Dunleavy recognized, Golden State will need to make a firm decision on the young forward’s role going forward — which could affect how both sides approach contract talks.

“I think that will come out in the wash. It will get figured out, honestly,” Dunleavy said of Kuminga’s unclear role with the Warriors. “And that would be the calculus on us bringing him back and him wanting to be back here. So these are all of the things we have to go through and figure out. These are all questions that just can’t really be answered until we know what the deal is.”

Whatever those answers end up being, it will be very interesting to see how Golden State continues to handle this saga with a rising star.

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We’re midway through the MLB season, and the Rockies are 18-63, making them just the fifth team in AL/NL history to win fewer than 19 of their first 81 games — and the first in 121 years.

2025 Colorado Rockies: 18-63 through 81 games

This team seems stuck in an endless rebuild, last finishing above .500 in 2018. And with MLB’s 18th-ranked farm system and few if any veterans worth trading for prospects at the deadline, there isn’t much hope of them getting better anytime soon. If the second half of their season goes the same as the first, they’ll finish with by far the worst run differential (-426) and record (36-126) in modern MLB history* (since 1901).

1886 Washington Nationals: 13-68

This iteration of the Nationals, just one in a long line of teams bearing the same name, never quite escaped the lows of this wretched first season. They folded three years later but remain an important part of baseball history: 1886 rookie catcher Connie Mack went on to become the winningest manager in MLB history, and 1888 rookie outfielder William Hoy, who was deaf, pioneered baseball’s use of hand signals.

1890 Pittsburgh Alleghenys: 18-63

Pittsburgh’s roster was decimated in 1890, when many of its best players jumped ship for the short-lived Players’ League. The Alleghenys got their roster back the following year when the PL folded, and they even poached a star player from the A’s in a controversial move that some called “piratical.” It didn’t take long for newspapers to give the team a new nickname that quickly became their official moniker: the Pirates.

1899 Cleveland Spiders: 14-67

This team was historically awful, compiling a .130 winning percentage (20-134) and -723 run differential that are both by far the worst in MLB history. It’s no mystery why this happened: After seven straight winning seasons led by their ace Cy Young, the Spiders’ owners bought the St. Louis Browns (now the Cardinals) and took all their best players there. Rather than disband the Spiders, they played one final season with the worst players from both teams.

1904 Washington Senators: 18-63

“Washington: First in war, first in peace, and last in the American League.” Those words, famously written by sportswriter Charles Dryden, summed up the franchise’s early struggles, which reached a nadir in their abysmal 1904 season (38-113-6). They changed their name to the Nationals the following year, and their fortunes began turning in 1907, when a young Walter Johnson debuted. In 1961, the team moved to Minnesota and became the Twins.

*Who they’re chasing: The 1932 Red Sox currently hold the record for worst modern run differential (-345), which is 81 runs better than the Rockies’ pace. And last year’s White Sox lost 121 games, five fewer than Colorado’s current pace of 126.