June 2025

There were 1,837 posts published in June 2025 (this is page 84 of 184).

Report: Tyrese Haliburton has left calf strain, to get MRI. He said he is playing in Game 6

OKLAHOMA CITY —Tyrese Haliburton was clearly slowed as he played through the aggravation of a calf issue during Game 5 of the NBA Finals Monday night — four points on 0-of-6 shooting, his first bucketless game of the playoffs.

Now comes a report that Haliburton has been diagnosed with a calf strain and will undergo an MRI, via Shams Charania of ESPN.

“Once the Pacers and Haliburton get the results back on this MRI, on that calf strain, they’re going to be able to identify the severity and then huddle and map out exactly what the plan will be going into Game 6,” Charania said on the network.

If this were the regular season, Haliburton likely would be out 7-10 days (the standard recovery time for a Grade 1 strain), partially to protect him from himself. Calf strains can become a much more severe injury if the muscle is not allowed to heal properly. However, Thursday night is Game 6 of the NBA Finals and Haliburton said he intends to play.

“It’s the Finals, man,” Haliburton said. “I’ve worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete. Help my teammates any way I can. I was not great tonight by any means, but it’s not really a thought of mine to not play [in Game 6]. If I can walk, then I want to play.”

“He’s a fighter. He’s been our rock all year,” Pascal Siakam said of Haliburton after Game 5. “He’s a big reason why we’re here. I don’t know exactly what’s wrong, but I know he’s fighting and he’s going to give us everything he’s got. We are a hundred percent behind him and we support him.

“I think one thing he showed, his resiliency. He showed that all year. I think that we can continue to count on him to keep fighting. I admire that from him, just because I know that it’s hard. We’ve got a couple of days. Take care of our bodies, rest well and be ready for Game 6.”

The Pacers are going to need more from Haliburton in Game 6 to extend their season. Without him playing like an All-NBA guard, the Pacers’ offense is not the same threat, especially in the face of the swarming Oklahoma City defense. This has been a Finals relatively free of injury talk, both teams had been healthy, but that has changed.

Haliburton’s calf and how he plays will be the thing to watch in Game 6. Whatever the MRI finds.

Pacers G Tyrese Haliburton reportedly needs MRI for calf strain, status for rest of NBA Finals unclear

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is believed to have suffered a strained right calf and needs an MRI to determine the severity of the injury, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday. 

Haliburton’s status moving forward for the remainder of the NBA Finals is unclear. 

Haliburton sustained the injury in Monday’s NBA Finals Game 5. The Oklahoma City Thunder won the game to take a 3-2 series lead and move within one win of securing an NBA championship. 

Haliburton appeared to sustain the injury without contact in the first quarter while driving to the basket. He briefly left for the Pacers locker room before returning to the sideline in the second quarter with a wrap around his calf. Charania reported during the game the injury was initially diagnosed as calf tightness.

Haliburton removed the wrap and played through the end of the game. He played 34 minutes during the 120-109 Thunder win, but struggled to make an impact. 

Haliburton failed to make a field goal in an 0-for-6 effort from the floor. He finished the Pacers’ loss with four points, seven rebounds and six assists in his worst game of the playoffs.

Haliburton told reporters after the game that he was “not great” in Game 5, but that he intends to play moving forward.

“It’s the NBA Finals. It’s the Finals, man,” Haliburton said. “I’ve worked my whole life to be here. And I want to be out there to compete, help my teammates any way I can. 

“I was not great tonight, by any means. But it’s not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play.”

Haliburton, an Olympian and a two-time NBA All-Star, is critical to Indiana’s hopes of rallying to win the NBA championship. The Pacers must win Games 6 and 7 to win the title. 

Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday night (8:30 p.m. ET) in Indianapolis. The point spread moved from Pacers +4.5 to +6.5 on BetMGM upon news of Haliburton’s reported calf strain.

In 21 games this postseason, Haliburton has averaged 17.9 points, 9.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 46.3% from the floor and 32.4% from 3-point distance. He’s hit multiple game-winning shots to cap Pacers comeback wins throughout the playoffs. 

If Haliburton can’t play or is limited, the Pacers will be at a significant disadvantage against a Thunder team that posted the NBA’s best regular season record at 68-14.

Pacers G Tyrese Haliburton reportedly needs MRI for calf strain, status for rest of NBA Finals unclear

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is believed to have suffered a strained right calf and needs an MRI to determine the severity of the injury, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday. 

Haliburton’s status moving forward for the remainder of the NBA Finals is unclear. 

Haliburton sustained the injury in Monday’s NBA Finals Game 5. The Oklahoma City Thunder won the game to take a 3-2 series lead and move within one win of securing an NBA championship. 

Haliburton appeared to sustain the injury without contact in the first quarter while driving to the basket. He briefly left for the Pacers locker room before returning to the sideline in the second quarter with a wrap around his calf. Charania reported during the game the injury was initially diagnosed as calf tightness.

Haliburton removed the wrap and played through the end of the game. He played 34 minutes during the 120-109 Thunder win, but struggled to make an impact. 

Haliburton failed to make a field goal in an 0-for-6 effort from the floor. He finished the Pacers’ loss with four points, seven rebounds and six assists in his worst game of the playoffs.

Haliburton told reporters after the game that he was “not great” in Game 5, but that he intends to play moving forward.

“It’s the NBA Finals. It’s the Finals, man,” Haliburton said. “I’ve worked my whole life to be here. And I want to be out there to compete, help my teammates any way I can. 

“I was not great tonight, by any means. But it’s not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play.”

Haliburton, an Olympian and a two-time NBA All-Star, is critical to Indiana’s hopes of rallying to win the NBA championship. The Pacers must win Games 6 and 7 to win the title. 

Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday night (8:30 p.m. ET) in Indianapolis. The point spread moved from Pacers +4.5 to +6.5 on BetMGM upon news of Haliburton’s reported calf strain.

In 21 games this postseason, Haliburton has averaged 17.9 points, 9.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 46.3% from the floor and 32.4% from 3-point distance. He’s hit multiple game-winning shots to cap Pacers comeback wins throughout the playoffs. 

If Haliburton can’t play or is limited, the Pacers will be at a significant disadvantage against a Thunder team that posted the NBA’s best regular season record at 68-14.

Kevin Durant trade close to becoming reality: Which landing spot would be best for fantasy basketball?

Last week, I ran through some trade scenarios for one of the most popular names on the block, Kevin Durant. It’s interesting to see how quickly things are shaping up within the Association; as the list of suitors is narrowing, a move could be made at any time now. 

Here’s the latest of what we know and how each landing spot could affect Durant’s fantasy value.

A package involving Kel’el Ware and picks is probably the only compensation I’d consider if I were the Suns. Ware far exceeded expectations in his rookie year, so I’d be hard-pressed to think Pat Riley would let him go that quickly. Andrew Wiggins doesn’t excite me, but the Suns may get desperate and take what they can get. The Heat were at least on KD’s shortlist of places to go, so anything is possible.

Fantasy takeaway: To the surprise of no one, I like the fit in Miami, assuming they’ll retain Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Those two All-Star caliber players form a formidable three with Durant. Herro is the primary option, but Durant wouldn’t be far behind since Adebayo tends to be a pass-first big man. Durant would need to average 25 points per game for the Heat to be competitive, so for the sheer opportunity, Miami is a good move for him if the two teams can make it happen.

The Rockets are another intriguing destination for Durant, mainly because Houston has control of three of Phoenix’s first-round picks, so the idea of getting some of that draft capital back is enticing. However, since the asking price for KD is too high, what will it take to get a deal done? Jalen Green or Jabari Smith, along with picks, is the path of least resistance. Houston doesn’t need to make a move, although it was clear after its first-round exit at the hands of the Warriors that the Rockets could use a consistent shooter when things get thick.

Fantasy takeaway: I’m a fan of Durant slotting into the PF spot in Houston because it makes its offense more dynamic. It has all of the other pieces covered — now, it’s about whether the Rockets want to run it back with the same young unit or make a splash. Either way, KD still thrives from a fantasy perspective with the Rockets.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Durant doesn’t want to go to Minnesota. Maybe he’s still salty that Ant and the Timberwolves bounced them out of the playoffs a couple of years ago. Or perhaps he has no interest in living in Minnesota.

Whatever the case may be, Durant may not have a choice, as the Wolves could make a compelling offer to the Suns. Do they dangle four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert with promising young rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrance Shannon? Julius Randle? Donte DiVincenzo? The Wolves certainly have assets.

Fantasy Takeaway: The Wolves’ high-octane offense would suit Durant just fine. Knowing how well the Thunder defended Edwards and Randle in the Western Conference Finals, acquiring a bucket-getter and high-IQ player like Durant could be the move that sends them back there with the potential for more. KD should warm up to the idea of playing in Minnesota because they have a great coach, an ascending star and the system to succeed even as he approaches 40.

The Spurs have the assets to make a deal happen today if they want to. ESPN’s Shams Charania stated that the Spurs’ pursuit of KD hasn’t been as aggressive as that of other teams. So, even if KD wants to go there, it may not be in his control. As more reports come out, I agree with the sentiment that the Suns don’t have much leverage and their asking price is too high. I get asking for Stephon Castle or the No. 2 pick for KD, but he’s going on 37 years old.

So, what’s next? If the Suns want to send Durant to the Spurs, it’ll cost at least Devin Vassell or multiple picks and players due to salary constraints; a third team might have to help facilitate a deal.

Fantasy takeaway: The Spurs are the best potential landing spot for Durant at this stage of his career. Joining a core of Fox-Castle-Wemby would raise their floor into a playoff contender because of Durant’s ability to score at all three levels. He doesn’t command a high usage rate and is a reliable bucket whenever the offense gets stagnant. For everyone saying he’s over the hill, Durant is coming off a season where he averaged 27/6/4 with 53/43/83 shooting splits.

KD hasn’t expressed interest in playing there, so shipping him out to Toronto would be hilarious. The Raptors have pieces, too.

Fantasy Takeaway: I’m not keen on the idea of Durant being sent to a place he doesn’t want to go. I dislike drafting potentially disgruntled players in fantasy because it often leads to trade demands or subpar play. Neither is suitable for fantasy purposes, so let’s hope this is not the resulting outcome.

Kevin Durant trade close to becoming reality: Which landing spot would be best for fantasy basketball?

Last week, I ran through some trade scenarios for one of the most popular names on the block, Kevin Durant. It’s interesting to see how quickly things are shaping up within the Association; as the list of suitors is narrowing, a move could be made at any time now. 

Here’s the latest of what we know and how each landing spot could affect Durant’s fantasy value.

A package involving Kel’el Ware and picks is probably the only compensation I’d consider if I were the Suns. Ware far exceeded expectations in his rookie year, so I’d be hard-pressed to think Pat Riley would let him go that quickly. Andrew Wiggins doesn’t excite me, but the Suns may get desperate and take what they can get. The Heat were at least on KD’s shortlist of places to go, so anything is possible.

Fantasy takeaway: To the surprise of no one, I like the fit in Miami, assuming they’ll retain Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Those two All-Star caliber players form a formidable three with Durant. Herro is the primary option, but Durant wouldn’t be far behind since Adebayo tends to be a pass-first big man. Durant would need to average 25 points per game for the Heat to be competitive, so for the sheer opportunity, Miami is a good move for him if the two teams can make it happen.

The Rockets are another intriguing destination for Durant, mainly because Houston has control of three of Phoenix’s first-round picks, so the idea of getting some of that draft capital back is enticing. However, since the asking price for KD is too high, what will it take to get a deal done? Jalen Green or Jabari Smith, along with picks, is the path of least resistance. Houston doesn’t need to make a move, although it was clear after its first-round exit at the hands of the Warriors that the Rockets could use a consistent shooter when things get thick.

Fantasy takeaway: I’m a fan of Durant slotting into the PF spot in Houston because it makes its offense more dynamic. It has all of the other pieces covered — now, it’s about whether the Rockets want to run it back with the same young unit or make a splash. Either way, KD still thrives from a fantasy perspective with the Rockets.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Durant doesn’t want to go to Minnesota. Maybe he’s still salty that Ant and the Timberwolves bounced them out of the playoffs a couple of years ago. Or perhaps he has no interest in living in Minnesota.

Whatever the case may be, Durant may not have a choice, as the Wolves could make a compelling offer to the Suns. Do they dangle four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert with promising young rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrance Shannon? Julius Randle? Donte DiVincenzo? The Wolves certainly have assets.

Fantasy Takeaway: The Wolves’ high-octane offense would suit Durant just fine. Knowing how well the Thunder defended Edwards and Randle in the Western Conference Finals, acquiring a bucket-getter and high-IQ player like Durant could be the move that sends them back there with the potential for more. KD should warm up to the idea of playing in Minnesota because they have a great coach, an ascending star and the system to succeed even as he approaches 40.

The Spurs have the assets to make a deal happen today if they want to. ESPN’s Shams Charania stated that the Spurs’ pursuit of KD hasn’t been as aggressive as that of other teams. So, even if KD wants to go there, it may not be in his control. As more reports come out, I agree with the sentiment that the Suns don’t have much leverage and their asking price is too high. I get asking for Stephon Castle or the No. 2 pick for KD, but he’s going on 37 years old.

So, what’s next? If the Suns want to send Durant to the Spurs, it’ll cost at least Devin Vassell or multiple picks and players due to salary constraints; a third team might have to help facilitate a deal.

Fantasy takeaway: The Spurs are the best potential landing spot for Durant at this stage of his career. Joining a core of Fox-Castle-Wemby would raise their floor into a playoff contender because of Durant’s ability to score at all three levels. He doesn’t command a high usage rate and is a reliable bucket whenever the offense gets stagnant. For everyone saying he’s over the hill, Durant is coming off a season where he averaged 27/6/4 with 53/43/83 shooting splits.

KD hasn’t expressed interest in playing there, so shipping him out to Toronto would be hilarious. The Raptors have pieces, too.

Fantasy Takeaway: I’m not keen on the idea of Durant being sent to a place he doesn’t want to go. I dislike drafting potentially disgruntled players in fantasy because it often leads to trade demands or subpar play. Neither is suitable for fantasy purposes, so let’s hope this is not the resulting outcome.

San Antonio Spurs reportedly ‘have not been the aggressive team’ in Kevin Durant sweepstakes

While there is mutual interest between the San Antonio Spurs and Kevin Durant, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Spurs “have not been the aggressive team” in trade talks for the Phoenix Suns forward, Charania reported Tuesday on “The Pat McAfee Show.”

Charania first reiterated his report from the weekend: Durant’s three preferred destinations are the Spurs, the Houston Rockets and the Miami Heat. 

The Spurs, however, aren’t on the same timeline as the Rockets and Heat, said Charania, who believes those two suitors are more realistic landing spots for Durant than San Antonio at the moment.

“I think they’re really going to be stocking their assets for potentially a bigger move, bigger player, someone that may fit their timeline,” Charania said Tuesday of the Spurs, via the “McAfee Show.”

“But the Spurs have had a level of interest. Would I say that they’re among the leaders right now? … No, I wouldn’t.”

Charania pointed out that the Spurs have quite a bit of team-building flexibility this offseason. They’re well-positioned with a potentially generational center in Victor Wembanyama, plus a one-time All-Star and still-27-year-old guard in De’Aaron Fox. Additionally, they have this year’s NBA Rookie of the Year, guard Stephon Castle. And San Antonio is equipped with the No. 2 and No. 14 picks in this year’s draft.

The Spurs haven’t made the playoffs since 2019, but they have one of the brightest futures in the league right now, with legendary head coach Gregg Popovich now serving as president of basketball operations and Mitch Johnson filling his big shoes as coach. Together, with general manager Brian Wright, San Antonio hopes to replicate its longstanding success from the 2000s to the mid-2010s.

“They want to have a similar run and be set up similarly to [former Spurs general manager and current team CEO] R.C. Buford and Gregg Popovich,” Charania said on the “McAfee Show.” “And, in their minds, they have a ton of assets to where, if there’s a guy that becomes available that’s on that timeline, potentially you go out and make that deal. That’s not to say that they don’t have interest in Kevin Durant. They do. And potentially they would make an offer, and I’m sure they have discussed different frameworks, but what the other teams are offering is just a little bit more aggressive.”

Charania mentioned that, even though Minnesota isn’t on Durant’s list of preferred destinations, the Timberwolves are still a wild-card team to consider. He explained that Minnesota wouldn’t be the first team to trade for a player who didn’t want to play for them. Charania compared that potential scenario to the Toronto Raptors trading for Kawhi Leonard in the summer of 2018. The Raptors won an NBA championship in 2019, but Leonard still signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency.

“Honestly, every day that goes by, I think it’s more likely that, if [the Timberwolves are] involved here, it’s going to be seeking out multi-team trade scenarios — three-, four-team deals, whether they get Kevin Durant or whether they’re just involved in a deal that’s facilitating that,” Charania said Tuesday on the “McAfee Show.” 

“But Minnesota is still very much engaged and active in these conversations.”

Durant, who has spent two full seasons with the Suns, is on an expiring contract worth $54.7 million for the 2025-26 season. After he’s traded, on July 6, he’ll be eligible to sign a two-year extension worth up to $122 million. If Durant decides to wait six months after the trade, though, that extension could be worth as much as $124 million, per Charania.

The Golden State Warriors almost acquired Durant at this season’s trade deadline. Instead, Durant established that he didn’t want a second act in the Bay Area and would rather stay with the Suns for the rest of the 2024-25 campaign.

Durant will turn 37 in September. The 15-time NBA All-Star has previously played for the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder (2007-16), the Warriors (2016-19) and the Brooklyn Nets (2019-23).

This season, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in 62 appearances. The Suns, despite the highest payroll in league history, finished 36-46 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019-20.

San Antonio Spurs reportedly ‘have not been the aggressive team’ in Kevin Durant sweepstakes

While there is mutual interest between the San Antonio Spurs and Kevin Durant, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Spurs “have not been the aggressive team” in trade talks for the Phoenix Suns forward, Charania reported Tuesday on “The Pat McAfee Show.”

Charania first reiterated his report from the weekend: Durant’s three preferred destinations are the Spurs, the Houston Rockets and the Miami Heat. 

The Spurs, however, aren’t on the same timeline as the Rockets and Heat, said Charania, who believes those two suitors are more realistic landing spots for Durant than San Antonio at the moment.

“I think they’re really going to be stocking their assets for potentially a bigger move, bigger player, someone that may fit their timeline,” Charania said Tuesday of the Spurs, via the “McAfee Show.”

“But the Spurs have had a level of interest. Would I say that they’re among the leaders right now? … No, I wouldn’t.”

Charania pointed out that the Spurs have quite a bit of team-building flexibility this offseason. They’re well-positioned with a potentially generational center in Victor Wembanyama, plus a one-time All-Star and still-27-year-old guard in De’Aaron Fox. Additionally, they have this year’s NBA Rookie of the Year, guard Stephon Castle. And San Antonio is equipped with the No. 2 and No. 14 picks in this year’s draft.

The Spurs haven’t made the playoffs since 2019, but they have one of the brightest futures in the league right now, with legendary head coach Gregg Popovich now serving as president of basketball operations and Mitch Johnson filling his big shoes as coach. Together, with general manager Brian Wright, San Antonio hopes to replicate its longstanding success from the 2000s to the mid-2010s.

“They want to have a similar run and be set up similarly to [former Spurs general manager and current team CEO] R.C. Buford and Gregg Popovich,” Charania said on the “McAfee Show.” “And, in their minds, they have a ton of assets to where, if there’s a guy that becomes available that’s on that timeline, potentially you go out and make that deal. That’s not to say that they don’t have interest in Kevin Durant. They do. And potentially they would make an offer, and I’m sure they have discussed different frameworks, but what the other teams are offering is just a little bit more aggressive.”

Charania mentioned that, even though Minnesota isn’t on Durant’s list of preferred destinations, the Timberwolves are still a wild-card team to consider. He explained that Minnesota wouldn’t be the first team to trade for a player who didn’t want to play for them. Charania compared that potential scenario to the Toronto Raptors trading for Kawhi Leonard in the summer of 2018. The Raptors won an NBA championship in 2019, but Leonard still signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency.

“Honestly, every day that goes by, I think it’s more likely that, if [the Timberwolves are] involved here, it’s going to be seeking out multi-team trade scenarios — three-, four-team deals, whether they get Kevin Durant or whether they’re just involved in a deal that’s facilitating that,” Charania said Tuesday on the “McAfee Show.” 

“But Minnesota is still very much engaged and active in these conversations.”

Durant, who has spent two full seasons with the Suns, is on an expiring contract worth $54.7 million for the 2025-26 season. After he’s traded, on July 6, he’ll be eligible to sign a two-year extension worth up to $122 million. If Durant decides to wait six months after the trade, though, that extension could be worth as much as $124 million, per Charania.

The Golden State Warriors almost acquired Durant at this season’s trade deadline. Instead, Durant established that he didn’t want a second act in the Bay Area and would rather stay with the Suns for the rest of the 2024-25 campaign.

Durant will turn 37 in September. The 15-time NBA All-Star has previously played for the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder (2007-16), the Warriors (2016-19) and the Brooklyn Nets (2019-23).

This season, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in 62 appearances. The Suns, despite the highest payroll in league history, finished 36-46 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019-20.

Pacers reacquire 2026 first-round pick in trade with Pelicans: Report

The Indiana Pacers are getting their 2026 first-round pick back, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Charania reported Tuesday the Pacers are trading their No. 23 pick this year — plus the rights to guard Mojave King, a 2023 second-round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers who’s been playing overseas — to the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Pelicans had previously acquired the Pacers’ 2026 first-round pick, which Indiana originally traded to the Toronto Raptors in the deal for forward Pascal Siakam. The Raptors eventually sent the pick to the Pelicans in the Brandon Ingram trade earlier this year.

New Orleans now has the Nos. 7 and 23 picks in this year’s NBA Draft. Indiana, meanwhile, has restored its 2026 draft capital. 

The mid-June trade takes place following the Pacers’ Game 5 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. Indiana now faces a 3-2 deficit in the series, with Game 6 set for Thursday night in Indianapolis.

The move affords the Pelicans more ammunition to trade up in the draft, if they so choose, or they could use both first-round picks.

On the other hand, the Pacers will go their second straight draft without a first-round pick. That said, Indiana — which cleared out nearly $3.2 million in salary cap space with the trade, per ESPN — will have their own first-round pick in seven consecutive drafts from 2026-32.

Additionally, dishing this year’s first-round pick allows Indiana to avoid a potential roster logjam. After all, most of the Pacers’ rotation from this year’s NBA Finals team is under contract for next season. Finding playing time for a 2025 first-round pick might have proved difficult, especially considering the bind Indiana was already in to get rookie wing Johnny Furphy on the court this season.

As for King, 23, the Pelicans now have his draft rights. He has yet to play in the NBA. Once the 47th overall pick in the 2023 draft, King last played in the G League during the 2023-24 season. At the time, he appeared in 15 games for the Indiana Mad Ants. During 2024-25, King played professionally in Puerto Rico and in his native New Zealand.

Pacers reacquire 2026 first-round pick in trade with Pelicans: Report

The Indiana Pacers are getting their 2026 first-round pick back, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Charania reported Tuesday the Pacers are trading their No. 23 pick this year — plus the rights to guard Mojave King, a 2023 second-round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers who’s been playing overseas — to the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Pelicans had previously acquired the Pacers’ 2026 first-round pick, which Indiana originally traded to the Toronto Raptors in the deal for forward Pascal Siakam. The Raptors eventually sent the pick to the Pelicans in the Brandon Ingram trade earlier this year.

New Orleans now has the Nos. 7 and 23 picks in this year’s NBA Draft. Indiana, meanwhile, has restored its 2026 draft capital. 

The mid-June trade takes place following the Pacers’ Game 5 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. Indiana now faces a 3-2 deficit in the series, with Game 6 set for Thursday night in Indianapolis.

The move affords the Pelicans more ammunition to trade up in the draft, if they so choose, or they could use both first-round picks.

On the other hand, the Pacers will go their second straight draft without a first-round pick. That said, Indiana — which cleared out nearly $3.2 million in salary cap space with the trade, per ESPN — will have their own first-round pick in seven consecutive drafts from 2026-32.

Additionally, dishing this year’s first-round pick allows Indiana to avoid a potential roster logjam. After all, most of the Pacers’ rotation from this year’s NBA Finals team is under contract for next season. Finding playing time for a 2025 first-round pick might have proved difficult, especially considering the bind Indiana was already in to get rookie wing Johnny Furphy on the court this season.

As for King, 23, the Pelicans now have his draft rights. He has yet to play in the NBA. Once the 47th overall pick in the 2023 draft, King last played in the G League during the 2023-24 season. At the time, he appeared in 15 games for the Indiana Mad Ants. During 2024-25, King played professionally in Puerto Rico and in his native New Zealand.

NBA Trade Rumors Roundup: Kevin Durant wants Spurs not Timberwolves, Suns made no promises

Less than a week before the NBA Draft and trade talk is ramping up fast. Here is a breakdown of some of the hot rumors, with a focus on Kevin Durant talks.

Durant wants Spurs, Suns make no promises

Kevin Durant is a hooper — he just wants to play basketball. You know all the focus on where he plays and his trade value can’t thrill him, but here we are. His trade is the next major domino to fall this offseason. With so much going on, let’s break it down point by point.

• Durant wants Spurs. While there are three teams Durant reportedly is open to signing an extension with — Miami, Houston, and San Antonio — it’s playing for the Spurs alongside Victor Wembanyama that he most wants, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Jon Krawczynski. There’s a logical fit there: Durant playing between Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox speeds up the timeline and instantly vaults the Spurs to the top tier in the West, making them a real threat.

Except that may not be what the Spurs want. San Antonio is going to draft Dylan Harper No. 2 and, if he is the future All-Star (and maybe more) many scouts believe he can be, the best move for a patient franchise may be to focus on Harper and Wembanyama and the core, maybe trading Fox in the next year for a wing player, and build that way with youth. San Antonio appears to be thinking that way, with trade offers centered around the No. 14 pick and Devin Vassell at best, which reportedly have not thrilled the Suns.

• Phoenix trying to find better offers. The Suns are working with Durant’s longtime business partner and agent, Rich Kleiman, to find a deal that works for both parties. So far, that trade has yet to emerge. Phoenix is checking around the league to find better offers than the ones they consider lowball from the Spurs and Rockets (a Jabari Smith-based trade). The best Miami can offer is one centered around Andrew Wiggins and/or Duncan Robinson, and that’s not going to be enough for Phoenix.

• Suns, Timberwolves hope Durant changes mind. Minnesota has genuine interest in a Durant trade — he is Anthony Edwards’ idol, and he could help get them over the top — but Durant has no interest in going there.

Phoenix is not looking to tear it down and rebuild, they want to retool fast and win with a Devin Booker-based team, and a trade with Minnesota would be based around Rudy Gobert or Julius Randle, with maybe someone such as Donte DiVincenzo mixed in — that is closer to the kind of haul the Suns want (even though they realize they are not going to get back what they gave up to land Durant in the first place). The problem is that Durant wants no part of this, something ESPN’s Sham Charania reported.

“I’m told Durant has no desire to be in Minnesota with the Timberwolves. So how does that shape how the Minnesota Timberwolves and other teams that could have interest?”

• Suns prioritizing return, not Durant’s wishes. In an ideal world, the desires of Durant, the Suns, and a third team would all line up in a trade that would make everybody happy. That seems less and less likely, and when push comes to shove the Suns will focus on what’s best for them, something Marc Stein reported at his The Stein Line Substack, and Amick and Krawczynski echoed at The Athletic.

“The Suns have made it clear to Durant’s camp that they need to prioritize the best return for the team in a deal. What’s more, they appear focused on landing the kind of impact players who can help now as opposed to prioritizing draft picks.”

• Knicks were not interested in Durant. Kevin Durant was open to a trade to the Knicks this summer, but the Knicks had no desire to land Durant, reports ESPN’s Marc Spears.

“KD wanted the New York Knicks. He wanted to go there. The Knicks have no interest in bringing him in.”

Grizzlies not trading Morant, Jackson

In the wake of the Desmond Bane trade and all the draft picks that poured back into Memphis, speculation arose both in league circles and among fans that this could mark the start of a tear–down and rebuild for the Grizzlies.

That is not the case, the Grizzlies have shot down overtures about either Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr., a league source told NBC Sports. That echoes other reporting, specifically at ESPN, that Memphis is looking to retool around Morant and re-sign Jackson.

Don’t bet on the Grizzlies trading away another star.

Heat, Bulls on Kuminga watch?

If the Heat can’t land Giannis Antetokounmpo (not currently available) or Kevin Durant, would they pivot to a sign-and-trade for Jonathan Kuminga? Would the Bulls want to pair Kuminga with Josh Giddey? HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported the Heat and Bulls “are two teams to monitor as potential sign-and-trade candidates.”
Monitor, sure, but I’m not sure there’s a trade to be made. Would the Heat move on from Andrew Wiggins and send him back to the Bay for Kuminga (would the Warriors want him back?). The sign-and-trade market for Kuminga is quiet right now, but Scotto is right that a team or teams may pivot on that front after the opening of free agency doesn’t go as they hope.

Gary Harris, Cory Joseph become free agents

Speaking of fallout from the Desmond Bane trade, the Orlando Magic have declined the team options for Gary Harris and Corey Joseph for next season, according to Michael Scotto of Hoopshype. Both become free agents.

No market for Issac Okoro

While the focus outside Cleveland has been on the blockbuster trade ideas (usually based around Darius Garland, who the Cavs don’t really want to trade), the franchise itself has had other priorities. Like trying to find a new home for wing Isaac Okoro, but that’s not going well, reports Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

“From everything that I’m told they’re having a hard time finding anybody that has legitimate interest in Isaac Okoro, unless Isaac also comes with some kind of sweetener from the Cavs.”

Okoro averaged 6.1 points a game in 55 games for the Cavaliers last season, and he has two years and $22.8 million remaining on his contract. Other teams are not going to take that on based on the hope he might be a better fit with them.