NBA Executives Increasingly Expect Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade As Bucks Signal Desire To Move On
리그 내에서는 벅스가 이번 오프 시즌, Giannis Antetokounmpo를 트래이드 할 것이라는 관측이 늘어나고 있다고 합니다. 벅스가 한 시대를 보내고, 다음으로 나아가고 싶어 하는 것 같다고 하네요.
May 15, 2026 2:19 PM
After years of speculation, the belief around the NBA has shifted with the expectation that the Milwaukee Bucks will trade Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. League insiders at the draft combine in Chicago described the Bucks as a franchise ready to move on after several disappointing playoff runs and the limbo of Antetokounmpo's status throughout the 2025-26 season.
"It just feels like they're done with the circus, more than anything," an Eastern Conference executive said. "They seem to want a clean break and to move on."
Co-owner Jimmy Haslam set the June 23-24 NBA draft as a target deadline for resolution. Milwaukee's front office must choose between rebuilding through a trade or retaining Antetokounmpo and improving around him. The belief around the league is that if Antetokounmpo remains on the roster when he becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension on October 1, he will sign it.
Antetokounmpo has one season remaining on his contract plus a player option. Recent history shows that star players in similar situations typically influence their own trade destination, affecting their overall value to acquiring teams.
The deals sending Kawhi Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs to the Toronto Raptors in 2018 and Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019 serve as the modern blueprint. Both reshuffled the league's balance of power and produced championships for the acquiring franchises.
The NBA's proposed lottery reform adds another variable. Teams in Chicago expect the league to approve a new "3-2-1" system this month, giving up to 18 franchises a realistic shot at the top pick. How that affects Antetokounmpo's trade market remains unclear as some executives predict teams will be less likely to trade future picks due to the more even odds.
"If someone can get Giannis, they might win the offseason," an East executive said. "For all the distractions and injuries over the last few years, he remains a top-five player in his prime, and those guys aren't available often. That's why this matters so much."
Executive Says Kawhi Leonard May Be Better Trade Target Than Giannis Antetokounmpo
현재 이번 오프 시즌, Giannis Antetokpunmpo 뿐만 아니라 LAC의 Kawhi Leonard 역시 트래이드 될 수 있다는 관측이 있는데요, 일부 관계자들은 둘 중 한 선수를 영입할 수 있다면, Kawhi가 더 좋은 선택이라고 생각한다는군요.
May 15, 2026 2:00 PM
While Giannis Antetokounmpo dominates offseason trade discussion, at least one NBA executive believes the Los Angeles Clippers hold an equally compelling asset in Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers must decide this summer whether to extend, trade or hold Leonard, who has one season at $50 million remaining on his contract.
"Every day you hear about what's going to happen with Giannis, but everyone ignores that Kawhi has been better and healthier over the last two seasons," the Eastern Conference executive said. "If you had a chance to acquire one or the other, I might go Kawhi."
Leonard averaged 28 points on 51% shooting while appearing in 65 games this season, numbers that would typically prompt an immediate extension discussion. His lengthy injury history complicates that calculus and offsets his status as an All-NBA talent this past season.
The Clippers remain under NBA investigation for possible salary cap circumvention, though one Western Conference general manager dismissed the idea of contract nullification.
"There's no way they're voiding his contract even if the league finds them guilty," the GM said. "That would be a reward, clearing the Clippers' books for them."
The consensus at the draft combine favored the Clippers keeping Leonard for 2026-27. Opinion split on whether to extend him or let the season play out.
"I would just play it out and not extend him," a West scout said. "He clearly wants to be in Los Angeles, so I wouldn't be in a rush to lock him in early."
Los Angeles also acquired the fifth overall pick in June's draft via the Indiana Pacers as part of the Ivica Zubac trade, a development one Western Conference executive called significant in shaping the franchise's next move with Leonard.
Warriors To Open Stephen Curry Extension Talks, Committed To Him Finishing Career With Franchise
골든은 Steph Curry와 이번 여름 연장 계약 이야기를 나눌 계획이며, 그를 골든에서 은퇴할 수 있도록 하고자 한다네요.
May 15, 2026 11:41 PM
The Golden State Warriors plan to open contract extension discussions with Steph Curry this summer, general manager Mike Dunleavy confirmed Friday. Curry, 38, has one year remaining on his current deal worth more than $62 million and becomes extension-eligible in late August.
Curry said last month he would welcome long-term talks. Dunleavy left little ambiguity about the organization's intentions.
"Yeah, that day will come," said Dunleavy. "But I think we've always stated we want Steph to finish his career here, be here for as long as he wants. I'm sure those conversations can happen, and you can predict where they'll be going. Yeah, I don't see under any scenario where we don't want to figure out a way to have him finish here."
Golden State's desire to retain Curry long-term comes as the franchise navigates a transitional offseason. The team finished 37-45, missed the playoffs, and faces pressing decisions on Draymond Green's player option, free agent center Kristaps Porzingis, and injured wings Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody.
Curry has remained one of the NBA's best players when healthy.
Warriors Expect Draymond Green To Return But Defer To His Decision
골든은 Draymond Green의 잔류를 원하지만, 결국에는 선수 본인의 결정이 가장 중요하다고 말합니다.
May 15, 2026 11:38 PM
The Golden State Warriors want Draymond Green back, but the decision rests entirely with the veteran forward. General manager Mike Dunleavy made clear Friday that the organization has expressed its preference while leaving the choice to Green.
"I think we have had discussions where we want him to finish his career (as) a Warrior," said Dunleavy. "He kind of feels the same way. I would expect him to be back, but it's his call on that."
Green holds a player option worth just over $27 million for next season. The Warriors could alternatively ask him to decline it in favor of a longer-term deal at a reduced annual salary. His contract could also serve as salary-matching currency if Golden State pursues a star in a trade this summer.
Steve Kerr echoed Dunleavy's confidence in a continued partnership.
"The number one thing is, it's up to him," said Kerr. "He has the player option, so he has to go through that with his agent, how that plays out. I am committed to coaching him, coaching Steph (Curry), obviously, for as long as they're here. I look at them as collaborators, and what we've built is pretty special."
Green must exercise or decline his option before June 29. His choice will carry significant weight in shaping Golden State's roster and trade flexibility heading into the offseason.
Steve Kerr 'Thrilled' To Continue Coaching, Vows 'To Be Better' Next Season
골든의 Steve Kerr 감독이 다음 시즌도 골든을 이끌게 된 것에 매우 흥분되며, 지난 몇 시즌 동안 잘 해내지 못했고, 더 잘해야 함을 알고 있다고 밝힙니다.
May 15, 2026 11:27 PM
Steve Kerr will coach the Golden State Warriors for a 13th season after a period of deliberation that included an honest personal evaluation. Kerr, who has won four NBA championships as a head coach, openly admitted his work this past season fell short of his own standards.
"I know I have to be better," said Kerr. "I didn't have a great coaching year."
Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy addressed reporters in San Francisco on Friday. The Warriors finished 37-45 and missed the playoffs, a result Dunleavy described as "pretty underwhelming."
Turnover problems were central assessments for both Kerr and Dunleavy. Golden State averaged 15.7 turnovers per game, tied for third highest in the NBA. Kerr said he has since reviewed every turnover from the season.
"We got a little too loose," Kerr said. "Literally loose with the ball. But because of our age, because of our injuries, we spent a lot of time resting. So I've got to tighten the ship up next year."
Kerr spent roughly one week after the season deciding whether to continue coaching. A conversation with his wife, Margot, helped clarify his intentions. A subsequent two-hour meeting with Dunleavy and controlling owner Joe Lacob solidified the decision.
"We had to come to a much more reality-based shared vision on what success looks like for us," said Kerr. "What are we trying to accomplish? Because for the first time since our injury-plagued year (2019-20), we aren't sitting here saying, 'Hey, we can win a championship.' I don't need to say that. We know that right this second. But we had to hash that out. We had to talk about those things."
Kerr emphasized he is neither tired nor burned out, and plans to maintain closer contact with players and staff throughout the summer.
“I’m thrilled to be back,” Kerr said. “I couldn’t be more excited to continue on this job.”
LeBron James Staying With Lakers Considered Most Likely As Market Offers Few Viable Other Options
현실적으로 LeBron James가 다른 팀으로 가기 어렵고, LAL 역시 LeBron 덕분에 많은 수익을 얻고 있기 때문에, 결국 LAL에 잔류할 것이라는 관측 입니다.
May 15, 2026 12:47 PM
LeBron James faces a narrow free agency market this offseason, with league insiders widely expecting him to return to the Los Angeles Lakers as much due to the circumstances as mutual desire between the two parties. Conversations at the NBA draft combine in Chicago pointed to one overriding conclusion that there is no clear alternative fit for James across the league.
"It's just hard to fit him anywhere," a Western Conference scout said.
One Eastern Conference team strategist underscored James' enduring value, telling ESPN his production still ranks among the league's best.
"By our metrics, he remains a top-25 player in the league and if not for his age, we'd probably assess him at near max player level," the strategist said. "Our coaches would tell you he ranks even higher than that when his legs and back are feeling good."
James earned $52 million this season, made the All-Star team and played a pivotal role as the Lakers secured first-round home-court advantage before eliminating the Houston Rockets. James will turn 42 in December, with a presumed 24th season ahead.
Teams with significant cap space, such as the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets, are unlikely to pursue James. Preferred destinations like the Golden State Warriors lack the financial flexibility to pay him competitively. The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks are two other teams often linked with James, but they are each currently making deep playoff runs and would have to trade for him to pay a commiserate salary.
That reality leaves the Lakers in a strong negotiating position, but also a delicate one given James' historical stature. One Eastern Conference executive outlined the preferred terms.
"I'd pay LeBron whatever he wants as long as it's a one-year deal, no player option. Give him the no-trade clause," the executive said. "Everything [new Lakers owner Mark] Walter has done so far has been about good business.
"LeBron sells tickets. He keeps the [local] TV partner happy. Re-signing LeBron is good business."
The key question remaining is whether James would accept a midlevel exception contract, projected at just over $15 million for 2026-27, to play elsewhere. Most insiders do not expect that scenario to materialize.
For the Lakers, it is hard to envision many realistic scenarios where they either use their cap space or make a trade that improves their roster in the short-term beyond simply re-signing James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and possibly Luke Kennard.
Isaiah Thomas Hired By Celtics As Pro, College Scout
Isaiah Thomas가 보스턴의 프로, 대학 선수 스카우터로 자리잡았습니다. 오랜만에 듣는 이름이네요.
May 14, 2026 10:28 PM
Isaiah Thomas has returned to the Boston Celtics organization as a pro and college scout, according to league sources.
Thomas, 37, will be based in the Seattle area, his hometown, providing president of basketball operations Brad Stevens with additional coverage on the West Coast. The Celtics' regional scouting staff also includes former Hawks executive Derek Pierce in Atlanta and Keandre Ashley in Dallas.
Thomas was present at the NBA Combine in Chicago this week, where he assisted in prospect interviews and began learning the front-office evaluation process, sources said.
Acquired from the Phoenix Suns in February 2015, Thomas quickly became central to Boston's rebuild. Stevens has credited him with helping build the culture that shaped the Celtics into one of the NBA's most accomplished franchises of the past decade.
Thomas earned All-Star selections in 2015-16 and 2016-17. In the latter season he finished fifth in MVP voting and earned second-team All-NBA honors, winning over fans with an aggressive, relentless style that defied his size.
However, his time in Boston ended on difficult terms as Thomas played through a serious hip injury during the 2017 playoffs before being shut down for the final three games of a conference finals loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thomas was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers a few months later in the deal that brought Kyrie Irving to Boston.
Hip problems limited Thomas for the remainder of his playing career. He had stints with nine franchises before his final NBA appearance with Phoenix in the 2023-24 season.