🎉 Happy birthday Olivier-Maxence Prosper 🇨🇦 and Ryan Rollins ! 🎉

It actually happened…

After years of rumors about Boston splitting up the Jays, they have officially parted ways with their All-NBA Wing. Check out the trade details ⬇️

76ers Receive → Jaylen Brown

Celtics Receive → Paul George + two first-round picks (2028 and 2031) + two second-round picks (2028 and 2030).

After, Boston reportedly missed out on the Giannis sweepstakes, the Celtics appeared to have aggressively shopped Jaylen Brown this summer. Reports also indicated Boston initially tried to land VJ Edgecombe, and five-first round picks, it appears all they needed were two firsts, two seconds and PG to get the deal done.

Brown is coming off one of his most statistically impressive seasons of his career. He led a Celtics team that many expected to underperform to a two-seed, earning All-NBA Second Team honors while averaging 28.7 PPG. He’ll provide another jolt of offense to an already heavily armed Philly team.

While Brown’s counting stats and influence on winning easily pass the eye test, the analytics community has raised a few flags. According to Databallr, Brown had a -5.5 net ON/OFF rating last season, and he’s been in the negatives in that category since 2022. For Boston, you have to wonder what the thought process is to replace a 29 year old star, with the 36-year-old Paul George, who has a large contract of his own. However, this could be a case of addition by subtraction for Boston, and PG’s skills could fit along nicely in a complementary role to Jayson Tatum, Payton Pritchard, and Derrick White.

Regardless, Philly is shaping up to be a force with a core four of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Edgecombe, and Brown. Similar to the last decade, this Philly team generally goes as far as a healthy Embiid can take them. At the same time, Brown provides another star-level option if things go off the rails. With new signees, Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons joining the team this year as well. Philly is looking like an early favorite in the East.

Lakers Receive → Walker Kessler (on a 4 year, $130 million deal)

Jazz Receive → 2 first-round picks (2031 and 2033) + 2 first-round pick swaps (2028 and 2030)

After four seasons in Utah, Walker Kessler continues his trek out West to LA. The big man heads to the Lakers to give Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves some elite rim protection.

Kessler adds to a Lakers roster revamping for its post-LeBron era. In this off-season alone, the Lakers have added Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton, plus brought back AR on a max deal.

For Utah, this could lead to a lot more of Jaren Jackson Jr. at the five as he continues his role as one of the league’s best rim protectors. The Jazz now boast a starting five full of willing outside shooters with Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, and JJJ. Meanwhile, Danny Ainge continues to rack up first round picks!

While deals are flying left and right, there are still some great players looking for contracts.

After announcing his separation from the Lakers, King James has quickly become the white whale of this free agency class. He has garnered attention around the league, and will likely sign to a squad when the dust settles from a chaotic first few days of free agency.

At 41 years old, LeBron is coming off a playoff-run where he averaged 23 PTS, 7 REB, and 7 AST, and he will be an immediate boost for a team that needs a final piece to chase a championship. LeBron will be looking to ride out into the sunset with one last Larry O’Brien. We’ll have to wait and see where he ends up!

Teams to look out for: Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers.

If we had a nickel for every time the Pistons had a 22-year-old All-NBA center entering restricted free agency, we would have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot… just weird that it happened twice.

Jalen Duren is coming off a monster season that saw him take home All-NBA honors. However, his playoff performance left much to be desired, leading Detroit to hesitate before backing up the Brink’s truck.

Some reports indicate that the Pistons weren’t looking to offer Duren a contract over $35 million per year, and would not participate in a sign-and-trade. Other reports have shown that Duren was looking at Sacramento as a potential destination for his services.

Duren still can delay contract negotiations and play under his $9.6 million qualifying offer. As the markets are drying up, maybe there are still a few teams left willing to take a bet on an uber-athletic rim protector and rebounder!

Teams to look out for: Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, Brooklyn Nets.

While many of the top names have already signed, there are still some high-quality role players lingering. Rui Hachimura fits the bill as one of the best left.

Hachimura is a flamethrower from deep. He’s coming off of three straight seasons shooting over 40% from three with the Lakers, and is the current all-time leader in playoff three-point percentage (51%). In addition to his size and athleticism, he could be a strong stretch-four for a contender looking to put the finishing touch on their roster, or an up-and-coming team looking for a steady vet!

Teams to look out for: Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets.

Breanna Stewart (25 PTS, 11 REB, 4 STL/BLK), Sabrina Ionescu (26 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST) and crew deliver another trophy to New York!

This rematch of the 2023 Cup Finals had the Aces enter the night without their 4x MVP A’ja Wilson, who was dealing with an ankle injury. The Liberty took advantage of this, jumping out to an early double-digit lead, and held it for most of the night.

However, the Aces didn’t roll over. Jackie Young (31 PTS, 7 AST) and Chennedy Carter (18 PTS) did the best they could to keep the Aces in it, even tying the game with 8:20 left in the fourth quarter. From there, it was the Sabrina Ionescu show, and she put the game on ice for New York with a deep step-back three.

The Liberty became the first team in WNBA history to win the Commissioner’s Cup trophy twice. Stewie took home Cup tournament MVP to add a cherry on top of her stellar night!

The 2026 WNBA All-Star game takes place on Saturday, July 25 in Chicago. Let’s take a look at the 10 starters ⬇️

The rest of the lineups come out on Tuesday, so stay locked!

Thanks for letting us be a part of your Friday routine!

We’ll be back on Monday to fill you in on the last few shenanigans of this off-season!

Brian Shkabari