NBA 101

Suns Acquire Miles Bridges From Hornets For Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale

The Phoenix Suns are acquiring Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-around pick from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and 2033 first-round pick.

Bridges will fill a hole at the power forward position for the Suns. Phoenix also adds some closer-in draft capital, which they can use to select players or in future trades. The Suns also got further under the second apron in this deal, while opening a roster spot.

In 77 games last season, Bridges averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 31.0 minutes.

Despite taking on a bit of money in this trade, the Hornets will still be roughly $50 million under the luxury tax. Charlotte also picks up a helpful rotation guard in Allen, as they rebuild their backcourt in the wake of the LaMelo Ball trade. In addition, the Suns are adding an unprotected first-round pick in 2033.

Bridges missed the entire 2022-23 season and part of the 2023-24 season because of suspension following a plea of no-contest for felony domestic abuse.

Bridges signed a three-year, $75 million contract with the Hornets in 2024 and is entering the final season of his contract.

Heat Targeting Mike Conley, Tim Hardaway Jr For Backcourt Depth

The Miami Heat are looking for depth after agreeing to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat are particularly shorthanded in the backcourt. That has Miami expected to target veteran guards Mike Conley and Tim Hardaway Jr. when free agency opens on Tuesday, June 30.

Conley spent the last three-and-half seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, around a couple of different trades at last season’s trade deadline. Last season, the veteran point guard averaged 4.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 18.4 minutes per game.

Hardaway spent last season with the Denver Nuggets. He averaged 13.5 points per game off the Nuggets bench last season. Hardaway shot 40.7% on 6.9 three-point attempts per game as he finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting.

Raptors, Leonard Hold Trade Talks For Kawhi Leonard

The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers held meaningful trade discussions over the weekend on a Kawhi Leonard trade. Leonard left the Raptors to sign with the Clippers during the 2019 offseason shortly after leading Toronto to the NBA championship.

Leonard is eligible for a contract extension and a trade has long been considered a probable outcome if he was unable to come to terms with the Clippers.

The Raptors have expressed a preference for including Brandon Ingram in their trade package for Leonard rather than RJ Barrett.

Ingram signed a three-year, $120 million extension in February 2025 shortly after his trade from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Raptors. Ingram has two seasons remaining on the contract.

Barrett is entering the final season of his four-year, $107 million contract extension signed originally with the New York Knicks during the 2022 offseason. Barrett will be earning approximately 18 percent of the cap in 2026-27 compared to 24.2 percent for Ingram. Ingram holds a player option for the 2027-28 season at $41.9 million.

Ron Harper Jr., Celtics Agree To Three-Year, $9M Deal

Ron Harper Jr. and the Boston Celtics have agreed to a three-year, $9 million deal. The Celtics are declining their $2.6 million team option.

Harper signed a training camp deal last offseason and made the Celtics’ roster on a two-way before converting to a standard NBA contract.

Harper averaged 4.2 points and 1.7 rebounds in 10.9 minutes across 29 games last season with the Celtics.

Harper spent the first two seasons of his career with the Toronto Raptors.

Wolves Discussed Josh Giddey Trade With Bulls

The Minnesota Timberwolves held trade talks with the Chicago Bulls for Josh Giddey in their attempts to improve the point guard position before moving forward with their deal for LaMelo Ball.

The Wolves wanted to alleviate the burden Anthony Edwards faces against opposing defenses by adding another playmaker.

Minnesota also discussed a Jaylen Brown trade with the Boston Celtics. The Celtics were seeking a trade package back from the Wolves that was similar to what they sent to the Charlotte Hornets plus Rudy Gobert. While Brown is considered a better player than Ball, his fit wasn’t as ideal.

Giddey averaged 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 9.1 assists in 32.1 minutes across 54 games last season for the Bulls.

Giddey signed a four-year, $100 million contract with the Bulls during the 2025 offseason as a restricted free agent and has three seasons remaining on the deal.

Bogdan Bogdanovic, Clippers Move Back $16M Guarantee Date To June 29

Bogdan Bogdanovic and the Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to move back the $16 million team option date to June 29. Bogdanovic signed a four-year, $68 million contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks in March 2023.

Bogdanovic appeared in 23 games with the Clippers and averaged 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 19.7 minutes. Bogdanovic shot 34.7 percent on three-pointers.

Bogdanovic has been linked to the Denver Nuggets should he become an unrestricted free agent.

Bogdanovic is represented by Jason Ranne.

Pelicans Not Shopping Trey Murphy, Herb Jones; Only Willing To Trade For Multiple First Rounders

The New Orleans Pelicans have been mischaracterized as actively shopping wing players Trey Murphy and Herb Jones. While the franchise is willing to hear offers for both in-demand swingmen, it has rejected every proposal received to date.

New Orleans explored moving into the top 10 of this week’s NBA Draft, but declined to do so if it required dealing either player without receiving multiple future first-round picks in return. The Pelicans ultimately made just one selection over two days, taking SMU guard Jaron Pierre Jr. at No. 58.

Murphy, who averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists across 66 games last season while shooting 37.9 percent from three-point range, is under contract through the 2029 offseason on a four-year, $112 million deal. He will earn $27 million next season.

Jones signed a three-year, $68 million extension during the 2025 offseason and is under contract through 2029, when he holds a player option. He appeared in 56 games last season, averaging 8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Jones has shot below 31 percent from three-point range in each of the past two seasons after posting 41.8 percent in 2023-24.

LeBron James Hasn’t Received Contract Offer Yet From Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers checked in with LeBron James once the window to begin free agent negotiations opened this offseason, but there has not been much communication since then. James has yet to publicly confirm if he will continue his playing career in the NBA.

The Lakers can create up to $50 million in space and James may be willing to be flexible on his contract depending on how the team uses the space to upgrade its roster as Luka Doncic begins his second full season with the team.

“There was a check-in call made, to my understanding, early in free agency once teams were able to start negotiating with their own free agents after the end of the NBA Finals,” said ESPN’s Shams Charania on NBA Today. “Since then though there hasn’t been much communication, from my understanding, between the Lakers and LeBron James’ side. And certainly not an offer yet.

“They’re trying to see what can they do with his $50 million of space, potentially, and then where does that leave LeBron?”

The Lakers have already received a commitment from Austin Reaves on a four-year, $185 million contract. Reaves will have a $20.9 million cap hold on the Lakers’ cap sheet while they complete their other offseason business.

James has changed teams during the offseasons of 2010, 2014 and 2018.

Phoenix Mercury vs. Indiana Fever Live Stream: Watch WNBA Season 2026

The 2026 WNBA regular season rolls on with an absolute blockbuster matchup tonight, Wednesday, June 24, as the high-scoring Indiana Fever welcome their star-studded rivals, the Phoenix Mercury, to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. With the regular season building momentum, tonight’s fixture presents critical positioning implications for both rosters just two days after their previous encounter. Watch all the action live on YouTube TV.

Indiana takes the court operating an incredibly potent offensive scheme, powered by the dynamic backcourt pairing of generational point guard Caitlin Clark and elite scoring guard Kelsey Mitchell. Complemented by the premier low-post gravity of center Aliyah Boston, the Fever feature a high-velocity layout built to stress defensive frameworks. The visiting Mercury land in town determined to make quick tactical adjustments, spearheaded by explosive superstar wing Kahleah Copper and veteran forward Alyssa Thomas. Witness this premium cross-conference showcase live on YouTube TV.

The primary tactical story tonight centers on open-floor transition pace versus interior shot containment. Indiana will look to capitalize on Clark’s unparalleled passing vision off defensive rebounds to push a blistering fast-break pace before Phoenix’s defensive shell can properly align. Down in the painted lanes, the physical battle between Boston and the Mercury frontcourt will dictate who controls the glass and caps second-chance scoring opportunities. Expect an absolute fever-pitch, high-energy environment in downtown Indianapolis. Catch the entire game streaming live on YouTube TV.

Indiana’s home-court transition depth versus Phoenix’s perimeter scoring response from Kahleah Copper will settle the score tonight. You can catch every highlight, logo three, and clutch stop live on YouTube TV.

How to Watch Phoenix Mercury vs. Indiana Fever

Tonight’s regular-season matchup between the Mercury and Fever will be available to watch live on YouTube TV.

Category	Details
Date	Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Tip-Off Time	7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT
Live Stream	YouTube TV
Venue	Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

Mercury vs. Fever Game Preview & Odds

Oddsmakers have positioned the hosting Fever as narrow home favorites tonight, respecting their stellar offensive efficiency metrics and strong home trends in Indianapolis. However, with the Mercury bringing elite length to the court, Phoenix serves as an intriguing pick to challenge the line.

Betting Line	Fever -3.5
Over/Under	168.5
Moneyline	IND -165 | PHX +140

Prediction: Expect a highly competitive shootout as both clubs rely heavily on rapid outside execution and rapid spacing. While Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas will orchestrate heavy scoring sequences to keep Phoenix close into the final quarter, Indiana’s deep transition scheme should prove to be the difference maker late. Look for Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell to execute in crunch time to secure the home win. Final Score: Fever 88, Mercury 82.

Players to Watch

The visiting Mercury lean heavily on perimeter isolation scoring and physical forward distribution to break down opposing defensive setups.

Mercury Standouts (Season Averages)	PTS	AST/REB	Notes
Kahleah Copper (G/F)	18.8	4.1 REB	Leading the franchise in perimeter scoring volume
Alyssa Thomas (F)	12.4	7.9 AST	Primary baseline facilitator and multi-positional threat

The Fever look to their dynamic backcourt spacing and elite low-post tracking to maintain a high-scoring pace.

Fever Standouts (Season Averages)	PTS	AST/REB	Notes
Kelsey Mitchell (G)	20.8	2.5 AST	Ranked among the league leaders in scoring efficiency
Caitlin Clark (G)	20.4	8.1 AST	Primary offensive pacesetter leading the WNBA in assists

Stream the WNBA on YouTube TV

YouTube TV is your ultimate premium choice for watching comprehensive live coverage throughout the 2026 campaign loop. Don’t miss a single highlight tonight as the Mercury and Fever battle it out in Indiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries Live Stream: Watch WNBA Season 2026

The 2026 WNBA regular season rolls on with an absolute blockbuster matchup tonight, Wednesday, June 24, as the expansion Golden State Valkyries (10-7) welcome the high-flying Atlanta Dream (12-4) to the Chase Center. Both star-studded rosters hit the hardwood deeply motivated to secure critical positioning across their respective conference standings, setting the stage for an intense showcase of elite pacing and defensive adjustments. Watch all the action live on YouTube TV.

Atlanta enters tonight’s road contest riding an exceptional wave of offensive momentum behind one of the most prolific perimeter duos in the league, driven by elite scorers Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard. Complemented by a high-octane transition identity, the Dream boast a rapid-fire framework engineered to strain opposing defensive frameworks. The hosting Valkyries counter with a highly disciplined and resilient system anchored by two-way star forward Gabby Williams and standard-setting playmaker Veronica Burton. Witness this premium cross-conference clash live on YouTube TV.

The primary tactical story tonight centers on Atlanta’s transition velocity versus Golden State’s point-of-attack home defense. The Valkyries must assert heavy ball-handling pressure along the arc to prevent the Dream from finding comfortable rhythm looks and launching early breakout chains. Underneath the rim, the physical post tracking between the frontcourts will dictate who commands the defensive glass and eliminates secondary tip-in opportunities. Expect an absolute high-energy, vocal environment in San Francisco from the opening tip. Catch the entire game streaming live on YouTube TV.

Atlanta’s high-volume perimeter execution versus Golden State’s disciplined defensive shell on their home floor will settle the score tonight. You can catch every fast break, block, and crunch-time bucket live on YouTube TV.

How to Watch Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries

Tonight’s regular-season matchup between the Dream and Valkyries will be available to watch live on YouTube TV.

Category	Details
Date	Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Tip-Off Time	10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT
Live Stream	YouTube TV
Venue	Chase Center, San Francisco, CA

Dream vs. Valkyries Game Preview & Odds

Oddsmakers have positioned the visiting Dream as narrow road favorites tonight, respecting their superior regular-season win-loss metrics and recent explosive scoring bursts. However, with the Valkyries performing exceptionally well on their home hardwood, Golden State remains a live underdog choice to challenge the line.

Betting Line	Dream -1.5
Over/Under	169.5
Moneyline	ATL -125 | GSV +105

Prediction: Expect a highly competitive shootout featuring continuous shifts in perimeter momentum. While Gabby Williams and Veronica Burton will manufacture solid structural possessions early to keep the home crowd engaged, Atlanta’s dual-star scoring power should rule late. Look for Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard to deliver clutch isolation buckets down the stretch to secure a tight road win. Final Score: Dream 86, Valkyries 81.

Players to Watch

The visiting Dream rely on explosive guard isolation and high-speed transition velocity to compromise defensive schemes.

Dream Standouts (Season Averages)	PTS	AST/REB	Notes
Allisha Gray (G)	19.6	3.5 REB	Leading the franchise in overall scoring volume
Rhyne Howard (F)	19.1	3.8 REB	Elite perimeter spacing threat averaging 3.4 triples

The Valkyries leverage multi-positional forward length and precise ball-handling execution to stall high-pacing attacks.

Valkyries Standouts (Season Averages)	PTS	AST/REB	Notes
Gabby Williams (F)	15.9	3.8 REB	Primary two-way baseline catalyst leading the team
Veronica Burton (G)	12.8	5.4 AST	Leading the expansion club in perimeter distribution

Stream the WNBA on YouTube TV

YouTube TV is your premier destination for watching live comprehensive coverage throughout the 2026 WNBA season schedule. Don’t miss a single highlight tonight as the Dream and Valkyries leave everything on the hardwood.

Frequently Asked Questions

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