NBA 101

James Harden Arrested On Misdemeanor Gun Violation

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was arrested in the early hours Saturday on a misdemeanor gun violation. Harden was accused of carrying an unconcealed weapon. He was released on a general bond and is scheduled to appear in court on June 22 to face the charges.

Harden was traveling in a group of five vehicles. When one of the other vehicles was stopped by police, Harden pulled up behind it. It was then that the officers noticed a gun in the cup holder of Harden’s vehicle. Harden told the officers that the weapon was his and he was arrested and booked into Harris County jail.

Bucks’ Handling Of Giannis Antetokounmpo Talks At Trade Deadline Slowing Current Activity

The trade market for Giannis Antetokounmpo has been slow to take shape, and rival teams say the Milwaukee Bucks’ handling of trade discussions at the February deadline is a primary reason, according to league sources.

During the deadline period, Bucks general manager Jon Horst opened talks to any team willing to make a pitch for the two-time MVP. As the deadline approached, Milwaukee signaled a genuine willingness to deal its most accomplished player in franchise history. Antetokounmpo ultimately remained with the Bucks, fueling skepticism among rivals about the organization’s true intentions.

Several teams now view that process as a fact-finding mission designed to gauge the market ahead of the summer rather than a sincere attempt to complete a trade. Some front offices are now pressing the Bucks to present concrete terms they would accept, rather than engaging in prolonged back-and-forth negotiations.

Teams are wary of surfacing prominent players in trade discussions only to see those relationships strained if a deal falls apart. The reaction of Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro, who unfollowed the Heat on social media amid trade speculation, illustrates the locker-room risk teams are trying to avoid.

Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam has set the June 23 NBA draft as his target for resolution. Whether rival teams engage more seriously as that deadline approaches remains the central question surrounding one of the offseason’s most consequential roster decisions.

The Bucks have signaled that they expect to acquire additional draft picks and their evaluation of offers will heavily focus on tradeable first round picks.

Jalen Brunson Replies ‘Zero-Zero’ When Asked If It Feels Different Being One Win From Title

During Friday’s media availability, Jalen Brunson was asked whether it feels any different for him going into Game 5 now that the New York Knicks are one win away from the NBA championship.

“Zero-zero,” replied Brunson with the implication that the next game is the only one that matters rather than looking it as the Knicks being up 3-1.

Brunson was also asked how he’s been preparing for Game 5 after the Knicks’ improbable Game 4 comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs.

“I think whenever you win or lose a game, that night, I mean, you’re going to think about it, think about the things you’ve done well or what you did wrong,” said Brunson.

“I’ve always told myself when you wake up the next day, it’s time to turn the page. Yes, we won, but we still have a lot of work to do. We have a lot to learn. We didn’t play our best basketball. We still have a lot to revisit to make sure that we don’t really put ourselves in that position again.”

Sixers Promote Jameer Nelson; Extend Prosper Karangwa

The Philadelphia 76ers have promoted Jameer Nelson to be their executive vice president of basketball operations. Nelson will work under newly hired president of basketball operations Mike Gansey.

In addition to promoting Nelson, the Sixers are extending the contract of assistant general manager Prosper Karangwa. Multiple rival teams had considered Karangwa for roles in their front offices this offseason.

Philadelphia’s current GM Elton Brand will vacate that role. The 76ers parent company, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, is working on a new role for Brand elsewhere in the organization.

NBA GMs, Scouts Don’t Expect Thunder To Target Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been speculated as a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade suitor given their position as a title contender who could put together the most compelling offer to the Milwaukee Bucks without losing too many of their existing pieces.

There is an argument that Antetokounmpo could be a better counter for the Thunder against Victor Wembanyama given the struggles of Chet Holmgren in the Western Conference Finals. But Holmgren is significantly younger and less expensive than Antetokounmpo.

“I’ve got to tell you that no one around the league sees them as a Giannis team,” said Zach Lowe on his podcast this week. “Everybody. Every GM, every scout I’ve talked to would be pretty surprised if they veered in that direction.”

Antetokounmpo is believed to value his chances of competing for a title when considering trade possibilities.

Lowe echoed reporting from The Athletic this week that the Miami Heat are considered the team most likely to trade for Antetokounmpo though that is far from certain.

A resolution to Antetokounmpo’s future is expected to come by the draft on Tuesday, June 23rd.

NBA Opens Investigation Into Jalen Brunson Fan Incident Late In Knicks’ Game 1 Victory Over Spurs

The NBA is investigating an exchange between Jalen Brunson and courtside fans during the final minute of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, sources confirmed to ESPN. The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 Wednesday night.

The incident occurred with 29.4 seconds remaining while teammate OG Anunoby was shooting free throws. Brunson, visibly agitated, spoke twice with crew chief Scott Foster during and after the game. He did not address the matter with reporters postgame.

Chris Haynes of Prime Video first reported the league’s investigation.

The confrontation did not affect Brunson’s performance. He finished with 30 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter without a turnover, as New York erased a 14-point third-quarter deficit. The Knicks have now won 12 consecutive playoff games, 11 by double figures, posting a plus-272 point differential over that stretch, the best in the NBA’s 80-year history across regular season and postseason play.

The investigation arrives alongside a separate fan conduct matter from Game 1. The NBA issued a lifetime ban Thursday to a fan who ran onto the court during play attempting to take a selfie with Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. A second individual also received a permanent ban for their involvement.

Fan behavior has drawn increased league attention in recent years. The NBA distributed a memo to all 30 franchises at the start of this season demanding consistent enforcement of its Fan Code of Conduct.

“It is critical that teams and arenas vigorously enforce the Code of Conduct and not tolerate any misconduct that impacts our players, fans, or otherwise disrupts the game,” the league stated.

Some Members Of Cavs’ Front Office ‘Vehemently Against’ Trading Evan Mobley For Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been linked to a possible trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but their front office appears unlikely to be in favor of trading Evan Mobley away in exchange for the two-time MVP. Mobley is easily the Cavaliers’ best trade asset if they were to make a significant move in improving their title chances during the Donovan Mitchell era.

“The Cavs love Mobley, they believe in him and there are multiple members of the Cleveland brain trust that would be vehemently against a Giannis-Mobley swap,” wrote Chris Fedor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Mobley turns 25 this month, making him six years younger than Antetokounmpo, who has battled injuries over the past few years. Mobley will also make approximately $8 million less next season as the Cavaliers balance second apron issues.

Koby Altman went on record last week calling Mobley the team’s “best player throughout the playoffs.”

RealGM Radio: Dubin/Dakhil On Spurs’ Game 7, Thunder Eulogy, Sweeney To Magic, Lottery Reform

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Thunder Have Had Interest In Evan Mobley, Unlikely To Trade For Giannis Antetkounmpo

The Oklahoma City Thunder are unlikely to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, sources told Sam Amick of The Athletic.

The Thunder have reportedly had interest in Evan Mobley in the past, though the Cavs are insisting that they will not deal Mobley.

After losing Game 7 to the Spurs on Saturday night, all 15 Thunder players are under contract for next season.

The Thunder, who recently worked out Nate Ament, are open to trading the No. 17 pick in the upcoming draft.

Kyrie Irving Says He’s ‘Close’ To 100% In Recovering From ACL Injury

Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving said on his Twitch stream that he was “close” to being 100% as he recovers from a torn ACL.

“I am definitely close to being over at 100 percent in terms of my ACL recovery,” Irving said.

“It’s been a while now…I’m so grateful that I’ve had the time to heal and just experiment with my body more on the court and off the court in the weight room and just pushing myself to the limit.”

Irving has been out since suffering the injury in March 2025.

It has been reported that the Mavs are likely to receive trade interest in Irving this offseason, though new Mavs president Masai Ujiri also said he wants to see how Irving fits with Cooper Flagg.