Georgetown center Thomas Sorber is gaining traction among several NBA lottery teams ahead of the 2025 draft. The 6-foot-10 freshman averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists last season, earning All-Big East third team honors. Despite a recent foot injury that limited him to 24 games, he’s still on the radar of teams like the Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Brooklyn Nets. His impressive performance in the combine, highlighted by a remarkable 7-foot-6 wingspan, could solidify his position as a potential lottery pick.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are facing a critical decision regarding Nickeil Alexander-Walker as they try to retain their squad from recent successful playoff runs. Despite his contributions as a standout three-and-D guard, the Timberwolves may struggle to match the interest he is drawing from other teams, particularly the Atlanta Hawks, where he could thrive alongside stars like Trae Young.

Alexander-Walker has solidified his role as a dependable backup to starting guards Mike Conley Jr. and Anthony Edwards, proving instrumental during the Timberwolves' Western Conference Finals appearances. However, the team's financial strategies may push him towards teams like Atlanta or Orlando, where his shooting skills and defensive capabilities would be highly valued.

The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing potential solutions to their center position dilemma, particularly focusing on free agency options. With limited financial resources, particularly the taxpayer mid-level exception of approximately $5.7 million, prospects like Brook Lopez from the Milwaukee Bucks and Clint Capela from the Atlanta Hawks are on the radar. Recent predictions suggest that Capela, aged 31 and likely on the move from Atlanta, could be a prime candidate. He's expected to see a pay cut as younger players like Onyeka Okongwu take on more responsibility for the Hawks.

Capela has seen a slight decline in his efficiency, dropping from 65.3% to 55.9% at the rim last season, but his ability to contribute with double-double potential in around 24 minutes of play remains intact. His averages of 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game underline his continuing relevance as both a rebounder and shot-blocker. Standing 6-foot-10 and weighing 256 pounds, Capela could fill the Lakers’ need for a reliable center to complement their playoff ambitions.

The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a pivotal offseason as they aim to bolster their roster for a championship run in the 2025-26 NBA season. With free agency looming, analysts predict they will utilize the taxpayer mid-level exception to sign Clint Capela, who averaged 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds for the Atlanta Hawks last season. Capela's rim protection and rebounding would significantly enhance the Lakers' interior defense.

LeBron James is expected to either opt into his $52.6 million player option or sign a two-year deal, underlining his continuing elite performance at age 40, where he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. Meanwhile, Dorian Finney-Smith, who joined midseason from the Brooklyn Nets, is anticipated to decline his player option, seeking a contract in the $12-16 million range. His defensive contributions have solidified his place in the Lakers’ plans. If the Lakers manage to secure these deals, they could emerge as serious contenders in the Western Conference.

The Atlanta Hawks are looking to bolster their backcourt as they prepare for the 2025-26 season. Despite retaining their two starting guards, the Hawks are eyeing free agency for potential upgrades. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report suggests that Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Minnesota Timberwolves could be a prime target, given his status as a young, unrestricted free agent known for his versatility as a 3-and-D wing. Pincus notes that with Minnesota's tight salary cap situation, they might be open to dealing Alexander-Walker, especially with competing teams assessing their options.

With a relatively modest scoring average of 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists last season, Alexander-Walker has the potential to add depth to the Hawks' lineup. His postseason performance, where he averaged 8.3 points per game, further demonstrates his capabilities. Executives believe that the Hawks could entice the Timberwolves by offering a competitive non-taxpayer mid-level exception, making Alexander-Walker a plausible addition to Atlanta's roster.