NBA All-Star Trae Young, a Norman native, will headline the OKC Metro High School Sports Awards on June 10 at the Young Family Athletic Center, an event that is free to the public. Young, who was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks and then traded to the Atlanta Hawks, boasts four All-Star appearances and led the league in assists last season with 11.6 per game. His collegiate performance at the University of Oklahoma, where he averaged 27.4 points and 8.7 assists, was pivotal in his early career success.

Young's remarkable high school career saw him average over 42 points per game during his senior year at Norman North High School, earning him a McDonald's All-American honor. The upcoming awards ceremony aims to celebrate and inspire local high school athletes, further solidified by Young's participation as a motivational speaker.

The Los Angeles Lakers are prioritizing an upgrade at the center position this offseason. Reports indicate they may pursue a mix of a serviceable center to log around 25 minutes per game and another big man for 15 minutes. The team could also consider making a significant move for an All-Star-caliber center. Notable realistic targets include Daniel Gafford from the Dallas Mavericks and Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets as potential trades. Veteran Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks might be a candidate for their mid-level exception, though his recent decline in performance raises questions about his long-term viability.

Other secondary options for the Lakers include Goga Bitadze from the Orlando Magic, Day'Ron Sharpe of the Brooklyn Nets, Luke Kornet, Larry Nance Jr., and Precious Achiuwa. Each player offers a unique skill set that could fit into the Lakers’ system, but the team's success will hinge on their choices and how they address the critical center position.

Ryan Nembhard, the standout point guard from Gonzaga, is generating significant buzz ahead of the NBA Draft after impressive workouts, particularly with the Golden State Warriors. As the Warriors seek backcourt depth with the aging Steph Curry, Nembhard's exceptional shooting and playmaking skills have made him a candidate for a late second-round selection.

Nembhard's performance at the G-League Elite Camp and subsequent NBA Combine showcased his ability to shoot efficiently and distribute the ball with precision. His connections to Gonzaga's head coach Mark Few add intrigue for the Warriors, but the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers are also showing interest, indicating a broader recognition of his potential.

The NBA's free agency landscape for 2025, once anticipated to be a historic event, has been reshaped by new extension rules. Stars like Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, among others, are now incentivized to sign extensions instead of testing the market. With over 100 players eligible for extensions, potential record-breaking deals loom on the horizon.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands out, likely to secure a historic supermax contract worth $293.4 million, reflecting his recent MVP accolades. Others, like Trae Young, face pivotal negotiations; he could command $229 million but may encounter hurdles due to Atlanta's roster strategy. Meanwhile, players like Kyrie Irving and Nikola Jokic are also expected to renegotiate their contracts, with Jokic contemplating a more strategic approach to his future earnings.