The Houston Rockets have traded rookie Cam Whitmore to the Washington Wizards, receiving two second-round picks in return. The decision to move on from the 2023 first round draft pick came after discussions with his representatives at WME Basketball. Whitmore, a Maryland native, will have the opportunity to play closer to home. In his brief stint with the Rockets, he averaged nearly 11 points and 3.4 rebounds over 50 games. Meanwhile, the Wizards are also changing their roster, adding new players like CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk this offseason.

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to finalize their roster in preparation for the upcoming season. With the recent addition of Deandre Ayton, the team is considering signing former Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon to further enhance their lineup. Brogdon's experience and versatility could be a significant boost for a team that aims to compete for the championship.

Having filled 14 of their 15 roster spots, the Lakers are weighing their options between signing their second-round pick, Adou Theiro, or making a win-now move with Brogdon, who averaged 12.7 points and 4.1 assists last season. His ability to create plays and shoot effectively from beyond the arc aligns with the Lakers’ needs as they seek to rebound from a disappointing previous season.

The Houston Rockets have traded Cam Whitmore to the Washington Wizards in exchange for two second-round picks. Whitmore, the 20th overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, struggled for playing time in Houston but is expected to have a larger role with the rebuilding Wizards, which is also closer to his Maryland roots. In recent weeks, the Rockets, collaborating with Whitmore's representatives, explored multiple trade options, ultimately prioritizing a situation where he could succeed.

The Wizards have been active this offseason, acquiring CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk while also drafting Tre Johnson with the 5th pick. The Rockets, on the other hand, recently made a blockbuster move for Kevin Durant and added veterans Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela. During his time with Houston, the 6'7" Whitmore averaged 10.8 points and ranked highly in efficiency with 0.46 points per touch, indicating his potential for impact.

On this day, the Boston Celtics celebrate the signing of Marcus Smart, a pivotal player known for his tenacious defense. Smart’s journey began in 2014 when he was drafted sixth overall from Oklahoma State. His defensive prowess earned him spots on the All-Defensive First Team and the coveted Defensive Player of the Year award, a recognition last bestowed to a guard in 1996. Also honored today is former Celtic Semih Erden, who joined the team in 2010, contributing modestly during his tenure. Additionally, the birthday of Bob Duffy reminds fans of the team's rich history, as he played during the Celtics’ initial season in 1946-47.

The Washington Wizards secured a promising future by selecting Tre Johnson, a standout from Texas, with the sixth pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Johnson's impressive stats from his freshman season—averaging 19.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists—highlight his potential to contribute significantly to a struggling Wizards team that finished last season with a dismal 18-64 record.

Head coach Brian Keefe expressed enthusiasm about adding Johnson to the roster, praising his work ethic, shooting ability, and underrated playmaking skills. The Wizards are banking on Johnson being a key player in their efforts to revive the franchise.