Ted Leonsis floated a DC-centered consolidation plan, eyeing the Washington Nationals or D.C. United to join his Capitals and Wizards on a single platform with shared data, payroll, and HR. The Lerners have not sold the Nationals despite market chatter. Leonsis also emphasized staying local, recounting a Chelsea bid as inauthentic and underscoring a commitment to the District’s sports landscape.

Brooklyn reshapes its guard group by adding Kobe Bufkin in a trade with Atlanta and then waiving Keon Johnson, signaling a push for more youth and depth behind Cam Thomas. Johnson’s strong defensive role and multi-year scoring upside were weighed against the crowded backcourt and looming rookie integration.

Bufkin brings another quick, versatile guard to Brooklyn, potentially easing Thomas and offering defensive length. The Nets stay under the cap as they balance minutes among five first-round rookies and a young core, with Johnson hitting free agency unless claimed off waivers.

Milwaukee pivots from star-driven risk toward a win-now, space-based arsenal, stretching Damian Lillard’s deal to protect future flexibility while chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s prime. The plan replaces Brook Lopez with Myles Turner and fills the roster with shooting and veteran depth, betting that a healthy Giannis can elevate the supporting cast to a deep playoff run.

Even with Lillard’s Achilles setback, Milwaukee argues the path preserves cap room and roster cohesion, placing trust in Porter Jr., Cole Anthony, Gary Trent Jr. and others to stabilize non-Giannis minutes. If the chemistry clicks, the Bucks could reclaim elite three-point efficiency and defensive resilience, making the 2025-26 season a crucial hinge point for Giannis’ legacy and the franchise's trajectory.