Dallas is poised to extend P.J. Washington with a four-year, just-under-$90 million pact, per Marc Stein, as Cooper Flagg arrives as the No.1 pick. Washington’s expiring deal sits around $14.15 million, a pivot point for Dallas’ frontcourt plan as Flagg joins the rotation.

Washington has been a dependable 13.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG contributor when healthy. If inked, Dallas would control him through age 30, anchoring a growing frontline with Lively II and Flagg and keeping fantasy floor solid while upside depends on minutes and health.

Flagg’s presence could shift Washington’s ceiling, but the extension signals patience and a potent core in a crowded big-man league.

Luka Doncic is regarded as an exceptional offensive player, and Kyrie Irving recently shared a glimpse of his dominance during Dallas Mavericks practice. Irving recounted an instance where Doncic scored an astounding 24 points in just three minutes, showcasing his incredible skill. Mavs assistant GM Michael Finley added context by revealing that Doncic responded to trash talk from teammate Grant Williams by leading a 26-6 run, demonstrating his offensive prowess while remaining unfazed by the banter.

The Mavericks, having made a significant trade with the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, now face the challenge of maintaining competitiveness with Doncic as their cornerstone. However, with Irving's injury recovery potentially sidelining him for a portion of the season, the Mavs may find themselves shorthanded. The addition of first overall pick Cooper Flagg adds a sense of optimism for the franchise's future.

LeBron James trade rumors are heating up as speculation about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers continues. A report suggests that a potential return to the Cleveland Cavaliers could unfold, creating a compelling narrative for his storied career. A proposed five-team trade would see LeBron, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler heading to Cleveland, while the Lakers would acquire Lauri Markkanen, De'Andre Hunter, and Max Strus, among others. This trade could reshape the landscape of the NBA, particularly for the Lakers as they look to build around Luka Doncic.

Markkanen, an All-Star, has shown consistent performance with averages of 18.2 points and 7.1 rebounds. Meanwhile, Hunter’s scoring potential adds depth to the Lakers' roster. Strus brings three-and-D capabilities that align with the current defensive strategy necessary for a successful run. The challenge lies in parting with Reaves, a young scorer with upside, which raises questions about the Lakers' long-term strategy. A shift away from LeBron would significantly impact the franchise.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, the franchise made significant moves in the 2019 NBA Draft, selecting four notable players. With the 51st pick, the Celtics acquired Tremont Waters from LSU, who excelled in the G League, earning Rookie of the Year honors with impressive averages. Next, they chose Carsen Edwards at 33rd, who showed potential in the G League but struggled in the NBA with limited scoring. Grant Williams, drafted 22nd, carved out a role in the rotation, while Romeo Langford, selected 14th, faced injuries but displayed defensive talent before being traded to the Spurs.

Today also marks the birthdays of former Celtics players Fab Melo, Darko Milicic, and Rodney Rogers. Melo had a brief stint with the Celtics, while Milicic's time was even shorter, with a single appearance. Rogers contributed solidly in the early 2000s before moving on to free agency.

The Boston Celtics are facing a daunting challenge in their playoff series against the New York Knicks, currently down 2-0. The spotlight is on stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, whose subpar performances have been critical in the Celtics' struggles. Tatum has averaged just 18 points on dismal shooting percentages of 28.6% from the field and 25% from three-point range, while Brown has fared slightly better at 21.5 points but with a 34.9% field goal accuracy and 17.6% from beyond the arc. These numbers have drawn heavy scrutiny as the Celtics look to regroup.

Grant Williams, a former teammate now with the Dallas Mavericks, defended the duo on social media, reminding fans of their playoff prowess and urging them not to let recent performances overshadow their past successes. Williams' comments resonate as both players have proven capable of extraordinary performances in high-pressure situations before. As the Celtics prepare for Game 3, the focus will be on whether Tatum and Brown can shake off their struggles and elevate their game to keep their championship hopes alive.