Brooklyn eyes a bold offseason pivot by exploring RJ Barrett from Toronto as a potential cornerstone upgrade. The plan hinges on leveraging cap space and extra draft capital to land Barrett and a 2031 second-round pick, while Brooklyn’s long-term flexibility remains a priority. Barrett’s two-year, roughly 27.7M and 29.6M salaries add value without crippling the books, keeping Nets in play for further moves.

Barrett, 25, averaged over 21 points with strong 3-point shooting and a well-rounded stat line, offering a forward who can score, distribute, and defend. The deal also contemplates a third-team dynamic with Boston, illustrating Nets’ willingness to facilitate while preserving future assets. Verdict leans toward push for Barrett if the right terms surface.

In this framework, Brooklyn could pair Barrett with Bridges and a retooled rotation, potentially reshaping its ceiling for 2025-26. The trade would hinge on Boston’s willingness to part with a 2031 pick and the Raptors’ appetite for a credible asset haul to offset Barrett’s cost and draw a path to contention.

The Denver Nuggets are making significant changes to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming NBA season. Key acquisitions include Cam Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas, who are expected to bolster the team's chances of competing for another title. However, these changes may affect the playing time of younger players like Peyton Watson. Watson, who has had a rocky start with the Nuggets, may find his role diminished as the team experiments with new lineups. Projections suggest Watson could be looking at a three-year extension worth between $25-30 million, but there are doubts about whether the Nuggets will invest in him given their recent roster changes.

Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks' first overall draft pick, has made a substantial impact during his brief college career at Duke, solidifying his status as a top prospect. Named the ACC Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Athlete of the Year, Flagg led Duke to a Final Four appearance. Recently, he added another accolade by winning the ESPY for Best Men's College Athlete, surpassing notable competitors like Travis Hunter and Wyatt Hendrickson.

While he showcased impressive stats in the NBA Summer League, averaging 20.5 points and 5.0 rebounds over two games, the Mavericks have opted to manage his workload carefully. Fans are eager to see how Flagg translates his collegiate success into professional play, especially with high expectations surrounding his career.

Tennessee basketball alumni are making waves at the NBA 2K26 Summer League, with nine former Vols showcasing their skills. The event runs from July 10-20 in Las Vegas, and notable names like Kennedy Chandler, who previously played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets, highlight the list. Jordan Gainey has signed with the Phoenix Suns after transferring from USC Upstate, while Josiah-Jordan James joins the Indiana Pacers. Other key players include Tyreke Key with the Toronto Raptors, Dalton Knecht drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, and Chaz Lanier selected by the Detroit Pistons. Jahmai Mashack and Jaden Springer also bring their talents, aiming to establish themselves in the NBA.

Anthony Davis underwent surgery to repair a detached retina, a condition that he played through during the previous NBA season. Expected to be ready for the start of training camp for the 2025-26 season, this will mark Davis's first pre-season with the Dallas Mavericks after his mid-season trade from the Los Angeles Lakers.

In his Dallas debut, he impressed by scoring 26 points and grabbing 16 rebounds but also battled an adductor strain that sidelined him for six weeks. With the Mavs' star guard Kyrie Irving recovering from a serious knee injury, Davis's presence will be crucial. The team also looks forward to integrating Cooper Flagg, the top pick from last month’s draft, aiming to bolster their performance in the upcoming season.