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"Do you have a sense for who those teams are, who are the real contenders if LeBron doesn't come back?" Ramona Shelburne: "For me, it's pretty simple. It's either the Lakers, Cleveland, or Golden State. I would be really surprised if it's not one of those three. I think there's other teams that would make sense, but I don't see those as realistic."
Tim Bontemps: "Isaiah Hartenstein has this $28.5 million team option and I would say of those three guys, he is the most likely guy to be back. However, I would guess that what will end up happening there is he will sign a longer-term deal for a lower number because the Thunder have some ability to handle those negotiations with that team option and get Hartenstein some longer-term money and also lower their bill for this upcoming season."
Mike James’ future has taken an unexpected turn. Just when everything pointed to the American point guard joining Barça for the upcoming season and a deal was finalized between the two parties, the agreement was annulled and we are back at square one. This was reported by Basketnews and confirmed a few minutes later by Catalan radio station RAC1, who reported that the Catalan club and the player will not continue talks. This decision has surprised everyone because it was practically a given that James would wear the Barcelona jersey.
Shams Charania: Memphis Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is exercising his $21.6 million player option for the 2026-27 season, sources tell ESPN.
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San Antonio could use a backup stretch big as it reloads for next season, and a combo stretch big man who can start and possibly play alongside Wembanyama in bigger lineups such as Rui Hachimura. The opportunity to play alongside Wembanyama, the franchise's success, its culture and collective youth make San Antonio a preferred destination, sources said, adding that multiple big men are already trying to get to south Texas.
NBA Courtside: Paul Pierce says whatever the Lakers do this offseason, they have to get more athletic: “Because you’re looking at OKC and the Spurs, their perimeters, their centers. Like, you have to get more athletic and you have to get faster. Like, you can’t be an old team. You need somebody that can get up and down the court and pick up. Because it’s major guard play in the West. You got to focus on your guard play. Do you see what’s running the league right now? Brunson just won MVP. You got to have major guard play.” (Via @NFGShow)
League sources say Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart is available. The Pistons, in search of additional shooting and playmakers, appear ready to rely on seventh-year big man Paul Reed in an increased role. Stewart has two years and a combined $30 million left on his deal (team option in the second season). Detroit, which is believed to be among the suitors for Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves if he makes it to unrestricted free agency, is also said to be interested in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Isaiah Joe.
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Q. Have you ever been asked as a in consultant role or even just in conversation about how you would address what they should do next or what they should do first? Kendall Gill: No, I' I've never been asked those questions. Q. What would you tell them? Gill: I would tell them exactly what I just told you. And then I would also tell them that, and I know it's going to take a lot of money. I've discussed this with you guys as well. I know it's going to take a lot of money, but I would definitely try to go back after Ayo Dosunmu as well. And I know that Ayo, from my conversations with him this summer, would be open to it, but it's going to take a lot to get him back. But that's what I would do.
Jose Alvarado: I always made my way. So, it was always like, "Yo, every time I got to come here, I got to prove to myself." And that's what my life is about, and that's fine with me, though. Q. So, even after being an NBA champion, now you still got that chip on your shoulder? Alvarado: Hell yeah, I got it. First of all, I got to go get paid. Q. Hopefully you’ll get the big contract, which you should. Alvarado: Yeah, hopefully, God willing. I want to be in this for a long time. I love this life, I love the NBA life. It feeds my family and it puts me in rooms where I can never be at. I'm here with y'all, you know what I'm saying? So, I got to work.
Bobby Marks: Speaking of paying, we're going to probably have an eye on Karl-Anthony Towns. He is extension eligible. Jay, how about this number? Four years, $272 million. That is what Towns is extension eligible for. He's got two years left. He's got a player option for that second year. They can negotiate right now and he can sign that on July 6th. That's the number to certainly keep an eye on. Remember Jalen Brunson had given back some money. Mikal Bridges, will there be a compromise with Towns? Josh Hart is also extension eligible. Also, McBride, but Towns is going to be the player to focus on when we're looking at that next big contract here.
![“[Zach LaVine and his agency] are not leaving that …](https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/gcdn/content-pipeline-sports-images/sports2/nba/players/743777.png?format=png8&auto=webp&quality=85,75&width=140)
Sactown Sports 1140: “[Zach LaVine and his agency] are not leaving that money on the table. So, he's not opting out." @sam_amick joined @CarmichaelDave & @JasonRoss1140 to share his intel on Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine's pending $49 million player option:
