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Cavs’ Darius Garland Undergoes Toe Surgery

June 9th, 2025 at 12:54pm CST by Luke Adams

12:54 pm: Garland will likely miss some time at the start of the 2025/26 season, according to Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).

12:32 pm: Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland underwent surgery on Monday to repair the great toe injury that hampered him in the postseason, according to a press release from the team. The procedure was performed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

According to the Cavaliers, Garland’s status will be “updated as appropriate” in approximately four or five months, following a progression of treatment and rehabilitation. While that statement suggests Garland’s availability for the start of the season is in doubt, the team’s announcement also says he’s expected to make a full recovery and resume basketball activities before training camp begins.

Given that those two timelines contradict one another, Garland’s recovery process will be worth monitoring in the coming months. Either way, it sounds like he’ll spend the entire offseason recovering from the procedure and doing rehab work on his toe.

Garland’s injury, which the Cavs referred to as a left great toe sprain, sidelined him for the final two games of the team’s first-round series vs. Miami and the first two games of the second-round series vs. Indiana.

Although he was able to return for Game 3 and played in the final three games of Cleveland’s season, the 25-year-old didn’t look like his usual self, making just 13-of-38 shots from the floor (34.2%), including 3-of-18 three-pointers (16.7%), and racking up as many turnovers as assists (12 apiece).

During the regular season, Garland was a key reason why the Cavs won a conference-high 64 games. He averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists per night with a career-high 47.2% mark on shots from the floor. His 75 games played also represented a career high.

Multiple reports since the Cavs were eliminated have indicated that the club might be more willing than in the past to entertain the idea of trading Garland this offseason. However, Cleveland is unlikely to move him unless the front office can find a deal that improves the roster – or at least doesn’t hurt it – while creating a more favorable cap situation going forward. Extracting that sort of value figures to be more difficult now that Garland is recovering from a surgical procedure.

Bryson Graham, Peter Dinwiddie Joining Hawks’ Front Office

June 9th, 2025 at 11:02am CST by Arthur Hill

The Hawks are making two significant additions to their front office, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN. Atlanta is finalizing deals with Pelicans general manager Bryson Graham to become senior vice president of basketball operations and Sixers executive Peter Dinwiddie as senior vice president of strategy and analytics.

Graham, who began his career as an intern with New Orleans in 2010, was promoted to general manager last summer when Trajan Langdon left for Detroit. He was kept in place when new executive VP of basketball operations Joe Dumars revamped the Pelicans’ management team after taking over in April.

Charania notes that Graham is credited with identifying underrated talents in the draft such as Trey Murphy, Herbert Jones, Yves Missi, Jose Alvarado, Naji Marshall and Jordan Hawkins. He also was on the staff that drafted Dyson Daniels, who captured Most Improved Player honors after being traded from New Orleans to Atlanta last summer.

Dinwiddie came to Philadelphia in 2020 after spending 14 seasons with the Pacers, where he served as senior VP of basketball operations.

The hirings continue an offseason makeover after the Hawks were eliminated in the play-in tournament. General manager Landry Fields was fired in April, with assistant general manager Onsi Saleh being promoted to take his place. According to Charania, Graham and Dinwiddie will both report to Saleh.

The organization is in the midst of a search for a new president of basketball operations, and sources tell Charania that whoever is hired will complement Saleh and the rest of the staff. There have also been rumors that the Hawks may abandon the idea of finding a new president and bring in a senior advisor to work with Saleh.

Fischer: Celtics Listening To Offers For Jrue Holiday

June 9th, 2025 at 9:04am CST by Arthur Hill

The Celtics are “most definitely listening” to trade offers for Jrue Holiday, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports in his latest Substack column (subscription required).

Boston has been expected to consider parting with the former All-Star as it tries to duck below the second apron for next season. The Celtics would face a historic payroll/tax bill by keeping the current roster together, and their chances to compete for a title have been lessened by Jayson Tatum‘s Achilles injury.

Holiday, who’ll turn 35 this week, is coming off another productive season, although his scoring average (11.1 PPG) was his lowest since his rookie year. He also contributed 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 62 games while playing 30.6 minutes per night and posting a .443/.353/.909 shooting line.

He’s a six-time All-Defensive honoree and remains one of the league’s top perimeter defenders.

Holiday has an expensive price tag after signing a four-year, $134.4MM extension last spring. He’ll make $32.4MM next season, $34.8MM in 2026/27 and holds a $37.2MM player option for 2027/28.

While the Celtics are trying to cut costs, they’ll almost certainly have to take back at least one contract in a Holiday deal, notes Brian Robb of MassLive. Brooklyn is the only team that could absorb Holiday into cap space, while anyone else would have to send back a minimum of $22.25MM in salary in June or nearly $24MM in July.

The Mavericks and Clippers are among the teams that have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Holiday, although it has been suggested that L.A.’s interest is exaggerated.

Don Nelson Chosen For Lifetime Achievement Award By NBCA

June 8th, 2025 at 1:21pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Don Nelson has been selected for the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Basketball Coaches Association announced via a press release (Twitter link).

Nelson is already a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as one of only two coaches in NBA history to lead three teams to at least 250 wins. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, the NBCA president, said via a statement that Nelson was also one of the league’s greatest innovators.

“History has already reflected Don Nelson’s staggering contributions as a cutting-edge innovator and visionary of the NBA game,” Carlisle stated. “Back in the ’80s and ’90s, he made teams adjust to historic pace, liberal 3-point shooting, inverted offense, and disruptive defensive schemes. All this while establishing himself as one of the most compelling personalities in all of professional sports. I’m certain that Chuck Daly would agree that our beloved ‘Nellie’ is most deserving of this prestigious recognition.”

Nelson served as an NBA head coach for 31 seasons with the Bucks, Warriors, Knicks and Mavericks. During his career, he amassed a 1,335-1063 (.557) record and currently ranks second all-time in wins and games coached (2,398).

“I’m extremely grateful and humbled to receive this incredible honor and join the exclusive list of coaches who have preceded me,” Nelson said. “Chuck Daly was a dear friend of mine and someone I respected immensely due to his class, character, and of course, his coaching ability. He may not have influenced my wardrobe, but Chuck certainly had a lasting impact on my coaching philosophy, style, and most importantly, how I managed the personalities on a roster. Chuck was an absolute genius in all facets of the game and life. I’m glad I had the opportunity to coach against him, learn from him, and benefit from his knowledge. To say that I’m deeply touched to receive an award that bears his name would be an understatement. This is special.”

During his playing career, Nelson helped the Celtics win five championships (1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, and 1976) and was an “iron man” who appeared in 465 consecutive games. Nelson began his coaching career in 1976 and retired in 2010 after a stint with Golden State.

Nelson also served as head coach of the 1994 U.S. National Team (Dream Team II) at the FIBA World Championship. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2012.

The NBCA award is determined annually by a selection committee. Rudy Tomjanovich was last year’s recipient.

Zach Edey To Have Ankle Surgery, May Miss Start Of Next Season

June 7th, 2025 at 2:22pm CST by Arthur Hill

Zach Edey will undergo surgery after re-spraining his left ankle during a workout this week, the Grizzlies announced (via Twitter). Medical imaging on the ankle revealed “excessive ligamentous laxity,” the team stated, and the procedure will “address the laxity and re-stabilize his ankle.”

The Grizzlies said a recovery timeline won’t be set until after the surgery is complete, but Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link) reports that Edey will likely miss the beginning of next season.

“After consulting with the Grizzlies and multiple specialists, we decided this is the best approach for Zach long-term as it gets him back to 100% with no limitations,” Edey’s agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, told Charania (Twitter link). “He will make a full recovery and be back better than ever.”

Edey turned in a strong rookie season after being selected with the ninth pick in last year’s draft. He started 55 of the 66 games he played while averaging 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 21.5 minutes per night and posting .580/.346/.709 shooting numbers.

Edey was a first-team All-Rookie selection and finished fifth in the Rookie of the Year balloting.

Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal points out that Edey dealt with left ankle issues throughout the season. He first injured the ankle during Summer League action and later suffered another ankle injury that sidelined him for 12 games.

His injury could cause the Grizzlies to be in the market for frontcourt depth this summer. They own the 48th and 56th picks in the upcoming draft.

Rival Teams Skeptical Giannis Will Request Trade?

June 7th, 2025 at 11:09am CST by Rory Maher

While he cautioned that it’s too early to say what might happen, and things could change later this month, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line recently said on a Bleacher Report live stream (YouTube link) that rival teams have become skeptical that Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will request a trade out of Milwaukee.

“Honestly, right now I’d say the prevailing sentiment from rival teams that I’m speaking to — around the combine two weeks ago, two and a half weeks ago — there was no shortage of optimism, of hope, of excitement from other teams that they were going to be able to potentially make an offer to get Giannis Antetokounmpo into their franchise, into their building,” Fischer said (hat tip to RealGM).

“Of late, I’d say that that confidence has been replaced with skepticism. To a man, from talking to agents, team executives, whoever, there is not a lot of belief right now at this juncture. It’s only June 5th — anything could happen — and I’ve been told all along that if there is a decision, a formal decision made to shut or open the door on trade conversations for Giannis this summer, that it would likely happen closer to the end of June and when the offseason really, really begins.

“But I’d say for now, for now, talking to people around the league, the assessment and the expectation is that they’re going to believe it when they see it — that someone who has valued being the franchise face, that the central linchpin of the Bucks franchise, is going to want to play somewhere else.”

The two-time MVP is reportedly mulling his future in Milwaukee and is expected to let the Bucks know at some point soon whether he remains committed to the team or would prefer to seek a change of scenery. While Shams Charania of ESPN reported a few weeks ago that Antetokounmpo is more “open-minded” than in the past about taking the latter route, there has been no indication to this point that he’s looking to leave the Bucks.

Fischer’s comments echo reporting from Brian Lewis of The New York Post, who wrote that NBA personnel he’s spoken to recently have been expressing less confidence about Giannis asking to be traded this summer.

Windhorst: Cavs Listening To Offers For Darius Garland

June 7th, 2025 at 9:44am CST by Rory Maher

Appearing on 850 ESPN Cleveland (Twitter video link), ESPN insider Brian Windhorst said the Cavaliers are listening to trade offers for point guard Darius Garland and are “open-minded” about the possibility of moving him if it improves their roster.

“The interesting thing about the Cavs is a year ago, there was some belief that Darius Garland may want to get traded,” Windhorst said (hat tip to RealGM). “That was definitely out there, that if Donovan (Mitchell) extended his contract then maybe Darius would want to get traded. And the message that was very hard out there, (president of basketball operations) Koby (Altman) was on the record I’m pretty sure even saying, ‘We’re not trading Darius Garland.’

“A year later, I think there’s some belief that Darius Garland might be available under the right circumstances,” Windhorst continued. “And I don’t think Darius Garland wants to go anywhere. I think Darius Garland is very happy with how things have developed in Cleveland and he really likes it, he likes the role that he’s got.

“But I think the Cavs are listening and open-minded without actively trying to think that they need to change their roster.”

In a separate podcast appearance with ESPN Cleveland’s Chris Oldach (YouTube link), Windhorst clarified that the Cavaliers are concerned about the roster-building restrictions of being a second-apron team, which is why they’re active in trade talks.

“What I’m trying to say here is that executing a significant trade is going to be hard for them,” Windhorst said. “They’re definitely open to it. I definitely think they’re willing to discuss options. I think last year, ironically, when they were coming off a quote-unquote more questionable season, they were much less interested in adjusting and listening to options than they are now.

“Talking to teams out there, I think the Cavs are much more open-minded regardless of what Koby said. However, it’s not that they’re open-minded necessarily because they think this team needs to be renovated. They’re open-minded because they realize once the second apron comes a lot of doors get closed.

“... I think they’re active without being aggressive,” Windhorst added.

Windhorst’s reporting is more or less confirmation of what Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com recently reported, that the Cavaliers are more open to entertaining offers for Garland and Jarrett Allen than they have been in the past, though Windhorst didn’t explicitly mention Allen by name.

Garland, 25, made his second All-Star appearance in 2024/25, averaging 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals on .472/.401/.878 shooting in a career-best 75 regular season games (30.7 minutes per contest). However, he aggravated a toe injury in Cleveland’s first-round sweep of Miami, wound up missing four playoff games, and was hindered in his return to the court during the Cavs’ second-round loss to Indiana.

De’Aaron Fox Hopes To Sign Extension With Spurs

June 6th, 2025 at 9:00pm CST by Eli Cohen

Despite playing just 17 games with the Spurs following a mid-season three-team trade, De’Aaron Fox is already thinking long-term, according to Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle.

Starting August 3, Fox will be eligible for a four-year extension worth up to a projected $229MM, and according to Lerner, he is looking forward to signing that offer if San Antonio puts it on the table. Asked if he was optimistic about reaching terms with the Spurs, he said, “I would definitely hope so.”

Fox, who currently has one year and $37MM left on his contract, looks to be an integral part of the Spurs’ outlook as they continue to search the market for impact players to add to the core anchored by Victor Wembanyama.

Armed with the second and 14th picks in the 2025 draft, as well as several young veterans like Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan on deals that could be valuable on their own or as salary-matching pieces in larger trades, the team has a wide range of options to consider this summer.

There are concerns with how Fox, reigning rookie of the year Stephon Castle, and projected No. 2 pick Dylan Harper will coexist as three guards with shaky jump shots and – in the case of Fox and Harper particularly – a skill set best suited to having the ball in their hands, but it’s unlikely that Fox would be the odd man out after the former All-Star pushed for a trade to the Spurs last season.

In his 17 games for San Antonio last season, Fox averaged 19.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 27.4% from three. While the scoring and shooting numbers would rank as some of the lowest of his career, he was both adjusting to just the second NBA team of his career and also dealing with tendon damage in the pinkie of his shooting hand, an injury that eventually sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

“I’m doing well. The surgery went fine,” Fox said when asked about the injury. “I’ve been cleared so I played a little five-on-five and I’ve done contact stuff, so I’ll be ready for next year.”

Suns Officially Announce Jordan Ott As Head Coach

June 6th, 2025 at 2:25pm CST by Luke Adams

As expected, the Suns have hired Jordan Ott as their new head coach.

Word broke on Wednesday that Phoenix had chosen Ott over fellow Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant to replace Mike Budenholzer. Now, the Suns have officially confirmed the news in a press release.

“Jordan embodies the culture of excellence and accountability we’re going to prioritize,” Suns owner Mat Ishbia said in a statement. “He is young, hungry and is ready to be an NBA head coach. His track record of developing players, fostering team chemistry, and his understanding of the game at the highest level are essential skills to how we are building for our future.”

Ott, who shares Michigan State ties with Ishbia and general manager Brian Gregory, spent the past season in Cleveland under Kenny Atkinson after previously spending time as an assistant with the Lakers and Nets. In today’s press release , the Suns highlight the fact that Ott “worked closely” with big man Evan Mobley, who was named the Defensive Player of the Year and made an All-NBA team for the first time this season.

Ott issued a statement of his own in which he thanked the Suns for the opportunity and vowed to build a hard-working, winning culture in Phoenix. Gregory, meanwhile, stated that the Suns chose Ott after conducting an “extensive” search for Budenholzer’s replacement.

“Jordan’s leadership and basketball intellect consistently stood out, combining a brilliant mind as an offensive strategist with the blueprint to employ an aggressive defensive system,” Gregory said. “A strong communicator with a relentless work ethic, he shares our vision of establishing a team identity rooted in toughness, accountability and a systematic approach to the game. Jordan attacks every day with the grit and competitiveness we need in a leader of our culture, and we are excited to welcome him and his family to Phoenix.”

Ott, who will be the Suns’ fourth head coach in the past four seasons, reportedly agreed to a four-year contract with the organization.

The Knicks are now the only NBA team without a head coach in place.

Knicks Expected To Request Permission To Talk To Mavs’ Kidd

June 6th, 2025 at 11:14am CST by Luke Adams

The Knicks, who have a newly created head coaching vacancy after parting ways with Tom Thibodeau earlier this week, are expected to ask the Mavericks for permission to speak to Dallas head coach Jason Kidd, reports Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Substack link).

Stein, who identified Kidd on Wednesday as a potential target for the Knicks, says sources have described New York’s interest in the Mavs coach as “serious,” adding that some people in coaching circles believe he’s the Knicks’ top target to replace Thibodeau.

The Knicks were also said to be interested in Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, but multiple reporters – including Stein – have stated that Houston has no interest in granting New York permission to speak to Udoka. Stein hasn’t been able to confirm if the Mavs would take a similar position with Kidd.

Kidd was initially hired by former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban in 2021, a little before Nico Harrison came aboard as the team’s head of basketball operations. Given that Cuban is no longer running the show in Dallas and Harrison didn’t hire Kidd himself, it’s possible the Mavs wouldn’t be as attached to him as the Rockets are to Udoka.

Kidd signed a contract extension with the Mavericks in May of 2024. According to Stein, that deal tacked on two years to Kidd’s previous contract, which would’ve expired at the end of 2024/25.

In the past, there have been instances where a team gave up draft compensation in order to hire a head coach away from another franchise — in fact, as Stein notes, that has happened before with Kidd, as the Bucks sent a pair of second-rounders to hire him away from the Nets in 2014. It remains to be seen whether the Knicks would be willing to take a similar route to hire Kidd.

Although Kidd has spoken about how he wasn’t involved in the unpopular decision to trade Luka Doncic in February, he’s believed to still be happy in Dallas and is excited about the opportunity to coach Cooper Flagg, according to Stein. Kidd also has strong relationships with current Mavs stars Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.

Even if Kidd ends up staying put, the Mavs’ coaching staff seems likely to undergo some changes this offseason. Assistants Sean Sweeney and Jared Dudley both received consideration in Phoenix’s coaching search, according to Stein, who reports that the Spurs have expressed interest in trying to hire Sweeney as an assistant, while the Grizzlies recently spoke to Dudley about a role on their staff. Both San Antonio (Mitch Johnson) and Memphis (Tuomas Iisalo) have first-time head coaches who were promoted during the 2024/25 season and will be entering their first full seasons as head coaches in ’25/26.

The Mavs already lost one key assistant – Alex Jensen – earlier this year, when he agreed to become the new head coach at the University of Utah. Stein hears that Dallas has targeted former NBA head coach Jay Triano to replace Jensen, though Triano is believed to be receiving interest from other NBA teams as well.

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