Basketball news

• UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. would add depth, reliability to Lakers’ big man rotation

  18-06-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The 2026 NBA Draft is on the horizon, bringing one of the most significant dates on the league’s calendar. Childhood dreams of making it to the NBA will be achieved. UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. is one of the most physically imposing prospects in this year’s NBA draft.NBAE via Getty ImagesTeams will turn draft assets into tangible players who they hope will contribute to winning in the short- and long-term future.And in the background, teams will continue to explore the op
  
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• Thousands of Knicks fans celebrate big win with joyous New York parade: ‘We family now’

  18-06-2026 18:38 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Knicks fans cheer as a float carrying Karl Anthony Towns with the championship trophy passes by during a parade in New York on Thursday.Photograph: Julius Constantine Motal/The GuardianThousands of Knicks fans – decked out in blue and orange jerseys, shorts, hats, necklaces and more – gathered in downtown New York City on Thursday to celebrate the team’s NBA championship in a lively ticker-tape parade.All along Church Street, the street running parallel to the parade route, fan
  
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• Trae Young reportedly will opt out of $48.9 million for next season, likely staying in Washington

  18-06-2026 18:24 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Every step of this — including the ones likely to come — has been expected.Washington Wizards point guard Trae Young will decline his $48.9 million player option for next season, something first reported by Marc Spears of ESPN.In something that may seem counterintuitive, this just means Young is more likely to stay in Washington.As reported before here at NBC Sports, the expectation in league circles for some time was that Young would opt out, then re-sign with the Wizards on a multi
  
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• Cavs final report card: Keon Ellis

  18-06-2026 18:11 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Apr 6, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis (14) and guard Dennis Schroder (8) react during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images When the Cleveland Cavaliers sent De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings, the “prize” of the trade was getting Keon Ellis in return. Ellis looked poised to be a disruptive defender on the perimeter and someone who could re
  
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• Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart throw out first pitches at Yankee Stadium as Knicks celebrate NBA title

  18-06-2026 18:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  NEW YORK — The New York Knicks’ victory tour following their first NBA championship since 1973 made another stop when Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart threw out ceremonial first pitches at Yankee Stadium.Before the Yankees played the Chicago White Sox, Brunson and Hart were met with a standing ovation and loud cheers from fans as they took the field to a montage of highlights from the title run.Standing in front of the mound and wearing Yankees pinstripes, Brunson made his toss to backup
  
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• Trae Young declines $48.9M option — free agency move likely leads back to Wizards

  18-06-2026 18:09 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Washington Wizards star Trae Young has declined his $48.97 million player option for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, electing to test free agency for the first time in his career.According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Young’s decision to opt out did not come as a surprise to league insiders. Many expect him to ultimately re-sign with the Wizards on a lucrative three-year deal."He's going to re-sign with the Wizards, likely on a three-year, very large contract."@Windhorstespn gives an
  
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• The Knicks won it all, but their role players won fantasy basketball drafts, too

  18-06-2026 17:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Jalen Brunson had the better basketball season by any traditional measure — a 26-point, 6.8-assist campaign capped with All-Star, All-NBA, NBA Cup MVP, Finals MVP and the Knicks' first title since 1973. But in 9-category fantasy basketball, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges quietly outperformed him, finishing 34th and 43rd to Brunson's 46th, despite neither averaging more than 17 points a game. Their value came from being the perfect complements: defense, efficiency and executing their roles.An
  
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• Know the draft prospect: Dillon Mitchell

  18-06-2026 17:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Dillon Mitchell #1 of the St. John's Red Storm dribbles during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images Depending on how the board falls, St. John’s forward Dillon Mitchell could be available when New York is on the clock on draft night next week.
  
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• Chris Cenac is a great fit for the Sixers’ current roster and future

  18-06-2026 17:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 26: Chris Cenac Jr. #5 of the Houston Cougars shoots the ball against Tomislav Ivisic #13 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images For the next month before the 2026 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which pla
  
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• 2026 NBA Mock Draft: Caleb Wilson goes to the Bulls, Henri Veesaar to the Cavaliers

  18-06-2026 17:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: Caleb Wilson shoots the ball during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Tamez/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images We are less than a week away from the 2026 NBA Dra
  
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• 2026 NBA Mock Draft: Nets bet big on Nate Ament at No. 6; Keaton Wagler slides down board

  18-06-2026 16:22 via cbssports.com
  
  Now less than a week away from the NBA Draft, there are still plenty of unknowns in the talent-rich top 10.
  
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• Three areas the Spurs can improve to take another leap

  18-06-2026 16:17 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson speaks during his press conference prior to game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images | Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images The San Antonio Spurs came up short in the Finals, but it’s unfair to call the season a failure because of the growth shown and the bonds strengthened in 2025-26. Fortunately, for them, their mighty nucleus is still in its infancy and
  
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• Bucks trade ideas that don’t involve Giannis: Back to winning

  18-06-2026 16:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 28: Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball over Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks at Smoothie King Center on March 28, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images The NBA draft is under a week away
  
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• 2026 NBA Draft odds: Intrigue starts with Clippers at No. 5 overall, and best betting value is Keaton Wagler

  18-06-2026 15:40 via cbssports.com
  
  Who will the Clippers select at No. 5 overall in next Tuesday's NBA Draft?
  
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• SEE IT: Best moments from Knicks championship parade

  18-06-2026 15:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Knicks fans have waited a long time to see their team parade through the Canyon of Heroes, but on Thursday that dream has become reality.As fans flooded the streets of lower Manhattan — many arriving in the very early morning hours — let's take a look a some of the top moments as the Knicks and their fans soak in their NBA title."I straight up cried."Knicks fans tell @ChelseaSherrod how they reacts to OG Anunoby's game-winning tip-in in Game 4 of the NBA Finals pic.twitter.com/wdknDr
  
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• It’s worth the wait

  18-06-2026 15:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 13: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks lifts the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Image
  
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• DR Congo, Harry Kane shine at World Cup; who will win it all at the U.S. Open?

  18-06-2026 15:12 via cbssports.com
  
  Plus, five college football teams poised to smash their win totals this season
  
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• James Dolan says Knicks won't go into second apron to keep team together after championship

  18-06-2026 15:08 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  New York Knicks owner James Dolan is willing to write "as big a check as possible" to keep his championship roster intact this offseason … but only to a certain point. Dolan said he's unwilling to put the team into the second apron despite its championship.Dolan made those comments during an appearance on WFAN in New York, directly saying, "We cannot go into the second apron." He repeated that sentiment multiple times during the appearance, calling going into the second apron "suicidal" a
  
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• Knicks Bulletin: ‘There’s certain things in the NBA that you’d have to be suicidal to do’

  18-06-2026 15:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  BRONX, NY - JUNE 17: Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart of the New York Knicks smile after throwing out the First Pitch at the New York Yankees Game on June 17, 2026 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Ryan Stetz/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Imag
  
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• Eight Champions in Eight Years: Why Not the Wolves?

  18-06-2026 15:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 08: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Ima
  
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• Draymond Green On Cameron Boozer

  18-06-2026 14:58 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Draymond Green is kind of nuts when he’s working, but no one can deny that he’s an incredibly smart basketball player. He’s built a career as a 6-6 center, at least on defense, something we don’t think anyone has done since Wes Unseld. And while the Warriors have occasionally had big men, as they now have 7-2 Kristaps Porzingis, Green has played the post for most of his career and will probably do it at times again next season. So while at times he can seem loony (like wh
  
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• Trae Young is reportedly declining his player option, so what does that mean for his free agency?

  18-06-2026 14:52 via cbssports.com
  
  Young, in turning down his $49 million option, clearly thinks there are better options out there, but it's unclear where
  
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• The New York Knicks championship run brings back memories to Villanova’s glory days

  18-06-2026 14:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Jalen Brunson C of New York Knicks holds the MVP trophy during the awarding ceremony after the final game 5 between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at the 2025-2026 NBA basketball game in San Antonio, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua via Getty Images) It’s parade day in New York City.The New York Knicks are celebrating something that will live forever in that city and around the fanbase — an NBA Championship.As a fan of both the Knicks and Villanov
  
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• What is the new normal for Joel Embiid?

  18-06-2026 14:44 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 08: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
  
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• Knicks star Jalen Brunson solidified himself as all-time great with NBA title run

  18-06-2026 14:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The 2025-26 Knicks championship run, aside from being euphoric, historically impressive and unifying, was validating. It validated Leon Rose, who built a team like a family and made good moves to reach this pinnacle.It validated Mike Brown and Karl-Anthony Towns, two talents who could never get over the hump. But maybe more than anybody, it validated Jalen Brunson, an all-time great playoff performer who was a championship shy of pantheon status.Now he’s got it, and despite the best e
  
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• What can Dallas learn from this dominant title run of the New York Knicks? The answer is a lot

  18-06-2026 14:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 13: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks celebrate after the victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
  
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• Where do the 2025-26 Knicks rank among the best teams in franchise history?

  18-06-2026 14:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  A playoff win streak of 13 games and a handful of miraculous moments played a part in the Knicks securing their third championship in franchise history and the first NBA title in 53 years. After the near two-month jaunt of playoff basketball, it’s fair to ask where this Knicks team ranks among the greatest squads in the franchise’s history. The Knicks had a really strong regular season, winning 53 games, and took home the NBA Cup championship.Let’s look at where the 2025-2
  
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• Draft Slot History: Best players ever selected at picks 50 through 41

  18-06-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Five days until the NBA Draft, which means it’s time to continue our countdown of the best players selected at every draft position in NBA history. Why? Because I wanted to know, I wanted to do the thought exercise…and it sure was an exercise. But along the way, I learned some things I did not know, and am here to report back what I have found. Recapping yesterday, here is where we currently sit for the players drafted 60 through 51:PickPlayerYear60Michael Cooper197859Pat Cummings19
  
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• Brayden Burries could be instant playmaker for Warriors

  18-06-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Warriors possess the No. 11 pick in this month’s NBA draft.Who they pick with their highest selection since 2021 could hold the cards to not only the final years of Steph Curry’s career but also the future direction of the franchise.Former Arizona star guard Brayden Burries has the Warriors’ attention ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThis week, we are profiling five possible prospects GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. could target.Continuing with Part 2:Brayde
  
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• Open Thread: Analytics reveal the Spurs had the best odds of winning the NBA Finals

  18-06-2026 13:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 13: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game during Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Jess
  
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