NBA

Summer league is still getting started and I'm curious what y'all are thinking so far.

I haven't watched every game but I have some thoughts myself. I thought Tim Connelly was crazy for drafting another French center but I understand it now, Joan getting 7 blocks in his first game has convinced me that he can replace (and possibly exceed) Gobert in the future. Dilly, TSJ, and Clark were exciting too, the wolves' young core is looking nice especially on defense.

I had higher hopes for pistons' 2nd round pic Chaz Lanier, I'm hoping he gets some better catch-and-shoot looks going forward but those aren't as common in summer league. Ron Holland on the other hand might as well have been LebRon Holland. 28pts 11reb 3stl 4/5 3pt is impressive, especially the improved shooting, I hope it's not a fluke.

Speaking of fluke, all eyes have been on Cooper Flagg and Bronny James. We'll see in a couple hours if Coop can have a better game today, 5/21 from the field is rough though. Bronny was playing lockdown defense too which seems to be his new identity, we'll see if he can keep this up, he could be a rotational player going forward.

Anyways would love to hear what other people are thinking and feeling so far!

BREAKING: Deandre Ayton has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Between Portland and L.A., Ayton will earn $34 million next season. Agents Nima Namakian of Innovate Sports and Bill Duffy of WME Sports reached the deal with Lakers president Rob Pelinka.

The Lakers find their starting center in Ayton, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick who is the only player in NBA history to average 15+ points and 60%+ shooting in the postseason. He has career averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds on 59% shooting over the last seven seasons.

Ayton will sign a two-year deal with the Lakers, with a player option, sources tell ESPN.

NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has agreed to a four-year, $285 million super maximum contract extension with the champion Oklahoma City Thunder through the 2030-31 season, sources told ESPN on Tuesday.

This is now the richest annual salary for a player in league history.

He has now signed two contract extensions as a member of the Thunder, cementing both sides' partnership and trust since he arrived in Oklahoma City in 2019.

The MPJ trade got them below the tax line enough to pull it off.

Nuggets get:

-Can Johnson

Nets get:

• Michael Porter Jr.
• Unprotected 2032 First Rounder