Samwise NBA Newsletter
Monday, June 22, 2026
Wizards Set to Select BYU Star AJ Dybantsa with No. 1 Pick as 2026 NBA Draft Opens Tuesday
The 2026 NBA Draft arrives Tuesday, June 23, with the Washington Wizards holding the top pick after winning the lottery with a 14 percent chance. Washington is widely expected to select BYU forward AJ Dybantsa at No. 1. The 6-foot-9 freshman led the nation in scoring at 25.5 points per game while averaging 3.7 assists and was a consensus All-American. Utah picks second, followed by Memphis, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Four prospects have drawn top-five consideration: Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson. Round 1 takes place Tuesday, with Round 2 on Wednesday, June 24.
Sources: NBA.com, Yahoo Sports
Heat Lead Giannis Sweepstakes as Bucks Set June 23 Draft-Day Deadline for Trade
The Milwaukee Bucks are racing toward a self-imposed June 23 deadline to resolve the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga ahead of the NBA Draft. The Miami Heat remain the frontrunner, with a package reportedly featuring Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and multiple draft picks under discussion. The Boston Celtics have intensified their pursuit, sweetening their offer, though Miami is still described as holding the edge. A potential three-team deal also involving the Detroit Pistons has been floated. Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam set the draft-day deadline to conclude negotiations, with trade talks described as being in the red zone.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sports
Thunder Deal Aaron Wiggins to Hawks for Draft Picks in Move That Cuts $61 Million in Luxury Tax
The Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to send guard Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for two future second-round picks: Atlanta's 2030 selection and the least favorable between the Hawks' and Lakers' 2032 selections. The deal gives the Thunder significant luxury tax relief, cutting their projected penalty for next season from $213 million to $152 million. Wiggins, 27, spent five seasons in Oklahoma City and started 47 games over the past two years. The Thunder have deep backcourt depth and prioritized financial flexibility over retaining him. The trade cannot be officially completed until July 6 when the NBA's free agent moratorium lifts.
Sources: HoopsHype, Yahoo Sports
Knicks Celebrate First NBA Title Since 1973 with Ticker-Tape Parade Through Canyon of Heroes
New York City celebrated the Knicks' first NBA title since 1973 with a ticker-tape parade through the Canyon of Heroes on June 18. The parade began near Battery Park and traveled north along Broadway to City Hall, where Jalen Brunson and coach Mike Brown delivered speeches before Brunson received the keys to the city. Singer Alicia Keys performed at the ceremony. The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs four games to one in the Finals, with Brunson scoring 45 points in Game 5's 94-90 victory to claim the Bill Russell Trophy as Finals MVP. The 2026 NBA Finals averaged more than 20 million viewers on ABC/ESPN.
Celtics, Spurs and Heat All Pursuing Pistons Center Isaiah Stewart This Offseason
The Detroit Pistons have made center Isaiah Stewart available in trade discussions, with multiple contenders vying for the 6-foot-8 defensive big. The Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, and Milwaukee Bucks are all reported to be at the front of the line for Stewart. Boston is drawn by his defensive versatility and physicality, while San Antonio sees him as a potential frontcourt complement to Victor Wembanyama. Stewart blocked 1.6 shots per game last season and shot 55 percent from the field while averaging 10 points. He is entering the second year of a four-year, $60 million extension with a guaranteed salary of $15 million for 2026-27.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, SI.com
Luka Doncic Sets Offseason Agenda for Lakers: An A-List Center Is Non-Negotiable
Luka Doncic has made his offseason priorities clear to the Los Angeles Lakers, with acquiring an A-list center topping his list of demands heading into 2026-27. Doncic was told by the Lakers that summer of 2026 would be the moment to build around him following his mid-season arrival via trade. The Lakers reportedly have interest in Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons, though the Pistons quickly pushed back on those reports. Walker Kessler and Daniel Gafford have also been named as potential targets. Doncic has been in contact with LeBron James and Austin Reaves since the season ended, though those conversations have not involved recruiting efforts, per reports.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, ESPN
NBA Offseason Begins in Earnest With Draft Tomorrow and Free Agency Opening June 30
The NBA offseason officially began after the Knicks' championship, with the 2026 NBA Draft set for June 23-24 in New York and free agency negotiations opening June 30 at 6 p.m. ET. ESPN's Brian Windhorst identified six major storylines already shaping the offseason, including the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga, the Lakers' roster rebuild around Luka Doncic, and league expansion discussions. Player signings cannot be made official until July 6 when the NBA's moratorium lifts. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both missed time in April with hamstring and oblique injuries, with LeBron James also headlining a pivotal free agent class.
2026 NBA Playoffs — Final Results
Eastern Conference
NBA Finals: New York Knicks def. San Antonio Spurs 4–1 — KNICKS CHAMPIONS
Game 5: Knicks 94–90 Spurs • Brunson: 45 pts, Finals MVP
Game 4 comeback: Largest in Finals history (down 29)
Offseason
NBA Draft: June 23–24 • Free Agency: June 30
Signings official July 6 (moratorium lifts)
Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga: resolution expected June 23
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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