Samwise NBA Newsletter
Monday, June 15, 2026
Knicks Win First NBA Title in 53 Years, Beat Spurs in Five
The New York Knicks won the 2026 NBA championship Saturday, June 13, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 in San Antonio to take the series 4-1. It is the franchise’s first title since 1973. Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 45 points, including three free throws that gave New York a lead it never surrendered. The Knicks stole the first two games in San Antonio and erased a 29-point deficit to win Game 4 on OG Anunoby’s last-second tip-in, the largest comeback in NBA Finals history. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anunoby anchored the supporting cast.
Sources: NBA.com · ESPN · CBS Sports
Jalen Brunson Named 2026 NBA Finals MVP
Jalen Brunson won the Bill Russell Trophy as the 2026 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player after leading the New York Knicks past the San Antonio Spurs. In the championship-clinching Game 5, Brunson scored 45 points on 14-of-27 shooting from the field and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. He made three free throws to give New York a lead it would never surrender as the Knicks closed out the series 4-1. The honor caps Brunson’s run through a Finals in which New York stole both road games in San Antonio and completed a historic Game 4 comeback to seize control.
New York Sets Knicks Championship Parade for June 18
New York City will celebrate the Knicks’ 2026 NBA title with a ticker-tape parade and City Hall ceremony on June 18. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. ET near Battery Park and travels north along Broadway through the Canyon of Heroes before concluding at City Hall Plaza. Mayor Zohran Mamdani will present Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and the rest of the roster with keys to the city. The celebration marks the franchise’s first championship in 53 years, achieved with Saturday’s 94-90 Game 5 win over the San Antonio Spurs that closed out the series 4-1.
Sources: Yahoo Sports · FOX 5 New York
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Expected Before NBA Draft
The Milwaukee Bucks are widely expected to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo before the 2026 NBA Draft begins June 23, with reporting suggesting a deal could come between the end of the Finals and draft night. According to The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, the Boston Celtics submitted an offer for the two-time MVP before the Knicks clinched the title Saturday. Many who cover the league believe the Miami Heat remain the favored destination, while the Portland Trail Blazers have also been linked to the forward, who averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Antetokounmpo has spent his entire 13-year career in Milwaukee.
Sources: NBC Sports · Yahoo Sports
Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns Expected to Discuss Extension
The New York Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns are expected to discuss a contract extension this offseason following the franchise’s championship run. Towns is eligible to extend for four years and $272 million if his option is declined, or three years and $208 million if the option is exercised. The Knicks and Towns could not agree on an extension before October 2025, but they are able to reconnect on talks after the 2026 NBA Finals. Towns increased his production through the first three rounds of the playoffs, helping New York reach the Finals before closing out the Spurs in five games.
Sources: Hoops Rumors · NBC Sports
James Harden Faces Player Option Decision With Cavaliers
James Harden has until June 29 to decide on the $42.3 million player option he holds with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2026-27 season. Harden is expected to opt out and sign a new deal, telling reporters after the Cavaliers’ season ended that he “100 percent” wants to return to Cleveland. League sources said teams are approaching free agency with increased caution because of restrictions tied to the first and second tax aprons. All option decisions must be finalized by June 29, with free agency opening June 30. Zach LaVine is expected to exercise his $48.9 million option with Sacramento.
Sources: Bleacher Report · Hoops Rumors
Dybantsa, Peterson Top Board as 2026 Draft Nears
The 2026 NBA Draft is set for June 23-24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with all 60 picks to be revealed. AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson remain the projected top two picks, though the order is still in question. Dybantsa has strengthened his case as a No. 1 candidate over the past six months, with strong combine measurements reaffirming his physical traits for a scoring wing. The Washington Wizards won the draft lottery and hold the first overall pick. The league’s withdrawal deadline passed Saturday, with teams and prospects entering a final stretch of meetings and workouts before Round 1.
Mike Brown Wins NBA Title 18 Months After Kings Firing
Mike Brown is an NBA champion as head coach of the New York Knicks, 18 months after a controversial firing by the Sacramento Kings. Brown guided New York to its first title in 53 years with a 4-1 NBA Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs, completed by Saturday’s 94-90 Game 5 win. The Knicks reached the Finals for the first time since 1999, stealing both games in San Antonio and rallying from a 29-point Game 4 deficit. The championship marks a turnaround for Brown, who had been told by the Kings that he was not fit to coach the team.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
NBA Playoffs — 2026 Finals (Complete)
NBA Finals
New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs — Knicks win 4–1 (champions)
Game 5: Knicks 94, Spurs 90 (June 13)
Awards
Finals MVP: Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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