Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, hasn’t even played a summer league game, and we’re turning our attention to the 2026 draft.

Yes, it’s way too early to look that far ahead.

However, a year ago, USA TODAY Sports’ way-too-early 2025 mock draft had Flagg going No. 1, Ace Bailey No. 2, Dylan Harper No. 3, VJ Edgecombe No. 4, Tre Johnson No. 6, Nolan Traore No. 7, Khaman Maluach No. 9, Egor Demin No. 10, Noa Essengue No. 12, Drake Powell No. 18, Collin Murray-Boyles No. 19 and Adou Thiero No. 28.

Once again, there are talented projected picks in 2026, including AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Petterson and Cam Boozer, the son of ex-NBA player Carlos Boozer. That’s a strong top-3.

Here’s USA TODAY Sports’ way-too-early 2026 NBA mock draft, for the entire first round:

Way-too-early 2026 NBA mock draft

1. AJ Dybantsa, BYU

Forward, 6-foot-9, 200 pounds

2. Darryn Peterson, Kansas

Guard, 6-5, 195

3. Cam Boozer, Duke

Forward, 6-9, 235

4. Nate Ament, Tennessee

Forward, 6-9, 190

5. Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers

Forward, 6-8, 210

6. Caleb Wilson, North Carolina

Forward, 6-9, 205

7. Chris Cenac Jr., Houston

Forward-center, 6-10, 230

8. Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky

Forward, 6-9, 230

9. Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor

Guard-forward, 6-5, 215

10. Boogie Fland, Florida

Guard, 6-2, 175

11. Alijah Arenas, USC

Guard, 6-6, 199

12. Dash Daniels, Melbourne United (Australia)

Guard-forward, 6-5, 199

13. Isaiah Evans, Duke

Forward, 6-6, 175

14. Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville

Guard, 6-3, 172

15. Ian Jackson, St. John’s 

Guard, 6-4, 190

16. Bennett Stirtz, Iowa

Guard, 6-4, 180

17. Kam Williams, Kentucky

Guard-forward, 6-8, 190

18. Koa Peat, Arizona

Forward, 6-8, 235

19. Alex Condon, Florida

Forward-center, 6-11, 230

20. Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan

Forward, 6-9, 240

21. Solo Ball, Connecticut

Guard, 6-3, 190

22. Dame Sarr, Duke

Guard, 6-6, 180

23. Jacob Cofie, USC

Forward, 6-10, 231

24. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas

Guard, 6-2, 180

25. Jackson Shelstad, Oregon

Guard, 6-0, 190

26. Miikka Muurinen, Finland

Forward, 6-10, 205

27. Darren Harris, Duke

Guard-forward, 6-6, 203

28. JT Toppin, Texas Tech

Forward, 6-9, 225

29. Thomas Haugh, Florida

Forward, 6-9, 215

30. Karter Knox, Arkansas

Forward, 6-6, 220

The WNBA regular season continues as the Indiana Fever travel to Texas to take on the Dallas Wings in a Friday, June 27 showdown.

The Fever are aiming to bounce back from an 85-75 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, where they played without Caitlin Clark. Clark has been sidelined due to a groin injury and is currently considered day-to-day. Her status will be a gametime decision for the game against the Wings. She recently returned from a quad injury that kept her out for five games. In Clark’s absence, Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever in scoring with 20 points, while Aari McDonald, who Indiana signed for the rest of the season after waiving DeWanna Bonner, contributed 14 points off the bench. Unfortunately, their efforts were not enough to secure a win.

The Wings recently secured a 68-55 victory against the Atlanta Dream, with Arike Ogunbowale leading the scoring for Dallas. Paige Bueckers also had a standout performance, contributing 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists in this important win.

Don’t miss the action as the Indiana Fever take on the Dallas Wings in what promises to be an intense Friday night showdown.

What time is Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings?

The Indiana Fever face off against the Dallas Wings at 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. local) on Friday, June 27 at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

How to watch Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings: TV, stream

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT)
Location: American Airlines Center (Dallas)
TV: ION
Live stream: WNBA League Pass; Fubo (free trial)

Stream Fever vs. Wings on Fubo (free trial)

The Seattle Mariners catcher, who leads all major league players with 32 home runs, will be taking part in the Home Run Derby on July 14 as part of the MLB All-Star Game festivities at Truist Park outside Atlanta.

Raleigh announced the development on June 27 on social media, writing in a post on Instagram “See you in Atlanta!”

It’s the first derby appearance for the 28-year-old Raleigh, who is two homers away from matching his career high for a season. Known affectionately as “Big Dumper,” Raleigh became the first switch-hitter and first catcher in MLB history to hit 30 home runs before the All-Star Break. If Raleigh were to win, he would also become the first catcher and the first switch hitter to win the Home Run Derby outright (as noted by MLB.com, switch-hitter Ruben Sierra tied with Eric Davis in 1989).

He becomes the second player in the event, joining Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr., who committed to participate on June 25.

Once in Georgia, he’ll look to become the first catcher to ever win the derby, which began in 1985.

The moment will carry some extra personal significance for Raleigh.

His father, Todd, will be throwing to him and Raleigh, according to MLB.com, is hoping that his 15-year-old brother Todd Jr. will be catching behind him. Raleigh, a North Carolina native who went on to star at Florida State, grew up only about 150 miles from Truist Park and regularly played in the Atlanta area as a child and teenager.

This season, Raleigh is batting .275 with 69 RBIs, 15 doubles and 47 walks. He will be the eighth Mariners player to take part in the derby, though Ken Griffey Jr. was the only one of that group to win it.

‘I’m excited to represent the Mariners and our fanbase,’ Raleigh said in a statement. ‘It will be extra special for me getting to do it in Atlanta, where I spent a lot of time playing baseball as a kid.’

NCAA President Charlie Baker was credited with a little more than $3.4 million in  total compensation for his first 10 months on the job in 2023, the association’s new federal tax records show.

The documents, which the NCAA provided Friday, June 27, also show that former president Mark Emmert received slightly more than $1.4 million in base salary and more than $600,000 in other benefits during his final months with the association. Emmert also received nearly $4.3 million in severance during the 2023 calendar year, an amount that was disclosed on the tax records that the NCAA filed last year.

Emmert base compensation for his last full calendar year as the NCAA’s president was nearly $2.85 million.

Under IRS rules, while non-profit organizations — including the NCAA and college athletics conferences — make most financial disclosures on a fiscal-year basis, they are required to report employee compensation figures on a calendar-year basis. They must use the calendar year completed during the given fiscal year. For the NCAA, the fiscal year covered by the new return ended Aug. 31, 2024, so the 2023 calendar year is used for compensation reporting.

Other information revealed by the new return included:

The association had nearly $62.2 million in outside legal expenses during its 2024 fiscal year, not including legal-cost recoveries from insurance. The expense total was comparable to the one for its 2023 fiscal year, for which the NCAA reported $61.5 million in such expenses.

Going back to fiscal 2014, when the Alston antitrust case began, the NCAA has reported $495 million in outside legal expenses and more than $128 million in legal-cost recoveries from insurance.

As of Aug. 31, 2024, the association had nearly $803 million in endowment funds, nearly all of which was in a ‘board designated or quasi-endowment.’ That represents an increase of more than $237 million in the value of those funds since the same date in 2023 and a $345 million increase (75%) since 2022. A quasi-endowment involves money that is intended to be retained and invested, but unlike a permanent endowment, its principal can be spent.

The new total gives some insight into the NCAA’s plans and capacity for paying for the central office’s share of a proposed $2.8 billion damages fund that is part of the settlement of three athlete-compensation antitrust cases and is set to be paid out over 10 years.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Will we see a happy Lionel Messi or a vengeful one when he leads Inter Miami against his former team, Paris Saint-Germain, in their FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 match Sunday in Atlanta?

It’s been two years since Messi unceremoniously left Paris to join Inter Miami in the twilight of his legendary career, but it’s unclear if any residual feelings remain for the Argentine World Cup champion.

Messi’s two-year spell at PSG was complicated, particularly upon his return to Paris from the 2022 World Cup triumph – having led Argentina to victory over France in the final. Imagine having to live and work in the same country you just delivered heartbreak to. Fans voiced their displeasure with Messi, who was also suspended by the club in May 2023 for taking an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia the day after a match.

“It’s clear that for us it’s better if he plays angry, because he’s one of those players who, when he has something on his mind, gives an extra effort,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said to ESPN about Messi, after the club’s 2-2 draw against Brazilian side Palmeiras that placed them into this knockout match against the reigning UEFA Champions League winners.

Messi was all business and locked in during Friday’s training session – two days before he’ll take center stage inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium at noon ET in perhaps most enticing matchup in this summer’s tournament.

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup match free on DAZN

Messi smiled widely in photos he and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, shared on social media from his 38th birthday party this week. Messi’s parents, Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini, hugging him closely. A massive cake with five No. 10 jerseys for him, his wife, and their sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.

Thiago, the oldest at 12, missed out on the celebration. He’s with Inter Miami’s Under-13 team playing in the MIC Football Punta Cana tournament in the Dominican Republic — the same tournament his father played in with Barcelona when he was 16 in 2003.

Inter Miami is hopeful Messi, who is under contract through the rest of this MLS season, will re-sign for at least next year – when they open their new stadium at Miami Freedom Park. His adoring fans globally are also hopeful he plays with Argentina again in next year’s FIFA World Cup, hosted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. But those decisions are for another day.

“I chose to come here. I wanted to come here. And it’s a decision we made with time. It wasn’t something we decided one day to the next. We are where we want to be. … That makes everything much easier and simpler,” Messi said during his only press conference with Inter Miami in August 2023.

“When I went to Paris, it wasn’t something I wanted. I didn’t want to leave Barcelona. In some ways, it was one day to the next. I had to adapt to somewhere completely different from where I lived all my life. But that’s totally different from my experience here.”

Messi joined his old Barcelona teammate Neymar, and French 2018 World Cup champion Kylian Mbappe at PSG from 2021-23, forming one of the best attacking trios soccer fans could ever dream about playing together.

The group won two French league titles, but couldn’t deliver in the Champions League, suffering back-to-back exits in the round of 16. Messi and Neymar left in 2023, and Mbappe left last year to join Real Madrid.

“At the end of the day, Leo wants to win every game like all the great players do,” Messi’s longtime teammate Jordi Alba said. “I know the feelings he has towards Barca, where we played together. I was not there with him at PSG, he was there for two years and only he knows what happened.”

The Club World Cup showdown comes weeks after PSG won the Champions League for the first time – dominating Inter Milan 5-0 in the May 31 final – led by a new cast of characters.

Désiré Doué scored twice in the final – the 19-year-old soon be a household name like 17-year-old Barcelona phenom Lamine Yamal. Ousmane Dembélé, one of the frontrunners for this year’s Ballon d’Or as the world’s best player, had two assists in the Champions League final but hasn’t played in the Club World Cup due to a quad injury.

‘It will be nice to meet Messi again. We spent two years together. There were many beautiful moments,” PSG defender Achraf Hakimi told reporters after a win against the Seattle Sounders. “But then, on the field, there are no friends. He will try to win and we will also try to win. We will give everything to try to pass to the next round.”

Another storyline: PSG is led by Luis Enrique, who coached Inter Miami’s former Barcelona tandem of Messi, Alba, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Mascherano from 2014-17. They won the Champions League in 2015 together.

Alba considered Enrique “the best coach in the world,” while Mascherano considers the Inter Miami-PSG match as a great test and honor against his former coach.

Inter Miami is the biggest underdog of any team in the Club World Cup round of 16: They have +1150 odds to beat PSG, the heavy favorite at -450, according to BETMGM.

It’s not entirely out of the realm: PSG did lose 1-0 to Brazilian club Botafogo in the biggest upset at the Club World Cup so far. 

“This is not over for us yet. Beyond the face that we are going to face possibly the best team in Europe – the Champions League champions – we will try to go with the same seriousness and try to play a great game, and see what possibilities we have,” Mascherano said.

“If there is one thing this sport has shown us, in one game anything can happen. And who’s to say Sunday is not our day? Sometimes, it happens.”

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Cooper Flagg was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft as expected, and the league isn’t wasting any time putting a spotlight on him for his first potential appearance on the court with the Dallas Mavericks.

The NBA released its 2025 summer league schedule on Friday, and a primetime matchup between the Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers that could pit Flagg against Bronny James is on tap for the first day of the NBA 2K26 Summer League. Flagg and Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said Thursday he will play for the Dallas summer league team and NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed James is slated to play for the Lakers’ summer league team for the second year in a row.

If that weren’t enough, Flagg’s second summer league game with Dallas could be against the San Antonio Spurs and No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper. The Mavericks’ third game will be against the Charlotte Hornets, where Flagg could go against former Duke teammate and No. 4 overall pick Kon Knueppel.

There are 88 summer league games on the docket in all during July, with 76 scheduled for Las Vegas beginning Thursday, July 10 and running through the 2025 NBA 2K26 championship game on Sunday, July 20. There are also six games apiece set for smaller events in San Francisco and Salt Lake City prior to that.

Here’s a look at the complete NBA summer league schedule, including how to watch every game:

When is 2025 NBA Summer League?

The NBA’s summer league schedule officially begins on Saturday, July 5 with the start of the California Classic SL in San Francisco and the Salt Lake City Summer League in Utah. Both events feature four teams apiece and end on July 8.

NBA summer league games then begin in full with the start of the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas on Thursday, July 10 in which all 30 teams participate. The championship game is slated for Sunday, July 20, with multiple games scheduled at Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion every day in between.

How to watch NBA Summer League 2025: TV, live streaming

The three events that make up the NBA’s summer league schedule this year ‒ the California Classic SL, the Salt Lake City Summer League and the more well-known NBA 2K26 Summer League ‒ will be broadcast nationally by ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and NBA TV. Games can also be live streamed with ESPN+ and Fubo.

Watch NBA Summer League with Fubo

2025 NBA Summer League schedule

2025 California Classic SL

All games played at Chase Center in San Francisco; all times Eastern

Saturday, July 5

San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat: 4:30 p.m. on NBA TV
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors: 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2

Sunday, July 6

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat: 4:30 p.m. on NBA TV
San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors: 6:30 p.m. on NBA TV

Tuesday, July 8

Miami Heat vs. Golden State Warriors: 7 p.m. on ESPN+
Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs: 10 p.m. on ESPN

Salt Lake City Summer League

All games played at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City; all times Eastern

Saturday, July 5

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: 7 p.m. on ESPNU
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Utah Jazz: 9 p.m. on ESPN

Monday, July 7

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 7 p.m. on ESPN
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz: 9 p.m. on NBA TV

Tuesday, July 8

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 7 p.m. on NBA TV
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz: 9 p.m. on NBA TV

NBA 2K26 Summer League

All games played at either Thomas & Mack Center or Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas; all times Eastern

Thursday, July 10

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2*
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers: 5 p.m. on NBA TV^
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Brooklyn Nets: 5:30 p.m. on ESPN2*
Orlando Magic vs. Sacramento Kings: 7:30 p.m. on NBA TV^
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks: 8 p.m. on ESPN*
Denver Nuggets vs. Milwaukee Bucks: 9:30 p.m. on NBA TV^
San Antonio Spurs vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 10 p.m. on ESPN*

Friday, July 11

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Boston Celtics: 4 p.m. on NBA TV^
Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat: 4:30 p.m. on ESPN2*
New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons: 6 p.m. on NBA TV^
Utah Jazz vs. Charlotte Hornets: 7 p.m. on ESPN*
Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors: 8 p.m. on NBA TV^
Washington Wizards vs. Phoenix Suns: 9 p.m. on ESPN*
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Houston Rockets: 10 p.m. on NBA TV^
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Golden State Warriors: 11 p.m. on ESPN2*

Saturday, July 12

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks: 3:30 p.m. on NBA TV^
Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs: 4 p.m. on ESPN*
Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: 5:30 p.m. on NBA TV^
Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2*
Sacramento Kings vs. Chicago Bulls: 8 p.m. on NBA TV^
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans: 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2*
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets: 10 p.m. on NBA TV^
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers: 10:30 p.m. on ESPN2*

Sunday, July 13

Phoenix Suns vs. Atlanta Hawks: 3:30 p.m. on NBA TV^
Detroit Pistons vs. Houston Rockets: 4 p.m. on ESPN2*
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics: 5:30 p.m. on NBA TV^
Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic: 6 p.m. on ESPN2*
Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: 7:30 p.m. on NBA TV^
Brooklyn Nets vs. Washington Wizards: 8 p.m. on ESPN2*
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Clippers: 9:30 p.m. on NBA TV^
Golden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz: 10 p.m. on ESPN2*

Monday, July 14

Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets: 4:30 p.m. on NBA TV*
Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers: 6 p.m. on ESPNU^
Charlotte Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks: 6:30 p.m. on NBA TV*
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat: 8 p.m. on ESPNU^
Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs: 8:30 p.m. on NBA TV*
Phoenix Suns vs. Sacramento Kings: 10 p.m. on ESPNU^
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers: 10:30 p.m. on NBA TV*

Tuesday, July 15

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Detroit Pistons: 4:30 p.m. on NBA TV*
Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks: 6 p.m. on ESPN2^
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Orlando Magic: 6:30 p.m. on NBA TV*
Toronto Raptors vs. Denver Nuggets: 8 p.m. on ESPN+^
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards: 8:30 p.m. on NBA TV*
Portland Trail Blazers vs. New Orleans Pelicans: 10 p.m. on ESPN^
Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies: 10:30 p.m. on NBA TV*

Wednesday, July 16

Sacramento Kings vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2*
Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 p.m. on NBA TV^
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls: 5:30 p.m. on ESPN2*
Orlando Magic vs. Brooklyn Nets: 7:30 p.m. on NBA TV^
Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 8 p.m. on ESPN*
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: 9:30 p.m. on NBA TV^
Washington Wizards vs. Utah Jazz: 10 p.m. on ESPN*

Thursday, July 17

Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat: 4 p.m. on NBA TV^
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks: 4:30 p.m. on ESPN2*
Atlanta Hawks vs. Memphis Grizzlies: 6 p.m. on NBA TV^
San Antonio Spurs vs. Charlotte Hornets: 7 p.m. on ESPN*
Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers: 8 p.m. on NBA TV^
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers: 9 p.m. on ESPN*
Golden State Warriors vs. Toronto Raptors: 10 p.m. on NBA TV^
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers: 11 p.m. on ESPN2*

Friday, July 18

TBD consolation game: 4 p.m. on NBA TV*
TBD consolation game: 6 p.m. on NBA TV*
TBD consolation game: 7 p.m. on ESPN+^
TBD consolation game: 8 p.m. on NBA TV*
TBD consolation game: 9 p.m. on ESPN^
TBD consolation game: 10 p.m. on NBA TV*

Saturday, July 19

TBD consolation game: 3:30 p.m. on NBA TV^
Semifinal game: 4 p.m. on ESPN*
TBD consolation game: 5:30 p.m. on NBA TV^
Semifinal game: 6 p.m. on ESPN*
TBD consolation game: 7:30 p.m. on NBA TV^
TBD consolation game: 8 p.m. on ESPN+*
TBD consolation game: 9:30 p.m. on NBA TV^

Sunday July 20

TBD consolation game: 6 p.m. on ESPNU*
TBD consolation game: 8 p.m. on ESPNU*
Championship game: 10 p.m. on ESPN*

*game played at Thomas & Mack Center^game played at Cox Pavilion

There’s probably not a Nikola Jokic in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. There could be. But it’s unlikely.

Could there be a Draymond Green (35th pick in the second round in 2012) or a Manu Ginobili (57th pick in the second round in 1999)? It’s possible. But that’s also difficult to know today.

However, several players with first-round potential slipped into the second round and were drafted by teams hoping to find that rare gem. Some of those picks impacted some overall draft grades following the completion of this week’s draft.

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ 2025 NBA Draft grades after both rounds:

2025 NBA draft grades

Atlanta Hawks: B+

Boston Celtics: B

At No. 28, Boston landed Spain’s Hugo Gonzalez, who is one of Europe’s top prospects. But he may not be ready to contribute immediately.

Brooklyn Nets: A

The Nets accumulated five first-round draft picks ahead of the draft and got: BYU’s Egor Demin at No. 8, France’s Nolan Traore at No. 19, North Carolina’s Drake Powell at No. 22, Israel’s Ben Saraf at No. 26 and Michigan’s Danny Wolf at No. 27.

Charlotte Hornets: B+

The Hornets need shooting. They were 28th in 3-point shooting percentage, 30th in field goal percentage and 30th in effective field goal percentage. Duke’s Kon Knueppel can help a massive shortcoming on Charlotte’s roster. They went after offense and size in the second round with Duke’s Sion James and Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner in the second round.

Chicago Bulls: B

France is in a nice run of producing NBA players, and Noa Essengue, the No. 12 pick, will give the Bulls another interior option.

Cleveland Cavaliers: B

Did not have a first-round pick; traded to Utah as part of the Donovan Mitchell deal, which has worked out for the Cavs. They signed him to a three-year, $150.3 million contract that keeps him with the Cavs through at least 2026-27. Cleveland used one of its two second-round picks on Duke’s Tyrese Proctor.

Dallas Mavericks: A

The Mavericks needed luck to get the No. 1 pick – just a 1.8% chance to win the lottery and that’s what happened, allowing them to select Cooper Flagg, who brings talent, maturity and an NBA-ready game to a team looking to compete for a title.

Denver Nuggets: A

Did not have a first-round pick. The Nuggets traded it to Orlando in 2021 in a deal that sent Aaron Gordon to the Nuggets. It helped Denver win a title in 2023.

Detroit Pistons: Incomplete

Detroit’s selection was sent away as part of the 2020 trade that brought Isaiah Stewart to the Pistons.

Golden State Warriors: Incomplete

As part of the trade that sent Jimmy Butler to Golden State, the Warriors shipped the No. 20 selection to Miami, which became Kasparas Jakucionis. While Butler infused defense, veteran experience and more competitiveness to the Warriors, they were eventually eliminated in the second round. Golden State had two second-round picks but those picks are unlikely to impact 2025-26.

Houston Rockets: A-

The Rockets did not have a first-round pick … because they traded the No. 10 pick to Phoenix for Kevin Durant, putting them in position to contend for a title after going 52-30 last season and earning the No. 2 seed in the West.

Indiana Pacers: Incomplete

The Pacers did not have a first-round pick, trading the No. 23 overall selection to the Pelicans, as well as the rights to guard Mojave King. In exchange, the Pacers received their own 2026 first-round selection, which they had originally shipped to Toronto in the deal that brought Pascal Siakam to Indiana. Like Golden State, Indiana had two second-round picks, but the value won’t be revealed immediately.

Los Angeles Clippers: B

With the final pick of the first night, the Clippers bolstered their interior presence, taking forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser out of Penn State. He’s still a bit raw, but he should be an excellent developmental backup to center Ivica Zubac. Niederhauser should get plenty of burn as a low block defender — he ranked 12th in the country in blocks per game (2.3) — and should be a lob threat as a finisher.

Los Angeles Lakers: B

The No. 22 overall selection was part of the package the Lakers sent the Pelicans in the deal that brought center Anthony Davis to Los Angeles. The Lakers moved up from No. 45 to No. 36 and drafted Arkansas’ Adou Thiero, who has first-round potential.

Memphis Grizzlies: B+

This was all about replacing Desmond Bane, whom Memphis just shipped to the Orlando Magic, but on a budget. Bane had been signed to a max extension in July 2023, so he was going to become pricey. Guard Cedric Coward, a late riser in the draft process, was picked at No. 11. He has ample experience and should play right away. Memphis has a pretty solid track record in recent years of drafting. His size and shooting ability should translate instantly.

Miami Heat: B

Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis was projected as a lottery pick in several mock drafts, and the Heat got him at No. 20.

Milwaukee Bucks: A

Did not have a first-round pick; the Bucks traded the pick to New Orleans in 2020, acquiring Jrue Holiday, who helped the Bucks win a title in 2021. Yes, the Bucks are trying to stay competitive with Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it’s hard to complain about a title.

Minnesota Timberwolves: B-

The issue with Rudy Gobert is that his offensive game can be inconsistent. And Minnesota’s consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals proved that the Timberwolves need more scoring, particularly when teams game plan to take Anthony Edwards out of rhythm. Joan Beringer is only 18, so he’s a project and doesn’t necessarily help Minnesota get over the hump in the short term. He’s explosive and full of potential. Minnesota’s window to win, however, is now, and plenty of plug-and-play prospects were available at 17.

New Orleans Pelicans: B-

In a vacuum, both Jeremiah Fears (guard, No. 7) and Derik Queen (center, No. 13) are solid players. But they’re also both at positions where the Pelicans have established players, which could mean New Orleans will be looking to sell off veterans like point guard Dejounte Murray and power forward Zion Williamson. Queen’s skill set — his ball handling, vision, passing and touch — should make him too valuable to sit. The same, frankly, goes for Fears. The Pelicans have very nice pieces; the fit is a little cumbersome.

New York Knicks: B-

Did not have a first-round pick; the Knicks have traded significant draft capital (no first-round picks in 2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031) to build this team. Back-to-back 50-win seasons and an Eastern Conference finals appearance this season are the results so far.

Oklahoma City Thunder: B

Given it’s the Thunder front office led by executive VP/GM Sam Presti and the track record of the Thunder acing the draft, it’s a safe bet to say the Thunder found value with the No. 15 pick (Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber).

Orlando Magic: B

At one point during the draft process, Michigan State’s Jase Richardson was a projected lottery pick and the Magic got him at No. 25. In the second round, the Magic landed Noah Penda, who has first-round talent, at No. 32.

Philadelphia 76ers: B

The Sixers passed on Ace Bailey and took defensive-minded guard VJ Edgecombe at No. 3. He will be able to guard multiple positions.

Phoenix Suns: C-

There’s no question: the Suns have wanted a center for a long time. They traded Jusuf Nurkić to the Hornets in the middle of the season and struggled to find a presence down low. Duke’s Khaman Maluach at No. 10 — part of the trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston — is actually great value. But, minutes prior, the Suns also reportedly completed a trade to get another former Duke center, Mark Williams, from the Hornets. This reeks of a team that didn’t think Maluach would be available, got impatient, and fired off a trade. Now, Phoenix has the opposite issue: it has one big too many.

Portland Trail Blazers: C

This was another curious first round move. Clearly, Portland loved Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-1 center from China with fluid athleticism and superb passing ability. But the Trail Blazers now have three centers: Hansen, Robert Williams (who is entering the final year of his contract) and Donovan Clingan (last year’s No. 7 overall selection). Even if Portland packages Williams in a salary-shedding move, Hansen, who turned 20 on Thursday, June 26, is only one year younger than Clingan. Despite his impressive skill set, he also might need time to assimilate from the Chinese Basketball Association.

Sacramento Kings: B+

The Kings did not have a first round pick to start the night but traded into the first round, acquiring the No. 24 pick from Oklahoma City and drafting Nique Clifford from Colorado State. At No. 42, Sacramento selected Maxime Raynaud, who had emerged as a potential first-round pick late in the draft process.

San Antonio Spurs: A

The Spurs have the past two rookies of the year (Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle) and just picked Rutgers’ Dylan Harper at No. 2 and Arizona’s Carter Bryant at No. 14. The Spurs are on their way.

Toronto Raptors: B

The Raptors are close to making a move in the East, and Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 9 is the kind of player who fits Toronto’s system.

Utah Jazz: A

Danny Ainge struck again. Utah got excellent value at No. 5 with Ace Bailey, an electric player who is built exactly the way teams want their wings. He has effortless athleticism and is a hyper-competitive player who should find easy buckets. And then, in a trade with the Wizards, the Jazz nabbed an experienced guard in Walter Clayton Jr., who has range and the clutch gene.

Washington Wizards: B

The Wizards targeted guards as part of their extensive rebuild and selected Texas’ Tre Johnson sixth and acquired Illinois’ Will Riley at No. 21. Washington went after more perimeter scoring in the second round, drafting Florida State’s Jamir Watkins at No. 43.

The 2025 NBA Draft is in the books, meaning we’re just days away from free agency.

Starting the day after the last game of the NBA Finals, teams were able to begin negotiations with their prospective free agents. But the doors open officially on Monday, June 30, at 6 p.m. ET, teams may begin talking with free agents who finished seasons on other teams.

Some are unrestricted free agents, which means they are able to sign with any team that offers a deal; restricted free agents can sign a contract with another team but the team he last played for has the right to match the offer and retain the player.

Others have player options, meaning they can opt out of the final season of their contract and become a free agent or they can opt in and play out the final year of the deal. Similarly, some contracts have a team option on the final season of the contract, meaning the team can decide whether it brings the player back or allows him to enter free agency.

It all sets up what should be a busy couple of weeks.

Here are the top players who could be available come 6 p.m. on June 30:

1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers forward

2024-25 stats: 24.4 ppg, 8.2 apg, 7.8 rpg, 51.3% FG, 37.6% 3PT, 78.2% FT

James hit free agency last summer and signed a two-year, $101.3 million contract with a player option at $52.6 million for 2025-26. It’s likely James will become a free agent again and try to maximize his earnings (with the Lakers most likely) while including a no-trade clause in his contract. At every chance, James has indicated he is happy playing for the Lakers and living in the L.A. area. Plus, his son, Bronny, is under contract with the franchise. At 40 years old, James still produced at an All-NBA level.

2. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers guard

2024-25 stats: 22.8 ppg, 8.7 apg, 5.8 rpg, 41% FG, 35.2% 3PT, 87.4% FT

Harden has a player option for 2025-26 at $36.3 million for the season. He can play out the final year of the contract or become a free agent in the summer. He still logged significant minutes (35.3 per game) and continued to produce. A strong run during the postseason reaffirmed his status as a capable scorer.

3. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves forward

2024-25 stats: 18.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 48.5% FG, 34.4% 3PT, 80.6% FT

Randle is another player with an option for 2025-26. He can either finish the contract at $30.9 million for next season or become a free agent in the summer. What to watch here: Is the likely new ownership group led by Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore ready to spend what it takes to keep the core roster intact?

4. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks guard

2024-25 stats: 24.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.6 apg, 47.3% FG, 41% 3PT, 91.6% FT

Kyrie Irving opted out of the final year of his contract and plans to sign a three-year, $119 million deal with the Mavs, according to ESPN.

Irving, 33, had one season and $42.9 million left on his three-year, $120 million deal but decided to seek a longer contract. He underwent surgery on March 26 for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left kne and will miss a significant portion of next season.

5. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers center

2024-25 stats: 15.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.0 bpg, 1.5 apg, 48.1% FG, 39.6% 3PT, 77.3% FT

It seems Turner has been mentioned in trade talks for several seasons. Now, he’s in control of where he plays next season as an unrestricted free agent. Playing almost four more minutes per game this season than last, Turner remains a positive presence in the Pacers’ rotation, and he has been a steady anchor down low during Indiana’s run to the NBA Finals. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down 3s should increase his value on the open market.

6. Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves center-forward

2024-25 stats: 14.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 46.2% FG, 37.9% 3PT, 77.6% FT

Reid is headed for a big payday — whether it’s this offseason or the next. He’s under contract for 2025-26 at a team friendly $15 million for the season but can exercise his player option and become a free agent this summer rather than the summer of 2026. His production made it possible to part ways with Karl-Anthony Towns before the season.

7. Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls guard

2024-25 stats: 14.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 7.2 apg, 1.2 spg, 46.5% FG, 37.8% 3PT, 78.1% FT

Giddey is a pending restricted free agent in his first season with the Bulls after Oklahoma City traded him for Alex Caruso. Giddey does a little bit of everything for the Bulls, putting together career highs in assists, 3-point shooting percentage, 3s made per game and minutes. His strong play late in the season elevated the Bulls, which had lacked a distributor and creator, into playoff contention.

8. Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets guard

2024-25 stats: 14.1 ppg, 5.6 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.6 spg, 37.8% FG, 34.5% 3PT, 81% FT

The Rockets aren’t picking the final season of a three-year, $128.5 million contract VanVleet signed in 2023 – but VanVleet plans to sign a two-year, $50 million deal to remain with Houston.

9. John Collins, Utah Jazz forward-center

2024-25 stats: 19.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 52.7% FG, 39.9% 3PT, 84.8% FT

Collins exercised his $26.5 million player option for 2025-26, according to ESPN.

10. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors forward

2024-25 stats: 15.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.2. apg, 45.4% FG, 30.5% 3PT, 66.8% FT

Kuminga is a restricted free agent, meaning the Warriors can match any offer from other teams and retain him. He has missed time with injuries but he’s the kind of youthful, athletic wing the Warriors could use, with further development. With Golden State’s trade for Jimmy Butler, Kuminga fell out of the rotation, though he did re-emerge once injuries forced him back on the floor.

11. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves guard

2024-25 stats: 9.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.7 apg, 43.8% FG, 38.1% 3PT, 78% FT

Alexander-Walker is in the final season of a two-year, $9 million contract, which makes him an unrestricted free agent in the summer. He has established himself as a viable rotation player, particularly on defense, where his length and athleticism are extremely valuable in the modern NBA.

12. Malik Beasley, Detroit Pistons guard

2024-25 stats: 16.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 43% FG, 41.6% 3PT, 67.9% FT

A veteran sharpshooter, Beasley is a plug-and-play sniper who should give any team instant contributions just from the volume of shots and accuracy he has from beyond the arc. Though he’s only an occasional starter, Beasley ranked seventh in the NBA in 3-point shots per game (9.3). But when lacing them at 41.6%, he should find plenty of suitors.

13. Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers forward

2024-25 stats: 15.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.5 spg, 47% FG, 29.3% 3PT, 75.1% FT

He took on more responsibility with the series of injuries Philadelphia faced this season, and Oubre responded to become one of the team’s more consistent producers. He has plus athleticism, can get to the rim and his length allows him to defend many of the athletic wings in the NBA well enough.

14. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets guard

2024-25 stats: 24 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.3 rpg, 43.8% FG, 34.9% 3PT, 88.1% FT

Thomas is a restricted free agent and headed for a raise on his $4 million salary in 2024-25. Limited by injuries that sidelined him for more than half of the season, he can still get buckets and drop 20-plus in just about every game.

15. Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks forward

2024-25 stats: 13.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 46.6% FG, 36.5% 3PT, 83.6% FT

Portis has a player option, so he would need to exercise it to remain with the team. Yet, if he opts to test the market, his ability to provide steady and solid scoring and rebounding off the bench could be appealing to any number of teams. A frequent contender for Sixth Man of the Year, Portis also brings instant energy and tenacity upon stepping on the floor.

16. Caris LeVert, Atlanta Hawks guard

2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.4 apg, 3.2 rpg, 46.7% FG, 37.3% 3PT, 71% FT

LeVert will hit unrestricted free agency this summer following a two-year, $32 million contract. He had a nice season with Cleveland until it traded him, and he continued to excel as a scorer with Atlanta, where he got more offensive opportunities.

17. Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers guard

2024-25 stats: 14.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 46.7% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 75.7% FT

Grimes is a restricted free agent this summer, and he made the most of his opportunity after being traded from Dallas to Philadelphia. Grimes averaged 21.9 points on 46.9% shooting from the field and 37.3% on 3s and has scored at least 30 points five times with the 76ers, including 46 in an overtime loss against the Rockets.

18. Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies center

2024-25 stats: 12.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 48.3% FG, 36.8% 3PT, 69.1% FT

Aldama is a restricted free agent in the offseason, and he turned into a valuable big man for the Grizzlies’ formidable frontcourt. The fourth-year big averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage and 3-point shooting percentage.

19. Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks center

2024-25 stats: 13.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 1.8 apg, 50.9% FG, 37.3% 3PT, 82.6% FT

Lopez had been a valuable player for the Bucks, who signed him to a two-year, $48 million contract in 2023. Will the two sides be able to reach terms on a new deal in free agency and continue a mutually beneficial relationship, or will Lopez find a new team?

20. Dorian Finney-Smith, Los Angeles Lakers forward

2024-25 stats: 8.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 44.8% FG, 41.1% 3PT, 66.7% FT

Finney-Smith has a $15.3 million player option on the 2025-26 season. One aspect is certain: Since acquiring him from Brooklyn in a trade in late December, Finney-Smith made the Lakers a better defensive team with his length and versatility.

21. Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks center

2024-25 stats: 8.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1 bpg, 55.9% FG, 53.6% FT

Capela finished a two-year, $45.8 million contract and will be an unrestricted free agent. He did lose his starting job midway through the season to Onyeka Okongwu, so that could affect his market. Playing his fewest minutes per game (21.4) since 2015-16, Capela’s per-36 minutes stats reveal a noticeable contribution: 14.9 points, 14.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.

22. Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs guard

2024-25 stats: 8.8 ppg, 7.4 apg, 3.6 rpg, 1.3 spg, 42.7% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 92.4% FT

How much more does Paul want to play? He signed a one-year, $10.4 million contract last offseason and will have his choice of teams in unrestricted free agency if he wants to continue his playing career.

23. D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets guard

2024-25 stats: 12.6 ppg, 5.1 apg, 2.8 rpg, 1.0 spg, 39% FG, 31.4% 3PT, 83.4% FT

Though his scoring numbers were down, a career low that was below even his rookie season levels from 2015-16, Russell is still a player who can handle the ball and create for others, one who can ignite from 3-point range and one who can infuse instant offense into a system. Feasibly, what Russell has needed most is a clear definition of his role and stability.

24. Russell Westbrook, Denver Nuggets guard

2024-25 stats: 13.3 ppg, 6.1 apg, 4.9 rpg, 1.4 spg, 44.9% FG, 32.3% 3PT, 66.1% FT

Westbrook has a player option for 2025-26 at $3.4 million for the season. Was the partnership successful enough to get another season out of Westbrook in Denver? Will the Nuggets’ — and Westbrook’s — playoff success determine that?

25. Al Horford, Boston Celtics center

2024-25 stats: 9.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 42.3% FG, 36.3% 3PT, 89.5% FT

This has been another fruitful relationship at the end of Horford’s career. Following the end of a two-year, $19.5 million contract with the Celtics, Horford is an unrestricted free agent. Though didn’t have as good a season as last, he’s beloved by his teammates.