Category: NBA Summer League

This Recent Dalton Knecht update will worry Lakers fans

Los Angeles Lakers wing Dalton Knecht was once considered a promising trade chip—but that may no longer be the case.

The Lakers are reportedly open to pursuing another deal this offseason, even after acquiring Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia. But one player whose trade stock is rapidly dropping is Knecht, following a lackluster performance at the 2025 NBA Summer League.

According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha on his podcast, “Summer League has not helped Knecht’s stock, and I don’t think at this point he is valued as a first-round pick, in terms of an asset valuation.”

Buha added that multiple league sources in Las Vegas now view Knecht as falling out of that tier completely.

Knecht, 24, had previously been part of a trade proposal in February that would have sent him, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams. However, the deal collapsed after Williams failed his physical.

Since then, Knecht’s role with the Lakers has diminished. He barely played in the playoffs, and his three-game Summer League stint left much to be desired. Knecht averaged 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 28.4 minutes per game—numbers that are solid but far from impactful for a second-year player with high expectations.

As a rookie, Knecht appeared in 78 games and posted 9.1 points per game while shooting a respectable 46.1% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. Despite his efficiency, he has yet to show the leap that typically increases a player’s value heading into Year 2.

The Lakers, who are reportedly eyeing veterans like Jrue Holiday, could face complications using Knecht in a blockbuster deal. They still have over $40.7 million in expiring contracts to work with—thanks to players like Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber—but Knecht’s declining value limits L.A.’s leverage.

With training camp on the horizon, the Lakers may need Knecht to show major improvement—or pivot to other assets—if they want to pull off another major move this offseason.

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Grizzlies sign PJ Hall to two-way deal after Summer League stint

The Memphis Grizzlies are adding frontcourt depth ahead of training camp, agreeing to a two-way contract with 23-year-old free agent center PJ Hall, per his agent Matt Bollero who told Shams Charania of ESPN.

Hall went undrafted out of Clemson in 2024 but earned a two-way deal with the Denver Nuggets last season. Though he played sparingly at the NBA level—logging just 3.5 minutes per game over 19 appearances—he thrived with the Grand Rapids Gold, Denver’s G League affiliate.

In 20 games with the Gold, Hall averaged 18.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 32 minutes per contest—showcasing his rebounding motor and offensive polish in extended minutes.

Most recently, the 6-foot-8 big man suited up for the Hornets in the 2025 NBA Summer League. Across five games with Charlotte, Hall put up 9.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.0 assist per game—further proving his value as a two-way interior presence.

Hall joins Zyon Pullin and Javon Small as Memphis’ current two-way players heading into the season. Under the current NBA rules, two-way players can appear in up to 50 games with the NBA club and are eligible to be transferred freely between the Grizzlies and their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.

With Memphis still evaluating the back end of its roster and aiming to replenish depth after an injury-riddled 2024–25 campaign, Hall’s rebounding and rim protection give him a real chance to carve out minutes if he continues trending upward.

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Warriors might’ve found a steal in Will Richard after Summer League breakout

The Golden State Warriors may have struck gold late in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Guard Will Richard, selected 56th overall out of the University of Florida, is making a strong case as Golden State’s biggest Summer League success—and possibly the only player on the roster ready to push for real NBA minutes right away.

Through six games between the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League, Richard leads the team in minutes (23.9), scoring (11.5 points), and steals (1.7) per game. While his three-point shot is still finding consistency (20.7 percent), his inside-the-arc efficiency (63.3 percent) and near-perfect free-throw shooting (92.9 percent) suggest real scoring tools.

His overall field goal percentage has climbed as the weeks have gone on. After a rocky 9-of-26 start in the California Classic, Richard is now shooting 48.5 percent in Vegas—80 percent inside the arc.

“It’s clear he’s starting to look a little more comfortable,” Summer League coach Lainn Wilson said this week in Las Vegas, per NBCS Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole.

What makes Richard especially valuable is his energy and defensive versatility. At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he brings length and toughness that the NBA roster lacks—especially with Gary Payton II still unsigned and De’Anthony Melton working back from injury.

Golden State’s limited cap space puts an even brighter spotlight on young players. With Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler III combining for over 80% of the team’s payroll, the Warriors are counting on rookie-scale talent like Richard to provide real impact.

The front office is still exploring options—Al Horford has been mentioned as a potential veteran addition—but it’s clear Richard is already playing himself into the conversation for a roster spot.

His two-way potential, poise, and college experience (105 starts at Florida) make him a strong candidate to earn rotation minutes under Steve Kerr. For a team with minimal flexibility and limited depth at point-of-attack defense, Richard might be more than a feel-good Summer League story—he might be a keeper.

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Way too Early Grades for the Offseason (Southwest Division)

Every team in the Southwest division is having a great offseason. All 5 NBA teams have created a distinct gap from their goals and identity now (2025-26), compared to the previous season (2024-25). Let’s go over the Southwest division season so far.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies and the Magic had the very first trade of the offseason:

Grizzlies Receive: Kentavious Caldwell Pope, Cole Anthony (gone), Four UNPROTECTED first round picks (2025, 2026, 2028, 2030) and a 2029 top 2 protected first sound pick swap. That 2025 pick ended up being Cedric Coward.

Magic Receive: Desmond Bane

I give this trade a strong B+. KCP would give them the needed perimeter defense. But taking on that contract for the production he’ll give you is certainly a con of this trade. However, getting five first round picks and drafting two-way rebounding forward Cedric Coward is what makes them the winners of this trade. Aside from the trade, what offseason signings have they made, and who did they let walk?

Category Player(s)
🔁 Trades In Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, Marvin Bagley III, Cedric Coward, four first round draft picks
🔁 Trades Out Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, Yang Hansen
📝 Signings Jock Landale, Lamar Stevens, Zyon Pullin (Two-way), Ty Jerome
✍️ Extensions Cam Spencer, Santi Aldama
🧑‍🎓 Draft Picks Javon Small (#48), Will Richard (#56)
❌ Departures Luke Kennard, David Roddy, Johnny Davis

 

I think overall, the Grizzlies deserve a B this offseason; they got better as a team and better trade assets, but not anything that would move the needle much further.

 

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans made a trade to acquire Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the draft rights to Micah Peavy. They sent the Wizards CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, draft rights to Mojave King, and a future second-round pick. Pairing up Jordan Poole and Zion Williamson for the foreseeable future will be must-see entertainment. This pairing should put Poole in conversations for potential Most Improved Player talks. Moving McCollum for a younger promising guard was certainly a move that will help them push for a potential top 8 seeding in the west. Let’s look at the offseason acquisitions and departures so far.

Category Player(s)
Signings Kevon Looney, Hunter Dickinson, Trey Alexander (2-way), Derik Queen, Micah Peavy, Jeremiah Fears, Lester Quinones,
Re-signings (N/A)
Extensions Herb Jones (3-year, $68M extension with player option)

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Departures Brandon Ingram (traded), Antonio Reeves, Jalen Crutcher, Javonte Green, Trey Jemison III (waived), Bruce Brown
Trades Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey (acquired)

 

The Pelicans have had the most underrated offseason so far. Extending elite 3&D wing Herb Jones and drafting 2 of the top 10 players in this year’s draft class are S-tier moves. The Pelicans deserve an A- currently. Though they are still not contenders, their roster has improved greatly.

 

Houston Rockets

The largest trade ever was the 7-team Kevin Durant trade.

Team Received
Houston Rockets Kevin Durant, Clint Capela
Phoenix Suns Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, Koby Brea, Daeqwon Plowden, 1 second-round pick
Brooklyn Nets 2 second-round picks
Golden State Warriors Alex Toohey, Jahmai Mashack
Atlanta Hawks David Roddy, cash, second-round pick swap
Los Angeles Lakers Adou Thiero
Minnesota Timberwolves Rocco Zikarsky, 2 second-round picks, cash

 

Although it was a 7-team trade, the Rockets individually traded with the Suns to acquire KD. They sent out Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, a 2025 first (Khaman Maluach) and five second round picks. With that trade, they’ve also made more signings and have let people walk.

Category Player(s)
Acquisitions Kevin Durant, Clint Capela
Re-signings Fred VanVleet (2 yrs, $50M), Steven Adams (3 yrs, $39M)
Extensions Jabari Smith Jr. (5 yrs, $122M)
Signings Dorian Finney-Smith (4 yrs, $53M)
Departures Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 2025 No. 10 pick, 5 second-round picks

 

The Rockets deserve a A+ for the offseason, although they let Cam Whitmore go, they still brought in Kevin Durant and Dorian Finney Smith who is a premier 3&D wing and locked in their best role players to re-signings and extensions.

 

Dallas Mavericks

After trading Luka Doncic, miraculously they won the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes and attained the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Category Player(s)
Signings Ryan Nembhard (2-way), Miles Kelly (2-way), Kylor Kelley (2-way) Dante Exum
Re-signings Brandon Williams (rest-of-season contract)
Extensions Daniel Gafford (3 yrs, $54M)

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, Jaden Hardy (3 yrs, $18M)

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Trades Received: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 1st-round pick
Sent: Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris (to Lakers)

Received: Caleb Martin (from 76ers)
Sent: Quentin Grimes, draft considerations
Departures Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris, Quentin Grimes

 

The Mavericks haven’t made many offseason moves but that’s reasonable because they already have a championship level roster. Now with the addition of Cooper Flagg, they are poised to be a top 3 seed in the Western Conference. The league has been put on notice.

 

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs have the best young core in the league:

– Victor Wembanyama

– Stephon Castle

– Dylan Harper

– Carter Bryant

– Jeremy Sochan

– Keldon Johnson

– Devin Vassell

It’s hard not to look at this list and not be worried for the rest of the league in about 3-5 years. Although they still can’t contend for a title or even a playoff spot, they have had a terrific offseason.

Category Player(s)
Signings Luke Kornet (1-year deal), Jordan McLaughlin (1-year deal), Harrison Ingram (2-way), David Duke Jr. (2-way)
Re-signings Tre Jones (3-year deal)
Extensions Devin Vassell (5 yrs, $146M), Keldon Johnson (4 yrs, $74M)
Trades Received: De’Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes
Sent: 2027 1st-round pick
Departures Chris Paul, Bismack Biyombo, Sandro Mamukelashvili (all UFAs)

 

The Spurs do have a logjam in the guard position, but this could work for their benefit due to the play style diversity. Signing Luke Kornet to put next to Wembanyama will put the paint on lock. It will be very difficult to score on them because of this. They also have the personnel to switch on to different defenders. I give the Spurs an A for the offseason they are having.

 

Conclusion

The offseason for the Southwest division has been great. Is there more to come or could this be it?

 

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VJ Edgecombe returns as Sixers grab first Summer League W in Vegas

By: @oossports

After a four-game absence, VJ Edgecombe returned to the court Tuesday night and helped the Philadelphia 76ers Summer League squad capture its first win in Las Vegas with a 74-58 victory over the Wizards.

Edgecombe, back from a left thumb sprain, played 30 minutes and recorded 15 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. While he struggled early, his second-half impact helped the Sixers take control and secure their first win after an 0-2 start in Vegas.

Rough start, better finish for Edgecombe

Edgecombe opened the game cold, missing his first seven shots and going scoreless in the first half. The rust was visible — he air-balled a wide-open three and missed a point-blank layup. Still, he found other ways to contribute, including an early second-quarter assist in transition and steady half-court playmaking.

He finally broke through at the line in the third quarter after drawing contact on a dunk attempt. From there, Edgecombe found rhythm, adding a dunk and a midrange jumper, then teaming up with Justin Edwards for an alley-oop in the fourth.

Edwards, Broome, Aluma power Sixers’ offense

Justin Edwards led the Sixers with 17 points, continuing his efficient Summer League campaign. He helped close the door late, hitting key buckets off Edgecombe assists.

Johni Broome also stood out. The second-round pick gave Philly its first lead with a second-quarter dunk and followed it up with a top-of-the-key three. He finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds and has now hit six of his 11 threes in Las Vegas.

Veteran forward Keve Aluma added a spark with 12 points on 4-for-5 shooting — all in the second quarter — giving the Sixers a much-needed lift after the team started 1-for-16 from the field.

Bona continues to dominate defensively

Adem Bona stayed true to form as a defensive anchor. The rookie center blocked six shots against Washington, bringing his Summer League total to 11 in just three games. He altered several others and helped seal the win with his presence in the paint during the fourth quarter.

What’s next

With Edgecombe back in the mix, the Sixers (1-2) will look to build momentum when they take on the Mavericks on Wednesday night in Las Vegas.

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