Payton Pritchard, Mike Conley, Taurean Prince and More

Marcus Smart, a beloved former Celtic, is set to join the rival Los Angeles Lakers after agreeing to a buyout with the Washington Wizards, marking a tough summer for Boston fans who have seen multiple key players depart. Having spent nine seasons in Boston, Smart's move to the Lakers, alongside other former Celtics like Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley, adds intrigue to the historic Celtics-Lakers rivalry. Need More Context? 🔎

Restricted free agency poses challenges for players like Jonathan Kuminga, Cam Thomas, Josh Giddey, and Quentin Grimes, as they seek contracts around $30 million annually while teams prefer to offer closer to $20 million. Kuminga's desire to depart from the Warriors and Thomas's public frustration highlight the deadlock, while Giddey's potential as a top option faces scrutiny, although Grimes seems poised to return to the Sixers. Need More Context? 🔎

The Knicks concluded their 2025 Summer League with a 1-4 record after a 94-85 loss to the Wizards, with key takeaways including Tyler Kolek's struggles, uneven performances from second-year players, and promising signs from rookie Mohamed Diawara. Amid roster decisions, players like Anton Watson and Dink Pate showcased potential, raising questions about final roster spots as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Need More Context? 🔎