Raptors trade Jalen McDaniels to Kings

The Toronto Raptors have acquired guard Davion Mitchell, forward Sasha Vezenkov, the draft rights to Jamal Shead and a 2025 second round pick (via Portland) in a trade with the Sacramento Kings for forward Jalen McDaniels.

“This trade provides us with a mix of young and veteran players, as well as future flexibility and draft assets, as we continue our quest to win, and so we’re pleased to welcome Davion, Sasha and Jamal to the Raptors and to Toronto,” Raptors General Manager Bobby Webster said. “We thank Jalen for his contributions, and we wish him all the best in the future.”

Mitchell, 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, averaged 5.3 points, 1.9 assists, 1.3 rebounds and 15.3 minutes in 72 games (four starts) with Sacramento last season. He shot .452 (146-323) from the field, including .361 (57-158) from three-point range, and scored in double figures 12 times. Mitchell holds career averages of 7.4 points, 2.8 assists, 1.6 rebounds and 20.4 minutes in 227 games (32 starts).

A native of Hinesville, Georgia, Mitchell was picked ninth overall by the Kings in the 2021 NBA Draft. Following one year at Auburn (2017-18), he played two seasons at Baylor (2019-21). As a junior, Mitchell helped the Bears capture the 2021 NCAA Championship and was named the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.

Vezenkov, 6-foot-9, 225 pounds, appeared in 42 contests with the Kings last season, posting averages of 5.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 12.2 minutes. He shot 44 per cent (84-191) from the floor, .375 (45-120) from beyond the arc, and scored in double digits in eight games.

Vezenkov was picked 57th overall by Brooklyn in the 2017 NBA Draft. Sacramento acquired his draft rights from Cleveland in June 2022. Prior to signing with the Kings last summer, Vezenkov played five seasons (2018-2023) with Olympiacos in Greece where he earned Euroleague MVP honours (2023-23). A native of Nicosia, Cyprus, he has also played professionally overseas with FC Barcelona (2015-18) in Spain and Aris Basketball Club (2011-15) in Greece.

Shead, 6-foot, 201 pounds, was picked 45th overall by Sacramento in the 2024 NBA Draft. He played four seasons at Houston (2020-24) where he averaged 9.7 points, 5.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 27.5 minutes in 138 career games (108 starts). Last season Shead was named the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and became the first player in Big 12 history to earn Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honours in same season. The Manor, Texas, native finished his career as the second-winningest player in Cougars history with 120-18 record.

McDaniels averaged 3.4 points, 1.6 rebounds and 10.8 minutes in 50 games (one start) with the Raptors last season. He signed as a free agent in July 2023

Orlando Magic extend qualifying offer to Trevelin Queen

The Orlando Magic have extended a qualifying offer to guard Trevelin Queen.

By extending a qualifying offer to Queen prior to the June 30 deadline, Orlando owns the right to match any offer sheet he may sign with another team. Queen will become a restricted free agent on July 1.

Queen (6’6”, 190, 5/15/00) played in 14 games with Orlando last season, averaging 2.9 ppg., 1.4 rpg. and 1.3 apg. in 11.8 minpg. He also played and started in 19 regular season games with Osceola of the NBA G League, averaging 22.3 ppg., 7.0 rpg., 5.2 apg. and 2.26 stlpg. in 33.8 minpg. Queen was named to the 2023-24 All-NBA G League Second Team and the 2023-24 NBA G League All-Showcase Team. He was also named MVP of the 2024 NBA G League Up Next Game as part of NBA All-Star Weekend.

Undrafted by an NBA franchise, Queen has played in 31 career NBA regular season games with Houston, Indiana and Orlando, averaging 3.4 ppg. and 1.7 rpg. in 10.0 minpg. He has also appeared in 77 career NBA G League regular season games (59 starts) with Rio Grande Valley, Fort Wayne and Osceola, averaging 20.7 ppg., 5.8 rpg., 4.1 apg. and 2.29 stlpg. in 31.6 minpg. Queen was the 2021-22 NBA G League Most Valuable Player and led Rio Grande Valley to the 2022 NBA G League championship, earning NBA G League Finals MVP honors.

Queen wears #12 with the Orlando Magic.

Miami Heat extend qualifying offers to Cole Swider and Alondes Williams

The Miami Heat have extended qualifying offers to Cole Swider and Alondes Williams.

Swider split last season between the HEAT, and their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He appeared in 14 regular season G League games with the Skyforce, averaging a team-high 24.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 39.4 minutes while shooting 51.4 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 81.3 percent from the foul line. He finished second in the G League in three-point percentage and scored in double-figures in all 14 games, including 12 20-point games and four 30-point performances. Swider scored his G League career-high of 37 points on January 7 vs. Salt Lake City and grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds on February 10 vs. Rip City. He also appeared in 18 games with Miami last season, averaging 2.3 points in 4.8 minutes of action. He led the reserves in points, assists and blocks one time each and scored in double-figures twice, including 11 points at Brooklyn on November 25 and a career-high 14 points on March 22 vs. New Orleans.

Williams, who earned the NBA G League Most Improved Player Award last season, split the season between the HEAT, and their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He appeared in 27 regular season G League games (all starts) with the Skyforce, averaging 21.7 points, 7.3 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 1.22 steals and 38.1 minutes while shooting 52.2 percent from the field, 37.9 percent from three-point range and 76.6 percent from the foul line. He was named to the All-NBA G League First Team and selected to participate in the Rising Stars Game at NBA All-Star Weekend. Among G League leaders, Williams finished second in minutes per game, sixth in scoring and ninth in assists per game. He also led the team in points, assists, field goals made, three-point field goals made, free throws made, minutes and starts. He scored in double-figures 26 times, including 13 20-point games, three 30-point games, a 40-point performance and a Skyforce-record 55 points on January 7 vs. Salt Lake City. Additionally, he appeared in seven games with the HEAT, totaling five points, a rebound and a block.

2024 NBA Draft first round results

Per NBA.com, these are the 2024 NBA draft first round picks that were made along with the reported trades, some of which may take a while before they come official. The second round takes place tomorrow:

1. Hawks draft Zaccharie Risacher (JL Bourg-en-Bresse)

2. Wizards draft Alex Sarr (Perth)

3. Rockets draft Reed Sheppard (Kentucky)

4. Spurs draft Stephon Castle (Connecticut)

5. Pistons draft Ron Holland II (G League Ignite)

6. Hornets draft Tidjane Salaun (Cholet Basket)

7. Trail Blazers draft Donovan Clingan (Connecticut)

8. Spurs draft Rob Dillingham (Kentucky) — Traded to Timberwolves

9. Grizzlies draft Zach Edey (Purdue)

10. Jazz draft Cody Williams (Colorado)

11. Bulls draft Matas Buzelis (G League Ignite)

12. Thunder draft Nikola Topic (KK Crvena Zvezda)

13. Kings draft Devin Carter (Providence)

14. Trail Blazers draft Bub Carrington (Pittsburgh) — Traded to Wizards

15. Heat draft Kel’el Ware (Indiana)

16. 76ers draft Jared McCain (Duke)

17. Lakers draft Dalton Knecht (Tennessee)

18. Magic draft Tristan da Silva (Colorado)

19. Raptors draft Ja’Kobe Walter (Baylor)

20. Cavaliers draft Jaylon Tyson (Cal)

21. Pelicans draft Yves Missi (Baylor)

22. Suns draft DaRon Holmes II (Dayton) — Traded to Nuggets

23. Bucks draft AJ Johnson (Illawarra)

24. Knicks draft Kyshawn George (Miami) — Reportedly traded to Wizards

25. Knicks draft Pacome Dadiet (Ratiopharm Ulm)

26. Wizards draft Dillon Jones (Weber State) — Traded to Thunder (via Knicks)

27. Timberwolves draft Terrence Shannon Jr. (Illinois)

28. Nuggets draft Ryan Dunn (Virginia) — Traded to Suns

29. Jazz draft Isaiah Collier (USC)

30. Celtics draft Baylor Scheierman (Creighton)

Nets and Rockets trade multiple draft picks

The Brooklyn Nets have acquired their 2025 first round draft pick, negating a previously agreed to swap, and their first round pick in 2026, from the Houston Rockets in exchange for a 2025 first round pick swap (Houston/Oklahoma City for Phoenix), the Phoenix Suns’ 2027 first round pick and a the rights to the two most favorable of the Dallas, Phoenix and Houston first round picks in 2029. Brooklyn retains the least favorable of Dallas, Houston and Phoenix’s first round draft picks in 2029.

The Rockets receive:

– In 2025, the rights to swap either their own first round pick or Oklahoma City’s first round pick in exchange for Phoenix’s first round pick.

– Phoenix’s first round pick in 2027.

– In 2029, the rights to the more favorable of either Dallas’ or Phoenix’s first round pick in addition to the right to swap their own first round pick for the less favorable of either Dallas’ or Phoenix’s first round pick.

The Rockets relinquish:

– In 2025, the right to swap either their first round pick or Oklahoma City’s first round pick in exchange for Brooklyn’s first round pick.

– Brooklyn’s first round pick in 2026.

Trail Blazers hire Nate Bjorkgren and Chris Fleming as assistant coaches

The Portland Trail Blazers have named Nate Bjorkgren and Chris Fleming as assistant coaches on Head Coach Chauncey Billups’ staff.

During the 2023-24 season, Bjorkgren served as a Special Assistant to the Coaching Staff for the Trail Blazers. Prior to this past season, Bjorkgren served an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors (2021-23, 2018-2020) and was the head coach of the Indiana Pacers for the 2020-2021 season. A professional basketball coach of 17 years, Bjorkgren’s first NBA coaching job came as an assistant with the Phoenix Suns (2015-17).
A native of Storm Lake, Iowa, Bjorkgren began his professional coaching career with the Iowa Energy (2007-2011) of the NBA G League as an assistant coach, helping the team win a championship in 2010-11 before becoming the head coach of the Dakota Wizards prior to their move to Santa Cruz. The Warriors appeared in the Finals in their first season in Santa Cruz under Bjorkgren during the 2012-13 season. Bjorkgren also had NBA G League head coaching stops with the Iowa Energy (2013-14) and Bakersfield Jam (2014-15).

Fleming spent the last five seasons (2019-2024) as an assistant coach with the Chicago Bulls and will be entering his 10th season as an NBA Coach. Prior to Chicago, Fleming spent three seasons (2016-19) as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets, helping the team improve its win total each season. Fleming’s NBA coaching career began with the Denver Nuggets in 2015-16.

The Forked River, NJ, native served as a head coach in Germany for 14 years where he spent eight seasons (2000-08) with QSTV/Artland Dragons in Quakenbrϋck and six seasons (2008-14) with Brose Baskets Bamberg, where he led Brose Baskets to four German League championships and was named the German League Coach of the Year in 2011. During his time in Germany, Fleming captured four Germany Cup championships along with three German Supercup championships and spent three seasons (2014-18) coaching the German national team.

Lakers name JJ Redick as new head coach

The Los Angeles Lakers have announced JJ Redick as head coach. Redick becomes the 29th head coach in franchise history and the 25th of the Los Angeles era.

“We are thrilled to introduce JJ Redick as the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers,” said Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka. “After a thoughtful and thorough search process, I couldn’t be more proud to welcome JJ, his wife Chelsea, and their two sons to the Lakers family. JJ is a fierce competitor and has an extraordinary basketball IQ and understanding of the modern game that will energize players and excite fans. His rigorous analysis will immediately unlock new opportunities for our roster while setting a foundation for player development over the long term. He brings an intense dedication to innovation, advancing the game and staying at the forefront of an ever-evolving league. Beyond his basketball acumen, JJ has a care for people and genuine empathy that are critical for connecting with players today. This is an exciting time for Lakers basketball.”

Redick, 40, enjoyed a 15-year NBA playing career (2006-21) suiting up for Dallas, New Orleans, Philadelphia, LA Clippers, Milwaukee and Orlando. Of those 15 seasons, the former guard was part of 14 teams that advanced to the NBA Playoffs. The renowned shooter excelled in his role, averaging 12.8 points in 940 regular season games. Redick was a career 41.5-percent shooter from distance and his 1,950 made triples still stand 20th all-time in NBA history.

“I am incredibly humbled to join the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic and successful sports franchises in the world,” Redick said. “This opportunity for me is all about service to the players, team and organization. I want to express my utmost appreciation to Jeanie Buss, Rob Pelinka and the entire Lakers front office. My goal will focus on delivering championship-caliber basketball for Lakers fans everywhere, building on the tremendous history and legacy of the Lakers. I am excited to surround myself with a veteran, innovative staff as we work relentlessly to develop individual players and maximize the team’s potential. My family and I couldn’t be more ecstatic for this new chapter in our lives and look forward to immersing ourselves in the vibrant Los Angeles community.”

Timberwolves sign Head Coach Chris Finch to contract extension

The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed Head Coach Chris Finch to a multi-year contract extension.

“I’d like to thank Glen, Becky, and the entire organization for their continued support and commitment to me and the team,” said Finch. “I’m proud of the way we’ve been able to establish a great culture here with the Timberwolves and I look forward to continuing to lead this organization and make our fans proud.”

“Chris is a wonderful coach, and an even better person,” said President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly. “We are thrilled that he is being rewarded with a well-earned extension. Under his guidance the team has improved every year, he’s the perfect leader for our organization.”

Finch guided the Timberwolves to a 56-26 record in 2023-24, the second-highest win total in franchise history. Minnesota secured the third seed in the Western Conference, marking the third consecutive year clinching a spot in the NBA Playoffs, the most consecutive seasons making the playoffs since eight straight appearances from 1996-2004.

Medical update on Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis suffered a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 9th. This injury always requires surgical repair. Porzingis had hoped to delay surgery until after both the NBA Finals and Latvia’s Olympic campaign, but the injury doesn’t allow for consistent play at the level required for Olympic competition. Surgery will be performed in the coming days, and further updates will be provided when available.