A lot of no-story stories going on in the middle of the summer as we patiently wait for something—anything, God please help me—to happen. Here’s today’s dose of links and notes.
- The more the offseason advances, the more we’re hearing about Karl-Anthony Towns’ contract situation as the biggest unresolved issue around the Knicks heading into next season. The New York Post’s Jared Schwartz broke it down as the big man approaches a $61-million decision, with New York already able to offer him a four-year extension worth up to $272 million.
- Josh Hart’s future also remains uncertain, with a team option worth roughly $22 million for 2027-28 and his eligibility for an extension starting on Aug. 10.
- Miles McBride presents another looming cap decision, and Daily Knicks’ Jack Simone compared it to what happened to the Celtics and Al Horford.
- Are the Pelicans showing more willingness to discuss deals involving some of their younger players? Could that lead to another attempt at landing Knicks fans’ favorite target Yves Missi? Questions, questions!
- A trade for Milwaukee center Kel’el Ware has been floated by SI’s Steven Simineri as an aggressive solution to the Knicks’ frontcourt problem. I think we all agree that’s a lovable idea, but at the same time a very far-fetched one.
- Karl-Anthony Towns talked about everything in an interview with The New York Times and among all the quotes, he explained why he was so vocal after scoring against Victor Wembanyama during the NBA Finals.
- Another interesting nugget was Towns admitting it will feel strange seeing Mitchell Robinson in a Celtics jersey next season.
“I don’t even know if I could look at Mitch with a Celtics jersey on after everything. He owes me a pickup truck.”
- Our own John Gove decided to build his Mt. Rushmore of Knicks’ all-time point guards. The list centered on winning and cultural impact rather than empty statistics, with the championship years of 1970, 1973 and 2026 serving as the obvious foundation. Do John a favor and read it all.
- LeBron James is expected to spend significant time playing point guard for the 76ers. ESPN’s Shams Charania said Philadelphia wants James to initiate the offense and create opportunities for usage-rate monsters Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and V.J. Edgecombe.
- The Knicks might never call James one of their own, but it feels James will never get over the idea of one day represeting New York. That’s why he is expected to live at least part-time in NYC despite signing with Philadelphia.
- Back to NYP’s Schwartz, he believes the Knicks’ decision not to seriously pursue LeBron will remain a season-long storyline and could come back hunting them.
“The Knicks’ decision to not make a real effort for LeBron, coupled with his interest in the team, his availability at a cheap price and his eventual signing with a rival, puts pressure on the Knicks. They are doubling down on the belief that their roster is good enough to repeat as champions, with LeBron and the 76ers now representing the opponent that oddsmakers believe will serve as the Knicks’ greatest obstacle in the Eastern Conference.
“In head-to-head games, in the standings, in a potential playoff matchup — this will be a talking point. The Knicks must prove themselves right. They must prove that they do not need The King.“
- At least 18 men’s college basketball players are projected to earn more than LeBron next season, with James making just under $4 million in Philadelphia next year.
- Remember the Heat employee who accidentally scheduled a “LeBron James Introductory Press Conference” video? Now we know the real reason why he did it.
- Josh Hart trolled Donovan Mitchell over the Mets’ struggles.
- OAKAAK Mario Hezonja is really really returning to the NBA after agreeing to a one-year, $2.8 million deal with Cleveland after the Cavs whiffed on LeBron’s homecoming. Hezonja, for what it’s worth, said he had no interest in returning to the NBA when he first left the league because he felt disrespected.
“No, I’m not going to return to the NBA. There was a lot I didn’t like there, I didn’t get the respect that I deserved. In my opinion, the NBA is more of a show than the game itself.”
- Nikola Jokic’s horse won Serbia’s top race.
