Smith The Jimmy Butler situation is holding up the trade market Assistant GM We have a deal basically done but the other team could be in a four- or five-team trade involving Butler So they need to hold for now That's going to be such a big trade that we all just have to wait it out

Smith A handful of NBA teams are pushing for changes to the expansion draft rules that would allow them to protect more than 8 players on their roster While other teams are advocating for rule changes that would make it possible for a team to lose up to two players in a draft instead of just one

Bill Simmons questions whether Giannis is still a top 5 player and doesnt think teams should trade all their assets for him He doesnt play Hes closer to Embiid than Jokic He doesn't play He gets hurt all the time He's hurt all the time I would be really scared about this

Charania NBA stakeholders are aware there is no perfect solution to tanking but the three anti-tanking proposals are attempting to mitigate it as much as possible Owners will speak with their respective GMs and executives weighing potential ramifications and unintended consequences

Sam Amick on Run It Back discussing his report of Bostons interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo If they get bounced in the second round they're gonna look at the landscape

Sam Amick on Run It Back discussing the 65-game rule Adam Silver's tone has been borderline defiant They could make an exception for Luka Doncic but bigger picture I think they're sticking to their guns

Haynes At least one of Sam Presti Tim Connelly or Brad Stevens is expected to be open to discussions regarding the Dallas Mavericks open General Manager position