American NBA team in Chicago
AP News reports that Charlotte has traded LaMelo Ball to Minnesota for Naz Reid and draft picks in a four-team deal, with a record $40.7 million trade exception. Hornets’ GM Jeff Peterson says the move is aimed at long-term franchise health, despite fan backlash.
The Bulls have confirmed the death of Stacey King, 59, a former player and longtime broadcaster. King died Sunday; cause of death has not been disclosed. ESPN Chicago reports a possible fatal fall at his River Forest home. King helped Chicago win three titles and later became a beloved voice in Bulls broadcasts.
The Lakers face a pivotal offseason as LeBron James remains an unrestricted free agent while Luka Dončić suggests there may be distance between the stars. Lakers options center on re-signing LeBron, leveraging Doncic’s two-year contract, and navigating a potential courtship with prize guard Austin Reaves amid one of the franchise’s most consequential summers.
The 19-year-old BYU forward AJ Dybantsa has been selected No. 1 by the Washington Wizards in this year’s NBA draft, after leading NCAA Division I in scoring as a freshman with 25.5 PPG. Kansas guard Darryn Peterson goes No. 2 to Utah, while Duke’s Cameron Boozer is picked No. 3 by Memphis. The Jazz and Wizards assemble a young, high-scoring class.
The Walmart heir Lukas Walton and his wife have acquired a minority stake in the Chicago Bulls and the United Center, with the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families retaining controlling ownership. The deal values and stake size were not disclosed, but reports indicate a roughly 10% share for the Waltons. The transaction includes part of the United Center, home to the Bulls and the Blackhawks, and follows previous private equity moves into NBA teams.