NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: June 2, 2026, 8:54 AM ET

NBA Finals Preview & News

The Spurs eliminated the defending champion Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals with a 111-103 victory, fueled by Victor Wemby's 22 points and seven rebounds, setting up a dream matchup against the Knicks. NBA executives and coaches see intriguing storylines in the upcoming Finals, particularly how the Knicks can slow Wemby on both ends and whether Jalen Brunson can defy conventional wisdom about small guards. New York's mayor Eric Adams has added to the excitement by signing an executive order titled "repealing kids' bedtimes for Knicks Finals run," allowing young fans to stay up for games. Meanwhile, NBA courts will feature the Larry O'Brien Trophy image at midcourt and "The Finals" script logo on either side, reminiscent of the Finals from the 2000s, while Mitchell Robinson plans to play in Game 1 with a brace on his surgically repaired pinkie finger.

Betting & Business

The Knicks have attracted nearly half of all money wagered on NBA Finals winner this season at Draft Kings Sportsbook in New York, almost as much as every other team combined, reflecting strong public confidence in New York's chances. In franchise business news, the Dallas Mavericks are exploring a move away from downtown Dallas with a preliminary deal on an arena site that would end their 21-year tenure at Reunion Arena before the American Airlines Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder face critical financial decisions as extensions kick in and their tax bill is set to soar, potentially forcing difficult choices for the budding dynasty that just fell to the Spurs in the Western Conference finals.

Player & Coaching Moves

Stephen Curry ended his sneaker free agency by signing a 10-year endorsement contract with Chinese company Li-Ning, following his departure from Under Armour and concluding a recruitment process that captured the attention of sneaker industry executives. In international basketball news, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander heads a group of 23 players committed to representing Team Canada over the next three summers, with notable omissions of Jamal Murray and Andrew Wiggins from the roster. The Orlando Magic completed their coaching search by hiring San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney, 41, as their new head coach, adding a defensive mind to their coaching staff.

Draft & Offseason Outlook

As the NBA offseason begins, a wave of college returners has reshaped ESPN's latest top 100 draft prospects after the college withdrawal deadline, creating new uncertainty for the upcoming draft class. The top 12 prospects in the 2026 draft vary dramatically in ceilings, with some NBA executives seeing potential franchise-changing players while others project more modest outcomes. For the Thunder and other eliminated teams, the offseason presents critical questions, including how Oklahoma City will manage its financial situation while maintaining championship contention, and what moves teams like the Cavaliers, Pistons, Lakers, and Warriors will make to improve their rosters.

Legal & Financial Developments

Joseph Sanberg, co-founder of Aspiration, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison Monday, his now-bankrupt green banking company remains at the center of an NBA investigation into the Clippers' financial dealings. The