NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: June 20, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

New York Championship Celebrations

The New York Knicks' parade drew millions to the streets of Manhattan on Thursday, marking the franchise's first NBA title in 53 years. To manage the massive crowds, the NYPD deployed 10,000 officers for the event, setting a record for the largest police presence ever assigned to a single planned gathering in the city. The festivities included a performance of "Empire State of Mind" by Alicia Keys, providing a musical backdrop to the historic celebration. During the rally, Jalen Brunson addressed his long-standing critics, while he and teammate Josh Hart continued the victory lap by tossing ceremonial first pitches at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday to thunderous ovations. Despite the euphoria, owner James Dolan confirmed to WFAN that the team will avoid the second apron for the 2026-27 season, signaling a disciplined approach to maintaining the roster following their title run.

Roster Moves and Organizational Shifts

Across the league, veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope exercised his $21.6 million player option to remain with the Memphis Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season. Meanwhile, Washington Wizards guard Trae Young plans to decline his $48.97 million option, though the franchise remains the primary candidate to re-sign the star. In the coaching and front-office ranks, Kendrick Perkins accepted the role of general manager for the Jackson State men’s basketball program, while former player Tiago Splitter took over as head coach of the Chicago Bulls. Splitter faces the challenge of revitalizing a franchise still looking to capture the success of the Michael Jordan era.

Legacy and Future Outlook

As the league looks toward the draft and free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers are weighing significant questions regarding the future of LeBron James and the potential to build a competitive core around Luka Doncic. Analysts are also identifying under-the-radar free agents who could provide the necessary depth to shift team trajectories during the upcoming off-season. Reflecting on past championship eras, members of the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers reunited in the United Kingdom for a trip featuring golf and wine, marking a decade since their historic comeback. Fans and historians continue to trace the career paths of that squad, including legends like LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, as the league observes the ten-year anniversary of one of the most notable turnarounds in professional basketball history.