Mike Prada

Hello. I've decided to be someone who talks to NBA head coaches about basketball.

Here's a sneak peek of what's coming. Full episode about random offense (with a bit of breaking news) drops tomorrow

Adam Silver meets with Real Madrid to discuss NBA’s Europe league venture Membership from the soccer and basketball juggernaut would mark a significant step in launching the NBA’s overseas venture.

New: Adam Silver meets with Real Madrid in Paris to discuss NBA’s Europe league venture, potential huge step toward getting something started overseas www.nytimes.com/athletic/652...

Does restricted free agency still work for the NBA and its players? Did it ever? Two of our writers discuss the pros and cons of restricted free agency, and whether it should be changed.

Along with Tony Jones, I wrote about restricted free agency, whether it still has a place in the NBA and, if it's going to still exist, what could be changed to make it a fairer process.

This is why the Wizards won’t reacquire their 2026 first-rounder from the Knicks Such an effort would be nowhere near as straightforward, or as sensible, as it might seem.

The Wizards owe the Knicks a protected first-round pick in 2026. Keeping that draft choice will be critical for Washington — but will put a cap on how good the team can be. So why won't the Wizards attempt to regain the pick in its entirety? Story in @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/652...

Had a fun time putting this project together, and I think the results will be interesting for those following the four biggest free agents who are still on the market:

MLB trade deadline rumors and live updates: Tracker, news, stats and analysis as Jays acquire Shane Bieber The 2025 MLB trade deadline arrives at 6 p.m. (ET) today. Join us for live updates and analysis on trades around the league.

The best (and I'd argue only) place you need to go to be up to date on the MLB trade deadline www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...

The NBA bubble, 5 years later: ‘The most exclusive basketball camp in world history’ Mike Breen, Adam Silver and others share memories and reflect on the good, the bad and the one-of-a-kind from Florida.

The NBA bubble, 5 years later: ‘The most exclusive basketball camp in world history,’ missed children birthdays, and, an asterisk? www.nytimes.com/athletic/652...

Derrick Rose eager to shine light on NBA's secret obsession: Chess

For my debut story at @theathletic.com, I pulled up to watch Derrick Rose play chess. He’s seemingly found fulfillment in his new obsession. Now he’s out here hoping to grow the game:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...

A decade after Point Giannis, Jason Kidd is at it again.

Watch @justesbaraheni.bsky.social's newest Athletic Spotlight video here. www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...

My mission in returning home, joining The Athletic to cover the Chicago Bulls

For those who are unfamiliar with me or my recent move…here’s my introduction to The Athletic:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...

now every morning they'll be sleeping alone and sweeping the sheets they used to know.

LeBron James hasn’t had buyout, trade discussions with Lakers, expects to be with team: Sources Both the Lakers and people close to the NBA’s all-time leading scorer expect James will be with the organization for training camp.

LeBron James hasn’t had buyout, trade discussions with Lakers, both sides expect that he will be with team for training camp. Reporting with @danwoikesports.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...

Not fair the Spurs also got Carter Bryant.

How much does the NBA change over in 5 years?????

None of the 30 NBA teams have more than 4 players left from the 2020-21 rosters

Exactly half of the teams have only 1 or 2 players left. And only six coaches from 2020-21 too (Donovan, Spo, Finch, Daigneault, Kerr, Tyronn Lue)

In hindsight, it seems a lot of Angel Reese's early-season issues stemmed from learning to play a new way. Early step back to take a way bigger step forward.

Wizards’ Tre Johnson impresses in his confident NBA Summer League debut "He’s only going to get better from here," says summer league teammate Kyshawn George.

Trying to read too much into a rookie's NBA Summer League debut is a fool's errand. But on Friday night, Wizards rookie lottery pick Tre Johnson demonstrated one of the characteristics the team already knew he has: confidence.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/648...

Reed Sheppard is responsible for an unhealthy portion of my Rockets optimism next year and tonight won't help that.

At least slightly less confident about my stock portfolio with some other young Wizards.

Nuh uh me first

If there's any more Kyshawn George stock left to buy, I'm buying it.

We may need to prepare ourselves for Dallas using Cooper Flagg as a guard.

Cole Swider, Summer League legend.

Vegas, baby. See you tomorrow. 🎲🎲

Kelly Olynyk on the Wizards would've been bad karma, he had to go.

What comes next after Powell-Collins trade The Clippers-Jazz-Heat trade not only involves three different UCLA guys, it also sets up the Clippers to get something for Norm Powell and still be a cap room team in the summer of 2026. In the short...

Clippers-Jazz-Heat trade analysis:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...

One day, hopefully soon, we will have a 30-team trade in which 23 teams will trade two-way guys to get tiny trade exceptions.

NBA free agency 2025 tracker, live updates: Bucks waiving Damian Lillard, will sign Myles Turner NBA free agency is moving fast and furious. The latest: A stunner in Milwaukee

I know there's a lot of crazy stuff going on, but if you want a handle on the crazy NBA stuff, join us here:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...

I’d just like to point out that in saying “may her memory be a blessing” instead of “rest in peace” Mamdani is showing more attention and care to how Jews mourn their dead than most people.

How Bucks creatively kept 3 key free agents Congratulations to the Bucks on playing salary cap bingo today. They made moves on the margins with a veteran minimum contract, a biannual exception deal and a non-Bird free agent signing in the same ...

Salary cap bingo in Milwaukee! I explain

www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...

Not that you needed another reminder of how bad that Pelicans draft-day trade was.

But considering the Bucks may look a lot like last year's Bucks minus Brook Lopez, the Pelicans could somehow be awesome next year and STILL fork over a lottery pick to Atlanta if Giannis gets hurt or is traded.