NBA Turmoil: Brunson Champion and MVP, LeBron Stuck, and Macedonia Gets a Centre With a Passport

Brunson from Dončić's shadow to champion and Finals MVP

The New York Knicks are the new NBA champions, and the man who led them to the title is Jalen Brunson - the same player who started his career as a second choice, in the shadow of Luka Dončić in Dallas. The two came into the league in the same draft in 2018, but Dončić was the future star, and Brunson the „too-small guard" from the second round whom many wrote off. Now Brunson has lifted the title and is the Finals MVP, and the Knicks overcame San Antonio in a series decided in tight games. „I knew I would win one day, I just had to find a role to fill," he said. Basketball occasionally rewards patience over hype - and that's exactly what makes it interesting.

LeBron at 41 stuck between the Lakers and nostalgia

At 41, LeBron James is in a strange position - no one is in a hurry to sign him. The Lakers still haven't offered him a contract, and communication between the two sides has been minimal since the transfer window opened, claims Shams Charania. A return to Cleveland, which the fans dream of, was shut down by insider Brian Windhorst: „Now the Cavaliers can only offer him four million dollars." The only way for Cleveland to find the money would be a big trade, which would probably only weaken the team. Even legends reach the day when the figure in the contract becomes heavier than the name on the shirt.

Kawhi Leonard dreams of Toronto again

The Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard may be returning to where he once won a championship. According to insider Jake Fischer, there are only two clubs with which Leonard would sign an extension if he were traded - Toronto and San Antonio, two clubs from his past. The Raptors, sources say, have a real interest in bringing him back to Canada and are looking for a serious boost alongside young star Scottie Barnes. Leonard is entering the last guaranteed season of his contract, so the trade talk will only heat up in the transfer window.

Moses Wright on the verge of a Macedonian passport and a big signing

The American centre Moses Wright, a former Žalgiris player, has received Macedonian citizenship and becomes a reinforcement for the national team. At the same time he is a step away from a transfer to Barcelona, which means Macedonia gains a naturalised player with a serious European résumé. Naturalisation is a practice many national teams use, and when it works - it works brilliantly. It remains to be seen how well Wright will fit in and whether he'll bring that difference a quality centre makes in the key games.