The Celtics emerge as a major player in the KD sweepstakes, the WNBA could have their next Yao Ming, and Byron Scott thinks Shareef O'Neal could have a bright future in the NBA.

Let's take a trip around the league!

THE OFFSEASON

The Celtics have emerged as a major player in the KD sweepstakes!

Woj and Shams sent the internet on fire yesterday with their sudden reporting surrounding the Celtics' interest in acquiring Nets star Kevin Durant. The defending Eastern Conference Champions previously swept the Nets in the opening round of the playoffs but could be shaking their team up in a big way.

According to Shams, the Celtics offered a package headlined by Jaylen Brown, alongside Derrick White, and a draft pick. Brooklyn countered by asking for Brown, reigning DPOY Marcus Smart, draft picks, and potentially one more rotation player.

Later in the day, while on the Pat McAfee Show, Shams added even more fuel to the fire by calling Boston “a serious threat” to other teams, like Phoenix, who wanted to trade for KD. While Boston was not on KD’s initial list of trade destinations, Kevin Durant has always had kind words to say about Celtics star Jayson Tatum, dating back to when Tatum was still in high school. The kind words continued this past March when KD called Tatum “an elite shot maker.” Both Woj and Shams reiterated that while the interest is there, no deal looks to be imminent for the two-time NBA champion.

WNBA

The WNBA could have their own Yao Ming!

At 22 years old and 6’10, Han Xu is making her mark on the WNBA and becoming a huge name in China at the same time. Han Xu is a budding star on a New York Liberty roster still seeking their first championship.

Xu is currently averaging 9.2 PPG while shooting nearly 54% from the field. But more importantly, she’s shown the ability to absolutely take over games, as was the case earlier this month when she scored a career-high 24 points against Las Vegas.

Xu grew up idolizing the 7’6 Yao Ming and hopes to have a similar impact on the game and its popularity in China. Some of her basketball highlights have already garnered millions of views on various Chinese streaming platforms, including a live streaming session she hosted on Kuaishou, which generated about 1.6M views. With those kinds of numbers, it’s safe to say she’s well on her way.

LAKERS

Laker great thinks Shareef O'Neal has what it takes!

Shareef O’Neal didn’t have the best Summer League, but that hasn’t deterred Byron Scott from defending the young man. In a recent interview with TMZ Sports Scott said that while Shareef wasn’t ready, “[his] talent is there. Obviously, the athleticism is there”

O’Neal has had various health struggles while at UCLA and LSU. He dealt with a foot injury, but most notably, a heart condition that required surgery. Scott made sure to remind the critics that he's dealt with such major health issues and that it could take him longer as a result.

Shareef declared for the 2022 NBA Draft after his Junior year, against his father’s objections. Shareef ultimately went undrafted but was given a limited run with the Lakers Summer League roster.

Appearing in just two games, O’Neal averaged 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 60% from the field. Despite this limited showing, according to Shams, O’Neal signed a six-figure contract with the NBA G League Ignite. Following in the footsteps of Shaquille O’Neal is a daunting task, but with some good health, hopefully, Shareef gets a chance to show us what he’s capable of.

THE RUMOR MILL

According to Bob Kravitz of the Athletic, the Pacers rejected the Lakers offer of "Russell Westbrook, a first-rounder in 2027 and two second-rounders" for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.

Watch 4x NBA champion Klay Thompson absolutely crush a cold one

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