Dub Hub: Knicks reportedly hiring former Warriors assistant and Kings head coach Mike Brown

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Wednesday, July 2nd.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• Knicks are hiring former Warriors assistant and Kings head coach Mike Brown, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
• Pelicans hold “interest” in Jonathan Kuminga, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
• Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. suffers turf toe injury after recently signing a five-year, $240 million extension.

Former Golden State Warriors assistant coach Mike Brown has found a new home. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the New York Knicks are expected to hire Brown as the team’s next head coach.

This marks Brown’s fourth head coaching stop. He previously led the Cleveland Cavaliers—most notably during LeBron James’ first stint with the team from 2005-2010—and had a brief tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2012 season. Brown also served as Steve Kerr’s lead assistant during the Warriors’ dynastic run from 2016 to 2022, helping guide Golden State to multiple championships and earning a reputation as one of the league’s most respected coaching voices.

Brown most recently served as head coach of the Sacramento Kings, where he earned 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year honors after leading the franchise to its first playoff appearance in 16 years. His fresh perspective on offense and defense helped breathe life into the long-struggling organization, but his time in Sacramento ended abruptly when he was dismissed midway through last season following reports of internal friction and a disappointing 13-18 start.

Kerr has always been one of Brown’s biggest supporters, publicly voicing his support for his former assistant following his departure from Sacramento

Now, Brown takes over a Knicks team coming off three consecutive playoff appearances and aiming to take the next step in a wide-open Eastern Conference. With a core led by Jalen Brunson and multiple playoff-tested veterans, New York is banking on Brown’s experience and leadership to elevate the franchise to contender status.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Wednesday, July 2nd:

Warriors News:

The hottest and freshest NBA free agency and trade talk | The Stein Line

I’ve confirmed that the Pelicans hold an interest in Kuminga, but various team salary cap experts have pointed out to me that New Orleans has no easy route to take Kuminga on its books at his desired contract range.

The cap gymnastics needed to keep the Pelicans out of the luxury tax — which has been a perennial priority for ownership — are described as considerable.

NBA rumors: Warriors interested in signing Damian Lillard sooner than later | NBC Sports Bay Area

Lillard received calls from Golden State, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, who are among the many teams that would be interested in signing Lillard sooner rather than later, The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Eric Nehm and Joe Vardon reported in a story Wednesday, citing league sources.

The catch is that the 34-year-old Lillard suffered a devastating torn left Achilles in Game 4 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series on April 28 and likely will be sidelined most, if not all, of the 2025-26 NBA season

As Kevon Looney leaves the Warriors, so does the dynasty’s backbone | The Athletic

Looney was a rock. He had the respect of the greats and the camaraderie of the youngsters, which positioned him as a critical voice in an ever-changing locker room. His locker was next to Jonathan Kuminga for a purpose. Poole, who Looney will be joining in New Orleans, looked up to his Milwaukee OG.

Looney was a model of professionalism. He transitioned from starting center to out of the rotation with professionalism. His mere presence was a “do not whine” sign. It’s hard to complain about minutes, about being glued to the end of the bench, while watching Looney endure it all for the sake of the team.

LeBron James trade fits: Cavs, Warriors, Mavericks and more possibilities | The Athletic

Golden State has one obvious offer for James: Jimmy Butler for the quadragenarian.

Butler makes a tad more than James does, marking the trade legal, though if it were constructed this way, it would hard cap the Lakers at the first apron, since they’d be absorbing more money than they send out in a deal. If the Lakers were fine with that, they could execute the one-for-one trade. However, they may want to maintain flexibility, which they could do somewhat easily.

Alex Toohey & Will Richard’s First Press Conference with Warriors

NBA News:

NBA free agent rankings: CP3, Kuminga, Ayton among new top 10 | ESPN

Possible fits: Proximity to Paul’s offseason home in Los Angeles might be as important to him as basketball fit. Paul is reportedly considering a return to the Clippers, who have a portion of their non-taxpayer midlevel exception available after signing center Brook Lopez, as well as the Suns. Restricted by the second apron, Phoenix could sign Paul only for the veteran’s minimum.

FBI just one problem facing Malik Beasley amid $8M in escalating financial problems | Detroit News

Court records obtained by The Detroit News paint a picture of a turbulent personal life as Beasley experienced a career breakthrough with the Pistons last season and while debts mounted from a celebrity barber, a dentist, a landlord, a lender and a marketing firm.

Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. suffers turf toe injury

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Warriors among several contenders pursuing Celtics C Al Horford in free agency

As the Warriors search for a solid rim protector who can stretch the floor and lessen the center workload on Draymond Green, Horford may be the last remaining free agent option that checks all of those boxes. Horford is far from a perfect player, and it’s hard to feel confident banking on a player who will turn 40 in June, but the Warriors have limited financial flexibility.

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