According to Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, Jarace Walker is expected to be out at least the first two games of the NBA Finals. He continues to recover from a sprained ankle.

Carlisle confirmed fans’ suspicions by joining Indiana’s radio station 107.5 The Fan. Beyond the confirmation, the veteran head coach stated there is also a possibility of him missing more time due to the injury.

“He’s going to be out for a while,” Carlisle said Monday morning. “I don’t know how long. He certainly will not play in the first two games of the Finals. He was still on crutches (on Sunday). I’m certain he’ll be listed as out for those two initial games.”

While the 21-year-old didn’t have the largest role during their postseason run, his absence will shorthand them in the frontcourt department.

According to multiple reports, spearheaded by Marc Stein, it’s looking like no deals for Kevin Durant will materialize until teams are given full confirmation on whether Giannis Antetokounmpo is leaving the Milwaukee Bucks or not.

There is a strong feeling that teams would rather get the younger, less injury-prone, superstar in a blockbuster deal. Per numerous reports, teams who have interest in Durant also have significant interest in Giannis.

As it came out a couple weeks ago, for the first time in his career, Antetokounmpo is becoming more open-minded to leaving his Milwaukee franchise. A bombshell all into itself.

While Milwaukee is looking to keep their franchise player, Phoenix is wanting to do the exact opposite.

ESPN’s Shams Charania says this summer’s offseason will be one of the most explosive, headline-making offseason’s in league history.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Minnesota Timberwolves were more serious about making a trade for Kevin Durant at the trade deadline than what many were assuming. In fact, they wanted to get a deal done with the Phoenix Suns.

With Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker all becoming free agents in the offseason, and Minnesota being put in a tough spot financially, this could reopen the doors of a potential Durant trade that sees the partnership of him and Anthony Edwards.

“It became clear to me in talking to the parties involved just how serious the Wolves were about trying to trade for Kevin Durant at the trade deadline,” said Brian Windhorst on Friday’s Hoop Collective Podcast.

To acquire Durant during the deadline, Windhorst and Tim MacMahon said a “series of deals” would have needed to take place. Beyond that, it was more unlikely due to both organizations being in the second apron.

However, as pointed out by the two media experts, with the upcoming offseason and players testing free agency, Minnesota won’t be weighed under that apron. This would allow them to do what they need to do to make a Durant trade happen.

While Minnesota would love to keep some combination of Randle, Naz, and NAW; it could be more plausible fans see pieces be moved around so that Durant can play in Minnesota alongside Edwards.