Heat
The Heat are keeping Pelle Larsson around.
Miami announced that it has exercised Larsson’s $2.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season, ensuring the guard remains under contract for at least one more year.
Larsson, 25, was reportedly mentioned in trade discussions involving the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo deal, but Miami ultimately completed the trade without including him.
The former second-round pick is coming off a breakout campaign in which he started 54 games and averaged 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 49.6 percent from the field.
Larsson will be eligible for an extension this summer and could become a restricted free agent next offseason if a new agreement isn’t reached.
Raptors
The Raptors got the player they wanted.
According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, Toronto was hoping Santa Clara wing Allen Graves would still be available at No. 19 and was thrilled when he remained on the board.
Raptors executive vice president Bobby Webster cited Graves’ versatility and basketball IQ among the reasons for the selection.
“As a player, he’s a high-processor, two-way player, wins the possession game, I think, on both ends of the floor,” Webster said.
Webster also praised Graves’ defensive instincts and offensive feel.
“We thought we got one of the better two-way players in the draft.”
Graves shot 41.3 percent from three-point range during his lone college season and impressed evaluators with his ability to impact games beyond scoring.
76ers
The 76ers believe they landed one of the steals of the draft.
Philadelphia selected Alabama guard Labaron Philon with the No. 22 overall pick, and team president Mike Gansey admitted the organization wasn’t expecting him to still be available.
“He was pretty high on our board,” Gansey said, via The Athletic’s Tony Jones. “We were surprised he was there.”
Gansey praised Philon’s versatility and toughness.
“He’s dynamic. He can play on or off the ball. He can score, and he can pass,” Gansey said. “He plays with an edge and a swag. He plays with some toughness.”
Philon already sees an opportunity to contribute immediately.
“I want to come in and take pressure off Tyrese (Maxey) and VJ (Edgecombe),” he said. “I think we have a chance to have a special season coming up.”
Philon added that playing alongside Joel Embiid and Paul George only strengthens his belief that Philadelphia can contend in the Eastern Conference.
The post NBA Notes: Heat, Pelle Larsson, Raptors, Allen Graves, Sixers appeared first on Hoops Wire.
