The Oklahoma City Thunder are trading guard Isaiah Joe to the Detroit Pistons for two second-round picks, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Friday, continuing the defending champions’ offseason effort to trim payroll after winning last year’s NBA title.

The Thunder will receive second-round selections in 2030, via the Minnesota Timberwolves, and 2031, sources said, in exchange for one of the league’s most reliable three-point specialists.

A financially driven move for the champions

For Oklahoma City, the trade is straightforwardly about money rather than basketball fit. It’s a financially motivated move for the Thunder that addresses the Pistons’ need to add perimeter shooting alongside superstar point guard Cade Cunningham.

The deal marks the second time in a week that Oklahoma City has shed a valued role player from its 2024-25 championship roster purely to manage its salary structure. Oklahoma City traded wing Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks for two second-round picks, sources told Charania on Sunday, in a similar move that preceded Friday’s trade.

Together, the two deals have meaningfully reshaped Oklahoma City’s financial outlook heading into next season. Those deals trimmed Oklahoma City’s projected salary for next season from $261 million to $234 million, and factoring in luxury tax, the trades will save the Thunder a total of $216 million, according to projections by ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks.

That savings estimate assumes Oklahoma City makes specific decisions on several other roster options in the coming days. Marks is forecasting that Oklahoma City will exercise the team options for center Isaiah Hartenstein, worth $28.5 million, and guard Luguentz Dort, worth $18.2 million, but not for reserve forward Kenrich Williams, whose option is valued at $7.2 million.

Joe’s path from waiver claim to championship sharpshooter

Joe’s four seasons in Oklahoma City represented a remarkable rise for a player who entered the league with little fanfare. He was the Thunder’s pickup from a waiver claim off the Philadelphia 76ers, where he had struggled to find playing time, starting just two games across his first two NBA seasons after being selected in the second round of the 2020 draft.

Once he arrived in Oklahoma City, Joe quickly carved out a role as one of the league’s most efficient shooters. He shot 41.5% from three-point range over the past four seasons, and according to ESPN Research, Joe has the highest three-point percentage among 56 players with at least 1,500 attempts over that stretch.

His final season with the Thunder was also his best individually. Joe set career highs in scoring and three-point percentage during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 11.1 points per game while shooting 42.3% from beyond the arc across 71 regular-season appearances. He averaged 9.7 points per game overall during his Oklahoma City tenure, primarily coming off the bench.

A reduced role in the playoffs signaled change was coming

Despite his regular-season production, Joe’s role diminished significantly once the postseason arrived, a shift that foreshadowed his departure. His role was reduced during the playoffs, when trade-deadline addition Jared McCain surpassed him in the Thunder’s backcourt rotation. In the playoffs, Joe averaged just 4.8 points in 11.0 minutes across 13 games, playing sparingly as Oklahoma City advanced through the Western Conference, including limited minutes against the San Antonio Spurs in the conference finals.

That decline in postseason usage, combined with the Thunder’s pressing need to manage their cap situation, made Joe an obvious trade candidate as the offseason began.

What the Pistons are getting

For Detroit, the acquisition addresses a glaring weakness from a season that otherwise exceeded expectations. The Pistons made 11.0 threes per game last season, which ranked 28th in the NBA and last in the Eastern Conference, despite the team’s broader success on the floor.

That success was considerable: the Pistons are coming off the franchise’s first 60-win season since 2005-06, before falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Detroit had reportedly entered the offseason eyeing free agents like Austin Reaves and Coby White as it searched for outside shooting to pair with Cunningham, before those targets re-signed with their incumbent teams and the Pistons pivoted to a trade for Joe instead.

In Detroit, Joe joins a backcourt that already features some shooting depth, including Duncan Robinson, who shot 41% from three-point range last season, and Daniss Jenkins, who shot 37.4%. Joe is expected to continue filling a similar role for the Pistons that he held in Oklahoma City, providing instant shooting off the bench alongside Cunningham in the starting lineup.

The financial terms of the deal

Joe is due $11.3 million next season and has a team option for $11.3 million in 2027-28, the second-to-last and final seasons, respectively, of the four-year, $48 million contract he originally signed with Oklahoma City in 2022. How Detroit ultimately structures the money to absorb that salary will depend on the team’s other offseason moves, though the Pistons are positioned to operate as an over-the-cap team with several mechanisms available to take Joe’s contract on, including a trade exception generated by an earlier deal sending big man Isaiah Stewart to Memphis.

A franchise still reshaping itself around its core

For Oklahoma City, Friday’s trade is part of a broader offseason recalibration following the franchise’s championship run, one that has already included multiple roster decisions tied to managing the second tax apron. The Thunder also added draft assets through the 2026 draft itself, selecting prospects including Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz and Otega Oweh, even as the front office continued working to balance its books around its core group of stars.

With the Joe and Wiggins trades now official, Oklahoma City has accumulated four second-round picks this offseason through deals involving the two players, giving general manager Sam Presti additional long-term assets even as the team parts ways with two contributors from its title-winning roster. The Thunder’s next major decisions, including the option calls on Hartenstein, Dort and Williams, are expected in the coming days as Oklahoma City continues reshaping its roster and payroll heading into the 2026-27 season.

Adobe Inc. shares rose more than 3 percent on Friday, closing at $200.83 after gaining $7.42, as investors responded positively to the company’s progress in artificial intelligence features across its creative software suite.

The gain reflected confidence in Adobe’s ability to maintain leadership in creative tools while successfully incorporating AI capabilities that enhance productivity without replacing human creativity. The company’s Firefly AI models and generative features have been well-received by professional users.

Adobe’s core products, including Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro, continue dominating creative industries. Its focus on subscription models and cloud integration has supported recurring revenue growth and customer retention.

The company has reported consistent revenue increases with particular strength in digital media and experience cloud segments. Its ability to innovate while maintaining high margins has sustained investor interest.

AI Integration and Product Innovation

Adobe has integrated artificial intelligence capabilities across its product lineup through Firefly, a family of generative AI models trained on licensed content. This approach addresses copyright concerns while providing powerful creative tools.

Generative fill features in Photoshop and similar tools in other applications have enhanced workflow efficiency for designers and content creators. The company emphasizes responsible AI development with transparency and control for users.

Creative Cloud suite updates regularly incorporate new AI-powered features based on user feedback and industry needs. These enhancements maintain the software’s competitive edge while improving user experience.

The company’s focus on enterprise solutions and digital experience platforms has expanded its addressable market beyond traditional creative professionals. Adobe Experience Cloud serves marketing and customer experience needs for large organizations.

Financial Performance and Strategy

Adobe has demonstrated consistent revenue growth and margin expansion through its subscription-based business model. Its ability to deliver value through continuous innovation supports customer retention and pricing power.

The company’s investments in research and development remain substantial, supporting AI advancement and core product improvement. Its financial discipline has enabled both growth investment and shareholder returns.

Acquisitions have strengthened capabilities in specific areas while integration efforts have enhanced overall portfolio value. Strategic moves have expanded Adobe’s presence in adjacent markets.

International revenue contributes significantly to overall results, with emerging markets offering growth opportunities. Localized offerings and regional partnerships support global expansion.

Market Position and Competition

Adobe maintains dominant positions in professional creative software markets. Its comprehensive suite and industry standards create significant switching costs for users.

Competition from alternative tools and open-source solutions exists but Adobe’s ecosystem advantages and professional features maintain leadership. The company’s focus on quality and innovation supports its premium positioning.

The shift toward cloud-based workflows and collaboration tools has favored Adobe’s subscription model. Its ability to adapt to changing user needs has sustained relevance in evolving creative industries.

Regulatory considerations around AI training data and intellectual property have influenced industry practices. Adobe’s approach using licensed content has positioned it favorably in these discussions.

Investment Considerations

Adobe’s share price performance reflects investor appreciation for its consistent execution and growth potential. The company’s valuation incorporates expectations for AI-driven innovation and market expansion.

The stock appeals to growth-oriented investors seeking exposure to creative software and digital experience trends. Its strong cash flow and profitability support positive long-term outlooks.

Risks include competitive pressures, economic impacts on creative spending and regulatory challenges around AI. Adobe’s market leadership and financial strength provide some resilience.

Analysts generally maintain positive views, citing the company’s innovation track record and recurring revenue model. Continued delivery on growth targets could support further positive sentiment.

Industry Trends

The creative software industry continues evolving with artificial intelligence integration, cloud collaboration and subscription models. Adobe’s leadership in these areas supports its competitive position.

Digital content creation has expanded across industries and platforms, driving demand for professional tools. The proliferation of social media and digital marketing has increased the need for high-quality creative assets.

Remote work and distributed teams have accelerated adoption of cloud-based collaboration tools. Adobe’s solutions address these changing workflow requirements effectively.

Sustainability considerations influence product development and corporate practices. The company’s efforts in responsible AI and environmental initiatives align with stakeholder expectations.

Future Outlook

Adobe’s strategic direction focuses on enhancing its creative tools with AI while expanding its digital experience offerings. Its ability to execute on these priorities will influence long-term performance.

The company continues investing in research and development to maintain technological leadership. Its focus on user-centric innovation supports sustained customer satisfaction and market relevance.

Investors will monitor upcoming financial results and product announcements for signs of continued execution. Management guidance will provide insight into growth priorities and market conditions.

The creative software and digital experience sectors’ fundamental demand drivers remain strong. Adobe’s market leadership, innovation capabilities and recurring revenue model position it for sustained success.

As the company advances its AI integration and platform enhancements, its contribution to creative industries and digital transformation will expand. Adobe’s progress will be watched closely by users, competitors and investors worldwide.

Funding to study expansion potential agreed by Bee Network committee

Plans are being made for a major expansion of the Metrolink tram network in part of Greater Manchester.

The region’s transport bosses are looking at taking trams to Salford Crescent, with a potential link to Salford Quays and onward connections to Wigan and Bolton.

More than £1.5m will be spent on the proposals, looking at costs and designs for the expansion.

The funding was confirmed at a meeting of the Bee Network committee on Thursday (June 25).

The money is being drawn from a government scheme called the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.

A report explained the cash would be used for ‘consideration of a potential Metrolink extension from the regional centre to Salford Crescent, a potential link to Salford Quays, and potential onward links beyond Salford to locations in the boroughs of Wigan and Bolton (including consideration of tram-train technology).’

The report added: ‘The work will include modelling and appraisal activity, initial design work and the development of initial cost and carbon estimates.’

Salford Crescent is an area undergoing major regeneration, with more people set to move to the area in future years.

Salford’s deputy mayor, Councillor Mike McCusker, said it ‘makes clear strategic sense’ to look at expanding the tram network in this area of the city.

The Crescent has a train station and the area is home to Salford University’s main campus.

There’s a £2.5bn masterplan underway in the neighbourhood, aimed at building 3,000 homes as well as new spaces for businesses and research.

New transport links to Salford Quays could bring major benefits too, with the area set for huge growth in future years.

There are plans to ‘double’ the size of MediaCity in future years, making new homes for thousands more residents.

Frustrated commuters in the Quays have long called for better transport options, saying trams are already packed at busy times.

Councillor Mike McCusker said: “The proposal to develop a business case for expanding Metrolink into Salford Crescent and towards Salford Quays is a very welcome and positive step, and one that reflects the scale of ambition and change we’re seeing across Salford.

“As our city grows, it’s essential that our public transport network grows with it. Salford Crescent is already a key gateway into the city, connecting communities to jobs, education and opportunity, and it sits at the heart of significant regeneration.

“Given that level of growth, it makes clear strategic sense to explore how the transport network can better serve these areas.

“Better public transport links help connect residents to jobs, reduce congestion, support cleaner air, and make our neighbourhoods more attractive places to live and invest.

“We look forward to working with GMCA and TfGM as this business case develops.”

A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson said: “Work is at an early stage to explore options for improving public transport connections in the north-west of Greater Manchester.

“Subject to funding being agreed by the Bee Network Committee, TfGM will develop a Strategic Outline Case which will look at potential rapid transit improvements in this corridor.

“This includes exploring possible Metrolink extensions to Salford Crescent, improved connections to Salford Quays and MediaCity, and longer-term options for onward links towards locations in the boroughs of Wigan and Bolton.

“No decisions have been made on routes, technology or delivery at this stage.

“The work will consider a range of options and assess their value for money, alongside how they could support growth, improve connectivity and integrate with the wider Bee Network.”

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.