NEW YORK — As the 2025-26 NBA season concludes and teams shift focus to the draft and free agency, several major trade rumors are dominating discussions across the league as of May 22, 2026.

Here are the top five circulating rumors based on recent reports:

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Speculation Multiple outlets report that the Milwaukee Bucks are listening to offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo after missing the playoffs. Teams such as the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Oklahoma City Thunder have been linked to potential blockbuster packages involving young talent and future draft picks. The Bucks are seeking assets to rebuild around their core while Giannis reportedly prioritizes winning. No official trade request has been made public.

2. LeBron James Free Agency and Potential Sign-and-Trade LeBron James, entering unrestricted free agency, is prioritizing championship contention. Reports indicate interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakers remain the favorite to retain him, but James has ruled out rebuilding scenarios. His $52.6 million player option decision and desire for immediate contention are central to ongoing discussions.

3. Ja Morant Trade Buzz The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly open to trading Ja Morant as part of a potential rebuild. Teams like the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns have been mentioned as possible destinations. Morant’s availability follows a challenging season, with Memphis looking to reset around younger pieces and draft assets.

4. Kawhi Leonard and Donovan Mitchell Rumors The Los Angeles Clippers are considering trading Kawhi Leonard to acquire future assets. Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell’s situation with the Cleveland Cavaliers is under scrutiny if contract extension talks stall. Both stars remain high-value targets for contending teams seeking veteran leadership and scoring.

5. Anthony Davis Trade Aftermath and Ripple Effects Following the midseason trade of Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks to the Washington Wizards, additional moves involving supporting pieces continue to generate rumors. Teams are positioning for cap flexibility and draft capital in the wake of major deals executed earlier in 2026.

These rumors reflect the high-stakes nature of the upcoming offseason. The NBA Draft is scheduled for late June, with free agency opening shortly after. Front offices are actively evaluating rosters, cap space, and long-term contention windows.

Teams with significant cap flexibility, such as the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls, are monitoring the market for opportunities to add star talent. Contenders like the Thunder and Celtics are looking to fine-tune rosters around their cores.

League executives emphasize that many rumors remain fluid. No official trades involving the top names have been finalized as of May 22. Official announcements typically accelerate closer to the draft and free agency periods.

The 2026 offseason is shaping up as one of the more active in recent years, with several star players potentially on the move. Fans and analysts continue to track developments through reputable sources like ESPN, The Athletic, and Hoops Rumors.

Additional context includes ongoing salary cap considerations, draft pick values, and player contract situations. Teams must balance short-term competitiveness with long-term roster building.

The NBA’s competitive balance and parity continue to drive speculation. Past offseasons have shown that major moves can reshape conference standings rapidly.

As teams finalize draft preparations and free agency strategies, more concrete rumors and potential deals are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. The focus remains on how these potential transactions will impact the 2026-27 season landscape.

FMCG major and oral care products maker Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd on Friday reported a marginal decline in net profit at Rs 353.32 crore in the March quarter on account of exceptional losses.

It had posted a net profit of Rs 355 crore in the January-March quarter a year ago, according to a regulatory filing from the oral hygiene product maker Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd (CPIL).

However, its sales were up 9 per cent to Rs 1,582.77 crore in the March quarter of FY26. It was at Rs 1,452.02 crore in the corresponding period a year ago.

Net profit after tax, excluding one-offs and exceptional items, grew 9 per cent year-on-year.

Its advertising spend for the quarter increased 10 per cent year-on-year with emphasis on premiumisation and driving consumption.

Total expenses of CPIL during the quarter under review were up 11 per cent to Rs 1,121.61 crore.
CPIL’s total income, including other income, was Rs 1,612.22 crore, up 8.8 per cent in the March quarter.Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd Managing Director & CEO Prabha Narasimhan said, “This momentum was broad-based across our core and premium portfolios and balanced between pricing and volume. Crucially, our accelerated investments in the strategic premium business are yielding stellar results, delivering growth that is 3x the overall company growth.”

For the entire FY26, CPIL net profit was down 7.7 per cent to Rs 1,325.31 crore. It was “significantly impacted by inverted duty structure related charges due to GST change and higher interest on tax refunds in the base year,” said CPIL.

However, its total consolidated income was marginally down to Rs 6,124.16 crore for FY26. It was at Rs 6,170.91 crore a year ago.

Meanwhile, CPIL, in a separate filing, said its board in a meeting on Friday has declared a second interim dividend of Rs 24 per share of Re 1 each (face value).

“The dividend payout to the shareholders will be Rs 653 crore and will be paid on and from June 17, 2026 to those shareholders whose names are on the Register of Members of the Company as on June 1, 2026. The total dividend would be Rs 48 per share for 2025-26,” it said.

Shares of Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd on Thursday settled at Rs 2,288.80 on the BSE, up 1.30 per cent. PTI

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One 97 Communications, which operates the Paytm fintech platform, Ashok Leyland and CG Power and Industrial Solutions have replaced Ambuja Cements, Tube Investments of India and Colgate-Palmolive (India) in the BSE 100 index. The reshuffle is part of the latest reconstitution of the benchmark index, which tracks the top 100 listed companies in India based on market capitalisation and liquidity.
The changes to the index became effective today, a BSE Index Services Private Limited, release said.

Ambuja Cements is part of the Adani Group and its shares have fallen over 23% in the past one year. Meanwhile Murugappa Group-backed Tube Investments shares were up nearly 1% in this period. In contrast, Paytm has risen 34% while Ashok Leyland rose 33%.

CG Power which has displaced Colgate-Palmolive has delivered 24% returns in the same period while the latter’s price has eroded 13%.

Among other changes, BSE Sensex 50 has a new entrant in TVS Motor Company, dislodging Adani Enterprises.

The reconstitution of BSE Sensex Next 50 saw multiple changes ahead of its June 22, 2026 implementation. Adani Enterprises, Ashok Leyland, One 97 Communications and CG Power and Industrial Solutions were added to this index, replacing TVS Motor Company, Ambuja Cements, Colgate-Palmolive and Tube Investments, respectively.
Meanwhile, in the BSE Focused IT index, L&T Technology Services was included while Cyient Limited was removed as part of the latest index reshuffle announced by BSE Index Services.
Domestic stock markets ended higher on Friday though the gains were capped amid strong selling pressure in pharma & health stocks while financials helped bulls to ride the tide. While Nifty gained 64.60 points or 0.27% to close at 23,719.30, the BSE Sensex settled at 75,415.35, up 231.99 points or 0.31%.
(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the most decorated drivers in the sport’s history, died unexpectedly at age 41.

Busch’s family announced earlier on May 21, 2026, that he would miss Sunday’s race in Charlotte after being hospitalized with a “severe illness.” Five hours later, the news of his death was confirmed.

The announcement came one week after Busch earned his final victory in the Truck Series race at Dover Motor Speedway.

NASCAR has not yet released an official cause of death. The two-time champion’s passing marks the first death of an active Cup Series driver since Dale Earnhardt in 2001.

Busch leaves behind a remarkable racing career that spanned more than two decades. He won the Cup Series championship in 2015 and 2019, secured 63 career Cup victories, and amassed more than 200 wins across NASCAR’s three national series.

His final win came in the Truck Series at Dover on May 14, 2026. That performance was widely regarded as a strong showing in what would become his last race.

Busch was known for his aggressive driving style, versatility across different series, and success in both short tracks and superspeedways. He drove for prominent teams including Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Richard Childress Racing during his career.

The driver’s wife, Samantha Busch, and their son Brexton have not issued additional public statements beyond the initial family announcement regarding his hospitalization and passing.

NASCAR community members expressed shock and sadness following the news. Tributes began appearing across social media and racing forums as word spread.

Busch’s death is the second major loss in NASCAR in recent months. Greg Biffle died in a plane crash in December 2025.

The sport last experienced the loss of an active Cup driver when Dale Earnhardt was killed in a crash on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. NASCAR President Mike Helton delivered the announcement at that time, stating, “We’ve lost Dale Earnhardt.”

Similar sentiments of disbelief have circulated among fans and industry figures following Busch’s passing.

Busch began his NASCAR career in the early 2000s and quickly established himself as a top competitor. He earned the nickname “Rowdy” for his intense on-track persona and willingness to make bold moves.

Throughout his career, Busch drove full-time in the Cup Series while also competing regularly in the Xfinity and Truck Series, where he holds numerous records.

He was particularly successful at short tracks and intermediate ovals. His 63 Cup wins rank him among the all-time leaders in the sport.

Busch’s championship in 2015 came during a dominant season with Joe Gibbs Racing. He followed that with another title in 2019, cementing his legacy as one of the modern era’s greatest drivers.

The driver was hospitalized on May 21 with what the family described as a severe illness. No further medical details were released before the announcement of his death.

NASCAR has scheduled a race in Charlotte this weekend. It remains unclear how the series will address Busch’s passing during the event.

Tributes from fellow drivers, team owners, and fans have poured in since the news broke. Many highlighted Busch’s competitive spirit and dedication to the sport.

Busch is survived by his wife Samantha and son Brexton. The family has requested privacy during this time.

The NASCAR community continues to process the sudden loss. Busch’s final Truck Series victory at Dover now stands as his last on-track accomplishment.

The sport has not seen the death of an active champion-level driver in nearly 25 years. The news has prompted widespread reflection on safety, health, and the physical demands placed on competitors.

Further details regarding memorial plans or NASCAR’s official response are expected in the coming days.

Busch’s impact on the sport extended beyond his wins. He was known for mentoring younger drivers and contributing to the growth of the Truck Series through his own team ownership efforts in previous years.

As the racing world mourns, tributes continue to highlight both his on-track achievements and his larger-than-life personality.

The unexpected nature of his passing has left fans and fellow competitors struggling to comprehend the loss of one of NASCAR’s most prominent figures.

LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic will not represent Slovenia in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers this summer, prioritizing rehabilitation from a hamstring injury and time with his two daughters.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported on May 21, 2026: “Sources close to Lakers star Luka Doncic have reiterated to @TheSteinLine that nothing has changed from his recent statement below: He is not playing for his national team this summer in FIBA World Cup qualifying to spend as much of his offseason as possible with his daughters.”

The 27-year-old guard missed the Lakers’ second-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to the hamstring injury. Los Angeles was swept in the series.

Doncic spent the previous offseason improving his conditioning. This summer he will focus on recovering from the injury that sidelined him during the postseason.

He has consistently represented Slovenia in international competitions. In the 2025 EuroBasket, he led the tournament in scoring with 34.7 points per game and was named to the All-Tournament Team. Slovenia was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Doncic is currently involved in a custody battle with his former fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, over their two daughters. The couple got engaged in 2023 and separated in March 2026.

The Lakers were eliminated in the second round of the 2026 playoffs. The team needed Doncic’s presence but he was unable to return in time.

Doncic has not made additional public comments beyond the statement relayed through sources. He is expected to focus on rehabilitation and family time during the offseason.

The six-time All-Star averaged strong numbers during the regular season before the injury. His absence was a significant factor in the Lakers’ early playoff exit.

Slovenia’s FIBA World Cup Qualifiers are scheduled for July. Doncic’s decision leaves the national team without its leading scorer.

The guard’s commitment to family comes amid ongoing personal matters. He has emphasized spending time with his daughters this summer.

Doncic joined the Lakers in a major trade earlier in the 2025-26 season. His partnership with LeBron James created high expectations for the franchise.

The hamstring injury occurred late in the regular season. Recovery timelines for such injuries vary depending on severity.

The Lakers have not issued further statements on Doncic’s summer plans. The organization is expected to support his rehabilitation process.

Doncic’s international career has included multiple appearances for Slovenia since his teenage years. His absence from the qualifiers marks a departure from previous commitments.

As the NBA offseason begins, Doncic’s focus remains on returning healthy for the 2026-27 season. The Lakers will look to build around him and James.

No specific timeline for his return to full basketball activities has been provided. Medical updates will likely come through the Lakers.

The custody situation with his daughters continues. Details remain private, but the family matter influences his summer schedule.

Doncic’s decision prioritizes personal recovery and family responsibilities. He aims to be fully prepared for the upcoming NBA season.

The basketball community continues to monitor his progress. Fans and analysts await updates on his health and future plans with the Lakers.