Bulls' Lauri Markkanen out 2-4 weeks with sprained shoulder

Joel Embiid has been named the 22-23 NBA Most Valuable Player. Embiid finished second each of the past two seasons behind Nikola Jokic.

Embiid beat out Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo to win the award.

Embiid received 73 out of 100 first place votes, compared to 15 for Jokic and 12 for Antetokounmpo. Embiid, Jokic and Antetokounmpo received all but one of the first, second and third place votes.

Jayson Tatum finished fourth while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished fifth.

Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors have “essentially frozen” their talks on a new contract with open free agency a few days away. There is no deal currently on the table from the Warriors and no productive discussions at this point.

The Warriors would like to re-sign Thompson if the contract and role match their vision, sources tell The Athletic. Golden State, however, views his situation as being one they can work on once they explore other potential ways of addressing the roster. The lack of urgency on the part of the Warriors could reflect the way they view Thompson’s market.

The Warriors are seeking ways of making a larger update by trading Chris Paul’s non-guaranteed $30 million contract. Golden State has discussed the possibility with Paul of extending his guarantee date back from June 28 into July.

Despite some initial mutual interest, there is no traction between Thompson and the Orlando Magic. The rest of Thompson’s market is unclear at this point.

Even if the Warriors eventually match or exceed the money and years Thompson is offered from another team, sources say he could choose to leave regardless for a fresh start.