Tim Bontemps Close Tim Bontemps ESPN Senior Writer Tim Bontemps is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com who covers the league and what's impacting it on and off the court, including trade deadline intel, expansion and his MVP Straw Polls. You can find Tim alongside Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon on The Hoop Collective podcast.  and  Brian Windhorst Close Brian Windhorst ESPN Senior Writer ESPN.com NBA writer since 2010 Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years Author of two books May 5, 2026, 08:30 AM ET ESPN NBA senior writers Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst canvassed the league on some of the top storylines of the 2026 playoffs , including the stakes facing three eliminated contenders , major contract decisions awaiting four conference semifinals stars and what to expect in the Thunder-Lakers series.…