NBA Basketball 3h Briefing
×Last updated: July 16, 2026, 5:30 PM ET
Free Agency & Investigations
LeBron James has not revealed espn.com his next team as the star remains undecided in free agency. Meanwhile, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated that the investigation into Kawhi Leonard for alleged cap circumvention must conclude espn.com before the upcoming season begins. The league is also reportedly looking into a four-year, $64 million deal between Gary Trent Jr. and the Milwaukee Bucks for potential salary cap violations a spokesperson confirmed espn.com.
International Moves & Team Building
Jonas Valanciunas has departed espn.com the NBA to sign a two-year contract with Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas. In other team news, Timberwolves president Tim Connelly believes the acquisition of star point guard LaMelo Ball, despite the steep price, could significantly "elevate" the team's potential Connelly stated espn.com. The NBA is also planning to increase discussions regarding a European league launch, with talks set to ramp up alongside the FIFA World Cup final, targeting a fall 2027 debut according to reports espn.com. Separately, U.S. Representative John Moolenaar has called for the NBA to review its ties with Joe Tsai, following Alibaba's designation as a "Chinese military company" Moolenaar commented espn.com.