NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

NBA Draft & Player Movement

The NBA draft's second round saw several notable names transition to professional careers, including Duke's Isaiah Evans, who had waited through the first night to be selected among those to land on Night 2. The draft's non-statistical superlatives also generated buzz, with AJ Dybansta's unique jersey situation leading the notable personality-based accolades for the 2026 class. The day's transactions included a significant trade sending center/forward Isaiah Stewart from the Pistons to the Grizzlies in exchange for three future second-round picks sources confirmed. Meanwhile, the Hornets are reportedly engaged in serious trade discussions with multiple franchises for star point guard LaMelo Ball sources said.

Team Building & Future Outlooks

Post-draft evaluations are underway, with ESPN's Ben Golliver delivering grades for all 30 NBA teams, assessing which franchises emerged as winners and which picks or trades stood out. The potential fantasy impact of lottery picks is also being analyzed, with Andre Snellings identifying players worth rostering for the upcoming season in his outlook. Coaches are weighing in on contract structures, with Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff labeling the new Trail Blazers coach Micah Nori's deal a "slap in the face" to coaches as reported. In Milwaukee, despite the pending trade of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks GM Jon Horst declined to discuss specifics, instead emphasizing a "theme of building" for the franchise Contract Extensions & Player Statements

Lakers star Austin Reaves is poised to sign a significant contract extension, intending to agree to a four-year, $185 million maximum deal to remain with the franchise, including a player option for the 2029-30 season sources told ESPN. On the other side of the league, Aces coach Becky Hammon has revised her previous stance on Knicks star Jalen Brunson, admitting Tuesday night that her earlier criticism was "wrong" but not offering an apology for her initial opinion per report. The Warriors' recent draft pick, Michigan wing Yaxel Lendeborg, admitted to a past fandom of Kyrie Irving, stating he "used to hate Steph" Curry before being drafted by Golden State as he shared.

Draft Value & Player Development

The second round of the NBA draft consistently proves to be a source of league-leading talent, with players like Jalen Brunson and Nikola Jokić emerging as prime examples of second-round picks who became stars. Mock drafts continue to project potential selections, with analyses focusing on stacking the best available talent and predicting where they might land in round 2. Draft insiders have also broken down the twists, turns, and trades from the first round, identifying the biggest winners and lingering question marks for teams following the initial night. Regarding the Celtics, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens stated Tuesday night that Jaylen Brown remains a "big part of us" and is "valued" by the organization, amidst reported trade discussions he confirmed.