NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: June 27, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

NBA Offseason Moves & Player News

The NBA offseason continues to churn with significant player movement and contract agreements. The Charlotte Hornets are trading star guard LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster deal that also sends Naz Reid and multiple draft picks to Charlotte, an exchange that has drawn mixed reactions and prompted grading from analysts for its potential impact on both franchises. In another notable transaction, the Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly sending Isaiah Joe to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for two second-round draft picks sources told ESPN. The Thunder are also set to retain center Isaiah Hartenstein, agreeing to a new three-year, $75 million contract that will keep him in Oklahoma City through the 2028-29 season sources confirmed. Meanwhile, Jose Alvarado is expected to decline his $4.5 million player option with the New York Knicks, opting instead for a new three-year deal worth over $14 million to remain with the team ESPN reported.

The Orlando Magic have made a financial move by waiving forward Jonathan Isaac, a decision that will save the franchise $6.5 million per ESPN's Bobby Marks. In Phoenix, restricted free agent Mark Williams is reportedly signing a three-year, $38 million, fully guaranteed contract to return to the Suns according to sources. The Lakers' free agency period has also seen significant activity, with Austin Reaves' new deal with the team receiving a grade in ESPN's comprehensive free agent analysis. On the draft front, Narcisse Ngoy, the 57th pick in the recent NBA draft, has opted to return to college basketball, committing to play for Auburn next season, foregoing the immediate jump to professional play the player announced.

Player Health & Future Outlooks

The health status of key players is also a significant talking point as teams prepare for the upcoming season. Jimmy Butler, who suffered a torn right ACL on January 19th, provided an update on his recovery, telling ESPN that he still expects to perform at a "top player" level upon his return from the injury Butler stated. Meanwhile, new Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson has set ambitious personal goals for his rookie season, explicitly stating his expectation to contend for the Rookie of the Year award Wilson commented.

Summer League & Early Draft Watch

The NBA Summer League schedule is beginning to take shape, with marquee matchups including the top four draft picks in action. Notably, the league will feature games between the Washington Wizards and the Utah Jazz, as well as a contest between the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks, the latter pairing drawing attention following the blockbuster trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo the schedule indicates. Looking further ahead, early projections for the 2027 NBA draft are already emerging, with prospects like Tyran Stokes being identified as potential top selections as the league begins to scout future talent an early mock draft suggests. In a unique local development, the New York City Department of Sanitation has unveiled a series of five new waste bins, mirroring a viral bin that was previously stolen earlier in the week the department stated.