NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

NBA Offseason Shakeups and Star Movement

The NBA offseason has ignited with seismic shifts, most notably LeBron James informing the Lakersnotably he plans to play elsewhere, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the league. This departure from Los Angeles opens the door for teams like the Golden State Warriors, who are reportedly prepared to pursue a reunion of James and Anthony Davis. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors have reportedly agreed to a blockbuster deal acquiring Kawhi Leonard from the Clippers, sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple future first-round picks to Los Angeles in exchange for LeonardLos Angeles. This move positions Toronto as a significant contender in the Eastern Conference as they go all-inConference.

Major Trades and Free Agent Signings

The Memphis Grizzlies are sending two-time All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in a significant trade, acquiring Jerami Grant and Kris Murray in the dealand Kris Murray. This transaction is already drawing grades, with analysts assessing the Morant tradewith analysts assessing. In free agency, the Houston Rockets have secured Bogdan Bogdanovic on a one-year contract, adding depth to their roster as they look to contendto their roster. The Miami Heat are also active, agreeing to a one-year, $6.5 million deal with sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. according to sources, and are also reportedly set to ink Andrew Wiggins to a three-year, $64 million extension to keep him in Miami$64 million extension.

Player Options and Contract Extensions

Team options are being exercised and declined across the league as clubs shape their rosters. The Atlanta Hawks are declining Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 million team option, making him an unrestricted free agent sources reportedfree agent. In contrast, the Oklahoma City Thunder have picked up Lu Dort's $17.7 million option for the 2026-27 season, retaining a key player according to reportsa key player. The Portland Trail Blazers have secured center Robert Williams III with a three-year, $44 million contract extension his agent confirmedcontract extension.

Developing Stories and League Expansion

The NBA is also looking internationally, with finalized bids exceeding $1 billion for participation in the planned NBA Europe league, slated to launch in October 2027 sources revealedOctober 2027. On the player front, Ben Simmons is reportedly preparing for an NBA returnis reportedly after taking a year away from the game, aiming to demonstrate his renewed health and strength to potential teams. Meanwhile, there are whispers of the Golden State Warriors exploring a reunion of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with Draymond Green reportedly declining his player option to facilitate such a move sources indicatesuch a move. The Washington Wizards, however, have stated they are not interested in tradingare Anthony Davis, shutting down speculation around the star forward.

Player Movement and Contract Details

Further free agency movement includes guard Keon Ellis agreeing to a two-year, $18 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets that includes a mutual option per sourcesmutual option. The Phoenix Suns have reached an agreement with Luke Kennard on a two-year, $13 million deal, featuring a player option for the second season according to reportsthe second season. In Detroit, free agent Kevin Huerter intends to sign a three-year, $27 million deal to return to the Pistons sources told ESPNthe Pistons. Center Jusuf Nurkic is set to sign a two-year, $22 million contract with the Utah Jazz Shams Charania reportedJazz. The Spurs are bringing back Julian Champagnie on a three-year, $45 million contract through 2028-29, and Harrison Barnes also plans to return to San Antonio sources confirmedAntonio.

Returning Stars and League Initiatives

Kristaps Porzingis has agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract to return to the Golden State Warriors through the 2027-28 season sources confirmedseason. Landry Shamet is also set to return to the champion New York Knicks, intending to sign a four-year, $24 million deal Shams Charania reportedmillion deal. The NBA is also bringing the NBA Cup championship game to Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, marking a return to college venues for the event the league announcedfor the event. Kawhi Leonard's move back to Toronto is being compared to other notable athletes who have returned to former teams, such as LeBron James and Ken Griffey Jr. according to reports.