NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

NBA OFFSEASON SHIFTS DRAMATICALLY WITH BLOCKBUSTER DEALS AND STAR MOVEMENT

The NBA landscape was reshaped overnight with a flurry of significant trades and free agency signings, including a seismic deal that sent Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers Celtics sending Brown. Sources indicate the Celtics received Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks in exchange for Brown, a move that Eric Moody suggests could redefine both franchises Brown loses volume. In another high-profile transaction, the Los Angeles Clippers reportedly traded Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple future draft assets Clippers agree trade. The Lakers, meanwhile, are said to be acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, sending unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with several swap rights, in a deal that grades out as a significant acquisition for Los Angeles Lakers trade 2 first-rounders.

The free agency period also saw major moves, with veteran players finding new homes. John Collins has agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal with the Detroit Pistons Pistons land potential starting. Marcus Smart is heading to the Houston Rockets on a two-year, $13 million contract with a player option for the second season Smart, Rockets agree. Norman Powell secured a two-year, $45 million deal with the Chicago Bulls Powell lands 2-yr., while Tobias Harris is joining the San Antonio Spurs Harris leaves Pistons. The Boston Celtics continued to bolster their roster, agreeing to terms with veteran center Mitchell Robinson on a three-year, $47.4 million deal Robinson, Celtics agree, and signing guard Mike Conley Jr. to a one-year contract, marking his 20th NBA season Conley to C's.

LEBRON JAMES DEPARTS LAKERS; NBA DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY BUZZ CONTINUES

In a development that sent shockwaves across the league, LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he plans to play elsewhere LeBron tells Lakers, with his agent confirming the decision and that the franchise can move on without him. The news prompted widespread reactions from stars across the NBA Stars react LeBron. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly preparing to pursue a reunion of James and Anthony Davis, a move that would require significant salary cap flexibility, potentially involving Draymond Green declining his player option Warriors eyeing LeBron. The Warriors have also agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract for Kristaps Porzingis to return Porzingis back Dubs, and De'Anthony Melton is returning on a two-year, $11 million deal Melton back Warriors.

The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly traded two-time All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray Grizzlies trading star. The Trail Blazers also extended center Robert Williams III on a three-year, $44 million contract Blazers, Williams reach. In other news, the Atlanta Hawks are declining Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 million team option, making him a free agent Hawks decline Kuminga's. The Phoenix Suns have signed Luke Kennard to a two-year, $13 million deal with a player option for the second season Suns, Kennard agree, and the Orlando Magic have re-signed Nikola Vucevic to a one-year deal worth $3.9 million Vucevic back Magic.

ROLE PLAYERS AND DEALS SHAPE CONTENDING TEAMS AND REBUILDING EFFORTS

Beyond the headline-grabbing moves, numerous role players are finding new contractual homes, shaping the depth of contending teams and the trajectory of rebuilding franchises. Kelly Oubre Jr. is set to join the Indiana Pacers on a two-year deal worth nearly $17 million after three seasons with the 76ers Pacers bringing Oubre. The Miami Heat are adding Tim Hardaway Jr. on a one-year, $6.5 million contract Heat add Hardaway Jr., and Andrew Wiggins intends to sign a three-year, $64 million deal to remain with the Heat Heat, Wiggins reach. The Detroit Pistons are bringing back Kevin Huerter on a three-year, $27 million deal Pistons' Huerter return, while the San Antonio Spurs are set to sign Julian Champagnie to a three-year, $45 million contract through 2028-29 Champagnie ink new deal, and Harrison Barnes is also returning to San Antonio.

In the paint, Jusuf Nurkic plans to sign a two-year, $22 million contract with the Utah Jazz Nurkic to sign. The Houston Rockets have also agreed to terms with Bogdan Bogdanovic on a one-year deal Rockets agree deal. The Brooklyn Nets have signed Keon Ellis to a two-year, $18 million deal that includes a mutual option Ellis agrees to deal. The Oklahoma City Thunder exercised forward Lu Dort's $17.7 million option for the 2026-27 season Thunder pick up forward. Meanwhile, restricted free agent Jalen Duren of the Pistons has scheduled meetings with the Lakers and Kings RFA Duren meet.

LEGAL CHALLENGES AND PLAYER CONDUCT ADD COMPLEXITY TO NBA OFFSEASON

Amidst the player movement, legal issues are also casting a shadow. Malik Beasley has pleaded not guilty to charges that he altered his play in specific games during 2024 to profit from sports betting and settle personal debts Beasley pleads guilty. The Washington Wizards, however, are reportedly uninterested in trading All-Star forward Anthony Davis and are not entertaining offers Wizards shun trade. The NBA also continues to explore expansion, with finalized bids exceeding $1 billion for potential clubs in NBA Europe, a league slated to launch in October 2027 Bids top $1B. Fantasy analysts are breaking down the implications of these moves, assessing the fantasy impact of the Kessler, Powell, and Collins transactions How values shift, and grading the significant offseason trades like the one involving Walker Kessler Grades Walker Kessler trade.