NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

NBA OFFSEASON SHIFTS GEARS WITH BLOCKBUSTER DEALS AND COACHING MOVES

The NBA offseason, already buzzing with activity, saw seismic shifts as major free agency moves and trades reshaped contender landscapes. The Philadelphia 76ers, in a move that immediately shortened their championship odds to +1200, are reportedly making a significant play for LeBron James, with sources indicating they are actively pitching the superstar after acquiring Jaylen Brown. Brown himself expressed mixed emotions about the trade, stating he was both "excited and disappointed" to be moving to Philadelphia from Boston. This blockbuster deal, which sent Paul George, two first-round picks in 2028 and 2031, and two second-round selections to Boston, has been a focal point of discussion regarding the offseason's winners and losers as teams re-evaluate. The trade also impacts fantasy basketball values, with analysts breaking down the fantasy implications for Kessler, Powell, and Collins on new teams.

The Los Angeles Lakers, in the wake of LeBron James announcing his departure from the franchise, have initiated a significant overhaul, acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz. This deal involves the Lakers sending unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, to Utah. The Lakers are also reportedly signing Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and others in a rapid restructuring following James's decision to leave the team. This dramatic reset by the Lakers, which occurred within approximately 30 minutes of James's announcement, has been described as a complete operational reset, now centering around Luka Doncic after the James departure. Meanwhile, the NBA continues to track player movements, with free agent forward Kelly Oubre Jr. agreeing to a two-year, nearly $17 million deal with the Indiana Pacers after three seasons with the 76ers sources confirmed.

In other significant player news, restricted free agent Tari Eason has agreed to a five-year, $81.5 million contract to remain with the Houston Rockets, sources confirmed on Thursday. Guard Anfernee Simons has also reportedly agreed to a two-year, $12.3 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, which includes a player option for the second season Shams Charania reported. Mitchell Robinson, fresh off an NBA title with the Knicks, has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal to sign with the Boston Celtics, according to sources familiar with the agreement.

COACHING CHANGES AND EXPERIMENTAL RULES ON HORIZON

The coaching landscape has also seen notable developments, with Billy Donovan agreeing to become the lead assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, working under head coach Mitch Johnson sources revealed. In Toronto, coach Darko Rajakovic has secured a multiyear contract extension, signaling stability as the Raptors prepare for the return of Kawhi Leonard, a move that has generated significant buzz around the team's potential in the Eastern Conference following the acquisition. Leonard's return to Toronto marks a notable instance of a star player rejoining a former team, joining a list that includes LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Zdeno Chara in recent sports history.

the NBA will be testing new rules and technologies in the upcoming summer league. The league plans to experiment with the one-free-throw rule, previously tested in the G League, and will incorporate embedded sensors in basketballs during July's series ESPN reported. These trials aim to gather data and assess potential changes to the game's flow and strategy.

PLAYER NUMBER CHANGES AND OFF-COURT LEGAL MATTERS

Player number choices are also making headlines. Ja Morant, who has worn No. 12 throughout his career from high school through his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies, will be switching to No. 1 with his new team details emerged. Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Sr. has reportedly stated that his retired No. 10 will not be made available for circulation with the Miami Heat, even for his son, indicating a firm stance on jersey legacy Hardaway Sr. stated.

On the legal front, Malik Beasley has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he altered his play in certain 2024 games to benefit sports bettors and settle his own debts he entered the plea. The NBA's offseason excitement has also drawn attention from high-profile figures, with Jay-Z and Kevin Durant among the notable attendees at Michael Rubin's annual "White Party," a gathering of sports and entertainment elites the event was held. The Grizzlies are also reportedly trading forward Santi Aldama to the Mavericks in exchange for AJ Johnson, a 2030 first-round pick, and two future second-round picks according to sources. Tobias Harris is also moving to the Spurs, bringing his veteran presence to the team after helping lead the Pistons' turnaround sources confirmed.