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Last updated: July 8, 2026, 2:32 AM ET

NBA Offseason Shake-Up: Stars on the Move, Extensions Signed

The NBA offseason continued its frenetic pace, marked by significant player movement, extensions, and retirements across the league. In a move that reshapes the Eastern Conference landscape, Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a four-year, $273 million maximum extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including a player option for the 2030-31 season Cavs' Mitchell agrees. This deal signals a commitment to their star guard and offers stability as the conference undergoes a dramatic overhaul Goodwill: East. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks saw their era with Giannis Antetokounmpo officially end as the trade sending him to the Miami Heat was finalized, with Antetokounmpo posting a farewell to the franchise Gone-is: Antetokounmpo posts goodbye.

The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly making a significant splash by acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics, a move that has garnered considerable reaction from league executives who noted his trade value was lower than anticipated NBA execs react. This transaction, alongside other Eastern Conference maneuvers, is contributing to a rapidly shifting hierarchy in the conference Goodwill: East. Jayson Tatum, Brown's longtime teammate in Boston, reflected on their accomplished era together, acknowledging the "tough" nature of their partnership's "abrupt ending" but expressing pride in what they achieved Tatum: 'Tough' to see.

In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga while also securing veteran center Kevon Looney on a one-year deal Sources: Lakers still pursuing. The Memphis Grizzlies are set to add reserve center Quinten Post after the Warriors declined to match his three-year, $30 million offer sheet Sources: Grizz land Post. Adding to the player movement, the Milwaukee Bucks have acquired Caris LeVert and two second-round picks from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris Sources: Pistons trade LeVert.

Veteran presence is also a theme, with Khris Middleton returning to the Washington Wizards via a three-year, $17.6 million sign-and-trade deal Wiz reunite Mavs' Middleton. DeMar DeRozan has become a free agent after being waived by the Sacramento Kings, and multiple contenders are expected to express interest in the six-time All-Star Sources: DeRozan cut Kings.

On the injury front, New York Knicks guard and Finals MVP Jalen Brunson underwent surgery on his left wrist and is anticipated to resume basketball activities later this summer Sources: Finals MVP Brunson. In a notable decision regarding future earnings, Nikola Jokic has opted to defer contract extension talks with the Denver Nuggets until next summer, though he reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the team Jokic opts wait.

A significant chapter closed with the retirement of six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry. He signed a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, the team where he played for nine of his 20 NBA seasons and captured an NBA championship, to formally end his career Lowry retires Raptor.

Other League News and Notes

Former NBA star Lamar Odom is expected to enter a plea deal in his DUI case, with the charge likely to be reduced to reckless driving from a January incident Ex-NBA star Odom. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard is reportedly working with a new agent as contract extension talks with the Toronto Raptors are slated to begin this week following his trade becoming official Sources: Kawhi hires new. Amidst the flurry of transactions, an analysis of the first week of free agency suggests that some reactions to the moves have been overstated Judging five biggest. The unique partnership between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers is also being examined, with the narrative suggesting their eventual separation was a mutually beneficial outcome Why LeBron broke up.