NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

NBA OFFSEASON SHAKES UP EASTERN CONFERENCE LANDSCAPE

The Eastern Conference is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with several teams making significant moves to reshape their rosters. The Philadelphia 76ers acquired Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade, a move that NBA executives are still dissecting, with some suggesting his market value may have been lower than anticipated. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are reflecting on the end of their era with Brown, with Jayson Tatum acknowledging the "abrupt ending" of their partnership while expressing pride in their shared accomplishments Tatum reflects on partnership. In another major Eastern shift, Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat became official, with Antetokounmpo posting a goodbye message to the team where he spent 13 seasons Antetokounmpo posts goodbye. The Washington Wizards are bringing back veteran Khris Middleton on a three-year, $17.6 million deal via a sign-and-trade with the Mavericks Wizards reunite with Middleton. As these teams retool, observers note that standing still in the East may no longer be a viable strategy Eastern Conference hierarchy reshuffled.

STAR GUARDS AND VETERANS NAVIGATE FREE AGENCY AND EXTENSIONS

Star guards are making key decisions regarding their futures, while veteran presence continues to be a commodity in free agency. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a four-year, $273 million maximum extension, which includes a player option for the 2030-31 season Mitchell agrees to max extension. In contrast, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has opted to defer his contract extension until next summer, though he reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the team Jokic waits on extension. For the New York Knicks, Finals MVP Jalen Brunson underwent surgery on his left wrist, with sources indicating he should be ready for basketball activities later this summer Brunson has wrist surgery. The Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing Jonathan Kuminga while also securing veteran center Kevon Looney on a one-year deal Lakers pursue Kuminga. The Memphis Grizzlies are set to acquire reserve center Quinten Post after the Warriors declined to match his three-year, $30 million offer sheet Grizzlies land Post.

PLAYER MOVES AND FREE AGENCY DEVELOPMENTS

The free agency period has seen a flurry of activity, with several notable players finding new homes or hitting the open market. DeMar DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, was waived by the Kings and is expected to draw interest from multiple contenders DeRozan hits free agency. In a trade between Eastern Conference teams, the Detroit Pistons sent Caris LeVert and two second-round picks to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris Pistons trade LeVert. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard is reportedly working with a new agent as contract extension talks with the Toronto Raptors are anticipated to begin following his trade becoming official Leonard hires new agent.

LEGENDS RETIRE AND FORMER STARS FACE LEGAL ISSUES

The league is also bidding farewell to a decorated veteran while a former star navigates legal proceedings. Six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry has retired from the NBA after signing a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, where he spent nine of his 20 seasons and secured an NBA championship Lowry retires Raptor. Separately, former NBA player Lamar Odom is expected to enter a plea deal in his DUI case, with the charge likely to be reduced to reckless driving Odom to plead no-contest. The NBA's trade season has generated considerable discussion and some overreactions, with analysts weighing in on the biggest takeaways from the initial week of free agency Judging biggest overreactions. The dynamic between LeBron James and the Lakers has also been a subject of discussion, with the narrative around their pairing and eventual separation being examined Why LeBron broke up.