NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

NBA Offseason Shake-Ups and Player Movements

The NBA offseason has been a whirlwind of activity, with significant trades and free agency moves reshaping rosters across the league. In a move that sent shockwaves through the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. NBA executives registered surprise at the star's perceived lower trade value, while Jayson Tatum reflected on the "abrupt ending" of his partnership with Brown, expressing pride in their shared accomplishments Tatum stated. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks officially finalized the trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, concluding his 13-year tenure with the franchise Antetokounmpo posted goodbye. In another significant deal, the Washington Wizards reunited with Khris Middleton on a three-year, $17.6 million contract via a sign-and-trade with the Mavericks. The Detroit Pistons also made a move, trading Caris LeVert and two second-round picks to the Milwaukee Bucks for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris Pistons traded LeVert.

Star Extensions and Free Agent Pursuits

Several star players have secured their futures with long-term extensions, while others remain active targets in the free agency market. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell agreed to a five-year, $273 million maximum extension, which includes a player option for the 2030-31 season. Nikola Jokic reaffirmed his commitment to the Denver Nuggets, stating his intention to remain with the team long-term, though he opted to defer contract extension discussions until next summer Jokic will wait. The Los Angeles Lakers, despite agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran center Kevon Looney, are reportedly still actively pursuing Jonathan Kuminga Lakers pursuing Kuminga. In a notable development, Finals MVP Jalen Brunson underwent surgery on his left wrist and is expected to return to basketball activities later this summer Brunson had surgery.

Free Agency Developments and Roster Additions

The free agency period has seen several veterans find new homes and notable players hit the open market. After the Golden State Warriors opted not to match a three-year, $30 million offer sheet, reserve center Quinten Post signed with the Grizzlies. Six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan became a free agent after being waived by the Sacramento Kings, with multiple contenders expected to express interest DeRozan hits free agency. In a sentimental move, six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry retired as a Raptor, signing a one-day contract with the team where he spent nine of his 20 NBA seasons and won a championship. The Eastern Conference hierarchy is undergoing a significant reshuffling as teams make moves to contend, with some analysts suggesting that standing still is no longer an option East hierarchy reshuffled.

Front Office Changes and Off-Court News

Beyond player transactions, the league has also seen changes in front office personnel and some off-court legal news. Former ESPN senior NBA writer Tim Bontemps has joined the Atlanta Hawks in a front office role Bontemps joins Hawks. Kawhi Leonard is reportedly poised to begin contract extension talks with the Toronto Raptors, with sources indicating he has hired a new agent for his upcoming deal Kawhi hires agent. In legal news, former NBA star Lamar Odom is expected to plead no-contest to a reduced charge of reckless driving stemming from a DUI incident in January Odom to plead. As the NBA descends upon Las Vegas for summer league, attention is turning to the rookies and veteran players who are poised to make an impact Players to watch. The current trade and free agency period has also generated significant discussion, with some observers deeming certain reactions to the first week of moves as overreactions Biggest overreactions. The dynamic between LeBron James and the Lakers, characterized as a "marriage of convenience," has reportedly reached its conclusion LeBron breaks from Lakers.