NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 5:33 AM ET

NBA Free Agency Frenzy Continues

The NBA offseason is in full swing, with teams making significant moves and continuing to pursue top free agents. The Cleveland Cavaliers are keeping Donovan Mitchell, agreeing to a four-year, $273 million maximum extension that includes a player option for the 2030-31 season. This deal is reportedly worth nearly $275 million in total, according to sources signing Mitchell to a nearly $275M deal. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are still actively pursuing Jonathan Kuminga and have also reached an agreement with veteran center Kevon Looney on a one-year deal. The Washington Wizards have brought back veteran Khris Middleton on a three-year, $17.6 million contract through a sign-and-trade deal with the Mavericks. In the Eastern Conference, the competitive landscape is shifting, with teams needing to make moves to keep pace.

Player Transactions and Departures

Several notable players are on the move or have made significant career decisions. Jayson Tatum reflected on the "abrupt ending" of his partnership with Jaylen Brown, expressing pride in the era they shared together. Kyle Lowry has retired from the NBA after 20 seasons, signing a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, where he spent nine seasons and won a championship. The Milwaukee Bucks' general manager, Jon Horst, described the decision to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo as "very difficult". In a surprising turn of events, former ESPN senior NBA writer Tim Bontemps has joined the Atlanta Hawks' front office in a player personnel role.

Contract News and Off-Court Developments

Contract extensions and legal matters are also making headlines. Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a four-year, $273 million maximum extension with the Cavaliers, which includes a player option for the 2030-31 season. In a more unusual story, a jersey worn by New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson during Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals sold for over $1 million at Sotheby's, setting a record for Brunson memorabilia. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson also underwent surgery on his left wrist, with sources indicating he is expected to resume basketball activities later this summer. Separately, U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied a request from Terry Rozier to modify his bail conditions, which would have allowed him to practice and play with potential witnesses under specific restrictions. Mark Cuban has accused Dallas Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont of engaging in "adversarial business practices" related to a proposed move of the team out of downtown Dallas. Tim Hardaway Jr. was formally introduced by the Miami Heat, receiving his father's former No. 10 jersey, now marked with "Jr." dad's No.. The marriage between LeBron James and the Lakers is described as a "marriage of convenience" that is now ending just as conveniently.

Summer League and Overreactions

As the NBA descends on Las Vegas for summer league, attention turns to emerging talent and established players looking to make a statement. A list of 30 players, including rookies and veterans, to watch during the summer league has been compiled. The first week of NBA free agency has also generated significant discussion and debate, with some overreactions being judged and analyzed.