NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 10, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

LeBron James Free Agency Frenzy Continues

The race to sign LeBron James is heating up, with teams employing various tactics to lure the superstar. Several franchises can offer James a maximum five-year, $200 million-plus deal, while others are attempting to sway him through more unconventional means, including voice memos. Stephen Curry has even acknowledged the appeal of a potential team-up with James late in their careers acknowledging the allure. Meanwhile, Spurs center Luke Kornet has humorously entered the recruitment fray.

Rookie Extensions and Landmark Deals

Victor Wembanyama has secured a significant long-term commitment from the San Antonio Spurs, agreeing to a five-year, $252 million maximum rookie-scale contract extension. This deal ranks as the third-largest rookie extension in NBA history. In other noteworthy financial news, a rare 2024 Panini Revolution vertical green Kaboom! card featuring Wembanyama fetched an impressive $1,443,133 at auction.

Offseason Trade Speculation and Player Movement

The NBA offseason continues to be a period of significant player movement and ongoing speculation. The Mavericks have finalized a six-team trade by signing prospect Tarik Biberovic, a deal that also brings Santi Aldama and Marcus Sasser to Dallas sealing the trade. The proposed Kawhi Leonard trade between the Clippers and Raptors remains on hold pending an NBA probe into potential salary cap circumvention. In Milwaukee, General Manager Jon Horst characterized the decision to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo as "very difficult". Trae Young expressed his excitement about embarking on a new era with his re-signed Wizards team.

Summer League Standouts and Future Prospects

The Las Vegas summer league provided a glimpse into the future of the league. The top picks from the 2026 draft, AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, faced off, offering insights into their potential facing off. Peterson, in particular, has shown early promise, demonstrating instant chemistry with Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George, potentially forming the franchise's backcourt of the future offering the Jazz.

Lingering Offseason Questions and Player Relations

Several significant decisions still loom over the NBA offseason. Jalen Duren's new contract, the Kawhi Leonard situation, and LeBron James' ultimate destination remain undecided. In a separate development, former Heat teammates Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro were reportedly involved in a physical altercation in Las Vegas, with Adebayo striking Herro. Meanwhile, in Dallas, Mark Cuban has accused Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont of engaging in adversarial business practices regarding the club's potential relocation accuses owner. Tim Hardaway Jr. was formally introduced by the Miami Heat, receiving his father's former No. 10 jersey.

Offbeat News from the Sports World

Beyond the basketball court, Charles Barkley is facing long odds in the celebrity golf tournament, listed at 7,500-1 to win.