NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 11, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Rookie Extensions and Player Movement Dominate Headlines

Victor Wembanyama is set to earn a massive payday, agreeing to a five-year extension worth $252 million with the San Antonio Spurs. This deal is the third-largest rookie extension in NBA history. Meanwhile, Gary Trent Jr. will remain in Milwaukee, having for $64 million with the Bucks. Trae Young expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating he is "excited to help usher in the Wizards' new era" on his re-signing with the team.

Offseason Drama and Player Relations Surface

The NBPA is urging the league to address the "second apron" rules, with executive director David Kelly asserting that these restrictions are forcing teams into decisions that are "not basketball decisions" and are negatively impacting players for the sake of cost control according to the union's statement. In a separate incident, former Heat teammates Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro were involved in a physical altercation at a Las Vegas hotel, where Adebayo reportedly struck Herro. Ja Morant, traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, is looking to make a fresh start, aiming to prove his "bad guy" image is a misconception.

Free Agency Speculation and Summer League Action

LeBron James' free agency remains a major storyline, with speculation about his next destination continuing. Andre Iguodala suggested that Golden State's potential interest in James is a "tribute to Curry's prowess," referencing the Warriors' past championship battles with James' Cavaliers as Iguodala explained on Saturday. The Spurs are actively trying to recruit James, with center Luke Kornet humorously pitching his case in a viral social media post. In summer league action, Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson delivered a strong debut, scoring 35 points, the second-highest total in a Las Vegas debut since 2004 on Friday night. The top picks from the 2026 draft, AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, faced off in their first matchup at the Las Vegas summer league as reported by ESPN.

Trade Developments and Lingering Questions

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. Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson described the LaMelo Ball trade as "probably the most difficult" decision he has made, stating it was executed to achieve multiple goals. A proposed trade sending Kawhi Leonard to the Clippers from the Raptors is currently on hold pending an NBA probe into potential salary cap circumvention an NBA spokesperson confirmed. Several significant offseason questions remain unresolved, including Jalen Duren's new contract, the Kawhi Leonard situation, and LeBron James' ultimate decision as outlined in an ESPN analysis.

Collectibles and Player Quirks

Victor Wembanyama's trading cards are fetching high prices, with a rare 2024 Panini Revolution vertical green Kaboom! card selling for over $1.4 million on the Alt platform. In a lighter note, Ja Morant appeared to momentarily forget his new jersey number after his trade, inking the wrong one.