NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Free Agency Frenzy and Player Declarations

LeBron James remains undecided about his next team, stating he is not ready to reveal his choice as of Thursday. Despite the anticipation, James during his public appearances at Fanatics Fest. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his desire to win a championship with the Miami Heat, saying he'll do "whatever it takes." Heat President Pat Riley also indicated that he and Antetokounmpo would welcome LeBron James' return to South Beach, with Giannis reportedly "excited" about the possibility of playing with James.

League Investigations and Player Movements

The NBA is currently investigating a deal between Gary Trent Jr. and the Milwaukee Bucks. The league is looking into the four-year, $64 million contract for potential salary cap circumvention. In other player news, veteran center Jonas Valanciunas has left the NBA to join Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas, signing a two-year contract. The NBA also confirmed it will not punish Heat forward Bam Adebayo for an altercation with former teammate Tyler Herro at a Las Vegas gym.

Rookie Buzz and Team Outlooks

As the NBA draft class approaches, analysts are already, with players like Boozer and Dybantsa drawing significant attention. Betting markets are also beginning to focus on the future, with early bets being placed on the 2026-27 Rookie of the Year race. On the team front, the Washington Wizards' star trio as they aim to elevate the team from last place in the Eastern Conference to a competitive contender.