NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Summer League Standouts and Rookie Buzz

Yaxel Lendeborg led the Warriors to a summer league championship, becoming the second player to achieve both a Division I NCAA championship and a summer league title in the same year. Other notable performers in Las Vegas included ten players who stood out at the conclusion of the summer league. In anticipation of the upcoming draft, analyst Zach Kram broke down the rankings for the highly touted rookie class following their summer league performances. Additionally, early betting predictions for the 2026-27 NBA Rookie of the Year race were analyzed.

Free Agency Frenzy and Trade Rumors

Pat Riley and Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed their desire for LeBron James to return to the Miami Heat, with Antetokounmpo stating he is "excited" and willing to do "whatever it takes" to win a title in South Beach and championship history. James himself remained non-committal regarding his future, continuing to spark speculation. The NBA is also investigating a potential salary cap circumvention regarding a four-year, $64 million deal between Gary Trent Jr. and the Milwaukee Bucks. In other moves, the Dallas Mavericks matched the New York Knicks' two-year, $4.7 million offer sheet for restricted free agent Moussa Cisse.

Offseason Trades and Roster Moves

The Atlanta Hawks have acquired Luguentz Dort in a three-team trade involving the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks. The deal sent three second-round picks to Oklahoma City, while former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher went to Dallas. Grades for this significant offseason trade, including the Dort deal, were assigned. The NBA will not punish Bam Adebayo for an altercation with former teammate Tyler Herro at a Las Vegas gym. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards' stars are embracing the pressure to elevate the team from last place in the Eastern Conference. Updates on free agency and other offseason buzz continue to emerge.