NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

NBA DRAFT & OFFSEASON MOVES

The 2026 NBA Draft commenced with the Washington Wizards selecting AJ Dybantsa first overall, ushering in a new era for the franchise. Dybantsa, a highly touted prospect, was chosen over Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, who ultimately landed with the Utah Jazz at the second pick as the team added another top guard. The Memphis Grizzlies continued their rebuild by snagging Duke's Cameron Boozer at No. 3, a move that signals an accelerated reset for the club. Rounding out the early lottery picks, the Chicago Bulls used the fourth overall pick on North Carolina's Caleb Wilson, adding a player considered among the draft's top athletes with significant upside. Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. also heard his name called early, going ninth to the Dallas Mavericks, reuniting him with his former Wolverines coach Dusty May who is finalizing a deal to coach the Mavs. Trae Young, already committed to a lucrative deal with the Wizards, welcomed Dybantsa to the nation's capital, hinting at potential future collaborations, and has agreed to a four-year, approximately $212 million contract extension that includes a player option in Year 4.

The offseason has been defined by seismic trades, with the Milwaukee Bucks sending superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. Sources indicate the sprawling deal involved Bobby Portis heading to Miami in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and three first-round picks, including the 13th selection in the draft as the Heat and Celtics emerged as finalists for the deal. This blockbuster move significantly reshapes the Eastern Conference landscape and prompts immediate questions about how Miami will build around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo in a comprehensive FAQ on the trade. In another significant transaction, Julius Randle has been traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a three-team deal that also sends Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, with Minnesota receiving a future pick according to multiple sources. The fantasy basketball implications of these moves are already being analyzed, with Randle's trade to Brooklyn and the potential impact of the Giannis deal on players like Tyler Herro drawing particular attention.

Beyond the draft and major trades, several teams are solidifying their rosters through free agency and extensions. CJ McCollum has agreed to a one-year, $21 million contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks, providing stability for the franchise. The Phoenix Suns are also active, with free agent guards Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin both agreeing to re-sign with the team. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks have finalized a deal to acquire Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for two second-round draft picks as the trade tracker details numerous summer transactions.

LEAGUE EXPANSION & SPECIAL HONORS

The possibility of a new NBA franchise in Las Vegas is gaining momentum, with Golden Knights founder and majority owner Bill Foley announcing his bid to bring a team to the entertainment capital. This development comes as the league continues to explore expansion opportunities. In a posthumous honor, Jason Collins will receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at The ESPYS in July for his impact on LGBTQ+ visibility in professional sports. His twin brother, Jarron, is expected to accept the award on his behalf.

PLAYER PERFORMANCES & COLLECTIBLES

While the draft and trades dominate headlines, individual player achievements and collectibles are also making waves. Knicks star Jalen Brunson has been recognized for his exceptional season, with his 2018 Panini Prizm Choice Nebula rookie card commanding a record-setting $312,000 at auction. Aces coach Becky Hammon recently commented on Brunson's elevated status, acknowledging that he is an "outlier" among smaller guards, though she maintained her general stance on the typical limitations of players his size during recent commentary. The fashion statements of top NBA draft picks have also evolved significantly over the years, with players like Paolo Banchero and LeBron James setting trends from pre-draft events.

OTHER NBA NEWS

Kevin Durant, a decorated Olympian and the all-time leading scorer in Olympic basketball history, is set to take on a coaching role in a 3x3 charity tournament for USA Basketball, showcasing his continued involvement with the sport off the court. The cultural impact of the New York Knicks is also being celebrated, with a look back at how the team and hip-hop culture united the city, drawing parallels to the Knicks' last championship and the birth of hip-hop 53 years prior.