NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

NBA DRAFT SHAKES UP LANDSCAPE

The NBA draft concluded with a flurry of activity, headlined by the Washington Wizards selecting AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick announced Tuesday. Dybantsa, who was considered a top prospect alongside Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, will usher in a new era for the Wizards as per reports. Peterson ultimately landed with the Utah Jazz at No. 2 according to draft insider analysis, while the rebuilding Memphis Grizzlies bolstered their frontcourt by selecting Duke's Cameron Boozer at No. 3 as part of their reset. The Chicago Bulls also addressed their frontcourt needs, drafting North Carolina's Caleb Wilson at No. 4 amid high expectations for his upside. The draft's fashion statements also drew attention, with players like Dybantsa making stylistic choices on draft night following a trend of elaborate ensembles.

Beyond the lottery picks, the draft saw significant trades and player movement. The Milwaukee Bucks notably traded superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and three first-round picks, including the No. 13 selection according to league sources. This blockbuster deal marks a seismic shift for both franchises, with the Heat aiming to build around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo as detailed in a trade FAQ, while the Bucks' GM Jon Horst emphasized a "theme of building" despite the departure of their star. The Celtics and Heat had emerged as finalists for Antetokounmpo's services prior to the deal as reported by sources.

Further draft-day maneuvering included the Dallas Mavericks selecting Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9, reuniting him with his former Michigan coach Dusty May as confirmed by player and coach alignment. May is reportedly finalizing a deal to become the Mavericks' head coach according to multiple sources, a move that significantly alters the coaching landscape. The Golden State Warriors used the 11th pick on Michigan wing Yaxel Lendeborg who admitted to previously disliking Steph Curry, while Karim Lopez became the first player born in Mexico to be drafted in the first round, selected 21st overall by the Detroit Pistons before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies marking a historic selection. Round 2 projections also offered insights into potential late-round talent with detailed mock draft analysis.

OFFSEASON MOVES AND EXTENSIONS

The offseason has been marked by significant trades and contract extensions, reshaping rosters across the league. Julius Randle is on the move, heading to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a three-team deal that also involves Nic Claxton going to the Bulls and Minnesota acquiring the No. 33 pick as reported by sources. This trade's fantasy impact is being analyzed, with Randle's move to Brooklyn noted as a potential boon for fantasy managers according to expert breakdowns. In Atlanta, CJ McCollum has agreed to a one-year, $21 million contract extension with the Hawks his agent confirmed, providing stability for the team's backcourt.

The Phoenix Suns have also been active, securing Jordan Goodwin to a new deal to join Collin Gillespie, who is returning to the team as per insider reports. These moves by the Suns are being evaluated as part of larger free agent signing grades across the league. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder have traded Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks for two second-round draft picks according to Shams Charania, a transaction detailed in the league's comprehensive trade tracker alongside other summer deals. The grading of major NBA trades has begun, with the Thunder's deal sending Wiggins to Atlanta also receiving scrutiny alongside other significant moves.

PLAYER NEWS AND LEGACY

Player news extends beyond transactions, touching on individual performances and future aspirations. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens stated that Jaylen Brown remains a "big part of us" amid reported trade talks, indicating the team values his contributions. Kevin Durant is set to coach in a 3x3 charity tournament for USA Basketball this summer joining other notable players, adding another dimension to his involvement with the sport.

In a significant financial development, a Jalen Brunson rookie card commanded a record-breaking $312,000 at a Fanatics Collect auction setting a new benchmark for his collectibles. This surge in card value reflects Brunson's growing prominence in the league. Aces coach Becky Hammon acknowledged Jalen Brunson's exceptional play calling him an outlier, while also maintaining her stance on the general challenges faced by smaller guards. Jason Collins will be posthumously honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at The ESPYS in July for his impact on LGBTQ+ visibility in sports his twin brother will accept the award.

EXPANSION AND FANTASY IMPACT

The potential for NBA expansion continues to be a topic of discussion, with Golden Knights founder Bill Foley announcing a bid to bring an NBA franchise to Las Vegas as confirmed Monday. This development signals growing interest in new markets for the league. On the fantasy basketball front, the potential trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat is considered a significant event, with Tyler Herro identified as one of the primary beneficiaries in fantasy leagues. The trade also prompts questions about how Miami will build around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo as outlined in a detailed FAQ.

The Knicks and hip-hop's intertwined history is also being revisited, drawing parallels between the last Knicks title and the birth of hip-hop 53 years prior as explored in a recent piece. This cultural connection highlights the broader impact of the team. Meanwhile, free agent Trae Young intends to sign a four-year, approximately $212 million deal to remain with the Wizards according to sources, signaling a commitment to the franchise.