NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

NBA OFFSEASON SHAKES UP LANDSCAPE WITH MAJOR TRADES AND DRAFT SELECTIONS

The NBA offseason has been a whirlwind of activity, highlighted by a blockbuster trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat and a draft class headlined by AJ Dybantsa. The Bucks are reportedly trading Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and three first-round picks, including the 13th selection in the upcoming draft. This move positions the Heat as strong contenders in the Eastern Conference and signals a significant rebuild for Milwaukee. While Bucks GM Jon Horst remained tight-lipped, he repeatedly emphasized "a theme of building" for the franchise. Other notable offseason moves include Julius Randle being sent to the Nets as part of a three-team deal that also dispatches Nic Claxton to the Bulls. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks are finalizing a deal to acquire Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder for two second-round draft picks.

The 2026 NBA draft commenced with the Washington Wizards selecting AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick, opting for the BYU standout over Kansas' Darryn Peterson. Peterson ultimately landed with the Utah Jazz at the second pick. The Chicago Bulls bolstered their frontcourt by selecting North Carolina's Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick, impressed by his athleticism and upside. The Memphis Grizzlies continued their rebuild by selecting Cameron Boozer third overall, a move expected to accelerate the team's reset. Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. was taken ninth by the Dallas Mavericks, reuniting with his former coach Dusty May. Karim Lopez made history as the first player born in Mexico to be selected in the first round, going 21st to the Detroit Pistons before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. The draft's first round also saw notable fashion statements, with AJ Dybantsa opting for a unique look, continuing a trend of top picks making sartorial impressions.

PLAYER CONTRACTS AND COACHING MOVES SHAPE THE LEAGUE

Beyond the draft and trades, several key players are set to ink significant contract extensions. Lakers star Austin Reaves intends to sign a four-year, $185 million maximum contract to remain with the franchise, including a player option for the final season in 2029-30. Trae Young is also reportedly set to sign a four-year deal worth approximately $212 million to stay with the Wizards, with a player option in the fourth year. In coaching news, Michigan coach Dusty May is finalizing a deal to take the head coaching job with the Dallas Mavericks, a move that significantly alters the college and NBA landscapes.

OFFSEASON MOVES IMPACT FANTASY BASKETBALL AND PLAYER VALUATIONS

The flurry of offseason transactions is already impacting fantasy basketball outlooks. The potential trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo could be a boon for players like Tyler Herro. Fantasy analysts are also identifying future lottery picks who could be valuable additions to fantasy rosters next season, with some second-round draft picks already proving to be league-altering talents. The trade of Julius Randle to Brooklyn is also being analyzed for its fantasy implications. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson's exceptional play has led to a record-breaking sale of his 1-of-1 Panini Prizm Choice Nebula rookie card for $312,000. In a notable commentary, Aces coach Becky Hammon acknowledged that while Brunson has proven her prior criticism about smaller guards wrong, she is not apologizing for her initial opinion.

EXPANSION TALK AND POSTHUMOUS HONORS ROUND OUT THE NEWS CYCLE

The possibility of expansion into new markets is also gaining traction, with Golden Knights founder and majority owner Bill Foley announcing his bid to bring an NBA franchise to Las Vegas. On a more somber note, Jason Collins will posthumously receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at The ESPYS for his impact on LGBTQ+ visibility in professional sports. Kevin Durant, an Olympic legend, is set to take on a coaching role in a 3x3 charity tournament for USA Basketball this summer. Amidst trade rumors, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens affirmed that Jaylen Brown remains a "big part" of the organization and is "valued".