NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NBA DRAFT AND OFFSEASON MOVES

The 2026 NBA draft saw AJ Dybantsa selected first overall by the Washington Wizards, marking a new era for the franchise. Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, once considered a potential No. 1 pick, landed with the Utah Jazz at the second selection as projected. The rebuilding Memphis Grizzlies moved closer to their next chapter by taking Duke's Cameron Boozer with the third pick in the draft. Other notable lottery selections included Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr. to the Mavericks at No. 9 joining former college coach Dusty May, and Yaxel Lendeborg to the Warriors at No. 11, who admitted to being a former Kyrie Irving fan while acknowledging his draft night. College coaches who have scouted top incoming rookies like Dybantsa and Boozer see significant future upside in their games as they assess their potential. Meanwhile, Duke's Isaiah Evans was among the well-known names taken in the second round.

The draft also featured significant player movement and contract news. Lakers star Austin Reaves intends to sign a max extension, a four-year, $185 million deal that includes a player option for the final season. The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly engaged in serious trade talks for star point guard LaMelo Ball, with multiple teams aggressively pursuing him. In a separate transaction, the Pistons are trading center/forward Isaiah Stewart to the Grizzlies for three future second-round picks as part of a larger shake-up. The Chicago Bulls bolstered their frontcourt by selecting UNC's Caleb Wilson at No. 4, a pick seen as adding an athletic player with high upside to their roster. Karim Lopez made history as the first player born in Mexico to be selected in the first round, going 21st to the Pistons before being traded to Memphis.

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO TRADE AND FANTASY IMPLICATIONS

The most seismic offseason move to date is the blockbuster trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat. In exchange, the Bucks received Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and three first-round picks, including the 13th selection in the upcoming draft according to sources. The Celtics and Heat had emerged as finalists for Antetokounmpo's services before the deal was finalized late Tuesday. This trade significantly reshapes the Eastern Conference, with the Heat now boasting a formidable duo of Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.