NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

NBA Draft and Offseason Moves Shake Up League Landscape

The NBA offseason is in full swing with significant trades and draft decisions reshaping team rosters. In a blockbuster move, the Charlotte Hornets are reportedly trading star guard LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid and a package of draft picks, according to sources Hornets' Ball to Wolves. Simultaneously, the Detroit Pistons have sent Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for three future second-round selections Pistons trading Stewart. The Boston Celtics are also actively engaged in trade discussions regarding Jaylen Brown, with multiple teams expressing interest in the All-Star forward Celtics still talking Brown, although team president Brad Stevens maintains Brown is a "big part of us" Brown remains 'big part'.

The 2026 NBA draft saw AJ Dybantsa selected No. 1 overall by the Washington Wizards, ushering in a new era for the franchise Wizards opt for Dybantsa. Kansas guard Darryn Peterson was chosen second by the Utah Jazz Peterson lands with Jazz, while the Memphis Grizzlies bolstered their rebuild by selecting Cameron Boozer third Grizzlies nab Boozer. North Carolina's Caleb Wilson, lauded for his athleticism and upside, went fourth to the Chicago Bulls Bulls boost frontcourt. Michigan wing Yaxel Lendeborg was drafted 11th by the Golden State Warriors, admitting he "used to hate Steph" Dubs' Lendeborg 'used to hate Steph' Curry as a Kyrie Irving fan. Morez Johnson Jr., also from Michigan, was taken ninth by the Dallas Mavericks, reuniting with former coach Dusty May Johnson reunites with May. Karim Lopez made history as the first player born in Mexico selected in the first round, going 21st to the Pistons before being traded to the Grizzlies Lopez becomes 1st Mexico-born. Coaches who have faced top college prospects have weighed in on their future potential, offering insights into players like Tyran Stokes College coaches on top picks. Isaiah Evans was among the notable names selected in the second round of the draft Duke's Evans among second round.

The league is also witnessing major player extensions and potential free agency moves. Lakers star Austin Reaves intends to sign a four-year, $185 million maximum contract extension to remain with the franchise, including a player option for the 2029-30 season Reaves intends to sign. Meanwhile, free agent Trae Young is reportedly set to ink a four-year, approximately $212 million deal to stay with the Wizards, with a player option in the final year Young to ink $212M deal. Veteran Al Horford plans to return to the Golden State Warriors next season, with sources indicating he is set to sign a two-year, $14 million contract once free agency opens Horford continues career.

A seismic shift occurred as the Milwaukee Bucks traded superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in a massive deal that also sent Bobby Portis to South Beach Bucks trading Giannis. The Heat sent Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and three first-round picks, including the 13th pick in Tuesday's draft, to Milwaukee in return Giannis to Miami: Grades. This move could have significant ripple effects for players like Tyler Herro, who is seen as one of the beneficiaries Herro among beneficiaries. Bucks GM Jon Horst remained tight-lipped on specifics regarding Antetokounmpo but emphasized a "theme of building" for the franchise Bucks GM mum on Giannis. Questions linger about how Miami will integrate Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo and what Milwaukee's next steps will be Giannis trade FAQ.

In other significant transactions, Julius Randle is reportedly headed to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a three-team deal involving the Timberwolves and Bulls. Minnesota will send Randle and the 28th draft pick to Brooklyn, while Nic Claxton goes to Chicago, and Minnesota receives the 33rd pick Randle off to Nets. These moves are expected to create considerable fantasy basketball implications for players like Randle Fantasy basketball: Randle's trade.

Coaching changes are also afoot, with Michigan coach Dusty May finalizing a deal to become the new head coach of the Dallas Mavericks May finalizing deal to coach Mavs. This move significantly alters the college and NBA coaching landscape. Separately, J.B. Bickerstaff, coach of the Pistons and president of the National Basketball Coaches Association, criticized the contract structure for new Trail Blazers coach Micah Nori, calling it a "slap in the face" Bickerstaff: Nori's deal 'slap'.

In a turn of events, Aces coach Becky Hammon has revised her earlier criticism of Knicks star Jalen Brunson, admitting her "opinion was wrong" Hammon pivots: Opinion wrong. However, she has not apologized for her initial stance, noting that Brunson has placed himself in a unique class of players, though she maintains her general view on the typical trajectory of smaller guards Hammon won't apologize. Jalen Brunson's rookie card has also commanded a record price, with a 1-of-1 Panini Prizm Choice Nebula card selling for $312,000 at auction Brunson rookie card commands.

Las Vegas could be the next destination for an NBA franchise. Golden Knights founder and majority owner Bill Foley announced he is launching a bid to bring an expansion team to the city Owner launching Vegas bid. Early mock drafts are already offering a glimpse into the future, with Tyran Stokes currently projected as the top prospect in the 2027 NBA draft Debut 2027 NBA mock draft. Beyond the draft, fantasy basketball analysts are identifying lottery picks like Andre Snellings who are expected to be valuable additions to fantasy rosters next season Lottery picks fare in fantasy.

Finally, Kevin Durant, a decorated Olympian, is set to take on a coaching role at a 3x3 charity tournament for USA Basketball this summer KD to coach in 3x3 tourney. In recognition of his impact, Jason Collins will posthumously receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at The ESPYS for his contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility in sports Collins to receive award.