NBA Basketball 3 Days

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

NBA Draft and Player Movement

The 2026 NBA draft saw significant movements and selections, with AJ Dybantsa going first overall to the Washington Wizards, who hope he can turn the franchise's fortunes around while wearing No. 4. Following Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson was selected second by the Utah Jazz, and Cameron Boozer landed with the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3 as part of their team's reset. The Chicago Bulls boosted their frontcourt by taking Caleb Wilson at No. 4, with draft insiders breaking down the biggest winners and question marks from the first round.

Beyond the lottery picks, Narcisse Ngoy, the 57th overall selection, opted to play college basketball at Auburn next season, while Isaiah Evans was among the notable names taken in the second round. The draft also saw trades, with the Detroit Pistons sending Isaiah Stewart to the Grizzlies for future second-round picks, and the Pistons also acquiring Karim Lopez, the first Mexico-born first-rounder, in a deal that sent him to Memphis. Morez Johnson Jr. was selected ninth by the Dallas Mavericks, reuniting with his former Michigan coach Dusty May, and was one of three Wolverines to be picked in the lottery.

Free Agency and Roster Moves

In the lead-up to free agency, several players have signaled their intentions to sign new deals. Guard Coby White plans to re-sign with the Charlotte Hornets on a three-year, $74 million contract, while Al Horford intends to return to the Golden State Warriors for two years and $14 million. Meanwhile, restricted free agent Mark Williams is set to sign a three-year deal to remain with the Suns for $38 million. Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves also intends to sign a four-year, $185 million maximum extension, including a player option for the final season.

Significant trade talks are also underway. The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly engaged in serious discussions for star point guard LaMelo Ball, with multiple teams aggressively pursuing him. Sources indicate a potential deal sending Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Naz Reid and draft picks. The Boston Celtics also remain actively engaged in talks to move Jaylen Brown, with several teams expressing interest in the All-Star forward, though Celtics president Brad Stevens stated Brown remains "a valued" member of the team.

Coaching and Team Operations

The coaching carousel saw a notable development with Micah Nori being told by several NBA teams that he was their No. 2 choice before the Portland Trail Blazers finally hired him as their head coach. However, the structure of Nori's contract has drawn criticism, with J.B. Bickerstaff, coach of the Pistons and president of the National Basketball Coaches Association, calling it a "slap in the face to our profession." In team operations, Trail Blazers governor Tom Dundon is insistent that only public money should fund a $600 million makeover of the Moda Center.

Coaching opinions have also evolved, with Aces coach Becky Hammon admitting her prior criticism of Knicks star Jalen Brunson was "wrong," though she maintained her general stance on smaller guards. Amidst trade rumors, the Milwaukee Bucks' GM remained tight-lipped about any potential moves involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, repeatedly emphasizing a "theme of building" for the franchise.

Fantasy Basketball and Future Prospects

Early looks at future talent are already emerging, with an initial 2027 NBA mock draft identifying top prospects to watch, including questions about whether Tyran Stokes will remain the No. Fantasy basketball analysts are also breaking down the impact of offseason moves, such as the fantasy implications of Julius Randle's trade to Brooklyn. The 2026 draft class also saw fantasy basketball projections, with Andre Snellings identifying which lottery picks are worth rostering for the upcoming season. The draft's fashion statements are also being analyzed, with a look back at how top picks have evolved their sartorial choices on draft night.

League Developments and Player Comments

Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry has reportedly commented on an Instagram post celebrating his new teammate Yaxel Lendeborg's selection in the 2026 NBA draft. Lendeborg himself admitted that as a fan, he "used to hate Steph" due to his rivalry with Kyrie Irving. The Washington Wizards' No. 1 pick, AJ Dybantsa, received a welcome from Trae Young, who appeared to tease a future discussion about jersey numbers. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant is set to coach in a 3x3 charity tournament for USA Basketball this summer.