NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NBA DRAFT & FREE AGENCY Frenzy

The NBA draft has officially kicked off, with the Washington Wizards selecting AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick, a move that signals a new era for the franchise. Dybantsa, who plans to wear No. 4, was chosen over Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, who landed with the Utah Jazz at No. 2. The Memphis Grizzlies snapped up Duke's Cameron Boozer at No. 3, continuing their rebuilding efforts, while the Chicago Bulls boosted their frontcourt with North Carolina's Caleb Wilson at No. 4. Other notable selections included Morez Johnson Jr. to the Mavericks at No. 9 and Karim Lopez, the first Mexico-born player drafted in the first round, going No. 21 to the Pistons before being traded to the Grizzlies as part of a deal for Isaiah Stewart. While many players embraced the moment, some draftees are opting for different paths, with No. 57 pick Narcisse Ngoy planning to play college basketball at Auburn.

Player Movement & Contract Updates

As the draft concludes, the focus shifts to free agency and potential trades. Guard Coby White intends to sign a three-year, $74 million deal to return to the Charlotte Hornets, but the team is also reportedly engaged in serious trade talks for star point guard LaMelo Ball. Sources indicate Ball could be headed to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a deal that would send Naz Reid and draft picks to Charlotte. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns are set to re-sign restricted free agent Mark Williams to a three-year, $38 million contract. Al Horford plans to continue his career with the Golden State Warriors, signing a two-year, $14 million deal. In Los Angeles, Austin Reaves is reportedly looking to sign a four-year, $185 million contract extension with the Lakers, including a player option for the final season.

Coaching Carousel & Front Office Moves

The Trail Blazers have officially hired Micah Nori as their new head coach, a move that has drawn criticism from some in the coaching community. J.B. Bickerstaff, president of the National Basketball Coaches Association, called the contract structure of Nori's deal a "slap in the face" to coaches. Nori, however, was reportedly the No. 2 choice for several NBA teams before Portland gave him the top job after a prolonged search. On the front office side, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens stated that Jaylen Brown remains a "big part" of the team, despite ongoing trade discussions involving the All-Star forward.

Draft Class Superlatives & Future Outlook

Beyond the draft picks themselves, the 2026 class is already generating buzz for various reasons. AJ Dybantsa's jersey choice and Yaxel Lendeborg's past fandom for Kyrie Irving over Stephen Curry have been noted as draft superlatives while other draftees like Cameron Boozer also turned heads,,. Early fantasy basketball outlooks suggest players like Julius Randle, following his trade to Brooklyn, and some of the lottery picks will be key fantasy assets. Looking even further ahead, an early mock draft for 2027 already has Tyran Stokes projected as the No. 1 prospect, with other talents like Will Tyran Stokes remain No. 1? also on the radar.

League Personalities & Off-Court Notes

In a notable shift, Aces coach Becky Hammon acknowledged her prior criticism of Jalen Brunson was "wrong", though she maintained her general stance on smaller guards often not leading championship teams. Hammon, however, did not issue an apology for her initial opinion. Meanwhile, Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst remained tight-lipped about potential moves involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, instead emphasizing a theme of "building" for the franchise. Off the court, Kevin Durant is set to take on a coaching role in a 3x3 charity tournament for USA Basketball, adding another dimension to his basketball involvement.