NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

NBA DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY MOVES

The NBA draft concluded with the Washington Wizards selecting AJ Dybantsa No. 1 overall, who will wear No. 4 for the franchise as they look to rebuild. Dybantsa, who was chosen ahead of Darryn Peterson, is considered one of the top prospects, with college coaches noting his future upside. Meanwhile, Cameron Boozer landed with the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3, another significant step in the team's reset. Other lottery picks included Morez Johnson Jr. going to the Mavericks at No. 9 and Karim Lopez, the first player born in Mexico to be a first-round pick, selected at No. 21 by the Pistons before being traded to Memphis. Narcisse Ngoy, the 57th pick, has opted to return to Auburn for college basketball.

In the free agency and trade landscape, the Charlotte Hornets appear to be active. Guard Coby White intends to sign a three-year, $74 million deal to remain with the team. However, in a significant development, sources indicate the Hornets are engaged in serious trade talks for star guard LaMelo Ball, with multiple teams aggressively pursuing him. One reported deal has Ball heading to the Timberwolves along with Josh Green in exchange for Naz Reid and draft picks. The Boston Celtics are also reportedly actively discussing trades for Jaylen Brown, though President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens stated Brown remains a valued and big part of the team.

Elsewhere, the Phoenix Suns are set to retain restricted free agent Mark Williams, who intends to sign a three-year, $38 million contract. Al Horford plans to continue his career with the Warriors, with a reported two-year, $14 million deal. Austin Reaves is also expected to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, with a four-year, $185 million maximum contract featuring a player option. The Detroit Pistons are reportedly trading Isaiah Stewart to the Grizzlies for three future second-round picks.

COACHING AND FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENTS

Micah Nori has been given his opportunity to lead the Portland Trail Blazers as head coach, a position he was reportedly the No. 2 choice for several other NBA teams. However, the structure of Nori's contract has drawn criticism, with J.B. Bickerstaff calling it a "slap in the face" to coaches. Trail Blazers governor Tom Dundon is firm on his stance regarding the Moda Center's $600 million renovation, stating that only public funds will be used for the makeover only.

In a notable personal development, Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry has publicly commented on his new teammate, Yaxel Lendeborg, who was drafted by the Warriors and admitted to previously disliking Curry. Lendeborg, a Michigan wing, was the 11th pick in the draft. In other news, Aces coach Becky Hammon has clarified her stance on Knicks star Jalen Brunson, acknowledging her previous opinion was wrong but not apologizing. She maintains that generally, smaller guards do not lead teams to championships, calling Brunson an outlier.

FANTASY AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

As the offseason progresses, fantasy basketball analysts are already dissecting potential impacts. The trade of Julius Randle to Brooklyn is expected to significantly alter fantasy leagues, and the potential trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat could also benefit players like Tyler Herro. an early mock draft for 2027 highlights prospects like Tyran Stokes, with analysts questioning if he will remain the top prospect. Fantasy outlooks for 2026 draft picks, such as those from the 2026 draft class, are being released, identifying players like Andre Snellings who are worth rostering.