NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 11:33 PM ET

NBA Player Movement & Draft Aftermath

Jose Alvarado is returning to the Knicks on a new three-year pact worth over $14 million, declining his $4.5 million player option. This move comes as the Knicks are also reportedly being celebrated, with five bins identical to a viral, stolen one appearing around New York City, a nod to their playoff run symbolized by lucky items. In other player news, Isaiah Joe is headed to the Pistons in a trade with the Thunder for two second-round picks, while the Suns are set to re-sign restricted free agent Mark Williams to a three-year, $38 million deal fully guaranteed. Guard Coby White also intends to re-sign with the Hornets for three years and $74 million, though the team is also seriously engaged in trade talks for star point guard LaMelo Ball, with multiple suitors aggressively pursuing him sources say. In a significant shift, the Hornets are reportedly trading Ball and Josh Green to the Timberwolves in exchange for Naz Reid and a series of draft picks ESPN sources indicate. Veteran Al Horford plans to continue his career with the Warriors, with sources indicating a two-year, $14 million contract is expected once free agency opens. Austin Reaves is also poised to sign a $185 million extension with the Lakers, a four-year maximum deal with a player option for the final season in 2029-30.

Draft Selections & Future Outlook

The NBA Summer League schedule is set to feature marquee matchups, including the top four draft picks, with a notable game between the Heat and Bucks following their blockbuster trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo as reported. Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick, has already set his sights on winning Rookie of the Year in his inaugural season during his introductory press conference. Washington Wizards draftee AJ Dybantsa will wear the No. 4 jersey, hoping to revitalize the franchise's fortunes as he unveiled it. Dybantsa also leads the draft class in unique superlatives, alongside Boozer according to draft analysis. Narcisse Ngoy, the 57th pick, has opted to play college basketball at Auburn next season, foregoing the immediate jump to the professional ranks. Meanwhile, Karim Lopez made history as the first Mexico-born first-rounder, selected 21st by the Detroit Pistons before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. The second round of the NBA draft also yielded notable talent, with Duke's Isaiah Evans being among the prominent names taken on Wednesday night, and players like Jalen Brunson and Nikola Jokić are highlighted as examples of second-round picks who have achieved significant success as noted in league history. an early look at the 2027 NBA draft suggests Tyran Stokes may remain the No. 1 prospect, with other top talents to watch according to mock drafts.

Coaching Carousel & Team Dynamics

Micah Nori is ready to lead the Trail Blazers after a prolonged wait for his head coaching opportunity, having been a No. 2 choice for several NBA teams before Portland gave him the top spot as he stated. However, the structure of Nori's contract has drawn criticism, with Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff calling it a "slap in the face to our members" via coaching association statements. In team news, the Boston Celtics remain actively engaged in trade discussions for Jaylen Brown, with multiple teams expressing interest in the All-Star forward sources told ESPN. Despite these reports, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens emphasized that Brown is still considered a "big part of us" and is "valued" by the organization he stated Tuesday night. The Milwaukee Bucks' general manager, Jon Horst, declined to comment on specifics regarding the Antetokounmpo trade, instead repeatedly emphasizing the team's focus on "building" following their draft selections. Aces coach Becky Hammon has publicly revised her previous criticism of Knicks star Jalen Brunson, admitting her "opinion was wrong" she told reporters Tuesday.

Front Office Decisions & Arena Development

The NBA draft saw a variety of team strategies, with ESPN draft insiders providing analysis on the biggest winners and question marks from the first round following the initial selections. Ben Golliver's draft grades for all 30 NBA teams offer insights into which teams excelled and which picks and trades stood out in his assessment. The Detroit Pistons are also trading Isaiah Stewart to the Grizzlies for three future second-round picks as confirmed by sources. In arena development, Trail Blazers governor Tom Dundon is adamant that any $600 million makeover of the Moda Center should be funded exclusively by public money he stated his position.