NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

NBA Offseason Shakeups Intensify

The NBA offseason has been defined by seismic shifts and significant player movement, with several star players changing teams and others opting to stay put. The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly close to finalizing a deal that would send Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, acquiring Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple future draft assets including unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with a 2027 first-round pick swap and two second-rounders Clips nearing Kawhi deal. This move signals Toronto's aggressive approach to competing in the Eastern Conference with Leonard at the helm Toronto goes all-in. Meanwhile, another high-profile departure sees LeBron James informing the Los Angeles Lakers of his decision to play elsewhere LeBron tells Lakers, prompting widespread reaction across the league Stars react LeBron. The Golden State Warriors are reportedly preparing to pursue a reunion of James and Anthony Davis, with Draymond Green declining his player option to potentially facilitate such a move Warriors eyeing LeBron reunion, although Washington has stated they are not trading Anthony Davis Wizards shun trade offers.

Major Trades Reshape Franchises

The trade market has been exceptionally active, with high-profile players finding new homes. The Memphis Grizzlies have traded two-time All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray Grizzlies trading star Morant, a deal that has drawn mixed reviews but is seen as a significant move for Portland's rebuilding efforts Grades Ja Morant trade. In another notable transaction, the Oklahoma City Thunder are sending Isaiah Joe to the Detroit Pistons for two second-round picks Pistons land Joe. Free agency has also seen several key signings and extensions. Bogdan Bogdanovic has agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Rockets Rockets agree deal. The Miami Heat are reportedly adding sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. on a one-year, $6.5 million contract Heat add Hardaway Jr., and Andrew Wiggins is set to sign a three-year, $64 million deal to remain with the Heat Heat, Wiggins reach deal.

Player Options and Extensions Shape Rosters

Player options and contract extensions are also playing a significant role in shaping NBA rosters for the upcoming seasons. Zach LaVine has opted into his substantial $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season with the Kings Kings' LaVine picks up option, while James Harden is declining his $42.3 million option with the Cavaliers, becoming an unrestricted free agent Harden is declining option. Fred Van Vleet is exercising his $25 million option to stay with the Rockets Agent: VanVleet exercise option, and Lu Dort's $17.7 million option for 2026-27 has been picked up by the Thunder Thunder pick up Dort's option. In extensions, Robert Williams III has agreed to a three-year, $44 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers Blazers, Williams reach extension, and Julian Champagnie is set to sign a three-year, $45 million contract with the Spurs Champagnie ink new deal.

Free Agency Signings and Team Decisions

The free agency period has seen numerous players secure new deals as teams solidify their rosters. Kristaps Porzingis will return to the Golden State Warriors on a two-year, $40 million contract Porzingis back Dubs. Landry Shamet intends to sign a four-year, $24 million deal with the Knicks Shamet set return, and Jose Alvarado is returning to New York on a three-year, $14-plus million deal after declining his player option Alvarado back Knicks. Free agent guard Keon Ellis has agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal with the Nets Ellis agrees to deal, and Luke Kennard has inked a two-year, $13 million agreement with the Phoenix Suns Suns, Kennard agree. The Detroit Pistons are set to retain Kevin Huerter on a three-year, $27 million deal Pistons' Huerter return, while Jusuf Nurkic plans to sign a two-year, $22 million contract with the Utah Jazz Nurkic to sign contract. The Orlando Magic have waived Jonathan Isaac, saving the franchise $6.5 million Magic waive Jonathan Isaac.

League Expansion and Future Prospects

Beyond player transactions, the NBA is also looking towards future league expansion. The league has received finalized bids exceeding $1 billion from over 20 groups interested in participating in NBA Europe, a new basketball league slated to launch in October 2027 Bids top $1B clubs. On the player development front, Narcisse Ngoy, a 57th pick in the recent NBA draft, has opted to play college basketball at Auburn next season Clippers draftee opts Auburn. Meanwhile, Ben Simmons is preparing for a potential NBA return after a year away, expressing his desire to prove he is healthier and stronger to prospective teams Simmons preparing for return. The NBA Cup championship game will be held at Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis this coming season Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse host.

Player Health and Career Longevity

Player health and career longevity remain significant talking points. Jimmy Butler, recovering from a torn ACL sustained in January, expressed his belief that he will still be "a top player" upon his return from injury Butler shares update. LeBron James and Serena Williams are highlighted for defying conventional notions of athletic aging and continuing to compete at elite levels late in their careers LeBron James Serena Williams. In a less positive development, former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis have been indicted in a federal gambling investigation Beasley, Davis charged.