NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

NBA Free Agency and Trades Shake Up League Landscape

The NBA free agency period has erupted with seismic moves, headlined by LeBron James's decision to depart the Los Angeles Lakers and a blockbuster trade sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. James has informed the Lakers that he plans to play elsewhere next season, a move that has prompted widespread reaction across the league LeBron James leaving. This development also opens the door for teams like the Golden State Warriors to potentially pursue a reunion with Anthony Davis, with Draymond Green reportedly declining his player option to facilitate such a move Warriors eyeing reunion. Meanwhile, the Clippers have reportedly agreed to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors in a package that includes Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple future draft picks, signaling Toronto's aggressive push to contend in the East Clips nearing Kawhi deal. The league is abuzz with activity, tracking numerous other deals and rumors, including ongoing discussions about Leonard's future Latest NBA buzz.

Key Signings and Extensions Shape Team Rosters

As free agency gets underway, several teams have moved to secure their core players and add talent. The Houston Rockets have been active, agreeing to deals with both guard Marcus Smart on a two-year, $13 million contract with a player option, and Bogdan Bogdanovic on a one-year pact Smart, Rockets agree; Rockets agree with Bogdanovic. The Portland Trail Blazers are bringing back center Robert Williams III on a three-year, $44 million extension Blazers, Williams reach extension. In a significant move, the Memphis Grizzlies have traded two-time All-Star Ja Morant to the Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, a deal that will have major fantasy basketball implications Grizzlies trading Morant. The Miami Heat are also making moves, adding Tim Hardaway Jr. on a one-year, $6.5 million deal and reportedly agreeing to a three-year, $64 million contract with Andrew Wiggins Heat add Hardaway Jr.. The Golden State Warriors are set to retain Kristaps Porzingis on a two-year, $40 million contract Porzingis back Dubs, while the Detroit Pistons are bringing back Kevin Huerter on a three-year, $27 million deal Pistons' Huerter return. The San Antonio Spurs are also active, with Julian Champagnie expected to ink a three-year, $45 million contract Champagnie ink new deal.

Player Options and Future Outlooks

Several players are making decisions on their contract options, impacting team payrolls and future flexibility. The Oklahoma City Thunder picked up forward Lu Dort's $17.7 million option for the 2026-27 season Thunder pick up Dort's option. In Detroit, the Pistons are declining Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 million team option, making him a free agent Hawks decline Kuminga's option. The Los Angeles Lakers' Deandre Ayton is opting into his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season Lakers' Ayton picking up option. Zach LaVine has opted into his $49 million player option with the Kings for the 2026-27 season Kings' LaVine picks up option. James Harden is declining his $42.3 million player option with the Cavaliers Harden declining option, and Fred Van Vleet is exercising his $25 million option with the Rockets for the 2026-27 season VanVleet exercise option. Bradley Beal has opted for free agency after declining his $5.6 million option with the LA Clippers Beal opts free agency. The Orlando Magic waived Jonathan Isaac, saving the team $6.5 million Magic waive Jonathan Isaac.

Other Notable NBA News and Developments

The NBA continues to expand its global reach, with finalized bids exceeding $1 billion for participation in NBA Europe, a league planned for launch in October 2027 Bids top $1B. In player news, Jusuf Nurkic plans to sign a two-year, $22 million contract with the Utah Jazz Nurkic to sign contract. The Phoenix Suns have agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with Luke Kennard Suns, Kennard agree. Keon Ellis has agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets Ellis agrees to deal. Landry Shamet intends to sign a four-year, $24 million deal to return to the Knicks Shamet set return. Jose Alvarado is declining his player option to sign a new three-year deal worth over $14 million with the Knicks Alvarado back Knicks. The Washington Wizards are reportedly not entertaining trade offers for Anthony Davis Wizards shun trade offers. Ben Simmons is preparing for an NBA return after a year away, expressing his desire to prove he is healthier and stronger Simmons preparing for return. The NBA is also bringing its NBA Cup championship game to Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis NBA Cup final location. Finally, former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis have been indicted in a federal gambling investigation Beasley, Davis charged.