NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

NBA Free Agency Frenzy and Blockbuster Trades

The NBA offseason has been defined by seismic shifts, with teams aggressively reshaping their rosters through trades and free agency signings. The Los Angeles Lakers have been particularly active, reportedly sending center Deandre Ayton to the Wizards in a deal that netted them guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks Lakers trading center Ayton. In a separate significant move, the Lakers also acquired Walker Kessler from the Jazz, surrendering unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with multiple first-round swaps Lakers trade 2 first-rounders. Adding to their roster, the Lakers are also in discussions for restricted free agent Jalen Duren RFA Duren meet.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers are making a strong push to contend, having traded for Jaylen Brown and now reportedly entering the mix for LeBron James Brown on board, eye. Their free agency moves also include agreeing to a two-year, $12.3 million deal with guard Anfernee Simons Simons agrees revamped 76ers. The Boston Celtics, fresh off a championship, are also retooling. They've agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal with center Mitchell Robinson Robinson, Celtics agree and are adding veteran guard Mike Conley Jr. on a one-year deal, making him the 14th player to reach 20 NBA seasons Conley to C's. The Celtics also picked up their option on center Neemias Queta and added a four-year, $56 million extension C's pick up Queta's.

Other notable trades include the Houston Rockets sending Dorian Finney-Smith to the Charlotte Hornets for three second-round picks Rockets' Finney-Smith dealt, and the Memphis Grizzlies trading forward Santi Aldama to the Dallas Mavericks for AJ Johnson, a 2030 first-round pick, and two second-round picks Mavs add Aldama. The Golden State Warriors are reportedly eyeing a reunion of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with Draymond Green declining his player option to potentially facilitate such a move Warriors eyeing LeBron, AD.

Coaching Carousel and Player Movement

The coaching landscape has also seen significant activity. The Toronto Raptors have rewarded coach Darko Rajakovic with a multiyear contract extension as they prepare to integrate Kawhi Leonard back into the lineup Raptors coach gets new. In San Antonio, Billy Donovan has agreed to become the lead assistant coach for head coach Mitch Johnson Donovan lead assistant.

Several players have secured new deals. Restricted free agent Tari Eason is returning to the Houston Rockets on a five-year, $81.5 million contract Eason, Rockets agree, and the Rockets also agreed to a deal with Bogdan Bogdanovic on a one-year contract Rockets agree deal Bogdanovic. Marcus Smart has also agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Rockets, including a player option for the second season Smart, Rockets agree. The Detroit Pistons are set to bring back sharpshooter Kevin Huerter on a three-year, $27 million deal Pistons' Huerter return, and have also signed free agent John Collins to a three-year, $51 million contract Pistons land potential starting.

The Miami Heat are adding Tim Hardaway Jr. on a one-year, $6.5 million deal Heat add Hardaway Jr., and forward Andrew Wiggins intends to sign a three-year, $64 million contract to stay with the franchise Heat, Wiggins reach 3-year. The Phoenix Suns have agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with Luke Kennard, with a player option for the second season Suns, Kennard agree. The Portland Trail Blazers and center Robert Williams III have agreed to a three-year, $44 million contract extension Blazers, Williams reach 3-year.

In other player news, the Oklahoma City Thunder exercised forward Lu Dort's $17.7 million option for the 2026-27 season Thunder pick up forward. The Atlanta Hawks declined Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 million team option, making him a free agent Hawks decline Kuminga's $24.3M. Ben Simmons is preparing for an NBA return after a year away, expressing a desire to show teams he is healthier and stronger Simmons preparing NBA return.

Summer League Innovations and League Expansion

The upcoming NBA Summer League in July will feature experimental rule changes, including the one free throw rule previously tested in the G League, and embedded sensors in basketballs NBA testing one free. Looking further ahead, the NBA is planning to launch NBA Europe, a European basketball league, in October 2027, with finalized bids from over 20 groups exceeding $1 billion Bids top $1B.

The NBA Cup championship game for the upcoming season will be hosted at Butler's historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis host NBA Cup final. Meanwhile, Ja Morant will be changing his jersey number to No. 1 with his team New team, new number.

Player Conduct and League Values

Malik Beasley has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he altered his play in certain games in 2024 to benefit sports bettors and settle his own debts Beasley pleads guilty. In a notable family stipulation, Tim Hardaway Sr. has stated that his retired No. 10 jersey will not be recirculated for the Heat, even for his son, who recently signed with the team Hardaway Sr.: Son can't.