NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

LeBron James's Next Move Dominates NBA Offseason Buzz

The NBA offseason is in full swing, and the biggest story continues to be the future of LeBron James. After announcing his departure from the Lakers on Monday LeBron James announced Monday, the team is reportedly looking to rebuild around Luka Doncic team reset its entire operation. James's agent, Rich Paul, confirmed that his client is considering multiple destinations, including the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Philadelphia 76ers client is considering a host of teams. The 76ers, fresh off acquiring Jaylen Brown, have actively entered the chase for James and are attempting to pitch him on joining their revamped roster 76ers have entered the mix. Meanwhile, the Lakers are reportedly sending center Deandre Ayton to the Wizards in exchange for guard Jaden Hardy and future second-round picks Lakers trading center Ayton, while also acquiring Walker Kessler from the Jazz for significant draft capital Lakers are acquiring Walker Kessler.

Free Agency Frenzy and Major Trades Shake Up Rosters

As free agency progresses, numerous teams are making significant moves to bolster their rosters. The Philadelphia 76ers have been active, agreeing to a two-year, $12.3 million deal with guard Anfernee Simons guard Anfernee Simons has agreed and are also reportedly positioning themselves to pursue LeBron James Brown on board, eye. The Boston Celtics are making waves as well, picking up their option on center Neemias Queta and adding a four-year, $56 million extension C's pick up Queta's. In a notable move, Mitchell Robinson has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal to join the Celtics after winning a title with the Knicks Robinson, Celtics agree. The Knicks, in turn, have found a replacement for Robinson, reaching a one-year, $3.9 million agreement with veteran center Andre Drummond Knicks after Robinson exit. The Houston Rockets have secured restricted free agent Tari Eason on a five-year, $81.5 million deal Eason, Rockets agree, and also traded Dorian Finney-Smith to the Charlotte Hornets for future picks Rockets' Finney-Smith dealt Hornets. Marcus Smart has also landed with the Rockets on a two-year, $13 million contract with a player option Smart, Rockets agree.

Team Building and Coaching Changes Across the League

Beyond the headline-grabbing free agent signings, teams are also finalizing coaching staffs and making strategic roster adjustments. Billy Donovan has agreed to become the lead assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs under head coach Mitch Johnson Donovan lead assistant Spurs. The Toronto Raptors have extended the contract of coach Darko Rajakovic amid reports of Kawhi Leonard's return to the team Raptors coach gets new. The Memphis Grizzlies are trading forward Santi Aldama to the Dallas Mavericks for AJ Johnson and draft picks Mavs add 7-footer Aldama. Meanwhile, Ja Morant will be donning the No. 1 jersey for the Grizzlies, a change from his previous No. 12 Morant wear No. 1. The Orlando Magic are bringing back center Nikola Vucevic on a one-year, $3.9 million deal Vucevic back with Magic.

League-Wide Transactions and Player Valuations

The ongoing free agency period has seen a reshuffling of talent and a shift in player valuations. The Charlotte Hornets are acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith and three second-round picks from the Houston Rockets Rockets' Finney-Smith dealt Hornets. The Detroit Pistons have landed free agent John Collins on a three-year, $51 million deal Pistons land potential starting, while Tobias Harris is joining the Spurs Harris leaves Pistons. The Chicago Bulls have agreed to a two-year, $45 million deal with guard Norman Powell Powell lands 2-yr., $45M. In Phoenix, free agent guard Luke Kennard has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Suns Suns, Kennard agree. The Golden State Warriors are bringing back De'Anthony Melton on a two-year, $11 million deal Melton back to Warriors.

Summer League Innovations and Player Notables

Beyond the major league transactions, the NBA is also preparing for its summer league, where it will test a new one free throw rule NBA testing one free. This rule has previously been trialed in the G League. In other player news, Malik Beasley has pleaded not guilty to gambling charges Beasley pleads guilty. Tim Hardaway Sr. has stated that his retired No. 10 jersey will not be available for his son to wear with the Heat Hardaway Sr.: Son can't. The Washington Wizards are reportedly not listening to any trade offers for All-Star forward Anthony Davis Wizards to shun trade. The trade that sent Walker Kessler to the Lakers is being graded, with the Lakers also acquiring Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and others in a separate deal Lakers trading center Ayton. The trade involving Jaylen Brown and Paul George between the Sixers and Celtics is also under scrutiny, with the 76ers seeing their championship odds shorten following these moves Sixers' championship odds shorten.