NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

NBA FREE AGENCY SHIFTS ACCELERATE WITH MAJOR TRADES AND SIGNINGS

The NBA free agency period has exploded into its second week with a flurry of high-stakes moves, including a blockbuster trade that sent Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia and significant free agent acquisitions across the league. NBA executives are grappling with a rapidly evolving salary cap landscape, which has seen hundreds of millions committed to center positions alone execs Brown trade. The Philadelphia 76ers, fresh off acquiring Brown, have immediately pivoted to pursuing LeBron James, aiming to lure him to a revamped roster 76ers eye LeBron. James' agent, Rich Paul, confirmed his client is exploring multiple destinations, with the Heat, Cavaliers, and 76ers among the teams under consideration LeBron eyeing teams.

In a significant shakeup, the Boston Celtics have agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal with center Mitchell Robinson, following his departure from the Knicks Robinson to Celtics. This move comes as the Knicks have reportedly reached a one-year, $3.9 million agreement with veteran center Andre Drummond to fill the void left by Robinson Drummond Knicks. The Celtics also exercised their option on Neemias Queta and signed him to a four-year, $56 million extension Queta extension. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have traded center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks Lakers trade Ayton. In another substantial trade, the Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Jazz for multiple unprotected first-round picks and swaps, while also signing Sandro Mamukelashvili and Quentin Grimes Lakers trade for Kessler.

Amidst the major player movement, several teams are solidifying their rosters with key re-signings and additions. The Houston Rockets have secured restricted free agent Tari Eason on a five-year, $81.5 million contract Eason, Rockets agree. The Rockets have also dealt Dorian Finney-Smith to the Charlotte Hornets for three second-round picks Finney-Smith dealt. Guard Marcus Smart has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Rockets, including a player option Smart, Rockets agree. The Phoenix Suns have signed free agent guard Luke Kennard to a two-year, $13 million contract with a player option for the second season Suns, Kennard agree.

The Detroit Pistons have been active, agreeing to a three-year, $51 million deal with free agent John Collins Pistons land Collins, and acquiring Tobias Harris from the Spurs Harris joins Spurs. Guard Norman Powell has secured a two-year, $45 million deal with the Chicago Bulls Powell lands deal. The Indiana Pacers are bringing in Kelly Oubre Jr. on a two-year deal worth nearly $17 million Pacers bringing Oubre. Free agent guard Anfernee Simons has agreed to a two-year, $12.3 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, featuring a player option in the second year Simons agrees with 76ers. Mike Conley Jr. is returning to the Boston Celtics on a one-year deal, becoming the 14th player in league history to reach 20 NBA seasons Conley to C's.

In other team news, the Toronto Raptors have extended coach Darko Rajakovic's contract, preparing for the imminent return of Kawhi Leonard to the franchise Raptors coach gets extension. The Raptors are reportedly going "all-in" to contend in the Eastern Conference with Leonard back in the fold Toronto goes all-in. The Memphis Grizzlies are trading Santi Aldama to the Dallas Mavericks for AJ Johnson, a 2030 first-round pick, and two future second-round picks Mavs add Aldama. The Washington Wizards are reportedly shunning all trade offers for All-Star forward Anthony Davis Wizards shun offers Davis.

Off the court, former NBA player Malik Beasley has pleaded not guilty to charges of altering his play in games to benefit sports bettors and alleviate personal debts Beasley pleads guilty. Meanwhile, the NBA Summer League is set to test new rules, including the one-free-throw rule previously seen in the G League, and will incorporate embedded sensors in basketballs NBA testing rules. Ja Morant will reportedly wear No. 1 for his upcoming season, a departure from his long-time No. 12 jersey Morant wear No. 1. In a unique jersey number situation, Tim Hardaway Sr. has stated that his retired No. 10 will not be available for his son to wear with the Miami Heat Hardaway Sr. on jersey.

The league also saw notable figures attend Michael Rubin's annual "White Party," including Jay-Z and Kevin Durant Jay-Z, Durant attend. The NBA continues to navigate complex cap situations and player movement as teams assess their performance and strategic direction following the initial free agency period Winners, losers free agency.