NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 11:33 PM ET

NBA Free Agency Frenzy Continues with Blockbuster Deals and Star Movement

The NBA free agency period has been marked by significant player movement and substantial financial commitments, with teams retooling rosters and vying for top-tier talent. The Philadelphia 76ers have emerged as a major player, reportedly agreeing to a two-year, $12.3 million deal with guard Anfernee Simons Sources: Simons agrees. This move follows their acquisition of Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade, positioning them as a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference. The Boston Celtics, in a surprising turn of events, have agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal with center Mitchell Robinson Sources: Robinson, Celtics agree, fresh off his championship run with the Knicks. This move comes shortly after the Celtics picked up Neemias Queta's option and signed him to a four-year, $56 million extension C's pick up Queta's, bolstering their frontcourt depth.

The free agent market has also seen established stars making significant decisions. Rich Paul, agent for LeBron James, indicated that his client is considering multiple teams for his next destination, including the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Philadelphia 76ers Agent: LeBron eyeing Heat. The 76ers, after acquiring Jaylen Brown, have actively entered the sweepstakes for James, aiming to present a compelling case for his signature Sources: 76ers, with Brown. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have secured restricted free agent Tari Eason with a five-year, $81.5 million deal Sources: Eason, Rockets agree, a significant investment in their young core.

Several other team-altering trades have occurred, reshaping the league's landscape. The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly traded center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks Sources: Lakers trading center. In another significant move, the Lakers are acquiring center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030 Sources: Lakers trade 2. The Houston Rockets have also been active, dealing Dorian Finney-Smith and three second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets Sources: Rockets' Finney-Smith dealt. The Dallas Mavericks have added 7-footer Santi Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies, sending AJ Johnson, a 2030 first-round pick, and two future second-round picks in return Sources: Mavs add 7-footer.

Coaching Carousel and Player Number Changes

Beyond player acquisitions, coaching changes and player number shifts are also making headlines. Billy Donovan has agreed to become the lead assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs under head coach Mitch Johnson lead assistant for Spurs. The Toronto Raptors have extended head coach Darko Rajakovic's contract, signaling a long-term commitment as the team prepares for the return of Kawhi Leonard Raptors coach gets new. Leonard's move back to Toronto marks a significant homecoming, joining other prominent athletes who have returned to their former teams Copy of Kawhi Leonard's. This move has prompted speculation about Toronto's potential to contend in the East Toronto goes all-in.

In player news, Ja Morant will be adopting a new jersey number, switching from his career-long No. 12 to No. 1 for the upcoming season New team, new number:. This change follows a period of significant roster moves and team adjustments. Meanwhile, veteran center Andre Drummond has reached a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the New York Knicks following the departure of Mitchell Robinson Knicks after Robinson exit. The Pacers are bringing in Kelly Oubre Jr. on a two-year, nearly $17 million deal Sources: Pacers bringing. Tobias Harris is also on the move, leaving the Pistons to join the Spurs join Spurs, sources say. Tim Hardaway Sr. has publicly stated that his retired No. 10 will not be worn by his son for the Miami Heat, despite the younger Hardaway signing with the team Hardaway Sr.: Son can't.

Summer League Innovations and Offseason Observations

The NBA is set to experiment with new rules and protocols during the upcoming summer league. The G League's one free throw rule will be tested, alongside the implementation of embedded sensors in basketballs NBA testing one free. These innovations aim to gather data and potentially refine the game's future direction. Amidst the flurry of free agency moves and trades, some teams have been identified as clear winners and losers in the offseason scramble, with others already facing scrutiny for their decisions Winners, losers and dominoes. The Lakers, in particular, are navigating a significant reset after LeBron James' departure, with reports of a rapid organizational overhaul Six huge questions after. Separately, NBA player Malik Beasley has pleaded not guilty to charges of altering his play in games for betting purposes Beasley pleads not guilty.