NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 5, 2026, 5:33 AM ET

NBA Free Agency Frenzy: Big Deals and Star Movements

The NBA free agency period has been a whirlwind of activity, with teams aggressively pursuing talent and veteran players making significant moves. The Philadelphia 76ers have been particularly active, first acquiring Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade Brown trade and then reportedly entering the mix for LeBron James eye LeBron. Adding to their offensive firepower, the Sixers also secured free agent guard Anfernee Simons to a two-year, $12.3 million deal with a player option for the second season Simons agrees. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are making significant moves in the frontcourt, picking up Neemias Queta's option and adding a four-year, $56 million extension Queta's option. In a surprising development, Mitchell Robinson, fresh off an NBA title, has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the Celtics, a move that could reshape the Eastern Conference Robinson, Celtics agree. This signing comes after Robinson's departure from the Knicks, who have since reached a one-year, $3.9 million deal with veteran center Andre Drummond Drummond Knicks.

The Los Angeles Lakers are undergoing a significant roster overhaul, trading center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and future second-round picks Ayton Wizards. In another major acquisition, the Lakers are reportedly sending two first-round picks and other assets to the Utah Jazz for center Walker Kessler Lakers trade for Kessler. These moves follow the surprising departure of LeBron James from the Lakers, a decision that reportedly prompted the team to reset its entire operation quickly Lakers' flu game. James himself is considering a host of teams for his next destination, with his agent, Rich Paul, indicating the Heat, Cavaliers, and 76ers are among those on the radar LeBron eyeing Heat.

Other teams are also making substantial moves to bolster their rosters. The Houston Rockets have agreed to a five-year, $81.5 million deal with restricted free agent Tari Eason Eason, Rockets agree, and they are also sending Dorian Finney-Smith and three second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets Finney-Smith dealt. The Toronto Raptors are bringing back a familiar face in Kawhi Leonard, with coach Darko Rajakovic receiving a contract extension amid the significant acquisition Raptors coach gets new. Leonard's return to Toronto is being compared to other notable player homecoming stories Kawhi Leonard's return. The Indiana Pacers are also active, agreeing to a two-year, nearly $17 million deal with forward Kelly Oubre Jr. Pacers bringing Oubre. Tobias Harris is moving to the San Antonio Spurs, joining them after helping lead the Detroit Pistons' turnaround Harris leaves Pistons. The Memphis Grizzlies are trading forward Santi Aldama to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for AJ Johnson and draft picks Mavs add Aldama.

Coaching Carousel and League Developments

Beyond player transactions, the league is seeing shifts in coaching staffs and rule adjustments. Billy Donovan has agreed to become the lead assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs under head coach Mitch Johnson Donovan lead assistant. The NBA is also experimenting with new rules, with the summer league set to test the one free throw rule previously seen in the G League, along with embedded sensors in basketballs NBA testing one free. In a peculiar situation, Tim Hardaway Sr. has stated he will not allow his retired No. 10 jersey to be used by his son on the Miami Heat, despite the younger Hardaway signing with the team Hardaway Sr.: Son can't. Meanwhile, NBA player Malik Beasley has pleaded not guilty to charges of allegedly altering his play in games to benefit sports bettors and manage his debts Beasley pleads guilty. The NBA offseason has also seen its share of high-profile social events, with figures like Jay-Z and Kevin Durant attending Michael Rubin's annual "White Party" Jay-Z, Kevin Durant top.