NBA Basketball 3 Days

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

NBA FREE AGENCY & PLAYER MOVEMENT

The NBA free agency period has been defined by significant player movement and substantial financial commitments, with teams spending hundreds of millions on centers and navigating surprising cap developments Windhorst: NBA execs. Amidst this flurry of activity, restricted free agent Tari Eason secured a substantial five-year, $81.5 million deal to remain with the Houston Rockets Eason, Rockets agree. In another move involving the Rockets, Dorian Finney-Smith was dealt to the Charlotte Hornets along with three second-round picks Rockets' Finney-Smith dealt Hornets.

Veteran center Andre Drummond has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the New York Knicks, filling a void left by Mitchell Robinson's departure Knicks after Robinson exit. Meanwhile, Mitchell Robinson himself has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the Boston Celtics, a significant acquisition for the Eastern Conference contender Robinson, Celtics agree. The Celtics also exercised their option on Neemias Queta and signed him to a four-year, $56 million extension C's pick up Queta's.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been active on the trade front, acquiring center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a package involving unprotected future first-round picks and swaps from 2028 to 2033 Lakers trade 2 first-rounders. In a separate deal, the Lakers are sending center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round selections Lakers trading center Ayton. Guard Anfernee Simons has agreed to a two-year, $12.3 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, including a player option for the second season Simons agrees revamped 76ers.

LEBRON JAMES' FUTURE & TEAM STRATEGIES

LeBron James' next destination remains a significant storyline, with his agent, Rich Paul, indicating that James is considering a multitude of teams, including the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Philadelphia 76ers, among others Agent: LeBron eyeing Heat. The 76ers, fresh off a trade for Jaylen Brown, have actively entered the pursuit for James, aiming to convince him to join their roster Brown on board, eye. This strategic push by Philadelphia signals their ambition to contend immediately in the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics, having already made substantial moves in free agency, are reportedly looking to add to their roster and potentially make a significant splash. The team's aggressive approach in free agency, including securing extensions and acquiring key players, indicates a strong focus on bolstering their championship aspirations Windhorst: NBA execs.

COACHING & RULE CHANGES

In coaching news, Billy Donovan has agreed to become the lead assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, working under head coach Mitch Johnson lead assistant for Spurs. The Toronto Raptors have extended their contract with coach Darko Rajakovic, who is set to lead a team that will feature Kawhi Leonard Raptors coach gets new.

The NBA is also set to experiment with rule changes in the upcoming summer league. The league will test the one-free-throw rule, previously seen in the G League, and will also implement embedded sensors in basketballs during the July series NBA testing one free. These trials are part of the league's ongoing efforts to evaluate potential rule adjustments for future seasons.

PLAYER NEWS & MISCELLANEOUS

Ja Morant will be sporting a new jersey number for the upcoming season, switching from his career-long No. 12 to No. 1 New team, new number:. This change marks a fresh start for the dynamic guard. Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Sr. has stated that his retired No. 10 will not be available for his son to wear should he join the Miami Heat, maintaining the legacy of his jersey number Hardaway Sr.: Son can't. The sports world also saw its share of celebrity gatherings, with figures like Jay-Z and Kevin Durant attending Michael Rubin's annual "White Party" Jay-Z, Kevin Durant top. The free agency period has been characterized by rapid team-building and strategic roster adjustments, with several teams emerging as clear winners while others face challenges in reshaping their squads Winners, losers and dominoes.