NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 5, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

NBA FREE AGENCY AND PLAYER MOVEMENT

The NBA free agency period is heating up with significant player movement and contract developments. The Philadelphia 76ers are making aggressive moves, reportedly trading for Jaylen Brown and subsequently entering the sweepstakes for LeBron James Sources: 76ers, with Brown. Guard Anfernee Simons has also agreed to a two-year, $12.3 million deal with the revamped 76ers Sources: Simons agrees. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are retaining center Neemias Queta, picking up his option and agreeing to a four-year, $56 million extension C's pick up Queta's. The Los Angeles Lakers are trading center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks Sources: Lakers trading center.

Veteran center Andre Drummond is heading to the New York Knicks on a one-year, $3.9 million deal following Mitchell Robinson's departure Knicks after Robinson exit. The Houston Rockets have secured restricted free agent Tari Eason on a five-year, $81.5 million contract Sources: Eason, Rockets agree, but also dealt Dorian Finney-Smith and three second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets Sources: Rockets' Finney-Smith dealt. NBA executives are navigating a complex salary cap environment, with hundreds of millions being spent on centers and unexpected cap developments creating buzz as free agency enters its second week Windhorst: NBA execs.

LEBRON JAMES' FUTURE AND TEAM CONSIDERATIONS

LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, has indicated that his client is considering a range of teams for his next destination, including the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Philadelphia 76ers, among others Agent: LeBron eyeing Heat. The 76ers, fresh off their trade for Jaylen Brown, are actively attempting to recruit James Sources: 76ers, with Brown. This pursuit of James by Philadelphia, alongside their acquisition of Brown, signals a significant strategic shift for the franchise as they aim to contend in the Eastern Conference. The potential for James to join Brown in Philadelphia would dramatically reshape the league's power dynamics.

COACHING AND LEAGUE NOTES

In coaching news, 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 their contract with coach Darko Rajakovic, who will soon be coaching a team that reportedly includes Kawhi Leonard Raptors coach gets new. The NBA is also set to test new rules in the upcoming summer league, including the one-and-done free throw format previously seen in the G League, and will incorporate embedded sensors in basketballs NBA testing one free. Ja Morant will be changing his jersey number to No. 1 with his team, a number he has worn throughout his career from high school to college and his initial NBA tenure New team, new number:. Meanwhile, celebrity attendees at Michael Rubin's annual "White Party" included Jay-Z and Kevin Durant, among other sports and entertainment figures Jay-Z, Kevin Durant top.