NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

NBA Free Agency & Player Movement

The Eastern Conference landscape has been dramatically reshaped as multiple teams have made significant moves. The Milwaukee Bucks officially completed the trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, concluding his 13-year tenure ending his 13-year career with the franchise. In a separate blockbuster, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Jaylen Brown in a move that NBA executives found surprisingly undervalued, with his market value appearing lower than anticipated execs react to trade. Jayson Tatum reflected on the conclusion of his partnership with Brown, acknowledging the "abrupt ending" but expressing pride in their shared era Tatum reflects on Brown. The Cavaliers have secured their star guard Donovan Mitchell long-term, agreeing to a four-year, $273 million maximum extension that includes a player option for the 2030-31 season Mitchell agrees to extension.

Meanwhile, the Western Conference also saw considerable shakeups. The Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing Jonathan Kuminga while also finalizing a one-year deal with veteran center Kevon Looney Lakers pursue Kuminga. The Golden State Warriors will not match the three-year, $30 million offer sheet for reserve center Quinten Post, allowing him to sign with the Grizzlies Grizz land Post. Restricted free agent Quinten Post is indeed signing a three-year, $30 million contract with the Grizzlies, with the Warriors having a deadline to match Post signs offer sheet. Rui Hachimura is staying in Los Angeles, agreeing to a two-year, $28 million deal with the Clippers Hachimura staying LA. The Detroit Pistons have traded Caris LeVert and two second-round picks to the Milwaukee Bucks for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris Pistons trade LeVert.

Several other notable player transactions and decisions have occurred. Six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan was waived by the Kings and is now a free agent, expected to draw interest from multiple contenders DeRozan cut Kings. The Washington Wizards are bringing back veteran Khris Middleton on a three-year, $17.6 million contract through a sign-and-trade deal Wizards reunite with Middleton. Nikola Jokic reaffirmed his commitment to the Nuggets, stating he plans to wait until next summer to sign an extension, though he desires to remain with the team long-term Jokic waits on extension. Kawhi Leonard is reportedly beginning contract extension talks with the Toronto Raptors this week, with the two-time Finals MVP now represented by a new agent Kawhi hires new agent.

Player Milestones & Career Closures

Two significant figures in NBA history have marked career milestones and closures. Six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry has officially retired from the league after signing a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, the team where he spent nine of his 20 seasons and won an NBA championship Lowry retires Raptor. In a development separate from team transactions, former NBA star Lamar Odom is expected to plead no-contest to reduce a DUI charge he faced in January to reckless driving Odom enter plea deal.

League Operations & Off-Court News

The Phoenix Suns and Mercury are set to finalize an extension for CEO Josh Bartelstein, solidifying his leadership over both franchises according to owner Mat Ishbia Suns, Mercury CEO extension. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, the recent Finals MVP, underwent surgery on his left wrist and is anticipated to resume basketball activities later this summer Brunson having wrist surgery. The marriage between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, once a mutually beneficial partnership, has reached its conclusion, with the circumstances of their "divorce" described as convenient for both parties Why LeBron broke up. The Eastern Conference is undergoing a significant transformation, with teams shuffling rosters and hierarchies, suggesting that remaining static may no longer be a viable strategy in the competitive conference East, standing still. An analysis of the first week of NBA free agency suggests that some reactions to the flurry of trades have been overblown Judging biggest overreactions.