NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

NBA Free Agency Frenzy Continues

The NBA offseason continues its rapid pace with significant moves and extensions shaping the league. Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a four-year, $273 million maximum extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including a player option for the 2030-31 season. In a surprising development, Jayson Tatum reflected on the "abrupt ending" of his partnership with Jaylen Brown, with NBA executives reacting to the star's trade and assessing his value as lower than many anticipated reflected on partnership. The Washington Wizards are bringing back veteran Khris Middleton on a three-year, $17.6 million contract via a sign-and-trade deal agreed to a contract. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks' general manager Jon Horst acknowledged the "very difficult decision" involved in trading Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing Jonathan Kuminga and have also agreed to a one-year deal with veteran center Kevon Looney. Rui Hachimura is staying in Los Angeles, signing a two-year, $28 million deal with the Clippers signed a deal. The Detroit Pistons are trading Caris LeVert and two second-round picks to the Milwaukee Bucks for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris traded for players. DeMar DeRozan has hit free agency after being waived by the Kings, with multiple contenders expected to show interest.

Player News and Off-Court Developments

NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson underwent surgery on his left wrist and is expected to return to basketball activities later this summer, though a jersey he wore during Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals sold for over $1 million at auction had surgery. Nikola Jokic reaffirmed his desire to stay with the Denver Nuggets long-term but is opting to wait until next summer to sign an extension. Kyle Lowry has retired after signing a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, concluding a 20-season career has retired. U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied a request to modify Terry Rozier's bail conditions, preventing him from practicing or playing with potential witnesses denied a request.

Former ESPN senior NBA writer Tim Bontemps has joined the Atlanta Hawks in a front office role joined the Hawks. Mark Cuban alleges that Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont has engaged in "adversarial business practices" concerning the team's proposed move from downtown. Former NBA star Lamar Odom is expected to plead no-contest to a reduced DUI charge, settling for reckless driving expected to plead. Kawhi Leonard is expected to begin contract extension talks with the Toronto Raptors this week with new representation.

Summer League and Future Outlook

The NBA descends on Las Vegas for summer league, with a list of 30 rookies and veteran players to watch players to watch. Amid the flurry of offseason moves, an examination of the revamped Eastern Conference hierarchy suggests that standing still may no longer be an option for teams. The first week of free agency has generated strong reactions, with some overreactions being judged in the current landscape judging overreactions. The marriage between LeBron James and the Lakers, described as one of convenience, is now undergoing its own convenient divorce. Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein is finalizing an extension with owner Mat Ishbia. Restricted free agent Quinten Post is signing a three-year, $30 million offer sheet with the Grizzlies, with the Warriors having a deadline to match. Tim Hardaway Jr. was formally introduced by the Miami Heat, receiving his father's former No. 10 jersey with "Jr." added.