NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 11:33 AM ET

Free Agency Frenzy Continues with Major Moves and Signings

The NBA offseason is heating up with significant player movement and contract extensions. 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 move, the Philadelphia 76ers have acquired Jaylen Brown, a deal that NBA executives are weighing, with some noting his market value was lower than anticipated. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing Jonathan Kuminga and have also secured veteran center Kevon Looney on a one-year deal. Rui Hachimura is staying in Los Angeles, agreeing to a two-year, $28 million contract with the Clippers. DeMar DeRozan has hit free agency after being waived by the Kings, and multiple contenders are expected to show interest. In a sign-and-trade, the Washington Wizards are bringing back Khris Middleton on a three-year, $17.6 million contract. Restricted free agent Quinten Post is signing a three-year offer sheet worth $30 million with the Memphis Grizzlies. Nikola Jokic reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the Denver Nuggets but will wait until next summer to sign an extension.

Player Transactions and Player Futures Take Center Stage

Key player transactions are reshaping teams across the league. The Milwaukee Bucks' general manager, Jon Horst, described the decision to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo as "very difficult". In another significant deal, the Detroit Pistons are trading Caris LeVert and two second-round picks to the Milwaukee Bucks for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris. Jayson Tatum reflected on the "abrupt ending" of his partnership with Jaylen Brown, expressing pride in their shared era. The Miami Heat formally welcomed back Tim Hardaway Jr., who will wear his father's No. 10 jersey. Kyle Lowry is retiring as a Raptor after signing a one-day contract, concluding a 20-season NBA career. Kawhi Leonard is expected to begin contract extension talks with the Toronto Raptors this week, with the two-time Finals MVP now represented by a new agent.

Off-Court Matters and League Development

Beyond player moves, off-court developments and league initiatives are also making headlines. A jersey worn by New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson during Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals sold for over $1 million at Sotheby's, setting a new record for Brunson memorabilia. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson underwent surgery on his left wrist, with an expected return to basketball activities later this summer. U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied a request to modify Terry Rozier's bail conditions in his ongoing legal case. Former NBA star Lamar Odom is expected to accept a plea deal to reduce a DUI charge to reckless driving. Mark Cuban alleges that Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont has engaged in "adversarial business practices" regarding the team's potential move from downtown Dallas. Project B, a new global basketball league, appointed former Atlanta Hawks general manager Landry Fields to lead its men's basketball division. Former ESPN senior NBA writer Tim Bontemps has joined the Atlanta Hawks front office in a new role. The marriage between LeBron James and the Lakers is being examined, with a focus on the convenient nature of both their pairing and their eventual separation.

Summer League Preview and Conference Realignment

As the NBA season winds down, attention is shifting to the upcoming Summer League and the evolving landscape of the Eastern Conference. Rookie Darryn Peterson's early summer league performance and chemistry with Keyonte George offer a promising glimpse of the Utah Jazz's future backcourt. The NBA is descending upon Las Vegas for Summer League, and a list of 30 rookies and veteran players to watch has been compiled. In the Eastern Conference, the hierarchy is being re-evaluated, with teams needing to adapt to aggressive offseason moves to remain competitive. The first week of NBA free agency has generated strong reactions, with an analysis of the five biggest overreactions to the initial signings and trades.