NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 10, 2026, 2:36 AM ET

Summer League Watch & Trade Rumors

The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League is underway, offering a glimpse of future talent. AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, two of the top prospects for the 2026 draft, faced off, with Peterson also showing instant chemistry with Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George, potentially forming the team's backcourt of the future. Among the players to watch in Las Vegas are rookies and veteran players looking to make an impact. Meanwhile, trade discussions continue to swirl. The proposed Kawhi Leonard trade between the Clippers and Raptors is on hold pending an NBA investigation into potential salary cap circumvention The Clippers-Raptors trade. Kawhi Leonard is also expected to begin contract extension talks with the Raptors in Toronto with new representation. In other roster moves, the Pistons are trading Caris LeVert and two second-round picks to the Bucks for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris.

Free Agency Frenzy & Player Decisions

Free agency continues to be a major storyline. LeBron James' decision about his next team is stretching into its second week, with some interested clubs pitching him indirectly through voice memos. James' departure from the Lakers is described as a marriage of convenience that has reached its conclusion. Stephen Curry acknowledged the appeal of potentially teaming up with LeBron James late in their careers. The Los Angeles Lakers are still actively pursuing Jonathan Kuminga and have also agreed to a one-year deal with veteran center Kevon Looney.

In significant player contract news, Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a four-year, $273 million maximum extension with the Cavaliers, which includes a player option for the 2030-31 season. Nikola Jokic reaffirmed his commitment to the Nuggets but is opting to wait until next summer to sign an extension. Jayson Tatum reflected on the end of his partnership with Jaylen Brown, calling it a "tough" but appreciative era.

Notable Signings, Retirements, and Legal Matters

Several players have found new homes or made significant career decisions. Tim Hardaway Jr. was formally introduced by the Miami Heat, receiving the No. 10 jersey. The Washington Wizards are bringing back Khris Middleton on a three-year, $17.6 million contract via a sign-and-trade deal. DeMar DeRozan has hit free agency after being waived by the Kings, with multiple contenders expected to show interest. Six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry has retired after signing a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, where he spent nine of his 20 NBA seasons.

In legal news, U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied a defense request to modify Terry Rozier's bail conditions. Former NBA star Lamar Odom is expected to plead no-contest to a reduced DUI charge, opting for reckless driving instead.

Team Front Office & Business Updates

Front office changes and business dealings are also making headlines. Former ESPN senior NBA writer Tim Bontemps has joined the Atlanta Hawks in a front office role. Landry Fields, former Atlanta Hawks general manager, has been named head of men's basketball for the new global league Project B. Mark Cuban alleges Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont has engaged in "adversarial business practices" regarding the team's potential move out of downtown.

In other news, a jersey worn by New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson during Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals sold at Sotheby's for over $1 million. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is also expected to return to basketball activities later this summer after undergoing surgery on his left wrist. Bucks general manager Jon Horst described the decision to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo as "very difficult".

League Trends & Overreactions

The Eastern Conference landscape is being reshaped, with standing still potentially no longer an option amidst significant offseason moves. The first week of NBA free agency has generated considerable discussion, with some taking significant overreactions to the early developments. Meanwhile, Charles Barkley faces long odds of 7,500-1 to win the annual celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe.