NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 10, 2026, 5:33 AM ET

Free Agency Frenzy Continues

LeBron James' free agency decision remains on hold, with teams reportedly pitching the four-time champion indirectly through voice memos. The Lakers, meanwhile, are still actively pursuing Jonathan Kuminga while also agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran center Kevon Looney. Elsewhere in the Western Conference, the Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is alleging "adversarial business practices" by governor Patrick Dumont concerning a proposed move of the club out of downtown.

Player Movements and Signings

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. In a significant trade, the Pistons are sending Caris LeVert and two second-round picks to the Bucks for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris. The Washington Wizards are bringing back veteran Khris Middleton on a three-year, $17.6 million contract via a sign-and-trade deal. Nikola Jokic reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the Nuggets but is opting to wait until next summer to sign an extension.

Summer League Buzz and Draft Prospects

The NBA's top prospects for the 2026 draft, AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, faced off at the Las Vegas summer league. Peterson's early performance and chemistry with Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George are giving the team a glimpse of its future backcourt. Rookies and veteran players are also on display in Las Vegas, with a list of 30 players to watch as the league descends on the city.

Off-Court News and Transactions

A jersey worn by Knicks star Jalen Brunson during Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals sold for over $1 million at Sotheby's, setting a record for any Brunson collectible. Finals MVP Brunson also had surgery on his left wrist and is expected to return to basketball activities later this summer. In legal news, a defense request to modify Terry Rozier's bail conditions was denied by a judge. Former NBA star Lamar Odom is expected to plead no-contest to a reduced DUI charge, converting it to reckless driving.

Team Dynamics and Future Outlooks

General manager Jon Horst called the decision to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo a "very difficult decision" for the Bucks. Jayson Tatum reflected on the "abrupt ending" of his partnership with Jaylen Brown while appreciating their shared era with the Celtics. The Clippers-Raptors trade involving Kawhi Leonard is on hold pending an NBA probe into potential salary cap circumvention. Leonard is expected to begin contract extension talks with the Raptors this week with new representation. Stephen Curry acknowledged the "allure" of potentially playing with LeBron James late in his career.

League Personnel and Retirements

Former ESPN senior NBA writer Tim Bontemps has been hired for a front office role with the Atlanta Hawks. Landry Fields, the former Atlanta Hawks general manager, has been named head of men's basketball for Project B, a new global basketball league. Six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry retired after signing a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, where he won an NBA championship during his nine seasons with the team. DeMar DeRozan was waived by the Kings and is now a free agent, with multiple contenders expected to show interest.