NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 10, 2026, 8:33 AM ET

Free Agency Frenzy Continues, Star Signings and Trade Rumors Dominate

LeBron James' free agency decision remains a major storyline, with teams reportedly using voice memos to make their pitches pitch indirectly. Stephen Curry has even acknowledged the appeal of a late-career team-up with James acknowledged the appeal. While the Lakers have agreed to a one-year deal with Kevon Looney, they are still actively pursuing Jonathan Kuminga. 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 agreed to an extension. Nikola Jokic reaffirmed his commitment to the Nuggets but is opting to wait until next summer to sign an extension wait on an extension. DeMar DeRozan has hit free agency after being cut by the Kings, and multiple contenders are expected to show interest.

Offseason Shakeups and Player Movement

The trade market has been active, with the Pistons reportedly sending Caris LeVert and two second-round picks to the Bucks in exchange for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris sending LeVert. Khris Middleton is returning to the Wizards on a three-year, $17.6 million contract via a sign-and-trade deal returning to the Wizards. The Clippers' trade for Kawhi Leonard is currently on hold pending an NBA probe into potential salary cap circumvention. Kawhi Leonard is expected to begin contract extension talks with the Toronto Raptors this week with a new agent representing him. Jayson Tatum reflected on his partnership with Jaylen Brown, calling it a "tough" but proud era. Kyle Lowry has retired after a 20-season career, signing a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors.

Player News and Summer League Standouts

Jalen Brunson, the Finals MVP, underwent surgery on his left wrist and is expected to return to basketball activities later this summer. A jersey worn by Brunson during Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals sold for over $1 million at Sotheby's. Tim Hardaway Jr. has officially rejoined the Miami Heat and will wear his father's former No. 10 jersey. In the Las Vegas summer league, top 2026 draft prospects AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson faced off faced off. Rookie Darryn Peterson is showing early chemistry with Keyonte George, potentially forming Utah's backcourt of the future.

Front Office Moves and Legal Matters

Former ESPN senior NBA writer Tim Bontemps has joined the Atlanta Hawks in a front office role. Landry Fields, the former Hawks general manager, has been named head of men's basketball for the new global league Project B. In Dallas, Mark Cuban has accused Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont of engaging in "adversarial business practices" regarding the team's potential move out of downtown. U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied Terry Rozier's request to modify his bail conditions. Former NBA star Lamar Odom is expected to plead no-contest to a reduced DUI charge. Charles Barkley has the longest odds, 500-1, to win the annual celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe.

League Analysis and Offseason Storylines

The NBA offseason still has several unresolved storylines, including Jalen Duren's new contract and the potential impact of the Kawhi Leonard trade. The Eastern Conference landscape is being reshaped, with inaction potentially no longer an option for some teams amid significant offseason moves. Rookies and veteran players to watch in the Las Vegas summer league have been identified. An examination of the first week of NBA free agency has led to judgments on the five biggest overreactions. The initial partnership between LeBron James and the Lakers is described as a marriage of convenience, and their separation is similarly convenient. The Milwaukee Bucks' general manager indicated that trading Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a "very difficult decision".