NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 10, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Offseason Moves and Trade Speculation

The Dallas Mavericks have finalized a significant six-team trade, officially signing prospect Tarik Biberovic. This complex deal also brings Santi Aldama and Marcus Sasser into the Mavericks' fold. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated trade for Kawhi Leonard between the Clippers and Raptors is currently on hold. The NBA is conducting an investigation into allegations that the Clippers may have circumvented the salary cap, delaying any official completion of the deal. In other team news, the Washington Wizards are bringing back veteran Khris Middleton. His agent confirmed a three-year, $17.6 million contract via a sign-and-trade arrangement with the Mavericks. The Detroit Pistons have also been busy, trading Caris LeVert and two second-round picks to the Milwaukee Bucks for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris.

Free Agency Drama and Player Decisions

LeBron James' free agency decision continues to draw significant attention, with teams resorting to creative pitch methods, including voice memos. ESPN projects what James could sign for with six different teams, considering both financial and intangible factors. Despite the ongoing speculation, James' departure from the Lakers is being framed as a mutually beneficial "divorce". In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a maximum four-year, $273 million extension with the Cavaliers. This deal includes a player option for the 2030-31 season player option for the 2030-31 season. Nikola Jokic reaffirmed his commitment to the Denver Nuggets but is opting to wait until next summer to sign an extension.

Player Milestones and Off-Court News

Kyle Lowry has officially retired from the NBA after signing a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors. Lowry spent nine of his 20 seasons with the Raptors, winning an NBA championship during his tenure. A jersey worn by New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson during Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals fetched a significant sum at auction, selling for over $1 million after a bidding war. Brunson himself recently underwent surgery on his left wrist, with an expected return to basketball activities later this summer. In a surprising acknowledgment, Stephen Curry admitted the "allure" of potentially teaming up with longtime rival LeBron James late in his career. Jayson Tatum reflected on the "abrupt ending" of his partnership with Jaylen Brown, expressing pride in their shared era.

Summer League Insights and Front Office Changes

The Las Vegas summer league is providing a glimpse into the future, with top 2026 draft prospects AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson facing off. Peterson's early performance and chemistry with Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George are being highlighted as a potential backcourt of the future for the team. Over 30 players are being identified as must-watch talents during the Las Vegas festivities. In front office news, former ESPN senior NBA writer Tim Bontemps has joined the Atlanta Hawks in a front office role. Additionally, former Atlanta Hawks general manager Landry Fields has been named head of men's basketball for Project B, a new global league.

Other Notable News

Mark Cuban has accused Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont of "adversarial business practices" in a dispute over the club's potential relocation from downtown Dallas. Bucks general manager Jon Horst described the decision to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo as "very difficult". U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied a request to modify Terry Rozier's bail conditions. In celebrity news, Charles Barkley is listed with the longest odds, 500-1, to win the annual celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe. Former NBA star Lamar Odom is expected to accept a plea deal to reduce a DUI charge to reckless driving. Tim Hardaway Jr. was formally introduced by the Miami Heat, receiving his father's former jersey number 10.