NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 10, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

LeBron Watch Continues, Superstars Secure Future Deals

The free agency saga surrounding LeBron James shows no signs of immediate resolution, with teams reportedly resorting to creative pitches like voice memos to sway the superstar. While the Lakers are still pursuing Jonathan Kuminga, James' decision looms large, with speculation about his next move intensifying. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama has locked in his future with the Spurs, agreeing to a five-year, $252 million maximum rookie-scale contract extension, the third-largest in league history. Donovan Mitchell is also securing his long-term future, reaching an agreement on a four-year, $273 million maximum extension with the Cavaliers, which includes a player option for the 2030-31 season. Nikola Jokic, however, has opted to wait until next summer to sign an extension with the Nuggets, despite reaffirming his commitment to the team.

Trades and Roster Moves Shake Up the League

The NBA offseason has been active with several significant trades and signings. The Mavericks have finalized a six-team trade that brings Tarik Biberovic to Dallas, completing the deal that also landed Santi Aldama and Marcus Sasser. In another move, the Pistons are sending Caris LeVert and two second-round picks to the Bucks in exchange for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris. The Wizards are bringing back veteran Khris Middleton on a three-year, $17.6 million deal via a sign-and-trade with the Mavericks. The Clippers' proposed trade for Kawhi Leonard is currently on hold pending an NBA investigation into potential salary cap circumvention. Trae Young expressed his excitement about ushering in a new era with the Wizards after re-signing.

Summer League Buzz and Offseason Lingering Questions

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 summer league performance showed instant chemistry with Keyonte George, potentially forming the Jazz's backcourt of the future. Beyond the summer action, several significant offseason questions remain, including Jalen Duren's contract status, the Kawhi Leonard trade situation, and LeBron James' next team. The Eastern Conference is also seeing a reshuffling of its hierarchy, where staying stagnant may no longer be a viable strategy.

Player Milestones, Transactions, and Legal Matters

A Victor Wembanyama trading card, a 2024 1-of-1 Panini Revolution vertical green Kaboom!, has fetched a remarkable $1,443,133 at auction. In another notable transaction, Jalen Brunson's jersey from Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals sold for over $1 million, setting a record for a Brunson collectible. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson underwent surgery on his left wrist and is expected to resume basketball activities later this summer. In a piece of league history, Kyle Lowry officially retired as a Raptor after signing a one-day contract, concluding a 20-season career. On the legal front, former NBA star Lamar Odom is expected to accept a plea deal to reduce a DUI charge to reckless driving. U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied a request to modify Terry Rozier's bail conditions.

Team Dynamics and Off-Court Developments

The departure of Jaylen Brown from Boston was a "tough" moment for Jayson Tatum, though he expressed pride in what they accomplished together. In Miami, Tim Hardaway Jr. was formally introduced, receiving the No. 10 jersey previously worn by his father. Mark Cuban has accused Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont of engaging in "adversarial business practices" in a dispute over the potential relocation of the club. The Bucks' general manager, Jon Horst, described the decision to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo as "very difficult". In a surprising development, former Heat teammates Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro were involved in a physical altercation in Las Vegas.

Front Office Moves and League Expansion

The Atlanta Hawks have added former ESPN senior NBA writer Tim Bontemps to their front office. Landry Fields, formerly the general manager for the Atlanta Hawks, has been named the head of men's basketball for Project B, a new global basketball league.