NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 11, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

LeBron's Free Agency Frenzy Continues

The free agency period is heating up with all eyes on LeBron James. While the Spurs' Luke Kornet has humorously thrown his hat into the ring to recruit James, offering a comedic pitch, the actual suitors are employing more conventional methods. Teams are reportedly courting the superstar via voice memos as his decision stretches into its second week. The allure of playing with Stephen Curry has even been acknowledged by Curry himself, who admitted the appeal of a late-career team-up with his longtime rival. Meanwhile, Andre Iguodala suggested that Golden State being a consideration for James is a tribute to Curry's impact. Some teams can offer James significant financial packages, with details emerging on potential contracts from six different teams. Despite the ongoing speculation, the Lakers and LeBron have mutually agreed to part ways, with the divorce described as a marriage of convenience. The NBA's "second apron" is also a point of contention, with the NBPA executive director stating it forces teams into decisions that are "not basketball decisions" and harm players for the sake of cost control.

Rookie Extensions and Emerging Talent

Victor Wembanyama is set to secure a significant payday, as the Spurs and the rookie phenom have agreed to a five-year, $252 million maximum contract extension, marking the third-largest rookie extension in NBA history. Off the court, a rare 2024 Victor Wembanyama trading card, a Panini Revolution vertical green Kaboom!, fetched an impressive $1,443,133 in a sale on the Alt platform. In other summer league action, Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson made a strong debut, scoring 35 points in his Las Vegas debut, the second-highest total since the event began in 2004. The future of the 2026 draft class was also on display as top prospects AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson faced off. Peterson, in particular, showed promise in his summer league start, forming instant chemistry with Utah's Keyonte George, potentially giving the Jazz their backcourt of the future.

Player Movement and Offseason Developments

The offseason continues to churn with significant player movement and contractual 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. The Mavericks have finalized a six-team trade that brings Tarik Biberovic to Dallas, along with Santi Aldama and Marcus Sasser. In a notable reunion, the Washington Wizards are bringing back veteran Khris Middleton on a three-year, $17.6 million contract via a sign-and-trade deal. Trae Young expressed his excitement about his long-term future with a re-signed Wizards team. The Los Angeles Lakers are still actively pursuing Jonathan Kuminga while also agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran center Kevon Looney. Meanwhile, the Clippers-Raptors trade involving Kawhi Leonard is on hold pending an NBA probe into potential salary cap circumvention. In a surprising move, Bucks general manager Jon Horst described the decision to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo as "very difficult".

Player News and Transactions

Kyle Lowry has officially retired from the NBA after signing a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, concluding a 20-season career where he won a championship with the franchise. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson underwent surgery on his left wrist, with an expected 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, setting a record for any Brunson collectible. In Miami, Tim Hardaway Jr. was formally introduced by the Heat, receiving the No. 10 jersey previously worn by his father. Jayson Tatum reflected on the "tough" departure of Jaylen Brown, acknowledging the end of their era together with the Celtics.

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, former Atlanta Hawks general manager, has been named head of men's basketball for Project B, a new global basketball league. Mark Cuban has alleged that Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont has engaged in "adversarial business practices" as part of a proposed move of the club out of downtown Dallas. U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied a request to modify Terry Rozier's bail conditions, preventing him from practicing or playing with potential witnesses.

Miscellaneous NBA Notes

Charles Barkley is listed at 7,500-1 odds to win the annual celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, marking the longest odds for any participant. It was also reported that former Heat teammates Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro were involved in a physical altercation at a Las Vegas hotel practice court, during which Adebayo struck Herro.