NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 16, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

Rookie Watch and Offseason Moves

The Washington Wizards are making waves by shutting down rookie AJ Dybantsa in the summer league. Dybantsa scored 23 with seven rebounds in what may have been his final summer league contest, helping the Wizards to a 104-85 victory and remaining undefeated. His performance has generated significant buzz, with speculation about his potential impact on the team's trajectory from last place in the East to a competitive contender. Meanwhile, other young players are being evaluated, with Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant among the intriguing sophomores from the 2025 NBA draft class.

In other player movement, veteran Jonas Valanciunas has left the NBA to join Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas on a two-year deal. The Los Angeles Lakers, following their post-LeBron era strategy to a one-year, $3 million contract, with guard Austin Reaves expressing optimism about the team's "pieces" after signing a historic deal for an undrafted player in franchise history. Walker Kessler, healthy for the upcoming season to the Lakers after their investment in him.

Free Agency and Team Building

Free agency continues to shape rosters, with the Cleveland Cavaliers to a near-$275 million extension. The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly making a significant push, with stars Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown. Maxey is reportedly leading the charge in these discussions. The Minnesota Timberwolves, meanwhile is worth the steep acquisition price and could elevate the team's ceiling.

League Investigations and Future Plans

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has stated the investigation into Kawhi Leonard for alleged cap circumvention must be concluded before the start of the next season. In coaching news, the Oklahoma City Thunder's Mark Daigneault, the Detroit Pistons' JB Bickerstaff, and Gonzaga's Mark Few are expected to join Erik Spoelstra's staff as assistant coaches for Team USA. The league is also ramping up talks for a European league, with a planned launch in the fall of 2027.

Injury Updates and Player Statements

Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye underwent surgery for a fractured left foot on Tuesday, and his status will be updated in three to four months, potentially causing him to miss the start of the season. In a concerning moment during summer league, Utah Jazz guard Trey Alexander was taken off the court on a stretcher Monday night after an apparent side injury. On a more positive note, Bucks guard Tyler Herro expressed a desire to move on from a recent physical altercation with former teammate Bam Adebayo and is focused on his next chapter in Milwaukee.

Franchise Realignments and Emerging Talent

The Chicago Bulls are embarking on what they believe is a new era, with a new front office and coach, mirroring their 2020 strategy of drafting at No. 4, hoping to avoid past mediocrity that has plagued the franchise. The Golden State Warriors are also making coaching changes, agreeing to hire longtime coach Frank Vogel as associate head coach REF:2