NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 16, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Free Agency Buzz and Team Moves

LeBron James, telling reporters Thursday he is not ready to reveal his choice for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers are actively pursuing James, with stars Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown all communicating with the veteran as Maxey reportedly leads the charge. In other free agency news, the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with forward Ziaire Williams. Austin Reaves, fresh off signing a lucrative deal for an undrafted player as the franchise navigates a post-LeBron era.

League Investigations and Player News

The NBA will not penalize Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo for his physical altercation with former teammate Tyler Herro in Las Vegas. Herro himself stated he wants to "move on" from the incident and is "focused on the next chapter in Milwaukee" with the Bucks as he looks to leave the past behind. The league is also investigating a four-year, $64 million deal between Gary Trent Jr. and the Milwaukee Bucks for potential salary cap circumvention according to a league spokesperson. Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged that the probe into Kawhi Leonard for alleged cap circumvention. In player movement news, Jonas Valanciunas has left the NBA to join the Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas on a two-year contract.

Team Building and Roster Developments

The Minnesota Timberwolves believe, with team president Tim Connelly deeming the point guard worth the significant acquisition cost. The Washington Wizards are shutting down rookie AJ Dybantsa for the remainder of summer league, while questions linger about whether their core trio can transform the team from last place in the East into contenders as they aim for a competitive resurgence. The Golden State Warriors are set to hire veteran coach Frank Vogel as associate head coach under Steve Kerr, filling the vacancy left by Terry Stotts.

International Basketball and Future Prospects

The NBA is alongside the FIFA World Cup final, signaling progress towards a potential European league launch in the fall of 2027. In player evaluations, intriguing sophomores from the 2025 NBA draft class, including the Spurs' Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant.

Summer League Updates and Injury Concerns

Jazz guard Trey Alexander was taken off the court on a stretcher during a summer league game against the Bulls after appearing to sustain a side injury. Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye underwent surgery for a fractured left foot, with his status for the start of the season to be updated in three to four months.

Coaching and Team USA

The Oklahoma City Thunder's Mark Daigneault, Detroit Pistons' JB Bickerstaff, and Gonzaga's Mark Few are expected to be named as assistant coaches for Team USA, serving under head coach Erik Spoelstra.

Franchise Rebuilding Efforts

The Chicago Bulls, after hiring a new front office and coach and drafting at No. 4, believe they are entering a new era distinct from their previous period of mediocrity. Walker Kessler expressed his commitment to the Lakers, stating he will "run through a brick wall" for the franchise.