NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

NBA Offseason Buzz and Player Movement

Free agency continues to be a major talking point, with the Cleveland Cavaliers signing Donovan Mitchell to a significant contract extension worth nearly $275 million signing Mitchell to a nearly $275M deal. In other roster news, the Los Angeles Lakers have added Ziaire Williams on a one-year deal worth $3 million. Meanwhile, Jonas Valanciunas is set to leave the NBA, having signed a two-year contract with Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas. The NBA is also reportedly investigating a four-year, $64 million deal between Gary Trent Jr. and the Milwaukee Bucks for potential salary cap circumvention.

Star Player Speculation and Team Building

Speculation around Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks is heating up, with the superstar expressing a desire to win a title with the Heat in Miami. Pat Riley and Antetokounmpo have also publicly stated their interest in LeBron James returning to the Heat. James himself remains undecided about his next team, stating he's "not ready to reveal next team". The Philadelphia 76ers, led by Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown, have reportedly been in communication with James as they pursue him. In Washington, the Wizards are optimistic about their young trio, believing they can elevate the team from last place in the East. The Minnesota Timberwolves are also high on their recent acquisition, with president Tim Connelly confident that LaMelo Ball will "elevate" the team's ceiling.

League Investigations and Player Conduct

The NBA is looking into potential salary cap circumvention involving the Milwaukee Bucks and Gary Trent Jr. regarding a four-year, $64 million deal. Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated that the investigation into Kawhi Leonard for alleged cap circumvention must be concluded before the start of the upcoming season. In player conduct matters, the league will not punish Bam Adebayo for an altercation with Tyler Herro at a Las Vegas gym. Herro, now with the Bucks, has stated he wants to "move on" from the incident and is "focused on the next chapter".

International and League Expansion

The NBA is planning to ramp up discussions regarding international expansion, with talks set to take place alongside the FIFA World Cup final, aiming for a potential new league launch in Europe in the fall of 2027. On the coaching front, USA Basketball is expected to name Mark Daigneault, JB Bickerstaff, and Mark Few as assistant coaches under head coach Erik Spoelstra. The Golden State Warriors are also filling out their coaching staff, agreeing to hire Frank Vogel as associate head coach under Steve Kerr.

Rookie and Sophomore Standouts

The NBA summer league is providing a platform for emerging talent, with first impressions of rookies being closely watched. Rookies like AJ Dybantsa are already making an impact, though the Wizards are shutting him down for the remainder of the summer league after an impressive debut. Some rookies are surprising observers, proving their worth after being overlooked in high school. The league is also evaluating intriguing players from the 2025 draft class, including Spurs prospects Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant, as they head into their second year.

Injury Updates and Team Outlooks

The Atlanta Hawks will be without forward Mouhamed Gueye at the start of the season after he underwent surgery for a fractured left foot. In summer league action, Jazz guard Trey Alexander was taken off the court on a stretcher after an apparent injury to his side during a game against the Bulls. The Chicago Bulls are aiming for a new era after a period of mediocrity, with a new front office, coach, and a high draft pick. Austin Reaves, fresh off signing a lucrative contract, is optimistic about the Lakers' "pieces" in the post-LeBron era. Walker Kessler, fully healthy, has expressed his commitment to the Lakers after they invested in acquiring him.

League Oversight and Business Ties

A U.S. representative has called for the NBA to review its ties to Joe Tsai, following Alibaba's designation by the U.S. government as a "Chinese military company".