NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

Offseason Moves and Investigations Heat Up

The NBA offseason is in full swing with significant player movement and ongoing league investigations. Cleveland has signed Donovan Mitchell to a contract extension worth nearly $275 million signed Mitchell to a nearly $275M deal. Meanwhile, the league is looking into a four-year, $64 million deal between Gary Trent Jr. and the Milwaukee Bucks for potential salary cap circumvention. Commissioner Adam Silver stated that the investigation into Kawhi Leonard for alleged cap circumvention must conclude before the start of the next season. In other news, Jonas Valanciunas has left the NBA to join Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas on a two-year contract. The Los Angeles Lakers have added free agent forward Ziaire Williams on a one-year, $3 million deal.

Free Agency Speculation and Player Pursuits

Free agency continues to be a focal point, with several star players and teams actively pursuing new arrangements. Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his desire to win a title with the Miami Heat, stating he'll do "whatever it takes". Heat President Pat Riley and Antetokounmpo have both indicated they would welcome LeBron James back to Miami. However, James himself remains undecided about his next team and has not revealed his choice. The Philadelphia 76ers, led by Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown, have been in communication with James as they pursue him. Austin Reaves, fresh off signing a record contract for an undrafted player, is focused on the Lakers' future in a post-LeBron era. Walker Kessler has committed to giving his all for the Lakers after they invested in acquiring him.

Rookie Standouts and Summer League Buzz

The NBA summer league is providing an early glimpse of the league's future talent. Analysts are breaking down the rankings of the highly anticipated 2026 draft class, with players like Boozer and Dybantsa drawing attention. AJ Dybantsa's summer league performance has been impressive, leading the Washington Wizards to shut him down for the final two games after just two appearances. The summer league is also showcasing players who have defied expectations, proving their worth as first-round draft picks after being overlooked in high school. First impressions of top rookie debuts are being closely monitored by insiders. However, the summer league has also seen some setbacks, with Jazz guard Trey Alexander being taken off the court on a stretcher after an apparent injury to his side during a game against the Bulls.

Team News and Player Developments

Several teams are making significant organizational changes and dealing with player news. The Washington Wizards are hoping their young trio can transform the team from last place in the East into a contender. The Minnesota Timberwolves believe that acquiring point guard LaMelo Ball was worth the steep price, with president Tim Connelly suggesting Ball could elevate the team's ceiling. The Atlanta Hawks will be without forward Mouhamed Gueye at the start of the season after he underwent surgery for a fractured left foot, with his status to be updated in three to four months. The Golden State Warriors are set to hire longtime coach Frank Vogel as an associate head coach under Steve Kerr. The Chicago Bulls are optimistic about a new era under their new front office and coaching staff, aiming to avoid a repeat of past mediocrity.

League Investigations and International Outreach

The NBA is not only focused on domestic matters but also on international relations and league integrity. The league is reportedly investigating a deal between the Milwaukee Bucks and Gary Trent Jr. for potential salary cap circumvention. A U.S. representative has called for the NBA to review its ties with Joe Tsai, following Alibaba's designation by the U.S. government as a "Chinese military company". In international news, the NBA is planning to ramp up discussions for a new league in Europe, with a potential launch in the fall of 2027. Team USA is expected to name Mark Daigneault, JB Bickerstaff, and Mark Few as assistant coaches under head coach Erik Spoelstra.

Player Altercations and League Discipline

The league has addressed a recent player altercation, deciding not to penalize Bam Adebayo for striking former teammate Tyler Herro at a Las Vegas gym. Herro has stated he wishes to "move on" from the incident and is focused on his new chapter with the Milwaukee Bucks. The NBA's all-time scoring leader, LeBron James, remains undecided about his next team move. Meanwhile, analysts are already to the 2026-27 NBA Rookie of the Year race, with betting odds and predictions being discussed. The league is also evaluating intriguing sophomore players from the 2025 draft class, such as those on the Spurs.