NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

LeBron's Free Agency Dominates Headlines

LeBron James remains undecided about his next team, speaking Thursday but offering no clarity on his decision. Despite the uncertainty, James has been the subject of pitches from multiple franchises. Miami Heat executive Pat Riley for James to return to South Beach, a sentiment echoed by Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who stated he's "excited" and willing to do "whatever it takes" to win a title with the Heat as Giannis eyes a championship. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers trio of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown have engaged in talks with James, with Maxey reportedly leading the recruitment efforts. Lakers guard Austin Reaves, speaking about the team's future post-LeBron, expressed confidence in the Lakers' current "pieces" following his record-breaking contract signing.

Rookie Buzz and Summer League Action

The upcoming NBA draft class is generating significant buzz, with analyst Zach Kram's rookie rankings like Boozer and Dybantsa. In summer league action, the Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa after just two games due to his impressive debut performances. Elsewhere, Andre Snellings weighed in on betting markets for the 2026-27 Rookie of the Year race, offering insights into potential future stars.

League Investigations and Player News

The NBA is reportedly between the Milwaukee Bucks and Gary Trent Jr. for a potential four-year, $64 million contract, investigating possible salary cap circumvention. In player news, the league will not punish the Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo for an altercation with former teammate Tyler Herro at a Las Vegas gym. Herro, now with the Bucks, stated he wants to "move on" from the incident and is "focused on the next chapter in Milwaukee". Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye underwent surgery for a fractured left foot and the start of the season, with his status to be updated in three to four months. In international news, veteran center Jonas Valanciunas has left the NBA to join Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas on a two-year contract.

Team Developments and International Expansion

The Minnesota Timberwolves believe that the acquisition of point guard LaMelo Ball, despite a "steep price," will elevate their team's ceiling. The Washington Wizards are hoping their star trio can help them ascend from last place in the Eastern Conference and become a competitive contender as the Wizards aim high. On the international front, the NBA discussions regarding a new European league, with a potential launch in the fall of 2027. Team USA Basketball is expected to name the Thunder's Mark Daigneault, the Pistons' JB Bickerstaff, and Gonzaga's Mark Few as assistant coaches under head coach Erik Spoelstra. One U.S. representative has called for the NBA to to Joe Tsai, following Alibaba's designation by the U.S. government.