NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Free Agency Frenzy and Rumors

LeBron James, fueling speculation across the league. Despite multiple public appearances, James has not revealed his choice. Meanwhile, Pat Riley and Giannis Antetokounmpo have publicly expressed their desire for James to return to the Miami Heat, with Antetokounmpo stating he's "excited" and willing to do "whatever it takes" to win a title in South Beach this season. The Philadelphia 76ers are also actively pursuing the superstar, with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown all having communicated with James regarding a potential move to Philadelphia. In other free agency news, restricted free agent Moussa Cisse has agreed to a two-year offer sheet with the New York Knicks, giving the Mavericks 48 hours to decide whether to match the deal.

Team Transactions and Roster Moves

The Minnesota Timberwolves will elevate their team's ceiling, with president Tim Connelly calling him worth the "steep price." The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly under NBA investigation for their four-year, $64 million deal with Gary Trent Jr. over potential salary cap circumvention violations. In international news, Jonas Valanciunas has left the NBA to join Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas on a two-year contract. The Atlanta Hawks announced that forward Mouhamed Gueye underwent surgery for a fractured left foot and could miss the start of the season, with his status to be updated in three to four months.

Player Conduct and League Investigations

The NBA for his altercation with former teammate Tyler Herro at a Las Vegas gym last Friday. Herro, now with the Bucks, has stated he wants to "move on" from the incident and is "focused on the next chapter in Milwaukee" as a Buck. Separately, 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" by the government.

Summer League and Rookie Watch

The Washington Wizards are from the remainder of summer league after an impressive debut. NBA analyst Zach Kram has released his rookie rankings for the upcoming draft class, highlighting top prospects like Dybantsa. Additionally, Andre Snellings has addressed betting questions regarding the 2026-27 NBA Rookie of the Year race, offering insights into potential contenders for the award.

International Basketball and League Development

The NBA is set to ramp up international talks alongside the FIFA World Cup final, as it progresses towards a planned launch of a new European league in the fall of 2027. USA Basketball is expected to announce three assistant coaches under head coach Erik Spoelstra, with the Thunder's Mark Daigneault, Pistons' JB Bickerstaff, and Gonzaga's Mark Few reportedly tabbed for the roles. The Wizards' emerging star trio to contend in the Eastern Conference.