NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: August 8, 2026, 9:15 AM ET

Tragedy & Legal Issues

The NBA was shaken by the news that Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died from the effects of heroin and cocaine, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner. In another legal development, a misdemeanor gun charge against Cavaliers guard James Harden was dismissed by a Texas judge. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors alleged that a key defendant in the NBA gambling case involving Terry Rozier attempted witness tampering by posting a rat emoji on Instagram.

Free Agency & Contract Extensions

The Suns locked up forward Dillon Brooks on a three-year, $73M extension through 2029-30. Lonnie Walker IV agreed to a one-year, $3.3M deal with the Nuggets. The remaining free agents include Jalen Duren and James Harden as the 2026-27 season nears. Anthony Davis and the Wizards tabled extension talks until after the season starts. Jaylen Brown called his trade to the Sixers a "crazy transition" but is focused on winning. Sixers president Mike Gansey said Joel Embiid is healthy and "extra motivated" with LeBron James and Brown now on his side.

Team Developments & Roster Moves

The Mavericks launched a bounty for a 1-of-1 Cooper Flagg card, offering season tickets for 32 years and a signed jersey. Former NBA star Monta Ellis was named general manager at Alcorn State. Three-time dunk champion Mac McClung signed with Spanish club Basquet Girona, owned by Marc Gasol. The Kings are balancing development of rookie Darius Acuff Jr. with veterans Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine. Victor Wembanyama will host eight to 10 Spurs teammates for workouts in France as they rebound from an NBA Finals loss.

Off-Court & Personal

Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton and his wife Jade Jones celebrated their wedding with a performance by 50 Cent, dancing to "I Get Money." Luka Dončić's ex-fiancée Anamaria Goltes withdrew her petition for child support and attorney fees from the Lakers star. LeBron James rejected Jaylen Brown's idea of skydiving if the 76ers win a title, simply saying "Boy … naw." Brown also said Donovan Mitchell and Coco Jones' wedding sparked his desire for love.

League Infrastructure & Schedule

The NBPA opened the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center in Los Angeles, a one-stop shop for players to scrimmage and recover. Insider reports highlight the Knicks-76ers matchups as the East's new heavyweight showdown. Separately, a report revealed that Kawhi Leonard had an undisclosed sponsorship deal worth millions with Daktronics, the company that built the Clippers' videoboard.