NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: August 20, 2026, 3:59 PM ET

Front Office Moves

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the busiest franchise of the past three days, adding both a star guard and a key wing through major transactions. James Harden agreed to a new three-year, $97 million contract to remain with the team, securing his leadership in the backcourt. In a separate move, Peyton Watson was acquired from the Nuggets in a five-team deal, while Max Strus heads to the Clippers as part of the same blockbuster. The Cavs also added depth on the wing, with Trendon Watford inking a one-year, $2.9 million deal with the Pelicans after his strong showing in the G League bubble.

Ownership Drama

Lakers ownership continued its public drama this week, with Jeanie Buss contesting a family vote to sell the Buss family's remaining stake in the franchise to new investors Josh Kushner and Bob Iger. The move follows reports that the Buss family has decided to sell, which would mean Jeanie Buss will no longer serve as governor of the team. Meanwhile, another minority owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, confirmed he will not sell his 4% stake, signaling some stability amid the broader transition.

International Spotlight

France named Victor Wembanyama as its captain ahead of the FIBA World Cup European qualifiers, cementing his status as the face of French basketball on the global stage. The 20-year-old Spurs star will lead his country through a critical stretch of games that could determine their Olympic fate. His selection reflects both his individual brilliance and his growing influence in international play, where he averaged 24.7 points and 10.2 rebounds during France's last major tournament run.

Team Previews

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2026-27 season with lingering questions about depth after a busy offseason. Despite retaining their core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, Thunder preview suggests that losing role players like Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe may test their rotation flexibility. In Minnesota, the Timberwolves preview focuses on how Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert will coexist with new additions D'Angelo Russell and Jaden McDaniels, as the team looks to build on its first-ever Finals appearance.

Arena News

The San Antonio Spurs' future home took a step backward after the city council voted 6-5 to reject a public referendum on the proposed Spurs arena funding plan, which included a $489 million public contribution. The decision leaves the team's downtown development in limbo and casts uncertainty over the timeline for a new facility. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns are with their plans, announcing the installation of what will be the NBA's largest exterior video display at the Mortgage Matchup Center ahead of the 2027 All-Star Game. The 226-foot-wide by 41-foot-tall LED board will be visible from several miles away and serve as a landmark for fans heading to games.

Draft Outlook

Looking beyond this season, draft analysts are already turning their attention to the 2027 and 2028 NBA drafts, identifying early prospects who could shape the next wave of talent. ESPN's Jeremy Woo highlighted a group of international standouts and college elites, including projected top pick Dylan Harper and rising sophomore Ace Bailey. The upcoming classes are expected to be loaded, with analysts already comparing them to recent banner years like 2003 and 2019.

Rookie Forecast

The incoming rookie class of 2026 is being evaluated with an eye toward long-term impact, as NBA insiders released their rookie projections identifying which first-year players are most likely to become future stars. Cooper Flagg, Alex Sarr, and Derik Queen are among those projected to make immediate contributions, though the class as a whole is viewed as deeper than most in recent memory. Analysts note that several rookies will benefit from playing alongside established veterans, accelerating their development timelines.

Season Reflection

The 2025-26 season will be remembered for its dramatic finish, with the Knicks' title run emerging as the defining moment of the year. ESPN's Zach Kram examined the pivotal sequence involving Bam Adebayo's three-pointer in Game 5 of the Finals—a shot that many believe shifted the momentum of the entire series and ultimately defined New York's first championship in decades. The moment has already entered playoff lore, drawing comparisons to iconic shots from legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

Player Ventures

LeBron James continues to expand his brand beyond basketball, launching a YouTube golf channel that showcases his passion for the sport and features appearances from fellow NBA stars and professional golfers. The channel, which debuted with a charity tournament involving Draymond Green and Steph Curry, has quickly gained traction among fans looking for off-season content. James, now, has hinted at pursuing golf more seriously after his playing career ends, adding another layer to his already unprecedented legacy.

Coaching Carousel

While no major coaching hires have been announced in the last three days, speculation continues to swirl around open positions in Portland and Atlanta. The Blazers preview notes that Damian Lillard's return adds pressure to find the right coach, especially after a turbulent season marked by front-office instability. In Utah, the arrival of rookie phenom Darryn Peterson has reignited hope, with the Jazz preview suggesting that the team may finally be ready to emerge from rebuild mode.

League Notes

Nets owner Joe Tsai made headlines with his candid comments about the Knicks' championship, calling it “embarrassing” to his franchise during a recent interview. His remarks reflect the growing tension between New York's two teams and highlight the emotional stakes involved in inter-borough rivalries. The comments came just days after a federal investigation was launched into the league's handling of player transfers, though no formal charges have been filed at this time.