Portland Trail Blazers guard Matisse Thybulle in the second half of a game in April 2025 in Denver. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)
The Lakers have signed forward Matisse Thybulle to a one-year, $3.3-million contract, people familiar with the deal but not authorized to speak publicly told The Times Monday.
Thybulle, who spent last season playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, made the NBA’s all-defensive team twice over his seven-year career. He is a defensive wing player that the Lakers sought to surround Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Thybulle averaged 5.8 points per game last season and shot 43.3% from the field, 39.8% from three-point range, in 30 games.
The Lakers now have a 16-man roster. They’ll have to either trade or waive a player to be at the league maximum number of 15.
After rumors of their interest had been swirling for a week, the Lakers have agreed to sign defensive wing Matisse Thybulle to a one-year, $3.3 million veteran minimum contract, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
The Lakers are looking for 3&D wings to play around Luka Doncic and, on paper, Thybulle fits that bill perfectly. He is a high-level perimeter defender, a two-time All-Defensive Team player (most recently 2022), and in the last two seasons he shot 43.8% and then 39.8% from 3-point range. Thybulle long had the reputation of an elite defender who became tougher to use in the playoffs because of his offensive liabilities, but the signs of improved offense the past couple of years could change that narrative.
The concern here is health — Thybulle has played a total of 45 games over those last two seasons. He missed time last season following a thumb surgery (torn ulnar collateral ligament) and has had more chronic knee and ankle issues.
Adding Thybulle brings the Lakers to 16 standard contracts, one more than the league will allow them to carry into the season, meaning that one player needs to be traded, or waived and stretched, before the season starts. The Lakers have talked with Atlanta about a sign-and-trade for Jonathan Kuminga, but the sides are not close, however, if it were a two-for-one deal it would open up a roster spot. Also, the Lakers have looked to trade Dalton Knecht this summer and have talked to teams about a Jake LaRavia or Jarred Vanderbilt trade (teams are more interested in LaRavia, who is owed just $6 million this season, in what would be the final year of his deal).
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 28: Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots a three point basket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Round One Game Five of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers have made another perimeter signing to address their need for defense.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the purple and gold have agreed to a one-year deal with Matisse Thybulle. The deal is for the veteran’s minimum.
Thybulle, a two-time All-Defense team member, spoke with JJ Redick and Luka Doncic about the Lakers desire to sign him and his role during free agency and chose the opportunity on Monday. Thybulle shot 41.8% from 3 over the last two years across 45 games — and led the NBA in… https://t.co/yTvqUNQ8uF
The Lakers also discussed sign-and-trade scenarios with the Trail Blazers, which would have enabled Thybulle to earn a higher salary, but the sides could not reach a deal.
Last season with the Blazers, Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, two rebounds, and two steals per game. However, he played only 30 games after playing just 15 in the 2024-25 season. The flip side to that is, prior to the last two seasons, he played at least 65 games in every season of his career.
Thybulle’s greatest skill comes on the defensive side of the ball. He was named Second Team All-Defense in his second and third years in the league with the Sixers.
For most of his career, Thybulle was a liability offensively. However, over those last two seasons, Thybulle shot a respectable 41.1% from three on 141 attempts in those 45 games. He also has upped his volume from three in recent seasons with his three years in Portland ranking as his three highest in terms of attempts per game of his career.
One of the first obvious takeaways from this signing is that it now leaves the Lakers with 16 players on standard contracts. Teams can go up to 20 contracts through the preseason, but must be down to 15 by opening night.
The Lakers will have to move on from one of their contracts, either by trading a player or waiving them. At this point as a team well over the cap, waiving a player will not open up any cap room, even if it’s a waive-and-stretch of Jarred Vanderbilt. That makes it more likely a trade could be in the works.
There have been plenty of rumors about a Jonathan Kuminga signing, which would require a sign-and-trade to complete anyway. What this Thybulls signing seems to forecast is that the team is likely to trade Jarred Vanderbilt for someone, whether it’s Kuminga or not.
There’s also the possibility of the team trading Bronny James to the team that signs LeBron, though they have indicated a desire to keep Bronny. Considering he’s a useful player on the roster and they have multiple players who don’t fit that billing, it’d make more sense to get off some of those players and keep around players like Bronny.
The Lakers are hoping Thybulle can also fall into that category of being a useful player as well.
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 27: Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the first half at Moda Center on March 27, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE...
The Lakers are adding another defensive-minded wing to their roster.
The franchise and Matisse Thybulle agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $3.3 million.
Since Thybulle is signing a veteran’s minimum contract, he’ll have a $2.5 million cap hit for the Lakers, similar to Kevon Looney and Ziaire Williams.
The LA Lakers agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract on Monday morning with defensive wing Matisse Thybulle. Getty Images
The Lakers will have 16 rostered players on guaranteed standard deals once Thybulle’s signing is official, meaning the franchise will need to trade or waive at least one player to become roster compliant (maximum 15 players signed to standard deals) before Opening Night in October.
Teams can carry a maximum of 21 players on their roster during the offseason, including the three two-way spots, before having to be roster-compliant the day before the regular season starts.
Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves (re-signed to a four-year, $180 million contract), Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, Bronny James and Adou Thiero are the lone Lakers still on the roster who finished 2025–26 with the team.
The addition of Thybulle, who’s entering his eighth season in the NBA after being the No. 20 pick in the 2019 NBA draft, addresses the Lakers need for perimeter defense after their offseason roster overhaul.
After being the 2019 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year during his final season at Washington, Thybulle was an All-Defensive second team honoree twice (2021 and ’22) during his 3 ½ seasons with the 76ers (2019–23) before Philadelphia traded him to the Trail Blazers ahead of the 2023 deadline.
Thybulle, 29, has played just 132 regular season games (and four playoff games) for the Trail Blazers over the last 3 ½ years.
After appearing in 65 games (19 starts) during his first full season in Portland in 2023–24, Thybulle played in 15 games in 2024–25 because of knee and ankle injuries and 30 games in 2025–26.
Thybulle missed 51 straight games from late October through late through mid-February after having surgery to repair a ligament in his left thumb but played in the Trail Blazers’ final 26 regular season games after the All-Star break.
He averaged 5.9 points (37.9% shooting on 3-pointers), 2.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 0.6 blocks in 16.6 minutes in those 26 games before playing in four of Portland’s five playoff games, not including the Play-In Tournament win over the Suns on April 14.
The 6-foot-5, 202-pound Thybulle remains a pesky defender even though his one-on-one isolation defense hasn’t been as sharp the last few seasons compared to his time with the 76ers/first joining the Trail Blazers.
Thybulle’s 2 steals per game last season was tied for the second-most in the league with Hawks wing Dyson Daniels and Pistons wing Ausar Thompson among players who appeared in at least 20 regular season games despite averaging just 16 minutes.
He led the league in steals (4.5) and deflections (8.7) per 36 minutes in 2025–26 among players who appeared in at least 20 games.
His length (reported 7-foot wingspan), motor and reflexes at his size has helped him remain one of the league’s most disruptive perimeter defenders.
He’s mainly been tasked with defending guards throughout his career, specifically primary ball handlers, but has the versatility to guard smaller forwards and is elite with navigating around screens on and off the ball.
Thybulle, who’s shot 34.9% on 3s since entering the league, shot 37.4% from beyond the arc since joining the Trail Blazers in February 2023.
He’s shot 35% on catch-and-shoot 3s during the regular season since entering the NBA, including 38.8% over the last four seasons (2022-26).
Thybulle will provide the Lakers with a 3-and-D wing who, along with Grimes and Williams, will be looked upon to fortify the team’s perimeter defense with Kessler as the anchor.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 19: Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after receiving the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship MVP Trophy after winning the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship on July 19, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Thunder trade Lu Dort to the Hawks in three-team deal involving former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg put the finishing touches on an impressive Summer League campaign Sunday night.
The 11th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft was named the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship Game MVP after helping lead Golden State to a 94-90 comeback win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The victory completed a successful Summer League for the Warriors, with Lendeborg emerging as one of the biggest rookie standouts in Las Vegas.
"Every game I play I have something to prove to myself… I'm just very proud of this moment and I'm glad we got to win this."
Lendeborg finished tied for a game-high 21 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the field, along with 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals. However, his biggest contributions came down the stretch. Trailing by 10 entering the fourth quarter, the Warriors outscored the Grizzlies 28-14, with Lendeborg accounting for seven of Golden State’s final 10 points, including a pair of go-ahead buckets that gave the Warriors the lead late in the game.
No. 11 overall pick @Yaxel_Lendeborg capped off his NBA Summer League campaign in style:
Overall, the Warriors’ rookie left a strong first impression during his first stint with the organization. He displayed an advanced feel for the game and consistently made winning plays on both ends of the floor. His outside shot looks like it could become a legitimate weapon after shooting 35.7% from three-point range throughout Summer League, while his defensive instincts were encouraging despite a few off-ball lapses that should improve with more NBA conditioning and experience.
Most importantly, Lendeborg delivered when the lights were brightest, saving one of his best performances for the championship game and walking away with MVP honors. For a veteran-led Warriors team looking to maximize what’s left of its championship window, Lendeborg’s ability to contribute right away could prove to be one of the biggest developments of the offseason.
“For me, I’m gonna do anything that the team needs,” Lendeborg said. “As for right now, for this specific team, it’s more so being a secondary playmaker, hitting open 3s when needed obviously and just taking the pressure off some of the older guys. Steph (Curry), I know he gets double-teamed, triple-teamed, fouled, hacked all the time. So it’s, like, maybe (in) the chance when he gets tired, I can relieve that pressure for him.
“So, just trying to be an easy outlet in a way. Do whatever’s needed.”
Rather than simply declining Dort’s $17.7 million team option to save money, the Thunder picked it up, acquired three future assets, created a $17 million trade exception and placed their 2025 championship stalwart in position for a long-term deal in Atlanta that was not viable for Oklahoma City.
“This was a financial decision. The impression I have been given is that the savings generated this summer, and from being out of the tax the last several years, will be re-allocated to future teams,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti told The Oklahoman.
The Athletic has reported on the Lakers’ interest in free agent Jonathan Kuminga since late June, but it appears that momentum has stalled with the sides far apart on terms and L.A. not overly motivated to push significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios. Still, he appears to be the biggest upside play left on the table, and could re-emerge as a target if his market remains tepid. Cleveland, according to league sources, is the team most-often connected to Kuminga other than the Lakers.
It’s unclear if Beverley, who played with James on the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022-23, has any reason to believe that claim, or if he’s just having fun on social media. Anyone who has followed this era of the NBA knows that the three-time All-Defense selection is always looking for a way to have a good quote go viral. But then again, NBA players do move in their own social circles, and it’s entirely plausible that Beverley has actually heard something.
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Yeah, we’re a little late but there’s a lot to ponder.
The end of the Brooklyn Nets two summer leagues, coinciding with the start of free agency, seems like a good time to assess things. The Nets could make a move yet and LeBron James hasn’t made his decision.
Just Saturday, the New York Knicks tendered an offer sheet to the Dallas Mavericks for Moussa Cisse, a 6’11” 23-year-old center, only to see it matched hours later. On Sunday, the Mavs, Thunder and Hawks did a three-way swap that sent All-Defensive Wing Lu Dort from OKC to Atlanta, former overall No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher from Atlanta to the Dallas, Ryan Nemhard from Dallas to Atlanta and multiple draft picks, what else?, to OKC.
Things change.
Also, the Nets won’t play now for nearly three months, sometime the first week of October when training camp and preseason open. So where are we?
The Nets two lottery picks from 2025 and 2026, acquired as the centerpieces of a two-year long rebuild, have looked as Summer League head coach Dutch Gaitley said of Mikel Brown Jr., “electric” both as individuals, one coming off a development spree, the other a prized newcomer, AND as a fit, aka the “Aura Bros” as fan described them … a sobriquet Egor Demin seems to like. The organization is already taking advantage of the connection in a stream of recent social media. Why not? And the Nets do still hold the trademark to “Brooklyn’s Backcourt” if not Aura Bros…
Michael Porter Jr., in comments we noted Saturday, seems quite happy with the Nets, offering to recruit Peyton Watson and praising what the organization is building. The recent back-and-forth mostly on the timing of negotiations on an extension seem the normal NBA foreplay than evidence of some split.
And?
Julius Randle who did average 21, 7 and 5 in 79 games, all starts, last season is all-in on his newest home, thirsting for a leadership role and, per Brown Jr., encouraging him already, telling him he expects the team to “shock the world.”
And?
The Nets have rewarded the hard work of Day’Ron Sharpe, giving him a new (and reasonable) contract as well as apparently the starting 5 spot come October now that Nic Claxton is gone. They also added Moe Wagner as a backup, too, although he hasn’t signed yet.
And?
Chaney Johnson had a breakout in the Summer League, leading all Vegas in steals at 3.3 per game while finishing only behind the Aura Bros in scoring and leading the Nets in rebounding.
And???
Well, there’s where it gets dicey. Yes, Josh Minott is a good gamble at 23 years old and Keon Ellis fills a need and brings quintessential 3-and-D numbers, but after that big list, things begin to slip from the positive into the negative or at least mediocre,
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Two of the Flatbush 5 seem to have regressed based on their summer league performances. Drake Powell had a 1-of-28 shooting slump followed by a 4-of-6 3-point effort followed by a 1-of-6 outing, including 0-of-4 from deep. Where’s that SMH emoji?
Danny Wolf had some bright spots, averaging a little less that 10 points, a little more than six rebounds, across four appearances for Brooklyn. He did struggle, as he did last year, from deep, going 0-for-6 in his last two games before Friday, then didn’t take a three at all in that one. His passing potential has been hurt by his turnovers. In Friday’s game, he had two assists and a whopping five turnovers in 18:35, a few of them of early when the Rockets took charge.
Ben Saraf’s game has seemed to stabilize at the level we saw year with some kudos on his defense coming from Jordi Fernandez. There was no breakout. We didn’t get to see Nolan Traore at all. He’s rehabbing from a ‘scope on his left knee. Not exactly encouraging across the board. Yes, you can argue, “what do you expect from players taken in the back half and deep in the first round?” More. Development and scouting are crucial for a team whose strategy is based on garnering draft picks for an organic regrowth.
That Johnson has advanced so while Powell and Wolf hit road blocks says both positive and negative things about the Nets.
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The lack of rim protection and rim running. Sharpe deserves his shot and his forte’ — indeed historical value — are about rebounding and offensive rebounding in particular. He is not about blocking shots and looking down the depth chart at the 5, he is not alone. Nic Claxton’s shot blocking may have declined from 2.5 per game to 1.1 over the last four years but he had that skill. You can also argue, if you wish, that the Nets will be more physical, more defensive-oriented, and that will compensate. Maybe.
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At this moment, the lack of offense in general off the bench should be worrisome. The first players off the bench this season likely will be some version of Noah Clowney, Josh Minott, Terance Mann, Keon Ellis, Moe Wagner. Maybe one of the other rookies will get minutes: Joshua Jefferson or Tyler Bilodeau who’s on a two-way deal. Clowney, 22, and Minott, 23, are the only ones who have any real potential to throw up some points in a hurry and both are young and inexperienced while the role seems daunting, based on past history. The Nets bench to any offensive credibility, there will have to be a breakout and a breakout is always a surprise.
Good things can happen. Late trades get done. Players surprise … in good ways. Moves get made at the deadline. Pray for good health! But as we’ve noted, while the tank is over, the rebuild is not, as the off-season showed. The Nets have made some improvements, particularly in the starting lineup as long as the Aura Bros. play as well as we expect. MPJ and Randle are both capable 20-point scorers if both are always a bit controversial.
Could the Nets have been more aggressive? Done either of those weekend deals? Probably, but how much more since we don’t know any details of any proposal, it’s hard to debate. Frustrating but only in fan discussions. How much it really matters won’t come known until the fall. They did keep their flexibility, mostly manifest in that cache of draft assets.
It is getting easier to debate where we think the team will stand starting in October. As Bobby Marks has said, we are entering the time when all GMs love their roster and how it fits their strategy, a phase that usually lasts till the end of the first third of the season which simultaneously falls around the unofficial beginning of trade season on December 15. Sean Marks (no relation) said something this week that matches what Bobby said, “I like the roster we have.”
Of course fans’ opinions are different with most wanting more wins now but others willing to show some patience over a longer run. None want a replay of last season. The Nets didn’t overpromise like the Mets nor simply promise, like the Jets who won their last title the month before Julius Erving turned 13. You can have you own opinion and we’ll all set our crystal balls up for late September.
Jordi wants a career in Brooklyn
Jordi Fernandez has won only 46 games in his two years as NBA coach, but has won plaudits from his and other teams’ players and coaches for developing young players — and holding things together during a tank. Now, his priority is winning.
On Sunday, Fernandez, a native of Spain and Catalonia’s basketball-mad city of Badalona, was honored by his hometown as its “native son,” an award the Nets coach cherished. He is the first Spanish-born head coach in the NBA, of course. He also a native of Catalonia, the autonomous republic in Spain’s north east whose capital is Barcelona one of the world’s great cities.
In receiving the award, he spoke to the media and told local reporters this, thanking among others the Nets and added this…
Translation: “I hope to retire with the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA.”
In today’s NBA, of course, that would be a very big deal. Fernandez is in his early 40s with a career that could with good fortune stretch into the 2040s. It doesn’t happen anymore unless you win multiple championships like Gregg Popovich or Steve Kerr. We assume Fernandez is well aware of the record!
Meanwhile, a Fernandez acolyte from Catalonia, tweeted out his thanks to the Nets for giving him an opportunity as one of the team’s “guest coaches.” For several years, unpublicized, the Nets have invited young international coaches to join the Summer League staff…
Boris Balibrea is currently the head coach of GTK Gliwice, one of Poland’s top teams. He is seen as one of Europe’s top young basketball minds, having been coach of the year twice in Sweden and once in the Alpe Adria league in central Europe’s alpine region. He’s currently the head coach of Sweden’s national team and has also coached elsewhere in Euope, Africa and China.
Last year, the guest coaches included another Catalonian, Spanish league legend Anna Cruz.
Final Note
Nets fans of a certain age and era understand that geopolitics can interfere in the world of basketball. Mikhail Prokhorov, the team’s Russian owner for nine years, sold the team in part because of pressures from Moscow and Vladimir Putin after the U.S. heavily sanctioned Russia following its 2014 invasion of Crimea. So it’s always wise to monitor what’s going on between the U.S. and China. Although neither Joe Tsai nor his Kansas-born wife, Clara Wu Tsai, are citizens of China, Alibaba, the company Tsai helped found is one of China’s biggest and best known companies.
So, we reported the other day how a U.S. congressman, John Moolenaar, Republican of Michigan, had told ESPN that the NBA should review Tsai’s ownership of the Nets following the Pentagon’s designation of the giant Chinese e-commerce, AI and Cloud computing giant as a “Chinese military company,” in the process banning any contracts with the company.
However, it should be noted, as we also did in our reporting, that neither Moolenaar nor his advisory committee on connections between U.S. companies and China has any power to do anything more than suggest a review and there is no indication the NBA would even consider such a request … if indeed the congressman has forwarded one to the league. At this point, there is no indication he has. NBA China, along with the International Olympic Committee, the UEFA championship league and world federations governing several sports, have AI and Cloud computing deals with Alibaba.
At least at the moment, rest easy if that’s your want about the possibility of a change in ownership. You have enough to worry about re: rim protection and Drake Powell’s jumper.
Another video emerged on Sunday afternoon featuring a fan telling Thompson, “We need you on the Warriors, buddy,” to which Thompson responded, “Never say never.”
Stein added that the Miami Heat have had interest in bringing Thompson down to South Beach via trade and having him play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
The Warriors are considered a favorite to make the biggest move of the offseason in pursuit of acquiring LeBron James. NBAE via Getty Images
While Thompson clearly has an interest in returning to the Golden State next season, there have been no indications from the Warriors’ front office whether the feeling is mutual.
With Thompson set to turn 37 next season, the end of his career is near.
During his time with Golden State from 2011–2024, Thompson was one half of the “Splash Bros” alongside Steph Curry, with the Warriors winning four NBA championships.
Thompson was one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA and was a five-time NBA All-Star during his time with the Warriors.
In Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, Thompson tore his left ACL, which caused him to miss the rest of the final plus the next season.
On his way to recovery, he suffered another major setback when he ruptured his right Achilles tendon during a pickup basketball game in November of 2020.
Thompson returned to the court in 2021 but he never looked the same and he was eventually reduced to a reserve role.
The Warriors have been considered a favorite to make the biggest move of the offseason in pursuit of acquiring LeBron James.
While the NBA continues to wait for LeBron James to announce where he's going to play next season — and there is NBA business held up because of it — there are still other talks and things going on. Here are some of the latest non-LeBron rumors.
Lakers, Hawks not close on Jonathan Kuminga
There is a segment of Lakers fans talking them into Jonathan Kuminga as a difference-maker, likely the same fans who talked themselves into Deandre Ayton being a difference-maker a year ago despite a long history suggesting otherwise (which echoes Kuminga).
"...it appears that momentum has stalled with the sides far apart on terms and L.A. not overly motivated to push significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios. Still, he appears to be the biggest upside play left on the table, and could re-emerge as a target if his market remains tepid. Cleveland, according to league sources, is the team most-often connected to Kuminga other than the Lakers."
Atlanta reportedly wanted the Lakers' 2032 first-round pick swap — the only first-round pick the Lakers can trade right now — and that was not on the table (nor should it have been). Then there is the issue of Kuninga's next contract, he is rumored to want around $25 million a season average, while the Lakers reportedly offered two years, $20 million total.
The Lakers have filled all their roster spots, they will ultimately need to clear a roster spot for anyone they acquire, like the rumored interest in Matisse Thybulle.
Pistons, Duren still not close
With all due respect to LeBron, the best free agent still technically available is Pistons All-NBA center Jalen Duren. He's a restricted free agent, the Pistons have zero interest in trading Cade Cunningham's running partner in a sign-and-trade (and no team has the money to make a max offer to Duren, which the Pistons would just end up matching anyway). Ultimately, it's a matter of the Pistons and Duren working out a deal.
Detroit made some moves this offseason, bringing in John Collins, Isaiah Joe, and Gary Harris. However, the two primary goals heading into the summer were to get a high-level secondary shot creator to go next to Cunningham and to re-sign Duren, and the Pistons have struck out on both fronts. It's not been a great offseason in the Motor City.
Trey Murphy available?
My leader for most perplexing offseason is the New Orleans Pelicans, which changed coaches to Jamahl Mosley but, aside from that, is running back a 26-win team and expecting different results.
A number of teams have expressed interest in trading for two-way wing Trey Murphy, but the asking price has been so high that no deal has come to pass. Will that change when the teams that strike out on LeBron start to look for their next move? Maybe, reports John Hollinger at The Athletic.
Chatter about a Trey Murphy trade, while lessened, hasn't vanished and is one of many potential pieces of league business that could resurface once LeBron James' next destination becomes clear.
At this point, it feels unlikely a deal gets done, but it's something worth watching.
Arena fight in Portland
One topic discussed more around the Las Vegas Summer League than expected was the decisions by new Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon, specifically around needed upgrades to their arena, the Moda Center.
More than one person pointed out to NBC Sports that Dundon appears to be following the Clay Bennett playbook, when he bought the Seattle Supersonics with every intention of moving the team to Oklahoma City. That includes fighting with the city about upgrades to the arena, as Jason Quick at The Athletic details.
"I think we are very far apart," said a team source Sunday, one of two within the Blazers who were granted anonymity to discuss the situation freely.
On Friday, the city of Portland sent the Blazers a term sheet for a 20-year-lease agreement. If the Blazers agree to the terms, the team would receive $600 million in public funds to renovate the Moda Center. Of significance, the city is asking the Blazers to pay $3 million annually for a property tax offset, which would escalate over time. Additionally, the deal would require the Blazers to hire union workers and set caps on project-cost overruns.
"The term sheet is a non-starter," the source said. "I don't know why they sent it to us, because they know very little of the stuff we would agree to. They are playing politics at this point." The city and Trail Blazers have until the end of the year to work out a deal, otherwise, another $365 million in state money for the renovations would go away.
To be clear, Dundon has never talked about moving the team, and even in Quick's story team sources deny any intention to move the team. That said, actions speak louder than words, so it's a concern. The Trail Blazers moving out of Portland remains highly unlikely. First, it would get a lot more pushback — including from the league office and other owners — than Dundon might expect. Also, with expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas coming, that is two big markets off the table for a move. Still, this negotiation is something to watch.
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 13, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It is not breaking news to say that the LeBron James watch, as it is about to enter week three, has all the eyes and ears of the league. A subplot of LeBron’s latest destination decision is that teams around the league are placing a pause on their decisions until this is all sorted out. One of those players who appears to be impacted is fellow wing Jonathan Kuminga.
In an article written by The Athletic’s Dan Woike, Kuminga has garnered interest from the Los Angeles Lakers since late June. However, “it appears that momentum has stalled with the sides”, with Woike noting that the Lakers aren’t “overly motivated to push the significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios.”
It appears that the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking hard into the services of Kuminga if the Lakers interest dissipates. “According to league sources, (Cleveland) is the team most-often connected to Kuminga other than the Lakers,” Woike noted.
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This makes sense as the Cavaliers appear to be looking to upgrade their wing rotation. Obviously, they have been a prominent name in the LeBron James sweepstakes; Kuminga appears to be their second pathway to ensuring there is an influx of talent.
Kuminga could be a necessary gamble for the Cavaliers. His talent has not necessarily translated to someone who projects as a difference-making wing. What Kuminga does offer is an upside play on potentially a cheaper deal than most younger wings his age. It is also good to note that Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson has a prior relationship with Kuminga from their shared time on the Golden State Warriors together.
It appears that there could be more movement on the free agent front once teams and players have an idea of where the King will preside this upcoming season. The NBA’s silly season never ends, and neither does the league’s intrigue about LeBron James.
Draft position is a sensitive topic when it comes to NBA prospects.
Warriors first-round pick Yaxel Lendeborg had choice words when asked about Memphis Grizzlies No. 3 overall pick nd former college rival Cameron Boozer, after Golden State took down Memphis 94-90 in the NBA Summer League championship game at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center.
“I think about [revenge] every time I play him,” Lendeborg said of Boozer, whose Duke handed Lendeborg’s Michigan a loss in their regular-season meeting last season (h/t ESPN’s Ben Golliver). “Every game we play, them refs be saving him. … It is a competitive nature [with] everybody that gets drafted ahead of me.”
Warriors' Yaxel Lendeborg on getting revenge against Grizzlies' Cameron Boozer in Las Vegas Summer League championship game after Duke beat Michigan in February: "I think about [revenge] every time I play him. Every game we play, them refs be saving him. … It is a competitive…
The Michigan alum had a fantastic summer, but Boozer wasn’t far behind. The former Blue Devil averaged 18.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. In their first matchup against one another, Lendeborg displayed his physicality against Boozer.
The Warriors are currently in limbo waiting for LeBron James to make a decision on where he’ll play next season. Lendeborg’s playing time could be impacted based on the outcome. Boozer, on the other hand, will be asked to come in and contribute right away in Memphis.
The Grizzlies traded Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers back in June. Memphis received veteran forward Jerami Grant, reserve wing Kris Murray, and cash considerations in the deal. This trade ended Morant’s seven-year tenure with the Grizzlies.
The Warriors had the second-oldest roster in the NBA last season, so Lendeborg brings much-needed youth to the franchise.
The 2026 NBA Draft class is projected to be one of the best in a long time. The 2003 draft was stacked, and this group of young talent is being compared to the year James, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh entered the league.
Time will tell which players will emerge as NBA stars, and both Lendeborg and Boozer have the potential to become great — with or without the referees.
SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 and Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 21, 2022 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
LeBron James’ free agency has carried on through much of July, but is presumably coming to an end soon. On Thursday, James spoke at Fanatics Fest and told the crowd, “I won’t hold you guys up too much longer,” suggesting a decision would come soon. Even with that quote, it seemed obvious that a decision wouldn’t happen until this week at the earliest, as James was unlikely to drop the news on a weekend that featured the World Cup final and a major golf championship.
But now those things are in the rearview mirror, and perhaps that means it’s decision time. Former NBA player Patrick Beverley certainly thinks so, as the 12-year veteran took to social media on Monday to say that he’s heard James will reveal his next team today.
It’s unclear if Beverley, who played with James on the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022-23, has any reason to believe that claim, or if he’s just having fun on social media. Anyone who has followed this era of the NBA knows that the three-time All-Defense selection is always looking for a way to have a good quote go viral. But then again, NBA players do move in their own social circles, and it’s entirely plausible that Beverley has actually heard something.
James, a 22-time All-Star who is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, is widely expected to choose between the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers. It’s unclear how he’ll choose to announce his next (and presumably last) team. But it could happen at any moment!
LeBron James has kept the NBA and its fans twisting in the wind. Dragging out an announcement of where he’ll continue his illustrious basketball career.
In some ways, it's too late to reverse the reputational damage.
James, at 41, still has the ability to play like a man half his age. Now he’s acting like a man half his age as if desperate for attention.
If he chooses any team but the Cleveland Cavaliers, he risks alienating the fans in a city where he’s considered the prodigal son. Regardless, the process already has dredged up memories of “The Decision.’’
That decision took place in 2010. A one-hour special hosted by Jim Gray that aired on ESPN. During "The Decision,'' James announced, "I'm going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat.’’
Now it's James' failure to say where he's taking his talents that's created irritation, frustration and, ultimately, resentment?
On June 30, James informed the Lakers he was moving out and playing elsewhere next season. His agent, Rich Paul, confirmed as much and since then has announced drips and drabs of so-called news.
Finally, James spoke for himself.
He made an appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York on July 17. Then toyed with the crowd about his undisclosed decision. Like he has indirectly toyed with the fan bases in Cleveland, Golden State, Miami, Philadelphia, and Minnesota.
James relishes being in the conversation as the NBA’s GOAT and he deserves it. But can you imagine Michael Jordan drawing out a decision like this? Or any of the NBA’s all-time greats?
This has dragged out longer than Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.’’ But this saga is missing a heroic figure, Odysseus.
On the court, James is a hero, winner of four NBA titles, four MVPs, the league’s all-time leading scorer. But there's nothing heroic about this process.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver spoke last weekend about how James' decision (or lack thereof) affects the league.
On June 30, James informed the Lakers he was moving out and playing elsewhere next season. It’s been 20 days without a decision as of Monday, July 20.
A year after "The Decision,'' James half-apologized.
He better be prepared with a full apology for this mess.
BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics talk after the game during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
As we — and the NBA schedule makers — await the news on where LeBron James is heading for the 2026-27 season, we did get a bit of Sixers news.
The Boston Celtics revealed their preseason slate, which features two games against the team that eliminated them from the playoffs last season.
While a home-and-home preseason set against Boston makes sense logistically, it’s a little surprising the NBA wouldn’t want these matchups to happen during the regular season. While where James signs will have a massive effect on the schedule, Sixers-Celtics should absolutely be a game that happens on opening night after the blockbuster trade that landed Jaylen Brown in Philadelphia.
Brown will surely get a hero’s welcome at TD Garden. He was there for a decade and won a championship, taking home Finals MVP. It’s been widely reported and confirmed by Brown himself that he never wanted to leave Boston. Plus, Brown’s first game in Philly against the Celtics will also be appointment viewing. The Xfinity Mobile Arena crowd will be going nuts for their new star against his former team. Let’s also not forget what happened the last time these two teams played.
Maybe the Sixers hold Brown out for those contests, hoping to save all the juice for when the games count. It just seems like an own-goal on the NBA’s part.
The Sixers have yet to announce their full preseason campaign, but at least we know two games and the timeframe. We’ll keep you posted when the entire preseason schedule is available.
As for the regular season, we’ll have to see where The King puts his crown before we know that.
Could LeBron James finally be making his decision on where he will play basketball next season?
On Monday morning, James’ former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Patrick Beverley made a cryptic post on X, fueling the rumors that James could be making his decision soon.
“Rumor has it Bron makes his decision today!!!” Beverley, who played for the Lakers for part of the 2022-’23 season, wrote in a social media post on X.
It’s unclear if Beverley actually knows if James will be making a decision anytime soon on where he will be playing next season, but recently, the future Hall of Famer has been receiving pressure to make his decision soon.
Patrick Beverley drops a major hint on LeBron James’ decision timeline.
With James on the open market in the NBA for the first time in eight years, the rumor mill has been swirling.
LeBron James speaking at Fanatics Fest over the weekend, amid free agency rumors. BACKGRID
Over the weekend, James helped keep the rumors afloat when he said, “Trust the process,” during an interview at Fanatics Fest in New York, leaving fans in attendance wondering if the 76ers were the favorites to land the legend.
Aside from potentially joining the 76ers, James has been linked to a potential reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers or Miami Heat.
Another potential destination that has been constant, even before James decided to hit free agency was him joining his former NBA rival, the Golden State Warriors.
Last week, his agent Rich Paul jokingly said if he joined forces with Steph Curry, the NBA would have to give them “60 nationally televised games.”
Whether Beverley knows something or not, the pressure James has been facing from the NBA would leave one to speculate he could be making his decision soon.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Jameer Nelson, Nick Nurse and Jaylen Brown attends a game between the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers on July 11, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Choi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA preseason schedule is officially out, and with it comes the first opportunity for Jaylen Brown to return to TD Garden since the blockbuster offseason trade that sent him to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Celtics will host Philadelphia on Oct. 10 before making the trip to face the Sixers on Oct. 16, giving Brown two chances to face his former team before the regular season begins.
Jaylen Brown will return to TD Garden for a preseason game on Oct. 10. His first game in Boston since the trade from the Celtics to 76ers.
Whether Celtics fans actually see Brown on the floor in Boston, however, remains an open question.
Veteran stars often play limited preseason minutes, if they suit up at all, and Philadelphia could choose to ease Brown into training camp rather than having him play in both exhibition games. Even if that’s the case, Oct. 10 now stands as the first date Boston fans can circle as Brown’s return to TD Garden draws closer.
If Brown does play, it’ll mark his first appearance in Boston since the trade that ended one of the most successful individual tenures in recent Celtics history.
Selected third overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, Brown spent nine seasons with the Celtics, developing from a raw, athletic wing into a four-time All-Star, NBA champion and one of the franchise’s cornerstone players. Alongside Jayson Tatum, he helped lead Boston to multiple Eastern Conference Finals appearances and delivered Banner 19 before the organization made one of the boldest roster moves of Brad Stevens’ tenure this summer.
The preseason matchup also offers the first opportunity for Brown and Paul George to face their former teams following a trade that reshaped the balance of power in the Eastern Conference. Assuming both veterans are available, the Oct. 10 game would provide an early glimpse of two Eastern Conference contenders, even if the result won’t count in the standings.
Preseason games are notoriously unpredictable when it comes to star availability. Teams frequently prioritize conditioning, experimentation and evaluating younger players over giving established veterans extended run, particularly in the first week of exhibition play. Brown, George and several other key contributors could ultimately see only a handful of minutes, or none at all.
Still, the schedule release gives Celtics fans something they didn’t have yesterday: a date for Brown’s first possible return to the Garden.
Boston’s full preseason schedule is as follows:
Oct. 8: at Cleveland Cavaliers (7 p.m. ET)
Oct. 10: vs. Philadelphia 76ers (8 p.m. ET)
Oct. 14: vs. Charlotte Hornets (7:30 p.m. ET)
Oct. 16: at Philadelphia 76ers (7 p.m. ET)
The Celtics have announced their preseason schedule.
The NBA has not yet announced the 2026-27 regular season schedule, meaning these preseason meetings will be the first chance for Brown to reunite with his former team.
Whether that reunion lasts 30 minutes or simply consists of Brown waving to a familiar crowd from the bench will depend on Philadelphia’s plans once training camp gets underway.
