NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games 2026-07-06 22:54:02
NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games 2026-07-06 22:54:02
NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games 2026-07-06 22:54:02
Kawhi Leonard reportedly hires new agent for extension negotiations with Raptors
Players change agents all the time and it goes by with little mention, but Kawhi Leonard changing agents for his next negotiations — pushing aside his longtime advisors — is worth noting.
Leonard and Toronto — who just traded for the veteran winger — are expected to start negotiations on a contract extension off his $50.3 million deal this year.
Handling those negotiations will be Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports, replacing Leonard's longtime representatives Mitch Frankel and "Uncle" Dennis Robertson, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
It is not a coincidence that this change comes after the NBA launched an investigation into Leonard's contract with the Clippers and whether the team used former sponsor Aspiration to circumvent the salary cap and get more money to Leonard. Robertson, in particular, has been discussed in that investigation, and the off-the-books additions he allegedly asked teams for during Leonard's free agency are legendary. Leonard and the Clippers have denied any wrongdoing, and the lengthy investigation drags on.
Leonard was traded to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and a couple of first-round draft picks. Leonard is coming off an All-NBA season where he averaged a career-best 27.9 points per game, shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc. He is an excellent fit for Toronto and can help push the team near the top of the East — but only if he is healthy. While he played 65 games last season, in his seven seasons in Los Angeles, he reached that number twice.
How has Nick Boyd fared in first summer league games with the Warriors?
Former Wisconsin Badgers point guard Nick Boyd was signed by the Golden State Warriors as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 NBA Draft, and he’s already in action as summer league began last week.
Boyd, playing on the Warriors Blue team, has started at point guard for Golden State’s first two games, where we’ve seen some mixed results. In his first career action, Boyd had 11 points, good for second on the team, but on 2 of 10 shooting and 1 of 5 from three-point range. He also added three assists, two steals, and two turnovers, while being a -9 in the box score.
But, one day later on Sunday, Boyd fared better in a 91-85 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Playing 27 minutes, which ranked second on the team, the point guard put up 11 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, while turning the ball over three times.
He was the team’s third-leading scorer behind Jacksen Moni (18 points) and RJ Nembhard Jr. (17 points). Boyd was also a -1 in the box score.
Boyd will be back in action in the California Classic one last time on Monday evening, as the Warriors Blue Team faces the Nets. Then, it’s off to Las Vegas for the remainder of Summer League, with the next game coming on Thursday.
Given his high minute count so far, Boyd should get plenty of opportunities as Summer League goes on.
Kings reportedly to waive DeMar DeRozan, making him free agent
DeMar DeRozan wanted Sacramento to make a decision: Either waive him (and save $15 million) so he could get on the market before space dried up, or find a trade as they have been trying to do for more than a year.
DeRozan got his wish, the Kings are waiving DeRozan and making him a free agent, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
DeRozan has a $25.7 million contract for this season, but only $10 million of that is guaranteed. This will almost certainly be a waive-and-stretch for Sacramento, spreading the $10 million he is owed over three seasons (at $3.3 million per year), which will save the team about $22 million this season and take them below the luxury tax line.
This move was expected by other front offices around the league (and part of the reason there was no trade market for DeRozan, interested teams knew they could just sign him as a free agent for way less money, and they wouldn't have to give up anything).
DeRozan, who will turn 37 before next season, is still a bucket. He has a specific game — he's an old-school midrange assassin, but who can create his own shot — and averaged 18.4 points per game last season in Sacramento. There will be interest in him, and he is reportedly looking for a regular role on a playoff team.
The Kings still have Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine on their roster and continue to look for trades for them.
Boston Celtics Daily Links 7/6/26
Herald Celtics finalize Jaylen Brown trade, ‘excited to welcome’ Paul George
Celtics’ additions pros/cons: What will Paul George, Mitchell Robinson bring?
GlobeCeltics sign first-round pick Chris Cenac Jr.
Cedric Maxwell has a message for Jaylen Brown: Don’t bash the Celtics on the way out
The six teams that could land LeBron James
Timeline: Looking back on Jaylen Brown’s Celtics career
CelticsBlog Will we get the answers we need from today’s Celtics press conference?
Celtics .comCeltics Acquire Nine-Time NBA All-Star Paul George and Future Draft Picks
Celtics Sign Amari Williams to Two-Way Contract
NBC Sports BostonThe five stages of the Jaylen Brown trade, and what’s next for Celtics
Ex-Celtic reveals Jayson Tatum’s reaction to Jaylen Brown trade
NESN How LeBron James Would Fit Celtics Roster After Paul George Trade Becomes Official
What Is Celtics’ Next Move? Why Another Trade Could Be Coming
Mass LiveBrad Stevens releases statement on Jaylen Brown trade
Draymond Green makes blunt statement on Paul George trade to Celtics
Paul Pierce sends message to Jaylen Brown after Celtics trade All-Star to 76ers
Former Celtics G League MVP had option picked up by Rockets
Celtics sign 1st-round pick ahead of Summer League
Celtics WireCeltics officially announce Jaylen Brown – Paul George trade
Jeff Teague shares Jayson Tatum reaction to Celtics Jaylen Brown trade
Is Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens not criticized enough for the Jaylen Brown trade?
Celtics history: Jae Crowder born; guard Allan Ray signed
The AthleticThe NBA’s balance of power has (not really) shifted, but could LeBron James change it?
Hardwood Houdini Bad-faith Kawhi Leonard argument falsely diminishes Celtics’ Jaylen Brown trade
Full details as 76ers fleece Celtics in heavily debated Jaylen Brown trade
Brad Stevens’ message all but confirms Celtics plans for Paul George
An elegy for the Jays: Paying homage to the Celtics’ Tatum and Brown era
The Celtics’ Jaylen Brown trade return is being grossly underappreciated
Why waiting to trade Jaylen Brown wouldn’t guarantee a better return
Chowder and ChampionsCeltics’ nightmare Jaylen Brown trade may not be a dream for 76ers either
Celtics desperately need Derrick White to rediscover form after Jaylen Brown trade
CLNS Media/YouTubeBrad Stevens and Bill Chisholm Explain Jaylen Brown Trade | LIVE Celtics Press Conference
Reaction to Brad Stevens and Bill Chisholm Press Conference on Jaylen Brown Trade | Garden Report
BIGGEST Questions for Brad Stevens Following Jaylen Brown Trade | Celtics Daily
Locked on Celtics Jaylen Brown Trade Mailbag: CBA Changing How the NBA Works?
HeavyEx-76ers Coach Gets Honest On Jaylen Brown Trade
Celtics Announce Chris Cenac News Before Summer League
Boston Celtics Star Announces Heartfelt Personal News
Celtics Eyed Two-Time All-Star Center for Jaylen Brown Before Paul George Trade
Jayson Tatum’s True Feelings on Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Trade, Revealed
Celtics Trade Proposal Flips Derrick White for All-Defensive Wing, Sharpshooter
Draymond Green says Jayson Tatum Should be ‘Livid’ with Celtics for Jaylen Brown Trade
Hoops RumorsCeltics First-Rounder Chris Cenac Jr. Signs Rookie Deal
Atlantic Notes: J. Brown, Tatum, James, M. Brown
NBA Executives React to Jaylen Brown Trade
NBA’s 2026 July Moratorium Period Ends
Fadeaway World 3 Star Players The Nuggets Must Target To Help Nikola Jokic Right Now
Jeff Teague Reveals What Jayson Tatum Told Him After Jaylen Brown Trade
Ric Bucher Says Celtics Traded Jaylen Brown Because They Couldn’t Afford Him
FansidedTrey Murphy or 3 trades the Celtics can make to heal the Jaylen Brown wound
Daily KnicksKnicks may be set up to fall into same trap Celtics, Thunder know too well
Bleacher Report Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Boxes with Shawn Porter in New Viral Photos After Jaylen Brown-76ers Trade
NBA Exec ‘Baffled’ Jaylen Brown Was Traded to 76ers for Less Than Walker Kessler to Lakers
Jaylen Brown’s ‘F—ing Big’ Contract & More on Teams ‘Scared’ of Trade Called Out by NBA GMs, Execs
Hoops Wire NBA Notes: Celtics, Jaylen Brown, Warriors, LeBron James, Cavs
NBA Notes: Pacers, Kelly Oubre Jr., Celtics, Mitchell Robinson, Sixers
Sixers WireDraymond Green gives his thoughts on Sixers acquiring Jaylen Brown
TalkBasketCeltics rejected another Jaylen Brown offer before 76ers trade
Sporting NewsCeltics could flip Paul George to add $112 million wing in another blockbuster
BasketNews Celtics legend drops massive Jaylen Brown statement that led to trade
WEEI/YouTube Criticism of Brad Stevens quiet? Did Celtics rush the deal?
The Jaylen Brown trade will go down as the WORST trade in Celtics history. | Jones & Keefe
Communication ‘Disconnect’ between JB/Celtics? Not Enough Stevens Criticism? ||The Greg Hill Show
Clutch PointsBrad Stevens rival reveals what ‘scared’ teams off Jaylen Brown trade
1 ‘really f***ing big’ problem Celtics faced in Jaylen Brown trade talks
Danny Green calls Celtics ‘play-in team’ after Jaylen Brown trade, then slightly recants
Celtics’ Brad Stevens leaves rivals baffled by Giannis trade stubbornness, Jaylen Brown deal
Brad Stevens, Celtics break silence on Jaylen Brown-Paul George trade
Audacy Was there a DISCONNECT communication wise between Celtics and Jaylen Brown?
CBS Boston/YouTubeWhy did the Celtics split with Jaylen Brown? Cedric Maxwell discusses.
The Ringer The Winners and Losers of the 2026 NBA Offseason
The Sports HubThe Jaylen Brown smear campaign is in full force
Celtics apparently claim Jaylen Brown trade wasn’t money-driven
Basketball News “Lamest Sh*t of an Excuse”: Paul Pierce Fires Back at Colin Cowherd’s ‘Disease’ Comment on Jaylen Brown
ESPN NBA execs react: Celtics trade Jaylen Brown to 76ers
SI .com Somehow, This is a Fitting, Confusing End to Jaylen Brown’s Boston Celtics Career
Why Jaylen Brown Thinks There Was a ‘Lack of Respect’ From Celtics in Wild Trade to 76ers
Tomasz Kordylewski/YouTubeHugo Gonzalez Spain NT Highlights vs Georgia (9 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast) | FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers
Barstool Sports By Trading Jaylen Brown, Brad Stevens Is Making A Basketball Bet By Fully Diving Into The Idea Of “Possessionmaxxing”
People NBA Star Payton Pritchard and Wife Emma Announce They Are Expecting First Child
EbonyJayson Tatum Isn’t Calling This A Comeback
Basketball Network “You’re going to send this dude to the same division?” – Draymond Green on the competitive nightmare Boston management just created for Jayson Tatum
DeadspinBoston Celtics’ Eastern Conference Reign May Be Coming to an End
Fan RecapCeltics May Have A Bigger Paul George Plan Than Fans Realize
Giannis Antetokounmpo says goodbye to Bucks in emotional farewell video
It was time for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks to part ways — but that doesn't make it any less emotional.
Milwaukee was the city that adopted the skinny kid from Greece and made him part of the community, and in return — beyond bringing a title and a decade of elite basketball to the city (although that matters) — he invested in Milwaukee, too. Giannis put together an emotional goodbye video to Milwaukee and its fans.
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) July 6, 2026
Bucks owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan released this statement:
"From delivering a championship to transforming our franchise, Giannis' impact on the Milwaukee Bucks is lasting and profound. We are incredibly grateful for what has been a remarkable and historic journey together.
"For 13 seasons, Giannis gave everything to this organization and inspired our city with his relentless drive, humility and heart. He grew into one of the greatest players in the world while becoming an integral part of the Milwaukee community. More importantly, Giannis represented this organization with authenticity, character and a deep commitment to the people of Milwaukee.
"His unforgettable moments on the court and his influence beyond the game defined an era of Bucks basketball and elevated our franchise on a global stage. Few players have left such a meaningful mark on a team, a city and an entire generation of fans.
"Though this chapter has come to an end, Giannis' legacy in Milwaukee is secure. It will always be felt here -- in the rafters, throughout our community and in the countless people he inspired. Forever a Buck."
Antetokounmpo is starting a new chapter in Miami, but when we think of him when he goes into the Hall of Fame someday, it will be as a Buck.
Suns’ CEO Josh Bartelstein has finalized a new extension
Phoenix Suns General Manager Brian Gregory is keeping his right-hand man around for the foreseeable future, as Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein is finalizing a new extension to keep him working with the team on the business and basketball side, according to ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania.
With the extension being announced, Suns Governor Mat Ishbia gave Bartelstein high praise in a statement he gave to ESPN.
“From day one, I knew Josh was the right person to help build the culture and organization that I envisioned in Phoenix – on and off the court. He is my trusted partner in every aspect of our basketball (Suns and Mercury) operations and business side as well. His knowledge of basketball, care for our players, and the strong relationships he has across the NBA and WNBA have been invaluable in building our success and will continue to shape our future. His leadership has elevated our entire organization.
“He is one of the best CEO’s in all of sports, and happens to be one of the youngest too, and I’m excited to keep working next to Josh as we continue to build on our success.”
A former college basketball player at the University of Michigan, Bartelstein, who’s been with the Suns since 2023, played a major part in the team trading for Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic in his first year working with the team. With his father Mark being Beal’s agent, much was made about the relationship Josh had with his father to negotiate the trade, along with his buyout last offseason.
However, after a season in which the team surprised many by increasing its win total by 9 games and making the playoffs after missing them the season before, Ishbia and company rewarded Bartelstein with an extension. The Phoenix Suns have already had a busy offseason by resigning many of their free agents, trading for Miles Bridges, signing Luke Kennard and Pat Spencer, making a deal to draft Koa Peat with the 30th pick, and now extending Bartelstein.
Former college basketball player Kerr Kriisa indicted on wire fraud allegations from FBI
College basketball journeyman Kerr Kriisa, who played for four teams in six years, has been indicted by the FBI on multiple counts of wire fraud that occurred during his time in West Virginia.
The charges, which were unrelated to sports gambling or actions on the court, are laid out in court documents obtained by USA TODAY Sports. They include five counts of wire fraud that saw Kriisa texting people, often under the alias "Irene" asking for money for multiple "emergencies."
Two victims are referred to in the filing.
Kriisa, who played for Arizona, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Cincinnati in his college career, "allegedly carried out a scheme to obtain nearly $2.2 million from multiple victims using false representations, fabricated identities, and deceptive communications," per the DOJ's release on his arrest. Among the alleged attempted scams, Kriisa — who was most recently playing basketball in his home country of Estonia — allegedly tried to ask for money to help his mother who was sick with cancer and asked for money to save his family's farm.
Kriisa averaged 8.8 points per game, including 11 points per game at West Virginia in the 2023-24 season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former college basketball player Kerr Kriisa indicted on wire fraud allegations from FBI
Ben Humrichous shows out in Nets’ first two Summer League games
In his two-year stint as an Illini, forward Ben Humrichous was particularly impressive at one thing above all: knocking down the triple.
And after upping his physicality last season for Illinois, becoming a weapon on the boards and brick wall on defense, the Brooklyn Nets signed him to an Exhibit-10 contract to give him a chance to show what he can do.
His first Summer League game came in a narrow loss to the Sacramento Kings, where he put up six points on 2-for-5 shooting from three-point range. But that’s not all he did. Humrichous showcased that same physicality he utilized last season, snagging two boards, two steals and one block.
Just a day later, after building up some confidence, he decided he’d carry the offensive load for the Nets to help them secure a 20-point blowout victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Humrichous racked up 15 points after knocking down 5-of-12 from beyond the arc. That’s a lot of triples. In his entire career at Illinois, Humrichous hit five threes in only three games.
But yet again, he offered more on the court than just three-pointers, snagging eight rebounds and tallying two steals.
And to make his night even better, one of Humrichous’ five threes was a buzzer-beater to end the first quarter.
If all of his summer league performances look like this, Illinois fans could see Humrichous earn some real minutes for the Nets in the regular season.
LeBron going back to Cleveland seems to be picking up steam
It’s understandable if you took the holiday weekend off of LeBron Watch.
Unfortunately, the latest seems to suggest James could be nearing a reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst seemingly confirmed that the Cavs are the favorites on Pardon My Take Monday.
“I can’t take that off the table,” Windhorst said when asked about the idea of ending a championship drought in Philly being alluring to James.
Longtime NBA Insider Marc Stein’s opinion was slightly different.
So, the Sixers are still in it, but how much optimism you want to have is up to you.
Over the weekend, James was photographed after playing a round of golf with Cavs assistant GM Brandon Weems and friends in Akron. It’s worth noting that LeBron frequently goes back to his hometown in the offseason and Weems is one of his best friends.
Again, you choose to read those tea leaves however you’d like.
If he ultimately chooses Cleveland, it truly feels sentimentality-based. From a basketball standpoint, James would likely be tasked with guarding the opponent’s top perimeter threat every night while sharing the floor with Donovan Mitchell and old friend James Harden. Harden’s heliocentric nature also feels like a clunky fit with LeBron offensively.
Meanwhile, the Sixers and Timberwolves might present his best chance to win. He’d slide in at the power forward on either roster and immediately make them a legitimate contender in their respective conference. The Golden State Warriors are also still in the mix, but it seems like that might be contingent on them acquiring Anthony Davis from the Washington Wizards, something that doesn’t seem likely as of now.
A reunion with the Miami Heat — and partnering up with Giannis Antetokounmpo — also can’t be ruled out. Nor can the idea of James playing alongside Nikola Jokic with the Denver Nuggets.
As the moratorium ends and deals are officially announced this afternoon, we await LeBron’s decision. Only fitting for The King to take over one more NBA offseason before he hangs it up.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's video will have Bucks fans sobbing
Giannis Antetokounmpo, 31, left a remarkable legacy on the city of Milwaukee. 13 seasons, 10 All-Star Games, two MVP awards, an NBA title, and a partridge in a pear tree.
However, that didn't stop Bucks president Josh Glessing from trading their legend away to the Miami Heat this offseason. Albeit, the Bucks did endure an underwhelming season and saw themselves miss the playoffs for the first time in a decade. That said, to trade away your franchise cornerstone, the man who gave everything he had to give your team everything they've earned, is a hard task regardless.
Rumors had been swirling about Giannis' departure for most of the season as well. It was only a matter of time, but that doesn't make the reality of the situation any less heartbreaking. And to boot, Antetokounmpo just posted a sorrowful video to social media thanking everyone involved during his time in Wisconsin.
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) July 6, 2026
What does Antetokounmpo say in his goodbye video?
In his video, Antetokounmpo stresses that he does not want the city of Milwaukee or the state of Wisconsin to remember him for the wins, the losses, the championships, or the basketball.
"I try to be like them," he says.
He describes the city as "blue collar." He continues, "It's people who work hard every day. And give all their hard-earned money just to come watch the Milwaukee Bucks ... I hope that I was able to represent them the best that I could."
Antetokounmpo then goes on to describe Milwaukee as his home. "This is a place that I had my kids. My mom is here. My father is here. My brothers played here. It made me the man that I am today."
"No matter where I am, Milwaukee will always be my city, my team, my family."
Other social media posts for Antetokounmpo's farewell
A letter from GM Jon Horst. pic.twitter.com/M9XzqwEguA
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 6, 2026
Statements from the Milwaukee Bucks on the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the Miami Heat:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2026
Bucks owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan:
“From delivering a championship to transforming our franchise, Giannis' impact on the Milwaukee Bucks is lasting and…
You came to Milwaukee 13 years ago as a kid from Sepolia with an impossible dream. Over the past 13 years we have witnessed you grow into one of the greatest players the game has ever seen, the greatest Buck of all time, and the driving force behind an era of Bucks basketball… pic.twitter.com/6oDA0APFwh
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 6, 2026
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Giannis Antetokounmpo's video will have Bucks fans sobbing
VOTE: Grade the Rockets NBA Free Agency pickups
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockets fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The 2026 NBA Free Agency season kicked off last week. The Rockets signed Bogdan Bogdanovic and Marcus Smart. They also re-signed Tari Eason and traded away Dorian Finney-Smith. We want you to grade the new Rockets signings only. So that doesn’t include the Eason re-up or the Finney-Smith trade, as they received no players back in those transactions. So grade the new Rockets pickups.
Cast your vote, tell us in the comments, and we’ll be back soon with the results.