Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (1) reacts to his score against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks are still riding the high of winning the NBA Finals over the San Antonio Spurs last month.
The offseason has brought difficult choices for the team to make, despite ending a 53-year championship drought. The team said goodbye to Mitchell Robinson, who signed a three-year contract with the Boston Celtics. Because of this, CBS Sports contributor Sam Quinn gave the Knicks a C-plus for their offseason grade so far.
“The Knicks will have to figure something else out at center. They don’t even have a third big yet. Maybe they find someone at training camp. Maybe they trade for someone during the season. They tried an offer sheet for Moussa Cissé that got matched, but as Dallas currently has 15 other players with guaranteed contracts, the Knicks may be hoping that the Mavericks simply waive him before the season so they can pick him up then,“ Quinn wrote.
The only teams with better grades compared to the Knicks were the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks responded to Robinson leaving for the Celtics by signing another regional rival in Andre Drummond who played with the Philadelphia 76ers for the past two seasons. Ultimately, the Knicks could have avoided replacing Robinson, but at least they have a plan rather than just winging it.
The Knicks could have also let go of several of their free agents, but Robinson was the only one that didn’t re-sign. Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado, Muhammad Diawara and Jordan Clarkson are all returning to the Knicks in hopes of winning another championship.
While the Knicks haven’t dominated the offseason, they have taken care of their own as much as possible while staying underneath the second apron, which is very difficult to do. That’s why I would amend this grade and give the Knicks a B.
Posting and Toasting community: what grade would you give the Knicks for their offseason? Let us know in the comment section below.
P.J. Tucker weighed in on where he thinks LeBron James will land this offseason.
Tucker made a guest appearance on the “Club 520” podcast this past weekend at Fanatics Fest and said he believes James will be going to Golden State, alongside his former teammate, Anthony Davis.
During the semifinal and gold medal game, Curry was on fire, nailing 16 of 26 three-pointers, and finished the tournament shooting 47.8% from the three-point range.
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PJ Tucker believes the Warriors will sign LeBron James and Anthony Davis this offseason. Getty Images for Fanatics
On the Warriors’ wishlist this offseason, it includes pairing James alongside Davis, as the two were former Los Angeles Lakers teammates from 2019-2026.
In 2020, James and Davis worked hand in hand in helping deliver the Lakers their 17 Championship in franchise history.
The Warriors are likely hoping that James and Davis still have some juice left in the tank to help them win one more title before Curry retires.
LeBron James at a recent Time 100 event.
Both James and Curry are nearing the tail end of their careers and are both looking to get their fifth ring.
James will turn 42 in January, while Curry turns 39 in March, signaling that Father Time is quickly catching up to them.
Apr 28, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs general manager Brian Wright before game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
The Spurs had a rather boring offseason. They loaded up on size at the draft, they retained Harrison Barnes and Jordan McLaughlin, and their biggest addition was 34-year-old Tobias Harris. Victor Wembanyama got a no-brainer of a max contract, and that was it. A solid offseason for a young team coming off a Finals run, but not one filled with major decisions and big swings.
This will likely be the last summer when the front office will get the privilege of not having to make sacrifices, deal with potentially contentious negotiations, and have to make plays for the future. By next offseason, San Antonio might find itself dealing with the type of problems the Thunder and, to a lesser extent, the Knicks and Celtics dealt with this year.
For those who might not be aware, the tax and the second apron really complicated the team-building abilities of several contenders. The Thunder had to salary dump some of their proven deep bench guys in Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, which wouldn’t have been that impactful on their contention odds. But they also had to drop Luguentz Dort to get under the tax at the behest of ownership, if Sam Presti’s press conference is to be believed. They picked up some second-rounders in the process, but lost one of their starters, a champion and one of their longest-tenured players on what their general manager called “a financial decision.”
In the Eastern Conference, the reigning champions and one of their biggest threats also had to make decisions that weren’t based on what made sense basketball-wise. The Knicks refused to cross the second apron, a decision seemingly spearheaded by their owner, and lost Mitchell Robinson in the process, replacing him with a lesser version of the same archetype, Andre Drummond. The Celtics traded Jaylen Brown for many reasons, according to reports, but his massive contract was apparently one of the biggest drivers for the move. Mind you, Robinson was essential for New York in several postseason runs, and Boston won a title with the Brown-Jason Tatum duo as their core.
Back to San Antonio. While Victor Wembanyama’s potential discount should help with cap balancing, tough decisions loom. First, Stephon Castle will become eligible for an extension next summer. Assuming he continues to improve as a player, he’ll want the max. The Spurs would surely love it if he took less and will have the threat of restricted free agency, which gives them control of Castle’s destiny, as a bargaining tool. The issue with wielding that weapon is that it could damage the relationship with Castle, who was a starter on a Finals team. If the front office thinks he’s a part of the untouchable core going forward, keeping him happy and feeling important will be paramount. Can they do that without offering the 25 percent max?
A Castle extension wouldn’t kick in until the 2028/29 season, so it wouldn’t have an immediate impact on the cap, but it would condition who the Spurs can and can’t afford in the future. San Antonio is so close to the tax line this offseason that a veteran’s minimum would push them over it. The main reason is De’Aaron Fox’s 30 percent max that will pay him $49.5 million this year. Eventually, Fox will get traded (more on that in a second), but there might be a more immediate casualty than Fox to balance the cap. Keldon Johnson is eligible for an extension but has not received one. Once Wembanyama’s extension kicks in next offseason, the Silver and Black will only have around $10 million to spend on three players if they want to stay under the tax. They could carve up some more space while waiving Luke Kornet, but bringing Johnson back could be hard to achieve.
Of course, all these estimates are made with Fox’s contract on the books at least until next season. The Spurs could be looking to move him now, but they made it clear that they won’t do that, which makes sense. Despite the struggles in the Finals and the postseason in general, Fox is one of the best players on the team, and certainly the best game manager. Moving him would likely represent taking a step back in terms of talent, since his current perceived value doesn’t come close to matching his massive salary. But eventually, he’ll have to go, unless the franchise prefers him over Castle and Dylan Harper, which seems extremely unlikely. So if not this season, when is Fox being salary dumped? There’s time until Castle’s extension kicks in to do so, but it might make more sense to do it next offseason, if there’s a buyer, to avoid having to deal from a position of extreme weakness.
We could continue looking towards the future and consider what a potential Harper extension would mean, but it’s too far down the line and too close to a possible CBA change. What’s clear right now is that the incredibly successful rebuild the Spurs have put together will very soon run into the limitations that the punitive repeater tax and the aprons put on team building, which has already forced other contenders to lose talent.
This offseason was a quiet one for San Antonio, leaving no need to veer from continuity and allowing the front office to keep the team that made the Finals together while adding some young, cheap pieces. It wasn’t the most exciting of summers, but soon enough, as the tough decisions become unavoidable and change the team, Spurs fans might find themselves looking back and hoping things could be as simple as they were in 2026.
Moments after Yaxel Lendeborg led the Golden State Warriors to an NBA Summer League Championship, the No.11 pick of the NBA Draft wasn’t shy to call out his opponent.
During his postgame presser, Lendeborg threw the Memphis Grizzlies under the bus and said they weren’t ready for the moment.
“Man, their butts got tight. They puckered up, you know what I mean?” Lendeborg said, “Some of us are built for the moment, and some aren’t.”
Yaxel Lendeborg on their fourth quarter comeback to win against the Grizzlies:
“Man, their butts got tight, man. They puckered up, you know what I mean? Some of us are built for the moment, some aren’t. So when you get those opportunities like that and you go attack the moment,… pic.twitter.com/SvIFNCjDs3
Yaxel Lendeborg doesn’t hesitate to say the Memphis Grizzlies aren’t built for the moment. Getty Images
Lendeborg was crowned the NBA Summer League Championship game’s MVP after leading the Warriors back from a 12-point deficit entering the fourth quarter. The Warriors eventually defeated the Grizzlies, 94-40.
The former Michigan Wolverine finished the game with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals, while putting up nine points in the fourth quarter to help wipe away the deficit. He out-dueled Memphis’ third overall pick, Cameron Boozer, who had 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Rick Barry presents the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship trophy to the Golden State Warriors
Following Sunday’s championship game, Lendeborg said, “I’m just very proud of this moment. I’m glad we got to win this. For the Warriors, what a great way to start.”
Performing on the championship stage isn’t an unfamiliar sight for Lendeborg, who scored 13 points in Michigan’s win over UConn to win the National Championship. The New Jersey native was hobbled with an injury, but gutted it out to help the Wolverines win their second title.
Sunday’s Summer League MVP trophy is another one for Lendeborg to add to his trophy case as he was crowned the Big Ten’s Player of the Year last season.
Yaxel Lendeborg could be a crucial piece for the Golden State Warriors this season. NBAE via Getty Images
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Khaman Maluach #10 of the Phoenix Suns prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on July 13, 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 Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With the NBA Summer League officially coming to a close yesterday, as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies to capture the Summer League championship, it’s time to take one final look back at what unfolded in Las Vegas.
By this point, the league has typically announced its All-Summer League First and Second Teams, but we’re still waiting for the official selections. The last Suns player to earn that honor was Jalen Smith back in 2021. There’s little doubt Khaman Maluach will end that drought.
In four appearances, Maluach averaged 19.5 points and 12.8 rebounds, recording a double-double in every game he played before the Suns shut him down for the remainder of the event. His dominance has made him one of the clear favorites to earn All-Summer League recognition whenever the league announces the team.
While we’re still waiting on the official announcement, that hasn’t stopped national writers from putting together their own All-Summer League teams and standout lists. Across the board, the reviews of Maluach have been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing what Suns fans watched over the past two weeks. The rest of the basketball world appears to have noticed, too.
Maluach was one of the best sophomores at the event. After playing only limited minutes as a rookie, Maluach showed why he’s ready for a massive Year 2 jump. He showcased an ability to stretch the floor on offense while also disrupting shots at the rim on defense.
With the celebrated and wildly anticipated 2026 draft class largely living up to the billing, rookies are unsurprisingly well represented on this first team.
But credit Suns sophomore Khaman Maluach, last summer’s 10th overall pick, for ensuring this wouldn’t be a freshman-only outfit.
Phoenix slowplayed the 7-footer as a rookie, which made sense given how raw he appeared coming out of college. That option might be off the table already, though, given the apparent magnitude of the growth in his game.
Besides pumping in 19.5 points on 53.2 percent shooting and grabbing a Vegas-best 12.8 boards per game, Maluach showcased his unicorn blend of shot-blocking and floor spacing. In four games (all double-doubles, by the way), he actually had an identical number of blocks and triples (eight apiece), plus a 40 percent splash rate from long distance.
What does it mean? On the surface, not much. Summer League is a proving ground, but at the end of the day, you’re still playing Summer League competition. It can serve as an important mile marker on the road to development, and that’s ultimately how this experience should be viewed for the Phoenix Suns.
We did our best throughout the event to remind everyone not to overreact. As the days fall off the calendar and Las Vegas fades into the rearview mirror, reality sets in. The roles these players were asked to fill in Summer League are not the roles they’ll occupy once they rejoin the Suns. The offense they ran in Las Vegas won’t be the offense they’re playing in when the regular season begins.
That said, I’d much rather be discussing the results we saw than the alternative. I’d much rather watch Khaman Maluach perform the way he did, both from a statistical standpoint and through the intangibles he displayed, than spend the summer wondering why he underperformed or looked disengaged. He embraced the moment. He played with confidence. He led with his energy.
The future is bright for the young center. Perhaps we’ll look back on the summer of 2026 as the launching point for everything that followed.
The World Cup is over. But LeBron James watch continues.
Why is this taking so long, you may be asking.
Speculation around where James will play his unprecedented 24th NBA season has taken over the newscycle for weeks. Multiple teams are frozen waiting for his decision. Even NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently urged James to make his pick so the league can finalize the schedule.
James is almost 42 years old, but 27 teams have shown interest in having him on their roster. The league has ground to a halt until he makes his choice. Talk about still having pull.
Here are the five reasons why James may be taking so long to make his decision.
1. Because LeBron Can
When you’re arguably the greatest player of all-time, different rules apply.
James has devoted himself to the sport for 23 years. He has been the perfect ambassador. He hasn’t had any scandals. He has been the league’s top draw for decades, filling arenas, drawing millions of TV viewers and catapulting national sports shows into relevance. Heck, he has had the top selling NBA jersey for nine seasons since 2004.
He has earned the right to take his time deciding how he wants his career to end, even if it may be inconvenient for just about everyone else involved.
Considering James is still a top-25 player and he’s willing to accept a veteran minimum contract, who wouldn’t want James on their team? He can pretty much go wherever he wants. Simply put, LeBron holds all the cards and there’s not a darn thing anyone can do about it.
2. His Goals Have Changed
Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California Getty Images
James is considering an entirely different set of factors now than earlier in his career. He wants to win his fifth ring, but he also wants to enjoy his last chapter.
At this stage in his career, James has nothing left to prove. He’s a four-time champion, four-time MVP, the league’s all-time leading scorer and he has shattered nearly every record with his unprecedented longevity.
He wants to continue playing because he still loves the game and is able to perform at a superstar level. As LeBron often says, he wants to see how much juice he can squeeze from this orange.
While his legacy clearly plays a factor in his decision, it’s far from the only thing that matters. You might think he’s better than Michael Jordan. You might think the opposite. He’s not going to change minds at this point. So, he might as well do what he wants.
3. Paradox of Choice
The final teams he’s deciding among (Golden State, Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia and Minnesota) have clear pros and cons, and he has to weigh what’s most important to him.
The Warriors might give him the greatest chance for happiness considering he’d be closer to his family in Los Angeles, and he would be playing alongside the greatest shooter of all-time in Steph Curry and his good friend Draymond Green. But they may be too old to have a real shot at winning a championship.
The Cavaliers would give him his perfect storybook ending considering he grew up about 40 minutes from Cleveland. James was drafted by the franchise in 2003 and he led them to their only championship in 2016. But he’d be far from his family and wouldn’t be able to play much golf during the winter. Not to mention, a few months ago when talking about which cities he doesn’t enjoy playing in, he added, “I don’t like going home either.”
The Heat would also be a full-circle moment for James considering he won championships there in 2012 and 2013. The storyline is there, and so is superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. But do the Heat have enough shooters to be competitive? Would he want to be so far from his family?
Or is he going to go to the 76ers or Timberwolves, where he’d arguably have the best chance to win a ring but he has no ties?
4. James’ Family Matters
LeBron James
3rd Fanatics Fest NYC – Day 1, New York, USA – 16 Jul 2026 Ryan Rolo/Shutterstock
James has frequently talked about how much he’s taking his family’s wishes into consideration when making this decision.
He has an 11-year-old daughter who has spent the last eight years in Los Angeles. His wife is rooted in the city. He has hinted that next season may not be his final one. So, their wants and needs are a very important factor here, too.
5. Timing Is Everything
James is very smart and cunning when it comes to the media. He has been controlling narratives since he was a middle schooler. He’s as skilled off the court in this area as he is on the hardwood.
So, make no mistake about it: LeBron has put a lot of thought into how he wants to announce this. Was he going to do it during the World Cup? No. Was he going to do it during Fanatics Fest? No. Is he going to let anyone rush him? No.
All three of his past free agency decisions rewrote the rules on these types of announcements. In 2010, he announced he was going to Miami in an over-the-top TV special. In 2014, he announced he was returning to Cleveland in a first-person letter in Sports Illustrated. And in 2018, he announced he was going to the Lakers with a press release from Klutch.
The legendary figure definitely has plans for this announcement as well.
He has built suspense. He has shown the world that he’s still the most important player in the league. And when his decision lands, it’s going to make waves.
The 29-year-old wing known for his elite defensive skills is the latest addition to the Lakers' offseason roster overhaul, according to ESPN, after agreeing a one-year deal with the team on Monday, July 20.
Thybulle is seen as a potential fit as part of the Lakers' wing rotation due to his versatility as a defender and a 3-point shot that improved since earlier in his career. He has also struggled to remain healthy in recent seasons and his addition leaves the Lakers with at least one player too many under contract heading into the 2026-27 campaign. Yet it's still far from certain Thybulle can be a viable option alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Here's what to know about Thybulle's signing with the Lakers, including contract details, the team's current roster and what it means for the franchise moving forward:
Matisse Thybulle signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $3.3 million, according to ESPN.
How Thybulle fits with Luka Doncic, Lakers
Thybulle helps address the Lakers' lingering hole on the wing after they couldn't land a higher profile option to supplement Doncic and Reaves moving forward. Thybulle's versatility as a defender will help cover up some of the deficiencies the team must navigate fielding a backcourt that won't feature an on-ball defensive stopper. His improved 3-point shot could make him valuable in crunch time after being a liability at times during high-leverage moments early in his NBA career.
Thybulle's long-term availability is also a wild card for his success in Los Angeles, and why he's only earning a veteran's minimum salary. He's played in just 49 games (including this year's playoffs) across the past two seasons with the Trail Blazers, though he did end the 2026 postseason healthy and playing in the team's rotation. The Lakers also recently signed Ziaire Williams to provide depth along the wing and were reported to be pursuing free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
How the pecking order shakes out will be an intriguing storyline when training camp begins.
Why the Lakers face a roster crunch
The Laker now have 16 players under contract and will have to get that down to 15 by the start of the 2026-27 regular season. NBA teams are permitted to carry as many as 20 players on their official roster (including two-way contracts) until the beginning of the regular season.
The Lakers' front office could achieve this be releasing a player or through a trade to consolidate the roster.
Who could lose a roster spot after Thybulle signing?
The Lakers have already reportedly explored trades involving former first-round pick Dalton Knecht this offseason, and he remains a candidate to be dealt to another team in the weeks and months ahead. Guard Jaden Hardy is also on an expiring deal and in the midst of a crowded backcourt situation after the Lakers signed Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton. Forward Jake LaRavia could be easier to trade after a productive season as a role player.
Forward Jarred Vanderbilt also has a $13.2-million player option for the 2027-28 season and could either be traded or released via the NBA's waive and stretch provision. The Lakers would likely have to attach additional assets to deal Vanderbilt to another team given his age and salary commitments.
Could Lakers trade Bronny James?
It's a possibility. It would address the team's roster crunch and create a potential path for Bronny James to play with his father, LeBron James, whenever he picks a new team in NBA free agency. But while speculation persists about a potential reunion, there has been no indication that the Lakers are attempting to trade Bronny James following his father's decision to leave the franchise.
Bronny James is signed for this season, with a team option worth about $2.5 million for the 2027-28 season as part of the rookie contract he signed with the Lakers after being selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Lakers roster after 2026 NBA free agency
G Luka Doncic
G Austin Reaves
G Quentin Grimes*
G Collin Sexton*
G Bronny James
G Jaden Hardy
G Cameron Carr**
F Ziaire Williams*
F Jarred Vanderbilt
F Matisse Thybulle*
F Jake LaRavia
F Dalton Knecht
F Sandro Mamukelashvili*
F Adou Thiero
F/C Kevon Looney*
C Walker Kessler*
*signed during 2026 NBA offseason**2026 NBA Draft pick
Matisse Thybulle stats
Matisse Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals per game over 30 regular-season games with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2025-26 season. He shot 39.8% from 3-point range and ended the campaign healthy after playing in the team's final 25 games before the playoffs. Thybulle will be entering his eighth NBA season after he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Although this past NBA season marked the first time ESPN held the rights to “Inside the NBA,” the show’s core still remained the same.
There were still the typical pieces of insightful analysis, a fair share of viral moments and, of course, some awkwardly tense moments between analysts. While NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley often toe the line of hurling insults that could be considered personal at one another, the most awkward moment from the show might have been between Barkley and Draymond Green.
The Warriors star fired a jab at Barkley’s tenure with the Houston Rockets at the end of his Hall of Fame career, while the group discussed how difficult it was to win in your late 30s. This prompted an onslaught of posts calling out Green for the disrespect, and also led to Barkley giving the Golden State star a reality check on a recent “Pardon My Take” episode.
“Draymond is a good player, I was a great player,” Barkley said at the American Century Championship to Barstool’s Big Cat and PFT. “I don’t go back and forth trying to defend, he’s a very good player, but we’re not on the same level.”
“Listen, Draymond is a good player. I was a great player… We’re not on the same level” -Charles Barkley on Pardon My Take pic.twitter.com/smr13HZSG9
Unfortunately for Green, he didn’t seem to remember just how good Barkley was.
“I think the goal is just to not look like you (Barkley) in the Houston Rockets uniform,” Green quipped to Barkley in May.
When Kenny Smith asked him what that meant, Green doubled down, saying, “Did you see?”
For those who didn’t see, Barkley averaged 16.5 points and 8.4 rebounds in the twilight stages of his career. Although those weren’t the kind of numbers that saw him make 11 All-Star teams and earn 11 All-NBA nods, they certainly weren’t anything to slouch at.
As for Green, he has just four All-Star selections to his name, but was named to the All-Defensive team nine times. He also has something that Barkley was never able to achieve, which is an NBA championship, and four of them at that.
Whether or not his resume or career stacks up to Barkley’s? Well, that seems not to be a legitimate question in the eyes of Chuck.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers tosses the ball back during a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers, like everyone else, are patiently (and anxiously) awaiting LeBron James’s latest decision.
It’s been roughly four weeks since James announced he would not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers. The King will be moving on after eight years wearing the purple and gold. And now, we are all still waiting for him to announce where his talents will be taken next.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, that decision has yet to be made.
“There is no decision, no choice yet, no timetable on a choice as of yet,” said Charania.
This is the longest it has taken James to make a move like this. He previously announced his decision to join Miami, return to Cleveland, and head to Los Angeles all in the earlier days of free agency. This time around, James is soaking up every bit of the process. He’s put numerous teams across the league on hold, as teams are frozen in place waiting for him to make a decision.
All the while, it’s been a never-ending loop of the same updates. James is considering a handful of teams. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat appear to be in the lead. But the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves have not been formally removed from the race.
“We know the teams, Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia, Golden State, Minnesota,” said Charania. “My understanding of the last couple weeks is the focus has been primarily on the Eastern Conference teams.”
Anything is possible. James could surprise us all. But one team has consistently remained in front of the discourse:
Cleveland.
The Cavs haven’t made any major moves this summer. They’ve even had James Harden on hold as he opted out of his contract to potentially clear the way for James to return. Until there’s clarity on LeBron’s future, Harden likely won’t sign a new deal.
The appeal of returning home speaks for itself. James has a deeper connection to Cleveland than any other team he could play for. It should be no surprise that the Cavs continue to be viewed as the favorites to land LeBron one final time.
New York, NY July 16, 2026 LeBron James made multiple high-profile appearances at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026, including a live recording of his Mind the Game podcast with Indiana Pacers...
The entire basketball world is waiting with decreasing patience for James to announce which team he’ll join in free agency. While there were some rumors that LeBron’s decision could arrive as soon as Monday, an update from ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that the wait will continue.
LeBron James speaks during Fanatics Fest in New York City. BACKGRID
“I spoke to Rich Paul, [James’] longtime agent, this morning. And Rich Paul made it clear to me that the choice is LeBron James’ right now… There is no decision, no choice yet. There’s no timetable as of yet,” Charania said, per an X post from ESPN Cleveland on Monday.
Shams also noted that his understanding is that the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers are the “focus” for LeBron and his team right now.
“There is no decision, no choice yet, no timetable on a choice as of yet,” – @ShamsCharania with the latest on LeBron James.
There were rumblings that LeBron’s decision might arrive on Monday, which was owed to an X post from Patrick Beverley that read, “Rumor has it Bron makes his decision today!!!”
LeBron and Beverley spent time on the Lakers together during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, which convinced some that Beverley might have some insider information and his report might be accurate.
Patrick Beverley argues with a referee during a Los Angeles Lakers game. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
But LeBron appeared to debunk that when he posted a video of Kevin Hart saying, “I don’t know who needs to hear this… Shut the f*** up. Shut the f*** up.” to his Instagram story on Monday, shortly after Beverley’s X post went viral.
There’s no way of knowing for sure whether this story was a reaction to what Beverley said, but the fact that this report from Charania surfaced shortly afterwards suggests that LeBron’s team was compelled to prove that what Beverley said was false.
LeBron James dribbles during a Los Angeles Lakers game. Getty Images
What is for sure is that many people in basketball are tired of waiting on LeBron. The NBA is eager to know his next team so they can set a national television schedule; the league’s 30 teams also want to finalize their respective rosters; and the other free agents are waiting to see where he ends up because that might impact their ultimate decision.
The bottom line is that LeBron has all the cards right now. It’s a good position to be in, and he appears to be basking in the limelight. Therefore, it would not be surprising to see him drag this decision out even longer in the days to come.
LeBron James speaks during Fanatics Fest in New York City. BACKGRID
Villanova has enjoyed great success and put itself in the conversation of blue blood territory in recent years.
This success dates back decades as the Wildcats have been sending players to the next level since 1950.
That year, Paul Arizin was selected third-overall by the Philadelphia Warriors. To this day, he remains as the highest-drafted player to come out of Villanova.
Arizin was also the first of nine players selected in the Top 10 in the NBA Draft and one of 66 total players.
The 2018 class had the most selections with four. Mikal Bridges led the way that year as the 10th overall selection while Donte DiVincenzo and Omari Spellman joined him in the first round. Jalen Brunson went on to be a second round selection as well.
With the addition of Luigi Suigo and others, it looks as though the list will grow in 2027 but for now, this is how it looks:
lebron james at fanatics fan fest cropped next to comedian kevin hart
Just hours after Patrick Beverley posted to social media that he heard LeBron James would be making his decision on who he will play for next season, James opted to troll his former teammate.
James posted a video on his Instagram story of famous comedian and actor Kevin Hart saying, “Shut the f— up,” in reaction to his former teammate. That was followed by him leaving a comment that said “BINGO STFU.”
“I don’t know who needs to hear this, but I feel like it’s important. I feel like somebody needs to hear this: shut the f— up,” Hart said in the video, which is followed up by him repeating the phrase over and over again.
James and Beverley were once teammates for 45 games in 2022, until the latter was traded to the Orlando Magic in a four-team deal that resulted in him being waived and later signing with the Chicago Bulls.
The two have had a long-standing rivalry in the NBA. During a game between the Lakers and Bulls in 2023, Beverley infamously scored with a hook shot over James and lowered his hand, the universal sign in the NBA to say “he’s too small.”
Beverley had a 12-year career in the NBA and retired after the 2024 season. Now in his post-playing career, he is the host of a podcast “The Pat Bev Show.”
It’s too hard to tell if Beverley’s sources are correct that James will be making his decision soon, but it appears that the legendary figure will be taking his time.
Haliburton tried to inject himself into finding out where James would play next by asking him personally, to which James replied: “Didn’t we already talk about this in the back,” thus forcing Haliburton to stay silent on the topic.
Tyrese Haliburton attempted to ask LeBron James about his decision early on in the program and James did not bite, saying “didn’t we already talk about this in the back.” Haliburton acquiesced and said, “I’ll leave it alone.”
The interaction between the two gave NBA fans a glimpse that LeBron could be taking his time to make his decision, despite recently facing pressure from NBA commissioner Adam Silver to sign with a team soon, as there are lingering schedule implications surrounding his free agency.
Could Pat Riley welcome back LeBron James with open arms if he decided to sign with the Miami Heat during NBA free agency?
Riley appeared as a guest on “The Dan LeBatard Show” on Monday morning and talked about how he’s let go of the past and the current state of his relationship with James.
“I’ve seen him around, run into him at All-Star games, we had a great embrace when they honored me with a statue out there,” Riley said. “Seeing he and Savannah in the stands at certain things, she’s always been a really gracious, wonderful person.”
Pat Riley on his relationship with LeBron James:
“I've seen him around and run into him at All-Star Games. We had a great embrace when they honored me with a statue out there. LeBron and I, we haven't talked much, but you let go of that stuff.
Between 2010-2014, James was playing under Riley, who still serves as the Miami Heat’s team president.
During this four-year span, he was playing alongside Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, where James was a two-time NBA champion (2012 & 2013) and was crowned the NBA Finals MVP and league MVP (2012 & 2013.)
Pat Riley reveals he still enjoys seeing LeBron James and his family around, despite his departure from the Heat in 2014. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
In 2014, the Heat were back in the NBA Finals looking for a three-peat but would end up being stunned as the San Antonio Spurs eliminated them 4-1.
James would become a free agent that year and ended up reuniting with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Riley admitted that he was disappointed with James’ decision to go back to Cleveland, as they believed the Heat were on the verge of becoming a dynasty.
“LeBron and I, we haven’t talked much, but you let go of that stuff,” Riley said. “I was very disappointed because I thought we were looking at a dynasty, or something dynastic, and we now had a chance to add other players to it in 14.”
Pat Riley revealed he still enjoys seeing LeBron James and his family around, despite his departure from the Heat in 2014. Getty Images
Riley went on to say he didn’t want to hang on to that and would like to see him at the golf course someday, despite not being a golfer.
Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson was removed from a star-studded party at Zero Bond, a members-only social club in New York City, for intervening during an altercation that involved rapper Travis Scott on Saturday night, according to TMZ.
Clarkson, who’s fresh off helping the Knicks secure their first NBA championship in 53 years, reportedly attempted to de-escalate the situation after Scott’s entourage started throwing bottles, and wound up being escorted out by police.
Scott was reportedly booted from the club.
Knicks guard and reigning NBA champion Jordan Clarkson was involved in a tense late-night altercation at the exclusive private members’ club Zero Bond in New York City. BACKGRIDClarkson reportedly attempted to de-escalate a situation after Scott’s entourage started throwing bottles. BACKGRIDJordan Clarkson attends a Raising Cane’s party at Zero Bond on July 18, 2026 in New York City. GC Images
Things escalated inside the private party, which was put on by Raising Cane’s, when Scott confronted a unnamed man for allegedly filming him, according to Page Six.
“It all happened really fast,” an insider told Page Six. “It started fast and broke up really quickly.”
The altercation reportedly took place as Scott was watching rapper, 50 Cent perform at the event.
Clark was at the DJ booth during 50 Cent’s performance, as seen in a video online.
nicks guard and reigning NBA champion Jordan Clarkson was involved in a tense late-night altercation at the exclusive private members’ club Zero Bond in New York City. BACKGRIDRapper Travis Scott at a party at Zero Bond in New York City on Saturday, July 18, 2026. UrbanxDivinity / BACKGRID
The matter did not disrupt the rapper’s performance, Page Six reported.
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns and fiancée Jordyn Woods, tennis icon Serena Williams, Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant, and Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden all were in attendance.
Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson #00 reacts after he scores in the 2nd quarter against the Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Others included Teyana Taylor, Alix Earle, Brooks Nader, Tate McRae, Druski, Jake and Logan Paul.
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