LeBron James is a 22-time All-Star. Photograph: Mark J Terrill/AP
LeBron James looks set to leave the Los Angeles Lakers, with ESPN reporting he has told the team he will continue his NBA career but with a different team.
James will turn 42 during the 2026-27 season but his long-time representative, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, said the 22-time All-Star intends to continue his playing career. However, he intends to do so away from the Lakers, with whom he won a championship in 2020.
Reports on Monday indicated the Golden State Warriors are looking to sign James, setting up a union with his old rivals Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The Warriors are also understood to be looking at signing Anthony Davis. The window for free agency negotiation opens at 6pm ET on Tuesday.
James is a 22-time All-Star, claiming the honor every year from 2005 to 2026 and has been league MVP four times, a total bettered only by Michael Jordan, Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. James’s longevity – and brilliance – means he owns a host of NBA records, including most minutes played, most points scored and most All-Star appearances.
Across his career he has averaged 26.8 points per game, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists. He has also played long enough that last season his eldest son, Bronny, became his teammate at the Lakers.
Los Angeles, CA - May 11:Lakers LeBron James (23) reacts to a Laker turnover during second quarter action in game 4 of the NBA West semifinals at Crypto.com Arena on Monday, May 11, 2026. (Photo by David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Rumors are rumors until they’re not, and today they very much became “not.”
Let’s set the scene. Free agency is about to open up and within minutes the timeline turns into a fireworks show. Shams Charania drops the bomb: LeBron James is continuing his career for 2026-27, and he’s told the Lakers directly that they can move on without him because he’s going to play somewhere else. Read that again. Not “exploring his options.” Not “evaluating the market.” He told the Lakers it’s over. That’s not a rumor floating around a group chat. That’s a WRAP.
BREAKING: LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zzVk6xUVF1
And here’s where Golden State fans should sit up straight. Hours before that bombshell, Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option. For weeks, league sources made clear that move only happens if it unlocks real financial flexibility, the kind you use to chase a difference-maker, not the kind you use to save a few bucks on a bench piece. Green doesn’t walk away from guaranteed money for nothing. He walks away from it when the front office whispers “we might actually have a shot at something.”
Now stack Kristaps Porzingis re-signing on a two-year, $40 million deal right behind it. On the surface that complicates the math for fitting James under the full $15.1 million midlevel exception. But complicated isn’t the same as impossible, and the Warriors have spent the better part of a year quietly building toward exactly this kind of swing. Green, James, and Anthony Davis all share an agent in Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, which is the NBA equivalent of three people having the same group chat where the real decisions get made.
Here’s the part that should make your palms sweat a little. League sources believe Davis could be the actual lure, not James himself. James and Davis won a title together in 2020 and remain close. If Golden State can find a path to put both of them in the Bay, you’re not talking about a depth move. You’re talking about reshaping the entire Western Conference power structure overnight.
LeBron James appears to be nearing a “below-market-price” contract to join Stephen Curry and Draymond Green on the Warriors, per @timkawakami.
But let’s not skip the part that makes this complicated and human. Any realistic Davis package almost certainly runs through Jimmy Butler, who is four months removed from ACL surgery and has heard the trade rumors before. His agent, meanwhile, insists the organization remains committed to him through rehab.
That tension, wanting championship upside while owing loyalty to a guy who bled for this team, is the real story here. Not just “will LeBron come.” It’s “what is this front office willing to risk, and who is willing to walk so this gamble pays off.”
Today was supposed to be speculation. Instead, it was the first domino. Buckle up.
Lakers forward LeBron James will play an unprecedented 24th NBA season, but his days as a Laker are over. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
LeBron James is continuing his record-setting NBA career, but he won’t do it with the Lakers.
The 41-year-old superstar informed the Lakers he felt it was best to part ways, The Times confirmed. James, who will extend his own NBA record for seasons played to 24, is pursuing a contract with another NBA team, according to people familiar with the situation but not authorized to discuss it publicly.
James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game last season for the Lakers while claiming a slew of NBA records, including marks for games played, all-time wins and field goals made. After eight seasons with the Lakers, he became an unrestricted free agent and flirted with retirement. Despite his age, he was still considered one of the top free agents in a relatively pedestrian class.
James earned his record 22nd All-Star appearance last season, maintained his streak of averaging more than 20 points per game every season of his career and willed a shorthanded Lakers team past the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs last season.
But he also gave up ground in his decades-long bout with Father Time.
James missed the first 14 games of the season while dealing with a right sciatic nerve issue, marking the first time in his career that he wasn’t ready to suit up for the season opener. His 15.3 field goal attempts per game was a career low, and he was ineligible for end-of-season awards because he missed 22 regular-season games, ending his streak of 21 years with All-NBA honors.
The Lakers needed James to reach the second round of the Western Conference playoffs last season — when the team was without star Luka Doncic for the entire postseason — but the NBA’s all-time leading scorer was set to take a supporting role within the franchise.
Doncic, 27, remains the top priority for the Lakers. Doncic signed a three-year, $165-million contract extension last summer. The Lakers also wanted to keep 28-year-old Austin Reaves, who declined a player option to position himself for a well-deserved raise during a critical summer for the Lakers.
Lakers stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic high-five after Doncic scored on a crucial three-point shot in overtime against the Knicks at Crypto.com Arena in March. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
With eight players from last year’s roster entering unrestricted free agency or holding player options, the Lakers were in position to completely remake their roster around Doncic two offseasons after the Slovenian superstar landed in the Lakers’ laps in a mind-blowing trade with the Dallas Mavericks.
President of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said after the season that the roster would be “retrofitted” around Doncic, meaning the Lakers wanted to target athletic, defensive-minded wings, knock-down shooters and a rim-running center.
DENVER, CO - APRIL 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets during Round One Game Five of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 29, 2024 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will not be playing for them next season. He’s permitted them to move on without him, as he plans on changing teams for the fourth time in his multi-decade-long career.
BREAKING: LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zzVk6xUVF1
James is no stranger to dominating free agency. His name has been thrown around for weeks as various teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, wondered if they could pry him from LA. The first step is complete.
Now for the finale.
The Warriors emerged as real threats to acquire James this week. They’ve been reworking their roster to pave the way for a free agency signing. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported today that the Warriors are primarily focused on signing James once free agency opens up at 6 PM Eastern.
Marc Stein has also listed the Warriors as the frontrunners to sign LeBron.
Seeing James in a Warriors uniform would undoubtedly break the hearts of every Ohioan. There are certain unwritten rules to sports, and fans will understandably be upset to see James finish his career with a team that was arguably his biggest rival throughout.
Nonetheless, Cavs fans can cling to hope that this is shaping up for another homecoming. James ending his reign in Cleveland is the storybook ending that many have predicted. The door is now as open as it’s ever been for James to complete that dream and fill a massive hole in the roster while he does it.
Cleveland needs support on the wing. Preferably someone who can handle the ball and accomplish multiple things on offense. James ticks that box to perfection. He might not be an elite defensive player anymore, but he has the size and veteran-savvy of someone who can still make a difference.
Adding James in free agency is the ultimate win for the Cavs. They don’t need to give up any assets to acquire him via trade anymore. The pairing works on paper and is a narrative success that bodes well for LBJ’s legacy. All that’s left is to sign on the dotted line and make this happen.
The King is coming back — We just don't know where.
NBA icon LeBron James, the league’s all-time leading scorer, has reportedly agreed to return to the NBA, according to initial reporting from ESPN's Shams Charania. This brings him back for the 2026-27 season, which will be his 24th and will extend his record for most seasons played in NBA history.
"LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN," Charania wrote on X.
BREAKING: LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zzVk6xUVF1
This comes in the wake of Los Angeles getting swept in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a series in which the Lakers were missing star player and NBA leading scorer Luka Dončić.
James will become an unrestricted free agent after he played the final season of his contract in 2025-26, which was a player option. James and his agent, Rich Paul, had acknowledged in June 2025 that the Lakers were building for the future – a future that seemingly may not have included James.
The Lakers played extremely well down the stretch during the games when James, Dončić and Austin Reaves were healthy and available. Los Angeles won 16 of the 18 games prior to April 2, which was the night Dončić suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. The Lakers then lost three consecutive (including the game that Dončić left early), but James was instrumental in elevating the play of the Lakers, who also missed Reaves for extended stretches.
In particular, James, who turns 42 in December, was exceptional during the first-round series against the Rockets, a series Los Angeles won in six games.
Although he tied for the lowest scoring average of his career this season, James nonetheless scored 20.9 points per game, adding 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds, and shot 51.5% from the field, 31.7% on 3-pointers and 73.7% on free throws. He made the All-Star team for a league-record 22nd consecutive time.
A 22-time All-Star and four-time Most Valuable Player, James is also a four-time NBA champion – with four NBA Finals Most Valuable Player trophies along the way. He’s a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team and had stops with the Cavaliers (twice), the Miami Heat and the Lakers. He won at least one NBA championship with each squad.
James is also a three-time Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012, 2024) and won bronze in 2004.
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, after the Lakers drafted his eldest son, Bronny, the pair also became the first father-son duo to appear in a regular season game together, in a 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
James already holds several NBA all-time records, including points scored (43,440), field goal attempts (31,502), minutes played (61,030) and he also holds the all-time record for nearly every major individual playoff statistic.
It remains to be seen where his next chapter will unfold.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 12: Keith Palek III #11 of the Missouri State Bears dribbles the ball while being guarded by Isaiah Walker #7 of the Xavier Musketeers in the second half at the Cintas Center on December 12, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Knicks are NBA champions, but they aren’t resting on their laurels.
New York completed the 2026 NBA Draft with a couple of second-round rookies added to the organization, but failed to land a big man through two rounds of silliness. That could have been no problem had any of Mitchell Robinson or Ariel Hukporti been re-signed, but the former looks like a goner, and the latter is already set to become a UFA later today.
Enter Keith Palek III, who’s not your typical big but still long enough to fill a frontcourt.
According to ESPN’s Josh Hennig, Palek signed a free-agent deal with the Knicks to play for their Summer League team after going undrafted.
“Palek III is joining the Knicks for practice July 4th weekend, and will be flying out with the team to Las Vegas for the 2026 NBA Summer League. He received interest from the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons, but decided to sign with the 2025-26 NBA Champions.”
The agreement actually happened on June 25, less than two weeks after New York beat the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals and ended its 53-year championship drought, but nobody seemingly realized. Yikes!
Missouri State has one of the most versatile players in college basketball in 6’10 Forward Keith Palek III
Palek has been one of the best mid major players in the country this season where he’s averaging 18/7/4. Palek was also a standout in D2 where he averaged 18/7/3 and shot… pic.twitter.com/Q1Am6xZztK
Palek is a 6-foot-9 forward from Woodbine, New Jersey, and a St. Augustine Prep graduate. He also took a much longer route to this point than most players who wind up wearing an NBA practice jersey in Las Vegas.
Palek began his college career at Division II California University of Pennsylvania, where he averaged 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 88 games. His final season there was limited to six games because of injury, but he still averaged 18.8 points before transferring to Missouri State for his last year of eligibility.
The jump to Division I worked out about as well as he could have hoped, as Palek led Missouri State in scoring at 17.3 points per game, finished second on the team with 6.4 rebounds per game, and led the Bears with 121 total assists. He also made 40 three-pointers (albeit shooting 25.5% from beyond the arc on 157 attempts), finished second on the team with 33 steals, and earned second-team All-Conference USA honors.
Palek became the first Missouri State player to finish a season with at least 500 points, 200 rebounds, and 100 assists. Missouri State finished 16-18 overall and 8-12 in Conference USA, so this was not exactly a national-stage breakout, but the production was real.
According to ESPN’s report, the Bears’ standout also had some NBA interest before landing with the Knicks. He worked out for the Boston Celtics in May, and he told the Daily Citizen that the Detroit Pistons invited him to a workout before flight cancellations kept it from happening. Suck it!
“I feel NBA scouts liked my size and versatility, the ability to play multiple positions and play different roles,” Palek said.
When it comes to Palek’s added value to the Summer League squad, he will bring some much-needed size, strong overall production across the board, passing touch, and enough shooting to justify a look, even though the efficiency isn’t that great, as he seems to love any and every shot he takes.
The Knicks’ Summer League roster is expected to include several players already familiar to the organization and fans alike, including guards Tyler Kolek and Pacome Dadiet, wing Kevin McCullar Jr., and big Mo Diawara, along with incoming rookies Jack Kiyan and Tyler Nickel. No, I didn’t forget Ariel Hukporti—he just doesn’t belong anymore. That said, it will feature St. John’s guard Oziyah Sellers. Yay!
New York is scheduled to open Summer League play in Las Vegas against the Brooklyn Nets on July 10, followed by games against the Spurs on July 11, Pistons on July 13, and Warriors on July 16.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, 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. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After eight years in Los Angeles, LeBron James will don a different jersey for the 2026-27 season.
First reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, LeBron has informed the Lakers he will be playing for a different team next season, as told to him by Klutch Sports CEO and LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul.
BREAKING: LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zzVk6xUVF1
Whether a sign of respect or not, LeBron has never informed the team he’s leaving that he will not be playing for them the next season. It affords the Lakers the chance to head into the offseason fully aware they need to replace him on the roster.
LeBron’s 2025-26 season was unlike any other for him or the league. No player has seen the court in their 23rd season until LeBron stepped on the floor this year. However, that debut was delayed for the first time in his career after a bout with sciatica. Once he took the court, he eventually embraced a role he had never had in his career, either as the third option.
Still, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game, absurd numbers for any player in the 40s, even if they were down from previous seasons. Once the playoffs rolled around, he was forced back into the first fiddle role and showed he still had something left in the tank, leading the Lakers to a win over the Rockets in the first round.
The offseason, though, did bring uncertainty about what was to come for LeBron. Entering as an unrestricted free agent, there were questions about whether the Lakers could move into the Luka Dončić era with LeBron on the roster.
02/01/26: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts on the court during the first quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers vs New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New...
LeBron James’ time in Tinseltown has come to an end.
In a stunning move that has shocked the NBA world, James has informed the Lakers that he will finish out his NBA career elsewhere and that the Lakers are free to move on without him this offseason, according to his agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.
James’ decision as an unrestricted free agent ends his longest consecutive tenure with a franchise, with his eight straight seasons with the Lakers outlasting the first seven seasons of his NBA career he spent with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and will be an unrestricted free agent. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
If Green re-signs with the Warriors for less money, they’d have the financial flexibility to offer James the $15.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
Rumors are swirling that James could join the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
“Honestly, this was best for both sides,” one user posted on X. “I know there will be fans saying how his production will be missed this season and etc., but in life there is always a time and place for everything.”
One camp of Lakers fans is rejoicing, hailing the decision by the oldest player in the NBA to take his talents elsewhere in a move described as “absolute cinema.”
“Thank the basketball gods. Best news ever for us Lakers fans!” a fan said.
While the other camp was clearly hurt by the news.
“Ummm im going back to sleep! its not even the first and our season is already OVER,” one wrote on X, referring to the Lakers star potentially leaving the team.
“Whatever jersey LeBron wears next, the entire basketball world will be watching,” another fan said on X.
The 41-year-old James averaged 25.9 points, 7.9 assists, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals since joining the Lakers as a free agent in 2018.
James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time regular-season scoring record (38,387) on Feb. 7, 2023, now sitting at 43,440 regular-season points scored after an unprecedented 23rd NBA season. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
James had a Hall-of-Fame worthy run with the Lakers: eight-time All-Star; seven-time All-NBA honoree, NBA champion, and NBA Finals MVP in 2020 and NBA Cup champion in 2023.
He also surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time regular-season scoring record (38,387) on Feb. 7, 2023, now sitting at 43,440 regular-season points scored after an unprecedented 23rd NBA season.
James ended his second tenure with the Cavaliers and signed a four-year, $154 million deal with the Lakers during the 2018 offseason.
The first season didn’t go as hoped, with James suffering a groin injury on Dec. 25, 20218 that sidelined him for 17 straight games, marking the first major injury of his career, with the Lakers missing the 2018-19 season.
James had a Hall-of-Fame worthy run with the Lakers: eight-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA honoree, NBA champion, and NBA Finals MVP in 2020 and NBA Cup champion in 2023. Getty ImagesThe relationship between James and the Lakers has had its rifts throughout the decade. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
After an offseason retooling, which included trading for star big man Anthony Davis and replacing Luke Walton with Frank Vogel as the head coach, James and the Lakers bounced back in 2019-20, winning the 2020 NBA title.
The relationship between James and the Lakers has had its rifts throughout the decade. But at each pivotal turn, the two sides came back to each other.
But not this time.
The Lakers wanted to bring James back, but it wasn’t their No. 1 priority as they looked to build the ideal roster around superstar Luka Doncic. Getty Images
The Lakers wanted to bring James back, but it wasn’t their No. 1 priority as they looked to build the ideal roster around superstar Luka Doncic, who supplanted James as the face of the franchise after he was traded to Los Angeles in February 2025.
And James, after helping restore the Lakers to relevancy, will close out his career elsewhere.
“We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers — including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold.”
“We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off,” Buss added. “He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.”
“Truly a honor to wear the [purple and gold] while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint.”
Luka Dončić paid homage to the star on Instagram, sharing a photo of he and James hugging with the caption, “An honor to play with and learn from you @kingjames.”
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Welcome to the start of a new NBA calendar year as the free agency period officially starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 30.
Players, agents and front office decision-makers all have their phones on alert waiting for calls and text messages about what the future holds. Die-hard fans are refreshing their social media feeds every few minutes for the latest update.
There's already been major deals that have broken the internet.
It's pandemonium. Trades are happening. Players will be signing new deals. Some have opted out and chose to test the market.
Here's where our NBA experts think the biggest names in free agency will end up.
LeBron James
Scooby Axson: If the NBA wants to turn into the 2004 Los Angeles Lakers, then James should sign with Golden State. The most logical answer would be for him to stay put in L.A. and ride out the rest of his career there. Stranger things have happened, but with the league's most dynamic scorer by his side and complementary role players, there is no reason why a title run can't be realistic.
Mark Giannotto: The Lakers will be able to pay LeBron James more than any other team and he can continue playing with his son there. The flirtation with the Golden State Warriors feels more like posturing for a better deal from the Lakers at this point.
Lorenzo Reyes: Lakers. At this stage of his career, it’s tough to see James wearing an entirely new jersey, as much as the Warriors noise does make sense. I also don’t know that a Golden State team with James is any closer to competing for a title than the Lakers are. James’ family is in Los Angeles. I get the sense he wants to make it work there, even if he needs to take less.
Marcus D. Smith: I know there are a bunch of legitimate talks about LeBron leaving the Lakers, maybe for the Warriors. James playing alongside Stephen Curry feels like something that you'd force on NBA 2K. We had a glimpse of their tandem in the 2024 Olympics. It was magical but I think that's where the dream ends. LeBron spent the last eight years in Los Angeles. At age 41, I couldn't imagine him leaving.
Jalen Duren
Scooby Axson: Duren would be going into NBA purgatory if he wants to sign with Sacramento. His value is the most in Detroit, so both sides need to stop acting like babies and get a deal done. Unless the Pistons are so worried about Duren's no-show in the playoffs that they wouldn't dare give him max dollars for which he is eligible to receive.
Mark Giannotto: Though Duren (and more likely, his agent) are sending signals he and the Pistons are at an impasse and he's taking meetings with other teams, Detroit has leverage since Duren is a restricted free agent. This may be a drawn-out process and it could get uncomfortable given Duren's lackluster postseason performance, but the guess here is the negotiation ends with Duren resigning with the Pistons.
Lorenzo Reyes: Lakers. They’ve needed a defensive-minded center for some time, and are also trying to impress Luka Dončić, who will be watching what L.A. does to remain competitive. Duren is an excellent fit, and won’t be relied upon to create his own shot.
Marcus D. Smith: Multiple reports are saying Jalen Duren wants to be a Sacramento King. It's rare that guys actually want to play for the Kings, let alone be in Sacramento. Maybe Duren sees something brewing in California's capital, or he knows that they'll pay him. The deal could likely include Domantas Sabonis, who the Kings have been looking to sell on, so there's a possibility that Duren lands in the 916.
James Harden
Scooby Axson: Harden's best bet is to stay in Cleveland, as his championship window is closing every year that he gets bounced from the playoffs. His $42.3 million player option will be his last big payday, so he can opt out and come back to the team on a "hometown discount" and try for another run at a ring.
Mark Giannotto: Harden is going to stay with the Cavaliers on a more team-friendly deal.
Lorenzo Reyes: Cavaliers. He may have declined his player option, but the move here was always going to be for the two sides to work toward a multi-year deal. There’s little doubt around this one.
Marcus D. Smith: James Harden will be back in Cleveland. He declined his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season, but it's likely that he'll still be back in Cleveland next season. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Cavs and Harden are working through a multi-year deal. Harden expressed desire to play in Cleveland back in May, after being eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals by the New York Knicks.
Norman Powell
Scooby Axson: Miami makes the most sense, but we are talking about the NBA where logic rarely rules the day. Powell is 33 years old and coming off leading the Heat in scoring. That won't happen again no matter where he goes, and a team with cap space like the Washington Wizards or Los Angeles Clippers would fulfill Powell's monetary demands.
Mark Giannotto: The Chicago Bulls are one of the few NBA teams with legitimate salary cap space to spend this offseason and they lack a starting shooting guard. Pencil in Powell to the Bulls.
Lorenzo Reyes: Bulls. Chicago has cap space it needs to use, and Powell could provide a solid, veteran presence (and much-needed shooting) to a roster that lacks both.
Marcus D. Smith: Norman Powell is likely on his way out of Miami since they can't pay him $25 to 30 million, but the Chicago Bulls can. I'd say he follows the money, plus he's a natural fit for what the Bulls lack: veteran leadership and shooting.
Tobias Harris
Scooby Axson: Any team that is looking for a solid veteran presence would be in line for Harris' service. The Celtics aren't changing their philosophy, so they will continue to jack up 3-pointers at every turn, and Harris, with a green light to shoot when he gets in the game, would fit right in.
Mark Giannotto: Where Harris ends up will likely depend on whether he's wants to take the midlevel exception to remain with the Pistons or play for a contender. Here's guessing he's willing to take a discount to play with Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, who could use another floor spacer.
Lorenzo Reyes: Celtics. Assuming Jaylen Brown is moved, Boston will need a forward who can shoot and score. Harris has had spurts of excellent play and stretches when he disappears. Boston would give him the green light to shoot, but he’d need to deliver consistency for coach Joe Mazzulla.
Marcus D. Smith: Tobias Harris is a solid veteran, role player who can score in timely fashion. I feel like he'd stay on an Eastern Conference team for sure. I'm stuck between the Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics. Since Harris has always played meaningful basketball, I'd lean towards the Celtics.
Jonathan Kuminga
Scooby Axson: This is a tough one, as Kuminga can be an enigma at times. He wants to get paid like the star that he isn't, and can certainly act that way when things go awry. A team like the Brooklyn Nets, where expectations are nil, would be a good fit, as they have a mix of proven scorers on the roster that would go nicely with his skill set.
Mark Giannotto: The Clippers want to get younger and move Kawhi Leonard. Kuminga could slot into Leonard's role immediately, but they won't have enough money to get it done without trading Leonard.
Lorenzo Reyes: Kings. They’re going in on something of a rebuild, and Kuminga is looking for a larger role — and a significant payday. Sacramento will need to get creative to make it work with the cap, but this lets Kuminga come in and be a first or second option.
Marcus D. Smith: I'd say somewhere like Denver, but Jonathan Kuminga wants to be a star or a key contributor wherever he goes, not just a role player. Kuminga could have a chance to prove himself on the Los Angeles Clippers, if they deal Kawhi Leonard.
Rui Hachimura
Scooby Axson: If Hachimura wants to win, he will stay with the Lakers. If he is looking for a big payday other than what Los Angeles can offer him, he will sign with the first team that offers him a lucrative contract. His consistent play is too much for Los Angeles to give up on, so he stays where he is at for now.
Mark Giannotto: This might be Hachimura's best chance at a payday the rest of his NBA career and staying with the Lakers would likely mean taking a little less to help their salary cap situation. I bet he takes the money and the Brooklyn Nets have plenty to spend.
Lorenzo Reyes: Nets. Brooklyn has several young players who are still finding their way, and a veteran scorer who can space the floor is a huge need.
Marcus D. Smith: Rui Hachimura was a huge part of the Lakers' playoff success. LA can make the money work and that includes re-signing LeBron James. He's expressed desire to stay in LA since he was traded from the Washington Wizards. I expect Hachimura to return to the Lakers.
Anfernee Simons
Scooby Axson: Simons will be on the floor for one reason and one reason only: to put the ball in the hoop. Other times, it's basically five-on-four, so Washington can use another outside threat, and if the Heat come up with some money, he would be a nice addition down in South Beach.
Mark Giannotto: The Miami Heat need more shooting around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo with Tyler Herro gone. Simons would be a nice fit in South Beach.
Lorenzo Reyes: Heat. Miami desperately needs shooting and can mask Simons’ defensive weaknesses. He’s also from Central Florida and played high school hoops in Bradenton, so a homecoming would be a seamless fit.
Marcus D. Smith: Anfernee Simons to the Heat is ideal. He's dynamic on offense as a scorer and can provide a spark. He has the capability to provide spacing, which will be much needed for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Mitchell Robinson
Scooby Axson: The Knicks play in an arena that underwent a $1 billion facelift, have an owner with unlimited funds, and don't want to pay Robinson, who was a key cog in their championship run. So Robinson needs to make his way to the left coast and join either the Lakers or the Clippers. The Lakers would be the most beneficial.
Mark Giannotto: If Robinson wants a starting role, he'll go to the Nets. If he wants to chase another title, he'll go to the Lakers. I bet he stays in New York and makes the move to Brooklyn.
Lorenzo Reyes: Nets. They have the cap space, they’re close enough to his current home, and they would give him a starter’s role. And since the Knicks are avoiding the second apron, it’s almost certain Robinson will play elsewhere.
Marcus D. Smith: Mitchell Robinson to the Nets has a ring to it. After winning a chip with the Knicks, you're practically forever royalty in New York. It makes sense for Robinson to play the game he loves, in a city he loves, even if its not exactly the same team that he developed that love with.
Peyton Watson
Scooby Axson: Not sure why Denver wouldn't match any deal that comes Watson's way, and if they don't, the Chicago Bulls should be waiting there with open arms. A sign-and-trade makes the most sense here, as it will satisfy needs on both sides.
Mark Giannotto: The Nuggets should match whatever deal Watson is offered and move other players to make it work. His value as a 3-and-D wing blossomed this past season.
Lorenzo Reyes: Spurs. This feels like such a great fit for both. Watson is a defensive player whom San Antonio coaches would love. His improvement on offense also allows him help the Spurs with their shot creation.
Marcus D. Smith: Peyton Watson has improved offensively, but it's his defensive capabilities that should really intrigue teams. The Lakers have needed more two-way wings, they get that in Watson. Watson would be a nice fit after seemingly losing Marcus Smart. Watson to the Lakers.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 09: Day'ron Sharpe #20 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Barclays Center on March 09, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 126-115. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Late last week, we got the news that former North Carolina men’s basketball player Coby White had agreed to a new deal with the Charlotte Hornets, who he had been acquired by in a trade last season. On Monday, we got more news that another Tar Heel had come to an agreement on a new contract. Yesterday, Day’Ron Sharpe reportedly agreed to re-up with the Brooklyn Nets for two years and $20 million, staying with the only NBA team he’s played for to this point.
Sharpe played at UNC from 2020-21. In his lone season in Chapel Hill, he averaged 9.5 points and 7.6 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game. Those equated to some pretty impressive 19.8 and 15.8 per 40 minute numbers, leading to Sharpe being named an All-ACC Freshman that season. That and his obvious potential led him to get some pro love, leading to him declaring for the 2021 NBA Draft.
The Nets selected him with the 29th pick in that year’s draft and Sharpe has been a regular for Brooklyn since. For his career, he’s averaged 7.0 points and 5.9 rebounds as a bench player for the Nets. In recent years, as Brooklyn has begun a rebuild, he’s become even more of a regular for them. He put up career best totals pretty much across the board his past season, going for 8.7 points (on over 60% field goal shooting) and 6.7 rebounds.
In all likelihood, Sharpe will not get to be on a contending team over the two years of this deal, unless he and some others take some massive leaps. The Nets went 20-62 last year, and have traded away almost anyone on their roster who is any good, including Cam Johnson, who was sent to the Denver Nuggets before this past season. However, this contract will almost certainly give him a bigger role than he would have on a currently contending team. Having that bigger role could put him at a much more advantageous position when it comes to the contract he gets after this one, whether it be with the Nets or elsewhere. Sharpe would need to continue improving for that to be the case, but he’ll certainly get the opportunity to try.
As a fan of the NBA championship-winning team across town, I can’t personally say that I wish the Nets any success as a team. However, I certainly wish the best for Sharpe for this contract and any potential future ones.
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 15: John Collins #20 of the LA Clippers stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 15, 2026 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA Draft is over. Mike Gansey and the new-look Sixers’ front office did well in selecting Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. 22nd overall.
There isn’t much rest for the weary as teams can begin speaking to free agents this week. On Monday, the team picked up their options on Dominick Barlow and Dalen Terry, while not picking up Trendon Watford’s. While the Sixers filled a hole on their roster by getting a backup lead ball-handler in Philon, the team has plenty of others.
“You look at our roster, we need help at every position, one through five,” Gansey said following the first round of the draft. “Obviously, we have the Big 4, but we need guys outside of them.”
As we all saw, the Sixers’ top-heavy roster was a big part of their undoing in the postseason. Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George and Joel Embiid expended so much energy in the 3-1 comeback against the Celtics, they had nothing left — and got little help — when they got swept by the eventual champion Knicks.
One of the most obvious places they could look to upgrade is the four position. With how well George handled his wing assignments during the playoffs and the landscape of the position in free agency, it might make more sense to target a starting-caliber four than a wing. While Barlow gave the Sixers good minutes at the position last season, they could use an upgrade.
Over the last week or so, Tony Jones of The Athletic has continually brought up an interesting name: John Collins. Would that be possible? How would it look? Is it worth it? Let’s dive in.
Collins is entering his 10th NBA season, yet he’s still just 28 years old. He’s never been an All-Star, but he’s played in 541 games, starting 466 of them. He also took the floor for 29 playoff games with the Hawks (you might remember a few of those). After six years in Atlanta, he was traded to Utah in a cost-cutting move in 2023. He spent two seasons with the Jazz before going to the Clippers in the deal that sent Norman Powell to the Heat.
For his career, Collins has averaged 15.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 28.9 minutes per game on 54.6/36.9/78.9 shooting splits. At a minimum, he’s proven to be a starting-caliber four for almost a decade. His skillset is ideal in many ways for the Sixers. Collins will bring athleticism, rebounding, shooting and weakside rim protection.
He’s a highlight-reel dunk waiting to happen and would be an excellent pick-and-roll partner for Maxey, Edgecombe and Philon. He’s long been one of the better play finishers in the NBA and looked plenty spry this past season in Los Angeles. He’s a good cutter and has plenty of experience alongside high-usage players. Collins will also run the floor, which should make for exciting transition opportunities with the Sixers’ young guards.
His ability on the offensive glass (2.7 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes) and to sneak out to the corners for threes makes him an ideal option next to Joel Embiid. We all know of the issues Embiid has had with rebounding the last few seasons. Collins will help on the defensive glass as well (7.0 per 36 minutes), a sore spot for the Sixers, especially in the postseason. Other than one down season in Atlanta, Collins has typically been an above-average shooter from deep. He’s hit 39.1% of his triples over the last three seasons on decent volume (4.3 attempts per game).
At 6-foot-9 with a near 7-foot wingspan, Collins could even give Nick Nurse some minutes at the five depending on the matchup. It’s not a look you’d want to go to every night, but Collins’ physical profile does give Nurse a little more optionality with his lineups.
The on-court fit makes sense, but what about the financials?
It’s hard to know how Collins’ market will shake out. The deal he was previously signed to under the old CBA is unlikely to be available to him this time around. With the Sixers’ current cap sheet, they could theoretically sign Collins using the whole non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($15 million). Because the team is so top-heavy, they wouldn’t have space to do much else — which could mean Oubre and Quentin Grimes will be moving on. They’d also potentially have access to the bi-annual exception ($5.5 million), which could net them one player above the minimum. The rest of the roster would have to be filled out by vet minimums.
So, you’re looking at a starting five of Maxey, Edgecombe, George, Collins and Embiid. On paper, that’s one of the better starting groups in the NBA. On paper. The health of Embiid and George will determine how good that starting unit actually is.
The bench would be flawed but interesting.
As far as high-profile names go, the free agency market isn’t very ripe at center and the wing, but there are a few intriguing names the team could look to fill in the last few roster spots. Maybe you can throw the bi-annual exception at someone like Kenrich Williams and give a big like Nick Richards or Marvin Bagley III a minimum. Or flip that scenario and use the BAE on a big (someone like Jock Landale) and take a flyer on a minimum wing.
Hell, it’s not inconceivable for the Sixers to make the aforementioned moves while still having a little room to re-sign Oubre. He’d be coming back on a discount, and it would put the team right up against the first apron, but it would make for a fairly competitive roster in the East. Looking at all the reports this offseason, Grimes’ name has come up on more than one occasion, but there hasn’t been much regarding Oubre’s market.
So, would Collins be worth it? I’d vote yes — if the Sixers have the ability to follow a similar blueprint to what I laid out. If you can line up Collins’ contract to expire by the time Embiid and George are gone, all the better (for what it’s worth, the longest deal he can sign is four years at the NTMLE). Even if Collins gets a three- or four-year deal, it would be pretty easy to move a $15-million expiring contract when that time comes.
With this plan, you’re giving it a shot with this current group, while not using any premium future assets. It’s the best of both worlds and perhaps the best you can do while operating on two timelines.
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 09: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards reacts on the sideline during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Capital One Arena on April 9, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s June 30. It’s my birthday (I’m getting old).
But I know when it’s my birthday, it’s time to chat about NBA FREE AGENCY! Teams can start negotiating today!
The Knicks are kicking off their championship repeat campaign by re-signing guards Jose Alvarado and Landry Shametto team-friendly contracts. Alvarado declined his $4.5 million player option to ink a three-year, $14 million contract, while Shamet agreed on a four-year, $24 million contract.
Comparatively, these are excellent deals for New York.
Collin Gillespie is signing for $12 million a year and Marcus Smart is declining his $5.4 million option, while Alvarado was open to taking less than most exceptions offer. Shamet-esque shooters like Kevin Huerter and Julian Champagnie agreed to deals worth $9 million and $15 million a season this offseason, while he received a fraction of those amounts.
This was thanks to the goodwill the team earned on this magical championship run, the chemistry and loyalty that strengthened during it, and the endorsements and attraction New York offers like no other. This is no small feat for the Knicks, securing their backcourt depth as they grapple with staying below the second apron while trying to compete yet again.
And compete they do when these two are on the court. Both played major roles in the regular season and even bigger ones come playoff time.
Shamet returned on the veteran’s minimum after essentially spending a rehab year with the Knicks a season ago, nearly getting cut during training camp. But he was a feisty defender and knockdown shooter, close with Mikal Bridges, and wanted to prove he could earn a spot with a team for the long haul.
That he did, going off for 36 points in an NBA Cup game with Jalen Brunson on the mend, finishing the year with 9.3 points per game on 39.2 percent shooting from the field. He had another injury and was in and out of the rotation, even riding the pine as the postseason got into swing.
But that changed in the second and third rounds. He was a big boost off the bench vs. Philadelphia, then hit three of the most pivotal threes of his career in Game 1 against Cleveland, when New York came back from 22 down in the fourth quarter to win.
Shamet carried that over into a couple of double-digit performances to start the Finals up 2-0. Now he’ll be a mainstay for years to come.
The Knicks, desperately needing additional ball handling, traded a couple second round picks and salary filler for Alvarado at the midseason deadline. The diminutive but big-hearted point guard was renowned for his competitive fire on a flailing Pelicans team, but the Knicks gave him a chance to compete for something real on his home turf.
That lit a fire under him, as he scored 12 points and came away with two steals in his debut win against Boston. Two games later he had a 26-point outburst on eight threes.
Alvarado’s playing time also fluctuated though, but in a testament to his professionalism never wavered. His number got called down 2-1 to the Hawks to help alleviate Brunson’s burden and provide some electricity off the bench, and that he did, scoring 12 in Game 5.
His contributions didn’t jump out on the box score as the Knicks ran roughshod over the East. But then came the NBA Finals, where Alvarado was consistently undeterred by perhaps the league’s best defense led by its best defensive player.
The highlight was playing a major role in the Knicks’ 29-point comeback in Game 4, including scoring all eight of his points in the fourth quarter. His spinning layup and gutsy three in the final minutes blew the ceiling off Madison Square Garden in arguably the team’s biggest moment in recent franchise history.
Now, Brunson and the Knicks have their complementary guard rotation locked for the foreseeable future, and they couldn’t be better positioned. These guys fit, ball out in the biggest moments, and love playing in New York.
The NBA's free agency period is nearly here. Beginning at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 30, teams can officially begin negotiating and agree to terms with players from other teams that are free agents.
But that might not be where most of the excitement resides this offseason. It's the trade front that should be most active. Giannis Antetokounmpo, LaMelo Ball, Ja Morant and Julius Randle are among the players that have already been dealt in the days leading into the NBA draft and free agency. Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, Milwaukee Bucks guard Tyler Herro and Sacramento Kings All-Star Domantas Sabonis are all on the trading block this week.
USA TODAY Sports is tracking all of the latest buzz and news as NBA free agency gets underway. Stay tuned here throughout Tuesday, June 30 for frequent updates on new transactions and everything else that's happening as the NBA offseason begins in full:
There's a new development on the LeBron James free agency front. James will continue his NBA career in 2026-27, but he has informed the Los Angeles Lakers they can move on without him because he plans to play elsewhere, according to ESPN.
James has been linked to the Golden State Warriors, particularly after Draymond Green opted out of his contract to give the team more flexibility in its pursuit of the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
Jaylen Brown has grown frustrated with how the situation is unfolding with the Celtics this offseason, according to a new report from The Boston Globe, but he still hasn't spoken directly about his feelings towards a potential trade away from Boston. Brown might have tipped his hand on Instagram in the past 24 hours, though.
Brown remains on the trading block, according to the most recent reports, with the Denver Nuggets mentioned as a prominent potential landing spot. The Boston Globe wrote that Brown could still return to the Celtics next season, though "some uncomfortable conversations would likely need to happen first."
Duren has been linked to meetings with the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers when NBA free agency begins later today. But the Pistons can match any contract Duren is offered by another team and they're eligible to give him a supermax extension after the 6-foot-10 center earned all-NBA third team honors this past season.
That, though, is what's issues in coming to an agreement. Duren's poor postseason performance has complicated the evaluation of his long-term value and how much money can be committed to him under the league's current salary cap structure. Detroit nonetheless remains resolute about keeping Duren, despite recent signs of friction in the relationship.
The Golden State Warriors plan to aggressively pursue LeBron James today, according to multiplereports, with the intention of trying to convince the Lakers star to accept the $15 million midlevel exception to join Steph Curry and Draymond Green when NBA free agency begins.
A trade for Anthony Davis also remains an option after recent reports that Davis and James could go to Golden State this offseason. But the Warriors are not operating under the assumption that they have to land both in a package deal.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on Tuesday morning that the Los Angeles Clippers could trade Kawhi Leonard as soon as today ahead of the start to NBA free agency. The Toronto Raptors have been rumored as the leading contender to land Leonard. The two sides have agreed on player compensation, according to Windhorst, and there's a contract extension on the table for Leonard to consider.
The Raptors would include Brandon Ingram in a potential trade with the Clippers for Leonard, but they're still "haggling" over first-round draft picks to include.
When does NBA free agency officially start?
Now that the 2026 NBA Draft is done, the league's attention turns to the start of free agency, with the official "tampering" period beginning on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET.
But teams and free agents can't sign their contracts until July 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET when the NBA's moratorium on signings ends.
Some big names also re-signed contracts with the current teams – taking some potential free agents off the board – including Kristaps Porzingis agreeing to a new deal with the Warriors, Jusuf Nurkic returning to the Jazz and the Spurs giving breakout player Julian Champagnie a new three-year contract.
Boston, MA - January 7 - Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) gets fouled by Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) as he tries to get by Derrick White (9) during the second half at the Garden. (Photo By Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images). | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
This offseason has been a pretty chaotic one so far. Between the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga to the now exhausting Jaylen Brown trade discourse, it feels like there isn’t room to talk about the rest of the team as a whole.
After watching the Celtics blow a 3-1 lead to the Philadelphia 76ers and lose Game 7 at home in TD Garden, there was one glaring point on the roster that Boston needed to address: the center position. Once Joel Embiid came back in the series, it looked the Celtics had no answers to stop him. Between Neemias Queta constantly being in foul trouble, Nikola Vucevic going ice cold on offense and giving nothing on defense, and Luka Garza trying his best in limited minutes, Boston’s center position was getting torched all series long and looked like the biggest issue on the roster going into the offseason.
However, lost in the discourse of finding the next Celtics big man, a thought crossed my mind that feels like fans aren’t talking about enough: Boston really needs to address the guard rotation, too. The lack of big names at center and the fact that the Celtics are seemingly trying to trade Brown for a big man makes it easy to forget that Boston could also use an upgrade at point guard.
As a result of a possible Celtics-Nuggets trade reported by The Ringer’s Bill Simmons who said there was smoke around a possible deal that could send Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser to Denver in exchange for Jamal Murray and Cameron Johnson, here we are. However, Brian Robb of MassLive reported that “Boston isn’t expected to have interest in Jamal Murray due to his sizable contract.” Although a Murray trade doesn’t seem likely, in my mind if the Celtics were serious about trading Brown, it would be for an elite guard.
Bill Simmons' Nuggets-Celtics trade proposal 👀
Jamal Murray + Cam Johnson for Jaylen Brown + Sam Hauser
"There's a lot of smoke billowing around Denver in general. Some I believe some I don't believe." pic.twitter.com/5NgD2feAwR
Jamal Murray and Cameron Johnson would be a great options for the Celtics to acquire if this Denver trade is a legitimate idea. Murray is coming off of a rough postseason, but was a first time All-Star and finished All-NBA 3rd Team in 2026, averaging 25.4 points and 7.1 assists per game on 48.3% shooting from the field and 43.5% from three. Johnson also had a career year shooting the basketball, averaging 12.2 points on a career high 48% from the field and 43% from three. Both of these guys would also answer the needs that Brad Stevens has mentioned about the guard position.
Stevens Addresses Guard Needs
Although the online discourse around the Celtics need at the guard position hasn’t been talked about enough, Stevens has addressed the need for help on the perimeter. In his press conference after the first round of the NBA Draft, Stevens talked about what Boston was looking for going into the offseason, saying: “size and then I would like to add maybe one more person with some speed on the perimeter.”
Brad Stevens said the priorities this offseason are size and maybe adding one more person with some speed on the perimeter.
Before the second round of the draft, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that Boston was potentially interested in taking 6’4″ guard Ryan Conwell out of Louisville at 40th overall, but the Miami Heat would trade up to the 37th pick to pick him before the Celtics got a chance.
Celtics Recent Guard History
When the Celtics won the championship in 2024, what was one of the big roster moves they made in the offseason? It was essentially swapping out Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon at the guard position for Jrue Holiday. Holiday had an incredible 2024 season where he averaged 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 48% from the field and a career high 42.9% from three point range. On top of his offensive contributions, Holiday was an elite defender that could guard all five positions, culminating in an All-Defensive 2nd Team nod and 6th in Defensive Player of the Year voting. He was also crucial in the NBA Finals, becoming the Celtics third highest scorer behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, averaging 14.4 points, and arguably winning Game 2 on his own with a 26-point performance on 11-14 shooting.
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 17: Jrue Holiday #4 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 17, 2024 at the 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The 2025 season season was a step back for Holiday and it led to him being trading to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons ahead of the 2026 season. Although there wasn’t a lot of expectations for him, Simons performed really well with Boston as their 6th man behind Payton Pritchard and Derrick White. In 49 games with the Celtics he averaged 14.2 points on 44% shooting from the field and 39.5% shooting from three in only 24.5 minutes per game.
The inconsistency issues started to arise when the Celtics traded him to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Nikola Vucevic at the 2026 trade deadline. The Vucevic trade in theory seemed to be a good one. Boston needed more big man depth and both him and Simons were on expiring contracts, so a flip was easy. However, Vucevic didn’t really work out well in Boston and it left the Celtics guard position a little bit in limbo.
Derrick White had an abysmal offensive season in 2026 where averaged 16.5 points on a career worst 39.4% from the field and a second career worst of 32.7% from three. Payton Pritchard, who was okay as a starter with the Celtics, transitioned back into the 6th man role after the trade deadline and played some of his best basketball of the season, finishing with averages of 17.0 points and 5.2 assists on 46.4% shooting from the field and 37.7%s from three.
Outside of those two, it felt like the Celtics had a hole in the starting lineup where a second guard should have been in the second half of the season. They tried to fill it with Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, and Jordan Walsh but it never felt right. In the playoffs, Boston saw Pritchard and White struggle to shoot all series and their lack of production from the guard position led to the Celtics ultimately losing in Game 7.
Who should the Celtics target?
There is a lot of guard depth on the roster already but out of those guys it doesn’t feel like there is that level of player the Celtics need. In my mind it feels like they need a player who can be consistent second/third scoring option at times and a ball handler to initiate the offense if needed at the guard position. However, If I was to play Brad Stevens going into the offseason, who are the options out there that can really solve the problem?
Murray like stated previously would be an interesting idea that would not be beloved if he was traded for Brown, but it would fill the role stated previously. On the free agency market right now there aren’t a ton of great options. Could a reunion with Marcus Smart or Anfernee Simons be in the cards? Not necessarily the elite guard I had in mind. Is there a chance De’Aaron Fox coming off maybe the worst NBA Finals performance ever for the San Antonio Spurs is a bounce back option? Maybe we try to bring the gang back together again and trade for Jrue Holiday back from the Portland Trail Blazers again?
The other option outside of making a move is hoping that Derrick White’s shooting from last season was just a fluke and he can be that third option offensive hub for the Celtics again, Payton Pritchard takes another leap and becomes an All-Star level player, and maybe a guy like Baylor Scheierman will get a bigger role and become a consistent offensive threat off the bench. According to HoopHype’s Mike Scotto, Boston has interest in the Mavericks’ jitterbug PG, Brandon Williams.
It feels like with the limited options available the Celtics will bank on an in house solution, but with Stevens making it known he’s looking, it wouldn’t surprise me if he added another guy on a shorter contract in free agency. Although the center position is still the biggest need that on Boston’s roster that takes up most of the spotlight, I just hope the guard position doesn’t get neglected this offseason as well.
