LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts on the court during the second half at Barclays Center, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Brooklyn, NY. (Corey Sipkin for the...
Ever since LeBron James informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he would be signing elsewhere in free agency this offseason, one of the biggest stories in basketball has been with which team he’ll sign and end his legendary NBA career.
The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers are thought to be the two favorites. However, a third team has reportedly now entered the mix: the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers are thought to be two favorites for LeBron James. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to emerge as a strong suitor for LeBron James due to the Tyrese Maxey connection, per @WindhorstESPN
Maxey, who shares the same Klutch Sports agency as LeBron, is viewed as a major recruiting tool for Philly. pic.twitter.com/6GCoUHgl9y
This stems from a July 2 report from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who asserted during a Thursday segment of “NBA Today” that James’ longstanding connection to 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey (they’re both signed to Klutch Sports Group, which is founded by James’ business partner Rich Paul) will be how the 76ers attempt to lure him to Philadelphia.
Windhorst asserted that Maxey and James are close, and have attended numerous events together. What’s more, the NBA record holder reportedly has a good relationship with 76ers star center Joel Embiid, as the two won a gold medal for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics together.
James’ longstanding connection to 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey may be how the 76ers attempt to lure him to Philadelphia. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConPhiladelphia finalized a trade for Jaylen Brown with the Boston Celtics on July 1. AP Photo/Matt Slocum
Philadelphia finalized a trade for Jaylen Brown with the Boston Celtics on July 1, which included the 76ers sending Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks to Boston in exchange for the five-time All-Star.
Brown being on the Celtics already makes them look like a favorite to win the 2027 NBA Championship. Adding the 22-time All-Star to that mix would have that team even more lethal.
Of course, just because the 76ers are interested doesn’t mean James heading there is a done deal. But he does have strong ties to the franchise’s top players, which could be a deciding factor on where he goes next.
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Feb 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) grimaces as he waits for play to resume against the Golden State Warriors in the third period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Welcome to day three of the LeBron James sweepstakes. Today, we gained new insight into the short list of teams jockeying for the King. Once again, this news benefits the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Golden State Warriors reportedly do not feel they are at the top of LeBron’s short list, per ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
“I’m hearing a growing belief from them that they don’t believe that they’re necessarily at the top of that short list,” Slater said on ESPN.
Golden State emerged as a potential landing destination for James earlier this week. James has formed a close relationship with Draymond Green over recent years and has openly praised Stephen Curry numerous times.
The idea of rivals becoming teammates is a sour one for many fans. But ending his career with a grand finale next to Curry is something that James is apparently considering.
The Warriors took the first step towards acquiring James when Green opted out of his contract. This paved the way for Golden State to make additions to the roster and potentially offer LBJ more money. Thus far, this hasn’t proven to be enough.
This begs the question: if Golden State isn’t first, who is?
The Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers are the other two teams reported to be on James’ short list. Though teams like the Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Minnesota Timberwolves have been mentioned in passing by various outlets.
Truth is, no one can predict what James will do. But using all of the information at our disposal, I can’t imagine Cleveland isn’t at the front of the race.
Cleveland is the only city where LeBron can still be King even if he isn't the best player on the roster
The Cavs offer more than any other team. Cleveland is the only city where James can compete for a title as a supporting player while still being the King. He’ll reign supreme in Cleveland even if James Harden, Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell play larger roles. That’s something James can’t get in Golden State or Miami.
All of the boxes are checked in this scenario. James would be in a city where he is beloved. He’d be joining a team that is missing his expertise more than anything else. There’s even a Swenson’s in Rocket Arena. I can’t imagine this doesn’t entice LBJ.
We still haven’t heard from Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens on why the organization was so motivated to trade superstar Jaylen Brown. But on Thursday night, Brown shared his side of the story on his Twitch live stream.
Nearly 30,000 concurrent viewers watched as Brown addressed the shocking deal that sent him to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round draft picks, and two second-round picks. Unsurprisingly, Brown didn’t mince words as he spoke on the trade, the Celtics’ handling of the situation, and some of the media narratives that formed during the process.
Here’s everything you need to know from Brown’s candid stream:
“Boston packed me up”
Brown opened his stream by saying, “Boston packed me up, chat.” The 2024 NBA Finals MVP made that statement several times throughout the stream.
“You gotta smile at it. They packed me up. Sayonara buddy,” he said at one point.
“He suddenly thinks he’s the smartest guy in every room he’s in,” Cowherd said. “I’ve worked with people in the media. You get into a really bad space and you make a lot of money. Suddenly, you’re absolutely sure. You don’t wanna listen to your bosses. You don’t wanna listen to consultants. You don’t wanna listen to teammates.
“One executive told me this was always a little bit of Jaylen Brown’s personality: the smartest guy in the room. Live streaming, throwing it out there, and it’s just not a good space.”
Brown responded by saying it’s time to stop with the anonymous sources.
“I think the world craves authenticity… people wanna see what the real emotions is,” he said.
‘I’m tired of these damn anonymous sources, like, anonymous executive — Colin Cowherd, Bobby Marks, Stephen A. Smith — I think y’all are the sources.”
“Colin Cowherd…. his last name precedes him,” Brown added.
What happened with Celtics?
Brown isn’t sure exactly where things went wrong between him and the Celtics.
“There’s definitely more to it. I just wish the more to it could have been explained to me,” he said on the stream.
“At one point I felt it was fine, but then it went left … I wish they had the respect to tell me exactly what it was … but it didn’t go down like that. It wasn’t facilitated like that. That was the most disappointing part. I thought I earned respect.”
Brown “wasn’t thrilled” with how Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens communicated with him about the situation.
Brown added that some of the young guys on the C’s reached out to him.
“The guys that I was able to build with … Neemi, (Neemias Queta), Luka (Garza), told me it was a pleasure to build with you. That’s the stuff that gives you more motivation to keep going. …
Looking forward to Philly
Brown admitted it’ll take time to get used to being a 76er, but he’s looking forward to “the process.”
“For the last 10 years, I’ve been programmed to hate Philadelphia, from the history of the rivalry to the playoff battles, the process, like I’ve been programmed to be like f— the process. It’s funny now, I gotta reverse-engineer it, but I’ll be ready when the season starts.”
“I don’t want no special treatment, I don’t need no handouts,” he added. “I plan on earning my respect one day at a time by putting in the work. I’m looking forward to getting in the gym, the whole process. “
While he’s left confused about how everything went down, it sounds like Brown will embrace the villain role in Philadelphia.
“The process is back the f— on. We’ve been shutting the process down for the last I don’t know how many years. The process been over. But now the process is back, motherf—–.”
Toward the end of his stream, Brown spoke on the phone with new teammates VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7:Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 7, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s no secret that Lakers head coach JJ Redick has a great basketball mind. His desire to share his knowledge and put it to use is what made him a great podcaster and an effective coach for the Lakers.
Thanks to his desire to teach and his relative youth, he’s well connected with players and can relate to them better than most head coaches.
When Grimes did a podcast appearance on “The Young Man and the Three,” he discussed how he worked out with Redick earlier in his career.
Great story. Whenever JJ was doing the pod, Quentin Grimes randomly dm'd him to see if he'd workout w him. So Q traveled out to the Hamptons and stayed in JJ's guest house to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/bk2bYyak8a
Someone as hyper-focused on being a basketball sicko as Redick is wouldn’t waste his free time on someone who didn’t match his energy.
If Redick was willing to work out with Grimes on multiple occasions and also let him stay at his guest house, clearly he is fond of his game and the person he is. Based on his comments on the time he’s spent with Redick, Grimes seems to be a fan of his as well.
Team and league sources have long known JJ Redick to be a fan of Grimes, who was a priority target this summer.
Based on their past relationship, it seems a safe bet that both Grimes and Redick will be working in tandem to ensure this is a career year for Grimes.
He averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game last season. Grimes also shot 33.4% from 3-point range.
The best year of his career so far was his 2024-25 NBA season when he was briefly teammates with Luka Dončić in Dallas. He averaged 14.6 points and shot 38.5% from deep while playing with the Mavericks and the Sixers that year.
Given their history, Grimes’ familiarity with Redick, and the Lakers’ need for him to be a great scoring guard, the environment seems primed for good results.
TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 12: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers enters the game in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on January 12, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Lowry was a real contributor when he first joined the Sixers after the 2024 trade deadline. In the final months of the regular season he played 28 minutes per game averaging 8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists before starting all six of the Sixers postseason games.
Not only did Lowry get to play for his hometown team, but he appeared to be one heck of a mentor for Tyrese Maxey, to hear Maxey tell of it. Now he’ll get one more send off for the team he accomplished so much for.
Playing big minutes with reasonable production would set AJ Dybantsa up for a long and productive career with the Washington Wizards. | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards signed AJ Dybantsa to a rookie-scale contract on Thursday, the team announced.
It’s a four-year, $66.91 million deal that carries a team option for the final two seasons. Here’s a breakdown of Dybantsa’s cap hit each season, according to Spotrac.
Factoring in Dybantsa’s cap hit, the Wizards have roughly $13,556,249 in luxury tax space and the full $15 non-taxpayer mid-level exception to use in free agency.
Dybantsa will make his Wizards debut at 9 p.m. ET on July 9 when Washington opens Summer League on ESPN against the Utah Jazz.
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 8: The sneakers worn by Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the New York Knicks on March 8, 2026 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 30: Anfernee Simons #4 of the Boston Celtics attempts a shot against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at the TD Garden on January 30,...
The 76ers have added another potent scorer who once played for the Celtics.
The Sixers have agreed to a deal with Anfernee Simons, who suited up for the Celtics last season. Getty Images
The deal is worth $12.3 million, with the second year containing a player option, per Charania.
Simons, 27, reportedly fielded interest from the Mavericks, Warriors and Heat before agreeing to terms with the Sixers, according to Marc Stein.
The 6-foot-3 guard boosts Philadelphia’s scoring, particularly off the bench, coming off a 2025-26 campaign in which he ranked sixth in the NBA with 130 triples as a reserve.
Simons began last season with the Celtics, averaging 14.2 points and shooting nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc before he was dealt to the Bulls at the trade deadline.
He immediately entered Chicago’s starting lineup, but he appeared in just six games before sustaining a season-ending left ulnar styloid fracture in his left wrist.
The eight-year NBA veteran finished last season averaging 14.3 points, and over the past five campaigns, he’s averaged 18.8 points between the Trail Blazers, Celtics and Bulls.
After being swept by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Philadelphia has been busy at the onset of free agency.
Simons split last season between the Celtics and Bulls. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I’m told the Sixers are also trying to make a pitch to LeBron James along with the Warriors, Cavaliers and the Heat,” Charania said on ESPN after breaking the Simons signing.
“Include the Sixers and maybe one or two other teams in due time in that mix. But the Sixers get Anfernee Simons and they’re obviously trying to continue to add to this team.”
Between the Sixers’ active offseason and Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Heat and the Raptors reuniting with Kawhi Leonard, it’s been an active summer.
The flame was lit when the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic in February 2025, a generational player who could put the team atop the NBA again.
The Lakers’ Luka Doncic (right) is in his prime and has not said he wants to remain with his current franchise forever. AP
It was fanned when Mark Walter’s ownership group took over the franchise six months later, the brain trust that helped transform the Dodgers into three-time World Series champions over the last six years.
And gasoline was poured on it when LeBron James announced his eight-season tenure with the Lakers had come to an end.
All eyes were on Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. What grand plan did he have up his sleeve as the chimes officially rang on “Summer of 2026,” the vaunted period when the Lakers were to be transformed into champions once again?
A flurry of moves happened.
The result?
Instead of gasps, there were groans.
Instead of building a team that could contend against the Spurs or Thunder, he assembled one that’s worse than last season’s squad.
Pelinka was clearly trying to build a team in the likeness of the 2023-2024 Mavericks, who reached the Finals with Doncic surrounded by ball handlers (Kyrie Irving), rim-running lob threats (Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford) and 3-and-D wings (P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr.).
Center Walker Kessler is a solid player, but did the Lakers mortgage their future to get him? Getty Images
But this is the janky reboot.
It’s the sequel that never should’ve been made.
It’s the new season that lost its magic.
The Lakers overpaid for Walker Kessler, acquiring him on a four-year, $130 million contract with a player option in the fourth season. As part of the sign-and-trade with the Jazz, they gave up unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.
Kessler is the defensive-minded, rim-protecting center they wanted. But was he worth mortgaging their future? The Lakers no longer have any tradable first-round picks over the next seven years.
But let’s take a moment to look at who they lost in free agency.
LeBron James, you know, arguably the greatest player of all time, who even at age 41 was good enough to single-handedly lead the Lakers past the Rockets in the first round of the 2026 playoffs.
The Lakers and Austin Reaves decided to stick together, but did the franchise tie up too much of its money on a few players? USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
And Luke Kennard, the best 3-point shooter in the league.
The current Lakers roster lacks defense, aside from Kessler. It lacks a wing stopper. It lacks depth.
The Lakers entered free agency with the most cap space of any team at around $50 million. But they didn’t come close to building a contender. Their current squad wouldn’t even be able to get past last year’s team in a playoff series. And the Lakers squandered all of their draft capital.
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Instead of having a splashy offseason, the Lakers are sinking.
Sure, they got younger. Austin Reaves is now the oldest player on their roster at age 28. But they also got less talented. They’ve committed $480 million among Doncic, Reaves and Kessler.
Free agency isn’t over. The Lakers reportedly have interest in Jonathan Kuminga, whose $24.3 million team option was recently declined by the Hawks. They better figure something out to shore up their holes.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka was determined to assemble a splashy roster this summer, but the moves he made weren’t impressive. Getty Images
This much is for sure: The moves Pelinka made weren’t impressive.
The Lakers aren’t going to be able to compete in the very crowded Western Conference. They’ve hamstrung themselves with huge contracts. They have no draft assets. Their defense is porous.
He’s in his prime. He’s not going to allow the Lakers to squander it. His patience is going to quickly wear thin if Los Angeles isn’t able to compete.
While Doncic made it clear he wanted to spend his entire career with the Mavericks, he has given no such assurances to the Lakers.
This summer was supposed to be Pelinka’s celebration. His coming-out party. His chance to prove to Walter that he can expertly pilot a 17-time champion franchise that views anything short of titles as failures.
It was his time to show that his mistakes in the draft over the past few years were anomalies. That his greatest accomplishment wasn’t acquiring a gift-wrapped Doncic. That he’s the Lakers’ future.
Instead, this may be the beginning of his swan song.
The Lakers stormed into this offseason with a treasure trove of ways to climb atop the league. There was a palpable buzz around them. The whole basketball world was watching.
But instead of assembling a team that inspires fear, they’ve built one that inspires shrugs.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 05: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum on April 05, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Thursday morning, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons reported on his latest podcast that contract extension talks were a factor in why the Celtics were not able to land Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo, Simmons reported, wanted a three-year extension while the Celtics wanted two (and the money was based more on percentage of the cap than raw totals). Simmons reported that Antetokounmpo wanted three years at 35%, the Celtics “were pretty entrenched” at two years at 30%.
“Giannis wanted the three [years] for 35% [of the cap], and they couldn’t agree on it,” Simmons said.
(Based on the current cap, that’s a difference of roughly $8.2 million per year).
However, a league source told CelticsBlog that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s looming extension was not a factor in why the Celtics didn’t land him, and that they were prepared to offer him the full 3-year, 35% contract extension.
Milwaukee ultimately accepted an offer from the Miami Heat that included Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including No. 13 in the 2026 NBA draft), one pick swap and one second-round pick. Antetokounmpo, in turn, lands in Miami after a season in which he averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, while shooting 62.4% from the field.
On Wednesday, the Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks. Brown is coming off a career-best season, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, while finishing sixth in MVP voting.
This story will be updated if more information is available.
As Jaylen Brown put it in his farewell to Boston, “As one chapter closes, another begins.”
The Boston Celtics will move on to their next chapter without Brown, a franchise cornerstone for the last 10 years. On Wednesday, they traded the 2024 NBA Finals MVP to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round draft picks, and two second-rounders.
The stunning move hasn’t sat well with C’s fans, who question the meager return and the willingness to send Brown to an Eastern Conference rival — especially one that ousted Boston in the first round of this year’s playoffs. Even Brian Scalabrine, a former Celtic and longtime play-by-play broadcaster for the team, had his gripes with the deal.
“It’s weird with Brad because he has used this line quite a bit, and it really brought comfort to me, which is, ‘We know what our North Star is in Boston. In Boston, it’s a championship.’ But this is not a North Star move, unless there’s something up their sleeve later on down the road,” Scalabrine said on Thursday’s Early Edition.
That take has been the consensus among Celtics fans. George is a significant downgrade, especially at 36 years old, and he’s set to make $57.7 million next season with a $56.6 million player option for 2027-28. In no way does this trade make Boston a better team on paper in the short term.
That said, Scal still believes the C’s will at least be as competitive as they were last season, when Brown propelled them to a 56-26 record and the second seed in the East despite Tatum missing most of the campaign with an Achilles injury.
“Paul George is on our team this year, and in a weird way, I actually think the team is gonna be just as good as they were last year,” he said. “You’re slipping in Tatum instead of Brown. All the young guys, it’s not like they’re gonna stay stagnant. In Boston, everybody gets better.
“You add Mitchell Robinson, Paul George is gonna float around and knock down 3s. But we all can come to the realization that we are not a championship-level team, so what is the next championship-level move?”
Even if the Celtics are among the best in the East next season, they’re still likely a piece or two away from contending with the NBA’s elite. Scalabrine wants the C’s to do right by Jayson Tatum and maximize the team’s potential to win another title under his leadership.
“I don’t know if you owe it to the fans, but you definitely owe it to Jayson Tatum, who’s now in the second part of his career after the Achilles injury,” Scal said. “So what are you gonna do for this guy so he could be a legendary Celtic?
“I know Paul George is not the overall answer, but what is the answer so we can get back on top? Because I look at Oklahoma City, I look at San Antonio, that looks 100 miles away. It doesn’t look like we’re just right there.”
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Nae'Qwan Tomlin #30 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 12, 2025 at the 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliersbegin Summer League on July 10 when they take on the Indiana Pacers at 4:30 PM on ESPN 2. Now, we know who will be a part of the team, as they announced the roster for this season.
The headline of the group is recent second-round pick Meleek Thomas. The shooting guard will make his on-court debut for the wine and gold after signing a standard contract on Wednesday.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin will also see some action this go-around. Tomlin started last season on a two-way contract, but was pressed into duty more than anticipated due to injuries. He performed well and earned a standard deal as a result, but saw his minutes decrease toward the back end of the season. Tomlin is the only other player on a standard contract that will be a part of this group.
Tyrese Proctor is noticeably absent from the group due to spending the summer with the Australian national team.
This year’s squad will be rounded out by all three of the current two-way players: Riley Minix, Tristan, Enaruna, and newly signed undrafted free agent Ernest Udeh Jr.
The group will be led by Cavs assistant Andrew Olson, with Cleveland Charge head coach Eli Kell-Abrams taking on the associate head coach duties.
The entire group that the Cavs will be bringing to Las Vegas can be seen below.
The start of NBA free agency has produced plenty of league-altering moves in 2026, just not in the form of many high-profile free agent signings. Instead, blockbuster trades have been the preferred method of transaction for teams this year and it's almost hard to keep up with how many star players switched uniforms since the NBA offseason began.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard, Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, Julius Randle, Tyler Herro and Paul George were among the players with NBA All-Star credentials to land with new teams after the frenzy of moves that took place in recent days. LeBron James, meanwhile, began the NBA's free agency period as the top free agent on the market and it's still the case as of Thursday, July 2.
Note: NBA teams can not officially sign free agents to contracts until July 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET
LeBron James
Whatever team the NBA's all-time leading scorer chooses, the fact he's so coveted as a 41-year-old is yet another accomplishment that's largely incomparable in league history. Though part of that is due to James' decision to not prioritize money during this free agent process, he will be a difference maker for whichever playoff contender he chooses. Depending on how much of a pay cut James is willing to take, there may not be a better bargain in the NBA than him next season.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers seemingly came out of nowhere to snag Jaylen Brown from their division rival, exchanging what had been considered one of the worst contracts in the NBA (Paul George) for a second team all-NBA selection coming off the best season of his career (Jaylen Brown), two first-round draft picks and two second-round draft picks. The Sixers also swiped Anfernee Simons and Dean Wade over several others in bargain bench deals. Philadelphia suddenly looks like it could be the biggest threat to the Knicks in the East again.
Miami Heat
Pat Riley and the Heat are winners simply by landing the superstar they've coveted for years in Giannis Antetokounmpo. Miami did lose Norman Powell to free agency, but Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins will return to form perhaps the Eastern Conference's top frontcourt with Antetokounmpo. How the rest of the roster is filled will determine just how big of a win this will appear to be during Antetokounmpo's first year with the Heat. Adding James along with Antetokounmpo would create flashbacks to when Riley formed the Big Three in Miami during James' initial free agency "decision."
Toronto Raptors
The version of Kawhi Leonard that played for the Clippers this past season, paired with Scottie Barnes, should make the Raptors a legitimate Eastern Conference Finals contender. Toronto gave up Brandon Ingram and draft picks to get Leonard via trade, but enough of last year's supporting cast remains and Leonard gives the franchise a veteran closer with multiple championship runs under his belt. The Raptors seemed hamstrung by several contract extensions in recent years that quickly became overpays, so pulling off this move is a worthy bet to take.
NBA free agency losers
Boston Celtics
Celtics lead basketball executive Brad Stevens is taking a beating from fans over how this offseason is going. Boston failed to land Antetokounmpo despite offering Brown and then elected to trade Brown for what's perceived to be the below-market return of George, two first-round draft picks and two second-round draft picks. The Celtics did address issues inside, signing Mitchell Robinson from the New York Knicks, and there could be another move still in the works. But the Boston roster seems worse today than it did after being eliminated from the 2026 NBA playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers
Though the Lakers pivoted quickly from the LeBron James era, they had to pay a lot to do so and they might not be any closer to contending with the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers are betting big on the nucleus of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler because they committed most of their salary cap space and draft picks for the foreseeable future toward putting together a new-look roster this offseason.
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons let go well-regarded veterans in the locker room to upgrade their roster around Cade Cunningham this offseason, but the results have been lackluster thus far with only Isaiah Joe added to the fold. The franchise is also now embroiled in an increasingly uncomfortable contract negotiation with all-NBA center Jalen Duren, a restricted free agent who has taken meetings with several other teams.
New York Knicks
Knicks owner Jim Dolan's determination that the team should not go into the second apron of the NBA's salary cap this offseason to keep its NBA championship team together led to Robinson's departure to the Celtics. Though New York hasn't lost anyone else of significance, the rest of the Eastern Conference looks stronger via trades and the Knicks don't have many avenues to add more depth.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 01: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts during warmups before a game against the Houston Rockets at the TD Garden on November 01, 2025 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. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jaylen Brown is a Sixer. Those are not words I ever thought I’d write, let alone out of nowhere in 2026 free agency after he was dealt for the 36-year-old Paul George of all players.
But here we are. Mike Gansey has not been messing around after taking over as the Sixers’ president of basketball operations. The shocking blockbuster for Brown is really happening, and Philly’s new incoming star has now made his first statement since the trade.
Like all of us, Brown is probably still in a state of shock. After spending all 10 years of his NBA career so far in Boston, becoming a five-time All-Star and NBA champion and Finals MVP there, it’s an awful lot to leave behind both personally and professionally.
Of course, Brown shared just how grateful for is everything he had in Boston:
First and foremost, thank you to the Most High, even in the midst of adversity. I’m here with gratitude.
I’m still processing how this all went down. I’m excited and disappointed at the same time. I earned my respect from this city. I never asked for shortcuts or special treatment. I simply showed up every day, put my head down, and accepted every challenge.
The relationships I built here, the battles we fought together, the championship we brought to this city, and the connection I shared with the fans, I’ll carry on with me.
And when it came to talking about heading to Philly, as you’d expect Brown shared his excitement for the new opportunity. Plus, he put emphasis on how he’s looking forward to earning respect in his new city through hard work. The kind of hard work that’s allowed him to develop into such a high level player.
I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the opportunity to join Philadelphia. Every city has its own identity, its own passion, and its own expectation. I respect that, and I’m looking forward to earning that respect the only way I know how.. through the work.
Philly – throw the ball up let’s get it!
Brown is fresh off a career year averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game with a 57.3 true shooting percentage, showcasing such talent as a creator and making the All-NBA Second Team for the second time. It’s still just two years since he rose to Finals MVP level. Waiting to see what Brown does with the Sixers is exciting to say the least.
The good news just keep going, too! How about the Sixers adding even more offensive creation and much needed high-volume, highly accurate three-point shooting to their bench with the excellent value signing of Anfernee Simons.
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 4: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz arrives to the arena before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 4, 2022 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 2022 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The pressure was on Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka to land an A-list center this offseason.
It was reported that Luka Dončić wanted one. The fans clearly desired it, and with the carousel of starting centers, it was clear the front office had been searching for years.
This trade was far from a foregone conclusion. With Kessler as a restricted free agent, the Jazz could’ve matched any contract agreed upon between the Lakers and Kessler. Utah’s reported offer of a five-year, $140 million extension indicated they wanted to keep their big.
However, the Lakers prepared for this summer. They held onto assets at the February trade deadline, saying no to deals. This allowed them more draft picks and cap space in the offseason to permanently fill holes in their roster.
As Dave McMenamin of ESPN illustrated in his recent story, this set up an opportunity for the Lakers to finally acquire Kessler via a trade.
In the past when the Lakers reached out to the Jazz, Kessler was on a cost-controlled rookie contract, making under $3 million. This time around, Kessler was a restricted free agent — and seeking a massive raise.
The Jazz ultimately decided that building around this year’s No. 2 draft pick, Darryn Peterson, while armed with a bevy of draft assets from L.A. would be a better path than overpaying Kessler over the long term.
Utah offered Kessler a five-year, $140 million extension, sources told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, or about $28 million per year. The Lakers offered a four-year deal worth $130 million, sources told Charania, or about $32.5 million per year, and they emptied their war chest to send their unprotected 2031 and 2033 first-round picks — plus pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 — to Utah in the deal.
In negotiations, whoever has leverage has the advantage.
With the Lakers holding onto their assets and setting up a situation where they’d have a ton of cap space this summer, they were able to make the Jazz an offer they couldn’t refuse. Add in that the Lakers reportedly had a contract richer than what Utah offered, and that’s how Kessler got to LA after so many rumors of the team’s interest in him.
Clearly, the Lakers feel that Kessler will lead to sustainable Lakers excellence. They gave up their 2031 and 2033 first round picks and pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 to acquire Kessler. That’s far more draft capital than they gave up for Luka.
The cost was high, but if it makes Dončić happy and, most importantly, works on the court, then that’s the price of doing business.
Fans have complained during other trade windows that the Lakers didn’t do enough, but this season that won’t be possible to say. Pelinka went all-in and landed his star big.
He used his assets to make a player a team didn’t necessarily want to part with into a Laker, and now the franchise is ready to fully enter the Luka Dončić era with the center they need for success.
