PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 8: Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the game against the New York Knicks during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2026 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
And there goes the other unrestricted free agent.
ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that Kelly Oubre Jr. will be signing a two-year, $17 million dollar deal with the Pacers, ending his tenure in Philadelphia after three seasons.
Free agent forward Kelly Oubre Jr. has agreed to a two-year, nearly $17 million deal to sign with the Indiana Pacers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/qzUyLGX7DP
Given their financial restraints, it always felt likely the Sixers could only retain one of Oubre or Quentin Grimes. That only got trickier when Grimes scored a contract that will pay him $15 million per year from the Lakers.
Oubre though went for a much more reasonable number, one the Sixers could have spent while staying under the first apron.
In his three years in Philadelphia, Oubre started 150 games, averaging 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game on 45.7%/32%/75.4% shooting splits. In the 2025-26 campaign, he posted the highest three-point percentage of his career at 36% on 4.8 attempts per game.
Oubre was a productive wing in his time here, especially when his shot was falling. He was put through the Sixers injury ringer more than most role players. He missed 32 games this past season with various ligament injuries in his elbow and knee. He got off to a torrid start his first season as a Sixer, averaging 16 points per game in his first eight games before being struck by a car while riding a bicycle.
In the two seasons the Sixers made the playoffs with Oubre, he’d been given some of the toughest defensive assignments ranging from Jalen Brunson to Jaylen Brown.
NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 03: Vladislav Kolyachonok #44 of the Dallas Stars defends Cody Glass #12 of the New Jersey Devils during the game on December 3, 2025 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
After a quiet first couple hours of free agency, Sunny Mehta finally made a signing. Vladislav Kolachonok, a depth defenseman who has spent time with the Arizona Coyotes/Utah Mammoth, Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas Stars, and Boston Bruins in his five-year NHL career. In 87 games, the 25-year old Kolyachonok has five goals and 12 assists with 22 penalty minutes while averaging 13:58 of ice time per game. He has also been credited for 88 blocks and 77 hits with 23 takeaways. Player agent Dan Milstein broke the news on Twitter.
It is a league minimum deal at one year and $850,000, which will be paid out the same regardless of whether Kolyachonok plays in the NHL or AHL. In 184 career AHL games, he has 14 goals and 43 assists. Born in Minsk, Belarus, Kolyachonok is listed at 6’2” and 195 pounds by the AHL (198 pounds by the NHL) and was drafted 52nd overall in the 2019 Draft by the Florida Panthers. When he does get into NHL games, though, the profile is very good from an analytical standpoint. This is from HockeyViz:
In addition to Declan Chisholm, the Devils now have five left-handed defenseman under one-way contracts. If Sunny Mehta is looking to shed salary in the near future, I would think that Brenden Dillon ($4 million, one year) or Jonas Siegenthaler ($3.4 million, two years) may be trade pieces, allowing one of Chisholm or Kolyachonok (or maybe even Topias Vilen or Ethan Edwards) to earn playing time on the third pairing in 2026-27. However, considering Siegenthaler’s relationship with Nico Hischier, I have a hard time seeing him get moved.
We will see. For now, this is the first free agent signing of Sunny Mehta’s GM tenure with the New Jersey Devils, and it fits his bill perfectly: Kolyachonok is a no-risk, low-cost defenseman who has a plus analytical profile in limited usage who may prove to be something more if a team gets him on the ice with more regularity.
What do you think of the deal? What do you think is next? Leave your comments here or in the Free Agency Frenzy open post, and thanks for reading.
Amongst all of the chaos surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins with the dawn of 2026 NHL free agency, they made a smaller move today to reward an upside prospect for his growth over the last two seasons.
On Wednesday, the Penguins signed forward prospect Atley Calvert to a two-year, entry level contract. The contract comes in at an average annual value of $930,000 and kicks in for the 2026-27 season, and it also comes with a $55,000 signing bonus.
Undrafted, the 22-year-old center was signed by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) Penguins on an AHL deal two seasons ago after a few standout years with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL - which happens to be his hometown team - posting 16 goals and 38 points in 70 games to go along with a plus-19 last season. In two seasons between WBS and the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers, Calvert has amassed 38 goals and 88 points in 134 games.
The #GoPensGo signed undrafted 22 y/o F Atley Calvert to a 2 year ELC
$930K Cap hit/AAV
Yr 1: $850K NHL, $55K Signing Bonus, $85K Minors Yr 2: $900K/$55K/$85K
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward has shown a penchant for goal-scoring over the last couple of seasons - including his last two seasons with Moose Jaw, when he scored 40 and 47 in back-to-back years - but the bread and butter of his game is still in his playmaking ability. He has shown ability around the net-front, in high-danger areas, and off the rush, and his hockey IQ is a defining aspect of his game.
With Calvert, the Penguins now have 39 of their 50 NHL contract slots filled.
The New York Rangers have reportedly signed center Joe Veleno to a one-year, $1.2 million contract.
Veleno spent the 2025-26 season with the Montreal Canadiens, recording two goals, three assists, and five points in 61 games.
The 2018 first-round pick took on a two-way role with the Canadiens, earning a spot on the penalty kill, while averaging 12:05 minutes per game.
During Mike Sullivan’s exit interview, he emphasized the Rangers’ need to add some depth to their bottom-six forward unit, specifically looking for a player who has the ability to contribute on the penalty kill.
“I think there might be some opportunities to improve our bottom six at the forward position, where players might be able to play certain roles that could allow us to take some of our core players out of situations,” Sullivan said. “For example, the penalty kill, if we could take Mika and J.T. [Miller], [Vincent Trocheck] and these guys out of some of those situations.
“I mean, obviously, they’re very good at it, so we’re not trying to remove that element of their game completely. But it gives us the ability to manage their minutes, which I think gives them the ability to sustain performance game in, game out.”
Veleno, a 26-year-old forward, could fill in the fourth-line center role for the Rangers, previously vacated by Sam Carrick, who was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in March.
Former Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has signed a three-year, $7 million AAV contract with their Atlantic Division rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Bobrovsky played seven seasons with the Panthers, guiding the team to two Stanley Cup victories and another finals appearance. With the Panthers, Bobrovsky recorded a .903 save percentage and a 2.80 goals-against average in 349 regular-season games.
In his playoff career, Bobrovsky recorded a .909 SP and a 2.55 GAA in 83 games.
His time with Florida wasn’t always perfect, as he got off to a very slow start following the massive seven-year, $10 million AAV contract he signed as a UFA in 2019. But once he found his game, the Panthers were rejuvenated and became the team to beat in the NHL.
Throughout the process leading to Bobrovsky signing with the Maple Leafs, there were many reports about what he wanted from the Panthers, and what the Panthers were willing to offer.
Several reports stated that Bobrovsky was seeking a six- or seven-year contract, but in the end, he settled for a three-year deal that will carry him into age 40.
Ultimately, the Panthers went with Jacob Markstrom, who is a year younger, $1 million cheaper, and has one fewer season on his contract.
Bobrovsky will now be reunited with Anthony Stolarz in Toronto, as the pair were dominant for the Panthers in the 2023-24 season.
The Bobrovsky era in Florida is truly over, and there is now a high chance the two sides will meet again in the playoffs.
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Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka has made another acquisition of a player who can play the center position in the NHL.
After inking Jack Roslovic and Colton Sissons to two-year contracts, the Maple Leafs have acquired center Teddy Blueger, offering him the same term as the other two additions. Across Blueger's two years, he'll earn $2.5 million per season, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Blueger's last contract was with the Vancouver Canucks, when he earned $1.8 million per season on a two-year deal.
This past year, the 31-year-old recorded nine goals and 17 points in 35 appearances for Vancouver. He missed over three months to start the campaign with an injury.
In a full 82-game season in 2024-25, Blueger scored eight goals and 27 points, which is around the range of offensive production that should be expected from the Latvian.
It's worth mentioning that Blueger is a former Stanley Cup champion as he hoisted the Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2022-23. He was a trade deadline pickup, scoring six points and averaged 13:16 of ice time in the regular season.
He wasn't utilized much more when it came to that post-season, racking up just two points in six appearances, playing 10:30 of ice time per game.
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Free agency for the NHL opened today and moves are already being made. One of those belongs to Kraken forward Jaden Schwartz. Schwartz concluded his five-year, 5.5 million dollar contract with Seattle and entered unrestricted free agency. Colorado was quick to snatch him up.
The 34-year-old veteran had eleven goals (twenty-six points) in fifty games played with the Kraken in 2025-26. He has battled injuries over the past two seasons, but when on the ice is a clear difference maker. Schwartz will make the move to Colorado with 861 career NHL games across fifteen seasons.
Schwartz celebrates with Shane Wright, Vince Dunn, and fellow UFA Eeli Tolvanen, photo boy Candace Kludt | The Hockey News
The Avalanche and Schwartz have agreed to a three-year, $3.25 million AAV deal, which ends after the 2028-29 season. At that time, Schwartz will be 37 years old.
There are three remaining UFAs under the Kraken umbrella: Eeli Tolvanen, Jamie Oleksiak, and Matt Murray. It is unlikely that the Kraken will make an attempt to keep Murray, and rumors indicate no offer had been extended to Tolvanen as recently as a week ago.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - JUNE 24: Sergio de Larrea of Valencia Basket in action during the Spanish League, Liga ACB Endesa, basketball Final Game 4 match played between FC Barcelona and Valencia Basket at Palau Blaugrana on June 24, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images
After being selected 25th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2026 draft, it wasn’t yet known whether or not the 20-year-old rookie was going to continue to play for his Spanish club, Valencia, with whom he just won the Spanish ACB League championship, or head for the States and an NBA contract.
On Wednesday, Mavericks GM Mike Schmitz said, “We are still working through all of that with Sergio,” when asked if he would be with the Mavs this summer. Now, it looks like we have our answer.
A report from the Spanish-language site Encestando.es has said de Larrea is, in fact, bound for Dallas, where he intends to sign a four-year contract. In fact, Valencia has apparently already signed a replacement player for de Larrea’s roster spot, so it seems highly likely de Larrea will be spending the season with the Mavericks.
Now, Marc Stein confirms that de Larrea is indeed expected to play for Dallas, at least for the Summer League. The plans for de Larrea beyond that, though, are still up in the air.
Mavericks first-round pick Sergio De Larrea, I’m told, is now indeed expected to play in summer league next week … while the broader topic of plans for next season continue to be worked through.
Initially, de Larrea was selected by the New York Knicks before being traded to Dallas. Had he stayed with New York, the impression was that he would be a “draft and stash” candidate, staying in Spain to continue to develop. It’s something New York has leaned on more heavily recently, and seemed especially interested in now, as it would mean a one-year reprieve from having to pay his salary while they’re trying to keep their NBA Championship team core intact this offseason.
The situation is much different for the Mavs, a team in the midst of developing Cooper Flagg, and that is in desperate need of minutes at the guard position, the return of Kyrie Irving notwithstanding.
Whether de Larrea will be a part of Dallas’ Summer League team, having just finished his Championship run with Valencia, is unclear, as are the plans for fellow international rookie Vsevolod Ishchenko, but Dallas seems like a team that is interested in bringing over their prospects sooner rather than later.
On what was expected to be a mostly quiet day of free agency for the Islanders, they signed Matias Maccelli to a one-year deal with an average annual value of $2.25 million, according to TSN.
Maccelli, a 25-year-old winger with a left-handed shot, spent last season with the Maple Leafs, with whom he collected 14 goals and 39 points before not receiving a $4.1 million qualifying offer.
Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matias MacCelli (63) is greeted by his teammates on the bench after he scores a goal in the first 13 seconds of the first period. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
He received an opportunity to skate on the right side of Auston Matthews early in the season, according to The Athletic, but Maccelli was also a healthy scratch at times, too.
He’ll become another forward for the Islanders, who are potentially in need of one with captain Anders Lee testing the market as a free agent.
Matthew Kessel #51 of the St. Louis Blues skates with the puck in the third period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on March 06, 2026 in San Jose, California. Getty Images
A fourth-round pick in 2019, Maccelli has also skated in games for the Coyotes and Mammoth, and in 2023-24, he recorded career-bests in goals (17) and points (57).
The Islanders also signed right-handed defenseman Matthew Kessel, who has spent his entire career with the Blues, to a one-year deal worth $850,000, according to Elliotte Friedman.
No team leaned harder into the "hack-a-Mitch" strategy to get Mitchell Robinson off the court last season than Joe Mazzulla's Boston Celtics. Robinson always brushed the strategy off, such as during the NBA Finals when the Spurs used it, and he said it was because they saw him as a "threat." He said repeatedly that the strategy was a sign of respect from opponents trying to get him off the court.
Boston respected him enough to sign him away from the Knicks.
In a move that is a gut-punch to still-celebrating Knicks fans, Robinson has agreed to join the rival Boston Celtics on a three-year, $47.4 million deal to join the Boston Celtics, reports Shams Charania of ESPN. Boston is bringing the veteran center in using the mid-level exception, which will start at $15 million next season.
While New York talked about wanting to bring him and the entire championship roster back, it had become increasingly clear it was not going to be possible to do that and stay below the second apron of the luxury tax — and that was a line in the sand owner James Dolan had drawn publicly. With the Knicks re-signing Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado and Mohamed Diawara, Robinson could not return without taking a significant pay cut — and he had earned a raise with his play last season.
Look for New York to lean into a cheaper, veteran center to add to the roster, with one league source telling NBC Sports to look for them to sign Kevon Looney.
Robinson brings toughness and athleticism that the Boston frontcourt needed — in the playoffs, once Joel Embiid entered the mix, the 76ers pushed the Boston front line around with little resistance. It's why Boston fell in the first round, and Robinson helps answer that question (and if Mazzulla starts him, it's harder to do the hack-a-Mitch strategy because the team isn't in the bonus).
Boston's bet is on Robinson staying healthy. Last season with the Knicks, Robinson was largely (and relatively) healthy, playing in 60 games but averaging just under 20 minutes a night. He had played in just 48 games total across the previous two seasons, as chronic ankle issues and other injuries kept him sidelined.
Boston is going to have to limit his minutes and lean on other big men such as Neemias Queta. It's going to be center by committee again.
This is still a great signing by Boston at a reasonable price for a high-level center. The fact that it pains Knicks fans to lose him is icing on the cake for Celtics fans.
DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 6: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks reacts to a play in the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 6, 2026 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. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Knicks are losing the longest-tenured player from their championship roster.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, free agent center Mitchell Robinson has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million contract with the Boston Celtics. The deal reportedly includes a player option in the third season, giving Robinson the chance to re-enter free agency before turning 31.
Free agent center Mitchell Robinson has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal to sign with the Boston Celtics, with a player option in third season, sources tell ESPN. Robinson departs the Knicks after serving a key role on the historic championship team. pic.twitter.com/tl3R6nlU1m
The departure closes the book on an eight-year run in New York that saw Robinson evolve from an intriguing (and very raw) second-round project into one of the league’s premier offensive rebounders and rim protectors. Drafted 36th overall in 2018, Robinson outlasted front office changes, coaches, and roster overhauls before finally reaching the mountaintop as a key reserve on this season’s championship team.
While Karl-Anthony Towns occupied the starting center spot, Robinson remained one of the Knicks’ most important role players. His ability to erase mistakes at the rim, dominate the offensive glass and change the physicality of games made him a perfect complement to New York’s skill-heavy starting lineup. He was especially valuable in the postseason, where his rebounding and interior defense frequently swung momentum.
Boston’s interest is obvious. The Celtics have been searching for more size and defensive muscle in the frontcourt, and Robinson gives them exactly that without demanding touches on offense. If healthy, he projects as a major piece of Boston’s rotation and adds another wrinkle to what is already shaping up to be one of the Eastern Conference’s biggest rivalries.
The move also creates a significant hole for the Knicks. Behind Towns, New York’s center depth is suddenly much thinner—especially after losing Ariel Hukporti to the Philadelphia 76ers. The organization has expressed confidence in young big men before, but replacing Robinson’s unique combination of elite rebounding, shot-blocking, and playoff experience won’t be easy. Whether the answer comes through free agency, a trade, or internal development, the center spot immediately becomes one of the front office’s top priorities.
For many of us, this is a sad day under the orange-and-blue skies. Over the years, we watched our favorite jester go from goofy to great. Injuries and the inability to score anywhere beyond two feet from the rim have always been the cloud that hangs over Mitch, and the reluctance to pay him a starter’s salary for reserve minutes is understandable, but the loss in the rebounding column and locker room will certainly be felt as the Knicks begin another march toward the Finals. His final season in New York concluded with a parade down Broadway. Now he’ll join the enemy in their attempts to prevent another. Yeah, that really stings.
The Knicks are champions, but the rest of the Eastern Conference isn’t standing still. We’ll keep this hub updated throughout free agency with every signing, trade, waiver and notable roster move involving New York’s conference rivals.
Last Updated: July 2, 2026, 3 p.m. EST.
Atlanta Hawks
Reported moves:
Acquired Devin Carter and a 2033 second-round pick from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for the draft rights to Alpha Kaba.
Declined the team option on Jonathan Kuminga, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Guaranteed the contract for Buddy Hield for the upcoming season.
Re-signed CJ McCollum to a one-year deal.
Re-sgned FA center Jock Landale to a one-year, $14 million deal.
Traded for Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder using an existing trade exception.
Drafted Kingston Flemings eighth overall and Zuby Ejiofor twenty-third overall.
Knicks Take: The Hawks are getting younger, deeper, and more flexible without making a franchise-altering move. Devin Carter is a worthwhile developmental addition, while moving on from Jonathan Kuminga avoids an expensive gamble. Keeping Hield, Wiggins, and McCollum gives Atlanta a solid veteran core around its young talent, but unless these pieces are flipped for a difference-making center, the Birds remain in the same competitive tier. They’ve improved around the edges without significantly changing the Eastern Conference landscape.
Re-signed Ron Harper Jr. to a three-year, $9 million contract after declining his team option.
Exercised the team option on JD Davison (later waived to manage apron/salary flexibility; he has since signed elsewhere).
Signed Mike Conley to a one-year, $3.88 million deal.
Exercised team options on Dalano Banton, Neemias Queta, and Jordan Walsh.
Traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks.
Knicks Take: Boston strengthened their biggest weakness by signing Mitch—one of the league’s top offensive rebounders and rim protectors. It’s a win-now boost for the Celts, though his injury history makes the three-year deal a gamble. Beantown stays firmly in contention mode. Re-signing Harper Jr. and the Davison move add useful depth, but Robinson is the big addition. For the Knicks, losing him to a top rival stings and keeps Boston as a major roadblock to another Finals push.
Brooklyn Nets
Reported moves:
Acquired Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a three-team deal (Nets sent Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls and the No. 33 pick to Minnesota; Chicago sent Mo Gueye to Minnesota).
Declined team options on big man Day’Ron Sharpe and forward Josh Minott only to immediately lock them into new team-friendly deals. Sharpe re-signed on a two-year, $20 million contract, while Minott agreed to a two-year, $9 million package.
Signing guard Keon Ellis to a two-year, $18 million contract.
Signed FA Moe Wagner to a two-year, $19 million deal.
2026 NBA Draft Additions: The front office landed their potential franchise point guard by selecting Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. with the No. 6 overall pick. They followed that up by using the newly acquired No. 28 selection on consensus All-American forward Joshua Jefferson out of Iowa State, and added forward Tyler Bilodeau later in the evening.
Knicks Take: After spending the last few seasons stuck between rebuilding and competing, Brooklyn added legitimate young talent while bringing in Julius to stabilize the offense. Mikel Brown Jr. could become the franchise point guard they’ve been searching for, Jefferson was one of the better value picks in the draft, and Bilodeau adds another intriguing developmental forward. On top of that, retaining Sharpe and Minott on team-friendly contracts while adding Ellis gives them fairly-priced, rotation-caliber depth.
Charlotte Hornets
Reported moves:
Traded LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, first-round pick swaps in 2028/2029/2030, and three second-round picks (2029/2032/2033).
Traded Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and a 2033 first-round pick (additional picks involved in the deal).
Re-signed guard Coby White to a three-year, $74 million contract extension.
2026 NBA Draft Additions: The front office kept and utilized both of their mid-first-round selections, drafting Washington big man Hannes Steinbach at No. 14 overall and Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson Jr. at No. 18 overall.
Knicks Take: Charlotte seems to be in teardown mode, moving two of their biggest names for young talent, veterans, and a massive pile of future assets. The Ball deal brings defensive/rim protection help in Reid plus draft capital; Bridges adds more picks and rotation pieces (Allen/O’Neale). It’s a clear bet on the young core (Miller, Knueppel, etc.) and future flexibility over short-term contention. High risk but potentially high reward if the rebuild accelerates. And who knows—the Stingers still could still have enough roster talent to be a pest during the season and reach the play-in round.
Chicago Bulls
Reported moves:
Acquired center Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets as part of a major three-team trade that sent Julius Randle to Brooklyn.
Signed center Zach Collins to a two-year, $17 million contract extension, featuring a team option in the second year.
Guaranteed the $2.41 million contract for forward Leonard Miller for the upcoming season.
Drafted forward Caleb Wilson fourth overall and guard Dailyn Swain fifteenth overall in the first round.
Acquired guard Kam Jones from the Indiana Pacers in a draft-night trade for the No. 38 pick, then subsequently waived him ahead of free agency.
Signed FA Norman Powell to a two-year, $45 million deal.
Lost FA Collin Sexton, signing a a two-year, $19 million deal with the Lakers.
Knicks Take: The Bulls have fully committed to a long-term rebuild. Claxton gives them a defensive anchor, Wilson adds another high-upside piece alongside Matas Buzelis and Rob Dillingham, and Collins returns on a flexible, low-risk deal. Chicago isn’t trying to contend this season; the focus is building a young core while using its remaining cap space to accumulate more future assets.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Reported moves:
James Harden declined his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season and paused negotiations on a new multiyear deal to give the front office financial runway to pursue LeBron James.
Lost forward Dean Wade to the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $39 million deal in free agency.
Lost guard Keon Ellis to the Brooklyn Nets on a two-year, $18 million contract in free agency.
Re-signed FA center Thomas Bryant with a one-year deal.
Explored trade scenarios involving Max Strus and Dennis Schröder to clear extra cap space and navigate second-apron restrictions.
Drafted Arkansas combo guard Meleek Thomas with the No. 34 overall pick in the second round.
Knicks Take: The Cavs aren’t rebuilding, but they’re gambling on cap flexibility. Restructuring Harden’s deal only makes sense if it leads to another major addition, and losing Wade and Ellis leaves Cleveland noticeably thinner on the wing. Unless the Cavs turn that flexibility into a significant acquisition, they’ve weakened one of the roster’s biggest strengths without clearly improving elsewhere.
Detroit Pistons
Reported moves:
Signed forward John Collins to a three-year, $51 million contract, with the final two seasons reportedly non-guaranteed.
Traded longtime big man Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies for three future second-round picks (salary-clearing move that opens up cap flexibility).
Re-signed wing Kevin Huerter to a three-year, $27 million contract.
Drafted Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie and center Ugonna Onyenso via a complex series of draft-night trades.
Lost Tobias Harris to the Spurs in free agency.
Knicks Take: Detroit will continue to be a legitimate Eastern Conference threat. Collins gives Cade Cunningham another ideal frontcourt partner, Huerter returns on a team-friendly deal, and the Pistons continue adding young talent through the draft. Trading Isaiah Stewart creates breathing room under the cap for more moves. They’ve improved without sacrificing flexibility and look poised to remain one of the Knicks’ toughest challengers. Meanwhile, well see if Jalen Duren will be taking up residence in Sacramento next season.
Indiana Pacers
Reported moves:
Traded guard Kam Jones, two future second-round pick swaps (2028 and 2030), and cash considerations to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for the No. 38 overall pick.
Drafted Purdue point guard and NCAA all-time assists leader Braden Smith with the No. 38 pick, intending to sign him to a two-way contract.
Signed Kelly Oubre Jr. to a two-year, nearly $17 million deal.
Knicks Take: The Pacers have had a quiet offseason, adding Smith on a two-way deal after trading into the second round. With Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac anchoring a proven core, Indiana remains a contender. Their biggest remaining need is adding a reliable wing to strengthen the bench while Johnny Furphy recovers from an ACL injury.
Miami Heat
Reported moves:
Acquired eight-time All-NBA forward Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in a monumental blockbuster trade.
Traded cash and the draft rights to No. 41 pick Otega Oweh to the Oklahoma City Thunder to move up and select Louisville guard Ryan Conwell with the No. 37 overall pick.
Traded the draft rights to No. 13 overall pick Nate Ament to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the package to land Antetokounmpo.
Lost Norman Powell to the Bulls in free agency.
Re-signed FA Simone Fontecchio with a one-year deal.
Re-signed forward Andrew Wiggins with a three-year, $64 million contract.
Signed FA Tim Hardaway, JR. (OAKAAKUYOAK) to a one-year, $6.5 million deal.
Waived guard Terry Rozier ahead of the offseason to clear extra financial runway.
Knicks Take: Pat Riley landed his whale, and Antetokounmpo instantly makes Miami one of the Knicks’ biggest threats. Pairing Giannis with Bam Adebayo creates a dominant defensive frontcourt, but the trade leaves the Heat thin on depth after sacrificing young talent. Miami’s title hopes now hinge on filling out the roster with quality, low-cost role players.
Milwaukee Bucks
Reported moves:
Traded two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and big man Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in an absolute earthquake of a blockbuster deal. In return, Milwaukee hauled in Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., guard Kasparas Jakučionis, the No. 13 overall pick, unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.
Drafted wing Nate Ament with the acquired No. 13 pick and added guard Brayden Burries in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft to jumpstart their young core.
Re-signed forward Ousmane Dieng to a three-year, $17.5 million contract after he showed promising flashes of production following his mid-season arrival.
Knicks Take: Milwaukee has fully embraced a rebuild, turning Giannis Antetokounmpo into a haul of draft picks and young talent. Retaining Ousmane Dieng is a smart, low-risk move, but Tyler Herro and Kyle Kuzma don’t fit the new timeline and could be flipped for more assets. It’s the end of an era, but the Bucks have positioned themselves well for the future.
2026 NBA Draft: Actively traded down/out of the first round (No. 24 originally) in multiple deals, acquiring several future second-round picks and cash. Selected Jack Kayil (G, No. 39) and Tyler Nickel (F/G, No. 47); also added other second-rounders like prospects in multi-team swaps. Added undrafted free agents/prospects (e.g., Oziyah Sellers, Keith Palek III, and others) to Summer League.
Waived forward Jonathan Isaac ahead of free agency, shedding his salary to clear roughly $6.5 million in cap space.
Acquired the draft rights to USF big man Izaiyah Nelson (the No. 51 overall pick) from the Washington Wizards in exchange for the draft rights to Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (the No. 46 overall pick).
Lost backup center Moe Wagner to unrestricted free agency, with multiple suitors expected to pry him away from Florida.
Signed center Nikola Vucevic to a one-year, $3.9 million deal.
Re-signed FA guard Jevon Carter with a one-year, $3.5 million deal.
Hired former assistant Sean Sweeney as the team’s new head coach to replace Jamahl Mosley.
Knicks Take: Orlando is navigating the financial reality of Paolo Banchero’s looming max extension. Moving on from Isaac creates flexibility, while drafting the defensive big Nelson adds inexpensive frontcourt depth. With luxury tax concerns growing, expect the Magic to focus on affordable shooting and backcourt help rather than splashy moves.
Philadelphia 76ers
Reported moves:
Traded Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks for Jaylen Brown. Signed forward Dean Wade to a four-year, $39 million contract in free agency, utilizing the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Accepted the team options on forward Dominick Barlow ($3.4 million) and wing Dalen Terry ($2.5 million).
Declined the $2.8 million team option on forward Trendon Watford, making him an unrestricted free agent, and opted not to extend a qualifying offer to Tyrese Martin.
Drafted Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Signed FA guard Anfernee Simons to a two-year, $12.3 million deal.
Lost Kelly Oubre Jr. to the Pacers.
Hired Mike Gansey as the franchise’s new President of Basketball Operations to replace Daryl Morey.
Lost free agent guard Quentin Grimes, who is signing a four-year, $60 million to join the Los Angeles.
Knicks Take: The Sixers quietly had a strong offseason. Signing Wade away from Cleveland gives the Sixers a versatile defender and floor spacer, while adding Hukporti provides affordable frontcourt depth. Rookie Philon Jr. strengthens the backcourt around Joel Embiid. They’ve improved their rotation without sacrificing financial flexibility, making them a tougher contender in the East. They may still be on the market for a shooter, with Grimes on the move.
Toronto Raptors
Reported moves:
Sandro Mamukelashvili declined his player option and entered unrestricted free agency. Agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal to sign with Los Angeles Lakers.
Acquired Kawhi Leonard from the LA Clippers in trade (sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks). Leonard is in the final year of his deal at ~$50M and is expected to sign a two-year extension with Toronto.
Re-signed guard Alijah Martin with a two-year, $4.8 million deal.
Knicks Take: Toronto took a big swing by reuniting with Leonard, instantly raising its ceiling despite his injury history. The Raptors may lose Sandro in free agency, but adding Kawhi makes them a much tougher team and another contender the Knicks will have to reckon with in the East.
Washington Wizards
Reported moves:
Drafted BYU forward and consensus top prospect AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Signed guard Trae Young to a four-year, $212 million maximum contract extension featuring a player option for the 2029-30 season.
Traded the draft rights to No. 46 overall pick Felix Okpara to the Orlando Magic in exchange for the draft rights to USF big man Izaiyah Nelson (the No. 51 overall pick); also involved other second-round shuffling.
Shut down ongoing trade inquiries regarding 10-time All-Star forward Anthony Davis, publicly reaffirming their commitment to keeping him long-term.
Knicks Take: Washington has accelerated its rebuild into a win-now approach. Extending Trae, keeping Davis, and drafting Dybantsa gives the Wizards a legitimate foundation with immediate playoff aspirations. They could be a surprise team this season.
Biggest Winners So Far
Philadelphia 76ers — The Brown acquisition makes them one of the Knicks’ biggest threats in the East. Adding Simons and Hukportio to their bench only made them deeper. They’ve positioned themselves as the greatest threat to the crown.
Detroit Pistons — Landing Collins addresses a real need without sacrificing the future. They continue building around their young core and look like a rising Eastern power. Keep an eye on Duran, though, and losing Stewart might prove more important than initially assumed.
Toronto Raptors — Reuniting with Kawhi is a massive swing that instantly raises their ceiling and makes them a serious playoff contender again.
New York Knicks — Continuity on the wings and backcourt (Shamet, Alvarado, Diawara) preserves championship depth while adding future assets in the draft. Robinson’s departure stings, and Leon Rose needs to find a center, STAT. (But not STAT, he’s too old.)
Biggest Losers So Far
Cleveland Cavaliers — Losing Dean Wade and Keon Ellis thins out the wing rotation while they scramble for cap flexibility—without a clear star addition yet.
Boston Celtics — Mitchell Robinson bolsters them, but the Jaylen Brown trade has their fanbase in meltdown mode.
Milwaukee Bucks — Trading away Giannis marks the end of an era. They’re now officially in a rebuild with young talent and picks.
Charlotte Hornets — Full teardown mode after moving LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, but they’ve loaded up on future assets.
This tracker will be updated as free agency unfolds.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 12: Jamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards runs down court during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on April 12, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: The Cavaliers defeated the Wizards 130-117. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards have re-signed Jamir Watkins to a two-way contract, the team announced Wednesday.
The Washington Wizards have signed forward Jamir Watkins to a two-way contract.
Washington has re-signed Watkins just days after it declined his $2.15 million team option for the 2026-27 season. The Wizards did something similar in 2024, when they declined Tristan Vukcevic’s team option before signing him to a two-way contract.
By signing Watkins to a two-way deal, the Wizards have roughly $13 million in luxury tax space and the full $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception to sign a free agent.
Watkins, 24, was selected No. 43 by Washington in the 2025 NBA Draft. He averaged 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds across 50 games last season.
The stout defender closed his rookie campaign with a 24-point outburst on 5-for-9 3-point shooting against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Florida State product signing a two-way deal keeps the Wizards at 14 standard contracts.
Guard: Trae Young | Tre Johnson | Bub Carrington | Jaden Hardy | D’Angelo Russell
Wing: AJ Dybantsa | Kyshawn George | Bilal Coulibaly | Will Riley
Forward: Anthony Davis | Justin Champagnie | Cam Whitmore
Center: Alex Sarr | Tristan Vukcevic
Two-way: Jamir Watkins
Washington could open another roster spot by waiving or buying out Russell, who opted in to his $5.9 million player option but never reported to Washington following last February’s trade from the Dallas Mavericks.
Wizards general manager Will Dawkins was noncommittal on whether Felix Okpara would sign a standard deal, which opens the door for him to start his career on a two-way contract. Dawkins also mentioned Washington’s desire to add another big man to back up Sarr and Davis.
The agent for LeBron James indicated nearly half the teams in the NBA are interested in signing the league's all-time leading scorer and the decision won't be about money.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul said he spoke with "12 to 14" teams about James after NBA free agency negotiations officially began during an episode of The Ringer's "Game Over" podcast featuring Paul and former ESPN commentator Max Kellerman released on Wednesday, July 1. Paul also confirmed the Golden State Warriors were one of the teams to contact him regarding James, but remained non-committal about any favorites to land his 41-year-old client.
James announced on Tuesday he plans to play elsewhere next season after spending the past eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers. Paul revealed negotiations with the Lakers never reached the point where the team's front office made a formal contract offer to James.
"There didn't need to be one," Paul told Kellerman. "They wanted to bring him back, obviously, but there didn’t need to be one and I didn’t want to waste anyone’s time.”
Paul explained that James began the NBA offseason telling Paul he was "80%" about a return to the Lakers, but his thinking progressively changed even though remaining with the franchise would have netted James his biggest potential payday.
"I don’t believe that there was anything that took place," Paul said about James' shift in mindset. "... I think you get to a place where in your mind, you start to decide, OK, it’s time for me to move on elsewhere.”
Paul reiterated James is in search of "complete happiness" and money won't dictate his potential landing spot for the first time in his career. Paul would not put a timeline on when James might decide on his next team.
"His legacy is etched in stone," Paul said, "but if you can find humility and peace and still be competitive and give yourself the chance at the possibility of winning, that is complete happiness. That’s the Holy Grail. That’s all you can ask for.”
“I think we’ll look at all situations," Paul added, "and ultimately he’ll make the best decision for him.”
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Washington Wizards looks on after making a basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2025 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 no secret the Washington Wizards need to add depth behind their presumed starting frontcourt of Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr.
Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said as much last week, stating the team’s desire to add another forward or center in free agency.
Nearly a day into the NBA’s legal tampering period, several teams have already added frontcourt help. Mitchell Robinson (Celtics), Moritz Wagner (Nets), Nikola Vucevic (Magic) and John Collins (Pistons) are just a few free agents who have already inked new deals.
The Wizards can use the roughly $13 million in luxury-tax space or the full $15 million midlevel exception to sign a free agent.
Below is a list of five available free-agent big men Washington could target.
Marvin Bagley III
Bagley, 27, averaged 10.1 points and 5.7 rebounds on 62.6% FG across 38 appearances with the Wizards last season before he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a deal that brought Davis to Washington. The 6-foot-10 forward produced in a bench role in each of his previous two stints as a Wizard and would assume a similar role during the 2026-27 season.
Andre Drummond
Drummond, 32, averaged 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds with the Philadelphia 76ers last season in a backup role. The 6-foot-11, 279-pound center would help the Wizards, who ranked 24th in rebounds per game last season, solve their rebounding issues while providing a bruising presence off the bench.
Kevon Looney
Looney, 30, is a veteran option Washington could target on a one-year deal. The three-time NBA champion averaged 2.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in just 21 games with the New Orleans Pelicans last season as he battled injuries.
Nick Richards
Richards, 28, just finished a three-year, $15 million contract that included stints with the Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls. The 6-foot-11, 245-pound forward would give Washington another bruising presence behind Sarr and Davis while assisting with the team’s rebounding issues.
Dwight Powell
Powell, 34, is an older option who’s spent the past 12 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks as a depth forward. Powell averaged 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds on 64.4% FG across 63 appearances last season
