NBA signings, trades, latest rumors as free agency period opens
Editor's note: Keep up with all the latest NBA free agency and trade news with our live updates for Wednesday, July 1.
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.
Only a few teams enter free agency with legitimate salary cap space to use. LeBron James remains the most prominent free agent, with a looming decision and a growing list of suitors now that he has decided not to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season.
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:
Jalen Duren could meet with Lakers again
Center Jalen Duren is scheduled to meet with the Lakers again Wednesday, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in 70 games played for the Detroit Pistons this past season.
Duren would help fill a void at one of the Lakers' biggest positional needs.
Bogdan Bogdanovic to Rockets
Bogdan Bogdanovic has agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Rockets. Bogdanovic averaged 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 23 games played. The veteran had spent much of the past two seasons with the L.A. Clippers.
76ers sign defensive forward Dean Wade
Forward Dean Wade agreed to a four-year, $39 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, ESPN's Shams Charania reported.
Wade gives Philadelphia a versatile 6-foot-9 defender after seven seasons in Cleveland, where he started as an undrafted free agent in 2019. The move reunites him with Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, who helped bring Wade to the Cavaliers.
He averaged 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists last season. His biggest contributions, however, don't show up in the box score. He drew the toughest assignments on defense in Cleveland's playoff run, at one point holding Brandon Ingram to seven points.
Bulls extend Zach Collins on a two-year deal
Center Zach Collins agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract extension to stay with the Chicago Bulls, ESPN reported.
Collins gives Chicago frontcourt depth when healthy, which has been the issue in the past. He played just 10 games last season because of a left wrist fracture and a sprained tow. In limited minutes, he averaged 9.7 points and 5.6 rebounds. Collins landed with the Bulls in the February 2025 trade that sent Zach LaVine to Sacramento.
Suns land sharpshooter Luke Kennard in free agency
Luke Kennard has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, ESPN reported. He fills the shooting void Phoenix created this month when it traded Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale to Charlotte for Miles Bridges.
Kennard led the NBA in 3-point percentage last season at 47.8%, the third time in his career he has done so. The nine-year veteran split last season between Atlanta and the Lakers and averaged 8.4 points in 78 games.
Keon Ellis Nets two-year deal with Brooklyn
Free agent guard Keon Ellis agreed to a two-year, $18 million guaranteed deal with the Brookyln Nets, per ESPN' Shams Charania. The contract carries a full mutual option that locks in the entire $18 million.
Ellis is a 3-and-D guard who built his reputation on defense. He came up with the Kings after going undrafted out of Alabama. The Cavaliers acquired him at the February trade deadline.
In Brooklyn, he reunites with coach Jordi Fernandez, who coached him as an assistant in Sacramento.
Lakers consider bringing Sandro Mamukelashvilli to replace Rui
ESPN insider Brian Windhorst reported that there are people around the league who believe Sandro Mamukelashvilli is going to sign with Los Angeles to "basically replace" Rui Hachimura on the Lakers.
Kristaps Porzingis, Warriors officially ink two-year deal
Free agent center Kristaps Porzingis will remain with Golden State for the next couple of seasons after signing a two-year, $40 million contract extension, the team announced in a news release. The 30-year-old was acquired in a trade last season that dealt Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks. Porzingis played 15 games, starting in 11 for the Warriors where he averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.
Porzingis re-signing eludes to the Warriors falling out of the Anthony Davis sweepstakes. ESPN insider Brian Windhorst said Golden State is no longer factoring Davis into their future.
Clippers ink second-year forward Kobe Sanders to four-year deal
Free agent forward Kobe Sanders has agreed to a four-year, $11.2 million deal to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN. A second round pick in 2025, the Clippers converted Sanders from from a two-way contract to a regular contract in February. He averaged 7.3 points and 19.9 minutes over 68 games as a rookie in the 2025-26 season.
Trail Blazers land big man Branden Carlson on one-year deal
Branden Carlson, a 7-foot center, agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, according to ESPN.
Carlson, who went undrafted out of Utah, spent last season with Oklahoma City. He gives Portland another big body in a frontcourt that re-signed Robert Williams III this week.
Kelly Oubre Jr. to meet with 76ers, Pacers, more
Free agent wing Kelly Oubre Jr. plans to meet with the &6ers, Pacers, Trail Blazers and Lakers among other, Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko reported.
Oubre is coming off three seasons in Philadelphia. Last season he averaged 14.1 points and 5.0 rebounds in 50 games. He shot a career-best 36% from 3-point range.
The Pacers are after wing depth as Tyrese Haliburton works back from a torn Achilles. The Lakers are reshaping their roster. The 11-year veteran should have a lot of options.
Achiuwa re-signs with Kings after career year
Free agent forward Precious Achiuwa agreed to re-sign with the Sacramento Kings on a two-year, $11.5 million deal, Chris Haynes reported.
Achiuwa, 26, is coming off the best season of his career. He averaged 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds in 73 games last season. He started 57. He closed strong, averaging 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds over his final 25 games.
NBA Cup championship heading to historic Hinkle Fieldhouse
The NBA will hold it's 2026 NBA Cup championship on Dec. 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the league told teams in a memo.
It's a sharp turn from the event's first three years in Las Vegas. Hinkle opened in 1928 and is a National Historic Landmark, home to Butler basketball and the gym where the final scenes of "Hoosiers" were shot.
Tim Hardaway Jr. agrees to deal with Heat, joins Giannis pursuit
Free agent shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. has agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Miami Heat, ESPN reported.
Hardaway, Jr., 34, gives the Hear the bench shooting they need around new addition Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. He averaged 13.5 points last season for Denver.
His father starred for Miami in the late 1990s, and his No.10 hangs in the rafters at Kaseya Center.
DeAndre Jordan returning for 19th NBA season
Free agent center DeAndre Jordan has agreed to a deal to return to New Orleans for his 19th NBA season, ESPN reported.
Jordan, who turns 38 next month, played just 12 games for the Pelicans last season. His value came as much off the court as on it. He won the NBA's Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award for steadying a young Pelicans core that leans on Derik Queen and Yves Missi.
When he did play, Jordan averaged 4.4 points and 6.3 rebounds. New Orleans is his eighth team.
Bucks bring back Ousmane Dieng on three-year deal
Free agent forward Ousmane Dieng agreed to a three-year, $17.5 million deal to return to Milwaukee, ESPN's Shams Charania reported.
Dieng broke out after the Bucks acquired him from Oklahoma City at the February deadline. The 23-yearold Frenchman aeraged 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 30 games, starting 20 of them.
Milwaukee declined his $9.6 million qualifying offer earlier this week, then brought him back at a lower yearly number for a longer deal. He fits the timeline of the Bucks rebuild around youth after the Giannis Anteokounmpo trade.
NBA salary cap climbs to $164.9 million for 2026-27
The NBA set its 2026-27 salary cap Tuesday as free agency opened. The league announced the cap is $164.961 million, up about 6.7% from last season. The tax level rises to $200.428 million, the first time it has topped $200 million.
The first apron lands at $209 million and the second apron at $221.686 million. The non-taxpayer mid-level is $15.044 million.
The figures took effect as free agents began negotiating at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The numbers set max salaries and decide how much room teams have to chase free agents.
Pistons hold firm on Duren
While Jalen Duren has made it clear he was looking for an exit from Detroit, the Pistons have told ESPN's Marc J. Spears they have no interest in him leaving. The Pistons do not want a a sign-and-trade, and Spears reported that the Pistons plan to match any offer sheet Duren signs.
That keeps Detroit in control, as Duren is a restricted free agent. He is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 65% from the floor. He made his first All0Star team and earned All-NBA.
When does NBA free agency start?
Less than an hour remains before the NBA free agency technically begins for the 2026 offseason. NBA teams can begin negotiating and coming to terms with all upcoming free agents beginning at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 30.
Players can not officially sign with a new NBA team until 12:01 p.m. ET on Monday, July 6. Teams are currently allowed to negotiate with their own free agents. This year, however, the transactions have started to flow well before the legal tampering period began.
Wizards not interested in Anthony Davis trade
The Washington Wizards are not interested in trading Anthony Davis at the moment, according to ESPN's Marc Spears and Brian Windhorst, in a new update after reports surfaced that Davis could join the Golden State Warriors along with LeBron James.
The Wizards acquired Davis in a Feb. 5 trade from the Dallas Mavericks and he's eligible to sign a contract extension with Washington. Though there could be lingering friction if the two sides don't come to new terms, the Wizards front office appears to be set on keeping Davis with Trae Young and A.J. Dybantsa heading into next season.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar urges LeBron James reunion in Cleveland
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar called LeBron James "a winner on and off the court" in a social media post reacting to the news James plans to leave the Lakers in NBA free agency. Then Abdul-Jabbar, who James passed as the league's all-time leading scorer during his eight-year run with the Lakers, seemed to pitch James on a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
LeBron James gives Rich Paul NBA free agency marching orders
LeBron James has instructed his agent, Rich Paul, to speak with every team around the NBA that's interested in signing him and then come back to James with his potential options, according to ESPN. James will then make a decision based off those options.
Cavaliers look to trades for LeBron James signing
The Cleveland Cavaliers are considered one of the early favorites to land LeBron James in free agency along with the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat. But they'll need to get creative to carve out room under the NBA's salary cap for James.
The Cavaliers are trying to trade guards Max Strus and Dennis Schroder, according to multiple reports, in addition to James Harden's decision to sign a new multi-year contract at a more team-friendly salary figure, to make room to sign James to the full midlevel exception.
Celtics legend calls potential Jaylen Brown trade 'disgusting'
Count Robert Parish among the critics of the Boston Celtics' decision to shop Jaylen Brown on the trading block heading into the NBA's free agency period. Parish, who played 14 seasons with the Celtics and won three NBA championships with Boston, said in an interview with SiriusXM Radio that he wouldn't be looking to move Brown. And he said it bluntly.
“First of all, you don’t get rid of a talent like Jaylen Brown unless he asked to be moved, not to mention the backcourt with he and (Jayson) Tatum is a proven formula," Parish said. "So why would you wanna make that move? I find it disturbing, and it’s uncomfortable, and not to mention I don’t understand — never have, never will — why ownership and management want respect and loyalty from players, but they only give you loyalty and respect when it’s in their best interest.”
Clippers trade Kawhi Leonard back to Raptors
The rumored trade sending Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors has been finalized, according to multiple reports.
ESPN reported the Clippers will receive forward Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap and two second-round picks as part of the deal. The Clippers signed Leonard from Toronto back in 2019 after he led the Raptors to an NBA championship.
Leonard averaged a career-best 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists with the Clippers during the 2025-26 season. He has one year left on his current contract worth $50.3 million, but he is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Raptors.
Lakers interested in Quentin Grimes
There are now multiple reports linking the Los Angeles Lakers to shooting guard Quentin Grimes when NBA free agency begins in a few hours. Grimes played this past season with the Philadelphia 76ers on a one-year contract and averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Grimes is also a former teammate with Luka Doncic in Dallas.
Magic Johnson thanks LeBron James
LeBron James posts response to Lakers farewell tweet
Will Bronny James stay with Lakers after LeBron's exit?
LeBron James' decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers also leaves his son in a precarious spot. Bronny James, 21, is headed into the third year of a four-year contract, with the final year being a club option, and therefore is not a free agent. He would have to be traded or waived to play with his father on another team.
Click here for more on the situation with Bronny James and the Lakers.
Robert Williams III to stay with Trail Blazers after Ja Morant trade
NBA teams looking for a center can scratch Robert Williams III off their free agency lists. Williams has agreed to a new 3-year, $44-million contract extension to remain with the Portland Trail Blazers, according to multiple reports on June 30. Williams averaged 7.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in just 17 minutes per game with Portland last season.
Williams will continue to team with Donovan Clingan inside and provide rim protection as the Trail Blazers position themselves better with the backcourt-heavy roster they now have after trading for Ja Morant.
Luka Doncic reacts to LeBron James leaving Lakers
The Lakers had already begun pivoting towards a future built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves and that was reinforced on Tuesday when LeBron James announced his decision to play elsewhere for the 2026-27 season.
Doncic shared his thoughts on the move via an Instagram post in the past hour, which featured a photo of James hugging Doncic.
"An honor to play with and learn from you @kingjames," Doncic wrote.
Is LeBron James sending clues with new Steph Curry podcast?
The "Mind the Game" podcast hosted by Steve Nash and LeBron James had some curious timing on Tuesday, June 30, with James also announcing he does not intend to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season. The YouTube channel for James' podcast released a new episode featuring James and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry rehashing winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics together.
The Warriors, of course, are considered one of the prominent suitors for James now that he's available as a free agent.
Lakers free agent targets with LeBron James gone
Now that LeBron James has announced his intentions to play elsewhere next season, the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the few NBA teams with a sizable amount of salary cap space this offseason.
What's clear is they want to add some size. Detroit Pistons star Jalen Duren, Utah Jazz restricted free agent Walker Kessler, New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson and Sandro Mamukelashvili of the Toronto Raptors are among the players expected to meet with the Lakers when the free agency negotiating window officially opens on June 30, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.
Jock Landale to return to Atlanta Hawks for big raise
Jock Landale is expected to remain with the Atlanta Hawks on a 1-year, $14-million contract, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. That's a big upgrade for Landale, who signed with the Memphis Grizzlies for the veteran's minimum before being dealt to the Hawks at the trade deadline. He averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds over 68 games last season.
Landale's short-term deal at this price point will make him a candidate to be traded again at the 2027 deadline.
Lakers say goodbye to LeBron James on social media
The separation between the Lakers and LeBron James is officially underway. The team has issued a statement thanking James in the wake of reports that he informed them he planned to play elsewhere next season.
"We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers," team president Jeannie Buss said in a statement, "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. He will always be a cherished part of the Laker family."
Cleveland Cavaliers have interest in LeBron James reunion
While the recent rumors regarding LeBron James have centered around the Golden State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers are also expected to log interest in James. NBA reporter Chris Haynes indicated the team's pitch will center on finishing his career where he started it. ESPN's Anthony Slater reported the Warriors believe signing James will involve some level of recruitment with other teams expected to be in pursuit.
LeBron James, Lakers appear headed for a split
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.
Did Jaylen Brown's Instagram confirm he wants a trade?
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.
The Celtics star reportedly liked a comment under one of his posts that read: "Man as a person who can’t stand the Celtics I hope they do right by him by trading him to a city who respects him."
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."
Pistons push back on Jalen Duren trade reports
The Detroit Pistons aren't ready to just get rid of Jalen Duren because contract negotiations on his rookie extension reportedly aren't going well. The team does not intend to trade the 22-year-old restricted free agent, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reported on Monday night.
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.
Warriors to ramp up LeBron James free agency pursuit
The Golden State Warriors plan to aggressively pursue LeBron James today, according to multiple reports, 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.
Kawhi Leonard trade could happen 'today'
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.
What you missed Monday: Signings, trades and more
There was a plethora of action across the NBA Monday, June 29, including a big trade that saw the Memphis Grizzlies sending two-time All-Star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. The trade ended months of speculation about where Morant would play next, while bringing up new questions about what the Trail Blazers plan to do with their now-crowded backcourt.
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.