Samwise NBA Newsletter
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade to Miami Heat Made Official
The Milwaukee Bucks officially traded two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat on July 6 after the NBA moratorium period ended. Milwaukee received Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks including the No. 13 pick in the 2026 draft, a pick swap, and a second-round pick. Antetokounmpo's representatives had informed the Bucks from May 2025 through June 2026 that the franchise legend wanted a trade. Heat president Pat Riley described it as one of the great trades in Heat history, calling Antetokounmpo a top-5 player in the league.
Kawhi Leonard Hires New Agent, Raptors Extension Talks to Begin This Week
Seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard has hired Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports as his new agent to oversee contract extension negotiations with the Toronto Raptors, HoopsHype and ESPN reported on July 6. Gaines, who worked closely with Leonard as his business attorney over the past year, is expected to meet with Raptors officials in Toronto in the coming days. Leonard was acquired by Toronto from the Los Angeles Clippers for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and draft picks. He has one season and $50.3 million remaining on his contract and is eligible to sign a two-year, $123.7 million extension.
Rich Paul: LeBron James Free Agency Decision Not Coming Soon
LeBron James' agent Rich Paul told reporters on July 6 that he is keeping James' free agency suitors in the dark, with no team informed of where the four-time MVP plans to play in 2026-27. James has told the Los Angeles Lakers he will sign elsewhere, ending his eight-year tenure with the franchise in what will be his 24th NBA season. Paul cited the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics, among others, as potential destinations, while the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly believe they have a strong shot. Paul said a decision is not expected in the next few days.
Sources: HoopsHype Sports Illustrated Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Ja Morant Trade to Portland Trail Blazers Finalized
The Memphis Grizzlies traded guard Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant, Kris Murray, and cash, with the deal becoming official July 6 after the NBA moratorium ended. Morant, 26, has played only 79 games over the past three seasons due to off-court issues and injuries since his second consecutive All-Star appearance in 2023. He has two years and approximately $87 million remaining on his contract. Morant joins a young Portland squad that made its first playoff appearance since 2021, headlined by breakout star Deni Avdija, alongside veterans Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard.
Sources: ESPN Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Rui Hachimura Leaves Lakers, Signs Two-Year Deal with Clippers
Rui Hachimura departed the Los Angeles Lakers for their crosstown rivals, agreeing to a two-year, $28 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers on July 6, with the team holding an option on the second year. HoopsHype and ESPN reported the deal. Hachimura, 28, turned down offers from the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets, and San Antonio Spurs to remain in Los Angeles. During the 2026 playoffs, the forward averaged 17.5 points on 54.9% shooting from the field and 56.9% from three-point range. He spent the previous three and a half seasons with the Lakers.
Hawks Rally from 20 Down to Defeat Thunder in Salt Lake City Summer League
The Atlanta Hawks rallied from a 20-point deficit to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 82-77 in Salt Lake City Summer League play on July 7. Zuby Ejiofor led Atlanta with 19 points and 15 rebounds in the comeback victory. The Thunder fell to 0-2 in the Salt Lake City tournament, with No. 13 overall pick Aday Mara posting 10 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks. Oklahoma City's Payton Sandfort contributed 25 points off the bench to pace the losing side. The game was held at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City.
Darryn Peterson Posts 25 Points and 12 Assists as Jazz Beat Grizzlies
Utah Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson delivered a standout Salt Lake City Summer League performance on July 7, recording 25 points and 12 assists to lead Utah to a 109-100 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Cody Williams contributed 18 points and eight rebounds for the Jazz. The contest drew additional attention as a marquee matchup between top 2026 draft picks, with Peterson, the No. 2 overall selection, squaring off against No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer of the Grizzlies. The game took place at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City.
Sacramento Kings Waive DeMar DeRozan, Six-Time All-Star Enters Free Agency
The Sacramento Kings waived six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan on July 6 after trade talks with other teams stalled, sending the veteran scorer into free agency. Only $10 million of DeRozan's $25.7 million contract for next season was guaranteed, allowing Sacramento to stretch the obligation over three seasons at $3.3 million per year, saving the team approximately $22 million and moving below the luxury tax. DeRozan, who turns 37 in August, averaged 18.4 points on nearly 50% shooting in his 17th NBA season with the Kings. Multiple contenders are expected to pursue the veteran forward.
Sources: ESPN Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2026 NBA Playoffs — Final Results
🏆 2026 NBA Champions: New York Knicks
Eastern Conference
Finals: Knicks def. Spurs 4–1
E. Finals: Knicks def. Hawks 4–2
E. Semis: Knicks def. Cavaliers 4–0
Finals MVP: Jalen Brunson (NYK)
Western Conference
W. Finals: Spurs def. Thunder 4–3
W. Semis: Spurs def. Oklahoma City 4–3
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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