Samwise NBA Newsletter
Thursday, July 9, 2026
LeBron James weighs next move with no timetable; Cavaliers seen as front-runners
With the NBA’s most anticipated free agency decision still unresolved, all eyes remain on LeBron James as he weighs where to play his 24th professional season. The 41-year-old notified the Los Angeles Lakers last week that he will not return, ending his time with the franchise. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, a strong vibe is pointing toward a return to Cleveland, where James spent extra time in Akron this summer and reconnected with teammates from the 2016 championship. Cleveland’s pitch strengthened after Donovan Mitchell signed a four-year, $273 million maximum extension. The Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Warriors, and Timberwolves all remain in contention for James.
Hawks open to Kuminga sign-and-trade with Lakers; Cavaliers and Bucks also monitoring
A potential sign-and-trade is taking shape around Jonathan Kuminga, with the Atlanta Hawks confirming to HoopsHype on Wednesday that they are open to sending the 23-year-old forward to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick. The Hawks declined Kuminga’s team option in late June, making him an unrestricted free agent. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick met virtually with Kuminga to pitch a high-minutes wing role alongside Luka Doncic, but Kuminga has been hesitant, exploring other suitors. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks are also tracking the situation in potential sign-and-trade scenarios.
NBA Las Vegas Summer League opens tonight: Dybantsa vs. Peterson headlines the 2026 debut
The NBA Las Vegas Summer League opens tonight at the Thomas and Mack Center on the UNLV campus, running July 9–19 with all 30 teams participating. The marquee opening matchup pits No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa and the Washington Wizards against No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson and the Utah Jazz at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 BYU freshman, led Division I with 25.5 points per game and averaged 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Peterson brings elite athleticism from his season at Kansas. Dallas and Golden State also face off tonight, both having selected Michigan Wolverines in consecutive picks at No. 9 and No. 11.
Wizards GM outlines dual-star rebuild: Trae Young’s $212M deal pairs with No. 1 pick Dybantsa
Washington Wizards general manager Will Dawkins addressed the team’s offseason direction Wednesday, centering the rebuild around guard Trae Young and incoming No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa. Young locked in a four-year, $212 million near-maximum extension with Washington earlier this offseason; the deal includes a 7.5 percent trade kicker that would penalize any future trade, per HoopsHype. Washington also added Khris Middleton via sign-and-trade and retained second-round pick Felix Okpara. The Wizards finished 17–65 in 2025–26 but are committing significant long-term salary to shape a new direction. Dybantsa makes his Las Vegas Summer League debut Thursday night against Utah at 9 p.m. ET.
Warriors miss playoffs, run back similar roster while awaiting LeBron’s decision
The Golden State Warriors enter next season with no major additions and significant uncertainty after finishing 37–45 and missing the playoffs in 2025–26. The organization continues to pursue LeBron James but, per ESPN sources on Wednesday, is comfortable running back a similar roster if James signs elsewhere, protecting draft capital rather than pursuing blockbuster trades. Coach Steve Kerr has acknowledged the team is not yet championship-level. GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. selected Yaxel Lendeborg 11th overall from Michigan’s title team in last month’s draft as the primary new piece. The Warriors are banking on Stephen Curry’s health and Jimmy Butler III’s anticipated return to improve on a disappointing 2025–26 campaign.
Bucks embrace new chapter after Giannis trade ends 13-year era in Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Bucks are embracing a franchise reset after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat this offseason, ending the Greek Freak’s 13-year run as the face of the organization. The deal sent Giannis for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three future first-round picks, and a pick swap, motivated by Antetokounmpo’s persistent trade requests dating to May 2025. With draft assets now in hand, there is genuine excitement inside the organization about the next chapter, per ESPN. Milwaukee spent years mortgaging its future to build around Giannis and can now pursue a rebuild on its own terms.
Grizzlies rally around No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer as franchise cornerstone after Morant trade
The Memphis Grizzlies are rallying behind No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer as the franchise’s new cornerstone following the trade of Ja Morant to Portland. Boozer, the son of NBA veteran Carlos Boozer, played at Duke and embraces the responsibility of leading a rebuild. ‘The first thing you’ve got to do is show up and show that you deserve that,’ Boozer told ESPN. Memphis traded Morant, a two-time All-Star who played just 79 games over three seasons, to the Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. Center Zach Edey and forward Cedric Coward join Boozer in a promising young core for 2026–27.
Rockets face pressure to deliver in Durant’s age-37 season after back-to-back first-round exits
The Houston Rockets are entering a pivotal 2026–27 season under genuine pressure to deliver after back-to-back first-round playoff exits despite winning 52 games each year. Kevin Durant, who turns 37 in September, is the centerpiece of a team with limited financial flexibility. GM Rafael Stone addressed a constrained offseason by signing veteran guard Marcus Smart to a two-year deal and adding forward Bogdan Bogdanovic, while retaining restricted free agent Tari Eason. Houston is counting on the returns of Fred VanVleet, who missed all of 2025–26 with a torn ACL, and Steven Adams, alongside further development from Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard.
2025–26 NBA Playoffs — Final Results
Eastern Conference
Philadelphia 76ers def. Boston Celtics — First Round
Cleveland Cavaliers advanced to Conference Finals
New York Knicks def. Cleveland Cavaliers — ECF
Western Conference
Los Angeles Lakers def. Houston Rockets — First Round
San Antonio Spurs advanced to NBA Finals
🏆 2026 NBA Champions: New York Knicks def. San Antonio Spurs
Curated by JD · samwise.agency