Samwise NBA Newsletter
Sunday, July 12, 2026
A. Kaluma Erupts for 34 as Lakers Roll Past Mavericks 91-70 in Summer League
A. Kaluma delivered a standout performance for the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 34 points on 11-for-16 shooting in a dominant 91-70 Summer League victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday in Las Vegas, lifting the Lakers to a 2-0 record. The Mavericks fell to 0-2 after struggling to find consistent offense, limited to just 26 points in the second half. Ryan Nembhard paced Dallas with 12 points on 3-for-11 shooting. The Lakers shot 51 percent from the field compared to the Mavericks’ 39 percent and built a lead of as many as 27 points, controlling the game throughout the second half.
Spurs Beat Knicks 70-49 in NBA Finals Rematch at Las Vegas Summer League
Tyler Nickel scored 16 points on 6-for-14 shooting, including 4-for-11 from three-point range, and the San Antonio Spurs held the New York Knicks to just 26.5 percent shooting in a 70-49 Summer League victory on Saturday in Las Vegas. The matchup served as a Summer League rematch of the 2026 NBA Finals, which the Knicks won in five games this spring. None of the Knicks’ championship-roster players appeared in Saturday’s contest. Carter Bryant, who appeared throughout San Antonio’s playoff run, was the Spurs’ sole participant with NBA Finals experience. Nickel also recorded two rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 30 minutes.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Kawhi Leonard Trade Frozen as Raptors Refuse to Absorb Clippers Investigation Risk
The agreed trade sending Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors remains in limbo after the Raptors stated they will not assume risk for penalties stemming from an ongoing NBA investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers. The league is examining whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap through Leonard’s $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration, a green banking company that also held a $300 million, 23-year deal with the team. Aspiration co-founder Joe Sanberg has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison. The Clippers deny wrongdoing. The trade, agreed June 30, would send Leonard to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple draft picks.
Wembanyama Signs $252 Million Extension with Spurs, Waives Supermax to Aid Roster Building
Victor Wembanyama has signed a five-year, $252 million maximum rookie-scale contract extension with the San Antonio Spurs, forgoing the 30 percent supermax escalator that could have pushed the total to approximately $303 million. He chose the 25 percent maximum in a move described as financially sacrificial to preserve the Spurs’ competitive flexibility. Wembanyama announced the deal Friday on social media, posting: “Spurs family, I’m here to stay. Whatever it takes.” The extension is the third-largest rookie deal in NBA history, trailing only the $269 million extensions signed by Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley. The deal includes a player option in the fifth year.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
LeBron’s Six-Team Shortlist Revealed as Rich Paul Says Decision Is Weeks Away
Free agent forward LeBron James has narrowed his decision to a shortlist of six teams: the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets. However, a decision remains weeks away. Rich Paul, James’ agent, told reporters the announcement will not come “in the next few days,” adding “I don’t think this happens anytime soon.” Teams are pitching James through voice note recordings forwarded by Paul. The prolonged process is stalling activity across the league, with both Draymond Green’s Warriors return and James Harden’s Cavaliers re-signing described as contingent on where James ultimately lands in 2026-27.
Victor Oladipo Schedules July 14 Pro Day in Las Vegas in Bid for NBA Return
Veteran guard Victor Oladipo announced Saturday he will host an open workout in Las Vegas on Tuesday, July 14, inviting NBA front office executives, scouts, and coaches as he pursues a return to the league. Oladipo, a two-time All-Star and the 2018 NBA Most Improved Player, last suited up for the Miami Heat during the 2022-23 season before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He has since played 15 games for the Wisconsin Herd in the G League, averaging 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. Oladipo said he is “looking forward to the opportunity to compete and showcase where I am in my game” at the workout.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Harden Declines $42.3 Million Option, Negotiating New Team-Friendly Deal with Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden has declined his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season and is working toward a new multi-year contract with the team, according to reports. The expectation is that Harden will re-sign for approximately two years at around $30 million annually, a team-friendly arrangement designed to give Cleveland additional cap flexibility as the franchise pursues marquee free agent additions this summer. The move comes after the Cavaliers were swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Both sides are characterized as aligned on Harden returning to Cleveland, with the opt-out described as a collaborative decision to help the franchise’s summer roster planning.
Dybantsa Ties No. 1 Pick Debut Record with 27 Points, Downplays Leg Soreness
Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa scored 27 points and added seven rebounds in the No. 1 overall pick’s Summer League debut on Thursday in Las Vegas, leading Washington to a 92-88 victory over the Utah Jazz. Dybantsa exited late with leg soreness but downplayed the concern afterward, saying “Nothing crazy. I’ll be back,” and confirmed he would play Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. The 27-point total tied Blake Griffin’s record for the most points scored by a No. 1 pick in their Summer League debut. No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson responded with 24 points for the Jazz in the draft’s top two picks going head-to-head.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, ESPN Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2026 NBA Playoffs — Final Results
Eastern Conference
E. Conference Finals: New York Knicks def. Cleveland Cavaliers — 4–0
NBA Finals
🏆 New York Knicks def. San Antonio Spurs — 4–1
Knicks win first title since 1973
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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