Samwise NBA Newsletter
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Today’s Stories
LeBron Decision Imminent: Cavs, Heat, and Sixers Final Three
LeBron James is close to making his free agency decision, with sources telling HoopsHype that league personnel hope an announcement comes as early as next week. The four-time NBA champion and all-time leading scorer left the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons, informing the franchise he would play elsewhere in 2026-27. His list of finalists has reportedly narrowed to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers. Several teams remain in wait-and-see mode, holding roster construction decisions until James reveals his next destination. Cleveland, where James won a title in 2016, is drawing the most speculation.
Riley and Giannis Make Their Move: ‘There’s Another One We Have to Land’
The Miami Heat made their most direct public push yet for LeBron James during Giannis Antetokounmpo’s introductory press conference this week. President Pat Riley, who recruited James to Miami for the 2010 Big Three era, hinted at another major target: “There’s another one we have to land.” Antetokounmpo added his own endorsement: “If there was a scenario for that to happen, I’d be very, very excited.” Riley confirmed the franchise has already held preliminary discussions with James’ camp, telling reporters “we’ve had discussions.” The Heat joined the Cavaliers and 76ers as frontrunners.
Donovan Mitchell’s Pitch to LeBron: ‘It’s Home, We’ve Done It Once’
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell made a personal recruiting pitch to free agent LeBron James on Thursday, appealing to James’ northeast Ohio roots. “It’s home. We’ve done it once, let’s do it again,” Mitchell told HoopsHype at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The “once” references Cleveland’s lone NBA title, won by James in 2016, years before Mitchell arrived via trade from Utah. Mitchell said having James return to the market where he grew up would give the Cavaliers another shot at a championship. The pitch comes as James reportedly narrows his options to Cleveland, Miami, and Philadelphia.
Warriors Drop Out: Anthony Davis Trade Stalls, LeBron Plan Collapses
The Golden State Warriors have effectively removed themselves from the LeBron James sweepstakes after failing to secure a trade for Washington Wizards center Anthony Davis, HoopsHype reported Friday. The Warriors had structured their entire offseason strategy around landing both players — signing James in free agency while trading for Davis to reunite the former Lakers teammates alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. However, the Wizards rebuffed all trade overtures, insisting Davis would remain in Washington. Sources now place Cleveland, Miami, and Philadelphia ahead of Golden State in the LeBron pursuit, with the Warriors’ ambitious superteam plan effectively shelved.
Kawhi Leonard–Raptors Deal Frozen as NBA Cap Investigation Drags On
The Toronto Raptors’ trade for Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers remains on hold indefinitely, with HoopsHype reporting the NBA’s investigation into alleged cap circumvention is still weeks from concluding. The league is probing whether the Clippers used a $28 million endorsement deal to funnel additional compensation to Leonard, violating NBA salary cap rules. When the Raptors were asked to accept in writing any potential financial penalties arising from the probe, they paused the transaction. The Clippers and Raptors had agreed in principle on June 30 to send Leonard back to Toronto, where he won a championship in 2019.
Summer League Day 9: Clippers Set Scoring Record in OT; Mavs Hit 18 Threes
Day 9 of the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League delivered a record-setting finish Friday as No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler scored 26 points and the Los Angeles Clippers outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-120 in overtime — a new Summer League scoring record. Guard Sean Pedulla added 24 points and 11 assists for the Clippers. The Dallas Mavericks also impressed, shooting 18-of-39 from three-point range to dispatch the New York Knicks 110-88. In other action, Cleveland beat Chicago 100-91 behind Meleek Thomas’s 24 points, Sacramento edged Charlotte 92-90, Miami defeated Detroit 101-87, and Utah beat Portland 83-79.
Summer League Semifinals: Unbeaten Lakers vs. Warriors, Rockets vs. Boozer’s Grizzlies
The 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League semifinals tip off Saturday on Prime Video, with the unbeaten Los Angeles Lakers facing the Golden State Warriors at 8:30 ET, and the Memphis Grizzlies taking on the Houston Rockets at 6:30 ET. The Lakers enter as the only 4-0 team in this year’s tournament, claiming the top seed after winning all four pool-play contests. No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer scored 24 points and grabbed 7 rebounds as Memphis dismantled Atlanta 96-64 to claim the No. 2 seed. Winners advance to Sunday’s championship game. Golden State secured the fourth seed by defeating New York 87-77 on Thursday.
LeBron at Fanatics Fest: ‘Wherever I Land, It’s Going to Be Pretty Fun’
LeBron James made his first public appearance since departing the Los Angeles Lakers at Fanatics Fest in New York City on Thursday, taping a live episode of his podcast with Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. James declined to announce his next destination but teased the crowd: “Wherever I land in the fall, hopefully you’re ride-or-die LeBron fans — I hope you ride with me there. It’s going to be pretty fun.” James also said he wants to compete at a high level and join a franchise aligned with his priorities, offering the clearest public signal yet of his free agency mindset.
Summer League — Semifinals
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.