Samwise NBA Newsletter
Monday, July 20, 2026
LeBron James Meets With 76ers Owner, Decision Said to Be Imminent After All-Team Pitch Process Ends
Free agent LeBron James met with Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris last Friday, and multiple sources close to James confirmed the four-time NBA champion is now close to reaching a free agency decision, with many in the league hopeful an announcement would come during the week of July 20. All interested teams have submitted their pitches to James’ camp, signaling the deliberation process is nearing an end. The Cavaliers, Heat, and 76ers are considered the leading contenders, while Golden State’s pursuit has lost momentum. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged that the league’s schedule cannot be finalized until James reveals his next destination.
Raptors Pause Kawhi Leonard Acquisition as NBA Investigation Scope Widens and Timeline Stretches
The Toronto Raptors have halted progress on their trade for Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers after being asked in writing to assume any financial penalties that may result from the NBA’s ongoing investigation into the Clippers. The investigation, examining whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap through endorsement arrangements tied to the now-bankrupt company Aspiration, has since expanded to include a previously undisclosed endorsement deal with a second company. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the probe remains on track to conclude this summer, but HoopsHype reported on July 16 that the timeline could stretch weeks longer than expected.
Thunder Officially Complete Lu Dort Three-Team Trade, Shedding Salary to Avoid Second Apron
The Oklahoma City Thunder officially announced the completion of a three-team trade on July 19, sending veteran guard Luguentz Dort and guard Ryan Nembhard to the Atlanta Hawks while former 2024 first-overall pick Zaccharie Risacher heads to the Dallas Mavericks. Oklahoma City receives three future second-round picks in the deal. The move saves the Thunder more than $300 million when factoring in salary and corresponding luxury-tax payments, allowing the franchise to avoid the restrictive second-apron threshold for another season, per HoopsHype. Atlanta adds a proven perimeter defender in Dort, who spent his entire career in Oklahoma City before the trade.
Sources: HoopsHype Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Harden Opts Out of $42.3M Deal With Cavaliers, Commits to New Multiyear Contract in Cleveland
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden declined his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season and made clear he intends to remain with the team, telling reporters “That’s the goal, that’s the plan,” according to HoopsHype on July 19. Harden, 36, averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds on 46 percent shooting in 26 games with Cleveland after the All-Star break. The opt-out removes $42.1 million from the Cavaliers’ books, pushing the franchise out of the second-apron luxury tax tier and freeing flexibility as the team weighs its roster-building options, including a potential pursuit of LeBron James.
Sources: HoopsHype Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Detroit Pistons Emerge as Suitors for DeMar DeRozan, Though Market Hinges on LeBron James Decision
The Detroit Pistons are considering a pursuit of six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan in free agency, according to a July 17 report from HoopsHype. DeRozan, 36, was waived by the Sacramento Kings and hit the open market following a season in which he averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 77 games. Detroit, which sits $46 million under the luxury tax line, has the financial flexibility to pursue a veteran scorer. However, DeRozan’s market is largely in a holding pattern until LeBron James announces his destination — several teams vying for LeBron are also among those with interest in DeRozan, per HoopsHype.
Mavericks Match Knicks’ Offer Sheet, Retaining Restricted Free Agent Moussa Cisse in Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks exercised their right to match an offer sheet submitted by the New York Knicks for restricted free agent center Moussa Cisse on July 18, according to HoopsHype. The matching move keeps the big man in Dallas and blocks an attempt by the defending NBA champions to add frontcourt depth. Cisse, 24, emerged as a reliable interior presence for the Mavericks during the 2025-26 season, valued for his rim protection and energy off the bench. Under the league’s restricted free agent rules, Dallas had the right to match any offer Cisse received within the specified window.
Spurs Back De’Aaron Fox Despite Trade Speculation, Citing His Importance to Franchise’s Future
Multiple team and league sources told reporters at the Las Vegas Summer League that the San Antonio Spurs still view point guard De’Aaron Fox as a critical part of the franchise’s future, pushing back against trade speculation following the team’s NBA Finals loss to the New York Knicks. HoopsHype reported July 17 that there is an understanding in the league that the Spurs see Fox as essential to their core alongside Victor Wembanyama. Fox carries a four-year, $229 million extension that begins next season, and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon noted the franchise faces no financial pressure to move him for at least the next two years.
Warriors’ Lendeborg Shines in Summer League Title Run as Golden State Tops Grizzlies 94-90
The Golden State Warriors claimed the 2026 NBA Summer League championship with a 94-90 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Las Vegas on Sunday, July 19. Rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg, the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, earned MVP honors with 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 23 minutes, delivering nine points in the fourth quarter to help close out the win. Devion Smith added 21 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Memphis third overall pick Cameron Boozer had a strong showing in defeat with 19 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, impressing scouts despite the loss.
2025-26 Season Summary
NBA Champions
New York Knicks — Jalen Brunson MVP
East Final Standings (top 4)
1. Detroit Pistons — 60-22
2. Boston Celtics — 56-26
3. New York Knicks — 53-29 *Champs*
4. Cleveland Cavaliers — 52-30
Free Agency Watch
Unsigned As of July 20
LeBron James — decision imminent
DeMar DeRozan — market on hold
Key Moves This Summer
Giannis Antetokounmpo → Miami Heat
Jaylen Brown → Philadelphia 76ers
Luguentz Dort → Atlanta Hawks
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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