Samwise NBA Newsletter
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Rich Paul Says LeBron James Will Not Be Rushed on Free Agency Decision
LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul said Monday that the former Lakers star will not be rushed into choosing his next team. Speaking on the “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman, Paul said teams do not need to make further overtures: “All the messages have been sent.” He added that he does not know when the choice will come: “It could be 48 seconds. It could be 48 minutes. I don’t know.” James, 41, announced in June that he was leaving Los Angeles after averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds last season. Paul also met privately with commissioner Adam Silver, who had suggested the decision was delaying schedule-making.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, ESPN Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Pat Riley Says Heat Are Patiently Waiting on LeBron James
Miami Heat president Pat Riley addressed his team’s pursuit of LeBron James in a pre-taped interview with Dan Le Batard that was released Monday. “Just sorta waiting,” Riley said. “This is a man’s decision. You let [LeBron James] make that decision. He has the right to do that. I’m not calling [agent Rich Paul] every day and bugging him.” After trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Riley has said a “second plane” still has to land during the NBA offseason. Miami’s roster, now built around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, lacks a true playmaker in the mold of James, and Riley alluded to that need in the interview.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Lakers Agree to One-Year, $3.3 Million Deal With Matisse Thybulle
The Lakers agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with Matisse Thybulle on Monday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The 29-year-old wing, an All-Defensive Second Team selection following the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, appeared in just 30 games for Portland last season because of a torn thumb ligament and right knee tendinopathy. Over the last two seasons he averaged 4.2 steals, 1.1 blocks and four deflections per 36 minutes while hitting 41.1 percent of his 3-pointers. Los Angeles finished last season ranked 18th in defensive efficiency and lost its best perimeter stopper, Marcus Smart, to Houston early in free agency.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, ESPN Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Lakers’ Talks With Jonathan Kuminga Stall as Hawks Weigh Sign-and-Trade
Contract talks between the Lakers and free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga have stalled, with The Athletic’s Dan Woike reporting little progress between the sides. Kuminga became an unrestricted free agent when Atlanta declined his $24.3 million team option, and he turned down the Lakers’ initial offer of roughly two years and $20 million. The Hawks, whose roster is full after acquiring Luguentz Dort, are widely expected to explore a sign-and-trade rather than renounce Kuminga’s rights, and their own path to retaining him is limited to the midlevel exception of roughly $6 million annually. Cleveland is also interested but remains in a holding pattern awaiting LeBron James’ decision.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Kawhi Leonard Trade Could Remain Unresolved When Training Camp Opens
The agreed trade sending Kawhi Leonard from the Clippers to the Raptors may stay frozen for months. The Athletic’s John Hollinger wrote Monday that it seems at least possible Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick are still technically Raptors when training camp starts in October, with Leonard still technically a Clipper. The NBA halted the deal after telling Toronto it could be on the hook for potential penalties arising from the league’s Aspiration investigation. Commissioner Adam Silver is hopeful the probe wraps up this summer, with the case to be tried before a system arbitrator. If Leonard’s contract is voided, the trade is cancelled and he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Sources: Sports Illustrated Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Thybulle Signing Leaves Lakers Over the Roster Limit, With Bronny James in the Spotlight
Matisse Thybulle’s arrival leaves the Lakers with 16 players on standard contracts, one above the regular-season limit, and CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn identified Bronny James as the most obvious candidate to be moved. “The obvious guess would be Bronny,” Quinn wrote Monday on X, presenting it as a prediction rather than a report. James appeared in 42 games last season, including one start, averaging 2.9 points and 1.2 assists while shooting 38.6 percent from 3-point range, and the Lakers fully guaranteed his $2.3 million salary for 2026-27. The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported this month that LeBron James’ departure was not considered connected to Bronny’s standing.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Lakers Sign Summer League Standout Arthur Kaluma to Two-Way Contract
The Lakers are signing forward Arthur Kaluma to a two-way contract, agents Todd Ramasar and Mike Simonetta of Life Sports Agency told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday. Kaluma, who went undrafted out of Texas a year ago, spent 2025-26 in the Lakers’ G League program and averaged nearly 19 points on 61 percent shooting, including 50 percent from 3-point range, in Las Vegas Summer League play. During the G League tip-off tournament and regular season combined, the 6-foot-7 forward averaged 13.8 points and 4.6 rebounds in 24.4 minutes per game while shooting 55.2 percent from the field. He is entering his second professional season.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
NBA Offseason Status
2026 NBA Finals — Final
New York Knicks def. San Antonio Spurs 4–1 — first Knicks championship since 1973
Las Vegas Summer League — Final
Golden State Warriors def. Memphis Grizzlies 94–90 on Sunday — second Summer League title in franchise history
Yaxel Lendeborg led Golden State with 21 points and 10 rebounds
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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