Samwise NBA Newsletter
Monday, June 29, 2026
Wizards Take BYU Freshman AJ Dybantsa No. 1 Overall in Historic 2026 NBA Draft
The Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Friday. Dybantsa, a freshman at BYU, averaged 25.5 points per game and became the first freshman to lead the nation in scoring since his new Wizards teammate Trae Young did so at Oklahoma in 2017-18. Ranked No. 1 out of high school, Dybantsa headlined a historic draft class: a record-tying eight freshmen were selected in the first nine picks. Darryn Peterson went second to the Utah Jazz and Cameron Boozer third to the Memphis Grizzlies. The selection was Washington's first No. 1 pick since John Wall in 2010.
Charlotte Hornets Trade LaMelo Ball to Minnesota Timberwolves in Blockbuster Predraft Deal
The Charlotte Hornets traded star point guard LaMelo Ball and guard Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves on June 25 for Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028–2030), and three second-round picks. Ball, 24, averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 72 games in 2025-26 while shooting 36.8% from three. The trade pairs Ball with Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards in Minnesota. Charlotte's rebuild will center on Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, and the team is expected to re-sign Coby White on a three-year, $74 million deal. Ball had reportedly been happy in Charlotte prior to the blockbuster predraft deal.
Sources: HoopsHype Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Warriors Eye LeBron James in Free Agency as Draymond Green Declines Player Option
The Golden State Warriors are planning a pursuit of LeBron James in free agency and a trade for Washington Wizards center Anthony Davis, league sources told ESPN. Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option Monday, and he is expected to sign a new multiyear deal with Golden State at a lower annual salary, giving the Warriors flexibility to use the non-taxpayer mid-level exception on James. Any Davis trade would likely involve Jimmy Butler, on an expiring $57 million contract while recovering from a torn ACL, plus draft capital. Washington has signaled it intends to keep Davis, and league intel continues to point toward James returning to the Lakers.
James Harden Declines $42.3M Option, Negotiating New Multiyear Deal With Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers star James Harden declined his one-year, $42.3 million player option Monday, according to ESPN, opting instead to pursue a multiyear deal to remain in Cleveland. The Cavaliers need to reduce payroll to stay under the league's salary cap and second salary apron, and a restructured contract at a lower annual value but spanning more guaranteed seasons accomplishes that for both sides. Reports have suggested Harden's new deal could be in the range of $30 million annually, such as a two-year, $60 million contract. Harden's opt-out benefits both parties: Cleveland gains financial flexibility, while Harden secures more guaranteed money over multiple years.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Celtics Actively Engaged in Jaylen Brown Trade Talks as Seven Teams Express Interest
The Boston Celtics are actively engaged in trade talks surrounding Jaylen Brown, per league sources, with Boston in some cases asking for at least four first-round picks. Brown has drawn interest from seven teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, and Los Angeles Clippers. Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 2025-26, earning All-NBA Second Team honors. Celtics president Brad Stevens said 'Jaylen Brown is a big part of us' without denying the trade talks. The rumors intensified after Boston aggressively pursued Antetokounmpo, reportedly offering Brown and two first-round picks.
Sources: HoopsHype Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Kawhi Leonard Trade Talks Heat Up With Mavericks and Raptors Both in Mix
The Los Angeles Clippers are engaged in trade discussions involving Kawhi Leonard, with the Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors both expressing interest in the 14-year veteran, per reports. The Mavericks' proposed package would be built around Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, and draft picks, according to The Athletic. However, Leonard, who has one year remaining on his contract at $50.3 million, would only consider an extension with Toronto, where he won the 2019 NBA championship. Masai Ujiri, now Dallas's president of basketball operations, traded for Leonard in 2018 when he held the same role with the Raptors. Any Mavericks acquisition would require Leonard to agree to a long-term extension with Dallas.
Sources: Yahoo Sports SI.com Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Pistons Move Isaiah Stewart to Grizzlies for Draft Picks in Salary-Clearing Deal
The Detroit Pistons traded center Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies for three future second-round picks during the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Friday. Stewart, who averaged 10 points on 55% shooting, five rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game off the bench in 2025-26, finished seventh in Sixth Man of the Year voting. Detroit moves off Stewart's $15 million contract for 2026-27, with a $15 million team option for 2027-28, to create cap flexibility ahead of free agency. The move signals the Pistons are serious about filling roster holes this offseason. In Memphis, Stewart is expected to back up center Zach Edey.
Sources: ESPN Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2026 NBA Playoffs — Final Results
Eastern Conference
East Finals: Knicks def. Cavaliers 4–0
1st Round: Cavaliers def. Pistons 4–3
1st Round: Knicks def. 76ers 4–0
Western Conference
West Finals: Spurs def. Thunder 4–3
NBA Finals: New York Knicks def. San Antonio Spurs 4–1 — 2026 CHAMPIONS
Finals MVP: Jalen Brunson — 45 points in Game 5 (94–90 Knicks win)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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