Samwise NBA Newsletter
Saturday, July 4, 2026
California Classic Opener: Heat Edge Spurs 88-87, Warriors Gold Rout Lakers 104-72
The 2026 California Classic Summer League opened Thursday at Chase Center in San Francisco with contrasting results. The Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs 88-87, powered by 21 points apiece from Ryan Conwell and Jahmir Young. Game two was a blowout: Golden State Warriors Gold dominated the Los Angeles Lakers 104-72, led by Yaxel Lendeborg’s 19 points on a perfect six-of-six from the field, including four three-pointers, in his professional debut. Cameron Carr scored 19 for the outgunned Lakers. The Salt Lake City Summer League, featuring the Jazz, Hawks, Grizzlies, and Thunder, tips off Saturday at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
Rich Paul Reveals LeBron James Finalists: Warriors and Cavaliers Emerge as Front-Runners
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul released a new episode of his “Game Over” podcast Friday, revealing he has spoken to 27 of 30 NBA teams about LeBron James since the 41-year-old informed the Lakers he would not return in 2026-27. Paul displayed a whiteboard listing ten potential destinations, including the Warriors, Cavaliers, Heat, Nuggets, and Timberwolves. Multiple reports Friday indicated the decision has since narrowed to two finalists: the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Golden State cleared salary space after Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million option, while Cleveland is shopping guard contracts to create room for a potential homecoming reunion.
Sources: HoopsHype Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Draymond Green: Jaylen Brown for Paul George Is ‘Not an Even Swap’
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green called the Celtics-76ers blockbuster “not an even swap — no disrespect to Paul George” in a social media post Friday, joining widespread criticism of Boston’s return. The deal sends Brown, a second-team All-NBA selection who averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, to Philadelphia in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks. Celtics star Jayson Tatum posted a farewell tribute Thursday, writing “continue to be special,” while Brown told reporters Friday he felt “excited and disappointed” simultaneously. Boston had missed out on Giannis Antetokounmpo before agreeing to the 76ers package.
Celtics Lock In Neemias Queta on Four-Year, $56 Million Extension
The Boston Celtics secured a notable free-agency win Friday, agreeing to a four-year, $56 million contract extension with center Neemias Queta. The 26-year-old Portuguese big man emerged as Boston’s most reliable interior defender during the 2025-26 season and serves as an effective roll man in the Celtics’ pick-and-roll system. Boston first exercised Queta’s $2.7 million team option for 2026-27; the extension begins in 2027-28. The commitment provides frontcourt stability for a Celtics team that traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia and still awaits clarity on Jayson Tatum’s Achilles recovery. Queta’s deal stands out as a relatively affordable center contract in a summer defined by enormous payouts for big men.
Thunder Sign Draft Class: Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz Ink Rookie Deals
The Oklahoma City Thunder announced Friday the signing of both 2026 draft picks to multi-year rookie contracts. Oklahoma City selected center Aday Mara 12th overall from Real Madrid, where the 19-year-old Spaniard averaged 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in ACB play. The Thunder also signed second-round pick Bennett Stirtz, a sharpshooter from Iowa who set a Division I record for three-point attempts and shot 42.3 percent from deep as a senior. The Thunder, who reached the Western Conference Finals last spring, continue building one of the NBA’s youngest rosters under general manager Sam Presti. Both players join the Summer League squad opening Saturday in Salt Lake City.
Kyle Kuzma: Next CBA Is a ‘Do or Die’ Moment for NBA Players
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma called the next collective bargaining agreement a “do or die moment for us as players” in a Friday social media post, arguing that the current CBA’s luxury-tax aprons function as a de facto hard salary cap that suppresses player value and limits team-building flexibility. Kuzma pointed to the Lakers surrendering four first-round picks for Walker Kessler as evidence of how distorted roster construction has become. The current CBA runs through 2029, with players holding an opt-out after 2027-28. His remarks gained traction across free agency’s opening days as multiple contenders declined pursuits of star players due to apron restrictions.
Sources: HoopsHype Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Atlanta Hawks Sign G League Big Man Henri Veesaar to Four-Year Deal
The Atlanta Hawks agreed Friday to a four-year, $9.3 million contract with 7-foot Estonian center Henri Veesaar, with the first two years fully guaranteed and the final two non-guaranteed. Veesaar, 21, was Atlanta’s 55th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and spent last season in the G League, averaging 9.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. The Hawks, who finished 33-49 and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year, are rebuilding around second-year guard Dyson Daniels. Veesaar joins a frontcourt that already includes Onyeka Okongwu and Jalen Johnson. Atlanta opens Salt Lake City Summer League play Saturday against the host Utah Jazz.
2026 NBA Finals — Final
Eastern Conference Champion
🅷 New York Knicks
Defeated San Antonio Spurs 4–1
Finals MVP: Jalen Brunson (45 pts in Game 5)
Western Conference Finalist
San Antonio Spurs
First Finals appearance since 2014
Now in offseason planning — free agency underway
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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