Samwise NBA Newsletter
Friday, July 10, 2026
Kawhi Leonard’s Return to Toronto Stalled by NBA’s Clippers Salary Cap Probe
The Clippers-Raptors trade that would return Kawhi Leonard to Toronto remained stalled Thursday as the NBA’s ongoing investigation into Los Angeles blocked its finalization. The league is probing whether the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules by routing money to Leonard through a $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt green banking company that also held a $300 million, 23-year deal with the team itself. The Clippers said the trade could only be finalized if the Raptors assumed risk of potential penalties. Toronto issued a statement saying they would wait for the league’s findings, adding they remain eager to bring Kawhi back and look forward to a swift resolution.
Sources: HoopsHype Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
LeBron James Narrows Free Agent Decision to Six Teams; Agent Rich Paul Signals No Rush
LeBron James, who informed the Los Angeles Lakers he would not return for the 2026-27 season, has narrowed his free agency choices to six teams: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors. Agent Rich Paul is conducting all team communications on James’ behalf, with LeBron not participating in formal recruiting pitches. Paul said Thursday a decision is not expected soon, stating he did not think it would happen in the next few days. James, heading into an unprecedented 24th NBA season, has been spending the offseason in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Steph Curry Reveals LeBron Recruiting Pitch: “Do You Want to Play Good Basketball?”
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry publicly revealed his pitch to recruit free agent LeBron James to San Francisco: “Do you want to play good basketball and be around people that know how to play the game?” was the core of his message. Curry, heading into his 18th NBA season, acknowledged the historical appeal of teaming with his longtime rival after years of championship battles but called the prospect “a little premature right now.” ESPN reported Golden State would likely need to acquire Anthony Davis via trade to reach the top of James’ list. Curry also cited the Bay Area’s golf scene among his selling points.
Sources: ESPN Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
AJ Dybantsa Posts 27 Points in Summer League Debut, Washington Wizards Top Jazz 92-88
Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, delivered an impressive Summer League debut Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, scoring a game-high 27 points with seven rebounds, two steals, and one block as the Wizards defeated the Utah Jazz 92-88. Dybantsa scored 19 of his 27 points before halftime, helping Washington build a 54-37 lead at intermission. He also recorded a poster dunk that brought the crowd to its feet. Utah’s No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson led the Jazz with 24 points in the widely anticipated rookie showdown.
Sources: Yahoo Sports NBA.com Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Walker Kessler Officially Joins Los Angeles Lakers in $130M Sign-and-Trade with Utah Jazz
The Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday officially completed their acquisition of center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, finalizing a sign-and-trade valued at four years and $130 million. The Jazz received two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030. The trade had been agreed in principle July 1 but became official Thursday after contracts were executed. The Lakers pursued Kessler after Luka Doncic reportedly informed the franchise of his desire to play alongside an A-list center. The team also agreed to deals with Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton.
Sources: Yahoo Sports ESPN Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Nikola Jokic Bypasses Nuggets Extension Again, Eyes Potential Record $359M Deal in 2027
Denver Nuggets three-time MVP Nikola Jokic told reporters he will not sign a contract extension this offseason, declining for a second straight summer. “My idea is to sign next summer and stay with Denver for the rest of my career,” Jokic said. The financial math favors patience: signing now would yield approximately $278 million over four years, while waiting allows him to decline his $62.8 million player option and potentially sign a five-year, $359.5 million contract in 2027 — which sources described as potentially the largest in NBA history. Team sources maintained confidence Jokic has no intention of requesting a trade despite the continued delay.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Sports Illustrated Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
NBA Summer League Day 1: Warriors, Timberwolves, 76ers Win as 2026 Rookie Class Debuts
The 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League opened Thursday with multiple first-round rookies making their professional debuts. Beyond the headlined Wizards-Jazz matchup, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Dallas Mavericks 101-90 as Yaxel Lendeborg posted 21 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. The Philadelphia 76ers edged the Detroit Pistons as first-round pick Johni Broome delivered a 19-point, 13-rebound performance and Labaron Philon led the Sixers’ effort. The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled away late for a 105-92 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 91-85, with Emanuel Sharpe contributing 21 points on three three-pointers.
Free Agency Update: Lakers Add Looney, Pacers Finalize Deals as Signing Window Flows
NBA free agency transactions continued flowing Thursday as teams finalized rosters during the open signing window. The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal with forward Kevon Looney, adding veteran depth alongside newly acquired center Walker Kessler. The Indiana Pacers made three transactions official, adding Larry Nance Jr. on a one-year veteran minimum deal, signing Kobe Brown to a two-way contract, and waiving Micah Potter to create roster space. Free agent guard Ayo Dosunmu, acquired by Minnesota at the trade deadline from the Chicago Bulls, intends to return to the Timberwolves on a five-year, $112 million deal.
Sources: ESPN Sports Illustrated Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2025-26 Season Result
NBA Champions
New York Knicks
NBA Finals
Knicks def. San Antonio Spurs
Western Conference Champions
San Antonio Spurs
Offseason Status
Current Period
Free Agency — Open since July 6
Summer League
Las Vegas Summer League — Day 1 complete
Major Remaining Drama
LeBron James free agency decision pending
Curated by JD · samwise.agency