Samwise NBA Newsletter
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
LeBron James Nears Decision With Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia Leading Race
LeBron James is closing in on a free agency decision, with Cleveland, Miami, and Philadelphia continuing to stand out as leading destinations, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The 41-year-old departed the Los Angeles Lakers in late June, and his agent Rich Paul confirmed Tuesday that James has gathered all the information needed from interested teams. The recruitment process involved franchises sending voice notes to Paul, relayed directly to James. Philadelphia used Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown as recruiters. James is scheduled to appear at Fanatics Fest in New York City on July 16 and 17, where speculation has grown that a decision announcement could come.
Sources: HoopsHype Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Kawhi Leonard Probe Grows: NBA Now Examining Second Unreported Endorsement Deal
The NBA’s investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers has grown in scope to include a previously unreported endorsement deal between Kawhi Leonard and a second company, beyond the already-scrutinized $28 million arrangement with bankrupt green banking firm Aspiration, according to HoopsHype. The league’s law firm, Wachtell Lipton, is examining whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap through that Aspiration deal, whether the team improperly covered Leonard’s expenses without reimbursement, and now whether Leonard had undisclosed ties to an additional sponsor. The expanded probe further clouds the near-term prospects of the agreed Clippers-Raptors trade sending Leonard back to Toronto.
Adam Silver: NBA’s Kawhi Leonard Investigation Must Wrap Before Season Starts
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told reporters at Summer League in Las Vegas on Wednesday that the league’s investigation into the LA Clippers must conclude before the 2026-27 season begins. Silver said the NBA did not pause the agreed Kawhi Leonard trade to Toronto — the Clippers and Raptors themselves chose not to proceed given the investigation’s open status. He remains confident the probe into alleged salary cap circumvention through Leonard’s endorsement deal with the now-bankrupt Aspiration will wrap this summer. Potential penalties for the Clippers could include draft pick forfeitures, significant fines, and suspensions of team executives including owner Steve Ballmer.
Wizards Shut Down No. 1 Pick AJ Dybantsa After Two Dominant Summer League Games
Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa was shut down from the remainder of NBA Summer League on Tuesday before the team’s game against the Chicago Bulls. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft appeared in two Las Vegas games, averaging 25 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and 1.5 blocks. Dybantsa scored 27 points in his debut and followed with 23 points in a second outing. Will Riley and Tre Johnson were shut down alongside him. Teams routinely protect top picks by limiting them to two summer league appearances, minimizing injury risk before their first professional seasons get underway.
Sources: ESPN Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Summer League Day 6: Lakers Beat Crosstown Rivals, Nuggets Edge Thunder in Thriller
NBA Summer League Day 6 in Las Vegas on Tuesday produced six contests as the league’s top draft class continued on display. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Clippers 99-85, the Houston Rockets handled the Philadelphia 76ers 90-64, Memphis topped Golden State 106-85, the Bulls edged the Wizards 99-87, Brooklyn handled Sacramento 115-83, and Denver beat Oklahoma City 106-103 in the day’s tightest game. Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick, had 19 points, eight rebounds, five blocks, and two steals in the Bulls’ win over Washington, building on an impressive opening week in Las Vegas.
Sources: ESPN ESPN Scores Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Bucks Join Clippers, Hawks in Three-Team Chase for Nuggets Restricted Free Agent Peyton Watson
The Milwaukee Bucks have joined the Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks in pursuing a sign-and-trade for Denver Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson, HoopsHype reported Tuesday. The 23-year-old forward averaged a career-best 14.6 points per game for Denver in 2025-26 and is seeking annual salary above the $25 million Christian Braun received from the Nuggets last October. Denver is open to a sign-and-trade and is asking for compensation comparable to what Utah received from the Lakers in the Walker Kessler deal. Watson’s agent is Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. Milwaukee is rebuilding after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami and is pursuing young frontcourt talent.
Sources: HoopsHype Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2026 Draft Class Sets Summer League Ablaze: All Four Top Picks Post 20-Plus Point Debuts
The 2026 NBA Draft class is making a strong case as one of the best in recent memory through the first week of Las Vegas Summer League action. No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson set a summer league debut record for the Chicago Bulls with 35 points, shooting 12-of-21 from the floor and adding seven 3-pointers. No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson scored 24 points in a highlight matchup against No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa, who logged 27 points and seven rebounds in his debut. No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer contributed 23 points in his first game. All four top picks surpassed 20 points in their respective Las Vegas debuts.
Sources: ESPN Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
NBA Offseason at Week Two: LeBron, Harden, DeRozan, and Watson Among Key Unsigned Players
Two weeks into free agency, several of the NBA offseason’s biggest storylines remain unresolved as the league gathers in Las Vegas for Summer League. LeBron James has yet to announce his destination, with Cleveland, Miami, and Philadelphia leading the pursuit. James Harden declined his $42.3 million player option with Cleveland and is negotiating a new multiyear deal, with his contract value partly tied to whether James joins the Cavaliers. DeMar DeRozan, waived by Sacramento, remains unsigned with teams including Miami and Toronto monitoring his situation. The Kawhi Leonard trade is on hold, and Peyton Watson remains in a standoff with Denver over his restricted free agent value.
Sources: ESPN Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
NBA Offseason 2026
The 2025-26 NBA season has concluded. The New York Knicks won the NBA Championship.
Free agency opened July 1, 2026. Summer League is underway in Las Vegas through July 21.
The 2026-27 regular season tips off in October 2026.
Key Offseason Moves
Giannis Antetokounmpo — traded to Miami Heat
Ja Morant — traded to Portland Trail Blazers
Jaylen Brown — traded to Philadelphia 76ers
Walker Kessler — sign-and-trade to Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James — departed Lakers, decision pending
Victor Wembanyama — signed 5-year, $252M extension with Spurs
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.