Samwise NBA Newsletter
Friday, July 24, 2026
LeBron James Free Agency Drags Into Day 24 as Rich Paul Says Decision Has No Timetable
LeBron James’s NBA free agency saga entered its 24th day on Friday with still no announcement from the four-time champion. Agent Rich Paul told ESPN that James has no timetable for deciding his next team. “We’re not going to be rushed,” Paul said. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James is not waiting for another roster move to fall into place before making his choice. Five teams remain in contention: the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves. James left the Los Angeles Lakers after the 2025–26 season and is preparing for his 24th NBA season.
Miami Heat Accidentally Post LeBron James Introductory Press Conference Video, Then Delete It
The Miami Heat’s social media department accidentally published a YouTube video titled “LeBron James Introductory Press Conference | July 27, 2026” before quickly deleting it, the team confirmed. A Heat spokesperson stated the video was “mistakenly made public” while the organization was preparing content for the possibility that James might eventually decide to join Miami this offseason. The incident immediately sparked widespread speculation online. The Heat responded to reporters, explaining the error. Miami remains among the leading contenders to sign James alongside Cleveland, Philadelphia, Golden State, and Minnesota, and reportedly does not need to alter its roster to attract him.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Commissioner Silver Says Kawhi Leonard Salary Cap Probe Must Conclude Before New Season Begins
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league’s investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers must be resolved before the 2026–27 season begins. The inquiry, conducted by law firm Wachtell Lipton over nearly 11 months, examines whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap through a $28 million endorsement deal Leonard held with now-bankrupt green banking company Aspiration. Silver said he is “hopeful” the investigation will conclude this summer. The probe has stalled a trade that would send Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors; the deal was agreed to June 30 but cannot be finalized until the league completes its review.
Sources: ESPN Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
ESPN Offseason Grades: 76ers and Lakers Win the Summer, Grizzlies and Celtics Among Losers
ESPN’s offseason grades for all 30 NBA teams placed the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers among the clear summer winners. Philadelphia earned top marks after acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in a trade, vaulting the 76ers into Eastern Conference title contention. The Lakers, despite losing LeBron James in free agency, rebuilt around Walker Kessler and Austin Reaves, who signed a four-year deal. The Memphis Grizzlies received a low grade after trading star point guard Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, leaving the franchise in a rebuilding phase.
Golden State Warriors’ Anthony Davis Trade Pursuit Stalls as Washington Wizards Refuse All Offers
The Golden State Warriors’ trade pursuit of Washington Wizards center Anthony Davis has stalled, with conversations between the two sides going “nowhere,” per HoopsHype. Washington is building around Davis, newly signed guard Trae Young, and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, and neither the Warriors nor the Cavaliers are currently exploring a Davis trade. LeBron James is also not waiting to see whether the Warriors can land his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate before choosing his next team, per ESPN. Wizards president Michael Winger said his conversations with Davis are “delightful,” describing him as “a pro’s pro” who understands his standing in the league, signaling Washington’s intent to keep their star center.
Las Vegas NBA Expansion Race Heats Up With Six Ownership Groups Competing for $8 Billion Franchise
At least six ownership groups are competing for the NBA’s anticipated Las Vegas expansion franchise, estimated to be valued at approximately $8 billion, while the bid for a Seattle team has slowed significantly. Golden Knights founder Bill Foley formally announced a bid to bring an NBA team to Las Vegas. Other bidders include a group led by former NBA executive Jerry Colangelo and Horizon Sports CEO David Levy, known as the Las Vegas Jacks organization. Commissioner Adam Silver has said the league must decide by end of 2026 whether to move forward, with new franchises targeted to begin play in the 2028–29 season.
Sources: ESPN Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Clippers Hold Off on Benn Mathurin Re-Signing and Other Free Agent Decisions Amid Kawhi Investigation
The Los Angeles Clippers’ preferred outcome is to re-sign restricted free agent Benn Mathurin, though the team has not ruled out a sign-and-trade if one materializes, per HoopsHype. Mathurin, who averaged a career-high 17.6 points per game last season, has drawn interest from the Detroit Pistons among other teams, per Yahoo Sports. The Clippers have been hesitant to finalize roster moves while the Kawhi Leonard investigation remains unresolved, complicating Los Angeles’s entire offseason planning. Jonathan Kuminga also remains in free agency after the Atlanta Hawks declined to pick up his contract option.
Sources: HoopsHype Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Jalen Duren Contract Talks With Detroit Pistons at Standstill With No Resolution in Sight
Contract negotiations between Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren and the franchise remain unresolved after Summer League, with the two sides still apart on terms, per Yahoo Sports. “We very clearly want Jalen back with us for next year and beyond,” a Pistons front office source told Spotrac at Summer League. “But the numbers have to be right.” Duren, who averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds last season en route to an All-NBA Third Team selection, was notably absent from Las Vegas while his teammates attended. Detroit has been clear it is not interested in a sign-and-trade for the 22-year-old. An assistant coach called Duren “a monster” and expressed hope the two sides can reach a long-term deal, but the Pistons are also mindful of an upcoming Ausar Thompson extension that limits their financial flexibility.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Major Offseason Moves
Trades & Blockbusters
Giannis Antetokounmpo — MIL to MIA
Jaylen Brown — BOS to PHI
Ja Morant — MEM to POR
LaMelo Ball — CHA to MIN
Extensions
Victor Wembanyama — 5 yr / $252M (SAS)
Austin Reaves — 4 yr / $185M (LAL)
Trae Young — 4 yr / $213M (WAS)
Free Agency Watch
Top Unresolved Situations
⏳ LeBron James — Day 24, no decision
⏳ Kawhi Leonard — trade on hold (probe)
⏳ Jalen Duren — Pistons talks at standstill
⏳ Benn Mathurin — Clippers undecided
⏳ Jonathan Kuminga — seeking new deal
Season Status
🏀 2026 Free Agency Underway
🏈 Summer League: Warriors won championship
Curated by JD · samwise.agency