NBA rumors

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed William Kyle III and Cole Swider while waiving Meechie Johnson and Chase Ross.

Kyle, 22, averaged 8.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks last season at Syracuse, leading the ACC in total blocks and blocks per game.

Swider returns to the Lakers after previously holding a two-way contract in 2022-23. He appeared in 21 games for Anadolu Efes last season, averaging 7.6 points in 13.9 minutes.

The Detroit Pistons have offered Jalen Duren a five-year, $200 million contract without a team or player option.

According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the offer includes weight stipulations that were not received well by Duren and his representatives. Neither side has changed its position in the negotiations.

Detroit can unilaterally extend the qualifying-offer deadline, though it remains unclear whether the team will do so. Duren, an All-Star and All-NBA selection last season, is eligible for a five-year maximum deal worth $287 million.

Free-agent point guard Dennis Smith Jr. has reached a contract agreement with the Miami Heat, according to his agent Daniel Hazan, who spoke to Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime and NBA TV.

Smith Jr. will sign an Exhibit 10 contract

Smith Jr. will join Miami on an Exhibit 10 contract, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. However, the former lottery pick is not expected to be with the Heat when training camp begins.

The plan is reportedly for Smith to head back to the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Miami’s G League affiliate, to begin the season.

A potential $91K bonus

If Smith is waived before the start of the 2026/27 season and spends at least 60 days with the Skyforce, he would be eligible for a bonus worth up to $91,000, in addition to his base G League salary.

The Chicago Bulls have traded Rob Dillingham to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Buddy Hield and cash, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Hield, a veteran shooter, had arrived in Charlotte in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. The Bulls are therefore adding an experienced player and a specialist from beyond the three-point line.

From a salary perspective, the Hornets create a $9.6 million trade exception and take on approximately $3 million less in salary. Chicago will also receive cash that will make up for a significant portion of the salary difference in the deal.

Stephen Curry’s new two-year, $116 million extension keeps the superstar with the Golden State Warriors through the 2028-29 season and gives the franchise greater flexibility to build around him during the final years of his career.

According to Nick Friedell of The Athletic, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green have also expressed interest in finishing their careers with the Warriors. However, keeping both veterans could require them to accept significantly smaller contracts. “Butler and Green have expressed interest in retiring with the Warriors, though doing so could require them to return on substantially smaller contracts,” Friedell wrote.

Friedell also highlighted Curry’s decision to sign for less than the maximum available as a move that provides Golden State with additional financial flexibility.

The Warriors will now look to maximize that flexibility while trying to build a competitive roster around Curry. Golden State has added Butler and Kristaps Porzingis in recent seasons, but has yet to establish itself as a championship contender.

The situation between Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons remains at a standstill. Unless Duren’s camp changes its tune soon, the center will likely play next season on the qualifying offer, setting him up to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

The Pistons, meanwhile, have long believed that the offer presented to Duren is more than fair. Despite that stance, the two sides have yet to reach an agreement, and the stalemate continues into the weekend.

Duren’s contract situation therefore remains unresolved, with his future in Detroit still uncertain as the new season approaches.

LeBron James’ decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers was handled in an amicable and professional manner, according to Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka.

Pelinka addressed James’ departure Thursday during the Lakers’ season-opening news conference alongside head coach JJ Redick.

“We’re still grateful for the LeBron era”

Pelinka opened by acknowledging James’ contribution to the Lakers during his time in Los Angeles.

“I thought it would be appropriate at the front to express gratitude for the LeBron era here. Clearly, new team and new players, and that’s what we’re going to talk about today. But we as an organization are still grateful for the run that we had with him here.”

The comments came exactly two months after James agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with Philadelphia and marked Pelinka’s first public comments on the split.

James’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, informed the Lakers roughly eight hours before free agency officially opened on June 30 that his client would seek a new team.

“It was done amicably, professionally, gracefully”

The decision represented a reversal from James’ comments in February 2024, when he publicly expressed his desire to remain in Los Angeles. Pelinka had also publicly pushed in May to bring James back following the Lakers’ second-round playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Asked about the change, Pelinka pointed to the tone of his conversations with James throughout the offseason.

“I think the communications with him this offseason were held diplomatically, professionally and honestly. I’m so thankful for the partnership that we had that continued up until this summer when a decision was made for him to play for another team.”

“It was done amicably, professionally, gracefully.”

Redick looks ahead: “The pieces actually fit together”

JJ Redick, who was James’ podcast co-host on Mind the Game before taking over as Lakers head coach, did not directly address James’ departure.

Instead, Redick praised the current roster and its construction.

“I think with this group, probably the first time in my three years here that I feel like the pieces actually fit together.”

James has made limited public comments since announcing Philadelphia as his next and final NBA destination. A new episode of Mind the Game addressing the move is scheduled to be released Friday.

James is also expected to speak with reporters for the first time since his decision at the 76ers’ media day Monday in Camden, New Jersey.

LeBron James has explained why he chose to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, as he prepares for an unprecedented 24th NBA season.

Speaking on the Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash, James stressed that winning another championship is the main objective, while acknowledging that nothing is guaranteed.

“We want a team that can compete for a championship”

“Getting a championship is not guaranteed. Obviously, there have been eight different champions eight straight seasons. But what we can control is how we show up to work.”

James made it clear that simply reaching the postseason is not enough.

“Are we here to just play in the regular season? No, we’re here to win. We want a team that can compete for a championship, and I think the city of Philadelphia wants that.”

The 76ers have not won an NBA championship since 1983, and James wants to help end that drought.

Tyrese Maxey was one of the first to recruit him

One of the biggest factors in James’ decision was his relationship with Tyrese Maxey.

James and Maxey share the same agent, Rich Paul, and the Philadelphia guard was reportedly among the first people to contact James with a recruiting pitch when he became a free agent.

“I just love everything about Tyrese Maxey, man. Every day you get the same person, and that is very rare in sports and, obviously, super rare in life.”

James also praised what Maxey brings on the court and his character away from basketball.

Jaylen Brown became another major attraction

The arrival of Jaylen Brown was another important factor. Philadelphia acquired the 2024 NBA champion and Finals MVP from the Boston Celtics on July 1.

“The JB trade, too, was another piece that I don’t think anybody saw coming. I think people saw that something was going to happen there, but I don’t think anybody thought that it would be Philly that would be part of that trade package.”

James praised Brown’s approach on both ends of the floor and his individuality.

“I love the way he approaches the game, too, on both sides of the floor, what he brings to the game, his insight on the game.”

“I want to try to help Embiid get that first one”

The final major factor James highlighted was Joel Embiid.

The Sixers center has won an NBA MVP award and Olympic gold alongside James, but has yet to win an NBA championship.

“One of the most important [factors], to be honest, is the big fellow. He’s done everything in our league, and the only thing he has not done is win a championship. I want to try to help him get that first one.”

James will therefore begin his next chapter with Philadelphia alongside Maxey, Brown and Embiid, with another championship firmly in his sights.

The 76ers will open the 2026-27 regular season on October 20 against the defending champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Philadelphia will then host the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 22.

There has been no significant progress toward a contract extension between Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Jon Krawczynski on his podcast.

Gobert is entering the second year of a three-year, $109.5 million contract that includes a $38 million player option for 2027-28. A potential extension could lower his annual salary while providing additional long-term security.

The four-time Defensive Player of the Year remains central to Minnesota’s plans after averaging 10.9 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. “The team will explore it, but I haven’t heard any real momentum toward it happening immediately,” Krawczynski said.

Anthony Davis will enter the season without agreeing to an extension with the Washington Wizards. The big man is eligible for a four-year maximum deal worth up to $275 million, but both sides have postponed discussions until after the regular season begins.

“AD’s in a great frame of mind, focused and ready to start the season. I expect AD to remind the basketball world who he is,” general manager Will Dawkins said.

According to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, Davis could consider seeking a trade if Washington starts poorly. His health, the team’s results and his fit alongside Trae Young and AJ Dybantsa could therefore shape his long-term future.

Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks have made little progress in their contract extension talks, with a deal before the start of training camp considered unlikely.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the discussions have nevertheless remained “cordial.” Towns is eligible for an extension that could reach $276 million over four seasons. “This is a cloud going into training camp,” Charania said. Towns has a $61 million player option for the 2027-28 season and could become a free agent in 2027.

There is no deadline for an extension, while James Dolan wants to avoid entering the second apron.

The New York Knicks could complete a trade before the regular season begins, according to The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III. Adding another center is the priority, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond currently the only standard-contract options at the position.

Miles McBride and Pacôme Dadiet are viewed as the most logical trade candidates, although an immediate McBride deal would be surprising. The guard is entering the final year of his contract and his expected raise could conflict with New York’s determination to remain below the second apron.

Moving Dadiet with one or more second-round picks may be the simplest solution. Such a deal could create room for another center, one of Bruce Brown, John Konchar or Ochai Agbaji, or a standard contract for rookie Tyler Nickel.

The NBA is investigating Gary Trent Jr.’s four-year, $64 million guaranteed contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon. The league hired Hecker Fink to conduct the investigation, with the Bucks and Klutch Sports reportedly cooperating.

Investigators are trying to determine whether Trent accepted smaller deals with an understanding that Milwaukee would later reward him with a larger contract. He signed for the minimum in 2024 and earned $3.7 million in 2025-26 before receiving more than $15 million annually following an 8.1-point season on 39 percent shooting.

No public evidence of a secret agreement has emerged, and the investigation remains ongoing. The closest precedent is the Joe Smith case, which resulted in Minnesota losing five first-round picks, receiving a fine and having the player’s contract voided.

Ryan Nembhard could attract interest from several teams if the Charlotte Hornets release him. According to Marc Stein, the Denver Nuggets are considered one of the leading potential destinations for a two-way deal.

Nembhard averaged 6.6 points and 5.3 assists across 60 games during his rookie season with Dallas. He also posted 23.0 points and 10.2 assists per game in the G League, confirming the playmaking ability he displayed at Gonzaga.

The 23-year-old also impressed against Denver with a 28-point, 10-assist performance. Charlotte must clear three standard roster spots before the regular season, potentially making Nembhard available.

The Charlotte Hornets are discussing a rookie-scale extension with Brandon Miller, according to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer. The potential agreement could approach the $208 million deal Amen Thompson received from the Houston Rockets.

Miller averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season while shooting a career-best 38.3% from three. Through his first three NBA seasons, the forward has posted 19.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

Following the trades of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, Miller has become an even more important part of Charlotte’s future alongside Kon Knueppel. The Hornets are now working to secure the 23-year-old beyond his rookie contract.

The Detroit Pistons have offered Jalen Duren a five-year, $200 million contract extension, sources confirmed to The Athletic.

The new proposal represents a $10 million increase from the previously reported offer of five years and $190 million.

Duren has rejected the offer so far

The new deal also includes a weight clause.

Duren has been seeking a contract worth more than $200 million and has so far rejected Detroit’s proposal.

The center remains under contract with the Pistons, but the two sides have yet to reach an agreement on a long-term extension.

Kings among the teams interested

The Sacramento Kings have previously been reported as interested in Duren, while the Milwaukee Bucks and two other teams are also looking to engage with the center.

With negotiations still unresolved, Duren could potentially miss training camp next week.

The deadline for Duren to accept his qualifying offer is October 1.

Source: The Athletic

The Atlanta Hawks are sending Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard and cash considerations to the Charlotte Hornets for Dorian Finney-Smith.

The news was reported by Shams Charania.

The move helps Atlanta address a roster crunch, as the Hawks had 16 players on standard NBA contracts. Finney-Smith is owed roughly $13.7 million for the upcoming season, while the remaining years of his contract are non-guaranteed.

Meanwhile, the Hornets acquire Hield, who is under contract for $9.5 million, and a young point guard who averaged 6.6 points and 5.3 assists per game as a rookie for the Mavs.

The Toronto Raptors and Kawhi Leonard have agreed to a two-year, $115 million contract extension, according to Shams Charania.

The two-time NBA champion will earn the $50.3 million guaranteed by his current deal in the upcoming season. The extension will run from 2027 through 2029 and includes a player option for the second season.

Leonard will thus have the opportunity to spend the final part of his career in Toronto, where he will look to add another NBA championship to the historic title he won with the Raptors in 2019.

NBA teams are monitoring Kyrie Irving’s situation with the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Marc Spears. Dallas still values the guard, but its roster is increasingly being built around 19-year-old Cooper Flagg.

MacMahon said a move to a contender could eventually make sense for both Irving and the Mavericks. For now, that remains a possibility rather than a reported trade request from the nine-time All-Star.

Irving missed the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his ACL. Spears expects interest if he returns healthy and noted that Irving’s relationship with Masai Ujiri could matter if the guard decides his future lies away from Dallas.

The Denver Nuggets have signed Reese Dixon-Waters and Keonte Jones to training camp deals, according to HoopsHype. Both players will compete for a place on the roster.

Dixon-Waters, a guard from San Diego State, averaged 13.1 points and 3.6 rebounds in his final college season while shooting 35.6% from three-point range. He previously played at USC.

Jones, a forward who spent last season at Dayton, averaged 7.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists. The year before, he posted 13.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game at Cal State Northridge.

The New Orleans Pelicans have signed Solomon Washington to a training camp deal, according to HoopsHype. The forward will compete for a roster spot ahead of the 2026-27 season.

After three years at Texas A&M, Washington transferred to Maryland and averaged 9.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in 25 games. He collected 3.1 offensive rebounds per game while playing 32 minutes a night.

Washington also appeared in three Summer League games in 2026, averaging 3.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He joins a Pelicans camp frontcourt that includes Zion Williamson, Derik Queen, Karlo Matkovic and Yves Missi.

The Detroit Pistons have offered Jalen Duren a five-year, $200 million contract, which the center has not accepted. The proposal represents a major commitment from the franchise, which views Duren as an important part of its frontcourt.

The 2003-born center has further established his role within Detroit’s project and remains a key piece for the team. Despite the significant offer from the Pistons, the two sides have not reached an agreement on a new contract.

Duren will therefore have to consider his future, while Detroit must determine how to proceed after putting a five-year, $200 million deal on the table. For now, the proposed extension has not been accepted by the player.

The Golden State Warriors have agreed to a two-year, two-way contract with Graham Ike, according to ClutchPoints’ Kenzo Fukuda. The rookie fills the team’s final two-way slot alongside LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons.

Ike helped Golden State win the Las Vegas Summer League championship by averaging 10.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 21.2 minutes per game. The Gonzaga product went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The rookie brings youth, rebounding and interior strength to a frontcourt featuring Draymond Green, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis. Ike previously identified Golden State as his preferred destination because of its spacing, motion offense and organizational culture.

The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets still have moves to make to reach regular-season roster compliance next month. That has not stopped the two teams from discussing a potential trade involving two veteran players currently on the roster bubble.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Atlanta and Charlotte have discussed a trade that would send Buddy Hield to the Hawks and Dorian Finney-Smith to the Hornets.

Atlanta considering Finney-Smith

The Hawks could be interested in Finney-Smith with the idea of adding another defensive-minded player to their roster.

Finney-Smith’s contract for the 2027/28 season is non-guaranteed, meaning it would not impact Atlanta’s plans for cap space next summer.

Hield could be on his way out of Charlotte

Hield’s contract is partially guaranteed for just over $3 million for the 2027/28 season.

It is considered unlikely that Hield would make Charlotte’s regular-season roster, with the Hornets currently carrying 16 fully guaranteed contracts.

The potential trade is therefore one of the options available as both teams work toward regular-season roster compliance.

Source: Marc Stein and Jake Fischer/The Stein Line

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, discussions between Brandon Miller’s camp and the Charlotte Hornets are expected to intensify significantly over the coming days and weeks as the two sides work toward a rookie-scale contract extension.

Charania reports growing optimism that an agreement can be reached.

The Hornets consider Miller one of the cornerstones of their future and have no intention of letting him leave.