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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Wednesday, July 1

Lakers Acquire Walker Kessler in $130 Million Sign-and-Trade

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The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal. Kessler will sign a four-year, $130 million extension. The Jazz receive two first-round picks and two pick swaps. The 7-footer is expected to provide a critical post presence alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. This move is part of the Lakers' aggressive offseason strategy to reshape their roster and compete immediately following the departure of LeBron James.

Austin Reaves Remains Focal Point of Reshaped Lakers Roster

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Following the departure of LeBron James, Austin Reaves remains a key figure for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team is actively reshaping its identity, with Reaves expected to anchor the starting lineup alongside new acquisition Walker Kessler and Luka Dončić. Reaves has recently broken his silence regarding the departure of his former teammate, LeBron James, as the Lakers management aggressively targets free agency options to bolster the squad around their core pieces for the 2026-27 season.

LeBron James Confirms Intent to Play 24th NBA Season

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Following his departure from the Lakers, 41-year-old LeBron James has confirmed his intent to play a 24th NBA season. Agent Rich Paul reports James is prioritizing 'complete happiness' over salary, with 12-14 teams expressing interest, including the 76ers and Nuggets. While the Spurs are not expected to pursue him, speculation continues regarding potential reunions with Stephen Curry or a return to the Cavaliers. James is also reportedly planning a docuseries on his Lakers exit.

Bucks Sign Bogoljub Marković to Multi-Year Contract

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The Milwaukee Bucks have signed Bogoljub Marković to a multi-year contract. The commitment follows the player's successful campaign as the Adriatic League MVP. The Bucks are moving to secure their 2025 second-round draft pick, integrating the young talent into their roster for the upcoming season as they look to build depth and develop prospects within their system.

Santi Aldama Traded to Mavericks in Multi-Asset Deal

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Santi Aldama has been traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Dallas Mavericks in a complex multi-asset deal. The forward, currently managing a knee injury that caused him to miss the second half of last season, moves to Dallas in exchange for AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 Warriors first-round pick, and two second-round selections. The Mavericks also utilized a trade exception created by Anthony Davis to facilitate the acquisition, marking a significant roster adjustment for the team.

Lakers Bolster Roster Around Luka Dončić

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The Lakers have acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz via a sign-and-trade deal to provide Luka Dončić with a stronger supporting cast. Despite these moves, there is growing concern that the organization's failure to build a complete team could lead to Dončić following LeBron James out the door. Analysts suggest a return to the Dallas Mavericks should not be ruled out as the Lakers face pressure to prove their commitment to contention.

Alex Karaban to Begin NBA Summer League Play

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Former UConn standout Alex Karaban is set to begin NBA Summer League play in California with the Sacramento Kings. He is carrying the UConn culture with him to the next level as he prepares for his professional debut.

Tarris Reed Jr. to Begin NBA Summer League Play

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Tarris Reed Jr. is set to begin NBA Summer League play in California with the San Antonio Spurs. His path to the organization has been humorously linked to a Disney World claw machine experience, which fans have jokingly cited as a sign of his destiny with the team. Reed is one of the former Huskies carrying the UConn culture to the next level.

Tyrese Maxey Reacts to Jaylen Brown Trade

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Tyrese Maxey is among those in the basketball world reacting to the blockbuster deal that brought Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. The team's new projected starting lineup includes Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Brown, with hopes that a healthy Joel Embiid will make them a serious contender.

Paul George Acquired by Boston Celtics in Blockbuster Swap

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Paul George has been traded to the Boston Celtics in a major roster shakeup. The deal, finalized on Wednesday, sends George to Boston in exchange for Jaylen Brown, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks. This high-profile acquisition marks a significant shift for the Celtics' lineup as they integrate the star forward. The trade is part of a massive swap that reshapes the competitive balance between the Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Jaxson Hayes Signs Two-Year, $12 Million Deal with Jazz

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Jaxson Hayes has signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Utah Jazz, ending his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. The move comes as part of a broader series of roster changes for the Lakers during the 2026 offseason. For the Jazz, the signing provides frontcourt depth following the departure of Walker Kessler, who was recently traded to the Lakers in a separate blockbuster sign-and-trade deal.

AJ Johnson Traded to Memphis Grizzlies in Multi-Asset Deal

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AJ Johnson has been traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a significant multi-asset deal. The transaction involves the departure of Santi Aldama to the Dallas Mavericks, with the Grizzlies also receiving a protected 2030 Warriors first-round draft pick and two second-round selections. This move marks a major roster shift for the Grizzlies as they integrate Johnson into their organization following the finalized agreement.

Malik Beasley Pleads Not Guilty to Gambling Charges

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Malik Beasley entered a plea of not guilty on Wednesday regarding allegations that he manipulated his performance in specific 2024 games. The charges suggest Beasley altered his play to benefit sports bettors and alleviate personal financial debts. The former NBA guard is facing federal fraud, bribery, and money laundering charges tied to an alleged betting scheme. Legal proceedings are ongoing as the investigation into these integrity-related claims continues.

Wizards Reportedly Unwilling to Trade Anthony Davis

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Amidst the Washington Wizards' transition toward a playoff run, reports indicate the team is not willing to trade Anthony Davis. The organization views him as a core part of their future plans. Despite his name appearing in trade exception discussions regarding the Dallas Mavericks' acquisition of Santi Aldama, the Wizards remain committed to retaining Davis as they look to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season.

Joel Embiid's Outlook with New Teammate Jaylen Brown

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With the Philadelphia 76ers acquiring Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade, the focus shifts to the team's potential. If Joel Embiid remains healthy, the new core featuring Embiid, Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe is expected to be a major force in the Eastern Conference.

VJ Edgecombe Joins New-Look 76ers Core

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Following the blockbuster trade for Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe is projected to be part of a new-look Philadelphia 76ers starting lineup alongside Tyrese Maxey and Brown. Expectations are high for the squad, provided Joel Embiid remains healthy.

Nets Sign Moritz Wagner to Two-Year, $19 Million Deal

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The Brooklyn Nets have agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal with Moritz Wagner. The signing, which occurred during NBA free agency, is intended to round out the Nets' center rotation. Wagner, who previously played for the Orlando Magic, brings additional size and experience to the Brooklyn frontcourt as the team looks to solidify its roster for the 2026-27 season.

Lakers Could Pursue Jonathan Kuminga with Cap Space Move

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The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Jonathan Kuminga. To orchestrate a potential deal for the Atlanta Hawks forward, the Lakers would need to free up an additional $7 million in cap space. This potential move is part of the Lakers' ongoing efforts to reshape their roster following the departure of LeBron James and the recent acquisitions of Walker Kessler and other key pieces.

Celtics Missed Out on Giannis Antetokounmpo

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The Boston Celtics reportedly attempted to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this offseason by dangling Jaylen Brown as a trade chip. The Bucks ultimately accepted a better package from the Miami Heat, leading the Celtics to eventually trade Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Jalen Brunson Invited to Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce Wedding

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New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson has received an invitation to the upcoming wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The event, which is expected to be a high-profile gathering at Madison Square Garden, will include several members of the championship-winning Knicks roster. This social update comes as the NBA offseason continues to unfold following the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign.