Basketball news

• Ben Simmons plotting NBA comeback, eyes Miami Heat as landing spot

  29-06-2026 22:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  A former NBA All-Star and No. 1 overall pick has declared himself a pending free agent, and perhaps unexpectedly so. Ben Simmons is planning to attempt an NBA comeback this offseason and he's already targeted the Miami Heat as a potential destination, he told Men's Health in an interview published on Monday, June 29, ahead of the start to the NBA's free agency period.Simmons, who turns 30 years old next month, didn't play in the NBA this past season and instead pursued a career in professional f
  
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• LeBron James' final destination? Power ranking every team's best pitch

  01-07-2026 17:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LeBron James is a free agent. To figure it out, I ranked all 29 possibilities using five categories: Championship Hopes: Rich Paul has said LeBron will prioritize winning above everything else. So if LeBron joins this roster, does this team actually have a path to a title?Storyline: Multiple league sources say LeBron has had discussions about filming the entire season, with live-streaming potentially folded into the final product. So even if LeBron takes a discount on his NBA salary, the money c
  
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• Lakers acquiring Walker Kessler from Jazz: Los Angeles finally finds big to pair with Luka Dončić, per report

  01-07-2026 17:40 via cbssports.com
  
  The Lakers have been struggling to find a big to pair with Luka Dončić
  
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• Lakers reportedly acquire Walker Kessler from Jazz, signing him to 4-year, $130 million deal

  01-07-2026 17:37 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Utah Jazz are trading Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers, who will sign him to a four-year, $130 million deal, taking one of the top talents in this summer's restricted free agency class — and one of the best big men available overall — off the market in 2026 NBA free agency. In return, the Jazz will get unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.Kessler, who turns 25 in late July, has averaged 9
  
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• NBA champion Mitchell Robinson reportedly agrees to 3-year, $47.4M deal with Celtics

  01-07-2026 17:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Mitchell Robinson has reportedly agreed to a3-year, $47.4 million contract with the Boston Celtics, according to ESPN's Shams Charania — a lucrative new deal for one of the best backup big men and premier rebounders in the sport.Robinson has averaged 7.5 points, 8 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 0.9 steals in 23.4 minutes per game across eight pro seasons. He is one of just three players in NBA history to shoot at least 70% from the field for his career in more than 5,000 minutes played, joining
  
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• Lakers' top defender Marcus Smart agrees to deal with Rockets

  01-07-2026 17:28 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Top Lakers defender Marcus Smart has reached an agree with the Houston Rockets. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)The Lakers now have lost their best defender, Marcus Smart, to the Houston Rockets in free agency.Smart agreed to a two-year, $13-million deal with the Rockets Wednesday and it included a player option for the second season, people not authorized to speak publicly discuss the deal confirmed to The Times.Smart was recruited last season to the Lakers by Luka Doncic, leading Smart
  
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• Nets signing center Moe Wagner to two-year deal: report

  01-07-2026 17:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Nets continue to be active in free agency, agreeing to a two-year contract with former Orlando Magic center Moe Wagner.According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the deal will pay Wagner $19 million, with a mutual option following the 2026-27 season, basically making this a one-year deal with the thought the two sides could later discuss a longer-term contract.SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley previously reported that the Nets were expected to show strong interest in signing Wagner, and tha
  
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• NBA free agency: Norman Powell to Chicago in another All-Star move as teams continue shaping rosters

  01-07-2026 17:02 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  MIAMI (AP) — Add Norman Powell to the list of this past season's All-Stars who are changing addresses this summer in NBA free agency.Powell has agreed to a two-year deal that could be worth up to $45 million with the Chicago Bulls, a person with knowledge of the talks said Wednesday. Powell also had received some interest from the Detroit Pistons, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract cannot be finalized until July 6 at the earlie
  
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• Mike Conley reportedly agrees to 1-year deal with Celtics, becoming 14th player in NBA history to reach 20 seasons

  01-07-2026 16:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Mike Conley has something in common with Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. After reportedly signing a one-year deal with the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, Conley became just the 14th player in NBA history to reach 20 seasons, per ESPN's Shams Charania.That's a rare honor held by Abdul-Jabaar, James and Bryant, among a select few others.Free agent guard Mike Conley Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal to sign with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN. Conley becomes only the 14th pl
  
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• LeBron James is leaving the Lakers. Here's the most valuable cards from each stop of his career

  01-07-2026 16:52 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LeBron James is returning to play another season, which is good news for card collectors.James has told the Lakers he plans to play in the 2026-27 season, but for another team.For 24 years, James has turned heads on the court — and on the collectibles market. His basketball cards are some of the most valuable to have ever been sold. His likeness and signature on cards have turned a modest hobby into an asset-class powerhouse seen today. 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection ush
  
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• What's LeBron James' Lakers legacy? His jersey should go in the rafters, but he didn't do enough for a statue

  01-07-2026 16:44 via cbssports.com
  
  LeBron leaves L.A. having exceeded all reasonable expectations ... with only two seasons of regret
  
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• Ariel Hukporti leaving Knicks to sign one-year deal with 76ers: report

  01-07-2026 16:22 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Ariel Hukporti is leaving the Knicks to sign a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Hukporti's contract will pay him $3.4 million with the Knicks' Eastern Conference rivals. Acquired in a draft night trade with the Mavericks in 2024, Hukporti played just 25 games as a rookie but saw his role expand in his second season, playing 54 games while averaging 2.2 points and 2.9 rebounds. The 7-footer provided some quality depth behind Karl-Anthony Town
  
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• LeBron James' agent Rich Paul says pursuit of 'complete happiness' led to star deciding to leave Lakers

  01-07-2026 16:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The LeBron James era is over with the Los Angeles Lakers. After considering his options this offseason, James decided to leave the franchise in favor of a new beginning. It appears to be a cordial breakup, with both the Lakers and James sending complimentary messages to each other once the news broke that the future Hall of Famer would not return. Nowhere in James' statement, however, did he reveal his reasons for wanting to leave Los Angeles. With Luka Dončić still around, there was p
  
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• Norman Powell agrees to 2-year, $45 million deal with Bulls: report

  01-07-2026 15:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Norman Powell, a 33-year-old former second-round draft pick who has received All-Star consideration in both conferences over the past two years, has agreed to a two-year, $45 million contract with the Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN.Powell averaged 21.7 points (on 47/38/83 shooting splits), 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 29.6 minutes per game for the Miami Heat this past season, making his first All-Star team.A season earlier, Powell averaged 21.8 points (48/42/80) as a shooting guard for the
  
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• Sixers’ group revealed for 2026 NBA Cup

  01-07-2026 15:27 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  A detail view of a rally towel with the Emirates NBA Cup logo. This rally towel was a giveaway during the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup championship game in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Due apparently to a failure to recognize the need for content during slow periods of the calendar year, the NBA revealed groups for the 2026 NBA Cup during the opening night of free agency. The Philadelphia 76ers will not have an easy path to
  
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• Pistons get their top target on the free agent market

  01-07-2026 15:21 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 19: John Collins #20 of the Los Angeles Clippers w during the second half of a game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 19, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Detroit
  
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• Predicting LeBron James' next move after split from Lakers; NBA free agency winners, losers after Day 1

  01-07-2026 15:01 via cbssports.com
  
  Plus, who had the best year in college sports?
  
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• Wednesday Posted & Toasted Notes: Kingdom come, disposable rookie, Kawhi goes North

  01-07-2026 15:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  HOEDSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 13: A lion at a wildlife nature park on February 13, 2026 in Hoedspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images) | Getty Images It’s been 12 hours since the start of free agency, and the biggest news is that a 41-year-old man will take his time to decide on where he plays next. I miss the good old days.The Knicks’ offseason couldn’t have been calmer to date. New York stood pat to start free agency after inking three players
  
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• Question of the Day: Who will win Chicago’s next championship?

  01-07-2026 15:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Fans celebrate outside of Wrigley Fieldin Chicago, on November 2, 2016. (Photo by Jim Vondruska/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images The City of Chicago holds deep pride in its sports teams. This is despite the fact that each franchise within the City has had a history of inconsistent success, at best. However, if anyone has been paying attention recently, Chicago sports may be on the verge of a renaissance. As we all know, the Chicago Bears have a talented young team that thre
  
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• Marcus Smart signs two-year, $13 million deal with Rockets

  01-07-2026 14:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 03: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 03, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images Following a bounceback season in Los Angeles, Mar
  
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• LeBron's Last Dance – what next for James after Lakers exit?

  01-07-2026 14:48 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LeBron James made 487 appearances during his eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers [Getty Images]At the start of the 1997-98 season, then Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson told his players that it would be their last as the dynasty that dominated the NBA throughout their decade.With NBA titles in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1997, Jackson set out to complete a second three-peat with a squad spearheaded by the trio of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.Jackson labelled that se
  
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• Report: Wizards interested in signing Westbrook

  01-07-2026 14:44 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  WASHINGTON, DC -  MAY 31: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round 1, Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 31, 2021 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Steph
  
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• John Collins agrees to $51 million contract with Detroit Pistons

  01-07-2026 14:38 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Free-agent veteran NBA forward John Collins agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract with the Detroit Pistons, according to ESPN.The 28-year-old averaged 13.6 points (on 55/41/77 shooting splits) and 5.3 rebounds in 27.1 minutes per game over 69 appearances last season, mostly as a starter, for the 42-win Los Angeles Clippers, who failed to make the playoffs for the first time in four years. Collins scored 11 points in 21 minutes off the bench in a play-in tournament loss to Golden State's W
  
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• Culture setters: Veterans the Bucks should consider in free agency

  01-07-2026 14:37 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  MIAMI, FL - MARCH 10: Kel'el Ware #7 of the Miami Heat greets Kevin Love #42 before the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 10, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images Yesterday, yo
  
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• Rockets sign Marcus Smart to two-year deal

  01-07-2026 14:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) moves to the basket against Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Houston Rockets are wasting no time in 2026 NBA Free Agency. According to reports, they have signed away former Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart to a two-year
  
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• Rockets sign Clippers Bogdan Bogdanovic

  01-07-2026 13:49 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Inglewood, CA - April 12: LA Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (7) reacts to making a three point shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Intuit Dome on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Inglewood, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) The Houston Rockets are adding to their depth by assigning former Los Angeles Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovich. ESPN insider Shams Charania was the first to report the news.“Free agent Bogdan Bogdan
  
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• Marcus Smart leaving Lakers in free agency to join Rockets

  01-07-2026 13:49 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Marcus Smart is the latest free agent to leave the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran guard has reached agreement on a two-year, $13 million contract with the Houston Rockets, ESPN reported.The second year of his contract will reportedly be a player option.Smart, who played under Houston coach Ime Udoka, gives Houston a tough, defensive-minded guard who can also space the floor with his 3-point shooting. He averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals with the Lakers last season.The Rockets stru
  
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• NBA LIVE signings, free agent rumors, trades: Where will LeBron James land?

  01-07-2026 13:46 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LeBron James continues to dominate the conversation as 2026 NBA free agency began Tuesday, June 30.The news and rumors will continue Wednesday, with more movement expected to happen.James made his intentions clear to the Los Angeles Lakers that he wasn’t going to return, instead opting for free agency.James spent eight seasons with the Lakers, the longest continuous stint with any team in his career. The partnership proved to be mutually beneficial to both sides, but the star felt it was t
  
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• NBA free agency LIVE updates: LeBron rumors, Walker Kessler trade

  01-07-2026 13:46 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LeBron James dominated the conversation as 2026 NBA free agency officially began, and where the league's all-time leading scorer decides to play next will continue to be the biggest storyline on Wednesday, July 1.James isn't the only one looking for a new team after making public his impending departure from the Lakers. The rumors, speculation and signings are heating up today now that several impactful trades happened even before free agency started this year. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leona
  
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• NBA free agency LIVE updates: LeBron rumors, latest signings, trades

  01-07-2026 13:46 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LeBron James dominated the conversation as 2026 NBA free agency officially began, and where the league's all-time leading scorer decides to play next will continue to be the biggest storyline on Wednesday, July 1.James isn't the only one looking for a new team after making public his impending departure from the Lakers. The rumors, speculation and signings are heating up today now that several impactful trades happened even before free agency started this year. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leona
  
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