Basketball news

• Kawhi Leonard reportedly traded back to Raptors as Clippers move on from star forward

  30-06-2026 21:43 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Kawhi Leonard is on the move back to Toronto.The Los Angeles Clippers opted against handing the 35-year-old Leonard an extension and opted to send him to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.In return, the Raptors will get Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and multiple future draft picks.The move comes with Leonard owed $50 million in the final year of his deal.The move puts an end to the Leonard era in Los Angeles. That pairing was — at times — very pro
  
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• The Lakers built an incomplete team around Luka Dončić, and now face the risk of losing him too

  01-07-2026 23:21 via cbssports.com
  
  Los Angeles is risking Dončić following LeBron James out the door, and a return to Dallas shouldn't be written off
  
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• Does LeBron deserve a Lakers statue? This former champion thinks so

  01-07-2026 22:36 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Mychal Thompson, a member of two of the Los Angeles Lakers' championship teams from the Showtime era, sounds mystified by a simmering debate, in the wake of LeBron James' decision to leave the Lakers. Does LeBron James deserve a statue outside Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers?“A statue? He deserves three statues, buddy,’’ Thompson told USA TODAY Sports. “Miami, Cleveland and L.A. That's how great he is. "He's arguably the greatest player to ever play, along with Karee
  
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• Cavs sign rookie Meleek Thomas to a four-year deal

  01-07-2026 22:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) shoots in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed Meleek Thomas to a four-year, $9.3 million deal. Thomas was selected 34th overall by the Cavs last week in the 2026 NBA Draft. Meleek Thomas will wear No. 15 for the #Cavali
  
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• Tobias Harris reportedly reaches 2-year, $31 million deal to join Spurs

  01-07-2026 21:57 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Tobias Harris, the 15-year NBA veteran, has agreed to sign a two-year, $31 million deal to join the San Antonio Spurs, according to Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko. The deal is fully guaranteed, too.Harris, who turns 34 years old in mid-July, averaged 13.3 points (on 47/37/87 shooting splits), 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 27.7 minutes per game this past season for a Detroit Pistons team that won 60 games and entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the East.Harris has played in 81 career playo
  
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• Where will LeBron go? + breaking down the wild offseason start

  01-07-2026 21:49 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Subscribe to The Big NumberApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeTom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into the electric start to the NBA offseason.LeBron James has ended his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers! Where does he go next? Tom and Dan go over the likely teams that the King will choose for the next stop in his storied career.Plus, the duo delve into the recently completed trades, from Toronto with Kawhi Leonard to Los Angeles with Walker Kessler.01:30 TBN: LeBron's All Star team mates27:23 Wi
  
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• New update benefits Cavs in LeBron James sweepstakes

  01-07-2026 21:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pant
  
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• Report: Sergio de Larrea will come to Dallas, sign with Mavericks, play in Summer League

  01-07-2026 20:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  BARCELONA, SPAIN - JUNE 24: Sergio de Larrea of Valencia Basket in action during the Spanish League, Liga ACB Endesa, basketball Final Game 4 match played between FC Barcelona and Valencia Basket at Palau Blaugrana on June 24, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images After being selected 25th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2026 draft, it wasn’t yet known whether or not the 20-year-old rookie was going to conti
  
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• Mitchell Robinson leaves New York for rival Boston with free agent contract

  01-07-2026 20:27 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  No team leaned harder into the "hack-a-Mitch" strategy to get Mitchell Robinson off the court last season than Joe Mazzulla's Boston Celtics. Robinson always brushed the strategy off, such as during the NBA Finals when the Spurs used it, and he said it was because they saw him as a "threat." He said repeatedly that the strategy was a sign of respect from opponents trying to get him off the court.Boston respected him enough to sign him away from the Knicks.In a move that is a gut-punch to still-c
  
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• Celtics pry Mitchell Robinson away from Knicks on three-year deal

  01-07-2026 20:24 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 6: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks reacts to a play in the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 6, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Knicks are losing the longest-tenured player from their champion
  
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• Wizards re-sign Jamir Watkins to two-way deal

  01-07-2026 20:23 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 12: Jamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards runs down court during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on April 12, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: The Cavaliers defeated the Wizards 130-117. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Washington W
  
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• Eastern Conference Offseason Tracker [UPDATED]

  01-07-2026 20:23 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Knicks are champions, but the rest of the Eastern Conference isn’t standing still. We’ll keep this hub updated throughout free agency with every signing, trade, waiver and notable roster move involving New York’s conference rivals.Last Updated: July 1, 2026, 3 pm EST.Atlanta HawksReported moves:Acquired Devin Carter and a 2033 second-round pick from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for the draft rights to Alpha Kaba.Declined the team option on Jonathan Kuminga, making him a
  
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• With Mitchell Robinson addition, Celtics fill biggest hole -- and weaken Knicks

  01-07-2026 20:17 via cbssports.com
  
  James Dolan wasn't willing to go into the second apron, and the Knicks' rivals plucked the valuable big man from the champs
  
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• LeBron James agent: 12-14 teams interested to start NBA free agency

  01-07-2026 20:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The agent for LeBron James indicated nearly half the teams in the NBA are interested in signing the league's all-time leading scorer and the decision won't be about money. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul said he spoke with "12 to 14" teams about James after NBA free agency negotiations officially began during an episode of The Ringer's "Game Over" podcast featuring Paul and former ESPN commentator Max Kellerman released on Wednesday, July 1. Paul also confirmed the Golden State Warriors were one of
  
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• NBA Free Agency: Five big men the Wizards could target

  01-07-2026 20:14 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Washington Wizards looks on after making a basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2025 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images It’s no secret the Washington Wiz
  
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• Mitchell Robinson agrees to a 3-year, $47.4 million deal with the Celtics, AP source says

  01-07-2026 20:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics have agreed to a $47.4 million, three-year deal with veteran center Mitchell Robinson, who is fresh off winning an NBA title with the New York Knicks, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Wednesday.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal cannot be signed until July 6. The deal also includes a third-year player option.The 7-foot Robinson has spent his entire eight-year career with the Knicks sinc
  
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• Knicks drawn into suspicious East Group B for 2026 NBA Cup

  01-07-2026 20:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 16: 2025 NBA Emirates Cup Final signage before the game between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks on December 16, 2025 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images I
  
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• Walker Kessler trade improves Los Angeles Lakers' title odds

  01-07-2026 19:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Only a day after the Los Angeles Lakers learned that LeBron James wouldn’t be returning as a free agent, Los Angeles acquired center Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz.Los Angeles gave up two unprotected first-round picks (2013, 2033) and pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 going to Utah. Kessler also agreed to a new contract with the Lakers for four years, worth $130 million.Oddsmakers liked the move for the Lakers.Los Angeles — which as a public team always has odds a bi
  
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• Lakers reload with Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes

  01-07-2026 19:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 blocked shots last season, although he only played five games because of a shoulder injury. (Rob Gray / Associated Press)The Lakers secured their starting center of the future in a massive trade with Utah on Wednesday, agreeing to send two first-round picks (2031 and 2033) and two pick swaps (2028 and 2030) to the Jazz in exchange for 24-year-old Walker Kessler, sources not authorized to speak publicly
  
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• Lakers reload with Sandro Mamukelashvili, Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes

  01-07-2026 19:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Toronto's Sandro Mamukelashvili drives to the basket in front of Washington's Anthony Gill on Feb. 28 in Washington. (Scott Taetsch / Getty Images)The Lakers secured their starting center of the future in a massive trade with Utah on Wednesday, agreeing to send two first-round picks (2031 and 2033) and two pick swaps (2028 and 2030) to the Jazz in exchange for 24-year-old Walker Kessler, sources not authorized to speak publicly on the matter confirmed Wednesday to The Times.Kessler, who was
  
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• Rui Hachimura is almost certainly leaving the Lakers after flurry of signings

  01-07-2026 19:43 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 14, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) reacts during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) If it wasn’t clear before the Lakers made their flurry of moves on Wednesday morning, then it certainly is now.Rui Hachimura will not be a Laker next season.The writing was on the wall coming into free agency and Wednesday’s moves effectivel
  
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• BREAKING NEWS: Utah Jazz send Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers

  01-07-2026 19:37 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Walker Kessler saga is officially over, and so is his tenure in Utah. The Utah Jazz are sending Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers in a sign-and-trade for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus the right to swap first-round picks in 2028 and 2030.BREAKING: The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, sources tell ESPN. Kessler will sign a massive four-year,
  
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• Ja Morant, Norman Powell and other offseason moves affecting fantasy basketball in 2026-27

  01-07-2026 19:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Free agency officially began on Tuesday night, but a considerable amount of business had already been completed. Between players agreeing to stay with their original teams during the exclusive negotiating window and some huge trades, this summer's free-agent class may not have the same "star power" we're used to seeing. However, there have still been some notable moves for fantasy basketball managers to pay close attention to as they prepare for draft season. Here's a look at some of those key m
  
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• Lakers NBA odds: Walker Kessler addition gives Los Angeles major post-LeBron James boost

  01-07-2026 19:20 via cbssports.com
  
  The Lakers have filled a LeBron James-sized hole by acquiring 7-footer Walker Kessler, and the Lakers' odds have seriously improved as a result
  
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• Toronto welcomes back former Finals MVP, look to challenge the Knicks atop the conference

  01-07-2026 19:17 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 8: Kawhi Leonard #2 and OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors look on during the second half of an NBA game against the Atlanta Hawks at Scotiabank Arena on January 8, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Knicks and Raptors haven’t been g
  
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• Do the Celtics’ moves today signal more to come?

  01-07-2026 19:16 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Oct 14, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) controls the ball against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) and guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images The Boston Celtics have officially begun their work in free agency. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Boston has agreed to deals with veteran guard Mike Conley and center Mitchell Robinso
  
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• Lakers NBA Free Agency Roundup: Walker Kessler trade headlines a busy day in L.A. — Here's what it means for fantasy basketball

  01-07-2026 19:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Lakers made a lot of noise on Wednesday in NBA Free Agency and the trade market, and fantasy basketball managers need to pay attention.The big move was a sign-and-trade for Jazz center Walker Kessler, with Los Angeles sending two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps to Utah to land the 24-year-old, who then signed a four-year, $130 million extension to make it official. From a real-life standpoint, the money is fine ($32.5M annually), but the draft capital that came with it was a
  
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• Millions Traded at Prediction Sites on LeBron James' Next Team

  01-07-2026 19:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.Prediction market customers are taking a strong interest in LeBron James' basketball future. The 41-year-old is mulling his next team options now that NBA teams are allowed to negotiate contracts with free agents.Roughly $27 million in contracts have been traded at leading operators Kalshi and Polymarket on the superstar's next destination.Key TakeawaysTrading volume has spiked since James announced his dep
  
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• Warriors re-sign De’Anthony Melton for 2 years, $11 million

  01-07-2026 19:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: De'anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball up court against the Sacramento Kings in the first half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on April 10, 2026 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images T
  
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• In LeBron James free agency, these teams have the most, and least, money to spend

  01-07-2026 18:59 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Editor's note: Find July 1 live updates from NBA free agency here.As LeBron James enters the free agent market as the most accomplished 41-year-old in NBA history, teams with championship aspirations are no doubt inquiring about his availability as he and agent Rich Paul scope out the lay of the land as teams chase and sign players in order to dethrone the champion New York Knicks.With James, this decision isn't about money; if it were, he would have immediately re-signed with the Los Angeles La
  
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