With LeBron James announcing he will play elsewhere in 2026-27, the Lakers moved quickly on Wednesday, while multiple other teams locked in new contracts as NBA free agency began July 1. Key signings included Kawhi Leonard’s next chapter, Giannis Antetokounmpo
LeBron James didn’t wait for the first day of free agency to change the temperature in the NBA. By Wednesday. July 1. the all-time leading scorer’s plan was already set in motion: he told the Los Angeles Lakers he plans to play elsewhere for the 2026-27 season after eight years in Los Angeles. setting off a scramble that reached far beyond one star.
The Lakers, left with about $52 million in salary cap space once James’ departure was confirmed, turned that money into action quickly—first by acquiring a center and then by reaching terms on multiple additions for a supporting-cast overhaul following his exit.
The wider league market, meanwhile, is operating under a familiar pressure: rosters around other franchises’ stars need to fill in, and with several top players entering new-team conversations, contract momentum has accelerated even before the calendar fully runs out.
LeBron James’ next team is still the biggest question of the day. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul—LeBron James’ longtime agent—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 released Wednesday. July 1. Paul also confirmed the Golden State Warriors were one of the teams to contact him. while staying non-committal about favorites for the 41-year-old client.
Paul said negotiations with the Lakers never reached the point where the team’s front office made a formal contract offer.
From there, the league’s early dominoes started to land in places that affect everyone waiting on LeBron. One of the clearest examples is the way Los Angeles is reshaping its roster now that it’s preparing for a world without James.
After trading for Walker Kessler, the Lakers agreed to sign restricted free agent Walker Kessler to a new 4-year, $130-million contract, according to ESPN. The team acquired Kessler’s rights from the Utah Jazz in exchange for two future first-round draft picks and two first-round draft swaps.
Kessler, 24, played just five games with Utah last season due to injury. In 2024-25, he averaged a double-double—11.1 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks—over 54 games.
On Wednesday morning, the Lakers reportedly followed that move with agreements on contracts for three more players. Sandro Mamukaleshvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton all agreed to sign multi-year deals with the Lakers, according to multiple reports.
ESPN reported Mamukaleshvili agreed to a 4-year, $52-million contract after a breakthrough season with the Toronto Raptors. Grimes will sign a 4-year, $60-million contract after playing for the Philadelphia 76ers last season, while Sexton is set to sign a 2-year, $19-million deal.
One day after losing LeBron James. the Lakers’ early free-agency splash has also included the broader tension of what’s available—and what’s restricted. Multiple reports have linked the Lakers to Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren and Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler. though both players are restricted free agents. How much the Lakers are willing to offer remains a major subplot in the hours and days ahead.
Detroit Pistons expectations have been clearer in advance. There are multiple reports suggesting the Pistons are resigned to losing veteran free agent Tobias Harris while they work toward terms with restricted free agent Jalen Duren. The Pistons are unlikely to afford Harris unless he is willing to take a below-market contract to remain in Detroit. according to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer. The Pistons have been unwilling to engage in sign-and-trade discussions related to Duren. despite his willingness to meet with other teams.
Still, Detroit has indicated it plans to retain Duren, despite recent meetings with the Lakers and Sacramento Kings.
While the big-man market tightens, other teams are pushing deals forward. The New York Knicks are losing a prominent member of their 2026 championship team via free agency. and he’s joining one of the biggest Eastern Conference threats that will try to dethrone them. Center Mitchell Robinson agreed to a 3-year, $47-million contract with the Boston Celtics, according to ESPN. The deal includes a player option in the third season.
In Brooklyn, Moe Wagner is taking his next step. Wagner will sign a 2-year. $19-million deal with the Brooklyn Nets that includes an option for another contract discussion next offseason. according to ESPN. Wagner spent the past six seasons with the Orlando Magic, including four alongside his younger brother, Franz Wagner.
Nikola Vucevic is heading back to a familiar uniform, essentially taking Wagner’s place in Orlando. ESPN reported Vucevic agreed to a 1-year contract with Orlando. Vucevic was traded by the Chicago Bulls to the Boston Celtics at the trade deadline last season. and this marks a return to the team where he played the first nine seasons of his NBA career.
The Celtics also added veteran point guard Mike Conley. Conley agreed to a one-year contract with Boston, according to multiple reports. The 2026-27 season will be his 20th year in the NBA. He spent four seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves after being dealt by the Utah Jazz at the trade deadline in 2023.
Conley averaged 4.5 points and 2.9 assists in 54 games last season and started five games in the playoffs. The 38-year-old played the first 12 seasons of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies, who drafted him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft out of Ohio State.
Elsewhere in the league, one of the notable wings connected to the free-agent conversation is Kelly Oubre Jr. The Indiana Pacers grabbed a veteran wing on a reasonable deal as part of Wednesday’s NBA free agency signings. Oubre agreed to a 2-year contract worth nearly $17 million to join the Pacers, according to multiple reports.
The 30-year-old played the past three seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers and averaged more than 14 points and five rebounds—mostly in a starting role—over 50 games in 2025-26. He also shot a career-best 36% from 3-point range.
The Warriors, meanwhile, moved to lock down continuity while waiting on LeBron’s decision. Guard De’Anthony Melton agreed to a new 2-year. $11-million contract to remain with Golden State. according to ESPN. including a player option in the second season. Melton averaged 12.3 points. 3.2 rebounds. 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals over 47 games with the Warriors during the 2025-26 campaign and will be entering his ninth NBA season.
As contracts move, the list of unrestricted and restricted options still available remains active and telling. Here’s a sampling of the restricted and unrestricted NBA free agents still available as of 9:45 a.m. ET on Wednesday, July 1:
F LeBron James
C Jalen Duren*
C Walker Kessler*
F Kelly Oubre Jr.
F Rui Hachimura
F Jonathan Kuminga
F Peyton Watson*
F Sandro Mamukelashvili
G Anfernee Simons
G Russell Westbrook
G Collin Sexton
G Benedict Mathurin*
G Quentin Grimes
C Mitchell Robinson*
One of the few players available who appeared in the NBA All-Star game last year found a new home. Norman Powell agreed to a 2-year, $45-million contract with the Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN. The 33-year-old shooting guard produced some of his best seasons in the past two years. averaging 21.7 points per game while shooting 38% from 3-point range in 2025-26 with the Miami Heat. The Bulls are one of the few teams in the NBA operating with legitimate salary cap space this offseason.
Detroit added another piece to its frontcourt. The Pistons bolstered their frontcourt with the addition of free agent forward John Collins. who played last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. ESPN reports Collins, 28, agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal with the Central Division champs. A nine-year NBA veteran, Collins averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in his lone season with the Clippers.
Houston also landed a key guard in a deal reported by ESPN. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Houston Rockets and Marcus Smart agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal. Smart, a 12-year NBA veteran, started 54 games for the Lakers last season, averaging 9.3 points, 3.0 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game. The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year links back up with Ime Udokoa, who coached Smart in Boston from 2021-23.
Outside the single greatest storyline, the free-agency market is starting to map itself through a handful of other big names. The next decision for LeBron James is here, and it could once again alter the NBA landscape. He entered his record 24th NBA season and remains the most coveted free agent on the market. especially if he is willing to take a pay cut.
The Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are the teams mentioned the most as likely landing spots, though that doesn’t mean other franchises wouldn’t be interested in the four-time NBA MVP.
Among other big names to watch: James Harden. who declined his $42.3 million player option with the Cavaliers for 2026-27 but seems to want to return to Cleveland; Jalen Duren. a restricted free agent with the Pistons; and Rui Hachimura. who could see some big offers from teams with more money under the salary cap.
Taken together. the day’s early moves show two simultaneous races—teams trying to secure players now. and everyone else waiting for the roster-level earthquake that comes with LeBron James’ answer. With the Lakers spending the first hours after his announcement and the league’s restricted big men still in motion. the market is forming around one central unknown.
LeBron James NBA free agency July 1 2026 Lakers Walker Kessler Jalen Duren Quentin Grimes Collin Sexton Sandro Mamukaleshvili Mitchell Robinson Boston Celtics Marcus Smart Houston Rockets Kelly Oubre Jr. Indiana Pacers Norman Powell Chicago Bulls Moe Wagner Nikola Vucevic Mike Conley De'Anthony Melton