The 2026 NBA free agency period commenced on Tuesday, June 30, at 6 p.m. ET, seeing various players enter the open market. Teams began negotiations with players at this time, though official contract signings are scheduled to start at 12:01 p.m. ET on July 6. The initial hours of free agency brought several reported agreements, shaping the landscape for the upcoming season.
Among the notable players available in this year’s free-agent class are LeBron James, James Harden, Jalen Duren, and Norman Powell. James, a prominent figure in the league, informed the Los Angeles Lakers of his decision to explore other options for the 2026-27 season. This marks a significant shift, as James spent eight seasons with the Lakers, his longest tenure with any team.
Key Player Movements on Day 1
Several players reached agreements with new teams or re-signed with their current ones. Bogdan Bogdanović, a swingman who dealt with injuries last season with the Clippers, reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Rockets for the 2026-27 season. Bogdanović has a career 3-point shooting percentage of 38.1% on 6.3 attempts per game.
Forward Dean Wade, who previously played for the Cavaliers, reached an agreement on a four-year, $39 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Wade shot 36.2% from 3-point range last season and recorded the highest plus-minus on the Cavaliers in the playoffs. His addition could provide the 76ers with a versatile wing option.
Center Zach Collins is set to remain with the Chicago Bulls after agreeing to a two-year, $17 million contract extension. Collins played 38 games over the last two seasons, including 10 last year, during which he shot 42.9% from 3-point range.
Sharpshooter Luke Kennard, known for his 3-point shooting, will join his sixth NBA team after agreeing to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Phoenix Suns. This agreement includes a player option for the second season. Kennard led the league in 3-point percentage last season, shooting 47.8%, and has done so three times in his career.
Guard Keon Ellis agreed to a two-year, $18 million guaranteed deal with the Brooklyn Nets. Ellis, an alumnus of Florida State, is a career 40.7% 3-point shooter. His contract reportedly includes a mutual opt-in clause for the second year.
Forward Kobe Sanders is returning to the LA Clippers on a four-year, $11.2 million deal. Sanders, a second-round pick in 2025, averaged 7.3 points per game and 19.9 minutes over 68 games as a rookie.
Center Branden Carlson agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. Carlson, a 27-year-old graduate of Utah, played for the Oklahoma City Thunder last season.
Guard Bones Hyland is reportedly staying with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Hyland had a strong performance as a reserve for the Wolves, contributing to their backcourt.
Tim Hardaway Jr., a sharpshooter, agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Miami Heat. Hardaway Jr. played 80 games for the Nuggets last season and finished third in Kia Sixth Man of the Year voting.
Veteran center DeAndre Jordan is set to return to the New Orleans Pelicans for his 19th NBA season. Jordan has accumulated 10,861 rebounds over his NBA career, placing him 35th all-time.
Forward Ousmane Dieng agreed to a three-year, $17.5 million deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks. Dieng, from France, played a career-high 26.8 minutes over 30 games after being traded to the Bucks last season.
Forward Precious Achiuwa agreed to a multiyear deal to remain with the Sacramento Kings. Achiuwa posted a career-high in points per game in 73 appearances for the Kings in 2025-26.
Center Jock Landale intends to sign a one-year, $14 million deal to return to the Atlanta Hawks. Landale had a strong finish to last season after being traded to the Hawks, averaging 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
LeBron James’ Future and Other Notable Free Agents
LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, confirmed that James will be moving on from the Los Angeles Lakers. James’ decision to enter free agency has made him a highly sought-after player, even as he approaches his 24th NBA season. The Lakers have already begun to look at other free agents, reportedly meeting with centers Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler.
Other significant free agents to watch include James Harden, who declined his player option with the Cavaliers but may still consider returning to Cleveland. Jalen Duren is a restricted free agent with the Pistons, and Rui Hachimura could receive substantial offers from teams with available salary cap space. The Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat are among the teams frequently mentioned as potential landing spots for LeBron James.
In other league news, the Clippers reportedly traded Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for a package that included Brandon Ingram. The Houston Rockets also reportedly agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with Marcus Smart, who played for the Lakers last season and will reunite with coach Ime Udoka.
The free agency period officially opened on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, with official signings beginning on July 6.
Source: nba.com