Here is your NBA Morning Brief covering all the latest NBA news, scores, trades, injuries, and standout performances from around the league.
TOP NBA Story of the Day: Nikola Jokic’s future with the Nuggets
Nikola Jokic once again clarified his long-term plans with the Denver Nuggets after leading Serbia to a victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers.
Jokic was asked about his NBA future, particularly his contract extension with the Nuggets, and his response strongly indicated that he intends to remain in Denver.
“My idea and my wish are to stay in Denver. Whether I will sign an extension next year, we will see. The reason is strictly business-related. My wish is to stay and play in Denver until the end of my career, and it is up to them whether they will offer me a new contract or not.” – Jokic said.
The three-time NBA MVP is currently playing under the supermax extension he signed with the Nuggets in 2022. His contract runs through the 2027-28 season, with a player option for the final year.
Previous reports suggested that delaying a new extension could allow the Serbian superstar to sign a longer and more lucrative contract, which aligns with Jokic’s explanation. He is currently eligible to sign a four-year extension worth approximately $280 million.
Jokic’s latest comments are likely to ease any concerns about his long-term future in Denver, making it clear that his desire is to finish his career with the Nuggets, while the timing of a new deal remains a business decision.
Nikola Jokic: "My idea is to sign next summer and stay with Denver for the rest of my career."
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) July 6, 2026
📽️ @LjubomirovicM pic.twitter.com/eZ0EDYsltT
NBA MOVES & TRANSACTIONS: DeMar DeRozan waived, Hachimura changes Los Angeles’ clubs
Japanese forward Rui Hachimura has signed a two-year, $28 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, after several season spent with the Los Angeles Lakers. Hachimura played more than three years in purple and gold after being acquired from the Washington Wizards in trade.
Last season with the Lakers, Hachimura averaged 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds, while shooting 51.4% from the field.
The Sacramento Kings waived DeMar DeRozan, making the six-time NBA All-Star available on the free-agent market. Kings tried to trade him, but with no deal materializing, Sacramento allowed him to find a new home, two years after joining the team.
Last season, former No.9 overall pick averaged 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
Dutch center Quinten Post has signed a three-year, $30 million offer sheet with the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Golden State Warriors have decided not to match it. As a result, the restricted free agent will leave the Bay Area and continue his career in Memphis.
NBA RUMOR MILL: Nuggets expected to waive Valanciunas, Mavericks land Biberovic
The Denver Nuggets are expected to make a decision on the future of Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas.
According to Logan Struck of Sports Illustrated, Denver is leaning toward waiving Valanciunas before July 8, when his $10 million salary becomes fully guaranteed. The move appears likely after the Nuggets signed Marvin Bagley to serve as Nikola Jokic’s primary backup. Bagley is coming off a productive season with the Washington Wizards and is expected to fill that role moving forward.
In 65 appearances as Jokic’s backup last season, Valanciunas averaged 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.
Meanwhile, according to reports from Turkish media, EuroLeague standout Tarik Biberovic has agreed to a 1+1 contract with the Dallas Mavericks.
Dallas is expected to officially acquire Biberovic’s NBA rights from the Memphis Grizzlies via trade, as the sharpshooter’s NBA-out clause with Fenerbahce expires on July 7.
The Turkish national team forward averaged 11.3 points and 3.0 rebounds last season while shooting 41.9% from three-point range.
NBA MARKET WATCH: Cap space watch
As the 2026 NBA offseason begins to take shape, cap space is quickly becoming one of the most decisive factors in how the league’s free agency and trade market will unfold.
A clear divide is emerging between teams that are financially flexible and those operating near the second apron, where every move requires far more precision and long-term calculation. That gap is already shaping conversations across front offices, especially as teams begin prioritizing either aggressive roster upgrades or preservation of future flexibility.
Several franchises enter this phase of the offseason with significant cap room, positioning themselves as potential accelerators of the market. These teams are not necessarily chasing star-level free agents, but instead are strategically placed to absorb contracts, facilitate multi-team trades, or take advantage of opportunistic signings once the market begins to move.
On the other end of the spectrum, contending teams remain heavily restricted by apron-related limitations, which continues to push them toward smaller, targeted improvements rather than major roster overhauls. In many cases, this is forcing front offices to explore creative mechanisms such as sign-and-trade structures or veteran minimum additions to address clear roster needs.
The next phase of the offseason will likely be dictated by how quickly the cap-space teams decide to act. Historically, once the first major domino falls, it creates immediate ripple effects across the league, unlocking stalled negotiations and forcing other organizations to adjust their strategy in real time.
For now, the market remains in a holding pattern — but the financial landscape is already clearly defining who will have the power to shape it.
