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: LeBron James leaves Los Angeles Lakers after seven years
LeBron James has decided to leave the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons and continue his career with a new franchise. According to Shams Charania, the Lakers were eager to retain James, but the four-time NBA champion believes that his timeline and the organization’s no longer align.
Several teams have already emerged as potential destinations. The Golden State Warriors are considered the early frontrunners, while the Cleveland Cavaliers are also hoping to bring James back for another stint with the franchise where he won the 2016 NBA championship.
Meanwhile, the Lakers can now fully shift their focus toward building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who recently signed a new four-year contract. With significant salary cap flexibility, Los Angeles has more than enough room to reshape its roster and construct a team better suited to Doncic’s style of play, officially ushering in a new era for the franchise.
NBA MOVES & TRANSACTIONS: Kawhi Leonard back in Toronto, Robert Williams stays in Portland
The Toronto Raptors have acquired Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks. Leonard brings star power back to Toronto and is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s ultimate playoff performers. He has already proven that he can lead a team to an NBA championship.
Simone Fontecchio will remain with the Miami Heat after agreeing to a one-year contract. The Italian forward appeared in 70 games last season and will continue to provide reliable floor spacing and strong transition offense alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Jock Landale has signed a one-year extension with the Atlanta Hawks and will earn $14 million next season. Landale was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Hawks last season and appeared in 23 regular-season games for the Atlanta-based franchise. The Australian center will provide solid rebounding and dependable three-point shooting off the bench.
Robert Williams enjoyed an impressive season with the Portland Trail Blazers and has been rewarded with a three-year, $44 million contract. Despite his injury history, Williams has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors, and his performances last season convinced Portland to invest in him with a new long-term deal.
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are nearing deal sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first-round picks, 1 pick swap and 2 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. A return to Canada for the Raptors champion and two-time Finals MVP. pic.twitter.com/VovqGw5qS6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026
NBA RUMOR MILL: Washington Wizards not interested in moving Anthony Davis
The NBA offseason continues to revolve around blockbuster moves involving the league’s biggest stars. Every team is waiting for the next domino to fall, as we’ve already seen with Ja Morant, Kawhi Leonard, and LaMelo Ball – proof that another superstar can become available at any moment.
The Golden State Warriors, who previously signed Kristaps Porzingis, have reportedly cooled their interest in Anthony Davis. According to multiple reports, the Washington Wizards have no intention of trading the 10-time All-Star and instead want to evaluate how he fits alongside Trae Young and Alex Sarr before considering any major roster changes.
Meanwhile, following LeBron James‘ departure, the Los Angeles Lakers are in a strong position in their pursuit of star center Jalen Duren. According to reports, both sides held a productive meeting on Tuesday and are scheduled to meet again on Wednesday. The Lakers are believed to have made a strong impression on the restricted free agent by assuring him they view him as a max-contract player amid his ongoing contract standoff with the Detroit Pistons.
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.
OFF-COURT PULSE: Drake’s inside scoop on Leonard
Toronto Raptors superfan and one of the most influential rappers of the modern era, Drake, is clearly thrilled to see Kawhi Leonard return to the city. The Canadian superstar shared a photo with the former Los Angeles Clippers forward on Instagram, captioning it: “So it is Kawhiyz szn again”, along with several eye emojis.
Drake seemingly had inside information, as the post went live before Shams Charania reported that the Clippers and Raptors were nearing a deal to send Leonard back to Toronto after seven years.
Leonard was originally traded to the Raptors ahead of the 2018-19 season and delivered one of the greatest campaigns of his career, leading the franchise to its first NBA championship while earning his second NBA Finals MVP award. However, just a month after winning the title, he left Canada to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency.
While Leonard had no interest in remaining in Toronto in 2019, he is reportedly fully on board with returning this time around. Although the 34-year-old is likely past the peak of his career, he remains one of the NBA’s elite two-way players. During the 2025-26 season, Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, showing he is still capable of performing at a superstar level.
