On July 9, Beijing time, there have been numerous rumors over the past week suggesting that a total of ten teams could potentially sign LeBron James, with six leading contenders holding a clear competitive edge over the rest. Those six top teams are: Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets. According to renowned reporter Siegel, two of these teams have already exited the race.

According to the New York Post on July 9, the Lakers are interested in acquiring Jonathan Kuminga, and Kuminga himself is keen on joining Los Angeles. The latest development is that the Hawks are willing to push forward this sign-and-trade deal. The basic framework is: Kuminga goes to the Lakers, while the Hawks receive Jared Vanderbilt plus the Lakers' 2032 first-round pick swap—which is the only first-round related asset the Lakers can trade this summer.

On July 9th Beijing time, the Las Vegas Summer League officially begins tomorrow (July 10th). ESPN has listed one player to watch for each of the 30 teams, and for the Trail Blazers, the featured player is Chinese prospect Yang Hansen.

On July 9, Beijing time, Bucks general manager Jon Horst stated that the trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo away was an "incredibly difficult decision," but he also said this roster overhaul is the best choice for both the Bucks and Antetokounmpo himself. "No one will say today that trading Giannis made the team stronger.

On July 9, Beijing time, according to renowned reporters Shams and Scotto, the Nuggets have officially waived center Jonas Valančiūnas. The $10 million guarantee clause in his contract was originally set to kick in today. Now, Denver will only need to pay Valančiūnas $2 million for the 2026-27 season. Over his 14-season NBA career, Valančiūnas has averaged 12.8 points and 9 rebounds per game.

On July 9, Beijing time, Stephen Curry wants to play golf with LeBron James. Beyond that, he would also be happy to team up with LeBron in the NBA. Curry appeared today at the American Century Championship golf tournament. When asked about the possibility of James joining, Curry said, "Honestly, I'm more excited to play golf with LeBron.

On July 9, Beijing time, the Mavericks, Pistons, Grizzlies, Clippers, Bucks, and Wizards officially completed this major blockbuster deal involving 11 players. Over the past two weeks, multiple media outlets had gradually disclosed several separate swap agreements that made up this trade. Now, all participating teams have issued official announcements confirming the transaction.

According to Shams' report on July 8, LeBron James' prolonged indecision has opened a window for the Warriors to discuss a trade for Anthony Davis with the Wizards. However, Washington's asking price is extremely steep. The Warriors would need to offer Jimmy Butler, multiple first-round picks, multiple second-round picks, and several pick swap rights.

On July 8, Beijing time, Kuminga officially became an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any interested team. This explosive but highly inconsistent two-way forward—where should he go? The competition for him is gradually intensifying.

On July 8 Beijing time, the Los Angeles Lakers officially announced the signing of forward Sandro Mamukelashvili. Previously, Shams reported that it was a 4-year, $52 million contract. Mamukelashvili stands 2.06 meters tall and weighs 109 kg. In the 2025-26 season, he played for the Toronto Raptors, appearing in 80 regular-season games (13 starts), averaging 21.9 minutes per game, and scoring a career-high 11.