NBA's Wild Night: Lakers Sign Four Players in Overhaul, Hayes Joins Jazz on 2-Year, $12M Deal

On July 2 Beijing time, the NBA saw another frenzy. On day two of free agency, the Lakers brought in four new faces, reshaping their lineup. Hayes signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Jazz, departing the Lakers. Mitchell Robinson joined the Celtics, Harris inked a contract with the Spurs, and Melton re-signed with the Warriors. Here's a roundup of the night's signings and trades.

Lakers Add Four Players in Quick Succession

The Lakers made a major offseason move, acquiring elite rim-protecting center Walker Kessler via trade. To land their desired big man, Los Angeles sent out unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus swap rights in 2028 and 2030. Kessler is set to sign a four-year, $130 million contract with the Lakers.

Additionally, the Lakers signed three free agents in succession: Collin Sexton (two years, $19 million), Quentin Grimes (four years, $60 million), and Sandro Mamukelashvili (four years, $52 million). All three contracts include player options.

In the 2025-26 season, Kessler played only five regular-season games due to injury, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks. Mamukelashvili appeared in 80 games, posting 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. Sexton played 68 games, with averages of 15.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals. Grimes logged 75 games, recording 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.

Spurs Sign Harris to Two-Year, $31M Deal

The San Antonio Spurs reached a two-year, $31 million agreement with Tobias Harris. Last season, the Pistons finished atop the Eastern Conference, and Harris served as their veteran leader. Now 33, he enters his 15th NBA season, having averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds in 63 games for Detroit in 2025-26.

Hayes Joins Jazz on Two-Year, $12M Contract

Former Lakers center Jaxson Hayes agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with the Utah Jazz, with a team option for the second year. The signing coincided with Utah trading Walker Kessler to the Lakers. In 2025-26, Hayes played 66 regular-season games, averaging 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 75.6% from the field.

In June of this year, the Slovenian Basketball Federation officially announced that Hayes had become a Slovenian citizen.

Pacers Sign Oubre to Two-Year, $17M Deal

After a 19-win season, the Pacers aim to bounce back and have added a seasoned veteran. Indiana signed Kelly Oubre Jr. to a two-year contract worth approximately $17 million. Oubre played 30 games for the 76ers last season, averaging 14.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

Melton Stays with Warriors on Two-Year, $11M Deal

The Golden State Warriors retained a quality backup guard. De'Anthony Melton signed a two-year, $11 million extension with the team. Last season, Melton came off the bench for most of his appearances, logging 23 minutes per game and contributing 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.

Mitchell Robinson Joins Celtics on Three-Year, $47M Deal

Multiple sources confirm that the Boston Celtics have signed former Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47 million contract. Robinson was a key interior player during New York's championship season, averaging 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks last year.

Moritz Wagner Signs with Nets for Two Years, $19M

The Brooklyn Nets bolstered their frontcourt by signing big man Moritz Wagner to a two-year, $19 million deal, which includes a player option and the possibility of renegotiation next summer. Wagner played for the Magic last season, averaging 8.9 points and 3.2 rebounds.

Mike Conley Joins Celtics

Former All-Star point guard Mike Conley is heading to the Eastern Conference for the first time in his career, signing a one-year contract with the Boston Celtics. Now 38, Conley spent the past three and a half seasons with the Timberwolves, and previously played for the Jazz and Grizzlies. With the team focusing on developing Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland, his playing time dropped significantly last season, and he averaged just 4.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.

Raptors Re-Sign Martin to Two-Year, $4.8M Deal

Raptors guard Alijah Martin has agreed to stay in Toronto on a two-year, $4.8 million contract. A second-round pick in 2025, Martin averaged only 2.2 points last season but has now secured a multi-year guaranteed deal.

Vucevic Returns to Magic on One-Year Minimum

The Orlando Magic have reunited with former player Nikola Vucevic, signing him to a one-year, $3.9 million veteran minimum contract. Vucevic, a 15-year NBA veteran, spent over nine seasons with the Magic from 2012 to 2021 and was a two-time All-Star during that stint.

Carter Re-Signs with Magic for One Year, $3.5M

Free-agent guard Jevon Carter has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million extension with the Orlando Magic. Carter joined the Magic midway through last season and earned a consistent spot in the rotation.

Hukporti Signs One-Year Deal with 76ers

Center Ariel Hukporti is leaving the defending champion Knicks. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, he has agreed to a one-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Hukporti spent the previous two seasons with New York, averaging 2.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 9.2 minutes per game last season. He appeared in Games 4 and 5 of the NBA Finals, playing a fringe rotation role in the Knicks' championship run.

Bulls Sign Powell to Two-Year, $45M Deal

The Chicago Bulls made a major offseason splash, signing All-Star shooting guard Norman Powell to a two-year, $45 million contract, adding a veteran scoring threat. Powell played for the Heat last season, averaging 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while earning his first All-Star selection.

Smart Signs with Rockets on Two-Year, $13M Deal

Former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart has found a new home, signing a two-year, $13 million contract with the Houston Rockets. Smart played 62 games last season, averaging 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals. He will reunite with Ime Udoka, with whom he worked in Boston, as they aim for a championship.

Collins Joins Pistons on Three-Year, $51M Deal

The Detroit Pistons have added frontcourt height by signing John Collins to a three-year, $51 million contract. Collins was efficient from the floor last season, averaging 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 55.2% overall and 40.6% from three-point range.

Bucks Sign Markovic to Four-Year, $9.3M Deal

The Milwaukee Bucks have inked Marko Markovic to a four-year, $9.3 million contract, with a team option on the final year. Markovic was the 47th overall pick in last year's draft, and the Bucks employed a "draft-and-stash" strategy. The 20-year-old had a breakout season with Mega Basket in Serbia, averaging 18.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, earning the ABA League MVP award.