On July 1st Beijing time, agent Rich Paul revealed LeBron James' thought process behind deciding to leave the Lakers during a show. Here's what happened—"Obviously, he has always been a max-level superstar, and the team used to free up max salary cap space to keep him... But this time was completely different. I told him: Listen, this is your 24th year in the league, you don't owe anyone anything.

This could also be the final team in "The Klaw's" career.

On July 1, Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Amick, league sources told The Athletic that Detroit Pistons restricted free agent center Jalen Duren had a smooth meeting with the Lakers today, with both sides scheduled to talk again tomorrow morning local time.

On July 1st Beijing time, the NBA free agency market officially opened. Here is a summary of the first day's trades and signings—1. Leonard returns to the Raptors in a 1-for-7 trade. The Clippers and Raptors completed a deal involving Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers sent Leonard to the Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks. Leonard plans to retire as a Raptor.

James will play his 24th season, but not with the Lakers. After days of speculation about his future, some clarity has finally emerged. James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that they can proceed with their roster-building plans without him, as he will continue his career with another team.

A reshuffling, a complete shake-up. The oldest is gone, and the most accurate is gone too. Insider Shams: Kennard joins the Suns on a two-year, $13 million deal with a player option for the second year. This guy was traded from the Hawks to the Lakers mid-season last year, appearing in 32 regular-season games for the Purple and Gold, starting 6 times, averaging 23 minutes, 9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, knocking down 1.

Waking up, the NBA free agent market is about to open, with two major events shocking the league. Kawhi Leonard officially returns to Toronto after seven years! A 7-for-1 trade! The Raptors gave up Ingram, Dick, two first-round picks, one first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks, a hefty package, to bring back the greatest meritorious leader in franchise history.

On July 1, Beijing time, the NBA officially announced that all group stage games (October 31 – November 28), quarterfinals (December 5–6), and semifinals (December 9–10) of the 2026 NBA Cup will be held at the home arenas of the respective NBA teams.

On July 1, Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Shams, multiple sources told ESPN that 7-foot Brandon Carlson has reached a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Here he comes, the shooter has arrived. Tim Hardaway Jr. has reached a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Miami Heat. Last season, he played for the Denver Nuggets, appearing in 80 regular-season games with 6 starts, averaging 26.6 minutes, 13.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, while hitting 2.8 three-pointers per game at a 40.7% clip. In this year's playoffs, he averaged 23.3 minutes, 10.8 points, and 3.3 rebounds, with a 34.