7/1/26

This has been one of the most exciting off-seasons and the past few weeks in the NBA in a long time, with multiple All-Stars being traded, all-time greats leaving, and even LeBron James leaving the Lakers and possibly joining his former rival? Here’s a look at some of the biggest trades and signings that happened around the league in the last couple of weeks.

LeBron James Leaves L.A.

LeBron James left the LA Lakers, knowing he would not be returning to the team for the 2026-27 season and would look elsewhere to showcase his talents and, in all likelihood, end his career. LeBron spent eight seasons in LA and helped them win a championship back in 2020. The Lakers went to the playoffs six out of the eight years that LeBron was there and won one championship and another trip to the Western Conference Finals. LeBron also became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer while in LA and, in many people’s eyes, cemented his legacy as the greatest of all time.

A long tenure for “the King” in LA, but he now looks to move on. There have been multiple teams thrown around that he could go to, including the Warriors and the Cavaliers. He says he is in no rush to decide as he mulls over his options. A Stephen Curry- and LeBron James-led team could change the league, as even though they are getting towards the end of their career, they still are two of the best in the league. With the Cavs, it only feels natural that LeBron would start and end his career in the state he was born in, the team that he defined for most of his career. Who knows how much longer LeBron will be in the league, and if it is just one year then the Cavs seems like the choice he will make but there are other options at play. The fans will have to just wait and see.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The “Greak Freak” has landed in Miami as part of a trade for notably Tyler Herro and other players and picks. Giannis has remained a top five player in the league for most of the last decade, and his dominance has rarely been seen at this level in the sport. He is one if not the greatest, Bucks players ever and led them to the promised land in 2021 in one of the grittiest and legendary finals runs in modern NBA history and the Bucks’ second title in franchise history. There had been buzz around a potential Giannis trade for at least a year, if not more, but the front office did not pull the trigger.

The Bucks would have a lot of player turnover over the past couple of years, with signing big names to trading important role players. Now they are in rebuild mode and have let Antetokounmpo go. The Heat’s team will not be centered around Giannis and Bam Adebayo, who is one of the best big defenders in the league and can also score efficiently. It will now be up to the Miami front office to build around the two stars as they look for another successful season with a new team and new expectations.

Ja Morant

Ja Morant has been one of the most exciting but controversial players since he came into the league in 2019. His athleticism is unbelievable, especially for a player of his size. He has countless dunk highlights every year, and if you named a player from your favorite team, he’s likely put them on a poster. The two-time All-Star has led the Memphis Grizzlies to decent success throughout his tenure, with multiple playoff appearances throughout his time. Morant’s controversies likely played a big role in the decision to trade him to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Morant has gained a reputation around the league, and not for the greatest reasons, due to some criminal conduct as well as team conduct over the past few years. However, there is no denying his talent, and he will now start a new journey in Portland on a young and talented team that just made the playoffs last year. The Trail Blazers are also looking to add even more weapons, as they have been rumored to take a look at former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown as a potential acquisition. A lot of good things are happening in Portland, and this could just be the start.

LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball is not the newest member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are contenders for the championship year in and year out with Anthony Edwards at the helm. The Timberwolves have made the Western Conference Finals two of the last three seasons and seem like they are one of the teams to beat in the West. They have now added probably the most exciting player in the NBA, with millions of fans tuning in just to watch him play. Not only that, but he is one of the best passers in the league as well, and the combination of him and Anthony Edwards is a scary thought for teams around the league.

LaMelo almost single-handedly brought his team to the playoffs this past season, and despite the loss, he remains must-see TV. The Timberwolves did lose Naz Reid, who had been a big playmaker for them, especially in the playoffs, and a culture player. LaMelo will surely take over that role, and now Minnesota has a top five or maybe even top three backcourt in the NBA and is looking to do big things come playoff time next year.