The 2026 NBA Draft has concluded, and the free agency period serves as the next phase of the league’s offseason.
Rumors across the league have continued to appear, including the reports in the moments following the draft that California native LaMelo Ball could have been on the move.
Advertisement
Things moved quickly and the Charlotte Hornets traded Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday morning.
Trade rumors continue to develop, involving some of the league’s most notable players, including Kawhi Leonard and Jaylen Brown.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on November 20, 2019.
Will Kawhi Leonard be traded?
Leonard remains a focal point for team owner Steve Ballmer and the Clippers, but that hasn’t stopped the reported trade interest from other teams from happening.
A few teams, including the Golden State Warriors, might be closely monitoring Leonard’s status and could be interested in trading for him, according to ESPN.
The Warriors reportedly checked in with the Clippers about Leonard leading up to the trade deadline in February, but Ballmer did not want to move Leonard, in contrast to what the team did with Ivica Zubac and James Harden during that same time period.
Advertisement
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, if Leonard were traded to either the Miami Heat or the Detroit Pistons, he would not consider signing an extension.
Is Jaylen Brown still available for trade?
With the Boston Celtics clearly having some interest in acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, Brown was rumored to be at the center of the return package.
Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat, but Brown’s name might remain active in trade discussions.
Brown, who spent time with the Cal Golden Bears before the NBA, took on a starring role on his own in Boston for a good chunk of the season while Jayson Tatum was rehabbing a ruptured right Achilles tendon.
Advertisement
Brown still has three years left on a five-year, $285.4 million extension he signed with Boston back in 2023. The All-Star is eligible to sign a two-year, $141.9 million extension on July 26.
“My speculation is that there is another list with other teams that they’ll be talking to and I would believe that there’s a very good chance Jaylen Brown is elsewhere to start the season,” Brian Windhorst said during ESPN’s draft coverage.
Will Lakers find a center?
The Los Angeles Lakers would greatly benefit from acquiring a highly talented center to complement Luka Doncic on the roster.
Doncic had reportedly requested an “A-List” center, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Advertisement
Deandre Ayton joined the Lakers on July 6, 2025, signing a two-year deal. He does have a player option for the upcoming season.
The former No. 1 overall pick averaged 12.5 points and eight rebounds in 72 games for Los Angeles this past season.
The Lakers would need an athletic and defensive-minded big man to help alleviate some of the team’s struggles defensively, especially with Doncic and Austin Reaves still being considered liabilities on defense.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA free agency rumors: Lakers, Clippers latest updates, targets and buzz
Read the full article here