The start of NBA free agency has produced plenty of league-altering moves in 2026, just not in the form of many high-profile free agent signings. Instead, blockbuster trades have been the preferred method of transaction for teams this year and it’s almost hard to keep up with how many star players switched uniforms since the NBA offseason began.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard, Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, Julius Randle, Tyler Herro and Paul George were among the players with NBA All-Star credentials to land with new teams after the frenzy of moves that took place in recent days. LeBron James, meanwhile, began the NBA’s free agency period as the top free agent on the market and it’s still the case as of Thursday, July 2.
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The Los Angeles Lakers will look completely different after James announced he plans to play elsewhere, while the Eastern Conference looks a lot stronger despite the Boston Celtics taking a perceived hit in the Brown trade. Keep in mind there are still some moves to be explored and executed, beyond James’ future, that could change how this offseason is viewed over time.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the early winners and losers after the first few days of the 2026 NBA free agency period
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Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses with 2026 draft prospects before the NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
1 / 10
Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses with 2026 draft prospects before the NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
2 / 10
Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with AJ Dybantsa after h is drafted first overall by the Washington Wizards during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
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Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with AJ Dybantsa after he is drafted first overall by the Washington…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nba-free-agency-winners-losers-195301331.html
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Publish date : 2026-07-02 19:53:00
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