NBA Free Agency 2026: Leonard to Raptors, James Chooses New Path, Celtics Miss Out on Giannis
Early moves in the 2026 NBA free-agency period see Kawhi Leonard returning to Toronto, LeBron James leaving Los Angeles, and the Boston Celtics failing to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Kawhi Leonard has been traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors in a deal that also sends Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and several draft picks to the Clippers. The Raptors, seeking a primary scorer, will count on Leonard’s 30.5-point average from the 2019 playoffs, despite concerns about his health at age 35 and the $50 million annual salary.
LeBron James announced he will not return to the Los Angeles Lakers, opting instead to explore offers from the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. James’ agent, Rich Paul, indicated the decision was driven by a desire for personal happiness and a chance to compete for another championship.
The Boston Celtics’ attempt to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks fell through after the Bucks accepted a proposal from the Miami Heat. Celtics executive Brad Stevens later explored a trade for Paul George, but the team ultimately retained Jaylen Brown and added Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley, while also gaining salary-cap flexibility.
In the point-guard market, LaMelo Ball signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Ja Morant joined the Portland Trail Blazers, both teams hoping the players can contribute to playoff runs.
The Los Angeles Lakers, after losing James, signed Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton to contracts totaling $70 million. The moves provide depth around new star Luka Dončić but involve significant financial commitments and the loss of future draft picks.
Several big men secured new contracts as teams respond to the emergence of Victor Wembanyama. Isaiah Hartenstein, Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III each received multi-year deals, underscoring the league’s renewed focus on size.
Critics of restricted free agency argue the system favors owners, citing recent negotiations involving players such as Jalen Duren and Bennedict Mathurin.