NBA Morning Brief (Jul. 26, 2026): Heat eye 3 former All-Stars, Nuggets face key offseason loss
Top story: LeBron’s decision reshapes the market
LeBron James’ decision to sign a 1+1 deal with the Philadelphia 76ers has shifted the priorities of several teams still active in free agency. With LeBron off the board, interested clubs are redirecting their attention to other veteran options.
The Miami Heat have been particularly busy in conversations, exploring the possibility of adding two former All-Stars and trading for a third as they try to bolster their roster around Bam Adebayo and other core pieces. Reportedly, Miami has shown interest in DeMar DeRozan and Bradley Beal, both now unrestricted free agents, and is monitoring the situation around Klay Thompson. The Heat would only pursue Thompson aggressively if he reaches a buyout with his current team; otherwise, they’d consider a trade scenario.
Moves, rumors and the cap picture
Several notable transactions and rumors are shaping the early offseason:
– The Denver Nuggets face the prospect of losing restricted free agent Spencer Jones, who has signed a two-year, $12 million offer sheet with another team. The Nuggets have a short window to match the fully guaranteed offer. Last season Jones averaged about 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds.
– Kentavious Caldwell-Pope agreed to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and is expected to sign a one-year deal worth around $3.9 million after clearing waivers.
– The Houston Rockets added forward Julian Phillips on a non-guaranteed contract reportedly around $2.5 million. Phillips spent last season with Minnesota after a trade and saw his previous team decline a contract option.
– Draymond Green appears likely to return to the Golden State Warriors for 2026–27. After declining his player option and briefly hitting free agency, the expectation is he’ll re-sign on a deal similar to the option he gave up, keeping the longtime core of the Warriors intact.
On the financial side, cap space is already dictating how teams operate. There’s a clear split between clubs with meaningful flexibility that can absorb contracts and catalyze deals, and contenders who are squeezed by apron rules and must be precise with every move. Expect teams with room to act first — the initial transactions will likely trigger a faster wave of activity around the league.
For now, the market feels paused, but the landscape is set: the teams with cap flexibility hold the most power to influence how the rest of the offseason plays out.
