LeBron suspense hangs over a busy NBA offseason
ESPN’s Ben Golliver says the league is still waiting on LeBron James while major trades and second-apron pressure reshape rosters.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
LeBron James still has the NBA waiting, even after free agency has been open for more than three weeks, according to ESPN senior NBA writer Ben Golliver.
In an offseason report published Thursday, Golliver said the unresolved question of where James plays next season is only part of the summer’s drama. Around the league, former No. 1 picks, franchise guards and championship pieces have already been moved.
Atlanta cuts bait on a former top pick
The Atlanta Hawks traded Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, to the Dallas Mavericks this month after two seasons, ESPN reported. Risacher wrote on Instagram that “some nights were everything I dreamed of,” while “others were harder than I ever imagined.”
Golliver compared the speed of Risacher’s exit with Markelle Fultz’s early move from Philadelphia, while noting a key difference: Fultz played in only 20% of the 76ers’ games before being dealt, while Risacher appeared in 87% of Atlanta’s games after being drafted.
According to ESPN, Atlanta did not receive a first-round pick in the three-team deal with Dallas and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Hawks added Luguentz Dort and Ryan Nembhard as they continue building after the Trae Young era.
Boston feels the second-apron squeeze
The Celtics’ trade of Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers drew the loudest reaction among salary-driven moves, Golliver wrote. Boston sent Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks.
Brown had spent 10 seasons with the Celtics, won the 2024 Finals MVP, made five All-Star teams and reached six Eastern Conference finals, according to ESPN.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver, asked in Las Vegas about the impact of the second apron, said such moves were “certainly not an unintended consequence” of the rules. Silver also said teams need to “manage budgets” and “can’t have unlimited resources,” ESPN reported.
Brooklyn waits, Charlotte resets
The Brooklyn Nets, coming off a 20-win season, acquired Julius Randle from the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN. Golliver described the move as a short-term lift rather than a settled long-term plan, with Brooklyn still watching the development of lottery picks Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr.
Charlotte made a much sharper turn, sending LaMelo Ball to Minnesota for Naz Reid and draft assets, ESPN reported. Hornets president Jeff Peterson said the organization’s “goal isn’t to get to the play-in or even the playoffs for one year.”
The Hornets have not made the playoffs since 2016, according to ESPN. Their next group is expected to feature Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller and Coby White, while Ball joins Anthony Edwards in Minnesota.
New money, new hope
In Chicago, ESPN pointed to No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson as the face of a new phase for the Bulls, who have not won a playoff series since 2015. Golliver wrote that Wilson’s summer league showing prompted comparisons to Kevin Garnett and Paul George.
In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell landed a four-year, $273 million extension, according to ESPN. Mitchell earned All-NBA second team honors, finished seventh in MVP voting and reached the conference finals for the first time last season before the Cavaliers were swept by the New York Knicks.
ESPN reported Mitchell is set to make more than $60 million in 2027-28, while Knicks guard Jalen Brunson will earn $40.5 million that season. Mitchell’s deal includes a $75.5 million player option for 2030-31.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.