NBA expansion vote on Las Vegas, Seattle could come in July; Duren tops early 2026 free-agent rankings
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The NBA’s Board of Governors is expected to gather in July, and the agenda may include a formal vote on adding franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports that owners approved a preliminary study in March and, since then, league officials have been vetting both markets while sounding out prospective ownership groups.
If governors agree to proceed, the league would next establish a timeline and outline bidding procedures for prospective owners. Those details could be set “in the not-too-distant future,” according to Windhorst. Eventually, the NBA must craft expansion-draft rules and decide which current Western Conference club would shift to the Eastern Conference, with the Pelicans, Timberwolves and Grizzlies viewed as primary candidates.
Early look at 2026 free agency
John Hollinger of The Athletic released his top 25 free agents for the 2026 offseason, using his BORD$ valuation model. Pistons center Jalen Duren (restricted) leads the list, followed by Cavaliers guard James Harden (player option), Lakers guard Austin Reaves (player option), Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (team option) and Lakers forward LeBron James.
Rozier seeks change to bond terms
Veteran guard Terry Rozier has asked a federal judge to lift bond restrictions that bar him from contacting current or former Hornets personnel, according to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic. The NBA and the Hornets have told prosecutors they prefer the prohibition remain in place, while Rozier’s attorney argues the limits hurt the player’s chances of securing another contract.
Postseason honors and 2027 odds
ESPN’s Zach Kram named his All-Playoff teams, placing Knicks trio Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby on the first team alongside Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama and Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Despite securing the championship days ago, the Knicks hold only the fourth-best odds to win the 2027 title, per ESPN’s Doug Greenberg. Sportsbooks list the Spurs, Thunder and Celtics ahead of New York for next season.
Trade market watch
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report examined potential destinations—both favorable and unfavorable—for high-profile trade candidates, including former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and Celtics wing Jaylen Brown.
Source: Hoops Rumors
