NBA Sets Las Vegas Summer League Tipoff; Silver Eyes 2028-29 for Possible Expansion
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The NBA released the full schedule for the Las Vegas Summer League, which begins Thursday, July 9.
Opening night will feature the Washington Wizards against the Utah Jazz at 9:00 p.m. ET. That matchup is expected to showcase the draft’s top two selections, with No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa suiting up for Washington and No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson on the floor for Utah.
The following evening, Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET, No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies are slated to meet No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson and the Chicago Bulls.
Expansion Timeline
Commissioner Adam Silver said during multiple pre-draft media appearances, including The Dan Patrick Show, that any expansion to Seattle and/or Las Vegas would target the 2028-29 season for a debut.
Draft Lottery Stance
In a separate interview with ESPN, Silver noted that the current draft lottery format is guaranteed through the 2029 draft and emphasized the league will not return to a system that incentivizes losing. “Most importantly, we will not be returning to a system where there is an incentive to be bad,” he said.
International and Free-Agent Notes
• Former NBA forward Kostas Antetokounmpo is close to a multi-year agreement with Greek club Aris B.C. He previously played for Aris during the 2025-26 season on loan from Olympiacos.
• Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schröder headlines Germany’s roster for 2027 World Cup qualifying games against Israel and Cyprus.
• John Hollinger of The Athletic has ranked this offseason’s point-guard free-agent market, listing James Harden at No. 1 and Terry Rozier at No. 36.
Source: Hoops Rumors
