The first week of NBA free agency came and went with lots of action, but there are moves still yet to come, including where LeBron James will land for his 24th season in the league.
We'll also see other notable superstars in different jerseys next season, including Jaylen Brown, who, after 10 seasons with the Boston Celtics, was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Giannis Antetokounmpo, after 13 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, will be joining Bam Adebayo & Co. in Miami as the Heat try to contend in the East.
With stars on the move and the offseason in full effect, our NBA insiders answer the biggest looming free agency questions, including what's next for the Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets. Plus, analytics writer Dean Oliver picks his favorite offseason moves:
Jump to a section: Latest on LeBron | Next for Lakers? Clips without Kawhi | Bucks without Giannis What's the Warriors' plan? | Rebuilding Grizz Could NY make a move? | What about HOU? Superlatives: Fav move, team to watch, more
What's the latest on LeBron James' potential landing spot?
All of James' free agencies have been different but carry some of the same fundamentals. James routinely kept his circle tight and his choice private in 2010, 2014 and 2018, and successfully controlled the release of his decision. But historically, teammates, friends and business partners had a feel for what he might do based on vibes, not intel.
The same seems to be taking place this offseason. Teams pitching James have reported mostly one-way communication. James' recent walk down memory lane with his 2016 Cavs teammates and spending extra time in Akron this summer have definitely contributed to the notion that he might be leaning toward a return home to Cleveland. Naturally, teams hoping to secure James' services have noticed.
But while there is a "vibe" pointing toward the Cavs, coming off their best non-LeBron season in more than 30 years and signing Donovan Mitchell to a four-year maximum contract extension, other teams are not counting themselves out. The Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers each believe they have a compelling case, per sources. -- Brian Windhorst
What's next for the Los Angeles Lakers a week after parting ways with LeBron?
It's not just the loss of LeBron -- who, of course, leaves the largest wake. But the entire starting five that beat the Houston Rockets in the first round is gone. James is a free agent, Deandre Ayton was traded to the Washington Wizards, Rui Hachimura signed with the LA Clippers, Luke Kennard signed with the Phoenix Suns and Marcus Smart signed with Houston.