NBA free agency has arrived. The 2026 free agency period begins at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday evening, and there are some notable names on the market who could change teams in the coming days.

We know for sure that the biggest name will be on the move. LeBron James is leaving the Lakers, he declared Tuesday, after eight years in L.A. Where will the 41-year-old go for his 24th NBA season? That remains to be seen, but James will test the market as the Warriors, Cavaliers, Heat and more vie for his services.

LeBron James landing spots: Four teams that make sense as The King leaves the Lakers Robby Kalland

Other notable names in free agency include Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler, two talented bigs who are both restricted free agents. James Harden and Draymond Green are also looking for new deals after declining player options earlier this week. Harden and Green are expected to return to their incumbent teams (the Cavaliers and Warriors, respectively).

We've ranked the 40 best players in free agency (more on them here) and will be keeping tabs on the moves below in our free agency tracker.

2026 NBA free agency rankings, tracker

Rank	Player	POS	Status
1	Austin Reaves (28)	SG	Agreed to 4-year, $185M deal
2	Jalen Duren (22)	C	Restricted free agent
3	LeBron James (41)	SF	Unrestricted free agent
4	Trae Young (27)	PG	Agreed to 4-year, $212M deal
5	Walker Kessler (24)	C	Restricted free agent
6	Peyton Watson (23)	SF	Restricted free agent
7	James Harden (36)	PG	Declined player option
8	Andrew Wiggins (31)	SF	Agreed to 3-year, $64M deal
9	Draymond Green (36)	PF	Declined player option
10	Ayo Dosunmu (26)	PG	Agreed to 5-year, $112M deal
11	Tari Eason (25)	PF	Restricted free agent
12	Fred VanVleet (32)	PG	Picked up $25M player option
13	Kristaps Porzingis (30)	C	Agreed to 2-year, $40M deal
14	Rui Hachimura (28)	PF	Unrestricted free agent
15	John Collins (28)	PF	Unrestricted free agent
16	Mitchell Robinson (28)	C	Unrestricted free agent
17	Quentin Grimes (26)	SG	Unrestricted free agent
18	Coby White (26)	PG	Agreed to 3-year, $74M deal
19	CJ McCollum (34)	PG	Agreed to 1-year, $21M deal
20	Norman Powell (33)	SG	Unrestricted free agent
21	Collin Gillespie (27)	SG	Agreed to 4-year, $48M deal
22	Anfernee Simons (27)	SG	Unrestricted free agent
23	Bennedict Mathurin (24)	SF	Unrestricted free agent
24	Robert Williams III (28)	C	Agreed to 3-year, $44M deal
25	Collin Sexton (27)	SG	Unrestricted free agent
26	Tobias Harris (33)	PF	Unrestricted free agent
27	Kelly Oubre Jr. (30)	SF	Unrestricted free agent
28	Sandro Mamukelashvili (27)	PF	Declined player option
29	Landry Shamet (29)	SG	Agreed to 4-year, $24 million deal
30	Keon Ellis (26)	SG	Unrestricted free agent
31	Kevin Porter (26)	PG	Picked up $5.4M player option
32	Marcus Smart (32)	PG	Declined player option
33	Luke Kennard (30)	SG	Unrestricted free agent
34	Deandre Ayton (27)	C	Picked up $8.1M player option
35	De'Anthony Melton (28)	SG	Unrestricted free agent
36	Jose Alvarado (28)	PG	Agreed to 3-year, $14M deal
37	Dean Wade (29)	PF	Unrestricted free agent
38	Mark Williams (24)	C	Agreed to 3-year, $38M deal
39	Harrison Barnes (34)	PF	Agreed to 1-year, $8M deal
40	Jusuf Nurkic (31)	C	Agreed to 2-year, $22M deal

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How 'Country Roads' became the unofficial anthem of the World Cup

Story by

Jay Busbee Senior writerTue, June 30, 2026 at 9:50 PM UTC·3 min read

Look, we all agree the hydration breaks during World Cup matches are awful, right? Yes, yes, in theory they're supposed to keep players from collapsing in dehydrated heaps on the pitch, but in practice, they're just an opportunity to cram more ads into a broadcast. They disrupt momentum, they alter the flow of the match, and they're an unnecessary and unwelcome addition … with one notable, musical exception.

World Cup stadiums are using the hydration break as an opportunity to play "Country Roads," and it's glorious, every single time.

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"U-S-A!" is our big, loud, stomping declaration of patriotism. The seven notes of "Seven Nation Army" are the horns of an invading army, but they've been co-opted by plenty of other nations. John Denver's "Country Roads," though — that's America itself in four chords and a transcendent chorus.

Try it yourself next time you're out at the sports bar/pub/grandstand. Sing the first four words — Almost heaven, West Virginia — and by the next five — Blue Ridge mountains, Shenandoah River — the crowd is singing along with you. No matter whether they're European or African, Asian or South American, they sing along to the gentle melody of the timeless John Denver classic. Listen close, and you can hear the accents as the lyrics flow by like miles on the highway.

This World Cup has given the entire planet a new view of America, the land of ranch dressing and Buc-ee's, charming small towns and cavernous stadiums. Joyful tourists document their discoveries of Americana while Americans raise toasts and sing along with their international guests. And more than anything, they're all singing along to "Country Roads" … even if they've never been within a thousand miles of West Virginia.

Why has "Country Roads" become such a phenomenon? Because it's quintessentially American. It's a song of the open road, a song of nostalgia for better days, a song about leaving home and then returning back to it. Most of all, it's a song that embodies the very best of America — the desire to get behind a wheel to chase a dream, and the pull back to one's own little stretch of land.

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Those are universal human yearnings, and that's what makes the song so durable. Swap in a lyric or two, and you can make our West Virginia singer's quest your own, the way this Japanese group has done:

Plus, let's be direct: the melody is absolutely perfect for a singalong, no matter how drunk you are. Unlike, say, "The Star-Spangled Banner," a janky, jagged, multi-octave anthem, "Country Roads" proceeds in a slow and stately fashion. Hell, the soaring chorus virtually demands you throw your arms around your mates and sing along, like these fine folks at an Oktoberfest celebration in Germany:

According to legend, songwriters Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert brought the nascent tune to singer-songwriter John Denver back in 1970, and the first time he performed it, the crowd at the tiny club immediately picked up on the chorus and sang along the second time it came around. But naturally, the record company didn't think it would be a hit. Even better — none of the three songwriters had ever even been to West Virginia. (They tried to wedge "Massachusetts" into the song's structure. Thankfully they failed.)

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Faking your way through obstacles until you find glory — man, that's pure, undistilled America right there. And now, the song is everywhere, soundtracking this year's World Cup. In a competition so often defined by corruption and commercialism, "Country Roads" is as pure as it gets.

There will be plenty of gatherings in the weeks ahead, watching the USMNT and the other two dozen-plus teams still alive in the tournament. And where there are soccer fans, there are singalongs. And now, where there are singalongs, there's "Country Roads."

Go ahead and join in. You already know the words.

Jalen Duren likely to resign with Pistons, leave Lakers still searching for star center

Jalen Duren to stay with Detroit Pistons in NBA free agency

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Jalen Duren likely to resign with Pistons, leave Lakers still searching for star center

By Thomas L. Murray Published June 30, 2026, 6:52 p.m. ET

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The Lakers’ dreams of acquiring a Jalen Duren might already be coming to an end.

According to senior ESPN NBA writer Marc J. Spears, the Detroit Pistons have reportedly offered Duren the most lucrative contract possible and do not have an interest in any sign-and-trade deals that will match any potential offer he signs.

Marvin Bagley III of the Detroit Pistons drives with the ball against Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers. — Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren is reportedly being offered a contract by the Pistons. Getty Images

Duren is set to be a restricted free agent for Detroit.

On Monday, the Lakers were reportedly set to meet with Duren on Tuesday to work out a sign-and-trade deal.

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The Detroit Pistons have offered what the franchise believes is the most lucrative contract possible for their All-Star restricted free agent Jalen Duren, are not interested in any sign and trade deals and will match any potential offer sheet he signs, sources @espn @andscape.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) June 30, 2026

But with Detroit apparently no longer looking to give Duren up so easily, the Lakers’ strategy might force them to pivot.

Last year, Duren was selected to his first NBA All-Star game last season after averaging 19.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, helping the Pistons snap an 18-year playoff drought as the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

With DeAndre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes listed as two centers on the Lakers roster, they will have to look elsewhere if they want to upgrade the position.

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Jalen Duren of the Pistons dribbles the ball between two Cavaliers players during a game. — Jalen Duren was once considered a prime Lakers target in NBA free agency. NBAE via Getty Images

Two weeks ago, Luka Dončić said he wanted the Lakers to acquire more shooters and wants the team to land an A-list center, to help him run the pick and roll, like he famously did with the Dallas Mavericks, when they went to the 2024 NBA Finals.

The Market at center is rather thin this offseason, as Ayton was considered the top player at the position before he opted in to his $8.1 million option on Monday.

According to the reports of Duren meeting with the Lakers, the Sacramento Kings were also scheduled to meet with him and were reportedly set to offer 30-year-old Domantas Sabonis in order to trade for Duren.

The team has also reportedly had interest in acquiring Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz, who would be a huge upgrade over Ayton.

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Draymond Green calls out Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg: ‘F— liar’

Draymond Green calls Yaxel Lendeborg a 'F------- liar'

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Draymond Green calls out Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg: ‘F— liar’

By Thomas L. Murray Published June 30, 2026, 7:00 p.m. ET

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Draymond Green didn’t hold back when exposing his newest teammate on his podcast “The Draymond Green Show” on Tuesday.

Yaxel Lendeborg said he didn’t hear from Green, after being selected as the No.11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Green publicly called him out on his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show,” and called him a “F— liar,” and went on to say, “It’s the Michigan way, of course it’s the Michigan way.”

Yaxel said Steph Curry welcomed him and Lajae to the Warriors groupchat:

“Steph actually welcomed both of us in the groupchat the night of the drafts, when he (Lajae) got drafted, I got drafted. And I reached out to him yesterday I asked one quick question and then I reached out… pic.twitter.com/PiwaYs53oZ
— aly ✶ (@jinthirty) June 26, 2026

On Saturday, Green pulled out the receipts and posted a screenshot of his conversation with Lendeborg to confirm he did welcome the rookie.

Draymond playing 3d chess with the rook 😭 https://t.co/4z7HeDD0FW pic.twitter.com/pyJX0IvOKJ
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) June 27, 2026

An outraged Green went to his podcast to call out his newest teammate and didn’t hold back.

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“Yaxel’s been f—— lying,” Green said. “I was very happy to expose the rookie on the internet. This guy, texts me. I text back within 30 seconds. …It’s my responsibility as a veteran to help you be in the best position that you can be to be successful and take over this franchise.”

Draymond Green calls out Yaxel Lendeborg for saying Green didn’t text him back. NBAE via Getty Images

Green went on to say that he had to expose him a little bit and gave him a warning by informing him that his credibility is everything.

As Green continued to speak, he didn’t rule out the possibility of bringing back rookie hazing, as he said the Warriors aren’t a team that participates in those kinds of activities anymore, but could bring it back.

“We’ve just never been that team, pouring in on rookie hazing,” Green said. “But we can pick that back up. We can definitely make it a little more interesting.”

Green said he’s been a part of some rookie hazing before in the past, as it involved popcorn and some tires going missing.

The clip finished with Green telling Lendeborg to “tread lightly,” as he said his rookie duties could start to increase as the season goes on, and added that there could be a day when the rookie has to drive out to a particular Best Buy to purchase a PlayStation 5.

Since Lendeborg got selected by the Warriors a week ago, he’s been receptive to some criticism for saying he grew up hating Curry as a kid, because he grew up a fan of Kyrie Irving, and calling out his new head coach, Steve Kerr, for not playing rookies.

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