The Jaylen Brown trade fallout is still rippling through the league, but Friday was mostly about the next dominoes waiting to fall. The 76ers finally made their move. They agreed to a contract with Anfernee Simons and, according to multiple reports, have let LeBron James’ camp know they’re serious. The Sixers want another star. They might not get LeBron. But they’re not sitting still.
Bill Simmons’ reaction podcast on Thursday was basically its own news cycle. He went through every angle of the Brown-for-Paul George deal, the cap implications, the weirdness of Boston trading a Finals MVP two years after winning it all. Simmons wasn’t alone in being confused. Sources around the league still don’t have a clear read on why the Celtics pulled the trigger. But the more that comes out, the more it sounds like Brown and Boston had stopped talking. Like, completely stopped. The trade was the end of a relationship that had already ended.
Brown and George both broke their silence Thursday night. Brown posted a goodbye to Boston that felt genuine but not sentimental. George did the same for the Clippers. Neither guy seemed thrilled to be leaving. But neither seemed shocked either. Professional athletes know the business. They just don’t always like it.
LeBron holding things up. Again.
Everyone is waiting on LeBron James. He could pick a team by the end of the weekend. He could wait until next week. He’s earned the right to take his time, and he’s clearly using it. The Lakers are still the favorite, but nobody has confirmed anything. The 76ers want a meeting. The Warriors might circle back. At this point, it feels like LeBron is the only thing keeping free agency from fully moving forward.
Other dominoes starting to fall
The Jalen Duren situation is still unresolved. The Pistons and a few other teams are in talks, but nothing is close. Same with Peyton Watson and the Nuggets. Denver wants to keep him. Other teams are making calls. The most concrete news Friday was Tari Eason agreeing to stay with the Rockets. That takes one of the top restricted free agents off the board and gives Houston a young core piece locked in.
Summer League rosters are starting to fill in. ClutchPoints has been tracking those, and there are some interesting names on the lists. A couple of veterans looking for one more chance. A few second-round picks who could surprise people.
That’s where things stand heading into the holiday weekend. More moves will come, probably while everyone is grilling or watching fireworks. That’s just how NBA free agency works.
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