The Knicks are champions, but the rest of the Eastern Conference isn’t standing still. We’ll keep this hub updated throughout free agency with every signing, trade, waiver and notable roster move involving New York’s conference rivals.
Last Updated: July 1, 2026, 12:30 pm EST.
Atlanta Hawks
Reported moves:
- Acquired Devin Carter and a 2033 second-round pick from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for the draft rights to Alpha Kaba.
- Declined the team option on Jonathan Kuminga, making him an unrestricted free agent.
- Guaranteed the contract for Buddy Hield for the upcoming season.
- Re-signed CJ McCollum to a one-year deal.
- Traded for Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder using an existing trade exception.
- Drafted Kingston Flemings eighth overall and Zuby Ejiofor twenty-third overall.
Knicks Take: The Hawks are getting younger, deeper, and more flexible without making a franchise-altering move. Devin Carter is a worthwhile developmental addition, while moving on from Jonathan Kuminga avoids
an expensive gamble. Keeping Hield, Wiggins, and McCollum gives Atlanta a solid veteran core around its young talent, but unless these pieces are flipped for a difference-making center, the Birds remain in the same competitive tier. They’ve improved around the edges without significantly changing the Eastern Conference landscape.
Boston Celtics
Reported moves:
- Signed free agent center Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47.4 million deal with a player option in the third season.
- Re-signed Ron Harper Jr. to a three-year, $9 million contract after declining his team option.
- Exercised the team option on JD Davison (later waived to manage apron/salary flexibility; he has since signed elsewhere).
- Signed Mike Conley to a one-year, $3.88 million deal.
- Exercised team options on Dalano Banton, Neemias Queta, and Jordan Walsh.
- Continued to explore the trade market for Jaylen Brown (high asking price, reportedly seeking multiple first-round picks; limited traction so far with interest from teams like the Trail Blazers described as moderate at best; Brown has not requested a trade).
Knicks Take: Boston strengthened their biggest weakness by signing Mitch—one of the league’s top offensive rebounders and rim protectors. It’s a win-now boost for the Celts, though his injury history makes the three-year deal a gamble. Brown trade rumors linger, but until something materializes, Beantown stays firmly in contention mode. Re-signing Harper Jr. and the Davison move add useful depth, but Robinson is the big addition. For the Knicks, losing him to a top rival stings and keeps Boston as a major roadblock to another Finals push.
Brooklyn Nets
Reported moves:
- Acquired Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a three-team deal (Nets sent Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls and the No. 33 pick to Minnesota; Chicago sent Mo Gueye to Minnesota).
- Declined team options on big man Day’Ron Sharpe and forward Josh Minott only to immediately lock them into new team-friendly deals. Sharpe re-signed on a two-year, $20 million contract, while Minott agreed to a two-year, $9 million package.
- Signing guard Keon Ellis to a two-year, $18 million contract.
- 2026 NBA Draft Additions: The front office landed their potential franchise point guard by selecting Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. with the No. 6 overall pick. They followed that up by using the newly acquired No. 28 selection on consensus All-American forward Joshua Jefferson out of Iowa State, and added forward Tyler Bilodeau later in the evening.
Knicks Take: After spending the last few seasons stuck between rebuilding and competing, Brooklyn added legitimate young talent while bringing in Julius to stabilize the offense. Mikel Brown Jr. could become the franchise point guard they’ve been searching for, Jefferson was one of the better value picks in the draft, and Bilodeau adds another intriguing developmental forward. On top of that, retaining Sharpe and Minott on team-friendly contracts while adding Ellis gives them fairly-priced, rotation-caliber depth.
Charlotte Hornets
Reported moves:
- Traded LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, first-round pick swaps in 2028/2029/2030, and three second-round picks (2029/2032/2033).
- Traded Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and a 2033 first-round pick (additional picks involved in the deal).
- Re-signed guard Coby White to a three-year, $74 million contract extension.
- 2026 NBA Draft Additions: The front office kept and utilized both of their mid-first-round selections, drafting Washington big man Hannes Steinbach at No. 14 overall and Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson Jr. at No. 18 overall.
Knicks Take: Charlotte seems to be in teardown mode, moving two of their biggest names for young talent, veterans, and a massive pile of future assets. The Ball deal brings defensive/rim protection help in Reid plus draft capital; Bridges adds more picks and rotation pieces (Allen/O’Neale). It’s a clear bet on the young core (Miller, Knueppel, etc.) and future flexibility over short-term contention. High risk but potentially high reward if the rebuild accelerates. And who knows—the Stingers still could still have enough roster talent to be a pest during the season and reach the play-in round.
Chicago Bulls
Reported moves:
- Acquired center Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets as part of a major three-team trade that sent Julius Randle to Brooklyn.
- Signed center Zach Collins to a two-year, $17 million contract extension, featuring a team option in the second year.
- Guaranteed the $2.41 million contract for forward Leonard Miller for the upcoming season.
- Drafted forward Caleb Wilson fourth overall and guard Dailyn Swain fifteenth overall in the first round.
- Acquired guard Kam Jones from the Indiana Pacers in a draft-night trade for the No. 38 pick, then subsequently waived him ahead of free agency.
Knicks Take: The Bulls have fully committed to a long-term rebuild. Claxton gives them a defensive anchor, Wilson adds another high-upside piece alongside Matas Buzelis and Rob Dillingham, and Collins returns on a flexible, low-risk deal. Chicago isn’t trying to contend this season; the focus is building a young core while using its remaining cap space to accumulate more future assets.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Reported moves:
- James Harden declined his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season and paused negotiations on a new multiyear deal to give the front office financial runway to pursue LeBron James.
- Lost forward Dean Wade to the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $39 million deal in free agency.
- Lost guard Keon Ellis to the Brooklyn Nets on a two-year, $18 million contract in free agency.
- Explored trade scenarios involving Max Strus and Dennis Schröder to clear extra cap space and navigate second-apron restrictions.
- Drafted Arkansas combo guard Meleek Thomas with the No. 34 overall pick in the second round.
Knicks Take: The Cavs aren’t rebuilding, but they’re gambling on cap flexibility. Restructuring Harden’s deal only makes sense if it leads to another major addition, and losing Wade and Ellis leaves Cleveland noticeably thinner on the wing. Unless the Cavs turn that flexibility into a significant acquisition, they’ve weakened one of the roster’s biggest strengths without clearly improving elsewhere.
Detroit Pistons
Reported moves:
- Signed forward John Collins to a three-year, $51 million contract, with the final two seasons reportedly non-guaranteed.
- Traded longtime big man Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies for three future second-round picks (salary-clearing move that opens up cap flexibility).
- Re-signed wing Kevin Huerter to a three-year, $27 million contract.
- Drafted Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie and center Ugonna Onyenso via a complex series of draft-night trades.
Knicks Take: Detroit will continue to be a legitimate Eastern Conference threat. John Collins gives Cade Cunningham another ideal frontcourt partner, Huerter returns on a team-friendly deal, and the Pistons continue adding young talent through the draft. Trading Isaiah Stewart creates breathing room under the cap for more moves. They’ve improved without sacrificing flexibility and look poised to remain one of the Knicks’ toughest challengers. Meanwhile, well see if Jalen Duren will be taking up residence in Sacramento next season.
Indiana Pacers
Reported moves:
- Traded guard Kam Jones, two future second-round pick swaps (2028 and 2030), and cash considerations to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for the No. 38 overall pick.
- Drafted Purdue point guard and NCAA all-time assists leader Braden Smith with the No. 38 pick, intending to sign him to a two-way contract.
- Explored the market for perimeter depth, showing exploratory free-agency interest in veteran wings to bolster their rotation behind Aaron Nesmith.
Knicks Take: The Pacers have had a quiet offseason, adding Smith on a two-way deal after trading into the second round. With Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac anchoring a proven core, Indiana remains a contender. Their biggest remaining need is adding a reliable wing to strengthen the bench while Johnny Furphy recovers from an ACL injury.
Miami Heat
Reported moves:
- Acquired eight-time All-NBA forward Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in a monumental blockbuster trade.
- Traded cash and the draft rights to No. 41 pick Otega Oweh to the Oklahoma City Thunder to move up and select Louisville guard Ryan Conwell with the No. 37 overall pick.
- Traded the draft rights to No. 13 overall pick Nate Ament to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the package to land Antetokounmpo.
- Waived guard Terry Rozier ahead of the offseason to clear extra financial runway.
Knicks Take: Pat Riley landed his whale, and Antetokounmpo instantly makes Miami one of the Knicks’ biggest threats. Pairing Giannis with Bam Adebayo creates a dominant defensive frontcourt, but the trade leaves the Heat thin on depth after sacrificing young talent. Miami’s title hopes now hinge on filling out the roster with quality, low-cost role players.
Milwaukee Bucks
Reported moves:
- Traded two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and big man Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in an absolute earthquake of a blockbuster deal. In return, Milwaukee hauled in Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., guard Kasparas Jakučionis, the No. 13 overall pick, unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.
- Drafted wing Nate Ament with the acquired No. 13 pick and added guard Brayden Burries in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft to jumpstart their young core.
- Re-signed forward Ousmane Dieng to a three-year, $17.5 million contract after he showed promising flashes of production following his mid-season arrival.
Knicks Take: Milwaukee has fully embraced a rebuild, turning Giannis Antetokounmpo into a haul of draft picks and young talent. Retaining Ousmane Dieng is a smart, low-risk move, but Tyler Herro and Kyle Kuzma don’t fit the new timeline and could be flipped for more assets. It’s the end of an era, but the Bucks have positioned themselves well for the future.
New York Knicks
Reported moves:
- Re-signed Landry Shamet to a four-year, $24 million contract.
- Re-signed Jose Alvarado to a three-year deal (reported ~$14+ million) after he declined his player option.
- Declined to extend a qualifying offer to Ariel Hukporti (became a free agent, signed with Philly).
- Re-signed Mohamed Diawara (prior second-round pick) on a new multi-year deal.
- Lost Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics (see above . . . if you can see through the tears. . . .)
- 2026 NBA Draft: Actively traded down/out of the first round (No. 24 originally) in multiple deals, acquiring several future second-round picks and cash. Selected Jack Kayil (G, No. 39) and Tyler Nickel (F/G, No. 47); also added other second-rounders like prospects in multi-team swaps. Added undrafted free agents/prospects (e.g., Oziyah Sellers, Keith Palek III, and others) to Summer League.
- Reportedly interested in veteran center options (e.g., Kevon Looney) as potential insurance/backup if Robinson departs.
Orlando Magic
Reported moves:
- Waived forward Jonathan Isaac ahead of free agency, shedding his salary to clear roughly $6.5 million in cap space.
- Acquired the draft rights to USF big man Izaiyah Nelson (the No. 51 overall pick) from the Washington Wizards in exchange for the draft rights to Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (the No. 46 overall pick).
- Lost backup center Moe Wagner to unrestricted free agency, with multiple suitors expected to pry him away from Florida.
- Signed center Nikola Vucevic to a one-year, $3.9 million deal.
- Hired former assistant Sean Sweeney as the team’s new head coach to replace Jamahl Mosley.
Knicks Take: Orlando is navigating the financial reality of Paolo Banchero’s looming max extension. Moving on from Isaac creates flexibility, while drafting the defensive big Nelson adds inexpensive frontcourt depth. With luxury tax concerns growing, expect the Magic to focus on affordable shooting and backcourt help rather than splashy moves.
Philadelphia 76ers
Reported moves:
- Signed forward Dean Wade to a four-year, $39 million contract in free agency, utilizing the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
- Signed center Ariel Hukporti to a one-year, $3.4 million contract.
- Accepted the team options on forward Dominick Barlow ($3.4 million) and wing Dalen Terry ($2.5 million).
- Declined the $2.8 million team option on forward Trendon Watford, making him an unrestricted free agent, and opted not to extend a qualifying offer to Tyrese Martin.
- Drafted Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
- Hired Mike Gansey as the franchise’s new President of Basketball Operations to replace Daryl Morey.
- Lost free agent guard Quentin Grimes, who is signing a four-year, $60 million to join the Los Angeles.
Knicks Take: The Sixers quietly had a strong offseason. Signing Wade away from Cleveland gives the Sixers a versatile defender and floor spacer, while adding Hukporti provides affordable frontcourt depth. Rookie Philon Jr. strengthens the backcourt around Joel Embiid. They’ve improved their rotation without sacrificing financial flexibility, making them a tougher contender in the East. They may still be on the market for a shooter, with Grimes on the move.
Toronto Raptors
Reported moves:
- Sandro Mamukelashvili declined his player option and entered unrestricted free agency (expected to draw interest on the open market as a versatile, cost-effective frontcourt piece).
- Acquired Kawhi Leonard from the LA Clippers in trade (sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks). Leonard is in the final year of his deal at ~$50M and is expected to sign a two-year extension with Toronto.
Knicks Take: Toronto took a big swing by reuniting with Leonard, instantly raising its ceiling despite his injury history. The Raptors may lose Sandro in free agency, but adding Kawhi makes them a much tougher team and another contender the Knicks will have to reckon with in the East.
Washington Wizards
Reported moves:
- Drafted BYU forward and consensus top prospect AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
- Signed guard Trae Young to a four-year, $212 million maximum contract extension featuring a player option for the 2029-30 season.
- Traded the draft rights to No. 46 overall pick Felix Okpara to the Orlando Magic in exchange for the draft rights to USF big man Izaiyah Nelson (the No. 51 overall pick); also involved other second-round shuffling.
- Shut down ongoing trade inquiries regarding 10-time All-Star forward Anthony Davis, publicly reaffirming their commitment to keeping him long-term.
Knicks Take: Washington has accelerated its rebuild into a win-now approach. Extending Trae, keeping Davis, and drafting Dybantsa gives the Wizards a legitimate foundation with immediate playoff aspirations. They could be a surprise team this season.
Biggest Winners So Far
- Detroit Pistons — Landing Collins addresses a real need without sacrificing the future. They continue building around their young core and look like a rising Eastern power. Keep an eye on Duran, though, and losing Stewart might prove more important than initially assumed.
- Miami Heat — The Giannis acquisition instantly makes them a title favorite and one of the Knicks’ biggest threats in the East.
- Toronto Raptors — Reuniting with Kawhi is a massive swing that instantly raises their ceiling and makes them a serious playoff contender again.
- New York Knicks — Continuity on the wings and backcourt (Shamet, Alvarado, Diawara) preserves championship depth while adding future assets in the draft. Robinson’s departure stings, and Leon Rose needs to find a center, STAT. (But not STAT, he’s too old.)
Biggest Losers So Far
- Cleveland Cavaliers — Losing Dean Wade and Keon Ellis thins out the wing rotation while they scramble for cap flexibility—without a clear star addition yet.
- Boston Celtics — Mitchell Robinson bolsters them, but the ongoing Jaylen Brown uncertainty continues to loom over the franchise.
- Milwaukee Bucks — Trading away Giannis marks the end of an era. They’re now officially in a rebuild with young talent and picks.
- Charlotte Hornets — Full teardown mode after moving LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, but they’ve loaded up on future assets.
This tracker will be updated as free agency unfolds.
