NBA Free Agent Signings: LeBron Joins 76ers as DeRozan Signs with Nuggets

LeBron James signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers after averaging 20.9 points and 7.2 assists last season.

LeBron James has signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, receiving an A+ grade for the move. During the 2025-26 season, James averaged 20.9 points per game, matching his career low, while recording a 27% usage rate. His time of possession dropped 37% to 3.8 minutes per game, and he averaged 15.5 picks per 100 possessions as a ball handler. Despite these shifts, James maintained a 59% true shooting percentage and logged 1,989 minutes, the third-highest total on his previous team, the Lakers. He averaged 7.2 assists per game and now joins a Philadelphia roster following a season where he handled the ball significantly less than his previous low of 5.3 minutes.

DeMar DeRozan joined the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $3.9 million veteran minimum contract. DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, has started 1,250 consecutive games between the regular season and playoffs. The 37-year-old wing moves to a bench that recently lost 23-year-old Peyton Watson via a sign-and-trade. Last season, Denver’s projected reserve scoring was led by Marvin Bagley III at 10.5 points per game and Julian Strawther at 7.2 points. DeRozan, known for his midrange efficiency, joins a rotation featuring Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Christian Braun, the latter of whom shot 30% from three-point range last year.

Eastern Conference Veteran Additions and Extensions

Klay Thompson agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Miami Heat, which includes a player option in the second year. Thompson, a five-time All-Star, has maintained at least a 38% three-point average on high volume throughout his entire career. Last season, he ranked in the top 20 for made three-pointers per game and was second in total threes made as a reserve. He joins a Miami perimeter that includes Tim Hardaway Jr., who led all reserves in total threes last year. The Heat rotation, managed by Erik Spoelstra, features Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Davion Mitchell, and Andrew Wiggins, following the departures of Norman Powell and Tyler Herro.

James Harden re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a three-year, $97 million contract featuring a player option in the third year. Harden has appeared in 70 or more games in each of the last three seasons and has never finished a season with a losing record in 17 years. The deal follows a trade that sent Darius Garland to the Clippers in exchange for Harden. While Harden declined a $42 million player option earlier this summer, his new agreement keeps him in a backcourt with Donovan Mitchell through his age-39 season. Cleveland finalized this move after completing the Peyton Watson sign-and-trade on Wednesday.

Western Conference Roster Moves and Extensions

Dillon Brooks signed a three-year, $73 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, keeping him under contract through 2030. Brooks averaged a career-high 20.2 points per game last season after arriving from Houston in the Kevin Durant trade. His new salary will account for approximately 13% of the salary cap, a decrease from the 15% share of his previous four-year, $86 million deal. The Suns also retained Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin this summer to bolster a roster led by owner Mat Ishbia.

Bradley Beal re-signed with the LA Clippers on a two-year, $13.2 million contract after declining a $5.6 million player option. Beal appeared in only six games last season before undergoing hip surgery, averaging 8.2 points per game. His player efficiency rating ranked 498th out of 503 qualifying players. Beal has not played more than 53 games in a single season since the 2020-21 campaign with the Washington Wizards.

Mavericks and Warriors Contract Details

Naji Marshall reached a three-year, $52.2 million extension with the Dallas Mavericks. Marshall, who previously signed a three-year, $27 million deal, averaged 13.2 and 15.2 points in his two seasons with Dallas. He holds a career 30% three-point shooting average, which dropped to 28% during his tenure in Dallas. His player efficiency rating stands at 15.3, slightly above the league average of 15.0, and his usage rate is 20.3%. He joins a frontcourt that includes Cooper Flagg and 2026 lottery pick Morez Johnson Jr.

Draymond Green returned to the Golden State Warriors on a one-year, $27.7 million contract. Green initially declined his player option to facilitate a pursuit of LeBron James before re-signing. The Warriors now have three high-paid veterans—Green, Stephen Curry, and Jimmy Butler III—who could enter free agency in 2027. Kristaps Porzingis remains on the roster with a $3 million guarantee for the 2027-28 season. Curry becomes eligible for a new extension on August 29.

Gary Trent Jr. signed a four-year, $64 million contract to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks. Last season, Trent averaged 8.1 points, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 rebounds per game. His three-point shooting fell to 36%, and he ranked 276th out of 279 players in box plus/minus for those with at least 1,000 minutes played. This new deal follows two seasons where Trent played on minimum or near-minimum contracts for Milwaukee, including a previous two-year, $7.5 million agreement.