Latest Rumors, Predictions for LeBron James, More Potential 2026 NBA Free Agents
As the 2025-26 NBA regular season draws to a close, and fans await the drama and excitement of the playoffs, attention for some teams turns to impending free agents and the potential to sign some of the biggest names in the sport in an attempt to win a league championship.
One name reigns over the NBA offseason in 2026: LeBron James.
The four-time world champion will be a free agent after the season, leaving some to question whether he will move on from Los Angeles or even retire. Regardless, his decision will loom prominently until he signs on the dotted line. Or until he hangs up his sneakers.
Where might he continue his career, and who else is at the center of the rumor mill ahead of free agency? Find out now with this collection of updates from NBA insiders.
Latest on LeBron James
1 of 3
Much has been made of LeBron James' free agency this offseason and a potential move back to the Cleveland Cavaliers or to the Golden State Warriors.
The Athletic's Sam Amick, during an appearance on FanDuel TV's Run It Back, reported that a move to either of those teams would result in a significant pay cut, if not a minimum deal.
James has been one of, if not the, highest-paid players in the league for the majority of his career. The question becomes whether he is willing to take a cut of that significance. If so, is he willing to do it for another team that may be closer to an NBA title, an opportunity such a deal would open up for him?
James is still producing. Even accepting the role of third option for the Lakers, the four-time league MVP is averaging 21 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 51.7 percent from the floor and 32.1 percent from beyond the arc.
He is still a game-changing player who any team would be lucky to have as they pursue the ultimate prize in the NBA.
With that said, there has been smoke between James and the Warriors all season long. From the moment he opted into his contract, and it became clear that he would be a free agent at the end of the season, those two sides have been mentioned in the same breath.
If James does not return to the Lakers, who also have to address Austin Reaves' contract this offseason (more on him in a moment), Golden State is most likely.
Prediction: James joins Steph Curry and Draymond Green in Golden State as all three look for one more NBA title
What is Austin Reaves Prioritizing?
2 of 3
James' teammate, Austin Reaves, holds a player option in 2026 and is, arguably, a greater priority for the organization than his superstar teammate.
Per Jovan Buha, Reaves is "going to prioritize getting a four to five-year deal and will push for a longer deal."
Undrafted in 2021, the shooting guard has become an integral piece of the Lakers' squad. This season, he has averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from the three-point line.
Reaves has dealt with his fair share of injuries late in seasons, likely fueling his desire for a long-term deal rather than the shorter-term commitment the team has shown him to this point.
Luka Doncic is the unquestioned face of the franchise for its foreseeable future, but Reaves has developed into a legitimate No. 2 for the sport's most recognizable team. Rewarding him for his work and ensuring he sticks around, continuing to evolve his on-court chemistry with the franchise player, is the right call and is a deal the Lakers probably will not waste much time getting done.
Prediction: Reaves signs a four-year deal to stay in Los Angeles
Denver Wants to Hold Onto Young Breakout Star
3 of 3
Peyton Watson has enjoyed a breakout season for the Denver Nuggets, and the team wants to hold onto the pending restricted free agent, per Michael Scotto for YES Network.
The 23-year-old forward/guard out of Beverly Hills has developed into one of the most promising young stars in the league while averaging 14.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 1.1 steals and shooting 49.1 percent from the floor.
Scotto added, though, that to keep Watson and handle the extensions of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, they may have to find a trade partner for Cam Johnson.
The 30-year-old forward is averaging 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.7 steals this season.
It is less of an indictment on Johnson than it is a testament to the play of Watson, who has exceeded expectations with elite defense and his ability to thrive in transition.
Expect the Nuggets to get the deal done to keep Watson for the long term while offloading Johnson in return for role players and/or draft picks.
Prediction: Watson stays on a new deal, Johnson continues his career elsewhere
