​Once again, it’s time to deliver judgments a bit early. After all, I’d risk losing my basketball writer cred if I didn’t weigh in before the dust fully settles—that, as I’m told, is why they pay me the modest salary I fetch. So, without further delay, here are the winners and losers from Week 1 of the 2026 NBA free agency.
Philadelphia 76ers It may feel odd for Sixers fans to be on the favorable end of one of these unusually lopsided, head-scratching deals. Yet here we are: Philadelphia could end up emerging as one of the week’s biggest winners after somehow landing 2026 MVP candidate, 2024 NBA Finals MVP, and a bona fide second-team All-NBA wing in Jaylen Brown, in exchange for just two first-round picks, two second-rounders, and Paul George—whose contract is widely viewed as one of the league’s less desirable obligations. The 36-year-old, injury-prone former superstar still has about $110 million owed over the next two seasons. As of this writing, the Sixers remain in the LeBron James sweepstakes, but even if they don’t land him, they’re in excellent position. A George-for-Brown swap provides far more insurance against the regular-season Joel Embiid absences and adds a battle-tested champion to help guide Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe through the postseason, showing them what it takes to reach the summit. Moreover, after being traded to a division rival in a deal seen by some as a financial loss, Brown should arrive in 2026-27 with renewed motivation. Hats off to Philadelphia’s front office for pulling off what appears to be a major heist.
Los Angeles Clippers Self-awareness matters. The Clippers were drifting, and while last season’s late surge was encouraging, the Kawhi Leonard era had, by many metrics, been a failing venture. The reckoning began even before the offseason. At the trade deadline, the Clippers moved on from James Harden, landing the younger talent in Darius Garland while adding future draft capital. They also sent Ivica Zubac to the open market, a move that eventually yielded fifth overall pick Keaton Wagler. This summer, they extended the purge by shipping Leonard back to his former team in Toronto, receiving a solid haul of picks along with two intriguing young pieces in Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick. They even snagged three-point sharpshooter Rui Hachimura from their cross-town rivals, the Lakers. It’s likely the Clippers won’t be contenders next season, but the roster now brims with future assets and a genuine rebuild foundation. After watching Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy the year prior, the franchise can begin moving forward—at least, that is, once the tree-planting drama is resolved.
LeBron James The notion that this is anything short of preposterous for maximizing search engine optimization is itself ridiculous. But the conversation about LeBron’s current status and impact remains relevant as the league continues to pivot around his influence and the surrounding implications for both teams and the broader competitive balance.