NBA Free Agency is in full swing, with the Los Angeles Lakers making waves and the Chicago Bulls securing an All-Star on Wednesday.
Two German players, Ariel Hukporti and Moritz Wagner, have also found new teams. Hukporti is joining the Philadelphia 76ers after departing the New York Knicks, who initially waived his qualifying offer. Wagner has signed a two-year, $19 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets.
Here’s a news roundup of the most significant Free Agency signings.
NBA Free Agency News: Lakers Acquire High-Caliber Trio Following Kessler Trade
A «ketchup bottle» effect in Los Angeles! Initially, the Lakers lost LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart (traded to the Houston Rockets), and Luke Kennard, several key players, in free agency.
Then, on Wednesday evening (CET), news broke of a significant sign-and-trade for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (two first-round picks, 4 years, $130 million). Shortly after, three more new additions were confirmed: Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton will now play for the ‘Purple and Gold’.
Guard Quentin Grimes, who spent the last year and a half with the Philadelphia 76ers (2025/26: 13.4 points, 45% FG, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists), has signed a four-year contract worth $60 million.
Shooting guard Collin Sexton, who shot over 40% from three-point range for the Charlotte Hornets and Bulls last season (averaging 15.4 points), has agreed to a two-year deal worth $19 million. Sexton’s speed in transition could significantly help the Lakers’ sluggish offense (16th in fast-break points). He also played three years with new star center Kessler in Utah before being traded to the Hornets.
The third addition is big man Mamukelashvili, who played for the Toronto Raptors last season, averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds in the regular season. The 27-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Lakers for $52 million.
NBA Free Agency News: San Antonio Spurs Secure Pistons Sharpshooter
Tobias Harris is set to join the San Antonio Spurs on a two-year, $31 million contract, according to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports. The deal is fully guaranteed with no player options.
The Pistons had signed Harris to a two-year deal before the 2024/25 season, and he repaid that faith with strong performances. Last season, he was the Pistons’ second-best scorer behind Cade Cunningham in the playoffs (18.1 points) and put up solid numbers in the regular season with 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists (46.9% FG, 36.8% 3PT).
General Manager Trajan Langdon had consistently expressed his desire to re-sign Harris. «We are very proud of what he has accomplished here. We hope we can bring him back.»
However, that will not happen. At the Spurs, Harris could provide additional shooting threat alongside Victor Wembanyama, especially given their collapsing defenses. He is also a capable versatile defender.
There are questions, though: Harris will be 34 next season, and his scoring has steadily declined since the 2018/19 season when he averaged 20 points. Furthermore, he had two disastrous performances in Games 6 and 7 of the second round during the Pistons’ playoff exit against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring a combined eleven points (2/13 FG) in both games.
NBA Free Agency News: Chicago Bulls Land All-Star Norman Powell
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls may have struck gold in free agency with the addition of newly minted All-Star Norman Powell. Powell, an NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, has signed a two-year contract with the Bulls for $45 million.
Powell, who averaged 21.7 points and shot 38% from three-point range for the Miami Heat last season, ultimately became a casualty of the blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. After his acquisition, the Heat could not afford a contract for the All-Star, and Powell himself was apparently unwilling to take the necessary pay cut after the best season of his career. Powell earned $19.2 million last season.
NBA Free Agency News: Boston Celtics Acquire Knicks Championship Hero
The New York Knicks are also forced to let go of one of their championship heroes due to financial constraints and to avoid the second apron. It had been hinted for days that Mitchell Robinson would not continue in New York, and now it is official: Robinson will join a new NBA team.
According to ESPN, the Boston Celtics have secured the services of the backup center for Karl-Anthony Towns, signing the 28-year-old to a three-year contract worth $47.4 million.
Robinson had been with the reigning champions since 2018, making him the longest-tenured player for the Knicks. Last season, his exceptional rebounding, particularly on the offensive glass, made him a consistent game-changer off the bench.