NBA free agency 2026: Grades, head-scratchers and analysis through Day 1

NBA free agency 2026 got underway with two major headlines on Day 1: LeBron James announced he is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, and Kawhi Leonard was traded back to the Toronto Raptors. Much of the significant offseason business had already been completed before free agency officially began, with most deals not becoming official until July 6 when the negotiation period ends. Analysts are grading and assessing the moves, including re-signings and trades across the league.