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Nuggets Negotiate Deals, Target Cameron Johnson, Eye LeBron

7/8/2026

Summary

Nuggets Negotiate Deals

The Nuggets are negotiating contracts with Spencer Jones ($4 million per year) and Peyton Watson (about $25 million per year).
Jamal Murray and Christian Braun will start as the backcourt with Tyus Jones as the backup after the franchise declined Jalen Pickett’s option.
Analysts say a Cameron Johnson trade could upgrade the backcourt while 41-year-old Lakers forward LeBron James is reportedly open to any contract type, with Denver among potential destinations.

Summary

NBA Shifts

Overreaction narrative says fans overstated fallout from Giannis Antetokounmpo’s move to Miami and Jaylen Brown’s trade to Philadelphia.
Analysts say Boston’s Brown trade reflects the NBA’s “apron” era, forcing teams to shed high-priced veterans for salary-cap flexibility.
The Lakers’ $130 million, two-pick deal for Walker Kessler and the Hornets’ Ball-for-Reid swap, which includes multiple first-round picks, both illustrate costly gambles and a shift toward younger, cheaper talent.

Summary

Hachimura Signs Clippers

Rui Hachimura signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers on July 6, 2026.
He averaged 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 44.3% from three last season with the Lakers.
Clippers president Lawrence Frank praised Hachimura as an elite three-point shooter and efficient mid-range scorer.
The Clippers traded Kawhi Leonard to Toronto for Gradey Dick and Brandon Ingram.
LeBron James declined to re-sign with the Lakers, prompting roster moves.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 NBA lockout, which began on July 1 and ended after 161 days on December 8, produced a new CBA that lowered the players’ revenue share to a 49-51.2 % band and imposed a harsher luxury-tax structure. Those rules pushed teams such as the Lakers and Celtics to manage payroll, influencing today’s Denver-Nuggets contract talks and Boston’s Jaylen Brown trade.

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Nuggets Negotiate Deals

The Nuggets are negotiating contracts with Spencer Jones ($4 million per year) and Peyton Watson (about $25 million per year).
Jamal Murray and Christian Braun will start as the backcourt with Tyus Jones as the backup after the franchise declined Jalen Pickett’s option.
Analysts say a Cameron Johnson trade could upgrade the backcourt while 41-year-old Lakers forward LeBron James is reportedly open to any contract type, with Denver among potential destinations.

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