{"id":2022838,"date":"2026-07-02T09:30:57","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T06:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2022838"},"modified":"2026-07-02T09:30:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T06:30:57","slug":"nba-free-agency-2026-grades-head-scratchers-and-analysis-from-day-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2022838","title":{"rendered":"NBA free agency 2026: Grades, head-scratchers and analysis from Day 2"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Follow <\/i>live free-agency news and analysis<\/i><\/a> from our entire NBA staff as the calendar turns to July, and <\/i>sign up for The Bounce<\/i><\/a> to get basketball content delivered straight to your inbox.<\/i><\/p>\n

Day 2 of NBA free agency is in the books, and we had a lot more action than on Night 1.<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Lakers received a complete makeover and actually pried away a prized restricted free-agent center by throwing draft picks at the situation. They also made a bunch of signings. And then Jaylen Brown was traded to Philly out of nowhere<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Some significant free agents also agreed to join new teams, so we have plenty to analyze (and if we forgot a move, please forgive us). Remember: Most deals only become official on July 6 when the negotiation period is over. Let\u2019s review what went down on Wednesday (through 11:59 p.m. ET).<\/p>\n

Big moves<\/b><\/h2>\n

Walker Kessler agrees to sign-and-trade with Lakers (four years, $130 million)<\/b><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll fully admit that it didn\u2019t seem possible that the Lakers (or anybody) would be able to wrestle Kessler away from the Utah Jazz in restricted free agency. And yet, the Lakers are signing him to a max deal via sign-and-trade. The Jazz are just getting draft picks in return<\/a>, but those could end up being valuable. The Lakers really needed an actual presence in the paint to improve their standing in the Western Conference. Kessler is one of the NBA\u2019s best rim protectors, as well as one of the best rebounders in the league. And he can catch passes from all angles and finish around the rim.<\/p>\n

Maybe he isn\u2019t a household name yet, but the Lakers need someone to defend behind Luka Don\u010di\u0107 and Austin Reaves. Those two are brutal on defense, so Kessler should be able to support them. If he can consistently defend in space, they won\u2019t be stuck utilizing drop coverage against pick-and-rolls. He tried to flash a 3-point shot last season but played in only five games due to an injury. If Kessler is on the floor consistently, along with the other players the Lakers agreed to sign Wednesday, they will take a big step forward in the West. Grade: A for the signing, A- when you factor in the draft assets given<\/b><\/p>\n

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Top 5 LeBron Lakers Moments<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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