NBA Free Agency intel with Sam Amick: LeBron, Kuminga, Duren & more

Some of the biggest players in NBA free agency may have already come off the board, but several of the league’s biggest names remain without a resolution.

Speaking with Sactown Sports’ Jason Ross from Las Vegas during NBA Summer League, The Athletic’s Sam Amick shared the latest on the futures of LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan, Jonathan Kuminga, Jalen Duren, Russell Westbrook, and more while explaining why the offseason could remain active well into the summer.

 (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Are more NBA Free Agency moves on the way?

LeBron James continues to dominate headlines despite NBA free agency slowing down.

According to Amick, there isn’t much concrete information coming from James’ camp, but patience appears to be part of the strategy.

“I think part of the delay is that if these teams are not going to stop pursuing him, then it behooves him to be patient and see if teams are able to free up money and he can actually get closer to a $30 million deal,” Amick said. “I think part of it is letting things settle, letting rosters completely crystallize.”

While many fans are waiting for James to choose his next destination, Amick believes the four-time MVP is no longer capable of dramatically shifting the NBA championship picture.

“He’s not changing the power structure in the NBA anymore,” Amick explained. “But he is still good enough to captivate… he’s legitimately still a good enough player that it is worthy of trying to track where he’s going to go.”

James’ decision could also impact veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan, who remains one of the top available free agents. DeRozan, 36, was waived by the Sacramento Kings earlier this week with $10 million still guaranteed for the 2026-27 season.

However, Amick doesn’t believe the two stars are necessarily tied together.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 21: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings walks to the bench during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center on January 21, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

“I think it’s plan A and plan B for the teams that are interested in both,” Amick said. “DeMar averaged 18 last year, and he’s still a bucket getter. He’s trying to get paid what his market value is.”

Another player drawing significant attention is restricted free agent Jalen Duren, whom the Sacramento Kings were previously linked to, but Detroit rebuffed the idea of including Domantas Sabonis in sign-and-trade talks. Amick believes negotiations have stalled.

“It’s a good old-fashioned staring contest at this point,” he said. “There’s still a pretty significant gap in the negotiations. I think ultimately Duren goes back to Detroit.”

Free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga’s market also remains unsettled. Amick said the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as the loudest suitor, but finances remain the obstacle.

“I’ve heard chatter about a short-term deal with the offer being less than half of that team option amount,” Amick said. “The contract is not up to snuff for what I’m trying to get in my market.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 06: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center on January 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

As for veteran guard Russell Westbrook, Amick said there has been very little movement for the guard who most-recently suited up for the Kings in 2025-26.

“Not that I’ve heard,” Amick said. “That could happen late summer, when somebody decides, ‘Let’s have this guy around to help our young guys and bring him in on a minimum,’ but I haven’t heard anything.”

With LeBron James, Kuminga and Duren still unresolved, NBA free agency appears far from finished, even if the league’s biggest spending spree has already come and gone.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

With the California Classic in the rearview, the Sacramento Kings will head to the desert for the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League, with action set to tip off on Thursday night at UNLV.

Sacramento is set to face the fifth-overall pick, Keaton Wagler, and the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sactown Sports will be ON SITE in Las Vegas ALL WEEK LONG from July 12-19th! Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• Thursday, July 9th – Sunday, July 19th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League
• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

2026 Sacramento Kings Las Vegas Summer League Schedule

• Thursday, July 9: vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 8 p.m. PT (ESPN)
• Sunday, July 12: vs. Washington Wizards – 5 p.m. PT (Prime Video)
• Tuesday, July 14: vs. Brooklyn Nets – 3 p.m. PT (Prime Video)
• Wednesday, July 15: vs. Boston Celtics – 5 p.m. PT (ESPN 2)
• Final game TBD

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