NBA 2026-27 Season: Star Moves Reshape the Title Race

The NBA season will start on Oct. 20 after the preseason kicked off on Oct. 3 and there have been quite a few changes in the league since spring. Among the players who switched teams there are Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, LaMelo Ball and Kawhi Leonard.

NBA 2026-27 Season Opens With Major Star Moves

There are three games scheduled for the opening night broadcasted by NBC and Peacock. Boston is set to face Detroit at 3 p.m. ET. The 76ers face the champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m. as the Knicks hoist their banner. Then, Oklahoma City faces San Antonio at 9:30 p.m.

LeBron James begins a new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.

76ers, Heat and Timberwolves Enter the Season With New Stars

Philadelphia. The 76ers have signed James, 41, on a veteran minimum contract while trading Paul George and two first-round picks to Boston in exchange for Jaylen Brown. All three players debut for the 76ers in the regular season along with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. The next day, James will have his first game as a 76er against Cleveland.

Giannis Antetokounmpo begins his Miami Heat era after 13 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Miami. Giannis Antetokounmpo will debut for the Heat against Minnesota after being traded away from Milwaukee where he played for 13 seasons in July.

LaMelo Ball joins Anthony Edwards to form one of the NBA's most intriguing new backcourts in Minnesota.

Minnesota. LaMelo Ball comes to the team in the trade sending Naz Reid and draft picks away. LaMelo joins Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. The biggest concern regarding LaMelo is his injury record.

Knicks, Lakers and Clippers Face New Challenges

Jalen Brunson celebrates the Knicks' championship as New York prepares to defend its title in 2026-27.

New York. The Knicks have defeated San Antonio in five games in the finals earning the first championship for the franchise since 1973 and return their starting lineup headed by Finals MVP Jalen Brunson.

Los Angeles. This year will be the first since 2017-18 when the Lakers will not have LeBron James playing for them. Luka Doncic headlines this roster with the newly signed center Walker Kessler from Utah via sign-and-trade. On Christmas Day, the Lakers host the 76ers.

How the Biggest NBA Moves Could Change the Title Race

The NBA 2026-27 season could feature one of the most unpredictable title races in recent years.

Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard has left Los Angeles Clippers for Toronto while Ja Morant joined Portland and Boston got George, Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley in return for losing Jaylen Brown