The 2026 NBA Summer League will unfold across three western states, with games scheduled in California, Utah, and Nevada from early July through mid‑July. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, and Sacramento Kings each have a slice of the action, using the showcase to evaluate fresh talent and solidify roster spots before the regular season begins.
Key Storylines
Among the most anticipated storylines is the debut of several former Iowa Hawkeyes players who have turned professional ahead of the league’s summer circuit. Their performances will be closely watched by coaches and analysts eager to see how the Hawkeyes’ recent college success translates to the NBA stage.
Bennett Stirtz, the No. 16 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, headlines the group as he prepares to suit up for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder also secured Aday Mara from Michigan and Otega Oweh from Kentucky in the same draft, adding depth to a roster that already features veteran guard Luguentz Dort, whose team option was exercised earlier this offseason.
Roster Moves and Contract Details
Payton Sandfort, another Iowa standout, signed a two‑year, two‑way contract with the Thunder and will join Stirtz in the Summer League despite being waived by the team earlier in the preseason. Josh Dix, who completed his college career at Creighton, also earned a two‑way spot, linking up with Stirtz and Sandfort in Oklahoma City’s summer lineup.
Brendan Hausen, an undrafted prospect, inked a summer‑league deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, while Mitch Mascari, a standout at Northwest Missouri State and Drake, will wear a Kings jersey during their California and Las Vegas appearances. Both teams are slated to play in the Salt Lake City segment before moving on to the Las Vegas circuit.
The schedule places the Thunder in the Salt Lake City Summer League from July 4‑7, after which they will travel to Las Vegas for games running through July 19. The Grizzlies and Kings will follow similar itineraries, with the Kings also hosting games in California before heading to Las Vegas. This condensed format offers a rapid‑fire environment for players to make impressions.