Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Saturday, October 10

Kevin Durant Targets High Minutes in 20th NBA Season with Houston Rockets

AutoDraft Pro AI

Entering his 20th NBA season at age 38, Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant continues to display elite offensive consistency. In 2025-26, Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game across 78 contests, shooting 52.0% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range. Rejecting the idea of load management or reduced playing time, Durant intends to maintain his career average of roughly 36 minutes per game as he pushes further up the NBA's all-time scoring list.

Friday, October 9

Brandin Podziemski Agrees to 5-Year, $110M Extension With Warriors

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski has agreed to a five-year, $110 million fully guaranteed rookie-scale contract extension. Negotiated by agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball, the deal averages $22 million annually after Podziemski sought between $20 million and $24 million per season. The contract includes a fifth-year mutual option for the 2031-32 NBA season along with a trade kicker, securing the young guard's long-term future in Golden State.

Cameron Boozer Posts 10 Points in Preseason Debut

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cameron Boozer logged 10 points (3-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds and three assists over first-half action in Friday's 104-100 preseason win against Chicago. The third overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft sat out the second half after an efficient start. Boozer is expected to serve as a centerpiece of Memphis' offense this season, forming a starting frontcourt duo alongside Zach Edey with veteran Jerami Grant also competing for key minutes.

Ty Jerome Hits Four Triples in Preseason Victory

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ty Jerome registered 16 points (5-8 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four assists and one rebound in 14 minutes during Friday's 104-100 preseason win over the Bulls. All of Jerome's production occurred in the first half before sitting out the final two quarters. After being limited to 15 games last season due to ankle and calf injuries, the veteran guard is expected to start in the Grizzlies' backcourt alongside Cedric Coward following Ja Morant's departure.

Josh Giddey Scores 13 Points in Preseason Defeat

AutoDraft Pro AI

Josh Giddey recorded 13 points (3-7 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 6-7 FT), three assists, three rebounds and one block over 23 minutes in the Bulls' 104-100 preseason loss to the Grizzlies on Friday. Giddey was one of four Chicago players in double figures, ending as the third-leading scorer. Coming off a 2025-26 campaign where he posted career highs in points (17.0), assists (9.1), and rebounds (8.3), he remains locked into a starting backcourt role.

Norman Powell Scores 17 Points in Bulls' Preseason Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Norman Powell poured in 17 points (3-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 10-12 FT) to go along with three rebounds, two assists and one steal across 19 minutes during Friday's 104-100 preseason loss to the Grizzlies. Powell did most of his damage at the free-throw line, finishing as Chicago's second-leading scorer. He signed a two-year deal with Chicago in July following an All-Star year with Miami and is set to start alongside Josh Giddey, with potential usage upside if Matas Buzelis misses time.

Caleb Wilson Drills Five Triples, Scores 21 in Preseason Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson scored a game-high 21 points (7-17 FG, 5-11 3Pt, 2-6 FT) while adding four rebounds and a steal over 32 minutes in Friday's 104-100 preseason loss to the Grizzlies. The No. 4 overall pick overcame a one-point first half by erupting for 20 points and five 3-pointers after halftime. Wilson has led Chicago in scoring in both preseason games, totaling 36 points in 61 minutes.

Zach Edey Scores 10 Points in Increased Preseason Action

AutoDraft Pro AI

Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Edey posted 10 points (3-3 FG, 4-6 FT), five rebounds, two steals, and one block across 16 minutes in Friday's win over the Bulls, though he committed three turnovers. Edey saw an uptick in playing time after logging 10 minutes in his Wednesday preseason debut. He continues to ramp up his workload following March surgeries on both his left elbow and left ankle.

Matas Buzelis Exits Preseason Game Early with Right Ankle Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis exited early during the second quarter of Friday's preseason contest against the Memphis Grizzlies after suffering a right ankle injury and did not return. Prior to leaving, the 2024 first-round pick recorded six points on 3-of-6 shooting and one block across 12 minutes of action. Buzelis had twisted his ankle earlier in the game before leaving to the locker room, making his status uncertain for Sunday vs Denver.

Jamir Watkins Ruled Out for Wizards' Home Matchup Against Pistons

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Wizards forward Jamir Watkins has been ruled out for Saturday night's preseason game against the Detroit Pistons at Capital One Arena. Watkins is sidelined alongside big man Tristan Vukcevic for the home contest as Washington aims to build on its 1-0 preseason record following a victory over the New York Knicks. Further details regarding Watkins' specific injury or timeline for return have not been announced.

Tristan Vukcevic Ruled Out for Wizards' Preseason Game vs Pistons

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Wizards big man Tristan Vukcevic has been officially ruled out for Saturday night's preseason contest against the Detroit Pistons at Capital One Arena. Vukcevic joins Jamir Watkins on Washington's inactive list as the team hosts Detroit in its first home exhibition game of the fall following an opening victory over the New York Knicks, leaving the Wizards short-handed in their frontcourt rotation for Saturday's game.

Khris Middleton Listed Day-to-Day Ahead of Matchup with Pistons

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton is currently listed as day-to-day on the team's official injury report leading into Saturday night's home preseason game against the Detroit Pistons at Capital One Arena. Middleton's status remains monitored as Washington looks to build momentum following a 1-0 start to exhibition play, though specific details regarding his condition or playing status have not been disclosed by the team.

Alex Sarr Listed Day-to-Day, Trending Toward Saturday Return

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr is officially listed as day-to-day and is trending toward returning for Saturday's preseason game against the Detroit Pistons. Sarr has been recovering from a foot injury, with head coach Brian Keefe noting that a final status decision will be made Saturday. Once fully cleared, Sarr is expected to join a projected starting five featuring Trae Young, AJ Dybantsa, Kyshawn George, and Anthony Davis as Washington continues its preseason slate.

Retired Russell Westbrook Targets Torchbearer Role for 2028 L.A. Olympics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Following his surprise retirement after 18 NBA seasons, Russell Westbrook was honored at Los Angeles City Hall for his Why Not? Foundation's community work. The 37-year-old native expressed his desire to carry the torch when Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Olympic Games. While former teammates Kevin Durant and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander expressed sadness and felt he had years left, Westbrook emphasized using his post-playing career to expand his charitable investments across LA.

Jake LaRavia Rebounds in Preseason Following Offseason Shot Tweaks

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia is delivering strong preseason performances after dedicated offseason work on his mental approach and jump shot form with head coach JJ Redick and assistant Beau Levesque. The 24-year-old is averaging 12.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 53.8% (7-of-13) from three-point range through Thursday's win over the Kings, working to maintain shooting consistency after a slumping end to his 2025-26 campaign.

Luka Dončić Anchors New-Look Lakers Ahead of Title Push

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić remains the focal point of the team's championship aspirations entering the new season. Recognized as an offensive wizard and top-four player in the NBA, Dončić leads a revamped roster featuring nine new players alongside Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler. As Los Angeles seeks to push past the second round of the playoffs, Dončić aims to claim his first career NBA championship with a deep supporting cast around him.

Tyrese Haliburton Hopes to Mend Strained Relationship With Damian Lillard

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tyrese Haliburton revealed he hopes to repair his relationship with Damian Lillard after famously stealing Lillard's signature 'Dame Time' wrist-watch celebration during the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament. While Haliburton does not regret the fun of the tournament run, he regrets the resulting friction with Lillard, who mentored him early in his career. Both players ruptured their Achilles in the 2025 playoffs and missed the 2025-26 season, and Haliburton is eager to make amends.

Damian Lillard Faces Relationship Repair Effort From Tyrese Haliburton

AutoDraft Pro AI

Damian Lillard is the target of a relationship repair effort by Tyrese Haliburton, who regrets the friction caused by mocking Lillard's 'Dame Time' celebration during the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament. Haliburton expressed a strong desire to mend the strained bond with Lillard, a player he has long looked up to and whose jersey number 0 he wears. Both star guards missed the 2025-26 season due to ruptured Achilles tendons sustained during the 2025 playoffs.

Bronny James Goes Viral With Song Rendition as Expanded Lakers Role Awaits

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bronny James generated social media buzz after a video surfaced of him singing "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" during a Los Angeles Lakers trip to Slovenia. The 22-year-old guard is stepping out of his father LeBron James’ shadow following LeBron’s departure to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. After averaging 2.9 points in 8.9 minutes per game last season, Bronny is expected to compete for a more defined role in the Lakers' rotation this upcoming season.

LeBron James Debuts With 76ers, Defends Joel Embiid After Free-Agency Exit From Lakers

AutoDraft Pro AI

LeBron James posted 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in 18 minutes during his Philadelphia 76ers preseason debut against Brooklyn, orchestrating a lineup alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Off the court, James defended Embiid against false rumors of practice tardiness. His offseason move to Philadelphia in free agency opened up rotation minutes for his son, Bronny James, with the Los Angeles Lakers.