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NBA News

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

Saturday, October 3

Matisse Thybulle Eyes Potential Long-Term Role With Lakers Via Cap Exceptions

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Matisse Thybulle signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, giving L.A. non-Bird rights heading into next summer. With the NBA updating its 2027-28 salary-cap projection to $176 million, the Lakers possess structured contract flexibility to potentially use their non-taxpayer mid-level exception or bi-annual exception (projected at $5.85 million) to re-sign Thybulle or split the exception if he delivers a breakout season.

Devin Booker Enters Suns Camp Healthy and Ready to Shift to Aggressive Scoring

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Entering his 12th NBA season, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker stated his body feels better than ever heading into training camp, expressing a renewed passion for the game. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Booker noted he aims to be more aggressive offensively and hopes to "fall into shooting too much" rather than over-passing. He emphasized that the Suns are starting off in a much better position than at this point last year.

Julius Randle Embraces Leadership Role and Career-High 3-Point Focus with Nets

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Julius Randle enters his 13th NBA season as a primary veteran leader for the Brooklyn Nets, expressing strong comfort with head coach Jordi Fernández’s demanding development style. Off the court, Randle noted feeling balanced and at peace returning to New York City. On the floor, he aims to take a career-high number of 3-pointers, particularly catch-and-shoots, while providing physical frontcourt play alongside Day'Ron Sharpe and Michael Porter Jr.

Julian Champagnie Highlights Team Chemistry at San Antonio Spurs Training Camp

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San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie showcased the team's strong camaraderie during training camp following their 2026 NBA Finals run. In a lighthearted interaction, Champagnie playfully questioned veteran teammate Harrison Barnes about his new team nickname, 'Drizz,' prompting a humorous exchange that highlighted the roster's close bond. The Spurs enter camp with strong chemistry as their core players return after bonding throughout the summer off-court.

Steven Adams Prepares for Backup Center Role with Rockets After Injury-Plagued Season

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Houston Rockets center Steven Adams is entering the 2026-2027 season as the primary backup to Alperen Şengün after an injury-hampered 2025-2026 campaign. Last season, Adams averaged 5.8 points and 8.6 rebounds across 22.8 minutes per game in 58 appearances, posting strong offensive rebounding metrics. The Rockets plan to manage his workload with rest days and minute restrictions on back-to-backs to preserve his health while leveraging his physical presence and defensive anchoring.

Jalen Brunson, Defending Champion Knicks Aim to Repeat Title Run

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Jalen Brunson and the defending champion New York Knicks enter the season looking to prove their 2026 title run was no fluke. Returning four of five starters alongside key addition Bruce Brown, the Knicks retain their core after posting a 53-29 record last season. New York enters with +1000 odds to win the NBA Finals and an Over/Under win total of 51.5, tied for the third-lowest championship odds amidst a tougher Eastern Conference, relying on team continuity to fuel another run.

Friday, October 2

AJ Dybantsa Joins Wizards as No. 1 Pick Amid Tanking Drama

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Standout forward AJ Dybantsa was selected No. 1 overall by the Washington Wizards after averaging 25.5 points per game at BYU. His arrival follows comments from teammate Bub Carrington revealing the Wizards intentionally held back last season to secure draft positioning for him. The NBA confirmed it will not discipline Carrington or the team for the tanking remarks. Dybantsa now joins a revamped Wizards core alongside veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis.

Bub Carrington Escapes NBA Discipline Over Wizards Tanking Remarks

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Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington will not face NBA discipline or fines following viral comments where he publicly admitted the team held players back last season to secure draft positioning for No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa. Carrington stated players were previously restricted but are now fully unhandcuffed heading into the 2026-2027 season. Despite the public candidness about tanking, the league decided against issuing sanctions.

LeBron James Admits 2020 Lakers Title Celebration Regret Amid Polymarket Scrutiny

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LeBron James revealed on his podcast that lacking a parade for the Lakers' 2020 championship still bothers him deeply, rating the regret a 20 out of 10. He envisioned a parade down Olympic to Staples Center. Meanwhile, James continues to face public scrutiny as the new face of Polymarket, highlighting the deep integration of prediction markets and sports betting into professional sports, though his partnership went unaddressed during recent media events.

Jordan Hawkins Waived by Grizzlies Three Weeks After Trade

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The Memphis Grizzlies and guard Jordan Hawkins have officially agreed to part ways via waivers just three weeks after acquiring him in a trade. The move allows the 2023 lottery pick to immediately enter free agency and search for a new team, according to league sources speaking to ESPN's Shams Charania. Hawkins will now look to secure a new roster spot as he enters the open market following his brief tenure with the Grizzlies organization.

Keon Ellis Reunites With Coach Jordi Fernandez on Nets' $18M Deal

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Keon Ellis joined the Brooklyn Nets on a two-year, $18 million contract with a mutual second-year option, reuniting with head coach Jordi Fernández. Ellis averaged 6.7 points per game last season with Sacramento and Cleveland while shooting 36.3% from 3-point range. Known for his elite defense, he ranked in the 93rd percentile in steals (2.7) and 95th percentile in blocks (1.5) per 100 possessions last year. Fernández praised Ellis, stating he has "the best hands in the NBA."

Giannis Antetokounmpo Set for Heat Debut and Upcoming Bucks Reunion

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Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to make his Miami Heat debut in Saturday's preseason opener against Toronto following his trade from Milwaukee. Joining forces with Bam Adebayo and Klay Thompson, the two-time MVP will also face his former team on Nov. 18 during a special "A Night in Vice City" event at Kaseya Center. The GTA VI-themed matchup against the Bucks features custom court designs, unique uniforms, and exclusive merchandise the night before the game's release.

Ty Jerome Emerging as Potential Starting Point Guard for Grizzlies

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Ty Jerome is emerging as a strong candidate to secure the starting point guard role for the Memphis Grizzlies over Scotty Pippen, according to Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal. While health has historically been an issue for the 29-year-old, Jerome has excelled in starting roles throughout his career. Since the 2020-21 season, he has averaged 18.6 points, 5.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 25.6 minutes per game across 25 career starts.

Gui Santos Set to Serve Bench Role in Golden State Warriors Preseason Opener

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Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos will come off the bench in Sunday's preseason opener against the Clippers, with rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and veteran Al Horford starting in place of injured stars Jimmy Butler (knee) and Kristaps Porzingis. Santos remains in contention for starting duties later this preseason as head coach mixes lineups. Last season, Santos averaged 14.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 30 starts for Golden State.

Labaron Philon Impresses 76ers Coaches with Guard Skills in Camp

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Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Labaron Philon is turning heads during his first pro training camp, earning high praise from head coach Nick Nurse for his leadership and court vision. Selected 22nd overall out of Alabama, the 20-year-old point guard has demonstrated strong defensive instincts and an ability to run the offense smoothly. Philon is utilizing advice from star teammates LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey as he focuses on making simple, effective plays.

Caleb Wilson Adapts to NBA Pace as He Anchors Chicago Bulls Roster Overhaul

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Chicago Bulls rookie forward Caleb Wilson is acclimating to the speed of NBA practices after feeling things moved fast during his first two days against pro talent. Selected No. 4 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, the 6'10" star is slated for an immediate major role in Chicago's roster overhaul. Wilson previously dominated Summer League play, averaging 21.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game following a college season shortened by a broken thumb.

Deni Avdija Mentioned in Portland Trail Blazers Lineup Discussions

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Deni Avdija was highlighted in discussions regarding the Portland Trail Blazers' starting lineup dilemma. Analysts and observers noted that pairing Ja Morant and Damian Lillard in the starting backcourt alongside Avdija makes little sense defensively, prompting consideration of adjustments to the team's rotation as training camp progresses.

Damian Lillard Could Open Training Camp With Starters in Backcourt

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Damian Lillard may open training camp with Portland's starting group, according to Sam Amico. Coming off an Achilles injury, Lillard is part of a major camp storyline regarding the team's backcourt fit alongside Ja Morant. The Trail Blazers could experiment with three-guard lineups featuring Lillard, Morant, and Jrue Holiday during the preseason and regular season, though analysts question the defensive viability of pairing Lillard and Morant in the starting lineup.

Ja Morant Facing Potential Bench Role to Open Season With Trail Blazers

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Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant could begin the upcoming season coming off the bench, marking a notable shift for a player who has made just two substitute appearances in his seven-year career. The team is considering easing him into the backcourt mix alongside Damian Lillard. Analysts note that putting Morant in the starting backcourt with Lillard and Deni Avdija makes little sense, making a reserve role a viable solution to manage the team's starting lineup dilemma.

Domantas Sabonis Downplays Trade Rumors Ahead of New NBA Season

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Domantas Sabonis is downplaying trade rumors surrounding his name, according to Sam Amico. Sabonis is under contract and not an unrestricted free agent until the 2028-29 campaign, meaning the rebuilding Sacramento Kings may wait to trade him until he rebuilds his stock. He averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists last year—his lowest marks since 2018-19—before undergoing season-ending knee surgery in February.