AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

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

Wednesday, September 30

Al Horford Emerges as Vital Warriors Starter Amid Kristaps Porziņģis Absence

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors veteran Al Horford is stepping into a vital role for his 20th NBA season, likely starting at center as 40-year-old insurance while Kristaps Porziņģis misses training camp due to a sudden health issue. Horford, who signed a $14 million deal, also praised rookie Yaxel Lendeborg's early training camp impact, highlighting his offensive feel and defensive communication as the team navigates early-season roster adjustments and pursues high-level competition.

Jalen Duren Weighs $200M Extension as Sign-and-Trade Rumors Emerge

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren faces a Thursday deadline on a five-year, $200 million extension offer—which excludes a prior weight clause—or a $9.6 million qualifying offer. Duren, who is currently absent from training camp, could become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he takes the qualifying offer. Recent reports linked four teams to sign-and-trade interest, though an alleged Wizards swap for Anthony Davis was later redacted by The Athletic.

Jonathan Kuminga Enters Critical Fifth Season with Golden State Warriors

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga approaches his 24th birthday on October 6 as he enters a pivotal stretch with the franchise. Selected seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft as an 18-year-old out of the G League Ignite, Kuminga has spent four seasons displaying flashes of high-level potential. As Golden State integrates older rookies, Kuminga continues working to establish consistent production within Steve Kerr's offensive system.

Brandin Podziemski Prepares for Key Role in Warriors' Rotation

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski enters his upcoming campaign as a core piece of the team's youthful roster. Drafted 19th overall in 2023 at age 20, Podziemski previously showcased remarkable rebounding productivity, pulling down 30 rebounds across a two-game stretch. As the Warriors blend seasoned veterans with younger talent, Podziemski remains a crucial element of Golden State's backcourt development and strategic depth.

Yaxel Lendeborg Celebrates 24th Birthday as Warriors' Prepared Rookie

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg celebrated his 24th birthday as he prepares for his preseason debut Sunday against the Clippers. Drafted 11th overall following a stellar collegiate run and a Summer League MVP campaign where he averaged 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds, the forward faces high early expectations. Veterans Steph Curry and Al Horford praised his offensive feel and basketball IQ, while Lendeborg set his sights on All-Rookie First Team honors.

Ryan Nembhard Signs Two-Way Contract With Denver Nuggets

AutoDraft Pro AI

Unrestricted free agent Ryan Nembhard has signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets, prompting the release of KJ Simpson. The 5-foot-11 rookie guard previously played 60 games for the Dallas Mavericks in 2025-26, averaging 6.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.2 rebounds while setting an NBA rookie record with 23 assists in a single game. Nembhard aims to earn meaningful regular-season minutes under coach David Adelman while also seeing time with the G League Grand Rapids Gold.

Kelly Olynyk Departs NBA to Sign With Italian Club BC Roma

AutoDraft Pro AI

Veteran forward/center Kelly Olynyk is leaving the NBA after 13 seasons to join Italian club BC Roma in Lega Basket Serie A and EuroCup. The 35-year-old, who averaged 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 42 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season, joins a franchise co-founded by Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic. The 2013 13th overall pick finishes his NBA career with 842 regular-season games played across eight franchises, averaging 9.8 points and 5.0 rebounds.

Morez Johnson Dealing With Lower-Leg Soreness Early in Mavericks Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dallas Mavericks rookie power forward Morez Johnson has been limited during training camp due to lower-leg soreness, according to head coach Dusty May. The 20-year-old Michigan product participated in every other live session on Wednesday, but May noted he is getting close to practicing in full. Dallas is managing Johnson's workload ahead of their preseason opener against the Houston Rockets on October 9.

Michael Porter Discusses Contract Talks and Expectations with Nets

AutoDraft Pro AI

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter remains in contract negotiations while entering the final year of his $40.8 million deal. Though extension-eligible for up to four years and $234 million since July 6, no deal has been reached. Nets GM Sean Marks emphasized the need for Porter to show consistency, defensive growth, and intangibles. Porter acknowledged he must prove himself as a winning focal point on offense, stating that team success will resolve contract matters naturally.

Dillon Brooks Formally Charged With Class 1 Misdemeanor DUI in Arizona

AutoDraft Pro AI

Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks has been formally charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor DUI following a March 6 traffic stop and arrest in Scottsdale, Arizona. His arraignment is scheduled for October 28, a week after the season begins. The Suns confirmed they addressed the matter internally. Brooks, who signed a three-year, $73 million extension through 2030 after averaging 20.2 points last season, also faces reckless driving and speeding charges from a January arrest with a November 9 court date.

Tony Bradley Signs Exhibit 9 Deal to Join Knicks Roster Battle

AutoDraft Pro AI

The New York Knicks signed veteran center Tony Bradley to a nonguaranteed Exhibit 9 training camp deal following the waiver of John Konchar. Bradley, the No. 28 overall pick in 2017 with past stops including Utah, Chicago, and Indiana, will compete against Drew Eubanks and James Wiseman for a final roster spot. Head coach Mike Brown praised Bradley as a veteran in his prime, noting the team is looking heavily at depth behind Andre Drummond and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Julius Randle Embraces Leadership and Veteran Role with Brooklyn Nets

AutoDraft Pro AI

Julius Randle expressed excitement about joining the Brooklyn Nets as a veteran leader for the league’s youngest roster. Following a trade from Minnesota, the three-time All-Star forward noted his comfort returning to New York, where he spent five years with the Knicks. Randle emphasized his willingness to be coached aggressively by head coach Jordi Fernandez, focusing on defense, rebounding, and mentoring younger teammates while bringing eight rounds of playoff experience to Brooklyn.

Miles McBride Faces Uncertain Future with Knicks in Contract Year

AutoDraft Pro AI

Guard Miles McBride is entering the final year of his three-year, $13 million contract with the New York Knicks without an extension in place. Now fully healthy following offseason sports hernia surgery, the 26-year-old shot a career-high 42.0% from 3-point range last season before playing through injury in the postseason. While McBride expressed a strong desire to remain in New York long-term, his value makes him a potential trade candidate.

Austin Reaves Praises Defense and Reacts to Luka Doncic's Shot

AutoDraft Pro AI

During Lakers practice, Austin Reaves praised the team's improved defensive intensity under coach JJ Redick, highlighting newcomers like Walker Kessler. Reaves abruptly stopped a news conference after teammate Luka Doncic stunned reporters by sinking five consecutive half-court shots. Doncic is healthy and ready to lead the Lakers following LeBron James' departure, with Reaves and Doncic expected to build on their strong offensive chemistry from last season.

Adou Thiero Shows Strong Defensive Potential in Lakers Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Second-year forward Adou Thiero has carried his strong defensive momentum from the NBA Summer League and offseason pick-up games directly into Los Angeles Lakers training camp. Teammate Austin Reaves praised Thiero's defensive impact alongside fellow wing newcomers Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams. Coach JJ Redick commended the exceptional effort and physicality of his entire wing group as the Lakers strive to establish a disruptive and improved defense this upcoming season.

Matisse Thybulle Shines With Defensive Intensity in Lakers Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Newcomer Matisse Thybulle has quickly made an impact during the Los Angeles Lakers' early training camp practices under coach JJ Redick. Teammate Austin Reaves highlighted Thybulle's elite defensive capabilities on the wing alongside Ziaire Williams and Adou Thiero, making it extremely difficult to score. With 7-foot-2 center Walker Kessler anchoring the back line, Thybulle is expected to play a crucial role as a top-notched perimeter defender for a much-improved Lakers defense.

Ziaire Williams Impresses Early in Los Angeles Lakers Training Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Free agent signing Ziaire Williams expressed excitement about joining the Los Angeles Lakers as a hometown blessing, returning to Southern California. During early training camp practices under coach JJ Redick, Williams has stood out with his point-of-attack defense. Teammate Austin Reaves praised the difficulty of scoring against Williams, Matisse Thybulle, and Adou Thiero on the wing, supporting rim-protector Walker Kessler as the Lakers revamp their defense for this season.

Landry Shamet Earns Four-Year Contract with Knicks After Title Run

AutoDraft Pro AI

Entering his ninth NBA season, guard Landry Shamet expressed pride and gratitude after securing a four-year, $24 million contract with the New York Knicks this offseason. After fighting for nonguaranteed roster spots the previous two years, Shamet emerged as a vital bench player during New York's championship run. He emphasized his commitment to maintaining his high level of play and supporting the team's strong backup guard depth without ego.

Walker Kessler Impresses Teammates With Elite Rim Protection

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler has made a massive impression since arriving on a four-year, $130 million deal, with teammates praising his elite rim protection. Austin Reaves and other players noted his exceptional care factor and defensive impact in practice. Coach JJ Redick praised his two-way talent, while Kessler expressed full confidence that the Lakers are championship contenders this season as he looks to prove himself following last year's shoulder injury.

Kawhi Leonard Dismisses Latest Reports on Clippers Salary Cap Investigation

AutoDraft Pro AI

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard dismissed new reporting from journalist Pablo Torre alleging Leonard received $1.9 million from Boingo Wireless for a single photo-op as part of the Clippers' cap circumvention scheme. Leonard stated, 'I don't follow it... the NBA did their job.' The NBA's probe resulted in a $30 million fine for Los Angeles, loss of five first-round picks, and team suspensions. Leonard paid $700,000 in restitution, while federal prosecutors and the SEC continue to investigate.