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NBA News

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

Wednesday, September 30

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

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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

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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

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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.

Jayson Tatum Takes Bold Leadership Leap as Celtics Enter New Era

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Jayson Tatum is stepping into a vocal leadership role for the Boston Celtics entering his 10th season and first full year back from an Achilles injury. Following Jaylen Brown's departure, Tatum organized a week-long team bonding trip to Los Angeles, including workouts, dinners, and golf with new teammates Paul George and Mike Conley. Coach Joe Mazzulla and Conley praised Tatum's increased ownership in practice huddles and off-court connectivity as Boston rebuilds its chemistry.

Tyrese Maxey Prioritizes Team Success Over Individual Accolades In Philly

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Coming off a stellar career year, Philadelphia 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey stated that he does not want to be judged by his individual numbers. Instead, Maxey emphasized that his success this upcoming season should be measured entirely by how well the 76ers perform as a collective unit.

Draymond Green Confirmed as Starter for Warriors Ahead of Camp Competition

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Warriors head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that veteran forward Draymond Green will remain a staple in Golden State's starting lineup alongside Steph Curry for the upcoming season. While Green's spot is secure to maximize his chemistry with Curry, Kerr emphasized that the remaining three starting positions are up for open competition during training camp. Kerr expressed a preference to play Green primarily at power forward rather than center to conserve his physical endurance.

Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Ajay Mitchell Identified as Fantasy Sleeper

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell has been identified as a valuable sleeper prospect worth selecting in the closing rounds of fantasy drafts. Analysts emphasize his potential to provide unexpected production as a late-round flyer. His inclusion among top sleeper targets highlights his upside and ability to outperform expectations as a depth piece for fantasy managers preparing for the upcoming season.

Ayo Dosunmu Highlighted as Top Late-Round Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Pick

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Ayo Dosunmu has been highlighted as a top lesser-known sleeper candidate to target in the final rounds of fantasy basketball drafts. Analysts have pointed to his upside and potential value as a late-round flyer for managers looking to round out their rosters with productive rotational depth. His inclusion among key sleepers marks him as a player to watch for fantasy impact heading into the new NBA season.

Clippers Forward Brandon Ingram Gets in Light Court Work During Practice

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Los Angeles Clippers forward Brandon Ingram participated in light shooting and court work ahead of the team's practice in Hawaii. Ingram is currently working his way back and recovering from offseason heel surgery as the Clippers ramp up preparations for the upcoming NBA season. His gradual return to the floor represents a positive step in his rehabilitation timeline as team activities get underway.

Toronto Raptors and RJ Barrett Have Yet to Have Substantive Extension Talks

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The Toronto Raptors and 26-year-old scoring wing RJ Barrett have not held meaningful contract extension talks as he enters the final season of his deal. Barrett is set to make $29.6 million this season after averaging 19.3 points in the regular season and 24.1 points in the playoffs. While both sides desire an extension that could reach $185 million over four years, luxury tax aprons complicate financial terms, making him a prime candidate for trade rumors leading up to the deadline.

Karl-Anthony Towns In Extension Talks as Knicks Prepare for Title Defense

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Following the New York Knicks' 2026 NBA title run, Karl-Anthony Towns is in talks for a contract extension with two years and nearly $120 million remaining. Towns and wife Jordyn Woods revealed she temporarily stopped attending home games during a 2-9 January stretch due to fan vitriol and trade rumors. KAT credited his nine years in Minnesota with preparing him for New York's bright lights as the Knicks prepare to open their season and raise their championship banner against Philadelphia on Oct. 20.

Jimmy Butler Subject of Past Timberwolves Beef Recalled by Karl Towns Sr.

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Karl Towns Sr. recently addressed past friction between his son, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Jimmy Butler during their time together in Minnesota, highlighting that his son ultimately won an NBA championship. Butler, now with the Warriors following stints in Miami and Minnesota, continues to be linked to past roster clashes as the 2026-27 NBA season approaches.

Khaman Maluach Competes For Starting Center Role With Phoenix Suns

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Khaman Maluach is actively competing with teammate Oso Ighodaro for the Phoenix Suns' starting center job while Mark Williams is sidelined for multiple months due to a shoulder injury. Having competed against each other for the past two months, both players will have significant opportunities to earn substantial frontcourt minutes to start the regular season.

Mark Williams Sidelined By Shoulder Injury For Phoenix Suns

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Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams is currently sidelined by a shoulder injury and is expected to miss multiple months. In his absence, teammates Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach are directly competing for Phoenix's starting center job and an opportunity to secure substantial frontcourt minutes to begin the upcoming season.

Oso Ighodaro Competing For Starting Center Job With Phoenix Suns

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Oso Ighodaro is competing with Khaman Maluach for Phoenix's starting center job while Mark Williams is sidelined by a shoulder injury. Ighodaro stated that he and Maluach have been competing for two months and does not believe his experience guarantees him the role. With Williams expected to miss multiple months, both players will have opportunities to earn substantial frontcourt minutes.

Quentin Grimes Aims to Rediscover Elite Defensive Mojo with Lakers

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At Lakers media day, Quentin Grimes stated he is focused on getting back to his roots as a physical on-ball defender under JJ Redick and assistant coach Greg St. Jean. Following Marcus Smart's departure, Grimes wants to bring intensity and nastiness to the point of attack. Playing alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves will simplify his offensive duties, allowing him to focus on defense and improve his 3-point shooting from last year's 33.4 percent clip.

Noah Penda Sidelined at Start of Magic Training Camp Due to Hamstring Tweak

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Orlando Magic forward Noah Penda tweaked his hamstring and is currently sidelined to begin training camp. While detailed reports are limited, the organization is expected to handle the issue cautiously. It remains unclear whether the minor injury will linger into the team's preseason schedule, which opens with an exhibition on October 7.

Anthony Black Sidelined to Begin Training Camp With Minor Ankle Sprain

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Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black is sidelined to begin training camp due to a minor ankle sprain, according to head coach Sean Sweeney. The team is holding him out of practices as a precaution. While his availability for the start of preseason remains uncertain, the minor setback is not expected to jeopardize his status for Opening Night.

JR Smith Arrested on Family Violence Assault Charge in Texas

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Two-time NBA champion JR Smith was arrested this week in Texas on a charge of family violence assault causing bodily injury, according to county records. The unexpected legal development places the retired veteran guard under scrutiny as local authorities proceed with the case.

Payton Pritchard Forms Close Training Camp Bond With Mike Conley

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Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard is working closely with veteran teammate Mike Conley during training camp. Pritchard, coming off a career-best season averaging 17 points and 5.2 assists, is leaning into Conley's veteran mentorship. Conley praised Pritchard's indefatigable work ethic and relentless desire to ask questions and improve his game, while Pritchard highlighted Conley's tremendous career, passing vision, and leadership on and off the court.