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NBA News

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

Wednesday, February 18

Cade Cunningham Leads Pistons, MVP Odds; Playoff Offensive Concerns Loom

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Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham is listed with +1400 MVP odds, leading a team currently atop the Eastern Conference standings with a top-10 offense and defense. Despite their strong regular-season performance, concerns loom regarding their playoff offensive viability. The Pistons heavily rely on points in the paint (56.8 per game) and transition offense, which are harder to sustain in the playoffs. They also rank low in 3-point attempts and percentage (34.9%), raising questions about secondary shot creation when defenses focus on Cunningham.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads MVP Race Despite Abdominal Strain

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Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the current favorite for the 2026 NBA MVP award at -200 odds, despite an abdominal strain potentially sidelining him until February 20. He is considered to have the clearest path to the MVP narrative, being the best player on a top-two Western Conference team with elite efficiency and strong defensive play. His versatile game, which scales without drama and allows him to draw fouls effectively, positions him strongly to "win" the discourse, especially if the Thunder maintain the league's best record.

Trae Young Not Cleared for Contact, Wizards Debut Not Imminent

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Washington Wizards guard Trae Young (knee, quadriceps) has not yet been cleared for contact, according to Josh Robbins of The Athletic. His Wizards debut is not considered imminent as he continues to recover from a right knee MCL sprain and a right quadriceps contusion. Young is currently considered week-to-week, with Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson expected to see increased roles in his absence until he makes more progress in his recovery.

Anthony Edwards Shines at All-Star Game, Helps Team Stars Win

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Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, known as "Ant Man," delivered a strong performance at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. He contributed 13 points in just nine minutes during the round robin against Team World, and added another 8 points in the championship game, playing a key role in Team Stars' victory.

Tyrese Haliburton Enjoys Vacation Amidst Achilles Rehab Progress

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Indiana Pacers forward Tyrese Haliburton, sidelined for the 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles from last year's NBA Finals, is enjoying his All-Star break on a tropical vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with his fiancée. Despite his absence from play, Haliburton remains involved with the Pacers from the bench and reports being in a "really good space" with his rehabilitation. He has progressed to playing 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 games, targeting a return for the 2026-27 season.

Darius Garland Sidelined Week-to-Week with Toe Injury; March Return Expected

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Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland (toe) is considered week-to-week, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. Murray reports that Garland is unlikely to return to the court until March at the earliest. The Clippers are exercising caution with their new point guard but fully expect him to return to action this season, providing an important boost to their lineup.

Tuesday, February 17

Deandre Ayton Detained in Bahamas on Marijuana Suspicion, Released

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Lakers center Deandre Ayton was briefly detained Tuesday at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas, on suspicion of possessing a "very small amount of marijuana." His lawyer, Devard Francis, stated the marijuana was found in someone else's bag, leading to Ayton's swift release without charges. Authorities had reportedly searched his bag after he was allegedly spotted smoking. Ayton, 27, a native of the Bahamas, is returning to Los Angeles as the Lakers prepare for their next game Friday. He is averaging 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds this season.

Jalen Brunson Hopes Knicks Reward Team-Friendly Contract with Max Deal

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Knicks guard Jalen Brunson hopes the team will "do right by me" on his next contract, following a team-friendly four-year, $156.5 million extension he signed before the 2024-25 season, which saved the Knicks $113 million. Brunson, 29, could be eligible for a five-year, $417 million max contract if he declines his 2028-29 player option. An All-Star for three consecutive seasons, he's averaging 27 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds this year, with the Knicks holding a 35-20 record. He stated he plays best with a free mind and sacrificed for the team.

Stephen Curry to Scrimmage Wednesday, Nearing Return from Knee Injury

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Stephen Curry (right knee) will scrimmage Wednesday, with his availability for Thursday's Celtics game pending. He has missed five games due to the knee issue but could return soon. Despite recent setbacks, the 37-year-old guard, averaging 27.2 points this season, stated he has no immediate retirement plans, having signed an extension through 2026-27. He's committed to playing next season and participating in the 2027 3-Point Contest, continuing his journey as the NBA's all-time leader in 3-pointers made with 4,233.

LeBron James' Lakers Future Uncertain Amid Cavs Speculation

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LeBron James' future with the Los Angeles Lakers remains uncertain, with governor Jeanie Buss expressing doubt about his return next season, fueling speculation about a potential return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This uncertainty is driving the Lakers' aggressive offseason plans. James recently revealed on his podcast that he gave up chocolate chip cookies and wine for two months to recover from an early-season sciatic nerve injury, a decision that WNBA star Caitlin Clark humorously commented on, saying she'd "rather retire." The Lakers are reportedly still open to James returning for a 24th season.

Chris Paul Details Contentious Clippers Exit After Retirement

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Chris Paul, who recently retired after 21 NBA seasons following his release by the Toronto Raptors, detailed his contentious exit from the Los Angeles Clippers on Carmelo Anthony's podcast. Paul claimed Clippers President Lawrence Frank praised his leadership earlier in the season, yet the team later benched him, sent him home, and traded him. Paul also stated that some Clippers staff didn't want him advising teammates and that Frank failed to arrange a meeting with Coach Tyronn Lue before his departure, painting a picture of a rapidly deteriorating relationship despite initial hopes for a reunion.

Ivica Zubac Practices Limited, No Timetable for Pacers Debut

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Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle reported Tuesday that Ivica Zubac (left ankle sprain) was a limited participant in practice, indicating it will be 'a while' before he returns to game action. Zubac, acquired by Indiana on February 5th, has yet to make his debut for the team. Given the 15-40 Pacers' standing, they are expected to allow the big man ample time to recover. He is currently considered week-to-week, with Jay Huff and Micah Potter continuing to fill minutes in his absence.

Mason Plumlee Signs 10-Day Contract with San Antonio Spurs

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Veteran center Mason Plumlee has officially signed a 10-day contract with the San Antonio Spurs, providing immediate frontcourt depth. The 35-year-old, previously with the Charlotte Hornets, joins the Spurs after they opened a roster spot by waiving Jeremy Sochan. Plumlee played 14 games for the Hornets this season, averaging 1.9 points and 2.9 rebounds, and last appeared in December. The 13-year veteran, known for his passing and IQ, has career averages of 7.9 points and 6.6 rebounds. This marks his return to an active NBA role, with potential for a full deal.

Coby White Traded to Charlotte Hornets in Multi-Team Deal

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Guard Coby White was involved in a multi-team trade, being packaged with Mike Conley from the Chicago Bulls to the Charlotte Hornets. This move occurred as part of a series of transactions that ultimately allowed the Minnesota Timberwolves to re-sign Conley to a minimum contract after he was waived, helping them manage their luxury tax bill and acquire Ayo Dosunmu. White's specific role or future with the Hornets was not detailed in the report, which primarily focused on Conley's return to Minnesota.

Mike Conley Returns to Timberwolves After Trade, Waived, Re-Signed

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Veteran guard Mike Conley has made a swift return to the Minnesota Timberwolves, re-signing with the team just two weeks after being traded away. In a cost-cutting maneuver, Conley was initially sent to the Chicago Bulls in a three-team deal, then packaged with Coby White to the Charlotte Hornets, and subsequently waived. His eligibility to rejoin the Wolves allowed them to sign him to a minimum contract, lowering their luxury tax bill and gaining cap flexibility to acquire Ayo Dosunmu. Conley, a 19th-year veteran, is revered for his leadership and experience, despite dwindling production this season.

Donovan Mitchell Receives Votes for 'Best Player' in Humorous Poll

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Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell received the third most votes, tied with Luka Doncic, in an 18-player poll conducted by The Athletic asking "Who is the best player in the NBA?" Mitchell's two votes came from himself and teammate Jaylon Tyson. Despite the small sample size, Mitchell is having a career-best season, averaging 29 points and 5.9 assists per game, and has been instrumental in elevating the Cavaliers into Eastern Conference contention, meshing well with new backcourt partner James Harden.

Jazz's Jaren Jackson Jr. Undergoes Knee Surgery for Growth

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Utah Jazz forward Jaren Jackson Jr. underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove a growth in his left knee.

Cavs' Title Odds Improve with James Harden Trade

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The Cleveland Cavaliers' NBA Finals title odds have seen an improvement following the trade for James Harden. Despite this boost, the team still faces strong competition, with the Thunder and Nuggets maintaining their status as the clear favorites for the championship. Harden's arrival is noted as a significant factor in the shift of the Cavs' championship prospects, though they remain underdogs against the top contenders.

Lakers Eyeing Giannis Antetokounmpo for Explosive Offseason Move

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The Los Angeles Lakers, following a quiet trade deadline, are reportedly setting sights on Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo for a potential blockbuster move this offseason. With significant cap space and draft assets, the Lakers aim to be major players in the summer market, especially given LeBron James' uncertain future. The team's strategy suggests a strong push to acquire high-profile talent like Antetokounmpo to reshape their roster and make a significant impact.

Monday, February 16

Jeremy Sochan and Girlfriend Expecting Baby Girl in May

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New York Knicks player Jeremy Sochan and his girlfriend, Mya Mills, are expecting a baby girl on May 20th. Mills, a British model, announced the news via Instagram. Sochan, 22, signed with the Knicks after being waived by the San Antonio Spurs, who had rejected a trade offer from New York. This personal news follows a whirlwind few weeks for the former 2022 lottery pick, who is now with his second NBA team.