Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

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

Monday, February 16

Giannis Declares 100% Health, Reaffirms Bucks Commitment

AutoDraft Pro AI

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) stated he feels '100 percent' healthy after missing nine games due to his second right calf strain since Jan. 23. He still needs to complete 1-on-1, 3-on-3, and 5 vs. 5 drills before being cleared, with a return expected before the end of February. During All-Star Weekend, Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his commitment to the Bucks 'as of today,' stating he loves Milwaukee but will reassess his situation in the summer, using it as leverage for the team to bring in more talent.

Sunday, February 15

Jaylen Brown Refutes Beverly Hills' Event Shutdown, Eyes Post-NBA Combat Career

AutoDraft Pro AI

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown refuted Beverly Hills' explanation for shutting down his brand event Saturday night, calling it "completely false." The five-time All-Star is also considering a post-NBA career in combat sports, such as UFC or boxing, having already discussed the possibility with UFC CEO Dana White. Brown, 29, has a background in Muay Thai and a family history of boxing, stating he has "toyed" with the idea, though he is still expected to have a significant basketball career ahead.

Wembanyama Makes All-Star History, Leads Team World with 19 Points

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama made history as the first French-born player to start in an NBA All-Star Game. He led Team World in scoring in Game 3, recording 19 points (6-8 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 5-5 FT) and two rebounds in 10 minutes. He also posted 14 points, six rebounds, and three blocks in the opening contest. Wembanyama's performance helped set the tone for the new, more competitive All-Star Game format. He entered the weekend averaging 26.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.7 blocks, and 1.5 steals over his last six regular-season games.

Kawhi Leonard Dominates ASG Game 3 with 31 Points, Game-Winning Three

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard delivered a dominant performance in All-Star Game 3, scoring 31 points (11-13 FG, 6-7 3Pt, 3-3 FT), adding 3 rebounds and 2 steals in just 12 minutes for Team Stripes' 48-45 win over Team World. Leonard connected on his first seven shots, including five from deep, and capped his game-high scoring with a game-winning three-pointer. While he struggled in the other two games with six total points, his Game 3 effort was memorable. Prior to the ASG, Leonard averaged 30.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.8 steals over his last four regular-season games.

Anthony Edwards Crowned All-Star Game MVP, Leads Team Stars to Victory

AutoDraft Pro AI

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP on Sunday, leading Team Stars to victory. He finished the championship game with 8 points (3-5 FG, 2-4 3Pt), 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in 8 minutes. Across the three All-Star games, Edwards recorded 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists in 26 total minutes, including a clutch Game 1 performance. Earlier, at All-Star media day, Edwards comically declared himself Steph Curry's 'alter ego,' noting his honor that Curry wore his signature shoes.

Stephen Curry Set for 2027 3-Point Contest Return

AutoDraft Pro AI

Two-time 3-point contest winner Stephen Curry is slated to make his highly anticipated return to the NBA All-Star weekend's 3-point shootout. He will participate in the contest during next year's event, which is scheduled to take place in Phoenix. This marks a significant return for the sharpshooter, who has previously won the competition twice.

LeBron James Undecided on Future Beyond 23rd NBA Season, Focuses on Lakers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, 41, remains publicly undecided about playing beyond his current 23rd NBA season, stating, "When I know, you guys will know. I have no idea. I just want to live." Despite speculation, he confirmed he's not on a farewell tour. James, who recently became the oldest player to record a triple-double, is focused on the Lakers' playoff push, though he's missed 18 games due to health issues. He's making his 22nd All-Star appearance but may play a limited role.

Michael Porter Jr. Embraces Nets Future Amid Contract Extension Talks

AutoDraft Pro AI

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter, 27, is increasingly seen as a long-term piece for the team, having not been traded at the deadline. He's enjoying an All-Star caliber season, averaging career highs of 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, and has expressed his desire to stay and build with the young team. While he's currently on vacation and dealing with tendinitis in his right knee, the Nets face a big decision on his contract extension, with projections ranging from $160M to $234M over four years.

Luka Dončić to Play Limited All-Star Minutes, Explores NBA Europe Ownership

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić is expected to play a short stint for Team World in the NBA All-Star Game after missing the last four games. Beyond the court, Dončić is actively exploring post-career ventures, reportedly in talks with former Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson to purchase Italian basketball team Vanoli Basket Cremona, with plans to relocate it to Rome, aligning with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's vision for NBA Europe.

Chris Paul Retires After Illustrious 21-Season NBA Career

AutoDraft Pro AI

Veteran guard Chris Paul has retired after a 21-season NBA career, concluding his tenure after being waived by the Toronto Raptors. Paul, who made 12 All-Star teams, won six steals titles, and led the league in assists five times, finishes second all-time in both steals and assists. His career, which spanned seven teams including a notable stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, was marked by consistent high-level play, though often falling short of a championship.

James Harden's High School Résumé Deemed All-Star Roster Worthy

AutoDraft Pro AI

James Harden's impressive high school résumé is highlighted among Los Angeles NBA stars whose prep careers were strong enough to secure a spot on an All-Star roster. The article emphasizes his high school achievements contribute to this assessment, placing him among elite players with exceptional high school performances.

LaMelo Ball's High School Résumé Deemed All-Star Roster Worthy

AutoDraft Pro AI

LaMelo Ball's impressive high school résumé is highlighted among Los Angeles NBA stars whose prep careers were strong enough to secure a spot on an All-Star roster. The article emphasizes his high school achievements contribute to this assessment, placing him among elite players with exceptional high school performances.

Trail Blazers' Caleb Love Honored at Arizona, Thriving as Rookie

AutoDraft Pro AI

Portland Trail Blazers guard Caleb Love returned to Arizona for his Ring of Honor induction, reflecting on his journey from undrafted free agent to a core NBA player. Love, who credits Arizona's NBA-style offense for his preparation, ranks ninth among all rookies with 11.3 points per game and fourth with 93 three-pointers in 45 games. He has successfully adapted to a new role coming off the bench, demonstrating professionalism despite past college struggles.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Committed to Bucks, Driven by Desire for Another Title

AutoDraft Pro AI

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has publicly reiterated his unwavering commitment to the franchise. He openly acknowledged his profound desire to be a consistent winner and to actively pursue a second NBA championship, building upon the success of the title he led the team to in 2021. Antetokounmpo's statement underscores his dedication to the Bucks and his ambitious drive for further glory, signaling his intent to remain a cornerstone of the team's future aspirations.

Deni Avdija (back) Cleared to Play in Sunday's All-Star Game

AutoDraft Pro AI

Deni Avdija (back) is confirmed to play in Sunday's All-Star Game for Team World. He missed Portland's recent win over the Jazz due to injury management in a back-to-back but is expected to play against the Nuggets on Friday. This marks his first All-Star appearance. Through 46 regular-season appearances in 2025-26, the Trail Blazers forward is averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in 34.3 minutes per game.

Devin Booker (ankle) Cleared for Sunday's All-Star Game

AutoDraft Pro AI

Devin Booker (right ankle) is confirmed to play in Sunday's All-Star Game for Team USA Stars. He missed Phoenix's recent loss to the Thunder due to injury management in a back-to-back. The five-time All-Star has averaged 25.2 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 33.9 minutes across 43 regular-season appearances for the Suns in 2025-26.

Norman Powell (back) Confirmed for All-Star Game Debut

AutoDraft Pro AI

Norman Powell (lower-back tightness) is set to play in Sunday's All-Star Game, as reported by Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. He missed Miami's final two games before the All-Star break but will make his first All-Star appearance. The veteran swingman is having a career-best year, averaging 23.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 30.6 minutes per game across 45 regular-season outings for the Heat.

Pascal Siakam (hamstring) Cleared for Fourth All-Star Appearance

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pascal Siakam (hamstring soreness) is confirmed to play in Sunday's All-Star Game. He missed the Pacers' recent win over Brooklyn due to the injury in a back-to-back but is expected to play against the Wizards on Thursday. This will be his fourth All-Star appearance. Over 51 regular-season outings, Siakam has averaged 23.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in 33.8 minutes per contest for Indiana.

Spurs' Carter Bryant Wins Rising Stars, Finishes 2nd in Slam Dunk Contest

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Antonio Spurs player Carter Bryant had a notable NBA All-Star Weekend, securing second place in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest after a strong showing that included a perfect 50-point dunk. Despite not winning the dunk contest, Bryant did not leave empty-handed, as he was a key member of the Rising Stars championship team, Team Vince, contributing 9 points across two games.

Miami Heat's Keshad Johnson Crowned 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Champion

AutoDraft Pro AI

Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson emerged victorious in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, becoming the first former Arizona Wildcat to claim the title. Johnson secured the championship with a final score of 97.4 in the championship round, outperforming fellow former Wildcat Carter Bryant. His impressive performance delighted fans and marked a significant achievement in his young career.