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NBA News

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

Monday, September 28

Jayson Tatum Steps Up as Leader for New-Look Boston Celtics

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Entering his 10th NBA season, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum expressed gratitude for his past run with Jaylen Brown while stating he feels fully comfortable leading the franchise's new-look era. Tatum rejected the notion that the team is solely "his," stressing collective leadership alongside new arrival Paul George. Feeling stronger and more explosive after a comprehensive offseason recovery, Tatum welcomes the addition of George to lighten his overall on-court burden.

Austin Reaves Takes Leadership Role with Lakers After $184M Extension

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Entering his sixth season as the longest-tenured Laker, Austin Reaves secured a four-year, $184 million extension after averaging career highs of 23.2 points and 4.7 rebounds last year. Following LeBron James' departure, Reaves and Luka Dončić are taking over primary leadership of a revamped roster featuring nine new players. Reaves called the negotiation process "weird" but expressed relief to stay in Los Angeles, emphasizing his commitment to guiding the team in his own vocal style.

Khaman Maluach Competes for Suns Starting Center Spot After Massive Summer

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Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach is vying for the starting center job following high praise from Devin Booker, who declared Maluach made the biggest summer leap of anyone he has seen. After averaging 20 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 40% from deep in Summer League, the 7-foot-1 second-year big worked out late nights with Booker. Maluach stated he is fully focused on team success, whether starting or coming off the bench.

Meleek Thomas Earns High Praise from Teammates at Cavaliers Media Day

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Selected 34th overall by Cleveland, rookie guard Meleek Thomas stole the show at Cavaliers media day following a stellar Summer League where he averaged a tournament-best 27.3 points per game on .500/.438/1.000 shooting split. Franchise star Donovan Mitchell called Thomas "a dog" who reminds him of himself, praising his work ethic and defense. With backcourt vacancies following roster turnover, the scoring threat and playmaker could be thrust into an impactful role early on.

Devin Booker Declares Full Health and Praises Khaman Maluach's Summer Growth

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Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker reported feeling the healthiest of his career heading into his 12th NBA season. Booker offered ringing praise for second-year center Khaman Maluach, noting the young big took the "biggest leap" of anyone he observed this summer after the duo held late-night workouts together. Booker aims to build strong roster chemistry as he leads Phoenix's offense while earning over $57 million in 2026-27.

Kawhi Leonard Embraces Fresh Start and Championship Mindset in Toronto

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Kawhi Leonard expressed excitement for his return to the Toronto Raptors following a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, signing a two-year, $115 million extension. Leonard emphasized his need for a winning situation and high pressure after an injury-riddled finish in L.A. Meanwhile, the NBA fined the Clippers $30 million and stripped five draft picks following an investigation into salary cap circumvention involving Leonard's past contract, leading to his departure.

Quentin Grimes Competes for Lakers Starting Spot and Predicts Surprise

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Quentin Grimes expressed high confidence at media day, stating the revamped roster has gelled rapidly. Grimes is actively competing for a starting role alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, noting he takes pride in his defense and is ready to guard top opponents nightly. Acquired in free agency following a 2025-26 season in Philadelphia where he averaged 13.4 points, Grimes believes the Lakers possess enough talent to shock the NBA.

Victor Wembanyama Uses Finals Heartbreak to Fuel High-Stakes Season

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San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama enters the season in peak physical condition, fueled by a difficult NBA Finals loss to the Knicks that caused sleepless nights. Wembanyama is embracing higher expectations, increased playmaking duties under coach Mitch Johnson, and new leadership roles. Teammate Tobias Harris praised Wembanyama as the most talented player in the NBA, highlighting his elite offseason work ethic and determination to capture the championship.

Jalen Green Focuses on Playmaking With Mentorship From Steve Nash

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Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green revealed at media day that he received regular offseason mentoring from Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash to improve his pace of play and playmaking abilities. Green is making an intentional focus on reading the game better, reducing turnovers, and creating opportunities for others. The Suns hope this developmental step mirrors successful mid-career playmaking transitions seen by other elite score-first guards.

Donovan Mitchell Commits Long-Term to Cavaliers Roster and Title Race

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Donovan Mitchell reaffirmed his commitment to the Cleveland Cavaliers after signing a four-year, $273 million contract extension. Focused on bringing an NBA championship to Cleveland, Mitchell addressed the Eastern Conference landscape at media day, admitting he initially expected former teammate LeBron James to return to the Cavaliers or join the Warriors rather than signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, who now present a revamped threat.

Morez Johnson Nearing Full Practice Clearance for Dallas Mavericks

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Dallas Mavericks rookie forward Morez Johnson is working his way back from an undisclosed injury that has limited him early in training camp. Head coach Dusty May indicated Johnson is close to practicing in full ahead of the October 9 preseason opener against Houston. The No. 9 overall pick joined Dallas after averaging 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks during a national championship season at Michigan.

Anthony Edwards Embraces Defensive Focus Alongside LaMelo Ball

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Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards praised the franchise's summer moves and expressed enthusiasm about sharing the backcourt with LaMelo Ball. Edwards noted he is happy to cede primary point guard duties to Ball, enabling him to lock in on defense while expanding their offensive chemistry together as Minnesota prepares for the upcoming season.

LaMelo Ball Takes Over Point Guard Duties for Minnesota Timberwolves

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Point guard LaMelo Ball is set to direct the Minnesota Timberwolves' offense this season after offseason roster moves. Star teammate Anthony Edwards expressed excitement about ceding point guard responsibilities to Ball, allowing Edwards to shift greater focus toward elite perimeter defense while the two dynamic guards continue to build their backcourt chemistry entering the new campaign.

Karl-Anthony Towns Unveils Slimmer Frame Amid Stalled Knicks Extension Talks

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New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns revealed a slimmer frame at media day, noting summer weight loss aims to protect his knees and enhance quickness. Towns is navigating stagnated extension negotiations as the Knicks manage second-apron tax penalties entering his contract's final year before a $61 million player option. Head coach Mike Brown confirmed Towns will remain a primary offensive hub at the elbow following his championship playoff run.

Josh Hart Addresses Stalled Extension Talks and Trolls Jalen Brunson

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New York Knicks guard Josh Hart revealed contract extension talks have stagnated and he does not expect a new deal before the season. Hart noted unresolved situations create mental weight. During media day, Hart also jokingly trolled teammate Jalen Brunson over his 'Saturday Night Live' hosting debut, questioning if Brunson has an acting future and asking if his captain's $113 million pay cut money is still up for grabs while praising their ongoing team camaraderie.

Damian Lillard Confident Trail Blazers' Backcourt Depth Will Work Out

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Damian Lillard stated he is unconcerned about balancing a crowded Portland Trail Blazers backcourt that features himself alongside Ja Morant, Jrue Holiday, and Scoot Henderson, expressing confidence that the roster dynamics will successfully work themselves out.

Nikola Jokić Confirms Intent to Sign Max Extension With Denver Nuggets

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Nikola Jokić confirmed at media day that he plans to sign a massive contract extension with the Denver Nuggets next year, playfully adding 'if they want me.' Bypassing a four-year, $278 million deal this summer for a potential five-year, $360 million package, the three-time MVP remains the franchise cornerstone. Executive Ben Tenzer expressed zero concerns about his long-term future after Jokić averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists last season.