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.

Sunday, September 27

Devin Carter Seeks New Opportunity with the Boston Celtics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Devin Carter, a second-generation NBA guard, enters a promising new chapter with the Boston Celtics after stints with Sacramento and Atlanta. Known for his elite defensive priorities, toughness, and improved rebounding, Carter looks to fit into coach Joe Mazzulla's system. Despite struggling with efficiency and consistency in two partial seasons with the Kings, his collegiate success at Providence and high-motor defensive skills project him as a valuable developmental contributor for Boston.

Luka Garza Focuses on Defensive Work Ahead of Second Celtics Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Boston Celtics center Luka Garza focused his offseason efforts on defensive improvements, working with assistant D.J. MacLeay on footwork, drop coverage, and defensive rebounding. After averaging 8.1 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 43.3% from deep last regular season, Garza struggled with foul trouble during the playoffs, committing 8.5 fouls per 36 minutes. Garza also impressed with the Bosnian national team in FIBA World Cup qualifiers, averaging 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds.

Saturday, September 26

Neemias Queta Highlights Frontcourt Depth For Boston Celtics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Neemias Queta remains a key frontcourt piece for the Boston Celtics alongside newly signed Mitchell Robinson, fitting coach Joe Mazzulla's preferred style of play. During a crucial playoff appearance, Queta anchored the team with a +9 differential and a 111.5 defensive rating over 32 minutes, vastly outperforming reserve options. His similar skill set to Robinson ensures continuity in the Celtics' game plan.

Mitchell Robinson Expected To Be Massive Upgrade For Boston Celtics

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Boston Celtics signed Mitchell Robinson in free agency to address their frontcourt needs at the five position following a season lacking depth. Robinson brings elite offensive rebounding, pick-and-roll execution, and defensive presence that will significantly upgrade the Celtics' frontcourt rotation. Expected to handle heavy minutes, his defensive impact is projected to solve issues the team previously faced.

Luka Garza Faces Reduced Role For Celtics Following Roster Additions

AutoDraft Pro AI

After logging a career-high 1,118 minutes last season, Luka Garza faces a reduced role with the Boston Celtics following the free-agent signing of Mitchell Robinson. While Garza offers unique floor-spacing and three-point shooting that neither Robinson nor Queta possesses, his defensive struggles in the playoffs have pushed him out of the standard rotation. He is expected to fill in during rest games and situational matchups.

Josh Hart Targets of Jokes During Jalen Brunson's SNL Monologue

AutoDraft Pro AI

Josh Hart became a punchline during Jalen Brunson's "Saturday Night Live" hosting debut, getting ribbed for his infamous missed layup in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Hart joined Knicks teammates Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby in the audience to support Brunson as the team's championship victory tour continues ahead of the upcoming NBA preseason, participating in a comedic audience Q&A segment during the opening monologue.

OG Anunoby Cracks Up Audience During Jalen Brunson's SNL Monologue

AutoDraft Pro AI

OG Anunoby delivered one of the biggest laughs during Jalen Brunson's "Saturday Night Live" monologue, playfully calling out the point guard for missing a last-second shot in Game 4 of the NBA Finals before Anunoby famously tipped it in. Anunoby joined Knicks teammates Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart in the audience to support Brunson as the team's championship victory tour continues ahead of the upcoming NBA preseason.

Mikal Bridges Joins Teammates Supporting Jalen Brunson on SNL Premiere

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mikal Bridges joined fellow New York Knicks teammates Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart in the audience to support Jalen Brunson as he hosted the 52nd season premiere of "Saturday Night Live." The group participated in a comedic "news conference" segment during Brunson's opening monologue, playfully pestering the Finals MVP about last season's championship run as the team's victory tour continues ahead of the upcoming NBA preseason.

Jalen Brunson Hosts SNL Season Premiere, Warns Knicks Against Complacency

AutoDraft Pro AI

Fresh off a championship and Finals MVP award, Jalen Brunson hosted the 52nd season premiere of Saturday Night Live alongside teammates Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart. Brunson joins an elite group of NBA hosts including Michael Jordan and LeBron James. As training camp opens, Brunson urged the New York Knicks to avoid complacency, ignore summer praise, and adopt a reset mindset to defend their NBA title.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Knicks Tens of Millions Apart in Extension Talks

AutoDraft Pro AI

Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks remain tens of millions of dollars apart in extension talks. Eligible for a four-year, $276 million max extension after averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds during their championship run, Towns wants to stay. However, the Knicks are pushing for a lower annual salary to avoid the second luxury tax apron amidst upcoming extensions. Meanwhile, Towns joined Jalen Brunson on stage during his Saturday Night Live hosting gig.

Fred VanVleet Could Start NBA Season on Minutes Restriction

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka announced that Fred VanVleet's minutes limit will be determined by his training camp progress. VanVleet missed the entire 2025-26 campaign due to a torn ACL suffered last September, but he is now cleared for full practice and five-on-five scrimmages. The veteran point guard may begin the season on a restricted workload and could be limited in back-to-back sets, opening up extra opportunities for Reed Sheppard and Marcus Smart.

Buddy Hield Traded to Chicago Bulls in Late-Offseason Roster Shakeup

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Chicago Bulls acquired veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield and cash considerations from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for young guard Rob Dillingham. Entering his 11th NBA season, Hield arrives to bolster Chicago's perimeter shooting capability. Across 51 games last season with the Warriors and Hawks, Hield averaged 7.6 points while making 1.5 three-pointers on 34.9 percent shooting. He holds a player option worth roughly $10 million for the 2027-28 season.

Rob Dillingham Acquired by Charlotte Hornets in Trade

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Chicago Bulls are trading guard Rob Dillingham to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield and cash. Dillingham, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft, lands on his third team and receives a valuable opportunity to establish his role within the Hornets' backcourt rotation. The deal allows Charlotte to add youth while sending monetary assets and Hield to Chicago.

LeBron James and Lakers Officially Close Book on Era

AutoDraft Pro AI

Basketball operations president Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers formally expressed gratitude for LeBron James' eight-year tenure, which included an NBA championship and a perennial playoff run. James' departure this offseason ended his longest single stretch with any franchise. Reflecting on his time in Los Angeles during a podcast episode, James emphasized his love for the historic challenge and the unforgettable championship won with the city and team.

Dereck Lively Addresses Recovery and Foot Injury Progress

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II pushed back against internet chatter regarding his slow recovery from December foot surgery. Lively, who played just seven games last season, stated he can run and jump, while thanking the Mavericks for letting him take his time. Despite his comments, practice footage showed him performing limited light jogging, raising ongoing questions about his readiness for the start of the season.

Luka Dončić Urges Lakers Leadership to 'Do Your Job' on Roster

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Lakers centerpiece Luka Dončić has established a clear boundary with front office leadership, telling GM Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick to "do your job" regarding roster management. Pelinka noted that while Dončić acts as a brilliant co-creator sharing ideas and evaluating pros and cons, he refuses to act as GM. Dončić recently held a player minicamp in Slovenia as L.A. prepares for its Oct. 21 season opener.

Dillon Brooks Eyes Efficient Role with Phoenix Suns Following Extension

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dillon Brooks signed a three-year, $73 million contract extension with the Phoenix Suns after a career-high season averaging 20.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Known for his competitive toughness and defense, Brooks looks to adapt his offensive game alongside Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Miles Bridges. To help Phoenix reach the next level, the nine-year veteran aims to improve shot selection and ball movement while maintaining his trademark physical edge.

Kon Knueppel Expected to Miss Start of Season With Hamstring Strain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel will miss all of training camp and likely the start of the season after suffering a left hamstring injury during offseason workouts. Knueppel, who finished second in Rookie of the Year voting after averaging 18.5 points and leading the NBA with 273 three-pointers, will be re-evaluated the week of October 19. His absence is a major blow as Charlotte adjusts to playing without the traded LaMelo Ball.

LaMelo Ball Traded to Minnesota Timberwolves in Offseason Roster Shakeup

AutoDraft Pro AI

LaMelo Ball was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves during the offseason, prompting the Charlotte Hornets to reinvent their offense heading into the new year. Ball's departure leaves a significant void in Charlotte's playmaking, impacting the offensive responsibilities of teammates like Kon Knueppel, who will navigate the start of the season without Ball's elite passing ability.

Walker Kessler Anchors Los Angeles Lakers' New Defensive Identity

AutoDraft Pro AI

Walker Kessler joins the Los Angeles Lakers to serve as the team's primary defensive anchor and rim protector under head coach JJ Redick. Coming off a campaign where he averaged 2.4 blocks with a 9-foot-5 standing reach, Kessler addresses a critical vulnerability for the Lakers, who allowed opponents to shoot 72% at the rim last season. The team plans to funnel perimeter drivers toward Kessler, shifting away from their former one-through-five switching scheme.