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NBA News

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

Saturday, September 26

Scottie Barnes Enters Crucial Season as Core Linchpin for Raptors

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As the Toronto Raptors aim to contend following a playoff exit, Scottie Barnes remains the linchpin of the roster. Coming off a stellar year averaging 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, Barnes is expected to anchor the offense and elite defense. Ranking high in defensive win shares, steals, and blocks, his continued development as a scorer, facilitator, and defensive anchor is vital for Toronto's championship aspirations alongside Kawhi Leonard.

Nikola Jokić: Nikola Jokic Intends to Stay and Sign Extension in Denver

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Nikola Jokic stated his desire to stay in Denver and plans to sign an extension next year, with league sources agreeing he is unlikely to leave. Waiting until next summer allows Jokic to sign a projected five-year, $360 million deal, the richest in NBA history. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have assembled a supporting cast featuring DeMar DeRozan, Tyus Jones, and backup bigs Marvin Bagley, DaRon Holmes, Zeke Nnaji, and Trevon Brazile as they attempt to maximize Jokic's prime.

Jaylen Brown Traded to Philadelphia 76ers in Blockbuster Swap

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In a financially driven blockbuster trade, the Boston Celtics sent Jaylen Brown, their Finals MVP from three seasons ago, to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George. The move aims to reshape Boston's roster around a fully healthy Jayson Tatum as the undisputed alpha, while the 76ers acquire a major star. Brown leaves a Celtics team that won 56 games last year as they seek their sixth straight 50-win season under head coach Joe Mazzulla with a newly revamped lineup.

Kawhi Leonard Set to Retire as a Toronto Raptor

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Shams Charania indicates Kawhi Leonard believes he has reached the final destination of his NBA career and will retire a Toronto Raptor. Bringing his career full circle after bringing the franchise its first championship in 2019, Leonard returns to Toronto where he has deep family ties and a dedicated Scarborough basketball court. By choosing to finish his career with the Raptors, Leonard is poised to cement an undisputed legacy of service to a singular franchise.

Stephon Castle Rates San Antonio Spurs Teammates in NBA2K Interview

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San Antonio Spurs guard and 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle recently rated his teammates in an NBA2K interview. Castle named Julian Champagnie the team's best scorer, highlighted Dylan Harper as the biggest on-court trash-talker, and pointed to Kelly Olynyk for off-court banter. Additionally, he praised Carter Bryant for his diverse music taste and sense of humor, naming him the roster's class clown as the Silver & Black Scrimmage approaches.

Anthony Davis Evaluated by Wizards Ahead of Critical 2025-26 Season

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As Anthony Davis prepares to turn 34, the Washington Wizards weigh his durability and elite production. Despite missing games due to injuries, Davis remains a dominant force when on the court, recording high PPA metrics. The Wizards hope a healthy Davis can mentor young star Alex Sarr. Media reports indicate Washington will hold off on contract extension talks, potentially looking to showcase a healthy Davis before making long-term roster decisions.

Jayson Tatum Ranked No. 9 in ESPN's Annual NBA Rank List

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ESPN placed Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum at No. 9 in its annual NBA Rank top 10 list ahead of the season. The ranking sparked debate among analysts, with many arguing Tatum deserves a higher spot due to his elite two-way versatility, rebounding, and playmaking. Tatum averaged at least 25 points, eight rebounds, and five assists per game over the past two seasons, joining elite company alongside Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo in that statistical category.

Friday, September 25

Drew Timme Signs Training Camp Deal With Minnesota Timberwolves

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Former Gonzaga star Drew Timme has signed a training camp deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves to compete for a standard roster spot. Timme, who spent the 2025-26 season on a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, has averaged 5.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists across 36 career NBA appearances with the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. The Timberwolves currently have 13 guaranteed standard contracts. If waived, Timme is expected to join Minnesota's G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves.

VJ Edgecombe Earns High Praise from LeBron James for Defensive Potential

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Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe earned high praise from new teammate LeBron James, who lauded his All-Defensive team potential on the Mind the Game podcast. Coming off an All-Rookie First Team 2025-26 campaign where he averaged 1.3 steals (17th in NBA) and 0.5 blocks per game, Edgecombe impressed James with his leadership, athleticism, and transition play. James expects Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey to thrive as a fast-break duo under head coach Nick Nurse.

LeBron James Prepares for 76ers Debut, Praises VJ Edgecombe's Defense

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LeBron James is preparing for his 24th NBA season and first with the Philadelphia 76ers after ending an eight-year tenure with the Lakers. Driven by opportunities with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown, James expressed excitement for head coach Nick Nurse's defensive scheme ahead of training camp. Speaking on his podcast, James highlighted second-year guard VJ Edgecombe's All-Defensive team potential, praising his athleticism, transition defense, and natural leadership.

Stephen Curry Signs Two-Year, $116M Extension With Warriors

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Stephen Curry has agreed to a two-year, $116 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors, featuring a 2028-29 player option that extends him through his 20th NBA season. By accepting $116M, Curry took a $20M discount off his eligible $136.7M maximum extension to aid front-office roster flexibility and keep the franchise competitive. The 38-year-old four-time champion and all-time three-point leader averaged 26.6 points over 43 games last season while aiming to remain a Warrior for life.

Victor Wembanyama Ranked Second Overall In ESPN's 2026 Player Rankings

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Entering the 2026-27 NBA season as the early MVP favorite and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama was ranked second behind Nikola Jokic in ESPN's latest player rankings. Following a run to the 2026 NBA Finals, experts project continued growth after he boosted scoring efficiency by prioritizing paint opportunities and leading the league in blocks. Wembanyama also agreed to a July contract extension, taking less money to help San Antonio maintain a young contender core.

Kon Knueppel Out for Preseason and Start of Season with Hamstring Injury

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Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel will miss the entire preseason and likely the start of the 2026-27 NBA season after suffering a strained left hamstring during an offseason workout. He will be re-evaluated during the first week of the regular season, jeopardizing his Opening Night status. Knueppel is coming off a stellar rookie campaign where he averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while hitting a league-leading 273 3-pointers.

Peyton Watson Competes for Starting Role Following Sign-And-Trade

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Peyton Watson arrives in Cleveland via sign-and-trade after a breakthrough season with Denver, though head coach Kenny Atkinson noted his starting role is not yet guaranteed. Watson will compete in training camp for a spot alongside James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Last year, Watson averaged career highs with 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks over 54 games while shooting 41.1 percent from deep.

Joel Embiid Title Quest Motivated LeBron James to Join 76ers

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Helping Joel Embiid capture his first NBA championship served as a primary catalyst for LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 32-year-old former MVP has spent his entire career in Philadelphia without advancing past the Eastern Conference semifinals. Coming off a first-round series where he averaged 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists to overcome a 3-1 deficit, Embiid aims to overcome past injury struggles after being limited to under 40 games in each of the last three seasons.

Bronny James Enters Third NBA Season as Father LeBron Heads to 76ers

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Bronny James is entering his third season with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the first time since his college career at USC that he will not play alongside his father, LeBron James. Over the summer, Bronny spent time golfing with his father before training camp, drawing praise from professional golfer Michael S. Kim for his solid swing mechanics. Bronny will now navigate the upcoming NBA season in L.A. while his father embarks on a new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Kyrie Irving Cleared from ACL Tear, Ready for Mavericks Return

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Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has been fully cleared with no physical restrictions in his left knee after missing 19 months with a torn ACL suffered on March 3, 2025. Heading into Year 16 at age 34, Irving called the hiatus the "best thing that happened to me," using the time to mentor rookie Cooper Flagg and grow as a leader. Participating fully in pickup games, he expects to return quickly when Dallas opens preseason action on Oct. 9 against Houston in Macao.

D'Angelo Russell Waived By Memphis Grizzlies Ahead Of Camp

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D'Angelo Russell has been waived by the Memphis Grizzlies, ending his tenure before playing a game for the franchise alongside the signing of undrafted guard Brendan Hausen. The move, anticipated since his trade from Washington in July, allows Russell to find a new team before the season starts while the Grizzlies eat his $5.9 million salary. He previously averaged 10.2 points and 4.0 assists across 26 games for the Dallas Mavericks last season prior to being traded.

Dereck Lively Provides Positive Recovery Update at Mavericks Media Day

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Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II shared an encouraging recovery update at Media Day following right foot surgery. Lively, out of his walking boot, reported putting on muscle and losing body fat. He is running on the treadmill, shooting, and slowly returning to the court. While he has not yet been cleared for training camp, Lively expressed gratitude for the team's patient approach to ensure he returns at 100 percent for the upcoming season.

Dwight Powell Re-Signs With Dallas Mavericks On New Contract

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The Dallas Mavericks have re-signed veteran center Dwight Powell as he enters his 13th consecutive season with the franchise. Powell averaged 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds across 63 appearances last year, providing critical veteran leadership and mentorship to a young roster. His new contract is only guaranteed for $500,000 until he officially makes the opening night roster, meaning he must stay healthy to secure his full pay for the upcoming season.