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NBA News

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

Friday, September 25

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.

Jalen Brunson Cleared For Camp Amid ESPN Ranking Debate

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New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson has confirmed he is fully cleared for training camp following offseason left wrist surgery after playing through a tendon injury during their championship run, earning Finals MVP with 28.4 PPG. Meanwhile, ESPN analytics guru Dean Oliver rated Brunson around No. 25 rather than No. 6, citing New York media bias and defensive metrics. Brunson has averaged at least 26 PPG over his last three seasons and will host Saturday Night Live's season opener.

Jalen Johnson Looking To Make Another Major Leap

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Atlanta Hawks president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh stated that Jalen Johnson has multiple levels he can raise his game to as the forward continues his development. Acknowledging that the team is hard on Johnson because of his immense ceiling, Atlanta expects their franchise player to be heavily involved on both ends of the court this upcoming season. Johnson is fully up to the challenge of expanding his versatile game further.

Pascal Siakam Eligible For Three-Year Max Extension

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Pascal Siakam has been eligible since July 6 to sign a three-year extension worth up to $207 million with the Indiana Pacers, according to Zion Brown of the Indianapolis Star. Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan declined to discuss the team's extension plans, preferring to keep contract matters confidential out of respect for players and agents. Siakam's current contract runs through the 2027-28 season, so there is no immediate pressure to reach a new agreement.

Darius Acuff Projected to Open Season as Sacramento's Starting Point Guard

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Darius Acuff is projected to open the season as Sacramento's starting point guard alongside Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, De'Andre Hunter, and Domantas Sabonis, according to Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140. Securing the starting job would grant the rookie significant minutes and playmaking responsibilities from the outset, though early efficiency struggles could surface due to the natural learning curve.

Damian Lillard Expected to Enter Training Camp Without Limitations

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Damian Lillard (Achilles) is expected to enter training camp without any limitations following a lengthy rehabilitation process. Trail Blazers teammate Toumani Camara expressed high praise during pre-camp workouts, noting the veteran guard's impressive first step and speed. Lillard is making significant progress ahead of his return to game action, though his precise workload and preseason availability will still be monitored.

Walker Kessler Fully Healthy and Cleared for Start of Lakers Season

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Walker Kessler (shoulder) is fully healthy and cleared for the start of the season, according to Lakers president Rob Pelinka. Kessler underwent shoulder surgery in November but is on track to enter training camp without restrictions. The 25-year-old big man is expected to secure a prominent role in Los Angeles' frontcourt, where he will benefit from easy setup passes provided by Luka Doncic.

Jaylen Brown Praised By LeBron James For Two-Way Play

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Jaylen Brown's stellar two-way play and high-level approach served as a key factor in LeBron James' decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers. James praised Brown's abilities on both ends, noting they worked out three or four times this offseason. As two of the few champions on the roster, Brown and James are taking it upon themselves to establish championship habits. Meanwhile, ESPN analyst Dean Oliver's model controversially placed Brown around No. 60 following his trade from Boston.

Tyrese Maxey Poised For Enhanced Role With Philadelphia

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Tyrese Maxey is set to thrive as an off-ball scorer with the Philadelphia 76ers, benefiting from the arrivals of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. LeBron gushed about Maxey's consistency, revealing that Maxey was one of the first people to call him during free agency to recruit him. Despite a potential drop in scoring volume after averaging career-highs of 28.3 points and 6.6 assists last season, Maxey's efficiency is expected to increase as new stars lighten his load.

Cooper Flagg Rookie Debut Card Sells For Record $8.04 Million

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Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg has grown to 6-foot-10 without shoes. His one-of-one Topps Rookie Debut Patch Autograph card sold at auction for a record $8,040,000, becoming the fifth-most expensive trading card ever purchased. The 19-year-old reigning Rookie of the Year averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 70 games last season and is expected to take a major leap into his second year alongside a returning Kyrie Irving.

Adou Thiero Praised By JJ Redick For Unbelievable Summer Work

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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised second-year forward Adou Thiero for having an 'unbelievable' two months of uninterrupted summer development. Selected 36th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Thiero played sparingly as a rookie due to knee injuries. After flashing dominant interior scoring in the G League, his full health and athleticism could carve out a key rotation role for the Lakers ahead of their preseason opener against the Sacramento Kings.

Jalen Williams Enters Training Camp Fully Healthy After Offseason Recovery

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Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced that forward Jalen Williams 'looks fantastic' and is fully healthy entering training camp following a full offseason of recovery. Williams was limited to just 33 regular-season appearances during the 2025-26 campaign due to persistent wrist and hamstring injuries. The Thunder are expected to take a cautious approach with the star forward early in the preseason as he works back to full game readiness.

Karl-Anthony Towns Contract Extension Talks Ongoing Ahead of Knicks Camp

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As the world-champion New York Knicks open training camp, contract extension talks with Karl-Anthony Towns remain a key storyline. Towns is eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $276 million. While negotiations have been positive, ESPN reports talks are currently stagnant with an agreement unlikely before camp. Towns is under contract for $57 million this season with a $61 million player option for next year.

Miles Bridges Enters Phoenix Facing Massive Pressure and High Expectations

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Newly acquired forward Miles Bridges enters his first season with the Phoenix Suns facing immense pressure and scrutiny. Entering the final year of his contract at $22.9 million, Bridges brings athleticism, ferocious driving ability, and strong point-of-attack defense to the roster. Last season with Charlotte, he averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 77 games. Despite questions about his off-court baggage and three-point consistency, Phoenix expects him to thrive.

Craig Porter Enters Crucial Make-or-Break Season with Cleveland Cavaliers

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Entering the final year of his deal, Craig Porter Jr. faces a pivotal season with the Cleveland Cavaliers to prove he can be a reliable backup point guard. While he excels as a third guard with high steal, block, and rebound rates, Porter struggles with efficiency in the short midrange, shooting just 32% on floaters, and lacks elite lateral quickness. With the backup role open, Porter will start the year in the rotation looking to secure his NBA future.

Paul George Enters Year 17 Seeking First Title With Celtics

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Entering Year 17 with a Hall of Fame resume, Paul George joins the Boston Celtics with a chip on his shoulder as he chases his first career NBA championship. At his introductory press conference, the 9-time All-Star emphasized his desire to be a winning player and teammate. While his illustrious career features numerous individual accolades, George views his time in Boston as a prime opportunity to capture an elusive ring and secure a storybook ending to his storied journey.