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NBA News

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

Friday, September 25

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.

James Harden Returns To Lead Cleveland Cavaliers Backcourt In 2026-27

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James Harden is back in the Cleveland Cavaliers backcourt alongside Donovan Mitchell, headlining a roster aiming to return to the Eastern Conference elite. Under coach Kenny Atkinson, Harden's veteran presence and playmaking will be vital for a Cavaliers team that gave up some depth this offseason. Cleveland enters the 2026-27 season with championship odds of +2500, with expectations high for their star-studded starting lineup.

Donovan Mitchell And Cavaliers Return With Fresh Contract And High Hopes

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Donovan Mitchell is back with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a massive four-year, $273 million contract extension following a conference finals exit. Entering the 2026-27 season, the Cavaliers are banking on Mitchell's long-term viability as a premier scorer and team leader alongside James Harden. Questions remain regarding whether Mitchell can successfully lead a championship-caliber team as the undisputed No. 1 option under head coach Kenny Atkinson.

Julius Randle Featured in Preseason Roster Rankings and Analyses

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Preseason team previews and player rankings for the 2026-27 NBA season continue to circulate, highlighting key contributors across the league. Analysts are evaluating roster depth, player tiers, and projected team standings as franchises prepare to open training camps.

RJ Barrett Featured in Preseason Fantasy Rankings and Team Outlooks

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Preseason evaluations and fantasy basketball rankings ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season continue to highlight key players across the league. Analysts are breaking down roster strengths, potential breakout candidates, and overall player valuations as teams finalize preparations for training camps.

Jaren Jackson Examined in Latest Preseason Roster and Ranking Evaluations

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Preseason evaluations and updated league-wide player rankings are rolling out as teams prepare to open training camps for the 2026-27 NBA season. Analysts continue to dissect roster constructions, star projections, and individual player placements across major media platforms as training camp action approaches.

Dejounte Murray Highlighted in 9-Cat Fantasy Basketball Preview Outlook

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As fantasy basketball draft season heats up for the 2026-27 campaign, player rankings and evaluations are taking center stage across various preseason preview magazines and analytical platforms. Dejounte Murray continues to be a focal point for managers assessing value, draft targets, and team rosters as organizations prepare for the upcoming NBA season schedule.

Thursday, September 24

Jalen Brunson Fully Cleared for Knicks Training Camp After Wrist Surgery

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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson announced he has been fully cleared for 5-on-5 contact ahead of training camp following early July surgery on his left shooting wrist. Brunson revealed the update during his live Roommates Show podcast at Randall's Island. He played through the tendon injury while leading New York to an NBA championship, averaging 28 points and six assists to earn Finals MVP. Brunson is also set to host the season opener of Saturday Night Live this weekend.

Austin Reaves Confirmed As Locked Starter For Los Angeles Lakers

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Austin Reaves has been officially confirmed by coach JJ Redick as a locked-in starter for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. Reaves enters the campaign as a vital core pillar and fundamental priority following his four-year, $180 million max contract extension signed in July. Alongside Luka Dončić and center Walker Kessler, Reaves anchors the Lakers' newly established continuity and championship aspirations under Redick's leadership during their roster overhaul.

Walker Kessler Penciled In As Starting Center For Los Angeles Lakers

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Walker Kessler is officially penciled in as the starting center for the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the 2026-27 season. Acquired via trade from Utah for multiple first-round draft assets and signed to a four-year, $130 million contract, Kessler faces high expectations for his elite rim protection and lob finishing. Coach JJ Redick and GM Rob Pelinka are banking on Kessler to stay healthy and anchor the frontcourt as a cornerstone of the team's major youth movement.

Luka Dončić Emphasizes Team Chemistry as Lakers' New Centerpiece

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Luka Dončić is fully embraced as the centerpiece of a younger, deeper Los Angeles Lakers squad entering the 2026-27 season. Dončić orchestrated a team-building minicamp in his home country of Slovenia this summer, receiving high praise from coach JJ Redick and GM Rob Pelinka for fostering early chemistry. As heavy expectations and MVP pressure surround him, Dončić also joined the basketball world in mourning the loss of legendary Lakers P.A. announcer Lawrence Tanter.

LeBron James Begins Philadelphia Era After Lakers Exit and Redick Comments

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LeBron James has begun a new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka noted the amicable departure, while head coach JJ Redick remarked that this year's roster pieces finally fit together. Entering his record 24th season alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, James leaves behind a heavily revamped Lakers squad centered around Luka Doncic, Walker Kessler, and Austin Reaves' max extension.

Keldon Johnson Faces Uncertain Spurs Future Amid Postseason Struggles

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The reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Keldon Johnson faces an uncertain future with the San Antonio Spurs entering the final year of his contract. Despite a strong regular season, Johnson struggled mightily in the restricted area during the postseason, shooting just 46 percent against elite rim protectors. With rookie Dylan Harper emerging as a prime bench threat and financial flexibility tightening due to the luxury tax, Johnson must prove his adaptability or risk becoming a future cap casualty.

Marcus Smart Calls Lakers Offer Disrespectful Prior to Rockets Signing

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Marcus Smart agreed to a two-year, $12.4 million deal with the Houston Rockets, opting to play closer to home in Texas. Smart did not hold back on his departure from Los Angeles, describing the Lakers' larger contract offer as disrespectful and lacking desired security. The former Defensive Player of the Year leaves a massive defensive void that the Lakers will attempt to fill with newcomer Quentin Grimes, while Houston gains his veteran grit and playmaking for the upcoming season.

Karl-Anthony Towns Extension Talks Stall Over Salary Cap Decisions

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Contract extension talks between Karl-Anthony Towns and the champion New York Knicks have stagnated ahead of training camp. Towns enters the final guaranteed year of his deal, eligible for a four-year, $276 million extension while earning $57 million this season. Disagreements over financial flexibility, second-apron restrictions, and target salary figures make an agreement unlikely before the season as both sides navigate complex salary cap mechanisms.

Tyrese Haliburton Will Be Fully Cleared for Pacers Training Camp

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Indiana Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan announced that Tyrese Haliburton will be fully cleared for training camp. Recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Haliburton's clearance marks a major milestone for the star guard heading into the 2026-27 season. He is expected to enter the preseason without formal restrictions, though his workload may be monitored early on.

Jalen Duren Contract Drama and Pistons Future Highlighted by Media

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The ongoing Jalen Duren contract saga with the Detroit Pistons has reached a critical juncture amid reports of friction over max contract demands and a proposed weight incentive clause. While Duren earned All-Star and All-NBA honors after a stellar season, mutual hesitation remains, contrasted with Detroit's commitment to Ausar Thompson. The situation approaches a resolution as a long-term deal or sign-and-trade looms for the star big man.

Jakob Poeltl Moving Well and Looking Good Ahead of Raptors Camp

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Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl is moving well and looks good ahead of training camp, according to general manager Bobby Webster. Webster noted that spending time at home helped Poeltl reset for the upcoming campaign. While the update indicates the veteran big man is in good shape entering camp, his workload and status will be monitored following an injury-shortened 2025-26 season where he was limited to 46 regular-season appearances.

Anthony Davis Expected to Bounce Back in Washington for 2026-27

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Washington Wizards general manager Will Dawkins stated that Anthony Davis is a motivated player expected to bounce back in 2026-27. Limited to 20 games last season with Dallas due to health issues, Davis is currently in a great frame of mind. The Wizards view him as a starting-caliber center in a revamped frontcourt alongside Alex Sarr and Deandre Ayton. Contract extension talks were postponed earlier in the offseason.