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NBA News

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

Wednesday, September 23

Austin Reaves Steps Up as Lakers' Primary Second Option Post-LeBron

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Following the departure of LeBron James, Austin Reaves is firmly established as the Los Angeles Lakers' primary second option alongside Luka Dončić. Fresh off securing a lucrative new contract, Reaves carries an expanded shot-creation and leadership burden. Though the Lakers lost key veterans, their roster reconstruction added nine players—including Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton—giving Reaves and Dončić a deeper, more complementary 12-man rotation to navigate the 2026-27 season.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Knicks Extension Talks Stagnate Ahead of Camp

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Contract extension talks between Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks have stalled as training camp nears, though discussions remain cordial. The Knicks are asking Towns to take a discount from his max four-year, $272 million deal to navigate second apron concerns and future extensions for core players like Jalen Brunson. Towns, who is owed $57 million this season after capturing New York's 2026 title, has expressed a strong desire to stay with the franchise.

Marcus Smart Blasts Lakers' Offer as Disrespectful Before Signing With Rockets

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Marcus Smart opted out of a two-year, $10.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and called their off-season extension offer "disrespectful" and lacking security compared to deals given to lesser performers. Smart, who emerged as a playoff starting anchor for L.A. with 1.4 steals and a 116.9 defensive rating, subsequently signed a two-year, $12.4 million deal with the Houston Rockets to reunite with head coach Ime Udoka.

Devin Vassell Snubbed in ESPN's Top 100 NBA Players Rankings

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Despite starting for an NBA Finals team, averaging 13.9 points, shooting 38.4% from three, and improving defensively in the playoffs, Devin Vassell was surprisingly left off ESPN's top 100 players list. Analysts and fans consider it a major snub compared to players like Lu Dort and Fred VanVleet. Vassell enters a competitive San Antonio Spurs roster ready to prove himself and play with a chip on his shoulder as they pursue a 2027 return to the Finals.

Kawhi Leonard Traded to Raptors as Clippers Address Cap Scandal Fallout

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Kawhi Leonard has officially returned to the Toronto Raptors following a blockbuster trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, who were penalized for salary-cap circumvention involving off-court deals for Leonard. The package yielded Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and five draft picks for L.A. While interim CEO John Gibson thanked Leonard for his tenure, questions linger around his tactical roster fit alongside Scottie Barnes in Toronto.

Luka Dončić Vows to Deliver Championships in Passionate Lakers Essay

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In an essay featured in a new authorized book on franchise history published by TASCHEN, Los Angeles Lakers star guard Luka Dončić expressed his awe at joining the organization and made a passionate vow to win. Dončić shared details of meeting Jeanie Buss and viewing the team's championship trophies, declaring that he will not rest until he delivers more titles to Los Angeles and writes his own championship chapters in the purple and gold.

Dylan Harper's Rookie Card Sells for $320,860 Amid Role Debate

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San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper's autographed 2025-26 Bowman Chrome SuperFractor rookie card sold for a record $320,860 at a Goldin auction. Following a strong rookie campaign leading the Spurs to the NBA Finals, analyst Jared Weiss suggests coach Mitch Johnson should increase Harper's minutes by closing games alongside De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. Harper remains a primary favorite for the Sixth Man of the Year award heading into the new NBA season.

De'Aaron Fox Looks to Hold Down Starting Point Guard Role for Spurs

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De'Aaron Fox enters training camp in the pole position to retain his starting point guard role over Dylan Harper for the 2026-27 season. However, analysts note that Harper's strong play during the previous postseason and NBA Finals has intensified the battle for the starting job. Fox will need to perform immediately, as any early-season struggles could prompt the Spurs to hand the reins to the rising youngster.

Stephon Castle Locked Into Starting Shooting Guard Role

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San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle appears locked into a starting role at shooting guard for the upcoming season, per Jared Weiss of the New York Times. While teammate Dylan Harper sparks discussion regarding backcourt minutes, Castle's starting status remains secure after an instrumental postseason run where he averaged 18.2 points, 6.1 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 three-pointers across 23 playoff appearances.

Collin Murray-Boyles Enters Second Year Eyeing Center Role

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Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles enters his second season looking to build on an encouraging rookie year where he averaged 8.5 points and 5.0 rebounds. Standing 6-foot-7, his physicality and defensive versatility shined in the playoffs, averaging 14.4 points and 6.4 rebounds. While size remains a question, Toronto will experiment with him as a modern small-ball center. His primary development areas include improving three-point shooting and foul discipline.

Jalen Suggs Could Transition to More Off-Ball Roles for Orlando Magic

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Jalen Suggs is projected to see increased time as a spot-up and catch-and-shoot option. Suggs endured a tough postseason, averaging 11.1 points on 29.9% shooting overall and 24.1% from deep, forced into primary ball-handling due to injuries to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. With a healthy roster expected, Suggs should excel in an off-ball role, though breakout guard Anthony Black looms as a presence in the backcourt.

Kevin Durant Dismisses Minutes Reduction Talk at Rockets Media Day

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Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant pushed back on suggestions for reduced playing time in his 20th season, asserting he is better on the court and trained for a heavy workload. Durant logged 78 games last year, averaging 36.4 minutes before an ankle injury. At media day, he also brushed off contract extension talks, stating he enjoys the daily process, and dismissed off-court political distractions surrounding the WNBA as noise.

Devin Booker Lands at No. 20 in ESPN Player Rankings Ahead of Season

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Devin Booker enters the season ranked No. 20 in ESPN's Top 100, dropping four spots after an underwhelming year carrying a heavy load without injured stars. Last season, he averaged 26.1 points and 7.9 rebounds under coach Jordan Ott, shooting 45.6% from the field and 33% from deep. As the Suns' culture driver, Booker looks to bounce back alongside returning guard Jalen Green and newcomer Miles Bridges to alleviate offensive pressure.

Cade Cunningham Assumes Greater Leadership Role with Detroit Pistons

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Cade Cunningham enters his sixth NBA season as the Pistons' longest-tenured player following the offseason trade of Isaiah Stewart to Memphis. This move places an expanded leadership burden on the 24-year-old guard. Coming off a stellar campaign where he averaged 23.9 points, 9.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, Cunningham remains a premier first-round selection in fantasy drafts this fall.

Scottie Barnes Evaluated Alongside Kawhi Leonard in Raptors' Return

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As Kawhi Leonard makes his anticipated return to Toronto, analysts are closely examining the tactical fit between Leonard and Scottie Barnes. The pairing brings high-level talent to the Raptors, though questions remain regarding how their skill sets will complement each other on the floor as the franchise navigates its current roster configuration and future competitive aspirations.

Domantas Sabonis Remains a Trade Candidate for Sacramento Kings

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Domantas Sabonis remains a trade candidate heading into the 2026-27 season. After sitting out for Lithuania during FIBA World Cup qualifiers, Sabonis is ready for training camp. Following the Kings waiving DeMar DeRozan over the summer, Sacramento could be headed toward a full rebuild. Sabonis is primed for heavy usage despite his market value dipping after averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists prior to season-ending knee surgery in February.

Brandon Ingram Undergoes Offseason Heel Surgery

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Los Angeles Clippers forward Brandon Ingram underwent surgery on his foot and heel during the offseason, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. The procedure was not previously mentioned by the franchise, leaving fantasy managers and team observers awaiting official updates at Media Day regarding his availability and potential impact for Opening Night.

Stephen Curry Assures Unsettled Contract Extension Won't Disrupt Warriors

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Entering the final year of his deal at age 38, Stephen Curry addressed his unresolved two-year extension talks, stating definitively that the contract situation will bring zero drama to the Golden State Warriors. Curry emphasized his desire for on-court competitiveness and roster flexibility, noting that an extension will eventually happen while keeping his full focus on team leadership and championship pursuits for his 17th season.

Lonzo Ball Clarifies Retirement Rumors After Podcast Comments

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Lonzo Ball refuted retirement rumors following podcast comments discussing career-derailing knee injuries, clarifying on social media that he is still waiting for an NBA call. Over nine seasons with the Lakers, Pelicans, Bulls, and Cavaliers, Ball has averaged 10.6 points and 5.6 assists. Last season with Cleveland, he averaged 4.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists across 35 games before being traded to Utah and waived, remaining an unsigned unrestricted free agent.

Kyrie Irving Trade Rumors Emerge as Mavs Prepare for 2026-27 Season

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As Kyrie Irving prepares to return from an ACL tear that sidelined him all of last season, NBA executives are monitoring his long-term fit with the Dallas Mavericks. While Irving serves as a vocal leader alongside 19-year-old Cooper Flagg, insiders question if Dallas could trade the veteran near the deadline as they rebuild around Flagg. For now, both Irving and new head coach Dusty May remain focused on returning to playoff contention.