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NBA News

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

Monday, September 21

Henri Veesaar Diagnosed With Torn Right ACL, Out For 2026-27 Season

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Atlanta Hawks rookie Henri Veesaar has been diagnosed with a torn right ACL and is expected to miss the entire 2026-27 NBA season. Veesaar suffered the severe knee injury during a workout on September 15, with an MRI confirming the diagnosis. Selected as the No. 52 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft out of North Carolina, where he averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds, the 7-foot big man was slated to provide rim protection and floor spacing before the unfortunate setback.

Nicolas Batum Announces Retirement From NBA After 18 Seasons

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Nicolas Batum has announced his retirement from the NBA, concluding an 18-season career at age 37. A standout stalwart for the French national team, Batum accumulated career averages of 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 1,205 regular-season games. Throughout his storied journey, he spent significant stints playing for Portland, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and most notably the Clippers before hanging up his sneakers, leaving behind a legacy as a pro's pro.

Jaden Bradley Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension With Toronto Raptors

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The Toronto Raptors have converted rookie Jaden Bradley's two-way deal into a four-year, $9.3 million multi-year contract with the first year guaranteed. Selected 50th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft out of Arizona, the Big 12 Player of the Year averaged 6.4 points and 3.2 assists in Summer League. Bradley is expected to compete for minutes as a backup point guard behind Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead, while also making appearances with Raptors 905 during his rookie season.

Onyeka Okongwu: Atlanta Hawks Face Frontcourt Depth Test After Henri Veesaar Injury

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Following the devastating news that rookie center Henri Veesaar will miss the 2026-27 NBA season with a torn right ACL, the Atlanta Hawks face a notable depth test behind starting center Onyeka Okongwu. Veesaar, a 7-foot prospect selected 52nd overall out of North Carolina, was expected to secure a key rotation spot backing up Okongwu with his ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor before suffering the severe knee injury during a September 15 workout.

Bruce Brown Joins Knicks Training Camp as Key Wing Reserve Option

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Bruce Brown has joined the New York Knicks training camp as a veteran invitee to compete for an open bench spot. Best known for his massive 2023 championship run with Denver, Brown offers steady ball-handling, screening, rebounding, and defensive IQ. His versatile skill set provides valuable insurance for the Knicks, though he faces strong positional overlap with other wing invitees as he attempts to impress head coach Mike Brown and earn a regular-season roster spot.

Ochai Agbaji Competes for Roster Spot at Knicks Training Camp

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Ochai Agbaji has joined the New York Knicks training camp as a veteran invitee aiming to secure a permanent bench role. The 6'5" wing with 3-and-D potential has spent his first four NBA seasons across three different teams, experiencing hit-or-miss shooting despite hitting 40 percent of his threes in 2025 and 35 percent with the Nets in 2026. Agbaji brings active defense and lottery upside to New York's competitive training camp battles under head coach Mike Brown.

James Wiseman Seeks Career Redemption at Knicks Training Camp

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Former second overall pick James Wiseman is seeking a career redemption arc by joining the New York Knicks' training camp on an invite. Wiseman has played just five total games over the last two seasons due to an Achilles tear and subsequent waiving by the Pacers. In New York, he reunites with head coach Mike Brown from their Golden State days, offering immense athletic upside if he can overcome a devastating history of injuries and crack a competitive roster.

John Konchar Joins Knicks Training Camp After Leaving Memphis

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John Konchar has joined the New York Knicks training camp on a veteran invite, choosing their offer over multiple suitors after spending nearly seven entire years in Memphis. Konchar brings added height, tenacity on the glass, and strong defensive capabilities to the Knicks' wing rotation as they look to fill open roster spots. While lacking elite ball-handling or floor-spacing dependability, his quiet work ethic gives him a strong edge in the ongoing bench battle.

Drew Eubanks Joins Knicks Training Camp as Roster Battle Heats Up

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As training camp approaches, eight-year veteran Drew Eubanks has joined the New York Knicks as a camp invitee to compete for one of the final open roster spots. Eubanks provides soft finishes and solid defensive positioning as a reliable backup center option who has previously played for six different teams. He enters camp looking to secure a bench role alongside other veteran invitees attempting to impress head coach Mike Brown on the defending champion squad.

Kawhi Leonard Traded to Raptors Amid Clippers Franchise Scandal

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Kawhi Leonard officially joins the Toronto Raptors in a franchise-altering trade following a salary cap investigation that resulted in a $700,000 fine and a one-year suspension for former Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. The seven-time All-Star avoids player suspension and aims to lead Toronto alongside Scottie Barnes, while the Clippers have named an interim governor to temporarily replace Ballmer during his mandated league absence.

Deandre Ayton Traded to Washington Wizards by Los Angeles Lakers

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The Los Angeles Lakers traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and a pair of second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, shortly after Ayton exercised his 2026-27, $8.1 million player option. Lakers were pleasantly surprised to fetch draft capital back given Ayton's inconsistent play and temperament, which previously led to departures from Phoenix and Portland. Ayton now hopes for a fresh start with his new Wizards squad.

Julius Randle Reflects on Timberwolves Tenure After Nets Trade

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Following an eventful tenure with the Timberwolves that featured stellar playoff moments alongside struggles against lengthy defenders, three-time All-Star Julius Randle was acquired by the Brooklyn Nets in a major three-team trade. Teaming up with Michael Porter Jr., Randle looks to provide crucial offensive leadership for a rebuilding Brooklyn squad. A retrospective of his Minnesota stint highlights his grit, scoring flashes, and eventual departure after trade deadline turmoil.

Buddy Hield Involved in Ongoing Trade Discussions with Hornets

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The Atlanta Hawks have explored trading Buddy Hield to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith. For Atlanta, the talks center on shedding Hield's $9.7 million salary for this season and his $10.1 million player option for next year. Hield, 33, appeared in 51 games last season split between Golden State and Atlanta, averaging 7.6 points while shooting a career-low 34.9% from 3-point range. While talks remain ongoing, no final deal has been completed yet between the teams.

Dorian Finney-Smith Implicated in Hawks-Hornets Trade Talks

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The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets have discussed a potential trade involving Dorian Finney-Smith and Buddy Hield. Finney-Smith, 33, played just 37 games last season due to ankle surgery, putting up career-low numbers. Healthy again, he looks to return to a reliable 3&D role. The deal is not finalized and would likely require additional assets beyond a straight player swap due to salary differences, keeping Finney-Smith firmly in trade rumors as the new NBA season approaches.

Quentin Grimes Seeks Core Role After Four-Year Deal With Lakers

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Quentin Grimes signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers to serve as a key perimeter piece alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. While his scoring and catch-and-shoot abilities offer high offensive upside, his success will depend on improving defensive impact and locking down opponents' top guards to secure a long-term starting role.

Jonathan Kuminga Signs Two-Year Deal with Minnesota Timberwolves

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Jonathan Kuminga has signed a two-year contract worth $12.4 million with the Minnesota Timberwolves, featuring a player option for the 2027-28 season. Recruited heavily by star Anthony Edwards, Kuminga is expected to step in as the team's starting power forward following offseason departures, joining a youthful core aiming for contention.

Anthony Edwards Instrumentally Recruits Jonathan Kuminga to Minnesota

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Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards played an instrumental role in recruiting former Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga to sign a two-year, $12.4 million deal with the team. With roster changes reshaping the franchise, Edwards is firmly embracing his leadership role, aiming to form a core nucleus alongside Jaden McDaniels, Kuminga, and LaMelo Ball to guide the Timberwolves to their first NBA Finals appearance.

Labaron Philon Faces Developing Rookie Role With Philadelphia 76ers

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Taken 22nd overall in the 2026 NBA draft, Philadelphia 76ers rookie Labaron Philon enters his debut season facing a crowded backfield. Following an All-America sophomore season at Alabama averaging 22.0 points and 5.0 assists, and a strong Summer League averaging 18.5 points and 5.8 assists, Philon sits fourth in the guard pecking order behind Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Anfernee Simons, likely pointing to spot minutes and a developmental trajectory.

Gary Payton Embraces Golden State Warriors Being Counted Out

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Gary Payton II is embracing low expectations for the Golden State Warriors entering the 2026-27 NBA season, drawing comparisons to their 2021-22 championship run. Coming off a 37-win season, the veteran guard highlighted the team's mix of star power with Steph Curry and Draymond Green, alongside key rehabilitations for Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Payton, who played a career-high 73 games last year, believes a healthy Warriors squad will pose major problems for the rest of the league.

Cam Whitmore Signs Two-Way Contract With The Denver Nuggets

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Former first-round pick Cam Whitmore is joining the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, two-way NBA deal after stops in Houston, Washington, and a brief stint in Cleveland. Over 119 career games, Whitmore has averaged 10.5 points and 3.3 rebounds. Joining superstar center Nikola Jokic offers Whitmore a prime opportunity to revive his career by focusing on cutting, finishing efficiently, and improving his defense to carve out a consistent role for the championship-aspiring Nuggets.