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NBA News

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

Monday, September 21

Cooper Flagg Refines Three-Point Shot Ahead of Second Season

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Reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg enters his second season with the Dallas Mavericks following a productive offseason. Working with personal trainer Matt MacKenzie, Flagg focused on expanding his game, notably developing both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble three-point shooting to improve on last year's 29.5% mark from deep. He also spent time in Dallas acclimating to new head coach Dusty May and building chemistry with returning star Kyrie Irving as the franchise targets a playoff return.

Gary Trent Seeks Bounce-Back Season Amid Scrutiny Over Lucrative Deal

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Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. is looking to rebound from a difficult 2025-26 campaign where he posted career-low shooting numbers, averaged just 21.8 minutes per game, and fell out of the rotation. Facing intense fan scrutiny and cap circumvention questions regarding his lucrative multi-year contract, the eight-year veteran aims to stabilize his performance in a more settled environment under head coach Doc Rivers, away from last season's off-court drama and roster instability.

Oso Ighodaro Eyes Expanded Role and Starting Job in Third NBA Season

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Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro is competing for an expanded role and the starting job as training camp approaches, boosted by Mark Williams' left shoulder injury and a training camp deal for Duop Reath. Last season, Ighodaro was the team's iron man, playing in all 82 games and averaging 5.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists while forming a strong pick-and-roll tandem with Collin Gillespie. He is working to improve his shooting and free-throw accuracy to secure a long-term extension.

Derrick White Profile Analyzed as Celtics Evaluate Backcourt

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Boston Celtics guard Derrick White remains a focal point of team strategy as analysts examine potential trade targets like Ryan Rollins to offset his expected future decline. Known for his elite point-of-attack defense and rim-protection utility from the guard position, White's specific skill set heavily influences how Boston configures its lineup around centers Neemias Queta and Mitchell Robinson, maintaining championship-caliber versatility heading deeper into the NBA season.

Ryan Rollins Emerges as Prime Trade Target for Contenders

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Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins is drawing significant interest as a potential trade target following a breakout 2025-26 campaign where he averaged 17.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 40.6 percent from deep. Entering the final year of his contract ahead of 2027 free agency, Rollins provides strong two-way capabilities and stellar efficiency. With Milwaukee rebuilding and possessing a crowded backcourt, contenders like the Boston Celtics are eyeing his expiring $4 million deal.

Rafael Castro Finalizes Two-Way Deal with Houston Rockets

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The Houston Rockets completed their two-way contract overhaul by adding 6-foot-10 center Rafael Castro. Going undrafted in 2026 following a senior season at George Washington where he averaged 15.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, Castro is recognized for his speed, athletic rim-running, and pick-and-roll proficiency. Though a traditional big man lacking perimeter shooting range and currently weighing a slight 224 pounds, he joins the organization as an intriguing developmental prospect.

Sean Pedulla Brings G League Accolades to Houston Rockets

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After winning G League Rookie of the Year honors with Minnesota's affiliate, point guard Sean Pedulla has signed a two-way deal with the Houston Rockets. The 23-year-old averaged 23.6 points, 6.7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals while shooting 39.6 percent from beyond the arc last season. Undrafted in 2025, Pedulla previously spent time with Portland and the L.A. Clippers, adding much-needed playmaking and perimeter shooting depth to Houston's backcourt for the upcoming campaign.

Quadir Copeland Joins Houston Rockets on Two-Way Contract

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The Houston Rockets signed 23-year-old undrafted guard Quadir Copeland to a two-way contract for the 2026-2027 season. Standing 6-foot-6, Copeland averaged 13.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists as a senior at NC State while shooting 49.4 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from deep. Head coach Ime Udoka values his defense-first mindset, size, and athleticism, though his 2.8 turnovers per game indicate areas for developmental growth.

Fred VanVleet Returns From Injury To Boost Houston Backcourt

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Fred VanVleet expects to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season after missing all of last year with a torn ACL. His return is considered the biggest question mark for the Houston Rockets, who struggled with playmaking depth during a first-round playoff exit following their Kevin Durant acquisition. At age 32, VanVleet's leadership and point guard stability are expected to unlock the Rockets' offense and help the team challenge for the top tier of the Western Conference.

Kevin Durant And Rockets Eye Redemption In 2026-27 Season

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Following a disappointing first-round playoff exit in year one of the Kevin Durant era, the Houston Rockets enter the 2026-27 season largely running it back. The return of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet from a torn ACL is expected to resolve the team's playmaking issues and unlock chemistry with Durant. With Durant holding a player option for next year, the 37-year-old star and a talented core featuring Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson aim to contend for the Western Conference title.

Kyrie Irving Returns From Injury To Lead Mavericks Roster

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Kyrie Irving returns from missing the entire 2025-26 campaign due to a torn ACL, headlining the Dallas Mavericks' revamped roster alongside rookie sensation Cooper Flagg and returning center Dereck Lively II. Under newly hired coach Dusty May and front office executives Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz, Dallas looks to bounce back from a 26-56 season. Irving's health and his partnership with Flagg will be the primary focal point as the Mavericks push to return to playoff contention.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Traded To Miami Heat In Blockbuster Deal

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On the eve of the 2026 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat acquired superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from Milwaukee in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kasparas Jakucionis. Pairing Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo gives Miami a formidable defensive frontcourt. Despite questions about floor spacing and point guard creation following a missed postseason last year, the Heat enter the 2026-27 season as strong favorites to win the Southeast Division.

Sunday, September 20

Anton Watson Signed and Waived by Los Angeles Lakers in Camp Moves

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The Los Angeles Lakers signed forward Anton Watson to a training camp deal and immediately waived him on Friday, Sept. 18, alongside signings of Meechie Johnson and Chase Ross. He is expected to join the G League’s Coachella Valley Lakers. During seven Summer League games, Watson averaged 7.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 20.7 minutes per contest. Previously drafted 54th overall in 2024 by Boston, he has also had stints with the New York Knicks.

Duop Reath Joins Suns Roster Competition After Choosing Phoenix Over Knicks

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Duop Reath has chosen the Phoenix Suns over the New York Knicks, joining the team to compete for a back-of-the-roster spot ahead of training camp. The 30-year-old stretch big brings perimeter shooting, having hit 23 three-pointers last season. Phoenix views Reath as a potential mentor for young center Khaman Maluach, whose development timeline accelerated following Mark Williams' injury. Reath offers floor-spacing depth, though his roster spot remains a battle against current developmental options.

Luka Dončić Posts Heartbreaking Message to Daughters After Leaving Slovenia

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Los Angeles Lakers superstar guard Luka Dončić shared a heartbreaking Instagram post on Sunday expressing sorrow about leaving his two young daughters, Gabriela and Olivia, in Slovenia with his ex-fiancée, Anamarie Goltes, as he returns to America. Dončić, who shares custody following the couple's split and a previously filed child support petition that was later dismissed in August, wrote that his daughters are always in his heart no matter where he is in the world.

Jordan Goodwin Locked Into Expanded Role Following Career-Best Season

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Jordan Goodwin enters the upcoming season with the Phoenix Suns following a breakout campaign where he averaged 8.7 points and 4.9 rebounds across 70 games. Having inked a three-year, $19 million contract extension over the summer, Goodwin is projected to see an increased workload of 25-27 minutes per night. The coaching staff is relying on his improved 37.1% three-point shooting and tenacious perimeter defense to anchor the team's gritty second-unit identity.

Alex Caruso Highlighted as Defensive Benchmark for Phoenix Suns

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Alex Caruso was referenced by analysts evaluating the Phoenix Suns' roster composition, specifically serving as a comparative defensive archetype for versatile guard Jordan Goodwin. Known for his elite perimeter defense and toughness with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Caruso represents the exact gritty, multi-positional mold that opposing teams and Western Conference contenders attempt to replicate on the defensive end of the floor during the season.

Joan Beringer Eyed for Backup Center Role by Minnesota Coach Finch

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Minnesota coach Chris Finch highlighted 19-year-old big man Joan Beringer as a key piece needed to step up into the backup center role behind Rudy Gobert. Finch addressed Beringer's rookie promise, noting that while young-player inconsistency and overly aggressive fouling remain hurdles, learning to dial back his over-aggressiveness is preferable to lacking effort.

LaMelo Ball Integration Discussed by Minnesota Coach Chris Finch

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Minnesota coach Chris Finch discussed how new addition LaMelo Ball will fit alongside Anthony Edwards in the team's offense this season. Finch noted that while the offensive identity will still flow through Edwards, Ball's arrival gives the team a chance to play faster, improve passing, and benefit from enhanced off-ball movement as part of a heavily revamped roster.

Saturday, September 19

LeBron James Joined 76ers as Family Retains California Ties

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LeBron James selected the Philadelphia 76ers as his fifth NBA stop during summer free agency, choosing the team despite recruitment efforts from Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. While James took his talents to Philadelphia, his family maintains strong California ties following his wife Savannah's investment in LOVB's new Los Angeles volleyball team, inspired by their daughter Zhuri, while his son Bronny James remains with the Los Angeles Lakers.