AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

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

Saturday, September 19

LeBron James Joined 76ers as Family Retains California Ties

AutoDraft Pro AI

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.

Tarris Reed Expected to Make Immediate Impact as Spurs' Rookie Center Depth

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Antonio Spurs rookie center Tarris Reed Jr. is poised to be the team's most impactful newcomer following an impressive college season averaging 14.7 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. Standing at 6-foot-10 and 260 pounds, Reed showcased his physical rim protection, rebounding, and screen-setting abilities during Summer League. With rookie Jayden Quaintance recovering from knee surgery, Reed is expected to earn early rotation minutes to provide key interior depth alongside Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet.

Khaman Maluach Set for Expanded Role Following Mark Williams Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Khaman Maluach is positioned for a significantly expanded role with the Phoenix Suns entering his second NBA season following a shoulder injury to starting center Mark Williams. The 2025 10th overall pick averaged 3.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 8.9 minutes across 46 games as a rookie, but impressed during Summer League with All-2nd Team averages of 19.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks. Maluach is expected to log 20-plus minutes per night alongside Oso Ighodaro and Duop Reath.

Adou Thiero Poised to Contend for Lakers' Fifth Starting Spot

AutoDraft Pro AI

Second-year Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero is making a strong case to compete for the team's fifth starting spot. Drafted in the second round in 2025, Thiero demonstrated rapid growth during the 2026 Summer League in Las Vegas, averaging 6.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 3.0 assists per game. Known for his elite athleticism and explosive finishing, Thiero showed marked defensive development, improved on-ball disruption, and enhanced decision-making, positioning him for a bigger rotation role.

Anthony Edwards' Pre-Draft Traits Propel Superstar Ascension in Minnesota

AutoDraft Pro AI

Anthony Edwards' rise to superstardom with the Minnesota Timberwolves was built on pre-draft traits that scouts overlooked. Drafted first overall in 2020, Edwards faced criticism for a 51.7% true shooting percentage at Georgia. However, his 98th-percentile eccentric force enabled elite deceleration and stop-start scoring ability. Paired with 27 college dunks and 13.5 three-point attempts per 100 possessions, his shot-creation volume laid the groundwork for his transition into an elite NBA scorer.

Austin Reaves Projected to Average 25+ Points in Expanded Lakers Role

AutoDraft Pro AI

Austin Reaves is primed for a massive leap with the Los Angeles Lakers as he steps into the primary second-creator role following LeBron James' departure. Before a Grade 2 calf strain sidelined him midseason, Reaves was having an All-Star-level campaign, averaging 27.3 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds across 22 contests. Having improved his production every year since arriving as an undrafted free agent, Reaves is projected to average over 25 points per game this season.

Luka Dončić Enters Prime Ready to Lead Lakers and Chase MVP Honors

AutoDraft Pro AI

As the Los Angeles Lakers enter the post-LeBron James era and embark on the official start of the Luka Dončić era, expectations are soaring. Entering the prime of his career after averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game, Dončić is positioned as a serious MVP contender. If Los Angeles outperforms preseason projections and he matches or exceeds last year's historic production, he will solidify his status as one of the game's ultimate elite superstars.

Stephen Curry Reaffirms Goal to Remain a 'Lifer' With Golden State Warriors

AutoDraft Pro AI

Stephen Curry confirmed his desire to spend his entire career with the Golden State Warriors, dismissing any interest in testing free agency. Eligible for a two-year, $136.7 million extension, the Warriors have reportedly offered Curry any contract structure he desires, with a deal expected before training camp. Curry, who earns $62.6 million in the final year of his current deal, also acknowledged attempting to recruit LeBron James before the superstar chose Philadelphia.

Cooper Flagg Builds Dynamic Offseason Chemistry With Kyrie Irving

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg is developing a promising on-court chemistry with veteran guard Kyrie Irving through offseason workouts and pickup games. According to longtime trainer Matt Mackenzie, Irving served as a key mentor last season and continues to guide Flagg's growth. Both high-IQ players share a team-first mindset focused on building a winning culture and driving success for the Mavericks this year.

Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg Form Potent Mavericks Partnership

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has forged a strong connection with teammate Cooper Flagg through offseason workouts, pickup games, and mentorship. Trainer Matt Mackenzie highlights their high basketball IQ and selfless play, noting Irving's role in guiding Flagg's development. Together, they aim to cultivate a winning culture and elevate the Mavericks' performance on the court for the upcoming season.

Payton Pritchard Positioned for Breakout Role with Boston Celtics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard is poised for a career year as he competes to rejoin the starting five as the team's second offensive option. Coming off a season where he averaged a career-high 5.2 assists per game and shot 42% on catch-and-shoot three-pointers, Pritchard's on-court pairing with Jayson Tatum yields an elite 125 offensive rating. Pritchard has recently worked with Mike Conley to further elevate his playmaking skills.

Jaylen Brown's Departure Opens Door for Boston's Backcourt Reconfiguration

AutoDraft Pro AI

Following Jaylen Brown's departure from the Boston Celtics, opportunities have opened up in the team's offense for guard Payton Pritchard alongside Jayson Tatum. While Brown previously served as a primary scoring option, analytical comparisons show Tatum's screening, passing, and catch-and-shoot tendencies created a higher offensive rating (125) when paired with Pritchard compared to past lineups.

Friday, September 18

David Stockton Signs Training Camp Deal With Phoenix Suns, Immediately Waived

AutoDraft Pro AI

Former Gonzaga point guard David Stockton signed a training camp contract with the Phoenix Suns on Sept. 18 before being immediately waived. The move paves the way for the 35-year-old veteran to rejoin the Valley Suns, Phoenix’s G League affiliate. Stockton, who last played an NBA game with the Utah Jazz in 2018, is a nine-year G League veteran. Across 244 G League career games, the son of Hall of Famer John Stockton has averaged 16.3 points, 6.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals.

Kawhi Leonard Bids Farewell to Clippers Fans Following Raptors Trade

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kawhi Leonard posted a farewell video on Instagram thanking Clippers fans following the official approval of his trade to the Toronto Raptors. The deal, initially struck in June, was delayed during an NBA investigation into salary cap circumvention that resulted in $30M in fines, five lost draft picks for LA, and a $700,000 fine for Leonard. The 35-year-old forward concludes a six-season tenure in Los Angeles as the Clippers face further fallout.

Jalen Duren Remains at Contract Standstill With Pistons

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren remains at a summer-long contract standstill as a restricted free agent despite coming off his first All-Star season and finishing runner-up for Most Improved Player. The 22-year-old averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 65% shooting during the regular season, though his production dropped to 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds in the playoffs. Reports link Duren to a potential deal with the Kings.

Ausar Thompson Signs 5-Year, $155M Extension With Pistons

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Detroit Pistons locked up core forward Ausar Thompson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $155 million rookie extension through 2031-32. Thompson, who finished third in 2026 Defensive Player of the Year voting and earned All-Defensive First Team honors, averaged 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and a league-leading 2.0 steals on 52.5% shooting last season. Alongside twin brother Amen, the duo became the highest-paid twins in NBA history.

Pelle Larsson Signs Four-Year, $60M Extension With Heat

AutoDraft Pro AI

Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson agreed to a four-year, $60 million contract extension featuring a mutual option for the 2030-31 season. Entering his third year making $2.3 million in 2026-27, the extension begins at $13.5 million in 2027-28. Larsson averaged 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 54 starts last season while shooting 60.5% true shooting. The 25-year-old wing also excelled for Sweden's national team this offseason, averaging 26 points in FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Draymond Green Embraces Expanded Three-Point Role With Warriors

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green revealed head coach Steve Kerr asked him to take more three-pointers heading into the 2026-27 season. Speaking on his podcast, Green shared that Kerr told him directly, "I want you shooting the three," boosting his confidence to adopt an aggressive catch-and-shoot mindset. Entering his 15th NBA season after re-signing on a one-year deal, the four-time All-Star holds a .321 career three-point percentage and looks to lessen the scoring burden on Steph Curry.

Jalen Brunson Expected Ready for Knicks Training Camp After Wrist Surgery

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is expected to have no restrictions when training camp begins in a couple of weeks, according to ESPN's Vincent Goodwill. Brunson is currently at about 80 to 85 percent recovery following surgery in early July to repair his wrist after New York's championship run. His status for Opening Night was never in real doubt, and he remains on track for a full return to start the season.

Walker Kessler Acquired by Lakers in Massive Sign-and-Trade Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Los Angeles Lakers landed elite rim protector Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Jazz, signing the 7-foot-2 center to a four-year, $130 million contract. Los Angeles sent two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps to Utah. Kessler, 25, is coming off a torn labrum in his left shoulder that limited him to five games last season. Holding career averages of 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks, he is expected to serve as the Lakers' defensive anchor.