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NBA News

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

Friday, September 18

Draymond Green Embraces Expanded Three-Point Role With Warriors

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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

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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

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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.

Matisse Thybulle Joins Lakers to Bolster Perimeter Defense

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Perimeter defender Matisse Thybulle joined the Los Angeles Lakers on a minimum contract to address a major defensive need. The two-time All-Defensive selection played just 30 games last season for Portland, where he averaged 2.0 steals and led all players under 20 minutes with 3.9 deflections per game. Offensively, Thybulle shot 38.8% on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers and 44% on wide-open attempts in limited action.

Keyonte George Inks Five-Year, $157.5M Extension With Jazz

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Keyonte George and the Utah Jazz agreed to a five-year, $157.5 million rookie-scale extension, locking in the starting point guard through the 2027-28 season and beyond. George's major payday follows a breakout 2025-26 campaign where he averaged career highs in points (23.6), assists (6.1), field goal percentage (45.6%), and 3-point percentage (37.1%) across 54 games. The deal places him among elite company as one of just nine players in the league to average at least 23 points and 6 assists.

Jaylen Brown Adjusting to New City and Team Following Celtics Trade

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Jaylen Brown admitted he is still adjusting to playing for a new team and in a new city following his trade from the Boston Celtics. Reflecting on his departure, former teammate Jayson Tatum praised what the two accomplished together over nine years, sharing a championship and pushing each other's success. Brown now looks ahead to the upcoming season as he transitions to his new chapter and embraces the business side of the NBA in a fresh environment.

Jayson Tatum Opens Up on Jaylen Brown's Departure and Achilles Recovery

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Jayson Tatum reflected on the trade of longtime teammate Jaylen Brown, celebrating their nine years together, five conference finals, and a championship. Tatum also addressed his health, admitting he was nervous and lacked full trust in his Achilles last season after returning from a rupture. Entering this October, Tatum stated he feels fully back to himself, providing hope for Celtics fans as Boston looks to contend in a competitive Eastern Conference with a top-five-caliber star.

Sandro Mamukelashvili Expected to Boost Lakers Frontcourt Depth

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Sandro Mamukelashvili joined the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year, $52M deal, bringing floor-spacing and frontcourt depth off the bench. Coming off a season averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds with Toronto, the 6-foot-9 lefty is praised for his versatility and locker-room presence. Scouting reports highlight his potential to anchor lineups alongside Luka Dončić and Walker Kessler, offering a reliable outside shot and an unexpected offensive punch for the purple and gold.

LeBron James Reacts as Childhood Friend Brandon Weems Named Cavaliers GM

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LeBron James publicly congratulated his high school teammate and childhood friend, Brandon Weems, on being promoted to general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Weems, who joined Cleveland's front office in 2015, replaces Mike Gansey. Gansey left the Cavaliers to become president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers—the franchise James joined in July on a two-year, $8 million deal after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency amid a quiet offseason for the franchise.

Darryn Peterson Set to Form Utah Jazz Backcourt Core With Keyonte George

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No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson is slated to form Utah's backcourt of the future alongside Keyonte George, who just locked in a five-year, $157.5 million contract extension. Peterson displayed strong star potential during his appearances at the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. How Peterson and fellow ball-handler George mesh under head coach Will Hardy will be a primary storyline for the Jazz alongside Lauri Markkanen, Ace Bailey, and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Joel Embiid and 76ers Face Frontcourt Depth Questions After Bona Injury

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Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers face early frontcourt depth questions after backup center Adem Bona suffered a foot sprain during FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Bona is expected back in workouts within the first two weeks of training camp, though his absence tests Philadelphia's rotation given Embiid's extensive injury history and expected load management. Meanwhile, historical analysis highlights Embiid's dominant 50-point playoff performances and ongoing endurance challenges in the spring.

Adem Bona Suffers Foot Sprain During FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

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Philadelphia 76ers backup center Adem Bona suffered a foot sprain during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, with expectations to return to on-court workouts within the first two weeks of training camp. Bona, who averaged 4.7 fouls per 36 minutes over his first two seasons, was expected to enter the year with the inside track for the backup center role behind Joel Embiid. His brief absence exposes potential early-season frontcourt depth concerns for the franchise.

Luka Dončić's Lakers Face Scrutiny After Quiet Offseason Player Movement

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Following LeBron James' departure in free agency to Philadelphia, questions have arisen regarding why top free agents showed less interest in the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. Despite having Luka Dončić and 17 championships, the franchise saw targets like Klay Thompson, Jonathan Kuminga, and Peyton Watson sign elsewhere. The Lakers spent significantly re-signing Austin Reaves and trading for Walker Kessler, but transitions within the organization have raised eyebrows league-wide.

Nate Ament Prepares for Rookie Season with Milwaukee Bucks After Summer League

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Milwaukee Bucks rookie Nate Ament enters his first NBA season facing questions about whether he will spend time in the G League or earn immediate minutes. The 19-year-old lottery pick showed promise during Summer League, highlighted by a 23-point breakout against the Hornets and nearly 40 percent shooting from deep. Having added muscle and worked with trainer Zachary Gonzalez, Ament must address defensive positioning and over-aggressiveness as he works to carve out a rotation role in Milwaukee.

Duop Reath Joins Phoenix Suns on Training Camp Deal to Compete at Center

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The Phoenix Suns have signed Duop Reath to a training camp invite, bringing the 30-year-old center in to compete for a back-end rotation role following Mark Williams' injury. Reath averaged 6.2 points and 2.6 rebounds over 146 games with Portland and shot 41.8 percent from three-point range last season before undergoing foot surgery in January. Beyond floor-spacing capability, Reath's addition could provide valuable veteran mentorship for fellow countryman Khaman Maluach during training camp.

VJ Edgecombe Focuses on Three-Point Improvement for Sophomore Season

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Entering his second season with the Philadelphia 76ers, VJ Edgecombe aims to refine his game after finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting. Edgecombe averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last year while shooting 35.4 percent from beyond the arc. Despite a late-season shooting slump in the playoffs, he is dedicated to expanding his range and taking defensive pressure off teammates like Tyrese Maxey as the Sixers prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.

Derrick White Poised for Bounce-Back Season in Restored Celtics Role

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Derrick White is set for an efficiency resurgence as he transitions back into his natural complementary role with the Boston Celtics. Forced into a heavy creation workload during Jayson Tatum's absence last season, White registered a career-high creation rate but saw his shooting split fall to 39.4% FG and 32.7% 3PT. Despite offensive struggles, White maintained elite defensive impact (94th percentile EPM), posting career highs in steals and blocks to anchor Boston's defense.

Mitchell Robinson Brings Elite Rebounding and Size to Boston Frontcourt

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Boston Celtics newcomer Mitchell Robinson joins the frontcourt after cleaning up a staggering 21.1 percent of his team’s misses last year for the Knicks, averaging 4.2 offensive boards per game. Teammate Paul George praises his vertical threat and pick-and-roll abilities. While his elite rebounding and defensive presence bolster Boston's center depth, durability and improving his 40.8 percent free-throw shooting remain critical keys to his success this season.

Thursday, September 17

Josh Hart Says New York Knicks Are Focused on Repeating as Champions

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New York Knicks veteran Josh Hart stated that the team has turned the page on their championship celebrations and is fully focused on attempting a repeat title run. Speaking at a Manhattan event on Thursday, Hart emphasized that the roster is tired of congratulations and eager to begin training camp work. The Knicks return nearly their entire core roster following the departure of center Mitchell Robinson, as they prepare for a reshaped Eastern Conference featuring updated rival rosters.

Milwaukee Bucks Guard Kevin Porter Weds Tee Janay Ahead of 2026-27 Season

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Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter married Tee Janay in an all-black attire ceremony, according to recent social media posts. Porter is heading into his third season with Milwaukee after exercising his $5.39 million player option. The 26-year-old averaged 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists across 38 games during the 2025-26 season before suffering a season-ending injury in March. This upcoming campaign marks his first in Milwaukee without former teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo.