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.

Monday, September 21

Kyrie Irving Returns From Injury To Lead Mavericks Roster

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

AutoDraft Pro AI

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

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.