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NBA News

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

Saturday, September 19

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.