Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is expanding his off-court presence, with NBC announcing he will guest star in a "Law & Order: SVU" episode airing Nov. 5. The news comes as Brunson was also featured in a new Adidas commercial where Anthony Edwards playfully teased him and his father, Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson. Brunson remains a focal point on and off the court following his standout leadership in New York.
Walker Kessler has been acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a comprehensive offseason roster overhaul around star Luka Dončić. The addition gives Los Angeles much-needed frontcourt size, interior defense, and depth as the organization seeks to compete with elite Western Conference contenders. Kessler joins a newly reshaped roster aiming to gel quickly ahead of the upcoming regular season.
Sandro Mamukelashvili has joined the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a massive offseason roster revamp centered around Luka Dončić. The Lakers added depth across the board following LeBron James' exit, positioning Mamukelashvili to fight for frontcourt rotational minutes. Head coach JJ Redick will aim to quickly build team chemistry in a crowded Western Conference as Los Angeles targets a high playoff seed.
Luka Dončić enters the upcoming season as the undisputed centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers following LeBron James' departure. Armed with a revamped roster featuring new additions Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, and Matisse Thybulle, Dončić and guard Austin Reaves are the team's only returning starters. Dončić aims to silence critics and push Los Angeles into top-three contention in a deep Western Conference.
Quentin Grimes has joined the Los Angeles Lakers following a busy offseason overhaul centered around superstar Luka Dončić. The arrival of Grimes adds depth and perimeter talent to a squad aiming to establish chemistry and contend in a stacked Western Conference. As Los Angeles looks to climb back to championship contention, Grimes will compete for key rotational minutes in head coach JJ Redick's backcourt.
Matisse Thybulle has joined the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a major offseason roster overhaul centered around Luka Dončić. The defensive specialist arrives as Los Angeles aims to get younger, deeper, and upgrade its perimeter defense in a competitive Western Conference. Head coach JJ Redick will look to integrate Thybulle alongside a newly reshaped core competing for a top playoff seed in the West.
Collin Sexton enters Lakers training camp under high expectations following an offseason roster overhaul designed around Luka Dončić. Projected to serve as a high-energy backup point guard, Sexton will be counted on to provide second-side offensive creation and boost unit efficiency. Head coach JJ Redick looks to integrate Sexton into a revamped secondary unit as Los Angeles aims to contend in a deep Western Conference.
Forward Peyton Watson expressed strong enthusiasm about joining the Cleveland Cavaliers following his summer sign-and-trade acquisition. The 23-year-old restricted free agent was personally recruited by veteran guard James Harden, which made Watson feel immediately embraced by the franchise. Coming off a career-best shooting season, the 6-foot-8 wing fills a critical void on Cleveland's roster and is eager to showcase his full game.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards released a comedic Adidas commercial promoting his Anthony Edwards 3 signature shoe. Hosting a mock talk show titled 'Minnatlantasota,' Edwards poked fun at LeBron James choosing Philadelphia over Minnesota, joking James' knees couldn't handle the cold weather and teasing him about hair enhancements. Coming off a 28.8 PPG season, Edwards continues to generate massive buzz both on and off the court.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden played a crucial role in landing restricted free agent Peyton Watson this offseason. Harden paused his contract extension negotiations until September to give Cleveland the necessary financial flexibility to execute the sign-and-trade deal. Additionally, Harden personally recruited the 6-foot-8 wing via phone calls and texts, convincing Watson to join Cleveland's frontcourt rotation.
The Phoenix Suns have agreed to terms with center Duop Reath on a non-guaranteed training camp invite. The move addresses frontcourt depth following shoulder surgery for Mark Williams, who will miss several months. Reath, entering his fourth NBA season, joins on a deal that brings healthy competition to the back end of the roster alongside two-way player CJ Huntley, with a roster spot far from guaranteed as training camp approaches in late September.
LaMelo Ball was featured prominently in Anthony Edwards' new comedic commercial for the Adidas Anthony Edwards 3. Edwards welcomed his new Timberwolves backcourt mate to the Twin Cities while jokingly warning fans that he refuses to carpool if Ball is driving, referencing his recent off-court driving mishaps. The playful banter highlights the growing chemistry between the two guards heading into the upcoming NBA season.
Jaylen Brown was poked fun at by Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards in a new Adidas commercial promoting the Anthony Edwards 3 signature shoe. In a mock late-night monologue on 'Minnatlantasota,' Edwards joked about Brown and LeBron James seeking hairline enhancements from barbers in Philadelphia. The playful jab at Brown accompanies comedic targets directed at several other marquee NBA stars in the unconventional marketing campaign.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards is entering the 2026-27 season competing for end-of-rotation minutes under head coach Nick Nurse. The undrafted Kentucky product shot 37% from three-point range last season but saw his rebounding drop to 1.5 per game. To solidify his role, the Philadelphia native must improve his interior defense and rebounding to complement his perimeter defense, off-ball cutting, and transition finishing.
Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams is expected to miss the first half of the 2026-27 NBA season following surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. In response to his absence, the Suns signed veteran center Duop Reath to a one-year, minimum deal. Williams' prolonged recovery leaves the frontcourt rotation dependent on Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach as training camp approaches.
Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona has suffered a left foot sprain late in the offseason, with an MRI confirming the injury. The team announced he is expected to be re-evaluated at the start of training camp. Bona made 71 regular-season appearances last year in his second NBA year, averaging 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 17.4 minutes. The 23-year-old provides depth at center behind Joel Embiid and Ariel Hukporti for the upcoming season.
Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors are in advanced discussions on a two-year contract extension. Eligible for up to $126 million, the Raptors are reportedly seeking a deal under $100 million due to the 35-year-old's injury history. Managed by agent Harrison Gaines, Leonard averaged 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds in 65 games last season. Alongside Scottie Barnes, Leonard anchors Toronto's championship aspirations as he seeks to end his career with the Raptors.
Dallas Mavericks All-Star guard Kyrie Irving offered to pay the fine for Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair following his tribute to a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza. Both athletes have been outspoken advocates for Palestine. Earlier, Irving participated in offseason Brotherhood scrimmages at Duke University alongside recovering teammate Dereck Lively II and Cooper Flagg, showcasing his readiness as the Mavericks prepare for their October 21 season opener against Houston.
Trevor Keels has agreed to an Exhibit-10 contract with the Washington Wizards. The 23-year-old guard will spend training camp with Washington, with his G League rights acquired by the Capital City Go-Go. Keels averaged 15.6 points per game and shot 40.4% from three-point range in the G League last season, headlined by a 46-point performance where he went 12-for-12 from deep. He can earn a $91,000 bonus by staying with the Go-Go for 60 days.
Selected fifth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft after starring at Illinois with averages of 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, 19-year-old rookie Keaton Wagler has unexpectedly become the most vital cornerstone for the LA Clippers. Following unprecedented league penalties that stripped the franchise of five future first-round draft picks, Wagler's development into a star and primary creator is essential for the team's ability to navigate a challenging future and survive a difficult roster rebuild.
