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NBA News

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

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Toumani Camara Locks In Four-Year, $82 Million Extension with Portland Trail Blazers

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Toumani Camara, a 25-year-old defensive forward, has signed a four-year, $82 million contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers. This deal is considered excellent for Portland, as Camara's maximum extension could have reached $87 million, securing him for less than $21 million annually. An All-Defense Team player from last year, Camara has steadily improved his offensive game, averaging 11.3 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc last season. Initially almost a "throw-in" in the Damian Lillard trade, Camara has emerged as one of the best assets for the Blazers, solidifying his role as a key wing player for the team's future.

Shaedon Sharpe Secures Four-Year, $90 Million Extension with Portland Trail Blazers

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Shaedon Sharpe has agreed to a four-year, $90 million rookie contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers, a deal widely considered a win for the team as many expected it to exceed $100 million. The athletic scoring wing is seen as a crucial part of Portland's future, with his contract representing less than 15% of the salary cap. Last season, Sharpe averaged a career-high 18.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. While his athleticism and dunking ability are undeniable, he aims to improve his efficiency, having shot 31.1% from three-point range and a 55.1 true shooting percentage, along with enhancing his defensive play. He is poised for a breakout season.

Lakers' Jaxson Hayes Expresses Interest in Playing for Slovenia with Luka Doncic

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Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has openly expressed his strong desire to play for the Slovenian national team alongside his Lakers teammate Luka Doncic in international competitions. Hayes's interest stems from his lament over USA Basketball's perceived lack of open tryouts, prompting him to explore opportunities with other national teams. Slovenia's roster rules, which permit one naturalized citizen, make Hayes a viable candidate for the squad. This development was reported on October 19, 2025, highlighting Hayes's ambition for international play.

Kings' Domantas Sabonis Out for First Week of Season with Hamstring Strain

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Sacramento Kings' three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis will miss at least the first week of the season, approximately 10 days, due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The injury occurred during a preseason game against the Clippers, despite coach Doug Christie's efforts to get core starters valuable playing time. Sabonis's absence is a significant blow, as he averaged 19.1 points and 13.9 rebounds last season, shooting 41.7% from three-point range and 62.7% inside the arc, and is crucial to Sacramento's offense. Dario Saric is slated to start in his place. The Kings face a challenging start, opening the season at the Suns on October 22, followed by home games against the Jazz and Lakers, further complicated by other starter absences.

Russell Westbrook Joins Kings on New Deal, Publicly Moves Past Lakers Stint

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New Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook, 36, recently agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million free-agent deal, marking his latest chapter in a winding NBA career. During a preseason game, Westbrook notably refused to sign a fan's Los Angeles Lakers jersey, opting instead to autograph Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets jerseys, stating, "I don’t know about signing that jersey. I’ll sign something else for you, though." This gesture underscored his readiness to move past his turbulent Lakers tenure, which began in 2021 but quickly soured due to clashes with LeBron James and Anthony Davis and shooting inconsistencies. After being dealt to the Utah Jazz in February 2023 and subsequently waived, he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. In summer 2024, he was traded to Utah again, waived, and then joined the Denver Nuggets, where he achieved historic milestones, becoming the first player to record 200 career triple-doubles and surpassing 26,000 career points. Westbrook now brings his experience and accomplishments to Sacramento.

Darius Garland Confidently Believes Healthy Cavaliers Would Have Won Last Season's NBA Title

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland has confidently stated his belief that the team would have won the NBA title last season if he had remained healthy. Garland's postseason run was cut short due to a toe injury, which caused him to miss crucial time during Cleveland's playoff campaign. His assertion underscores the impact he feels his presence could have had on the Cavaliers' championship aspirations, indicating that his absence was a significant factor in their playoff performance. This reflects his personal assessment of the team's potential and his vital role within it.

Paul George Fully Participates in Sunday's Practice Following Knee Issue

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Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George was a full participant in Sunday's practice, indicating positive progress in his recovery from a knee issue. The update, reported by Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com, confirms that George is actively engaging in team activities without limitations. This full participation is a significant step for the 76ers as they prepare, with further analysis on his status available via RotoWire.com. His return to full practice is crucial for the team's lineup and overall dynamics.

Warriors' Moses Moody Sidelined for Season Opener Due to Calf Strain

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Golden State Warriors forward Moses Moody has been officially ruled out for the regular season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night as he continues to rehab a strained calf. Coach Steve Kerr confirmed Moody did not practice Sunday, engaging only in individual work and missing the final three preseason games. Moody's absence significantly impacts Kerr’s starting lineup plans, as he started both preseason games he played, averaging 14.5 points on 52.4% shooting and 58.3% from three-point range. His versatility as an on-ball defender and three-point shooter, a role solidified after the Jimmy Butler trade, was key last season. While Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler (if healthy) are expected to start, Brandin Podziemski will be in the lineup, with Al Horford and Jonathan Kuminga also options.

Kevin Durant Agrees to Two-Year, $90 Million Extension with Rockets, Set for Debut

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Kevin Durant has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets, just two days before his highly anticipated debut on Tuesday, October 21st, against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The deal, which includes a player option for 2027-28, sees Durant take approximately $30 million less than his maximum, saving the Rockets $15 million annually and demonstrating his commitment to winning in Houston. This extension secures Durant for three years total ($144.7 million) and makes him the NBA's all-time career earnings leader at $598.2 million. Durant, who chose Houston as his trade destination last summer, is a perfect fit for the team's need for shooting and half-court offense. The 37-year-old future Hall of Famer, who averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists last season, is expected to elevate a Rockets roster that went 52-30 last year.

Jonathan Kuminga Expected to Return for Warriors' Tuesday Game Against Lakers

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Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, who has been dealing with an ankle injury, is reportedly expected to be available for the team's upcoming game on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. This positive development, reported by Anthony Slater of The Athletic, indicates Kuminga is on track to return to the lineup and contribute to the Warriors' efforts in their next contest.

Warriors' Jimmy Butler Confidently Debates 1-on-1 Superiority Against Teammate Buddy Hield

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Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler recently engaged in a playful debate with teammate Buddy Hield about who would win a 1-on-1 game. Butler confidently asserted he would win 'too many [points] to zero,' claiming Hield 'has no chance' and 'has never beat me 1-on-1.' He disagreed with Hield's assessment of his 1-on-1 play, stating he only shoots jump shots when they play. Despite his initial confidence, the six-time NBA All-Star later softened his stance, suggesting, 'Today, Buddy can beat me.' Butler shares an 'adored love-hate relationship' with Hield, with the 'frenemies' soon shifting focus to chasing a deep playoff run and a championship for the Warriors during the 2025-26 season.

Warriors' Buddy Hield Admits 1-on-1 Challenges Against Teammate Jimmy Butler

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Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Buddy Hield recently engaged in an amusing debate with teammate Jimmy Butler regarding a potential 1-on-1 matchup. Hield humbly admitted his struggles against Butler, stating, 'On a 1-on-1 setting? Yes, he could go by me,' and conceding, 'I haven’t' ever beaten Butler 1-on-1. He believes he's a 'better 5-on-5 defender than 1-on-1 against him' due to Butler's bullying style in open space. Hield shares an 'adored love-hate relationship' with Butler, with the 'frenemies' soon shifting their focus to fighting alongside each other as the Warriors chase a deep playoff run and a championship during the 2025-26 season.

Joel Embiid Returns from Knee Surgery, 76ers Cautious with Workload for Week 1

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Joel Embiid, the 2023 MVP, made his anticipated return to action on Friday after recovering from knee surgery. In his sole preseason appearance against the Timberwolves, he played 19 minutes, demonstrating his immediate impact with 14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and two three-pointers. Despite the strong performance, the Philadelphia 76ers plan to exercise caution in increasing his workload, especially as they navigate a two-game slate for Week 1. This lighter schedule is considered beneficial for Embiid's return. The team hopes he can play both Week 1 games, but his availability will be closely monitored, particularly with the 76ers facing a Monday/Tuesday back-to-back to start Week 2. Should Embiid's minutes be limited or he rests, Adem Bona, who started alongside him in the preseason, stands to gain increased playing time.

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Seth Curry Waived by Golden State Warriors, Expected to Rejoin Team Early in Season

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The Golden State Warriors have waived guard Seth Curry, nearly three weeks after signing him to a one-year deal. Despite the waiver, which was necessitated by the Warriors' salary cap constraints ($206.3 million committed, close to the $207.8 million second apron), Curry is expected to return to the team early in the NBA season, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. The move leaves the 15th roster spot open for Golden State. Curry, who practiced and traveled with the team but was inactive for preseason games, spent the 2024-25 season with the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 6.5 points and 1.7 rebounds. A potential return would mark his fifth team in five seasons and the first time he would play alongside his brother, Stephen Curry, on an NBA team.

Ja Morant's Ankle Injury Puts Season Opener in Doubt for Banged-Up Grizzlies

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Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is currently in question for the team's season opener as he recovers from a sprained ankle. His availability adds to the Grizzlies' early-season injury woes, which also include Scotty Pippen Jr., Zach Edey, and Brandon Clarke being sidelined. Morant has faced significant injury challenges in recent seasons, having played in just 59 games over the past two years. The team's overall health, including Morant's, is crucial for the Grizzlies to accurately assess their potential and future needs.

Grizzlies' Scotty Pippen Jr. Undergoes Toe Surgery, Expected to Miss at Least Three Months

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Scotty Pippen Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies is set to miss a minimum of three months after undergoing surgery on his left big toe. The procedure, a Sesamoidectomy, involves removing a small, round bone embedded in the tendons around the big toe, which can cause chronic pain when chronically stressed. This injury further exacerbates the Grizzlies' early-season health struggles, which also include Ja Morant's ankle sprain and absences from Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke. Pippen's absence means Ty Jerome will likely see increased minutes, provided Jerome is healthy himself after a calf issue. With Desmond Bane now in Orlando, Pippen was expected to take on a larger role, necessitating other players to step up.

Landry Shamet Secures Final Knicks Roster Spot After Strong Bench Performance

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Landry Shamet has officially earned the New York Knicks' final roster spot for the 2025-26 regular season, following the team's decision to waive Alex Len, Garrison Mathews, and Matt Ryan. The 28-year-old guard was considered the clear favorite, especially after veteran Malcolm Brogdon's unexpected retirement earlier in the week. Shamet proved to be a solid bench option for the Knicks last season, appearing in 50 games and averaging 5.7 points and 1.2 rebounds in 15.2 minutes. Although his postseason usage was lower, averaging 2.4 points in 7.5 minutes across 11 games, he was notably impactful in their Eastern Conference Finals Game 3 win over the Pacers, contributing three points and two assists in 11:23 minutes while posting a crucial plus-12 rating.

Domantas Sabonis Sidelined for Kings' Season Opener with Grade 1 Hamstring Strain

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Sacramento Kings' star center Domantas Sabonis will miss the 2025-26 NBA season opener against the Phoenix Suns and at least the first two games due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The injury, confirmed by an MRI, occurred during Wednesday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers, and Sabonis is slated for re-evaluation in one week. His absence adds to the Kings' early season challenges, as forward Keegan Murray is also out for three to six weeks after undergoing UCL tear surgery. Sabonis has been a pivotal force for Sacramento, with their offense heavily relying on his contributions, averaging 19.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in 34.9 minutes over 246 games. Drew Eubanks started in Sabonis's place during the preseason finale, with Isaac Jones, Dario Saric, Dylan Cardwell, and Maxime Raynaud also potential options to fill the void.

Warriors' Moses Moody Calf Strain Rehab Detailed, Return Expected in Weeks

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Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody is recovering from a minor calf strain, which Stanford Medicine's Dr. Geoffrey Abrams, MD, described as microscopic tearing. Coach Steve Kerr isn't overly concerned, and the typical return-to-play timeline for such an injury is approximately two weeks. Moody, who missed the final three preseason contests, was doubtful for the 2025-26 season opener and was set for reevaluation a week after October 14th. A return by the Warriors' fifth game on October 28th against the Los Angeles Clippers is a hopeful target. His rehab protocol requires demonstrating full strength and flexibility before progressing to full practices, with potential initial minute limitations. Abrams noted a low risk of long-term impact or Achilles tear if the team adheres to the protocol, and Kerr is keen to have the valuable 23-year-old back in the lineup.

Victor Wembanyama Secures Second Pick in High Score Fantasy Draft, Valued for Elite All-Around Game

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San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama was drafted second overall in a recent 2025-26 fantasy basketball High Score league, highlighting his immense value in Yahoo! Sports' new format. As a forward/center, Wembanyama is considered a foundational player capable of delivering elite production across all five scoring categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. The High Score format, which weights steals and blocks at three points each, significantly boosts Wembanyama's fantasy appeal, making him a crucial asset for managers looking for explosive, multi-category performances to anchor their teams.