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NBA News

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

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Kawhi Leonard's 2025-26 Season Outlook Clouded by Health and NBA Investigation

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Kawhi Leonard is the focal point for the Los Angeles Clippers heading into the 2025-26 season, with significant attention on his health and an ongoing NBA investigation. The league is probing reports of a potential 'no-show job' that could have paid Leonard up to $48 million off the books, raising concerns about salary cap circumvention and potential sanctions for the organization and owner Steve Ballmer. Despite these off-court issues, Leonard reportedly entered training camp healthy and is participating in preseason, a positive development after making only 37 appearances in the 2024-25 season. When he played last season, the Clippers performed at a 58-win pace, demonstrating his critical impact. The team's best-case scenario relies on Leonard playing 70 games at an All-NBA First Team level, while his injury would represent a worst-case scenario for their title aspirations.

Anthony Edwards Poised for MVP Leap in 2025-26 Season with Timberwolves

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Anthony Edwards, at 24 years old and entering his sixth NBA season, is expected to make an MVP leap for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025-26. After finishing seventh in MVP voting and earning All-NBA second team honors the past two years, Edwards averaged a career-high 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 45/40/84 shooting last season. While the Timberwolves were slightly better without him on court in the regular season, he elevated their play by 5.1 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs. Edwards needs to overcome struggles with double teams and become the best player on the floor in every series for Minnesota to contend for a championship. The team's veteran core, including Rudy Gobert (33), Mike Conley (37), and Julius Randle (31), is built to win now, pressuring Edwards to accelerate his development. Best-case scenarios see him as a serious MVP candidate leading the Wolves to win the West, while a lack of progress could lead to a rebuild around a younger core. The Timberwolves have won 105 games over the past two seasons, with projections setting their 2025-26 win total over/under at 50.5, with an MVP bet on Edwards suggested.

Luka Dončić Featured in CBS Sports' Annual Top 100 NBA Player Rankings

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Luka Dončić has been included in CBS Sports' annual ranking of the NBA's top 100 players, an expert-curated list projecting the league's best performers for the upcoming season. This ranking evaluates how elite talents like Dončić compare to their peers as the new season gets underway, underscoring his consistent high-level play and anticipated influence. His presence on this prestigious list confirms his standing as one of the league's most impactful players, as experts assess his projected performance and standing among the league's top talents for the upcoming campaign.

Nikola Jokić Ranked Among NBA's Top Players for Upcoming Season

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Nikola Jokić has been recognized by CBS Sports experts as one of the NBA's premier talents, featuring prominently in their annual ranking of the league's top 100 players for the upcoming season. This comprehensive list, compiled by experts, projects the best performers across the league, with Jokić's inclusion highlighting his continued dominance and expected impact. The ranking provides an expert assessment of how players like Jokić stack up against others as the new season commences, solidifying his status among the elite. His consistent high-level play and anticipated influence are key factors in his placement on this prestigious list.

Alex Antetokounmpo Joins Milwaukee Bucks on Two-Way Deal, Uniting with Brothers

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Alex Antetokounmpo has officially signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, a move that brings him into the same organization as his brothers. The signing, confirmed on October 14, 2025, provides the younger Antetokounmpo with an opportunity to develop his skills within the Bucks' system. This two-way deal allows him to split time between the NBA roster and the team's G-League affiliate, offering valuable playing experience and a pathway for growth. The Bucks' decision to add Alex further strengthens the family connection within the franchise, continuing the 'Antetokounmpos unite' narrative.

Brandin Podziemski Targets Starting Role and Leadership for Warriors in Third Season

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Third-year guard Brandin Podziemski is determined to make a significant impact for the Golden State Warriors, aiming for a full-time starting role and long-term leadership. Last season, he played in 64 regular-season games, starting 33, and averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists with 37.2 percent 3-point shooting. He also started 10 of 11 playoff games while playing through an injury, demonstrating poise beyond his years. Podziemski feels he has developed a strong connection with Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, believing his skill set complements Curry perfectly. He aspires to carry the franchise's leadership torch in the future, learning from the current veterans, and his mindset of trusting the process has defined his rise.

Monday, October 13, 2025

Brandin Podziemski Seeks Longevity Lessons from Curry, Butler for Franchise Cornerstone Goal

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Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski is actively learning from veteran teammates Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, focusing on their career longevity and ability to play a high number of games at an elite level into their late 30s. Podziemski has inquired about their offseason and in-season health routines, aiming to increase his own availability after playing 74 games in his rookie year and in the 60s this past season, with a goal of reaching 75-80+ games. This pursuit of consistent availability is crucial as Podziemski aspires to become a franchise cornerstone for Golden State in the future.

Jimmy Butler's Availability and Mentorship Prove Invaluable for Warriors

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Jimmy Butler has been an invaluable resource for Golden State Warriors teammate Brandin Podziemski, sharing insights on career longevity and maintaining an elite performance level into his late 30s. Podziemski specifically admires Butler's ability to consistently play 65-plus games and has sought advice on his health and conditioning routines. Following his acquisition at the trade deadline, Butler appeared in 29 of 30 regular-season games for the Warriors, with his consistent availability being a key factor in the team's incredible postseason run, which included upsetting the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets.

Anthony Davis Dominates Preseason Opener with 25 Points and All-Around Performance

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Anthony Davis delivered a stellar performance in Monday's 114-101 preseason win over the Jazz, showcasing his versatility in just 25 minutes on the court. He amassed an impressive 25 points, shooting efficiently from the field (8-14 FG), including two three-pointers (2-5 3Pt), and was perfect from the free-throw line (7-7 FT). Beyond his scoring, Davis contributed significantly across the board with six rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals, highlighting his impact on both ends of the floor for the Dallas Mavericks in their preseason opener.

Victor Wembanyama Dominates Preseason with Double-Double Performance

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Victor Wembanyama delivered an impressive performance in Monday's 124-108 preseason victory over the Pacers, recording a double-double. In just 25 minutes, Wembanyama tallied 27 points on efficient shooting (9-13 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 7-7 FT), alongside 11 rebounds. He also contributed significantly across the stat sheet with four assists, three steals, and one block, showcasing his all-around impact for the San Antonio Spurs. This strong outing highlights his readiness for the upcoming season.

Kawhi Leonard Denies Wrongdoing Amidst NBA Investigation into Aspiration Endorsement Deal

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Kawhi Leonard is currently under an NBA investigation concerning a $48 million endorsement deal he signed with Aspiration, a company that also had a separate $300 million sponsorship with the Los Angeles Clippers. The league is probing claims of salary cap circumvention, specifically whether Leonard's deal was a "no show" arrangement to provide him with additional money, as alleged by the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast. Despite the NBA having previously approved the Clippers' sponsorship with Aspiration, Leonard's personal endorsement is now under scrutiny, with no public evidence of his work for the company. Leonard vehemently denies any wrongdoing, stating, "None of us did no wrongdoing... We invite the investigation." The Clippers organization echoes this confidence. The investigation, which could extend into 2026, will ultimately be reviewed by an independent arbitrator.

Nets Waive Drew Timme After Promising G-League Stint and NBA Appearances

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The Brooklyn Nets have waived Drew Timme as part of their latest roster cuts ahead of the regular season. Timme, 25, spent the majority of last season showcasing his talent in the G League with the Long Island Nets, where he posted impressive averages of 23.9 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. His strong performance earned him a call-up to the active roster late in the season, where he continued to contribute with 12.2 points and 7.2 rebounds over nine NBA appearances. Despite his production, Timme was on a non-guaranteed deal, leading to his release. His departure, alongside Dariq Whitehead's, indicates the Nets' frontcourt will now feature Nic Claxton, Day'Ron Sharpe, Noah Clowney, and rookie Danny Wolf.

Nets Waive Former First-Round Pick Dariq Whitehead Amidst Injury Struggles

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The Brooklyn Nets have waived Dariq Whitehead, a former 22nd overall pick from the 2023 Draft. Whitehead, who came out of Duke, showed flashes of promise during his tenure but was consistently hampered by numerous injuries, limiting his on-court availability. Last season, he averaged 5.7 points and 1.5 rebounds across 20 games. His release comes as the Nets continue to trim their roster ahead of the regular season, despite him being due a guaranteed $3.3 million in the third year of his rookie deal. With Whitehead and Drew Timme now off the roster, the Nets plan to move forward with Nic Claxton, Day'Ron Sharpe, Noah Clowney, and rookie Danny Wolf in their frontcourt.

Bam Adebayo Exits Preseason Game Against Hawks Due to Knee Injury

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Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo will not return to Monday's preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks. The decision comes after Adebayo sustained a knee injury during the contest. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported the update, indicating that Adebayo's status for the remainder of the game is out. Further analysis on this development is available via RotoWire.com.

Julius Randle Ruled Out for Monday's Exhibition Game Due to Rest

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Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle has been officially ruled out of Monday's exhibition game. The team confirmed that Randle's absence is for rest purposes, as they face the Guangzhou Loong-Lions. This decision allows Randle to manage his workload during the preseason schedule. Additional insights regarding this update can be found on RotoWire.com.

Anthony Edwards Sits Out Monday's Exhibition Game for Rest

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards will not participate in Monday's exhibition game against the Guangzhou Loong-Lions. The team has confirmed that Edwards is being held out for rest, a common practice during the preseason to manage player fatigue and prepare for the regular season. For more detailed analysis on this development, fans can visit RotoWire.com.

Alex Sarr Sidelined for Preseason Opener Against Knicks Due to Rest

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Alex Sarr, a player for the Washington Wizards, has been officially ruled out for Monday's preseason game against the New York Knicks. The decision stems from a rest designation, as reported by Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com. Sarr will not participate in the team's matchup, indicating the Wizards are managing his workload early in the preseason schedule. Further analysis on this update is available via RotoWire.com.

Mikal Bridges to Miss Monday's Preseason Game Against Wizards for Rest

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Mikal Bridges, a player for the New York Knicks, will not be active for Monday's preseason contest. He has been ruled out due to rest, according to Steve Popper of Newsday. Bridges will miss the game against the Washington Wizards, as the Knicks prioritize player management during the exhibition schedule. Additional analysis regarding this development can be found on RotoWire.com.

Jalen Brunson Sits Out Monday's Preseason Game Against Wizards For Rest

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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson will not participate in Monday's preseason game against the Washington Wizards. The decision for Brunson to sit out is attributed to rest, as reported by Steve Popper of Newsday. This update indicates the team's cautious approach with key players during the preseason, ensuring his readiness for the upcoming regular season.

Karl-Anthony Towns To Miss Monday's Preseason Game Due To Rest

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Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks is slated to miss Monday's preseason matchup against the Washington Wizards. The forward's absence is for rest purposes, according to Steve Popper of Newsday. This move suggests the Knicks are managing their star players' workloads in the lead-up to the regular season, prioritizing their health and conditioning.