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.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

P.J. Washington Bumps Head in Training Camp, Expected to Practice Friday

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington sustained a head bump during a recent training camp practice, as reported by Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com. Despite the incident, Washington's availability for upcoming sessions is not expected to be impacted, with the team anticipating his return to practice on Friday. This update suggests the injury is minor and will not cause him to miss any significant time with the Dallas Mavericks. For further analysis on this development, RotoWire.com is a recommended source.

Nikola Jović Reportedly Agrees to Four-Year Contract Extension with Miami Heat

AutoDraft Pro AI

Nikola Jović has reportedly agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Miami Heat. This significant agreement for the young player comes at a time when the franchise's standing in the weakened Eastern Conference is considered difficult to predict, according to various reports. The extension solidifies Jović's future with the team amidst an uncertain conference landscape.

Jake LaRavia, 23, Embraces Lakers' Championship Culture and Key Role Alongside Luka Doncic

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jake LaRavia, a 23-year-old, 6-foot-7 wing, has quickly impressed the Los Angeles Lakers, with LeBron James even highlighting him as a significant offseason addition. A career 42.9% three-point shooter, LaRavia averages 6.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. The 19th overall pick in 2022, he previously played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings before joining the Lakers as a free agent, fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for his idol Magic Johnson's team. Coach JJ Redick praised LaRavia's high commitment to the offseason program and sees an "incredible opportunity" for his growth. LaRavia aims to be a "quiet connector," complementing scorers and bringing energy on both ends. He's been tasked with guarding four positions in training camp and is focused on court spacing when playing with Luka Doncic, stating, "It's gonna make my life so much easier playing with someone like that." Recognizing the global Lakers brand, LaRavia is committed to helping the "winning organization" achieve its goal of "championships." He recently married and prefers to keep a low profile, seeking recognition solely for on-court wins.

Al Horford Reveals Golden State Warriors Were Only Team He Would Leave Celtics For

AutoDraft Pro AI

Al Horford has joined the Golden State Warriors, stating it was the only NBA team he would consider leaving the Boston Celtics for. The five-time NBA All-Star center signed with the Warriors on Wednesday after months of a handshake deal, describing the decision to leave Boston as "very difficult" and dismissing retirement rumors. He views the move as a "great opportunity to compete and win at a high level," citing Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr. Horford, at 39, is the oldest player on a team with other veterans like 37-year-old Curry, 36-year-old Butler, and 35-year-old Green. While acknowledging doubters about the team's age, he expressed confidence in their depth. Coach Kerr praised Horford's versatility as a "space-5" who rebounds, defends, is smart, and passes, noting his fit in various lineups. Horford previously averaged 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds on 60.5% FG and 62.5% 3P against the Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals.

Steve Kerr Dismisses Locker Room Concerns About New Signing Jonathan Kuminga

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed concerns regarding newly signed Jonathan Kuminga's fit within the locker room. After Wednesday's practice, Kerr reiterated twice that he maintains a positive personal relationship with Kuminga. The coach expressed confidence that the player is not the type "to come in and tear a team down," easing any potential worries about team chemistry.

Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Details Plan for Seth Curry's One-Year Contract

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy has outlined the team's strategy for Seth Curry's newly signed contract. Dunleavy emphasized the importance of adding shooting, highlighting Curry as a "top two, second-best 3-point shooter of all time by percentage." Curry, who is not yet with the team, boasts a career 43.3-percent shooting from long range, ranking seventh in NBA history and six spots ahead of his brother Steph. The signing took time due to the Jonathan Kuminga situation, but Dunleavy expects Curry to be at practice on Thursday. Curry is on a one-year deal, and the team's strategy team still needs to manage cap and apron considerations.

De'Anthony Melton Returns to Warriors After ACL Tear, Eyes Special Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

De'Anthony Melton has officially returned to the Golden State Warriors, a reunion both sides eagerly anticipated after his brief but impactful six-game stint last season where the team went 4-2. His 2024-25 campaign was cut short in mid-November due to a torn ACL sustained against the Dallas Mavericks, requiring season-ending surgery. Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy expressed the team's desire to bring him back, a goal realized this Wednesday. While Melton is not yet medically cleared and is undergoing individual rehab, he is slated for re-evaluation in four weeks, sidelining him for the regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. Melton, who was traded to the Brooklyn Nets last December to facilitate the acquisition of Dennis Schröder—a move that ultimately led to the Jimmy Butler trade—understood the business decision, stating, "I probably would have traded myself too." The veteran guard, who has played for the Rockets, Suns, Grizzlies, and 76ers, felt a strong connection to the Warriors, praising the medical and coaching staff. He is motivated by the potential of a healthy Warriors squad with Butler, believing they can be a "dangerous team" if they stay healthy.

Mark Williams Sidelined for Phoenix Suns' Preseason Opener Against Lakers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mark Williams will be held out of the Phoenix Suns' preseason opener. The Suns are scheduled to play against the Lakers on Friday. This update was reported by Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.

Dorian Finney-Smith Expected to Miss Season Opener Due to Ankle Surgery Recovery

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith is anticipated to miss the commencement of the NBA season. This absence is attributed to his ongoing recovery from offseason ankle surgery, making him unlikely to be available for the team's opener. The Rockets expect him to be sidelined as the season begins while he continues his rehabilitation.

Quentin Grimes Accepts Sixers' Qualifying Offer, Ending Restricted Free Agency

AutoDraft Pro AI

Quentin Grimes has accepted the Philadelphia 76ers' $8.7 million qualifying offer on its final day, ending his restricted free agency. The one-season deal, reported by ESPN's Shams Charania and confirmed by the Sixers, includes an inherent no-trade clause, making him an unrestricted free agent next summer. Discussions for a longer-term deal did not reach common ground. Sixers president Daryl Morey had expressed a desire to re-sign Grimes, who was acquired at last season's trade deadline. During the second half of the 2024-25 season, Grimes thrived in a high-usage role for the shorthanded Sixers, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 28 games. He shot 46.9% from the floor, 37.3% from three, and 75.2% from the foul line, with highlights including a 44-point game against the Warriors. Grimes did not travel with the team for their preseason trip to Abu Dhabi.

Cooper Flagg Embraces Defensive Culture, Adjusts to Mavericks Training Camp as No. 1 Pick

AutoDraft Pro AI

No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg is diligently adjusting to his first Dallas Mavericks training camp, focusing on head coach Jason Kidd's defensive culture. Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward with a 7-foot wingspan, highlights the team's potential to leverage its size and length, joining Anthony Davis, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively, and Daniel Gafford in what is arguably the NBA’s most physically imposing frontcourt. He has spent the initial practices observing and learning tendencies, spacing, and defensive drills, acknowledging the adjustment to new terminology from his Duke days. Flagg, who was effective as a help defender in summer league averaging 1.5 steals and 1 block, is expected to be utilized in various roles, from guarding smaller guards to playing alongside Davis as a small-ball big. Offensively, he is projected as a secondary playmaker alongside D’Angelo Russell, having impressed Kidd with his high-level dribbling, passing, overall IQ, and attitude. Flagg stated he's "just trying to take it one step at a time and enjoy the process every step of the way," expressing excitement for his new journey.

LeBron James Progresses to On-Court Work Amidst Glute Recovery

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who has been dealing with a glute injury, showed positive progress by participating in some on-court work during Wednesday's practice. This update was reported by Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet, indicating a step forward in his recovery process as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Celtics Face Uncertainty in "Gap Year" Without Star Jayson Tatum

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Boston Celtics are facing a significant "gap year" for the 2025-26 season, as they will be without star player Jayson Tatum. This situation raises questions about the team's performance, with discussions centering on whether the Celtics will bottom out or manage to remain in the playoff mix during his absence, as the team is currently being previewed.

Malik Monk's Consistent Vocal Presence and Career-Best Season Highlighted by Zach LaVine

AutoDraft Pro AI

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk's reputation as one of the team's most talkative personalities was playfully acknowledged by teammate Zach LaVine on the first day of training camp. LaVine noted Monk's constant communication, stating, "Malik [Monk] doesn’t stop talking," which was unsurprising given Monk's history of making his presence felt. Monk, now in his fourth season with Sacramento since signing in 2022, is coming off a career-best campaign where he averaged 17.2 points and 5.6 assists, reinforcing his significant role both on and off the court.

Zach LaVine Playfully Highlights Teammates' Diverse Leadership Styles at Kings Training Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine humorously commented on the contrasting leadership styles of teammates Malik Monk and Keegan Murray during the first day of training camp. LaVine noted Monk's consistent chatter, stating Monk "doesn’t stop talking," while expressing surprise and approval that the usually quiet Murray "said something today." He emphasized that leadership isn't confined to one player, with different individuals like DeMar DeRozan, Doug McDermott, and Dennis Schröder also contributing their voices, indicating a shared leadership approach for the Kings.

Keegan Murray's Rare Vocal Contribution Noted by Zach LaVine at Kings Training Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray, known for his quiet demeanor, made a notable vocal contribution on the first day of training camp, which was playfully highlighted by teammate Zach LaVine. LaVine expressed pleasant surprise, joking, "Even Keegan said something today, so I think it was good." Murray, the Kings’ No. 4 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has career averages of 13.3 points and 5.6 rebounds, but LaVine emphasized that his newfound vocal input carried significant weight alongside his on-court production, suggesting a growing leadership presence.

Donovan Clingan Shows Top-100 Potential for Trail Blazers, Strong Second-Year Fantasy Outlook

AutoDraft Pro AI

Donovan Clingan, a 7-foot-2 center for the Portland Trail Blazers, is projected as a top-100 fantasy player for the 2025-26 season, holding an overall fantasy rank of 85. As a rookie, he moved into the starting lineup before the All-Star break, averaging 8.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.8 blocks in 25.2 minutes post-break, with 53.1% field goal and 52.6% free throw shooting. He demonstrated his potential in an October 19, 2024 preseason win, recording 14 points, 20 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks in 24 minutes. Despite the presence of Robert Williams III and first-round pick Yang Hansen, Clingan is expected to lead in playing time and is particularly valuable for fantasy managers willing to punt points or free-throw percentage.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP Season and Championship Run Featured in Netflix Series

AutoDraft Pro AI

Reigning league MVP and NBA champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a central figure in the newly released Season 2 trailer for the Netflix series "Starting 5." The show will chronicle his 2024-25 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, detailing their journey to winning his first league MVP, NBA title, and Finals MVP. His presence on the Thunder roster also impacts the fantasy potential of teammates like Ajay Mitchell, who backs him up. Gilgeous-Alexander is set to open the 2025-26 NBA season on October 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET, facing Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets.

Tyrese Haliburton's Improbable Finals Run Featured in Netflix's 'Starting 5' Season 2

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tyrese Haliburton, a young NBA star for the Indiana Pacers, is highlighted in the newly released Season 2 trailer for the Netflix series "Starting 5." The show will follow Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers through their 2024-25 season, specifically documenting their unexpected and improbable run to Game 7 of the NBA Finals. This series offers fans an in-depth look at the players' journeys, capturing their candid moments and behind-the-scenes experiences as they compete for a championship.

Jaylen Brown Joins NBA Stars in Netflix's 'Starting 5' Season 2

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jaylen Brown, a prominent young NBA star for the Boston Celtics, is featured in the recently released Season 2 trailer for the Netflix series "Starting 5." The show will follow Brown's journey through the 2024-25 season as he strives to win a championship. This documentary offers an intimate look into the lives of NBA players, capturing candid moments and behind-the-scenes insights into what drives them before and after games.