Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

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

Monday, September 8, 2025

Tragedy Strikes Timberwolves' Naz Reid as Sister Fatally Shot

AutoDraft Pro AI

Minnesota Timberwolves star Naz Reid is mourning the tragic loss of his older sister, Toraya Reid, who was fatally shot on Saturday in Jackson Township, New Jersey. The 28-year-old was discovered dead from multiple gunshot wounds at an apartment building. Her boyfriend, Shaquille Green, 29, was reportedly seen fleeing the scene and was later arrested and charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Toraya was the oldest of three siblings, with Naz being the middle child. Naz Reid, the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year, is a fan favorite known for his versatile play and critical contributions to the Timberwolves' back-to-back Western Conference Finals runs, and he recently signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the franchise.

Nikola Joki Commands High Price in 2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft

AutoDraft Pro AI

In a recent 2025-26 fantasy basketball salary mock draft, Nikola Joki demonstrated his high value, commanding a winning bid of $69 in a 12-team, 9-category format. This price, while significant, was noted as more conservative compared to his average values in Yahoo! ($85) and ESPN ($69.60) leagues. Joki was one of only four players to be drafted for over $60, joining an elite group that included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($62), Luka Dončić ($62), and Victor Wembanyama ($61), highlighting his status as a top-tier fantasy asset. The mock draft aimed to analyze what fantasy managers are willing to pay for their favorite players.

Lakers Reportedly Eye Andrew Wiggins Trade if Heat Make Him Available

AutoDraft Pro AI

Andrew Wiggins is reportedly a trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers, who are interested in acquiring the former No. 1 overall pick if the Miami Heat decide to make him available. The Lakers are looking to further bolster their roster, especially after securing Luka Dončić with a long-term contract. This potential move indicates the Lakers' ongoing efforts to strengthen their team, suggesting they may not be done adding talent despite recent roster moves.

Oklahoma City Thunder Rookie Thomas Sorber Suffers Season-Ending ACL Tear

AutoDraft Pro AI

Oklahoma City Thunder rookie big man Thomas Sorber has been ruled out for the entire 2025-26 NBA season after sustaining a torn ACL in his right knee. The team officially announced the significant injury on September 8, 2025. This devastating news means the promising rookie will miss his inaugural season, impacting the Thunder's depth and Sorber's development timeline. The injury is a major setback for Sorber, who was expected to contribute to the Thunder's roster.

Precious Achiuwa in Talks with Miami Heat to Bolster Frontcourt Depth

AutoDraft Pro AI

Precious Achiuwa, who became a free agent after the New York Knicks opted not to re-sign him this offseason, is reportedly in "ongoing discussions" with the Miami Heat. The Heat are seeking to address their thin frontcourt, especially with Bam Adebayo preferring to play more power forward and limited depth beyond him. Achiuwa, a former Heat player, was a solid rotation big for the Knicks last season, averaging 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game on 50.2% shooting, though his minutes decreased with Mitchell Robinson's return. To sign Achiuwa, Miami would need to create cap space, potentially by buying out guard Terry Rozier's contract, as they are currently close to the luxury tax threshold.

Heat Considering Terry Rozier Buyout to Create Cap Space for Frontcourt Additions

AutoDraft Pro AI

Terry Rozier's future with the Miami Heat is uncertain, as the team is reportedly considering buying out his contract to create necessary cap space. The Heat, currently $1.8 million below the luxury tax line, need financial flexibility to sign frontcourt players like Precious Achiuwa or Thomas Bryant to address their depth needs. Rozier's contract is guaranteed for $24.9 million of the $26.6 million he is owed, and the team had previously attempted to trade him during the summer. Miami has until January 10 to make a decision on waiving him, depending on their urgency to add a new player to the roster.

Rockets Star Amen Thompson Recalls Childhood 'Hate' for Warriors, Aims for Houston Dynasty

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Rockets star forward Amen Thompson, an Oakland native, revealed that he "hated the Warriors" growing up in the Bay Area, despite their dynastic run. Thompson, born in 2003 and residing in San Leandro until 2016, was a devoted LeBron James fan and rooted against Golden State during their four consecutive NBA Finals matchups against James' teams from 2015-2018. While he didn't support the Warriors in basketball, he did follow other local teams like the Raiders and Giants. Thompson recently experienced a playoff loss to the Warriors, as his Rockets fell in a seven-game first-round series in the 2025 NBA playoffs. Now a teammate of former Warriors superstar Kevin Durant, Thompson is focused on building a new dynasty in Houston.

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Orlando Magic's Franz Wagner Prepares for EuroBasket Quarterfinal Showdown Against Luka Doncic

AutoDraft Pro AI

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner is set to lead defending World Cup champion Germany into a highly anticipated EuroBasket quarterfinal clash on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Germany will face Slovenia, spearheaded by NBA superstar Luka Doncic, after Slovenia secured their spot with a win over Italy on Sunday. Wagner, alongside Sacramento's Dennis Schroder, will be a key player for Germany as they vie for a spot in the semifinals, promising an exciting matchup.

Luka Dončić Dominates EuroBasket 2025, Leads Slovenia to Quarterfinals with 42-Point Outburst

AutoDraft Pro AI

On September 7, 2025, Luka Dončić showcased an incredible scoring display at EuroBasket 2025, single-handedly carrying Slovenia into the quarterfinals. The Los Angeles Lakers' standout delivered a dominant performance against Italy, going off for an astounding 42 points in just 33 minutes on the court. This pivotal effort, as detailed in the news, was crucial in securing Slovenia's advancement in the prestigious tournament. Dončić's ability to impact games so profoundly, even in international competition, underscores his status as a premier talent, demonstrating his capacity to lead his team deep into major championships.

Dwight Howard's Hall of Fame Case: Peak Dominance Outshines Career's Final Arc

AutoDraft Pro AI

The article, published on September 7, 2025, makes a compelling argument for Dwight Howard's inclusion as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. It emphasizes that the "long, undistinguished final arc" of his professional career often overshadows the extraordinary heights he reached during his prime. The piece suggests that a focus on his peak performance reveals a player whose dominance warrants immediate recognition in the Hall of Fame, urging a re-evaluation of his overall impact based on his most formidable years rather than his later career trajectory.

Saturday, September 6, 2025

LeBron James Honored at Star-Studded 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was among the star-studded 2025 class inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 7, 2025. During the prestigious ceremony, James took the opportunity to honor the late Kobe Bryant, a significant moment that resonated with attendees. His induction marks a major milestone for the future Hall of Famer, celebrating an illustrious career filled with numerous accolades and championships.

Dwight Howard Enshrined in Hall of Fame, Delivers Memorable Speech

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dwight Howard was officially inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on September 6, 2025, a long-anticipated and well-deserved honor. Recognized as the best defender of his generation, Howard earned three Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight All-NBA selections, and eight All-Star nods. He also secured an NBA championship with the Lakers in the bubble and averaged 15.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game over his career. During his enshrinement ceremony, Howard delighted attendees with an iconic impression of his former Orlando Magic coach, Stan Van Gundy.

Lauri Markkanen Powers Finland to Shocking EuroBasket Upset Over Serbia

AutoDraft Pro AI

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen spearheaded Finland's surprising victory over Nikola Joki's heavily favored Serbia, eliminating them from EuroBasket 2025 in the round of 16 on September 6, 2025. Markkanen delivered an outstanding performance, recording 29 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and three assists, showcasing his leadership and skill. His dominant play was crucial in Finland's advancement to the EuroBasket quarterfinals, marking a significant achievement for his national team against a Serbian squad that was a medal winner in recent major tournaments.

Nikola Joki's Serbia Stunned, Eliminated from EuroBasket 2025 by Finland

AutoDraft Pro AI

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Joki and pre-tournament favorite Serbia were surprisingly ousted from EuroBasket 2025 in the round of 16 by Lauri Markkanen's Finland on September 6, 2025. Joki, considered the best player on the planet, delivered a strong performance with 33 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in the game. However, Serbia struggled with poor 3-point shooting, hitting only 30.6% from beyond the arc, and missed the presence of an injured Bogdan Bogdanovic. This early exit marks a significant upset for a Serbian team that won bronze at the Paris Olympics and silver at the last FIBA World Cup.

NBA Launches Investigation into Kawhi Leonard's Clippers Endorsement Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

The NBA has initiated an investigation into Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard's endorsement deal with former team sponsor Aspiration, hiring the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz on September 6, 2025. The probe aims to determine if the Clippers circumvented the salary cap through what is alleged to be a "no-show" $28 million endorsement contract Leonard signed in September 2021. Aspiration, a company Clippers owner Steve Ballmer had invested in, later faced federal investigation for fraud and filed for bankruptcy. While the Clippers and Ballmer vehemently deny the allegations, claiming they were "duped," the league's collective bargaining agreement outlines potential penalties including significant fines, draft pick forfeiture, or even the voiding of a player's contract.

Thunder Rookie Thomas Sorber Out for Season with Torn ACL

AutoDraft Pro AI

Oklahoma City Thunder's No. 15 overall pick, Thomas Sorber, will miss his entire rookie season after suffering a torn ACL during a workout and requiring surgery, the team announced on September 6, 2025. This injury follows a foot issue that kept the 6'10" big man out of Summer League and ended his Georgetown season prematurely, where he averaged 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. While Sorber was anticipated to have a limited role on the Thunder's deep roster, this setback significantly impacts his early development. His absence marks the third time in four years that a top Thunder draft pick will miss their rookie campaign due to a major injury.

Nikola Topi Recovered from ACL Tear, Showed Promise in Thunder Summer League

AutoDraft Pro AI

Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topi, a former top draft pick, missed his entire rookie season last year due to an ACL tear, an injury pattern that has unfortunately affected the team's recent high selections. However, Topi has successfully recovered from the injury, which was similar to the one recently sustained by rookie Thomas Sorber. He demonstrated promising play for the Thunder during Summer League this year, indicating positive progress in his development and readiness for future contributions to the team. This update was part of a broader announcement on September 6, 2025, regarding rookie injuries.

Friday, September 5, 2025

NBA Investigates Kawhi Leonard's Alleged 'No-Show' Job Amid Clippers Salary Cap Concerns

AutoDraft Pro AI

The NBA has launched an investigation into Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard's alleged 'no-show job' with Aspiration Partners, a sustainability firm. Leonard is listed as a creditor for $28 million from an endorsement deal with the now-bankrupt company, whose co-founder faces fraud charges. The probe, initiated after reports surfaced on September 3rd, is examining whether this arrangement circumvented NBA salary cap rules. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, who invested $50 million in Aspiration, denies any cap circumvention, stating he was 'conned' by the firm. Ballmer claims Leonard's max contract (signed August 2021) and the Clippers' sponsorship deal with Aspiration (September 2021) were finalized before Leonard was introduced to the company in November 2021. Aspiration executives reportedly saw 'no brand synergy' with Leonard, explaining his lack of promotional work. The NBA's investigation will scrutinize the deal against CBA Article XIII, which prohibits unauthorized player compensation.

Spurs Rookie Dylan Harper Undergoes Thumb Surgery, Aims for Season Opener Return

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, underwent surgery on Friday, September 5th, to repair a partially torn ligament in his left thumb. The injury occurred during a workout earlier in the week. While recovery is expected to keep him out of training camp and potentially the start of the season, reports suggest he aims to be ready for the Spurs' season opener on October 22nd against the Dallas Mavericks, with an average recovery time of 54.3 days. The 6-foot-5 guard from Rutgers, son of Ron Harper, averaged 19.4 points in college and 16 points in Summer League after missing early games due to a groin injury. He is projected to begin as a reserve behind De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.

Thunder Rookie Thomas Sorber Suffers Torn ACL, Will Miss Entire 2025-26 Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Oklahoma City Thunder's 2025 first-round pick, Thomas Sorber, will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee during an offseason workout. The Thunder announced the injury on Friday, September 5, 2025. Sorber, 19, was selected 15th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft following one season at Georgetown, where he averaged 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in 2024-25. His debut was anticipated to involve splitting time between the Thunder and their G-League affiliate, potentially positioning him as a future replacement for Isaiah Hartenstein. This injury marks a continuation of unfortunate luck for the Thunder, as Sorber is the third recent first-round pick, following Chet Holmgren (2022) and Nikola Topić (2024), to miss his rookie season due to injury.