Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

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

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Domantas Sabonis Enthusiastic About Kings' Upcoming Season with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine

AutoDraft Pro AI

Domantas Sabonis expressed excitement for the 2025-26 NBA season with the Sacramento Kings, emphasizing improved chemistry with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine under coach Doug Christie's new system. Sabonis is already practicing with teammates in preparation for training camp, signaling his commitment by forgoing international play for Lithuania to focus solely on the Kings. He believes a full training camp will help the team adjust to the new offense, aiming to lead Sacramento back to the NBA playoffs.

Kevin Durant and Rockets to Face Warriors in 2025 NBA Cup Matchup

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets are set to play the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, November 26, at Chase Center in San Francisco. This matchup is part of the newly released 2025 NBA Cup Group C schedule. The Rockets previously eliminated the Warriors 91-90 in last season's NBA Cup quarterfinals.

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Cooper Flagg's Mavericks Reportedly Set for Opening Night Clash Against Dylan Harper's Spurs

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cooper Flagg, the anticipated No. 1 overall pick, is reportedly scheduled to debut for the Dallas Mavericks on NBA opening night. The Mavericks are expected to play against Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs in one of the season's premier matchups, setting the stage for an exciting start.

Dylan Harper and Spurs Reportedly Slated to Face Cooper Flagg's Mavericks on NBA Opening Night

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dylan Harper, the projected No. 2 overall pick, is expected to make his NBA debut on opening night with the San Antonio Spurs. Reports indicate the Spurs will face off against Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks in a highly anticipated matchup, marking a significant early season highlight.

Austin Reaves Poised for 2026 Free Agency, Eyeing Significant Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

Austin Reaves is expected to decline his $14.9 million player option and become a free agent in 2026, reportedly seeking a contract in the range of $30 million per year. While he desires to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers, his market value will largely depend on his performance this upcoming season, particularly his ability to maintain high-level scoring and step up in the playoffs alongside Luka Doncic.

LeBron James' Free Agency Looms as Lakers Prepare for Opening Night Clash

AutoDraft Pro AI

LeBron James' future with the Los Angeles Lakers beyond the current season remains a significant storyline, as his 2026 free agency is expected to be a major talking point. Despite picking up his player option for this season, his decision will depend on his health and the team's performance, with potential destinations like the Knicks or Cavaliers being discussed. Meanwhile, James is set to lead the Lakers in their opening night game on October 21, hosting Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in a highly anticipated rivalry matchup.

Bradley Beal Aims for NBA Ring After Signing with Los Angeles Clippers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bradley Beal, after being waived by the Phoenix Suns, has signed a two-year, $10.9 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, driven by a strong desire to win an NBA championship. He expressed feeling a 'new life of rejuvenation' and a 'new hunger' as he joins Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, aiming to help the veteran-led Clippers overcome past injury struggles and contend for a title. Beal is expected to fill a pivotal role, similar to Norman Powell's previous contributions as a sharpshooter and secondary shot creator, bringing his 17 points per game average with 49.7% field goal and 38% three-point shooting from last season.

Convictions in Death of Chris Paul's Grandfather Tossed by Judge

AutoDraft Pro AI

A North Carolina trial judge recently overturned the convictions of four men implicated in the 2002 death of NBA star Chris Paul's grandfather, Nathaniel Jones, citing recanted testimony, poor legal representation, and new DNA evidence. This ruling, which dismissed the convictions, has prompted state attorneys to review their options, including a potential appeal. Paul, a 12-time NBA All-Star who plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, was a high school athlete in Winston-Salem at the time of the incident.

Norman Powell's Former Clippers Role Highlights Offensive Impact

AutoDraft Pro AI

Norman Powell, currently associated with the Miami Heat, previously played a significant role for the Los Angeles Clippers last season, performing at a near All-Star level. He contributed as a key sharpshooter and secondary shot creator on the wing, often supporting James Harden and leading the second unit. Bradley Beal is now set to take on a similar crucial role for the Clippers, highlighting the importance of Powell's past offensive contributions to the team.

Quinn Cook Recalls Kevin Durant's Desire for Steph Curry to Win 2018 Finals MVP

AutoDraft Pro AI

Former NBA point guard Quinn Cook, who was a member of the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors championship team, recently shared his recollections about Kevin Durant's mindset during the 2018 NBA Finals. Cook revealed that Durant had strongly wanted Steph Curry to secure the Finals MVP award that year.

Kevin Durant: Upcoming Season Opener & Past Finals MVP Insights

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kevin Durant is set to open the season with the Houston Rockets on October 21, facing his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who will be raising their championship banner. This high-profile matchup will feature the top two Western Conference seeds from last season. Former Golden State Warriors teammate Quinn Cook recently revealed that Durant had strongly desired for Steph Curry to win the 2018 NBA Finals MVP. Despite this, Durant ultimately won the award 'accidentally' after a crucial 43-point performance in Game 3 when Curry struggled, helping the Warriors secure a narrow victory.

Stephen Curry and Warriors to Renew Rivalry with LeBron James and Lakers on Opening Night

AutoDraft Pro AI

Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors are scheduled to reignite their rivalry with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in a prime-time matchup on October 21. This contest will resume a historic rivalry that includes four NBA Finals series and 22 total Finals games. The game is part of the NBA's return to NBC and debut on Peacock.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Thunder to Raise Championship Banner on Opening Night

AutoDraft Pro AI

Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to receive his championship ring and witness the Oklahoma City Thunder's first championship banner raised on October 21. The Thunder will then begin their title defense against the Houston Rockets in a showdown of the top two Western Conference seeds. Gilgeous-Alexander is also scheduled to appear in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day quadrupleheader in 2026, when the Thunder face the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Monday, August 11, 2025

Alex Caruso Celebrates NBA Championship with Wedding to Haleigh Broucher

AutoDraft Pro AI

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso recently married Haleigh Broucher in Houston, Texas, marking his second major celebration of the summer after helping the Thunder win the NBA Finals in June. The ceremony was attended by current Thunder teammates Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort, Jaylin Williams, Isaiah Joe, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace, and Branden Carlson, as well as former Chicago Bulls teammates Coby White, Javonte Green, and Ayo Dosunmu.

Luka Dončić Locks In Long-Term with Lakers on $165 Million Extension

AutoDraft Pro AI

Luka Dončić has signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, committing him to the team through at least the 2027-28 season. This major move allowed the Lakers to secure a starting center in Deandre Ayton, an upgrade from Jaxson Hayes, and maintain significant future cap flexibility. The team's strategy is focused on establishing a contention-viable roster around Dončić, with an eye towards 2026 and 2027 as post-LeBron priorities.

Jonathan Kuminga's Contract Stalemate with Warriors Continues, Qualifying Offer Considered

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jonathan Kuminga's contract negotiations with the Golden State Warriors remain stalled, with no resolution in sight. Kuminga is reportedly unreceptive to the Warriors' two-year, $45 million offer, preferring a higher annual value closer to $30 million. He is now leaning towards signing the $7.9 million qualifying offer for the upcoming season, which would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Warriors, who prefer to trade him for assets, have already rejected an offer from the Kings and have found no suitable trade partners, leaving the stalemate unresolved as the October 1 deadline approaches.

Russell Westbrook's Future: Sacramento Kings Emerge as Most Likely Destination in Free Agency

AutoDraft Pro AI

Free agent guard Russell Westbrook is reportedly considered the Sacramento Kings' most likely destination, according to league sources and ESPN's Tim McMahon. If he joins the Kings, the veteran is expected to come off the bench and share ball-handling duties with Dennis Schroder. Westbrook spent the 2024-25 season with the Denver Nuggets, where he averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game in a reserve role, and the Kings are reportedly seeking veteran experience and a scoring threat.

Cooper Flagg projected for Team USA's 2028 Olympic roster due to versatility

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dallas Mavericks player Cooper Flagg is a strong contender for Team USA's 2028 Olympic roster, projected to be 21 years old by then. His exceptional versatility is highlighted, with significant growth shown in his playmaking abilities. Flagg's capacity to impact the game without the ball, coupled with his unselfish play and phenomenal weakside defense, makes him an ideal long-term asset for USA Basketball.

Paolo Banchero eyed as key player for Team USA's 2028 Olympic roster

AutoDraft Pro AI

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero is considered a top candidate for Team USA's 2028 Olympic roster. At 22 years old, Banchero is already established as one of the best forwards in the league, known for his power, athleticism, and self-creation. His versatile skillset is well-suited for FIBA play, allowing him to operate as a mismatch playmaker or as a small-ball five, and he has been part of the USA Basketball system since 2018.

Trae Young Aims for Max Extension Amidst Hawks Offseason Upgrades

AutoDraft Pro AI

Trae Young is entering a pivotal season with the Atlanta Hawks, aiming to secure a max contract extension potentially worth $350 million if he earns All-NBA honors. Despite his impressive stats last season, including leading the league in assists, Young has reportedly been disappointed by the Hawks' lack of discussion regarding an extension, unlike his contemporaries. The Hawks' significant offseason acquisitions, including Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard, and Nickiel Alexander-Walker, are expected to provide Young with his strongest supporting cast yet, optimizing his offensive game. This upcoming season presents a prime opportunity for Young to prove his value and facilitate a deeper playoff run.