With preseason games already underway, the 2026-27 NBA season is only a few weeks away from tipping off.
How will LeBron James and Jaylen Brown look on the court in their new Philadelphia 76ers uniforms? What will Giannis Antetokounmpo's first season away from Milwaukee look like? And how will the other new faces in new places make their impact this season?
Check back here for all the latest buzz, news and reactions from our ESPN NBA insiders, with the latest info at the top:
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Oct. 6
Doncic, who 'worked his butt off all summer,' lights up Kings
A lighter Luka Doncic scored an easy 21 first-half points in the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason opener over the Sacramento Kings on Monday night, needing only 16 minutes to sharpen up his game in a 127-103 blowout in Sacramento.
Doncic was listed at 244 pounds prior to the 2025-26 season. That dipped to 230 pounds entering training camp. The difference in physique from his heavier days is obvious.
"The guy worked his butt off all summer staying in shape and actually ran this summer," coach JJ Redick said. "He actually did like sprints and stuff. Came into camp in fantastic shape."
The Lakers were without Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler in the preseason opener. Reaves tweaked his ankle recently and Kessler jammed a finger on the backboard. Both are listed as day-to-day. Without either, the Lakers still rolled through the Kings. Doncic scored all 21 of his points in a 73-point Lakers first half, resting while the backups finished the job. He made three 3s, four shots in the paint and got to the line for nine free throws.
"For someone who normally plays a ton of live basketball (in the summer), he didn't do as much of that by design," Redick said. "We've seen him literally every day in camp incrementally get more and more in rhythm."
Doncic badly strained his hamstring in early April and missed the entire Lakers playoff run while rehabbing the injury. He said he felt "great" against the Kings but downplayed any larger changes to his training regimen.
"I feel probably a little more rested," Doncic said. "I didn't play (on the Slovenian) national team." -- Anthony Slater
What's next for KAT and the Knicks?
Will the New York Knicks enter opening night without getting a deal done with Karl-Anthony Towns? How hard should Towns push in negotiations? What options would be available next summer?
ESPN NBA insiders Ben Golliver, Zach Kram and Bobby Marks examine both sides of the Towns-Knicks contract talks -- plus the deal our resident general manager would choose.
Oct. 5
Clippers' Strus suffered partial tear in right foot
During Sunday's preseason game, LA Clippers guard Max Strus suffered a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. He will be reevaluated in four weeks.
Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns not expecting extension soon
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns said Monday that, "It don't look good" in regards to him and the franchise agreeing to a contract extension before the start of the season.
"Simply put, I want to do something that can keep the team together and work with the Knicks and also values me," Towns said. "None of those things have come close to happening."
Towns is eligible for a four-year deal worth over $276 million.
"This is a growing cloud around the New York Knicks," ESPN's Shams Charania said on NBA Today. "So far, these sides are not close"
Oct. 2
Hawkins, Grizzlies mutually agree to part ways
The Memphis Grizzlies and guard Jordan Hawkins have agreed to part ways via waivers, allowing the 2023 lottery pick to find a new home in free agency, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
The move comes three weeks after arriving as part of a four-player trade with the New Orleans Pelicans for AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson.
Hawkins, 24, averaged 5.1 points in 51 games last season and struggled to find consistent playing time in New Orleans' crowded backcourt rotation. The former UConn star played just 13.6 minutes per game, a significant decrease from the 2024-25 season, when he played 23.6 minutes per game and averaged 10.8 points per game.
Hoop Collective: Are the Lakers and Warriors ready to contend?
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Anthony Slater to preview the NBA's Pacific Division, including the biggest questions for the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors and the rest of the division. They discuss the teams' outlooks, roster questions and where the teams stack up against the rest of the league.
Topics:
00:20: 2026-27 Pacific Division preview
01:05: Can the Lakers take the next step in the playoffs?
18:45: What is the best and worst case for the Warriors?
28:30: The Suns overachieved last season -- what now?
35:20: What can we expect from the Clippers?
42:40: Assessing the state of the Kings this year
Slater on the Warriors' options this season: "I think we mentioned it last time we talked about the Warriors, but think about what the Lakers did with LeBron. I know we just questioned some of the deals they signed, but the fact that they could sign all those deals was because LeBron James took all his money and walked away. So you could let Jimmy [Butler] somewhat walk away.
"The other thing is, Jimmy and the Warriors really are fond of each other and we'll see what he looks like when he does come back. Obviously Jimmy's going to want every dollar he can get, but there's a chance Jimmy and Draymond [Green] could take pay cuts next season, right? The market might demand that they do.
"Jimmy fits really well with Steph Curry. We've seen that. Draymond is another player that you're going to hear a lot of noise about in the first week of camp from the Warriors about shifting Draymond's role and some of the numbers last year. With Draymond and Steph Curry on the floor together, it was still plus-105 last year, still a good offensive rating,117.7, but the moment Steph's been off the floor, and last year he was off the floor a lot, their offense cratered when Draymond was on the floor and was actually OK when it was no Draymond and no Steph.
"I've had these conversations with Steve [Kerr] and again I think you're going to hear it a lot publicly in their messaging, they're going to adapt the offense at times away from Draymond. They're going to try to make him more of a spot-up shooter at times instead of giving him the ball. They're trying to limit his turnovers."
Oct. 1
Duren, Pistons end standoff with long-term deal
All-NBA center Jalen Duren has agreed to a five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed contract to return to the Detroit Pistons, his agent told ESPN's Shams Charania. Duren had until 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday to decide on the Pistons' one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer.
Mitch Johnson excited about Billy Donovan's role with Spurs
San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson likes what he's seen so far at training camp from new lead assistant coach Billy Donovan.
"I don't want to be naive enough to think I'm going to tell you what a 61-year old Hall of Fame coach like Billy Donovan and his resume can bring to the table," Johnson said. "I'm excited he's here. He's a tremendous person, great personality, fits in seamlessly. He's got worlds of experience and he's an extremely hard worker. He's not kicking up his feet and telling stories. He's rolling his sleeves up and getting his hands dirty. He's going to help all of us and probably me, specifically, a ton this year."
Donovan joined the staff in July, replacing former lead assistant Sean Sweeney, who left San Antonio to take the head coaching job in Orlando. Sweeney ran the Spurs' defense last season, helping it improve from 25th to third in the NBA in defensive rating (110.4).
Donovan won't be tasked with taking on Sweeney's responsibilities, according to sources, however. San Antonio brought in Donovan to lean on his experience on both ends of the floor, as well as his vast knowledge of the NBA and college games.
A member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2025, Donovan joined the Spurs after 11 seasons as an NBA coach with the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder, after capturing two college basketball national titles in 2006 and 2007 with the Florida Gators. -- Michael C. Wright
Shead agrees to three-year extension in Toronto
Guard Jamal Shead has agreed to a three-year, $24 million extension with the Toronto Raptors, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Shead averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 assists per game last season.
Sept. 30
Nuggets add Nembhard on two-way deal
Guard Ryan Nembhard has agreed to a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Nembhard, 23, played 60 games (27 starts) for the Dallas Mavericks in 2025-26 after signing as an undrafted free agent. He was traded to the Atlanta Hawks then to the Charlotte Hornets this offseason before being waived.
Sept. 29
Charania: NBA reviewing finalists' bids for Vegas team
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the NBA is currently reviewing finalist bids for a new expansion team in Las Vegas. The price range is currently speculated at $12-13 billion with a new arena factored into the cost.
The three final groups are Nancy Walton Laurie and Bill Laurie; Steve Apostolopoulos and Marc Lasry; Bill Foley and Jerry Colangelo, sources told ESPN.
Will KAT take a pay cut in next Knicks deal?
On "NBA Today," ESPN's Malika Andrews detailed Karl-Anthony Towns' mindset toward contract negotiations with the defending champion New York Knicks.
"Towns, from what I have been told, is willing -- similarly to what Jalen Brunson did [but the] numbers aren't the same -- to take a pay cut," Andrews said. "But the pay cut that the Knicks are asking him to take, he views as unreasonable."
Towns, 30, is eligible to sign a four-year, $276 million extension through June 30.
Embiid "full participant" in first Sixers' practice
Joel Embiid was a "full participant all the way through" for the Philadelphia 76ers first practice of training camp, Sixers coach Nick Nurse said Tuesday.
"He looked great," Nurse said of Embiid. "Very, very good news from the standpoint of where it's been the last couple years, last couple summers leading into today. ... It's great to see."
After being named the league MVP in 2023, the 32-year-old center has missed 150 games over the last three seasons because of various injuries.
He also sat out four of the Sixers' 11 playoff games in the spring because of appendicitis, right hip soreness and a right ankle sprain.
The only Sixers player who did not participate in Tuesday's practice according to a team spokesperson was backup big man Adem Bona, who is dealing with a sprained left foot.
Anfernee Simons, who signed a two-year, $12.3 million contract to join Philadelphia in July, said Embiid's presence in the gym was already notable leading up to the start of camp.
"Everybody's been impressed around here about how he's come in and worked," Simons said. "Joel is going to be Joel. He's going to be a dominant player always. We just want to continue for him to be himself, as well, and I think everybody's going to be able to work around that."
Despite the injuries, the 10-year veteran still averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 blocks per game last season.
Embiid's inclusion only added to what several Sixers players described as an "exciting" opening day with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown completing their first official practice with the franchise.
"With any team, we got to start somewhere, and then we got to get better and better, and just keep trying to reach our ceiling, right?" Nurse said. "That happens day-to-day. Can we get up tomorrow, like, 98% as excited as we did today? It's going to be hard to get as excited as we all were today, right?
"But we need to come back, and we need to keep climbing that mountain. That's a daily process. I just want them to reach their potential. If they do, great things are going to happen." -- Dave McMenamin
Hoop Collective: The 2026 NBA Media Day reaction special
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN reporters from around the league to check in on Monday's Media Days. Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Vince Goodwill, Jamal Collier, Anthony Slater and Michael C. Wright all hop on the podcast to discuss the biggest storylines throughout the NBA ahead of training camp.
Topics:
01:08: 76ers Media Day reactions
06:55: How LeBron is assimilating in Philadelphia
15:00: How will the 76ers deploy their talent this year?
18:45: Vibes exceedingly high for the Lakers
32:25: Bronny's quotes about LeBron leaving
35:20: Windy Storytime: Bronny's name origins
40:20: Exciting summer coming to a close for the Knicks
41:15: Major contract negotiations ongoing with NY
55:10: Assessing vibes with new pieces in Minnesota
1:08:40: Bad news continues for the Clippers
1:24:15: Evaluating Kawhi's fit with the Raptors
1:30:20: Not a lot of love in the air for Pistons
1:44:30: Breaking down state of the Warriors
2:00:25: Thunder dealing with departure of key teammates
2:16:13: Interesting quotes from Spurs about their starting 5
Goodwill on the latest between the Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns: "It wasn't so much what he said, like this full-throated defense of himself, but he said, 'I would like to get my contract done.'
"He said, 'I would like to stay in New York for the rest of my career.' And then he kind of ended it and because of the way the Knicks operated, it wasn't like you had space for a follow-up.
"And then someone else, I think Ian Begley asked him, 'Are you OK with playing this out through the season or do you want to table contract talks?' and he basically said, 'Everybody's going to be a little uncomfortable around here.'"
Top NBA media day headlines
LeBron says he envisioned joining Knicks as free agent | Philly stars ready to 'sacrifice'
Clippers apologize to fans, vow to move past investigation | Ingram (Achilles) out
Jokic on his next Nuggets deal: 'I'm going to sign next year'
Bronny on LeBron James' Lakers exit: 'He's got his own path'
Sept. 28
Bronny on LeBron James' Lakers exit: 'He's got his own path'
When LeBron James chose to leave the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency over the summer, he consulted his family on the decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. But when it came to his son/teammate Bronny, much was apparently left unsaid.
"We're men of very little words when it comes to talking about business and what we're going to do and how we feel about each other. So it wasn't really much [discussion] to be honest with you," Bronny James said Monday at Lakers media day.
"He's got his own path and I got my own. He knows that I want to make a name for myself and I want to continue my career and keep growing as a player. And he knows that I want to focus on that. So he decided to do that."
LeBron and Bronny have routinely been in unique situations in league history, whether it was opening night two years ago, when the father and son entered the game together, or last year in the playoffs, where they combined to deliver a 10-0 run during a victory over the Houston Rockets. Navigating a complex free agency in which the father leaves and the son stays is another one for the books.
Tatum 'comfortable' leading new-look Celtics post-Brown trade
Jayson Tatum's one constant during his development into a star with the Boston Celtics was having Jaylen Brown as a teammate.
That partnership ended this offseason when the Celtics' front office decided to trade Brown -- the 2024 NBA Finals MVP -- to the Philadelphia 76ers in what was largely a cost-cutting move that broke up the duo most responsible for leading Boston to the 2024 NBA championship.
"The business of the NBA comes and plays a part at some point. And I've seen it in my almost 10 years in this league," Tatum said during Celtics media day on Monday. "For me it's more so being grateful for what we accomplished and what he means for this city and to this organization. Just the ups and downs in our career that we were able to grow and learn from and made us the players that we are today. So really just being thankful for those nine years."
Suns owner Ishbia says mortgage company woes won't hurt team
It's well-known at this point that billionaire Mat Ishbia's mortgage company has had a rough financial stretch.
The owner of the Phoenix Suns said Monday that will have "zero" effect on his spending habits when it comes to basketball. In fact, the 46-year-old said he's working on purchasing 14% more of the team, bringing his total to roughly 80%.
Ishbia's company -- United Wholesale Mortgage -- suffered a reported $450 million net loss in the second quarter this year, calling into question if the sizable dip would affect his basketball business. The outspoken Ishbia was adamant that nothing would change for the NBA franchise when it comes to spending on players or the fan experience.
Williamson not where he wants to be
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson kept his answer brief when asked how he would summarize his first seven years as an NBA player.
"I'm not where I want to be," said Williamson, whom the Pelicans drafted with the No. 1 pick out of Duke in 2019. "I'm not where I need to be."
Butler indicates he is 'ahead' in his knee rehab
Nearing the eight-month mark since his right ACL surgery, Jimmy Butler III is hesitant to put a specific target date on his eventual NBA return, but he did express optimism in advance of Golden State Warriors training camp.
"I promise you I'm coming back, and it's going to be -- I think it's going to be, like, real eye-popping for everybody how I'm still going to be nice," Butler said. "Probably nicer, honestly."
Butler has only recently advanced to running, and he will be limited to light on-court individual work when the team begins practice in Hawaii on Tuesday afternoon.
It will be several weeks before Butler is expected to advance to a more rigorous stage of his rehab, and the team's lead medical decision-maker, Rick Celebrini, is known for his cautiousness in the later stages of the rehab process.
A January or February return can be considered on the optimistic side for Butler, who turned 37 earlier this month. But Butler did say that the strengthening tests on the knee indicate he is ahead of schedule.
"My numbers are staggering," Butler said. "They're off the charts. I'm ahead, so they say. So, I just know that all the work that I've been doing, whether it be at home, in L.A., in Europe, in South America, wherever the case may be, I've been doing all the right things. So, I am confident that whenever I come back, I'll be more than ready, I'll be more than healthy and I'll be a better all-around player than I was whenever I went down." -- Anthony Slater
Pistons eye "better version" of Cunningham
Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff has held many offseason conversations with All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham about seizing greatness and the necessary steps toward improving after last year's playoff run that stretched to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Bickerstaff has guaranteed "a better version" Cunningham this season, which could be a scary sight after he averaged 23.9 points, 9.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 33.9 minutes during 2025-26. But Cunningham also led the East in turnovers per game after finishing with the second most in 2024-25.
"I don't have to challenge Cade, and that's why he is who he is," Bickerstaff said. "Because he's pulling. He's not being pushed."
Cunningham showed up in a fresh pair of Nike S.T. Charge "Detroit Tough" sneakers in Pistons colors. He will also receive his own signature Nike shoe, which is expected to debut during the second half of the season.
"I'm thankful to be in these shoes. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to represent my family in this way," Cunningham said. "Represent where I come from, but then to represent the city of Detroit.
"In a city like this, it's a blessing. I'm thankful for it, I don't take it for granted and I'm trying to make the most out of it." -- Eric Woodyard
Hornets waive former No. 8 pick Dillingham
The Charlotte Hornets are waiving guard Rob Dillingham, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Dillingham was traded from the Chicago Bulls on Saturday for Buddy Hield and cash. The Hornets created a $9.6 million trade exception with the move.
Dillingham, 21, appeared in 30 games for the Bulls last season, averaging 9.6 points and 2.8 assists.
SGA on chance at historic third straight MVP
At Oklahoma City Thunder media day, guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander discussed the possibility of winning a third straight NBA MVP award and whether that's something he ponders going into this season.
"No different than any other year: Try to be the best player I can be, try to implement the things I just worked on," Gilgeous-Alexander said.
"The decision for MVP is literally 82 games away. I'm not going to win the award in the first week of the season. ... That kind of recipe for me in the past has kind of worked, and I've been fortunate to win two in a row.
"We need to be laser focused on ourselves. We need to take the lessons from that [Western Conference finals] series, for sure, and we did. But it's certainly not something that we overcorrect for, because you end up chasing your shadow, and it prevents you from being your best as you move forward."
ESPN's Summer Forecast gave Gilgeous-Alexander the fourth-best chance at the 2027 MVP, behind Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic. No player has won three consecutive MVPs since Larry Bird in 1984, 1985 and 1986. -- Baxter Holmes
Doncic talks LeBron exit, Lakers "championship" ceiling
Speaking to ESPN's Brian Windhorst during Los Angeles Lakers media day, guard Luka Doncic detailed his reaction to LeBron James leaving for the Philadelphia 76ers this past summer and why he thinks a successful 2026-27 includes a Lakers run to the title:
"It was kind of sad. Playing with LeBron was amazing. There's a lot of things I learned from him. ... We all know who LeBron James is."
"If you don't think we can win a championship, you shouldn't be here."
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 28, 2026
-@lukadoncic to @WindhorstESPN on the Lakers' title expectations this season 🏆 pic.twitter.com/0z5BQcledi
Shams: Duren's relationship with Pistons "has fractures"
The latest on Jalen Duren and the Pistons as deadline nears on his restricted free agency decision: pic.twitter.com/AclYIJn6sw
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 28, 2026
Simmons "didn't touch a ball for a year"
During Sacramento Kings media day, guard Ben Simmons laid out the reasons he chose the Kings and why he's excited for the 2026-27 season.
"The expectations are low. I feel like that's been something on me too, so we can relate in that way," Simmons told reporters. "I think we have a chip on our shoulder."
Simmons last played in 2024-25, appearing in 51 games for the Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers. The three-time All-Star said the time away gave him the chance to focus on "getting my body right and my mind right."
Pistons GM hasn't spoken with Duren all summer
Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons have a decision to make as the clock ticks closer to Oct. 1 -- the deadline to sign a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer.
For Duren, he can accept the five-year, $200 million contract that has been offered by Detroit or he can become the first player named All-NBA or All-Star to sign the qualifying offer. If he chooses the latter, Duren will hold veto power on any trade this season and be an unrestricted free agent next summer.
For the Pistons, weighing the risk of having an All-NBA player on a one-year contract and, more importantly, the likelihood he will depart next summer as a free agent is key.
There are eight projected teams that have significant cap space to sign Duren to a four-year, $189 million max contract.
"I can't control the different things that he does or his group does," Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said at media day. "For me, it's control what we can and letting him know he is a big part of what we do."
Langdon also said he hasn't spoken with Duren all summer during Pistons media day. -- Bobby Marks
Mitchell: LeBron to Cavs made sense "for a lot of reasons"
At Cavaliers media day, Donovan Mitchell said that in his mind, he thought LeBron James would return to Cleveland because "for a lot of reasons it made sense."
"I didn't think Philly. I thought if he didn't come here, it'd be Golden State," Mitchell said.
After being swept in the Eastern Conference finals by the eventual champion New York Knicks then missing out on James in free agency, Cleveland kept its core intact. The Cavs signed Mitchell to a four-year, $273 million maximum extension and re-signed James Harden to a three-year, $97 million contract. Cleveland did make one major addition by acquiring Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets in a multiteam trade then signing the restricted free agent to a four-year, $88 million deal.
Speaking for the first time since their extensions, Mitchell and Harden both said their approaches to their new deals -- Mitchell signing as soon as he was eligible with Harden opting out to give Cleveland more flexibility to make moves -- reflected a team-first mindset.
"This is something that I want to do, and I want to win a championship," Harden said. "So, what does that look like? Making the team better, making the team whole to where we give ourselves a chance. By the way, you can have the best talented team, which I've been on before, and still not win.
"We waited, waited, waited until the front office called me, made sure that we got everything that we can get, and then we signed. We got a long way to go, but I love the direction and steps that we're taking here as a unit from top to bottom." -- Daniel Oyefusi
MacMahon: Thunder adjusting to roster changes
The departures of three championship-winning teammates doesn't yet feel like reality for Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who kidded that he still expected Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins to show up for Oklahoma City's team picture Monday afternoon.
"It's the business of the NBA, right?" Gilgeous-Alexander said, referring to the series of financially motivated trades. "I don't think anybody has played with all 12 guys their whole career. It sucks a little bit.
"My mind never even went to what we were going to be like on the court. It was more like the brotherhood."
As fellow OKC guard Jalen Williams added, "It's the weirdest thing ever." -- Tim MacMahon
Clippers announce Ingram has partially torn Achilles
The LA Clippers announced they found a partially torn Achilles tendon in Brandon Ingram's foot after his recent heel surgery. He will miss the start of the 2026-27 season.
Jokic: "I'm gonna sign next year"
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic reiterated his commitment to the franchise at Monday's media day.
"I'm gonna sign next year," Jokic said. "If they want me."
Curry said knee is ready to go for the season
Golden State Warriors superstar guard Stephen Curry addressed the media Monday in offering positive updates on his injured knee.
"Knee's feeling great. Ready to go. No issues," Curry said. "I feel a lot stronger and understanding of what I'm dealing with."
Curry did acknowledge a "management element" but said there are currently no restrictions.
Nuggets confident in Jokic's future with franchise
Members of the Denver Nuggets' front office, general manager Jon Wallace and executive vice president of basketball Ben Tenzer addressed the media on Monday and answered questions regarding Nikola Jokic's future with the franchise. The three-time MVP didn't sign an extension this offseason.
"We feel very comfortable with the relation and trust there," Tenzer said. "We have no concerns."
LeBron: I wanted to finish my career with the Knicks
New Philadelphia 76er LeBron James said his decision came down to five teams this offseason and that he envisioned going to the New York Knicks before they won the 2026 title.
"I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden," James told ESPN on Monday during the 76ers' media day. "One of the best places I've ever played.
"I think it's the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, 'Hey, I can't.' I couldn't do it."
James and the 76ers will play the Knicks at the Garden on opening night, Oct. 20.
No update on Gary Trent Jr. investigation
Milwaukee Bucks governor Wes Edens did not provide an update on the league investigation into Gary Trent Jr.'s contract.
"I don't have any update," Edens said. "We're working with the league and fully cooperating with them. But I don't have any insight beyond that."
The NBA is looking into a potential cap-circumvention violation by the Bucks around Trent's deal this offseason.
Cronin: Blazers have "belief" in Ja Morant
Portland Trail Blazers' general manager Joe Cronin addressed why the franchise decided to trade for Ja Morant this offseason during Portland's media day on Monday.
"Just straight belief in Ja," Cronin said. "Our view of Ja as still a very high-level player.
"I'm sure there will be questions about fit, but we're very focused on talent."
Cronin also said veteran guard Jrue Holiday could play some minutes on the wing for Portland this season, while adding that Holiday and veteran guard Damian Lillard will have a positive influence on Morant.
Kerr: Rookie Lendeborg going to "play a ton"
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said during Monday's media day that he expects rookie Yaxel Lendeborg to "play a ton" this season.
"He's clearly going to play a ton," Kerr said. "He gives us the size and the versatility that we need.
"Whether he's a starter or coming off the bench, that will be determined the next couple of weeks."
Lendeborg was the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA draft and averaged 15.1 points per game at Michigan last season.
Embiid: 'Extremely excited' about this year's team
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid said Monday that he feels like the team finally has the right mix of players, after an offseason in which the franchise traded for Jaylen Brown and signed LeBron James to join the young guard tandem of VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.
"It's hard to win when you get a group of guys together for one year, two years, maybe," he said. "I'm extremely excited about this team because we have the right mix of veteran leadership and younger guys. We might have some ups and downs, but we're gonna get there."
Wembanyama addresses last year's Finals loss
After leading by double digits in each of the five games in last season's NBA Finals, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama said his memories of it will fuel the team this season.
"I couldn't imagine a better motivation," he said.
Harper addresses role for coming season
After offseason chatter about his role, San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper said he'd follow the coaches' lead this season.
"Everyone has a competitive edge to them. But the biggest thing for me is whatever I can do, just like last year, to help the team win," he said. "Whatever position the coaches think is best for me to be in, that's the position I'll happily go in."
First look at LeBron in a 76ers uniform
New Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James is taking questions from reporters on Monday. Here's what he had to say when asked about his initial impressions of his team:
"Everybody is on the same page," James said. "We are all speaking the same language."
Season 24. pic.twitter.com/ntxTXGLb2A
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 28, 2026
LeBron addressed his role too, saying he's open to whatever the team needs from him to win.
"Whatever they need me to do," he said. "The luxury of my game is I can do everything. ... Literally, I can do everything"
Kawhi: I was a distraction, ready to move forward
In his first public appearance with the Toronto Raptors after a controversy-filled summer, Kawhi Leonard addressed the NBA's investigation into him and his business dealings.
"I know why some of you guys came. You want to hear about the investigation. But in talking with the NBA and PA, I think the best decision is to move forward and focus on my time being a Toronto Raptor," he said. "I already was a distraction for the past 70 days and wasn't able to meet my teammates or do any of that stuff, minicamp stuff, so, moving forward, I just want to talk about the Toronto Raptors."
Haliburton: I am 100% healthy
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said Monday that he is healthy and ready for the season.
"I am healthy. I am 100%," he said. "There will be no restrictions. That is not news. There is no source. I am the source. I am ready to go for the year."
Porzingis out indefinitely in blow to Warriors
Golden State Warriors big man Kristaps Porzingis is out indefinitely to open training camp with a health issue, according to the team.
In late July, Porzingis agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract with a player option on the second season to return to the Warriors.
Brown: KAT, Hart extension talks won't be a distraction
After reports surfaced last week that negotiations between the New York Knicks and center Karl-Anthony Towns had hit a stalemate, coach Mike Brown said Monday neither Towns' situation nor Hart's would linger in the locker room.
"We talk about everything [with the team]," Brown said. "We don't want to have any elephants in the room."
"I'm not involved in it. They'll figure it out. Control what you can control."
And here's what Towns said about a potential extension: "I've made it known I want to play here. Been a fan since I was a kid. I'd like to get it done."
Hornets GM: Brandon Miller to be ready for training camp
After undergoing offseason surgery on his left shoulder, Hornets wing Brandon Miller should be a full participant in training camp and "ready to roll" for opening night, Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson said Monday.
Miller, 23, is entering his fourth NBA season after being the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft.
Duren won't be at Pistons media day, start of camp
Detroit Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren is not attending the team's media day on Monday or the start of training camp as his contract standoff continues, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Monday.
Duren, a restricted free agent, is declining the team's five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed offer as both sides remain at a stalemate ahead of the Thursday deadline on a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer, sources said.
Sept. 26
Bulls trade Dillingham to Hornets for Hield, cash
The Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets agreed to a trade sending Rob Dillingham to Charlotte for Buddy Hield and cash, the teams announced Saturday.
Sept. 25
What's next for Curry and the Warriors?
Stephen Curry's two-year, $116 million extension made him the first player in NBA history to amass $600 million in career on-court earnings.
The deal has also put the Golden State Warriors in position to have extra spending power next summer.
By Curry taking $10 million less than the maximum allowed, the Warriors project to have nearly $38 million in cap space in 2027. Golden State could increase its projection to $55 million if center Kristaps Porzingis is waived in the offseason. Porzingis' $20 million salary for next season is guaranteed for $3 million.
For Golden State to have ample room, forwards Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III would need to sign elsewhere or at a significantly lesser salary. They will be free agents next summer.
Both salary projections include the $17 million free agent hold of guard Brandin Podziemski. The 2023 first-round pick is eligible until Oct. 19 to extend his contract. -- Bobby Marks
Hornets star Knueppel sidelined by hamstring injury
The Charlotte Hornets announced that Kon Knueppel will be out for at least the entire preseason because of a left hamstring injury.
James: Maxey, Embiid were factors in joining 76ers
LeBron James said his longstanding friendship with All-Star Tyrese Maxey and a desire to help Joel Embiid win his first NBA title played significant roles in his decision to sign a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in July.
"[Embiid has] done everything in our league, and the only thing he has not done is win a championship. And I want to try to help him get that first one," James said. "He has a city on his back. He's been 'The Process' for 10 years, 12 years, however long he's been there. But I think it's time we even get you deeper into the process. And I hope that I can be, kind of, that final little piece that can help him get over the hump."
Grizzlies waive Russell
The Memphis Grizzlies have waived D'Angelo Russell, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Russell has made one All-Star team during his career and was selected No. 2 in the 2015 NBA draft.