Basketball news

• Sunday Posted & Toasted Notes: Back to Mexico

  20-09-2026 20:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  This picture taken on September 3, 2026, shows a dugong swimming at Ngederrak Reef off the coast of Koror, Palau, where the marine mammals feed on seagrass beds. US military plans to rebuild the main port in a pristine Pacific archipelago have stirred painful memories of World War Two and have locals concerned about being caught in a potential superpower conflict. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP via Getty Images) / TO GO WITH: Palau-US-defence-environment, FOCUS by Kirsty NEEDHAM | AFP via Getty Imag
  
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• Rockets' Fred VanVleet ready for training camp; Kevin Durant doesn't want minutes reduced in 20th season

  22-09-2026 23:21 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  HOUSTON —To the untrained eye, Rockets guard Fred VanVleet’s mild-mannered, almost stoic demeanor could have come across as unenthusiastic. But as the veteran guard sat at the podium fielding reporters' questions, arms folded and tucked, his gaze piercing through the room, it was clear the fire within — a flame dampened after a lost season — was flickering again. “I’ve been progressing nicely,” VanVleet said at Rockets media day on Monday. &ldq
  
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• Kawhi Leonard contract breakdown: What $115 million extension means as Raptors try to compete in loaded East

  22-09-2026 22:49 via cbssports.com
  
  Leonard's new deal with the Raptors will come in slightly below the max
  
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• Toronto bets big on Kawhi Leonard's health with reported two-year, $115 million extension

  22-09-2026 22:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Multiple, very obvious reasons made it clear it was time for the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard to part ways, but one kind of flew under the radar: Los Angeles wasn't about to give Leonard, 35, the kind of extension he wanted.The Toronto Raptors will.In a deal that was expected, Leonard and the Raptors have agreed to a two-year, $115 million contract extension for the two-time Finals MVP, a deal first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. The second year of the extension, 2028-29, is a player option,
  
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• Hawks reportedly trading Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard to Hornets for Dorian Finney-Smith

  22-09-2026 21:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Atlanta Hawks are trading Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard and cash to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for forward Dorian Finney-Smith, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. The Hawks make the move to fortify their frontcourt a day after they announced that backup rookie center Henri Veesaar suffered a torn ACL.Finney-Smith, 32, is a veteran 3-and-D forward who could earn a rotation spot in Atlanta. For his career, he’s averaged 8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.4 blocks while shooti
  
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• After months in limbo, Kawhi Leonard gets $115 million contract extension from Raptors

  22-09-2026 21:54 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Kawhi Leonard spent most of his summer waiting on the NBA to let him go back to Toronto. Now he's seemingly not going anywhere else.Leonard agreed to a two-year, $115 million contract extension with the Raptors that includes a player option for the 2028-29 season a person with knowledge confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because the deal was not yet publicly announced. The extension comes eight days after Toronto finally closed its trade for the 35-year-old, a deal the
  
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• Kawhi Leonard, Raptors reportedly agree to two-year, $115 million extension after completion of Clippers trade

  22-09-2026 21:40 via cbssports.com
  
  Leonard's new deal with the Raptors will come in slightly below the max
  
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• Doc Rivers to join NBC’s coverage team as analyst

  22-09-2026 21:19 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 15: Inductee Doc Rivers speaks to the audience during the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Symphony Hall on August 15, 2026 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images Just because he’s no longer coaching the Bucks and has been inducted to the Hall of Fame, that doesn’t mean we won’t be hearing from him anytime soon. NBC announced that they are adding former Sixers head coach Doc Rivers as a
  
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• Kawhi Leonard to reportedly sign 2-year, $115 million extension with Raptors

  22-09-2026 21:14 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Kawhi Leonard is staying put. The Toronto Raptors decided to keep the 35-year-old around for multiple seasons, reportedly signing him to a two-year, $115 million extension Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.The move comes as Leonard was set to enter the final year of the three-year, $149 million extension he signed with the Clippers in 2024. Under his previous deal, Leonard was set to make $50.3 million during the 2026-27 NBA season.Just in: Toronto Raptors All-NBA star Kawhi Leon
  
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• Steven Adams predicts level of play across sports will 'plummet' when 'Grand Theft Auto 6' is released

  22-09-2026 20:19 via cbssports.com
  
  Once 'GTA 6' finally drops in November, Adams thinks players and coaches will lose focus for a few weeks
  
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• Ariel Hukporti could be a key figure for the Sixers

  22-09-2026 20:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 03: Ariel Hukporti #55 of the New York Knicks dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on February 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images Following another playoff exit in the spring 0f 2026, th
  
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• Trae Young says Atlanta front office turnover led to his push for trade

  22-09-2026 19:37 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  It felt like time. Trae Young was in his eighth season in Atlanta and things felt stagnant. This was a team — and Young was a player — in need of a change, and while it wasn't always smooth, the team worked with Young and he was traded to the Washington Wizards.At least, that was how it looked from the outside.It's not entirely how Young saw things. Young sat down with his friend and Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. on his YouTube channel and said that, for him, things really
  
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• Why the Warriors should be making lofty promises to Jalen Duren

  22-09-2026 19:22 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DETROIT, MI - MARCH 20: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 20, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty
  
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• Henri Veesaar tears ACL, will miss entire NBA season

  22-09-2026 19:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) celebrates after a three point basket during the second half of the Fort Myers Tip-Off Beach Division game against the Michigan State Spartans at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on Fort Myers, Fla., on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co The Atlanta Hawks announced on Monday that former Tar Heel Henri Veesaar tore his right ACL during a workout on Sept. 15 and will miss the entire NBA season.The 22-year-old Estonian was an al
  
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• Warriors second-round pick Lajae Jones signs with Italian team

  22-09-2026 18:38 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 19: Lajae Jones #25 of the Golden State Warriors plays defense during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship on July 19, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike
  
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• The unique brilliance of Jalen Brunson

  22-09-2026 18:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 18: Jalen Brunson is seen outside City Hall at the New York Knicks ticker-tape parade on June 18, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by XNY/Star Max/GC Images) In the immediate aftermath of winning a championship, there’s utter jubilation. Once that initial high wears off after the ceremony and you start truly grasping what you just witnessed, the human mind naturally goes in a completely different direction.You begin to think of those who were proven wrong. Athletes always
  
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• Five players facing critical comeback seasons: Tyrese Haliburton, Kyrie Irving, more

  22-09-2026 17:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Injuries are an unfortunate part of sports and change the course of every NBA season. However, last season seemed more severe than most — a rash of top players missed considerable time, if not the entire season. It changed the complexion of teams and playoff races (not to mention the tanking).All those injuries a year ago open the door for some prime comeback stories this season. Here are five players returning from injury who can — and should — change the course of their team,
  
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• MMBets: The Cleveland Cavaliers are all in

  22-09-2026 17:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 25: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the second quarter an in Game Four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images It takes a big man to admit when they are wr
  
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• Will the Lakers’ bet on Walker Kessler pay off?

  22-09-2026 17:24 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 3: Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after throwing the ceremonial pitch prior to the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on September 3, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images) | Getty Images Welcome to our Lakers Season Preview Series! For the next several weeks, we’ll be writing columns every weekday breaking down the biggest questions we have about every p
  
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• Why the Jalen Duren contract stalemate is encouraging for Detroit

  22-09-2026 16:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts during the second half against the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images If this offseason for the Detroit Pistons was a plane ride, you’d call it an eventful one.There has been turbulence, with the front office missing out on players they thought could fit the team’
  
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• Is a Klutch reunion just what Kentavious Caldwell-Pope needed?

  22-09-2026 16:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 19: LeBron James #23 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers high five during the 2021 NBA Play-In Tournament on May 19, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | N
  
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• How Steve Kerr convinced former NBA coach Frank Vogel to join Warriors staff

  22-09-2026 16:06 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  How Steve Kerr convinced former NBA coach Frank Vogel to join Warriors staff originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay AreaMany have speculated that former NBA coach Frank Vogel only was being considered as a Warriors assistant to strengthen the team’s pursuit of LeBron James. That is not the case.“LeBron and I still have a great relationship, so that may have been something that could’ve been enticing to him,” Vogel told the San Francisco Chronicle on Wednesday at Chase Cent
  
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• Wizards point guard preview: Trae Young starts, but who backs him up?

  22-09-2026 15:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Bub Carrington #7 and Kyshawn George #18 of the Washington Wizards celebrates during the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 17, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via G
  
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• If Jalen Duren won't take Pistons' $200 million offer, then it's time for them to consider a trade

  22-09-2026 15:43 via cbssports.com
  
  Duren and the Pistons remain in a contract stalemate as a new season approaches ... so would Detroit trade its All-NBA center?
  
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• Must-watch Wizards? Trae Young, Anthony Davis, AJ Dybantsa and the NBA's weirdest group project

  22-09-2026 15:38 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Wizards spent the past few years trying to lose. Now they're trying to win and develop players at the same time. Half the roster is young, the other half is old. But all of them are trying to figure out who they are. Washington is running a two-timeline experiment that features veterans Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Khris Middleton and Deandre Ayton. That group could accelerate or get in the way of the development of Washington's interesting young core. This is the NBA's weirdest group project.
  
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• 'It's over': Nicolas Batum announces retirement from NBA after 18 years

  22-09-2026 14:04 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Nicolas Batum announced his retirement from the NBA after 18 seasons on Monday, Sept. 21.In a nearly 10-minute-long video posted to his Instagram account, the 37-year-old wing walked into Gym Even in Pont-l'Évêque, France – the same one where he started playing basketball exactly 35 years ago to the day on Sept. 21, 1991, when he was two-and a half years old, by his account. This time, Batum brought his son, Ayden, with him."You don't want me to retire?" Batum asked Ayden as t
  
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• Ranking the Roster: Kasparas Jakučionis holds the line at 12

  22-09-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Kasparas Jakucionis #25 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the Miami Heat during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Candi
  
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• Preview: Can Jakob Poeltl return to form in the season he’s needed the most?

  22-09-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 1: Jakob Poeltl #19 of the Toronto Raptors is introduced before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn
  
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• Player Preview: Luke Kennard needs to let it fly in Phoenix

  22-09-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 29: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a foul call during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry Ho
  
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• NBA Season Preview: Five Wolves Lineups We Want to See

  22-09-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Jaylin Williams #26 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and teammates celebrate during the game against the Denver Nuggets during a 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 11, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE
  
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