Last updated: September 28, 2026, 10:54 PM ET
NBA Contracts and Extensions
Nikola Jokic confirmed he will re-sign with the Denver Nuggets next season, removing any doubt about his future in Colorado. Stephen Curry re-signed with the Golden State Warriors, stating he wants to "finish the story the right way" with the franchise he calls home. Karl-Anthony Towns said he wants to remain with the New York Knicks long-term, acknowledging contract uncertainty but affirming his desire to play in New York. Anthony Davis indicated he will delay extension discussions with the Washington Wizards until the end of the current season to focus on performance.
Player Perspectives and Team Dynamics
Zion Williamson admitted he is "not where I want to be" heading into his eighth NBA season, expressing dissatisfaction with his early career trajectory. Jayson Tatum stated he feels "comfortable" leading the Boston Celtics in the post-Jaylen Brown era, expressing gratitude for their past success while embracing his new role. Damian Lillard commented that the Portland Trail Blazers' congested backcourt situation "will work itself out," showing confidence in the team's ability to integrate new additions. Anthony Edwards said he is happy to relinquish primary point guard responsibilities to rookie Lamelo Ball, allowing him to concentrate more on defensive contributions and overall impact. The Philadelphia 76ers emphasized that "sacrifice" will be central to their success following recent star acquisitions, highlighting a team-first mindset as they integrate new talent.
Injury Updates and Availability Concerns
Tyrese Haliburton declared he is "ready to go" upon his return from an Achilles tear, confirming no lingering restrictions as the Indiana Pacers seek to rebound from a challenging season. Kristaps Porzingis will miss the beginning of Golden State Warriors training camp due to a health issue, though specifics were not disclosed. Jalen Duren is not attending the Detroit Pistons' media day amid an ongoing contract standoff, marking his absence as a notable development in Detroit. Brandon Ingram is out for the Los Angeles Clippers following Achilles and heel surgery, removing a key piece acquired in the Kawhi Leonard trade.
Memorabilia and Off-Court Highlights
A rookie patch card featuring Victor Wembanyama sold for a record $8.04 million, setting a new benchmark for modern NBA memorabilia. Bronny James remarked that his father LeBron James is pursuing his own path following the Lakers' recent decisions, noting limited direct communication about the move. Jalen Brunson shared laughs with Knicks teammates including Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges during his 'Saturday Night Live' hosting appearance, showcasing team camaraderie beyond the court.
Team Approaches and Outlook
The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking the same approach to the season as in prior years, emphasizing internal development over external competition, specifically mentioning they are not fixated on the San Antonio Spurs. The LA Clippers apologized to fans and pledged to move forward after recent NBA penalties related to the Kawhi Leonard situation, aiming to rebuild trust ahead of training camp. Victor Wembanyama said he still carries "hard emotions" from the NBA Finals loss but remains "very hopeful" about the upcoming season with the Spurs, balancing disappointment with optimism. Giannis Antetokounmpo declared he brings heat as his Miami Heat era begins, affirming he can still "dominate the game" despite entering a new chapter in his career.
Media Day and League Buzz
NBA media day 2026 featured LeBron James and Jaylen Brown appearing together in Philadelphia, while Jimmy Butler's earrings drew significant attention as a top highlight from the event. The latest buzz around the 2026-27 NBA season includes updates on trades, contract extensions, and developments from media day, providing a comprehensive view of offseason movement. A preview ranked the 8 most intriguing newcomers for the upcoming season, highlighting players expected to make immediate impacts after summer roster changes. Kawhi Leonard stated he wants to focus on basketball and being a Raptor following his departure from the Clippers, signaling a fresh start in Toronto. The Washington Wizards' No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa was named the cover athlete for the 2026 Topps Flagship Basketball card set, marking a rare honor for a rookie so early in his career. In a notable trade, the Chicago Bulls sent Rob Dillingham to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Buddy Hield and cash, reshaping both teams' backcourt depth. A 10-team fantasy basketball mock draft revealed that Nikola Jokic was selected first overall, underscoring his continued elite status in fantasy leagues despite real-world contract certainty.