Last updated: September 29, 2026, 2:17 PM ET
Media Day Fallout
NBA media day wrapped up Monday with a flurry of storylines, and the biggest news centers on the league's newest superteams. LeBron James and Jaylen Brown highlighted the festivities in Philadelphia, while Jimmy Butler's earrings stole the show. The 76ers are preaching sacrifice as a key to success after their blockbuster offseason additions, with the team acknowledging that sharing the ball will be paramount with so many stars demanding touches.
Extension Talks
Several stars addressed their contract situations. Nikola Jokic left no doubt he plans to re-sign with the Denver Nuggets next year, putting to rest any speculation about his future. Karl-Anthony Towns is itching for a Knicks extension, saying he wants to play in New York long-term, though he acknowledged some uncertainty. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis will wait on extension talks with the Wizards until after the season, and Jalen Duren is skipping the Pistons' media day amid a contract standoff with Detroit.
Stephen Curry, who re-signed with the Warriors to "finish the story the right way," called Golden State home in his first public appearance since putting pen to paper. Bronny James addressed his father LeBron's departure from the Lakers, saying he's got his own path and that the two haven't spoken much about the decision.
Injury Concerns
The Clippers received tough news as Brandon Ingram, a key return in the Kawhi Leonard trade, is out after Achilles and heel surgery. The team also apologized to fans and vowed to move past the Kawhi investigation that resulted in NBA penalties. Kawhi Leonard himself is focused on the Raptors after his Clippers exit, saying he wants to put basketball first in his return to Toronto.
Zion Williamson admitted he's not where I want to be ahead of his eighth NBA season, offering a candid self-assessment. Tyrese Haliburton says he's ready to go with no restrictions as he returns from an Achilles tear, hoping to lead the Pacers past their "gap year."
Star Quotes
Victor Wembanyama still has hard emotions over the NBA Finals loss but remains "very hopeful" for the upcoming season. Jayson Tatum says he's comfortable leading the new-look Celtics post-Jaylen Brown trade, thankful for their time together. Anthony Edwards is happy to cede point guard duties to LaMelo Ball, focusing instead on defense for the Timberwolves. Damian Lillard says the Blazers' crowded backcourt will work itself out despite the logjam of guards in Portland.
Rookie Watch
The Wizards' No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa was named the cover athlete of the 2026 Topps Flagship Basketball set, a fitting honor for the rookie who began collecting cards this year. The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking the same approach to the season, not focused on the Spurs despite the hype surrounding their rivalry.
Fantasy and Front Office
Eric Karabell's "Do draft" list includes Randle, Castle, and Reaves as players falling further than they should in fantasy drafts. A 10-team roto mock draft featured Nikola Jokic going No. 1 overall. We're also grading every NBA offseason signing, including why the Warriors get a B for extending Curry, and grading the Dorian Finney-Smith trade, with Atlanta getting a B- in that deal.
Around the League
The NBA's eight most intriguing newcomers have been ranked, with a full roster's worth of stars changing teams this summer. Jimmy Butler's media day looks through the years are being recapped, from "emo Jimmy" to ombre faux locs. We're also tracking all the deals and trades across the league, including intel from Monday's media day.
Preseason Preview
With training camps opening, we've got 30 questions to kick off the NBA preseason, covering for every team, from LeBron James' fit in Philadelphia to Kawhi Leonard's return to Toronto. The card market made headlines too, as Cooper Flagg's 1-of-1 rookie debut patch card sold for a record $8.04M in the early hours of Friday morning.