NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: September 4, 2026, 10:28 PM ET

Clippers Punishment

The NBA levied the harshest penalty in league history on the Los Angeles Clippers, docking five first-round picks and fining the franchise $30 million following an investigation into a Kawhi Leonard sponsorship. Owner Steve Ballmer also received a one-year suspension. ESPN insiders break down the punishment, while Brian Windhorst argues the team should take this L and move on by changing course quickly. The situation echoes the Minnesota Timberwolves' 2000 cap-circumvention case, a history lesson that suggests significant roster disruption may follow for Ballmer's franchise.

Transactions and Contracts

The Sacramento Kings have signed former No. 1 pick Ben Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million deal, per his agents, bringing the three-time All-Star back to the NBA. Meanwhile, Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson agreed to a five-year, $208M extension, locking him into the franchise's core through the 2030-31 campaign.

The Philadelphia 76ers added 7-foot-6 center Tacko Fall along with Jameer Nelson Jr. and Saint Thomas on Exhibit 10 contracts for training camp. Out of the NBA since April 2023, Victor Oladipo has written an open letter to general managers declaring himself healthy and asking for another opportunity. Recently retired Russell Westbrook has joined the new men's and women's league Project B as a co-founder and chief strategy officer.

League Notes

A competitive postseason and buzzy offseason have elevated several feisty conflicts, with the league's top 10 rivalries ranked ahead of next season. NBA 2K27 has arrived to strong reviews, offering a fresh experience that lets players explore the breadth of basketball history while retaining familiarity for longtime fans. The Orlando Magic's 2026-27 season preview asks whether new coach Sweeney can unlock the team's core trio, with an offseason recap and early expectations for the year ahead.