NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 3:16 AM ET

NBA Coaching Legend Passes

Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history with 1,335 regular-season victories and a five-time champion as a player, died at 86 on Sunday. The NBA announced his death. Nelson's innovative Nellie Ball style influenced generations across his 31-season career coaching the Bucks, Warriors, and Mavericks. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Warriors Future

Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy expressed confidence once again that Stephen Curry, who is on an expiring contract this season, will remain with the franchise until he retires. Curry's steadfast commitment to finish his career in Golden State has been a central theme of the team's long-term planning. Dunleavy's comments came amid ongoing speculation, but the two-time MVP averaged 26.4 points and 5.1 assists last season. The Warriors aim to contend around Curry in his final years while managing their salary cap. Dunleavy stressed the team's commitment to Curry's timeline.

Free Agency & International Moves

Free agent forward Ben Simmons, a former No. 1 pick limited by recent injuries, is expected to be a full participant with zero restrictions at a player-led private minicamp for the Australian men's basketball team in Melbourne, a source told ESPN, signaling a return to the NBA. Simmons last played in the NBA in 2025 due to injury. Meanwhile, Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos revealed he made a serious offer to buy out three-time MVP Nikola Jokic's NBA contract for next season, and he indicated he will try again in 2027 when Jokic could become available. The biggest remaining free agents include young center Jalen Duren, veteran guard James Harden, and several other rotation players still in flux as training camps approach.

Contender Concerns & Team Previews

NBA insiders break down under-the-radar concerns for top contenders, including the contract situation of Karl-Anthony Towns as teams adjust to new rosters across the Western Conference. The latest offseason buzz also examines the impact of the Luka Dončić injury and the Kawhi Leonard probe on the league's balance. The summer of 2027 looms large, with Golden State facing a franchise-altering offseason that includes significant cap space and free agent decisions, per Bobby Marks. The Spurs look to build around Victor Wembanyama after his record-setting rookie campaign averaging 21.4 points and 10.6 rebounds, aiming for a playoff push after a play-in finish. The Spurs also added Chris Paul to provide veteran leadership. The Rockets hope Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson can push them into the West's upper tier following a busy summer that landed Durant via trade, giving Houston one of the deepest rotations in the conference.

Legal Brief

A federal judge revoked the bond of Deniro Laster, a co-defendant in the NBA gambling case involving former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, after Laster violated conditions by posting an Instagram story featuring a rat emoji. The judge cited the post as threatening witnesses, and Laster was ordered to surrender his passport. The case is part of a broader investigation into illegal gambling connected to NBA players, which has led to charges against several individuals, including Laster. Laster is one of several defendants in the case.