HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing

NBA Basketball 24 Hours

×
10 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: August 20, 2026, 9:01 PM ET

Leadership Changes

Victor Wembanyama was named captain of the French national team ahead of the FIBA World Cup European qualifiers, the team announced Wednesday. The 7-foot-4 star will lead France through its qualifying campaign as the nation eyes a return to the Olympics next summer.

Contract Moves

James Harden agreed to a new three-year, $97 million contract to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his agency confirmed Thursday. The deal keeps the veteran point guard in Cleveland through 2028 and pairs him with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley in a revamped backcourt. Meanwhile, Peyton Watson will head to Cleveland in a five-team trade that sends Max Strus to the Los Angeles Clippers. Watson, will sign a new four-year, $88 million rookie scale extension with the Cavaliers.

Retirement News

Russell Westbrook announced his retirement after 18 NBA seasons, ending speculation that began when he was traded to the Denver Nuggets in June. The nine-time All-Star and former MVP played his last seven seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and expressed interest in remaining involved in basketball Legal Issues

A former Sacramento Kings assistant athletic trainer filed a civil lawsuit against the organization and its senior director of athlete health, alleging pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment. The complaint details claims that the trainer was demoted and ultimately terminated after announcing her pregnancy.

Front Office Notes

Lakers minority owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong has no plans to sell his 4% stake in the franchise, his attorney confirmed. The decision keeps the billionaire investor — who also owns the Dallas Mavericks — on the board despite ongoing speculation about the team's valuation. The Suns are installing the NBA's largest exterior video display at the Footprint Center, a 226-foot by 41-foot LED board that will debut ahead of the 2027 All-Star Game.

The Thunder and Timberwolves both enter the 2026-27 season with new-look rosters. Oklahoma City bolstered its depth around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while Minnesota's revamped backcourt of Anthony Edwards and Lonzo Ball aims to build on their surprising Western Conference run last season.