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13 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: August 26, 2026, 2:46 PM ET

NBA Basketball

The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to terms with Bennedict Mathurin on a two-year, $16 million deal that includes a player option, sources told ESPN. The move adds scoring punch to a Pelicans roster that has been reshaped this offseason, with Mathurin expected to compete for a starting wing spot alongside Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum.

The Golden State Warriors finalized their roster with two veteran additions. They are signing Georges Niang to a one-year, $3.9 million contract, completing the team's 15-man roster for the upcoming season. Additionally, the Warriors added guard Brandon Williams on a one-year, $2.6 million minimum deal, according to his agents. The moves signal a continuity-first approach as Golden State prepares for the final years of the Stephen Curry era, a strategy detailed in the team's offseason recap and preview.

In injury news, Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe is expected to miss six months after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. The setback is a significant blow to a Blazers team that was hoping for a breakout season from the 22-year-old.

The Buss brothers, who recently sold the Lakers, are joining the Padres ownership group through their new firm, expanding their sports portfolio beyond basketball. Meanwhile, Klay Thompson said he joined the Miami Heat to taste winning at the highest level again, relishing the chance to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo on a revamped roster.

In a unique legal development, RJ Luis Jr., the 2025 Big East Player of the Year, was granted a temporary injunction by a Louisiana judge to play for LSU this season despite having signed multiple NBA contracts. The ruling could have broader implications for college eligibility rules.

Off the court, LeBron James' foundation announced the LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational will be played in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, in July 2027, in partnership with the PGA Tour.

Forecast and Predictions

ESPN's panel released its championship predictions for the 2026-27 season, with the Knicks and Thunder emerging as the early favorites in the East and West, respectively. The panel also unveiled its awards forecast, predicting MVP, Rookie of the Year, and other major honors. Additionally, experts offered their standings projections for all 30 teams, providing a comprehensive look at the upcoming campaign.

The Clippers, meanwhile, face lingering questions as the Kawhi Leonard-Aspiration saga continues, leaving their season preview shrouded in uncertainty about in LA.