NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: August 20, 2026, 5:06 PM ET

Victor Wembanyama Named France Captain

Victor Wembanyama has been named captain of the French national team ahead of the FIBA World Cup European qualifiers, the team announced Wednesday. The 7-footer will lead France through a critical stretch of international competition, adding another layer to what has already been a landmark year for the San Antonio Spurs star.

Russell Westbrook Announces Retirement

Nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook officially announced his retirement Wednesday after 18 NBA seasons, bringing an end to one of the most electrifying careers in league history. The former MVP won a championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023 and finished his career as one of the game’s most prolific stat accumulators.

Sacramento Kings Face Pregnancy Discrimination Lawsuit

A former Sacramento Kings assistant athletic trainer has filed a civil lawsuit alleging pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment against the organization and its senior director of athlete health, according to reports. The suit claims the trainer was treated unfairly after announcing her pregnancy.

2027 and 2028 NBA Draft Watch Begins

After a summer of scouting, draft analyst Jeremy Woo has identified the top prospects to monitor for the 2027 and 2028 NBA drafts. The early list includes several high school standouts and college players who could shape the future of the league.

Cleveland Cavaliers Acquire Peyton Watson in Five-Team Deal

The Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Clippers have completed a five-team trade sending Peyton Watson to Cleveland and Max Strus to Los Angeles. Watson will sign a new four-year, $88 million rookie scale extension as part of the deal.

James Harden Signs Three-Year, $97 Million Extension

James Harden has agreed to a new three-year, $97 million contract to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his agency Equity Sports confirmed Thursday. The veteran guard was acquired at the trade deadline and helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Lakers Minority Owner Patrick Soon-Shiong Won’t Sell Stake

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ minority owners, has decided not to sell his 4% stake in the franchise, his attorney told ESPN. Soon-Shiong’s decision keeps the ownership structure stable as the team enters a new era under head coach J.J. Redick.

Phoenix Suns Installing Massive Exterior Video Display

The Phoenix Suns are installing an LED display on the exterior of their arena that will measure 226 feet wide by 41 feet tall, making it the largest exterior video board in the NBA. The display is set to debut in time for the 2027 NBA All-Star Weekend.

Oklahoma City Thunder Offseason Recap and Outlook

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2026-27 season with questions about roster depth after key departures, despite securing their core trio long-term. Analysts are weighing whether their young stars can carry the load without the same supporting cast from last season.

Minnesota Timberwolves Backcourt Evolution Underway

With the arrival of new point guard D’Angelo Russell and the continued rise of Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves are entering a new era in the Western Conference. The team’s offseason moves aim to maximize their window of contention.

San Antonio Spurs Arena Funding Vote Rejected

San Antonio’s city council voted 6-5 to reject a proposed public vote on the city’s $489 million contribution toward a new Spurs downtown arena, leaving the franchise’s future home plans in limbo. The decision delays any immediate resolution on the project.

NBA Rookie Projections for 2026-27 Season

NBA insiders are forecasting which top rookies will make the biggest long-term impact in their careers, with particular attention on top draft picks entering the league. The 2026 draft class is expected to produce several future All-Stars.

Knicks Title Run Defines 2025-26 Season

ESPN analyst Zach Kram examines the defining moment of the 2025-26 NBA season — the New York Knicks’ championship run — which could be remembered for years to come. Julius Randle’s leadership and Jalen Brunson’s clutch performances anchored the franchise’s first title since 1973.

Nets Owner Calls Knicks Title Run ‘Embarrassing’

Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai admitted in a recent interview that the Knicks’ championship run is “embarrassing” to his franchise, highlighting the growing rivalry between the two New York teams. Tsai’s comments come as both teams look to build around young cores this offseason.

Trendon Watford Signs One-Year Deal with Pelicans

Free agent forward Trendon Watford has agreed to a one-year, $2.9 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday. Watford brings depth and versatility to the frontcourt after averaging 8.7 points per game last season with the Blazers.

Utah Jazz Look to Darryn Peterson to End Rebuild

The Utah Jazz are entering the 2026-27 season with optimism surrounding rookie guard Darryn Peterson, whose arrival may signal the end of their rebuild. Analysts are evaluating whether Peterson can accelerate the team’s timeline back to contention.

Jeanie Buss Contests Family Stake Sale

Jeanie Buss is contesting a claim from the rest of the Buss family that they are selling the family’s remaining stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to new investors Josh Kushner and Bob Iger. Buss’s challenge adds uncertainty to the franchise’s ownership structure and future direction.

Portland Trail Blazers Navigate Lillard Era Uncertainty

With Damian Lillard back but facing questions about his long-term future, the Portland Trail Blazers are dealing with offseason chaos surrounding roster moves and front office decisions. The team’s trajectory remains unclear as they attempt to return to relevance.