NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: September 3, 2026, 10:29 PM ET

NBA Headlines

The Houston Rockets secured their backcourt future as Amen Thompson agreed to a five-year, $208 million rookie-scale extension, sources told ESPN. The deal locks in the explosive guard as a cornerstone of Houston's young core.

The NBA handed down historic punishment to the Clippers, docking five first-round picks, fining the franchise $30 million, and suspending owner Steve Ballmer for a year following the Kawhi Leonard sponsorship investigation. ESPN insiders break down the ruling, the harshest in league history. The fallout could mirror the Minnesota precedent from 2000, when the Timberwolves' cap circumvention penalty led to nearly two decades of futility — a dire warning for Ballmer's franchise.

League Notes

Victor Oladipo, out of the NBA since April 2023, has written an open letter to general managers declaring he's healthy and seeking one more opportunity. The 76ers added depth by signing 7-foot-6 Tacko Fall along with Jameer Nelson Jr. and Saint Thomas to Exhibit 10 training camp deals.

Recently retired Russell Westbrook is joining Project B as co-founder and chief strategy officer for the new men's and women's basketball league. Meanwhile, Tony Parker has tapped the Spurs blueprint as Patty Mills joins ASVEL in France, reuniting the former San Antonio teammates.

ESPN ranks the top 10 rivalries for the 2026-27 season, fueled by a competitive postseason and a buzzy offseason. In Atlanta, the post-Trae era is underway as the Hawks navigate life after their franchise point guard, with the offseason recap and early season preview setting the stage for a rebuild.