NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: September 4, 2026, 6:41 AM ET

Clippers Sanctioned

The NBA handed down the harshest punishment in league history to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, docking the franchise five first-round picks, fining it $30 million and suspending owner Steve Ballmer for one year following an investigation into a Kawhi Leonard sponsorship arrangement. The Clippers' punishment comes with serious long-term implications. As the Minnesota Timberwolves' cap-circumvention penalty in 2000 led to nearly two decades of playoff futility, the precedent for Ballmer's franchise could signal both hope and disaster.

Signings and Contracts

The Houston Rockets locked up their backcourt of the future, as guard Amen Thompson's extension is a five-year, $208 million rookie-scale deal, sources told ESPN. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers added depth for camp, inking 7-foot-6 center Tacko Fall, Jameer Nelson Jr. and Saint Thomas to Exhibit 10 contracts.

Comeback and New Ventures

Victor Oladipo, out of the NBA since April 2023, has written an open letter to GMs asking for another chance, insisting he's now healthy. Elsewhere, recently retired Russell Westbrook has taken a new role off the court, joining the Project B board as co-founder and chief strategy officer of the new men's and women's league.

Rivalries and Previews

A competitive postseason and buzzy offseason have elevated some of the league's feistiest conflicts, and ESPN ranked the top 10 rivalries to watch, including Lakers-Mavericks and Pacers-Knicks. In Atlanta, the post-Trae era is underway, and the Hawks look ahead to the 2026-27 season. And overseas, Patty Mills joined ASVEL Villeurbanne, where coach Tony Parker — his former Spurs teammate — welcomed him, tapping into the franchise's blueprint.