NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 2, 2026, 2:06 PM ET
NBA Expansion & Offseason Moves
The race for NBA expansion appears to be heating up espn.com as the league eyes the 2026-27 season, with Las Vegas emerging as the frontrunner while Seattle’s bid remains on hold. In roster news, the Pistons ended a lengthy standoff with center Jalen Duren, who accepted espn.com a five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed contract. The Raptors locked up guard Jamal Shead with a three-year, $24 million extension espn.com, while Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell inked espn.com a new multiyear deal with Adidas.
Front Office & Coaching Updates
The Trail Blazers made a swift reversal, firing espn.com newly hired play-by-play announcer Braiden Bell the same day they hired him, due to controversial social media posts from 2012-13. Suns forward Dillon Brooks was charged espn.com Monday with driving under the influence stemming from a March arrest. With training camps opening, Bobby Marks provides a 30-team guide espn.com examining roster storylines and key dates.
Player News & Injury Reports
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama made headlines by refusing espn.com to promote betting sites, stating, "I want to inspire in a good way." Clippers forward Brandon Ingram, recovering from heel surgery, performed espn.com light shooting and court work before team practice in Hawaii. Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey, coming off a career year, said espn.com he wants to be judged by the team's success rather than individual stats.
Coaching & Officiating Changes
Five NBA coaching situations are under scrutiny espn.com this season, with Ben Golliver examining which coaches face the most pressure to win. Sixers coach Nick Nurse envisions espn.com LeBron James setting the table for Philadelphia’s offense. Meanwhile, NBA officials will crack down espn.com on push-offs as part of new 2026-27 guidelines targeting four types of "high-volume and high-impact" illegal actions.
Fantasy Basketball & Draft Prep
For fantasy basketball enthusiasts, ESPN’s draft guide espn.com offers everything needed to prepare for and execute a successful league draft this season.