NBA preseason buzz: Latest on trades, news and intel

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          Nikola Jokic hilariously thanks reporter for calling him 'jacked' (0:52)

          • ESPN staffSep 29, 2026, 09:51 AM ET

          The 2026-27 NBA season officially kicked off Sept. 22 as the Houston Rockets held their media day, before the Dallas Mavericks followed suit Friday.

          The other 28 teams in the association joined them Monday, ahead of training camps beginning for most teams.

          How will LeBron James and Jaylen Brown look in their new Philadelphia 76ers uniforms? What will Giannis Antetokounmpo's first media day away from Milwaukee look like? And how will the other new faces in new places make their first impressions?

          Check back here for all the latest buzz, news and reactions from our ESPN NBA insiders, with the latest info at the top:

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          Top NBA media day headlines

          Sept. 28

          Bronny on LeBron James' Lakers exit: 'He's got his own path'

          When LeBron James chose to leave the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency over the summer, he consulted his family on the decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. But when it came to his son/teammate Bronny, much was apparently left unsaid.

          "We're men of very little words when it comes to talking about business and what we're going to do and how we feel about each other. So it wasn't really much [discussion] to be honest with you," Bronny James said Monday at Lakers media day.

          "He's got his own path and I got my own. He knows that I want to make a name for myself and I want to continue my career and keep growing as a player. And he knows that I want to focus on that. So he decided to do that."

          LeBron and Bronny have routinely been in unique situations in league history, whether it was opening night two years ago, when the father and son entered the game together, or last year in the playoffs, where they combined to deliver a 10-0 run during a victory over the Houston Rockets. Navigating a complex free agency in which the father leaves and the son stays is another one for the books.

          Tatum 'comfortable' leading new-look Celtics post-Brown trade

          Jayson Tatum's one constant during his development into a star with the Boston Celtics was having Jaylen Brown as a teammate.

          That partnership ended this offseason when the Celtics' front office decided to trade Brown -- the 2024 NBA Finals MVP -- to the Philadelphia 76ers in what was largely a cost-cutting move that broke up the duo most responsible for leading Boston to the 2024 NBA championship.

          "The business of the NBA comes and plays a part at some point. And I've seen it in my almost 10 years in this league," Tatum said during Celtics media day on Monday. "For me it's more so being grateful for what we accomplished and what he means for this city and to this organization. Just the ups and downs in our career that we were able to grow and learn from and made us the players that we are today. So really just being thankful for those nine years."

          Suns owner Ishbia says mortgage company woes won't hurt team

          It's well-known at this point that billionaire Mat Ishbia's mortgage company has had a rough financial stretch.

          The owner of the Phoenix Suns said Monday that will have "zero" effect on his spending habits when it comes to basketball. In fact, the 46-year-old said he's working on purchasing 14% more of the team, bringing his total to roughly 80%.

          Ishbia's company -- United Wholesale Mortgage -- suffered a reported $450 million net loss in the second quarter this year, calling into question if the sizable dip would affect his basketball business. The outspoken Ishbia was adamant that nothing would change for the NBA franchise when it comes to spending on players or the fan experience.

          Williamson not where he wants to be

          New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson kept his answer brief when asked how he would summarize his first seven years as an NBA player.

          "I'm not where I want to be," said Williamson, whom the Pelicans drafted with the No. 1 pick out of Duke in 2019. "I'm not where I need to be."

          Butler indicates he is 'ahead' in his knee rehab

          Nearing the eight-month mark since his right ACL surgery, Jimmy Butler III is hesitant to put a specific target date on his eventual NBA return, but he did express optimism in advance of Golden State Warriors training camp.

          "I promise you I'm coming back, and it's going to be -- I think it's going to be, like, real eye-popping for everybody how I'm still going to be nice," Butler said. "Probably nicer, honestly."

          Butler has only recently advanced to running, and he will be limited to light on-court individual work when the team begins practice in Hawaii on Tuesday afternoon.

          It will be several weeks before Butler is expected to advance to a more rigorous stage of his rehab, and the team's lead medical decision-maker, Rick Celebrini, is known for his cautiousness in the later stages of the rehab process.

          A January or February return can be considered on the optimistic side for Butler, who turned 37 earlier this month. But Butler did say that the strengthening tests on the knee indicate he is ahead of schedule.

          "My numbers are staggering," Butler said. "They're off the charts. I'm ahead, so they say. So, I just know that all the work that I've been doing, whether it be at home, in L.A., in Europe, in South America, wherever the case may be, I've been doing all the right things. So, I am confident that whenever I come back, I'll be more than ready, I'll be more than healthy and I'll be a better all-around player than I was whenever I went down." -- Anthony Slater

          Pistons eye "better version" of Cunningham

          Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff has held many offseason conversations with All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham about seizing greatness and the necessary steps toward improving after last year's playoff run that stretched to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

          Bickerstaff has guaranteed "a better version" Cunningham this season, which could be a scary sight after he averaged 23.9 points, 9.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 33.9 minutes during 2025-26. But Cunningham also led the East in turnovers per game after finishing with the second most in 2024-25.

          "I don't have to challenge Cade, and that's why he is who he is," Bickerstaff said. "Because he's pulling. He's not being pushed."

          Cunningham showed up in a fresh pair of Nike S.T. Charge "Detroit Tough" sneakers in Pistons colors. He will also receive his own signature Nike shoe, which is expected to debut during the second half of the season.

          "I'm thankful to be in these shoes. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to represent my family in this way," Cunningham said. "Represent where I come from, but then to represent the city of Detroit.

          "In a city like this, it's a blessing. I'm thankful for it, I don't take it for granted and I'm trying to make the most out of it." -- Eric Woodyard

          Hornets waive former No. 8 pick Dillingham

          The Charlotte Hornets are waiving guard Rob Dillingham, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Dillingham was traded from the Chicago Bulls on Saturday for Buddy Hield and cash. The Hornets created a $9.6 million trade exception with the move.

          Dillingham, 21, appeared in 30 games for the Bulls last season, averaging 9.6 points and 2.8 assists.

          SGA on chance at historic third straight MVP

          At Oklahoma City Thunder media day, guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander discussed the possibility of winning a third straight NBA MVP award and whether that's something he ponders going into this season.

          "No different than any other year: Try to be the best player I can be, try to implement the things I just worked on," Gilgeous-Alexander said.

          "The decision for MVP is literally 82 games away. I'm not going to win the award in the first week of the season. ... That kind of recipe for me in the past has kind of worked, and I've been fortunate to win two in a row.

          "We need to be laser focused on ourselves. We need to take the lessons from that [Western Conference finals] series, for sure, and we did. But it's certainly not something that we overcorrect for, because you end up chasing your shadow, and it prevents you from being your best as you move forward."

          ESPN's Summer Forecast gave Gilgeous-Alexander the fourth-best chance at the 2027 MVP, behind Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic. No player has won three consecutive MVPs since Larry Bird in 1984, 1985 and 1986. -- Baxter Holmes

          Doncic talks LeBron exit, Lakers "championship" ceiling

          Speaking to ESPN's Brian Windhorst during Los Angeles Lakers media day, guard Luka Doncic detailed his reaction to LeBron James leaving for the Philadelphia 76ers this past summer and why he thinks a successful 2026-27 includes a Lakers run to the title:

          "It was kind of sad. Playing with LeBron was amazing. There's a lot of things I learned from him. ... We all know who LeBron James is."

          Shams: Duren's relationship with Pistons "has fractures"

          Simmons "didn't touch a ball for a year"

          During Sacramento Kings media day, guard Ben Simmons laid out the reasons he chose the Kings and why he's excited for the 2026-27 season.

          "The expectations are low. I feel like that's been something on me too, so we can relate in that way," Simmons told reporters. "I think we have a chip on our shoulder."

          Simmons last played in 2024-25, appearing in 51 games for the Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers. The three-time All-Star said the time away gave him the chance to focus on "getting my body right and my mind right."

          Pistons GM hasn't spoken with Duren all summer

          Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons have a decision to make as the clock ticks closer to Oct. 1 -- the deadline to sign a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer.

          For Duren, he can accept the five-year, $200 million contract that has been offered by Detroit or he can become the first player named All-NBA or All-Star to sign the qualifying offer. If he chooses the latter, Duren will hold veto power on any trade this season and be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

          For the Pistons, weighing the risk of having an All-NBA player on a one-year contract and, more importantly, the likelihood he will depart next summer as a free agent is key.

          There are eight projected teams that have significant cap space to sign Duren to a four-year, $189 million max contract.

          "I can't control the different things that he does or his group does," Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said at media day. "For me, it's control what we can and letting him know he is a big part of what we do."

          Langdon also said he hasn't spoken with Duren all summer during Pistons media day. -- Bobby Marks

          Mitchell: LeBron to Cavs made sense "for a lot of reasons"

          At Cavaliers media day, Donovan Mitchell said that in his mind, he thought LeBron James would return to Cleveland because "for a lot of reasons it made sense."

          "I didn't think Philly. I thought if he didn't come here, it'd be Golden State," Mitchell said.

          After being swept in the Eastern Conference finals by the eventual champion New York Knicks then missing out on James in free agency, Cleveland kept its core intact. The Cavs signed Mitchell to a four-year, $273 million maximum extension and re-signed James Harden to a three-year, $97 million contract. Cleveland did make one major addition by acquiring Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets in a multiteam trade then signing the restricted free agent to a four-year, $88 million deal.

          Speaking for the first time since their extensions, Mitchell and Harden both said their approaches to their new deals -- Mitchell signing as soon as he was eligible with Harden opting out to give Cleveland more flexibility to make moves -- reflected a team-first mindset.

          "This is something that I want to do, and I want to win a championship," Harden said. "So, what does that look like? Making the team better, making the team whole to where we give ourselves a chance. By the way, you can have the best talented team, which I've been on before, and still not win.

          "We waited, waited, waited until the front office called me, made sure that we got everything that we can get, and then we signed. We got a long way to go, but I love the direction and steps that we're taking here as a unit from top to bottom." -- Daniel Oyefusi

          MacMahon: Thunder adjusting to roster changes

          The departures of three championship-winning teammates doesn't yet feel like reality for Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who kidded that he still expected Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins to show up for Oklahoma City's team picture Monday afternoon.

          "It's the business of the NBA, right?" Gilgeous-Alexander said, referring to the series of financially motivated trades. "I don't think anybody has played with all 12 guys their whole career. It sucks a little bit.

          "My mind never even went to what we were going to be like on the court. It was more like the brotherhood."

          As fellow OKC guard Jalen Williams added, "It's the weirdest thing ever." -- Tim MacMahon

          Clippers announce Ingram has partially torn Achilles

          The LA Clippers announced they found a partially torn Achilles tendon in Brandon Ingram's foot after his recent heel surgery. He will miss the start of the 2026-27 season.

          Jokic: "I'm gonna sign next year"

          Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic reiterated his commitment to the franchise at Monday's media day.

          "I'm gonna sign next year," Jokic said. "If they want me."

          Curry said knee is ready to go for the season

          Golden State Warriors superstar guard Stephen Curry addressed the media Monday in offering positive updates on his injured knee.

          "Knee's feeling great. Ready to go. No issues," Curry said. "I feel a lot stronger and understanding of what I'm dealing with."

          Curry did acknowledge a "management element" but said there are currently no restrictions.

          Nuggets confident in Jokic's future with franchise

          Members of the Denver Nuggets' front office, general manager Jon Wallace and executive vice president of basketball Ben Tenzer addressed the media on Monday and answered questions regarding Nikola Jokic's future with the franchise. The three-time MVP didn't sign an extension this offseason.

          "We feel very comfortable with the relation and trust there," Tenzer said. "We have no concerns."

          LeBron: I wanted to finish my career with the Knicks

          New Philadelphia 76er LeBron James said his decision came down to five teams this offseason and that he envisioned going to the New York Knicks before they won the 2026 title.

          "I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden," James told ESPN on Monday during the 76ers' media day. "One of the best places I've ever played.

          "I think it's the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, 'Hey, I can't.' I couldn't do it."

          James and the 76ers will play the Knicks at the Garden on opening night, Oct. 20.

          No update on Gary Trent Jr. investigation

          Milwaukee Bucks governor Wes Edens did not provide an update on the league investigation into Gary Trent Jr.'s contract.

          "I don't have any update," Edens said. "We're working with the league and fully cooperating with them. But I don't have any insight beyond that."

          The NBA is looking into a potential cap-circumvention violation by the Bucks around Trent's deal this offseason.

          Cronin: Blazers have "belief" in Ja Morant

          Portland Trail Blazers' general manager Joe Cronin addressed why the franchise decided to trade for Ja Morant this offseason during Portland's media day on Monday.

          "Just straight belief in Ja," Cronin said. "Our view of Ja as still a very high-level player.

          "I'm sure there will be questions about fit, but we're very focused on talent."

          Cronin also said veteran guard Jrue Holiday could play some minutes on the wing for Portland this season, while adding that Holiday and veteran guard Damian Lillard will have a positive influence on Morant.

          Kerr: Rookie Lendeborg going to "play a ton"

          Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said during Monday's media day that he expects rookie Yaxel Lendeborg to "play a ton" this season.

          "He's clearly going to play a ton," Kerr said. "He gives us the size and the versatility that we need.

          "Whether he's a starter or coming off the bench, that will be determined the next couple of weeks."

          Lendeborg was the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA draft and averaged 15.1 points per game at Michigan last season.

          Embiid: 'Extremely excited' about this year's team

          Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid said Monday that he feels like the team finally has the right mix of players, after an offseason in which the franchise traded for Jaylen Brown and signed LeBron James to join the young guard tandem of VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.

          "It's hard to win when you get a group of guys together for one year, two years, maybe," he said. "I'm extremely excited about this team because we have the right mix of veteran leadership and younger guys. We might have some ups and downs, but we're gonna get there."

          Wembanyama addresses last year's Finals loss

          After leading by double digits in each of the five games in last season's NBA Finals, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama said his memories of it will fuel the team this season.

          "I couldn't imagine a better motivation," he said.

          Harper addresses role for coming season

          After offseason chatter about his role, San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper said he'd follow the coaches' lead this season.

          "Everyone has a competitive edge to them. But the biggest thing for me is whatever I can do, just like last year, to help the team win," he said. "Whatever position the coaches think is best for me to be in, that's the position I'll happily go in."

          First look at LeBron in a 76ers uniform

          New Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James is taking questions from reporters on Monday. Here's what he had to say when asked about his initial impressions of his team:

          "Everybody is on the same page," James said. "We are all speaking the same language."

          LeBron addressed his role too, saying he's open to whatever the team needs from him to win.

          "Whatever they need me to do," he said. "The luxury of my game is I can do everything. ... Literally, I can do everything"

          Kawhi: I was a distraction, ready to move forward

          In his first public appearance with the Toronto Raptors after a controversy-filled summer, Kawhi Leonard addressed the NBA's investigation into him and his business dealings.

          "I know why some of you guys came. You want to hear about the investigation. But in talking with the NBA and PA, I think the best decision is to move forward and focus on my time being a Toronto Raptor," he said. "I already was a distraction for the past 70 days and wasn't able to meet my teammates or do any of that stuff, minicamp stuff, so, moving forward, I just want to talk about the Toronto Raptors."

          Haliburton: I am 100% healthy

          Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said Monday that he is healthy and ready for the season.

          "I am healthy. I am 100%," he said. "There will be no restrictions. That is not news. There is no source. I am the source. I am ready to go for the year."

          Porzingis out indefinitely in blow to Warriors

          Golden State Warriors big man Kristaps Porzingis is out indefinitely to open training camp with a health issue, according to the team.

          In late July, Porzingis agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract with a player option on the second season to return to the Warriors.

          Brown: KAT, Hart extension talks won't be a distraction

          After reports surfaced last week that negotiations between the New York Knicks and center Karl-Anthony Towns had hit a stalemate, coach Mike Brown said Monday neither Towns' situation nor Hart's would linger in the locker room.

          "We talk about everything [with the team]," Brown said. "We don't want to have any elephants in the room."

          "I'm not involved in it. They'll figure it out. Control what you can control."

          And here's what Towns said about a potential extension: "I've made it known I want to play here. Been a fan since I was a kid. I'd like to get it done."

          Hornets GM: Brandon Miller to be ready for training camp

          After undergoing offseason surgery on his left shoulder, Hornets wing Brandon Miller should be a full participant in training camp and "ready to roll" for opening night, Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson said Monday.

          Miller, 23, is entering his fourth NBA season after being the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft.

          Duren won't be at Pistons media day, start of camp

          Detroit Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren is not attending the team's media day on Monday or the start of training camp as his contract standoff continues, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Monday.

          Duren, a restricted free agent, is declining the team's five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed offer as both sides remain at a stalemate ahead of the Thursday deadline on a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer, sources said.

          Sept. 26

          Bulls trade Dillingham to Hornets for Hield, cash

          The Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets agreed to a trade sending Rob Dillingham to Charlotte for Buddy Hield and cash, the teams announced Saturday.

          Sept. 25

          What's next for Curry and the Warriors?

          Stephen Curry's two-year, $116 million extension made him the first player in NBA history to amass $600 million in career on-court earnings.

          The deal has also put the Golden State Warriors in position to have extra spending power next summer.

          By Curry taking $10 million less than the maximum allowed, the Warriors project to have nearly $38 million in cap space in 2027. Golden State could increase its projection to $55 million if center Kristaps Porzingis is waived in the offseason. Porzingis' $20 million salary for next season is guaranteed for $3 million.

          For Golden State to have ample room, forwards Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III would need to sign elsewhere or at a significantly lesser salary. They will be free agents next summer.

          Both salary projections include the $17 million free agent hold of guard Brandin Podziemski. The 2023 first-round pick is eligible until Oct. 19 to extend his contract. -- Bobby Marks

          Hornets star Knueppel sidelined by hamstring injury

          The Charlotte Hornets announced that Kon Knueppel will be out for at least the entire preseason because of a left hamstring injury.

          James: Maxey, Embiid were factors in joining 76ers

          LeBron James said his longstanding friendship with All-Star Tyrese Maxey and a desire to help Joel Embiid win his first NBA title played significant roles in his decision to sign a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in July.

          "[Embiid has] done everything in our league, and the only thing he has not done is win a championship. And I want to try to help him get that first one," James said. "He has a city on his back. He's been 'The Process' for 10 years, 12 years, however long he's been there. But I think it's time we even get you deeper into the process. And I hope that I can be, kind of, that final little piece that can help him get over the hump."

          Grizzlies waive Russell

          The Memphis Grizzlies have waived D'Angelo Russell, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Russell has made one All-Star team during his career and was selected No. 2 in the 2015 NBA draft.