Basketball News · LatestMonday, Sep 21, 2026

Sophie Cunningham continues to be one of the WNBA’s most scrutinized players, with the Indiana Fever guard’s off-court commentary regularly ruffling feathers and leaving fans eager to critique her on-court performances. Days after her blunt remarks about Fever coach Stephanie White’s intense practice habits, Cunningham saw her minutes dwindle in Sunday’s critical home matchup against the Washington Mystics.

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 1: Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the Boston Celtics during the 2026 Pioneers Classic Championship on February 1, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NB...

After waiting more than a month for the Kawhi Leonard trade to be finalized, the Toronto Raptors are now an intriguing team in the Eastern Conference.

Pat Riley lands Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade, but the Heat face questions about their offense.

The Dallas Mavericks hired a new front office and new coach Dusty May this offseason as Kyrie Irving returns from injury to play with Cooper Flagg.

The Houston Rockets can be contenders again with Fred VanVleet back from injury to help make year two of the Kevin Durant era a smoother ride.

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Quadir Copeland #25 of the Houston Rockets plays defense during the game against the Toronto Raptors during a 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 11, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Im...

Some new-look NBA teams are known for their offense, but the Miami Heat revamp prioritized defense. Heat guard Davion Mitchell emphasized the assets they had on defense, from backcourt to frontcourt. “We have three, really four [great defenders], with Wiggs. There are some matchups he guards the best player,” Mitchell said, per Barry Jackson. Mitchell […] The post Davion Mitchell says defense will drive new-look Heat appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

Olivia Miles knows she has some adjusting to do. The Minnesota Lynx rookie also isn’t thrilled about how much contact she’s taking lately. The rookie guard addressed the officiating after Minnesota’s game against the New York Liberty, explaining that the way games are being called has changed from earlier in the season and that she’s […]

Kwame Brown described LeBron James as a “marketing machine” rather than an individual while arguing that the influence surrounding the Lakers star has affected other players throughout his career. Speaking on The Basketball Show, Brown said his perception of James changed as he came to view him as part of a larger business and media […] The post Kwame Brown calls LeBron James a marketing machine appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

Draymond Green recalled receiving an expensive introduction to NBA rookie life when Golden State’s veterans stuck him and three other first-year players with an $18,000 restaurant bill. The incident happened during a team dinner in Denver involving Green, Harrison Barnes, Festus Ezeli and Kent Bazemore. At first, Green thought the veterans were simply treating the […] The post Draymond Green couldn’t afford rookie dinner bill appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

Andre Miller recalled celebrating a major NBA payday by sharing a significant portion of his new wealth with members of his extended family and close circle. After signing a $51 million contract with the Denver Nuggets, Miller hosted a house party in Sacramento. Before the gathering, he went to the bank and withdrew $300,000 in […] The post Andre Miller gave away $300K after Nuggets contract appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

Ben Simmons has explained the thinking behind one of the most scrutinized moments of his career – his decision to pass instead of attempting an open dunk late in Game 7 against the Atlanta Hawks in the 2021 playoffs. Simmons said the play unfolded too quickly for him to recognize how much room he actually […] The post Ben Simmons explains infamous pass against Hawks appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

Tristan Thompson credits Rich Paul’s negotiating strategy with turning a four-year, $52 million offer from the Cleveland Cavaliers into a five-year deal worth $82 million. When Cleveland initially presented its proposal, Thompson sought Paul’s advice rather than immediately accepting the guaranteed money. His agent challenged him to consider whether his value could increase by waiting. […] The post Tristan Thompson credits Rich Paul for $82M deal appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

Carmelo Anthony believes the 2008 U.S. Olympic “Redeem Team” would have defeated the legendary 1992 Dream Team in a head-to-head matchup. The 2008 squad featured a younger generation of NBA stars, and Anthony viewed that advantage as particularly important when comparing the two teams. While acknowledging that the matchup would be competitive, he was confident […] The post Carmelo Anthony picked Redeem Team over Dream Team appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

Bradley Beal faced a major career decision when weighing whether to remain with the Washington Wizards or pursue an opportunity elsewhere. The financial difference between the two paths was enormous. Staying in Washington could bring Beal a five-year, $251 million supermax extension, while leaving would limit him to a four-year, $179 million contract. “It is […] The post Bradley Beal weighed money against championship aspirations appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

Spencer Dinwiddie described the dramatic change in treatment an NBA player can experience when temporarily sent to the G League. A player sitting near the end of an NBA bench may suddenly become the biggest name on his G League team. According to Dinwiddie, that difference extends beyond basketball and can even be noticeable in […] The post Spencer Dinwiddie on becoming G-League’s LeBron James appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

JaVale McGee says his frustration with Shaquille O’Neal and Shaqtin’ a Fool reached its breaking point when a routine missed layup was used on the popular blooper segment. McGee had become a frequent target of the show, but he felt this particular appearance crossed a line because there was nothing especially embarrassing about the play. […] The post JaVale McGee reveals breaking point with Shaquille O’Neal appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

Jared McCain is keeping his attention on basketball rather than exploring a music career, although he is not completely ruling out the possibility of releasing songs someday. The 22-year-old Oklahoma City Thunder guard has developed a large audience away from the court, particularly on social media, where he has more than 5.5 million TikTok followers. […] The post Jared McCain prioritizes basketball over music career appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

Knicks Jalen Brunson may not look like the prototype for a top-five NBA player. His résumé is beginning to suggest otherwise. Scott Davis of NBA On SI⁠ made the case that Brunson remains underrated despite leading the Knicks to a championship. The argument has substance. Brunson has earned All-NBA honors in three consecutive seasons, something […] The post NBA Notes: Knicks, Jalen Brunson, Clippers, Jazz, Svi Mykhailiuk appeared first on Hoops Wire.

Dario Saric spent a decade in the NBA, but one of the most difficult moments came relatively early in his career when the Philadelphia 76ers unexpectedly traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Saric had established himself in Philadelphia and admits he struggled to understand how quickly his situation changed. “I was playing good in Philly, […] The post Dario Saric recalls shock of unexpected NBA trade appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

David Berding/Getty Images Did the FIBA World Cup break save the New York Liberty? Leonie Fiebich described competing for host nation Germany as “very draining” both emotionally and mentally. Breanna Stewart played 139 stressful minutes en route to winning tournament MVP. Marine Johannès said, “I really know my body; I know what I need and how I feel,” as a 31-year-old veteran but admitted that she’s never faced scheduling whiplash quite like this: “It’s hard. You know your mind is still ther...

The Minnesota Timberwolves will enter the new season with a significantly different group of big men, creating an opportunity for Joan Beringer to take on a larger role during his second NBA campaign. Julius Randle and Naz Reid were both moved during the offseason, leaving Rudy Gobert as Minnesota’s primary established interior presence. While Jonathan […] The post Chris Finch sees potential in Joan Beringer appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

The Dallas Mavericks are expected to sign Dwight Powell to a training camp deal, sources told Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Powell, who joined the team in a minicamp last week, has been with the Mavs since 2014. Powell averaged 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds last season. The Mavs currently have 15 standard NBA contracts after buying out Klay Thompson.

Micah Gordon announced his commitment to Creighton over the weekend, becoming the program's highest-ranked recruit ever. Gordon is ranked No. 30 in the SC Next 100 for the class of 2027. "The campus is beautiful, and the arena has amazing energy. And it's the Big East," Gordon told ESPN. "I admire Coach [Alan] Huss' passion for his players and for coaching. He has a history of success at High Point. I see myself in the role Ryan Nembhard previously held at Creighton." Gordon is the second rec...

Steve Kerr will remain in charge of the Golden State Warriors after deciding to return for another two seasons, extending a partnership with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green that has defined one of the NBA’s most successful eras. Kerr took over Golden State in 2014 and immediately helped reshape the franchise. The Warriors captured their […] The post Why Steve Kerr’s return matters for the Warriors appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

Kwame Brown has offered a pointed assessment of LeBron James, arguing that James’ extraordinary longevity has driven much of his statistical résumé while questioning how he compares with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in the biggest moments. “I say that because they put him in that category. I don’t see LeBron in that category,” Brown […] The post Kwame Brown on LeBron James: “In big moments I see him as regular” appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Ariel Atkins #7 of the Los Angeles Sparks and Emily Engstler #21 of the Portland Fire look to rebound the ball during the game on September 20, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via...

The Nets won 20 games last season. The Knicks won the NBA championship. That pretty much summarizes the current basketball arrangement in New York. Brooklyn isn’t expected to close that gap anytime soon. The more immediate goal is to stop drifting, begin identifying legitimate building blocks and give people a reason to believe the Nets […] The post NBA Preview: Nets turn to Julius Randle, young core for signs of progress appeared first on Hoops Wire.

Chris Finch expects LaMelo Ball to bring changes to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ offensive identity, but the head coach emphasized that Anthony Edwards will remain central to how the team plays. Asked by the Minnesota Post how much the Timberwolves’ identity could change with Ball at both ends of the court, Finch said the answer will […] The post Chris Finch details LaMelo Ball’s impact on Timberwolves appeared first on TalkBasket.net.