NBA NewsTuesday, Feb 17, 2026

While stars knock down clutch threes and coaches pace the sideline, the most ruthless contest in the NBA unfolds far from the parquet. In front offices, general managers are making calls that can lock a franchise into contention or condemn it to years of clean-up work. The stakes aren’t just a season — they’re future […] The post The Master Builders NBA — GMs and the High-Stakes Game of Team Building appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Cedric Coward’s rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies has turned him from an uncertain draft prospect into a key contributor, as he has started 35 of the 48 games he’s appeared in while averaging 13.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. In a recent conversation with Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, the player reflected on […] The post Cedric Coward reflects on rookie season growth appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Now in his 18th NBA season, Kevin Durant is focused less on expanding his skill set and more on maintaining the wide range of moves that have defined his career, according to Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle. Durant explained that preserving the tools he has already developed is a major priority as he continues […] The post Kevin Durant focused on maintaining complete skillset appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

The Portland Trail Blazers are seeking support from Oregon state lawmakers for approximately $600 million in public funding to renovate and modernize the Moda Center ahead of the team’s expected sale to Tom Dundon, according to Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report (subscription required). The proposal comes amid increasing concern among local observers about […] The post Blazers seek funding to upgrade Moda Center appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

LeBron James expressed admiration for Anthony Edwards following the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, telling the young star, “You got a fan in me and a friend in me for life.” Edwards earned MVP honors after leading Team USA Stars to a 47–21 victory over Team USA Stripes at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Edwards, 24, […] The post LeBron James sends heartfelt message to Anthony Edwards appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

In a postgame interview, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves shared his frustration that fans didn’t get to see more playing time from Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic during the All-Star event (Twitter video link). Both Team World stars, who have recently dealt with injuries, exited the opening game after just over five minutes and […] The post Anthony Edwards disappointed by limited Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic minutes appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

All-Star center Jalen Duren and reserve big man Isaiah Stewart will still be serving suspensions when the Detroit Pistons resume play on Thursday. Duren has one remaining game to complete following his involvement in a recent altercation with the Hornets, while Stewart still has six games left to serve. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff told Marc […] The post Pistons adjusting without Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe described his pre-draft workout with the team as one of the most stressful experiences of his career. On the Club 520 Podcast, he admitted to shooting “like four air-balls” while the team’s owners and coaches watched from the sidelines. Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, said […] The post VJ Edgecombe opens up on nerve-wracking 76ers workout before NBA draft appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

The New York Knicks‘ 2025/26 season has moved through multiple stages, yet their ability to remain a legitimate contender despite those shifts has been one of the team’s most encouraging developments, writes Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. Bondy points to several possible highlights so far. The NBA Cup victory stands out, even though […] The post Knicks remain contenders thanks to defensive improvement appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons played key roles for the USA Stars team that won the three-team All-Star competition on Sunday, according to Coty Davis of the Detroit News. Across the three 12-minute games, Cunningham contributed an all-around stat line of 15 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and three […] The post Jalen Duren motivated by past Pistons struggles appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

One factor that could complicate the New York Knicks’ chase for the No. 2 seed is the demanding schedule awaiting the team after the All-Star break. Peter Sblendorio of the New York Daily News characterizes the Knicks’ next 11 games as a difficult stretch, beginning with their return against the Pistons, who will be without […] The post Knicks face tough schedule appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

The Memphis Grizzlies’ decision to trade Jaren Jackson Jr. stunned the locker room, and Cedric Coward revealed he was standing next to the All-Star when the news broke. In an interview with HoopsHype’s Sam Yip, Coward described the moment he realized the franchise had shifted direction. “I was right next to him,” Coward said. “We […] The post Cedric Coward details moment he learned of Jaren Jackson Jr. trade appeared first on TalkBasket.net .