
NBA Extension Deadline Puts Rookie and Veteran Deals in Focus
With Monday’s extension deadline approaching, teams around the NBA face key contract decisions. Rookie-scale and veteran extension talks are among the major items to watch.
Basketball news from around the world

With Monday’s extension deadline approaching, teams around the NBA face key contract decisions. Rookie-scale and veteran extension talks are among the major items to watch.

Tyrese Haliburton is back after a torn Achilles that derailed his 2025-26 season and impacted Indiana’s campaign. His return gives the Pacers their lead guard again as they look to reestablish themselves in the Eastern Conference.

Carmelo Anthony said the Knicks are making the right call by halting contract negotiations with players. The former Knicks star said the decision allows the team to focus solely on basketball.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said veteran center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to return to the team’s practice facility Tuesday afternoon. The update marks Porzingis’ anticipated presence back with Golden State.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said Philadelphia’s season will depend on how well the roster’s personalities come together. He pointed to chemistry and players liking each other as key factors for the 76ers.

The Pacers, Spurs, Nuggets and Nets are honoring their ABA roots with throwback uniforms and matching court designs. The tributes mark milestone anniversaries tied to each franchise’s ABA history.

James Madison has accepted membership in the American Conference. The university announced the move Monday.

A game-worn, autographed Michael Jordan road jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals has sold privately for $14 million. The sale sets a record for the jersey.

Cooper Flagg’s performance at the NBA China Games put a spotlight on his developing all-around game. His leadership and high-end potential were central themes of the showcase.

Walker Kessler is nearing his preseason debut with the Lakers after taking part fully in Sunday’s practice. His full participation marks a step forward as Los Angeles continues its preseason schedule.

Karl-Anthony Towns said he was disappointed after the Knicks stated they are tabling extension talks until later in the season. Towns said the team’s position was “news to me.”

Sacramento Kings second-year center Maxime Raynaud has been diagnosed with a patellar subluxation in his right knee. He is scheduled to be reevaluated in two weeks.

Kyrie Irving returned to action for the Mavericks in a preseason game in China. He scored 17 points in his first game in 586 days.

Sacramento Kings second-year center Maxime Raynaud sustained an apparent serious right knee injury during Saturday’s preseason game against the Golden State Warriors. The injury occurred in preseason action.

Top-20 senior Ahmed Nur has committed to Ole Miss. His pledge gives the Rebels their highest-ranked recruit in at least 20 years.

Golden State guard Brandin Podziemski has agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $110 million. The deal keeps Podziemski under contract with the Warriors on a long-term agreement.

The College Sports Commission is examining possible rules violations involving player payments at multiple Power 4 schools. The review reportedly involves between five and 10 programs.

Retired NBA guard Russell Westbrook said he wants to carry the Olympic torch when Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Games. Westbrook, a Los Angeles native, is an Olympic gold medalist.

A printable cheat sheet is available for fantasy basketball managers preparing for the 2026-27 draft season. The guide compiles key names from the full draft guide into a quick-reference PDF.

A full set of fantasy basketball draft resources has been collected into downloadable and printable PDF cheat sheets. The package includes player rankings, sleepers, a schedule grid and draft tips.

Tyrese Haliburton said he hopes his relationship with Damian Lillard can be repaired. The comment comes after Haliburton used Lillard’s Dame Time celebration during the 2023 in-season tournament.

Mississippi Valley State transfer forward Qingfang Pang, a men's basketball player from China, is in ICE custody. Pang was detained on Sept. 29.

The Knicks have paused contract extension discussions with Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart. The team said talks will resume later in the season as attention shifts to season preparation.

Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons have agreed to a five-year, $200 million deal after a monthslong saga. The agreement puts renewed focus on Duren’s role and Detroit’s commitment to him.

Jim McCormick outlines practical strategies for fantasy basketball managers preparing for salary cap drafts. The guide focuses on tactics designed to help managers navigate draft day with a clear plan.

The preseason spotlight is on the established stars and incoming freshmen set to shape men’s college basketball. The list features elite returners alongside the top young players entering the season.

The 2027 men’s NCAA tournament schedule includes Selection Sunday, the opening rounds, the Final Four and the national championship game. The event will feature the bracket announcement and a full path to the title.

Joel Embiid pushed back on a recent report involving LeBron James and alleged lateness to practice. Embiid said the report was “not true” and questioned why he was singled out.

LeBron James made his first appearance with Philadelphia after joining the 76ers this summer. He recorded 10 points, five assists and four rebounds in the first half.

Alabama guard Aden Holloway will serve a five-game suspension following his arrest on a drug charge. Coach Nate Oats said the suspension includes three exhibition games and two regular-season games.