NBA

Knicks Eye First Finals Since 2000 Amid Roster Shuffling

New York Knicks
October 2025

Fresh off an Eastern Conference Finals run, the Knicks are considered serious contenders in a weakened East. ESPN’s Bobby Marks predicts they’ll likely make a trade this month to finalize their roster, potentially moving a recent draft pick to keep key veterans.
New York’s depth is bolstered by the additions of Clarkson and Yabusele plus Exhibit 9 invites Brogdon, Shamet, and Mathews. But hard-cap restrictions force tough choices. Trading Pacome Dadiet or Tyler Kolek could open room for another veteran. Unlike last year’s blockbuster Towns deal, tweaks will likely be around the margins.

Pelicans Waive Jalen McDaniels and Garrison Brooks

Jalen McDaniels, Garrison Brooks (New Orleans Pelicans)
October 2025

The Pelicans cut two players, Jalen McDaniels and Garrison Brooks, to reduce their roster to 19. Both were on Exhibit 10 deals and could now join G League affiliate Birmingham Squadron.
McDaniels, 27, has bounced between several NBA and G League teams after early promise in Charlotte and Philadelphia. Brooks, 26, last played in the G League with the Westchester Knicks. Their waivers clear space for New Orleans’ regular-season roster while keeping them in the system if they take up G League options.

Malcolm Brogdon Bets on Knicks Training Camp Deal Over Other Offers

Malcolm Brogdon (New York Knicks)
October 2025

Malcolm Brogdon turned down multiple contract offers from other NBA teams to accept a non-guaranteed training camp deal with the New York Knicks. Despite no guarantees, the former Sixth Man of the Year is confident he’ll earn a roster spot, citing his playmaking and shooting as valuable contributions for a contender.
Brogdon, 32, is coming off two injury-hit seasons with Portland and Washington but believes New York’s depth and playoff ambitions provide the right fit. The Knicks, boosted by rivals Boston and Indiana entering injury-induced “gap years,” rebuilt their bench with Brogdon, Clarkson, Yabusele, Shamet, and Mathews all competing for limited roles. Brogdon averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds last season, and aims to regain his career 38.8% three-point shooting mark.

Jalen Johnson Eyes Breakout Year With Hawks

Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
October 2025

Returning from shoulder surgery, Johnson is fully fit and eager to build on his breakout form before injury. He averaged career highs last year and now looks ready to step up as Atlanta’s potential second All-Star behind Trae Young.
After training with LeBron James, Johnson sharpened his shooting and conditioning while embracing a bigger defensive role. Coach Quin Snyder highlighted his playmaking and willingness to adapt to new teammates, believing Johnson could be a central figure in Atlanta’s reshaped roster.

Bronny James Struggles in Preseason Opener

Bronny James (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025

Bronny James endured a rough shooting night in the Lakers’ preseason opener, going 1-of-12 for eight points in 24 minutes. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic rested, he was given a bigger role but couldn’t find his rhythm offensively.
Despite offensive struggles, Bronny impressed defensively with five rebounds and two assists. He admitted his shots lacked lift but felt they were good looks. With limited regular-season chances, he sees preseason as crucial for proving himself to coach JJ Redick.

Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Targets Shock March Return After Achilles Tear

Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
October 2025

After tearing his Achilles against the Knicks in May, Jayson Tatum was initially expected to miss nearly all of 2025-26. However, reports now suggest the 27-year-old could return in March, giving Boston a playoff boost if rehab continues to progress.
Tatum has resumed light on-court activity just four months after surgery, training six days a week. While he insists he won’t rush, advances in recovery and surgery have fueled optimism. Before injury, he averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists.

Steve Kerr Faces Uncertain Future Entering Final Year of Warriors Contract

Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors)
October 2025

Steve Kerr enters his 12th season with Golden State on the final year of his $35m extension, raising questions about his long-term future. Despite uncertainty, Kerr emphasized alignment with ownership and management, stressing mutual comfort in waiting until season’s end.
Kerr, a four-time champion coach, admitted he hopes to extend but prefers assessing “where we are and where I am” in June. Backed by Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, Kerr remains focused on chasing another title while negotiations remain paused.

Heat Secure Nikola Jović With Four-Year, $62.4 Million Extension

Nikola Jović (Miami Heat)
October 2025

Miami Heat have tied down 22-year-old forward Nikola Jović with a four-year, $62.4m extension ahead of the season. The Serbian international’s steady scoring rise and summer form with his national team convinced the franchise he is ready for a bigger role.
Coach Erik Spoelstra praised Jović’s professionalism and maturity, highlighting growth from playing with veterans. Initially set for restricted free agency, the extension eliminates uncertainty and secures Miami’s long-term plans, making him a central figure as they look to strengthen their Eastern Conference push.

Anthony Davis Shrugs Off Weight Concerns Ahead of Mavericks Season

Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks)
October 2025

Anthony Davis addressed fan speculation about his weight entering training camp, explaining he deliberately comes in heavier knowing he loses 10–12 pounds during preseason. Despite online chatter, he insisted he feels “great” physically and ready after a difficult, injury-hit 2024-25 campaign.
Davis revealed he will wear protective goggles following offseason eye surgery but stressed he has no playing restrictions. With Kyrie Irving sidelined by an ACL tear, Dallas will lean on Davis’ health and conditioning as they prepare for their Oct. 22 opener against San Antonio.

Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford Ruled Out Two to Three Weeks With Ankle Injury

Daniel Gafford (Dallas Mavericks)
October 2025

Mavericks center Daniel Gafford suffered a sprained ankle on the first day of training camp and will miss two to three weeks. The setback leaves Dallas short-handed in preseason, with the 26-year-old now racing to return before the Oct. 22 season opener.
Coach Jason Kidd confirmed the injury following Wednesday’s practice, noting Gafford’s recent extension and importance to the roster. Coming off a season averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, his absence adds pressure on Dallas’ already thin frontcourt depth early on.