NBA

Lakers Hit by Maxi Kleber Quad Injury Concern

Maxi Kleber (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025

Maxi Kleber suffered a quad injury in practice and will undergo an MRI to assess the severity. The 33-year-old big man, who battled foot and hamstring issues last year, was hoping to use preseason to regain fitness after his late playoff return.
JJ Redick confirmed the setback, stressing hope it isn’t serious. Kleber previously missed most of last season, only debuting in the Lakers’ first-round loss to Minnesota. His injury adds to LeBron James’ ongoing nerve irritation, creating early depth concerns for the frontcourt.

Quentin Grimes Signs Qualifying Offer With 76ers

Quentin Grimes (Philadelphia 76ers)
October 2025

After a prolonged standoff, Quentin Grimes accepted the $8.7m qualifying offer to stay with Philadelphia for one year. The deal grants him a rare no-trade clause, ensuring he controls his future before entering unrestricted free agency next summer.
Grimes becomes one of the last restricted free agents to resolve his status. The decision mirrors his desire for flexibility, with a stronger free-agent market expected in 2026. For the Sixers, it secures depth on a short-term basis but limits trade maneuverability this season.

Al Horford Leaves Celtics for Warriors After Overhaul

Al Horford (Boston Celtics > Golden State Warriors)
October 2025

Al Horford ended his long Boston tenure to join Golden State on a two-year, $5.7m taxpayer midlevel deal. The 38-year-old center cited the opportunity to compete alongside Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler as key to his decision.
Boston’s roster reset after Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury and subsequent departures created an opening for Horford to move. Steve Kerr praised his versatility as a shooting big who fits seamlessly in multiple lineups. Horford acknowledged the move was difficult but called it “the obvious choice.”

Bleacher Report Floats Blockbuster Booker-to-Sixers Trade

Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Paul George (Philadelphia 76ers)
October 2025

Bleacher Report trade idea proposes a superstar swap, sending Devin Booker to the 76ers in exchange for Paul George, rookie guard Jared McCain, and three unprotected first-round picks (2028, 2029, 2031).
The move would create a Joel Embiid–Tyrese Maxey–Booker trio in Philadelphia, instantly elevating their contender status. Phoenix, meanwhile, would secure George as its primary option while acquiring a massive draft haul to rebuild a roster thin on future assets.

Kuminga Saga Ends as Warriors Seal $48.5M Deal

Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)
October 2025

Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors have finally ended their contract standoff, agreeing to a two-year, $48.5 million deal. The agreement avoids the qualifying offer route and keeps the former No. 7 pick under team control for at least this season.
Though the deal includes a team option, reports say it’s essentially a formality and will be declined next summer, making Kuminga an unrestricted free agent. The contract also keeps him tradable, with discussions expected ahead of the deadline once he’s eligible in January.

LeBron James Credits Luka Doncic for Extending Career


LeBron James, Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers)
NBA Media Day, September 2025

LeBron James confirmed he returned for his 23rd season largely because of Luka Doncic, saying a full campaign with the Slovenian star was too enticing to pass up. James, now 40, also acknowledged his enduring passion for basketball despite nearing retirement.
James admitted the “love of the game and process” keeps him motivated but noted he doesn’t have many seasons left. Last year, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds. With Doncic in peak shape, the Lakers aim for deeper playoff success.

Kuminga Contract Saga Clouds Warriors Media Day

Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)
September 2025

Golden State Warriors’ media day was overshadowed by Jonathan Kuminga’s unresolved contract situation, with Steve Kerr and GM Mike Dunleavy declining to speak publicly. Kuminga has until October 1 to accept a $7.9m qualifying offer or continue negotiations. Kuminga’s camp wants player options on longer deals, while the Warriors insist on team options. Reports say Golden State offered three years at $75m or two years at $45m, both team-controlled. The standoff threatens roster flexibility as Curry, Green, and Butler’s contracts align.

Giannis Misses Bucks Media Day With COVID-19

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
September 2025

Giannis Antetokounmpo missed Milwaukee Bucks’ media day after contracting COVID-19. Speaking remotely from Greece, the two-time MVP admitted frustration at missing the team launch but stressed the importance of prioritising health and not risking teammates as the season approaches. Antetokounmpo averaged 27.3 points at EuroBasket before testing positive. His absence comes amid speculation over his Bucks future, with Damian Lillard waived after injury and title ambitions fading. GM Jon Horst confirmed Giannis will rejoin the squad once cleared by negative tests.

76ers Sign Bates Amid McCain Injury Absence

Philadelphia 76ers
September 2025

The Philadelphia 76ers signed Emoni Bates ahead of camp as cover for Jared McCain, sidelined with a thumb injury. The 21-year-old ex-high school phenom gets another NBA chance after struggling with Cleveland but showing flashes of promise in the G League. Bates was once hailed a future star, though inconsistent college years and legal troubles stalled his rise. His scoring touch shone in the G League, and Philly hopes he can add wing depth while McCain recovers, keeping their high-expectation season on track.

Clippers Cut TyTy Washington Before Camp

TyTy Washington Jr
September 2025

The Clippers released TyTy Washington before training camp, adding another setback in the former first-round pick’s stalled career. Despite excelling in the G League, Washington has struggled to establish himself in the NBA, averaging just 3.3 points in three seasons. Washington’s pro journey saw stops with Houston, Milwaukee, and Phoenix, but his inconsistency and poor shooting limited his NBA impact. Coaches praised his leadership and creativity in the G League, yet he now faces uncertainty about reviving his career at 23.