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Central Notes: Collins, Giddey, Pistons, Niang, Pacers
The Bulls open the season without starter Nic Claxton, but rookie big Zach Collins returns, limited to 12‑16 minutes. Collins went scoreless in nine minutes of a 135‑92 loss to Toronto, though he pulled down five rebounds and the team outscored the Raptors by seven while he was on the floor. Point guard Josh Giddey disclosed a left‑wrist issue that will need season‑long management. In the Central Division, Detroit’s Javonte Green scored 19 second‑half points in a comeback win, while center Jalen Duren praised the Pistons’ depth. Meanwhile, former Cavs prospect Saliou Niang clears to play for LSU, and Indiana’s Pacers start strong with a 123‑120 win in New Orleans, highlighted by Tyrese Haliburton’s 23 points and 12 assists.
Western Notes: Maluach, Blazers, Lakers, McDaniels, Wallace
The Suns start rookie center Khaman Maluich, the 10th overall pick, in their season opener after Mark Williams' shoulder surgery sidelines the veteran. The Trail Blazers field Damian Lillard and Ja Morant against Phoenix, while the Lakers start Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, moving Quentin Grimes to the bench. Coach JJ Redick reports injury updates: Cameron Carr (oblique strain) and Adou Thiero (knee swelling) are day‑to‑day, and Collin Sexton sits out with a calf issue. Minnesota extends Jaden McDaniels with a one‑year deal, and the Thunder lock Cason Wallace into a five‑year, $134 million rookie extension featuring a 5% trade kicker.
Fischer’s Latest: Knecht, Kings, Pedulla, Raptors, KPJ, More
Jake Fischer reports that former Lakers wing Dalton Knecht, a 2024 first‑round pick, is drawing two‑way contract interest from the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors—the only teams with an open two‑way slot. The Kings, still retooling after Ben Simmons' season‑ending Achilles tear, are also weighing point guard Sean Pedulla and 2025 second‑rounder Micah Peavy. Fischer notes Kevin Porter Jr. received Nuggets interest before being waived, and suggests Dwight Powell could return to the Mavericks while Pat Connaughton may rejoin the Hornets later in the season.
Bucks Among Teams Contacted By Warriors About Porzingis
The Warriors are probing trade options for Kristaps Porzingis, and the Milwaukee Bucks are among the teams contacted, according to The Athletic. Golden State may target Myles Turner, whose $26.58 M cap hit next season is higher than Porzingis’ $20 M salary, meaning the Warriors would need to add another player or assets to meet salary‑matching rules. However, insiders say the Bucks lack interest in Porzingis, especially given his lingering health concerns—he recently notified GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. of ongoing POTS issues and is on an indefinite leave. The Warriors could sweeten a deal with draft picks, but most clubs remain hesitant to move early in the season.
Cavs’ Mitchell: ‘I Don’t Ever Want To Wear Another Uniform’
Donovan Mitchell says he can’t picture ever wearing another jersey, reaffirming his commitment to Cleveland with a new four‑year max extension that runs through the 2029/30 season, plus a player option for 2030/31. After a three‑year deal in July 2024 and a recent sweep by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals, Mitchell emphasized his love for the city, the team’s progress and his goal of a championship – even dreaming of hanging a No. 45 in the rafters. He credits the Cavs’ facilities, community feel and his wife’s approval for making Cleveland feel like home as he eyes a potential career‑long stay.
Walter Clayton Signs Two-Way Deal With Mavs
Walter Clayton officially signs a two‑way contract with the Dallas Mavericks, announced in a press release at 5:03 pm on October 21, 2026. The 23‑year‑old former Florida star and 2025 first‑round pick (18th overall) was waived by Memphis after a $4.19 M guaranteed salary and bounced through trade rumors linking him to Sacramento, Miami and Golden State. Dallas cleared a two‑way slot by cutting John Poulakidas, joining Jett Howard and Tobi Lawal. Clayton posted 7.8 points, 4.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 69 games last season, shooting .384/.307/.901, and could compete for backup minutes behind Kyrie Irving.
Warriors Exploring Trade Avenues For Kristaps Porzingis
The Golden State Warriors have confirmed they are exploring trade options for center Kristaps Porzingis as he battles recurring POTS symptoms. Despite a recent two‑year, $40 million extension, Porzingis’ contract is effectively expiring, with a $20 million guarantee for 2026‑27 and a partially guaranteed $3 million player option for 2027‑28. The team, already over the tax apron, can’t absorb additional salary, prompting the move. Porzingis missed training camp and preseason, met with GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., and posted that he’s working with doctors and hopes to recover, though retirement remains a possibility if his health doesn’t improve. He averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 32 games last season.
Lakers Notes: Doncic, Kessler, James, Expectations, LaRavia, Sexton
Luka Doncic, surprised by a trade to Los Angeles, says he’d like to finish his career with the Lakers and is already eyeing both a championship and an MVP. The team’s new center, Walker Kessler, lands a four‑year, $130 million contract after a shoulder injury‑limited rookie season, and his health and performance are deemed crucial to LA’s success. Bronny James battles a quad contusion that limited his preseason minutes, while recent arrivals—Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton (out with a calf strain) and others—have minimal playoff experience, raising questions about the Lakers’ championship odds. Coach J.J. Redick hints at a rotating starting lineup with Reaves and Kessler joining Doncic, while Jake LaRavia expects a bench role for the opener.
Blazers Notes: Lillard, Avdija, Henderson, Rotation, Arena
Damian Lillard returns to the Trail Blazers on Oct. 23, his first regular‑season game since March 2025, after opting to sit out the 2025‑26 season to fully heal his Achilles. Coach Micah Nori says Lillard’s quickness is largely intact and he’ll play more off‑ball, still posing a shooting threat. The article also notes Deni Avdija’s ankle question for the Phoenix game, Scoot Henderson entering his fourth season without a contract extension, and Nori’s planned 10‑man rotation featuring Lillard, Ja Morant, and others. Finally, it mentions ongoing lease negotiations for the Moda Center, with owner Tom Dundon balking at a $1 billion “first‑class” arena clause.
Magic Pick Up Options On Tristan Da Silva, Jase Richardson
The Orlando Magic have exercised rookie‑scale team options on forward Tristan Da Silva and guard Jase Richardson for the 2027/28 season, extending both contracts through the next two years. Da Silva’s option is worth about $6.14 million; Richardson’s is roughly $3.28 million. Da Silva, the 2024 18th‑overall pick, posted 8.6 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.6 ast on 43.3% shooting, while Richardson, a 2025 25th‑overall pick, logged 4.4 pts, 1.2 reb, 1.1 ast off the bench. Both players could see larger roles, and Da Silva will be eligible for a rookie‑scale extension in 2027, with Richardson’s fourth‑year option due by Nov. 1, 2027.
Antonio Reeves Signs With Partizan Belgrade
Former NBA second‑round pick Antonio Reeves, the 2024 Kentucky 47th overall, signs with Serbia’s KK Partizan, marking his first European stint. Reeves, who logged 13.5 minutes per game in 54 NBA contests and helped the Greensboro Swarm win the G League title with 17.1 PPG and 38.7% three‑point shooting, was recently waived by Minnesota after a non‑guaranteed Exhibit 10 camp. Partizan, currently 3‑3 in EuroLeague play, adds Reeves to a roster that already includes ex‑NBA talent Carlik Jones, Ethan Thompson and Lamar Stevens.
Sixers Notes: James, Embiid, Maxey, Helicopter
LeBron James stepped in at center for the Philadelphia 76ers during their 2026‑27 opener, helping a 119‑112 win over the Knicks after Joel Embiid racked up three fouls. Embiid, healthy but cautious, suggested the switch and praised the experiment, while Coach Nick Nurse used James to guard Karl‑Anthony Towns. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 28 points and a 16‑point first half, and Embiid recorded three blocks, eyeing a return to All‑Defensive honors. The article also notes James’ Fanatics‑provided helicopter commute, which NBA commissioner Adam Silver says poses no rule issue.
Nick Richards’ 2026/27 Salary Becomes Guaranteed
Nick Richards secures a fully guaranteed $3,066,143 salary for the 2026/27 NBA season after making the Miami Heat’s opening‑night roster. The Heat, now with 13 fully guaranteed contracts, added Richards for frontcourt depth behind Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The veteran, who posted 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 48 games last year with the Suns and Bulls, will carry a $2,449,421 cap hit. Other players with pending guarantees include Mo Bamba, Isaiah Crawford, Jaylen Wells, Brandon Williams, Vit Krejci and Trendon Watford, all awaiting waiver deadlines. The Heat’s 15th roster spot remains open.
Southwest Notes: Wemby, Stewart, Rockets, Mavs, Pelicans
Victor Wembanyama, the hot favorite for MVP and DPOY, endures a rough night with a career‑low 7.7% shooting (1‑of‑13) in a Spurs loss to the Thunder, though he still grabs 13 rebounds and blocks six. Chet Holmgren counters with a more physical game, and rookie Aday Mara blocks a dunk. Meanwhile, Isaiah Stewart remains sidelined with an ankle sprain, and the Rockets sit Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams for the season opener, while the Mavericks miss Santi Aldama and Caleb Martin. The Pelicans face early questions about defense and size under new coach Jamahl Mosley, and Zion Williamson’s push to fulfill his superstar expectations continues.
Celtics Notes: George, Robinson, Tatum, Pritchard
Paul George drops a 38‑point debut as the Celtics fall 121‑113 to Detroit despite blowing a 22‑point lead, saying the loss feels like “nothing.” Mitchell Robinson’s first game is marred by an ankle tweak and a modest 4 points, while Jayson Tatum is held to 13 points by Ausar Thompson’s defense. Payton Pritchard adds 17 points just four days after signing a two‑year, $44.2 million extension, pledging to stay hungry. The piece highlights mixed early‑season performances and the veteran squad’s scramble to find consistency.
Pistons Notes: Green, Duren, Comeback, Thompson, Holland
The Detroit Pistons surprised on opening night, rallying from a 22‑point deficit to beat Boston 121‑113 – the biggest first‑day comeback since the 1997‑98 season. Veteran wing Javonte Green, re‑signed to a one‑year, $3.95 M deal, ignited the comeback with 19 points in 18 minutes, scoring the go‑ahead free throws. Rookie Jalen Duren, fresh off a $200 M contract, added 22 points, while Ausar Thompson contributed a double‑double (11‑11‑5) and looks to expand his offensive role. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff is still sorting lineups, noting limited minutes for rookie Ron Holland. The win showcases Detroit’s gritty identity and depth under its new roster.
Pacific Notes: Jackson, Redick, Ike, Podziemski, Booker
Isaiah Jackson finally earns his first Clippers start at center for the season-opener against Sacramento, after 219 games with only 45 starts. Meanwhile, Lakers coach JJ Redick stresses growing through adversity, with Austin Reaves eyeing a stronger roster. Warriors add depth as Graham Ike signs a two‑way deal and could see minutes with Charles Bassey sidelined; however, rookie Brandin Podziemski misses the opener due to back soreness. Suns forward Devin Booker remains optimistic that the team’s modest roster tweaks, highlighted by the Miles Bridges trade, will translate into playoff cohesion.
Eastern Notes: Watson, Sharp, Hornets, Magic
Cavaliers forward Peyton Watson, acquired from Denver in a sign‑and‑trade, vows to bring a "kill‑or‑be‑killed" mentality to Cleveland and stresses durability and chemistry as keys to a title run. Meanwhile, the Raptors cut Jamarion Sharp, who now heads to their G League affiliate Raptors 905 and could earn a $91K bonus after 60 days. The Hornets battle injuries, with Kon Knueppel, Grant Williams and Coby White rehabbing but missing the season opener versus Brooklyn. The Magic also sit several players out, including Anthony Black and Jonathan Isaac, for their Atlanta opener, though Franz Wagner and Jase Richardson are cleared.
Pelicans Exercise Options On Fears, Queen, Missi
The New Orleans Pelicans exercised team options for 2027‑28 on Jeremiah Fears ($8.27 M), Derik Queen ($5.67 M) and Yves Missi ($5.60 M) while declining AJ Johnson’s option ($5.49 M), making him an unrestricted free agent. Fears, the No. 7 pick of 2025, posted 14.3 points and 3.4 assists in 82 games and is slated as the probable sixth man behind Dejounte Murray. Rookie‑turned‑bench forward Derik Queen averaged 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists last season after a draft‑night trade. Center Yves Missi, after a reduced role in his sophomore year, earned a rotation‑player tag. Johnson, a 2024 second‑rounder, struggled with 3.3 PPG and will hit free agency after the season.
Pelicans Exercise Options On Fears, Queen, Missi
The New Orleans Pelicans lock in three young pieces for 2027‑28, exercising team options on Jeremiah Fears ($8.27 M), Derik Queen ($5.67 M) and Yves Missi ($5.60 M). Fears, the 2025 No. 7 pick, posted 14.3 points and 3.4 assists in 82 games and is slated as the probable sixth man. Queen, a 13th‑overall rookie, averaged 11.7‑7.1‑3.7 and may also begin the season off the bench. Missi, after a reduced sophomore year, still projects as a rotation big man. Conversely, the Pelicans declined AJ Johnson’s $5.49 M option, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Grizzlies Exercise Options On Edey, Coward For 2027/28
The Memphis Grizzlies exercise rookie‑scale options on both Zach Edey and Cedric Coward for 2027/28, locking in Edey's $8.07 million fourth‑year deal and Coward's $6.29 million third‑year pact. Despite missing most of the 2025/26 season after two ankle surgeries, the 7‑foot‑3 forward posted 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in limited action and remains a core piece, with a rookie‑scale extension due July 2027. Coward, a 2025 No. 11 pick who made the All‑Rookie first team, averaged 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists. The club must decide by Nov. 1, 2027, on Coward’s $8.34 million fourth‑year option, while a third rookie option on Walter Clayton was voided after his waiver.
Mavs Notes: Irving, Powell, Cisse, Injuries, Johnson
Kyrie Irving, entering his 16th season and turning 35 in March, says he can’t picture playing in the NBA at 42, noting the league has become “more robotic” with social media and gambling pressures. Irving holds a $42.4 million player option for 2027‑28, which would keep him at 36. Meanwhile, the Mavericks waive veteran Dwight Powell, who Irving says will be “severely missed,” while coach Dusty May anticipates Powell could sign elsewhere. With Dereck Lively II still rehabbing, reserve Moussa Cisse may see more minutes. Injury updates ahead of the season opener vs. Houston: Max Christie is cleared, Tarik Biberovic out with heel bursitis, and Santi Aldama close to return. Rookie Morez Johnson Jr. will be used at power forward and center, offering flexibility amid lingering injuries.
Raptors Pick Up 2027/28 Options On Murray-Boyles, Walter
The Toronto Raptors exercised rookie‑scale team options on forward Collin Murray‑Boyles and wing Ja’Kobe Walter for the 2027‑28 season. Murray‑Boyles, the 9th overall pick in 2025, secures a $6.97 M third‑year deal and will face a $8.87 M fourth‑year decision by Nov. 1, 2027. Walter, the 19th pick in 2024, locks in a $5.87 M fourth‑year option and becomes eligible for a rookie extension next July. Both players posted solid rookie numbers—Murray‑Boyles averaged 8.5 points, 5 rebounds and made All‑Rookie second team, while Walter improved to 44.6% shooting and 40.9% from three—positioning them as key pieces alongside Kawhi Leonard in Toronto’s rising Eastern Conference squad.
Mavs Considered Likely To Sign Walter Clayton
The Dallas Mavericks are now the favorite to land guard Walter Clayton after he clears waivers from Memphis. Clayton, the 2025 first‑round pick (18th overall) who averaged 7.8 points, 4.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 69 games last season, is eligible for a two‑way deal, and Dallas has an open slot after cutting John Poulakidas. While Sacramento, Miami and Golden State have shown interest, Marc Stein of The Stein Line says the Mavericks are likely to sign him, overtaking Seth Lundy for the two‑way roster spot. Clayton must go unclaimed by Wednesday before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Bulls Exercise 2027/28 Options On Buzelis, Essengue
The Chicago Bulls have exercised both rookie‑scale options for the 2027/28 season, locking in Matas Buzelis’s fourth‑year deal and Noa Essengue’s third‑year contract. Buzelis, the 11th pick in 2024, posted 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks while starting all 77 games last year, and his option bumps his salary to roughly $7.58 million. Essengue, the 12th pick in 2025, missed most of his rookie year after shoulder surgery but will now earn $5.97 million in 2027/28, with the Bulls facing an $8.23 million option for ’28/29. The team must finalize all rookie‑scale options by Nov. 2.
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