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CJ Huntley Waived By Suns
The Phoenix Suns have waived forward CJ Huntley, who was on a two-way contract, alongside Koby Brea. Huntley, a 6'11" undrafted Appalachian State rookie, played four games for Phoenix, averaging 3.0 points and 1.3 rebounds in 10 minutes. He excelled in the G League with the Valley Suns, posting 15.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.0 block over 42 games while shooting .623/.341/.670. The Suns may convert Duop Reath’s Exhibit 10 deal to a two-way contract, leaving another two-way spot open after these cuts.
Cason Wallace, Thunder Finalize Five-Year Extension
The Oklahoma City Thunder lock up defensive guard Cason Wallace with a five‑year, $139 million rookie‑scale extension, announced on October 19, 2026. At 22, Wallace—who led the NBA in total steals (150) and deflections (339) last season and earned All‑Defensive second‑team honors—will likely step into the starting spot vacated by Luguentz Dort. He averages 8.6 points per game and shoots 37.4% from three, providing steady spacing for Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Jalen Williams. The deal, worth $27.8 million annually, positions Wallace midway between contracts for fellow defensive star Ausar Thompson and Dyson Daniels, and keeps him off the market as the Thunder secure the majority of their roster for 2027‑28.
Nic Claxton (Hamstring) Expected To Miss Two More Weeks
Chicago Bulls’ newly acquired center Nic Claxton (27) suffers a hamstring setback and is projected to miss roughly two more weeks, pushing his return to early November and sidelining him for the first six games, including the Nov. 2 matchup in Philadelphia. Coach Tiago Splitter says the timeline is an estimate and Claxton will be re‑evaluated regularly. Meanwhile, backup center Zach Collins, cleared of a quad issue, aims to suit up for the season opener in Toronto. Claxton’s 2026‑27 salary is $23.1 million.
Grizzlies Looking To Trade Clayton; Kings May Be Interested
The Memphis Grizzlies are scrambling to move second‑year guard Walter Clayton Jr. before the 4 p.m. CT roster deadline on Monday, with the Sacramento Kings emerging as a likely suitor. Clayton, the 18th overall pick in 2025 and former NCAA tournament MOP with Florida, posted modest rookie numbers — 7.8 points, 4.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 20.4 minutes across 69 games for Utah and Memphis, shooting .384/.307/.901. Memphis must cut its roster from 17 to 15 players, while the Kings, dealing with Ben Simmons’s torn Achilles, also eyed Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. for a similar roster tweak.
Sixers Notes: Embiid, Walker, Simons, Philon, KCP, Nurse
Joel Embiid's full health in training camp lets Coach Nick Nurse install offensive and defensive sets early, and Tyrese Maxey says his presence "changes everything" for the Sixers. Embiid’s chemistry with former Team USA teammate LeBron James, who notes the big man's health is the best it’s been in years, adds another boost. With Ariel Hukporti out after an Achilles tear, Jabari Walker steps in as a small‑ball five, earning more rotation minutes. Free‑agent guard Anfernee Simons missed preseason with a hamstring, while rookie Labaron Philon Jr. impresses, and Kentavious Caldwell‑Pope may round out the bench. Nurse aims to become the fourth coach to win titles with multiple teams, embracing a big‑picture, work‑hard approach.
Mavericks Waive Dwight Powell
The Dallas Mavericks cut veteran center Dwight Powell to meet the 15‑player roster limit for the regular season, waiving him on October 19, 2026. Powell, the franchise’s longest‑tenured player after 12 years since a 2014 trade, had re‑signed on a minimum deal with a $1 million guarantee that would have risen to $1.5 million if he made the opening night roster. He posted 3.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 63 games last season and appeared in three of four preseason contests. If unclaimed, he becomes an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday. The move also clears space after waiving guards Seth Lundy and John Poulakidas, leaving the Mavs with 15 standard contracts and two two‑way deals.
Knicks Notes: Drummond, Shamet, M. Brown, B. Brown
The Knicks lock in most of their championship core for the 2026‑27 season, retaining free agents Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Clarkson to keep 10 of the 11 top‑minute players from last year. The only major departure is backup center Mitchell Robinson, who signs with Boston, prompting veteran Andre Drummond to join as the lone new addition. Coach Mike Brown praises the roster’s maturity and readiness to handle the spotlight, while noting the tough decision to waive veteran swingman Bruce Brown. Players emphasize a selfless, egoless approach, with Shamet stressing willingness to adapt roles to chase another title in New York.
Stein’s Latest: Black, Kolek, Nance, Lundy, Cisse, Zion
Marc Stein reports the Hornets’ Brandon Miller is the front‑runner for a rookie‑scale extension before the deadline, while Orlando guard Anthony Black faces a longer wait as the Magic wrestle with a $32 MM payroll anchored by Banchero, Wagner, Suggs and Bane. Jeff Weltman hints deals may be delayed until next summer. Meanwhile, Thunder guard Cason Wallace secures a five‑year, $139 MM extension, and Stein predicts fewer extensions for the 2023 class. The Knicks waive Bruce Brown and retain backup guard Tyler Kolek, opting for James Wiseman instead. The Bucks, Mavericks and other teams evaluate two‑way deals for Pete Nance, Seth Lundy and Moussa Cissé, while Zion Williamson trains to add a three‑point shot to his preseason arsenal.
Contract, Roster Deadlines Loom For NBA Teams
The NBA’s final offseason deadline arrives on Monday, Oct. 19, as teams scramble to lock in rookie‑scale extensions and veteran deals before the 2026‑27 season tip‑off. Five rookies—Victor Wembanyama, Amen Thompson, Keyonte George, Ausar Thompson, and Brandin Podziemski—have already signed extensions, and Cason Wallace added one with the Thunder. Another 15 first‑year players, including Scoot Henderson and JaMorant‑prospect Jaquel, remain eligible to sign by 5 p.m. CT. Meanwhile, 27 veterans such as LaMelo Ball, Ja Morant, Zion Williamson and Jaylen Brown can seal extensions today, after which only expiring contracts stay eligible. Teams must act now or wait until next July’s free‑agency window.
Central Notes: Pistons, Giddey, Allen, Johnson
After clinching a 60‑win, top‑seed finish in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons reshuffle their roster, trading away Tobias Harris while adding depth with rookie Ebuka Okorie and third‑year center Tolu Smith. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff faces tough rotation choices, but both newcomers say they’re studying film to stay ready. In the Central Division, Bulls point guard Josh Giddey dismisses the 29.5‑win over/under as an underestimate, while rookie Caleb Wilson vows to prove it on the court. Cavaliers veteran Jarrett Allen stresses the need for the starting five to build chemistry for a deep playoff run, and Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praises the leadership of newly waived James Johnson despite cap constraints.
Pacific Notes: Curry, Bassey, Simmons, Goodwin
Stephen Curry exits a Warriors practice with a right ankle sprain, but doctors deem it non‑major, easing coach Steve Kerr’s concerns ahead of the season opener. Backup big Charles Bassey is listed day‑to‑day with knee tendinitis, while veteran Ben Simmons tears his right Achilles in a Kings practice, guaranteeing his $3.5 million salary. Meanwhile, Suns guard Jordan Goodwin emphasizes a team‑first mindset, pledging to do whatever is needed on defense and offense. The Pacific Division heads into October 19’s opening night with multiple minor injuries to monitor.
Ben Simmons Suffers Torn Right Achilles Tendon
The Sacramento Kings confirm that Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles in a Sunday practice and will undergo surgery, likely sidelining the 30‑year‑old for the entire 2026/27 season. Simmons, who had returned from back surgeries and posted 10.5 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in two preseason games, was expected to start for the Kings. The injury adds to a recent spate of Achilles tears in the NBA, including Otega Oweh and Ariel Hukporti. The Kings now face a roster spot and salary‑cap dilemma as they replace the former No. 1 pick.
Mavs Notes: Aldama, Washington, De Larrea, Johnson
The Mavericks enter their Oct. 18 season opener against the Rockets amid front‑court uncertainty. Coach Dusty May still doesn’t know if reserve big man Santi Aldama, still recovering from a March arthroscopic knee procedure, will suit up. Injuries to Aldama and Dereck Lively II have opened roster spots, with veteran Dwight Powell and rookie shot‑blocker Moussa Cisse battling for the final 15‑man slot. Forward P.J. Washington aims to be a key three‑point threat after hitting two of eight attempts in a recent loss. Rookie point guard Sergio De Larrea impressed in four preseason games (9.5 pts, 5.0 ast, 8‑of‑12 threes) and could crack the opening‑night rotation, while forward Morez Johnson Jr., despite limited preseason action, is expected to join the rotation thanks to his defensive versatility.
Injury Updates: S. Jones, Dybantsa, Kennard, Heat, Magic
The Denver Nuggets say forward Spencer Jones is on track for Thursday’s season opener after a hamstring strain, while coach David Adelman may experiment with a “fake” 11‑man rotation featuring Trevon Brazile, Bryce Hopkins and Cam Whitmore. Meanwhile, Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa is day‑to‑day with an ankle sprain, Suns guard Luke Kennard’s knee tendon strain improves, and the Heat have all 17 players in practice despite Bam Adebayo’s groin tightness, Pelle Larsson’s illness, and Dru Smith’s calf strain. The Orlando Magic are monitoring Franz Wagner’s shoulder and Noah Penda’s partially torn hamstring, with both players doing light work in Sunday’s practice.
Sixers Notes: Embiid, Maxey, Edgecombe, Wade, Barlow
Joel Embiid dismisses any sacrifice narrative, urging teammates to play to their strengths after a strong 27‑point preseason showing against Boston, though the Sixers fall short. Coach Nick Nurse confirms VJ Edgecombe is healthy for the season opener, while Dean Wade (ankle) and Dominick Barlow (back) sit out practice. The article also highlights Tyrese Maxey’s chemistry with Embiid and references LeBron James and Jaylen Brown’s comments on ongoing improvement as the Sixers gear up for their October 22 regular‑season debut against the Knicks.
Knicks Notes: McBride, M. Brown, Wiseman, Drummond
The Knicks have postponed extension talks with four players, including guard Miles McBride, who will earn $3.96 M this season and become a free agent in 2027. McBride’s agent says he’s open to future deals despite a recent sports‑hernia surgery that limited his playoff minutes. Meanwhile, veteran guard Bruce Brown was waived, but the team retained big man James Wiseman, with coach Mike Brown praising his raw talent and potential. Star guard Jalen Brunson lauds Coach Mike Brown’s authenticity, and free‑agent center Andre Drummond emphasizes his passing and shooting as assets for New York.
October 19 Is The Deadline For Players To Sign Rookie Scale Extensions
Five 2023 first-round picks have signed rookie scale extensions this offseason, and another 16 first-rounders from the 2023 class have until 5:00 pm CT on Monday, October 19, to sign new deals with their respective teams. Here are the five players who have signed rookie scale extensions in 2026, along with the values of their […]
Celtics Notes: George, Carter, Brown, More
Celtics forward Paul George admits the pressure and criticism he’s faced — particularly from former players — has bothered him at times over the years, but he’s embracing the opportunity to suit up for his new team, writes Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe (subscription required). “This locker room, the culture here, the front office, […]
Suns, Oso Ighodaro Discussing Contract Extension
Third-year center Oso Ighodaro confirmed to reporters on Friday that his representatives have been discussing a potential contract extension with the Suns, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic (Twitter video link). “Yeah, we’re talking about it,” Ighodaro said. “We’ll see what happens in the next couple days.” When asked if he wanted to remain […]
Christian Koloko Signs With Crvena Zvezda
Free agent center Christian Koloko has signed with Crvena Zvezda, the Serbian team announced Sunday morning (via Twitter). This will be the first European stop for Koloko, who was selected 33rd overall in the 2022 draft after three college seasons with Arizona. The Cameroonian big man drew interest from several other EuroLeague clubs before he […]
Pacific Notes: D. Green, Simmons, I. Jackson, Z. Williams
Draymond Green says the trust he has developed in coach Steve Kerr is helping him accept changes to his role in the Warriors’ offense, Luca Evans of The San Francisco Chronicle writes in a subscriber-only story. Green will see less time trailing plays and directing teammates from the top of the key and will be […]
Spurs Notes: Three-Guard Lineup, Fox, K. Johnson, Harris
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson confirmed on Friday that he will use a three-guard lineup for the season opener, with De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper on the court alongside Devin Vassell and Victor Wembanyama, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPN. Johnson’s announcement follows months of speculation that Harper is ready for a starting […]
Checking In On Roster Situations Around The NBA
As expected, the majority of the NBA teams made their roster cuts on Saturday and didn’t wait until Monday’s deadline to set their regular season rosters. Completing those moves on Saturday will ensure the players on non-guaranteed contracts clear waivers on Monday, before the regular season begins. If a team had waited until Monday to […]
Bulls Notes: Giddey, Claxton, Collins, Wilson, Miller
Josh Giddey hasn’t relied much on the lob pass throughout his career, but he insists that it’s mostly because of the big men he’s been teamed up with, writes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. That will change this season with the Bulls, who drafted Caleb Wilson as the leader of a group of high-flyers […]
Celtics Convert Devin Carter To Two-Way Contract
7:00 pm: Carter’s conversion to a two-way contract is official, per NBA.com’s transaction log. 8:48 am: Former lottery pick Devin Carter is having his Exhibit 10 contract converted to a two-way deal by the Celtics, league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link). Carter, 24, was the 13th overall pick in the 2024 draft, […]
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