Brown became one of the NBA’s elite during his first 10 seasons, all with the Celtics. In 2025-26, the former California Golden Bears guard averaged career-highs of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists, even leading Boston to the No. 2 seed with Jayson Tatum recovering from an Achilles tear.

Yet, despite Brown leading Boston to a successful season that ended with a first-round playoff exit, the Celtics decided to move on from the All-NBA star, and the 76ers pounced on the opportunity. Philadelphia traded Paul George and two first-round picks for Brown, while also landing LeBron James in the process.

In the 76ers’ first preseason game against the Celtics, Brown, LeBron and Joel Embiid all sat out, while starting guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe played. Boston also played most of its lineup, including Tatum and George. But instead of watching the game from the bench at his former home of TD Garden, Brown watched it from the locker room, avoiding a potentially awkward return to Beantown.

But with the 76ers back in Philadelphia to face the Celtics on Friday, they have elected to play Brown against his former team. Not only that, but 76ers fans also got to see what their regular-season starting lineup will look like, as LeBron, Embiid and Maxey all played as well. However, the Celtics went the opposite route, resting their key players.

“LeBron, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey are all expected to play tonight for #76ers,” Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn wrote on X. “The #Celtics are expected to give many of their primary players the night off.”

LeBron, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey are all expected to play tonight for #76ers. The #Celtics are expected to give many of their primary players the night off.

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) October 16, 2026

Brown and the 76ers will open the regular season on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET, hosting Jalen Brunson and the defending champion New York Knicks.

Related: Illinois’ Keaton Wagler Reacts to Transfer Portal Decision

Before going down, Butler was playing some of his best basketball of the season, averaging 21 points, five rebounds and five assists. His absence was a major blow to Golden State, which went 12-26 over its remaining regular-season games, finished 37-45 and was eliminated in the play-in tournament.

With the Warriors set to open the 2026-27 NBA season against the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN’s Anthony Slater provided an update on Butler’s recovery Friday.

According to Slater, Butler could return between January and February 2027, although the Warriors have yet to set a firm date. He has resumed individual on-court work but still has rehabilitation milestones to complete before he can return to full basketball activities.

Butler has remained optimistic throughout the process and is working toward a return to the court.

Update on Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody in here. Both in the middle stages of knee rehab. Indications are Moody’s timeline is a bit ahead of Butler’s.

Warriors prepping to get both wings back midseason.https://t.co/F0TOeHkh3a

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 16, 2026

Head coach Steve Kerr could also benefit from having the six-time All-Star back during the second half of the season, particularly if Golden State looks to strengthen its position ahead of a potential playoff push. The Warriors have not reached the NBA Finals since 2022, and will hope to improve their chances when Butler returns to the lineup.

In the meantime, the Warriors will have to find ways to compete without Butler, with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green expected to lead the way. Golden State opens its regular season against the Lakers on Oct. 21.

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• GOAT Lists: Lakers | Celtics | Knicks | Bulls | Warriors | 76ers

More on the Golden State Warriors

• How to Watch Warriors vs Lakers: NBA Preseason TV Channel, Live Stream
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• How to Watch Lakers vs Warriors: NBA Preseason TV Channel, Live Stream
• How to Watch Warriors vs Clippers: NBA Preseason Live Stream, TV Channel

Selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, James joined the Lakers amid intense attention because he was LeBron James’ son. His first two seasons brought limited NBA opportunities, with 27 appearances as a rookie and 42 games last season, while also spending time with the team’s G League affiliate.

With another offseason behind him, James was expected to take a leap in his third year and establish himself as a more reliable rotation option. However, his four preseason appearances have done little to strengthen his case, leaving questions about his role as the regular season approaches.

Following Tuesday’s 101-89 preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors, head coach JJ Redick delivered a blunt assessment.

“I thought he had a really nice September and a good summer with us, but I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games,” Redick said.

JJ Redick says Bronny hasn’t played well in the preseason

“I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games” pic.twitter.com/mLV14vsdUp

— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) October 14, 2026

James has totaled 11 points and 12 turnovers across those games, including a scoreless outing against Golden State.

The Lakers now face a decision with their roster deadline approaching. Los Angeles could part ways with the 22-year-old guard or keep him in the organization while giving him extended development time with its G League affiliate, the Coachella Valley Lakers. His contract for 2026-27 is guaranteed, making a move to the G League a potential way to continue his development without losing him.

James is also entering uncharted territory without his father on the Lakers roster. LeBron’s departure to the Philadelphia 76ers ends their two-season run as teammates in Los Angeles, where the decision to draft Bronny drew scrutiny over how much his family connection influenced the pick.

The Lakers open the regular season at home against the Warriors on Oct. 21.

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• Most Points Scored by a Player in an NBA Game, Ranked
• Every NBA Finals Matchup, Result, and MVP Since 1947
• How NBA Contracts Work: Rookies, Extensions, Max Deals
• GOAT Lists: Lakers | Celtics | Knicks | Bulls | Warriors | 76ers

Related: Bronny James Makes Opinion Clear About LeBron James Leaving Lakers

The longtime Western Conference opponents will square off at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, for a nationally televised preseason contest that offers another opportunity to evaluate their rosters before the regular season begins.

Tuesday’s game also provides an early preview of the Lakers’ regular-season opener against Golden State, scheduled for Oct. 21.

Los Angeles enters the matchup following a 114-110 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, while Golden State defeated Sacramento 111-106 on Saturday.

Both teams feature recognizable stars, including Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, along with younger players attempting to establish themselves in the rotation.

With the regular season approaching, Tuesday provides another opportunity for both coaching staffs to evaluate chemistry and determine which combinations are ready for meaningful minutes.

What happens in Vegas 📍

🏀 GSW @ LAL
🕖 7:00 pm PT
📺 @NBATV
📻 @957thegame
📱 https://t.co/0vjnnp4ykh#DubNation pic.twitter.com/uEMrISLCme

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 13, 2026

TV Channel and Live Stream for Warriors vs Lakers

• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026
• Time: 10 p.m. ET
• Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
• TV: NBA TV, Spectrum SportsNet
• Live stream: NBA League Pass and eligible television streaming providers
• Radio: ESPN LA 710, 95.7 The Game

Tuesday’s game will be televised nationally on NBA TV, with additional regional coverage through Spectrum SportsNet.

Fans can stream the matchup through participating television providers carrying NBA TV. NBA League Pass availability depends on location and applicable blackout restrictions.

Warriors vs. Lakers Game Overview

Los Angeles enters Tuesday’s game looking to build on its recent victory over Sacramento. Doncic scored 23 points in 25 minutes against the Kings, providing another reminder of his ability to control the offense through scoring and playmaking.

Austin Reaves also made his preseason debut in that contest, giving Lakers coach JJ Redick an opportunity to evaluate another important piece of his backcourt. The Lakers have made several roster changes entering the new season, making chemistry an important focus throughout training camp.

Among the players attempting to establish themselves is Sandro Mamukelashvili, whose versatility provides Los Angeles with another option in the frontcourt.

Warriors Working Through Lineups

Golden State is working through its own lineup decisions. Curry remains the focal point of the Warriors’ offense, while Green continues to provide defensive leadership and playmaking.

Head coach Steve Kerr has been considering a smaller starting lineup because of uncertainty surrounding Kristaps Porzingis, who has been sidelined by a health issue.

One potential combination features Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and Green. Lendeborg has been an interesting player to watch during the preseason. The rookie brings size and versatility, although Kerr has encouraged him to become more aggressive offensively.

Golden State also has veteran Al Horford available in the frontcourt, but managing his workload will be important as the season progresses.

Showdown Out West

Tuesday’s game gives the Warriors another opportunity to evaluate those combinations against a Lakers team with considerable offensive talent. It also offers fans an early look at a rivalry that will resume when the regular season begins.

For Los Angeles, the priority will be continuing to build chemistry around Doncic and Reaves. For Golden State, the focus remains on finding the right balance between its experienced stars and developing players.

The preseason result will not affect the standings, but the lessons from Tuesday’s meeting could carry into the regular-season matchup later this month.

Related: Steph Curry, Warriors Finalize Team-Friendly Contract Extension

Related: Is Luka Doncic Playing Tonight? Latest Status for Lakers-Kings Preseason Game

The Oklahoma City Thunder return home Tuesday night when they welcome the Indiana Pacers to Paycom Center for an intriguing preseason matchup between two teams preparing for the 2026-27 NBA season.

Oklahoma City will be playing its second game in as many nights after suffering a narrow 113-110 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. The Thunder have dropped their first three preseason contests, but the development of their young players has provided several encouraging moments.

Indiana, meanwhile, enters Tuesday’s game with a 1-1 preseason record after falling 119-117 to Atlanta on Saturday.

Both teams feature established NBA talent, but Tuesday’s contest could be particularly important for younger players attempting to secure roles before the regular season begins.

With Oklahoma City managing a quick turnaround and Indiana looking to bounce back from its recent defeat, the game should provide valuable preparation for both teams.

Back in @PaycomCenter for more preseason hoops ⛹️‍♂️

🎟️ https://t.co/KrdQYq9h9O
📺 Thunder+ on the NBA app and Oklahoma’s Own Sports (KSBI OKC, KQCW Tulsa)
📲 https://t.co/9UT2zbSvgM
📻 @sportsanimal pic.twitter.com/R4d0L5qp9p

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 13, 2026

TV Channel and Live Stream for Pacers vs Thunder

• Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• TV: KSBI in the Oklahoma City market
• Live stream: Thunder+, DAZN in the Pacers’ market, NBA League Pass
• Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan, Thunder Radio Network

Tuesday’s game will be available locally on KSBI in Oklahoma City, while Thunder+ provides another streaming option for eligible viewers in the Thunder’s market.

Indiana fans can watch through DAZN, the Pacers’ regional streaming partner for the 2026-27 season.

Out-of-market viewers can access the matchup through NBA League Pass, subject to regional restrictions.

The game begins at 7 p.m. local time in Oklahoma City, which is 8 p.m. ET.

Pacers vs Thunder Game Overview

Oklahoma City enters Tuesday’s matchup with a 0-3 preseason record, but the results have not been without encouraging developments. Rookie center Aday Mara delivered an impressive performance against Atlanta on Monday, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four blocked shots.

The 7-foot-3 big man has demonstrated an intriguing combination of size, passing ability and defensive instincts throughout the preseason. Fellow rookie Bennett Stirtz also impressed against the Hawks, scoring 26 points and providing another example of Oklahoma City’s young talent.

The Thunder continue to feature superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, along with Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, although preseason playing time for established players can vary considerably. With Oklahoma City playing on consecutive nights, head coach Mark Daigneault could again place significant emphasis on evaluating the team’s younger players.

Pacers With Familiar Faces

Indiana enters Tuesday following a narrow loss to Atlanta. Pascal Siakam scored 13 points and added four assists in Saturday’s defeat, while center Ivica Zubac contributed 11 points and five rebounds.

Zubac represents an important addition to Indiana’s frontcourt after joining the Pacers at last season’s trade deadline. His size and rebounding ability give Indiana another option in the paint, particularly against opponents with talented interior players.

Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith provide additional experience on the perimeter, while Siakam remains one of the team’s most reliable offensive contributors.

The Pacers will be looking to improve their execution after allowing Atlanta to escape with a two-point victory.

Interesting NBA Showdown

Tuesday’s matchup also provides an interesting test for Oklahoma City’s young frontcourt players against an experienced center like Zubac.

For the Thunder, the emphasis will be on continuing to develop Mara, Stirtz and the rest of the team’s young talent. For the Pacers, the game offers another opportunity to build chemistry around their core players and prepare for the regular season.

Both teams will be looking for progress as the exhibition schedule continues, even if the final score is not the most important measurement of success.

Related: NBA The Run’s Biggest Update Yet Adds 5 NBA Legends and New Features

Related: Poll of the Day: Who Will Be the 2026-27 NBA Champion?

The Toronto Raptors return to Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night for a preseason matchup against the New York Knicks, with one of the biggest storylines of the NBA exhibition schedule taking center stage.

Kawhi Leonard is expected to make his Raptors preseason debut after returning to Toronto in a September trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. The two-time NBA Finals MVP has not appeared in a game for Toronto since helping the franchise win its only NBA championship in 2019.

Now, seven years later, Leonard is preparing to take the court alongside Scottie Barnes and the rest of Toronto’s roster.

The game also comes at an interesting time for New York, which suffered a 122-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. With the Knicks playing on consecutive nights and Toronto preparing to welcome Leonard back to the lineup, Tuesday provides several compelling storylines for basketball fans.

BACK IN THE 6️⃣ FOR GAME DAY 🦖

⏰ 7:00 PM ET
📺 @Sportsnet
📻 @Sportsnet590F pic.twitter.com/AsEOenjU9h

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 13, 2026

TV Channel and Live Stream for Knicks vs Raptors

• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
• TV: Sportsnet in Canada, MSG 2 in the New York market
• Live stream: Sportsnet+, DAZN in eligible New York markets, NBA League Pass
• Radio: Sportsnet 590 The FAN

Tuesday’s matchup will air on Sportsnet in Canada, with streaming available through Sportsnet+. New York viewers can watch through MSG 2 or eligible regional streaming services.

NBA League Pass provides another option for out-of-market fans, subject to local blackout restrictions. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET tipoff.

Knicks vs Raptors Game Overview

Toronto enters Tuesday’s battle preparing for one of the most anticipated preseason appearances in franchise history. Leonard is expected to return to game action for the Raptors after missing their first two exhibitions while improving his conditioning.

Head coach Darko Rajaković confirmed Monday that Leonard would be available against New York after participating in a full practice. Leonard was acquired from the Clippers in September in a trade that sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and multiple draft picks to Los Angeles.

His return creates an intriguing partnership with Barnes, who has developed into one of Toronto’s most important players. Barnes brings versatility as a scorer, rebounder and playmaker, while Leonard provides championship experience and the ability to create offense in difficult situations.

Toronto also features Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, giving the Raptors several experienced offensive options.

Another player worth watching is Jamal Shead. The young guard has focused on improving his conditioning after taking on additional responsibilities during the 2025-26 playoffs. His development could become particularly important as Toronto works to establish its backcourt rotation.

Defending NBA Champion New York Knicks

New York enters Tuesday’s matchup following a difficult performance against Minnesota. The Knicks fell 122-104 at Madison Square Garden on Monday, creating a quick turnaround before their trip to Toronto.

Jalen Brunson remains the centerpiece of New York’s offense after leading the franchise to the 2026 NBA championship. Karl-Anthony Towns provides another major scoring and rebounding presence, while Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart give the Knicks considerable versatility.

However, with New York playing on consecutive nights, head coach Mike Brown could limit the minutes of several established players.

Teams Get Comfortable

Tuesday also begins an unusual stretch in which the Knicks and Raptors will meet twice in three days. The teams will face each other again Thursday at Madison Square Garden, giving both coaching staffs additional opportunities to evaluate their personnel.

For Toronto, the biggest storyline will be Leonard’s expected return and how he fits alongside Barnes. For New York, the focus will be on improving its execution and evaluating depth before the regular season begins.

Regardless of the final score, Tuesday’s game offers a chance to see one of the NBA’s most recognizable stars return to the franchise where he won a championship.

Related: Kawhi Leonard’s Net Worth: What Is He Worth After NBA’s Clippers Investigation?

Related: Why Is LeBron James Not Playing vs Knicks? Latest Injury Update on 76ers Star

The Orlando Magic return home Tuesday night for a preseason rematch against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida.

The teams are meeting for the second time in three days after Cleveland earned a 119-105 victory Sunday night. That result gave the Cavaliers some momentum heading into their final preseason appearance, while Orlando will have an opportunity to make adjustments before the regular season begins.

Both teams reached the Eastern Conference playoffs last season, although neither finished its campaign the way it had hoped. Cleveland advanced to the conference finals for the first time since 2018 before losing to the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks.

Orlando picked up a playoff berth through the Play-In Tournament but was eliminated by Detroit in the first round after holding a 3-1 series lead.

Tuesday’s matchup provides another opportunity for both coaching staffs to evaluate their rotations and prepare for a competitive Eastern Conference.

preseason game #3 🪄

🆚: @cavs
📍: @TheKiaCenter
🕖: 7 PM
📺: @NBAonNBC (Peacock)
📺: NBC Sports Network
📻: @969gameon

→ https://t.co/FwcM1jckXk pic.twitter.com/2r07wEmwWF

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 13, 2026

TV Channel and Live Stream for Cavaliers vs. Magic

• Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Venue: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida
• TV: NBC Sports Network
• Live stream: Peacock

Tuesday’s game will be televised nationally on NBC Sports Network and streamed on Peacock.

Fans can watch through the Peacock app with an eligible subscription or through television providers carrying NBC Sports Network.

The matchup is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET tipoff.

Cavaliers vs Magic Game Overview

Cleveland enters Tuesday’s exhibition looking to build on Sunday’s 14-point victory over Orlando. The Cavaliers finished last season with a 52-30 record and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, giving head coach Kenny Atkinson an established foundation entering the new campaign.

Donovan Mitchell remains one of Cleveland’s most dangerous offensive players, capable of scoring from the perimeter or creating opportunities by attacking the basket. James Harden provides another experienced ball handler, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen give Cleveland a formidable interior combination.

Atkinson is expected to increase the playing time of several regular starters Tuesday as the Cavaliers make their final preparations for the regular season. That could provide fans with a more extended look at Cleveland’s preferred lineup combinations.

Magic Back At Home

Orlando has plenty of talent of its own. Paolo Banchero remains the centerpiece of the Magic’s offense, while Franz Wagner gives Orlando another versatile scorer capable of creating opportunities from multiple areas of the floor.

Desmond Bane adds perimeter scoring, and Jalen Suggs provides defensive intensity in the backcourt. Wendell Carter Jr. also plays an important role in Orlando’s frontcourt, particularly as a rebounder and interior defender.

The Magic will be looking for a stronger performance after Sunday’s defeat in Cleveland. Improving their defensive execution and finding more consistent offensive rhythm should be priorities entering Tuesday’s rematch.

Eastern Conference Battle Before Regular Season

For Cleveland, the exhibition is another opportunity to strengthen chemistry before beginning a season with significant expectations. For Orlando, playing another game against a proven Eastern Conference opponent provides valuable preparation before the regular season begins.

Although the final score will not count toward either team’s standings, Tuesday should offer a good look at two teams hoping to compete in the postseason again for the 2026-27 season.

Related: NBA The Run’s Biggest Update Yet Adds 5 NBA Legends and New Features

Related: Poll of the Day: Who Will Be the 2026-27 NBA Champion?

Don’t look now, but the 2026-27 NBA season tips off one week from tonight. Three games are on the Oct. 20 schedule, including LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers at Jalen Brunson and the champion New York Knicks. That one is followed by a Western Conference Finals rematch: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

Those four teams are the early betting favorites to reach the NBA Finals this season — the Thunder and Spurs have the best odds, depending on where you look, with the 76ers and Knicks not far behind.

So… 

Thanks for voting. Be sure to make your voice heard and sound off in the comments section.

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• How NBA Contracts Work: Rookies, Extensions, Max Deals
• GOAT Lists: Lakers | Celtics | Knicks | Bulls | Warriors | 76ers

The Utah Jazz return to the Delta Center on Monday night when they welcome the San Antonio Spurs for a Western Conference preseason matchup in Salt Lake City. Both teams are using the exhibition schedule to evaluate their rosters, but Monday’s game comes with an important development for San Antonio.

Victor Wembanyama will not play against Utah as the Spurs manage the workload of several key players ahead of the regular season. San Antonio is also coming off a narrow 102-98 preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, while Utah has split its first two exhibitions against the Denver Nuggets.

For the Jazz, Monday provides another opportunity to evaluate a young roster featuring highly regarded rookie Darryn Peterson and second-year forward Ace Bailey. The Spurs, meanwhile, will use the contest to give additional minutes to players competing for rotation spots.

Kicking off the week with preseason hoops in SLC!

🆚 @utahjazz
⏰ 8pm CT
📺 @DAZN
📻 @1200WOAI, @kxtn1350 @HEB | #PorVida pic.twitter.com/yZXbQ1meO2

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) October 12, 2026

TV Channel and Live Stream for Spurs vs Jazz

• Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
• Time: 9 p.m. ET
• Venue: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
• TV: KJZZ in the Utah market
• Live stream: Jazz+, NBA League Pass and DAZN in eligible markets

Monday’s game will be televised locally on KJZZ for viewers in Utah.

Fans can also stream the contest through Jazz+, while NBA League Pass provides coverage for eligible out-of-market viewers.

San Antonio viewers can access the Spurs’ regional broadcast through DAZN, subject to subscription requirements and availability.

The game begins at 7 p.m. local time in Salt Lake City, which is 9 p.m. ET.

Spurs vs Jazz Game Overview

San Antonio enters Monday’s contest with several notable absences. Wembanyama will sit out the matchup as part of the team’s preseason workload management plan.

The Spurs will also be without Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell and several other players. Some absences are related to injuries, while others were planned as San Antonio manages its roster before the regular season begins.

Fox has been dealing with a hip issue, while Carter Bryant has been recovering from an ankle injury. Bryant is expected to return Wednesday when the Spurs host the Phoenix Suns.

Even without several established players, Monday provides an important opportunity for San Antonio’s reserves to earn playing time and demonstrate their development.

The Spurs reached the NBA Finals last season and enter 2026-27 with considerable expectations, making roster depth an important factor as they prepare for another long campaign.

Jazz With Youngsters On Display

Utah has a different set of priorities. The Jazz are continuing to develop their young talent, with Peterson attracting particular attention after being selected near the top of the 2026 NBA Draft.

Peterson experienced some difficulties during his first preseason appearance against Denver but showed improvement in the second matchup. His scoring ability and offensive development will be among the most interesting storylines for Utah throughout the season, although his availability Monday remains uncertain.

Bailey is another important part of the Jazz’s future. The second-year forward brings scoring potential and versatility as Utah continues building its roster.

The Jazz also feature Lauri Markkanen, an established offensive option capable of stretching defenses with his perimeter shooting. However, Markkanen’s availability is another situation to monitor ahead of tipoff.

Monday’s matchup gives Utah coach Will Hardy an opportunity to evaluate combinations against a San Antonio team that will be missing several regular contributors.

Western Conference Preseason Showdown

For the Spurs, the emphasis will be on player development and giving reserves valuable experience. For Utah, it is another chance to assess its young talent and continue building chemistry before the regular season begins.

Although several recognizable names might be unavailable, the matchup should still provide useful information about the depth and development of both Western Conference teams.

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• Every NBA Finals Matchup, Result, and MVP Since 1947
• How NBA Contracts Work: Rookies, Extensions, Max Deals
• GOAT Lists: Lakers | Celtics | Knicks | Bulls | Warriors | 76ers

Related: Jazz Rookie Darryn Peterson Dominates in Summer League Debut

Related: Victor Wembanyama’s Former Spurs Teammate Reveals His Weakness Before NBA Finals

The New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden on Monday night when they welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves for an intriguing NBA preseason matchup.

The contest features two teams with championship ambitions, although they have experienced different results during the early stages of the exhibition schedule.

New York enters Monday with a 0-2 preseason record after winning the NBA championship last season. The Knicks have been focused on managing minutes and experimenting with combinations rather than emphasizing preseason results.

Minnesota, meanwhile, has opened with a 2-1 record, including a dramatic 125-124 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday.

The Timberwolves have also made significant roster changes, adding LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga to a group led by Anthony Edwards.

Monday’s matchup provides another opportunity to see how those additions are developing chemistry before the regular season begins.

monday night basketball pic.twitter.com/MA7BHM2XdK

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 12, 2026

TV Channel and Live Stream for Timberwolves vs Knicks

• Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
• TV: NBA TV, MSG Network
• Live stream: NBA League Pass and eligible live television streaming providers

Monday’s game will be televised nationally on NBA TV, giving fans across the country an opportunity to watch the Timberwolves face the defending NBA champions.

The matchup will also air on MSG Network in the New York market.

Streaming options include NBA League Pass, subject to applicable blackout restrictions, and television streaming services that carry NBA TV or MSG.

Timberwolves vs Knicks Game Overview

Minnesota enters Monday’s game with an intriguing new look. Edwards remains the centerpiece of the Timberwolves’ offense after averaging more than 28 points per game last season.

The All-Star guard is now working alongside Ball, whose passing ability and creativity give Minnesota another player capable of initiating the offense. The early chemistry between Edwards and Ball has been one of the most interesting developments of the Timberwolves’ preseason.

Kuminga provides another athletic option, while Jaden McDaniels continues to offer defensive versatility and Rudy Gobert anchors the interior. Minnesota also has Ayo Dosunmu in its backcourt, giving the team another experienced player who can defend, handle the ball and provide energy.

The Timberwolves are coming off a one-point victory against Miami in a game that featured significant playing time for reserve players.

That result offered the coaching staff another opportunity to evaluate depth, something that could become especially important during the regular season.

Defending NBA Champs Looking To Pace

New York has taken a different approach to the preseason. The defending champions are 0-2, but head coach Mike Brown has emphasized evaluating combinations and gradually increasing the workload for established players.

Jalen Brunson remains the leader of New York’s offense after earning NBA Finals MVP honors during the team’s championship run. The Knicks also feature Karl-Anthony Towns, who averaged 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds during the 2025-26 regular season.

Towns enters the new campaign amid questions surrounding his contract situation, but his scoring and rebounding remain important parts of New York’s identity.

Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart give the Knicks additional experience and versatility on both ends of the floor.

Showdown At The Garden

Monday’s matchup could offer an interesting look at how Minnesota’s new backcourt handles New York’s defensive pressure.

It also provides another opportunity for the Knicks to evaluate their championship roster against a Western Conference opponent with considerable talent.

While the result will not affect the regular-season standings, both teams have plenty to learn before the games begin counting.

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• Best NBA Draft Steals of All Time
• Biggest Celebrity Fans of Every NBA Team
• NBA MVPs: Every Winner and Their Stats
• Most Points Scored by a Player in an NBA Game, Ranked
• Every NBA Finals Matchup, Result, and MVP Since 1947
• How NBA Contracts Work: Rookies, Extensions, Max Deals
• GOAT Lists: Lakers | Celtics | Knicks | Bulls | Warriors | 76ers

Related: Why Is LeBron James Not Playing vs Knicks? Latest Injury Update on 76ers Star

Related: Kevin Garnett’s Jersey Retirement Date Revealed After Timberwolves Schedule Release: Report

The Washington Wizards welcome the Brooklyn Nets to Capital One Arena on Monday night for a preseason matchup featuring two Eastern Conference teams off to encouraging starts.

Both teams enter the contest with 2-0 preseason records, creating an interesting early test for two franchises attempting to establish momentum heading into the 2026-27 regular season.

Washington has already recorded wins over the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons, including a 114-108 win against Detroit on Saturday. Brooklyn has been equally impressive, opening with a dominant 124-90 victory over Charlotte before defeating Philadelphia 114-108.

The matchup also features several intriguing players, including Washington’s No. 1 overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa and Brooklyn’s promising young guard Egor Demin.

With both teams experimenting with lineups and evaluating their depth, Monday offers another opportunity to see how their offseason additions are fitting together.

Hoopin’ at our house tonight 🏡

🎟️ Tickets: https://t.co/MD12brO49h
🤝 Pres. by @CapitalOne pic.twitter.com/OdN01h4X2q

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) October 12, 2026

TV Channel and Live Stream for Nets vs Wizards

• Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
• TV: Monumental Sports Network, YES Network
• Live stream: Monumental+, YES on DAZN, NBA League Pass

Monday’s matchup will air on Monumental Sports Network in the Washington market and YES Network for viewers in the Brooklyn region.

Fans can also stream the game through Monumental+ or YES on DAZN, depending on their location and subscription.

NBA League Pass provides another option for out-of-market viewers, subject to regional blackout restrictions.

Nets vs Wizards Game Overview

Washington has several reasons to be encouraged by its preseason performances.

The Wizards have opened with consecutive victories, but the development of Dybantsa may be the most important storyline surrounding the team.

Selected first overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, Dybantsa brings tremendous athleticism and versatility to Washington’s lineup. His transition scoring and defensive activity have already generated excitement, although his outside shooting remains an area for development.

The Wizards also feature established stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis, along with promising young players Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr.

That combination gives Washington an intriguing mixture of veteran experience and young talent as the franchise prepares for the regular season.

Nets Trying To Prepare for Grind Of 2026-27

Brooklyn has also enjoyed a productive preseason. The Nets opened with a 34-point victory over Charlotte before earning a six-point win against Philadelphia.

Demin has been particularly interesting to watch. The second-year guard spent the offseason improving his conditioning and strength, and those changes have begun showing up in his ability to attack the basket and create opportunities for teammates.

In Brooklyn’s preseason opener, Demin contributed six points and five assists while demonstrating greater confidence handling the offense.

The Nets also have veteran scoring options in Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr., giving head coach Jordi Fernández several different offensive combinations to evaluate.

Monday’s matchup should provide another useful opportunity for both teams to experiment with their rotations.

Washington will be without Jamir Watkins and Tristan Vukcevic, while Khris Middleton and Tre Mann have been listed as day-to-day.

Eastern Conference Showdown

For the Wizards, maintaining their unbeaten preseason record would provide another encouraging result. Brooklyn will be looking to continue building on its strong start while giving its young players valuable experience.

Both franchises are still developing their identities, but their early preseason performances have provided reasons for optimism.

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• Every NBA Finals Matchup, Result, and MVP Since 1947
• How NBA Contracts Work: Rookies, Extensions, Max Deals
• GOAT Lists: Lakers | Celtics | Knicks | Bulls | Warriors | 76ers

Related: Anthony Davis Sells $32 Million Mansion Amid NBA Offseason

Related: Trae Young Open to Talking With AJ Dybantsa Over His Request

The Atlanta Hawks continue their 2026-27 NBA preseason schedule Monday night when they welcome the Oklahoma City Thunder to State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

The matchup provides an opportunity to see two teams with considerable young talent as they prepare for the start of the regular season.

Atlanta has enjoyed a promising preseason, winning two of its first three exhibition games. The Hawks are coming off a 119-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, following an impressive 123-116 road win against the San Antonio Spurs.

Oklahoma City, meanwhile, continues evaluating its roster after a narrow 128-126 preseason loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on October 7.

While established stars remain central to both franchises, Monday’s contest could be particularly important for several young players hoping to earn significant minutes once the regular season begins.

Out in ATL 📍 📺 Thunder+ available through the NBA App 📲 https://t.co/9UT2zbSvgM 📻 @sportsanimal https://t.co/y6IiVylaPD
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 12, 2026

TV Channel and Live Stream for Thunder vs Hawks

• Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
• TV: Atlanta News First (WANF), Peachtree Sports Network in the Atlanta market
• Live stream: Fubo in eligible markets, Thunder+ and NBA League Pass, subject to local availability and blackout restrictions

Monday’s game will be televised in the Atlanta market through Atlanta News First and Peachtree Sports Network.

Fans with access to participating local channels can also stream the matchup through Fubo. Thunder+ provides another viewing option for eligible Oklahoma City viewers, while NBA League Pass offers out-of-market coverage.

Thunder vs Hawks Game Overview

Atlanta enters Monday’s matchup with plenty of encouraging developments. Jalen Johnson has continued building on his breakout 2025-26 campaign, which included his first NBA All-Star selection and All-NBA recognition.

Johnson scored 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting against Indiana, adding seven rebounds and three assists in just 25 minutes. His ability to score efficiently while contributing as a rebounder and playmaker remains a major part of Atlanta’s offensive identity.

Rookie guard Kingston Flemings has also impressed during the preseason.

The No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has recorded 34 points, eight assists and four steals through his first three exhibition appearances. His early production provides Atlanta with another promising option in the backcourt.

Thunder Preparing For Regular Season

Oklahoma City has been getting encouraging performances from its own rookies.

Aday Mara, selected 12th overall in the 2026 draft, has contributed 34 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks in 43 minutes of preseason action.

Fellow first-round pick Bennett Stirtz has produced 35 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in 53 minutes.

Those performances have given Oklahoma City’s coaching staff valuable information about the team’s depth heading into the regular season.

The Thunder also feature reigning superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose scoring and playmaking have made him one of the NBA’s premier players. His availability and minutes will depend on Oklahoma City’s preseason rotation plans.

Monday Night Showdown

For Atlanta, Monday represents another opportunity to build on a promising preseason start. Oklahoma City will be looking for continued improvement from its newcomers while preparing for the games that count.

The Thunder and Hawks should provide an entertaining matchup between two franchises with plenty of young talent and significant expectations.

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• Best NBA Draft Steals of All Time
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• Most Points Scored by a Player in an NBA Game, Ranked
• Every NBA Finals Matchup, Result, and MVP Since 1947
• How NBA Contracts Work: Rookies, Extensions, Max Deals
• GOAT Lists: Lakers | Celtics | Knicks | Bulls | Warriors | 76ers

Related: 2026-27 NBA Season Predictions

Related: Proposed Trade Lands Hawks Domantas Sabonis from Kings for $112 Million Trio

Recently, another game-worn Jordan jersey was sold privately for $14 million. Hunt Auctions announced the sale, and Florida-based real estate investor Ron Firman became the jersey’s new owner.

Firman bought the jersey from a private collector who purchased it from the Bulls in 2003.

What made the jersey as valuable as an ultra-luxury residence? It’s the jersey that Jordan wore during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals. Jordan wore that red jersey to will the Chicago Bulls to victory and tie the best-of-seven series at 1-1.

Record Air.  Important 1998 @NBA Finals Game Two @chicagobulls Michael Jordan game worn road jersey sold via private treaty sale for $14,000,000.  The price is a world record for any basketball memorabilia item and the second highest price ever paid for a sports jersey of any… pic.twitter.com/2ax0XBvjxm

— Hunt Auctions (@HuntAuctions) October 12, 2026

Eventually, Jordan and the Bulls won that series, earning “His Airness” his sixth NBA title in eight years. His “Last Shot” made the championship iconic, sealing Chicago’s second three-peat in six games.

The $14 million price tag for this Jordan game-worn jersey is the second-highest known price for a jersey. The record still belongs to the $24.12 million paid for the jersey Babe Ruth wore in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, made famous by his “called shot” home run.

Three Michael Jordan jerseys are worth at least $10 million

Game-worn Jordan jerseys from the 1998 NBA Finals are now worth a massive fortune. In 2022, his game-worn jersey from the series opener was sold at an auction for $10.1 million.

Just last month, a Jordan jersey from Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals was purchased for $12.3 million. Then, Firman paid $14 million for an iconic piece of NBA history associated with arguably the game’s best player ever.

JUST IN: This man sold the most expensive NBA jersey ever for $12,260,000.

It’s Michael Jordan’s “Last Dance” game-worn jersey from Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals, sold by collector Rob Gough.

The sale also makes it the second-most expensive jersey ever sold in any sport.

Gough… pic.twitter.com/axfBeoXTBR

— Fanatics Collect (@Collect) September 30, 2026

Meanwhile, in 2023, Sotheby’s sold the sneakers that Michael Jordan wore in Game 2 of the 1998 finals for $2.2 million.

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LeBron has seemingly done it all, starring for three franchises and also representing his country on the international stage. James is a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA Finals MVP, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and 22-time NBA All-Star.

LeBron James’ Net Worth

James reached billionaire status in late 2022, according to Forbes, which now estimates his real-time net worth at approximately $1.4 billion.

James signed his first professional contract in 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, making $46.7 million across his first six seasons, which was less than he made in a single year with the Lakers in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

James starred in the 2021 film “Space Jam: A New Legacy” while also making plenty of money from endorsements. In fact, he is estimated to have made more from business ventures and endorsements than NBA salary.

RELATED: Savannah James’ Net Worth: Inside the Business Portfolio and Personal Life of LeBron’s Wife

LeBron James’ Career Earnings and NBA Contracts

James has earned more than $580 million in salary throughout his 23-year NBA career, per Spotrac, making him the first NBA player to ever reach the $500 million milestone. His largest single-season salary peaked at $52.6 million in 2025-26, his final season with the Lakers.

Here’s a closer look at every contract he has signed as an NBA player:

• 2003: 3 years, $12.9 million (Cavaliers)
• 2006: 4 years, $60.4 million (Cavaliers)
• 2010: 6 years, $110 million (Cavaliers/Heat)
• 2014: 2 years, $42.2 million (Cavaliers)
• 2016: 3 years, $100 million (Cavaliers)
• 2018: 4 years, $153.5 million (Lakers)
• 2020: 2 years, $85.66 million (Lakers)
• 2022: 2 years, $99 million (Lakers)
• 2024: 2 years, $101.36 million (Lakers)
• 2026: 2 years, $7.94 million (76ers)

LeBron James’ Notable Endorsements

• 2K Sports
• Apple iPhone
• AT&T
• Audemars Piguet
• Beats Electronics
• Coca-Cola
• DraftKings
• Fanatics
• GMC
• Intel
• Kia
• LIFEWTR
• Louis Vuitton
• Nike
• Kia Motors
• PepsiCo
• Polymarket
• Rimowa
• Samsung
• State Farm
• Upper Deck Co.
• Walmart

LeBron James was spotted leaving Philly in a Fanatics-branded chopper 🚁

According to @TMZ , James has free use of any @Fanatics aircraft as part of his broad, long-term deal with the company — meaning he can hop on whenever he wants while splitting time between Philly and New… pic.twitter.com/bcxz4cHBko

— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) October 6, 2026

In addition to a multitude of endorsement deals, James has also seen considerable growth and return on his investments.

James co-founded LRMR Ventures, a marketing and management company, with his friends Maverick Carter and Randy Mims, and his agent Rich Paul.

In addition, he has invested in the Fenway Sports Group, becoming a part-owner in 2021. This company has stakes in professional sports teams such as the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball and Liverpool FC of the English Premier League.

James paired with Carter to found The SpringHill Company, a media content and film production company that produced “Space Jam: A New Legacy.” He is part owner of Blaze Pizza, a North American restaurant chain.

LeBron James’ Early Life

LeBron James was born Dec. 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio. His mother, Gloria Maria James, struggled as a single mom, as his father, Anthony McClelland, was not involved in his life.

At one point, hoping to provide a better atmosphere and family environment for her son, Gloria allowed him to move in with the family of Akron youth football coach Frank Walker. He is responsible for introducing James to basketball at age 9. James lived with the Walker family for 18 months.

LeBron James Bursts Onto Local Scene

James didn’t begin playing organized basketball until fifth grade.

Eventually, he settled in and started to play Amateur Athletic Union basketball for the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars, where he met coach Dru Joyce II and friends Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, and Willie McGee. The group later made its way to St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to play for coach Keith Dambrot.

The freshmen took over the team, and it wasn’t an easy transition. There was resentment from senior players and their families, at least initially, and a racial aspect, as the group transferred from a predominantly black high school to a predominantly white private Catholic school.

Dambrot left after winning two consecutive state championships with James and his friends, heading to college coaching jobs. Dru Joyce II took the reins at St. Vincent-St. Mary prior to James’ junior season, which resulted in a loss in the Division II championship game.

James attempted to enter the 2002 NBA Draft, challenging draft eligibility rules. His attempt failed, and he played his senior season, facing teams from all over the country with the hype train at full force.

He was being called “The Chosen One” by that point, and in 2003, won his second consecutive National High School Player of the Year award. He was also the McDonald’s All-American Game MVP that year, and he won his third consecutive Ohio Mr. Basketball award.

LeBron James Becomes a Pro

In 2003, James took part in the EA Sports Roundball Classic, Jordan Brand Capital Classic, and McDonald’s All-American Game, which meant he was not eligible for the NCAA. He officially declared for the 2003 NBA Draft.

The Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA draft lottery, so the “kid from Akron” ended up staying in northeast Ohio, injecting life into a struggling franchise.

James selected the No. 23 in his rookie season, and he averaged 20.9 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. While he helped Cleveland jump from 17-65 to 35-47, the Cavaliers still missed the postseason in his initial season.

In 2004-05, James was named to his first NBA All-Star team, the first of 21 selections. He rose to 27.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game, but the Cavs missed the playoffs again despite finishing with a winning record at 42-40.

In 2006, James signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension with a fourth-year player option. He helped the Cavaliers defeat the Washington Wizards in his first playoff appearance before they bowed out to the Detroit Pistons in the second round.

During the 2006-07 season, James was good for 27.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists, helping Cleveland to 50 wins. After an epic 48-point performance against the Pistons in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals, he helped the Cavs win in Game 6, clinching his first-ever trip to the NBA Finals. However, the Cavs ended up getting swept by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs.

The Cavs wouldn’t reach those heights again under Mike Brown in 2008, 2009 or 2010. After getting ousted from the playoffs in 2010, it was decision time.

On July 1, 2010, James elected to spurn the northeast Ohio faithful, holding a live ESPN special titled “The Decision,” where he famously announced that he was “taking my talents to South Beach.” With the Miami Heat, he united with fellow 2003 NBA Draft members Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

From Miami to Cleveland to L.A. to Philly

James went from beloved local kid to pariah, leaving Cleveland and signing a six-year, $110 million deal with the Heat.

Fans burned his jersey. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert wrote an irate open letter. Signs of James in downtown Cleveland were removed. And he was booed mercilessly when returning with his new team. He also changed his jersey number to No. 6 upon arriving in South Florida.

The Heat ended up in the NBA Finals against Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, and he came up short for the second time in as many trips.

The drought wouldn’t last long.

In 2012, the Heat met the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, winning in five games as James secured Finals MVP honors and his first-ever championship. In 2013, the Heat topped the Spurs for a second straight title.

In 2014, the Spurs got their revenge, sending James to a 2-3 record all-time in the Finals. And, in a stunning turn of events in late June 2014, just weeks after the Finals loss, he opted out of his contract and announced his return to Cleveland.

Wearing his familiar No. 23 jersey, he teamed with rising star Kyrie Irving and the newly acquired Kevin Love to form Cleveland’s version of a “Big Three.” The Cavs made it to the 2015 NBA Finals, losing to the Golden State Warriors and touching off a rivalry with fellow Akron-born player Stephen Curry.

In the 2016 NBA Finals, the Cavs and Warriors met again, and it appeared things were going a familiar way. The Cavaliers were down 3-1 in the series after four games, but Cleveland rallied for three straight victories, winning in seven games as LeBron did something no one had done since 1964 — bring northeast Ohio a major sports championship.

The Cavs were unable to repeat in the 2017 NBA Finals, losing in five games to the Warriors, and the Cavs were swept by Golden State in the 2018 NBA Finals.

In the summer of 2018, there was no TV show, but James ended up signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he remains today.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lakers played in the “bubble” NBA Finals, and the Lakers took down the Heat in six games for his fourth championship and fourth Finals MVP.

On Feb. 7, 2023, James passed fellow Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA’s all-time scoring lead.

LeBron played long enough to be joined on the Lakers in 2024 and 2025 by his son Bronny, who played one season at the University of Southern California.

In July 2026, the 41-year-old James made his “final decision,” signing a two-year, $7.94 million deal with the 76ers, his fourth NBA team.

Related: Savannah James’ Net Worth: Inside the Business Portfolio and Personal Life of LeBron James’ Wife

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• Most Points Scored by a Player in an NBA Game, Ranked
• Every NBA Finals Matchup, Result, and MVP Since 1947
• How NBA Contracts Work: Rookies, Extensions, Max Deals
• GOAT Lists: Lakers | Celtics | Knicks | Bulls | Warriors | 76ers

The two have been together for over 20 years — including over a decade of marriage — going back to their days as teenagers growing up in Ohio.

Over the last two decades, LeBron has played for four NBA teams, won four championships, and become one of the richest athletes in professional sports history. Savannah has nonetheless kept busy, between raising three children and attempting to build her own résumé.

Savannah James’ Net Worth and Business Portfolio

Celebrity Net Worth estimates Savannah James’ net worth at approximately $100 million as of October 2026.

She briefly owned a juice store in Brickell, Florida, when LeBron played for the Heat in the early 2010s. However, The Juice Spot closed in 2016, nearly two years after the James family returned to Ohio.

Although she launched the “Women Of Our Future” program in 2017, it remains unclear whether that initiative is still active.

More recently, Savannah James invested in League One Volleyball (LOVB) Los Angeles, a professional women’s volleyball team; her daughter, Zhuri, is an aspiring volleyball player. Alexis Ohanian, the husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, is the team’s principal owner.

James also co-hosts the “Everybody’s Crazy” podcast alongside her friend and business partner, April McDaniel. Episodes average roughly 45 minutes and cover everything from parenting to aging.

LeBron’s wife Savannah James says she doesn’t feel the need to pay for her longtime friend and business partner, April McDaniel, to fly first class when they travel together, so Savannah flies first class while April flies on a budget. ✈️👀 pic.twitter.com/iQlzkWy3bq

— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) September 29, 2026

Savannah James’ Personal Life and Marriage to LeBron James

Born in Akron, Ohio, Savannah Brinson met LeBron James when the two were still in high school; she attended Buchtel Community Learning Center, and her future husband famously played at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.

They dated for nearly a decade before LeBron proposed on Dec. 31, 2011, shortly after he officially began his second season with the Heat.

By the time they married in September 2013, LeBron and Savannah already had two children: LeBron Jr., born in 2004, and Bryce, born in 2007. Their daughter, Zhuri, came along in 2014.

LeBron Jr., who eventually began going by Bronny, is entering his third season with the Lakers in 2026-27. He averaged 2.7 points and 1.1 assists in just over eight minutes across his first 69 NBA games.

Bryce is a redshirt freshman at the University of Arizona and did not play in 2025-26. Recruiting services considered him a consensus three-star prospect.

How Much Does Savannah’s Husband LeBron James Make?

At 41 years old, LeBron James signed a two-year, $7.94 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in July 2026, and the deal also includes a player option for the 2027-28 season.

He admitted that he strongly considered retiring before making the move from L.A., and that joining the 76ers was his “last decision.”

“I’m not going for money,” James wrote on X. “I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.”

James has earned over $580 million through his NBA contracts alone, and Forbes values LeBron’s net worth at $1.4 billion. 

He’s had no shortage of endorsements and movie appearances over the years, and he’s also cashed in from appearing in the “NBA 2K” and “NBA Live” games since his 2003 debut. 

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• Most Points Scored by a Player in an NBA Game, Ranked
• Every NBA Finals Matchup, Result, and MVP Since 1947
• How NBA Contracts Work: Rookies, Extensions, Max Deals
• GOAT Lists: Lakers | Celtics | Knicks | Bulls | Warriors | 76ers

Related: Ayesha Curry’s Net Worth: Inside the Business Portfolio and Personal Life of Stephen Curry’s Wife

Simmons made his Kings debut on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors, starting the preseason game and playing nine minutes in Sacramento’s 111-106 loss. He finished with seven points on 2-of-4 shooting and added one assist, marking his first NBA appearance since the 2024-25 season.

According to Andscape’s Marc Spears, Simmons could retain his role as a starter for Sacramento’s regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 21.

“Simmons is expected to remain in the starting lineup alongside rookie guard Darius Acuff for the Oct. 21 season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.”

Ben Simmons is expected to be in the Kings starting lineup for their opening game, per @MarcJSpears

“Simmons is expected to remain in the starting lineup alongside rookie guard Darius Acuff for the Oct. 21 season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.”… pic.twitter.com/z2HEdcDSN7

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) October 12, 2026

Simmons spent the entire 2025-26 season away from the NBA as he dealt with physical issues and took time to reset away from the game. His return against Golden State ended an absence of more than a year, with the Kings gradually building up his workload during preseason. He has said he feels good physically and wants to keep building as he gets back into game shape.

The 30-year-old has a strong résumé from his earlier NBA years. Selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons won Rookie of the Year in 2018 and earned three consecutive All-Star selections from 2019 to 2021. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2020 and made the NBA All-Defensive First Team in both 2020 and 2021.

His last season, split between the Brooklyn Nets and Clippers in 2024-25, saw him average 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 51 games. Those numbers came after injuries limited his availability and disrupted his development over several seasons.

The coming season offers Simmons a chance to show he can stay healthy and contribute consistently again. Playing alongside rookie guard Darius Acuff could also allow him to handle playmaking duties while helping ease the pressure on the young guard. If Simmons can sustain his availability and rediscover more of his all-around impact, his return could become an important step in extending his NBA career.

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• How NBA Contracts Work: Rookies, Extensions, Max Deals
• GOAT Lists: Lakers | Celtics | Knicks | Bulls | Warriors | 76ers

Related: Former Clippers Forward Announces Retirement After 18 NBA Seasons

Houston dominated the opening matchup, earning a 135-117 victory on Friday. The Mavericks will look to respond under head coach Dusty May as they continue building chemistry around Cooper Flagg. Houston, meanwhile, will aim to complete the preseason series sweep after its strong first performance.

How to Watch Rockets vs Mavericks

• Time: 6 a.m. ET
• Venue: The Venetian Arena, Macao, China
• TV Channel: NBA TV
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass; the Mavericks also announced free streaming through their official China Games page
• Radio: 105.3 The Fan in Dallas; 790 AM and 740 AM in Houston

The NBA China Games are available on NBA TV and NBA League Pass. Dallas fans can also check the Mavericks’ official China Games streaming page for the free stream.

Rockets vs Mavericks Injury Report

Dallas will be without Santi Aldama, who is recovering from right knee surgery, and Dereck Lively II, who remains sidelined following right foot surgery. Marcus Sasser is also out with left adductor soreness, while Morez Johnson Jr. will miss the game for rest.

Kyrie Irving is expected to play after sitting out Friday’s opener. May previously said Irving would participate in one of the two preseason games in Macao as he works his way back from the torn ACL that sidelined him throughout the 2025-26 season.

Houston’s availability also bears watching. Kevin Durant is expected to sit out for rest after playing in the opener, while Fred VanVleet was listed as a game-time decision.

With Irving potentially returning and Flagg looking to build on his first performance, Dallas has an opportunity to finish its China trip on a stronger note.

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• Most Points Scored by a Player in an NBA Game, Ranked
• Every NBA Finals Matchup, Result, and MVP Since 1947
• How NBA Contracts Work: Rookies, Extensions, Max Deals
• GOAT Lists: Lakers | Celtics | Knicks | Bulls | Warriors | 76ers

Related: 2026-27 NBA Season Predictions

Minnesota opened its preseason with a 116-97 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks before losing 123-112 to the Indiana Pacers. The Timberwolves have been evaluating their revamped roster, which features Anthony Edwards alongside new additions LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga.

Miami enters the matchup with a 2-0 preseason record after defeating the Toronto Raptors 129-105 and the New Orleans Pelicans 128-118.

How to Watch Timberwolves vs Heat

• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida
• TV: WPLG Local 10 in South Florida; DAZN in Minnesota
• Live Stream: Local 10+ Platinum app in South Florida; NBA League Pass, subject to regional restrictions
• Radio: 104.3 FM and 1140 AM in South Florida; 830 AM in Minnesota

South Florida viewers can watch the game on WPLG Local 10 or stream it through the free Local 10+ Platinum app. Minnesota viewers can check DAZN for broadcast access, while NBA League Pass offers another option depending on location and blackout restrictions.

Timberwolves vs. Heat Latest Availability Report

Miami will be without its regular starters. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell are all sitting out Saturday’s game. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bobby Portis Jr. will also rest, leaving the Heat with a significantly different lineup from their first two preseason outings.

The Heat are expected to start Simone Fontecchio, Tre Donaldson, Nikola Jovic, Pelle Larsson and Nick Richards. Larsson returns after missing Miami’s previous game because of an illness. Dru Smith remains out with a calf injury, while Keshad Johnson is sidelined with a hamstring issue.

Minnesota will also rest its regular rotation players. Edwards, Ball, Kuminga, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and Ayo Dosunmu are expected to sit, while Donte DiVincenzo remains out as he recovers from an Achilles injury. Bones Hyland, Cody Williams, Joan Beringer, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Trey Lyles are expected to see extended minutes.

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• Best NBA Draft Steals of All Time
• Biggest Celebrity Fans of Every NBA Team
• NBA MVPs: Every Winner and Their Stats
• Most Points Scored by a Player in an NBA Game, Ranked
• Every NBA Finals Matchup, Result, and MVP Since 1947
• How NBA Contracts Work: Rookies, Extensions, Max Deals
• GOAT Lists: Lakers | Celtics | Knicks | Bulls | Warriors | 76ers

Related: 2026-27 NBA Season Predictions

Philadelphia split its first two preseason games, opening with a 120-97 win over the New York Knicks before losing 114-108 to the Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers are building chemistry with a revamped roster featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and LeBron James.

Boston enters its second preseason game after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-113 on Thursday. However, the Celtics rested several key players in that contest, and both teams could again limit their regulars as they prepare for the regular season.

Live Stream and TV Channel for 76ers vs Celtics

• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
• TV: NBA TV, NBC Sports Philadelphia
• Live stream: NBA League Pass
• Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic, 98.5 The Sports Hub

The matchup will air nationally on NBA TV, while Philadelphia-area viewers can check NBC Sports Philadelphia for local coverage.

76ers vs Celtics Latest Availability Report

Philadelphia will be without several important contributors. Anfernee Simons (hamstring), Dominick Barlow (back) and Adem Bona (left foot sprain) are not expected to play. Tacko Fall is also sidelined with a hip issue, while Ariel Hukporti is out for the season after tearing his Achilles tendon.

The 76ers have also ruled out Brown, Embiid and James. After Philly’s starting five appeared together against Brooklyn, the team’s preseason finale could be the next opportunity to see the group play extended minutes.

Brown’s return to TD Garden dominated headlines entering the matchup, but fans will have to wait until the two teams meet again in the regular season to witness his homecoming. The former Celtics star played in Philadelphia’s first two preseason games, but the team could hold him out Saturday. Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are expected to play.

Paul George is expected to make his Celtics debut against his former team. Jayson Tatum, Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Ron Harper Jr. and Sam Hauser all missed Thursday’s preseason game and could see some minutes on Saturday.

Boston and Philadelphia are scheduled to meet again Friday in Philadelphia for their final preseason matchup before the regular season begins.

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Related: How to Watch Clippers vs Raptors: Live Stream NBA Preseason, TV Channel

The Raptors are preparing for their second preseason game after opening their exhibition schedule with a 129-105 loss to the Miami Heat in Quebec City. Toronto will face a familiar opponent as it continues preparing for the 2026-27 NBA season, but Leonard will have to wait a little longer to make his return to game action with his new teammates.

The seven-time All-Star is back in Toronto following his September trade from the Clippers. However, fans will not see him on the court for Saturday’s meeting.

Raptors Star Kawhi Leonard Is Still Ramping Up

Leonard is continuing a gradual ramp-up in his conditioning and preparation before returning to competitive action.

According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, Leonard completed his second full practice since rejoining Toronto on Tuesday. TSN’s Josh Lewenberg also reported that Leonard’s return was not expected before next week at the earliest. His absence is part of a measured approach to getting him ready for the regular season rather than rushing him into preseason games.

Kawhi Leonard took an important step in his preseason ramp-up today, but don’t expect him to make his Raptors (re-) debut until next week (at the earliest): pic.twitter.com/DrY1Z9jVOV

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 5, 2026

Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 65 games with the Clippers last season. After leading the Raptors to their only championship till date in 2019, the franchise will hope to achieve similar success with the two-time Finals MVP. 

Kawhi Leonard Could Make Raptors Re-Debut vs Knicks

Leonard could make his Toronto return when the Raptors host the New York Knicks on Tuesday. However, the team has not confirmed that he will play in that game.

He could also return when Toronto plays its final preseason game against the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 16 before the regular season begins on Oct. 21.

Raptors Acquired Kawhi Leonard During the Offseason

Leonard rejoined the Raptors in a trade with the Clippers that was agreed to in the summer and officially completed on Sept. 14, 2026. Toronto sent Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to Los Angeles, along with two unprotected first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and two second-round picks.

The move brings the seven-time All-Star back to the franchise he led to its first NBA championship in 2019. He spent only one season with Toronto before leaving for Los Angeles in free agency, winning Finals MVP during the Raptors’ title run.

Leonard is also committed to Toronto beyond this season. On Sept. 23, the Raptors announced that they had signed him to a multiyear contract extension.

The deal is worth $115 million, including a player option for the 2028-29 season. That gives Leonard three years and $165 million on his Raptors contract if he plays through the full extension. 

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The Clippers opened preseason with a 104-101 win over the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 4, while Toronto lost 129-105 to the Miami Heat the previous day. Los Angeles enters the matchup 1-0 in preseason, while the Raptors are looking to bounce back from their opening defeat. Both teams are working through roster changes before the regular season begins Oct. 21.

TV Channel and Live Stream for Clippers vs Raptors

• Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
• Venue: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• TV (Canada): TSN/TSN+

The game will stream on NBA League Pass in the United States, Canada and other eligible markets. Canadian viewers can also check TSN and TSN+ for coverage.

Kawhi Leonard to Miss Clippers vs Raptors

Leonard is expected to miss Saturday’s game as he continues his gradual ramp-up with Toronto. TSN’s Josh Lewenberg reported that the forward took an important step in his preseason preparation on Tuesday, but he is not expected to make his Raptors debut until next week at the earliest.

Leonard previously sat out Toronto’s preseason opener against Miami as the team managed his return following the offseason trade. The Raptors have not confirmed a date for his first appearance.

Toronto will look to Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to lead the offense while Leonard works toward his debut.

Clippers Begin Life Without Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers are beginning a new chapter without Leonard, with Darius Garland and Brandon Ingram leading their revamped roster. Garland joined the team earlier in 2026, while Ingram arrived in the Leonard trade after an All-Star season in Toronto.

Max Strus, Rui Hachimura and Brook Lopez add experience, while rookie Keaton Wagler gives Los Angeles a young option in the backcourt. For Saturday’s game, the Clippers will be without Strus, who suffered a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot during their preseason opener. Los Angeles announced that Strus will be reevaluated in four weeks, ruling him out for the remainder of the preseason and the start of the regular season.

Ingram is another significant absence for the Clippers as he recovers from an Achilles injury. Bradley Beal and Jordan Miller have also been dealing with injuries, while Sanders has been working back from a hip issue.

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Leonard’s offseason was certainly busy, with him drawing a $700,000 fine for his role in the Clippers’ salary cap scandal. But despite that financial hit, trust us when we say that his net worth and bank account should be fine moving forward.

Kawhi Leonard’s Net Worth, NBA Career Earnings, and Endorsements

Celebrity Net Worth values Leonard’s net worth at approximately $160 million entering the 2026-27 season, which feels conservative by NBA superstar comparisons.

Leonard has earned over $375 million in base salary in his pro career, and he’s owed $50.3 million in 2026-27. He’ll make another $56.1 million in base salary when his extension kicks in in 2027, and also has a $58.9 million player option for the 2028-29 season. So, there’s a clear path to surpass $500 million in NBA career earnings.

According to Booking Agent Info, the 35-year-old Leonard currently has endorsement deals with various companies, most notably Hyundai, New Balance, and Cargo Jet Airways.

He also had a secret sponsorship agreement with Daktronics, a scoreboard company, as reported by the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast amid a years-long investigation into Leonard and Clippers leadership. The NBA’s independent investigation into the matter cited at least three additional companies with side deals related to Leonard, which resulted in a $700,000 fine for Leonard, a $30 million fine for the Clippers, and the forfeiture of five future first-round draft picks.

Leonard has also profited off his name, image, and likeness being used in the “NBA 2K” games, which began in 2011. Although he technically appeared in EA Sports’ “College Basketball 10” while at San Diego State, that was in the pre-NIL days; for the younger crowd, that means he was a nameless player who would have been No. 15 on the Aztecs’ roster.

Kawhi Leonard’s NBA Career Rundown

A four-star recruit from California, Leonard played two seasons at San Diego State before declaring for the 2011 NBA Draft. He was a two-time first-team All-MWC selection, and the Aztecs later retired his No. 15.

Although Leonard took over as the Spurs’ starting small forward midway through his rookie season, he didn’t truly rise to prominence until the 2014 NBA Finals. He drew rave reviews for shutting down Heat star LeBron James and earned NBA Finals MVP following San Antonio’s five-game victory. Leonard captured Defensive Player of the Year in each of the next two years, and he placed second in MVP voting following the 2015-16 season.

San Antonio traded Leonard to Toronto ahead of the 2018-19 season, and he responded with one of the greatest seasons in Raptors history. He earned another All-NBA selection and famously drilled a series-ending buzzer-beater against Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Toronto held off Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference Finals and took down Golden State in the Finals, giving the Raptors their first championship. 

With his second championship and Finals MVP in hand, Leonard returned to California and signed a three-year, $103 million deal with the Clippers. Although he remained an All-NBA player when healthy, the Clippers only reached the Western Conference Finals once in his six seasons.

Basketball Reference values his career win shares at 111.95, which ranks No. 73 entering the new season. Interestingly, he ranks below DeMar DeRozan (114.11) and Kyle Lowry (112.42), and few would argue that either has enjoyed a better career than the two-time champion.

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The game at The Venetian Arena will feature two teams with similar goals heading into the new campaign. Dallas is building around Kyrie Irving and reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, while Houston will look to take another step forward with Kevin Durant and its young core. The teams will meet again on Sunday in the second game of the NBA China Games.

TV Channel and Live Stream for Mavericks vs Rockets

• Time: 8 a.m. ET
• Venue: The Venetian Arena, Macau
• TV Channel: NBA TV
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass

NBA TV will broadcast Friday’s game nationally, with streaming available through NBA League Pass.

Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant Headline Mavericks vs Rockets

The Mavericks have ruled out six players for Friday’s preseason game. Santi Aldama is out following right knee surgery, while Dereck Lively II remains sidelined after right foot surgery.

Irving will sit out for left knee rest, and Caleb Martin is unavailable because of an illness. Marcus Sasser is dealing with left adductor soreness, while P.J. Washington will miss the game with a left ankle sprain.

Irving’s absence means Dallas will have to wait longer to see him back in game action after he missed the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn ACL. Flagg will be one of the key players to watch for Dallas as he enters his second NBA season.

Houston, meanwhile, will feature Durant and young standouts Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. The Rockets will also welcome back Fred VanVleet, who missed the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his right ACL. The veteran point guard will play in at least one of the two NBA China Games against Dallas, marking his first NBA game action in more than 17 months.

Ime Udoka’s team is coming off a first-round exit to the Los Angeles Lakers and will be hoping to contend for a championship when the regular season begins.

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The Lakers opened their preseason with a 127-103 win over Sacramento, led by Luka Doncic’s 21 points in 16 minutes. Quentin Grimes scored 16 points, while rookie Cameron Carr added 19 off the bench.

Against Golden State, however, the Lakers struggled without several key players and committed 25 turnovers.

TV Channel and Live Stream Options for Lakers vs Kings

• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
• Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
• National TV: ESPN2
• Live stream: ESPN app, Fubo
• Lakers local coverage: Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum SportsNet+
• Kings local coverage: Kings+

ESPN2 will carry the game nationally, with streaming available through the ESPN app for viewers with an eligible subscription. Fubo also lists the matchup among its available streaming options. Local viewers can check Spectrum SportsNet services for Lakers coverage and Kings+ for Sacramento coverage. Availability may vary by location and subscription.

Lakers vs Kings: Roster Overview

Austin Reaves will make his preseason debut against Sacramento after missing the Lakers’ first two games with a tweaked ankle. Head coach JJ Redick previously described the issue as minor, with Reaves considered day-to-day.

The Lakers have also been monitoring center Walker Kessler, who jammed a finger during training camp, and guard Collin Sexton, who has been dealing with a lower-body issue. Both missed the first two preseason games. Two-way forward Arthur Kaluma has also been sidelined with a lower-body issue, while Doncic, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams sat out Tuesday’s game against Golden State as the team managed its lineup during a back-to-back.

The Sacramento Kings are led by Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray and Malik Monk. Rookie Darius Acuff Jr. is also one to watch after scoring 19 points against the Lakers in his preseason debut.

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Philadelphia opened its exhibition schedule with a convincing 120-97 win over the New York Knicks on Monday. Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe helped the 76ers get off to a strong start as the team began building chemistry with its revamped roster.

Brooklyn also won its preseason opener, defeating the Charlotte Hornets 124-90 on Tuesday. The Nets will look to maintain that momentum against a Philadelphia team with significant expectations heading into the new season. Both teams are using the exhibition schedule to evaluate rotations and prepare for the regular-season opener.

TV Channel and Live Stream Options for 76ers vs Nets

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Venue: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
• TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia+, YES Network
• Live stream: Peacock, NBA League Pass

The game is available on Peacock and NBA League Pass, with local coverage listed on NBC Sports Philadelphia+ and YES Network. Streaming access may vary depending on your location and subscription.

76ers vs. Nets Overview

Jaylen Brown is a player to watch after contributing to Philadelphia’s opening win. The 76ers will also get more game action for Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and LeBron James, who will play his first game in a 76ers jersey.

Philadelphia will be without Ariel Hukporti, who suffered a ruptured Achilles and is expected to miss the season. Anfernee Simons is dealing with hamstring tightness, while Dominick Barlow has a back issue. Both were ruled out for Thursday’s game, according to the latest team updates. Adem Bona has returned to on-court work while recovering from a foot injury.

Michael Porter Jr. headlines Brooklyn’s roster, while Day’Ron Sharpe provides a presence in the paint. The Nets will look to build on their 34-point win over Charlotte as they continue evaluating their young roster.

Thursday’s game is the second preseason outing for both teams. Philadelphia’s next matchup is against the Boston Celtics on Saturday, while Brooklyn continues its preparation for the upcoming NBA season.

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Boston enters the new season with a revamped roster after trading Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George. Jayson Tatum remains the leader of the team as he prepares for his first full season since suffering an Achilles injury. The Celtics also added Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley during the offseason.

Cleveland retained its core of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. The Cavaliers will use their preseason games to experiment with lineup combinations as they prepare for another run in the Eastern Conference.

Viewing Options for Celtics vs Cavaliers

• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Venue: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
• TV: NBC Sports Boston; WOIO/WUAB in Cleveland
• Streaming: NBA League Pass

Tatum and George headline Boston’s projected lineup alongside Derrick White, Baylor Scheierman and Neemias Queta. Cleveland is expected to start Harden, Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, Mobley and Allen. Peyton Watson is listed as day-to-day for the Cavaliers with a hamstring strain, while Boston has no reported injuries ahead of its opener.

Boston will also begin the preseason with a change on the sidelines. Head coach Joe Mazzulla has delegated coaching duties to assistants Tony Dobbins and DJ MacLeay, with Dobbins handling the first half and MacLeay taking over after halftime. Mazzulla will observe from the locker room as he gives both assistants an opportunity to develop their coaching experience.

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Golden State enters the matchup at 1-1 in the preseason after beating the Los Angeles Lakers 124-98 on Tuesday night. The Warriors are playing their third game in four days and will give sit out some players.

Portland, meanwhile, is opening its preseason schedule at home. The Trail Blazers will get their first opportunity to test their revamped roster against NBA competition before the regular season begins later this month.

TV Channel and Live Stream for Warriors vs Trail Blazers

• Time: 10 p.m. ET
• Location: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
• TV: NBA TV
• Streaming: NBA League Pass

The Warriors and Trail Blazers game will be nationally televised on NBA TV, and can also be live streamed on NBA League Pass

Warriors vs Trail Blazers Overview

Portland will open its preseason with a starting lineup featuring Lillard, Ja Morant, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan.

Morant is making his Trail Blazers debut after Portland acquired him from the Memphis Grizzlies in June. The Blazers sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis in the trade for the two-time All-Star guard.

Golden State is expected to give several veterans the night off after playing the Lakers on Tuesday. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Al Horford, Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, Gui Santos and Gary Payton II did not travel to Portland.

That leaves an opportunity for Golden State’s younger players and reserves to take on bigger roles. Brandon Williams, LJ Cryer, Will Richard, Malevy Leons and Charles Bassey were listed as the projected starting five.

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Starting center Jusuf Nurkic suffered an injury to his right foot during the team’s first preseason game against his former team, the Denver Nuggets. The official diagnosis is a partial plantar plate tear of the second toe on his right foot, and it was first reported by NBA Insider Chris Haynes on Wednesday evening.

NEWS: Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkić will be sidelined for at least 4 weeks after suffering a partial plantar plate tear of second toe in right foot, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/4OGln9UHfl

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 7, 2026

While the Jazz are far from NBA title contenders this year, Nurkic was set to be the anchor of the front court and the team’s top option for rim protection and rebounds. The 12-year NBA veteran joined the Jazz last season through a trade with the Charlotte Hornets. Utah represents Nurkic’s fifth stop in the NBA, after stints with Charlotte, Phoenix, Portland, and Denver.

It isn’t exactly clear when Nurkic suffered the injury, although he played just eleven minutes in the preseason opener. Nurkic racked up four points, five rebounds, and four assists with a steal and a block during his time on the floor. Nurkic did not participate in the team’s open practice the next day and was placed on the team’s injury report on Tuesday.

The Jazz will need to rely on their depth at center for the first few weeks of the season, which includes names like Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba. Although these players may start the game as the traditional center, the Jazz will likely look to play a smaller lineup, giving Jaren Jackson Jr. more time at the 5. This will also mean more playing time for players like Ace Bailey and Kyle Filipowski to start the year.

Four weeks would have Nurkic missing the next two preseason games and the first eight games of the regular season. https://t.co/JmkvhotNyg

— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) October 7, 2026

Nurkic was given a return timeline of about four weeks, which means he would miss the first eight games of the NBA regular season. If all goes according to plan, Nurkic could be back for the team’s road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 8th or Utah’s home game against the Miami Heat on November 10th.

Utah has one open roster spot, which can be used to add a player to fill in for Nurkic. According to Jazz insider Ben Anderson of KSLSports, Utah could wait to see who gets waived prior to the regular season, rather than rush to fill Nurkic’s spot for the final two preseason games.

Minnesota is coming off a 116-97 preseason win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, while Indiana already has one exhibition game under its belt. The Pacers opened their preseason with a win and now return to Hilton Coliseum for a matchup that carries added significance for former Iowa State star Tyrese Haliburton.

Haliburton is expected to make his return to NBA competition after missing the 2025-26 season while recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered during the 2025 NBA Finals. The 26-year-old starred for Iowa State before he was drafted by the Pacers and Wednesday’s game will be played at his former college home.

TV Channel and Live Stream for Timberwolves vs Pacers

• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Venue: Hilton Coliseum, Ames, Iowa
• TV: NBA TV
• Live stream: NBA League Pass

The game will be televised nationally on NBA TV, while NBA League Pass is another option for viewers looking to stream online.

Timberwolves vs Pacers Overview

Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball headline Minnesota’s roster, with the Timberwolves also featuring Jaden McDaniels and Jonathan Kuminga. 

Haliburton is the biggest name on the Pacers side, with Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac also in the lineup.

Minnesota will be without Johnny Furphy, who is recovering from a torn right ACL. Donte DiVincenzo is also unavailable for the Timberwolves while recovering from a ruptured right Achilles tendon.

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Los Angeles opened the preseason with a 127-103 win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 21 points in 16 minutes, but Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler were among the players who missed the opener because of minor injuries.

Golden State is also coming off a preseason loss, falling 104-101 to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. Stephen Curry scored 10 points in 12 minutes, while Draymond Green played 14 minutes in the Warriors’ first exhibition.

Viewing Options for Lakers vs Warriors Preseason Game

• Time: 10 p.m. ET
• Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco, California
• TV: NBA TV
• Live stream: NBA League Pass

Lakers vs Warriors Overview

Doncic, Reaves, Kessler, Collin Sexton and Arthur Kaluma will sit out Tuesday’s game, per head coach JJ Redick (h/t The Athletic’s Dan Woike).

Reaves tweaked his ankle and is considered day-to-day. Kessler is also day-to-day after jamming his finger, while Sexton and Kaluma are dealing with minor lower-body injuries. Redick said none of the four injuries are considered serious, but he did not guarantee that they would play Tuesday.

For Golden State, Curry, Green and Al Horford are expected to play around 20 minutes, per head coach Steve Kerr (h/t ESPN’s Anthony Slater). Kristaps Porzingis is sidelined due to an undisclosed health issue, with Kerr labeling the setback as “concerning” on Tuesday.

Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody are also out with knee injuries. Butler has been cleared for light on-court activity, while Moody continues his recovery from a ruptured left patellar tendon.

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Related: Austin Reaves Injury Update: Latest News on Lakers Guard After Missing Kings Game

Oklahoma City enters the preseason after reaching the Western Conference finals for the second straight year and begins another campaign with high expectations. The Thunder have built around back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren as they look to prepare for another run at the title.

New Orleans enters the preseason opener after finishing 26-56 last season. The Pelicans made changes during the offseason, including bringing in head coach Jamahl Mosley, while Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray headline a group looking to push the team back toward playoff contention.

How to Watch Thunder vs Pelicans

• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Venue: BOK Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
• TV: Local broadcast 
• Live stream: NBA League Pass, Thunder+, Pelicans+

The biggest names on the Thunder will be watching from the sideline Tuesday. Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso are all being held out, while Nikola Topić and Thomas Sorber are also unavailable. Head coach Mark Daigneault said the six veteran rotation players will return Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks.

That gives Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain and Kenrich Williams larger roles, while rookies Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz and Otega Oweh are expected to receive significant opportunities.

For New Orleans, Zion Williamson enters another important season after appearing in 62 games last year, his second-highest total in a season.

Dejounte Murray returns healthy, while 2026 All-Rookie Second Team selections Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears add young talent to the roster. The Pelicans will be without Thomas Sorber, who is dealing with a knee injury.

Tuesday’s game is the first of five preseason contests for Oklahoma City. The Thunder host Milwaukee before traveling to face the Atlanta Hawks. They then welcome the Indiana Pacers before closing the preseason on the road against the Houston Rockets. 

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Reaves entered the preseason as one of the most important pieces of Los Angeles’ revamped roster alongside Luka Doncic and newly acquired center Walker Kessler. The Lakers were expected to give their core players an early opportunity to build chemistry, but Reaves’ injury has changed those plans for the opening game.

The Lakers are also without several other players, including Kessler, Collin Sexton and two-way player Arthur Kaluma.

JJ Redick Shared an Update on Austin Reaves

Reaves tweaked his ankle during pregame drills, according to Lakers head coach JJ Redick. The injury is not considered serious, with Redick telling The Athletic’s Dan Woike that Reaves is day-to-day.

Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 2024-25 before taking another step forward last season.

Kessler will also miss the preseason opener after jamming his finger. Like Reaves, the new Lakers center is considered day-to-day, and Redick said there is nothing major with the injury. Kessler’s absence means the Lakers will have to wait to see their new starting center play alongside Doncic and Reaves.

JJ Redick says Walker Kessler will not play tonight after jamming his finger. Austin Reaves won’t play tonight after tweaking his ankle. Sexton and Kaluma are also out. Day to day for everyone – Redick says nothing major.

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) October 6, 2026

Sexton and Kaluma are also unavailable Monday night. Sexton’s status had already been uncertain after he was seen with his right lower leg wrapped during Monday’s shootaround, while he also did additional work with the team’s strength and conditioning staff.

Austin Reaves Signed a 4-Year Deal During the Offseason

Reaves enters the season as the Lakers’ longest-tenured player following LeBron James’ departure to the Philadelphia 76ers. He joined Los Angeles as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and is now entering his sixth season with the franchise.

The Lakers rewarded Reaves’ progression this offseason by re-signing him to a four-year maximum contract worth about $185 million, making it the richest contract ever given to an undrafted NBA player. 

Reaves’ status for Tuesday’s preseason game against the Warriors remains uncertain and his availability will likely depend on how the ankle responds.

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• How to Watch Lakers vs Kings: Live Stream NBA Preseason, TV Channel

Los Angeles is coming off a 53-29 regular season and a run to the Western Conference semifinals. The Lakers were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, but they have since reshaped the roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

The Kings are looking to rebound from a 22-60 season that left them 14th in the Western Conference. Sacramento added No. 7 overall pick Darius Acuff Jr. to a group that includes Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray and Malik Monk.

How to Watch Lakers vs. Kings

• Time: 10 p.m. ET
• Venue: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California
• TV: NBA TV
• Live stream: NBA League Pass, Fubo
• Local coverage: Spectrum SportsNet, Spectrum SportsNet+ and KINGS+

NBA TV will carry the game nationally, while Lakers local listings include Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum SportsNet+. Sacramento’s local broadcast is available through KINGS+.

Fubo also lists the game for streaming, giving cord-cutters an option to watch without a traditional cable package.

Lakers vs Kings Overview

Doncic will play in the preseason opener, Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed. Doncic is returning from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the Lakers’ playoff run, and his workload is expected to be controlled.

Austin Reaves, Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler, and Arthur Kaluma were ruled out before the game, with Los Angeles also set to play the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night.

Sacramento’s biggest availability question is Ben Simmons. The veteran point forward is unlikely to make his Kings debut Monday as the team takes a cautious approach to his return. Simmons is instead targeting either Thursday’s rematch with the Lakers or Saturday’s game against Golden State.

Darius Acuff Jr. remains one of Sacramento’s main attractions after being selected No. 7 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. The rookie guard will join Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray and Malik Monk as the Kings begin evaluating their new-look group.

Monday’s game is the first of two preseason meetings between the teams. They will meet again Thursday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

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LeBron James will not play Monday night when Philadelphia hosts the defending NBA champion New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The 41-year-old forward will have to wait to make his Sixers debut after joining the team in free agency this summer.

James is one of seven Philadelphia players ruled out for the preseason opener, alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Anfernee Simons, Dominick Barlow, Adem Bona and Tacko Fall. Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe are the only members of the projected starting lineup available.

LeBron James’ Absence in Knicks vs 76ers Is Not Injury-Related

James is being held out as Philadelphia manages his workload ahead of his 24th NBA season rather than because of a newly reported injury. The Sixers intend to be careful with his minutes and availability, particularly given his age and the length of the upcoming regular season. James also said Saturday that he wanted to play in preseason but did not want to “overdo” it (h/t Adam Aaronson of The Philly Voice).

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin provided some insight into James’ physical condition ahead of the regular season. McMenamin reported Monday that James is dealing with chronic arthritis in his left foot, while his lower back is also receiving attention after sciatica caused him to miss the first month of last season. His longtime trainer, Mike Mancias, is giving both areas particular attention during James’ daily routine.

New story: A look inside the first week of Philadelphia 76ers training camp as the Sixers’ star-studded roster begins to take shape as a team https://t.co/KoFq0S3CJp

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 5, 2026

Those issues are not necessarily new developments as James missed the early portion of last season for the same reasons. He played 60 games and averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists for the Los Angeles Lakers.

When Will LeBron James Make his Sixers Debut?

There is no confirmed date for James’ Philadelphia debut yet. The Sixers have four preseason games remaining after Monday’s opener, giving the team several opportunities to introduce him before the regular season begins Oct. 20 against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Philadelphia’s decision also keeps its preferred lineup of James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe from sharing the floor in the preseason opener. The Sixers can afford to take a cautious approach now while focusing on having their veteran star healthy when the games begin to matter.

Related: How to Watch Knicks vs 76ers: NBA Preseason TV Channel, Live Stream

Philadelphia enters the preseason with one of the league’s most intriguing new-look rosters. The 76ers added four-time champion LeBron James in free agency and acquired five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown, joining Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

The Knicks arrive as the reigning NBA champions after winning 15 of their final 16 games to finish their championship run. New York swept Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.

Viewing Options for Knicks vs 76ers

• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia
• TV: NBA TV, MSG, NBC Sports Philadelphia
• Live stream: Fubo
• Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia

NBA TV will carry the matchup nationally, while MSG and NBC Sports Philadelphia will provide local coverage.

Fubo is also offering a free trial to eligible new subscribers, providing another option for viewers who want to watch the preseason opener without immediately committing to a full subscription.

Knicks vs 76ers Roster Overview

The biggest names on Philadelphia’s roster will not be available Monday night. LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have all been ruled out of the preseason opener, meaning fans will have to wait for another opportunity to see the Sixers’ projected core together.

Philadelphia will also be without Anfernee Simons, Dominick Barlow, Adem Bona and Tacko Fall. Simons and Barlow are being rested, while Bona has not been cleared following a foot issue. The absences leave Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe as the only members of Philadelphia’s projected starting five available to play.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown plans to use his starters, including Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, on a limited workload. Brunson was cleared after offseason wrist surgery, but the Knicks are expected to give their reserves and younger players significant opportunities as they begin their title defense.

Philadelphia and New York will meet again Oct. 20 at Madison Square Garden on opening night, when the Knicks will raise their championship banner before hosting the Sixers.

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Related: LeBron James Reveals Major Reason He Signed with 76ers

Los Angeles went 53-29 last season, finished fourth in the Western Conference and reached the conference semifinals before being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Doncic was at the center of that success, averaging 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 64 regular-season games while winning his second scoring title and earning First Team All-NBA honors. 

Luka Doncic Will Play in Lakers-Kings Preseason Game

Doncic will play preseason games, according to Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick (h/t Edwin Garcia of Swish Appeal). The six-time All-Star was seen practicing before Monday’s game against Sacramento and is expected to suit up. However, his workload remains uncertain as of this writing.

Redick specifically noted last Wednesday that the Lakers won’t need Doncic to play 36 minutes to win preseason games.

JJ Redick talked about how much Luka Dončić will be playing during the preseason. He said Luka will play, but preseason is more about getting in rhythm, finding lineup balance, getting in shape and feeling good. No need to have Luka playing 36 minutes to win a preseason game. pic.twitter.com/EaVAoUdVSH

— Edwin Garcia (@ECreates88) September 30, 2026

Doncic has not played in an NBA game since the beginning of April after a severe hamstring injury ended his 2025-26 postseason.

Monday’s game therefore gives Lakers fans an opportunity to see their franchise player back in live NBA action.

Lakers Enter Post-LeBron Era With Revamped Roster

This season marks the Lakers’ first without James since 2017-18. James departed for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, leaving Doncic as the team’s unquestioned leader.

The Lakers responded by surrounding Doncic and Austin Reaves with a much different supporting cast. GM Rob Pelinka added Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Matisse Thybulle this offseason.

Kessler is expected to strengthen the frontcourt, while Grimes, Sexton and Hardy provide additional perimeter scoring. Looney, Mamukelashvili and Thybulle add more size, defense and versatility.

Only eight players are returning from last season’s roster, and those players accounted for just 42% of the team’s regular-season minutes in 2025-26. Redick will therefore use the preseason to establish roles and determine which combinations work best around Doncic.

The Purple and Gold is aiming higher after winning 53 games and reaching the Western Conference semifinals last season. The Lakers want to reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2023 and capture their first NBA title since 2020. Doncic’s health will be key to those aspirations.

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From launching her own lifestyle brand to hosting cooking shows, the 37-year-old Curry always keeps busy. She’s also boosted her net worth along the way, and it keeps climbing as her husband’s NBA career enters its twilight years. 

Ayesha Curry’s Net Worth and Business Portfolio

Celebrity Net Worth values Ayesha Curry’s net worth at approximately $50 million. The North Carolina native launched Sweet July, a beauty brand aimed at women and minority content creators, in 2019. The company offers everything from recipes to columns that she and her family have penned.

In an interview with Forbes that year, she acknowledged that “doors opened” for her partly because of her husband. 

“I would be crazy not to admit to that,” she said. “But I had to be the one who walked through them, prove myself, and stay in the room to be there. If that wasn’t the case, everybody else would be there, too.”

Curry also co-founded Domaine Curry, a wine brand, with her sister-in-law Sydel Curry-Lee.

On social media, she boasts over 9 million collective followers across her personal Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and X accounts.

Ayesha Curry’s Personal Life and Marriage to Stephen Curry

Born in Canada, Curry finished high school in North Carolina before moving to Los Angeles and pursuing an acting career.

She had small roles in “Hannah Montana” and “Good Luck Charlie” before marrying Stephen in 2011; the two first met in a church youth group in Charlotte and reconnected as adults.

Curry learned to cook as a child and hosted her own Food Network show, “Ayesha’s Homemade,” beginning in 2016. She’s also been a judge or host on other cooking shows, including “The Great American Baking Show” and “Family Food Fight,” and she served as an executive producer on the latter.

Ayesha and Stephen have four children, and daughter Riley is the oldest. She rose to prominence in the mid-2010s when, as a toddler, she would attend her father’s postgame press conferences. Another daughter, Ryan, was born in 2015, and they’ve since had two sons: Canon and Caius, born in 2018 and 2024, respectively. 

As for Stephen Curry, his résumé speaks for itself, and he’s easily one of the greatest players in NBA history. The four-time champion enters the 2026-27 season having won two MVP awards and appeared on 11 All-NBA teams through his 17 seasons. 

Basketball Reference values his career Win Shares at 147.13, which ranks 29th all-time ahead of the new league year.

Only LeBron James (who holds the record at 276.82), ex-teammate Kevin Durant (186.09), and James Harden (182.39) rank higher among active players, and you likely won’t find many basketball fans who believe Harden has had a better career than Curry. 

How Much Does Ayesha’s Husband Stephen Curry Make?

Curry signed a two-year contract extension worth $116 million in September 2026, and common sense suggests that will be his final multi-year deal. He turns 39 years old in March 2027 and has played his entire career for the Warriors.

Notably, his 2011-12 salary was prorated to roughly $2.5 million because a lockout cut the regular season to 66 games.

Spotrac values Stephen Curry’s career earnings at $470.1 million through the 2025-26 season, and that total will increase to nearly $650 million after his current contract ends.

His net worth is estimated in the $350 million range prior to the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.

Related: Who Belongs Next to Stephen Curry on the Warriors’ Mount Rushmore?

Related: Ayesha Curry Reacts to Claims Steph Curry Wasn’t Her Type

Denver is coming off a 54-28 regular season that ended with a first-round playoff exit. The Nuggets have reworked their roster around three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, adding DeMar DeRozan, Tyus Jones, Marvin Bagley III and Ryan Nembhard during the offseason.

Utah enters its first preseason game with plenty of attention on its young core. The Jazz selected Darryn Peterson No. 2 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and also have Ace Bailey, Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. on a revamped roster.

Viewing Options for Nuggets vs. Jazz

• Time: 7 p.m. ET 
• Venue: CU Events Center, Boulder, Colorado
• TV: NBA TV, KJZZ
• Live stream: Jazz+, NBA TV

Nuggets vs Jazz Preseason Roster

Jokic headlines the roster for the Nuggets. The three-time MVP averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists last season. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon also remain important pieces of Denver’s core as the franchise begins its quest for a second NBA title when the regular season resumes.

Utah’s attention will center on Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 overall pick, as he makes his preseason debut. Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. give the Jazz an intriguing mix of young talent and veteran experience heading into the new season.

This is the first of two preseason meetings between the teams. Denver and Utah will meet again Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

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Related: How to Watch Warriors vs Clippers: NBA Preseason Live Stream, TV Channel

The matchup gives Golden State its first game action since last season ended with a Play-In Tournament loss to the Phoenix Suns. Stephen Curry and the Warriors enter a six-game preseason schedule that will also include games against the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings. 

The Clippers are also beginning their preseason schedule in Hawaii. Both teams have spent the week on Oahu for training camp, making Sunday’s game part of a unique NBA preseason event at the University of Hawaii. 

How to Watch Warriors vs. Clippers

• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Venue: Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
• TV: NBA League Pass
• Live stream: NBA League Pass

The game is available through NBA League Pass, with the Warriors’ local coverage also listing the Golden State app as a streaming option.

Warriors vs. Clippers Overview

Curry leads Golden State’s starting group as the Warriors begin preparations for the new season. He is expected to start alongside Brandin Podziemski, Yaxel Lendeborg, Draymond Green and Al Horford.

The Warriors will be without several notable players, including Jimmy Butler III, Moses Moody and Kristaps Porzingis.

For Los Angeles, Darius Garland is among the players expected to feature in the starting lineup, with Max Strus, Derrick Jones Jr. and Brook Lopez also projected to start. The Clippers will be without Brandon Ingram, Kobe Sanders, Jordan Miller and Yanic Konan Niederhauser.

The game is part of the Clippers’ Hawaii Classic and marks the first meeting between the teams of the new preseason. The regular season does not begin until Oct. 20.

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The game was expected to be a major moment for Toronto, with Leonard returning to the Raptors after being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers last month. However, the seven-time All-Star will have to wait before making his first appearance since rejoining the franchise.

Leonard has officially been ruled out, leading to speculation about whether his absence is injury-related or part of the team’s approach to ease him into the rotation.

Kawhi Leonard’s Status is Day-to-Day

Leonard is being held out as part of Toronto’s planned ramp-up process rather than because of a new injury.

Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said Friday that Leonard’s status was a “day-to-day thing,” while the team had been taking a cautious approach with him during training camp.

As expected Kawhi Leonard will not play tonight vs. Heat in first exhibition game. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said he likely won’t play next week in Vancouver vs. Clippers as focus is on Leonard reconditioning after long summer layoff due to trade pause.

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) October 3, 2026

The 35-year-old forward had participated in the drills portion of practice but had not yet taken part in full-contact work. He also sat out Toronto’s intrasquad scrimmage, with the team referring to the process as reconditioning.

When Will Kawhi Leonard Play for Raptors?

Leonard is expected to miss Toronto’s first two preseason games as part of his ramp-up plan, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN. That would also keep him out of the Raptors’ Oct. 10 preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers in Vancouver.

If that plan holds, Leonard would have three remaining opportunities to play before Toronto opens its regular season. The Raptors are clearly prioritizing a gradual buildup for Leonard, who averaged a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 65 games last season.

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Related: How to Watch Heat vs Raptors: NBA Preseason TV Channel, Live Stream

The matchup is one of the most anticipated preseason games on the schedule because it marks Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first game with the Heat after his blockbuster move from the Milwaukee Bucks. Fans will have to wait for Kawhi Leonard’s first game back in a Toronto uniform after he was ruled inactive before the game.

Miami and Toronto will meet at the Videotron Centre, which is hosting its first NBA game.

How to Watch Heat vs Raptors

Heat vs. Raptors will air nationally on NBA TV at 7 p.m. ET. The game will also be available to stream through NBA League Pass, which carries the NBA Canada Series internationally.

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 3
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• TV: NBA TV
• Live stream: NBA League Pass
• Location: Videotron Centre, Québec City, Quebec
• Game: 2026 NBA Canada Series preseason opener

Fans in South Florida also have another option. WPLG Local 10 is carrying the Heat’s preseason opener, with coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET before the 7 p.m. tipoff.

For viewers outside the Heat’s local market, NBA League Pass is the league’s streaming option for the Canada Series.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard Headline Preseason Game

Saturday’s game gives Heat fans their first opportunity to see Antetokounmpo in a Miami uniform after the franchise acquired the two-time MVP from Milwaukee.

The former Bucks star spent his entire NBA career in Milwaukee before joining Miami this offseason. He enters his first preseason with the Heat after averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists during the 2025-26 season.

Leonard is back with the Raptors after the team acquired him from the Los Angeles Clippers in September. He last played for Toronto in June 2019, when he led the franchise to its first NBA championship and won Finals MVP. However, he will not play Saturday.

The matchup therefore gives fans an early look at two Eastern Conference contenders with significantly different rosters heading into the regular season.

Toronto will start Immanuel Quickley, Ja’Kobe Walter, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Jakob Pöltl. Miami’s starting five will feature Davion Mitchell, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

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Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo Links Up With Bam Adebayo After Heat Trade

Before these two athletes made names for themselves in professional sports, they both proudly represented the University of Georgia Bulldogs. That said, Topps is drumming up school pride with a dual-autograph card featuring Stafford and Edwards, which is one of the inserts in the 2026 Topps Bowman Football collection.

Matthew Stafford & Anthony Edwards have dual autograph cards in Bowman Football 🤯 pic.twitter.com/sAm4Gheqc8

— Topps (@Topps) September 24, 2026

Only five copies of this card exist, and it should be a must-have for trading card collectors, especially Georgia fans. Meanwhile, the Bowman Football collection includes other cross-sport dual-autograph cards, including Joe Burrow with Paul Skenes (LSU) and Vince Young with 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant (Texas).

Topps also created dual-autograph cards featuring Tom Brady and Bryce Underwood (Michigan), as well as CJ Carr and Joe Montana (Notre Dame). Collectors can also unearth an autographed card featuring top overall NFL Draft picks Caleb Williams (2024), Cam Ward (2025), and Fernando Mendoza (2026).

Bowman Football 2026 is now available at the Topps website. You can also view the full 2026 Topps Bowman Football checklist here.

Fans Have Mixed Reactions About the Stafford-Edwards Card

Bulldogs fans are raving about this card, which features athletes from different sports. Some Georgia supporters used words like “sick” and “wild” on X to show how much they dig this collectible.

Oh this is sick…as a dawg fan and collector might be the holy grail

— Katie B. Davis (@ktbdavis) September 25, 2026

That dual auto is absolutely wild! 🤯🔥

— Card Margin (@CardMarginPL) September 24, 2026

Another Georgia fan even suggested that the school find a copy of this card and display it as a museum piece at Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall.

hey @GeorgiaFootball yall need to find a way to get one of these and have it on display a a museum piece at Butts-Mehre. Seriously.

— LonkFromATL (@LonkFromATL) September 24, 2026

Conversely, some sports fans contradict the points made in the previous comments. Slabz’s X account called it “the due we never knew we needed,” while PrizePicks called it “the only way they (are) selling a Stafford card.”

the duo we never knew we needed

— Slabz (@Slabzapp) September 24, 2026

The only way they selling a Stafford card

— PrizePicks (@PrizePicks) September 24, 2026

One fan also asked why is there a need for this card.

Cool card, really is. But when I see this all I tho k is…. WHY?

— HarborHotTakes (@RJac005) September 24, 2026

One fan also called the Edwards-Stafford card “disgusting.”

I rarely would keep a dual but these right are here are DISGUSTING

— Jmoney BarstooI (@JJames0817) September 25, 2026

Given its rarity and the presence of the players’ autographs, collectors, whether they support Georgia or not, would covet this treasure.

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Ross’ impact on American culture is indelible, and it has landed on sports collectibles. Topps has announced the Joy of Basketball trading card set, which features NBA players in designs inspired by Ross’ art style.

Happy Little Trees! We’re honored to partner with the estate of Bob Ross to create a set of incredibly special NBA trading cards.

Topps x Bob Ross: The Joy of Basketball is coming soon! pic.twitter.com/dyLnPgnBB3

— Topps (@Topps) September 24, 2026

Topps, in collaboration with the estate of Bob Ross, has made this collection possible. While they haven’t announced when these cards will come out, the preview on X shows that the set will include 2025-26 Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg and 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama.

Also having their Bob Ross-inspired cards are two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry and 2026 NBA Finals MVP and one-time champion Jalen Brunson.

Meanwhile, Topps also has a Major League Baseball card set of a similar nature. The MLB x Bob Ross set includes a one-of-one autograph card featuring Ross’ signature, along with other autographed cards from Paul Skenes, Mookie Betts, and Pete Crow-Armstrong.

What Made Bob Ross Popular?

In his famous program, Ross used the wet-on-wet painting technique, allowing him to use fewer paint colors and limited equipment. This technique allowed him to quickly complete landscape paintings using one or two-inch brushes.

He is also known for his trademark attire of jeans and a plain light-colored shirt. Ross also popularized some lines like “Let’s add some happy little trees” and “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”

JUST IN: The first ever Bob Ross autograph card is here.

The 1/1 cut signature card features a “Happy Painting” inscription ❤️🎨 pic.twitter.com/AxwUqRssnb

— Topps (@Topps) July 30, 2025

Ross passed away on July 4, 1995, at the age of 52 due to complications from lymphoma. His estate is now owned by the family of Annette Kowalski, who helped fund the company Bob Ross Incorporated. Kowalski’s family became the proprietors of Ross’ name and likeness after a legal battle with Ross’ half-brother Jimmie Cox.

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Jordan’s lore in the collectibles industry grew further when his game-worn jersey sold for $12,260,000. As Fanatics Connect shared on X, collector Rob Gough sold the historic jersey via the digital platform Joopiter, which was founded by musician/producer Pharrell Williams.

JUST IN: This man sold the most expensive NBA jersey ever for $12,260,000.

It’s Michael Jordan’s “Last Dance” game-worn jersey from Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals, sold by collector Rob Gough.

The sale also makes it the second-most expensive jersey ever sold in any sport.

Gough… pic.twitter.com/axfBeoXTBR

— Fanatics Collect (@Collect) September 30, 2026

Why historic? It’s not just any Jordan jersey; it’s the one he wore during Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals. Instead, it’s the one he wore during Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals. It is the game where Jordan and the Chicago Bulls limited the Utah Jazz to 54 points and established the largest winning margin in NBA Finals history (42 points).

Jordan led all scorers in that game with 24 points. More importantly, it helped the Bulls inch closer to their sixth NBA championship, which they eventually won in six games, thanks to Jordan’s “Last Shot.”

This Jordan jersey from the Bulls’ “Last Dance” is the second most expensive sports jersey sold in history. That record belongs to the 1932 World Series Babe Ruth jersey, which was sold in August 2024 for a whopping $24.12 million.

Padding its price is the belief that it was the jersey Ruth wore when he made his “called shot” in Game 3 of the series against the Chicago Cubs. The Yankees swept the Cubs in that series, 4-0.

However, the recently sold Michael Jordan jersey costs more than his 1998 NBA Finals Game 1 jersey, which was purchased in September 2022 for $10.091 million. Likewise, Joopiter is also selling a 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello that Jordan previously owned.

Sports Collectibles Advisor Raises Concern over Michael Jordan Jersey Sale

While the collectibles industry is buzzing about this monumental Jordan jersey sale, Will Stern is sounding the alarm that some industry players may be gaming the system.

“For those unfamiliar, an irrevocable bid is a type of guaranteed bid auction houses arrange with third parties. In return for placing the bid, the irrevocable bidder receives a cut of the upside if the item gets bid higher,” Stern posted on X. “If there are no other bids, they end up with the item. It’s a bit controversial, especially in sports where it is relatively new.”

For those unfamiliar, an irrevocable bid is a type of guaranteed bid auction houses arrange with third parties. In return for placing the bid, the irrevocable bidder receives a cut of the upside if the item gets bid higher. If there are no other bids, they end up with the item.… https://t.co/fdap9xfMgc

— Will Stern (@Will__Stern) September 30, 2026

He continued his argument, saying that such bids do not create true competition and that the winning bid could be a calculated move to the potential upside. He also added that it is not an ideal measurement of the true demand for a collectible.

“Whereas a normal bidder is purely weighing how much they are willing to pay to own the item, an irrevocable bidder is weighing that PLUS the potential upside if they lose,” Stern closed.

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Five months after the Charlotte Hornets’ final regular season game of their 2025-26 campaign, Knueppel once again made history, this time with the sale price of his one-of-one NBA Debut Patch autograph card.

Fanatics Collect announced that they have sold Knueppel’s 2025 Topps Chrome Update Rookie NBA Debut Patch Autograph collectible at an online premier auction for $2,340,000. The PSA 10 AUTO DNA 10 card garnered 62 bidders and is easily Knueppel’s most expensive publicly sold trading card.

RECORD SALE: The Kon Knueppel NBA Debut Patch Autograph card has officially sold in our auction for $2,340,000.

This sets the record for the most expensive Kon Knueppel card of all time.

It’s also the seventh NBA card sale over $2 million in 2026. pic.twitter.com/r1PVtMC7gL

— Fanatics Collect (@Collect) September 25, 2026

Knueppel finished second behind Cooper Flagg in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting. As for the NBA Debut patch cards, the Hornets guard once again lags behind the Dallas Mavericks forward.

Flagg’s version of the Rookie NBA Debut Patch Autograph pulled in an astonishing $8,040,000. Dylan Harper’s version of the same card sold for $2,880,000. The three cards that generated $13.26 million feature the player’s autograph and the debut patch from the jersey they wore during their NBA debut.

Three cards. $13.26 million.

The 2025 Topps Chrome Update NBA Debut Patch Autos are doing serious numbers:

Cooper Flagg, 1/1, PSA 10 with a 10 auto: $8,040,000
Dylan Harper, 1/1, PSA 9 with a 10 auto: $2,880,000
Kon Knueppel, 1/1, PSA 10 with a 10 auto: $2,340,000

Same set,… pic.twitter.com/NvLgZJE6tz

— 130 Point (@130Point) September 25, 2026

Knueppel made his debut against the Brooklyn Nets on October 22, 2025, finishing the game with 11 points and five rebounds. He finished the regular season averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, while shooting 42.5 percent from the three-point arc.

This Knueppel’s Rookie NBA Debut Patch Card Can Buy You a House

Sports trading card values fluctuate, so this one-of-a-kind Kon Knueppel card could decrease in value. However, as it stands, should the winning bidder decide to sell the card once again, he would have enough money to buy a house.

What kind of house? That depends on which state you are looking at. A September 2025 Luxury Housing Report by Realtor.com revealed that $2.3 million is enough to buy a 4,530-square-foot home in Atlanta, Georgia, and a 4,272-square-foot residence in Denver, Colorado.

It is also enough to buy a 1,651-square-foot residence in Honolulu, Hawaii. That amount is also more than enough to purchase a spacious luxury home in Wisconsin and Texas.

The owner of that ultra-rare Knueppel card has struck gold, and he can leverage his treasure to become a real estate investor, if he’d like to. What’s more exciting, though, is if the card’s value increases when Knueppel becomes an All-Star or is voted into an All-NBA Team.

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Flagg confirmed at Friday’s media day that he grew taller during the offseason following his debut NBA campaign. The star revealed that a physical conducted this week measured him at 6-foot-10 without shoes, confirming his growth.

“That’s not very accurate (that he’s 6-foot-11); I’m 6-foot-10,” Flagg said. “I got listed on my physical yesterday, and I’m 6-foot-10 — with no shoes.

“Yeah (I consider it taller than last year). I was like 6-foot-9 last year, so definitely taller. So, maybe, no shoes… maybe I’m 6-foot-11. I don’t know.”

Cooper Flagg on his height:

“I’m 6-10, with no shoes. I was like 6-9 last year so definitely taller. With no shoes, maybe I’m 6-11” pic.twitter.com/LNCulnIOvs

— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) September 25, 2026

Flagg was officially listed by Dallas at 6-foot-9 during his rookie season, although measurements from the 2025 NBA Draft Combine had him at 6-foot-7 3/4 without shoes. The Mavericks’ current training camp roster still lists him at 6-foot-9.

The added height comes after Flagg established himself as one of the most promising NBA players. Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals and won the Rookie of the Year award with 412 total votes over second-place Kon Knueppel (386).

Flagg also said he spent the summer improving all areas of his game, mostly his outside shooting after making 29.5 percent of his 3-point attempts last season. For context, he netted 38.5 percent of his college attempts from beyond the arc.

“Going from the college line to the NBA line, it’s a little farther back,” Flagg said. “The game is a different pace. Honestly, I just felt like I was indecisive a lot of the year. I wasn’t confident shooting shots I normally would.”

Flagg heads into training camp taller and ready to lead the Mavericks into the playoffs for the first time since they lost the 2024 NBA Finals.

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Related: Cooper Flagg’s Historic Rookie Card Sells for $8 Million: These 8 NBA Stars Will Make Less This Season

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In an unexpected career move, James chose the Sixers in his latest free-agency decision after spending the last eight seasons playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and winning a championship with the California-based franchise.

Speaking on the “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash on Friday, James finally revealed the reasons he chose Philadelphia and explained that helping Joel Embiid capture his first NBA championship was one of the most important factors behind his decision.

“One of the most important, to be honest, is the big fella,” James said. “He’s done everything in our league, and the only thing he has not done is win a championship. And I want to try to help him get that first one.”

LeBron James says one of the biggest reasons he chose Philly was to help Joel Embiid win his first ring:

“He’s done everything in our league and the only thing he has not done and that’s win a championship. And I want to try to help him get that first one. He’s been the MVP of… pic.twitter.com/iDkgvlkxcR

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) September 25, 2026

James pointed to Embiid’s career-wide accomplishments before explaining what he hopes to provide his new teammate.

“He has the city on his back,” James said. “He’s been ‘The Process’ for 10 years, 12 years, however long he’s been there, but I think it’s time now we dig even deeper into the process.

“I hope that I can be that final little piece that can help him get over the hump and have him see it just a little bit differently than he’s seen it in his career as far as the day-to-day process and the day-to-day of what it takes to get there.”

Embiid has never advanced beyond the Eastern Conference semifinals. The 76ers went 45-37 last season before the eventual champion New York Knicks swept them in the second round.

James mentioned his longstanding friendship with Tyrese Maxey and Philadelphia’s acquisition of Jaylen Brown as other significant things impacting his choice.

Discussing James’ comments, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the four-time champion and Embiid indeed had “multiple lengthy conversations” before James made his decision.

“I was told that there were multiple lengthy conversations between Joel Embiid and LeBron James in the lead-up to LeBron deciding to pick the Philadelphia 76ers,” McMenamin said. “They’ve talked about all sorts of things, lineup combinations, what they like, what they don’t like.”

James is scheduled to meet reporters Monday at Philadelphia’s media day before training camp opens next week.

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Related: Stephen Curry Makes Honest Admission About Failure After Contract Update

On Friday evening, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Golden State Warriors signed Curry to a two-year, $116 million extension that includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. The 12-time All-Star point guard, who was on an expiring $62.6 million contract, had been eligible for an extension of up to two years and $136.7 million since Aug. 29.

A true legend of the Bay, here to stay.

The Golden State Warriors have signed four-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry to a contract extension. pic.twitter.com/hhjygBvN0Q

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) September 26, 2026

Golden State presented Curry with several contract options in recent weeks, according to ESPN, including max deals, discounted salaries for team-building upside and waiting until the season or offseason. Ultimately, Curry took $20.7 million less than his maximum salary, accepting a deal that now gives the Warriors significant cap space next summer.

Curry, who turns 39 next March, is entering his 18th season in the NBA. He has spent his entire career with the Warriors, winning four championships and earning two MVP awards. Had an extension not been reached, he would have become a free agent next summer, opening the door for speculation about his future.

Widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry is coming off a season in which he averaged 26.6 points and 4.7 assists over 43 games. The star point guard missed more than two months due to persistent right knee issues, which remain an ongoing concern.

Season 18 with the Dubs 🔜 pic.twitter.com/raArwzwAsp

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) September 26, 2026

The Warriors went 37-45 and fell just short in the Play-In Tournament last year, missing the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. They are entering the 2026-27 campaign with a very similar roster after a quiet offseason, surrounding Curry with a veteran-heavy supporting cast that includes Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis.

“We couldn’t be more excited about reaching an agreement with Stephen and extending his historic career with the Warriors,” Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy said in a statement. “He embodies everything this organization strives to represent through his legendary play on the court, his unique leadership and sacrifice, and his unmatched impact in the community. We’ve been incredibly blessed to experience 17 years of Stephen’s artistry and are thrilled that our fans will continue to have the opportunity to watch him perform and write additional chapters to his illustrious story.”

Curry’s extension brings his career on-court earnings to $652 million, making him the first player to eclipse $600 million in NBA history.

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Alt sold the precious card during a September 24 auction. The final price of $6,501,840 makes it the ninth most expensive publicly known sports card sale of all time. The allure for cards featuring James or Bryant is undeniable, as proven by two of the top four cards on the list.

RECORD SALE: We just sold this 2007 Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autograph of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James for a record $6,501,840 in our auction.

Consign your basketball cards to our next auction by clicking the link in our bio. pic.twitter.com/Htso62lXGf

— Alt (@altxyzofficial) September 25, 2026

Interestingly, though, Michael Jordan is the common denominator for both of those cards. An ungraded one-of-one 2006-07 Upper Deck Exquisite Dual NBA Logoman Patch Autograph card featuring Jordan and James pulled $10 million at a September 2025 private sale.

Meanwhile, the top spot is taken by a one-of-a-kind 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Dual NBA Logoman Patch Autograph of Jordan and Bryant. This PSA 6/10 auto grade card was sold for $12.9 million at an August 2025 Heritage auction.

All three Upper Deck cards feature the autographs of these iconic players, plus an NBA logo patch from their authentic jerseys.

Cooper Flagg’s Rookie Card Beats this LeBron James-Kobe Bryant Collectible

It’s understandable that an autographed card featuring two former NBA MVPs with multiple championships is worth serious money. However, the $6.5 million value is nowhere near the $8,040,000 paid for the Cooper Flagg 2026 Topps Chrome Update NBA Debut Patch autograph one-of-one card.

A second-year player beating two titans of the game? What gives?

BREAKING: The Cooper Flagg NBA Debut Patch autograph card has officially sold in our auction for $8,040,000.

This sets the record for the most expensive Cooper Flagg card of all time, surpassing the previous record of $366,000.

The historic sale makes it the third-most… pic.twitter.com/6IdhRT1xGZ

— Fanatics Collect (@Collect) September 25, 2026

The card’s quality is a major determining factor. As Alt shared on X, the LeBron James-Kobe Bryant card has a PSA 8 grade (near-mint to mint). Meanwhile, Flagg’s card is a PSA 10/10 auto. Imagine the increase in value if the James-Bryant one-of-one is also a 10.

Likewise, in addition to an athlete’s status, his upside can contribute to the increased price. Flagg showed tremendous promise during his rookie year, making it highly possible that he could become a future MVP or an All-Star. When that happens, Flagg’s most expensive trading card could see a bump in value.

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But what doesn’t sound like a bargain is the final sale price for Flagg’s one-of-one 2026 Topps Chrome Updates NBA Debut Patch autographed card.

Fanatics Collect revealed that it sold for $8,040,000 (including buyer’s premium) at their September 25 online auction.

BREAKING: The Cooper Flagg NBA Debut Patch autograph card has officially sold in our auction for $8,040,000.

This sets the record for the most expensive Cooper Flagg card of all time, surpassing the previous record of $366,000.

The historic sale makes it the third-most… pic.twitter.com/6IdhRT1xGZ

— Fanatics Collect (@Collect) September 25, 2026

The card received 83 bids before becoming the fifth most expensive sports card sold in public and the third most expensive NBA trading card of all time.

Likewise, the one-of-a-kind card easily trumped the previous record for the most expensive Cooper Flagg card ever sold ($366,000 for his 2025-26 Topps Chrome Sapphire Padparadscha 1-of-1 autographed card).

There was much conversation revolving around this card, which features Flagg’s signature and a patch from the jersey he wore during his NBA debut on October 22, 2025, against the San Antonio Spurs.

The Mavericks wanted so much to get their hands on this card that they offered a king’s ransom to whoever possessed it. Eventually, Jason Williams, a card collector from South Carolina, paid $515 for all Dallas Mavericks cards in an online break by Rhode Island-based Rhody Breakers.

IT HAS ARRIVED! The Cooper Flagg Rookie Debut Patch Auto 1/1 has been PULLED! 🎉🏀

Rhody Breakers just pulled basketball’s biggest chase card for their client J Phills!

Congrats to Rhody Breaks and their client! What an AMAZING moment!

Check out @kengoldin’s $1.5 Million… pic.twitter.com/1MEgFGxZ0P

— Goldin (@GoldinCo) August 11, 2026

The exquisite Flagg card was inside a 2025-26 Topps Chrome Updates Basketball hobby box that Rhody Breakers opened last August. Williams eventually met Flagg during the opening of the latter’s card shop in Maine.

8 NBA Stars Whose Salaries Are Under $8 Million in 2026-27

What’s more fascinating about this Cooper Flagg card is that it is worth more than some popular NBA players will make this season, based on Spotrac’s numbers.

The most stunning of these comparisons is that four-time NBA MVP LeBron James will only make $3.8 million in his first year with the Philadelphia 76ers, less than half of the $8.04 million sale price. Likewise, the Miami Heat will pay four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson only $5.6 million.

LeBron James is taking a major pay cut as he goes from earning ≈$53M with the Lakers in 2025-26 to ≈$4M with the 76ers for the 2026-27 season. pic.twitter.com/0GqORnnowO

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) July 24, 2026

Speaking of NBA champions, the 2026-27 salaries of Payton Pritchard ($7.7 million), Al Horford ($6.8 million), and DeAndre Jordan ($3.8 million) are lower than the value of Flagg’s flagship card.

Finally, Flagg’s 1-of-1 card is worth more than what former All-Stars Bradley Beal ($6.4 million) and DeMar DeRozan ($2.4 million) will earn next season.

The same card also has more value than the salary of defensive specialist Marcus Smart ($6 million) with the Houston Rockets.

The $8 million sale price is also more than all but six NBA rookie draft picks will earn in their first year.

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