Basketball: the main stories of 29.09.2026

Golden State's pre-season mood soured when Stephen Curry walked out of a press conference after being told nobody expects the Warriors to reach the play-offs, as reported. A day earlier, Curry had said the side still believed it could win the title. The squad does not make that case any easier. Kristaps Porzingis was already set to miss the start of camp, and Jimmy Butler is still coming back from a cruciate ligament tear, although he says he can dunk again. Draymond Green said Golden State had been the right fit for LeBron this summer, but James chose Philadelphia.

Shams Charania reports that Charlotte have waived Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft, only 2 days after getting him from Chicago for a package built around Buddy Hield. According to ESPN's Malika Andrews, Karl-Anthony Towns is willing to take a Knicks discount but thinks the cut on offer is too steep, and extension talks have stalled. Zenit lost Shcherbenev for the season to a cruciate injury on Sunday, and a day later they gave Malik Newman, 29, a 1-year deal.

• The NBA will reportedly crack down on off-arm pushes by ball-handlers.
• One outlet says Valencia are close to a permanent EuroLeague licence.
• BasketNews reports that Dainius Adomaitis will return as Lithuania coach.
• Washington are said to be interested in a sign-and-trade for Jalen Duren, and Anthony Davis has put his own contract talks off until the summer.
• TMZ reports that J.R. Smith was arrested in Texas on a domestic violence charge.
• The EuroLeague has given Crvena Zvezda a final warning over fan behaviour.
• Nigel Hayes-Davis may be back early for Panathinaikos.
• Damian Lillard, who said on Sunday he was in the best shape of his career, now weighs 88.5 kg. He also said the Blazers belong in Portland.
• Ja Morant is open to a bench role in Portland.
• Victor Wembanyama spoke about the Finals defeat.
• Luka Dončić named the title as his goal, and Brian Windhorst ties his extension to the Lakers' season.
• Anthony Edwards welcomed LaMelo Ball's arrival.
• Ben Simmons said health, not lack of interest, kept him out.
• Nikola Jokić wants every NBA player to spend time in Europe. On a visit to Lithuania, Shaquille O'Neal praised European big men.
• Bronny James talked about his father's move to Philadelphia.
• Žalgiris host Olympiacos in EuroLeague round 2, and Neptūnas host Trento in the FIBA Europe Cup.