Home > NBA Roundup: Batum Officially Retires, 2026 Offseason Moves & Preseason Power Rankings

NBA Roundup: Batum Officially Retires, 2026 Offseason Moves & Preseason Power Rankings

2026-09-22

Sources: NBA.com, Sports Illustrated, The Ringer, official team social media, verified league reporting

French forward Nicolas Batum has formally announced his retirement from the NBA via a social media video posted to X, ending an 18-season NBA career at age 37NBA. The veteran, known league-wide as a versatile, glue-style championship contributor, revealed he chose September 21 for the announcement to honour his father Richard, who died on a basketball court 35 years prior. Batum entered the league as the 25th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, spending his early years with the Portland Trail Blazers before stints with Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers. Over 1,205 regular-season games, he averaged 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Multiple franchises including the Trail Blazers published tribute statements, celebrating his two-way basketball IQ and veteran leadership on and off the hardwood. While his full professional basketball career (including French national team play) spanned 21 years, his NBA tenure totals 18 seasons. Batum stated he plans to remain connected to basketball after retirement.

Turning to contract negotiations in Detroit, Pistons young center Jalen Duren remains in extension talks with the front office. League reports confirm Detroit has presented a long-term contract offer to lock in their promising big man, but Duren’s representation has held off on signing. Duren’s camp is weighing the option of accepting the qualifying offer, which would grant him unrestricted free agency in the following offseason to pursue a maximum salary deal. Discussions remain ongoing, and no final agreement has been reached between the two sides as of September 2026.

Training camp developments continue to emerge league-wide. Gabe Vincent has declined an available Exhibit 10 training-camp contract, electing to wait for opportunities that carry guaranteed salary protection. The Minnesota Timberwolves shared recent workout photos of Donte DiVincenzo. Team sources indicate his rehabilitation progress has exceeded internal expectations ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.

The 2026 NBA offseason has delivered several major confirmed trades and free-agent signings reshaping title contenders. Kawhi Leonard was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers back to the Toronto Raptors. In exchange, the Clippers receive Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, plus multiple future first and second-round draft picks and pick swaps. The deal reunites Leonard with the franchise where he won his first NBA championship and immediately bolsters Toronto’s defensive coreNBA.

James Harden has agreed to a 3-year, $97 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a player option attached to the final year of the deal. This pact marks Harden’s return to Cleveland, where he launched his NBA career.

Paul George finalized a multi-year contract extension with the Utah Jazz. George shared in post-signing interviews that Utah has grown to feel like his second home, signalling his long-term commitment to the Jazz rebuild.

LeBron James agreed to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, forming a high-powered pairing with Joel Embiid. The blockbuster signing created a ripple effect across the organization; legendary 76ers broadcaster Matt Cord opted to extend his career for one additional season to call games for the new-look Philadelphia roster.

The Ringer released its authoritative preseason power rankings for all 30 NBA teams ahead of the 2026–27 season. The outlet grouped San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder in a standalone top tier as the primary championship favourites. Houston Rockets slotted at No.5, Los Angeles Lakers at No.9, while the Golden State Warriors landed at No.22, a notable drop for the historic franchise手机新浪网.

On injury and player development updates, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has provided a positive update on his recovery from the Game 7 Finals injury sustained last season. Haliburton confirmed his rehab process is progressing smoothly, earning public recognition from LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. At Houston Rockets training camp, Fred VanVleet has taken on a hands-on mentorship role, working directly with the team’s 31st overall pick in the 2026 draft, Reed Sheppard.

Front offices continue tweaking their rosters before the regular season. Steven Adams returns to the Houston Rockets to reinforce interior defence and rebounding. New York Knicks management is evaluating potential future trades involving starting-calibre players to avoid triggering the second luxury tax apron. Across the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics roster has entered camp unified and focused on silencing outside critics questioning their championship ceiling.

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