Weekly NBA Roundup

**Overview**
The week of September 22–28, 2025, marked a frenetic stretch of NBA offseason activity as teams finalized rosters ahead of training camp. Veteran frontcourts were bolstered via free-agent signings, notably the Golden State Warriors’ addition of All-Star center Al Horford and Miami’s acquisition of big man Precious Achiuwa. Several playoff contenders shored up depth by bringing in Mo Bamba (Utah), Thomas Bryant (Cleveland), and Alex Morales (Orlando) on training camp deals. The Toronto Raptors signed guard Rhoden, while the Los Angeles Lakers added forwards Anton Watson and Nate Williams to their camp roster. Elsewhere, head coaching and player extensions underscored organizational stability in Los Angeles and Chicago, as the Lakers extended coach J.J. Redick and the Bulls re-signed restricted free agent Josh Giddey. Injury news also surfaced, with Sixers rookie guard Jared McCain suffering a UCL tear. Meanwhile, teams across the league revealed their full training camp rosters, setting the stage for media day and the final push toward opening night.

**Key Veteran Signings & Free-Agent Deals**
On September 28, veteran center Al Horford, 39, agreed to a multiyear contract with the Golden State Warriors, filling the void left by Kevon Looney’s departure. Horford, a five-time All-Star and member of Boston’s 2024 title team, averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 36.3% from three-point range over 60 games last season, bringing floor-spacing and championship experience to Golden State’s aging core of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/agent-al-horford-sign-multiyear-deal-with-warriors-2025-09-28/?utm_source=openai)). In Miami, big man Precious Achiuwa signed a one-year deal on September 25, providing the Heat frontcourt depth behind Bam Adebayo and PJ Tucker ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2025%E2%80%9326_NBA_season_transactions?utm_source=openai)). The Utah Jazz added former net Mo Bamba on September 25 to compete for minutes alongside Walker Kessler, while Cleveland inked Thomas Bryant to a camp deal the same day, both moves aimed at beefing up interior rotation ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2025%E2%80%9326_NBA_season_transactions?utm_source=openai)). Orlando Magic newcomer Alex Morales joined the roster on September 25, and the Raptors signed undrafted guard Rhoden on September 27, illustrating the league-wide push for talent ahead of the season ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2025%E2%80%9326_NBA_season_transactions?utm_source=openai)). Los Angeles also fortified its depth, with Lakers head coach J.J. Redick newly extended and role players Anton Watson and Nate Williams added to training camp on September 27 ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2025%E2%80%9326_NBA_season_transactions?utm_source=openai)).

**Al Horford’s Role & Kuminga Saga**
Horford’s signing carries significance beyond on-court impact; Golden State’s courting of the veteran pivot was complicated by the contract status of restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga’s decision between a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer and a potential $50 million-plus multiyear deal held up negotiations, rendering Horford’s final contract terms pending until Kuminga’s future is decided ([sfchronicle.com](https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/warriors/article/golden-state-warriors-sign-five-time-all-star-21065438.php?utm_source=openai)). The addition of Horford at 39 years old boosts the Warriors’ interior spacing and veteran leadership as they navigate what could be their last championship window, underpinning a strategy that values proven postseason credentials alongside emerging talent ([sfchronicle.com](https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/warriors/article/golden-state-warriors-sign-five-time-all-star-21065438.php?utm_source=openai)).

**Contract Extensions: Redick & Giddey**
In Los Angeles, the Lakers demonstrated “confidence” in first-year head coach J.J. Redick by extending his contract on September 25. Redick, who led the Lakers to a 50–32 record and a first-round exit last spring, will continue (with details undisclosed) after compiling a 50–32 mark in his debut season, signaling organizational belief in his system and long-term vision ([hoopsrumors.com](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/09?utm_source=openai)). Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls locked up budding star Josh Giddey on a four-year, $100 million fully guaranteed deal, making him the highest-paid restricted free agent of this offseason. Giddey’s new contract, announced September 25, reflects his breakout 2024–25 season (averaging 12.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.1 assists) and cements him as a cornerstone for the Bulls’ rebuild ([hoopsrumors.com](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/09?utm_source=openai)).

**Injury Update: Sixers’ Jared McCain**
In Philadelphia, the Sixers received a jolt on September 25 when guard Jared McCain underwent evaluation for a torn UCL in his right thumb, sustained during offseason workouts. McCain, the 16th overall pick in 2024, had averaged 15.3 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 23 games before a season-ending knee injury last year. The new thumb injury threatens to delay his sophomore campaign, with specialists currently determining the timeline for recovery and potential surgery ([amp.foxsports.com](https://amp.foxsports.com/stories/nba/2025-nba-free-agency-rumors-and-buzz?utm_source=openai)).

**Training Camp Rosters & Exhibit 10 Moves**
As training camps opened, teams across the league unveiled full rosters. On September 22, the Brooklyn Nets announced their camp slate, including the signing of Zeng Fanbo to close out their roster, while the Phoenix Suns rolled out their initial group of 20 players on September 23. The Sacramento Kings added veteran guard Terence Davis on September 23, and the Memphis Grizzlies brought in Braxton Key on the same day to vie for backcourt and forward depth spots ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2025%E2%80%9326_NBA_season_transactions?utm_source=openai)). The Minnesota Timberwolves finalized camp details on September 28, sending former two-way and G League standouts to compete for rotation minutes ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2025%E2%80%9326_NBA_season_transactions?utm_source=openai)). In related Exhibit 10 and two-way moves, the Kings signed and immediately waived guard Jon Elmore (September 24) to secure his G League rights, while veteran point guard Monte Morris joined Indiana on a non-guaranteed deal before an injury nixed the signing ([hoopsrumors.com](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/09?utm_source=openai)).

**Trade Buzz & Rumor Mill**
Despite the volume of roster transactions, no blockbuster trades materialized during the week, though whispers persist around restricted free agent Quentin Grimes’ negotiations with Philadelphia. Grimes is reportedly seeking a four-year deal comparable to Giddey’s, while the 76ers have yet to formalize an offer, pitting team fiscal caution against a gamble for a budding talent who averaged 21.9 points across 28 games last season ([libertyballers.com](https://www.libertyballers.com/76ers-analysis/78601/the-sixers-and-quentin-grimes-are-both-being-unserious-in-free-agency-negotiations?utm_source=openai)). Meanwhile, the NBA’s official Trade Tracker shows no new moves since mid-September, with teams largely content to finalize camp rosters rather than swing major deals before training camp and media day commence in early October ([nba.com](https://www.nba.com/news/2025-offseason-trade-tracker/?utm_source=openai)).

**Outlook**
With training camps now underway, the focus shifts to early-season rotations, final cuts, and the looming media day on October 2, when teams must finalize their 15-man rosters. Watch for Al Horford’s integration into Golden State’s system, McCain’s rehab timeline in Philadelphia, and any last-minute trades before the regular season tips off. The coming week will clarify rotation battles in Utah, Cleveland, and Miami, while injury recoveries and strategic roster decisions set the stage for the NBA’s return to on-court action.