Jonathan Kuminga remains in a high-stakes stalemate with Golden State as the Warriors push a four-year deal with a team option, while Kuminga seeks greater control and a path to unrestricted free agency. In August, ownership and front office pressed: Do you want to be here? The stalemate drags into September as the club plans around Curry and a potential post-contest roster strategy, keeping a trade-or-bench path alive.

Key leverage centers on an $8 million qualifying offer, offering next-summer flexibility but risking market value and team control. The Warriors pursue cap-friendly, trade-ready structure with early Bird rights, while Kuminga and his agent push for a player option or other paths to true long-term autonomy. The surrounding chatter links to Horford, Melton, and a broader plan to stay competitive while preserving options.

Fans tab Alperen Sengun as the Rockets’ MVP frontrunner this season, voting 65% in Reacts over Kevin Durant.

Sengun's EuroBasket form has raised expectations; if that momentum translates to Houston and the team stays in the Western Conference playoff mix, he could become a legitimate MVP candidate. Durant remains a veteran counterpoint, but Sengun’s rising star is the focal point for the Rockets’ potential breakout.

Houston’s MVP case hinges on contending in a tough West and Sengun sustaining high usage and efficiency. If the Rockets falter, Durant’s steady production could still carry the narrative—yet the early hype centers on Sengun’s breakout impact.

The Suns head into 2025-26 still seeking a true lead guard after Tyus Jones left for Orlando, pushing Devin Booker to anchor a multi-guard attack with Jalen Green if he starts at point. With Durant and Beal moved on, Phoenix bets its offense on Booker’s playmaking, Green’s growth, and Collin Gillespie stepping up as a reliable secondary ballhandler. New coach Jordan Ott must weave a flexible system around a roster that features combo guards like Goodwin and Butler while keeping a center-centered floor for offense to flourish without a traditional facilitator.