The 2026-27 NBA season is officially underway. Yesterday, September 28, marked Media Day for 28 of the league’s 30 teams, and after an action-packed summer, this was one of the most anticipated Media Days in recent memory.
From players officially showing off their new jerseys to major contract storylines and players addressing their futures, Media Day 2026 certainly did not disappoint. With that said, here are some of the biggest storylines from around the league and what they could mean for the season ahead.
LeBron James Is Officially a Philadelphia 76er
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 28: (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
In what still doesn’t seem real to many NBA fans, four-time MVP LeBron James will suit up for his 24th NBA season as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
James joins Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe, giving Philadelphia what could be one of the most talented starting lineups in the league as the franchise looks to win its first championship since 1983.
During his Media Day press conference, James discussed the process of getting his new team ready for a championship run while making it clear that he has no interest in settling for a short playoff stay.
“I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round… I know that,” James said. (NBA.com)
For a player who has spent nearly his entire career carrying championship expectations, the move to Philadelphia adds another intriguing chapter to James’ career. Now, the question is how quickly he and the rest of the 76ers can come together and turn their immense talent into postseason success.
A New Star Duo in South Beach
MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 28: (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
For the first time in his career, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo did not wear a Milwaukee Bucks jersey on Media Day.
Instead, Antetokounmpo officially began a new chapter with the Miami Heat, where he will team up with All-Star big man Bam Adebayo.
The transition has understandably been an emotional one for Antetokounmpo after spending his entire NBA career to date in Milwaukee. However, the opportunity to compete for another championship in Miami appears to be fueling his motivation heading into the season.
Antetokounmpo and Adebayo held their Media Day press conference together, giving fans an early look at their new partnership. The two discussed their on-court chemistry and the supporting cast around them as Miami prepares for a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
Despite the competition, Antetokounmpo remains confident in what he can bring to the Heat.
When asked whether he still considers himself the best player in the world, Antetokounmpo didn’t hesitate.
“Yeah. I really do believe that,” he said. “If not the best, I’m one of the best players in the world. I know I’m at my best when I’m locked in, when my body’s right; I really do believe that I can dominate the game.” (The Athletic)
Now, the biggest question is how quickly Antetokounmpo and Adebayo can develop chemistry and whether Miami has enough depth around the duo to compete in a loaded Eastern Conference.
No Duren in Detroit
CLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 09: (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
One of the most notable absences from Media Day came in Detroit, where All-NBA center Jalen Duren did not report as his contract stalemate with the Pistons continues.
Duren is also reportedly expected to miss the beginning of training camp, adding another layer to one of the NBA’s most interesting contract situations.
Duren is eligible to sign a five-year max contract worth roughly $287 million after earning All-NBA honors last season. However, his performance during the playoffs appears to have complicated the situation.
According to multiple reports, Detroit initially offered Duren a five-year deal in the 180-190 million range, which he declined while seeking a contract worth at least $200 million.
For much of the offseason, it appeared the Pistons were unwilling to reach that number. That changed on September 21, when Shams Charania reported that Detroit had increased its offer to $200 million.
Duren reportedly declined that offer as well.
At this point, multiple reports have suggested that the dispute is about more than just the money. Duren and his camp reportedly feel a level of disrespect from the organization, while the Pistons have also reportedly included a weight-related clause in their increased offer.
With the two sides still unable to reach an agreement, Duren could ultimately sign the $9.6 million qualifying offer with Detroit and bet on himself entering next offseason. The deadline to sign this offer is Thursday, October 1st.
That would give Duren the opportunity to be an unrestricted free agent in 2027 and pursue a larger contract, whether that comes from Detroit or another team.
Nikola Jokic Gives Major Update on His Denver Future
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 28: (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
It’s no secret that the Denver Nuggets’ offseason has been, to put it mildly, polarizing.
Denver is currently the only NBA team operating above the second apron, which places significant restrictions on roster movement. With players such as Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun on large guaranteed contracts, the Nuggets have found themselves in a difficult position financially.
Those restrictions played a role in Denver’s inability to retain Peyton Watson, a young and athletic wing who was sent to Cleveland in a sign-and-trade. The Nuggets later added six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan. While he is still a valuable scorer, he is 37 years old and in the latter stages of his career.
All of this created some uncertainty surrounding Jokic’s future in Denver.
The three-time MVP was eligible to sign a massive contract extension this offseason but chose not to do so, leading to questions about whether the Nuggets’ current roster construction could eventually impact his long-term future with the franchise.
Those questions received at least some clarity on Media Day.
Jokic indicated that he plans to sign an extension next offseason.
“I’m going to sign next year… if they want me,” Jokic said. (ESPN)
Jokic could be eligible for a five-year extension worth nearly $360 million, which would be the largest NBA contract in league history.
For now, though, Nuggets fans have at least one reason to feel better about their superstar’s future. Jokic appears committed to remaining in Denver.
Quotes: LeBron: https://www.nba.com/news/live-updates-2026-nba-media-days
Giannis: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7633374/2026/09/28/heat-nba-media-day-2026-takeaways/
Jokic: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/50054063/jokic-leaves-no-doubt-future-gonna-sign-next-year
