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Genuinely significant NBA news this week. Amen Thompson signed a 5-year, $208 million rookie max extension with the Houston Rockets. Australian superstar Ben Simmons agreed to a 1-year, $3.52 million deal with the LA Clippers — his return to NBA action after his own injury difficulties. Jonathan Kuminga finally landed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a 2-year, $12.43 million deal. Stephen Curry’s extension window has officially opened. And James Harden’s Clippers extension continues to be finalised. Here’s the state of the NBA offseason for the week ending 6 September 2026.
Amen Thompson signs $208M rookie extension
The signature deal of the week. Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson signed a five-year, $208 million rookie max extension on 3 September. It’s a massive commitment from Houston to their young star and one of the largest rookie extensions in NBA history.
Thompson — the 4th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft — has genuinely emerged as one of the league’s most exciting young athletes. He averaged solid production across his first three seasons and is now positioned to be the central young piece of Houston’s rebuild. The Rockets have committed serious money to his development.
Ben Simmons returns to NBA with Clippers
Australian basketball fans have a major story to follow. Former Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.52 million contract with the LA Clippers on 4 September. Simmons has faced serious injury challenges the past several seasons — a return to the NBA at this level is genuinely encouraging news for Australian basketball. The Clippers add a versatile veteran who, when healthy, was a Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star.
For the Clippers — already reshaping around Kawhi Leonard’s trade to Toronto and the Beal and Hachimura additions — Simmons is another veteran piece attempting to find role clarity. The team’s roster is now genuinely stacked with proven names.
Jonathan Kuminga resolved — to Timberwolves
The Warriors-Kuminga saga has ended. Jonathan Kuminga signed a two-year, $12.43 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves on 3 September, including a 2027-28 player option. It’s the resolution to one of the most-followed restricted free agency situations of the summer. Golden State didn’t match; Kuminga heads to Minnesota looking for a fresh start.
Around the league
- Stephen Curry extension window opens — the four-time champion is now eligible for a 2-year, $136.7 million extension with Golden State. Curry has confirmed he’ll spend his career in the Bay Area but has not yet signed.
- James Harden extension — pending with the Clippers, expected to be signed before training camp
- Victor Wembanyama — confirmed on X he’s “here to stay” in San Antonio, extension imminent
- Domantas Sabonis — reportedly still available via trade from Sacramento
- Kevin Love — reportedly heading back to Cleveland
- Khalifa Diop signed with Cleveland Cavaliers — 4-year, $9.26 million via 2nd-round exception (2 September)
Storylines to watch
Curry’s extension timing. The two-year max at $136.7 million takes him to age 41. Curry could also wait until next offseason for a three-year, $212.9 million max — but expect a decision before training camp.
Ben Simmons’s return. If Simmons plays even 40-50 games at his career-best level, this is a genuine steal for the Clippers and a major win for Australian basketball.
Extension season winding down. Remaining candidates including Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns continue to weigh their options ahead of October’s deadline.
One email per day at 7:00pm AEST. NBA schedule confirmations and pick of the day when the season starts. Free.
Looking ahead
The 2026-27 NBA regular season tips off in late October — seven weeks away. Training camps open in early October. For Australian fans, mark the 2026-27 NBA Finals in your calendar: expected around Thursday 3 June 2027 at 10:30am AEST — the same Australian-friendly window that made the 2025-26 Knicks Finals such a strong local viewing event.
What’s next?
- Live US Sports TV Guide
- Previous NBA Wrap — 30 August 2026
- LeBron to 76ers — full update
- 2025-26 Season Retrospective — Knicks Champions
- How to Watch NBA in Australia 2026
All information accurate as of Sunday 6 September 2026 US time. All times AEST. Mac Johannson covers US sports for Australian fans.
