What happened: New York extension talks remain paused with new deals delayed until later in the 2026-27 season. Philadelphia and Cleveland opened with first starting-five looks that clarify early rotation questions.

Why it matters: Stalled extensions preserve flexibility while leaving core cost questions unresolved. Early starting-five choices establish a baseline for evaluating preseason adjustments.

What to watch: Next is whether New York reopens talks and whether the debut fives stick.