NBA News Roundup, Thursday, September 26th: Jaylen Brown's future with the Boston Celtics in doubt, update on Joakim Noah to the Clippers and more

October is quickly approaching, and the 2019-20 NBA season is now just four weeks out from opening night. After years of dominance from the Golden State Warriors, the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Utah Jazz will be hopeful of contending for the title after making significant off-season moves.

Many of the biggest moves were completed during the opening weeks of free agency, although a few notable names remain available as free agents, and several teams will be looking to fill out their rosters in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat are among the teams believed to be open to making a major move, and big names such as Chris Paul continue to be linked with a trade. So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for September 26th.

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#1 Celtics and Jaylen Brown unlikely to agree on contract extension

Jaylen Brown is unlikely to sign a new deal with Boston Celtics in the coming month

The Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown have until October 21 to agree to a contract extension, although Sean Deveney of Heavy.com is reporting that the young Celtics star is unlikely to be signed to a new deal ahead of the deadline:

According to a league source, “the chance is pretty slim” that Brown signs a long-term deal with the team in the coming month. Around the league, the expectation is that Brown and the Celtics won’t come to a deal.

Brown is viewed as a vital part of the Celtics, although the team signed Kemba Walker to a big deal earlier this summer, while the team is also planning for Jayson Tatum's upcoming extension. Brown will become a restricted free agent next summer, and the 22-year-old could attract substantial offers due to the lack of talent on the market.

#2 Clippers cancel Joakim Noah's workout

Joakim Noah spent last season with the Memphis Grizzlies

Joakim Noah almost joined the Los Angeles Lakers following an impressive workout earlier this summer and was reported last week that the veteran would compete for the final spot on the Clippers' roster. However, Sean Deveney of Heavy.com is reporting that Noah is no longer scheduled to workout for LA:

The Clippers were slated to work out center Joakim Noah ahead of training camp, attempting to fill the final spot on their roster, which stands at 14 players. But two NBA sources told Heavy.com on Wednesday that Noah will not work out for the team this week and that any workout will be postponed.

Many around the league had speculated that Noah's career was over following a disastrous spell with the New York Knicks, although the former All-Star experienced something of a resurgence with the Memphis Grizzlies last season.

#3 Markelle Fultz steps up his return from injury

Markelle Fultz's time with the Philadelphia 76ers was hugely disappointing

Markelle Fultz was picked No. 1 in the 2017 draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, although the young shooting guard was sent to the Orlando Magic ahead of the February trade deadline after struggling to make an impact. Fultz has yet to make his debut with the Magic due to injuries, but the 21-year-old is expected to be a full participant in Orlando's upcoming training camp.

A number of analysts including ESPN's Stephen A. Smith have labelled Fultz as one of the biggest busts in NBA history, although the Maryland native is confident that he can silence his doubters:

I was the No. 1 pick for a reason. I knew that I work hard and what I can do on the basketball court. That's all that matters.

During his two seasons with the 76ers, Fultz managed just 33 appearances, averaging 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He is expected to be a starter on a Magic team that reached last season's playoffs.