Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington is being considered for a spot in the starting lineup heading into the 2026-27 season. While coach Dusty May has not yet committed to him as a mainstay in the starting five, Washington has only come off the bench four times in 113 regular-season appearances for Dallas over the last two years, though rookie Morez Johnson could complicate the frontcourt rotation.
Los Angeles Lakers third-year wing Dalton Knecht is fighting for a rotation spot as the team faces a roster crunch to cut down to 15 standard contracts. After averaging 18.9 points in late 2024 as a rookie, Knecht saw his playing time drop to 553 minutes across 54 games in 2025-26 following a rescinded trade attempt. Despite stiff competition from competing wings, head coach JJ Redick praised Knecht for working hard throughout the offseason.
Austin Reaves has yet to share the floor with Luka Doncic in scrimmages, and head coach JJ Redick anticipates staggering the backcourt duo during the regular season. Redick's comments suggest Los Angeles intends to separate on-ball stretches for Doncic and Reaves, while also heavily relying on depth pieces like Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Bronny James, and Jaden Hardy to maintain production for the Lakers heading into the upcoming 2026-27 NBA campaign.
Kawhi Leonard has yet to participate in contact drills and is unlikely to play in Toronto's preseason opener Saturday against Miami. The Raptors have developed a phased ramp-up and a load management plan ahead of the 2026-27 campaign to keep him healthy. Previously with the Los Angeles Clippers following a turbulent offseason marked by major front office penalties, Leonard is now focused on staying healthy in Toronto over the course of a full season.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr announced that Draymond Green will definitively start alongside Steph Curry, leaving the remaining three starting spots up for grabs in an open competition. Kerr noted players like Gui Santos are in the mix. The Warriors face lineup uncertainty entering the 2026-27 season due to long-term injuries to Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody, Kristaps Porziņģis' indefinite absence, and Al Horford sitting out back-to-backs.
Yaxel Lendeborg will start Golden State's preseason opener against the Clippers on Sunday. Lendeborg is positioned to take on a substantial role right from the start of the 2026-27 season, and the Warriors are eager to evaluate his fit alongside veterans like Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski. He figures to see significant action throughout the preseason to properly prepare him for the rigors of his very first NBA campaign.
Stephen Curry is expected to start Golden State's preseason opener against the Clippers on Sunday. The 38-year-old star point guard was spotted with the first unit during 5-on-5 work, looking strong heading into the preseason. Having recently signed a two-year, $116 million contract extension in late September, Curry will likely sit out a few preseason games to ensure he enters the 2026-27 campaign completely fresh, despite lingering minor concerns regarding his right knee.
The Phoenix Suns announced they are picking up the team option for Ryan Dunn for the 2027-28 season, marking his fourth and final year of his rookie deal. Despite a down sophomore season where his minutes and shooting percentages declined, the Suns remain invested in the dynamic rim-runner and physical defender as they retain their young talent on the roster.
The Phoenix Suns announced they are picking up the team option for Khaman Maluach for the 2027-28 season, marking his third year. Maluach was also referenced in early 2026-27 fantasy basketball sleeper reports. He is competing for the starting center spot with Mark Williams out, coming off a strong Summer League where he averaged 20 points and 13 rebounds per game on 40% shooting from three.
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse envisions LeBron James directing the team's offense this season, calling him a great creator. Meanwhile, James recently signed a major multi-year partnership with Polymarket, expected to earn $15 million per year. This high-profile commercial deal has sparked wider league discussions regarding player endorsements in sports betting, drawing sharp criticism from peers like Victor Wembanyama.
Giannis Antetokounmpo drew attention amid discussions surrounding NBA players endorsing betting and prediction markets, having previously become a face of Kalshi and holding a stake in a company covering NBA transactions. The league office, through Commissioner Adam Silver, has noted it is examining prediction market involvement following the high-profile deal.
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama firmly stated he will never endorse sports gambling or prediction market companies, criticizing player partnerships in the industry. Rejecting lucrative offers, Wembanyama emphasized prioritizing impactful brand alignments that inspire youth positively, building on his previous stances against betting partnerships while partnering with companies like Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Fanatics.
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski stated during media day that he intends to increase his three-point attempts this season, a move fully supported by head coach Steve Kerr. After transitioning into a full-time starting role post-All-Star break last season, Podziemski averaged 17.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steal over his final 27 games, positioning himself as a major peripheral threat for Golden State.
Golden State Warriors swingman De'Anthony Melton revealed he underwent offseason surgery on both of his thumbs. Now fully recovered, Melton looks to bounce back from a regular season where playing through discomfort caused his three-point percentage to drop to 29.4 percent. He is currently competing at training camp with Gui Santos and Yaxel Lendeborg for a starting role, aiming to return to his previous production of at least 10.0 points and 1.5 three-pointers per game.
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue announced that Keaton Wagler will receive significant on-ball opportunities to begin the season. With Brandon Ingram sidelined due to an Achilles injury and Bradley Beal slated for a reserve role, Wagler has an opportunity to serve as the team's secondary scoring option behind Darius Garland, carrying notable upside for fantasy managers in the late rounds of upcoming drafts while filling the playmaking void.
Washington Wizards forward/center Tristan Vukčević has sustained a left hip impingement and will be reevaluated in approximately four weeks. Vukčević will remain a partial participant in training camp during his rehabilitation. The 23-year-old projected as Washington's third-string center behind Alex Sarr and Deandre Ayton after averaging 9.0 points and 3.0 rebounds last season.
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue praised guard Darius Garland for an impressive offseason, noting the team plans to give him maximum usage during Brandon Ingram's absence due to an Achilles injury. After playing in a career-low 45 regular-season games last year, Garland enters the upcoming campaign healthy and positioned for a potential career year as the primary focal point of the offense.
Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff announced plans for swingman Ausar Thompson to handle an increased workload this upcoming season. After averaging a career-high 25.9 minutes per game last regular season, Thompson continues working to improve his shooting form after failing to surpass 65 percent from the free-throw line or 25 percent from three-point range, while seeking to expand his all-around game.
After 13 seasons in the NBA, veteran center Kelly Olynyk is expected to sign with BC Roma in Italy after receiving no suitable NBA offers. Linked to the Golden State Warriors in free agency, the 35-year-old saw limited action last season with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 8.6 minutes across 42 appearances. Olynyk leaves the NBA with career averages of 9.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game across 842 contests.
Quentin Grimes is actively competing for a starting wing spot with the Los Angeles Lakers after signing a four-year, $60 million contract this offseason. Grimes is embracing competition against teammates like Jake LaRavia, Ziaire Williams, and Matisse Thybulle. Known for his floor-spacing and point-of-attack defense, Grimes expressed a strong desire to earn his role and take on the daily challenge of guarding the opponent's best player every night.
